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The Crystal Rule	By : QueenDraggyofSwords Category: Final Fantasy Games > Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Views: 956 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy: chrystal Chronicles, any of its characters nor am I making any profit off of them.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Chapter Ten

On the day the boys were leaving for the train, Keiss was up early making breakfast and coffee. He had their passes and the map to the research facility all set to go. Now he was just waiting on Layle.
The Clavat emerged from his room and fell into his chair yawning.
"Don't do that." Keiss set a plate down in front of him. "Don't look tired. Don't look angry; don't do anything that will set a negative image."
"Keiss…it's just a mission. An escort mission at that. An escort mission for stuff. We can't even interact with what we are watching."
Keiss took his own seat and sighed, "That is not the point! I have been trying to get Spinosa to contract me for a month. This is that chance. He has to have a good impression- no a stellar impression of us! So be sure you're wide awake by the time we get there."
Layle sipped his coffee, "I'll be wide awake…" He smirked, "You're always so uptight about appearances, but if those Lilties only knew…you wear long sleeves to cover up all those Selkie tattoos."
"Don't you dare mention those." Keiss frowned as he ate. For the weeks Layle had been living with him, the Clavat had noted that Keiss was very overdressed for a Selkie. And it did not take him long to figure out why. It was the markings. All Selkies had them. Light tattoos on their bodies, all meaning something or another. They were tan and brown and practically blended in with their skin, but you could still see them. Keiss had explained most are just ways of identifying who's from where. Everyone had a mark put on them early in life that matched up to their home location- Leuda, Costa Faguita, Bridge Town, and so on and so forth. But there were also tattoos for other meanings. Those were more like notoriety. Things Selkies received for being the best or infamous, and then they very rare sort of 'ranking' mark.
As Keiss had explained it, there's not really a class system among Selkies like there was with Lilties. Like Clavats everyone just 'was', but there were still 'leaders' of the tribe collectively scattered about the country. They usually had some prominent mark in a very visible place, and whenever anything happened within the Selkie the community they were the final say-so in the matter. On what was right to steal, where was right to settle, who were enemies, allies…If any Selkie or anyone wanted to do anything big in their community, it had to be approved. And at the top of these leaders was the Guild Master. The center of all things Selkie within Alfitaria.
As far as Layle was concerned it sounded like a mafia of sorts. But Keiss assured him they weren't nearly as violent as he was thinking.
However, Layle still could not get Keiss to tell him what all the marks on his arms meant. 'I bet one is for 'Guild Member',' he finished his meal and pushed his plate to the side.
"Ready when you are," The Clavat stood up along with his partner. Maybe after this train nonsense was settled, Keiss would tell him why it was so important.

At the Veo Lu Research facility the boys were greeted by the usual overzealous Lilty Guards. With the place on heightened security and Keiss being a Selkie they were all too enthusiastic to assume he was one of the thieves. It took a half hour of explaining and proving that they were supposed to be there, but once they were cleared, the boys left the Acote in the airship hanger and made their way to the train platform.
The entire place was wall to wall steal and steam. Lights hung high overhead illuminating the steal catwalks that lead above chemical vats and into sealed off rooms. Doors were marked hazardous, personnel only, caution, and closed. There were timed locks, password locks, and guards everywhere. It made Layle shudder.
"I already hate this job…"
"Come on, Layle, just relax." Keiss lead the way as they walked through the facility out to the train platform. Outside the back of the building was where the trains arrived to load up. The platform was presently covered with working Lilties, soldiers and crates. All of them going through checks and having their inventory written on their sides. "Alright…We need to be in the car with the Dr. Oides' shipment."
"Do we have to be 'in' the car…How about just outside it?"
"Quit freaking out, Layle…I'm sure this stuff is transported saf-"
"What are you doing here!" Keiss smiled at Layle. He didn't get to finish his sentence as he was cut off by a familiar angry voice shouting at him from behind. Layle rolled his eyes as he watched his partner's usual sarcastic smirk take shape. The Selkie turned around and smiled even wider.
"Sir Regal! How good it is to see you again."
"This facility is for authorized individuals only! You had better get out or be arrested!"
Keiss shook his head, "I'm afraid I can't leave, Regal." The Selke mercenary pulled out his contract with the Doctor and his clearance pass. "You see, I'm here to make sure my clients shipment makes it to Alfitaria, safely."
Regal snatched the paper away from him and began scanning it over. Layle and Keiss traded looks as the Lilty mercenary called for Lieutenant Spinosa.
"You had better hope he lets this fly…"
"He will, don't worry."
As the Lieutenant approached, he wore a surprised and displeased expression at the sight of Keiss and Layle. Regal thrust the contract at him before he could even question the Selkie, "Oides is disobeying your orders!"
Spinos frowned and read over the contract. He looked up at Keiss and then down at the paper, "So that's the game."
"Game?" Keiss looked at Layle. "We're playing a game?"
"Not that I know of." He shrugged at him.
"I want them removed!" Regal called for a guard, but Spinosa belayed that order. "B-but Lieutenant, Sir!"
"Regal…The Doctor has expressed concern that his research will be put to a halt if he does not receive his chemicals soon. His contractors are here to only ensure his shipment makes it their destination…It will not interfere with your work and will even relieve you of some duties. This way you need to only focus on catching those thieves."
"With all due respect, Sir…I doubt this…young man will keep his nose out of other's business…Not to mention the dangers of having someone on board the thieves can relate to!"
"Hey!" Keiss pointed at Regal, "I am not a thief."
"Regal, please, come with me we will inform the men of the presence on board and make the necessary arrangements and adjustments for today's shipment…" The Lieutenant led the Lilty mercenary away from the boys without another word.
Keiss nodded to Layle as they left. "Let's find our place in this mess."

It took another hour before the train was fully loaded up; Keiss and Layle were assigned to watch over three supply cars. Each one was filled with large cylinders of the stasis fluid Dr. Oides used in his experiments. Luckily for Layle there wasn't any truly suitable place for them to stay within the cars, so they were stationed in the car just before them and the car just behind them.
"I'll stay up front, you in the back; every twenty minutes we'll rotate."
Layle leaned up against a platform light and looked down the line of cars, "You want me to walk through the cars? Full of that stuff?"
"You love danger, Layle."
"Yeah I love it in situations where there's a chance of survival…"
"It's all sealed up! Quit being such a baby."
"Is there a problem, Keiss?" The two turned their head to see the plum bearing Lilty making his way toward them.
"No, Leitenant, just going over with my partner how we're going to monitor the doctor's shipment."
"Excellent. Dr. Oides speaks very highly of you, Keiss. I normally would not allow two non-military personnel on board…However, the doctor's research is also important to the Lilty Army, and even the High Commander wants to see it to fruition. Do not disappoint."
"Of course not. The shipment will get through, no problem…However, I have one question."
"Yes?"
"Exactly…where do these Brigands usually attack the train? Just so my partner and I are not caught off guard."
He looked the two over, "There attack location changes each time…"
"And you're sure they're not starting out on the train?"
"You have seen for yourself. This area is more than secure. How they are getting on remains a mystery," Spinosa pointed at Keiss, "One that you do not need to be focused with."
"Of course, of course…Well then," He motioned for Layle to follow him. "We have better get on and in place while you get ready to check the train over." The Lieutenant watched them go, the Lilty sighed. He knew Keiss was going to cause trouble for him…
"So they're getting on while the train is moving…I have to admit that's bold."
"What's the matter, Keiss, don't think you can handle it?"
The redhead snorted, "Just get into position, and I'll see you in twenty." The Selkie waved to Layle as he headed off down the platform to board three cars ahead of him. The Clavat stepped up onto the train. The car was filled with Lilty guards all taking their stations at Regal and Spinosa's orders.
"It's going to be an interesting ride…"

As the train got underway, Layle quickly decided he hated this mission as well. Sitting and waiting for something to happen,was not what he enjoyed doing the most. And sitting in a room full of surly Lilty guards was also not high on his 'enjoyable ways to pass the time' list. After the first twenty minutes he was up and opening the door to the supply car. Inside the cylinders of the crystal fluid were lined up and laid on their side. They were stacked, three rows high, all on one side of the car. The other side had a clear walkway leading to the door and the next car.
He quickly made his way to the door not wanting to stay in the room with the containers for too long. Even if they were sealed up tight, the idea of them breaking open and flooding the car kept filling his mind. And he did not want that stuff anywhere near him. Layle quickly opened the door and proceeded through the next car. Just as he was reaching the second door he saw Keiss coming toward him.
"So, any news of an attack yet?" The Clavat asked as he kept walking.
"No- nothing ye- You could at least stay and hold a conversation," The red head frowned and out his hands on top of his head.
"You know I don't like this stuff, Keiss."
The Selkie rolled his eyes this time, "Just relax will you?" He leaned up against the railing of the walk way and looked at the containers. "Those things are sealed up tight. Nothing is going to make them break open." Layle looked over at the containers. In these cars there were very small windows just below the roof that allowed light to shine in. But since they were so narrow the place was mostly lit up by the lights hanging in the room. The sunlight rushed over the tops of the containers as they gentle clanged.
"I guess you're right…I am being really twitchy about nothing."
"That's right. And with us here to protect them, none of the stuff is going to be spilled out or thrown off or stolen. It's all good." Keiss turned to Layle and smiled. The Clavat smiled back. Keiss was right, they could handle anything. As the two stood there, the train passed into a tunnel, blocking out the sunlight. As the room went dark and the dim lantern light surrounded them, he suddenly felt a jolt. One that made him ill at ease.
"Did you…did you feel something?" He lifted his head to the windows and squinted. He could have sworn he saw a silver flash for just a moment.
"I didn't feel anything." Keiss pushed of the railing. "I'll see you in twenty, okay?"
"Yeah…" Keiss headed for the door, he looked back at Layle who was still standing there.
"Crystal Bearer…"
"Hmn?" he turned to look at him.
"Go on, get to work," He winked at him before closing the door. Layle sighed and shook his head.
Keiss was right…He was freaking out over nothing. Layle opened the door to the car ahead of him and stopped in the doorway. The guards here were all on the ground. How did that happen? He and Keiss were in the room right next door, how did that happen! He squat down next to the closet guard and lifted him up, "Hey! Hey! What happened!"
"Ugh…Brigands…from nowhere…were just…in the room…"
"Where are they now? Hey, buddy?" Layle shook the guard but he didn't answer. The Clavat set him down and stood up just as the train left the tunnel and sunlight filled the room again. "Alright, let's find these guys and put an end to this."
Layle took off running through the train car. He jumped over the fallen guard and pushed open the next door, only to find the same result here. "Great!" He continued to push forward. Just ahead of him he could hear the sounds of a struggle. Layle put his hands on the door and cursed when the found it was locked. Through the door's window he could see the guards fighting off three Selkies, two males and one female. All of them were wearing the most outrageous getups he had seen in a while. They were decked out in bright purple headbands and clothing with blue and purple stripes. He cursed and kicked at the door.
His banging on it caught the woman's attention. She called to the others and the three turned their attention toward him. One of the men- he was wearing a furred boa around his neck pointed at the door. He moved on to the next car, but the remaining Selkies came at the door. Layle backed up and got ready.
The door opened and the two flashily dressed individuals came into the room. "Well, well, this is new!" The man spoke up. He juggled a dagger back and forth between his hands. "They got a Clavat here, this time."
"Maybe them Onions gettin' tired of us dicin' then up!" The woman chuckled. She carried a long pole for her weapon that was currently up against her shoulder. "Well at least he's a good lookin' Clavat."
"This ain't time for flirting Velle. We gotta job to do."
"And what might that job be?" Layle asked still slowly backing up.
"That's for us to know and you to never find out, Clavat!" The man rushed forward with his knife drawn. He lunged for Layle's stomach, and the crystal bearer grabbed him with his powers and flung him back. The Selkie man let out a scream and the girl took her pole into a defensive stance.
"He be a Crystal Bearer! I thought that lass said they'd never hire one!"
The man got up from where he had landed, "Well she was wrong…just get him, Velle!"
"Right!" The girl charged, but not directly at Layle. Instead she ran for the sides of the car and used her pole to run along the walls. She jumped off the sides and swung to kick him. Layle grabbed her leg with his hand and swung her into the other wall. Unfortunately he was so busy watching her he missed the man get up again. By the time he realized the Selkie was at him, the man's knife was cutting into his jacket. Layle fell back knocked his attacker back with his powers. This time the man was flung into the wall. He let out a grunt before falling over passed out.
"Telle!" The female Selkie regained her footing and charged for Layle again. This time the Clavat grabbed for her pole and used it to force her to leap head first into the opposite wall. She stayed down after that. Layle tossed the pole aside and inspected his jacket.
"Man…do you all know how much I like this thing!"
"Layle!" He looked up to see his partner coming tough the lower car door. "Layle! You alright!"
"Yeah, how about you?"
"I'm good…a few of the guards back there aren't in great shape…" Keiss looked down at the two Selkies Layle had dealt with here. "Just two here? There were only two in the back too... I don't understand how they took out the guards so quickly…"
"Yeah…they're not that great at fighting either."
"Come on, we need to get to Regal. He's up in the front cab. Spinosa and the rest of the conscious guards are coming up from the rear."
Layle nodded and he and Keiss continued forward together. Through each car they found more and more passed out guards. "This is insane…there's only one guy left!"
"Just one?" Keiss shook his head, "That makes for only five…Chime said there was a sixth?"
"Well, the girl back there mentioned a woman…"
As the two approached the front cab, the found the door open. Inside Regal was tied to a chair. He was swearing at the Selkie rooting around through the safe.
"You won't get away with this! As soon as I find out your secret on how you move so fast. You're done for! Hear me! Done for!"
"Pipe down, onion! …Bah…None of these are worth selling…Where's the good stuff onion! Tell me or else!"
"Or else what?" Keiss and Layle stood in the door way. The Clavat with his hands in his pockets and Keiss leaning on the door frame. "You'll dice him up?"
"Who are you two!" The Selkie man stood looking them over.
"You two! Get back to your station! I'll handle this!"
"Oh because you're handling it so well…" Keiss rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the thief. "I think the better question is, who are you?"
The Selkie chuckled, "Is this your idea to stop me? Bringing in some punk Clavat and some fool Selkie. Pathetic." He put his hands on his hips and beamed at Keiss, "I am Roe Dat. The greatest thief in all of Alfitaria! Successor and descendant of the greatest Selkie thief in all of history!" He pointed at the boys, "And if you two get in my way, my Striped Brigands will dice you up with the rest of this mobile salad bar!"
"Who?" Layle shrugged, "Those chuckle heads Telle and Velle? I already took care of them."
"And your other two goons on the lower half of the train have already been turned in to Lt. Spinosa." Keiss stepped forward from the doorway. "So if you know what's good for you, you'll back down now."
Roe Dat snorted, "There's no way you took down my men!"
"If you don't believe us, then just watch for yourself!" Layle raised his hand and picked up Regal. The Lilty let out a cry as he was tossed, chair and all at the Selkie thief. Roe rolled to the side to avoid him and the chair smashed into the wall. It broke apart, freeing Regal, though the Lilty was in no hurry to get up. Keiss rushed forward to be at Roe's side as he stood up. The redhead pulled out his daggers and used them to slash at the man.
The thief took the first two cuts before grabbing one of Keiss' wrists and twisting it until he let go. The mercenary cursed and leaned forward to head-butt the man away. As Roe took a step back, Layle took hold of him with his powers and yanked him toward the doorway. He jumped out of the way and let Roe Dat go flying into the car behind him.
The two followed him into the pervious car. As they ran in Roe Dat tackled Layle to the ground. He began punching him in the face. Keiss grabbed the Selkie by his shoulders and head and tried to pull him off. "Get off of him!"
Layle was disoriented from the few blows to his face. He lifted his hands and grabbed the bodies on top of him and flung them into the walls wildly. Keiss was forced to let go after the first two hits. And Layle continued to slam Roe Dat back and forth until finally the Selkie quit fighting him. He let the thief drop just as Lt. Spinosa and his guards were coming up from the rear and Regal was entering from the front of the car.
The Selkie thief groaned as the Lilties came to stand over him. Regal walked past the downed Keiss and Layle who was rubbing the side of his face to stand before the Lieutenant and salute him.
"Good work, Regal. I see you have finally caught the thieves."
"…bullshit…" Keiss pushed himself up from the ground.
"Did you say something, Keiss?" They turned to him.
"Yes! Did you just say something, perhaps insulting to the Lieutenant?" Regal sneered. But Keiss kept his cool and walked forward.
"I am merely pointing out….There is still a thief missing." He stood next to Layle looking him over to make sure his partner was alright. "This guy is good…but he is clearly not the mastermind. And there is no way his lackeys took out all those guards without help."
Regal scoffed. "You're just trying to steal credit when it's not due to yo-"
"Can it, Regal." Layle spoke up this time. "The Selkie girl even mentioned another member. And we have evidence supporting we're missing one."
"Then where is this other Selkie, hmn? No one has seen them!"
"Ask the fake Brigand on the ground," Keiss pointed to Roe Dat. "He can tell us…"
"I'm no…fake…" The guard hoisted Roe Dat up as he continued to protest. "I..am no fake! I-I am the greatest Selkie thie-"
"Yeah, sure you are," Keiss walked forward and looked the Selkie over, "You know you're going to go to jail right. So just give up your partner."
The Selkie spit in Keiss' face. "I'll be out and back to robbing trains in no time."
"For your offenses you'll be going to the Aerial Prison." Spinosa spoke up. "But if you give up this supposed 'other thief' perhaps I will show leniency."
The man just laughed. "I ain't tellin' you Onion's or you, traitor. Anything!" He looked Keiss over, "How did they offer you for this gig? One hundred thousand? Five hundred thousand? Or maybe a million?"
Keiss smiled and shook his head, "Just thirty thousand. My usual pay."
"W-what! But then…why! Why turn on your own kind!"
"I can't stand liars…" Keiss grabbed Roe Dat's face and made him lock eyes with him, "I've been looking you over…and I can't find it…You should have a tattoo, if you are who you say you are. That marks you as being part of the Brigand blood line. You don't have it. Even if you get out of prison, rest assured I will make sure every Selkie from here to Leuda knows you are a liar and smearing the name of our ancestors. But maybe if you tell the Lieutenant here where your partner is, I won't set you up for a life of hatred and scorn."
The Selkie stared back at Keiss for a long long time before chuckling, "And…and what makes you think I'm scared of you? Some…traitorous punk?"
"Simple…" Keiss leaned forward and whispered into the Selkies ear. Layle watched as the look on the man's face soured and then turned to shock he looked at Keiss and shook his head. "Y-you? You!" Regal looked back and forth between Keiss and the prisoner looking upset.
"Uh-huh," Keiss took a step back and nodded to the man, "And I will make sure everyone knows who you are and every detail of your life. Even if you get out of prison, you'll still be trapped."
He shook his head, "L-look…I didn't mean any offense! W-we weren't out to drag anyone's name through the mud…She just hired us to rob the train!"
"She who?" Spinosa asked, "Who hired you?"
"I don't know her name! It was all her idea…She just told us, she would get us on the train and we could take what we wanted so long as she got the files…and got to do her things…"
"How does she get you on the train!" It's now Regal's turn to shout.
"S-sh-she slows it down…She just lifts her hand it the whole thing slows down. We get on…and she speeds us up! That's how we do it! When have to get off she slows it down again!"
"…A crystal bearer…" Layle muttered at Keiss. The two looked at each other a bit concerned.
"But when?" Keiss asked. He turned his attention back the prisoner, "When are you doing this? People would notice the train slowing down."
"Not in a tunnel we won't!" Layle snapped his fingers, "That's what I felt! I felt the train slowing down…you won't notice in a tunnel because we can't see outside. We don't notice the landscape slowing down and people off the train don't see it happen!"
"Yeah…yeah! That's what she said…" Roe nodded, "L-look can we just put me in prison now?"
"But where is this Crystal Bearer? There are no Crystal Bearing Selkies! This whole thing smells like a lie!" Regal grabbed the Selkie's face. "Talk faster!"
"S-s-s-he's a Lilty! She always… Goes after those containers… She tampers with them… Destroys the stuff… I don't know why."
"Shit!" Keiss looked at Layle and the two took off running. Spinosa called after them, but it didn't matter. The boys were off running back to the storage cars.
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Keiss cursed the entire way. As he pulled open the door to the first car eh hollered in aggravation. Every one of the containers was leaking out onto the floor. He ran forward for the next car, "Come on Layle!"
Layle stood at the threshold of the car door, looking at the fluid pooling on the ground. "Uhh…uhh…" He looked ahead to see Keiss rushing through the next car. "There's no way…" As he backed up he heard a thump overhead. Someone was on the roof of the train? Layle called to Keiss, but the redhead was long gone. He turned his attention to the side door and began to twist the lock. With a bit of his energy he forced it to slide open and the air rushed in. His jacket whipped around and so did his hair as looked the side of the train over before spotting a ladder leading up. He reached out with his right hand and pulled himself over to it. The crystal Bearer slowly climbed up to the top of the cab car and looked around.
Standing on top of the train was a Lilty woman. Her long hair ended in a flourish of lilacs. It was the same girl from Mushroom Forest.
He carefully stood up and stared at her. She had her back to him, but he could see she was also wearing a striped outfit and a purple bandana, most likely to blend in with her hired thieves.
"Hey!" He called to her, and she turned to face him. "The game's over. Come with me."
She eyed him and smiled, "Clavat. I thought I told you to stay away."
Layle took a step forward toward her, "Sorry, but I was hired to bring you in."
She scoffed and raised her right hand, "You won't be taking me anywhere." Again Layle saw a light, this time it was gold in color. Before he could think the Lilty girl was in his face, more accurately her fist was. He had knocked him to the roof and was running the next car in an instant.
"AGH!" He rubbed his jaw and got up. "Okay…that was a freebie. Next time…You don't get a cheap shot!" He turned and started to chase her down the train. She was running for the last car. Layle raised his hand and created a stream around her, "Time to rope you in!" He yanked the girl backward. She stumbled and fell back few feet. She caught up to her he swung his fist at her. She raised her left hand and silver light encased him. The Clavat suddenly found his body slowing down. The girl pulled away from him before his blow was even close and she smirked.
"Like I said…I'm not going anywhere." She turned and started to run again. Cursing, Layle forced his body to move, he started to push his own powers outward, and his body quickly picked up speed. Once he could move again, the girl had a good one car lead a head of him.
"Damn it!" He took off running, using his powers to latch onto parts of the train roof and yank himself forward, this time when he caught up with her, he didn't break the stream. Instead he used her as an anchor to pull himself forward.
The girl turned to face him raising her left hand, Layle raised his own intent on pulling her into his fist before she could cast. Instead when their two magic fields collided the two were repelled from each other. "The hell!" Layle got up from where he landed. He could see the crystal bearer Lilty was also knocked to her feet, grumbling.
"Gravity and Time…" She cursed him. "Your skill is gravity!"
"So I noticed, Clockwork!"
"Clockwork?" She looked at him questioningly, but didn't have time to wonder too long. While she was talking Layle grabbed hold of her and yanked her at him, this time punching her across the jaw. She hit the roof of the train and rolled.
"Sorry, I owed you one."
'Clockwork' picked herself up and whipped her lip. "So you did…No powers, just fight." She took a defensive stance and motioned for Layle to come at her. He cracked his knuckles and accepted the challenge.

Keiss had come back up to the front cab of the train where the Brigands had been tied together. Spinosa and Regal were discussing what to do next.
"So how much of the shipment did you lose, Selkie?" Regal sneered at him.
"About half…I was able to seal most the containers…Lieutenant. Layle and that Crystal Bearer are fighting on the roof of the train. We need to help him."
"There is no need, Keiss. Our Crystal Bearer problem will soon be dealt with."
"What?" Keiss looked at him confused.
"A tunnel," Regal answered. "It will knock that interfering Bearer right off the train."
Keiss looked horrified, "But Layle is up there! How soon before we get there!"
"In three miles, Relax, Keiss. So the Clavat will get knocked off too…the less of their kind the better."
"That's my partner you're talking about, you, ass!" Keiss turned on his heels and ran from the car. He had to warn Layle.

Above the train Layle and the Lilty continue to trade blows. Their fight was slowly leading them further and further down the train. She was more apt at using her legs, tossing in kicks and using her knee to jab at his sides. Layle had to admit it was trilling. Fighting on top of a train, more than once he had nearly been knocked off.
"Why are you doing this!" she suddenly asked him in mid punch.
"You're the one who said no powers!" He caught her arm and flipped her onto her back.
"Arg!" She rolled to the side and got up panting, "No…Helping Oides…His treatment…You're a traitor to your own kind!"
Layle stopped and lowered his fist. "Look, I'm not gonna be doing this forever…"
"So you don't agree with it…Then let me go. Let me continue my work to stop him."
Layle watched her for a second. "I can't let you do that." He held up his hand and tried to encase her in a shield, but she raised her hands and cast her own spell knocking his powers back. "God damn it, why!"
She chuckled, "Don't you know anything about magic? Gravity and Time are intertwined… When you try to cast on me, I can negate the effects." She raised her left hand and started to cast on Layle.
"Then it should go both ways." Layle shielded himself from her spell. It knocked him back a bit, but this time he was not slowed. "Ha! Thanks for the tip, Clockwork."
She smiled at him, "You're a bit strange, Clavat. But it is time to go…next time our meeting won't be cut short." Clockwork raised her right hand out over the train. Out in the passing field, a Chocobo that was running by suddenly picked up it pace. It came in line with the train and the girl jumped off. Layle shouted and ran for the edge. He got there just in time to see Clockwork slow her fall and mount on the bird. Once she was on it she released herself and it from her powers and the train speed off.
He shook his head as he watched her ride off into the open grasslands. "That girl…I can't wait for our next round."
"LAYLE!" The Clavat turned his head to see Keiss' sticking out from a hatch one car ahead of him. "LAYLE! TUNNEL!" The blond tilted his head in confusion but then looked passed Keiss. He could see it. A tunnel that the train was quickly disappearing into.
"Time to bail!" Layle turned and ran for the end of the train. Keiss let of the latch and slid down the ladder back into the car. Layle rushed forward, using his powers to pull him across the top of the remaining two cars. He could hear the sound of the wind whooshing into the tunnel as the train speed into it. He stretched his arm and grabbed hold of the very end of the train and yanked himself forward and over the edge.
Just as he dropped down the last car sped into the tunnel.
Layle leaned up against the caboose's outer door and exhaled as he watched the tunnel roof rush by overhead. Just behind him he heard a banging sound. The Clavat looked over his shoulder to see his partner smiling at him. Keiss opened the door and hugged him.
"You stupid, Crystal Bearer! Don't you ever do something that could get you killed ever again!"
Layle pat him on the back and chuckled. "I can't promise that…It's too much fun."
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The Crystal Rule