A Nu Mou's Study of Affection
Alrighty
So, I got thinking
And I had a few solutions
The thing is, I got a good few stories in my mind
I WAS planning to do a sequel for my Kung Fu Panda fanfic, but going to temporary place it on hold for the time being.
Instead, I'll be writing this.
Funnily enough, I had two stories in mind, but they had more or less the exact spot but in the different era, so I had to pick one and go with it
So yea, this is a new work
It's also fan fiction, from the game ‘Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced'
If you've played that, I supposed you'd recognise a few little details
But for now, on with the story
Disclaimer: I don't own this game, or some of the characters in it that I will use, that I won't mention so I don't spoil it.
Also, this has some gay love/sex in it. This means Man on Man action (Woot). If you too young or this ain't your thing, just leave ok?
To those that are ignoring my disclaim for the age reason or those that can legally read this, enjoy it.
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A Nu Mou's Study of Affection
By Sindal
"Ssso, what are we sssuposed to be getting again?" A bangaa said as he walked down a clearly marked path, his arms behind his head as he walked along
"Muscmaloi, a medical herb that grows mainly in Giza Plains and in some other areas in Ivalice" I said, walking beside him replied, as if I knew it of my heart.
"Can't you white magesss just cassst some spell to fix up the sicknessss?" The bangaa asked again, sounding mildly distracted by something as his gaze looked along the grassy fields that were starting to become more evident.
"No Camus, we white mages are present to ease suffering, help those in need and purely support others. But we cannot just make sicknesses vanish into thin air; the world around was not made so simple. And for that, knowledge of herb effects and alchemy are needed to further aid those in need" I replied in a ‘matter of fact' sort of tone.
Camus looked at me for a few seconds then looked to his side as if he was studying his surroundings, even though I knew he wasn't. After a short comfortable silence of walked he spoke "Hey Mal, why do Nu Mousss have to be ssso sssmart?"
Mal. No, that is not my full name. My name is Malchelo. Malchelo Pablo Leonard the 2nd. Yes it's a very long name, even my first name Malchelo is long, which is why Camus delightfully shortened it. Though, he was the only one who calls me that. Everyone else called me by my full first name
"Well Camus, why are Bangaa strong and so physically capable?" I asked him in reply
He blinked and looked at me "I donno...it'sss jussst the way we've always been. Ssstrong and Ssstuff"
"Well, there's your answer"
"It doesssn't make sssenssse to me Mal"
I sighed and looked at my friend "What makes a race a race that is different to another Camus?"
"Uhh...how they look?" He replied. Camus was not stupid, no. He just didn't think too much on things that he though didn't really matter. Most Bangaa are like that, they aren't stupid or intellectually challenged, they just don't put the thought where Nu mou's do.
"Yes Camus, that is one point. But if we are to be different, should we not have different talents?"
"Yea..."
"So, Bangaa have a supportive body structure that helps and enables them to perform physical feats of strength and pure brawn power. Nu mou's were not build the same way. Our bodies were not meant to handle massive amounts of physical labour and the like, and so we were gifted with more inquisitive and thought out minds. It is in no way saying you or any other bangaa do not have a substantial brain capacity, it is just saying that that we are able to use our minds better than you, just like you can use your muscles better than we can"
Camus stared at me while we continued to walk and I knew I was speaking too much around the bush. Camus liked things ‘to the point'
"To make it simple Camus, it is just what makes each and every race special. Understand?"
"I guessss" He muttered, resting his knuckle hidden arms to his sides. By that point we had come to a big enough vegetation area of the plains, and he turned to me "You think there are any of that ssstuff around here?"
I looked around, lightly scanning the area for the herb in question, and found some within seconds. A well known fact to those that studied it was that Muscmaloi thrived easily, if there was one, there was sure to be more of it very near by.
I nodded "There's some over there" I headed over in one direction, carefully picked some of the herb and showed it to him "Look for leaves that look like this one, most of them have a few faint red streaks below them" I turned the specimen around to show him "There should be more around this one, not hard to gather"
Camus looked at the plant in my hand and he studied it. That's one thing about Camus, when he meant get to the point he meant it. Any objective he was willing to do, he did it properly and focused. The bangaa looked to the north of the bush I had gotten my sample, and pointed at a few more "Like thossse?"
"Yes Camus, all we need to do is pick as much as we can and deliver them back. Simple task no?"
Camus nodded at me "Yea" and went to start his harvest. I continued my own and we worked in silence, filling the bags we were given for the mission as much as possible and promply headed back to Town.
Our Clan's, Clan Arch, first mission was a success.
I sat quietly with my clan members round a table at the most popular if not the only pub in Cyril, The Prancing Chocobo. The air around is smelt of drinks, many different scents from different species and completely filled with the usual buzz of clans interfacing merrily.
It's just the five of us in our clan. Me, Camus, Lita, Waltz and Rangi
I myself am the ever-necessary healer of the clan, one can't be a clan without someone being or having white mage experience. I supposed I should go into more detail about us all. I am 21 years of age, born and raised in Cyril itself and have always been somewhat ‘more' intellectual than my brother Nu mou's. I am not one to brag, but even high positioned Scholars and members of the official mage council of our land have been impressed with my intellect. It is an honour, and because of that I have already mastered most of the white mage spells and abilities. People call me humble and quiet and I agree with them, as I would rather spend my time reading a book perhaps than speaking with someone. Like most Nu Mou I am not particularly tall and also like most Nu Mou I am a bit ‘tubby' for lack of better words. I wear the traditional white mage robe, except that the normal blue or red streaks on them are replaced with indigo and violet ones instead. Most of my clan members find it quite astonishing how I can ‘whip out a book' out of seemingly nowhere since it does not look like I carry any on me.
Camus is a white monk, and obviously the strongest of us all and our main brawn force to offer. As previously noted Camus is a laid back person, he thinks about something only if it is present and at hand, and likes more to relax then fight. His frame is muscular like most bangaa, but he seems a little bit more dedicated to it. For status, he's only started being a fighter as he used to be a simple labourer, carrying heavy loads. He's 22, more than a bit taller than me and fits the ‘gentle giant' mould. He fights only if he has to, not on impulse. He is kind and caring, and helps where ever he can, though he does moan lightly about working at certain times if it is truly too boring. His attire is that of a traditional white monk, except he wears on head covering. He also has what looks like an earring in each of his four earflaps. His scales are a twist between orange and brown, it's actually quite a calming colour, the kind you see when the leaves of the tree's fall to the ground.
Then there is Lita, by far the most elegant and beautiful viena I have even laid eyes on. This should never be mistaken for the fact that that is all to her, for her rapier arm is quite deadly. She is the desire of most men around her, but she pays no attention to them much. Many times has she played ‘big sister' to us all in the clan, even before we were a clan, and as such we treat her not as some beautiful woman, but as our dear friend and part of our family. Her heart is pure gold, as she wants only to help others. Her fencer attire is slightly altered, into a less revealing crimson red piece. She's 20, and the closest thing I've had to a family since my own died. Her eyes have an illuminating green sparkle to them.
Then Waltz, the human of our clan and also the most suited for the leadership role. He's a bit of a rock sometimes, but he's still got emotions and it shows when need be. He's very stern and precise person and thinks something through before he does it. He does have a funny side so, which is why we can tolerate it when he gets a bit ‘controlling'. We all know he really just wants the best for us, and as such his choices have always been towards the right direction. He is 24, the oldest of us all. He's an archer, and his clothing suits one, except for one difference that his straw hat has a single decorative plume in it from his father. His aim is as the sharpest I've ever seen; I don't think he's ever missed a target, ever.
And lastly there is Rangi. Although he is the youngest of us all, 19, he is the first of us to gain a mate. She was a bangaa; I cannot place her name at the moment. But as time passed, it was slowly revealed she did not care for him, and at her own fault died in a rampage she caused in what I can only call pure insanity. But she matters not now. Rangi is our only offensive magic troop at the time, a black mage. He is very skilled, but sometimes his spells have a way of backfiring as he looses concentration a bit too easily. Oddly enough, his fur is a light purple, very uncommon but possible for a moogle. He wears gloves that no one has ever seen him take off and his robes are not very altered. He's very energetic and extremely eager to go on missions, dispatch or not.
I could go into more detail about us all, but I think that will suffice for now.
"What was the pay?" Waltz asked, he was someone you could completely trust with money.
"We got a small bonus, the originally pay was 1000gils, but we brought more than they expected, so we received an extra 250gils. Not bad for our first mission I think" I informed, holding up the sack of currency and handing it to Waltz.
"Yes, a nice outcome, good work guys" Waltz smiled at both Camus and me. We both nodded affirmatively
"So when's the next one? Kupo, Our first mission and I wasn't even in it! Kupo!" Rangi half shouted in his normal enthusiastic way. He had wanted to come, but the mission was a pair effort only. I was chosen because of my knowledge of what the herb looks like, and Camus to protect me if we ran into any monsters. The clan wouldn't feel safe knowing one of Rangi's spells accidentally took a turn for the worst.
"Well, I think we should take a more full clan welcome mission next, don't you think?" Lita commented, blowing a tuff of her snow-white hair out of her face. She had the delightful ability to act like she was flaunting her attractiveness, but in actual fact she was just doing something to fit her convenience.
"I'll go check with the pub master later, for now we have some time off to properly get off to a good start. We need to get some proper weaponry; we only have the basics with us right now. I think we have just enough to give everyone a little upgrade," Waltz said, reaching for one of his non-alcoholic beverage and downing at least half of it.
It was true; all of us except me had the basic or ‘starter' weaponry. For any person to learn the skills, magic or technique of a class or job, we need the a certain weapon to aid this skill. Each weapon that bestows a skill to a class is specific; a skill cannot be used before that item on your person. The only way to use that skill or spell without the item present is to master the skill by becoming familiar with it, after a while you will notice you will not need to draw power from the weapon to use that skill, therefore meaning you have familiarised yourself enough.
As I was saying, each clan receives a ‘starter pack' of sorts, were they are given some gil, basic weaponry to suit all in the clan at the present time, a few survival items to aid you in engagements and a badge to represent yourself. As such, it was all we have for weaponry, and none of my clan members have properly mastered their first skill as of yet. I on the other hand was different
Because I won a tournament in an earlier stage of life, the palace mage council honoured me with a few staffs that I may use to learn half of the white mage spells with, which I did. There are only a few higher-level spells such as auto-life that I have yet to master, and this for a starter clan is very fortunate, since I will be able to aid them better. We've had two engagements so far, and we've won both, but the second one was a narrow shot.
"So Waltz...see any woman you like yet?" Lita grinned devilishly at our leader, who glared at her, and then at Rangi. That had been a long going jest between us. According to Lita, Waltz was a ‘catch'. Lita and Rangi have been pestering Waltz on the fact that he was handsome, and to that I have to agree, he does have those qualities. You don't need to be a female to notice that. But as Waltz himself had said, a face is nothing but a mask to one's heart.
"No Lita, and when will you too stop this joke?" Waltz asked, grumbling something.
"When you get a girlfriend," Lita answered as if it was the simplest and obvious answer in the world, and Rangi snickered softly. He always did enjoy a good laugh whatever the reason.
"Oh yea? Well we're you boyfriend then?" Waltz retorted. Playful banter between friends was all it was.
"Oh, I have the choice, but I'm looking for someone really special. Someone who can take care of me...and not any of you four because you're family" Lita replied.
I chuckled softly and did what I was famous for, drew a book from ‘nowhere' and began reading. Somehow, the joyful chatter of my close friends made a good reading environment. Lita, Rangi and Waltz continued their debate over mates and why either Lita or Waltz did not have significant others despite their appearance. I smiled as I turned a page, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed Camus looking at me with a friendly smile.
"What you reading thisss time?" He asked. Camus had always been very amazed with how much I read. It was not an uncommon thing for a Nu Mou, to be reading or studying, but Camus just seemed more impressed by me than all the other brilliant minds there were out in our land. Perhaps it was because I was the closest thing to a brilliant mind he knew.
I certainly don't consider myself a very accomplished scholar, mage or Nu Mou in general.
"Beast master's Bestiary, volume four. If we are to battle monsters, we should know some information on them no? Perhaps there are some key weaknesses we can utilize or make a situation easier." I replied.
Camus looked at me "Beassstmaster hmm? You ssshould explain to me how beassstmastersss do their thing sssometime, I'd like to hear"
"Sometime Camus? Why not now?" I asked
Camus look to his side, were Waltz and Lita were busy having an argument over their reasoning for not looking for girlfriends or boyfriends respectively.
"I don't think I want to have sssomthing explained to me in thisss noise" Camus replied
I nodded understandingly, unlike me other's would be bothered with the ruckus of a pub to focus "I see, well then, perhaps some other time when our clan has some free time I can try and enlighten you, yes?" I mirrored his friendly smile.
"I'd like that"
Days and more days passed, and slowly, our clan grew like any other clan would. We took on more assignments and completed a good fair share of them. Some didn't go so well, but we tried our hardest and that's what counted in the end. We had more engagements, a lot more. And rather proudly triumphed over most of them, once in a while we got unlucky. Even so, we had gained more weaponry, looted a hefty amount of gil for a starting clan and were definitely staring to make a little name for ourselves in the low rankings.
To bring it to a point in time, let us say the day after an engagement took place in the Eluut Sands desert. Something appeared to be driving the local monsters even more violent and agitated for some reason, we were sent to find out. It turns out a conniving beast master and animist had been behind the whole thing, somehow enhancing the idea into their minds that anyone that wasn't their kin or the two scoundrels that started the whole problem was to be very violently attacked.
It was a bit of a trouble, but we got through it, and managed to capture the trouble making pair. We had returned faster than we could recover properly though, as it seemed some unfortunate desert weather blew its way at is.
Needless to say, we were all glad to be in safe area, or as safe as Sprohm, which is quite safe considering it's a bangaa town and it's home to Ivalice's famous and only known prison.
Camus and I sat silently guarding our caravan near the path. Every clan has a caravan for travelling. Though it did not necessarily need guarding, since each caravan had it's own steal proof charm on that only clan members it belonged to may take items or use it. Non the less, we had nothing better to do and the rest of the clan were busy in town gathering supplies.
"Ssso Mal" Camus said, looking at me from the rock he had chosen to sit on, arms and legs crossed "I think thisss isss asss good a time asss any to explain to me how beassstmassstersss work and all, consssidering we just fought one"
I smiled up at Camus. Sometimes I wondered about him, Camus always wanted me to explain things to him, things he didn't understand. I felt like I was his mentor or teacher of sorts sometimes.
"Well Camus, what exactly would you like to know? How they work is a bit...vague" I put away the book I was reading quietly, rose from the steps of the caravan I had been sitting on and found a similar rock closer to Camus to sit on.
"Well...how did it ssstart?"
"Ah, that is a good question Camus. To start of, let me just say, I do not know"
"Huh?" Camus looked at me, awestruck "You don't know? How come, you know everything!"
I blinked at Camus, is that what the bangaa really thought of me? That I knew everything? It was actually quite flattering
"Camus, no one knows, as far as records have told us, the person who founded the beastmaster class was erased, along with his or her research. So no person knows who or what ‘started it all'"
"Oh...well, how is it ssstill here?"
"Well, there was enough to give the basics of beast control to us Camus, that much of the tomes and histories have been spared, and ever since then Nu Mou have been learning the art of managing monsters and beasts alike" I replied
Camus looked at me "Ssso...how do they control monssstersss?"
I got a bit more comfortable on my little rock "The technique has changed over the years. When it started, we used only the ability to talk to the monsters. This founder had someone managed to learn the languages of the monsters we fight. Using this, our earlier beast masters tamed the monsters that tried to harm them, and in many instances became companions with them. Though, talking to them isn't always that effective, as monsters have their own pride, and will not just stand aside when asked to all the time."
"And now?"
"Another Nu Mou discovered away to control the monsters, which is the most popular and more used technique today. I assume you have seen the instruments beastmasters and animists carry?"
"Yesss? Ssso?" Camus tilted his long muzzle at me
"These instruments have shown to have hypnotic effects on the monsters. Every monster seems to have a melody that it responds to, and as such it both calms and renders the creature's mind in a highly suggestible state for a period of time depending on how long the note is carried out, and how strong the creature's resistance is. Beast masters today simply use this technique to control the monsters in battle"
Camus looked at me "That sssoundsss a bit..."
"Harsh? Yes, I agree. It is true that sometimes when there is no other option this technique is needed as a last resort maybe, but I believe that the old fashion way is more civilised. Every beast master has the choice of using on of the two as their main offence, but because of the way monsters are at these times, they usual resort to the latter of the two for only convenience. Even I can't deny that talking to the creatures is not the best solution. Though, every beast master is required to learn the basics of ‘creature speak' as we call it."
Camus hmmed at me softly, looked to his side were trees stood tall along the path, and then back at me "I guessss if it's for sssurvival and the only proper way to deal with them, sssometimesss you have no choice huh?"
I nodded softly "Indeed...does that help you understand their workings?"
"It always helpsss Mal, when you explain sssomthing. It'sss nice to know certain thingsss" the bangaa looked down at his rising sun knuckles. He had almost completely mastered the exorcise ability, slightly inaccurate but a useful ability non-the less when dealing with undead creatures.
"I am more than glad to aid a friend Camus, you know whenever you want to know something, I'll do my best to explain it to you" I smiled at him.
There was a pause in the air, a comfortable one. We tended to share that when we were alone. I'd have to say Camus was actually the closest friend I had in my small circle of a clan. Lita was like my sister, Rangi had the characteristics of a younger brother, and Waltz displayed father like attributes. Camus was more like my older brother. I could tell him anything; even if he didn't understand it he would try and help me if I had a problem. We talked easily and we enjoyed each other's company even in silence. For some reason I could just relate to him better than any one else.
"Mal?"
"Yes Camus?" I snapped from my thoughts to look at the bangaa
"How do engagementsss work?" He asked
I blinked softly, it was an odd question even for him "What do you mean?"
"How do they work? I mean, when is an engagement official? How to the judgesss play a part, who are the judgesss? How do they work?"
"Ah I see. Engagements are very interesting actually. They are just fights between two forces or more, but they have a ruling behind them. An engagement is triggered by intention of harm. The second someone wants to cause harm and damage to another person, an aura of sorts envelops around that area. This aura has not yet been studied, as it as something not even Nu Mous completely understand. We are not sure completely how this aura knows weather an engagement is to take place, but that is all we have come up with so far"
"What does the aura do?"
"The aura puts an area under the jurisdiction of the judges. Once it is present, a judge is summoned. As we both know, judges look over engagement and enforce the rules of them"
Camus looked mildly confused "Where did the judges come from?"
"That is also something no Nu Mou or person knows. The judges are not beings, but rather manifestations of magic. Only the judge master himself is a being"
"Why are they here?"
"The Judges made a proposal to our world Camus. The proposal was protection from death in battle. Naturally the leaders of our land agreed to his proposal for the sake of their people. But of course there was a price to pay. In turn for the protection, the laws were put in place and the judges themselves in charge of them. Some say it was for their amusement, some say it was to keep a balance, but no one knows for certain"
"And without the judgesss..."
"We would die in combat, yes"
Camus frowned along his jagged muzzle "That'sss horrible"
"Indeed. So upholding to the laws is a small price to pay, no? Even if the palace have been playing a role as to how strict these laws are"
"They get annoying sssometimesss don't they Mal?"
"Indeed" I reiterated, smiling pleasantly at my friend while he stretched on his rock. Sometimes I envied Camus. For his strength. Any strength, used properly, is a force to be reckoned with. But sometimes I think of what it would be like if I wear the trade my mental abilities for physical ones. I ponder what it would be like to be someone like Camus, someone with muscles that easily defined themselves along their frame.
Just then, I heard the pit pat of feet padding close, followed by an energetic voice that I knew only to be Rangi's
It seemed Camus and my discussion were over for the time being
20 days went and gone without much being out of the ordinary. Our clan was starting to gather mild and low ranking fame. Most clans have six or more members, we were one of the few that made it by with only five. Some more fame was caused by Lita in a fencer's tournament, she triumphed quite rapidly, even though she though it was just luck
I myself also helped receive praise for our clan; I had won a intelligence duel. It was something else to be proud of truth, but I take no real joy in defeating someone. I do it for the love of the challenge. Every mind likes to put that mind to the test once in a while. What was rather joyous was that the mage council was observing me, including Babus Swain, the palace's most famous royal mage. Being as high ranked as him is almost every Nu Mou's dream. We all secretly want to succeed at everything we do, no? Even if we act otherwise
But...
On the 10th day of Huntmoon month...
It happened...
It started out ordinarily enough. We had gotten a mission, there seemed to be a minor monster problem in Salikawood, we were sent to thin them out a bit before they overpopulate and become too aggressive and therefore wandering from the forest and into inhabited areas.
We were all on our way there, but we came to a crossroads. Both lead to our destination, but according to Waltz navigation and mapping skills, the one would take faster. And considering we needed to make haste, we followed along with that route.
It wasn't long before I started noticing that something was amiss. The more we travelled, the more and more...baron the landscape around us looked. The tree's wilted and started dying out of sight completely. The ground was dark and unidentifiable. We were all started to get bad feelings
Though, it was only when we caught sight of the abandoned looking town, torn to shreds by an unknown horrific force and leaving in an eerie and ghastly shape, did I know exactly where we were.
But before I could warn my clan mates, chaos ensued.
An arrow struck out from behind a building, hitting the caravan in its protective covering
"Ambush!" Waltz cried, making us all jump from the caravan as another arrow nearly missed Waltz.
He had a reaction ability common on archers, the ability to avoid arrow shots. As all reaction and supportive abilities, it took study and practice to perfect them, no weapons were needed, but it took a long while before any person could use them effectively.
I myself have mastered the ‘turbo magic' support. All it is pouring more of my magical energies into my spells. It did mean I would run out easier, but it increased my focus and the power of my spells, so more magical energy was a small price to pay at the end of the day.
We all stood alerted on the ground of the ghost town, all ready to sprint out in different directs. The only way to settle an ambush is to kill off one side, and by golly if it was an engagement they wanted, they were going to get it. But I was worried of our placing...
"Wait!" I shouted out.
My four clanmates looked to me in surprise.
"Group together, I want to cast Protect first. I think we shall need it for this fight"
They all nodded, sensing my worry and got closer together. I cast the spell as fast as I could, enveloping us all with a force to dull some of the damage we might take...I had not the heart to tell them of the consequences if we or any of us lose. A protect spell can work over five people maximum, lucky were a five.
Once that was done, we searched for our enemy blindly. No doubt they had an assassin or ninja present...these sorts of honourless scoundrels always take the enemy by surprise
We normally split into three groups. Camus and I were one because he acted as my guardian, defending me and letting my cast my aid over the battlefield. Lita and Rangi were other, two physical forces to sting the enemy. And Waltz alone was the last, being an archer he preferred finding a good sniping spot and shoot down our enemies.
As it was our grouping remained, all shot out in different directions. I heard clashed of metal echoing through the area, clearly Lita and Rangi had found a target to aim upon.
I was stopped abruptly in my tracks and in a split second dodged a gunner's bullet. As I heard the next one fire, I saw a flash as Camus shielded me from it. He winced and quickly spied the enemy, reloading his gun from behind a low wall at a higher altitude. The bangaa wasted no time, preparing himself and letting loose an air render. It knocked the gunner head on and seemed to damage his body quite well.
Camus wasted no more time and charged in for the kill, dashing and jumping with me following a distance behind, obviously not able to keep up with his speed or his jumping ability. He struck fast and all I heard as a muffed ‘kupo!' before I saw the figure fall to the ground. Camus rejoined me and without even asking I knew he wanted me to heal him. It was something you got used to when you work with someone over and over.
Rapidly I cast a quick cure spell. The bullet wound had not been fatal in the least, but I knew even with the spells every hit to a body hurt before it was treated. The small trace of blood was an instant sign for my fears. Camus didn't seemed to notice, but I did.
We were not supposed to bleed in engagements. The attacks we made were not supposed to cut past our clothing and skin. The judges had neutralized that part of engagements; weapons or magic would assault us. It would hurt as it would in any other situation, but it was as if they went right through us and all we did was feel the pain.
I was the only one that noticed a judge had not appeared yet...which mean we have lost our protection.
I could not worry for that long, as we had to move on. We picked a path and headed along it as fast as we could. The area was frightening. It seemed like the darkness all around us would consume us all in one single motion. It scared me, sending a shiver down my spine. I was glad to have Camus by my side.
We met up with Waltz who had just shot down a blue mage successfully and as I heard it, Lita and Rangi had taken out other two foes, which meant there could not be more of them left. We headed to that direction, from were we heard the screams of agony that did not belong to my allies. Waltz who ran with us a short distance separated again to help find the remaining few. It was good it seemed no one had gotten hurt.
But after a few seconds, I heard a scream. The most horrible sound I have ever heard in my life. It struck me down and filled me with dread. I knew that voice...it wasn't our enemy...it was our ally...it was Lita.
Camus and I hurried to where the horrid sound came from. We reach Lita, although I personally wished we hadn't...
There she lay, on the floor, a gash with a certain mark on her back. And I knew...Last Breath...the Assassin's signature killer move.
"Lita!" I shouted, hurrying to her while Camus followed speechless.
I did all I could to remain calm. I could still save her. I could do it. I would do-
My train of thought was cut off with another female's shriek of death. My eyes widened "...No" in a desperate hurry; I tried to cast the life spell on Lita. It took a few seconds since it was a very delicate spell. The glowing orb of pure white magic energy slowly formed and lowered to Lita's body, and for a moment I was relieved.
To my dismay, the sphere did nothing to her. And I knew why. I could feel it in the air...
The engagement was over...one side had lost...my life spell...had not been in time.
Before my very eyes, Lita's body started to glow a very light blue, a ring like halo appearing around her body.
I stared in shock of it all, stunned and rooted to the spot. Camus didn't seem to understand yet "Whatsss happening to Lita?" he asked, unsure.
The rest of my clan members found their way to us in that moment, Waltz and Rangi hurrying to find us. "What's going kupo on?" Rangi asked as soon as he caught his breath from running
They had not seen it. They had not seen Lita's body turn colour, become compressed by the halo and eventually vanish with nothing but a few seconds of sparkling in the air left to show of it.
I fell to my knees, feeling my emotions crawl from my heart and invade my body. I shivered and sniffed.
Camus looked at me "Mal...where did Lita go...what's wrong?" the bangaa asked me unsure still, a deep frown on his muzzle that I was unable to see, for I was staring at the ground. His voice stained with worry.
Waltz and Rangi swapped confused looked at each other, then at us, not speaking.
I gathered the will to speak, for my friends, even though I was breaking inside "Camus...do you...remember what I told you about the judges?"
"Yesss?" he replied
"...Do you see one here throughout the battle?" I asked
Camus blinked with a startled face "...No...I didn't"
"Camus...I want you to be calm as I explain...there are three areas in Ivalice called Jaghs...they are a lawless zone...no judge can enter them"
"That sounds great! Kupo" Rangi smiled weakly at me, not understanding my obvious saddened state.
Camus didn't make a sound, still trying to figure it out some. So I continued
"Do you remember what I said? What the Judges protect us from? Why they are here...and what will happen if they are not?"
I could hear Camus gasp softly in realisation. I could not see his face, nor did I want to see it
"No...no, no, no" the bangaa said softly "...It...it can't... Damnit"
I risked a look behind me. I could feel my eyes gaining excess moisture and threatening to fall. Camus looked nothing more than horror struck, I could see his breathing increase. Waltz and Rangi were still confused.
I did not want to admit it. I would never want to admit it. Not now. But I had to. There was no other getting to it, and every man must face what is thrown at him. My two friends left in the dark had to know...
"...Lita...is...dead"
As a single tear fell from my eyes, Camus punched a nearby wall. Rangi held his gloved paw to his mouth, eyes wide, and Waltz stood there with his head hung.
We had won the battle...but what we had lost, was far more worse a penalty than any battle loss...
I cried...
And cried...
And just cried...
It was only a few hours after the dead of Lita...The death of my friend...the death of someone as close as my sister...
We had first gone back to town, and cancelled the mission. Shortly after, we made camp nearby in a grassy area. I was too distrait to care what area it was.
A fire burned in the middle of us all, small flames jutting out from them in a tame manner as we sat around it like children to a campfire. Waltz sat in complete silence, staring into the flames, somewhat angrily. I think perhaps he blamed himself for what happened to our deceased viera friend. He tended to act like that, when things did not go according to plan or something went wrong, he blamed himself for not analysing the problem more clearly.
I suppose maybe we all feel like we could do something to save a friend when they die of non-natural causes.
Rangi sat uncomfortably on his little log, staring down at the ground with a glum face. Believe you me; it took an EXTREME situation to dampen his mood. His smile normally seemed ever-present, as if he was still a child with no cares in the world. It's what most people loved about him, his ability to smile no matter what. It seemed this was his limit.
And Camus?
Well, that's the interesting part per say.
Camus was busy holding me. I was crying...uncontrollably.
I knew I shouldn't be. I knew it shouldn't suit to break out like I had. But it didn't matter to me. I had lost someone very dear. Lita was always there for me when I needed her. Not to say all my other friends weren't, but she seemed more willing to assist me in any way she could. She was one of the reasons I had to smile...and she was gone...
My emotions are weak. Admittedly I have the heart of a female; by that meaning I'm more emotional than other males. It's not that I physically have a woman's heart, just metaphorically. I've always been that way, more sensitive that others.
So I cried. I knew it was no use fighting them back or trying to hide them. I let them fall, matting with my fur and lightly staining some of my and Camus's clothes. I held onto him, tightly as if my life depended on it and my grip never swayed on him. My head rest on his chest, rising and falling with his breath.
And the bangaa held me. The grip was tight and protective, as if I was in great peril and that grip was the only thing saving me and protecting me. The embrace never lost its power, it held fast and kept me close to him while I wept.
I was too emotion to care what was happening to me at all. All I knew that I felt better in Camus's strong arms. They made me feel safe subconsciously, and at times I would nuzzle into the warmth of his body against mine without thinking.
And he would keep me closer to him, saying nothing to complain, protest or comfort me further.
I knew it not...but on that day of misery...that was when a spark of hope formed...
I few long days pasted after that incident...
At first we hadn't gone on missions at all, considering we only had four members left and that wasn't a safe number in these days. Even though no one could replace Lita, we needed to find another clan member to work properly again.
As fortune would have it, Rangi came with the solution. During one of our supply runs he had met with a Mog Knight from the palace. The two had somehow quickly become friends in the space of a few minutes. I'm assuming Rangi was the main reason, since it was hard NOT to get along with the little bundle of joy.
After he had heard what had happened to Lita, he applied to join. We accepted, since he seemed both capable and a friendly all around good person. He himself was particularly happy with the choice, since he mildly disliked his palace position.
His name was Cuthbert, 23 years of age and a rather strapping lad for a moogle. Moogles were not known for their muscle either. It was perhaps only the Mog Knights that had such a physique to power their attacks; the others depended on their swift movements, magical abilities and technological advancements. It was not an uncommon fact that moogles were extremely skilled mechanists.
Either way, Cuthbert was skilled tremendously in combat. I suppose they have to be qualified to be accepted in the palace's trust. His uniform was a bit different than others, it seemed to be much neater somehow, and was no doubt appointed that way through palace discipline. His red fluff ball dangling from his head and his small bat like wings were almost exactly similar to Rangi's own.
He seemed a bit shy perhaps though. Not overly shy, but the only person he seemed completely comfortable speaking with was Rangi himself. He would talk when need be though, and the rest of us had no problem with this at all.
By this point, I figured it was time to upgrade myself per say and change my job from white mage to beast master for my eventual target as a sage. Job change was a simple thing really.
In Cyril, there is an agency for this. It monitors all job related work. If you wish you obtain a job, your first and only stop would be there. Before you obtain one, you are what is called a ‘freelancer', a person with no skills. Most people are happy as this, and live their life as simple workers, town peddlers and civilians. Once you obtain a job, your freelancer status is removed permanently.
As each race has it's own jobs, different departments are needed. For a person's first time, the only thing available to them is the basic jobs. In my instance for example, I am only able to pick from a white mage, a black mage or a beast master. For these classes, no hassle is needed, and as soon as you appoint for them, you will be switched to one of your choice. Changing in-between them is no different as if you were a freelancer.
But the higher classes such as Sage, alchemist and the like, are a bit harder. You must have the skills necessary to qualify for the job. For example, I wish to become a sage. Therefore, I must have basic knowledge of both white magic and beast mastery. Both shall be tested for my eventual change to sage. It will probably be how well I am able to cure, or how well I am able to control or speak to monsters.
Only those who have failed to learn their skills properly have ever failed the tests.
Every time you obtain a job, you are given a badge or emblem. This badge represents you have been in the job before, and if you change jobs, you are able to change back. If I become a sage, and wish to change back to a white mage for any particular reason for a short time, I will not have to retake the test as long as I have my badge of the sages.
Camus looked at me, smirking "You look funny" he snickered softly as I padded closer to him in the busy streets and we headed back to our caravan.
I blinked at him. Indeed my wardrobe had to change to that of a beast master, robes to more different somewhat tribal like clothes but still civilised in some way, perhaps suited for travel.
"Do I?" I looked down at myself, then at Camus "I look horrible don't I?"
"No no, not horrible...itsss jussst...odd ssseeing you like thisss" Camus replied.
I frowned softly. Was it really that different? It was only clothes after all.
"I've been meaning to ask though, do instrumentsss really hurt as much as people sssay they do?" Camus asked, eying the red bell that now hung from my waist, making a barely audible ring as I walked.
"I suppose Camus. I don't think I have experience in that matter yet. If I managed to strike someone on the head with this bell, I will ask him for you" I smiled at Camus, who smiled back
"Thanksss"
Even more days passed after that. Not every single day's happenings can be written down as that make it a dictionary's worth of words, which would take far too much time. I seemed to have quite the knack for my new job though.
Just two days ago, I quite easily managed to communicate with a lost cub panther, trying to find its mother. Poor thing. I helped it, and the mother seemed rather grateful. It just reminds us that even though they may be monsters, they still are organisms with their own problems with a life of their own we could not possibly completely understand.
It made me feel regretful of all the monsters we had to slay in the past. Each and every time a monster came along in our missions or basic engagements, I would use my skills first, and never once had I needed to use the hypnotic chime of the instruments that were used to control them. The monsters seemed to like me for some reason. I was able to talk to them properly.
They all seemed to tell me I had an ‘aura' about me. They said it was instinct that told them I was no harm. It was truly fascinating, how I seemed to be more accepted by the monsters in general. Even a malboro seemed to trust me, and they aren't known for being kind beasts.
The fact that I could still use my white magic abilities helped too. Each person is granted two skills in battle, one of the job you are presently in, and a secondary skill you have learnt from another class.
Speaking of that, the rest of my clan had also gone through job changes. Waltz had successfully been promoted to a hunter. Rangi almost flunked his test when a spell threatened to back fire, but he was non the less promoted to a time mage. Cuthbert needed no job change, as he was already a higher set of job.
Camus had a tough time decided which to choose. He had the option of a bishop or a templar. He said he wanted to see what magic was like, as in a bishop's path. But I reminded him that templars also handle magic, supportive magic. In the end, he switched to a templar since he was, after all, a physical force.
I must say he looked a bit funny in his uniform too
"Ah, here we are" I said with a smile of accomplishment.
I took the book from a shelve carefully and made my way to the table were Camus sat. We were currently in the great library of Cadeon, famous for it's mainly Nu Mou inhabitancy and the base of all knowledge.
Since our clan had taken a day off for personal usage, we did not need to be in our job uniforms. I chose to wear one of my favourite robes, mostly white with decorative colours staining it sides. Robes were lightweight and extremely comfortable, especially when they were made from silk like one I wore, a small hood at the back of it. Camus chose to wear a sleeveless blank top along with some cotton bottoms that were slightly baggy. Just because we had job status didn't mean we couldn't still dress like them.
I opened the book as I sat beside Camus and slowly paged through the mountains of words and visual aids. Camus watched silently, feeling no need to speak. We were in a library after all.
I stopped at a page, examining it slowly, and nodding affirmatively. Thankfully the library was fairly empty that day, and we were in a far off section of it. By Ultima, that library was both ancient and humungous. Every single piece of information recorded that had been found and submitted was probably somewhere in the old building's care. I felt as long as we did not speak too loudly, we could have a normal speech level conversation on my findings
"I was right" I said softly, moving a finger over the trail of a sentence
"What about?" Camus asked curiously, looking at the book with the same inquisitive nature.
"A Bangaa's reptilian tongue were not made for spell casting" It was true. The fact that they instinctively put emphasis on letters such as s would jumble up the process of reciting a spell. I did not see Camus's slight frown.
"However..." I paused "For this, the few spells the bangaa do cast, a different language and spell chants were created to suit their speech" I said slowly, scanning along the page for more "Therefore, the way a normal time mage recites the haste spell would be different to how a templar such as yourself would recite the spell"
Camus had asked me for aid with the supportive spells of the templar. There were not many, but Camus did not understand magic properly, being new to it. Although his weapons would supply the power, he needed the information that went along with the skill. With this in mind, I am sure that every bangaa that has gone through either the bishop or templar path has visited the library to study this new language used by the bangaa to cast their spells.
After scanning more through the thick book, I closed it "I need to find the spell book. It should be here somewhere, as spell books are normally printed in bulk and most if not all can be removed from the library without care, as many need them" I stood with the rather large book in my hands "Would you help me search for it?"
Camus nodded softly "Where ssshould I ssstart?" he asked.
I looked to my side "Hmm...wait here" I padded away slowly in the dusty spaces between the shelves upon shelves of books, and neatly re-shelved the book I had been using, taking a moment to marvel at how neat the area was even though how old it seemed. I padded back to Camus, and made a motion for him to follow.
Bits of light shone inside the silent library through it's many windows above, the sunlight hitting us both at times till we came to the spell book and tome section of the library. This area had no shelves, but rather books identical to each other stacked upon each other in the same neat fashion as the shelves were, only that one was horizontal and the other was vertical.
I looked round a bit, then back at Camus "See if you can find anything that resembles what we are looking for. Try books with titles referring to bangaa or perhaps the templar job"
Camus only nodded and set on his quest to help me as I did the same. The area was small, as there were not many different types of spell books. The library always kept them in the most updated form. Each job with magic involved had preferably it's own spell book, but sometimes the titles weren't so clear, so once in a while you would need to look inside them. There were spell books for other things too, things that weren't needed in battle such as levitation and the like.
We spent a short time searching, before Camus seemed to find the right book. I looked at it for a second before he handed it to me, just so I could make sure it was the right one. Maybe he didn't trust himself enough to pick in this new territory. For a second, maybe it was my imagination, maybe even longer than a second. Our hands brushed against each other as the book exchange was made. I could have sworn Camus's hand lingered a bit too long on the book, ever so gently and barely but surely touching mine. But as I said, it lasted only a second if not slightly more.
I opened the book and with a smile nodded "Yes, this is what we need"
Camus smiled at me, his normal relaxed smile, a small trace of pride in those jagged lips of his.
"Shall we go? You need to practice in a more open environment"
He nodded softly and without a word we left the dusty archives, Camus clutching his rather small book of spells in his scaled hands.
It took us not long to reach our clan's caravan. Some clans stay at inns while some prefer camping out. We were the camping type; liking the small privacy it gave and the scenery, along with the convenience of being able to rest almost anywhere as long as the surrounding area was safe. Though, even clan knew that if they wanted to keep safe, it would be near a city were there were no doubt sentries nearby.
When we arrived, only Rangi and Cuthbert were there, dressed in their own casual attire of choice. Those two seemed to talk endlessly when together, it seemed as though their subject of chatter never seemed to run dry. It seemed Cuthbert could also deal with Rangi's energetic personality, and mostly found it amusing by looks alone.
We waved at them offhand, and they waved back lightly before returning to their conversation, clearly more interested in each other than us.
We found a little clearing a little further from our campsite. The grass below us and the other vegetation slowly waved in the gentle breeze that was strong enough to blow Camus's earflaps lightly. It was a peaceful moment in nature. I smiled and stared up at the blue sky, at the clouds drifting by. I sighed with content
"-there?" I blinked, hearing a voice and turning to see Camus tilting his head at me in a confused manner
"What?"
"Are you in there Mal? You ssseemed a little out of it a sssecond ago"
I blushed under my greyish fur on how easily I had gotten distracted in company. As I looked at Camus, I noticed how the sun reflected along the smooth scales along his muzzle, and gave them a soft luster and shine. It outlined the handsome points of the bangaa before me and I found myself mildly interested in them.
I shook my head softly "I'm sorry, I was just noticing what a lovely day it is today"
Camus turned his muzzle from side to side and smiled in agreement "Yea...it is"
I found myself staring at Camus, the way his muzzle moved and exposed each cheek to me, the neck that connected his body to his head and his arms that also shone under the sun's powerful rays. I shook the thoughts from mind, berating myself for it.
"So, shall we begin?"
A moon month passed, 20 days. Our clan started picking up once more. In that short time I admittedly didn't stay a beast master for long, and applied for my goal as a sage, easily succeeding the entrance test and gaining my new status. I was proud of myself, very proud. Now that were more accomplished, we could take on more difficult missions, fight harder battles and raise our clan's rank further, as is ever clan's goal.
Over that time too, I had made a decision.
"Of courssse I will!" Camus smiled at me, patting my shoulder
I had been a bit hesitant and nervous to ask Camus the question, not exactly sure why but I had been "You don't mind?"
"Of courssse not. It'sss about time I repay the offer" the bangaa smiled at me, even though that templar helmet of his cut off half of his head from view, I could see his smile gleaming
"Repay the offer Camus? What do you mean?" I asked as we sat inside the busy pub of Muscadet. Having just returned from a mission and winding down for the day as it ended, we were all tired and weary from a hard day of work. Even though there were tons of people around us and our own clan mates doing their own business, I felt as if only Camus and I were in the room, in our own little world
"Your alwaysss doing thingsss for me Mal. Watching out for me, helping me when I need it, never bothered to explain something to me and all around being the bessst friend I could ever asssk for. It'sss about time I help you for a change"
I felt my cheeks heat up at his sincere words "Come now Camus, you owe me nothing. As friends and clan companions we should feel obliged to help each other the best way we can, no?"
"Maybe...but if you ever die in that...jagh place...I will never be able to forgive myssself for allowing it to happen, and I don't know what I'd do without you" Camus's smile...it penetrated me. It cut through me in the most wonderful way possible. I felt my face turn a brighter red under his gaze as the words echoed through my head. Deep inside, I felt butterflies flitting around...and I had no idea why they were there.
"The...the same for you Camus. It would sadden me greatly for you to die in that horrible place" I said, trying to lessen my blush
The worse part of death in that area, was once they were gone, they were really gone. There wasn't even a body left behind you could mourn and respectfully bury. They just vanished into the air as if they didn't exist to start with.
Camus continued to send an unfamiliar feeling through me with his smile. My heart rate increased, pounding softly against my chest.
"Ssso, I think Waltz ssset a free day tomorrow, ssshall we ssstart with your combat sssparring then?"
The next day came, and I rose early from my sleep. Feeling mildly drowsy but slightly eager as well, I prepared myself for my day in my own personal tent. The nice thing about having a magical caravan with magical camping supplies, was that you could open and close it and everything inside the tent would stay the same. It was almost as if you had a travelling personal room that you could open and close just like you open and closed a door.
Making sure I looked presentable, for the day personally. I grabbed my mace, the energy mace, attached it to my waist and made my way out of the entrance flap that protected the world's view from me. It was a mildly cloudy day, a small threat of dowsing rain hung in the air, but it didn't seem too likely.
No one else seemed to be out yet. Of course, that was what I first though. Normally we left our flaps open to signal we were awake, and since no one's entrance to their tent had been opened with the additional fact that it was relatively early on our free day. But an almost piercing whistle distracted me, turning my gaze in a direction and meeting Camus's gaze.
"G'Mornin" He said with a soft wave. I waved back and padded to him. He had his templar uniform on, just as I had my sage attire at the moment, but his helmet was missing from the outfit. I assume he preferred it that way.
"Good Morning Camus" I smiled in friendly greeting
"You ready for your lessssonsss?" he asked with a soft smirk, grabbing his ragnarok knightsword from a nearby rock.
"Indeed. I hope to learn well"
Camus's smirk changed to a different sort of smile, one that you would assume had mysterious reasoning behind it.
We walked to the same spot we had found to teach Camus the art of spell casting, as it was open enough.
The Bangaa started with my stance and posture. I noticed such a thing was important in combat, proper stance lead to fluid and easily accessible movements. I seemed to have a little trouble with it, one might guess as I have never really needed such stances. So instead of instructing me, he helped me physically
"Like thisss" He said, moving behind me and taking both my arms in his hands, moving them ever so slightly and gently. I pushed down my urge to gasp the moment I felt his body pressed up behind me. I was thankful he was not in the line of vision to see the scarlet red that grew in my cheeks.
The bangaa's chest pressed innocently at my back, warmth radiating from it as if Camus's heart was made of a bright burning fire. I could feel ever-single breath as that chest of his heaved up and down in a pleasant relaxed manner. His equally warm breath tickled my nape as I tried to focus; only gaining mind control. What was wrong with me?
I did my best to memories the stance he put me in, acknowledging his request to slightly shift my legs and being answered with a simple "Good"
I watched and listened as he moved my hands manually, his scaled hands guided my arms into the way I should swing my mace, the way I shot stab with it and the way I should pound with it, providing verbal information of the movements and how perhaps I should move my legs in accordance. I logged it all to memory, even though some feeling deep inside me kept wanting to distract me, to want me to pay attention to it, even though I didn't know the feeling.
Camus let go of my arms, and back away from me. A small part of me, too small to acknowledge missed the feel of my friend close up to me. I found next that the bangaa stood in front of me, drew his weapon and held it in one hand. He ordered me to attack him with each of the ways he had shown me, and I did. He blocked each, and held a pause to show me how to block the attack.
After that, he asked for a friendly spar. Naturally I obliged, and we went at it very slowly. I could not put much force into my attacks as he could, so none of my attempts damaged him. He on the hand was holding back tremendously, I could tell, and I knew that it was not the strength of a bangaa. His speed and power were decreased, just enough for me to block or dodge his attempts.
He seemed pleased with me after a while. He told me he was holding back, that I knew, but I was doing very well indeed for someone who hadn't know much of combat at first, and applauded me lightly. I was panting softly as he said this, catching my breath and nowhere near used to that sort of prolonged physical activity. I blinked curiously at the shadow of the trees the sun cast, which was very faint since there seemed to be cloud cover, in a different position than before. It seemed as though a few good hours had gone bye. Perhaps two or three? I could not tell, but I felt proud of myself non-the less. If my judgement was correct, I had more stamina that I thought I did originally. I had definitely broke a sweat in the process, as I could feel a small amount matted in my fur.
I blinked again, startled as a single raindrop fell from the heavens, right upon my nose. I looked above, at the heavy looking cloud looming above in the sky, and I frowned. Before I could say a word, the rain pelted down on us. I sighed as did Camus and we hurried back to our campsite.
I was quick to rush back, the water starting to quickly dampen my robes. I did so hate having wet clothing. In what seemed like record time I was at my tent, crawling inside as fast as I could and shutting the unforgiving downpour out to only heavy assault to my tent, making no avail but mere sound.
I sighed softly. The brief run in the rain had cooled my body off a tad, but it was still unpleasant to have anything, sweat or rain, coated in my fur. Slowly I removed my wet robe and the small hat that accompanied it. A sage's robes are actually quite busy if you ask me. It's an entire outfit in one, gloves are optional, and gives you that same beastmaster feral charm, but a white mage's neat and smart attire. Ribbons through the small holes near the bottom of our long ears were optional. I wore no gloves, but the ribbons I had taken an odd liking too. They didn't show much either way. I did refuse that large beaded necklace though. It was a bit much for my tastes. I reached for a casual robe and threw it over my body. Much better...
Just as I was folding the soggy sage robes, I blinked in shock as someone said "You know, if I wasss an enemy, you might be hurt by now"
I swung my body around, letting my mouth hang open in shock. There sat Camus at the closed entrance flap, crossed legged and smirking slyly at me as if he had devious thoughts in mind. I blushed deep in my fur, one of my long ear flaps had landed on my muzzle in my swift turn...if Camus had been there for as long as I assumed...he had seen me undress. I was suddenly relieved that I had been wearing something long enough to be considered ‘shorts' as some people put it to cover my lower region. But I was still embarrassed....
My best friend had just silently watched as I changed clothes...he saw my naked back...that itself wasn't such a catastrophe, but the thought alone was terrifying. How had I not noticed him entering?
"C-Camus? What are you doing here?" I asked, flitting my ear out of my face in a bashful manner.
The bangaa, reached up and scratched behind his head with a goofy smile as if to say ‘I'm not sure'. "Weelll, it'sss raining hard outssside, and your tent wasss clossser, ssso I figured I could duck in here till it goesss out" he paused and looked more thoughtfully at me "Unlessss you want your privacy of courssse, I can go back to my own tent"
I shook my head rapidly "No, No, I do not mind at all. You...just startled me, that's all"
"You didn't hear me come in after you?" He asked with a puzzled face.
I shook my head again, with less energy. How had I not? What was wrong with me? First I get distracted, now this?!
"Well, that explainsss why you just changed your clothesss like I wasssn't here" He said, and I was about to say something back when he snickered "Don't worry, I looked away"
I nodded softly, at a lack of something else to say. I felt awkward, claustrophobic in the tent even though there was plenty of room for both of us. Ah, the miracles of magic.
It was then that I let out a soft gasp as he pulled his upper armour off his body. I wished that I would politely look away, but the reaction took a few seconds. Luckly, his armour was above his head, blinding him and by the time he could see again, I was looking away, finding the walls of my little fabric home more interesting that my friend.
"Great..." he muttered, and I risked a look at him as I sat similar to a native with my hands in my lap. Templars have a cloth sown into their armour, it's normally blue or red. And I realised even though the armour seemed to have taken most of the rain's damage for dampness, the cloth had absorbed some of the moisture, which in turn had dampened the clothes he wore under that armour. It was more or less the same as he wore the day we visited the library, but it had a different colour to his top, the bottoms remaining the same.
The bottoms per say didn't seem wet, but the top did. As soon as he realised it, he pulled it over his head as well, and set it aside with his armour.
I tried to focus on his face, the walls, the floor, anywhere else. But my eyes betrayed me, and wandered innocently to his muscled and flat chest. Why, Why, WHY? Why did that exposed chest seem so interesting to me?
Camus looked up at the highest point of the tent, frowning as he heard the water pour down like a waterfall "It doesssn't ssseem like the rain isss stopping...if anything, I think it'sss getting worssse"
I listened. It was true, the raindrops hitting our little shelter seemed to be getting harder. Perhaps it was a storm?
"Perhaps it's a storm. The cloud cover did hint at rain today, but this certainly isn't just a light sprinkle of it" I said, voicing my thoughts and again tried to focus on Camus's face. At least I didn't stare at that "You may need to stay in here for a while Camus, at least until some of your clothes dry"
"Thanksss for letting me" the lizard like male replied with a toothy grin. Though, it's common knowledge to NEVER, EVER call a bangaa a lizard, if you wanted to live that is. Many don't know why they hold an offence to it, but it's because there is another race of ‘lizardpeople' outside of Ivalice who are know for their violent and barbaric behaviour, and the bangaa take offence that people so easily compare them to the other. "I hope I'm not being a burden"
I shook my head and waved a paw in dismissal "It's nothing Camus, I can't have you getting sick while running around in the rain now can I?" I said, using an expressive hand gesture. He nodded at me, and for a second his chest distracted me once more. It looked so powerful, hard as if chiselled out of stone in the most perfect detail of artistic expression possible. My mind swam insides the confines of my head, berating me over and over like painful lashes.
‘Stop it!' it shouted at it ‘Stop this now!'
It ordered me to desist, the push down that funny feeling I got when I stared, and to stop staring all together. Camus had never made me feel in this way before, we've known each other for years and non of these stares, glances or thoughts around him came into play.
What was wrong with me?
I was shaken out of my thoughts, as I disobeyed my brain and looked at Camus's torso once more. I noticed a faint shiver. In all my inner turmoil I had forgotten my manners! Shame on me indeed. It was rather chill with the rain's effect chilling the atmosphere, what's worse was Camus had nothing to cover his bare chest
"Camus? Are you cold?" I asked "I have a blanket if you would like to use it" I crawled a small length, and retrieved a warm woollen blanket from my storage satchel and handed it to him.
He smiled brightly at me and took it gratefully "Thanksss Mal" wrapping it around his upper body. It was a little bit small, but it did its job nicely. Also, it shielded Camus's chest from my eyes, which I was grateful for.
"Well Camus. It seems like we will be suck in here for an unknown about of time. Is there anything you would like to talk about, or perhaps you have something you would like explained? That always seems to occupy quite a bit of time" I smiled thoughtfully at him.
Camus shifted away from the entrance, more towards me "Well actually..."
And like that, as if a lever was turned and gears started working, the talking began almost as if on automatic. Camus had a small series of questions he had wanted to be explained. For example, where all the race's originated from. After his queries were done we simply talked. About the days that had past, about the missions we had done, about the engages we had won, about how mildly frustrating the laws could be
I asked if Camus would make our physical combat spar a regular activity, and he agreed wholeheartedly. A good amount of time was spent laughing as well; Camus had the amazing ability to be amusing and not intent to be. It was a charismatic gift I suppose. The rain continued to fall down from the heavens as if some entity from above was crying, and the few strikes of thunder were the anger that hid behind it.
Indeed I was right when I said it would be a storm. A long storm that lasted the whole day.
But I didn't even seem to notice as Camus occupied my time with ‘rainy-day fun'. He even asked if I would read one of my books to him. Which I agreed to, and he listened silently, snickering at times as I read my latest fiction book, a romance novel. All of a troubled and mildly attractive viena desperately trying to show an apparently breathtaking human her affections for him, resorting to cunningly planning and romantic schemes. I know not how it ends yet, as I had to start from the beginning for Camus. Time just flew by as if a Haste spell had be cast on the entire world.
But when I started feeling weary, I realized just how much time had been spent. I did not mind though. Spending the time with a dear friend was always comforting.
The last thing I remember of that day, was yawning drowsily and Camus's smile beaming at me.
Hands, strong hands, strong scaled hands slowly swept over a nu mou's fur...
The nu mou shuddered softly in delight, looking to the other holding him, silently begging to be touched as much as possible.
The other complied, letting those hands wander over the smaller male's sides, chest and rub affectionately at the nu mou's slightly chubby stomach, gaining gentle sounds of appreciation and longing.
The other smiled at the nu mou, a toothy grin that was both lustful and compassionate. His scaled hands slid with no restrains over his smaller companion's exposed body.
The nu mou reached up and stroked along the bigger male's chest, earning a satisfied reptilian purr to ring out.
The dragon like creature climbed over his partner, resting their heads near each other and began whispering sweet nothings in his companion's ears, letting his skilful large hands knead at the arms of the other.
The nu mou blushed at hearing these words, letting them echo around in his head and turn to face the other male, a hopeful look in his eyes.
The other smiled, reached out and carefully caressed his more submissive partner's cheek, before inching forward, and ever so gently pressed his lips to the other males, making a muffed moan in satisfaction.
My eyes shot open
My breath was heavily, heaving oxygen in and out as I lay silently.
...A dream...it was only a dream...a very realistic and vivid dream...
I tried to sit up, but I found I could not. Something was holding me...a pair of arms... I inclined my head to my back. Low and behold, there lay the sleeping from of Camus curled up against me, the blanket covering a fraction of both of our bodies.
My eyes widened to the state it was painful. Camus? Why was he here?
Memories of the day before flooded back, the talking, the fun and logic told me Camus had most probably stayed overnight in my tent to escape the unforgiving rain. I realized I must have fallen asleep at some point, since I could not clearly remember deciding to go to bed and that my clothes were still on me What that didn't explain though...why was he so close to me?
I felt the blood of my body stain my cheeks. The bangaa's hold was just like when Lita had died...strong, warm and protective like it never wanted to let go. Did the bangaa accidentally roll over in his sleep and take hold of me as part of a dream? That was a plausible explanation, but the blanket was clearly wrapped around, or for what it managed, both of us. It was also a perfectly good explanation that Camus was cold through the night and wanted to share body heat to warm both of us up.
The bangaa snored peacefully and even though the need to break free ran it's way to the most important task on my current activity list, I couldn't do so without disturbing or waking my friend. Even if I tried, the embracing grip was too strong and I would not succeed in the first place. The only thing it would do was wake him up.
And the bangaa looked so innocent when he slept. I managed to shift a bit and get a better view of his face. Camus looked younger when he slept, as most people do. Sleep often gives a person the softest expression they can manage. I had to admit, it was...cute for lack of a better word.
Thump, Thump, Thump
Images of my dream stared playing, forcing me to remember as it sped my heart rate.
...Two naked males
...one a bangaa, the other a nu mou
...The nu mou resembling me...
...The other...
No, NO! I couldn't be. I shouldn't be. That was wrong.
For starters, two males shouldn't even be partaking in such...intimate and affectionate behaviour. Such a thing was unheard of. It was almost forbidden but there was no actual law forbidding it, but everyone knew it was. It didn't even need a book.
I felt ashamed. I felt equal to scum. How could I dream such things? Where they a nightmare? No...no it wasn't. But it scared me more than any other nightmare might have. That was a pure dream. A dream of happiness. Dreams reflect your mind, what you have seen, what you have done. Such dreams are reflects of what you want...
...Did I want that? Did I really?
A tainted feeling stemming from my morals attacked my conscious. How could I? How could I want such or think or dream such perverse things of my dear friend?
Thu-thump, Thu-thump, Thu-thump
I froze, feeling the stirring of my companion. "Mal...?" A voice asked drowsily
I turned more to look at Camus, whose eyes rose and drooped in tired motion.
He blinked at me, staring into my eyes as I did his. Then what seemed like realization kicked in...the realization that he was holding me...tightly...
Swift as the wind itself his arms withdrew from my body, and I felt the weak embrace of protection leave my senses. Some part of me wanted it back, the part I was beginning to notice of myself.
"S-ssssorrry, I must have grabbed you while I was sssleeping" He said, clearly embarrassed as a pint tint graced his cheeks.
I sat up beside him, letting the forgotten blanket fall to the ground and shook my head in dismissal "It's alright Camus. No one has control of their body while they are sleep"
A smile tugged at his lips, and he looked up. The rain had most definitely stopped "Thanksss again for letting me ssstay over in your tent Mal"
I blew air out my nose; in a small attempt to show I was amused "It wasn't and never will be a problem Camus. I quite enjoyed the time we spent in here"
"It'sss nice to jussst talk and ssstuff huh?" Camus said, his blush fading easily as his grin grew.
"Time does pass easier when pleasant company arrives. One moment we had all the time in the world, the next, it's gone"
"Yea..." Camus said, reaching for his armour "Well, I should head for my own tent now. Get ready for whatever Waltz hasss planned" and with that, the bangaa crawled through the entrance flap, and leaving my company for the time being.
I close my eyes, and there the images struck at my mind more, making sure they were noticed. I frowned and sighed with regret. It made me question myself. No doubt I knew now why I suddenly felt more interested in Camus, whenever he seemed to get too close. I could not ignore it with the brutal dream experienced
Was I different than other's in this special way?
Did I find men more attractive than women?
Why was I only feeling this way towards Camus now and not earlier?
Was it all just fantasy or fiction?
None of these questions...had I been asked by Camus, would I have been able to answer or explain.
And that troubled me...gravely
A few days had passed since then. But each and ever night, my sleep was haunted with the same recurring dream, only they seemed to go further and further. The images that had only been shaded with brief light before, was now crystal clear imagines. The first had been a bit hard to identify the two of us, and I had not been completely sure, now I was I was. It was Camus and myself, no doubt about it.
I would often wake up startled and flustered, a bloody crimson colour ever-present in my cheeks. In the confines of my sleeping bag, I would find a tent where my crotch should be. And even though no one was around to see, my flush would spread to the very base of my ears.
Normally I would silently wait till it subsided, fearing it partly. But one of the days, I pulled the fabric off my body at looked at myself. There would stand my erect penis, clearly excited. It wasn't particularly long, but it had girth, that much I had to admit. Ever male going through the age of 12-18 has at least seen his reproductive organ once while it responded to hormones. Mine was at 13, admittedly. Though, I'm exactly sure what was the stimulation, it just...hardened out of nowhere. Which is extremely peculiar.
I became aware of the fact that it was affecting how I acted around him. Whenever he smiled...I just felt warm inside like a Giga Flare had been cast on my insides but was able to do no harm. Once he had asked me if I was all right, if I was perhaps sick. I denied such a possibility. No sickness could cause what I felt. That was like saying the laws made sure they targeted at least one person's abilities in each engagement.
Speaking of the laws and to try and side to a more positive note, our clan is finally able to use anti-laws.
Ah anti-laws, created by genius Nu Mou Ezel. After a short time after Prince Mewt and Queen Remidi mysteriously disappeared and all royal acts were given to Babus Swain, Ezel was welcomed back into the mage council of the palace. The judges seemed to take interest in the anti-laws, and found it quite sporting if clans could use them in battle. Perhaps maybe they just want to even out the playing field, or perhaps they truly did have emotions and pitied us some. No one knows for sure why the judges, who were against the anti laws at first, had suddenly changed into whole-heartily accepting them into their system of battle.
Babus and Ezel are quite legendary, and as of late have been working as a pair in the palace. It is well known Babus was one of the servants sent to capture Ezel when the bounty on his head still exsisted, and it was also known they have met on the field enough times to be aquantances. What can only be rumor though, is how Babus had convinced Ezel to come and lay alliance to the palace. Another fact is how Ezel absolutely hated the laws and the palace for managing them. So it left many baffled as to how Babus had managed to convince the other Nu Mou to stay at the palace WITHOUT dragged him back in chains, locking him in jail or something of the like. Ezel had been very warmly welcomed back into the palaces service.
It is perhaps just something no person besides those involved was meant to know.
But back to anti laws. Only clans had have reached a certain amount of fame, wealth and status are able to use them. They are considered higher-grade clans. It made Waltz extremely proud knowing, knowing that the most of it all had been with his decisions and choices. He had stood bursting with pride in his hunter uniform as he received the information, his old hat with the plume still in place.
But in the case of the higher ranked clans, we were the bottom set. The lowest of the highest. But it was definitely better than being the lowest of the lowest or the lowest of the middle.
At this, we were only allowed 10 law-nullifying cards at a time. The highest can hold up to 40, and while cards in general are quite expensive, it is cheaper for those at a higher status.
Benefits were starting to take play for us, more advanced weaponry were at disposal, fame and recognition among others around us, money was no longer much of a problem for us as it had been in the start. It was all very privileged, but we had worked hard for it, and if I do say so myself we seemed to get more out than what we put in. You know when people start rumours or speak of your clan than you are no longer novice.
On of the days that had passed before, Camus had taken advantage of one of the privileges...
"Happy birthday Malchelo!" My clan mates shouted happily as we sat around a warm fire, not even needing it as our spirits themselves were enough to keep us warm. The shout had been joined with two additional ‘kupos' at the end. Most find this trait of the Moogles quite amusing.
I smiled brightly at the people I called closed friends. I treasured them all "Thank you everyone"
"22 and nowhere near death" Waltz smirked at me, Nu Mou could live 3 times longer than a human.
"One will hope Waltz" I replied
"We got you a cake! Kupo. Because we know how much you like desserts, kupo" Rangi half shouted with boyish giggles. Yes it's true; I have a bit of a sweet tooth.
"You didn't need to do that my friends, the day of my birth would be just as special with or without delicacies"
"Yea, but this way Kupo, it will be more yummy" Cuthbert remarked, he wasn't as excitable as Rangi was, but he certainly just as cheerful.
Camus had retreated a few moments ago, and appeared with what looked like quite an expensive looking cake. Chocolate if I am not mistaken, though how could I been with that much brown on it., but one could see someone had spent enough time decorating it and making sure it was as perfect as possible. Really, we had wonderfully talented bakers here in Ivalice.
I grinned at the medium sized circle shaped baked good "Waltz, doesn't something this overly detailed cost too much on our own personal budget for you to allow it?"
The rest of us chuckled as Waltz shot a joking glare at me "Well, when it comes to the guy that's always making sure we don't faint in battle, I think he deserves a bit more of the budget for his own personal gain."
Camus set the cake on a little wooden table they had put out, near the fire and us just the right distance from both. It definitely looked appetizing
"And we didn't even get to the presssentsss yet" Camus said, taking his seat
I blinked "Presents?" I don't think I had ever received presents for my birthday, mostly because I never asked for them, not even from my parents. We were relatively poor, and I minded not that my parents could not give me a decent present year after year. It was enough for me to know that they loved me. No material possession could replace that.
"Oh! Me first! Kupo!" Rangi stood up, rushed to his tent, and came back with a wrapped box, handing it to me. I smiled appreciatively at him as he gave me a hug, and I took the lid off the box.
"A Lotus mace" I said, chuckling...well, I always wanted to perform the Giga flare spell. It was one of the most powerful in existence. "Thank you Rangi, it will be most useful"
Rangi continued smiling and trotted back to his seat. From Waltz I received an angel ring, quite a useful trinket. From Cuthbert I received a more vibrant set of cloth ribbons for my ears. Both were useful to me. For a second, I wondered what Lita would have given me if she had chosen to do so.
All that was left was Camus's present.. He held it behind his back as if I wouldn't notice it, and he smiled like a fool before handing it to me "Here Mal. I hope you like it"
His present was a bit more expertly wrapped, surprisingly. I undid the bow and took the lid off. I gasped...it couldn't be...
Slowly, I removed the gift from its cubic confines and held it up. A royal's gold-arm...
"C-c-camus...how did..." I stuttered, baffled and awestruck all once. Camus's gift took shape in a wristband or sorts. As it's name suggests it's made of gold, and starts from one point. If one were to put it on, only on the wrist, a golden string will lash out wrap around that arm in a spiral till the elbow and latch itself there. The string and band both have sacred inscription in them, and it is said that it will only attach itself to those it deems worthy.
"Well, I pulled a few favoursss. Sssince our clan has a few of them, and after I read one of your booksss, I figured that would be the best gift I could give"
I stared at the bangaa, at the generous warm smile carved in his muzzle. I could not stop the blush that had formed over my own face.
"But...I-I not worthy of it. These are only made to amplify great sages and scholar's magical abilities. I have not earned such-"
"Yesss, you have" Camus interrupted me, leaning forward and putting both his uncovered hands on my shoulders "You are the bessst we've got, and probably one of the bessst there is. No way we would have gotten as far as we are now without you backing usss up and as of late pretty much bashing the other clansss. And with that Giga flare you just got we're really going to be sssomthing no other clan will take lightly. You dessserve it, not because you may not be as sssmart or as powerful as the other fancy mages in the palace but because you might as well be, because you work hard and you're alwaysss here for usss"
There was a collective nod from my other clan mates.
"Besssidesss, how can it NOT accept you. We all think you're the best, not just because you're in our clan, but becaussse we can sssee it. We sssee how your magic comparesss to othersss. We've ssseen it, I've ssseen it, and there'sss nothing you can tell me to make me think otherwissse. If it doesssn't accept you, then it'sss not as great as everyone thinksss it isss" Camus said, as if he had planned it all carefully.
I could feel the heat in my cheeks burning so warm it threatened to incinerate my fur...Camus held so much faith in me...it made me believe I could do anything...
I looked down at the band and with shaking arms slowly put it on my right wrist Again, I watched in surprise as a thread shimmering brightly shot out from the band and spiralled around my arm...It accepted me...
According to what I heard, the royal's gold-arm paused a good few moments before it made it's decision. If it rejected, it did nothing, if it accepted, it would thread. But the one I apparently now owned had ‘accepted' the second I had put it on.
"Sssee? Told you" Camus smiled almost smugly
I could feel its energy. Who knew a simple peace of gold and thread could amplify a person's magic by so much. It's said the royal's gold arm was a gift to the most powerful sage in the world, because he sincere and knowledgeable, and only ever used his magic in the defensive attributes. He never struck down those who did not deserve it and his healing magic was above great, they were miracles themselves. For only this reason did the band accept you, if it seemed to think you could handle the power without using it in vein...
...Was that really I?
"Ok! So how wants cake! Kupo!" Rangi shouted, eyeing said cake hungrily.
I laughed. Leave it to Rangi to say something random that just happens to be the right thing to say.
A day later, I sat quietly and conscious of myself as Babus Swain and Ezel Barbier sat but a table away from me, the uncommonly white nu mou sipping tea with a most dignified air about him, the other looking down at what looked like reports.
In their own personal lounge area no less! If they had picked the décor, they must have a interesting yet expensive taste. Perhaps it was only Babus. No offence to Ezel but Babus just seemed to have more a taste for these sort of things, Ezel looked more...well, unfocused on such things as furniture and the like.
I shifted a tad awkwardly on the comfortable couch, adorn with many pillows and cushions. A glance around the room would lead to the observation of the neatly painted walls, bookshelves that just seemed to be in the right spot, a few chairs of sorts and looked as made from different fabrics. Stands with carefully chosen vases to suit the flowers that they held within them, as well as other things like a bust of what some could picture the sacred sage of sages had looked like, perhaps just for respect and decoration. It had been so long ago that it had become a myth of sorts, his name forgotten with time. Fine art adorned the walls.
I looked down at my hands in thought, pondering what I had done to be summoned to their home. Had I done something wrong?
Finally, after what seemed like hours waiting, nothing but a few stray sounds plus the additional grand father clock ticking away in the backround, Babus looked up from his porcaline cup at me, placed it down and cleared his throut
"Malchelo I presume?" He asked. Authority seemed to drip from his voice.
"Correct" I replied, somewhat hesitantly. I had decided to answer all questions given to me, complain about nothing if I should be given a reason and simply be obedient unless told otherwise. It was the safest thing I could do in such a situation.
Ezel had also discarded his parchment to look at me "We've been hearing things of you Malchelo" his voice was deeper than Babus's
I blinked. Things? Why was it that people had to be so vague about these sorts of things? Did they mean to leave the others in the dark? Or was it just part of the torturing technique.
"It was your day of birth the day before today, yes?" Babus asked
I nodded
"And as one of your gifts, you received a royal's gold-arm"
My eyes widened. Of course! The gold-arm! This is what it was about. Why had I noticed it sooner.
"This is true yes...is there a problem? If there is I'll be happy to return it if it was perhaps stolen" I said. I didn't think Camus would steal something for me, so maybe somebody else had and offered it to him.
"Oh no, nothing of that sort. We would just like to know..." Babus looked at my right arm, then my left.
I nodded, knowing what he was asking. I pulled up the long sleeve of my robes on my right arm, revealing the gold-arm and it's thread.
The royal mage nodded courteously "Ah, so it accepted you"
I nodded again, letting my sleeve fall back into place.
"You know, I was once offered one, but I refused. I did not think it would accept me...and I still do not think as such" Babus smiled at me, a somewhat sad smile.
I pursed my lips together gently, sucking in some air before speaking "Forgive my anxiousness but...why have I been summoned here?"
Ezel seemed to snicker "He's just as polite as you are Babus"
Babus glared at his partner "Hush" and looked back at me "Firstly, congradulations on your birthday"
I smiled timidly "Thank you"
"Second...how would you feel about being welcomed to the royal mage council"
My eyes widened for the second time in the same half an hour space of time. That was why? I was being offered a job? I looked at my lap, going into deep thought
A long silence passed, both Ezel and Babus staring at me, waiting for my answer
"...I-I beg your pardon, Babus, Ezel. But I must decline this invitation" I said
Ezel grinned at me "Do you have a reason? No offence but any other Nu Mou in their right mind would have been tickled pink to join"
It was true...I wanted to join, oh how I did...
"...I cannot abandon my clan. I cannot serve for the palace and be a proper clan member simultaneously. While I do wish to accept, I cannot betray my friends" I looked both Nu Mou opposite me in their eyes, more towards Babus.
"I had a feeling you would. You do have a bit of fame about you Malchelo" Babus said, more calm than I had expected
"I do?" I asked. I haven't been aware of any fame to me personally
"Oh yes, both from your clan and as an individual. Whispers travel long lengths; many have seen your rather lethal talent for magic, and with the rumours at hand I'm not all that surprised the gold-arm seemed to accept you" Babus smiled at me almost as if he saw me as some form of hidden threat to him, but one that was highly unlikely and that he was able to jest. "But also for what rumour and personal experience right now serves to the fact that you are loyal and trusting, polite and pleasant"
I blushed as I looked away, hoping it didn't show at the subconscious flattery
"We will not hold it against you, but keep in mind. If you need the palace's mages help at anytime for a specific and valid reason, we will assist. I personally think you are among our ranks"
I was positive my blush showed at that moment "T-Thank you. The gesture is greatly appreciated" I smiled, trying not to look giddy.
Ezel laughed, most probably at me "He's almost as cute as you too"
That single sentence led Babus to snap his head at Ezel in shock, and myself to simply blink. That tone of voice...that choice of wording...
...Could it be?
It was Babus's turn to blush as mine faded in thought "I said hush!" he half shrieked in a flustered manner
"Babus-"
"This is not what you think" Babus replied, looking at me with dire seriousness.
"I don't mind," I said. That was all I had to convince him.
Babus's face softened after I spoke, Ezel could only smirk knowingly at me "I didn't think he would"
Babus looked at his partner "And just how did you figure that mister genius?"
"Well, let's ask him rather" Ezel looked at me, his smile confident but gentle "Malchelo, you're obviously a bright fellow. What do you personally think Babus and myself are speaking of?"
I paused, opening and closing my mouth, afraid to say the wrong thing. Dare I even ask?
"Are the two of you...perhaps" I paused again, trying to find a suitable word "...Courting each other?" Perhaps these two will be more help than I had expected.
"Ah, so he is a bright lad" Ezel chuckled, as Babus looked away, his blush remaining in his snow white fur, not daring to speak "But tell me now, why do you not mind?"
My mind screeched to a halt. Do I tell the truth? Do I lie? And what was the truth to begin with? In that moment images of Camus swarmed my train of thought. Perhaps...perhaps they could shed some light on me.
"I..." I hesiated, again trying to find appropriate words for my sentence "may...be similar...but...I'm confused"
Ezel raised a brow "Confused? Why?"
"Well...it is not common for a male to...court another male"
"That doesn't matter" Babus answered
I looked up as the white nu mou continued, "Love is a many splendid thing Malchelo, It works in ways no person can truly understand. No one picks whom he or she forms a deep affection for. Once that affection exists, try as we might, we won't be able to fight it off or smooth it away. It should never matter who or what you fall in love with, as long as you feel you are doing what is right, there should never be a problem"
I resumed sitting quietly, mulling all those words through my head...
"Though, It's probably best if such relationships be kept secret to the rest of the world at present time, until it becomes more accepted"
I nodded softly "...Thank you"
Ezel looked at Babus and I could see him take the other's hand in a soft grip "That was beautiful love"
Babus blushed, it was easily visible through his white fur, and muttered a whispered "I try"
Babus Swain and Ezel Barbier were a couple...one would wonder how such a relationship started between the two of them.
But if they were, and I could tell they were happy. If not they certainly looked comfortable with it all
Did it mean that my sudden...affections...for Camus were acceptable in the long run?
As I walked back to our clan site the same day, I thought deeply on what I had learnt, and what I still needed to figure out for myself. Two of the most famous Nu Mou in all of Ivalice were entwined in an intimate partnership, no doubt lovers.
This brought me back to my Bangaa friend...considering I was attracted to other males like Babus and Ezel are...was I simply lusting after my friend, or was I harbouring deep feelings for him?
So so many questions...much too little answers. I tried to think it through. My dreams surely held many factors of pure lust, but...but there were sections were the bangaa would be more affectionate than purely acting on desire. Sections where he would simply touch me as gently as possible, sending light shockwaves over my body. Sections were he would whisper sweet things in my ears and assuring me of his care of me. What was the line between them?
I thought of the present life. Camus had always been a supporting and caring individual. He was there when I needed him, ready to console me when I was under the weather and more than prepared to hold me when I needed....
...I missed his embrace...oh how I missed it. The sudden longing for his arms tightly encircling me helped my thoughts. Would I want such if I were lusting after him or if I was in love with him? Camus's arms, hands and skin were always warm and his scales were smooth to the touch. Not that I had ever stroked them.
I could not answer my dilemma. I couldn't find the cross point between them. Love and lust were very similar. Or at least the one lead to the other, and similarly they could be mistaken for the other.
I would never know for sure...I had never been in love before...Love was not something you could just open up a book and read about. It is a complicated subject to deal with.
Upon reaching the site, and thus ending my thought process temporarily, I found no one there. I knew Camus and Waltz were still in town doing some mission scouting, but where were Cuthbert and Rangi then? It wasn't like them to wander off. They'd usually just be chatting away somewhere inside the camp area.
Odd...
I padded around the vicinity, scanning it lightly and making sure nothing out of the ordinary was occurring. Everything looked normal...
I raised my hands to my muzzle and was about to call out for them, when I head a few shuffles and muffed speaking in the distance. I blinked, and cautiously headed in that direction, drawing my mace at the ready for perhaps any stray monster.
I again was about to make another sound, but the sight at appeared before my eyes behind the veil of the vegetation stopped me. It was Rangi and Cuthbert yes, but that wasn't all
Cuthbert had Rangi pressed against a tree...holding him...and they were kissing...
...By Ultima.
They parted...Rangi looked particularly embarrassed and flustered, while Cuthbert held a satisfied smirk, as his embrace around Rangi seemed to tighten.
"W-we shouldn't kupo be doing this..." Rangi squeaked out, just loud enough for me to hear.
"Why?" Cuthbert asked, leaning forward to rub his nose against Rangi.
If it were physically possible, Rangi's face was completely red, giving his purple fur an interesting colour, his gloved hands shaking nervously "B-because..." he paused, dramatically even, before he breathed out the next words "It's wrong kupo..." something in his face showed he was hiding something, something he didn't want to admit, even to himself
"Then why does it feel so right then, kupo?" Cuthbert asked with a more seriously "I know you Ran. Kupo, I know you enjoyed it. I could kupo feel it" he stopped to kiss Rangi's nose tenderly "You can't kupo honestly tell me you didn't" his gaze was strong in Rangi's eyes.
The other weaker kupo shivered, and held the gaze with the other, as if staring off into the distance.
"...I...kupo...did" Rangi muttered, his voice lowering to a whisper so I barely heard the last word.
"Then don't resist, kupo" Cuthbert muttered softly "No one needs to know, kupo...it'll be our special little, kupo, secret..." His body pressed even more against the other.
In my mind, somehow I pictured myself taking Rangi's place, and Camus taking Cuthberts. I wondered what it would be like...to be trapped between a tree and a warm inviting body.
When the two moogles locked lips together once more, I decided I'd seen enough. I'd seen more than I should have to start with. Carefully I backed away and retreated from them, trying to remain calm and push down the faint blush that had formed on my cheeks.
Were Rangi and Cuthbert in the same proverbial boat as Camus and myself...well, there was one difference...even if I did have intimated feelings for Camus, and I was attracted to males like Babus and Ezel or Rangi and Cuthbert seemed to be, there was one blaring problem in it all...
What about Camus?
Who was to say he felt the same towards me?
I hung my head in subconscious defeat as I emerged back to our campsite far from the affectionate moogles...
...I couldn't deny it any longer...
I wanted Camus, my dear friend, to be more than just my dear friend. Even if it was wrong on a general society level, even if it wasn't to be accepted or heard of, even if I had to keep such thing I secret. I wanted it...I really did.
Who was to say who loved whom in the first place? Love is described as a wonderful pleasant emotion that attracts two people together, differences or similar as Babus had so interestingly pointed out. No one said it couldn't be between two males. Just because we could not reproduce because of it didn't mean we were not allowed to love one another.
...
I want him...that single thought ran round my mind over and over like a tornado enclosing a poor victim inside to have no choice but to accept fate and be blow away by the force.
I sat on a stray log and remained silent, hands in my lap, head hung slightly still, ears drooping down against my body.
...
I want him
The sun rose and set many times after at day. I spend hours, nights pondering over my predicament. So many scenarios played over my now tortured brain. Flashes of his body would continue to invade my dreams; making them...more pleasant I must admit.
Since our first, Camus had been keeping up my physical training. My endurance very slowly but surely rose and I found I could last more and more time of his sessions. Over the time I started noticing I was actually making him tire slightly from the effort, which was comforting knowing I wasn't simply being a burden anymore and reciprocating some of the exercise and training to him.
Over this time my body seemed to gain a very small amount of muscle, nothing noticeable from before but I could tell they were more adapted to swinging and lugging around the small weight that was my mace with more ease. Still, I looked the same, expect for the fact that the exercise had started to reduce the size of the girth in my stomach area. Again it wasn't a substantial amount, I was still rather ‘chubby' as some might say.
But the one thing I enjoyed the most of these sessions was not that I was getting stronger. It was Camus getting stronger...and I was able to see.
The first and only sign was the fact that he at some point stopped wearing any upper covering completely. Before I couldn't even make him break a sweat, then when his torso clothing was removed, I could see not only in his face and breathing pace but on his chest that I was starting to work his muscles. Sweat would trickle and glisten his scales, giving them a lustrous effect.
When this had first happened, I had quite a hard time distracting myself from it, as I knew it would dull my concentration and ultimately be wasting some of the training time if I wasn't paying enough close attention to the knightword mercifully swinging at me.
But afterward, when the training was done and I had not one drop of energy left, oh how his chest would call to my optic orbs. The bangaa would be too tired to notice me admiring his broad and powerful chest and arms in all their glory.
At times, I felt as a pervert for this. It felt so unhealthy and wrong to be staring at my friend in such a manor, that at times I wish I could just fall into those arms. To kneel the sinew under the smooth scales, to take away the stress and make him sigh with content. But for the life of me those thoughts would never be spoken in his or any other company!
As the time passed and I gave my mind more space to think and ponder upon, no limited by stereotypical walls put in place by society but opened to how the world truly was at time, I found myself gaining more and more acceptance to my attraction to him. Each passing day would kill off more denial that held my heart in its cage. Each new sunrise sparked the joy of living near Camus and his wonderful company, kind support and inviting smiles. Not to mention his dreadfully appealing body.
And one by one, brick by brick, a wall crumbled inside of me as I faced the truth.
I, Malchelo Pablo Leonard the 2nd, was in love with another male.
Day after day passed, my life feeling as if drops of stress rained over me in a constant stormy could
My emotions attacked at my being, growing anxious like a red panther and trying with all it's might to break free. Free to tell Camus, to show him and make him realise the deep passion that had apparently grown for him over such a long time
But I was terrified, positively and utterly terrified of these raging feelings deep within me, the feeling that told me that Camus and I were meant to be together as lovers and mates.
And it hurt, to fear someone's outlook of your romantic preference. It wounded me far worse than any spell or weapon could ever do
Oh...how it hurt...
"...al?"
I turned my head, blinking suddenly at a startled and worried looking Camus.
"Mal?" he repeated to me
I shook my head to further tear myself from my trance "Oh dear, I apologise Camus, is there something you need?"
Camus paused, hesitated, eyes closing for seconds only before opening to pierce at me "What'sss wrong?" he asked
I blinked again; did my distress show that much? "I am quite well Camus, why do you ask?"
Camus kicked his legs like a nervous child and that was the point in time and the conversation where I realised he was sitting directly next to me. Our thighs touched on the large boulder we sat on. Needless to say, I flushed.
"Well, I've been sssittin here for about 15 minutesss already in exact sssame ssspot. You normally greet me the sssecond I ssshow up and all, and you've been having this sssad look on your face all the time"
I blushed deeper, had it been possible for ALL the blood in my body to reside in my head, it would most probably have happened by then. "Forgive me...I was thinking...about something" I trailed off, not shifting an inch away from him. It felt wonderful to have him close.
Camus frowned, reason hidden to me "...need a hug?" he suddenly asked.
By Ultima YES!
I desperately craved a sweet hug from him. But I shook my head as calmly as possible and said, "No, you don't have to do such a think. My problems and burdens are mine to ponder and bear"
The bangaa didn't listen to me at all. Before I could even try to protest his arms were around me "Doesssn't mean you can't get sssome sssupport" he said with a thoughtful tone of voice.
I shifted lightly in his embrace, making no effort to fight or struggle out of it. The sacred aura of protection from before encircled around me once more "Really Camus" I muttered, trying to sound a big aggravated, at the same time pushing down to urge to simply melt into his arms. Such was torture, complete and utter torture.
"Hey, we're budsss Mal. If you need sssomeone ta talk to, you know I'm lissstenin" Camus said.
A crack form in a mental shield, the one made primary of fear. The fear of rejection and kept me in line with the bigger male, restricted my movements and tying them down into proper and decent behaviour. The fear of losing my best friend...and the first person I've ever loved. But Camus seemed to be breaking it piece by piece.
"...Thanks you Camus...such knowledge is comforting," I muttered, sounding grateful even though I had not intended to.
He turned to look at me, a pure smile gracing his ragged, yet perfect, lips "Jussst trying to be sssupportive Mal. You'd do the sssame for me"
The shield shattered into a trillion unrecognisable pieces. Slowly, I finally returned the hug Camus was giving me, my arms weakly wrapping around his waist. At the same time I rested my head against his broad chest. I made no sigh as I might have pictured I would, but said instead "...I'm tired"
I couldn't see his face, but I heard a hearty laugh "Sssure, I don't mind being your pillow for a while..." He said sarcastically, even though he meant it at the same time.
Camus didn't seem to mind that I was actually touching him in a rather intimate way. Be it only a supportive hug that the bangaa probably didn't even know why I needed it, it did not look like JUST a hug. But the bangaa seemed perfectly comfortable with the touch...my touch
Another barrier formed, taking the place of the shield before it. A door, with a puzzle as it's lock. The emotion swayed from fear, as the door caged my heart.
That puzzle...the question, though simple but complicated...how could I let Camus know? How?
This one problem, I was now hell-bent to solving
Camus grunted, retracted his arm and rolled it round "Damn" he muttered as he rubbed said arm.
I peered at him, having let go and edge away the second the arm moved "Is something wrong?"
"Nah...it'sss jussst my right arm...I think I hurt it or sssomthing during a good ssswing I made a few daysss back"
I blinked, looking more serious "Why did you not mention this sooner?"
"I thought the pain would go away, and it didn't ssstart hurting till a few daysss ago"
I suddenly felt selfish. Here was Camus, my best friend and secret affection, ignoring his own pain to give me an embrace to make me feel better, even though he didn't know what it was.
"That's irresponsible Camus, I hate it say it. You should have told me. I may be a sage but I'm still the clan's official white mage and medical system. I need to know if you are in pain, so I can dull it out," I said sternly, sitting up straight and properly.
Camus smiled a goofy smile and looked a tad embarrassed "Well, I can't jussst come running to you every time I get hurt can I?"
"Of course you can. That's more or less the point of having a healer in the first place, to run to them when you get hurt as soon as possible"
Camus scratched the back of his head and I feared I was putting him in an awkward position, so I looked more sincere and said "I understand if you did not want to bother me or the like, but please tell me as soon as possible in future Camus. I can't just let my clan mates suffer in silence"
"Fine Fine" The bangaa surrendered "So missster big fancy healer man, I've come to you becaussse my arm is in pain and I need it to go away."
"Well Camus" I ignored the small traces of sarcasim "The best thing would be..."
Wait...wait just one millisecond...
"A massage"
Camus blinked at me, clearly surprised " A massssage? I thought you were gonna sssay sssomthing like a ssspell"
"While it is true a spell would be a ‘quickfix', sometimes muscle related stress needs a more physical approach to completely work it out of your system" I said calmly
This was perfect...absolutely perfect
"And...you know how?"
"Well my friend, most white mages don't bother with it, but some such as myself have read up on it, the pressure points in the body, where to touch to alleviate stress and pain and so on. It was an interesting read actually. A bangaa's anatomy has many spots which can be used to dull out pain despite their tough scales, and with the right ointment along I'll have you right as rain in no time" I said with a positive friendly smile.
Camus smiled, some uncertain and some happy "Well, if you think it'sss bessst"
I stood "Come along, we should go back to my tent"
He nodded and followed me quietly to my tent, where we crawled and sat facing each other comfortably.
"Now, where exactly does it hurt, or where does it hurt the most?" I asked.
He rolled his right arm again "Mossstly here" he said, pointing to were his arm and were his chest joined "But more on my arm in general and a little on my back too"
"And you say you think it's because you pulled something or injured yourself while you were swinging your weapon?"
He nodded
"Right then" I looked around my tent and fiddled around to find something to help, telling him "Please take off anything that's covering your upper torso"
I wasn't watching, but I heard shuffling behind me, the sound of cloth moving. I focused on finding what I needed and once done, I turned back to find a topless Camus sitting patiently. I took a mere second to admire his chest, nothing but a second "Now I need you to lay on your stomach with the arm that is hurting facing toward me.
Camus did so, without a word in silent trust that I knew what I was doing. This made me hope to dear lords or whoever else just might be listening that I didn't do something stupid or idiotic to betray this trust.
Again I took only a second, if not less, to admire his back this time, since I've seen that even less than the front. I noticed the sturdy shoulder blades jutting out on either side of his nape and between his legs his thick reptilian tail lay flat against the ground, moving ever so slightly in boredom.
For some reason, my breath came quicker and shorter by a small amount. Perhaps it was the anticipation of touching my friend's body, which I had longed to do. I had to be careful to do it properly and not simply stroke the scale. Such a thing could very easily be detected as something other than physical therapy.
His eyes were closed, his breath was relaxed and had I didn't know better I would have thought he was sleeping. So peaceful he looked...
But I shook my head in mental dismissal, opened the small container I had searched for and worked some violet cream into my hands. Carefully, I reached out and placed my hands over his right arm junction. Camus didn't move, and I was more relieved by this, letting it calm me slightly. I then worked at the area, making sure the cream covered his scale evenly and around it's area. I rubbed circles from the first area, down his arm, back up and then down a small section of his back. Once I was sure the cream had penetrated thought the skin and into the muscle, I started pressing more at the muscle at certain points, leaving my circular motions behind.
After a while though, I started hearing a humming sound. I blinked, and found that it wasn't humming...but murring...a reptilian murr than sounded slightly like hissing.
"That feelssssss....sssssso nice Mal..." Camus said, practically purring it out.
I was glad he couldn't see my face stain red in bashfulness "Yes well, I told you did I not?"
Camus's murr was my only answer for a few seconds. When I chose to stop, having decided I had done enough, the bangaa grunted, "You think you could do my whole back Mal?"
By now I was extremely relieved he wasn't looking at me. I swear my face I must have looked amusing to no end. My lips parted for moments before finding speech again "I can yes, but I'd have to sit on you to do it properly..."
"I don't mind"
I felt my hands tremble both in excitement and fear, the shivers travelling over my body in an instant and then vanishing again as quickly as they started "Well...if you insist" I said meekly. My body felt numb and weak, but I forced it to move. It felt as though each simple movement took a powerful heave.
I climbed over him at tortoise pace, both my knees to his sides and touching his hips and some of his back. I didn't sit on his rump, I just couldn't, I chose rather to sit on a small bottom section of his back. It still touched the place I did not want to seat myself, but it was better than actually sitting on his backside. "Are you comfortable?" I had to try very hard not to stutter
From what I could tell his eyes were still closed, and he muttered out a "Yea"
"Um...tell me if I do something wrong alright? I've never really done this before, so forgive me if I make a mistake or hurt you" I said
"Ok"
I took a deep breath of clean air. Though it didn't feel like clean air. It smelt of scent, both mine and Camus's own purging it. It did smell awfully nice actually, his I'm referring to, strong and masculine as it hung in the atmosphere of my tent. My arms moved down slowly, and I began working at his back.
I was doing my best to remember every single spot on a bangaa's back that relieved stress, that tied in with what I learnt of muscle and sinew and how to relax them with certain pressures and motions. I was nervous though. Of course Camus and I have embraced before, but this was different. It was all different now, now I was above him, touching his body. Still, I devoted myself to doing it right, kneeling at the scale below me.
Even so...I did take the small pleasure out of it. His scaled were so wonderfully smooth to the touch, strong but smooth. I imagined what it would be like to quietly lean against those scales each night, my own fur pressing against them. As it was doing now, my tail with it's fur only grazing the top would lay against his, perhaps even twisted together in some effort. And as I heard that sweet reptile murring and hissing, I smiled knowing I was giving my friend satisfaction. It made me glad, oh yes it did.
It was nice knowing that my friend was actually quiet comfortable with me touching him. Camus clearly didn't mind offering or giving a hug if I ever asked for it. He didn't mind me kneeling his scale and muscle. I wondered if he even cared at all. IT made me wonder if he would have even noticed if I slid my paws from his chest to his sides, and then the edges of his chest.
Images and scenery assaulted my poor mind, of how a clearly interested Camus would arch at my touch with his delightful murr filling the air. Quietly he would hiss for me to continue and tend to his chest. Then of course he'd roll over, give me a sweet smile and whisper my name in a seductive tone and...
...
Dear me...clearly I was smitten.
7th Kingmoon
Day of the lovers.
On this day, it is said that a prince and a princess were wed. What makes it so important is that this prince and this princess had hailed from different lands, and these lands were complete and utter enemies. They met by chance alone, and instantly fell deeply in love with one another. Even though they knew of their land's time old feud, they did not let it stop them. They met in secret many times, exchanging feelings and letting their love blossom without judging eyes. But one day the prince was found out, which lead only to another fight of each land blaming each other for the ‘affair'. But by then, the couple could not stand it any longer. They threatened to commit suicide together. Both lands could not go on without another heir to their throne, so they submitted under the order of their royals, and days after, on this day many years before, they wed. It' symbolized a new dawn for both lands, and ways to make amends, halting all pointless power wars and letting them live in peace.
Or so it is said. That is one of the greatest children fables to this day.
Non the less, on this day, it is a signal for mates and lovers to show appreciation to their significant other. And perhaps a day for someone to gain to courage to tell who they love how they truly feel.
I am not and never shall be one of those individuals...
I sat and watched with amusement as a female human and viena chattered away at Waltz in a far corner of the pub. It seemed a bit more rowdy today. And either Waltz was dense or he was simply ignoring it, but the flirtatious nature of the doubled female attempted didn't seem to disturb nor faze him in anyway possible. Waltz was always polite around women, but this unfortunately gave some of them false hope in he was interested in companionship, when he clearly wasn't.
...If Lita were still alive...well, men would we be ALL OVER here...well, even more so than it usually would be. Her beauty and grace was a treasure among the males of our world. It is and will forever be a shame...She would never have the chance to make a decent man happy. Though, just as Waltz, it was incredibly amusing to watch them gaze at her like love sick pets ready to follow their owner home, no argument or protest needed.
Rangi and Cuthbert sat comfortably next to one another on cushions in a secluded section of the pub where no one seemed to pay notice to them the slightest bit. It had taken a trained eye to spot, but behind the illusions of banter and hyperactive chatter, one might spot the small purple-gloved paw securely wrapped around another slightly larger paw. Only if you knew forehand, could you see the silent focused affection discreetly seeping out of one or the other's eyes. It warmed my heart, really it did.
Camus was nowhere to be found. This worried me slightly. He had been here a moment ago talking to a few of the other clan bangaa, about what I wasn't sure. Yes we had a few clans that we had made alliances with. It is good to have a few connections in this particular trade. And having friends in high or low places or having friends in general was never something to be frowned upon.
As I scanned the area once again, I couldn't seem to place Camus anyway. This made me sigh softly, turn my attention to the small cup of tea sitting in front of me at the table where my clan mates had once been a few moments prior, before they got tangled up in their own business. I didn't mind much, I was used to occupying my own time.
I was just about to start reading a new book I had taken out from the library, when a voice strung out in the hustle and bustle around me "Is this seat taken?"
I turned round and smiled in surprised "Babus!" I blinked at the older Nu Mou "What a pleasant surprise this is. No, it's not. Please make yourself comfortable"
The white nu mou nodded softly and sat in the chair beside me. He sighed and I frowned "Is something the matter?"
"Hmm?" He looked at me a good three seconds after I asked the question "Oh, I beg your pardon, I'm simply...unused to these sorts of places"
I nodded in understanding "I see...if I may ask, what ARE you doing here?"
Babus examined me for a split second, then grinned and smoothed out a stray crinkle in his expensive looking robes "If you must know...I'm retrieving something..." he paused, looking uncertain if he should continue for a moment "...for Ezel" he finished off in nothing but a whisper.
I tried, honestly I did, but the smile that surfaced on my muzzle was too strong to simply bite down "Oh I see...dare I ask what this item is?" I asked, clearly intrigued
Babus's face turned a soft pink, looking down slightly so his ears slightly covered his face "Oh...it's just a flora he has been wanting to study, but since it's awfully rare he hasn't had the time to pursue it. I've also gotten him a book I think he will enjoy"
My smile brightened some, and I was about to open my big mouth and ask something else personal but I realised I seemed to be making him uncomfortable and closed it again. I waited a few more moments and studied the other Nu Mou briefly. Every few seconds he would look around the room. It might have shown fear, but judging by the rest of his strict facial features he was perhaps just looking for someone. But he still looked uncomfortable, not akin to the crowds.
"...It must be nice" I muttered
"Excuse me?" He said, turning his head slowly to face me
"It must be nice knowing you love someone loves you, and you love them back."
Babus blinked softly. A smile crept onto his stern features "...It's a wonderful feeling..."
"My opinion will never count, but I'm rather happy for both of you. You both seem to compliment each other well. I'm slightly envious as well, though it leaves me baffled how all of this could have ever started"
Babus looked around slightly, but even he could tell everyone else was too busy with their own agenda to worry about our conversation "It had never always been sunshine and rainbows with the two of us. We had many meetings in the past, all with the motion of capturing him I'm sure you know. Over time...well, I just seemed to enjoy our little encounters much more than I should. Ezel was quite the challenge, always seeming to take two steps ahead of what any logical person would. He's got an unusual robust allure to him as well, and by that I mean he's not as fragile as most Nu Mou are. He believes in what he thinks strongly, and all these are very admirable traits." The white Nu Mou paused to think briefly "He is unique...he is also the one who broke the barrier between us, and the one set around my mind"
I blinked "How so?"
"It happened perhaps a few years ago, at one of our chanced meetings. Normally I would have palace reinforcement, but this particular day I had not bothered with it. I had tracked him to Ambervale. You've heard of it yes?"
I nodded softly "Who hasn't"
"As I was saying. So after we exchanged our usual meeting banter I pursued him after I spotted him in the area. You know he's quite quick on his feet for a Nu Mou. But being the alleged genius he is. I found myself in a trap assembled him. I remember his confident smirk as he threw that blasted Judge card at me. I was at his mercy completely" Babus chuckled softly and quoted Ezel's words " ‘My my, gotten yourself in a fix have we? Well don't worry, I have the anti law riiight here. But there's something I'd like first"
"Then he waved that card in front of my face and I distinctly remember growling at him. He walked around me slowly and said" Babus again tried to imitate Ezel's tone of voice ‘I'm going to be frank with you Babus. I wish to court you'
I sat there, incredibility interested. This was certainly proving a lot more intriguing than the book I wished to read, "Where you shocked?"
"Oh yes, shell shocked and devastated to no end. I told him he was crazy, and he told me I lived too a sheltered life, and that I wasn't opened to the finer and true things of life"
"What next?"
"Then...well" Babus looked around again slightly, edging his seat closer to mine quietly and after he was assured no one was really listening, he continued "Then he...*ahem* he started stroking my cheek with his hand. I couldn't do anything to stop him, but the shock of the matter and drowned out a protest"
Once again he tried at his Ezel impersonation ‘You have the most beautiful face Babus. I hope you've noticed this. For me to dream of it some nights, lain close to my own, gives it its own special quality" Babus paused, flushed pink in his cheeks and went on "And then...he kissed me"
I wished so badly that I could have heard more of the tale that was no doubt romantic in based, but before I could demand more, Babus by chance simply had to turn his head accidentally and notice someone "Oh! It appears the person with my items has arrived" He stood cirtiously from his chair and nodded respectfully "It has been a pleasure talking with you Malchello, perhaps we can do so again in the future"
I nodded softly as he walked away to meet with what looked like an alchemist. I sighed, and of course now was left only with the book resting forgotten on the table to occupy myself. I was about to reach for it, when I heard my name being called out...or, part of it
"Mal"
I turned round to see Camus standing their plain as day. Maybe it was my imagination but his clothing seemed a tad...suggestive and revealing. But I dismissed it to my own newly obsessive mind's hallucination.
"Yes Camus?"
Camus shifted from one foot to the other for a moment before speaking "I want to ssspeak to you about sssomthing...but not here"
"Of course Camus" When he started walking and beckoned me to follow, that was just about all I could do. I followed him out of the pub and into the cool night air. Yes it was dark already. Small glows of light shone inside the many buildings and structures of Cyril. In the sky the stars shone like tiny diamonds on a piece of bluish black velvet. Few people remained on the streets, walking slowly and quietly with the rush of morning and day long gone. A beautiful evening.
I could tell little by little Camus was leading me to our campsite. I didn't make a sound or voice my queries. We passed it and ventured into the mild vegetation. I was beginning to worry slightly and get anxious, but I still said nothing.
When Camus finally stopped, it was in a clearing. The canopy of trees stopped near its edge and letting a circular roof of sky appear out of the green leaves. A few insects made their noises of the night and I looked around slightly, still in suspense.
The bangaa made a gesture for me to sit, so on a conveniently placed rock I sat myself. Another conveniently placed rock was placed next to the one I sat on, and Camus sat himself upon it.
There was an indescribable silence as I pondered what Camus had in mind. Was he having troubles?
"Camus? Is everything alright?" I asked quietly.
Camus seemed to be in his own world, and I happened to snap him out of it "Hmm? Oh, yesss, everything is perfect..." he muttered with a gentle smile
There was another slightly awkward pause in the air, and once again I broke it with a question "Then...what do you wish to talk about? Is something bothering you?"
Camus looked at me, uncertainly, like there was something he was desperately trying to show me with his eyes alone. He took a visible deep breath, reaching into his pocket and pulled out...
A feather?
"Here" Camus said soft as a whisper, his voice shaking slightly even though his best efforts to remain calm.
I took the aforementioned feather and held it in my hands. It was of a Chocobo, yes it was not yellow or black, but blue. It must have been dyed this colour. Around where the fanlike spreading of the plume started, there was a small ribbon tied neatly and carefully.
My mind worked for seconds. I seemed to remember this item before...was it...no...it wasn't that...then.... Oh yes, I remember reading something about it in a book of bangaa culture. This blue feather meant or signified something...but for the life of me...
"Do you know what that isss?" Camus asked, some hope coming out of his voice
I looked up at him "This is a chocobo feather dyed blue. Forgive me Camus, I do believe this is some part of your race's culture and it symbolises something, but at the moment I cannot seem to place the meaning. Would you please tell me? I'm sure it's important" I smiled kindly at him.
Camus looked at me, as though I was an obstacle he wished to overcome. His face seemed to have flushed up "Well...when a bangaa givesss that to another perssson...it meansss...he or ssshe...wantsss to ssstart..." Camus shifted uncomfortably and sucked in much air for the next single word "...Dating"
Had I been any other person, my face would have twisted in shock and horror. But not me, no, I held the emotions on the inside. My facial expression didn't change from my kind smile; at least I hope it hadn't. Hope because suddenly I felt like a pair of wings had formed round my heart and flitted up to cloud nine. The shock was there, but the horror was replaced with pure joy.
Camus had closed his eyes after he said the last word, so he could not see my hearty grin beam out. After nothing happened for several moments, Camus seemed to give in and risk opening an eye. There I was, smiling brightly to myself as I tired the feather with one of the ribbons in my earflaps.
I turned to look at Camus, who looked amusingly confused "Why?" I asked
"Gwak?" He said in sheer shock
"Why me?" I asked not in doubt, but curiosity "Why do you wish to court me?" I actually wanted to know why my recent dream was coming true, not jump on it like a hungry animal.
Camus seemed to be asking this question himself, but instead of answering he asked his own question "Wait...you don't think thisss is weird?"
"Who am I to judge who you find alluring Camus? If it is how you feel, I can't tell you it's wrong or unnatural" I said as if it was a well known fact "Well? Are you going to answer?"
Camus looked down at the ground as if it held his answer, then up at me "Look...Mal...you've been the closesting thing to a bessst friend I've ever had...the only problem isss I don't want you to jussst be my bessst friend. You're ssssmart, you're funny, you're kind...you're alwayssss looking out for all of usss, especially me." Camus paused to think, then continued "Ya probably don't feel that way about me at all, and I'm glad you didn't freak out on me, which just provessss what a great perssson you are."
Camus looked me dead in the eyes as he went on "I've had a hard time trying to get over it, and I want you to know that...I love you...I really do...I love everything about you. You're cute and beautiful at the sssame time and sssometimesss I ssstare at you and wonder what you look like without your robesss on. I think about what it would be like to kissss you, or what it'ssss like to touch you where no one elssse can....I'm sssorry if this ssscaresss you but you alwaysss taught me to be honnessst with myssself and everyone elssse. And ssso I am...and I love you..."
Camus seemed done with his motivating speech; which I found quiet touching if my sudden face reddening had anything to say about it. I really and truly could not believe it...he felt the same...he really did. The urge to leap into his strong arms and ask to be kissed and held was powerful, but I held it at bay and left myself as composed as possible. And he was even offering mateship!
By Ultima...I would have worn something more presentable if I knew this were to happen today. I would have gotten him something as well at least.
"Agreed"
"What?" Camus said, looking up at me with mild fear, of rejection I presume.
"I agree...to ‘date' you"
Camus's next face was simply priceless it almost made me laugh. The Bangaa's mouth hung open in shock, gaping even "Yo-You do?"
"Yes, I do" Suddenly, like an invisible switch had been turned connected to my emotions. I felt brave and strong, confident in my abilities, adventurous even. No more lost in a clouded mist of doubt, a set of actions planned themselves in my brain
As Camus recovered from my answer I watched him in silence "Camus?" I asked with a somewhat innocent and childish tone to my voice
The bangaa, shaking off his shock and was reduced to smiling brightly, realising just what I had said "What?"
"Tell me, is there anything Bangaa do specifically when they ‘date' as you so wonderful put it. I don't believe I've read up on that particular section of your race."
Camus's orangey gold cheeks became a scarlet red "Oh...uh...there isss sssomething...but...we don't have to do that......" Camus scratched the back of his head comfortably. Clearly he had not thought past asking me to begin a relationship, I assume because he thought I was going to reject him. But seconds later, the embarrassment seemed to vanish and Camus looked serious "...Are you sssure Mal? Don't you think thisss is weird?"
"Oh no, I'm actually quite glad. I certainly wouldn't have had the courage to ask the same of you Camus...I admire your bravery...and on the day of the lover's as well" I chuckled softly "Just how long have you been planning this?"
"Sssince yesssterday" Camus mumbled out, looking down at the ground bashfully. It was a new side to him, the shy side that I suppose everyone has.
"Well...how long have you felt this way about me then?" I asked softly
"A while...I think...maybe around when Lita died..." Camus still refused to look at me, his cheeks blazing once more.
I smiled, still feeling as though nothing could knock me down "To be honest I'm not sure when mine started for you Camus, but it has been quite the while" I glazed at Camus for a while. He did seem awkward and uncomfortable...but maybe it was because of a different reason.
"Camus, are you ashamed of liking me?" I asked tenderly, shifting a little on my own rock to get closer to him.
Camus looked up at me in surprise, shaking his head franticly "N-No! I'm not assshamed of it or you at all Mal..."
"I wasn't talking about me specifically Camus, I was referring to males in general. Are you ashamed that you don't like females like the rest of our world all seems to. Do you feel conflicted as this would seem unnatural and ‘bad' in a sense?" I carefully tried to coax out what seemed to be troubling Camus. I didn't like it when he was distraught, especially not at a time like this when we should be joyous and gay.
Camus started at me, trying to find something in my eyes, a guideline or an answer of some form perhaps. Or maybe it was reassurance "...A little..." he muttered out, his gaze never wavering "Itsss jussst...you don't sssee it normally...guysss are sssuposssed to like galsss and the other way around as well...why are we like thisss?"
I noticed I happened to be near enough, so I lifted my hand and placed it gently above Camus's, giving the scale an affectionate little rub "We're special, that's all. It is not as if we are the only ones like us Camus, there are others. Other males who prefer males romantically, and if my hypothesis is correct there are most probably females who prefer females as well in this world of ours"
Camus's eyes widened slightly as my hand touched his, but this only seemed to make him smile slightly, and I continued "I've analysed this Camus on my own will, with help from people similar to us who shall not be named for their sake. This matter goes beyond the mind Camus, far beyond into a place called our emotions. Emotions are something we cannot stop. If a loved one dies, we will be sad. If you have done something wrong, the guilt is there whether you chose to acknowledge it or not. Without emotions we are nothing but heartless zombies without any purpose in life but to drag our days on. Emotions make each and every person in our world special Camus" I paused, thinking further "So we are attracted to males. Why should that be different to anyone else? No one said it was wrong. There is no law forbidding it. But because we don't see it, we think of it as the unthinkable. The unthinkable is only what we refused to understand or admit. No one can demean or push us down simply because we are different. If we were all the same, existence would be a waist"
I edged closed still, the rocks we sat on were fairly close after all. Between us my hand laced together Camus's and my fingers, and I gripped softly at his hand. And I could felt him weakly squeeze back "The fact that we like other males, is nothing more than a fact about us Camus. It makes both of us an individual in our own right, and may be one of the things that rise us up above others" I reached my other hand out, and placed it lightly against his chest "What we are doing now Camus, we are not using our mind to think it through logically. This isn't a subject for logic or wisdom. This is a subject dealt with what we feel inside. What we feel, what we know will make us happy and better people. And since logic has been surrendered, I can say that this is a matter not for your or my brain, but rather for what is right here, the other most important organ in your body" I petted his clothed chest "Your heart"
Camus gazed at me, smiling brightly now, the doubt from before erased. And that made me happy " And with my heart...I can tell the one thing that's most important in my life at this very moment...is that I, Malchelo Leonard Pablo the second, am deeply in love with you...Camus"
Camus said nothing for a long while, and we simply stared at each other, more accurately at each other's eyes. Camus's optic orbs sparkled so gently in the moonlight, lighting up the rest of his handsome face.
"That...wasss...beautiful" the bangaa said eventually, after eternity and beyond has passed "How do you do that Mal?"
"How do I do what?" I asked
"How do you alwaysss know what to sssay to make me sssmile" Camus asked, his smile soft and caring, gentle but passionate.
"Perhaps I truly am as smart as you perceive me to be. Or perhaps love just seems to make everything I said make sense to you" I smiled back, chuckling softly at what I said.
"I like the sssecond option best" Camus grinned a toothy grin, complementing his manly figures.
My heart fluttered around in my chest softly, increasing it's rate and blood flow "Camus...may I...sit in your lap?"
Camus's smile seem to brighten even further, if that were possible "If you're gonna be my mate, you don't even need to asssk"
I chuckled and stood, wasting no time at all at seating myself in Camus's inviting lap. Once I had done so, one of his arms came to circle around me, the other one I was still holding in my hand.
"...You've held me times before...but this time...it feels better somehow" I muttered near his earflaps as my head rested on his shoulder.
"I know..." Camus whispered back, his warm breath tingling against my fur. He detached the paw I had claimed and placed that around me as well, both hand softly rubbing my back in caring circles. The shy Camus was gone, just like that. I didn't mind, I rather liked the confident Camus better.
"Camus, what WAS that thing you didn't want to tell me about bangaa mateship" I asked, suddenly curious.
Camus smirked, a sneaky smirk "If you really want to know. When a bangaa asksss sssomeone to date them, within twenty-four hours, they mussst have mated to ‘become one'"
I blinked... "You mean..."
"Yesss, I mean we have to have sssex" he hissed into my earflaps.
I blushed, heavily. The fantasies of Camus and I flooded into my mind like a dam had been burst open. He touching...the kissing...the holding...the words said...everything. Camus noticed me blush, and I would be surprised if he did not.
"We don't have to do that Mal...I mean...if you're not ready for it, I get it. I'll wait for asss long asss you need...to become comfortable with the idea..." Camus whispered soothingly, giving my back a few more affectionate and supportive rubs "I can't just expect sssex from you"
Flashes...flashes of us together, passion burning, lips flaring and the air warm and smelling of drugging scents. Oh by Ultima... "...Have I ever told you...how attractive I find the way you hiss?"
Camus blinked "You do?" the bangaa seemed as though he thing this was a quality some might find annoying, not attractive.
"Indeed I do. I find it alluring in a way, each single S you speak drags out by instinct...I find it charming and unique"
"Oh really?" Camus muttered "Ssso you like it when I sssay ssssssssex?" he hissed right in my ear, dragging out that last provocative word. The very sound was intoxication some how, a sonic rumbling echoing through my ear canal. I couldn't explain it, it just seem to give my mind even more suggestive thoughts.
"Yesss" I mimicked him with a grin.
He chuckled "That'd be good to remember in future"
My eyes returned to his in focus "...Camus...kiss me"
No sooner had I asked, his lips pressed against mine. They were a surprisingly smooth; I would have thought they might be a bit rough around the edges. A hand came up and held the back of my head, stroking it and holding it in place. His thin tongue slid along my lips, a bit on them gently using his more blunt teeth so he did not damage. I took the sign and parted my lips, giving his tongue full access to my maw. I am no experienced kisser, but I returned the kiss as much as my ability allowed. The two muscles that were our tongues rubbed and sucked against the other, as if they were natural born for the purpose. My eyelids fell and drooped in a pleasure haze. Camus's were completely closed, and from both of us stemmed a deep murring.
Oh sweet bliss...
We parted lips, for air. I panted softly "...my my..."
"You sssure you haven't kissssed before? Sssure doesssn't feel that way" Camus said, arms still securely around my waist
I felt the heat in my cheeks grow "As far as I know Camus, no one but you just now"
"Boy did I get a good one to fall for or what?" Camus smirked with a boyish mischievous quality.
There went my confidence, replaced instantly by bashfulness. "...I want to..."
"Hmm?" Camus raised an eye ridge "What cha sssay love?"
That word...love... being refereed to...it filled me with a rainbow and butterflies inside my heart "I want us...to mate"
Camus looked lightly more serious again, but at the same time mildly worried "Mal...babe, you know you don't have to. Are you sssure? I don't want you to do it jussst for me" the bangaa rested his head at my shoulder, his words drenched in care and compassion
"Yes" I replied, "I'm sure..." I took a stronger grip on him "I want to...please Camus..."
There was a pause in the air, silence contemplation on Camus's part, mine waiting with baited breath. I really did want it, not badly, but I did. The urges where both desperate and tame at the same time. I knew I could resist if I liked, but I didn't want to. I wanted to ‘become one' with Camus. I wanted to feel how it felt to be his lover. I wanted to feel all the love this bangaa had for me and know it was all true.
"If your sssure..." I soon found myself being lifted into his strong arms like his bride. I blushed and held onto his neck, looking up bashfully at his sweet smile "Why don't we go sssomewhere nice and private ssso you can ssstudy my anatomy hmm?"
I giggled, yes, giggled, "I'd like that"
The bigger male carried me quietly, all the while with a goofy and perhaps slightly perverted smile. My head had taken refuge in his chest. Even then I could smell his scent. And if I was right about that certain smell of a bangaa, Camus was very aroused. The musk flared through my nostrils, and I sighed with great content, some randomised images still running around in my mind's hype.
He carried me to his own tent, and since carrying me and crawling would be difficult he had to let me crawl in myself. I'd never seen his tent before. I've never had a reason to see it. It was simple really. Sleeping bag, his armour set, some clothes, a few trinkets...and a painted picture of myself?
When he noticed me staring at it in confusion, he snickered and said, "Had a friend of mine do it. It's pretty good don't you think?"
The image did look rather lifelike and realistic "Indeed it is"
Camus took a reclined and relaxed seat on the ground, his legs stretched out leisurely. I watched as he slipped his cotton top over his head, exposing his chest to me for about the umpteenth time. But never before had he been wearing that smile to go with it
"Feel free to touch"
I gulped down some nervous hesitant feelings and got closer to him. My hand reached out and stroked along his chest. Camus reacted in two ways, one was his eyes closing and two was almost automatic flexing of muscle wherever my hand went. Like a winding path my hand travelled the lengths of his broad chest. Over his abdomen and his pectorals. Along his flanks to his armpits right up and across his masculine arms. I tried to listen were the bangaa liked being touched the most, but he seemed to like it every place I laid my hand, if the murring had anything to say about it. My, for hard scales it was rather smooth.
My hands ventured down again and halted at his waistline. Something I had never noticed was there. Along his left hip, a small arrow like black mark was visible. Barely, but it was visible. I looked up at Camus "May I?"
"Do it"
I untied the small thread that secured his bottoms and pulled them off him slowly. And so his legs became exposed. Powerful looking just as his arms and chest, though I'd never seen them. The area I had wanted to investigate was still covered by some white undergarment. I held tightly around his crotch and rump area with his thick tail jotting out from a hole in the back. But it looked so tight I thought it would have torn apart from the pressure. It also probably wasn't helping that there was a rather large bulge pressing against the soft cotton.
I felt my cheeks heat more as I stared at it. What the small article of clothing hid. Camus chuckled softly and licked his lips "Take it off Mal"
I hesitated for a second, more nervous feelings sneaking up on me. With shaking hand I reached out for the small cloth's waistline, dug my hand under it, and pulled it down over his legs.
There he sat, the beautiful and handsome bangaa in his birthday suit, all it's glory viewable. I discovered that the black arrow was actually part of a tendril, that entwined with more tendrils in a symbolic manner. No doubt a tribal marking or tattoo of sorts. But that wasn't half as distracting as his penis. It stood up in all it's reptilian pride, firm and if I wasn't mistaken, throbbing slightly. From top to bottom I estimated it was at least ten to twelve inches, and it had a substantial girth as well. His balls hung below it, looking a bit heavy.
By Ultima...he was gorgeous.
Camus smiled "You obviousssly like what you sssee Mal" I didn't respond, and he continued "But it'sss my turn" he sat more up and leaned forward, leaning towards me. He took a hold of my robes, and swiftly lifted them above my head, me having to raise my arms to help. I didn't stop him or protest. In honestly I was still a bit dazzled at the new experience.
The moment I realised, however, that I now sat with only a similar small piece of cloth covering my genitals, I snapped back. Instinctively I used my arms to cover up the small chubby bulge in my abdominal area, mildly in shame, mildly in embarrassment. He guided my arms away, and gave my tummy a few pets and rubs in circular motions, pushing moans from my lips as his lips neared my ears again
"Don't hide it...I think it'sss cute...I've hugged you more than enough to know it makesss you perfect to sssnuggle with" He whispered, lightly pressing his body up against mine. His scale against my fur was wonderful, his erection rubbed against my cloth prison, invoking my own member to erect itself. And that it did, within seconds the same budge formed against my cotton blue undergarments.
Camus smiled at his own doings, and fingered at the aqua blue material suggestively "That looksss uncomfortable Mal, let'sss get that off you, hmm?" Again he didn't give me a chance to reply. He knew I wasn't going to object, since I had asked for these actions in the first place. He slid them down my chubby legs with ease, and out flipped my member.
I moaned softly at the freedom, and also at the other member now rubbing against it, sensitive flesh against sensitive flesh. Oh how wonderful it felt, such a raw need. Camus nipped gently along my neck. His hands explored my exposed body freely, many times scratching slightly at the point in my tail were a singular line of fur would trail down from it to the bottom, the rest of it completely bald.
He kissed and held me close, maintaining friction between us. All I could do was return his kisses and take a weak grip upon him to steady myself. The atmosphere itself heated as Camus became more passionate, his tongue sliding deeper in my maw as his hands tried to find more and more sensitive spots on my body that would make me yip and gasp at the tingling sensations.
But he seemed to grow bored of this after a good few minutes. Bored in a sense, or rather wanting to take it further. Carefully he pushed me backwards till I lay on my back with his body and muzzle looming over me like I was his shadow. He smirked at me, leaned down to lick to bridge of my nose and whispered, "Do you have any idea how cute you look? All sssspread out on your back, with an adorable smile and bright blusssh in those cheeksss. It'sss almossst not fair" His ear shoots rested on either side of my head, my own ears ‘spread out' as Camus had said, on either side of me, laying flat against the ground.
I smiled, trying to maintain this ‘cute' label I was being given, pouting slightly "Oh really?"
"Yesss, really" he muttered, diving down and pressing his lips to mine again. For a second, maybe longer, I began to wonder the consequences of all this. There was the unlikely chance we would get caught mating. Our clan would get suspicious if I wasn't in my tent, and ‘sounds' were audible. Also, falling asleep after would have the same effect. What would they think of us?
Well, Rangi and Cuthbert can't hold it against us. They are in the same boat we are...and Waltz...well; I'm not sure about him at all. Would he even care? But as I said, these thoughts lasted only seconds, before my brain was overruled by pheromones.
"Camus..." I whispered, no, whimpered out.
"What?" He lifted his head from nuzzling my neck-fur
"I...I want you inside me..." I whispered
He smiled, brightly and perverse, yet somehow completely compassionate "Oh that isss jussst what I wanted to hear" He shifted his body a little, moving lower and lower over me and kissing a trail of butterfly kisses down my body, leaving me to writhe gently at each single kiss. His hands trailed down my sides and rested on my thighs, when his muzzle came to a halt at my crotch "But firssst..."
I gasped as I felt a warm tongue touch my skin, my eyes firmly closed as I tried to control my slow more and more erratic breathing. My hands needed something to grip, instead clenching into balled fists, my toes curling at the sweet sensation. Slowly, torturously, Camus dragged his tongue across my length, right from the top down to the bottom for eternity plus a second, sending shivers right up my spine.
Each shiver turned to a low vibration as he move lower still, lips firmly place round my balls, licking and sucking them gently as if he was a child teething on a toy. I let low moans leave my lips, in show of appreciation, my legs arching up a bit. When he reached my tailhole, it was almost pure torture. His skilled tongue slid and rimmed around the flesh that made my pucker, but he wasn't being shy anymore, now it was full on licks. He even licked what he could of the inside my tailhole at some point, the most enjoyable point of it all.
But then suddenly, he stopped. After a few seconds of not being touched, I opened my eyes and lifted my head to look at him. He smirked at me, at my curiosity, while his paw slide over his length a number of times, his eyes like a hungry animal staring down it's prey. It was both unnerving, and arousing.
"Relax babe" He muttered, reaching his free hand out to gently rub my stomach "You'll get sssome more loving in a sssecond" he smiled reassuringly, as if I needed the comfort "But do me a favour and get on your handsss and kneesss and lift that big tail of yoursss"
When his paw moved from giving me soothing rubs, I did was I was told, sitting up, turning round, placing my support on my hands and knees. I let my tail slightly move out of the way of my rump, which is a little hard to do when your tail is so thick "Like this?" I asked, without looking back.
Before I knew it, he was over me again, scaled resting against my back. His arms came around and hugged me to him, keeping us pressed together. I turned my head to look back, to find that his muzzle was already right there, inches away from mine. Behind me, I could feel his shaft, not prodding, but rubbing against my tailhole. Such a pleasant burning sensation it was, even more so when I felt what I resumed was his pre starting to dribble down.
"You ready, Mal?" He asked tenderly, staring in my eyes with sighs of concern.
"Yes" A single word reply.
He wasted no more time. With his grip strong and his lips jerking forward to seize mine, he gently entered me. It didn't feel all that gentle to be honest, the small pain of being stretched by a foreign object felt slightly inconvenient. I groaned softly, partly muffed. Little by little Camus took me, more of his length sliding in. It helped he had licked there, and that he was still preing, the liquids coated over his pride, lubricating it slightly.
Yet I gasped, both because he had stopped kissing me and because the second Camus hilted himself inside me, I felt the most pleasurable jolt run through me. How spectacular it felt.
"You ok Mal?" Camus asked quietly, barely audible at all. That look was still in his eyes. It warmed my heart so.
"Yes...my my, this must be why people make such a big fuss of this" I said softly, smiling out of pure happiness. One of Camus's earshots rested on my neck, the other falling down to the side. Camus seemed to lose half of his concern, it replaced with reassurance. And so he kissed me again, naturally my lips parted and our tongues played together like small children playing tag or wrestling in the snow.
Motion ensued; Camus's pride sluggishly retreated from me, but not completely. And then it was in again, rubbing against my inner walls and sending such wonderful nerve messages to my body. I writhe and moaned, his lips had moved from mine to my neck, kissing and lapping at my nape as his arms held around me strong, as it always was with me.
My own length throbbed and pulsed, and I felt liquid drool from it onto the ground. I soon found myself pushing backward. Each thrust was met with my own rock backward, forcing as much of member in me. Moans and grunts of another filled my ears, each thrust born a new grunt of effort. Camus was at a steady pace, but the force behind them certainly wasn't weak.
My insides flexed and relaxed around it, his member. When I tensed, I could hear a satisfied moan seep out from his lips, and this made me happy. I wanted to do as much as possible to make it enjoyable for both of us. His breath was still warm against my fur, leaving tiny traces of vapor in my fur. Each push and shove went deep, tapping various spots inside that seemed to be most vulnerable to the pleasuring feeling.
"I've alwayssss know there wasss sssomthing ssspecial I liked about you Mal..." Camus started, his paws wandering over my chest and belly at own will "Even when we met, I knew it. You were the best friend anyone could have ever asssked for. You helped me out all the time, you explained what I wanted to know, and mossst of all you were the kindest perssson to me and everyone"
Camus seemed to put more speed in his thrusts now, causing the pleasure to rush faster at me "But as time went passst, over the few yearsss we've know each other, I alwaysss felt more for you than anyone elssse. Your sssafety ssseemed ssso much more important to me than anyone elsssesss. And maybe that'sss just because your sssuch a good friend to me, and likewissse I'd want to protect you..." He leaned his head over and kissed some of my cheek "But when holding you, recently after Lita died, I knew...it was different than friendsss. I could never be ‘jussst' friendsss with you Mal. Almossst each day after that, my thoughtsss would drift to you, and notice all those appealing thingsss about you. For a man, you're asss adorable asss a kid"
He lapped softly at my reddened cheeks. I said nothing, only listening "I'm not even sssure when I actually ssstarted feeling this way about you Mal...but I know they're here, to ssstay" a grunt "And I never thought you'd accept me, ever. It sssounded ssstupid to me. But Mal, do you know how much faith you can give a perssson. Do you know how much you can make sssomeone believe in themssselvesss and pusssh them through? Do you know the calm warm feeling I get whenever I sssee you sssmiling at me?"
Suddenly, Camus rolled. And he pulled me with him. He then lay on his back, having pulled my body onto him. I lay there stunned and astonished at the sudden move. But he had not slid out of me. Far from out, the turn seemed to have quickened his pace. The thrust was now a pound, and I moaned out loud at it all, whimpering. Each push slammed into me, and the bangaa continued "My love belongsss to you Mal. For now and for alwayssss, you and only you will receive my love for asss long asss we live."
I could feel pressure, trapped pressure, building up within me. Or more specifically my balls. I could feel the seed churning inside them, ready to overflow. And judging from Camus's more rapid approach and shuddering, he wasn't too far off my point either. My eyes squeezed shut as I came closer and closer to my peak.
"This..." Camus whispered as he kissed my shoulder "I promisssssse you"
And that was all I could take. I shouted out, one last thrust shoving me clear of the edge, my climax began. In small bursts my white seed shot out from my member, they were short but the were many of them. Strings of them coated my fur, some on upper torso, some on abdomen, some had even fell the ground and on my face!
My climax had set Camus off too. The sudden clenching of my muscles must have done it. He held onto me tightly and almost roared, his seed jetting out and rushing to fill my insides in massive loads. Seems he was quick heavily loaded.
There I lay, ontop of my lover, lingering the in comforting embrace of the afterglow that came after> my breath struggled to calm, and similarly the huffing of Camus made his chest rise and fall quickly against my back. I didn't know why, but I was exhausted. Should I be? I did not do very much of anything. All the same, I did not have the energy to even think of it
The last thing I saw in that night was Camus's face, smiling a tired smile at me, before it went black.
Morning came...
But I had dressed and headed out, finding the rock I had sat on the night before. I watched the sun start to rise in the sky, giving the land around a orangy glow...it reminded me of Camus.
Not long after he joined me, with a simple "Mornin"
I looked back at the cheerful looking bangaa "Good morning"
He sat beside me, placing his arm round my waist casually and looked to the sky "...Pretty isssn't it?"
"Indeed...it reminds me of your scales. Radiant and warm to touch" I smiled at him.
"Keep that up and I'm dragging you back to my tent for more ‘usss' time" Camus grinned as he spoke, tilting his head to me and giving me a soft ‘good morning' kiss.
"Who says I don't want that?" I replied, perking his lips with my own good morning kiss.
Camus's other arm encircled my waist, him having to shift slightly, facing more to me. He didn't answer my question, instead, he asked his own "We need to keep this a sssecret...don't we?" Camus said, serious...and somewhat sad.
"We do, yes. No one knows how the world in general would react to such a thing Camus...for now, we must. Perhaps in future, we may" I replied.
"That'sss too bad. I wanted to proudly ssshow off my mate" He said, grinning like a maniac. It was slightly charming to be honest.
"Yes well, you'll just have to wait won't you?" I said with a childish smirk.
"I guessss" He muttered. He then noticed the blue plume he gave me, tied to one of my ear ribbons "Ssshouldn't you take that out then? The bangaa will notice it."
I looked at the aforementioned feather. I rather liked it hanging there "They might. But I can simply say that I found it, and thought it would be a nice accessory. I can make an excuse. But I'm going to wear this with me where ever I go, ‘proudly' as you so put it"
Camus smiled bright at this "Brave aren't you?"
"Indeed I am" I smiled with pride to him. I looked at my other ear, the one only containing a ribbon in its hole. I took a hold of it, feeling the soft fabric against my hand. And then held it out to him. "Here"
He blinked at me, clearly confused "Why? It's yours"
"Yes, but I want you to have something to remember me by as well. If we are temporarily separated, perhaps on dispatch missions or otherwise, I'd like to know a part of me" I held out the blue cloth in the light "And it doesn't really have much significance otherwise, it does not symbolize affection in any culture...though, from me, it is. To everyone else, its just material" I placed it neatly in his hand "Please accept it Camus"
Camus blinked at me again, but not from confusion, but from consideration, And the smiled was back again "Awright" he said, and took the blue cloth. He reached for one of his right earshot and wrapping it around the entire shot, tying it tightly in place "There"
I chuckled "It does not look have bad...dear" I said, getting a good feeling at the last word said.
Camus leaned in and bumped our foreheads together in a small show of affection. Our respective nose areas rubbed against each other, and it made me chuckle.
"I love you Malchello" Camus said softly, deciding to use my first name, which he hardly if not never did.
"I love you too Camus" I whispered, not caring about anything else, even for that brief moment. A million people could have been watching, and I would not have even noticed at all...
Yesh! It's done!
Whew, that took longer than I expected. But I like how this turned out. A lot.
A few facts
Yes, I needed to make a few things up here
Like how the judges work and such things.
All the characters were made by me
Except for Babus and Ezel of course. I've always pictured the two of them together for some reason. Maybe it's because of a story I read once.
Oh, and Rangi the moogle was not created by me either. He's a character my good friend and RP buddy Scatterpaws let me borrow.