Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Javarr: The Azure Scourge of Bastok ❯ Chapter 5 Desimation and Resurrection ( Chapter 5 )

Let it be known that this story is based upon the MMORPG known as Final Fantasy XI, which is a copyright and Trademark of Square-enix incorporated. The author clams no ownership of names of places, characters, abilities, jobs, organizations, religions, or any other material that is protected under international copyright laws.

 

/em sighs and lights a Roll of Bastokan Tobacco +1

 

Now with that out of the way, lawyers happy, and the risk of getting sued by a multi-million dollar company avoided, on with the story.

 

 

Chapter 5: Decimation and Resurrection

 

I was on the top observation deck as the airship made a loop around Bastok to line up with port to make a landing. It felt good to be back home again!

 

“Once I report to Volker, I can head home and relax…” I thought to myself as I watched the harbor come into view through the clouds.

 

As the ship came to a landing, I saw someone standing on the dock waiting for me. A young woman, about nineteen, dark green eyes, and long flowing black hair. She was wearing her normal light cloth shirt and shorts, rimmed by a pair of above the knee, brown leather boots.

 

“Javarr!” The young woman cried as she saw me on the railing.

 

“Hey, Dal! Didn't expect to see you here!” I couldn't help but smile. What can I say, she was my girlfriend from back when I was like fourteen. Coming down the stairs from the observation deck to the main level and out the access doors, the next thing I knew after that, I was getting tackled by her, throwing her around me and giving me a light peck.

 

“I've missed you so much!” She said, still holding me, face against my chest.

 

“I know the feeling. Two and a half years without a break from all of that was a pain, especially the part of not being able to see you that entire time.” She responded by nuzzling her head into my chest more. I smiled and enjoyed the moment for as long as it would last.

 

“Javarr!” A voice came from the rise behind the dock. That voice was enough to bring me rigid. Dal or Dalshandra noticed at once and broke off her embrace and moved beside me. I looked up to the rise.

 

“Greetings, Commander Volker.” I said with a wave and a forced smile while silently cursing his case of bad timing.

 

“After you get everything put away at home, report to the Metalworks. Be in your dress blues.” And with that, he turned and walked off towards the airship travel office. The moment he said “dress blues”, I knew something was wrong. I looked at Dalshandra and sighed.

 

“Looks like our reunion will have to wait till later.” All Dal did was give me a poutty lip and sighed.

 

“Alright, but you'd better come by later, you hear me?” She kind of tilted her head and winked, then with a final peck on the cheek, she dashed off. Needless to say, my gaze followed her till she was out of sight. What can I say, those shorts did wonders for her figure!

 

* * * * *

After returning home, washing up and slipping into my dress blues, which in fact were a set of dark blue trousers with the bottoms tucked into similar colored long boots, a white undershirt with a dark blue and black aketon over it, and topped off with a dark blue burette. I should take a moment to describe the aketon more. The main body of it was dark blue with black fabric that ran along the top part down both sleeves and down the chest and back to about an inch above the breast. There was gold embroidery inlayed along the black that really set it off. On each forearm on the outside was a piece of stiff fabric that bore the crest of Bastok. Gold buttons lined the flap that folded over to be in line with the left side of the neck and a gold chain ran from the top button to the holder for one's sword would be, in my case, to the left. Anyway, I slipped on my pair of dark blue gloves, took a good look over everything in the mirror and then left for the Metalworks.

 

It took me about twenty minutes to reach the Metalworks. Volker was waiting outside for me. On his signal, I fell in beside him.

 

“What's going on, Commander?” I asked, completely clueless.

 

Volker looked over to me. “We are going to be meeting with the President.” I just about tripped over my boots when he said that!

 

“May I ask what about?” As we stopped and waited for the lift to arrive back on the lower level. Volker was silent thought. As the lift came to a rest before us, we both stepped on and the lift began to move again. Once we disembarked, we walked straight down a nearby hall and once again emerged on the outside. Ahead was the large dome structure that constituted the President's office. Flaking it on either side were the consulates of Windurst, Jeuno, and San d'Oria. We walked straight towards the set of stairs that led to the entrance. Naji, another one of the Mythril Musketeers was there waiting, along with Ayda, and Zeid. Never before had I seen them all in one place. These were the four highest-ranking people in the republic and answered only to the President himself… and I was about to be in a room with all five of them at the same time.

 

As Volker walked past, each saluted and fell in behind us. We passed through the main doors and back down a hallway. The guards on duty in front of the President's office saluted and stood aside. Volker stopped only to knock and then opened the door. As the door opened, the President, a small, heavyset man stood behind a very fine metal and wood desk, his expression was very neutral. The main thing that caught my eye was there was an object, about three feet long, wrapped in both a Bastokan and San d'Orian flag, lying on his desk. All five of us lined up at attention and saluted. He returned the salute and told us to have a seat.

 

“I am sorry to call you all in like this especially you, Legionnaire Javarr, after just returning from your training in Windurst. I have received reports of training and I must say I am very pleased.”

 

I nodded my head in respect. “You honor me, Mr. President. Thank you.”

 

He returned the nod and then picked up the object that was on his desk. Coming around to stand before us, I noticed Volker tense up instantly. Without saying a word, himself and the other Mythrils stood. I followed suit and was soon eye to eye with the President.

 

“As all of you know, there has been a joint operation between the Republic of Bastok and the Kingdom of San d'Oria in an attempt to try and help bring the Orc problem there to an end.” Everyone nodded. “Two days ago, we received a very disturbing report…” At this time, he looked right at me. “Legionnaire Javarr, it is my most sad duty to in form you that your father, Gold Musketeer Valear, has been killed in the line of duty.” He extended the wrapped package. “Please know that the Republic grieves with you and also the King of San d'Oria also sends his most humble apologies for your loss”

 

I saw shocked… My father… gone? Was that even possible? I reached out with trembling arms and received the package. The top part had been folded to where it could be pulled back to expose the wide end of the package. Slowly I pulled it back and the reality set in… Underneath the standards of two of Vana'diel's greatest powers… was my father's sword…

 

“How…” I tried to speak, but it was difficult. “How did he fall, sir?” The President let out a long sigh.

 

“The report that was sent back along with his body said that himself and a group of Temple Knights were moving through Davoi and were ambushed. Only three of the party survived that attack and only two of them made it back to the castle. I have had the report put within the folds of his honors along with a personal letter from the king. What it says, I have no idea. It came with instructions that only you were to open it.”

 

I felt a lump come to my throat and knew the tears would start soon. “Thank you, Mr. President. With your permission, may I be dismissed?” The President nodded and with a final salute, I stepped back three paces, turned an about face and walked out of the office… Once I was clear of the building, I took off in a run, clutching the package close to me in both arms. I only stopped running long enough to get on the lift and get off. The moment I got home and closed the door, I just went and sat down, the package lying I my lap.

“How could you be gone…” That was the only question I could ask for quite some time after that.

* * * * *

A few hours later, I looked over the report from the surviving knights. It was just as the President had said. Then I looked for the letter. I found it on the other side of the folds. It was in a richly decorated envelope, sealed with wax and the crest of San d'Oria. After breaking the seal, I withdrew the parchment it contained, unfolded it, and began to read;

 

To the son of the most honorable Valear,

 

It grieves me much to only be able to send you this parcel and not deliver it in person. It is our tradition that the son of a fallen warrior be given a royal audience so that the entirety of the Kingdom may share in the loss of such a great warrior.

 

Sadly, I have reason to suspect that what was reported was not what truly happened. The two of my Temple Knights that returned from Davoi were not injured at all. Also, a Beastmen weapon did not inflict the wound that dealt a stroke to his mortality… I fear it was a civilized blade… I fear worse yet that it may have been one of my own knights that dealt the blow… We have begun to question the knights that survived, but they still stand by what was said in the report.

 

It would be my wish that you would come to the Chateau d'Oraguille, within the walls of San d'Oria to meet with me in person. Please send a response once you find the time.

 

Once again, my deepest apologies,

Ranperre,

Lord and King of San d'Oria.

 

Needless to say, I was shocked. Why would one of the knighthood want to kill my father? It just did not make sense. Then it hit me… Prince Triton was the leader of the Temple Knights and he strongly opposed the joint operations of Bastok and San d'Oria. Could he of ordered one of his knights to kill him? No, that would be against the knight's code, or that would be dishonorable. I just shook my head and stood up. Walking to what used to be father's desk, I sat back down, drew a leaf of parchment, quill, ink well, and blotter. Then I went about composing my reply.

 

Hail to the Honorable Ranperre, Lord and King of San d'Oria,

 

I thank you for your concern on this matter. I also thank you for the kindness and consideration of your subjects for my recent loss.

 

I would be honored to appear before your courts as you have offered, lord. First I must make heed to my government and be approved to cross the frontier. I feel that my clearance will come promptly once it is submitted. I will send another letter once I have gained permission to travel.

 

And regarding the main matter at hand, I would rather we discuss it in person and not by pen. I mean no offense or dishonor, but I believe that conversation would be better conducted in person.

 

With honor and glory,

Javarr Malutei,

Legionnaire of the Republic of Bastok.

 

After sealing the parchment, I called for our household moogle and handed the letter to the small flying creature. Now that I really think about it, they are kind of funny looking. They are small, maybe two feet tall, have very short, white fur, little wings that are always flapping, some kind of appendage extending from their head with a large red ball on the end of it, and a brown leather bag slung cross-body style. The moogle took the letter, put it in its bag and was off out the nearest window.

 

Only a few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. I called for them to enter and to my surprise, Dalshandra cracked open the door and poked her head in.

 

“Javarr? You alright?” Her voice showed as much concern as her face did.

 

I looked at her and tired to smile. “Yeah, I'll be fine. Come on in.”

 

Dalshandra walked in and closed the door behind her softly and walked across the room to stand beside me at the desk. “You sure?” She leaned down, setting her palms on her knees in the process.

 

“Yeah… I think I got everything out of my system now.”

 

“All I had heard was that something happened. You want to tell me?”

 

I nodded and started to recap the events that happened after she and I parted companies. By the time I was done, she had her arms around me, holding me, trying to help comfort me.

 

“I'm so sorry, Javvy” (“Javvy” was her nickname for me.). “I wish I knew someway…” She seemed to cut off in mid-thought as if something came to her. She looked up at me with those emerald green eyes of hers and smiled. Even with everything that had happened, I couldn't help but gaze back into them. She moved up and then laid her lips upon mine. This was a lot different then the kisses we'd had before. This one was long and slow, not to mention a little more passionate. After what seemed like an hour, we parted. She smiled and offered me her hand. Taking it, I got up and we walked over to the couch that was in the main room and sat down together. There we silently decided to continue our activities.

 

* * * * *

 

When my eyes opened, I was back in my room, the morning sun streaming in through the thin curtains over my window. Looking over, Dalshandra was laying next to me, snuggled up close. The heat of her body was soothing, the feel of her soft skin against mine, sensual. I really wished I could stay there all day, but I knew I had things I had to do. Getting up slowly, trying not to disturb my love, I went over and began to clothe myself.

 

“Mmmmmmm… Where are you going so early?” Dal said, propping herself up on her elbows, the sheet sliding down her naked chest.

 

Smiling at the sight, I simply sighed. “I have to speak with Volker today. The King of San d'Oria wants me to come to him sometime here soon.”

 

“Really?” She moved her head to the side, the hair moving over part of her chest. “Wish I could go.”

 

“Well…” I thought for a moment and an idea came to me. “Perhaps I can work something out with Volker. Besides, you know Volker knows about us… Just not about last night.” That comment turned Dal red with embarrassment. Then she got up out of bed and went to where her clothing ended up and began to slowly get dressed. Honestly I think she was teasing me in all reality. Wiggling her nice ass as she slowly pulled up her undergarment, flexing her back and causing her breasts to jet outward towards me before concealing them again with her tunic, and leaving her shorts for last.

 

`If only I didn't have so much to do this morning…' I thought as she began to lace her boots. Then I realized that I had not finished getting dressed yet. Quickly I pulled on my trousers, not before Dal giggled about something she saw.

 

“Having a little bit of a problem this morning, Javvy?” She giggled as she passed me heading for the door. I got even though as she passed, I decided that I was going to give her a nice swat on the ass as “payback” for teasing me so much.

 

She jumped a little as my hand landed on her rear, and she just looked at me with one of those looks that said `I'll get you back for that', smiled and went downstairs.

 

* * * * *

 

After having a quick breakfast, I set out from my home, letting Dal tend to the house. I was a little worried that her parents might be worried about her not coming home last night. Then again, knowing her, she most likely told them she wouldn't be home. Her parents had no objections to us being together. Her father was a merchant and her mother a cook at the “Steaming Sheep” eatery. I was pretty sure that she would not be there when I got back. Her main occupation in town was very odd for a woman. She actually worked in the Mines district as an assistant to the mine chief. I was kind of worried when she told me she got the job, one for the hazards of the mines and second, she was the only woman in the crew.

 

I shook my head and started towards the Metalworks. As I walked, there was a light wind that ruffled my gray tunic. The wind foretold of the cooler months that would soon come. Even with Bastok being an industrial city, the mornings were very calm and quiet the best time to actually take a walk, especially with someone close to you. I shook my head, trying to shake thoughts from my mind as I entered the front part of the Metalworks

 

After a few minutes, I was knocking on Volker's office door, seeking admittance.

 

“Come!” Volker replied from within. Opening the door, I entered the door, closing behind me in a slow squeak before latching back. I came before his desk and stood at attention.

 

“At ease, Javarr.” Volker said, standing and extending a hand. I took his hand and was then offered a seat. “So,” Volker said, sitting back down. “what brings you here today?”

 

As a way of response, I pulled the letter from Rampert from my pocket and passed it to him.

 

“Put simply, I need permission to go to San d'Oria.”

 

Volker read over the letter in his hand several times before passing it back. Then he just shook his head, rubbing his temples. “So that's what happened.”

 

“That is what Ranperre suspects.” I corrected.

 

“I wonder why though…”

 

“Only thing I could think of it might have been one of Triton's men or someone hired by Triton.

 

Volker nodded his head in agreement. “I could see it. Prince Triton was one of the strongest voices in the royal family opposed to the operations to help foster relations between us. If he did do this, it would shake the very foundation of everything that has been built sense the war.”

 

I could tell Volker was tense. I would be too considering he was one of the first Bastokans to volunteer for the “Unification Operations”. “Alright, I'll get things cleared. Is there anything else?”

 

I shifted in my chair a bit. “Well… there is one other thing.” Volker just looked at me, waiting for me to speak. “Well… You know Dalshandra.”

 

Volker smiled and chuckled a little. “Yeah, I know about your girlfriend. What about her?”

 

“Well… She wants to go along with me… I think to make sure I don't do something… rash…” Volker nodded at that, his arms crossed over his chest.

 

“Smart girl. All right, I'll see what I can do. No promises on that one though.”

 

“Thank you, sir.” I stood and saluted Volker and left, heading back home to wait for word.