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Post by Scales on Apr 29, 2009 6:48:32 GMT
Alright I very recently started a FFIX fanfic. After being a rapid fanfic writer for the past 2 years and honing my skills rather well I decided to tackle a multi-leveled IX fanfic. This proved to be quite a challenge as IX was one of my favorite games. As such I decided not to focus on an OC as I usually do. Instead I decided to focus on a minor character, Sir Fratley. Anyway, follow the greatest of heroes as he journeys through the land of Gaia in search of a way to remember his past. Bare in mind this fanfic does appear in it's regular form on it's fanfiction.net page here. www.fanfiction.net/s/5024783/1/Dragon_Tail that page is more likely to be updated. However I will post updates here when I have time Anyway don't hesitate to point out any critiscm or cannon/continuity errors you spot. I am usually full of them. DRAGON TAIL Prologue The sunlight rose above the clear horizon slowly, as the morning dew began to defrost itself. As the sunlight shined itself on the land, life almost began to flourish in it's wake. Small rabbits began to jump out of their burrows, mice would crawl up from their nooks in trees, humans would awake in their beds and get to work on their farms. The sunlight was a sign that the entire world of Gaia should awake from it's slumber and finally greet the new day. Soon the Owls began to rest, the birds awoke and sang, and the Bermecians all started to work on rebuilding. After being devastated by Kuja several months previously Bermecia had started to rebuild. While it was ever so slowly, there was much help involved. Bermecians had help from the remaining Cleyrans, the humans from Lindblum, the humans from Alexandria and really anyone looking for work. 5 months after Garnet had been proclaimed Queen of Alexandria, Bermecia was nearing a rebuilt status and had begun to be recognised as a nation once more. The story begins not on the eve of said christening. But in fact much later. Freya Crescent had awoken to a pool of sunlight enveloping her room. Freya was a rather light sleeper and normally woke up quite early in the morning. The same could not be said for her sparring partner Sir Fratley, who nowadays snoozed well into the early afternoon unless someone woke him up. Ironic to say the least, since Freya recalled Fratley was the one who initially passed on the habit of waking up early in the morning. That was until he succumbed to amnesia after all. Freya contemplated the thought of waking up Fratley, though decided against it. Allowing him to continue sleeping the rest of the morning off until his afternoon sparring session. Many years before, back when Fratley was first christened a dragon knight and took Freya as his apprentice. Fratley was a legend among the Bermecians and to Freya herself. Freya had always felt something for the knight, whether it was her feelings developing for him she couldn't say. Fratley always however had something above Freya however. He could always disarm her in battle, something that annoyed her to the core. She could never beat Fratley in a battle no matter how hard he tried. His techniques were always refined to the core, his spear always conditioned perfectly to withstand blows, his armor kept in utmost condition in case of battle. On the field with a spear, Fratley was unbeatable and Freya knew that. But she never ceased to try. Which was why his decision to leave shocked her the most. Fratley did leave Bermecia, something which troubled her far to much. She was still a child back then, but she still felt the compulsion to leave as well. She traveled Gaia for 5 long years before being recruited by Zidane and his party. The first indication that Fratley was not the same man he was before occurred when he returned from his journey. The initial shock wore off after he announced he could not remember who she was. After Freya returned to rebuild Bermecia she challenged Fratley to a battle. The battered soul could barely lift his spear without either falling like a child or getting disarmed easily by her. At first, Freya believed during her travels with Zidane she surpassed Fratley in combat. But later, she discovered Fratley had lost most of his combat experience. He could no longer battle as a full fledged dragon knight. He could barely disarm a child with a butter knife without falling to the ground accidentally. It was ridiculously pathetic in Freya's eyes, but she felt to much grief looking at the battered knight before her. Withering away as the days went by. Freya was not surprised when almost every citizen requested her to rule Bermecia. She was the primary driving force that lead to rebuilding the city in the first place. Freya was known by all and loved by all. Especially Sir Fratley, who had taken to depending on her. Freya however, did not know what to say to Fratley. His dark piercing eyes still kept the same look in them, just faded and broken. As if his battered soul needed bandaging up and a way to heal itself. Freya knew that she would have to leave Sir Fratley eventually. Becoming queen of Bermecia would become a full time profession. One that would have no time for a broken knight that depended on her completely. As she stared at his sleeping body, she felt a single tear escape her left eye. Freya left the small house she and Fratley shared after donning her armour. She left and proceeded directly to the manor house, where Prince Puck was. Prince Puck was the first who requested Freya to rule Bermecia. Puck was never interested in the role of ruling the kingdom, preferring to travel Gaia as he always enjoyed doing. Freya did know the inner workings of being queen, after serving under the King as a child before deciding to become a knight. But thoughts of Sir Fratley still dwelt on her mind. How she would tell him there was no place in her heart for the kind knight any longer.
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Post by Scales on Apr 29, 2009 6:49:17 GMT
Chapter 1: In the beginning
Sir Fratley's left eye slowly rolled itself open. It blinked for several seconds with no prior movement. Before closing again. Fratley did not give off any other conspicuous movements until several minutes later when his breathing began to become irregular.
"Fratley... Fratley... where is the Iron Tail..." The voice was sickeningly pretty. It sounded like gooey resin in the Dragon Knight's mind. As it repeated itself both of his eyes opened, each of his pupils dilated at the same time. At first all Fratley could see were dark blurs that ran together like wet paint on a dark canvas. But eventually as he moved and rested himself on his back. As the light flickered in his vision eventually the movement began to become less and less pronounced, eventually the blurring disappeared completely. Fratley moved his furred hand in front of his face to test it. As he moved each of his clawed fingers in a continuous motion, he knew his vision was better. Fratley sat up and felt a small amount of vertigo as his world slid into focus.
His tail was upwards as always. It was bare and string like, the typical norm for a Bermecian. He walked toward a large full body mirror and began to fix several quirks about his appearance. The first thing he noticed, his ear was inside out. He fixed it quickly, causing both of his white pale furred ears to shoot up. Fratley smiled slowly as he brushed his fur slowly. Cleaning off any unnecessary dirt and spec that he witnessed in the pure white pattern. Fratley cleaned his fingernails, brushed his blond hair out of his eyes, cleaned his snout and eventually caught sight of his pants in the mirror. The last outfit Fratley remembered wearing was a yellowish green cargo jacket with a black tank and some straps. Along with dark green cargo pants with his usual kneepads. Fratley never bothered to buy any other clothing in the months he stayed with Freya in Burmecia. Though she pestered him about it endlessly. Fratley would always retaliate with a usual, "You always wear the same armour." Which would cause her to cry, sometimes. Apparently the armour was bought for her, back when she was a mere apprentice under him.
That was the thing that always puzzled Fratley. When Freya talked about his great accomplishments or when he went to town and heard stories about himself. "Oh Iron Tail Fratley. Remember when he defeated master Gizamaluke in lone combat only using his spear?" Or the ever so favourite. "Remember when that Griffin came out of nowhere and Iron Tail cut it's head off?" Fratley never remembered any of these incidents, his memory was rather blank actually.
The most he could remember was sand. Endless amounts of sand and dunes, along with dirt and trees. He could remember the sun scorched sky, and eventually a blackening darkness. His memory cut out and he woke up in a carriage escorted by prince Puck. Much of his memories began to fade over the coming days. He recalled, when he first came to Bermecia. He could still wield a spear to peak perfection. Now he barely knew how to lift one. Fratley felt like a senile old man, one that could barely remember the glory days.
After Fratley got dressed he felt a strange piece of fabric on the back of his jacket. One he never felt before. His hands reached toward it and felt a small ringlet in the fabric, almost as if a quarterstaff could fit there. Then it came to him, that he obviously hung a weapon on his back.
Fratley picked up his hat quickly. It was a wide rimmed, dull brown, partially stitched pattern, fedora with poufy brush off the top. Fratley could never remember where he got that hat, but he felt a small sentimental attraction to it. There were small slits where his ears were able to poke out from the top, it felt so comfortable just to wear it. His tail searched around and he sighed slowly.
"Time to greet the new day". His voice sounded from his mouth. Something about his voice even sounded strange and different. Almost unnatural and fake.
Iron Tail Fratley walked out of Freya's small house on the hill and began to stretch his arms. He walked down a narrow road toward the city and was still cracking his elbows by the time he made it there. Over the past few months the city of Bermecia began to resemble an actual city, for once. There were traders, both human and Bermecian alike. There were schools just being built, the manor where Prince Puck resided was rebuilt and looked pristine. The roads were being paved with cobblestones. As he looked around he almost tripped on a brick in the road. He laughed a little as he started to walk down toward the plaza.
Fratley still kept some of his original reputation as a Dragon Knight and protector of Bermecia among citizens. However as he walked by them he caught slight snickers from the smaller youths near the sparring house. (Apparently he helped build that as well). Every snicker was always the same. "There goes Forgetful Fratley again. You know he still can't even hold a spear anymore?" One would say to another. "Really? Wow, I am surprised Lady Freya still puts up with him." Fratley felt a deepening in his chest hearing most of these comments. While he felt a temptation to just advise them not to say such things, a small bit of him would whisper the strangest things. "Eat garbage, say it to my face and I'll break you." Something along the lines. His thinking was a little patched and frayed, his opinion often felt very constrained and conflicted.
Fratley continued to walk down the street. Catching signs of several amounts of farming land propping up around the city. Though Bermecia was surrounded by mountains, now that the mist was gone the endless rain disappeared. Whenever rain did come children would play in it, the adults would go out. It was as if when the sun came out the Bermecians treated it as if they would melt in it. Fratley found the sun refreshing and always enjoyed walking in the sunlight. The rain just helped to mat his fur and add unnecessary wear to him.
As Fratley passed by the sparring house he caught sight of a very old human sitting against a nearby building. The human appeared to the Dragon Knight as exceptionally old. As his wrinkles complimented his face all to well. He had a bowl in front of him with a small amount of water inside it. As if he was washing something important out into the street. Fratley almost considered just passing the old man by, but something tempted him. Fratley walked over to the old man and crouched slightly to his level.
"Good morning." He said quickly to the human. His voice full of youth and vigour with happiness and pep. Something that felt like to much of a lie. The old man looked up at the Bermecian and scoffed slightly.
"Ah the one who cannot remember. Iron Tail Fratley, hero of Bermecia, protector of the weak and harbinger of death to all who spread evil. I would try and help you sympathise with your amnesia Mr. Dragon Knight. But I feel that you don't need my sympathy or pity for not being able to even defend yourself with a spear." Each of the old man's whispered words cut ribbons into Fratley. He gulped slightly as he stood up, his tail ever so still down near his feet.
"How would you know what it's like old man? Hearing of great accomplishments you performed, only to find out you can't remember them?" The old man slowly stood himself up and reached his level. Fratley noticed his blue robed and smirked slightly.
"I wouldn't. But in your position I would at least try and find a better way to remember then witling away while your life begins to pass you by." Fratley began to retort but the old man quickly took his bowl and walked away in a huff. Fratley scratched his ears slightly with a confused expression on his face. Something about the words "a better way to remember" began to ring in his ears.
When Fratley returned to Freya's house on the hill she was already there. Fratley always felt something inside his chest when he saw Freya. Her in the red coat with armour and helmet. Her white hair always showing off her piercing eyes beneath. Fratley always felt a warmth in his chest when he looked at her. He could never pinpoint why he thought he could feel her pulse in his chest, especially not now. Freya had a puzzled expression on her face, as if she was surprised he could get up and walk.
"Surprised Freya?" Fratley asked her. Freya had a confused expression on her face as Fratley walked in. He kept his hat on and sat down in a chair near his bed. Fratley peered out the window toward the entryway to Gizamaluke's Grotto and quickly pulled his attention back to Freya.
"Sir Fratley?" She asked him, walking closer. Fratley felt his body seize up involuntarily for some reason. Something about him changed as she got closer. "I went to Prince Puck's manor earlier today..." Fratley felt a very large compulsion enter his mind. It felt like a swear word spread across his psyche, though he did his best to hide it in his face. "Prince Puck has announced that I am to be the next queen of Bermecia." Freya had the happiest expression on her face. As if she was semi disappointed and semi happy-go-lucky at the same time. Fratley had been dreading her explanation for the past few months now.
Fratley knew it was bound to happen. As Bermecia rebuilt itself it needed a leader. Someone who could make decisions when another country needed help or when the land was facing crisis. Even Fratley's complete lack of knowledge of politics knew Freya was the perfect one for the job. He knew it since he first held a long conversation with her. He knew Freya was going to be Queen of Bermecia one day.
Though he also knew he had to face the inevitable. It was quite obvious. Fratley had been dreading this conversation for the past few days. However he felt a perfect time as any to quickly cut Freya off as she spoke. "Yes Freya I had my assumptions. Good luck with it, though I will not be here to see your coronation." Fratley said. Freya had the strangest look of confusion spread across her face.
"What do you mean?" She asked sitting down opposite him. "I mean Freya. That I am leaving Bermecia." He answered. He had been practicing that line for several days. Just waiting for the perfect time to announce it.
The next few hours were a sort of blur. Freya had the strangest perceptions about why he wanted to leave. She thought "Oh I am being a bother", or "Oh I can't stay with you because I don't love you". In reality it was more like "Oh I don't want to see myself wither away into a useless pile of drift wood as life passes me by". Freya argued with Fratley until sunset. Though his mind was met up, he was going to Lindblum. While Freya was against his leaving, he could tell secretly she wanted him to leave. Or maybe that was his paranoid symptoms levelling themselves out. Fratley could not even defend himself, much less travel through Gizamaluke's grotto and eventually make the 2 day journey to Lindblum. It seemed almost ridiculous and insane for a Dragon Knight like Fratley to do that. Fratley dismissed her, still content on his decision.
Even more surprising was the fact that Freya eventually gave in. Fratley soon found himself with a small pack slung on his back walking away from Freya's house. Her ever persistent stare, one that would see right through him. Looking back at him. Fratley headed in the direction of Gizamaluke's grotto. Strangely the only thing on his mind was the old man's words. "I would at least try and find a better way to remember then witling away while your life begins to pass you by"
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Post by Scales on May 2, 2009 0:08:41 GMT
Chapter 2: Sharp as a spear
Reality hit Sir Fratley hard as he walked through the entrance of Gizamaluke's Grotto. The walls around him were draped with different forms of moss and muck. Fratley felt droplets of water run through his now moist fur. It wasn't moist in a good way, like when you walked in the rain. On the contrary, Fratley felt tainted just walking through the watery dungeon.
Though what scared him the most was the absence of a spear on his back. The last time Fratley was outside of Burmecia he was armed with a spear. Though back then he could actually lift a spear without doing something stupid with it. Fratley was absolutely terrified of a bandit, or even a monster jumping out to attack him. Though the Mist continent no longer had the thing that gave it, it's name. Monsters could still be found in places where people normally never ventured. Gizamaluke's grotto used to be a place Burmecians would track traders and tourists coming through to Burmecia. Since the fall of Cleyra no one had paid any attention to the possibility of an attack.
Fratley ventured through the grotto at his own pace. The remnants of fallen spears and staves littered the floor around him. Gizamaluke's grotto was left virtually untouched after the Eidolon wars. Except for the odd trader or supplies sent from Lindblum, Burmecia was left alone from the rest of the world. Fratley peered around and walked into the nearby main chamber.
The main chamber was a wide room with stalactites covering the ceiling. Fratley found himself rather exposed as he walked into the chamber. Anyone could see him just as easily as he could see them. But the only difference was Fratley didn't have a weapon on him. Meaning he would die if he came under attack in some way. Ironically Fratley was forced to test his hypothesis, as he heard a sharp scuffle at the other end of the chamber. Fratley sidled himself behind a nearby ruined pillar and peered out slowly.
"... I'm telling you. Shut up. I heard from Tuna that these Bermecians are all defenceless. Even their Dragon Knight protector can't remember how to take a shit to save his life. We just nab something from their prince and sell it off. Maybe nab some slaves for Carius..." Fratley backed up slightly, as he did his foot pushed against something on the ground. He turned around and saw a long quarter staff on the ground. Fratley grasped hold of the quarterstaff and felt the smooth wood in his hands.
The quarterstaff was roughly the size from Fratley's feet to his neck. At the top of the staff were circular grooves with a leftover pommel embedded in the wood. Fratley felt the grooves and understood they were used to fasten a halberd head onto it. He slowly continued to move his hands around it, until he stupidly bonked it onto a wall nearby, causing a loud echoic noise within the main chamber. Fratley cursed as he saw the faces of bandits turned toward him.
"Kill that rat". A bandit at the far end ordered. The bandit was a tall burly, barrel chested human wearing a brown vest and dark blue pants. The Bandit held a short sword in his left hand.
Fratley found his entire body begin to seize up. The quarterstaff in his hands began to wobble and flake as he braced himself. Two bandits surrounded him and Fratley did not know what to expect. He found himself kicked onto the ground and pummelled with fists.
"What the fuck is the matter with you?" The bandit at the far end yelled. The bandit rotated the short sword on his hand and walked over to where Fratley lay. Fratley's snout drew a small puddle of blood on the floor around him. The Bandit held the sword above his head and prepared to attack the Burmecian.
Something clicked within Fratley's mind. His vision dulled to pure red, his mouth opened as blood began to dribble out of it. His clawed hands bared themselves into primal positions. Fratley stood up almost instinctively and found his hand reaching for a nearby bandit. He looked like an alright kid, he wore a doo-rag with a poufy shirt with seams. Fratley reached for the bandit's throat and felt his claws grasp around flesh. Before the bandit could react Fratley ripped out his throat in less then a second. The barrel chested bandit backed up slightly as Fratley turned toward him. He crouched down and picked up the quarterstaff on the ground. Fratley's eyes were dark and bloodshot, with small dribbles of red blood staining his white teeth. His snout previously wet from saliva now had a wet red tint. A primordial cackle escaped Fratley's throat. He rushed at both bandits and before the one on the right could react. Fratley' hit him with all the might he could muster at his temple. The bandit fell to the ground with a large wound in his head, his eyes still open with shock in them.
The barrel chested bandit almost turned to flee but found himself running into Sir Fratley. Who rushed in front of him before he could react. Without a word the bandit screamed and buckled as he stepped backwards.
1 hour later
Fratley walked out of Gizamaluke's grotto shortly after. The quarterstaff now cleaned properly resting on his back. The small latch on the back of his jacket allowed for the quarter staff to easily rest on his back without him needing to mind.
The bandits had only a small amount of gold on them... before Fratley went crazy. He didn't even know what happened. One moment he was accepting death was near, yet at a split second something took hold of him. As if something primordial, something animal that took over his instincts and structures and broke them down. Almost like trance-ing, except... more anger driven. Fratley was frightened by the bodies of the bandits around him as soon as he calmed down. He took their coin purse and fastened it to his belt, among the other pouches around it.
The light was the first thing that Fratley was surprised about. He didn't remember much of his travels after his amnesia. But Burmecia did not have as much light as the kind that almost blinded him now. He had to hold his hand in front of his eyes until they adjusted. Even then they still stung if he moved them in their sockets. However a little while after he started to walk it off. Fratley caught sight way off in the distance of the large metropolis that was... Lindblum.
"Lindblum. Wow." He whispered to himself as he marvelled in how large it was. He started to walk down a large hill that lead to a swamp in the distance. Fratley felt a little against walking through a swamp without shoes, so he took the long way around and still made it to Lindblum before sunrise. By the time he got there he was barely conscious enough to tell the doorman at Dragon's gate his name and business.
Fratley was still very shocked and surprised he made it all the way to Lindblum. The possibility a guardian angel was looking over him was still a little promising. He was half awake by the time he reached street level and as soon as he spent some of the gold he stole at the nearest in. He collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep without needing to take his clothes off.
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Post by Scales on May 3, 2009 16:22:34 GMT
Chapter 3: Pronounced like Fish
Fratley didn't know if his eyes were open or closed when he woke up. He could generally tell it was light out, but that was an assumption based on how he was sleeping. It was certainly a good rested feeling that was in his muscles. But he didn't know what position he was in, his breathing was irregular. He could feel his heart slowly through his jugular vein on his neck.
He opened his eyes and slowly, the world slid into focus. He was still in the small inn room in Lindblum thankfully. Though the prospect of just slipping away and sleeping felt to tempting for him. Fratley weighed the odds slowly and then chose to sleep again. He woke up again a half hour later, this time completely alert and focused. Fratley got up from the bed and stretched slowly. The rays of light rebounding off the window of his room felt almost mesmerising to the Burmecian. He stared at the light for a few more minutes before snapping out of his dull trance.
Fratley took his quarterstaff and hooked it to his back. He counted his gill slowly and then placed it back into his pocket. Fratley had barely enough for food but not enough for a Halberd head for the quarterstaff. At the moment however, the only thing on his mind was the prospect of food. Fratley walked out of his Inn room and down the stairs to the counter. The innkeeper was a typical kid behind the counter. Possibly the son of someone who actually owned the Inn and just ordered him to work the counter. Fratley crossed his name off the registry and spoke to the boy.
"Checking out now." He dipped his hat in the boy's direction and walked out of the Inn. At first Fratley was in awe of the size of Linblum. Even if he craned his neck directly up, he could not see an end to many of the buildings. The business district was bigger then all of Burmecia was, Fratley didn't even need to find a measurement. There was absolutely no comparison, Lindblum was most likely the biggest city in the Mist continent.
At first Fratley began to walk. Though a thought came to mind, where to go. He had a small amount of gill in a large city with no aim in mind. Fratley began to ponder this as he began wandering through the large business district's main street. As he began pondering he slowly walked by a weapons shop. Fratley cocked his eyebrow upward and walked into the shop. The shop was very similar to the one in Burmecia. Except with a significantly better selection of swords. Burmecia's weapon shop was mostly spear and halberd oriented, this one was sword and armour oriented. Fratley looked over the selection and spotted a Halberd head in the corner. The head fastened properly on his quarterstaff but the price was too high. Grudgingly Fratley put the head down and walked out of the weapons shop.
Fratley pondered on where to go next. He intended to stay in Lindblum for at least the rest of the day. But where to after that? He could try and see if he could enter the Evil forest and train on a monster or two. Or he could go to Alexandria and hitch a ship to the Outer continent. The prospects seemed seemingly limitless, but Fratley was more oriented to staying in Lindblum for a little while longer. The prospect of getting cut open wasn't to exciting for him. Fratley looked around and caught sight of a sign reading "This way to AIR TAXI". Fratley looked up and saw the air taxi station nearby. He walked in the sign's direction toward the entrance and looked up the list of destinations.
There were two other districts in Lindblum. The Theatre district and the Industrial district. Fratley had met a few traders who talked about the Theatre district, supposedly a crime ridden place. But full of culture and mystery to travelers. While the Industrial district was mostly a place full of factories. Where airships were docked and workers went to work on them. There was of course a way to the palace. But Fratley knew if anything he had no business there. He doubted highly Regent Cid would want to seek audience with an unknown Burmecian dragon knight. His only link to really the rest of the world, was through Freya. But that was an almost rupturable link as Freya only knew King Tribal. The King of Alexandria after travelling with him.
Fratley remembered stories Freya told him over the weeks. About how they journeyed across the world to face Kuja and eventually travelling to a different planet, Terra. All the while Freya said the only thing that kept her going, was the prospect of returning to Burmecia and rebuilding it without fear of Black mages returning. Fratley would often pause curiously to this. Then Freya would talk about going to Memoria and seeing all the memories of the world and how they faced the Necron, god of death. This often kept Fratley in awe, but he found it odd that they could have defeated the god of death. Almost unrealistic really in Fratley's eyes.
Fratley took an Air Taxi to the theatre district and waited as it came. As he waited he continued to run by him the previous day's experiences. Specifically the experience within the Grotto and how he... went berserk on those bandits. They mentioned two names, Tuna and Carius. Both of which were alien to him. Fratley resigned himself to finding out more about those two in hopes of finding who asked them to raid Burmecia.
Once the Air Taxi came Fratley boarded it and waited. It stopped at the theatre district a few minutes later. Like the Business district before, the Theatre district didn't cease to amaze Fratley. Just the color and architecture of the buildings was all so beautiful and perfect. Looking like a utopia of culture to the Burmecian. He walked out of the station with his head up at the sights, trying to see as much as possible before running into something.
The theatre district was significantly different to the Business district. For one, it had less people running around with goods and the like. Furthermore it had more pubs and actually more theatres literally. Fratley smirked at several, including one called "Tantalus". Fratley looked around and caught sight of a local pub called the "Weary Traveller". He checked the Gill in his pocket and decided to walk into the pub.
The Pub was rather different then the one in Burmecia. For one it had a stage at the far end of it with tables set around the area. There was an open bar at the other end with stools propped up for "weary travellers." Fratley walked up and sat down on one of the stools and waited for the bartender to appear. While there he looked around at the other patrons.
Mostly he looked at the patron sitting next to him. He was a human with long blond hair in a pony tail that went down to his shoulders. Much of his hair however was kept in a long green cap that sloped up and down. He wore green traveller's clothing, which was a green jacket with a white collared shirt underneath. He wore dark blue pants with brown boots. Around his face was a strange stencilled tattoo that vaguely resembled a blue fish.
The Bartender appeared and spoke to the traveller first. "What'll you have Tuna?" He asked him in a gruff voice. The name Tuna instantly clicked within Fratley's mind. He turned to Tuna and addressed him.
"Excuse me." Fratley said to Tuna. Tuna turned toward Fratley with a confused look on his face. "Yes sir?" He said in a light accent. One of which Fratley was not very well familiar with. "Have you ever been to Burmecia?" This was obviously a very stupid question, Fratley discovered, as he had a confused look on his face.
"Sure. I went there last week. Though the entire place was a little dull compared to Alexandria. So I came here." Tuna was from Alexandria, and judging by the dagger conveniently hidden in his jacket. He was a thief.
"Tell me. You hear of anyone named Carius?" Fratley asked Tuna. Tuna shrugged slowly and answered. "Beats me. There is a local gang called "Sons of Carius" But that's all I know. Sorry". Fratley sighed slowly, then Tuna asked him something. "Why do you wish to know anyway? What is your name?" Tuna's courtesy was very suspicious to Fratley. The prospect of getting robbed for his small amount of gill wasn't very tempting, but he answered him anyway. "They call me Fratley. I just want to know more of Lindblum." The name seemed to click to Tuna.
"Ah Fratley. Your that Dragon Knight who doesn't remember who he is. I know you." Tuna seemed to have a laugh behind every word, though Fratley smiled along with him. In Tuna's position, he would have laughed as well. "So what are you doing in Lindblum? They kick you out?"
"No. I am doing a little travelling. You know, stretch my legs." He answered. "Ah. You heading to Alexandria?" Tuna asked cocking a brow up slowly. Tuna had a long blond goatee that seemed to blend with his lips, almost making them invisible on his face.
"I dunno. Maybe..." He answered slowly. Tuna slowly stepped off the stool and shook his hand. "Well maybe I'll see you on the road then." As Tuna left the "Weary Traveller" Fratley turned to the bartender. "What do you normally perform here?" The bartender shrugged.
"Normally we do plays or performances by anyone who signs up. Right now it is this weird chick named Viola who normally comes around and does magic tricks. Though mostly it is old magic, not very well received here. But it is good for comedy. Fratley heard a loud bang behind him. He almost jumped slowly, but discovered it was coming from the stage. The lights dimmed slowly as the curtains behind the stage opened. A loud announcer's voice from out of nowhere echoed throughout the pub. "Coming up. Here we have Viola doing her magic around the ages." Fratley turned and rested his arm on the counter. He patiently waited for whoever this Viola person was to come out.
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Post by LancerZero on May 3, 2009 18:46:12 GMT
Your descriptions and settings are all very good, but I noticed a few things while reading that went beyond scattered grammar errors. There are many places where the flow is interrupted because there are almost no compound sentences; what should be one sentence is instead divided into several, and it lends the whole thing a sort of stutter. There are also places where the wording is repetitive (same word used in the space of a couple of sentences when a synonym would do), or simply awkward. Other than that, it looks good, and I'm curious to see where you go with this.
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Post by Scales on May 7, 2009 6:52:46 GMT
Chapter 5: Thugs and Halberd heads
Sir Fratley leaned back as the curtains opened. He wasn't sure what to expect, though he was pleasantly surprised by smoke pouring from the backstage out into the area. As the smoke dissipated a girl could be seen crouching in the middle of the stage. The girl was a peculiar sight to Fratley. She was garbed in a very odd jester's costume that was painted dull pink. Only the bottom half of her body was in the jester's costume. Her torso was a brown vest with a similar pattern to the bottom half of her body to her left arm. Her right arm was kept bare, showing off a pale Caucasian complexion. The right part of her head was covered with the same jester's pattern, around her mouth and her left eye. On her head was a common fool's hat with bells. Golden locks of hair could be observed protruding from underneath the girl's hat. Even more peculiar was the sword sheathed at her hip.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Our common Weary Traveller favourite. Give a big helping hand for... VIOLA." The announcer said. Viola slowly stood up in a contortionist way. As soon as she did more smoke erupted in the area. Soon her entire body was covered in plant-like vines. Fratley was rather surprised that she was suddenly covered in green vines. Until soon the plants exploded in fire as Viola appeared once more. Her eye blinked slowly as she drew her sword and lifted it high in the air. Runeite glyphs appeared along the side of the blade, and they began to glow with pale turquoise light. A strange fire erupted from the blade, engulfing Viola quickly like a fireball. But as soon as it came, the fire disappeared back into the blade. Viola entirely unharmed.
Viola's magic trick show went along in a very similar fashion. Until finally she disappeared in a puff of smoke and did not return. "Let's give a big Weary Traveller hand for VIOLA" The announcer roared, though the crowd didn't comply. The local alcoholics gave a few small claps in the crowd and slowly returned to their drinks. Fratley on the other hand was mesmerised. He didn't see very much magic in Burmecia, knew less. It was a rather difficult trade to learn, especially magic that could combat other creatures. Fratley turned around back to the Bartender, however once he did he saw no one there.
"What the...?" He said startled. He was sure the Bartender was still there. However as soon as he spoke he almost jumped back at a pink blur that jumped up from out of nowhere behind the counter. "What'll you have?" A cooley feminin voice asked. Fratley looked at Viola behind the counter, wiping a mug with a soft cloth in her gloved hands.
"Weren't you..." He said pointing at the stage for a second. Then he sighed and placed his hand down back to his side. "Give me something strong..." Fratley said resolute. Viola disappeared once more and then reappeared with a foamy glass in her hand. Fratley slowly downed the drink while Viola watched him closely. "What haven't seen a Burmecian before?" He asked after finishing the glass.
"Oh no. It is just that most don't come to Lindblum. Often they go to Alexandria or stay in Burmecia. It is just a little odd seeing a Burmecian in the Weary Traveller." Viola's calmness was strange compared to her appearance. Fratley was very surprised at her naturalness compared to her performance on stage. Though he caught Viola's eye twitching slowly.
"Are you okay...?" Fratley asked nervously to Viola. She continued to answer with pristine and pep. "Oh? I am fine good sir." A short giggle escaped her mouth, one that may have been hiding a quiet cackle. Fratley felt rather threatened and got off his stool.
"Okay then." He placed a gill coin on the counter, but before he turned around he remembered something. "Oh yes. Have you heard of any gangs called the "Sons of Carius"? He asked Viola earnestly. Viola's eyebrow slowly raised and her head tilted slowly.
"Sons of Carius? I believe a gang by that name resides in the Industrial district. You would have to check out there." Fratley nodded and turned around. He walked out of the Weary Traveller and turned to the direction of the Air Taxi depot.
The Air Taxi rumbled it's way to the Industrial District. By the time it got there, the sun was already high in the sky. Fratley's hand reached for the quarterstaff, but he still felt very defenceless without a head for it. There wasn't any use to fighting someone with a stick when they had a sword or a 50 pound war hammer. Ready to obliterate a nearby Burmecian's head.
Fratley looked around at the Industrial District's long spires. All of the factories in the Industrial District were all similar in appearance. Long boxy buildings with occasional flair in their smokestacks. Large amounts of steam and mist poured out of the smoke stacks like crazy. The only way Fratley could distinguish the steam was due to the color of the sky. Like the Business district before him, Fratley could not keep his head down. The sights were all to strange and mystifying for the Burmecian. He continued to wander down the wide streets until he heard something.
"HELP!" There was a bursting shriek from an alleyway nearby. Fratley felt his ear flicker as he caught sight of the alleyway where the cry came from. Fratley looked around and noticed the street was dead. He could not see a soul in sight. Much less anyone that could help him. Fratley grabbed hold of the quarterstaff and ran in the direction the alleyway was in.
Fratley with his quarterstaff drawn, caught sight of where the scream came from. There was a girl at the other end of the alley. She was backing up from a tall figure walking menacingly toward her. The figure was a human who was very similar in appearance to the barrel chested bandit from Gizamaluke's grotto. Except he wore a bandit cap that was blue in color. The girl on the other hand contrasted his appearance greatly. She wore a dark red cape with her hood drawn over her head. Fratley could see from his position the girl had dark black hair that flowed down the hood. She had a small staff in her hands pointed toward the bandit.
"Please... someone help me." The girl cried out. The bandit cackled as he walked closer to the girl. Fratley looked around and saw a solution before his eyes. Fratley quickly jumped on top of a nearby factory and ran to the alleyway. He was very close to the bandit when he jumped on top of the human. The human thrashed about while Fratley began to claw at his head ripping off his hat quickly and soon suffocating him with his legs. The human fell to the ground with a thud, his face completely blue from the lack of oxygen. Fratley stood up and brushed himself off. He walked over to the girl and bowed to her.
"Sir Fratley at your service. Do you require assistance?" He asked the girl pleasantly. As soon as he stood up the girl thrust herself into Fratley's arms with tears in her eyes. She thanked him many times over until Fratley calmly asked her to calm down.
"What is your name?" He asked her as she brushed away her tears. The girl let her hood down, revealing her flowing black hair to the wind. "My name is Orphelia. I just came to Lindblum for my mother's funeral. I was returning from it... until this brute attacked me. I ran here and then you showed up. Thank you." Fratley felt rather humbled by the girl. He crouched down and picked up her dropped staff. He handed the staff to her and bowed once more. "It was my pleasure. Though I am a little surprised. Judging by your red cape and your staff. I would consider you a Red Mage." Fratley inquired to Orphelia's appearance. Orphelia giggled slightly at his formality.
"Yes Sir Fratley I am a Red Mage. I was taught by my mother until I left to Alexandria. That brute said so many hurtful things. I hope more of his friends don't come after me again." Orphelia crossed her arms and closed her legs. Fratley noticed that underneath her cape, Orphelia wore a black skirt with small amounts of lace around the hem. Her legs were covered with black stockings, which lead to small petite black shoes. Fratley turned around and bent down to the bandit. Noticing a small patch on his arm sleeve. The patch had a stitched emblem of a helmet with the words "SONS OF CARIUS" Around it. Fratley caught sight of a gill purse around his belt. He cut it loose and slipped it into his pocket.
Fratley bowed once again and saw Orphelia to her air taxi. He counted the gill in the purse and smiled slowly. As Orphelia took her taxi to the Theatre district, Fratley boarded the quickest taxi to the Business district. Several minutes later Fratley walked out of the weapons shop he had been in before. Screwing in a brand new Halberd head into his quarterstaff. He swiped at air noticing how quickly the blade cut through it. He felt empowered as he rotated the wood around on his hand. He quickly sheathed it onto his back and looked around.
"Lets hope those Sons of Carius bandits are as allergic to death as that thug was." Fratley smiled as he gripped his hand on the Halberd and walked back to the Air Taxi. Determined to find where they set up shop.
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Post by Scales on May 8, 2009 2:34:32 GMT
I am actually looking to put together a team of developers for a Final fantasy IX game based on this fanfic. If anyone is willing to help out please message me
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Post by Scales on May 10, 2009 1:18:30 GMT
Chapter 5: Iron apprentices
22 years ago
Fratley gritted his teeth as he got up from another blow. The sword pointed at him caused his fur to stand on end. He jumped back and held his spear in front of him. To block all blows that came his way. His opponent was, as usual. Completely on the offensive and Fratley, forced to use the defensive.
"Come on Fratley. You must be joking." The cackle in the air caused Fratley's eyes to well up significantly. His brow pointed downward in anger as he opened his mouth. He bared his claws and lunged at his opponent with the spear. Attacking at all ends possible from his angle until he finally buckled down to the ground. The rat hit the ground with his palms, a torrent of blood gushed from his mouth. Fratley aimed the spear in his direction. His anger subsided as he put the spear down and helped his opponent up.
"Doyle that happens when you challenge me." Fratley whispered to him. Doyle was a brash fellow student to Fratley. One who puzzled Fratley on occasion. Whenever he listened to master Fenrir he always had his head down, his eyes open so large they almost popped out of his head, and his hands whirring away copying down everything he said word for word. Fratley on the other hand felt it was useless to copy down what master Fenrir said. He always spoke in paradoxes when teaching them things. Outside of his lessons Doyle was a quiet, shallow person. They were both 6 years old and knew each other for a good portion of their lives.
Fratley heard a loud whistle behind him. He spun around to catch the sight of Master Fenrir ahead of him. Fratley waited for Doyle to brush himself off and slowly slung his spear on his back. Fenrir walked over to the both of them and gave Doyle a wary eye. Fratley looked over in the distance beyond the mountain and caught sight of several storm clouds.
"Master a storm is brewing. Perhaps we should continue our training another day?" He asked hopefully. Fenrir quickly snapped at Fratley with the same expression. Then he nodded and motioned to the building behind them. Fratley and Doyle followed Fenrir into the Dragon Knight training area. The training area consisted of one very large area for sparring. Along with small rooms nearby for specified lessons and individual meditation. By the side of the training area were the Iron apprentices. The Iron apprentices were a powerful select branch of the Burmecian guard. One that did not require them to stay within the city. There were five positions of the Iron title: Iron foot, Iron ear, Iron claw, Iron heart and finally Iron Tail. Once one apprentice was worthy for the title, in a master's eyes. He could train himself and condition himself until he finally become an Iron Knight. As Fenrir lead Fratley and Doyle to the middle of the Dragon Knight training area, he caught sight of the other Iron apprentices.
Master Fenrir only trained his apprentices for the rank of Iron Tail. But he was the last to select an apprentice for this title. The other apprentices were already selected. The apprentice of Iron Foot was a short Burmecian with bright orange fur. He had a short sword at one side of his body with a ruby in the pommel. The orange Burmecian was only known by his nickname, Jasper and was not very well liked by the other apprentices. Jasper was a very annoying apprentice who was always found talking and never had the common courtesy to just shut up for once. Fratley's eyes moved toward the Iron Ear. Who was a taller Burmecian with darker grey fur. This Burmecian was known as Drezner, who Fratley knew just as well as Doyle. Drezner had a light war hammer on his back, who from what Fratley heard, used it quite well. His eyes moved toward the Iron Claw. Who was buff Burmecian named Iquoloc. Iquoloc Fratley didn't know very much about, his face was hidden by a closed helm and his apprentice outfit almost entirely covered from head to toe. The only thing Fratley knew about Iquoloc was he had a knife at his side. Fratley heard stories that Iquoloc was a local pickpocket before he became an apprentice.
The last was Iron Heart. The title was given to a female apprentice named Priya. Fratley found the girl rather attractive, at least in his eyes. Which often got him laughed at by most of the other apprentices when he made a pass at her. Most of the masters found it funny that a 6 year old Burmecian had feelings for a girl this early in his life. Priya had orange hair similar to jasper and wore a red apprentice outfit. She wielded two long Falx swords that were latched onto her back. Fratley heard Priya went out hunting in her spare time and enjoyed killing the wild animals she saw.
Fenrir began to burn incense and turned toward both Fratley and Doyle. He sat upon a small meditation cushion and ordered the both of them to sit. When they did he finally spoke. "I have chosen Sir Fratley to become the Iron Tail." Fratley's first emotion was confusion. Though he could best Doyle in a one on one fight, Doyle was the most qualified candidate. He knew all the best strategies, he knew how to outsmart his opponents and how to disarm them. Fratley found it very odd since Doyle was the most qualified one for the Iron Tail. Fratley stood up and bowed.
"It is an honour Master Fenrir." Doyle kept his head low and stood up as well. He bowed to Master Fenrir and walked away without shaking his hand. Master Fenrir bowed to Fratley and smiled, something he never saw him do. "I can sense good things will happen out of this Fratley. I hope you shall not let my prediction down." Fratley bowed once more and walked out of the training area. Catching glances at all the other Iron apprentices as he did.
"Sir... Sir... wake up sir..." Fratley found his vision begin to blur. His pupils dilate. His world cease to exist. The light flashed and blurred as he opened his eyes and saw the world distort around him. Then he shook his head and saw it was just a dream.
"What was that?" Fratley whispered to himself. He never remembered anyone in that dream, much less how he got his Iron Tail title. But something about it felt associated with happiness and pleasure for some odd reason he could not put his finger on. He looked around and saw a human woman looking at him. Then he witnessed where he was.
Fratley was still on his air taxi to the Industrial district. Having fallen asleep on the trip there. Fratley got up from his seat and apologised for holding the Air Taxi up. He walked off the taxi and shook his head once more. The groggy feeling was not going away and he still felt like sleeping. The temptation felt far to great for him to ignore.
Yet he pressed on in spite of wanting to sleep. He continued to walk until he passed the alleyway where he helped Orphelia less then twenty minutes before. Now covered with passers by as he left the bandit's dead body there. As he walked he saw someone familiar leaning by a factory. He walked to the familiar figure and smiled.
"Pickpocket anyone recently?" Fratley asked Tuna, who looked shocked as he caught sight of Fratley. He backed off the wall and scratched his head.
"No sense in lying. You could say I did, but what of it. What are you doing in the Industrial district." Tuna accused him.
"I am heading to the Sons of Carius's hideout. You know where that is?" Fratley asked with his hand on the halberd. Tuna scratched his chin slightly and nodded.
"I know where it is. But why do you want to go to a bandit's hideout. If you just go in there alone they'll skin you alive. For good reason, as they apparently have an important visitor from the outer continent." Tuna's reciting of the information felt to fake and plastic for Fratley to decipher. Yet he nodded.
"So what do you propose Tuna then? I can tell your a thief but how would you break into a warehouse?" Tuna shook his head and drew his dagger.
"I wouldn't break into it. The Sons of Carius have guards posted at every possible entrance. The only way into the warehouse is either to sneak in or to go in blazing. But I could help you if you like with the former." Fratley nodded and smiled to the thief. "Though I'm not doing this for free Fratley. What do you have to trade for this knowledge?" Tuna inquired as he shook his coat open. Fratley dug around his belt, but most of his gill was already spent. Fratley pondered on something to give the thief, then an idea came to mind. "How about information? If you take me to this bandit hideout and help me get inside. I can give you some possible places you can score something worth stealing. As Tuna pondered on Fratley's offer he quickly cursed in his mind. The only place he knew that had anything worth stealing was Prince Puck's manor.
"Deal. But what are you going to do in the warehouse?" He asked him curiously.
"I aim to bring down these bandits." Tuna's eyebrow raised itself. The chivalry in Fratley's words was almost too good to be true. But he shrugged and motioned to the alleyway next to him. "It's down this way." Tuna walked down the alleyway and Fratley followed him
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Post by Scales on May 14, 2009 14:54:57 GMT
Chapter 6: The warehouse
Moving through the alleyway Fratley already had his halbred out and his teeth bared. Tuna on the other hand was running as pleasantly as possible, as if he knew what to expect. Finally they stopped at a clearing.
"Alright the Sons of Carius's hideout is in that warehouse." He pointed to a warehouse at the far end of the clearing. Tuna was right, it was rather heavily fortified at all possible entrances. At each door were 3 guards with all assortments of weapons and on the roof there were several guards stationed with bows. It seemed foolish to attempt to try and do anything against them. Tuna turned to Fratley.
"Still want to do this?" Tuna asked earnestly. The hint of satisfaction in Tuna's face sold him. He wanted to know why this "Carius" wanted to sack Burmecia while it was still rebuilding. Fratley nodded to Tuna's question and rubbed his hands on the smooth wood of the halberd.
"I assume you have a plan Tuna?" He asked. Tuna nodded and pointed to one guard stationed at a nearby entrance. This one was slowly walking away from the entrance toward an abandoned ruin. A souvenir from Alexandria's attack on Lindblum that was never repaired. Tuna motioned to the ruin and Fratley closely followed him. They went to great length as to not get seen by the other guards.
"I know this guy rather well. He usually heads over to a local pub nearby." Tuna whispered to Fratley as they tailed the guard. "Anyways here's the deal. Carius's guards have identification cards to get into the warehouse. I'll knock this guy out, take his pass and escort you in as a prisoner. Once there we'll take them all out while their not looking." Tuna's plan sounded perfect. But it still sounded very risky
"Lets hope these bandits are idiots then." Tuna nodded. Though the plan just felt wrong to Fratley. As if it was all to easy for hm.
Fratley waited at the ruins while Tuna went off to lead the guard off somewhere and knock him out. While he waited he rubbed the halberd's head clean with his sleeve. He waited there tilting his hat and playing with his hair until Tuna came back. An identification card in his hand. The card was made out of simple metal and had a small password chiselled into it.
"Apparently they have passwords to get in." Tuna motioned to the door and Fratley followed him. He sheathed his Halberd subconsciously and was glad he did. As one of the guards came by and gave him a suspicious look.
"Hey buddy. You got the password?" He asked Tuna. Tuna acted as if he blanked out and took out the card.
"Hmm? Oh I am sorry." Tuna read the card's wording. "Let me see here... Oh yes. Ipsen."
"Correct." The guard said. But the strange look in his face was still there. Fratley could still not pinpoint the origin. Yet he simply ignored it and followed Tuna into the Warehouse. Much of the warehouse was bare, with only a few crates packed into the sides and boxes around the area. More or less it felt cleared out. But that wasn't what caused the hair on Fratley's neck to erect. It was the fact there was blood on the floor. Fratley spun around but saw the door slam behind him. His hand reached for the Halberd and he readied himself. Tuna looking at Fratley readied his knife.
"Something is wrong here." Fratley whispered to Tuna. He walked to the middle of the warehouse slowly to see the image etched in blood. It was of an odd, slightly rounded triangle. While Fratley stared at the image, something clicked in his head as he looked upon it. He only had a second to brace himself as a large warhammer could be seen coming for his head. Fratley ducked and moved backward. His spear ready he crouched down at the attacker. Tuna was beside him dagger bared. Tuna lunged at the figure with his knife. Managing to attack whatever he could see. As soon as he did he backed up to where Fratley was. The figure was hard to distinguish. But as soon as Fratley could see a tail in the shadow, he knew who it was.
"Reveal yourself, Drezner" Fratley snarled at the shadow. Fratley was surprised to hear a hiss come at him.
"Oh please Iron Tail. I would not give your amnesiac mind the honor of seeing me in the light. For now, all you deserve is to die the coward that you are." Fratley's ears perked up as he readied his Halberd. He lunged at Drezner with it. Knocking the shadow down onto the ground, himself falling ontop of him. Fratley held the wood of the Halberd at his neck. Before Fratley could say anything he was kicked off and soon rolled onto his back. Fratley jumped up and dodged another incoming warhammer at his head. He slashed the Halberd at Drezner before retreating back to where Tuna was.
"Be careful Tuna. This guy knows how to use his hammer." They were both back to back in the only pool of light the warehouse had. Ever so slowly rotating around expecting an impact. Suddenly Tuna heard a shriek as he backed up from Tuna. He fell to the ground motionless from the impact of a hammer almost levitating in the dark. Fratley jumped again at Dezner. This time lunging at air and hitting nothing.
"This is far to easy. Please Fratley you were the weakest of us all and you knew it. You are no match for me." Drezner's cackle in the darkness made Fratley feel very emasculated.
"Why are you doing this Drezner?" Fratley shouted into the darkness. There was silence until he answered. "What do you think Fratley? You could walk the streets of Lindblum and not think you had enemies. No, you were quickly noticed leaving the scene of the crime with a certain red mage." Fratley remembered what he was talking about.
"Orphelia!" He shouted again. Another cackle could be heard. Fratley squinted in the dark shadow until he could see a flicker of light. Fratley swung his Halberd at it, only hearing a shriek of pain. Fratley looked down to see he swung at Drezner's torso and hit.
Drezner looked radically different then what he remembered him. Drezner's fur was dyed pitch black, he wore very light leather with dark straps around his arms. The straps looked like they had been tightened so severely, that they cut through his flesh. Fratley crouched down and pointed the blade of the Halberd at him.
"Where is Orphelia you bastard. Tell me or I'll run you through." He moved it closer to him. Poking into his black fur slightly.
"Your precious Red Mage will die a public death in the streets "Sir Fratley". Fratley felt the rise of an old familiar feeling well deep within him. He swung the Halberd at Drezner and felt his warm blood trickle down Fratley's face.
Fratley helped Tuna up. Noticing he wasn't very badly hurt, only knocked unconscious by Drezner's war hammer. He helped Tuna walk to the exit of the warhouse. Yet a deadly fear swept through him. If the bandits saw him walking out with Tuna, they would know he killed Drezner. This revelation came to late as he saw a circle of bandits around the clearing. All with their weapons pointed in his direction.
"Drezner lies dead on your warehouse floor. If you do not wish to meet the same fate leave this place." Fratley addressed them. He heard a scuffling in the crowd and saw a glint of red get pushed through it. Soon he saw a caped female thrust out into the circle. Orphelia ran to Fratley with her staff in both of her hands. She ran behind Fratley and wrapped herself around his waist.
"Oh Mr. Fratley. Please... help me...." Orphelia's face was full of tears once more. The Halberd in his hand almost wobbled from the amount of anger Fratley was feeling. The bandit's sneering faces would forever be etched across his memory.
"Kill that rat quickly. Carius wants the warehouse cleaned before he comes back." One of the bandits roared to the rest of them. Fratley braced for attack. But saw a large puff of smoke erupt in the middle of the circle. He could faintly see a pink figure appear in the smoke with a sword bared. Once the smoke cleared he saw a familiar pink jester in the middle of the crowd. Holding her sword up to torso level. Fratley was rather flabbergasted at the sight of Viola. Viola chanted out an echoed incantation, one that caused the runes on her sword to glow. Soon a burst of flame erupted from the sword out into the crowd of bandits.
Most of the bandits fled from Viola's attack. Viola turned and motioned toward a nearby alleyway that lead to an open street. Fratley helped Orphelia and Tuna run to the street, as he followed Viola to wherever she was planning on leading him.
Viola's place was a very big two story house built into the side of an abandoned warehouse. Viola lead the three of them into the house and quickly bolted the door shut. Her sword now sheathed at her side.
"Wow I didn't know tailing you would be this much fun!" Viola said joyfully as she jumped up and down around him. Fratley's anger was not subsided, he found Viola very annoying bouncing around like this.
"What the fuck happened out there?" He snarled at her. Viola continued jumping and from underneath her mask, she smiled. "Oh you were about to get skinned alive by the Sons of Carius so I helped you. However we have to leave Lindblum for the time being as they have to many connections in Lindblum. If any of us stay here, we will defiantly be found and assassinated." Viola's pep filled words had to much truth to them to possibly be bullshit. Tuna, while a little dazed nodded, while Fratley raised his eyebrow.
"What do you propose exactly Viola? All the ways to the air taxi depot are most likely guarded by Bandits. Even if we managed to get there we would most likely be killed. How would you get out of the city." Orphelia buried her head into Fratley's clothes, the tears in her eyes caused worry to fill the Burmecian.
Viola lead the three of them into the living room of her house. Near a wall was an old grandfather clock that was not ticking. Viola opened the grandfather clock and moved the Pendulum outward. Soon the wood behind the pendulum receded, revealing a passageway.
"If you want to live come with me. This tunnel goes all the way to the North Gate." Before Fratley could object Viola ducked her head into the grandfather clock. Tuna quickly followed her, which Fratley was not surprised at. He was obviously someone who wanted to get that score Fratley pormised. He pried Orphelia's arms off him and pointed to the passageway.
"Orphelia we have to get out of the city right now." He whispered to her, looking into her wet eyes. Orphelia brushed her tears away and nodded.
"Alright... Fratley. But where will we go?" She asked, this time earnestly. Fratley scratched his jaw and shrugged. "Well if we can make it to the North Gate I can escort you home to Alexandria." Orphelia only nodded to his offer. "Alright Sir Fratley. Lets go home". Orphelia followed into the passageway, ducking her head as she did so. Fratley closely followed her, taking his hat off as he entered the passageway.
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