Chapter Fifteen

The Mercs

Kathy Silverwalker woke up from her sleep. She gazed onto the ceiling above her and sighed. It's been a day since she saw the Moredread Mire survivors and it's been bothering all day that things are going to get bizarre in the next few hours… can she do this?

“Don't get involved.” The voice kept playing her head all night… he told her specifically to not get too involved at the moment since it will jeopardize everything. She couldn't get the feeling of dread on her chest… her family is on the line here.

“I swear, We'll make sure your family will be safe” played the voice again in her head “Otherwise, they will die.”

She turned on her side and looked at the curtained windows. Was she really going to go through this?

“Can I?” she whispered to herself.

Kathy stood up and opened the curtains to see the busy town of Manem. She looked at her clock seeing that it was eight in the morning.

Mom… dad…

She closed her eyes. It's been a week since they arrived here and threatened them. Just because her mother got someone in the uppers of Manem on the wrong side brought the deadly group of the Mercs into their lives. Why are people so immature now? Can't people fight for themselves? Why bring a back-up to fight their dirty work?

Now I'm living in false livelihood… can it get any worse?

It could… she hasn't seen her mother and father in a week. It's been haunting her whether she will see them again… oh how she hopes she can get back at the Mercs for getting them and telling her that she will not see them until a special “calling” might make them reconsider their decisions.

False livelihood…

Ever since her parents disappeared, the people who hired the Mercs threatened her that if she contacted anyone about this, they will tell the Mercs to rid of her parents' misery.

Ms. DeGroot, the middle-aged lady at the lobby was sent by the people who hired the Mercs, was working in Windsor Inn to keep an eye on Kathy just to make sure she doesn't do anything rash… only last night, DeGroot gave Kathy the cryptic message:

“Your father and mother are at the marketplace getting supplies for the restaurant.”

Which meant one thing… the Mercs wants a word with her.

It's been a shock for her to find out who fell from the sky last night… Hermione Grangeré, the famous daughter of Biestavale's most decorated and celebrated general. Why didn't she recognize her?

The Mercs didn't give her specifics but told her the plan since the Mercs need the new arrivals in her family's inn.

Kathy wasn't interested to backstab people since she isn't that kind of person but after a few talking and a near-heated argument, the Mercs told her one thing that could change the tide of her life in a long, long time.

“In exchange of your new arrivals, we will give your parents' and family's freedom back without question.”

The news was almost mind-rambling for her… but why is she worried? Shouldn't she be happy about this? Freedom from the mercy of the Mercs! She frowned and remembered how the small gathering last night went… they were all happy and fond of finally being away from the wreck of Moredread Mire… and she will be the one to take that all away from them.

It's all going to change now… today. Kathy turned on her heel and remembered his words…

“Don't get involved” played the voice in her head.

She looked outside of the window and saw the Moogle named Moco fluttering his purple wings looking happy. She wondered where the others were… Windsor Inn has been her home since she was born… she never imagined living inside it in the darkest of her days.

“Time to get to work,” she muttered and went to take a shower. Kathy can't imagine how the day will end… but no matter what happens she'll probably end up being a happy or sad panda.

- - -

“What brings the gang in, doc?” Fenrir asked Rapticon Sr. as he came inside the foyer

“Skyld,” said Rapticon Sr. “Come, everyone's waiting in my room” he added quietly

“What's with the secrecy - ?”

“Shhh!” Rapticon Sr. shushed “Just follow me”

Rapticon Sr. and Fenrir climbed the stairs and to the room of Rapticon Sr. In there, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Yumi and Moco idly waited for them.

“Someone's gonna tell me what's goin' on?” Fenrir said as he sat on the bed Hermione was sitting on.

“Skyld,” said Rapticon Sr. closing the door “and something else…”

Rapticon Sr. sighed.

“Fenrir, Yumi, Moco… we owe you an explanation”

“Oh do we!” said Fenrir “I'm all ears”

“Alright… err… -“ Rapticon Sr. scratched his head “Where should I start? …Harry?”

Harry shot a look at Rapticon Sr.

“Care to take first blood?” Rapticon Sr. gestured to Yumi, Moco and Fenrir.

Harry nodded. He stood up and cleared his throat.

“Um… - er… you do all know what happened yesterday, right?” Harry said

“You kidnapped princess here and went on to a wild ride down the swamp of mistery, of course we knew what happened” said Fenrir “We just don't know why”

“Well,” Harry said “The king is dead - which you guys know - and he was murdered by Scipio, his own adviser. The murder was planned out by Snape”

“But why?” Moco asked desperately “Did he plan the murder of the king out of personal gain, kupo?”

“That's what we think he's doing,” said Hermione quietly “You see, he was keen to kidnap me in the process…”

“Kidnap you?” Fenrir asked his eyes widening “For what?”

Hermione, Harry, Ron and Rapticon Sr. exchanged looks.

“W-What's wrong?” Yumi asked “They kidnapped Hermione for what? Because she's the general's daughter?”

“No,” Hermione said, standing up

“Hermione, are you sure you want to tell them?” Rapticon Sr. asked

Hermione didn't say anything but she just nodded. She turned to Yumi -

“Snape - “ blinked and started to stammer “t-tried to - well - kidnap me because - er…” she looked at Harry who nodded for support “Because… he knows that I am something special”

“Which means…?” Fenrir raised his eyebrows

Harry caught a glimpse of Hermione's face… she was biting her lower lip.

“I - I” she took a deep breath “I am a…”

“A what?” Moco asked

“…a Summoner.” Hermione finally said.

There was a long pause but was broken by Fenrir who made a slow laugh.

“You're kidding me, right?” Fenrir croaked “Y-You can't say that and expect us to believe it!”

“That's the point,” Hermione said bravely “I am not”

“B-but that's so kupo!” Moco said his wings flapping wildly “I-It can't be possible! Summoners are extinct!”

“Then you read it wrong” Rapticon Sr. said

“How are you sure that she's telling the truth then?” Yumi demanded

“Because she didn't tell us!” Harry loudly said. Everyone was looking at Harry. “She didn't admit it to us because Snape spoiled it for us through a crystal -“

“Woah wait -“ said Yumi “We're talking about the crystals, right? As in the ones that can hold up memories of the past?”

“Yep,” said Ron

“Anyway -“ Harry continued “He showed it to us, and what we saw is proof that she is one - she was almost a victim of the ones who want to chuck out Summoners!”

There was a long silence. Harry and Hermione exchanged looks and Hermione mouthed a furtive thank you to Harry.

“Heh…” Fenrir snorted “I grew up to know that a crystal never lies - which is true -“ he added before anyone could interrupt “Looks like your story makes sense to me now, doc”

“It's not only that -“ Hermione said “We believe that Snape is working for someone big… someone who wants me”

“Who wouldn't want you?” Fenrir said “Cuz the last time Summoners were seen around in public was a long time ago”

“I know.” Hermione said “Look… I don't really mind if you believe me or not but I swear - I don't want to talk about it”

“Being a Summoner, kupo?” Moco looked at her

“Yes, Moco” she replied “There - there are some things I don't want to remember because of it”

“Does this have anything to do with our trip to Skyld?” Fenrir asked “Ya know, the Summoner thing?”

“That's a different story,” Rapticon Sr. said “You see, the Archmage of Skyld has something we need -“

“Whatever it is, it must be an airship” Fenrir interjected “You owe me”

“I know, Fenrir” said Rapticon Sr. “But seriously, we just need to meet him”

“Care to tell us why?”

“You mean `you'” Yumi pointed out wryly “We know why”

“Looks like I'm the unknowledgeable one” Fenrir made a toothless grin

“I have to admit,” Rapticon Sr. said chuckling the “The news will be utter bull for you”

“Try me,” said Fenrir “Your Summoner story is believable enough, you probably have something less shocking than - HEY!“

Yumi caught Fenrir by the collar and whispered him in the ear. His face turned from wonder to shock.

“Son of a bitch -“ he muttered as Yumi stopped whispering. He looked at Rapticon Sr. “Is this a nut house or something?!”

“No, it's not” said Rapticon Sr. “We suggest you just keep your thoughts to yourself and cooperate with us”

“Well duh!” Fenrir said in a disbelief tone “I just got dragged in by two kids, a bangaa look-a-like, a ninja, a Moogle and a human target to a situation that is big than I've heard so far! I can't walk away from that! I'm involved now”

“Precisely.” Rapticon Sr. smirked “Accula knows what we're talking about -“

“Yeah, as if he'll believe your out of this world story”

“Not really, since he is one.” Harry said

Fenrir opened his mouth, thought for a second and closed his mouth.

“Then looks like I'll be stuck with you until I get a new ship then” he leered at Rapticon Sr.

“If you wanna know” said Yumi “We believe them - it's farfetched but c'mon, they kidnapped the general's daughter… no one's that stupid, right?”

“C-Can we just cut to the chase here?!” Fenrir said in a tone of conclusive panic “Okay, Ginger here is a Summoner, I believe ya, you guys are not -“ he rolled his eyes “- part of this world… we're going to Skyld to meet the Archmage… the question is, how can you do that when the whole kingdom is after ya?”

This is a question that struck the party. How were they going to go to Skyld with the being on the run from the kingdom?

“We go now before news reaches Manem, I guess” said Yumi “this place hardly knows what happens inside the city until the whole city is informed”

“Yeah,” said Rapticon Sr. “I checked the papers, not one pinch of information of yesterday's events has been reported. I bet wanted posters will be posted later today so I suggest we move now.”

“How can we move with Hermione?” Yumi asked “Her name isn't something to pass by on - she's famous”

“You're right” Rapticon Sr. rubbed his chin

“Change her name” said Fenrir at once

Harry remembered Fenrir's suggestion last night on changing Hermione's name for the time being.

“I - I can live with that…” Hermione nodded

“That's great,” said Rapticon Sr. “What moniker will you go under as?”

Hermione thought for a while. Harry wanted to say some suggestions but he thought best to keep quiet.

“Harriet.” Hermione finally said and gave a significant look to Harry.

“Why Harriet?” Ron asked curiously

“It's a female version of Harry” Rapticon Sr. said in an off-hand tone and smirked.

Harry then got Hermione's significant look and smiled at her. Hermione smiled at him and said

“So… how do we get out of here?”

“There's an air cab depot somewhere around here,” said Fenrir jerking his head to the side “It leads to everywhere near Manem… Skyld is one of `em”

“That settles it then…” Hermione sighed “I hope we'll all be okay in the end…”

A brief silence followed after this. Harry surveyed his companions; Ron was twiddling the guideline cards, Rapticon Sr. was making furtive checks outside of the window… the silence broke when Yumi said

“But if you're a Summoner…” she looked at Hermione awkwardly “Then there's a high chance that you would want to be used for the war - doesn't it scare you?”

“As long as no one knows about it” Harry said “She'll be fine… right, Hermione?”

Hermione gave Harry a worried look.

“Snape knows, Harry…” she said “I doubt he'll tell the kingdom because he wants me for his superior… I - I just don't want to be -“

“You won't” Harry said, standing up and approached towards her “As long as you're with us, you'll be alright” he looked around “Right, guys?”

He gave Ron a look asking for support. Ron cleared his throat and nodded.

“I'm not leaving your side, Hermy” he made his usual smirk

“As your professor in Hogwarts,” said Rapticon Sr. “I swore the school's professor oath that in times of danger of a student, I shall protect them till the end” he smiled

Hermione looked at Yumi, Fenrir and Moco.

“Kupo! Breeding Chocobos has been a challenge for me so why not take up Summoner guarding? I'm in for it, kupo!” Moco jumped happily

“You can count me in!” Yumi stood up and raised her hand in the air “it is an honor to be in your presence, Milady!” she bowed before Hermione

“Please…” Hermione blushed “There's no need to be formal”

“Ha!” Yumi said hopping to stand straight “Go it, Harriet” she winked

Fenrir then stood from his seat.

“I ain't admitting total fellowship here, princess - which I'm aware that it looks like I'm doing it -“ he added looking at a sniggering Rapticon Sr. “But hey,” he made a smug grin “I'll be in for the ride but I need to get one thing straight…” he then turned to Rapticon Sr. “When will I get my damn new airship!?”

“Soon enough,” said Rapticon Sr. laughing, then he looked at his wristwatch “C'mon, Kathy promised she'll give us a little tour around the town. That way, we can find the airship cab depot”

“Really?” Ron asked with the air of fancy “S-she's going to give us a tour around the town?”

“Yeah…” Rapticon Sr. looked at Ron peculiarly “She's going to accompany us to the marketplace where we can get supplies for the trip”

“Oh, I see” Ron said

Harry saw Ron give a furtive smirk at the sound of this news. Harry laughed at the thought of Ron's sudden joy.

“Are we going or not?” Fenrir said stroking his hair

- - -

The marketplace of Manem is known to be quite busy. Harry and company weaved in and out within the crowd following a very animated Kathy who was giving them information by the minute.

“Manem sells lots and lots of stuff over here, we are the biggest producers of poultry in the kingdom, don't you know?”

“Amazing, I never knew that” Ron said enthusiastically who was near Kathy the whole time. For the first time in a while, Ron has taken up for himself to interact with the people in F.F.O.

“Is carrot-top just playing kiss up or is he just happy to see her?” Fenrir muttered to Harry

“I'm not sure,” Harry chuckled as he moved through the crowd “As long as he's happy”

“Heh, I can't even get myself one -“ Fenrir said and took out a walkie-talkie out of his jacket pocket “You know how to use this, right?”

Harry didn't answer, due to living with the Dursley's he has never ever held a walkie-talkie in his entire life but that fact alone doesn't mean he doesn't know how to use them.

“Of course - where did you get it?”

“Salvaged it at the wreckage of the crash back at Moredread” said Fenrir “thought it might come in handy” he turned the knob making the radio crackle to life “Still works.”

“I reckon you let Rapticon Sr. hold that” Harry said “It feels right”

“Yeah, yeah” said Fenrir as he walked away towards Rapticon Sr.

“Do I really have to put my hood up the whole time?” Hermione asked irritably “I feel weird”

“Your face is probably famous here” said Yumi “We can't take any risks, ya know?”

Hermione just scoffed and remained the silent.

“By the way, what are we going to do with Fenrir's Moogles and the Chocobos?” asked Hermione

“Fenrir said he'll leave them here to settle in Manem, kupo” Moco answered as he fluttered above them and landed on Harry's shoulder “As for the Chocobos, they'll stay here except for Choco, he's mine and I can't go away without him, kupo!”

“Kweh!” screeched Choco from behind

“Hey! Don't trail behind, kupo!” Moco said as he pulled Choco's reigns forward and fluttered on Choco's head “Harry, help!”

Harry chuckled and helped Moco pull Choco along with them.

“Ah! Here we are!” said Rapticon Sr. in front of them. Everyone craned their heads to get a better look on their first stop at the marketplace “Stock up on some supplies kids, we're going for an adventure!”

They left the store with Choco's saddlebags heavier than before. Hermione was counting what's left of her money.

“I don't know how you have that much money but I thanks” Hermione said to Rapticon Sr.

“No prob,” he replied “I just found `em in my pocket when I got here”

“You mean when you fell in this world?”

“Yep, believe it or not”

The party reached at the center of the marketplace where a large circular fountain graced the area. Children played around the fountain while citizens sat on the edges of the fountain throwing their gil hoping for luck. A dove sat quietly on the statue of a knight that stood in the center of the fountain.

“So, Kathy” Ron said “You've been living here ever since you were a child?”

“Yep, since day one” Kathy smirked “How about you?”

Harry saw Ron fumble his fingers furtively behind his back.

“I - er - live in the city of Biestavale… yeah, nothing much, I just live there - haha…” he chuckled nervously

“Oh,” Kathy looked at the sky “I've been to the city… only once though but that was a long time ago. What's it like now?”

“It's bloody brilliant,” Ron exclaimed “You have to see the number of people in it! It's quite large on foot but you'll get used to it as the days pass by…”

“I think Ron likes someone” Yumi teased quietly in a sing-song voice.

“Jealous, are you?” Hermione suddenly said which made Harry shoot her with a glance of surprise.

“Me? No!” Yumi explained waving a hand “He's not my type… he's good looking but nah, I rather have someone else”

“Care to share on that?” Hermione asked in a halfhearted challenging tone while she smiled

“Ummm… I'm not really comfortable answering that question, Harriet“ Yumi winced

Harry grabbed Hermione by the arm before she could say anything

“What's wrong with you?” he said quietly “You have a problem with Yumi?”

“Nope” Hermione said simply and sighed “Sorry, I just want to get to know everyone…”

“Well, don't do it in an assertive way, no one is hiding anything… I think” Harry scratched his head.

Hermione sighed… she remembered her sudden jealousy of how close Yumi and Harry were…

“How much do you and Yumi know each other?” Hermione asked

“I know her a lot now…” Harry said “We've been talking a lot”

“Ah, I see…” she made a furtive frown

“Why?”

“N-Nothing… just wondering that's all” she then made a chuckle and went silent.

The party had a pleasant time resting at the fountain sitting on the edge. Fenrir bought everyone hotdogs while Kathy told them stories about Manem (with Ron listening intently to Harry's amusement). Harry noticed Rapticon Sr. checking his watch often, he must be waiting for the right time to leave for Skyld.

“When are we going to fly to Skyld?” Hermione asked Harry

“I'm not sure, Harriet” Harry replied with a grin

Hermione made a mock laugh and turned to her hotdog.

BANG!

Harry jumped at the loud sound of a gunshot. Everyone in the marketplace screamed and started looking around wondering where the gunshot came from. Harry ducked behind the fountain's low wall together with the rest of his companions.

“Hermione, are you okay?” Harry asked

“Yeah -“ she shifted and took a peek over the fountain. “Did you hear that - ?”

BANG!

The second shot brought the crowd to an uproar since they started screaming and running across the marketplace.

“Who in the damn hell is shooting?” Fenrir growled from Harry's far right as the crowd in the marketplace started to disperse.

Unexpectedly, the voice of a woman spoke behind them.

“The sniper on the roof, can't you see him?”

The party jumped to their feet at the sight of their new arrival. Harry instantly recognized her… Julia Blumetritt, one of the Mercs.

“Julia!” Hermione gasped

She didn't wear her dress back at the banquet two nights ago, she instead wore a black coat that was under a grey turtle neck. Her slacks graced her legs. Harry noticed a red triangle with a letter M on it placed at the side of her slacks… this must be their symbol. He couldn't help but notice how pretty looked.

“Hey, hey, Hermione” Julia said calmly as she walked towards them “I've been wondering when we'll find you!”

Ron summoned his spear and raised it but was cut off by Julia.

“Na-ah-ah-ah” she waved a finger “We got you pinned down for the time being, my dear fugitives” she started walking again towards them “You see, one of Merc members has got his iron sights marked on you guys… except for Hermione” she took out a cellphone and dialed a few numbers and started talking to someone “Drake, we got them… shall we proceed with the plan?”

Rapticon Sr. glanced at Kathy who was looking beside herself. She was breathing heavily and her lower lip started to make involuntary movements.

“Did… did my father sent you?” Hermione asked keenly

“Why yes, dear” said Julia “Who else would send the elite mercenary group for your rescue?”

“Julia, you don't understand” Hermione said slowly “I am not safe there!”

“Tut, tut, tut…” Julia shook her head and leered to Harry “Did you do anything to her?”

“N-No, I didn't!” Harry retorted back “You have no idea what we're doing here! If someone will only listen to us -“

“We get it,” said the voice of Elias Vex as he entered the marketplace from the right “You killed the king, kidnapped Hermione for your own agenda I don't really care about!” he said all of this in a smug manner as he dragged a long double-bladed sword. He too was wearing the same attire as Julia.

“Vex” Hermione scowled at him

“Grangeré” Elias smirked “I thought we'd never see each other again! I was so worried -“

“Stick your words back into your trap, Vex” Hermione snarled

“Oho!” Elias raised his hands in a mocking manner “You do realize I'm here to save you, right? C'mon geez” he scratched the back of his head “I've been a pain in the ass but I never knew you'd still see me that way when I'm rescuing you!”

“That's not the point!” Hermione said “You're after the wrong people!”

“This is going to be hard…” Julia placed a hand on her forehead “We were ordered by your father to get you back… as for the fugitives, he says that we can either leave them for dead or bring them back alive”

“That's crazy talk, rosie” Fenrir said, his rifle aimed at Elias

“A man with a smart mouth” Julia said coolly “Not the first time I've seen one, though”

“Humor me,” Elias rolled his eyes at Julia

“What did you say?” she shot a deadly look to Elias

“I mean - no more for me - the smart mouth, ya know?” he said quickly

Julia scoffed at Elias and turned to the party.

“Before we go into basic action, we would like to thank our little accomplice in tipping us off -“

“Tipped us off?” Harry furrowed his brow “Who?”

“Save us the trouble, Merc” Rapticon Sr. suddenly spat stepping forward “You want Hermione? Go through us!”

“What?!” Yumi cried “Are you talking about fighting with a Merc?!”

“That's so kupo!” Moco bounced on Choco's back

“You made a promise, remember?!” Ron reminded them indignantly

Yumi and Moco winced when they were reminded by this and nodded.

“Are ya sure about this?” Fenrir muttered to Rapticon Sr. “We have no idea how many Mercs are present right now… let alone how many snipers are up there”

“You still got the other walkie-talkie?” Rapticon Sr. said

“Yep,” Fenrir said

“Look… take Hermione, Ron and Yumi and run for it on Choco… I'll take Harry, Kathy and Moco. We split up and lose `em”

“Sorry to bring this up, doc but I don't think we can make a run for it” growled Fenrir “We are facing an elite group of damn hitmen hear!”

Rapticon Sr. rubbed his chin… they didn't have any time to think! He looked at Kathy then Hermione and sighed.

“Hermione?”

“What?”

“I hate to ask you again but -“

“You want me to make a shield for you, right?” she winced

“I'm sorry…” Rapticon Sr. blinked “It's essential if we want to get out of here -“

“This is getting crazy!” Elias complained “That's it, I'm engaging battle!”

“Elias no!” Julia yelled as Elias went to a battle pose “We can't risk anything!”

Elias ignored Julia, he went to a crouching position and ran for the party. In an instant, Rapticon Sr. grabbed Hermione, snatched Fenrir's rifle and aimed it under her chin forcing Elias to stop.

“Wait!” Julia called out

“Go further and she'll lose a jaw!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

“Are you nuts?!” Fenrir yelled

“Get down, all of you!” Rapticon Sr. screamed “NOW!”

The party went into prone position. Harry was both worried and perplexed at what Rapticon Sr. wants to accomplish… he's aiming a gun at Hermione!

“We're not stupid!” Julia called “If you wanted to use Hermione as a ticket out of here you would've hurt her by now -“

Click!

Rapticon Sr. armed the rifle. Hermione shivered under Rapticon Sr.'s mercy.

“It's alright, I won't literally hurt you” Rapticon Sr. whispered

“I know” Hermione trembled “I just don't know how far you'll try to convince them”

“I'll do anything under my power to protect you, alright?” Rapticon Sr. said “In the count of three, I want you to produce at least two shields for us… one for Fenrir's side which you'll be going with -“

“How about you?” Hermione said

“I got business with Kathy” Rapticon Sr. said

“You think she's the mole?” Hermione gasped

“I'm not sure” Rapticon Sr. said “Ready?”

“I - I think so… I can do it”

“We don't got time for this!” Julia said as she got her cellphone “Ickis, take out the one who's taking Hermione hostage!”

“Which one, Jules?” replied Ickis in the cellphone “They're all taking her hostage”

“The orange one” she said sternly

“Got it…” said the voice of the sniper

Meanwhile, Ron and Harry who were down at the ground were in conversation.

“How are we going to get out of this?” Ron said “We're sure to be arrested!”

“Shhh, Ron! I'm trying to think!” Harry said. His head hurts from all the thinking.

Rapticon Sr. in the other hand, whispered to Hermione.

“Fenrir's ready… in the count of three now… one - two -“

BANG!

“Argh!” Yumi and Moco screamed but instead of a sickening squish of a bullet meeting a head, there was a loud “clang!”

“Wha -?” Ron looked up

There was a large barrier with hexagonal shapes around them. The party stood up and saw Hermione raising her hands in the air while glowing in white light.

“Hermione - ?” Harry gasped

“Don't' worry, she's fine” Rapticon Sr. said “Quick! She'll provide two shields, Ron, Yumi - go with Fenrir - I'll take Moco, Harry and Kathy -“

“But - “ Ron butted in

“I'll explain everything later!” Rapticon Sr. shouted “Get on Choco and we'll meet each other somewhere! NOW NOW NOW!”

“Get them!” shouted Julia

Through the barrier, Harry recognized the Asian Merc Shen-Ku Yu, and saw a new Merc who Harry hasn't recognized yet, a fairly large man with a heavy-looking hammer.

“That's Nero Simmons, kupo” Moco squeaked

“Nero who?” Ron shot an eyebrow up

“A Merc” Fenrir said “C'mon!”

Harry ran to Rapticon Sr. who released his grip from Hermione.

“Hermione!” Harry said “Go to Fenrir now!”

Hermione looked at Harry. Harry felt a bit of shiver down his spine when he saw Hermione's eyes glow white.

“I'll be fine, okay?” Harry assured her “Now go!”

Hermione nodded and with quick succession, she dropped her arms, created another shield barrier and placed it on Fenrir, Ron, Yumi and Choco.

“Run!” Hermione said as she ran inside the newly formed shield.

Harry looked at Hermione again and mouthed her that we'll be okay.

“The shields out on the Potter boy!” Elias snapped at Julia

Bang!

Harry, Kathy and Rapticon Sr. ducked as the bullet zipped passed them nearly hitting Elias at the feet.

“Hey! I'm your ally here!!” he complained

“HERMIONE!” Rapticon Sr. bellowed

Cue to this, a shield formed around Harry, Kathy, Moco and Rapticon Sr. before Ickis, the sniper of the Mercs could take another shot.

“Run here!” Rapticon Sr. yelled as he lead the two teenagers to the west side of the marketplace.

“GET THEM!” yelled Julia Blumetritt

Harry looked behind him and saw the shielded Choco run at the opposite direction. He hoped that they'll meet each other safely.

“Are you sure about this?” Kathy said as they ran to a new road to the left

“I'm sure about this” Rapticon Sr. said “We'll figure something out - WOAH!”

A ball of flame erupted in front of them as their shield dispersed to nothingness.

“It's Shen!” Harry said looking back as the Asian Merc ran towards them

“Kupo!” Moco squealed

“Stay back!” Rapticon Sr. yelled and raised his arms forward “FIRE!”

A jet of flames erupted to the side of the road causing a scaffolding of a constructed building to fall in front of them. The crowd ran away from them as Shen-Ku Yu swore in the distance.

“This way!” Rapticon Sr. shouted leading them to an alley and to a new street.

“Everyone is nuts right now,” Harry gasped as he tried to catch breath

“Manem is usually a peaceful town” Kathy panted trying to keep up with Harry and Rapticon Sr. “There is no way they'd see this coming!”

“Wait!” Rapticon Sr. said raising his hand to halt the three “We lost them!” he then dragged Harry, Moco and Kathy behind a fruit stand. “We'll be safe here…”

Harry peeked and saw many citizens running away from the marketplace… where is Hermione and the others? Are they alright? His question will finally be answered when Harry he heard Rapticon Sr. behind him talking to the walkie-talkie Fenrir gave him.

“Fenrir?” Rapticon Sr. spoke to the radio “Are you there? Do you copy?”

There was no answer… Harry crossed his fingers.

Please let them be alright… please let my friends be safe…

“Oh my, kupo” Moco said quietly “I - I hope Choco is okay!”

Harry frowned in guilt to Moco… he really loved Choco and was Moco's best friend Chocobo.

“Fenrir? Hello? Do you copy!?”

Kzzt!

“We're safe and sound, doc” panted the voice of Fenrir from the radio

Harry's heart leapt. He went near the walkie-talkie to hear out everything.

“That's good, that's good…” Rapticon Sr. said panting “How are the kids?”

“Oh they're fine!” Fenrir said in the air of slight annoyance but heavy satisfaction “So… what happens next?”

Rapticon Sr. took the radio to his mouth.

“I'll talk with Kathy first…” Rapticon Sr. said “Stay under the radar… I'll be back in a few minutes”

“Got it.” Fenrir said before going dark

“Why are you going to talk to Kathy?” Harry asked as Rapticon Sr. pocketed the walkie-talkie

“Because…” he said quietly “I think she tipped them off about us”

“What?! - why?” Harry shot a look at Kathy feeling deceived

“Shhhh!” Rapticon Sr. shushed “I have yet to ask, Harry! Just wait for a moment -“

Rapticon Sr. scooted over to Kathy.

“Kathy?” Rapticon Sr. asked “I know it's a hard time right now but Harry and I must know the truth -“

Kathy looked at Rapticon Sr. and to Harry who was looking at her defiantly.

“Kathy…” Rapticon Sr. said again “Did you lead the Mercs to us?”

Harry saw Kathy look at Rapticon Sr. and with a small gulp and a few fumbling with her fingers, she nodded. For some reason, Harry wanted to stand up and kick her… how could she?

“You betrayed us, kupo?!” Moco fiercely said “I can't believe this kupo shenanigans I'm hearing, kupo!”

“Calm down!” Rapticon Sr. said loudly and he turned to Kathy “Why?”

As if this was some kind of orchestrated conversation, Kathy spoke quickly.

“T-the Mercs have my parents in custody!” she cried “and if I hand you in, the-they will let us off the hook”

A tinge of pity swelled inside Harry. He looked into Kathy's tired eyes… her family under the mercy of the Mercs? His anger towards her started to ebb away after knowing this new revelation.

“Dammit,” Rapticon Sr. swore “I'll go easy on you, Kathy but -“

“Look - I know what I did, okay?!” Kathy cried while tears feel from her eyes “I - I was just confused and lost I - I didn't know what will happen, okay? I just want my mom and dad again! I don't want to get orphaned! They'll kill them if I don't turn you in!”

The guilt inside Harry bubbled further… the feeling of being orphaned is such a painful feeling. Allowing someone else to feel his pain by sacrificing her parents for his own personal gain is just wrong for him.

“Fenrir?” Rapticon Sr. spoke to the radio

“Yeah? We're alright, a few of `em passed by… none of them saw us” said Fenrir

“Good -“ Rapticon Sr. said distractedly “Hey, we have a new problem now”

“Eh? What's that?”

“Kathy” Rapticon Sr. said

There was a slight pause and Fenrir replied

“Lemme guess… she's the rat in the pack?”

“Yes…” Rapticon Sr. nodded

“Goddammit” Fenrir quietly swore “We shouldn't have been so blind -“

“Take it easy, Fenrir” Rapticon Sr. ordered “We'll get out of this mess because I have a plan -“ he turned to Kathy significantly “- and I need you to listen because any moment now, the Mercs will find us and kill us so please, understand what I'm trying to say, alright?”

Harry was getting confused, how will they get out of this mess? The Mercs are probably calling Snape now bringing him in for the kill.

“What's the plan now, doc?” Fenrir asked darkly

Rapticon Sr. looked at the sky and said

“I'll figure something out… but I need Hermione now.”

“You can't go on with the exchange!” Harry surprisingly said “You just can't!”

“Harry - stay out of this, please!” Rapticon Sr. said

“Stay out of this? You're talking about giving Hermione up to the Snape! We can't give up now for some -“ he gestured to Kathy “ - person we just met!”

“Be empathetic, Harry” Rapticon Sr. said “We've got no other choice!”

“Guys? Are you still there?” Fenrir's voice cackled in the radio

“We're till here, Fenrir… standby” said Rapticon Sr. “Just trust me in this one, alright?”

Harry stood there in disbelief… they can't just give up now, not when they're this far…

“Doc… I heard something about you needing Hermione?” said Fenrir

Rapticon Sr. raised the radio to his lips.

“Where are you guys?”

“Near Windsor Inn behind that blue café a block from it” said Fenrir

“I'll meet you there… I need Hermione now” said Rapticon Sr. “I think we can do something about our problem.”

Harry shook his head and stared at the ground in disbelief and shock.

- - -

For the day where The Mercs were tipped off of their target, only five were assigned to extract Hermione. They thought they had the upper-hand with Kathy under their mercy. But things have been backfired recently that they had no idea how it happened. It's been almost an hour since the incident in the marketplace.

“Did we lose them?”

Julia, who was pressing her cellphone against her forehead, looked up to meet the eyes of Ickis James, the head assassin of the Mercs. He was tall, covered most of his face with a large fedora and carried a sniper rifle around his arms.

“You missed” she retorted back

“Woah, woah, woah…” Ickis said “That wasn't a jab at what happened awhile ago, I was just askin'”

“Never mind that, Ickis” said Julia “Drake trusted me to get the job done and if he finds out I let a bunch of fugitives go away with Hermione, I don't think I'll be heading Mercs operations in a long while!”

“Calm down, Jules” said Ickis calmly leaning on a fruit crate “They're bound to find them soon, they can't go anywhere”

“How are you so sure?

“Because… we have Silverwalker's parents, I bet they won't leave until they're safe - goodie-two-shoes if I ever say so myself”

For once, Ickis made sense… Julia thought about it and sighed.

“I just need to know where they are!” she clenched her fist

“Be careful.” Ickis said as he took an apple from the fruit stands “You might break something”

“Shut up,” said Julia

“Sure” Ickis chomped on an apple easily

Ring!

Julia felt the phone vibrate in her hands. She flipped the phone open and spoke to it.

“Blumetritt, anything new?”

“We got them!” breathed Nero's voice “We found the orange guy!”

“You did?” Julia said triumphantly “Well done, Nero!”

“We saw him sneaking around the intersection of 5^th Street and 3^rd Street” said the voice of Elias “Kathy is here too”

“And Hermione?” Julia breathed

“The fugitives claim they have her but they'll only cooperate if we fulfill our promise to Kathy… Jules, she must've caved in the last minute” said Elias

“We'll work it out, Elias” Jules said “Just bring him and Kathy here”

“Looks like things are lookin' up for ya” Ickis chuckled throwing the apple core away

“I know” said Julia smiling “I have to report this to Drake now”

“Do it later,” said Ickis “The boss doesn't need his lackeys to disturb him every now and then especially when he's busy at this hour”

“You're probably right.” Julia said putting the phone in her pocket… she looked at Ickis suddenly “Where are the parents of Kathy?”

“They're at the truck” Ickis thumbed the alleyway where a black truck was parked. “You could've picked a better parking spot, to be quite honest”

“Doesn't matter,” Julia waved a hand at him lazily “There they are”

Ickis and Julia saw Shen, Elias and Nero coming in the marketplace square holding Rapticon Sr. by the arms, while Shen kept Kathy ensnared within his grasp.

“On his knees,” snapped Julia “Now”

Elias and Nero pushed Rapticon Sr. on his knees. Julia walked towards Rapticon Sr.

“So you're one of the war heroes of Operation: Ibarra two days ago!” she said proudly as she circled him “Rapticon Sr.…” she laughed “My, my, my do we have lots of trouble to fix, don't we?”

Rapticon Sr. didn't answer. He just looked at them defiantly.

“Ah Kathy,” said Julia “How are you?”

Kathy too didn't answer and instead she frowned and started staring at her shoes.

“Your parents are waiting for you, you know?” Julia said kindly to Kathy “They're in the truck behind me” she gestured to the black truck

Kathy's eyes widened with longing and desperation. Rapticon Sr. shook his head out of reverie.

“Kathy told me about your deal… that if you get Hermione, you'll let her go” said Rapticon Sr. “I want to add to that”

“Yes?” Julia looked at him intriguingly

“I want you to take me and Hermione in exchange of Kathy's parents and clearance of the charges against my companions -“

“Not so fast,” said Elias slyly “You see, we didn't come here for Hermione alone. We came to get the fugitives who killed the late King Bedeviere!”

Rapticon Sr. didn't show any sign of weakness. He was ready to give it all up… somehow…

“Our orders,” said Julia “was to get Hermione only… Sir Severus Snape will be arriving shortly to restrain the fugitives. I hardly see an escape route here anyway” she looked around

“So n-now what?” Rapticon Sr. asked intently “I just want to get my friends off the hook! Will you take Hermione or not?”

“Your courage and sacrifice impresses me, Raptor” said Julia “They should be proud for having a leader like you -“

“Cut to the chase now, Jules!” Ickis said from the back “Monologues is the reason why villains die”

“We are not villains,” Elias corrected Ickis “We just work for the highest bidder and who you are calling us villains, hmmm?” he raised an eyebrow “We're working to save Hermione!”

“Just sayin' out of the usual pretenses, Vexy” said Ickis jokingly

“Don't call me that!” Elias said hysterically

“Ickis?” Rapticon Sr. muttered as he looked at Ickis James.

“So?” Julia said “Where is she?”

“She's being held up by my friend” said Rapticon Sr. “I have to radio him in to give her to you but not until Kathy and her parents are united and safe”

“Where's the radio?”

“Right here” Shen said “We confiscated that from him”

“Very well then…” she said “We'll take your exchange”

She took the radio from Shen and after clicking it open, she placed it on Rapticon Sr.'s ear.

“H-Harry?” Rapticon Sr. panted

“Professor?” Harry replied

“How many times do I have to tell you, Harry? I'm not your professor in this world” he said quickly

“Sorry - what's happening?” said Harry… Rapticon Sr. never heard Harry's voice sound so dry and scared.

“They are going with the exchange… I'm coming with them too -“

“What?!” Harry bellowed into his ear which made Rapticon Sr. wince “Y-you can't do that!!”

“I have to Harry! Snape and the kingdom will be there shortly I need you to trust me and bring Hermione here! After that, take Kathy and her parents with you to Fenrir, he'll lead you to Skyld and Accula will be there to help you, understand? I want you to leave now!”

Julia laughed

“That won't be necessary, Rapticon - “

“SHUT UP, I'M STILL TALKIN'!” Rapticon Sr. yelled at Julia and after clearing his throat he continued “Harry? I know it's hard for you… but you have to trust me… I swear, I will take care of Hermione, we will see you again -“

“Sir…” Harry's voice trailed

“Just do it, dammit” Rapticon Sr. said “The Mercs are getting rowdy”

“I'll say” said Elias

“Harry…” Rapticon Sr. said quietly “Bring her out now… I don't want this whole thing to go into a bloodfest… come out now.”

- - -

Harry dropped the radio. He can't believe he was asked to do… he looked to his left and saw Hermione sitting on a crate albeit wearing a black bag over her head. Moco was looking at Harry sadly.

“I - I can't do this, Moco” Harry said in a shaky voice “I'm about to give up two people who I need right now”

“Kupo…” Moco said “I don't know what to say…”

“You don't have to say anything” Harry croaked “But promise one thing…”

“What?” Moco looked at Harry

“That when we get to Skyld, we'll come running for Rapticon Sr. and Hermione”

“Yes, kupo!” Moco said punching his palms

“Harry?” Rapticon Sr.'s voice crackled in the radio in his hand “Where are you?”

“I'm coming” said Harry and after stifling a sniff, he went to Hermione.

“Hermione, we have to go now…” he took Hermione by the hand and helped her out of the alleyway and into the marketplace.

“There they are!” Elias yelled from afar

“Don't worry, Hermione…” Harry said sadly “I'll get you back, I promise!”

“Send out the parents of Kathy!” Julia ordered Ickis

Harry helped Hermione towards the cobbled walk. He wished he could just magic themselves out now… he can't do this… not now, not here.

Please… let me wake up… I want to wake up and find myself in Hogwarts…

They were nearing the Mercs. Harry saw Ickis leading two adults who must be Kathy's parents… they looked like they haven't eaten in days. Kathy saw them and started calling out to them.

“Mom! Dad!” she cried

“Kathy!!” the mother cried but Ickis held his rifle up to block their path

Harry stopped on his tracks with Hermione by his side.

“The parents” Harry said, his lip trembling

Julia nodded to Ickis who dropped the gun. Shen then harshly released Kathy from his grasp. Kathy ran for her mother and father and for the first time in a long time for Harry, the sight of the union between child and parents was something he would long for in his life…

“Now give us Hermione!” Elias yelled

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand… he wanted to make one goodbye but he somehow let go of her and pushed her towards them. He looked on helplessly as Ickis escorted Hermione to the truck.

“Wha - what about Rapticon Sr.?” Harry said in a low voice, he felt helpless “You're going to take him now?”

“Hmmmmmmm….” Julia put a finger on her lip “Let me think… No.”

And in an instant, Julia pulled out a gun from her holster and shot Rapticon Sr. in the heart three times making Rapticon Sr. fall backward in a graceful arch. Harry wanted to scream but his mouth was wide open that all he could do was say “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!”

The lifeless body of Rapticon Sr. lay motionless on the spot, his eyes closed…Harry couldn't speak. He just looked on in shock seeing the death of his professor in front of him!

It can't be…!

“Leave him alone,” said Julia “Sir Severus Snape will take care of him. Come, we have to bring back someone's daughter back to him”

Julia and the Mercs left Harry and his mourning at peace as they climbed in the truck. Harry felt the anger boil in him. He stood up and was about to attack when…

BANG!

Harry ducked and saw Ickis aiming his rifle at him.

“If you plan to attack, we'll kill the parents instead” said Ickis coolly gesturing to Kathy and her parents who were still in shock at the abrupt death.

Harry's mind was racing… he didn't care, all he wanted was to kill the Mercs and save Hermione… he can't believe his stupidity…

Ickis boarded the truck from the back and with the sound of a truck sweeping out of the alley, they disappeared in sight.

Harry kneeled and started banging on the surface. He can't believe he lost not only Hermione but Rapticon Sr. This can't be happening… it's too real…

“I - I'm sorry, Harry” said the kind voice of Kathy

Harry looked up… he didn't know whether he should be happy for her or angry at her… but it didn't matter…

“Leave me alone…”

Kathy didn't hesitate, she looked at her parents and went to hug them before leaving the marketplace.

The marketplace was silent as Harry sobbed silently… Harry couldn't help it… he was losing it… he wanted to do something rash… something big, something that will make progress… Skyld wasn't so important now… he wanted to go home. He wanted to -

“EEEP!!” Kathy screamed

Harry looked up and saw Kathy pointing to Rapticon Sr.'s body which stood to a sitting position instantly.

“P-Professor?!” Harry gasped

Rapticon Sr. didn't listen, he took out a radio from his pocket.

“We're clear!” he announced to the radio “Kathy's parents are in check!”

“Got it, doc” said the voice of Fenrir

Harry didn't know what to say, what happened?!

“H-How did - when - where how?!” Harry stammered in disbelief as he walked and crouched before Rapticon Sr. “I thought you were dead!”

“I never died,” Rapticon Sr. said smiling and he unbuttoned his black coat and revealed what seems to be something shiny… a metal ringmail “Got it at that store -“ he pointed at the nearest armor shop “ - for five hundred gil. I didn't expect her to shoot me but what the hell - hey!”

Harry couldn't help it, he leapt and hugged Rapticon Sr. praising that he wasn't dead.

“Woah, hold on there!” Rapticon Sr. laughed as he pulled Harry away “We got work to do” he said seriously

“I know!” Harry said “We need to get Hermione!”

Like before Rapticon Sr. didn't listen to Harry and spoke to the radio.

“Did you catch what Julia said, Fenrir?”

“Yep!” said the southern accent voice of Fenrir “Ol' Snape is comin' to town”

“Got the airship ready?” Rapticon Sr. said

“Just as you planned, doc” said Fenrir sounding as if he was distracted with controls “You have to take Kathy and her parents along for the ride, ya know”

“I know that” Rapticon Sr. said “How's Hermione?”

Harry's heart leapt again. Hermione?

“What?!” Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. in disbelief again

“I'll explain everything when we get to the airship cab that Fenrir got for us, now quick we have to move now!” Rapticon Sr. said and looked at Kathy “Kathy, we need you to come with us”

“B-But -“ she retorted

“The Mercs will realize the decoy isn't Hermione. They'll be back soon and they'll make you a target and I don't want that, so I beg you to come with us to Skyld. You'll be protected there”

Kathy looked at her parents. The parents looked oblivious to make decisions so Kathy looked at Rapticon Sr.

“You got my parents back…” she smiled “Just as you promised”

- - -

Last night, Rapticon Sr. dragged Kathy to the corner of the empty living room. Learning of her problem with the Mercs, he developed a plan that will benefit the two of them. The Mercs arriving to get Rapticon Sr. and his companion didn't bode well with him when he extracted the information from Kathy.

“I swear, we'll make sure your family will be safe” he said to her “Otherwise, they will die.”

Kathy gulped.

“I - I don't want to do anything to hurt anyone… I just want my mom and dad back”

“Don't worry… you will get them… I promise you. You told me the Mercs contacted you about our arrival… they said they'll come here tomorrow, right? That in exchange of your parents freedom, you'll have to give up Hermione?”

“Yes,” she said frowning

“The exchange will happen… but I need you to pull a lot of acting on your part” Rapticon Sr. chuckled

“But what if you die - ?”

“I will find a way to avoid that, don't worry” Rapticon Sr. nodded “But until then… whatever you do with us for tonight… Don't get involved.”

Kathy nodded.

“I promise you'll get them back… I know I wouldn't want to be locked up too so we have to help each other… I will get them back… I swear” said Rapticon Sr.

“Alright,” said Kathy “Don't get involved, I'll remember that”

“Don't get involved” Rapticon Sr. smirked.

- - -

“I know, Kathy” Rapticon Sr. said “I want you to trust me”

Kathy smirked and nodded

“Good, now let's go!”

Rapticon Sr., Harry, Kathy and her parents raced down the marketplace and into the new avenue towards the airship depot.

“You have a lot of explaining to do when we get to that ship!” Harry bellowed in mock anger

“I know” Rapticon Sr. said for the umpteenth time “Sorry if I had to use Hermione there and didn't tell you -“

“Who was the decoy?” Harry asked

“Someone Kathy told me that she wanted to take care of…” Rapticon Sr. grinned “To Skyld?”

Harry nodded

“To Skyld”

With a new companion (with her parents), our two heroes race to the airship depot hoping that they'll fly in freedom.

- - -

“Don't worry, Hermione” said Elias as he untied the black bag's string on her head “You'll be alright -“

Elias was sitting at the back of the truck eager to see Hermione's condition. When he removed the bag from her head -

“NYAH!!” he yelped

“What?” Julia asked from the front

“DeGroot?!” Shen asked in shock

The decoy turned out to be the woman who was the lobby lady at the Windsor Inn… the woman who kept watch on Kathy just incase she did something rash. At this revelation, Ickis laughed.

“You goy screwed by that Potter boy!”

Elias in anger screamed

“CURSE YOU, HARRY POTTER!!”

The trip to Skyld is coming closer… it will only be a matter of time where all the pieces are finally in place.

Read and Review, please!