Waking Up Alone: Ramza (Ramza/Nathan)

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

RE: Waking Up Alone: Ramza

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Eyes wide blinking at him as he partly turned so he could see Ramza better, he tried to comfort his friend. He just did not know if he had succeded, he wanted to help Ramza too. Ramza helped him so much already.
Couldn't abandon...
"Th-thank you," Nathanial whispered in answer not used to that idea at all anylonger. The giggling was contagious, that was it! It was the giggling's fault. He began to giggle to leaning into the touches bestowed upon his black and icy blue locks eyes still trained on Ramza. Listening intently to his story, to his past like Ramza had listened to his.

"M-my hair w-wont grey!" Giggling harder a second, no he would not live long enough for that but ah well. He knew that, he dealt with it. He tried to make the most of. Now.

Moving back a sec so he could turn around and be at least a third facing Ramza, with another giggle he buries his face into the others shoulder nuzzling, reminding of a kitten. His arms wrapping around Ramza's waist.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

"How are you so sure?" Ramza asked, giggling with the younger boy. He was relieved at the cheerful sound, it helping to uplift his slightly fallen spirits. He was also happy that he had made the thus morose boy laugh.

"And you are most definitely welcome," He added with another smile, smiling at the way Nathan got closer to him. He wanted it to be easy for Nathan to laugh around him, to be comfortable around him, and it seemed to be coming into realization so far. He pressed his cheek down into the soft blue-black locks, nuzzling much in the same manner as Nathan. "I like, no, I love seeing you smile. I feel as if you're sharing something special with me when you do."

-- Edited by Ramza at 02:41, 2008-12-03

NathanialRoyale · Child King

"Oh r-reasons of m-my own," he did not like to lie, he hated to lie. So maybe he wasn't? Just not saying the reason, was that lieing if he wanted to save his friend pain? The smile Ramza gave him worth the worry of lieing as it was so beautiful.
"Your beautiful," blurted and he blushed deeply thankful that his face was in the others shoulder, even though it was muffled it was probibly still heard aloud. He hated when he did that, blurted his thoughts aloud. It was so embaressing!

The others nuzzling and next words made him smile more looking to Ramza blushing. It was special when he smiled a smiel that was not haunted, not tinged by known saddness. The innocent smile of a child even if it was a bit of a lie because he had so much to grieve for, and over. He still tried to smile. The cheek nuzzling his hair calmed him again and he stayed as close as he could pressed right up to the other.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza stared curiously at the small boy in his arms, wondering at his mysterious tone, but was soon distracted by the whispered compliment. Beautiful? Ramza? Many noblemen, thinking he was a woman because of his girlish figure and long hair, had told him that, but they'd never meant it. In Ivalice, people, other than family, complimented for manipulative purposes, hoping to raise their status.

"Thank you," He said with a dark, glowing blush, as quietly as Nathan had spoken. He hid a smile in the boy's hair, before tilting up the small chin, pressing a light kiss on the soft, pale cheek. "No one has ever called me that before."

*Thought I'd take the initiative, though it was only a chaste, cheek kiss. Where it goes from here...well, only those slashy muses know. ^_~*

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan ****ed his head before his chin was tilted, the other curious stare would have matched his own shocked one in this circumstance. He had not reasoned Ramza had never heard anything like that before, the young man was beautiful. So it should be said to him. Though he knew if it was said to himself he would be in the same situations, probibly even more shocked though, and disbelieving because of all of the scars Ramza had yet to see.

Tilting of his chin, icy blues taking in the dark glowing blush, the kiss pressed to his cheek very unexpected. But not..unappreciated.
"W-why not?" Nathan asked soft wide eyes blinking at him after the kiss to his cheek.
"You a-are pretty, or b-beautiful, h-handsome. They m-mean the same thing, it's a word of a p-people on my homeworld, Aur'ir, blinding to-to the eyes."

He leaned and kissed the others cheek back giggling softly mimicing the others action which he liked.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

--Sorry, my email wasn't working so I didn't get anything--

Ramza laughed slightly in reply, shaking his head just a bit. The boy was very sweet.

"Well, it's probably because I tend to fall for people who don't really like giving away compliments or reassurances. Call it my bad judge of character, I guess." He smiled as Nathan mimicked his actions, finding it very cute. It sort of reminded him of how he used to do everything his father did, at a very small age, but not quite. "But I have to say, you are far more beautiful than I. I haven't seen anyone like you in Ivalice or even so far in this world."

It was true. He'd never seen such pale, clear, almost frigid blue eyes like the ones Nathan had. And the boy's hair, almost looking black from afar, was a mix of black and blue, which he'd never seen back home.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan deeply blushed burying his face back into Ramza's shoulder, yes he did not take compliments much better then Ramza did, maybe worse. His arm around Ramza's shoulders, while one touched the spot on Ramza's cheek where he had kissed. Moving back a tiny bit to look up with bashful wide icy blues, "You th-think that now," he shrugged still giving a tiny smile. A smile of thank you for the compliment even if he did not believe it to be true.

But he did not wish to make Ramza sad or have him ask why he thought himself ugly, better Ramza never saw all of his scars...So he sat up a little straighter finally with drawing some courage.
"My knight," he mumured the little smile still to his lips, he loved calling Ramza that, it made him feel protected and cared for having Ramza.

Leaning up he let their lips brush for just a few seconds, not even enough for Ramza to really decide to kiss back or not, as it was so hesistant and quick. Pulling back the blush returned.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza furrowed his brow slightly, wondering what Nathan meant when he said You think that now. But before he could question the statement, he felt soft lips on his, barely there. It was like kissing air, he couldn't help but think, before Nathan pulled back, flushing, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Hmm," He said softly, looking down at Nathan. His cheeks flushed, making him with that he had a darker complexion like Delita. Then he wouldn't look so easily flustered. "That was..."

He trailed off, asking himself silently what exactly it was. The only person he'd ever kissed was his sister, affectionately, or Delita in a more romantic sense. But this kiss from Nathan felt nothing like Delita's passionate, rough ones, partly because Nathan's kiss was chaste and partly because the boy himself was nothing like Delita. So did he like it?

"I did..." He said softly, brows furrowed in questioning, probably too silently for Nathan to hear. He looked closely at the blushing boy in his arms, tilting his chin up slightly. Only one way to be sure. He kissed the boy, gently, and not in a probing, intimate way, but more deeply than Nathan's kiss. He pulled back after a few seconds, a pleased flush coloring his cheeks. "I liked that."

He said finally, grinning at the other boy.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

The boy was uncertain, a little scared as he waited for Ramza's reaction to his little kiss, it could be taken in many ways. On his world it was also taken as an kis of friendship, that tiny brush of lips, even a family kiss among elf kind. But he knew Ramza was from another world and their was that little part of him that wanted Ramza to take it in a more..intimate way. Though he kept barrading himself of how he did not deserve it.

His chin tilted up wide icy blues blinked up at the other curiously but a little apprenhensively before Ramza kissed him again. The softest gasp leaving his lips, the kiss far more gentle then he had known in the last few years. All the rest had been possessive and aggressive. This kiss deeper but still nice.
A soft giggle at the flush and words, the grin, "Me t-too, Ramza."

He lightly bit his lip and nuzzled Ramza's cheek, "C-can..we c-cuddle?" The blush on his cheeks was embaressment, but he wanted that very badly.
"Th-then we sleep?"

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza laughed just slightly, having been caught offguard by the question.

"Of course we can cuddle," he said with a smile, eyes shining with mirth. "And speaking of sleep, we should probably get some. Though Geppetto said it would take a while, we shouldn't be completely restless on the morrow."

He pulled back the covers on the large bed, quickly pulling them both under. It wasn't chilly outside, exactly, but it was nice to be under the crisp sheets.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Letting himself be pulled under the covers he curled into Ramza, it brought memories to mind, but good memories. Of times he did not think much on anymore, before everything, before his parents death, before Drefans insanity. Cuddled in Thoms arms in the older boys bed, listening to his heart go bu-thump bu-thump..
"C-can I l-listen to your heart?" Nathan asks so he can lay his head on Ramza's chest, right over his heart, wanting that connection.

He always felt safer, when he knew their was someone else their with him. He could hear that constant beat beneath his ear, feel the rise and fall of the others chest. The other living beneath him, breathing. It deeply comforted his distraught mind.
"Th-their are three h-here who know wh-where my world is, they have s-said to me they would tell me in e-exchange for my family's, the royal family's insignia jewel. A great ruby, I w-would not give them my w-word to give them the j-jewel until I knew I could find my way home..b-but now. I'll b-bring you with me to m-meet them tommorow...Their vampires."

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza nodded his head just slightly.

"Of course you can," He told the boy quietly, smiling just slightly. He knew that it as comforting to hear another person's heartbeat when you're feeling alone. He listened as Nathan spoke about their journey tomorrow. He'd never heard of vampires before, but he didn't much like them. After all, they wanted Nathan to give up something precious to him in return for some information. It bothered him to say so, but that reminded him of Delita. Instead of the frown that he knew would accompany such thoughts, he smiled gently at Nathan. "Sleep now, we will deal with them, and all other obstacles tomorrow."

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan moved himself so he was laying on the others chest more fully, he was tiny. Drefan had always refered to him as a doll, a rag doll, though Thom called him a china doll. Barely 80 pounds at 5'4, he looked like he was starving. So he was tiny enough he could fit against Ramza and really be little extra weight.

The comforting lull of the others heart beat and he gave a soft sigh in answer to sleeping. He would try...And the more so, he would try not to wake Ramza up. He had constant what? Memories? They weren't even nightmares...But his icy blues closed and he prayed he would not dream. But his Gods were not here, as he was on another world and his prayers went unheeded...

Better to run my fingers down the knives, the slicing and parting of skin, blood dripping down to hit my feet. Starring in a haze at the blades upon that wall, that black wall of memories. Black and red, black for it's eternity and blood red for the feelings. I am but a puppet, and I allow the strings their pulling, my motions robotic and controlled. I'm broken, I'm open and not strong enough.

The King I was meant to be...what is destiny? A puppet show where every road with every fork leads to the same conclusion. I will die. The kingdom saved, the heir born and I will depart, my role upon this stage finished. I was but a pawn to be played against the Gods. Banish the evil and save the day... No the pawn, the prophet, 'the boy', need not himself be saved. All I do is for this end, to stop the helplessness. Grace at the cost of life, strength and courage at the cost of humanity.

You. Scream at me, I wont be broken again. Die. I'm dieing again, I don't really care...

Eyes flashed open of icy blue, he did not know if any time had passed in reality but it had felt like ages within the black. Within his own mind, reliving memories and knowledge of his own fate. His body was shivering, not from the cold, Ramza kept him warm snuggled so close. But from what was to come. Why did he have to die? What had he done to deserve to die so young and leave a child behind? What could he have possibly done to deserve this? Tears unknown trailed down but his cheek remained pressed to Ramza's chest, right over his heart.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza was a light sleeper. It came from the fact that though he smiled so sweetly, he was aware of the betrayal in the world. After all, his eldest brother had murdered their own father just to inherit the Beoulve lands a little earlier, instigating a war. Also, the person he cared for the most, his own closest friend, had manipulated him for a title. Yes, he was used to betrayal, not that he expected it from Nathan, but old habits died hard.

That was why he found himself waking up when he felt Nathan shivering. The other boy was crying, he could feel the tears seep into his thin tunic, and he frowned. There was nothing he could say to fix it, as he didn't really know why he was crying, but his father had once said that silence, if the intention was kind, was often a comfort in its own right. He placed his arms over the other boy's shoulders lightly, using long fingers to pull the sheets even closer, and began humming quietly under his breath. It was one of his late mother's lullabies.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan had hoped he had not woke Ramza up, he was trying to be quiet, really he was. But the arms that drapped around his shoulders, the sheets brought closer...His lips trembled, he did not mean to wake the other up. Hearing Ramza's humming, it was quiet and the song was calming. Icy blues wiped at by a fist, an action that made him look so much younger he looked then finally looked up at Ramza. Swallowing back anymore tears he wouldn't cry anymore now that Ramza was awake.

The words left his lips softly, "I'm s-sorry."
He was, he had woken Ramza up, and Ramza knew he had been crying, he was such a weakling. He hated this form, this weak body and heart that was falling into darkness. He could hate no one else, but he really hated himself. Eyes falling as self deprevating thoughts floated through his mind and showed in his eyes.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza smiled at the boy softly.

"It's okay, you know. You've nothing to be sorry for. I'm a very light sleeper, so you needn't be upset as far as sleeping goes," He frowned ever so slightly. "What makes you cry so? Perhaps I can help you. I wouldn't be much of a knight if I didn't."

The last part was lightly teasing, as he hoped to make the boy smile.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan smiled softly, calming when the other smiled. Ramza's smiles always made him feel better; he knew the other was genuinely trying to give him strength and comfort. To make him happy and to forget about what troubled him so.

"You a-are my knight," he licked his dry lips, he didn't want to make the other sad because Ramza was trying to make him happy so he couldn't really talk about his dreams. his whole life now jsut seemed like a sob story and it wasn't fair to burden other people with that...
"I d-don't want to b-burden you Ramza."

Biting into his abused lower lip he moved a little making certain weight and especially elbows stayed away from certain areas, stomach and groin. Comfortable again ontop of Ramza which was odd for him as all those bad situations he was always underneath he blinked down at Ramza before leaning down. His lips brushed at Ramza's taking the courage to initiate the kiss again, this time longer because Ramza had said earlier..he had liked it.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza allowed himself to be kissed, pressing back gently, before pulling away.

"I wouldn't consider it a burden if I could help you with your problem," He told the boy above him sternly. "Besides, consider it this way, if we journey together, surely many times will come when we require one another's aid. We wouldn't make a very good team if we kept everything to ourselves."

He placed a long-fingered hand in Nathan's multicolored locks, threading his fingers through it.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

The stern-ness in the older boys voice, icy blues fell to Ramza's chest as he listened, seeming to shrink, curl into himself. Even a stern voice caused him to want to curl up, but he knew if he was going to do what he had to, regain hsi throne he would have to become stronger. But at what price? What sacrifise? More of his own self worth, his own pride? Did he have any left?

And should he just go on then? Blurt it all out melodramatic? Their was so much...
"I-it's not hard to t-tell how weak I am, that something h-has to be w-wrong with his body. I t-told you I was born w-weak, my lungs are filling with blood a-and my heart is weak. It is small. I've b-been told I w-wont live past the age of 16. I k-know I have to get back my throne and have a b-baby before I die. The..the pressure, the future.." It scares me, I have no choice in this...

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza felt guilty when Nathan shrank away from him. He didn't mean to be harsh with the other boy, and had used a tone that was quite familiar to Alma, at least.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know," He told the other boy, eyes wide and shocked, when all was finally explained to him. He remained silent for a few minutes, just thinking. They did not call him a master of strategy in Ivalice for nothing. "Is there nothing you can do to heal? Maybe there is no cure in your world, but surely by traveling around in these other worlds, we can find a cure?"

He didn't want Nathan to die, even though they'd met so recently.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan bit his lip eyes falling again, could he hope? He had looked but magical healing did not help defects that one was born with. And all of the worlds he had found so far did not have the technoligy of a healing that could help. He did not have much hope left. His fate was in his Gods's hands.
"I d-don't know Ramza, magic d-doesn't help, and I have n-not seen the medical technoligy that would b-be needed.

He leaned and kissed Ramza's cheek, "It's a-always on the back o-of my mind but I just don't want to think about it a-anymore, if it's my fate so b-be it. But i want this t-time to be h-happy. After all if I don't have more then th-three years i w-want it to be happy e-even when reminded in my dreams of my fate. I just h-hate the idea of having a baby, a son and leaving him behind with a man i would c-come to love. That hurts me the most."

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza listened sadly. He knew what Nathan meant. His own mother had died when he was very young, so he knew firsthand how a child who suffered that way would feel. He placed a hand gently on Nathan's cheek.

"There's always hope, though. It's only when you stop believing that things get bad..." He knew that, when faced with so much depression, it was hard to believe, but his optimistic attitude had always resulted in positive things before. "So maybe...you can try to believe, for now? And you know, I'm sure you can be happy, too, while trying?"

He blushed, knowing it sounded like a silly, childish request, but a little hope never hurt anyone, did it?

NathanialRoyale · Child King

He believed. What he was brought up to believe. Indoctrination of the scriptures of his Gods. What they said was what would be. If they said he would die he would die. A scary concept Drefan had tried in everyway to stop Nathan believing. But the boy had grown up that way and would not stop.

"I w-will try to b-be happy, you m-make me happy. Help m-me forget the things that will come." He lived in the moment with Ramza and he liked it, not worrying about an imposing future.

He laid his head back on Ramza's chest,"S-still sorry I woke you up. W-we sh-should rest again." Not that Nathan would sleep again. He was exhausted but he did not wish to dream so he would lay awake but silent against Ramza listening to his heart beat.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza smiled slightly, and leaned back into the blankets completely.

"Alright, then. You're right, we should rest." He closed his eyes, and just thought about what the day would bring. It was already off to a somewhat shaky start, and now he couldn't help but wonder negative things. What if Alma wasn't in any of the worlds. What if she was dead? What if all of his beloved people were dead? He took a shaky breath and attemptedto calm himself down. 'Everything will be okay..'

Now if only he could believe it.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Starring at the colored walls, and the furniture in the room he sighed softly against Ramza's chest. Would this be another night with no sleep? It was not an abnormal thing whilst Nathan lived in Traverse town. It was not the safest of worlds for anyone let alone a child on his own. A little shiver ran through him as he watched out the window, a clown heartless bobbing around outside passing by the window, though at least not close...

Snuggling more into Ramza for protection he finally fell back into sleep. He did not go dreamless but these were neutral memories. Memories that did not bring great pain or suffering, just a reminder of his past. His hand slide down Ramza's side to find the others hand and took it up in his own, holding onto it. Soft breaths left his lips, they wheezy but that was the way he breathed. Even in his sleep he could not fully relax. And he slept.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza woke up to sunlight filtering through the thin curtains, and blinked large, wine-red eyes.

"Morning already?" He muttered under his breath, smiling slightly at the still sleeping Nathan. He gently manouvered the boy off of him, wrapping him in the blankets, and set about to braiding his hair and lacing his boots back up. "I wonder if we can get breakfast up here, or do we have to go to that cafe?"

He said this quietly to himself, voice bemused, and shook his head to himself. 'Well, at least if we did go to the cafe, I would be getting some morning exercise, right?' He shook his head once again, shooting the sleeping Nathan yet another look. He was glad the boy couldn't read the random thoughts that popped into his head. He smiled again, looking up towards the room's roof. It was a wonder his fidgeting hadn't woken Nathan up already.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan was achually sleeping quite deeply for once, the earlier dream not impending upon his sleep now. He had felt as he had hoped, far more comfortable sleeping so deeply upon the chest of the older teenager he had ended up meeting yesterday.

Stretching finally as he heard the other speak, he had slept through the other moving which was quite a feat for a boy who at any sudden movement or sound squeaked like a mouse in his fear... Looking up with tired icy blues, though the bags around those haunting eyes were no longer as bad as they had been yesterday.
"Ra-Ramza?" he whispered worriedly his eyes clearing to see his Knight their. He had come to accept the others protection though it put Ramza in dangers way which the altruist hated. But he did want that feeling of love, of comfort and knowing he was safe. So taking up the other as his Knight had been something Nathan had thought hard on. What if Ramza died for him? Never got to see his sister again could Nathanial live with that guilt?

"Are y-you wanting t-to go o-out?"

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza offered Nathan a sheepish smile, looking guilty.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?" He tilted his head, pausing, then gave another embarrassed smile. "I get awfully fidgety in the mornings, sorry. I'm just wondering, does this place have room service, or should we go back to that cafe from last night?"

It wasn't even that he was particularly hungry, just that he was never known for sitting still. It came from being the youngest son, coddled contantly. Not that he couldn't do it if it was absolutely necessary. He turned to look at Nathan, brows furrowing, and decided that the thin boy could use it, either way.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan shrugged gently his shoulders as he sat up. He usually woke far before now, usually three or four times a night waking scared. Though that was of course because of the location of which he slept, usually in darker grungy alleys where he could not be seen at least as long as he stayed behind crates and garbage cans. One lost their sense of smell doing that...

"I d-don't think it d-does, we could go to the cafe."
Closing his eyes as he moved the blankets off of himself and his feet dangled a moment before touching the floor. Finally when they did he pushed himself onto his feet and opened his eyes. He hated heights even in the littlest bit. Running hands up and down arms to move circulation to get back some heat from suddenly leaving the warmth of the blankets.

Walking slowly to Ramza's side because of his hip as always he ****ed his head, "So you w-want to go g-get some breakfest?"
Did they have enough munny left to get food?

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza smiled brightly at Nathan. If the boy hadn't figured it out already, he was a morning person.

"Yes, we should," Then he paused, remembering that they'd spent most of their munny just to check in to this room. He frowned, thinking. "How does one acquire munny here?"

He wondered if Nathan knew. If not, he supposed they could always scrounge something else. He knew how to cook from "adventuring" away from home so often.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

RE: Waking Up Alone: Ramza (Closed for now)

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

(I'm really sorry! I think that's definitely a good idea. We should skip forward. ^^; Sorry, again. I've been in a rut lately. Okay, take it from here. The next post will at least be two paragraphs, promise.)

NathanialRoyale · Child King

(Slight godmoding but basically the skip in time)

Nathan after managing to scrounge up a few munny, Nathan not explaining how, at the cafe he had spoke up about their being three people he knew here. Though the way he spoke up about them was not without slight trepidation. He had his head down as he spoke not looking at Ramza again.
"Th-their triplets. V-vampire triplets. They are servants t-to my brother in law, they travel worlds through portals o-of darkness which I know would hurt you-," but he made no mention of them hurting himself.
"And they know how to get back to my world Camar'a Sere'th. They have the coordinates for the Gummi. I know they w-will want something in return. But that i-is alright, James is materialistic and it would probably be something from my treasury."
Which did not bother him, gold and riches meant little to him after the life he had lead.

"I c-can lead us their, do-down the back alleys.."
The worst part of Traverse Town where those who lived only for themselves dwelled in this grungy desolate place of no sun. Nathan knew those alleys so well in his shame but that was one of many things he would never speak up about if he had his way. No lies, but no truths either. He had enough shame. He did not want Ramza knowing what he had resorted to, if only to survive sense running from Drefan. He would lose the respect the older boy had for him and yet again. Yet again.
Be Alone.

-- Edited by NathanialRoyale at 17:08, 2009-01-10

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza nodded while Nathan spoke, listening intently. To be honest, he had no clue what exactly vampires were, but Nathan seemed to describe them as people, or at least human-like, so it was no problem. But he still felt slightly suspicious. It was obvious from the way Nathan spoke about them, and his brother-in-law--these people were not friends.

"Well, if you're sure something material is all they're after, that's fine," He didn't want to be a suspicious or paranoid person, but he had enough experience with human beings (or just beings in general, in this case) to know that greed permitted people to commit terrible, heinous acts. Like Algus, one of Ramza's own past mistakes. He'd trusted the noblemen, and the only thing it led up to was Algus' betrayal--killing Tetra for his own greed. If Tetra had never been killed, Ramza thought--or at least he hoped--that Delita would have remained by his side.

"You'll keep an eye out while leading, right? I wouldn't want something unexpected coming as a surprise," He believed in his agility, and he always deigned to plan three steps ahead, but still...he wanted the safest alternative. Ramza did not really enjoy surprises, lest they be light hearted in nature, and he had a feeling that anything taking place in an alleyway wouldn't be all that lighthearted.

-- Edited by Ramza at 02:34, 2009-01-13

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan had grown up with the horror stories of vampires among all lesser and greater undead. Undead were a rather large problem on his world, coupled with the heartless. Most undead were missing not only their heart but also their soul. Their soul puppeted to bring them back from the dead to serve and when that master was gone they remained without thought except to attack and kill the living.

"It sh-should be, James I r-remember from when I w-was little, he coveted the Royal ruby. Holding it in both of his h-hands from the shear size of it, he had starred at it f-for the longest time. If he asks for that, then he may have it. It has b-been a symbol of the Camar'a throne for a v-very long time. But I know wh-what is more important. A ruby or su-suceeding and getting home and f-freeing my people?"

A incline of his head in a nod, "I k-know those back a-alleys, I will k-keep a watch out. Just s-stay close to me."
The implications would work in their favour for leaving the alleys alive, but if anyone did see they may very well end up being jibbed and Nathans shame brought to light anyways. He didn' think the triplets would say anything, they knew what he had had to do before and had left him alone. It was the other people of the alleys.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza smiled at Nathan's turned back. The description of the younger boy's brother-in-law was amusing. He shook his head. People motivated by greed were too weak to do what they wanted, be it right or wrong. Just thinking of someone so materialistic reminded him of Gafgarion, his late mercenary friend. Money, alone, never got you anything.

"That's good," He told Nathan approvingly, making a light humming noise in the back of his throat. Since Nathan knew this "vampire's" weakness so well, it would make dealing with his minions that much easier. And Ramza, though far from a coward, liked to be a few steps ahead of his enemy. It was how a tactician worked, after all. "You're a good ruler, Nathan. My father always said that it is the benevolant kings, who'd sooner give away his kingdom than let his people come to harm, that we should serve." He paused, looking thoughtful.

"Unfortunately, we haven't had a king like that in Ivalice for the longest time." He wasn't sure how Delita ruled, and while his sister had been friends with Ovelia, he knew the queen was too soft. She'd do whatever possible to keep Delita happy, even if it required her people's suffering, and that wouldn't have been such a bad thing if Delita were an honest man. His face darkened. He knew, better than anyone, just how far from honest the new king was.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan's hands wrung under the table as he listened to Ramza. That was the one prayer he made everynight. The one silent prayer that was repeated over and over.
That he would deserve that title someday.
King.
For he knew he did not deserve it now.
I do not deserve to be called a King.

He slowly stood from his chair and gripping the table took a moment to steady himself before looking again to Ramza.
"This place i-is a haven for the vampires, it is always night here. Eternally dark in the s-sky. Sunlight n-never seems to shine here."
Which the creatures of the night riveled in.

Moving to the others side he took up Ramza's hand in his own, "Le-let us go, deal with them, pr-promise them what they w-want in return for what we need. I a-am not afraid of them. D-death..h-has never frightened me. It's my only absolute."

His death was destiny, his death was unstoppable. His death was something the Gods had already ordained.
Two days after his 16th, or to die in childbirth.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza blinked, thinking on Nathan's words. Eternal dark? That didn't sound good. Not that he was afraid of the dark, but still, most livingcreatures tended to stay away from the dark. He wondered what that made the vampires? Already they didn't seem like the friendliest creatures to volley with, but then, he was all about strategy, and it didn't matter what type of personality a person had so long as you could stay a few steps ahead of them.

"Do you think it might be a haven for the heartless, too? They seem to enjoy darkness quite a bit as well," He blinked again, wondering something. "I'm not actually sure whom the heartless serve, but do you think your brother-in-law would side with them for something of value?"

Not that it seemed the words intelligent life applied to the dreary creatures, but if they had the right master on their side, one could never know. He didn't like facing the unknown. He frowned at Nathan's perspective of death, allowing Nathan to lead him in the right direction while pulling his own weight. It wouldn't do for a little thing like Nathan to be dragged down by him, after all, not that he himself was huge or anything. Just, Nathan seemed rather frail.

"You're right, I suppose. Not even the strongest warrior can escape death," After saying it aloud he rethought the sentence. "In fact, no one can. Still, a life born is one that deserves a long lifetime lived, I think."

NathanialRoyale · Child King

"Th-this world a haven? Y-yes..s-sometimes the eternal night of th-this world breeds more shadows. But not a-as much anymore people say. Their was a time wh-when it was much worse, before a..Keyblader? Came? I d-don't know what they meant."
Chewing on his lip as they walked he sighed, "I d-do not believe James would but h-he is a Night Crawler an-and vampires..they do not th-think like us. Rationally. I d-do not know.."

Leading into the second district the boy who was very frail had a grime, determined look to his features. A look that spoke that nothing would get in his way, he was going to go home. He was going to do as the Gods had instructed him to do. Save his people, gain back his throne. He was. He knew he was. Three shadows creeped from the darkness and Nathan seeing them flung out his arm the small burst of ice hitting two as they were close enough, but it seemed with the use of the base elemental spell..His skin began to crack on his hand. The back of it peeling, his teeth grit he hurled the bolt of lightning at the last.

This was a side of the boy that would make him King. Even if he did not believe he would be a good one. He was determined with a great willfullness to do what he had to do. Even if it meant sacrifising himself. For Nathanial knew he could not do the old magic, the magic of his homeworld, of the Sere'th which was powerful and inate when he was so deep in the darkness. But yet he did still, knowing the toll it would have on his body, wracking him with pain he forced himself not to show. The peeling, cracking of skin the only visible show that the magic did him harm.

Down into an alley Nathans eyes still looked everywhere for any heartless, their were folk living down these alleys. Heartless came down here searching for a unfortunate sleeping soul who they could take the heart of.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

RE: Waking Up Alone: Ramza (Ramza/Nathan)

NathanialRoyale · Child King

"They s-said his blade, a key could destroy h-heartless much easier th-then any other weapon, which w-was why he was able to w-weaken the numbers on this w-world."
Nathan bit his lip softly thinking on how it would be possible to completely rid the worlds of the heartless. Was such a thing possible? No..their religion and philosphies said their was no way of such a thing.
"Not t-that I know of. If w-we, people have a h-heart that is s-swayed away from the light I would th-think heartless would always remain. For th-their are ways to lose your h-heart beyond having it taken by a heartless."

Eyes strayed back to Ramza, "Fighting i-is everywhere, e-even on my world their i-is fighting, their always has an-and would always be. Peace is su-such..a flimsy thing. It i-is something we d-dream of and strive for but it never really lasts."

The first sign of another nearby was the scratching of long nails on stone wall, and the near cackling of soft laughter. Followed by a jumble of words that hardly made any sense if only for the speed of them so quick from lips of blue. Around the corner the figure was taken in at last in apperance. The figure was crouched which did not help his height problem, normally Maz was only 4'9 at best and now crouched so he was under 3 feet tall.

He wore all black which offset his blues. Vibrant electric blues nearly no pupils bright, their being nearly no light back in these alleys. His hair was lanky and the same vibrant blue to shoulders, his skin even having a eeyrie blue color to it. Long black tinted nails scratched at the wall, the feverish/wild look in his bright eyes before his head sprang up to look to the two entering.
"Prince Prince!" The 8 year old looking being laughed a crackling laugh before turning fully to them both. His hands fell to his knees as he watched.

"Prince Prince come come to get help help?"
Nathanial managed a tiny smile, "Hello Maz."

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

"That's too bad," Ramza said, looking worried. He did not like the idea of a demonic opponent. The world--or worlds, as the case may be--would never be without enemies, but it would make him feel more at ease if they were all at least human. Altima had been enough of a deom for his lifetime. But what Nathan said was true. "The unfortunate thing is that everyone has a bit of darkness in their hearts, no matter how much they try to remain pure."

Ramza laughed slightly, almost bitterly. "I know what you mean. I'm beginning to think that peace is just another fairytale, not even a plausible thing."

Ramza blinked in surprise at the small figure, certainly not what he'd been expecting, and loosened the hand that was still gripping the hilt of his blade.

"Maz, huh? Is this one of the informants we're to meet?" He asked Nathan, watching the boy with furrowed brows. He was just a child, and this surprised Ramza. What was a child doing in an alleyway of all places? The protective, brotherly side of him was at a loss.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Nathan had grown up to believe differently, the scriptures of his religion spoke of light and darkness, good and evil as something you became. Each child was pure, a baby born was an innocent of light. And over time with actions and words one moved into the darkness. But it was a choice, to allow this darkness in. Contrived yes but the words were what he had grown up believing and would believe.

The 'child' vampire looked between the two not knowing who Ramza was, his expression more curiousity then fear. Moving closer on his short legs still in a crouched position, he did not quite 'hop' like a frog but very nearly. Vibrant electric blue eyes with nearly no pupil starred at Ramza through the darkness of the alley.
"Maz Maz, Yes Yes. Inform? Information?" Maz it appeared said everything in some way twice, and was wondering what Ramza meant.
"On ho-how to get home.." Nathan whispered and Maz nodded up and down quickly.
"Brother, Brother knows knows."
Standing then to his full height which was only 4'9 at full grinned, the pearly fangs finally showing from behind blue tinted lips.
"Find Find!"
He took off then down a side alley to the west, his speed making it appear he was their then gone, Nathan shuddered at the display.

Maz was so fast, faster even then other vampires, he was 'made' to be that quick. His speed essential for what James had made him for.
Nathan's hand moved to find Ramza's again and held on tightly.

The white bandaged figure appeared from the side alley, shadows having kept him from sight until the precise moment he wished to be seen. Quez had long thin white hair to his shoulders that fell about the white bandaging that obscured his face, only white with grey pupil eyes could be seen, sightless eyes, and pink lips. Ears were barely visible from beneath the bandaging. This bandaging prestine continued down over his neck and wrapped around his chest leaving one nipple visible, but covering the other. The bandages were as pristine leaving a mystery of why they were needed. White tights and white leather boots stepped from the shadows to show the bandaged figure.
"Boy King of Destiny. Your path does begin, leading you to the destination the Gods have seen fit to lead you to. This destination already ordained. Already decided. Beyond descision."
Riddlesome words, words of prophecy and sight unknown.

-- Edited by NathanialRoyale at 16:59, 2009-02-11

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza was confused, to say the least. But he didn't let this hold him back. Even if the boy before him was but a child, he was on alert. After all, weren't vampires older than they appeared? Well, that was what he thought he heard, at least. Still, vampire or not, he gave the half bow fro the waist, opting to be polite.

"It's nice to meet you, er, Maz. My name is Ramza Beoulve," He offered, giving a slight smile. The boy seemed very excited, but his cue from Nathan, as well as his comrade's recognition of the boy, told him that he had the info they needed, as well as the boy's confirmation. Or at least he said that his brother knew. Said brother was odd, to say the least. Covered in bandages, with such blank eyes. Ramza shivered, but stayed on alert when the man spoke, seeming to ignore him altogether. He didn't mind. It was probably for the best.

"Er, you can tell us the coordinates of Nathan's world, right?" He asked softly, trying to deter the other man from speaking so enigmatically. Ramza had been told he was smart, brilliant even, but he liked things straightforward. He had a feeling this pair wouldn't oblige.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

The smile that now was upon the blind bandaged mans lips was hardly friendly, it was conceited, his bare pale arms crossed over his bandaged chest. Another figure emerged from the shadows, this man was a wall in stature, thickly muscled, corded arms beneath a black trenchcoat that was skin tight, bare skin beneath had a grey discoloration to it, as did the skin of his hands and face. Long thick grey hair to shoulders, and pit like black eyes starred at Nathan and Ramza now.
The voice spoke up and this one was far more gruff,"We know the coordinates to our homeworld yes. James sent us here just incase you ever wished to do this Prince-ling."
Blunt and to the point, where the others were enigmatic and excitable.

Nathan swallowed taking a step forward, "Blathz, Quez, Maz. I a-am willing to gi-give what James wants, I know h-he wants the Royal ru-ruby."
Quez's lips curled into a sneering smile, "That which has been so closely guarded for centuries unknown to be given so freely into the hands of those that covet it." Laughter.
Nathan bit his lower lip,"I-is it enough?"
Blathz's hand gripped the collar of Maz, the youngest child like one who was far to excitable right then mumbling to himself far to quickly to understand and giggling near insanely. The gripping hand a detorant.

"We have been told to tell you that you have five months. Five months from when you leave this world to return to Camar'a and get back your throne. Five months until we come after you two and suck you dry. This is not a thread, but a promise. Five months and Dire Cry goes to war with Camar'a and James shall become King of the continent. Five months Princeling."
Nathan nodded his form softly trembling as Maz spoke up, "Ruby Ruby! Elves Elves, they has, they has they do!"
"The Ruby was taken by Lord Riq'ua after the attack, managing to bring it to the Elven wood. You will have to try to retrieve it from the treasury of the Council of Elders their without being captured. This is just another thing you shall have to do in five months. Of course James may ask more of you in the future it is not our concern. He is King, meet him in the desert capitol and he shall tell you what else he requires to give the army you will need to take back the capitol of your country."
Quez slowly drew back into the shadows, "Months to disaster, war and deliverance. Choices made, none able to be undone. Every so certain, what shall the princeling do?" Laughter again from the bandaged blind prophet slinking back into the shadows.

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza internally sighed. Why couldn't things be so easy as to let the people pick the best ruler possible? But no, there had to be warring--be it formal or informal--between rulers, and more than a little bullying. Oh well, they'd just have to bully back. He didn't like the three males they'd run into, but if it helped Nathan get back to his world, he'd be willing to play along. He did, however, narrow his eyes at the threat.

"I'd like to see you try," he muttered towards the large, muscular man. He was in no way overconfident, but he did know that, after all the training he'd received in so many different fighting styles, he was hardly to be looked down upon either. He didn't like the idea of having to steal something back, though, but it was Nathan's in the first place. He grinned. "We'll get this ruby back for your 'king' without so much as raising an alarm. I happen to be trained as a thief, as well."

He looked down slightlt at Nathan, wondering if the otherboy would find this new information a bad thing, but though he'd trained to steal, he'd never used it in a negative way. It was just knowledge, which, Ramza knew, was often times deadlier than any weapon could be. He watched the riddlesom vampire disappear into the shadows, giving a sniff.

"You know, Nathan, I don't believe I like those three much," he finally offered to his charge. He frowned in the direction they'd vanished in. "Or your brother-in-law, actually. They're all far too confident," he placed what he hoped was a comforting hand on the other boy's shoulder, giving a light squeeze. "He won't be king; you will. That, I'm sure of. And I'll help, too, any way that you might need. I'm pretty good at placing rightful kings on thrones, you know."

The last part was said jokingly, as he hoped to lighten the mood a bit. But he was pretty sure of both himself and Nathan. He wrinkled his nose, thinking of James the vampire. Any king who could be bribed for possessions was not a good king. Nathan was a kind person, and would make a better king, though the boy could do to become a bit more confident.

NathanialRoyale · Child King

Their was laughter from the three vampires as they retreated back into the shadows. Deep condescending from the larger man, hollow from the blind prophet and manical laughter from the youngest. This was the answer to Ramza's, 'I'd like to see you try.' They were not afraid of him at all it would appear.

Nathan looked to Ramza as he said he was trained as a thief, it really did not make a difference to him except knowing that perhaps it would make things easier to get back the ruby if worse came to worse. He had given himself as prostitute to nameless men on the streets, what was worse? Prostitution or thievery?

Giving a small smile, "They h-have always been over confident Ramza, their a-all over three hundred years old. I su-suppose living that long entitles them to some f-form of egotism."
The hand on his shoulder was welcome even the soft sqweeze though it hurt a little.
"Thank y-you Ramza."
A giggle and he hugged the other tightly, as tightly as his weak arms could. They should leave these alleys before anymore heartless came.
"Le-let's go back t-to the first district w-where we both will be s-safe."

(Just as a side question, how much longer do you want to go in Traverse Town? Do you want to just skip the weak soon and get going? Let me know!)

Insane Heroes · Cloning Your Knight Apprentices

Ramza could not help but glare at the retreating shadows. No one ever really thought of him as much of a threat, but that didn't really bother him anymore. He thought of Saint Ajora at Nathan's statement.

"Yes, I suppose you're right. When you've lived so long, are revered and feared by humans so long, I guess you feel the rules don't apply to you anymore... I knew someone like that, though not nearly so full of riddles," he laughed. If Ajora's men had given him a riddle every step of the way, his sister would be a shell holding the reincarnation of a demon saint.

"You're welcome," he answered, still smiling. Nathan was right, of course. They'd already met up with heartless and vampires, no need to wait till they were in the midst of more danger. That would be foolish, and while Ramza often took part in the act of being foolish, he only did so when no one was in danger, or had the chance of being in danger. "Let's head back."

(Yes, now that the Nathy plot scene is done we should head out. Sorry for the late reply. :D)

-- Edited by Ramza on Saturday 21st of March 2009 06:23:15 PM

NathanialRoyale · Child King

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