Chapter Sixteen

The Garif

Jahara

Land of the Garif

Llyud didn’t bother to hide his wings from the Garif, his people had kept a long established friendship alive with the Garif and even today it was still strong. The red head hovered just slightly off the ground, simply enjoying the freedom that came with flight. He always hated having to hide his wings as if they were some kind of sickness that had to be kept secret. His eyes were drawn to Vaan when the blond approached two Garif sentinels guarding the bridge into their village. After speaking with them for a few moments the guards stepped aside but not before staring at Ashe.

It was hard to understand what a Garif was thinking most of the time because of the large horned helmets they always wore. They were a very secretive people, keeping their magick knowledge to themselves and staying out of the way of humes. Some Garif were openly staring at Basch’s arm making the man even more self conscious than before. The village itself was small but situated on the banks of the nearest river so this made it a perfect place to live at least for the Garif.

Vaan and Llyud took the others through the main part of the village and towards the sacred Elderknoll. It was in this area of the encampment where the High Chief resided and he alone could show Ashe how to use the Nethicite. Guards took the group into the largest tent at the top of a dusty hill overlooking the Ozmone Plains and it was here where they met the Chief. Vaan stepped back so that he was standing at the back of the group, his blue eyes now downcast and refusing to meet those of the Chief.

Balthier spotted the boy’s strange behaviour but he said nothing, opting instead he watch him. Fran stood alongside a quiet Vossler who was in turn glaring daggers at Vaan. The viera had been around humes long enough to know the look of anger and jealousy that clouded many a man’s heart. Vossler was jealous of the close friendship Vaan possessed with Basch. In a way Fran could understand this. Vossler had known Basch long before Vaan stepped into the picture...perhaps something happened between then before the blond captain had been the victim of that horrific crime.

Whatever it was she hoped that they resolved it and soon. The last thing she wanted to do was to travel with jealous humes ready to tear each other apart. Although she was happy for her partner. Balthier had always been a carefree spirit even with other hearts. A love them and leave them kind of man. He had dabbled with men and women over the years Fran had known him but no one had ever kept his attention long enough.

Yet Vaan always teased him to the point Balthier would pout and sulk and when he spent time with Basch the jealous in her partner’s eyes was potent enough to turn them green if that were possible. But she had to wonder if Balthier would make a move. The viera stopped thinking about her partner’s problems when Ashe approached the High Chief with the powerless stone.

“So you have come to seek advice on the Nethicite that you hold.” The Chief spoke to the princess.

“I was told that you possess knowledge concerning Nethicite.” Ashe gripped the dark stone. “I wish to know your abilities.”

“Hmmm.” The Chief held out his hand and took the Shard. “You have others?”

“Yes...” Vossler nodded then he handed over the Dusk Shard. Basch was holding the Midlight Shard.

“Ahh, three of the four stones.” The Chief admired them, all now dark and dormant. “Who has activated the power within?”

“I did.” Vaan stepped forward. “And it is a power I want to destroy.”

“Vaan!” Ashe hissed angrily.

“The boy is correct in fearing this power.” The Chief cautioned the princess. “But as far as knowledge goes you and I are both the same.”

“What?” Ashe gaped at the Garif.

“We have our lore of Nethicite but we cannot master it. Only the Dynast-King could truly wield the stones.” The Chief recited.

“But I am of his blood.” Ashe stated firmly. “I should have the ability to use them.”

“Blood is inherited but true knowledge must be gained.” The Chief glanced at her. “Blood alone will not give you what you seek.”

“Then where can I find this power?” the princess asked.

“I must caution you hume-child; now that the stones have been drained they are consumed with a terrible thirst for Mist.” The Garif handed them back the stones. “They will drink the world dry in due time.”

“Sounds like truly a hassle to me.” Balthier chipped in.

“Behave...” Vaan shoved him lightly.

“Don’t I always?” he winked at him. Vaan rolled his eyes but there was a hint of a smile on his face.

“There is one other way you can find knowledge on how to use Nethicite.” The Chief spoke after a few moments. “There is a place many days travel from here. Within the Stilshrine of Miriam the Dynast-King hid another of his treasures along with the location to the tomb of Messiah.”

“Messiah?” Basch gasped out. He felt his blood freeze at the name he heard in his dreams.

“An ancient entity of immense power and knowledge. It has been told that Messiah was the one who created the Shards for Raithwall.” The Garif Chief said.

“How come the Royal Archives never had any information on this Messiah?” Vossler spoke up.

“Long ago when the Dynast-King came to us with the stones in hand he told my people of a terrible event. He never gave my ancestors any true details but he did tell us that the stones were never to be united.” The Chief looked at each of them. “Would you risk ignoring his warning for the sake of power?”

“I must find a way to stop the Empire...and this Messiah may not even have existed.” Ashe tried to sound assured.

“He did exist hume-child, make no mistake about that.” The Chief narrowed his eyes at her. “You may rest here for the night then decide on what to do.”

“That would be best.” Vaan murmured.

“If you should go to the Stilshrine you must first seek the permission of the Gran Kiltias.” The Garif said.

“Thank you High Chief.” Ashe bowed to him.

“Wait, there is one other thing about the stones you may need to know about.” The Garif Chief stood up suddenly. “These stones were fascinated to be prison cells.”

“Prison cells? To hold what exactly?” Balthier asked.

“Creatures far more powerful than any Esper.” The Chief murmured. “But only someone with extreme magikal potency can summon them into existence.”

“How can that be?” Ashe asked.

“The true history has been lost long ago but the creatures still live within each stone.” The Chief approached Basch. “The magick within you is overwhelming.”

“Is it his arm?” Vaan asked. Llyud glanced at the Chief when he stared at Vaan with seeking eyes.

“You...you are something else entirely aren’t you?” the Garif kept staring at him.

“And if I am?” Vaan raised an eyebrow.

“Do you want to use the stones?” the Chief asked. “You potency is truly remarkable.”

“No...I saw what they can do...I don’t want to use them again.” Vaan looked away.

“I understand.” The Garif nodded then he turned back to Basch. “Then perhaps you can use them?”

“Me?” Basch looked stunned. “But I never used them before.”

“Your arm has transformed into the same substance the stones are made from.” The Chief reached out and gently pressed his fingers against the black stone flesh. “I can feel the identical signature within you.”

“It was my fault.” Vaan spoke up.

“What did you do?” the Garif asked.

“He was dying so I used a needle of the Dusk Shard to revive him.” Vaan explained.

“His arm has mutated into a perfect fusion of Nethicite and living flesh.” The Garif examined the arm again. “It is a miracle you survived the transfusion.”

“So this will allow him to summon these trapped creatures?” Fran cut in.

“Yes...” the Garif nodded. “Alone me to have the stones back one more time.” He took them again. “But let me speak to him alone about this.”

Unable to protest the others left Basch in the tent with the Chief and the other three stones. Ashe and Vossler stayed near the entrance to the tent while Llyud and Fran went through the village to explore it more thoroughly. Balthier followed after Vaan when the boy went down to the banks of the river to think. He didn’t want to be able to use those things again not after the destruction of the 8th Fleet.

He had felt the raw energy contained within the stones and the terrifying rage the trapped souls possessed. He had never felt such hatred. The troubled blond stopped at the bank and sat on, his feet dangling over the edge and gently kicking the water. Balthier sat down next to the silent boy and waited for him to say something.

“It’s strange...I think I feel fear...” Vaan whispered quietly.

“Because of the Shards?” Balthier asked.

“More than that...” Vaan shook his head. “I’m afraid of what will happen when I find the last stone.” He glanced at Balthier. “What if Raithwall’s warning is real and if I bring them together something terrible will happen?”

“If it comes to that then I believe you have the power to stop it.” The brunet answered honestly.

“You really believe that?” Vaan asked, his blue eyes hopeful.

“I’ve seen what you can do and how you’ve changed.” Balthier answered. “I know you’re worried about Basch and the mutation.”

“I did that to him.” Vaan murmured with sadness. “I didn’t feel anything when we first met and now...” he stared at the pirate. “I...I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Balthier smiled at him. “I was born lucky when it came to situations like this.”

“You always do that.” Vaan sighed. At Balthier’s questioning look he elaborated for him. “You say things to make me forget that anything can go bad.”

“And does it help?” Balthier asked.

“Sometimes...like now.” Vaan said with a slight blush. “You just...you make me feel better about things.”

“You’re welcome Vaan.” Honey brown eyes shone. “And I have to admit you are one unique individual.”

“I thought you would have met many unique people in your line of work.” Vaan grinned at him.

“Oh you’d be surprised.” Balthier smirked. “But people have never really held my attention. But here you are...” he glanced at the blond. “Weeks after I found you in the treasury and I’m still...curious.”

“That sounded hard to admit.” Vaan teased.

“Why not at all.” Balthier looked appalled. “Now treasure on the other hand...anything shiny I think you said.”

“You won’t get over that fetish anytime soon will you?” Vaan smirked at him.

“What makes you think that? You make having a fetish sound like a bad thing.” The pirate said innocently. Balthier was stunned when he heard Vaan laughing so carefree. His face lit up and he seemed to glow...he was beautiful.

“You’re unbelievable.” Vaan giggled helplessly.

“O-Oh?” Balthier hated how his voice stuttered. “I hear that’s part of my charm.”

“Well, maybe it’s working.” Vaan stood up. His blue eyes seemed to be aglow now. “Thanks Balthier, I feel better after talking to you.”

“Anytime Vaan.” The pirate nodded.

“Hmm, I wonder what Ashe is going to do though.” Vaan frowned slightly.

“Despite what she wants you’ll find the other stone. You’ve done it before.” Balthier pointed out as he followed the blond back towards the village.

“I guess you’re right.” Vaan sighed.

“Come on, let’s see what-“ Balthier stopped when a vicious gust of icy wind blasted through the village. “What is that?”

“Basch...” Vaan muttered. Grabbing Balthier’s hand he pulled the suddenly red faced man towards the tent on the hilltop.

By the time they reached the tent Ashe, Vossler, Fran and Llyud were already gathered there and staring in shock at the entity Basch had summoned into existence. A tall woman with blue hair that reached her feet stood next to a pale looking Basch. Her body was covered in intricate tattoos and a thin cloak of silk was wrapped around her neck and shoulders.

Her hair was hanging in thick tendrils with golden hoops attached to the ends. She was wearing blue high heels and she held herself up with a regal manner as if she were a queen. He blue lips were drawn back into a thin line and her eyes resembled chips of eyes. She was a terrible beauty that was too frigid to touch. After a few moments she vanished and blue lights flew back into the stone Basch was holding.

“What in the name of the gods is that?” Ashe breathed out.

“Her name is Shiva. She is aligned with the ice element.” The Chief explained.

“So the story was true.” Ashe stared at the silent Basch.

“How do you feel Basch?” Vossler approached the man.

“Strange...” he murmured then glanced at the man. “I can’t believe I did that.”

“Can you summon the others?” Balthier asked.

“It is a simple enough process. He should have no trouble with summoning the others.” The Garif replied.

“Then this will make our journey easier.” Ashe spoke up. “We shall go to the holy mountain Bur-Omisace.”

“That is an excellent idea.” A familiar voice said from behind the group.

“Larsa?” Vaan’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I have come to ask a favour of Lady Ashe.” The young boy replied. “I too need to reach the holy mountain and I need your help in stopping Ondore from starting a war with the Empire.”

“What? Why should help you?” Ashe stepped away from the boy.

“Rozarria is poised for invasion into my homeland and it is a war we cannot fight. Of Ondore fights the Empire then he too will be pulled into the war and Dalmasca will be the battleground.” Larsa pleaded with the irate princess.

“We should listen to him.” Vossler suggested.

“And you would side with an Imperial?” the princess screamed. “He knows nothing of what I lost!”

“And you will lose everything if you let this war happen!” Larsa yelled back causing everyone to stare at him. “Peace is the only option we have left.”

“He has a point.” Vossler said with conviction. “Dalmasca will be destroyed if this war goes ahead.”

“Please come with me to Bur-Omisace to meet with the Gran Kiltias.” Larsa implored again. “There is also someone there I wish for you to meet.”

“And who is that?” Ashe crossed her arms.

“An enemy and a friend.” Larsa answered. He walked up to the princess. “Do we have an agreement?”

“Fine...” she sighed heavily.

“So we’re heading off then?” Llyud glided towards the others. He had been scouting on ahead to see the quickest route to the holy mountain. There was a pathway at the other side of the Golmore Jungle.

“Oh my...” Larsa’s eyes widened when he saw the winged man.

“We’ll explain later.” Vaan interrupted. “How long will it take to reach the mountain?”

“I saw a path out of Golmore Jungle that leads into the Paramina Rift.” Llyud reported.

“We will be passing through viera territory.” Fran scowled darkly. “They will be displeased with my presence there.”

“Ahh, the wayward child returns.” Balthier looked skyward. “Do you think they’ll help us pass through?”

“I cannot say.” Fran replied.

“Alright, we shall leave immediately.” Ashe spoke up. She walked on ahead of the others while Vossler stood next to Larsa. Fran and Llyud followed after the seething princess while Balthier watched Vaan walk after them.

“And what are you fighting for Balthier?” Basch asked the pirate.

“Excuse me?” brown eyes narrowed at him.

“You don’t have to come with us. You have done your job have you not?” Basch questioned him. “I just wanted to know why you are staying.”

“I want to see this story through to the end. Any self respecting leading man would do the same.” Balthier followed after the others.

“If you say so.” Basch muttered but he didn’t bring it up when he followed after them back out across Ozmone Plains.

When the group of humes had left the Garif High Chief sat before the warm fire within his tent. The hume girl would seek out Messiah and the other treasure of that he was sure. It had been warming to see an Aegyl on Ivalice in this day and age. The viera was a welcome ally in this quest as well as the knight Vossler.

The Chief was concerned for Basch and the mutation he was going through. The overflow of magick within his body would continue to grow to dangerous levels. And then there was Vaan...the scent of ancient power lingered around the blond boy that it almost choked the Garif. He cast some herbs into the fire and watched as the dancing flames turned a gentle emerald green colour. Perhaps the gods would be generous tonight and grant him a vision.

The flames danced around his face but they did not burn him. He stared deeply into the emerald green flickering flames until he was falling into the depths. Shapes moved and danced around him and then they took on a life showing him what was to come. He had no idea that he would receive a vision this quickly but he watched and waited for the shapes to show him what he needed to see.

The High Chief let out a gasp when he saw Vaan but it was no longer the same blond boy he had talked to. Vaan had become something else, something that embodied the very essence of malice. Large golden wings spread out in vicious spikes from his body. His body was covered in golden armour and his eyes were a deep blood red. Flames surrounded his form and wherever he stepped fire melted whatever it touched. He was magnificence, malicious intent and pure raw power.

“All shall perish.” When he spoke the voice was demonic, nothing short of evil intent.

“VAAN!!!” the Chief saw that Sky Pirate, the man was bleeding from numerous wounds, his arm had been torn and his leg was broken.

“I am what awaits all souls from the moment of their birth.” Vaan cocked his head as he raised his hand. “You’re suffering shall end here.”

“No...please Vaan...” Balthier crawled towards him. The others were scattered around the vast chamber. “Don’t do this...please...”

“All shall end with me.” Vaan closed his eyes and unleashed a wave of flame that engulfed the dying Sky Pirate.

“Ahhh!” the Chief jerked back violently from the fire that was now a normal looking blaze now.

“High Chief!” one of his guards ran to his side when he fell to the side. “Are you unwell? Shall I send for the healer?”

“No...I am fine.” The Chief sighed heavily. “Have the humes and viera left the village?”

“Yes High Chief.” The guard nodded. “You were within your vision quest for a few hours.”

“Then they will be through Golmore Jungle by now...” the Chief groaned as he sat up. “What I saw must never happen...”

“Shall we follow them and bring them back here?” the warrior offered.

“No...” the Chief stated. “This is something they have to face by themselves.”

“Very well.” The guard nodded.

“Vaan...” the Garif Chief closed his eyes. “Oh, child, what have you done?”

so comments? aren't I evil ending it like that?

woot! torchwood starts Monday night! finally the show is back on TV.

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