Chapter Text
The rotted out hull of an airship, a decaying wreckage that served as a reminder of a historic Ivalice that now only existed in ruins and history tomes, served as an excellent base for strategizing.
Ramza Beoulve frowned slightly, wishing it were not so.
The party had been scouting the area adjacent to their company’s current campsite, having expected some kind of potential ambush. It had been quiet, and as they were getting ready to return to the main group, Ramza’s suspicions were confirmed.
A volley of arrows and a bombardment of spells had forced the group even farther from the campsite (though perhaps that was fortunate in a way), and they’d taken shelter in the airship ruin for a moment’s reprieve and to plan a counter-measure.
…He knew they were pinned down now, with the archers and mages holding them at bay while the more melee-focused of their opponents moved into position. But at least they had some advantages given their position now: namely having only so many ways an attack could come from.
“…Do you think they know where the camp is?”
Reis Duelar, a normally very quiet woman, asked tentatively. There was concern in her voice, and he knew it was because her fiancée was there.
Ramza smiled slightly in assurance, shaking his head, “Judging from the shouting, it seems as if they’d stumbled upon us by chance. We had been heading back towards camp when they came upon us. I don’t think they realized that was what we were doing.”
“…They would have just waited for us to lead them there and attack everyone otherwise.” Cloud spoke up for the first time since they had taken shelter, “Unless this is some sort of divide-and-conquer strategy.”
Reis’s face paled slightly at this, and Mustadio glared silently at Cloud: the youth’s expression clearly saying that he thought that the spiky-haired fighter from another world should have kept that last part to himself.
The SOLDIER’s face didn’t change expression, but his glowing blue eyes seemed to notice the reaction his comment made. Closing them, he added, “I wouldn’t worry too much though. Most of our best fighters were at camp. Cid and Agrias. Beowulf as well. They should be fine.”
“Thank you. You’re right.” Reis was grateful and even looked somewhat relieved.
Mustadio smirked slightly, “Good save, Cloud!”
He raised a blond eyebrow, “I was merely stating facts.”
“The more important thing now is figuring out how we’re getting out of here and reuniting with everyone.” Ramza, thankful the situation had diffused itself, carefully stepped on the wooden floorboards, noting which ones were so rotten that his foot caved through as he did so—it would be important information to have if they did have to fight in close quarters here.
“There’s an exit in the back, thoroughly concealed.” Rapha rejoined them from her scouting of the back of the wreckage.
He nodded, grateful for the information as it made things much easier.
“We can have two fighters stay behind to provide some cover while the others escape through the back and turn around for a surprise assault. The archers and mages will be moving in closer as well when they feel it is secure enough.”
Rapha nodded, “That seems like a sound strategy given our smaller numbers.”
“I’ll go through the back then.” Reis offered shyly, “…My Dragon Breath attacks will be able to counter the mages and archers fairly well.”
Ramza nodded in agreement, “…As should Rapha’s Sky Mantra abilities.”
“Having a front-lines fighter escape to the outside might also be a good idea. To help watch their backs.” Cloud spoke up, “I have Time Magick, so I should be able to hold my own against the melee by slowing them down.”
“…So I’ll go with Rapha and Reis then.” Ramza already knew what the SOLDIER was getting at.
Cloud inclined his head slightly in way of silent confirmation.
Ramza glanced at Mustadio, who hadn’t spoken up yet.
Mustadio had his gun out already, a determined look in his eyes, “You better get going then, Ramza. I’ll provide support for Cloud.” He smiled encouragingly at his friend, “There’s a lot of cover here. I’ll be able to take potshots and stay concealed.”
He nodded, “Just move towards the back exit if things get too hard to handle here. We will be back soon.”
Cloud and Mustadio both nodded, weapons held at the ready as their comrades disappeared farther into the wreckage of rotted wood and twisted metal.
Mustadio smiled at Cloud, trying to hold back the nervousness he often felt at the start of a fight, “You ready, Cloud?”
A nod, and Cloud said the odd mantra he always spoke to himself before a battle, “…There ain't no gettin' off of this train we on.”
*****
Later on, after the fight (the strategy had proved a sound one, and the small group somehow managed to win by the skin of their teeth)…the party headed back in the direction of their campsite—all eager to join up with the others and make sure they were all right.
Reis in particular seemed especially eager to reunite with Beowulf, an anxious light in her eyes…though she smiled encouragingly whenever someone addressed her so that they wouldn’t worry. Ramza took the lead, as was his want when he was on patrol. Both he and Rapha always looking carefully around them at their surroundings.
The immediate threat of an ambush seemed less likely now as it did appear that the group had been comprised of heretic hunters who were just concerned with the bounty on Ramza’s head and didn’t seem to be part of any larger grouping…but it was never a bad idea to be cautious just in case.
Mustadio was tending to a cut on Cloud’s arm, the two trailing a bit slower behind the others. His fingers smearing potion on the wound as they walked in a hurried-but-alert pace.
“…You okay?” he asked in concern finally, though he felt a bit of relief when he noticed that the deep laceration was beginning to close finally after the fifth potion application he had done.
A nod.
Cloud was definitely not a conversationalist.
After a few moments, the Machinist thought of something he had been meaning to ask the SOLDIER for awhile in the silence that accompanied the group’s footfalls, the previous battle reminding him of the question again.
“Hey, Cloud?”
“Hmm?”
“…What exactly is a train, anyways?”
“…”
Cloud blinked, taken aback by the younger male’s curiosity. He closed his eyes again, thoughts of a very different world flickering beneath his eyelids.
When he opened them again, he saw Mustadio staring at him in earnest anticipation. The eager look on the boy’s face would have probably caused someone else to smile, and as it were Cloud couldn’t help the amusement that caused the corner of his mouth to upturn ever so slightly: though it probably wasn’t noticeable to anyone else.
“…I’ll tell you once we get back to camp.”