Destruction Preventer: Lunar Salvation

Destruction Preventer
Chapter 11 – Ordeals

~

Ropes kept Rosa on her feet. No matter how many times she tried to get rid of it, she was bound too tight. At least the blood flowed in her arms and hands. She squirmed again, groaning and moaning as she attempted to loosen her ties.

The noises drew Golbez' attention. The massive man turned around and slapped her across the face. Hard. She stopped, but refused to show pain. She simply looked at him, furious.

Her features softened as the door slid with a metallic woosh. Kain's dark blue armor reflected the lighting from the walls and ceiling. The man had been given brand new equipment since the last time she saw him. She knew it wasn't the only reason he had turned against them. Something deeper, beyond loyalty to Baron...

She tried to get his attention. He barely turned around. She couldn't see his eyes, but she knew they set on Golbez' massive dark frame, who awkwardly stood out from the pale walls.

"Word reached us about Cecil; he made it out alive. He's in Mysidia as we speak," the dragoon announced. "He'll attempt to climb Mount Ordeals tomorrow."

"How about the others?"

"The monk was found near Baron. He doesn't remember a single thing." Mischief oozed out of Kain's deep voice.

"Good. You did well, Kain," Golbez rewarded. He walked to the dragoon and grasped his shoulder with a single hand. "You and I have more planning to discuss. I'll send off Scarmiglione to stop Cecil."

Kain had met the man – if man could be applied to Scarmiglione. He had met him only once, and had no idea what Golbez could see in him. Or well, it. He remained stoic, but had wanted to take care of Cecil himself, show him who really was in control.

"I know you wanted to finish Cecil on your own, but you will serve a much higher purpose," he promised, his arm wrapped around Kain's waist.

From the back of the room, Rosa stopped following the conversation. She was focused on how close they were.

Her womanly charms wouldn't work here. She sighed. 'So much for Plan A...'

~

Out of bed, finally.

Cecil stretched and walked a few wary steps across the bedroom. His armor had been cleaned and repaired by the local blacksmith. A grin formed on his face as he thought about becoming a paladin wearing such dark armor. Oh the irony.

Quickly, he dressed up. He was scheduled to leave in half an hour, enough time to get used to the heavy gear and pick up some provisions for the journey ahead.

Outside of the elder's large granite home, he found the man chatting with Dorian, a male white mage and two small children. Upon hearing the footsteps behind him, the elder turned around and greeted him. "Good morning, Cecil. I hope you are ready."

The knight gave him a firm nod. "As I'll ever be."

"Your journey will be long, but you will have valuable teammates with you."

Cecil smiled. Dorian the Kain look-alike and the other white mage were accompanying him.

But his attention was drawn to the two pint-sized twins, a girl and a boy who seemed younger than Rydia had been.

"Of course we're valuable! I'm the best black mage in this town!"

"Palom!" The girl smacked the boy. "At least introduce yourself properly!" She turned to Cecil, bowed a bit and smiled shyly, cheeks flustered. "My name is Porom. I'll do my best to help you."

The boy chimed in. "And I'm Palom, black mage extraordinaire! These monsters don't know what's in store for them. HAH!"

Cecil was thankful for his visor, if only to hide the look of utter surprise on his face. And the hint of disappointment as well.

The elder shook his head, amused by the twins' antics. "They are stronger than they look."

Cecil dismissed his worries. "I'm more than familiar with the feeling."

"Best for you three to leave as soon as possible." The elder turned to the twins. "Palom, Porom, don't let him down. He'll need your help to reach the top." With another shake of his head, he added "... and for heavens' sake... behave."

"What, I'm a good boy I swear!"

"No you're not..."

Cecil leaned towards the elder and spoke in a quiet voice. "I see what you mean."

"Simply put your faith in them. All three of you will gain from this trip." The older man put a hand on Cecil's armored shoulder in understanding.

~

Despite their young age, the twins were able to fend for themselves. They watched each other's backs, zapping, burning and healing their way through the plains. Cecil had to admit, they were quick little fellows.

"Did you see that? Did you see that?!" The boy jumped and pointed at the large bird – two quick thunder spells and the only sign of it were feathers gently floating in the morning breeze. "No, but did you SEE that?!"

His sister brought her palm to her forehead. She was much more mature than Palom, yet she would put up fights with him. "I saw that, idiot... it's the third time..."

Face still hidden by his visor, Cecil smiled. Kain hadn't much different than Palom when he was a kid, while Cecil had been the quiet, withdrawn one. At least Kain stopped after a while, while the young warlock just kept going on and on and on...

"Now that's what black magic can do! Isn't it amazing?!"

… And on and on...

Being outside of the army was a good thing. Cecil had missed these simple things. However, he was sure he'd be tired of it all once on the mountain.

The kids easily kept up with his pace, pushed by each other's taunts and encouragement.

Especially taunts.

"Bet you can't catch me!"

Porom rolled her eyes, but played along and chased him. Her brother turned around to cast a wicked grin in her direction, then ran into a tree. After laughing out loud, she healed him, and there he was, running ahead of Cecil, staff up in the air.

~

Still, kids were kids. After hours of walking, running and proving their skills – and more healing – the twins were getting tired. They had slowed their pace down. Neither of them looked annoyed. No tantrums, no crying. Simply exhaustion.

"Let's stop for a while."

"Really? Aw... but I wanna keep going-... Ow!"

Cecil quirked a brow. Just because they were tired didn't mean they'd completely stop. Beneath his helm, he rolled his eyes and slowed down, giving the kids a chance to keep moving.

~

Dusk was well settled in when the trio finally stopped. The twins were exhausted and quickly fell into a light sleep. Cecil sat by a large rock, eyes set on the tent that sheltered the children. Sure he was tired as well, but he had to keep watch and make sure everyone stayed safe.

At least, if Kain or Yang were with him he could sleep a bit.

Blue eyes lifted to the skies. Kain was... gods only knew where, and Yang was most likely dead. It sickened him. So many losses, so little time. But it didn't mean he would break down and cry. If anything, it fueled him, standing somewhere between desires of revenge and a will to not let these sacrifices be in vain.

A movement in the corner of his eye drew his attention. He rushed to his feet, blade in hand, ready to strike.

"Aren't you sleeping?" a high-pitched voice inquired.

Cecil breathed out in relief. It was only Porom. "I should ask you the same."

"Too excited. I want to see more of this place." For an excited little girl, Porom knew how to restrain herself. "But you're not tired?"

The knight shook his head. "Not really. I was trained to get as little sleep as possible when on a mission. I eventually catch up when it's over." He hadn't been much older than the twins when some of the basic training was drilled in his brain – it included waking up early in the morning and going to bed late at night.

He remembered some kids whining about it. Cecil never really cared and had adjusted accordingly faster than them. Then again, they were the same boys who teased him for his girlish looks and thought he'd never make it past the real training.

And now he was a very high-ranked officer. Most of these guys were simple frontline infantry – cannon fodder. He could have flaunted it in their faces... before his own downfall. But he never did.

"Are you scared?"

He blinked as he tried to find an honest answer. "A little. But I'm not alone, and I know I can do it. My fears won't stop me."

Porom sat cross-legged beside him. "So am I. My brother says he isn't scared. But that might get him into trouble," she stated – rightfully. "He says he'll be the most powerful sage ever... but he won't listen to advice."

"He's still young. Give him a few years to catch up to you," Cecil replied, a smirk across his lips. "Most boys don't mature as fast as girls. And some never do."

"But he's my brother... I want him to reach his goal, to be happy, but not if it means losing his life in the process. Do you have siblings?"

"I don't," he started off, "but I have friends who are like siblings to me. They need my help, and I've got no intention of letting them down." Silver brows furrowed, hidden in the dark.

The girl couldn't see his eyes, but from his tone, he was sincere.

"A lot of people in the village think you won't make it. But I believe you can." Porom stretched and got up to her tiny feet. "I'm going to watch on my brother so he doesn't do something stupid. Good night, Cecil!" She waved at him and disappeared into the tent.

There was another rustle. The girl popped her head out of the shelter. "And try to rest!" As soon as she had popped up, she was gone.

'Girl's wise for her age... Maybe I ought to listen to her too,' he wondered. His back hit the rock behind him with a clang. It definitely wasn't comfortable, but the night was warm enough to sleep outside.

In his armor. Ready to attack if something disturbed them.

With one last thought going to his two dear friends, far away from him, he dozed off in a light, undisturbed sleep.

~

"Wake up wake up wake up wake up WAKE UP!"

Something shook him. Or attempted to. He only felt his right arm being tugged on... as much as the tiny mage could.

"WAKE UP! Porom, make him wake up...! We need to move NOW!"

Cecil opened his eyes. Palom was still warring with his arm.

"Leave him alone, he needs as much sleep as we do..."

"He's an adult! He needs less sleep! COME ON!" The boy's high-pitched, girlish scream rang through his skull, amplified by his helmet.

Rosa would have been proud.

Face still hidden by his visor, Cecil grinned, sleepy.

"Palom!"

"OW!"

The tugging stopped. It gave him a chance to stretch – as much as his armor would allow him – and finally shot up to his feet. "Good morning, both of you."

"It's not gonna be morning anymore if we don't go soon," Palom trailed off. Through a dazed gaze, Cecil could see him pick his personal belonging and walk away from them. "Come on already! This mountain won't climb itself!"

He didn't need to look down to see Porom rolling her eyes. Her irritated sigh was enough. "Sorry about my brother... he's a little too excited."

He was careful not to hurt her with his clawed gloves as he patted her head. "Don't worry. I've seen pushier."

His memory floated back to a very excited Kain, standing by a spear nearly twice his size – and the boy was tall enough as it was.

"Come train with meeeeeee...!"

Cecil snapped out of the memory. The twins were a few meters away from him.

"MOVE!"

He gave up and trotted to them. The grin was still plastered on his face.

It felt good to travel with people again.

~

"This is big..."

"That's what she said!"

Porom brought her palm to her face again, then promptly slapped her brother with it. The act drew a quiet chuckle out of Cecil. The boy was a pervert. That much he had learned on their way to Mount Ordeals.

He had expected a huge mountain – the size was no surprise to him.

What threw him off was the giant wall of fire blocking their way to it. Walking through it would have been suicidal. He would have baked into his armor.

"Stand back and let the great – no, BEST – mage Palom do his work!"

Cecil had to give the boy something. Despite only being an apprentice, Palom was indeed a good soon-to-be black mage. He kept his sapphire eyes on the pint-sized ball of energy and watched as he collected himself. With Palom's attention span, it didn't last long. Still, he cast a blizzard spell on the fire, and doused it off in one shot.

"See?! SEE?!" he screamed and turned around to his twin. "Wasn't that amazing? Let's go now!"

"Palom's right. Let's go."

~

The elder had been right, he would have never been able to bring these guys down on his own. Three apparently dead, bloated corpses rose to life in front of them. Cecil had been the first to spot them and he swung in his sword in their direction, an attempt to slice their arms off.

A futile attempt. The sword didn't even pierce their darkened, purulent skin. On the other hand, the slap he received was harder and threw him off guard. Not enough to do serious damage, a mere scratch as he fell... but still. Those beings were strong, even in death.

The... things... didn't even last through three fire spells.

"Nice one, Palom."

Palom basked in his little moment of triumph. His mischievous hazel eyes shone under the sun. The boy didn't need to be pushed even more, but he still deserved a compliment.

Cecil frowned in realization. No wonder why no one had made it back. The area seemed to keep them 'alive,' beyond death. He didn't know if they guarded the mountain, were enslaved by it, or needed it to 'live,' if such a thing could be said.

Somewhere out there, there were men and women just like him, who sought peace in his mind and soul, forgiveness. None of them – not one – had even made it back from this place, and were now reduced to haunt and feed off others who suffered similar fates.

He absolutely refused to become one them, to end up like these faceless, heartless monsters.

He wouldn't become a prisoner of his own path.

~

"Hey look! There's someone here!"

Porom hit her brother again. "Stay quiet, Palom..."

Cecil squinted, trying to make something out of the blur in the distance.

Purple, red, white... Glasses? A staff?

The person gave off a familiar aura. His face lit up and he broke into a heavy run. "Tellah... Tellah!"

Behind him, the children looked at each other, puzzled – until Palom realized what was going on. In his few years on the Blue Planet, if there's a name he knew, it was Tellah's. One of the most powerful mages in this world.

The elderly man turned around. Thick white eyebrows raised. He looked as puzzled as the children did a moment ago. But the look dissipated for a broad smile. "Ah, Cecil! Fancy meeting you here!"

"I'm glad to see you again, Tell-"

Something pushed past him. "OH. MY. GODS. It's him! It really is him!" Palom jumped up and down in excitement, unable to contain himself. "It truly is him! Sage Tellah!"

Porom gave the elder a shy smile as she calmly stood by Cecil. She bowed in respect. "It is nice to meet you, Sage Tellah. I apologize for my brother. Palom, come back here...!" She reached for the boy's collar and yanked him backwards.

It clearly wasn't enough to stop the boy from boasting. "You heard the name! I'm Palom, best mage in Mysidia!"

"Best apprentice mage," his sister scolded. "I'm Porom, apprentice white mage of Mysidia."

Tellah's gazed washed over the twins, then to the dark knight. "I see you've found company to help you through this hell, my friend."

"Indeed. They've been very helpful. I could never have come here on my own..." Cecil admitted. He waved his dark sword for added effect.

"Oh yeah. Darkness can't defeat darkness."

Why did everyone know about this, but him? He felt foolish, but his helm hid it well.

"Well, considering you made it here with these kids, I can't say you're doing bad. Now as for me... it would be better if I remembered all my damn spells." Tellah furrowed his brows again and fuddled with his staff in annoyance. "But I won't let it stop me! Learning never stops, and that's what I'm here for."

"You're a sage! You should know everything, no?" Palom inquired with a frown. To him, Sage Tellah didn't sound as sane as he had hoped. "That's why I want to be just like you!"

The look he got from the elderly man got to him. For once, the boy stopped. "Well my young friend, you've got a lot more to learn."

It took all of Porom's power not to repeat what he had said.

"You won't become sage overnight. It takes years and years of studying, learning, practicing... Your training has only started." Tellah remained serious, hoping to get through the boy's thick skull. "I bet you've been told the same by Mysidia's elder. And several times."

Palom grew quiet.

Cecil's jaw nearly dropped to the ground.

He glanced at Porom, whose eyes spelled it out for him: 'About time someone else tells him so.'

But the moment of silence didn't last.

"Then that's what I'll do! I'll train and I'll learn and I'll become even better!"

The knight looked around, trying to find a distraction – anything would do the trick. "So, what are you here for, Tellah?"

Tellah turned to him with raised brows. "I've heard about powerful magic found here. No doubt the children here have heard about Meteor."

Palom's mouth formed a silent 'Oh!'

'Here we go again.'

"Of course! It's the most powerful and best spell ever! A lot of people seek it! I thought sages like you knew everything though...!"

"Well, I don't." Tellah shrugged. "But I'll learn it. I need to. With it, I can put an end to this and avenge Anna. Nothing stands a chance against Meteor. It's the ultimate spell, and I promise Golbez will die by it!."

Anna. The man still hadn't recovered from his loss.

Cecil needed something else. Another opening to get them to move. 'Moving'. "Tellah, why don't you join us? We could use your help."

"Pleaaaaase?!"

The sage nodded in agreement, adamant. "Of course! And I may need the both of you as well. I'm an old man and the three of you are young; no doubt we can make it to the top safe and sound."

"Well, let's. Maybe we can reach an area to rest for a few."

~