Final Fantasy IX - Chronicles of Gaia - Chapter 1
Final Fantasy IX - Chronicles of Gaia
Chapter 1 - Every story has a beginning
The city of Treno shone so brightly in the night sky, so bright that it's lights can be seen for miles even around Alexandria's Bentini Heights. Treno is known as the City of Eternal Night, having earned it's title from it's location within the mountains, where no natural light shines upon it's cold, stone walls. While it houses some of the wealthiest nobles of the Mist Continent, it would come to no surprise that it would also attract the most notorious criminals and mobsters. One would never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy, as the saying goes. And tonight, another act of villainy will take place upon these streets.Somewhere, a lone vixen walked the streets of the city of eternal night. She didn't stand out from the crowd too much, but was not too hard to miss, either - her piercing blue eyes matched her jet black hair, which was highlighted with streaks of silver. It was straight and loose, and fell down to about six inches below her shoulders. Her clothing didn't seem too eye-catchy, much to her preference; Her shirt consisted of a black lace woven over a maroon cloth. She wore a pair of black pants to complement her shirt color, wearing a black, leather skirt cut into three inch leather straps for flexibility, with metal studs embedded into the straps.
The stench of alcohol filled her sensitive nostrils as she made her way past a few taverns full of rowdy party goers and drunkards, making her wrinkle her nose in disgust. Oh yes, now I remember why I kept away from the pubs in Treno, she thought to herself. But tonight, she didn't have much of a choice; one of her contacts was scheduled to meet her in an alleyway next to a pub. As she walked past, a spot of color sitting on a stone windowsill caught her eye, and she turned around to carefully pick the object up. A dead butterfly, it was. The vixen took a closer look at the small carcass, holding it in the palms of her hands and carefully studying it. The fragile creature's corpse had no more substance than a snowflake. "Hey lady! Whatcha doin' with that butterfly," a voice called out, making the vixen jump slightly and interrupting her train of thought. It was the voice of a child, given the high pitch and curious tone. Without turning to look back, she replied, "Learning from it." Her voice was calm, yet had a fairly melancholy tone to it.
"But it's dead, silly!" This time, the vixen turned slightly to look. It was a young, plump demihuman mutt, probably no older than 8 or 9 years old. "Perhaps," she responded. "But that does not mean we cannot learn from it. Even in its current state, this creature can still teach us, if we are willing to
learn." "Like... how to die?" "Of course," the vixen replied looking back down at the pup, her full facial features now fully exposed to the young child. Her expression scared the boy, as he took a few steps back away from her. "Now come, don't be frightened," she spoke, trying to ease his fears and taking a few steps towards the boy. "I'll shall not harm you." But the pup looks back up as he began to noticeably shake in fear, then the vixen knelt down to his level. "Perhaps you are right," she spoke softly, turning to a different and more approachable tactic. "This creature can teach us how to die. Look at it's wings, for example." She delicately held up the butterfly so that the boy can look at it. "It's true that it can no longer beat them, but they retain the same beauty as they had when it was fileld with life." He continued to stare at it for a moment, his face awe-struck as he took in what the vixen had to say and as of now forgetting his earlier suspicions of the woman. "It looks peaceful, does it not? It can no longer feel hunger, no longer feel any form of pain... and yet, it's delicate corpse remains in such a perfect state. Quite a marvel to look at, don't you agree?"
"I dunno," the boy responded, more out of boredom than comprehension. She sighed, and stood back up on her feet. "I suppose you're too young to worry about such things yet." She sighed, disappointed in being deprived of a stimulating conversation. "Go, run along and play now - you'll have much to learn when you're older." This time, he did as he was told as he eagerly ran off back into the street. She held the butterfly aloft as she took another good glance at it. "Life's end... So beautiful, and yet, so tragic. When life ends, it gives off one, final lingering aroma. Light is nothing but a farewell gift passed on from the darkness for those on their way to die." With a sigh, she carefully placed the dead butterfly back where she found it, and made her way down the alleyway.
As she took a few steps into the narrow stone corridor, the sight of overflowing buckets of refuse and uneaten food greeted her, along with the foul stench that accompanied the state the alleyway was in. It was enough to make her gag slightly.
"Vix Arkelith, I assume?" A voice rang out in the distance, sounding slightly annoyed. Vix turned to look in the direction of the source and saw a human draped in black approach her, wearing a rather ridiculous hat. This confirmed it was her contact alright. "'Bout time you showed up - Y'know my boss doesn't like it
when people are late." "A pleasure to hear from you too, Gorbanoff," she responded, putting a hand on her hip. "What's occupying you these days?" "Busy enough as it is," he grunted. "Not enough to put food on my table, but them's the breaks. But I'm not here to make idle talk, so let's hear it." He folded his arms as he continued to talk. "Did you handle the shipment for us?" "Of course. Large quantities of weapons and munitions stowed away on a textiles freighter are on their way to South Gate as we speak." The vixen worked hard to get that order in tow and was pleased with her success, but she did not show it. Vix's hand was still placed firmly on her hip as she spoke, as if she wanted something in return. "I believe you have something to give to me in return, do you not?"
"Yup! Got it right here," Gorbanoff responded, and produced a small brown parcel from his hip bag. The vixen's eyes grew wide, and extended her hand out to reach for the parcel, but Gorbanoff just smirked, and quickly retracted it just as soon as he produced it. "But first, I want a small payment, since these things are hard to come by - 2000 gil.""T-two thous..." Vix's lip curled as she spoke, perhaps signifying the anger that was present in her tone. There was no point in arguing though, as time was of the essence for her. She reluctantly pulled out a small bag full of gil, and handed it over. "...Fine. But this had better be worth it, Gorbanoff! I am in no mood for trickery and deceit, especially from the likes of you.""You know I always keep my word, Vix." Gorbanoff happily pocketed the money and handed over the parcel. Vix was eager to take a look inside, a slight subtle smirk appeared on her muzzle as she poured her eyes over the red, glowing stone that was nesting inside of it. "Just so ya know," he spoke up. "You shouldn't be wandering around with that in the open - hear there's a crackdown on necromancy around Alexandria, lately. You get caught with that stone-"
"I am aware of the risk, Gorbanoff," the vixen cut him off, and quickly pocketed the parcel. "Though I am curious, however, as to why you would request a meeting in person, just to deliver this stone to me. A simple Mognet transaction would have sufficed.""Hye, don't look at me," Gorbanoff responded with a shrug. "I'm just following orders." "Then perhaps you will inform your employer that he should know better than to drag the likes of me out into the open like this, when you hand in your report. So now that I have what I came for, I shall take my leave.." She
started to walk away when Gorbanoff stopped her. "Wait, just hold on a second! There's something else you need to know, the real reason why I called you out here."Vix turned her head to face him again, this time with a slightly curious expression on her face. "Yes?" Gorbanoff took a deep breath before he continued. "...Your parents have been killed." She stood there in silence for a moment, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you really playing at?""That's what I was told to tell you. I don't know the details, but I heard someone snuck into your family manor and ambushed them in their sleep. Could've been burglars for all I know, but like I said... there's a crackdown on Necromancy lately."
"Nonsense!" Vix scoffed back. "My parents are extraordinarily cautious in all their dealings. Besides, Lindblum used to use lost souls to power their airships twenty years ago, did they not? I fail to see why necromancy is unlawful on this continent, and yet mist research is not.""That was different back then. We didn't know what was in that mist stuff 'til them Black Mage golems started appearing. Now we just try to avoid the stuff. Same for necromancy too. Some folks're still doing research into 'em illegally, but lately, the queen's been clamping down on necromancy. Makes sense that your folks were lightly caught out and got their just desserts for what they've done.""Hmph," Vix huffed as she listened, hand on hip to show her disinterest in her contact's story. "Nothing but idiot superstition. And if death is truly my parents' 'just desserts', then you deserve nothing less...we merely provide equipment, it is people such as your employer and yourself that provide the murderous intent to match." "Look, it's just a theory, nothing's been made official yet," Gorbanoff warned. "But if it's true, it won't be long until her majesty's troops will be looking for you, too. So if I were you, I'd lay low and keep that stone safe. You'll need it in a few days time, right?"
Vix growled under her breath, and clutched her hand against her pocket, the item now becomming more precious to her by the minute. "Yes, of course... That was part of the plan, was it not?""Good." And with that, Gorbanoff turned and started walking away, his head turning to face Vix one more time. "By the way, my boss will be contacting you in a few days. So make sure you stay alive 'til then." He flashed a final smile her way before turning his
face back towards his destination.Vix just watched as he disappeared down the passageway, leaving the vixen to collect her thoughts as she just stared at the mucky pavement. She didn't have time to dwell on them, though - the rancid smell in the alleyway was starting to get to Vix, forcing her to turn away and walk back into the main street.Either he is an agent provocateur, sent to bait me into a rash response...or there may be a grain of truth in his report. Which is it? Vix didn't have to think long and hard on that question. No... of course not - neither possibility makes any sense. His master is a power-hungry fool, but not stupid enough to bait me. But nor is it at all likely that my parents have truly been 'caught out', as the saying goes. There's something amiss that I may have ignored, or overlooked. As she walked through the street, she bumped into a few passerby's along the way, causing her to stumble and break her train of thought. She had to stop for a moment, as more pedestrians avoided walking in her, muttering curses under their breaths as they walked past the motionless vixen. The vixen gave herself a few curses as well for letting herself drift off in thought when she knew that being alert was now a priority for her.
Well, that leaves me no other choice... I must return home to the manor and investigate their deaths myself. However unlikely it may be, I cannot simply dismiss such a serious possibility out of hand. She patted her pocket once again as she walked. At least I have what I came for, and my task is done - I can only hope, at least, that Gorbanoff's master will have the decency to keep his end of the bargain. Without looking back, Vix resumed walking along the street and made her way towards the city gates.
Burmecia. The Realm of Eternal Rain.Up until twenty years ago, this small nation had been covered by a thick sheet of constant rain. Many Burmecian scholars believed it was a curse for defying the gods, while clerics proclaimed that it was a ward for protecting her citizens. It wasn't until the disappearance of the mist that the never ending rain had finally stopped. But it wasn't just the elements Burmecia had to deal with in it's lifetime, from it's intense rivalry with it's neighbors Alexandria, to the schism with their brethren, the Cleyrans.
Since their home city was decimated by the Black Mage army twenty years ago, the Burmecians and Cleyrans - otherwise collectively known as the Nezumi - worked tirelessly to restore their homes to their former glory. With the great tree of Cleyra destroyed, many Cleyran
refugees took shelter in Burmecia, while others have built temporary settlements around the tree's charred stump. Even while they rebuilt their shattered lives, relations between Burmecia and Alexandria still remained unstable, with many of the Nezumi still wanting revenge against Alexandria for trying to commit genocide against them, while others wished for a peaceful co-existence with their neighbors.Only time will tell when both these nations will have to face each other, with either words or steel. But for now, the Nezumis can only enjoy the brief state of peace as the people got on with their daily lives, living each day to their fullest.Today was just another one of those days.The sound of footclaws clacking against the cobblestone streets echoed out as one particular middle-aged Burmecian made his way through the city square. He was draped in a navy-blue tattered cloak, the hood pulled over his head to obscure his face - only his dull-brown bangs and stubble-covered face were visible as he shielded himself from the light drizzle that swept across the city that morning. It wasn't as bad as the heavy rain Burmecia used to endure twenty years prior, but most still found it to be an inconvenience - even without the mist, rain still continued to pour in Burmecia, thanks to it's location within the Aerbs Mountain's northern-most pocket.
The tattered-looking Nezumi quickly rushed past the warren-like buildings, as he searched high and low to find a place to keep shelter from the drizzle. He didn't have to search for long, though, as he saw his destination up ahead - a small local tavern named the Dancing Chocobo.The strong smell of alcohol and sounds of loud, rowdy chatter greeted him as he opened the door to step inside. Various kinds of customers stopped in there from time-to-time, from off-duty Burmecian militia and dragoons to drunken braggarts and one-night-stands. The tavern had fallen on tough times recently however, with the bills rising and less customers to tend to every day, but that didn't deter anyone from stopping in now and again - if only because the drinks being served were dirt cheap. The middle-aged Nezumi slowly strolled over to the bar and took a seat, as he slammed his fist into the bar hard enough to make all the patrons around him jump in surprise."Hey, barkeep," the Nezumi growled. "Any chance of getting a stiff drink around here?"
The bartender turned around as he was cleaning a pint glass. He was a young Burmecian named Declan - At seventeen years old, he was a part-time worker, dressed in a simple white shirt and brown pants, with an unwashed white apron. Declan
looked at the older Nezumi apprehensively, setting the pint glass he was cleaning down on the bar.Oh great, it's this guy again, he thought to himself as he rolled his eyes. No doubt he's gonna brag about his latest so-called exploits by the time I serve him his drink. Oh well, can't ignore him forever, I guess. "Hey! Ya deaf or somethin'?" The older Nezumi's voice grew louder. "I said I need a drink!"Declan sighed, signifying the annoyance he demonstrated for the scruffy patron. "Alright Biggs, but you better not cause another ruckus in here - you drove off a few good customers yesterday.""Yeah, yeah, I hear ya," Biggs responded gruffly. "I'll keep the noise decibel down this time."He wasted no time setting some ice in a small glass, then poured some bourbon over those rocks as the brown, murky liquid filled the small tumbler. As he finished, Declan passed the alcoholic beverage over, the middle-aged Nezumi responded kindly with a few pieces of Gil, which Declan quickly pocketed.
"Yo, Biggs!" A voice called out in the tavern, as a younger looking Burmecian, also rather ragged looking, took a seat next to his equally tattered kinsman. The two glanced at one another with familiarity, as the older one took a swig from his glass tumbler, the brown liquid poured down his throat until it was half full, and set it back down on the bar again."Hey, how've ya been, buddy?" the younger one spoke again with much enthusiasm. "Haven't heard from you in a while. Still workin' for Marcus over at the warehouse?"Biggs just stared into his glass tumbler, swirling the dark liquid around and watched the ice cubes clatter and roll around in his whiskey as they slowly melted. "Can't say that I have, Wedge... I've been out of work for at least six months now.""So what've you been doin' all this time, then?""Doing all kinds of odd-jobs, here and there," Biggs responded, quite bitterly. "Most of it ain't honest work. But it pays well, since there's nothing I can't handle out there. Being an ex-soldier helps, in that regard."
"Yeah, I hear ya. So what kinda work you've done? Gimme details!"Oh, great. Here comes the braggathon, Declan thought to himself, getting increasingly annoyed as the two went on."Well, where should I start?" Biggs began, as he took another sip from his drink. "About two weeks ago, I was
being an escort to some eggheads in the mountains 'round here. Got attacked by all kinds up there; Hedgehog pies, Ironites, Yetis... you name it. Those guys wouldn't have pulled through if it weren't for me, though. A week earlier, though, I was up on Popos Heights - y'know, right above the Grotto? When suddenly, WHAM!"The sound of the Nezumi's fist hitting the bar rung out for effect to his story. "A grand dragon pops out of gods-know-where, and tries to barbeque our party. So what did I do? I ripped the bastard's flame glands out before it could belch more fire, then drove my sword right into it's skull. Managed to pull through that one without a scratch.""Sounds like you had quite a blast, if, uh... ya don't mind the puns."
The two laughed and continued to converse for a while longer. Biggs continued to brag about his exploits, from fighting off a pack of Bandersnatches from a caravan of merchants to clearing a cave full of wild Adamantoises near the Vube Desert. As each story was told, they became more and more ridiculous-sounding in nature, with Biggs recounting tales of him fighting seemingly stronger and more dangerous monsters that would've taken a small army to defeat.Declan was doing his best trying to keep tight-lipped as the older Nezumi continued hos boastings. The young bartender was serving more drinks to each passing customer all the while keeping whatever-flavored comments he had planned in his head to himself.I swear, this guy is really getting on my nerves. If he starts talking about any Tonberry encounters, I am really gonna-"Oh yeah, did I tell you about seeing a school of Tonberries out in the middle of Evil Forest?" The words rung out as Declan stopped what he was doing, which made him almost dropped a pint glass that he was cleaning. "A pair of adventurers and me were hunting around there for treasure a few months ago. While we searched knee-deep in one of th' swamps, these Tonberries came out and tried to stab us from underwater. I knew those bastards were pretty tenacious, but damn! Never thought in a million years that they'd pull that trick! Heck, I didn't even know those things could breathe underwater. But I tell you, that was the most intense ten minutes of our lives - I thought we we never gonna get out of that marsh alive!"
While Wedge and a small number of guests were clearly impressed, the rest who listened in clearly weren't, some of them even made disgusted faces while he yammered on. But it was Declan who broke the awkward silence among the rest of the patrons. He put down his cleaning equipment, and leaned over the bar
in Biggs' direction, the younger Nezumi's brows furrowed as if to express the contempt he has for Biggs right now."Let me guess," Declan began, his tone somewhat stern and condescending. "Was this around the same time you and some friends blew up a crystal mine around Lindblum? Or the time you got into a fight with someone named Elvoret?"The middle-aged Nezumi looked up at Declan, his brows too furrowed as the corners of his mouth extended into a sneer. "Huh? What exactly are you getting' at?""You've been coming in here literally every day for the past six months, drinking all our beer and bragging about these 'adventures' non-stop for hours! There's no way you could've been on the field and here at the same time. And you don't even make an effort at being original, either - You just change some of the details each time."
Biggs just simply scowled at him, his teeth bared as Declan continued to throw out the accusations at him. "So what if I have, kid. You got any better stories to tell, or you got better experience at adventuring than me?""I don't, but my dad does," The younger Nezumi coolly responded, never breaking eye-contact with Biggs. "He's been fighing in wars and going on adventures for years, and he's got the scars to prove it. That's more than what anyone can say about you, Biggs.""Whatever." Biggs knocked his head back and downed the rest of his drink, and slammed the empty glass back down on the counter. "Hey, asshole. When you finish chewin' the fat, get me another mead, will ya?"Declan clenched his jaws tight, the younger Nezumi clenched his fists in anger as he continued to stare at Biggs. He reached forward for the glass, but he didn't top it back up with more whiskey - instead, he dumped the ice from the tumbler into a waste bin under the bar, and placed it in a rack among the other dirty glasses."No, Biggs. I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. You've done nothing but cause trouble, and I'm not putting up with it anymore."
"H-hey!" The middle-aged Nezumi barked back, his voice raised as his friend Wedge slipped away, terrified of the fight that's about to break out. "I'm a paying customer! And I said I want another damn drink!""Don't make me call my boss over, Biggs," Declan warned. "He's run out of patience as I have.""You think you can threaten me with your boss, kid? 'Cause I'm a personal friend of the guy who runs this place!""Oh, you know me, do you, Biggs?"A voice called out from behind as a paunchy Burmecian in his late 30s, sporting short, unkempt hair, stepped in from the inn's back rooms. "'Cause... I don't remember you bein' one of my drinking buddies before."Biggs' eyes widened as he just realized his mistake - the bar owner, and Declan's boss, had just heard the whole conversation they had just now. The middle-aged Nezumi just sat there in shock, his cheeks flushed as he was unable to formulate any kind of response at all - not even a snappy riposte."Hey Ernie, you know this guy?" Declan spoke up, a somewhat devious smirk appearing on his face. "Doesn't look like one of your Tuesday night Tetra Master buddies to me."
"You're right, he isn't... But I do know him from the complaints I've been getting from this fellow. Getting into fights, harassing the other customers, being rude to my employees, the constant rowdiness... This ain't Kindergarten, Biggs. You wanna cause problems, you go do it at home.""Aww, c'mon Ernie," Biggs pleaded. "Look, I'm sorry that I chewed the kid out, just gimmie a break, alright? Life hasn't been easier since I got discharged a year ago.""And coming in here is not a good way of dealing with that, Biggs. Now I'm gonna have to ask you to leave, or I'm gonna call in the guard to drag your sorry ass out of here."Biggs growled in disgust, the ragged-looking Nezumi got up out of his seat and made his way to the door, cursing under his breath along the way. Before he left, he turned his face to dart a glance at Declan and Ernie as they stood at the bar, his brows furrowed as he stared at them, then stepped out into the rain once more."Oh, finally," Declan muttered once Biggs was out of earshot. "I thought he'd never leave this place."
"Me too, Dec. I tell ya, that guy's been a pain in my ass for too long. Glad to be rid of him, at last."Yeah, you're telling me... I mean, it only took you, what, this long to get rid of Biggs.Declan just simply rolled his eyes and went back to his chores. "Well now that Biggs has been kicked out, do you think he'll give up the drink and turn his life around?""Doubt it - guys like him will find another hole to sink into, and pretty soon he'll be hittin' the booze and causing trouble again.""But wouldn't they just be enabling him further? The guy's got problems, sure, but like you said, drowning his sorrows and causing a ruckus isn't a good way of dealing with them.""Maybe. But in any case, he's somebody else's problem now, not ours.""Yeah, I guess you're right..." The younger Nezumi simply shrugged to himself, only for a voice at the bar to grab his attention mid-thought."Hey kid, a pint over here if you will!" Declan didn't have time to address any more concerns about Biggs, and instead focused on serving a few more customers at the bar. The rest of the morning continued on as normal, the atmosphere feeling much calmer and more quiet now that their least favorite patron was out of the picture. A couple more early boozers tried to cause a ruckus, but they were dealt with more easily than Biggs. All in all, a fairly quiet morning for once. That is, until Lunch roamed around the corner.
"Hey Dec," Ernie called out. "We're running low on whiskey! Do me a favor and grab a few bottles from around the back.""Sure thing, boss!" Declan finished up serving another thirsty customer, and made his way through the Inn's back area and kitchen, where the back door was. He stepped outside into the small, narrow alley that ran across the back of the Inn, the area closest to the back door cordoned off by a small stack of crates full of bottled alcohols. It was a total wonder as to why Ernie would prefer storing his supplies out here rather than use a storeroom, since anyone could probably steal those crates full of spirits if they ever had the chance. Then he remembered the gate that blocked this alley off to the main street, which Ernie kept locked most of the time - the only time it ever gets unlocked is if a delivery is made to the inn.Declan immediately got to work inspecting the crates, reading over each label until he came across one that had "North Gate Malt Liquor" written on it. With the right crate in view, he rummaged around for the crowbar he usually kept next to the crates, but to his surprise, he couldn't find it. He soon found out why, though.
A sudden sharp blow struck the back of the Nezumi's head, causing him to fly forward and hit his head against the crates. The blow didn't knock him unconscious, but it did leave Declan with a nasty headache. Clutching the back of his head, Declan turned his head around to see his attacker... and saw that it was none other than Biggs, who was apparently hanging around the inn after he got kicked out."No so full of yourself now, are ya, you little bastard!" Biggs spat out. "Let's
see how your smug attitude will run with your head spilled across the ground!" He lunged at Declan again, the younger Nezumi managed to dodge the incoming blow this time without getting his head cracked open like an egg. The crowbar got stuck in one of the crates, allowing the younger Burmecian to scramble onto his feet, just as Biggs was able to free his weapon again, ready to strike."W-wait, wait! Wait a second!" Declan protested, his hands held up in a defensive stance. "We don't have to do this! We can talk this out, Biggs!"Biggs ignored his plea, the older Burmecian screamed and charged at Declan again, this time he was able to dodge the incoming blow as he swung his crowbar. The ragged Nezumi continued to swing at him, as Declan avoided and dodged every swing that was thrown at him, until a blow struck him in his left collarbone. The blow didn't break his bone, but it left Declan reeling in agony, clenching his teeth as he hissed in pain and clutched his left shoulder.
"C'mon, pretty boy, fight back," Biggs shouted again. "I can do this all day!"The younger Nezumi grunted in pain again, still holding his shoulder as he looked around for something suitable that would at least pass as a weapon. Or failing that, a distraction of sorts. Then he remembered the crates of booze that were stacked up behind him. Quickly, Declan turned around and picked up a single crate, his teeth clenched as he tried to ignore the pain in his shoulder, and tossed it in Biggs' direction. The ragged Nezumi was clumsy enough to block the incoming box with his crowbar, the weapon lodged itself deep in one of the wooden panels as it quickly crashed to the ground - along with Bigg's arm, as he too was dragged down to the pavement.The older Nezumi cursed as he struggled to remove his crowbar from the crate. Eventually he gave up and accepted his loss, having let go of the metal bar and reached inside his tattered cloak and produced a steel short sword, the one he kept from his old soldiering days. But as he stood back up and faced Declan, he was greeted with the sight of him throwing another crate, this time the makeshift projectile managed to hit it's target, shattering upon impact. Several bottles of cheap mead were smashed; creating a shower of booze, glass and wooden splinters that rained down on Biggs as he fell to the ground again.
Declan too sank to one knee and grunted in agony, clutching his shoulder as the pain intensified from lifting those crates. The strong smell of alcohol filling the alley wasn't helping his mood either, as the stench of cheap beer filled his nostrils and made him gag. How did a job that was meant to take five minutes turn into a back alley
brawl, anyway?That question will have to wait, as Biggs slowly and painfully crawled back onto his feet. The blow to his head and the contents of all those bottles dumped all over him made the ragged Nezumi stumble a bit, all the while muttering a string of curses that would've made a sailor blush. Grabbing the hilt of his sword on the way, Biggs readied his weapon and let out a loud battle cry as he charged towards Declan, his shouting would've been loud enough to alert everyone within a block or two.Dammit, what is this guy made of?! Everything I do just won't make him stay down, Declan thought to himself, and quickly got back on his feet as Biggs rushed towards him, weapon drawn. Just as he swung his sword, the younger Nezumi managed to block the incoming attack, grabbing onto Biggs' sword arm with his left and swung a right hook to his face. The blow connected, having stunned the ragged Nezumi and allowed Declan time to disarm his foe; snatching away his sword as he pointed it towards the now-weaponless Burmecian.
Both Nezumi stared at one another with intensity, but as Declan tightened the grip on that hilt, a sudden dull electric spark formed around his fingertips. The spark then extended across over the blade as it was soon awash with a series of blue lightning arcs. Biggs looked at him with a horrified expression as he backed away slowly, eyes trailing slowly over that lightning-enchanted sword."What th- What the hell is that," he barked. "That ain't no skill I've seen before! You some kinda mage or what?!" Declan remained silent as his gaze never faltered, his teeth bared as he kept the blade pointed at Biggs. What distracted him, however, were a pair of voices coming from the other side of the gate leading to this alley."You sure it came from here, Wayne?""Yep - that's where that loud scream came from just now.""But it's locked from the other side! How're we supposed to get in here?""You got legs, right, Jim? So why doncha try scaling it, instead of complaining?""Alright, alright, get off my freakin' back already, Wayne! Damn busybody..."
Both Declan and Biggs turned to see a couple of Burmecian guards climb over the gate, the younger Nezumi quickly dispersed his lightning enchantment the moment they came into view. The guards could clearly see that there had been a brawl between these two, judging from the broken crates and Declan pointing his sword at the other Burmecian in a threatening manner. They immediately gave
chase; Jim immediately grabbed Biggs as he tried to make a break for it, while Wayne drew his sword as he slowly approached Declan."You there," he shouted with authority. "Drop the sword, and place your hands on your head!"The words echoed through the younger Nezumi's head, his eyes widened as a chill ran down his spine. He immediately complied, dropping the short sword as it landed with a loud, metallic clang, and placed his hands on the back of his head. Biggs, on the other hand, was struggling to break free, forcing Jim to slap the cuffs on and restrain him."Looks like we caught you boys just in time. A few moments later, and someone could've had their guts spilled all over the ground."
"S-spilled?" Declan asked. "No, I-I wasn't going to-!""Then perhaps you can explain why you were holding that sword like you were about to cut that fellow down?" The guard asked, pointing at Biggs."I was just going to scare him off, that's all. And besides, it isn't my sword, anyway.""Don't listen to him!" The ragged Nezumi cried out. "That kid's crazy, I tell ya! I was just mindin' my own business down here, 'til he came along and pulled that thing on me."Jim looked at Biggs in suspicion, his brows furrowed as he spoke. "Sir, this passageway was locked, was it not? Then how did you get in here, anyway?""Erm... I, uh... I was, um...""And for that matter," Wayne spoke, his eyes glared at Declan with suspicion. "How did you get in here, anyway?""I'm a barman who works at the inn here - as if the uniform was a dead giveaway.""Oh!" Biggs was able to chime in, as Declan gave his story. "I-I work here too, just like that kid does!"Can't you come up with your own excuses, or what? Declan groaned and rolled his eyes, as if Biggs was just proving to be even more than a nuisance. The two guards just looked at each over and gave a nod, as Wayne prepared to cuff the younger Nezumi.
"Right, well, we're just going to have to take you boys in, until we can discern the truth from all this. What's your name, kid?""My name? It's... Declan Tribal, sir."The patrolmen looked at one another in astonishment, then back to Declan once again. "Tribal? As in...
Zidane Tribal? You wouldn't happen to be related, are you?"The younger Nezumi groaned again, this time in annoyance. "...Do I even look like a monkey?""No, I... guess not."Just then, the back door swung open, and Ernie stepped out. "Hey Dec, what the hell's taking so lo-" The bar owner was greeted with the sight of two Burmecians being arrested by a pair of guards, and several bottles of beer - and a pair of crates - smashed and scattered across the stone floor. "Uh... Can someone tell me what's goin' on out here?""Sir, we've been hearing screams coming from this alley, and saw this one," The patrolman Jim pointed at Declan's direction. "about to turn the other into a rat kebab."Ernie tilted his head in confusion. "Who, Declan? That kid wouldn't kill a fly if he wanted."
"Wait a second... Are you telling my you know this kid?""Yeah - he works at my joint as a barman."The two guards glanced at one another in surprise. They gave a reluctant nod and Wayne, instead of arresting Declan, put away his cuffs."Well, at least your story checks out, kid," he started. "But I'm going to tell you this now - next time, keep your toys at home, or else someone will have a limb hacked off, and then you won't be so lucky.""Thanks. Can I go back to doing my job now?"The guard glared at Declan in annoyance, as the younger Nezumi went back inside, his hand clutched onto his shoulder as he went. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Wayne wanted to arrest the kid for that smarmy retort he made just then, but he ultimately decided to let it slide for now. The two guards then focused their attention on Biggs. "And what of this one? Is he one of your boys, too?""Oh, Biggs?" Ernie glanced at him in disgust. "He's a nobody. Got himself kicked out this morning for starting a ruckus. Didn't know he was gone 'til I saw him and Dec out here, but I got a good feeling what he wanted, though." And he nodded towards the crates, the two guards took a glance themselves and turned back to face Biggs.
"So is that why you were down here? Planning some kind of heist?""W-what?! No, I wasn't... I-I mean, I was only...""Wait, I know this guy!" Wayne walked up to Biggs, and carefully inspected his face from all sides,
his nose scrunched up as he looked at the ragged-looking Nezumi. "Yeah, I know you... You're Biggs from the 24th Infantry Unit, aren't ya?"Biggs widened his eyes in surprise, before slipping back to his usual dismissive demeanor. "Yeah, what of it?""You were discharged from the army for 'behavior unbecoming of an officer' a year back, weren't you? Dishonorably, if I recall. In fact, you're still meant to be on parole for those assault and burglary charges, right?"Biggs swore under his breath, as he realized he just broke the terms of his parole - meaning he'll be back in a cell in no time. The two guards didn't need to hear no further, as Jim escorted the cuffed Biggs to the gate, while Wayne walked with Ernie down the alley. "Hey, sorry 'bout the mess those two boys've caused. I hope that wasn't expensive stuff, was it?"
"S'fine, I can get those bottled replaced easily. I'll he having a word with Dec later, though. Just make sure that asshole gets himself a nice jail cell with a view." "Oh, don't worry - I'm sure we will." The guard guffawed as Ernie unlocked the gate and let all three out, the two patrolmen nodded their thanks and left with an incarcerated Biggs in tow. As they walked down the cobblestone street, Ernie could hear the two guards conversing."So you really believe that kid's last name is Tribal?""Gee, I dunno, Jim - you see a monkey tail and a flock-of-seagulls haircut on him?""...No?""Well then, I guess he isn't.""Thanks, Wayne. You might wanna say that again without the sarcasm?"
Lunch time rolled around the corner, and the Dancing Chocobo was empty, save for the two employees that worked there, Declan and Ernie. The former was sitting at one of the tables, holding an ice pack to his shoulder as Ernie walked over with a potion in hand."Here, drink this," he said, as he passed the bluish-purple bottle to Declan. "It'll help take the edge off of that shoulder wound."
The young Nezumi quietly accepted the bottle, and brought the rim to his mouth as took a few gulps. The blue liquid mixture gave him a brief feeling of rejuvenation, as the pain in his head and shoulder began to dissipate."Y'know, you should've came to me right away if Biggs was giving you hell, Dec," Ernie spoke
up again, his voice full of concern. "Sometimes, I think you like getting your ass kicked."Declan placed the half-empty bottle on the table, the pain in his shoulder and on the back of his head begin to subside. "I had him on the ropes, believe me.""Right... How many times has it been now, I wonder?" Ernie rolled his eyes and took a seat opposite to Declan, turning the chair around so he can lean forward against the backrest. "Y'know, in most places they can fire you for punching somebody. Even if they did deserve it, like our old 'friend' Biggs. Can't say I agree with 'em for being so heavy handed like that, but tensions 'round here are high enough as they are. What, with that strained friendship between us and Alexandria."
"Yeah, I hear you, Ernie. With the way things are going, it's like everyone thinks we're getting ready for a war with them.""You're right about that, Dec. Not that it's anything new... But right now, I got far more important things to worry 'bout." Ernie stood up and took a deep breath, the bar owner looked around the bar area. "Say, I've been thinkin'. Have you thought about what you plan to do other than work here?""No, not really. I guess I haven't really thought about it.""Well, you gotta give it a think sometime soon, Dec. You can't work here forever, y'know."Declan's brows furrowed, as he darted a suspicious glare at his boss. "C'mon, Ernie, what are you not telling me? Am I being fired, or what?""No, I wouldn't say that," Ernie responded, quite flatly in fact. "I was just asking if ya got any plans for the future. Even a bright kid like you's gotta have some goal to look forward to, right?"The young Nezumi groaned loudly, and rolled his eyes in frustration. Way to have ignored my question, Ernie. I'd be better off talking to a five-year-old than my boss, at this rate. His not-so-subtle display of annoyance did not go unnoticed, however, and Ernie soon relented.
"Okay, Dec. I'll be frank..." The inn keeper sighed heavily, and resumed his seat as he looked at Declan. "I went over the books for this place a few weeks ago, and... it's not good news, m'afraid. Turns out this place has been haemorrhaging money. The bills keep rising, and we keep gettin' less and less customers. At this rate, I might have to sell the place."Declan looked at his boss as his eyes widened in shock. "What?! Why didn't you tell me this before?""I know,
I should have. But you're the best employee I got, Dec, and I just can't afford to keep you around anymore. So I gotta let you go, I'm afraid."I'm the only employee you've got, Ernie, remember? You fired everyone else after that mess of a stag party last year. Declan's eyes trailed down to the wooden floorboards, his hands rested on his knees as they clenched into fists. The young Nezumi was silent as he took a moment to collect his thoughts - sure, he's worked at the tavern for a long time, almost two years now... but is that really all there is to him? Was there something else that Declan wanted to do with his life?
"Ernie," he quietly asked. "You asked me if I wanted to do something else other than work here, right? Well, there's something I've been looking to do for a while now. Something important..."The inn keeper raised his eyebrows, not in surprise, but out of morbid curiosity. "Lemme guess... This about your old man, right? The one you told me that went missing ten years ago? Don't you think he'd be declared dead by now?""Maybe," came the reply. "But I don't believe for a second that he's dead, just because someone started a rumor. But if he is, then I want to see his body for myself. I'll go across all of Gaia if I have to...""Ha! See, I knew you had some ambition in you, Dec. But why haven't you already gone?""Well..." Declan turned his head to one side as he looked away in embarrassment. "The truth is, I've been saving a bit up on the side, so I could go. But every time I save up a bit, I just lose it again, one way or another."Ernie threw his head back in a fit of laughter, his booming laughter filled the whole seating area. "You were saving up to find him?! What, you were gonna rent an airship and look for him in the mountains or something?" The inn keeper soon calmed down, wiping away a few tears as he looked back at Declan again.
"Kid, I had nothing when I first got this place. All the money I made from this place I got from selling altar wine and bottle beer - stuff I bought with my own pocket money. Didn't get to where I was today without makin' some huge risks, believe me.""This is a little different from starting up a business, Ernie," Declan responded again as he shook his head."Huh. Maybe you're right, Dec." The innkeeper got up and went over to the bar to grab something from behind the counter. He pulled out a relatively small leather pouch that made a clinking
sound as it moved, suggesting that it was full of gil. With the bag in hand, Ernie strolled back to Declan's table, and dropped it in front of him, the contents clinked loudly as the sack hit the wooden surface."Here," Ernie said. "There's five hundred shiny ones in there. Was savin' all that for a rainy day, but I figured you'd be better off with it."Declan checked the contents of the bag - it certainly was full of gil, alright; Gold, pentagon-shaped coins with a small circular hole in the middle. He sealed the coin bag back up, and looked at his boss in bewilderment. "But... why?"
"Well, this place ain't gonna be around much longer. So I figured you'd put all that spare change to better use. Besides... I'd probably waste all that money buying junk and regretting it later."The young Nezumi was at a lost for words, his face lit up as he stared back at Ernie with an expression like he was going to cry. "E-Ernie, I...""Woah there, don't get all sentimental on me. Last thing I wanna remember is you gettin' all weepy-eyed." Ernie took a few steps back, his arms crossed as Declan's expression changed from disbelief to his usual serious demeanor, and quickly pocketed the coin bag with a single nod. There was a brief period of silence shared between the two before Ernie spoke again."Well, Dec... I guess this is goodbye for now. Can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I'm gonna miss havin' ya around, bud.""Thanks, Ernie - it's been great fun for me, too." Declan got up from his seat and removed his apron, placing it on the backrest. He then walked over to his boss and gave him a handshake, as a farewell gesture.
"Oh, and one more thing, kid," Ernie spoke again, as he let go of the younger Nezumi's hand. "Next time you get into a fight, find somethin' better than a box full of booze, 'kay?"Declan grumbled to himself, and rolled his eyes at Ernie's comment. As he headed for the door and grabbed the handle, he turned his head around to give the inn one last look. A part of him wanted to stay here and live the boring but safe life as he glanced around. But on the other hand, he would never find closure on his father's disappearance, and he'd be no better than a lazy pig. His mind was already made up.Taking a deep breath, Declan turned the door handle, swung the door open and stepped outside into the light drizzle.