Alright, soà Final Fantasy Tactics is a masterpiece, especially his story and characters. The best thing? There are some characters who influence the story heavily and yet make little appearances or they do not appear at all. So, going through the gameÆs encyclopaedia, an alternative plot for the story came to my mind. The major point of divergence is the survival of a single character. From there, much came to my mind.
My thanks also go to SerialRavist and his story æThe IcemanÆ. ItÆs not for all tastes, but there are many good ideas, and it inspired an aspect of this story. So, what can I say if notà Enjoy!
Prologue
Cancer 13th, Middle Ages, 709
ôNo! I wonÆt go! Release me!ö
ôBe quick about it!ö The hit and run tactic had failed. They had tried to assassinate the de-facto leader of House Beoulve, but they had failed. Badly. The only thing they could do was taking an hostage, the weaker pieces.
ôY-YouÆre hurting me! Let go! Zalbaag!ö One of the two daughters of house Beoulve had already been tied up and hoisted over his own Chocobo. The blonde one was struggling in the grip of his companion, and that let the second-born of the house to reach the man, who fell lifeless under one swift blow.
ôHmph. Time to cut losses.ö The Corpse Brigade member steered his Chocobo to the right, ready to make his escape. One Beoulve was better than naught. His run was cut short by lightning, though, or at least what he could only describe as lightning. A bolt of yellow light that slammed right in front of his Chocobo, scaring the animal to the point of unceremoniously dropping captive and kidnapper alike to the ground. Gragoroth Levigne was at this point scared out of his mind, his head snapping from side to side to search for his attacker.
ôYou come to my manse uninvitedàö He suddenly tensed, and turned around in a flash, still in a sitting position on the ground, unable to get up. He had never seen the man that was now stepping through the mansionÆs doorway, but he had heard the stories. Read the chronicles. Knew the name. ôYou harm my eldest son, and dare lay your hands on my daughtersàö
Each step made the Corpse Brigade knight sweat and tremble more, the figure now old, his whole body ill because of an illness that had almost taken his life. Even surviving it had left the man with a body unable to live as he once did, to fight as he once did, as the Knight Gallant. And yet, his figure, sword in hand as he slowly approached his figure, was the most terrible sight in the world, for him. He almost jumped out of his skin as he stopped in front of him. ôAre ye prepared to face the consequences of your misdeeds?ö
ôà N-Noà I am not, my lordàö The knight replied truthfully as the older man raised his sword and pointed it at his head.
ôà So be it.ö The sword was put back in its scabbard, and the knight visibly relaxed at this, before a boot landed on his face with enough force to send him to the ground, his vision blurry and his chin hurting. ôTill then, you shalt be a guest of the OrderÆs cellars.ö As two knights appeared and brought away the stunned knight, the old man got on one knee and started to undo the ropes tied around TietraÆs body. ôAre you unhurt, Tietra?ö
ôY-Yesàö The girl was still visibly shaken, as the tears building up in her eyes proved. ôI-I am well, Lord Barbanethàö
ôStop.ö The man suddenly put his hands on the girlÆs shoulders, halting her speech in mid-sentence, much to the girlÆs confusion. ôWhen I took you as my daughter, Tietra, thou received the right to address me in a different fashion than Lord Barbaneth.ö
ôIàö The girl stared at the man in front of him for a few seconds, before she hiccupped and began to sob softly, burying her head in the manÆs shoulder. ôF-Father! I wasà I was so scared!ö
ôAll is well, now.ö Lord Barbaneth Beoulve embraced his adopted daughter, soothing her with soft words.
ôà Fatheràö Zalbaag chose silence and to head back inside to check on their eldest brother. Alma was visibly moved by the scene, and many other people would have been confused, pleasantly surprised, but many others would have been disgusted. That a noble would adopt and come to love a peasant-born girl as his own daughter was almost blasphemy, in their eyes.
--
Cancer 17th
ôAre they well?!ö
ôRamza, Delita, be calm! They are well! No harm has come upon them, thanks to me and Lord Father!ö The fraternal friends had heard this from ZalbaagÆs mouth, but it seemed that their minds would not be put to rest unless they saw their sisters with their own eyes. They opened the door to the main room of the mansion in a hurry, rudely, much to ZalbaagÆs growing headache.
ôAh, Ramza. Delita.ö They were welcomed with the sight of Barbaneth and their sisters sitting at the main table, drinking tea. Completely unharmed, and almost relaxed. ôWhatÆs with the rush? Missed us that much?ö
ôà Always, father. Always.ö Ramza finally let go of the breath he didnÆt know he had been holding in, while Delita just rushed to his sister and wrapped her in a fierce hug.
ôWhen I heard about what had happenedà What would I have done if something happened to you?ö Delita whispered in TietraÆs ear, and the girl just chuckled and returned the hug, tightly. Alma stared at them and then pouted in RamzaÆs direction.
ôThatÆs all the worry you had about my wellbeing, brother dear? No hug for me?ö Alma joked, much to RamzaÆs embarrassment.
ôEhmà I mean, I was worried, indeedà But I see that you are well, soàö If possible, Alma pouted even more. The youngest of house Beoulve groaned and complied, walking slowly to his sister and giving her a hug. ôBetter, sister?ö
ôHmmà Much better.ö The girl dropped the pout and smiled, hugging her brother back for a few seconds. Once the embrace was broken, Ramza bowed to his father, respectfully, much to the manÆs amusement.
ôBoy, pleaseà I receive enough of these antics from the knights of the Order. I have no need for my own flesh and blood to remind myself that I am a noble as well.ö He chuckled as Ramza shook his head.
ôNoà This is just in sign of thanks, lord father. I heard from Zalbaag that you personally intervened.ö He lowered his head even more. ôEven in your conditionàö
ôBoy, you offend me. I may be not be in my prime anymore, but I can handle one or two kidnappers.ö BarbanethÆs voice became very serious for an instant along with his facial expression. ôButà I do appreciate your concern.ö
ôà Yes, lord father.ö Ramza got back into a straightened standing position, a smile on his face.
ôSo, about fightingà I heard that thine unit has made quick work of another group from the Corpse Brigade.ö At those words, the father immediately noticed his youngest son tense. He immediately understood that something was bothering him. ôà Something happened? A comrade lost, maybe?ö
ôNaught of the sort, fatherà But IÆd like to have your word of guidance.ö Barbaneth nodded in acknowledgment and slowly got up from his seat.
ôSo be it. Zalbaag, make so that no one comes to my study.ö The second born nodded and bowed, while he made sign to Ramza to follow him to his study, where they could talk in private. The last battleÆs events weighted heavily on the young BeoulveÆs heart.
--
ôà And I could not bring myself to end her lifeà It just felt wrong.ö
ôHmmàö Barbaneth had kept his silence as his youngest son told him of the last battle he had fought, and how he couldnÆt bring himself to kill the last remaining standing of his foes, sitting in his armchair. A woman whose words spoken during their clash had touched his very soul, he saw. ôI can see why this hast shaken you.ö
ôLord Fatherà What shall I do? What if I chance upon her again?ö Ramza spoke while observing the green scenery outside.
ôà For starters, you must knowà That theyÆre in the right, in this scuffle.ö Those words made Ramza turn around with such speed that he almost lost his footing. ôIndeed, the noble houses havenÆt paid the Dead Men their due, afraid that it would empty their coffers.ö
ôB-But thenàö Ramza was too confused to avoid stuttering, but Barbaneth cut him off before he could make a fool out of himself.
ôThey are in the rightà But their reaction isnÆt just, and not even intelligent. You have to ask yourself, why they couldnÆt be paid?ö That stopped the blonde haired teen from speaking further. ôOne of the warÆs effects hath been the disarray of our economy. Money that that should have been used for their pay has been used for other, vital purposes. I can not vouch for the other nobles, but House Beoulve has donated a fair amount of money for the rebuilt of Ivalice.ö
Barbaneth got up from his seat and walked to RamzaÆs side, letting him glance to the outside, and particularly, to the far away camps where men and women alike were working the earth. ôEarth left unattended needs double the care to go back to what it was. Ports, hospitals, have become old and decadent. Yet, they were denied their pay. This made them blind to the needs of their country as a whole, their hate for the one who orchestrated such a meaningless war further fomented. They do not want justice, they want to spill the blood of those noble-born.ö
ôBut not all nobles areàö Ramza was about to say æLike ArgathÆ, but he decided against this. After fighting by his side, he owed at least a bit of loyalty to his friend. ôI meanà Not all nobles are as bad as they fear.ö
ôAnd yet, they do not see this. They refuse to see this because they would be left with naught, if they did.ö The gray haired knight continued, much to RamzaÆs confusion.
ôà Father, I now understand the why and the howà But it doesnÆt present me with an answer.ö The young knight sighed, holding his head low.
ôIt is not an easy problem to solve, son. On one hand, youÆd prefer not to fight against such an enemy again, but if the chance shows itself, you canÆt just let her take your life, can you?ö Ramza shook his head in reply. ôà Do you remember what I told you before you started the academy, Ramza?ö
ôOf course.ö The blonde nodded fiercely, remembering clearly the words his father had gifted him with before his departure for Gariland. ôôFor generations, we Beoulves have stood foremost of those who serve the Crown. Ours is the soul of the knight. Become a knight worthy of your name. Tolerate no injustice. Stray not from the true path. You will know the path you must walk.öö
ôThe last part.ö Barbaneth interrupted him, a satisfied smile on his face. ôI cannot show you the path you must follow, Ramzaà All I can do is trust that you will find it on your own, and I do.ö
ôà I do not know if I have that trust myself, father.ö RamzaÆs gaze returned to the floor, his eyes lost in a circle he was instinctively drawing on the ground.
--
ôRamza, art thou well?ö
ôI am, Delitaà Just confused. I fear talking with my father has done me more harm than good.ö The young cadet let out a long sigh as he walked out in the courtyard of his home, where his best friend and his newest one waited for him.
ôI still cannot see what eats you, Ramza. Did that wenchÆs words bother you this much?ö Argath immediately rebutted, much to DelitaÆs annoyance.
ôDamn, Argath! Is it that difficult for you to accept an outcome without bloodshed?!ö The bronze skinned man roared in the direction of their comrade-in-arms. He didnÆt feel like calling him friend. Not after the last fightÆs events.
ôI donÆt see the need, if itÆs peasantÆs blood.ö Delita frowned even more at this.
ôStay your tongue, Argath. Or IÆll make it so that you cannot make it lash ever again.ö He threatened the fellow squire, who just shook his head.
ôShall I speak clearly, then? Alright. Had I been lord Barbaneth, I would have felled down the kidnapper where he stood along with thy sister!ö That earned DelitaÆs ire, but thankfully for Argath, Ramza was there to stay his punch.
ôArgath, you go too far. Remember that technically, both Delita and Tietra are members of house Beoulve. My father took them in as his own children.ö At his words, ArgathÆs face contorted in visible disgust.
ôWhy he did such a thing is beyond myselfà They donÆt belong here, in our world! Especially with a house such as house Beoulve!ö Argath continued his argument, much to DelitaÆs rage. ôYouÆre high born among the high born! Surrounding yourself with such ill companyàö
ôIll company?! Because Delita wasnÆt born rich?! Because he wasnÆt born a noble?! Argath, do you realize what madness youÆre spouting?!ö Ramza rages at his comrade, who just shakes his head.
ôMadness? It is simply the truth.ö He replied, causally, and Delita saw a chance. He smirked.
ôRight. So, I guess Ramza should make himself clear of your presence too, Argathà We cannot risk you stabbing us in the back to save your hide.ö That irked the blonde elitist alright, if the fact that he threw himself at Delita was any indication. Ramza stepped between the two.
ôStop this nonsense, the both of you!ö
ôI would stab your back with pleasure, given the chance, chattelà Hear my words.ö Ramza shook his head, and pushed both of them in different directions.
ôà Argath, IÆd like you to ask my brother to be assigned to a different unit.ö The BeoulveÆs words visibly shocked the young knight. ôI am sorry, but I canÆt allow to be inner fighting in our unit.ö
ôAnd you choose the company of this peasant over mine?!ö Argath raged, outraged just by the thought. Ramza narrowed his eyes.
ôDelita is my friend, and a dear one. WeÆve been as brothers all our lives, but mostly, I can trust him to keep a level head on the battlefield, unlike thyself.ö Ramza finished, much to ArgathÆs rage. He ætsk-edÆ and spat on the ground.
ôFineà At least, IÆll make myself useful. You have been confined to guard duty again, I believe.ö Argath turned around and entered the mansion again, probably in search of Zalbaag, since Dycedarg was injured and as since, bedridden.
ôà On that, he had a point.ö
ôThen we shall break the law once more.ö That made Delita confused, as he instinctively blinked. ôLord father has given me permission to head out with my unit once more. It seems that all that remains of the Corpse Brigade is gathering at their hideout, Ziekden Fortress. My brother plans to strike at them there and wipe them outà Before that happens, we must get to Wiegraf.ö
ôWiegraf?ö Delita spoke the name like it was a foreign word which sense was unknown to him. ôRamza, what goes through your mind?ö
ôWiegraf is their leader. He has led these men and women ever since the war.ö Ramza turned in the direction of Ziekden Fortress, or at least the direction he knew the fortification to be. ôIf we persuade him into surrendering, we persuade the whole army.ö
ôWhat if he doth not want to surrender, Ramza?ö Delita voices his concern with RamzaÆs plan. ôWhat then?ö
ôà Then we take him prisoner.ö Orà We kill him. Ramza kept the last option to himself, fearing that just speaking it would make it come true.
--
Cancer 18th
ôIÆm so sorry, your highnessàö
ôHold your tongue. I didnÆt ask for your sympathyà Hnnàö She had already birthed two sons, but that one had been the longest and hardest one to bring to this worldà All for nothing. Queen Louveria Atkascha had given birth to a dead child, a dead heir, leaving the only heir to the throne King Ondoria Atkascha IIIÆs only half-sister, princess Ovelia Atkascha. The maid who had assisted the birth promptly shut her mouth. The queen was exhausted, but still lively, it seemed. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. ôà Come in.ö
ôSisteràö The door opened, revealing who the queen expected to see. Her older brother, duke Larg. The man slowly made his way to the side of her bed, and he slowly lowered his head. ôI am sorry.ö
ôAgain, I didnÆt ask for sympathy, Largàö The queen was breathing heavily, but she managed to let out a bitter laugh. ôI ought have knownà In his condition, that he managed to leave me with child a third time twas a miracle itself.ö
ôà Please, leave us.ö Larg said to the maiden, who just bowed deeply and hurried out of the room, leaving brother and sister alone. ôThis leaves Ovelia as the sole heir to the throne.ö
ôYou think I donÆt know?ö The blonde woman gritted her teeth, reminding herself that she was supposed to rest, at the moment. ôà But IÆll be damned if I let them strip me of the crown to give it to that little wenchà Damn this country and your male pride. Do they really think that fool is the one who has been governing this kingdom for decades? This kingdom would have fell apart years ago, hadnÆt it been for meàö
ôIÆm well aware of that, sisterà Tis why I suggest we change our plan, sister.ö The queen slowly raised herself in a sitting position on her bed, her golden hair messily sticking to her face and forehead because of the sweat. ôYou ought realize that it will be impossible for the king to father another hair. His life is coming to an endàö
ôAnd his manhood met its own one a long time ago, believe me.ö The duke made a disgusted face at his sisterÆs choice of words, but he let it slide.
ôSo, itÆs now certain that Ovelia will be the heir to the throne. For now, you should persuade the king to make you her guardian.ö That earned a snort of laughter from the bedridden queen.
ôReallyà And you do not think Goltanna will have anything to say about it? I swear, the chauvinism of this country has no end. Also, IÆve been antagonizing that girl from the first day we met. SheÆs not that stupid.ö
ôIn that case we will let Goltanna be his guardian. Tis not important, but do try to be nicer to her. I know that she has come to see you. Go from there.ö The queen stared at Larg like his head had just fallen from its resting place on his shoulders. Her gaze told him everything of her surprise and shock. ôThe law states that in case of a missing or underage male heir, the heirÆs guardian takes regencyàö There was a knock on the door, and Larg stopped talking. ôDo come in.ö
ôà Your highness?ö The door opened with a creak, and a fourteen years old girl with long platinum gold hair arranged in a braid, her face the mask of uneasiness. The two occupants of the room stared at her as she slowly walked inside and closed the door behind her. ôI-I came as soon as I was notifiedà I am truly sorry for your loss, your highness.ö
ôà Oveliaàö Louveria glanced in the direction of his brother as the young girl bowed deeply. The man only replied with a small nod of his head. The woman returned her gaze to Ovelia and thenà Her eyes began to water, and her frame was shaken by a small sob. Panicked, the young girl hurried to the queenÆs bedside. ôOh, Oveliaà Thou art such a sweet girlàö
ôM-My queenàö Ovelia tentatively put her hands on the queenÆs bigger right one, gently grasping it. The older woman just grasped them back, softly.
ôAfter everythingà The cold way I treated youà Thou art hereà By my sideàö Tears began to fall down the queenÆs cheek, and she slowly turned her now grief-stricken visage to the girl. ôMy sons diedà My beloved husband is ill, oh so illà My sweet girl, you are everything I will have left to remind me of him once the lord calls him to himselfàö
ôà Q-Queen Motheràö Ovelia bows her head and leans her forehead on top of the back of LouveriaÆs hand, as the latter keeps on sobbing softly. Duke Larg silently sighed and shook his head, an amused smile on his face. If anything, his sister had always been a magnificent actress.
The war of the kings
Chapter I-I: A foolÆs errand
AU Changes:
1. Lord Barbaneth survived Dycedarg's poisoning, but all the same, Dycedarg got actual control of House Beoulve and took his father's place as Larg's advisor, having managed to at least highly deteriorate his health.
2. Queen Louveria has a much more prominent role, here. According to the encyclopedia, it was her who really governed Ivalice during a good part of the fifty years war in the place of the naive Ondoria III. I always found strange that she didn't make some kind of appearance. Real one.
3. Of course, not having been kidnapped, Tietra still lives.
4. Orinus has never been born, and as such, Ovelia never left Lesalia for the monastery where she met Alma Beoulve and consequently, Orbonne. According to the data, while both Alma and Ovelia have been in Orbonne at a certain point, they met in a different one than Orbonne. Just a note.
The rest will be shown as we go, of course. These are just the most obvious changes that I felt like pointing out.
My thanks also go to SerialRavist and his story æThe IcemanÆ. ItÆs not for all tastes, but there are many good ideas, and it inspired an aspect of this story. So, what can I say if notà Enjoy!
Prologue
Cancer 13th, Middle Ages, 709
ôNo! I wonÆt go! Release me!ö
ôBe quick about it!ö The hit and run tactic had failed. They had tried to assassinate the de-facto leader of House Beoulve, but they had failed. Badly. The only thing they could do was taking an hostage, the weaker pieces.
ôY-YouÆre hurting me! Let go! Zalbaag!ö One of the two daughters of house Beoulve had already been tied up and hoisted over his own Chocobo. The blonde one was struggling in the grip of his companion, and that let the second-born of the house to reach the man, who fell lifeless under one swift blow.
ôHmph. Time to cut losses.ö The Corpse Brigade member steered his Chocobo to the right, ready to make his escape. One Beoulve was better than naught. His run was cut short by lightning, though, or at least what he could only describe as lightning. A bolt of yellow light that slammed right in front of his Chocobo, scaring the animal to the point of unceremoniously dropping captive and kidnapper alike to the ground. Gragoroth Levigne was at this point scared out of his mind, his head snapping from side to side to search for his attacker.
ôYou come to my manse uninvitedàö He suddenly tensed, and turned around in a flash, still in a sitting position on the ground, unable to get up. He had never seen the man that was now stepping through the mansionÆs doorway, but he had heard the stories. Read the chronicles. Knew the name. ôYou harm my eldest son, and dare lay your hands on my daughtersàö
Each step made the Corpse Brigade knight sweat and tremble more, the figure now old, his whole body ill because of an illness that had almost taken his life. Even surviving it had left the man with a body unable to live as he once did, to fight as he once did, as the Knight Gallant. And yet, his figure, sword in hand as he slowly approached his figure, was the most terrible sight in the world, for him. He almost jumped out of his skin as he stopped in front of him. ôAre ye prepared to face the consequences of your misdeeds?ö
ôà N-Noà I am not, my lordàö The knight replied truthfully as the older man raised his sword and pointed it at his head.
ôà So be it.ö The sword was put back in its scabbard, and the knight visibly relaxed at this, before a boot landed on his face with enough force to send him to the ground, his vision blurry and his chin hurting. ôTill then, you shalt be a guest of the OrderÆs cellars.ö As two knights appeared and brought away the stunned knight, the old man got on one knee and started to undo the ropes tied around TietraÆs body. ôAre you unhurt, Tietra?ö
ôY-Yesàö The girl was still visibly shaken, as the tears building up in her eyes proved. ôI-I am well, Lord Barbanethàö
ôStop.ö The man suddenly put his hands on the girlÆs shoulders, halting her speech in mid-sentence, much to the girlÆs confusion. ôWhen I took you as my daughter, Tietra, thou received the right to address me in a different fashion than Lord Barbaneth.ö
ôIàö The girl stared at the man in front of him for a few seconds, before she hiccupped and began to sob softly, burying her head in the manÆs shoulder. ôF-Father! I wasà I was so scared!ö
ôAll is well, now.ö Lord Barbaneth Beoulve embraced his adopted daughter, soothing her with soft words.
ôà Fatheràö Zalbaag chose silence and to head back inside to check on their eldest brother. Alma was visibly moved by the scene, and many other people would have been confused, pleasantly surprised, but many others would have been disgusted. That a noble would adopt and come to love a peasant-born girl as his own daughter was almost blasphemy, in their eyes.
--
Cancer 17th
ôAre they well?!ö
ôRamza, Delita, be calm! They are well! No harm has come upon them, thanks to me and Lord Father!ö The fraternal friends had heard this from ZalbaagÆs mouth, but it seemed that their minds would not be put to rest unless they saw their sisters with their own eyes. They opened the door to the main room of the mansion in a hurry, rudely, much to ZalbaagÆs growing headache.
ôAh, Ramza. Delita.ö They were welcomed with the sight of Barbaneth and their sisters sitting at the main table, drinking tea. Completely unharmed, and almost relaxed. ôWhatÆs with the rush? Missed us that much?ö
ôà Always, father. Always.ö Ramza finally let go of the breath he didnÆt know he had been holding in, while Delita just rushed to his sister and wrapped her in a fierce hug.
ôWhen I heard about what had happenedà What would I have done if something happened to you?ö Delita whispered in TietraÆs ear, and the girl just chuckled and returned the hug, tightly. Alma stared at them and then pouted in RamzaÆs direction.
ôThatÆs all the worry you had about my wellbeing, brother dear? No hug for me?ö Alma joked, much to RamzaÆs embarrassment.
ôEhmà I mean, I was worried, indeedà But I see that you are well, soàö If possible, Alma pouted even more. The youngest of house Beoulve groaned and complied, walking slowly to his sister and giving her a hug. ôBetter, sister?ö
ôHmmà Much better.ö The girl dropped the pout and smiled, hugging her brother back for a few seconds. Once the embrace was broken, Ramza bowed to his father, respectfully, much to the manÆs amusement.
ôBoy, pleaseà I receive enough of these antics from the knights of the Order. I have no need for my own flesh and blood to remind myself that I am a noble as well.ö He chuckled as Ramza shook his head.
ôNoà This is just in sign of thanks, lord father. I heard from Zalbaag that you personally intervened.ö He lowered his head even more. ôEven in your conditionàö
ôBoy, you offend me. I may be not be in my prime anymore, but I can handle one or two kidnappers.ö BarbanethÆs voice became very serious for an instant along with his facial expression. ôButà I do appreciate your concern.ö
ôà Yes, lord father.ö Ramza got back into a straightened standing position, a smile on his face.
ôSo, about fightingà I heard that thine unit has made quick work of another group from the Corpse Brigade.ö At those words, the father immediately noticed his youngest son tense. He immediately understood that something was bothering him. ôà Something happened? A comrade lost, maybe?ö
ôNaught of the sort, fatherà But IÆd like to have your word of guidance.ö Barbaneth nodded in acknowledgment and slowly got up from his seat.
ôSo be it. Zalbaag, make so that no one comes to my study.ö The second born nodded and bowed, while he made sign to Ramza to follow him to his study, where they could talk in private. The last battleÆs events weighted heavily on the young BeoulveÆs heart.
--
ôà And I could not bring myself to end her lifeà It just felt wrong.ö
ôHmmàö Barbaneth had kept his silence as his youngest son told him of the last battle he had fought, and how he couldnÆt bring himself to kill the last remaining standing of his foes, sitting in his armchair. A woman whose words spoken during their clash had touched his very soul, he saw. ôI can see why this hast shaken you.ö
ôLord Fatherà What shall I do? What if I chance upon her again?ö Ramza spoke while observing the green scenery outside.
ôà For starters, you must knowà That theyÆre in the right, in this scuffle.ö Those words made Ramza turn around with such speed that he almost lost his footing. ôIndeed, the noble houses havenÆt paid the Dead Men their due, afraid that it would empty their coffers.ö
ôB-But thenàö Ramza was too confused to avoid stuttering, but Barbaneth cut him off before he could make a fool out of himself.
ôThey are in the rightà But their reaction isnÆt just, and not even intelligent. You have to ask yourself, why they couldnÆt be paid?ö That stopped the blonde haired teen from speaking further. ôOne of the warÆs effects hath been the disarray of our economy. Money that that should have been used for their pay has been used for other, vital purposes. I can not vouch for the other nobles, but House Beoulve has donated a fair amount of money for the rebuilt of Ivalice.ö
Barbaneth got up from his seat and walked to RamzaÆs side, letting him glance to the outside, and particularly, to the far away camps where men and women alike were working the earth. ôEarth left unattended needs double the care to go back to what it was. Ports, hospitals, have become old and decadent. Yet, they were denied their pay. This made them blind to the needs of their country as a whole, their hate for the one who orchestrated such a meaningless war further fomented. They do not want justice, they want to spill the blood of those noble-born.ö
ôBut not all nobles areàö Ramza was about to say æLike ArgathÆ, but he decided against this. After fighting by his side, he owed at least a bit of loyalty to his friend. ôI meanà Not all nobles are as bad as they fear.ö
ôAnd yet, they do not see this. They refuse to see this because they would be left with naught, if they did.ö The gray haired knight continued, much to RamzaÆs confusion.
ôà Father, I now understand the why and the howà But it doesnÆt present me with an answer.ö The young knight sighed, holding his head low.
ôIt is not an easy problem to solve, son. On one hand, youÆd prefer not to fight against such an enemy again, but if the chance shows itself, you canÆt just let her take your life, can you?ö Ramza shook his head in reply. ôà Do you remember what I told you before you started the academy, Ramza?ö
ôOf course.ö The blonde nodded fiercely, remembering clearly the words his father had gifted him with before his departure for Gariland. ôôFor generations, we Beoulves have stood foremost of those who serve the Crown. Ours is the soul of the knight. Become a knight worthy of your name. Tolerate no injustice. Stray not from the true path. You will know the path you must walk.öö
ôThe last part.ö Barbaneth interrupted him, a satisfied smile on his face. ôI cannot show you the path you must follow, Ramzaà All I can do is trust that you will find it on your own, and I do.ö
ôà I do not know if I have that trust myself, father.ö RamzaÆs gaze returned to the floor, his eyes lost in a circle he was instinctively drawing on the ground.
--
ôRamza, art thou well?ö
ôI am, Delitaà Just confused. I fear talking with my father has done me more harm than good.ö The young cadet let out a long sigh as he walked out in the courtyard of his home, where his best friend and his newest one waited for him.
ôI still cannot see what eats you, Ramza. Did that wenchÆs words bother you this much?ö Argath immediately rebutted, much to DelitaÆs annoyance.
ôDamn, Argath! Is it that difficult for you to accept an outcome without bloodshed?!ö The bronze skinned man roared in the direction of their comrade-in-arms. He didnÆt feel like calling him friend. Not after the last fightÆs events.
ôI donÆt see the need, if itÆs peasantÆs blood.ö Delita frowned even more at this.
ôStay your tongue, Argath. Or IÆll make it so that you cannot make it lash ever again.ö He threatened the fellow squire, who just shook his head.
ôShall I speak clearly, then? Alright. Had I been lord Barbaneth, I would have felled down the kidnapper where he stood along with thy sister!ö That earned DelitaÆs ire, but thankfully for Argath, Ramza was there to stay his punch.
ôArgath, you go too far. Remember that technically, both Delita and Tietra are members of house Beoulve. My father took them in as his own children.ö At his words, ArgathÆs face contorted in visible disgust.
ôWhy he did such a thing is beyond myselfà They donÆt belong here, in our world! Especially with a house such as house Beoulve!ö Argath continued his argument, much to DelitaÆs rage. ôYouÆre high born among the high born! Surrounding yourself with such ill companyàö
ôIll company?! Because Delita wasnÆt born rich?! Because he wasnÆt born a noble?! Argath, do you realize what madness youÆre spouting?!ö Ramza rages at his comrade, who just shakes his head.
ôMadness? It is simply the truth.ö He replied, causally, and Delita saw a chance. He smirked.
ôRight. So, I guess Ramza should make himself clear of your presence too, Argathà We cannot risk you stabbing us in the back to save your hide.ö That irked the blonde elitist alright, if the fact that he threw himself at Delita was any indication. Ramza stepped between the two.
ôStop this nonsense, the both of you!ö
ôI would stab your back with pleasure, given the chance, chattelà Hear my words.ö Ramza shook his head, and pushed both of them in different directions.
ôà Argath, IÆd like you to ask my brother to be assigned to a different unit.ö The BeoulveÆs words visibly shocked the young knight. ôI am sorry, but I canÆt allow to be inner fighting in our unit.ö
ôAnd you choose the company of this peasant over mine?!ö Argath raged, outraged just by the thought. Ramza narrowed his eyes.
ôDelita is my friend, and a dear one. WeÆve been as brothers all our lives, but mostly, I can trust him to keep a level head on the battlefield, unlike thyself.ö Ramza finished, much to ArgathÆs rage. He ætsk-edÆ and spat on the ground.
ôFineà At least, IÆll make myself useful. You have been confined to guard duty again, I believe.ö Argath turned around and entered the mansion again, probably in search of Zalbaag, since Dycedarg was injured and as since, bedridden.
ôà On that, he had a point.ö
ôThen we shall break the law once more.ö That made Delita confused, as he instinctively blinked. ôLord father has given me permission to head out with my unit once more. It seems that all that remains of the Corpse Brigade is gathering at their hideout, Ziekden Fortress. My brother plans to strike at them there and wipe them outà Before that happens, we must get to Wiegraf.ö
ôWiegraf?ö Delita spoke the name like it was a foreign word which sense was unknown to him. ôRamza, what goes through your mind?ö
ôWiegraf is their leader. He has led these men and women ever since the war.ö Ramza turned in the direction of Ziekden Fortress, or at least the direction he knew the fortification to be. ôIf we persuade him into surrendering, we persuade the whole army.ö
ôWhat if he doth not want to surrender, Ramza?ö Delita voices his concern with RamzaÆs plan. ôWhat then?ö
ôà Then we take him prisoner.ö Orà We kill him. Ramza kept the last option to himself, fearing that just speaking it would make it come true.
--
Cancer 18th
ôIÆm so sorry, your highnessàö
ôHold your tongue. I didnÆt ask for your sympathyà Hnnàö She had already birthed two sons, but that one had been the longest and hardest one to bring to this worldà All for nothing. Queen Louveria Atkascha had given birth to a dead child, a dead heir, leaving the only heir to the throne King Ondoria Atkascha IIIÆs only half-sister, princess Ovelia Atkascha. The maid who had assisted the birth promptly shut her mouth. The queen was exhausted, but still lively, it seemed. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. ôà Come in.ö
ôSisteràö The door opened, revealing who the queen expected to see. Her older brother, duke Larg. The man slowly made his way to the side of her bed, and he slowly lowered his head. ôI am sorry.ö
ôAgain, I didnÆt ask for sympathy, Largàö The queen was breathing heavily, but she managed to let out a bitter laugh. ôI ought have knownà In his condition, that he managed to leave me with child a third time twas a miracle itself.ö
ôà Please, leave us.ö Larg said to the maiden, who just bowed deeply and hurried out of the room, leaving brother and sister alone. ôThis leaves Ovelia as the sole heir to the throne.ö
ôYou think I donÆt know?ö The blonde woman gritted her teeth, reminding herself that she was supposed to rest, at the moment. ôà But IÆll be damned if I let them strip me of the crown to give it to that little wenchà Damn this country and your male pride. Do they really think that fool is the one who has been governing this kingdom for decades? This kingdom would have fell apart years ago, hadnÆt it been for meàö
ôIÆm well aware of that, sisterà Tis why I suggest we change our plan, sister.ö The queen slowly raised herself in a sitting position on her bed, her golden hair messily sticking to her face and forehead because of the sweat. ôYou ought realize that it will be impossible for the king to father another hair. His life is coming to an endàö
ôAnd his manhood met its own one a long time ago, believe me.ö The duke made a disgusted face at his sisterÆs choice of words, but he let it slide.
ôSo, itÆs now certain that Ovelia will be the heir to the throne. For now, you should persuade the king to make you her guardian.ö That earned a snort of laughter from the bedridden queen.
ôReallyà And you do not think Goltanna will have anything to say about it? I swear, the chauvinism of this country has no end. Also, IÆve been antagonizing that girl from the first day we met. SheÆs not that stupid.ö
ôIn that case we will let Goltanna be his guardian. Tis not important, but do try to be nicer to her. I know that she has come to see you. Go from there.ö The queen stared at Larg like his head had just fallen from its resting place on his shoulders. Her gaze told him everything of her surprise and shock. ôThe law states that in case of a missing or underage male heir, the heirÆs guardian takes regencyàö There was a knock on the door, and Larg stopped talking. ôDo come in.ö
ôà Your highness?ö The door opened with a creak, and a fourteen years old girl with long platinum gold hair arranged in a braid, her face the mask of uneasiness. The two occupants of the room stared at her as she slowly walked inside and closed the door behind her. ôI-I came as soon as I was notifiedà I am truly sorry for your loss, your highness.ö
ôà Oveliaàö Louveria glanced in the direction of his brother as the young girl bowed deeply. The man only replied with a small nod of his head. The woman returned her gaze to Ovelia and thenà Her eyes began to water, and her frame was shaken by a small sob. Panicked, the young girl hurried to the queenÆs bedside. ôOh, Oveliaà Thou art such a sweet girlàö
ôM-My queenàö Ovelia tentatively put her hands on the queenÆs bigger right one, gently grasping it. The older woman just grasped them back, softly.
ôAfter everythingà The cold way I treated youà Thou art hereà By my sideàö Tears began to fall down the queenÆs cheek, and she slowly turned her now grief-stricken visage to the girl. ôMy sons diedà My beloved husband is ill, oh so illà My sweet girl, you are everything I will have left to remind me of him once the lord calls him to himselfàö
ôà Q-Queen Motheràö Ovelia bows her head and leans her forehead on top of the back of LouveriaÆs hand, as the latter keeps on sobbing softly. Duke Larg silently sighed and shook his head, an amused smile on his face. If anything, his sister had always been a magnificent actress.
The war of the kings
Chapter I-I: A foolÆs errand
AU Changes:
1. Lord Barbaneth survived Dycedarg's poisoning, but all the same, Dycedarg got actual control of House Beoulve and took his father's place as Larg's advisor, having managed to at least highly deteriorate his health.
2. Queen Louveria has a much more prominent role, here. According to the encyclopedia, it was her who really governed Ivalice during a good part of the fifty years war in the place of the naive Ondoria III. I always found strange that she didn't make some kind of appearance. Real one.
3. Of course, not having been kidnapped, Tietra still lives.
4. Orinus has never been born, and as such, Ovelia never left Lesalia for the monastery where she met Alma Beoulve and consequently, Orbonne. According to the data, while both Alma and Ovelia have been in Orbonne at a certain point, they met in a different one than Orbonne. Just a note.
The rest will be shown as we go, of course. These are just the most obvious changes that I felt like pointing out.
