Throughout the course of innumerable centuries, the fair-haired youth that knelt amidst the roaring pyre had learned many things; one such thing was how to appreciate beauty. It was an indisputably fact that beauty existed in every aspect of life, albeit it varied from person to person due to preference. He’d become enamored with the breathtaking beauty present in the last precious moments of life, believing that it bore ones’ true nature for all to see. His lips curved upwards, spreading into a mirthful grin as he’d admired the masterpiece he’d created. What might have struck any spectators as odd was the fact that Dieter’s eyes remained closed. Aside from the minor disturbance caused by his Cheshire grin, his features naturally came to rest in such a manner that one might assume he was asleep at first glance; a nearly perfect depiction of a child’s innocent. Yet, it left one to wonder how could this maestro appreciate the sorrowful symphony he’d composed if his eyes remained shut? The answer was quite simple, the fiery aura that gleeful danced around him was an extension of his very being; if anything, he’d claim it granted him greater clarity than his eyes ever could.

The creatures’ moribund wails were interpreted as a beatific choir, one that resonated in harmony with the agony residing deep within the recesses of his mind. He’d quietly marveled at the chaotic dance performed by the smoldering embers and ash that rained down around him, occasionally showing his delight with a soft hiss if an ember landed on a spot of exposed skin. Soon an applause echoed throughout the clearing as his adversaries’ bones blackened and grew brittle, the heat ultimately causing the bones to splinter. His illusion of peaceful slumber was only disturbed once he’d felt his hungry flames lap against Kuja’s erected defenses. At that point, his eyes began to groggily crack open as if he’d truly woken up. Their lackluster green pools that bore into Kuja’s essence were strangely devoid of malice, instead they brimmed with a mixture of curiosity and unvoiced interest. The hoar-haired, scantily clad male intrigued the Dark Knight, further piquing his interest by bravely advancing further into his fiery domain; never once portraying an ounce of fear despite having witness his flames’ capabilities. This blatant lack of fear excited him causing his slow yet labored breaths to quicken.

Who was this man? How powerful was he? Did her perhaps know Lord Belias? These were just a handful of the myriad of questions that ran through his head. Once Kuja had begun to speak, he’d note that the flames began to slowly receded back towards their point of origin; the kneeling Dark Knight. This unearthly flame merely ceased to exist, it left no trace that it’d ever been there aside from the handful of charred carcasses and a ring of ash that surrounded the Dark Knight. Kuja’s choice of words only served to remind him of a select group of Wiegraff’s men, they’d always been unduly haughty and arrogant; they’d believed themselves to be gods amongst mortals. Yet, the man that stood before him was different, he’d possessed commendable power given that he’d effortlessly repelled his flames. Such a caliber of magickal aptitude, it wasn’t unheard of in Ivalice but it was seldom ever seen; the Church frequently recruited those gifted induvial long before the public ever knew of their existence.

“Ye are quite strong to rebuke my flames, either brave or foolish to challenge my mastery of fire. Please, tell me what is thy name, mage? “

When Dieter first spoke, his voice quavered due to the waves of fatigue that swept over him; slumber’s thrall seductively whispering in his ears yet again. He’d managed to ignore its’ enticing call as he’d focused on maintaining his soft, gentle tone. It was meant to show Kuja that he meant no harm nor did he make any threats. No, Dieter was quite aware he was in no position to make idle threats. His transition from the Emphyreal Plain to Ivalice had taught him much, the most important lesson was a simple one; never underestimate your opponent. It pained him to admit, he’d once been the weakest of Lord Belias’ Vassals. He’d only risen to the spot as number one through hard work, dedication and knowing his opponent.

“Tell me, where are we? Have you seen Lord Belias!”

Dieter’s first question was soft but the second was a bit of an outburst, not quite a shout but significantly louder than his normal softness. He silently prayed that even if this mage didn’t know Lord Belias’ location, he perhaps had a way to locate the Scion of Flames.

Kuja

NOTES ---

Frankly speaking, Kuja’s attempt at batting him had failed due to circumstances beyond his control. However, it pained him to admit, the outcome of this verbal altercation likely would have favored Kuja under a different set of circumstances. So, in that regard Dieter elected to remain silent, fully aware of the fact that if he’d acknowledged Kuja’s affront that it’d likely only serve to grant him some form of menial gratification. In this particular instance, he was grateful for his forced attendance of a myriad of Wiegraff’s strategic meetings. Those irksome, mind-numbing events had taught him a few important lessons, one such lesson was to know when to hold ones’ tongue. If one could master this skill, they truly understood arguing was more often than not a fruitless endeavor, it merely served to stoke someone’s ego or boast ones’ arrogance. At this particular instance, Dieter deemed it a simple waste of energy, more specifically energy that he didn’t have. He’d use a fraction of what energy he had remaining to force his lips to curve upwards, a mirthful grin replacing his previous stoic expression. His actions only served to further conceal the fact that he was in the midst of mentally chastising himself.

Simply put, he’d been reckless and he’d allowed himself to be consumed by his rage; a grievous mistake that claimed the lives of many on the battlefield. Why wouldn’t he be infuriated though, he’d been just mere seconds, a couple centimeters away from harvesting the fruits of two years’ worth of labor. Regardless, Dieter continued to cautiously acknowledge Kuja, his smoky jade eyes projected a doe-like innocent as he observed the ostentatious man’s actions. Kuja’s bemused smirk was momentarily erased as the Magi repeated his inquiry, craning his head to the side as he did so. Dieter had regrettably and inadvertently created another opportunity for the Magi to ridicule. This time Kuja elected to playful jab at his mannerisms before uncrossing his arms. He’d continued fluidly through the motion by taking a singular step forward, his upper body folding in onto itself to perform a low yet grandiose bow. Dieter’s eyes widened in momentary shock as solidified magick trailed along the mage’s effeminate fingers, sparkling to further accentuate any movement. This brazen expenditure of mana only served to solidify Dieter’s initial thoughts, Kuja was undoubtedly a Mage of caliber. He introduced himself Kuja, reiterating that he was indeed a mage, but also claiming that he’d several other tiles; this disclosure only served to further pique his interest.

My apologies, I am Dieter Wolfram, a warrior, though many call me Lord Belias’ charge; I am … or was his sword and shield.”


Unfortunately, Dieter was unable to inquire further before Kuja straightened himself, once more assuming his regal posture. Kuja took yet another opportunity to sink the proverbial knife into Dieter’s already wounded pride, claiming that his own actions had been the embodiment of foolishness. If it’d been a normal form of magick, Kuja would undeniably be correct. However, what he’d witnessed wasn’t typical magic but an outlawed variation; the Dark Knight’s taboo art. Kuja had unknowingly bore witnessed to the rawest manifestation of A Dark Knight’s power, it was the ignition of his very essence; he’d willingly sacrificed a portion of his vitality in order to conjure forth those abysmal flames. Due to this vile bond between the two, Dieter’s control over those flames was masterful, it was regarded as an extension of his will. It was by his will alone that he’d been able to rest amidst the burning pyre, unperturbed by the sweltering heat or the whimsical dance performed by the embers’ and ash. Needless to say, even with absolute control, it was neigh impossible to completely mitigate damage to the surrounding environment, at least when incarnating multiple foes at once.

Aye, ye would be correct if they were normal flames. Alas, those flames are the manifestation of my will, my control over them is absolute.


Kuja would likely notice that Dieter’s tone had grown increasingly bitter as the conversation became more drawn out. Lord Belias had evidently been quite the influential figure, regarded by Dieter with the utmost respected; some would dare claim that he was revered as a Messiah. His heart momentarily froze in his chest at Kuja’s last words. His hands’ grip upon his blade tightened marginally as he finally rose from his kneeling position, a portion of his strength finlly returning. He’d never admit it aloud but he knew that Lord Belias’ presence had once been a great boon but overtime it’d transformed into a wretched curse. Inwardly he cursed himself, he knew that a weapon was supposed to be cold and callused, incapable of knowing warmth and compassion; in essence what he’d once been. Kuja’s next outburst was quite welcomed, momentarily distracting the Dark Knight from his own thoughts. The Hoary-haired minx informed him that he was now in the country of Sonora, tacking on that their current location was known as the Headstone Forest . A scoff escaped from between Dieter’s lips when Kuja informed him that the natives claimed that it was cursed, clarifying that the Magi did not believe in such things himself.

Dieter merely nodded his head somberly in agreement. He’d learned that humankind was quick to label anything that they’d feared, couldn’t understand, explain or manipulate as something negative; the Scions and his own Dark Arts were such things.

Aye, mankind is quick to turn against what they are unable to comprehend. They label it was forbidden, taboo, unholy, an abomination. Alas, what can one expect, they are merely human,”


Dieter’s initial tone was that of indifference, however a subtle hint of unspoken rage could be detected. The Scion and himself had been labelled as Heretics, albeit each for their own reasons. His own stigmata had only grown further due to being a Dark Knight. Ivaclicans both admired and feared the Dark Knights’ strength, they understood that the select few who walked this path were those who’d made an unconsecrated alliance with darkness. This alliance was symbiotic in its own way, they paid tribute in the form of life-energy; its’ source varied based upon the personal preference of its’ wielder. The fiery-haired youth found his power was easily subjugated when he’d burned his own life-force; a dual-edged sword as it was quite powerful but the backlash wasn’t something to scoff at. He’d more slipped into a lapse of silence, one that was just long enough for Kuja to interject, simply stating that he’d regrettably likely never see Lord Belias again. Dieter’s grip further tightened upon the hilt of his blade, a distinct audible pop echoing through the air as one of his knuckles cracked. He’d also take this moment to sheath his blade, returning the blade with practiced-ease to the sheath that hung from his left hip.

Now in his silence, Dieter reflected on the thought he’d had innumerable times yet feverishly denied; Lord Belias was gone. A part of him desperately clung to the mindset that Lord Belias was out there, somewhere, eagerly awaiting the return of his vassal. Those thoughts were the last bit of hope that he’d clung to. His jade pool’s had shifted at some point, their doe-like innocent replaced by a pool of longing and sorrow; their depth leading one to question how much this child had endured.

Ye may be right, Alas, Lord Belias saved me from a meaningless existence. He alone pulled me from a life of unending bloodshed. He saw my worth when I was regarded as nothing more than a pawn upon a battle field. Its’ because of that benevolence that I know such simple luxuries as the warmth of the sun, to know momentary peace and what it means to have a purpose… I owe it to him to never give up.


His words began as a mere hushed whisper, his tone quavering uncertainly as he’d stifled his tears. His left hand coming up to wipe away the ones that threatened to fall. He’d once regarded Kuja.

Perhaps ye know being a mage of caliber. Tell me what purpose a weapon serves without one to wield it?


Dieter’s eyes pleaded for an answer. His inquisition itself was harmless but one could note that his tone had grown increasingly hollow. This wasn’t the first time that this had happened, Dieter’s psyche had been damaged over time. It was a cruel yet unending cycle of his own design, a brief moment of elation at the prospect of a new rumor or relic that could aid his search, the satisfaction he felt as he enacted his mission once more, and lastly the rage an disappointment that inevitably followed when it didn’t pan out; it was a breathtakingly beautiful cycle. He’d unknowingly created a self-induced purgatory.

@kuja

NOTES ---

Fortunately, Dieter had benefitted greatly from the transitory silence that punctuated the lapse in between his query and Kuja’s rejoinder. Lamentably, Dieter acknowledged that he’d surrendered himself to a combination of untethered rage and initial fear; who wouldn’t be afraid to wake up in a whole new world surrounded by fiends. Alas, it was no excuse for his flagrant disregard of his surroundings and more importantly his own safety due to his disproportionate vitality expenditure. Under normal circumstances, if he rationed his vitality, he’d be able to fight in peak condition for upwards of thirty minutes without pause; an admirable feat considering most battles could be decided in the blink of an eye. However, such rapid, excessive usage of his abilities had irrefutably lessened his control over the conjured hellfire. If he’d lost control, it was highly likely his own creations would have turned against him, devouring him to sustain their own life for a few seconds longer. It was a scary thought to say the least, Fire was debatably one of the most perilous elements. If Lord Belias had harped on and on about one thing in particular, it was that even those like himself who claimed to have mastered the Flame were wary of it; its’ impartial nature meant it would consume everything within its’ reach. It cared not if it were friend or foe, it just wanted its’ hunger to be sated. Alas, it was too late to rectify his mistakes.

Regardless, Dieter’s erratic shallow breathing had slowed substantially, now that his body had reestablished a rhythmic breathing pattern; one could visualize that each breathe was marginally deeper than the last. Now that his body was adequately perfusing, his pallor had improved greatly, albeit there was little to no change in the actual tone of his skin due to its’ porcelain pigmentation. Furthermore, Dieter’s uncontrolled trembling and visible muscle spasms had subsided into a series of minute twitches; this applied primarily to the tips of his fingers and his right eye. Alas, in spite of Kuja’s sagely knowledge and worldly nature, the hoary-haired Magi had no definitive answer to give. His lips tightened as he remained silent merely spectating as the Magi shook his head back and forth regretfully before informing him that he’d encounter many such as himself. Kuja’s claim was that the best answer he had was to return home. Dieter’s facial muscles tightened further at the mere thought of returning to the Emphatical Plain; that vile place was his true home. His vulnerable expression had momentarily distorted into one of evident frustration and distain. He found himself wondering, what person would ever willingly return to such a life?

His expression softened as his thoughts shifted back to Ivalice, briefly losing himself as he reminisced about the countless adventures he’d undergone. He’d supposed that he could possibly return to Reynold’s Castle and safeguard it until either Wiegraff or Lord Belias returned, albeit doing so would likely be an unyielding endeavor; he’d benefit naught from it. He briefly entertained the idea of returning it to its’ former glory, albeit realized it was nigh impossible due to the fact he’d reduced a portion it to smoldering ruins to conceal a dark secret; proof of the existence of the Scion and their minions. Kuja proceeded to exclaim that he’d undertaken the arduous and daunting task of researching a way to return the drifters to their home world. He’d exclaimed that this world like his own housed a series of magical anomalies, which were commonly referred to as Relics; the bane of his existence. How much of the past year or so had been spent investigating countless rumors that never quite panned out? How many had lead him to ransacked ruins that depths’ claimed to hold treasures beyond the common man’s flight of fantasy. Alas, none of the treasured he’d claimed turned out to be what he needed.

Needless to say, it didn’t mean that he didn’t find things of particular interest. He’d discovered that the Scions had once existed within an Ivalice that had long since passed, this was when their beloved savior, Lady Altima, had actually left their world behind. He’d also learned of races that were believed to be exist, or merely creatures that had no place in this world at all. Kuja offhandishly mentioned that it was what had caught his attention was his Magic, how it’s was bestial in nature. Kuja merely listed Dieter’s options, he could simply abandon his Lord and any thought of returning to his home, he even discovers a new purpose. In truth, Dieter could do that if he continued to sell his blade to the highest bidder, it’d been a fine career in Ivalice; this world also didn’t seem to lack beasts to subjugate. However, he could also collaborate with Kuja and other otherworlders to perhaps return home. Dieter didn’t seem to dwell on this thought for long before he answered Kuja.

” Magi Kuja, when put so simply, I guess I shall offer you my company at least for the time being. I could learn a great deal of information about this world form you, although what I can tell you off mine and my own magick may be of little value.”

@vincent

NOTES ---