Adult-FanFiction.org : Final Fantasy

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
- 10
- 11
- 12
Author's Note: Here I am again! I just cannot get these things up when I want to. Such is life. Any who, its taken eleven chapters...But there is finally something going on in here that's more than just flirting. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter Eleven

Just outside the Queen's Garden of Alfitaria, the grounds were swarming with guards and work crews to receive today's military train as it approached the station. And for once in a long time, they would actually have something to unload. After the engine came to a halt, Lieutenant Spinosa was the first to exit. He immediately began to bark orders at the men to prepare a transport to Prison Sands for the captured Brigands.
Layle and Keiss got off with the rest of the guard. Sir Regal was ordering around soldiers as he led the shackled Selkies off the train to be taken away. On the platform waiting for the boys was none other than Dr. Oides. The short older Lilty barely stood out among the hustling guards. In fact Keiss nearly missed him when he heard the doctor calling his name.
"Keiss! Keiss!" The old man waved as the redhead came over with his partner.
"Doctor! What a surprise to see you out here."
"Well, I wanted to see my shipment…and…" The old man turned his head the direction of the captured Brigands, "I felt it would be best if I apologized to the Lieutenant in person."
The Selkie mercenary scoffed, "I don't think he'll mind…"
"He still seems a bit more upset that 'we failed to catch the bearer' than the fact that we caught the thieves," Layle chimed in, his hands in his pockets. The doctor turned to him concerned.
"A, bearer? A Selkie Crystal Bearer?"
"No," Keiss shook his head, "A Lilty girl …She hired the Selkies to rob the train while she damaged the shipments."
"She's not one for your cure, Doc." Layle nodded with a smirk, "Though I doubt she'll be targeting the trains again."
Oides looked back and forth between the two mercenaries before he started asking them about this Lilty Bearer, "A young girl, you say? What did she look like? What was her power?"
Keiss shrugged, "I don't know…I didn't fight her." He turned to Layle.
The Clavat lifted his right hand, "A gold light, that cast Haste," he then raised his left hand, "And a silver light that cast Slow. She wields Time magic…But when our powers meet they cancel out."
The doctor looked a bit pale. He took a cloth out of his pocket and pressed it to his neck, "Time magic you say…Oh dear… Well, it is not surprising to hear you say that, young man. How we perceive time is related to gravity…your powers could possibly control hers if applied correctly…"
"Did I hear you right, Dr. Oides." The three turned their heads to see Spinosa making his way toward them, "Did you just say, this Clavat's powers can control another Bearers?" He pointed at Layle, who frowned at being called 'that Clavat'.
"Ah, Lieutenant, I am glad to see the thieves have been caught. Please, tell Sir Regal I am quite pleased."
"Of course…but about that Clav-"
"Layle," he crossed his arms. "My name is Layle."
"…Layle's powers. They can control another Bearer's abilities?"
"In theory…If properly applied…Gravity magic can change the effects of other spells. The effect would be more noticeable for magic in the same classification…Such as Time based spells."
Listening to the men talk, a little light came on in Keiss' head. He snapped his fingers and turned to Spinosa, "Pretty heavy information…useful too. Especially if you plan on going after that time controlling girl."
The Lieutenant looked Keiss over, "I suppose you have a suggestion?"
"Well, I would say, tracking her down sounds like just the job for my partner and I."
"…Yes but can he actually do what Oides says he can?"
"Of course he can," Keiss turned to Layle. The Clavat just nodded. He had never actually tried to control someone else's powers before. It sounded interesting. And the idea of trying it was alluring.
"Then tomorrow, Keiss, come to my office. We'll discuss a contract…" Spinosa turned on his heels and started off to take command of his guards from Regal.
The Selkie beamed and turned to Layle, "Told you this was the ticket!" he put an arm around the Clavat's shoulders, "Oh! Yes…Doctor, we may have to take…a few less missions from you."
The Doctor removed his glasses and shook his head, "Actually…I too would like to see Layle's powers at work. Young man I am curious, can you manipulate other's powers?"
The doctor and Keiss turned to him and all Layle could do was shrug, "Dunno."
"Don't know? You don't know! But you just said you canceled out her powers."
"Yeah…when our powers met, everything just stopped…I didn't try to do that actively." Keiss hit himself in the forehead with his palm. "Oh knock it off, it can't be that hard."
"It can be very hard," The doctor spoke up, "Manipulating magic you are unfamiliar with can be very difficult…"
"I manipulate miasma streams all the time."
"Do you…And how long did it take you to perfect that?" Layle didn't answer. He wasn't going to admit it took him a while to learn how to shift the streams. "…I could teach you."
"Yes!" Keiss lowered his hand, "That's a great idea, Dr. Oides! You can teach Layle!"
"Uh, no." Layle shook his head, "I'm not taking 'lessons' from anyone, any more. Thanks. I can learn to do it on my own."
"Can you really?" Keiss eyed him suspiciously. "Because our future jobs are riding on your ability to bring this girl in." The red head stared at him; Oides also looked at Layle, but his expression was a bit grim.
The Crystal Bearer nodded, determined. "I can do it." And even if he couldn't he wasn't going to learn from some magic hating Lilty. "No problem."
That was all Keiss needed to hear; he pat Layle on the back. "We've got it handled then Doc. We'll be by tomorrow to collect payment…Though, huh, some of your stuff was lost."
"Hmn… That's fine. I will see you tomorrow." Oides adjusted his glasses and looked away from the two, "Good luck catching her, boys." With that the old Lilty walked off. Keiss led Layle off the platform and back toward Alfitaria.
"…Was it just me or did the doc seem bothered?" Keiss turned to look at his partner.
"I don't know…He's always out there as far as I'm concerned."
"You would feel that way."
"So, what now?"
"Hmn…We should celebrate. Now that we've got Spinosa's attention, we deserve a big night."
"Oh?" Layle smirked, "Drinking at Chime's again."
"Of course. All I can stand for free, how can I say no?"
"It's not really free if she asks you for a point by point follow through of your days since your last visit."
"…Do you want to pay for drinks tonight?"
"Hell no."
"Then shut up."

As Keiss had promised, the duo celebrated their new up and coming partnership with Spinosa by spending the night at Chime's. By the time they got there the bar was open and a few Selkies were already inside sitting at tables and getting drunker. As they walked in, the familiar barmaid called out to them.
"Well there they are! I heard you caught some marauding thieves! Good work," Chime winked at Layle. "I just know it was all your doing, Crystal Bearer."
Layle nodded to her but Keiss rolled his eyes, "News travels fast, eh?" He took a seat at the stool.
"Big news does. Too bad you can't collect the reward the Guild is offering." She started to mix the usual drinks for the two.
"Not like I'd want it anyway," Keiss took his glass and Layle took his bottle' the two knocked their beverages together before they started to drink. The Selkie nearly drank half his glass in one go before slamming it down on the counter. "Starting tomorrow we work directly for Lieutenant Spinosa."
"Of the Military?"
"No of the dairy farms. Of course the military!" Layle laughed as Keiss snapped at the Selkie woman. She just shook her head.
"You are digging a deep grave for yourself you know that right?" Chime smiled at Layle as she berated Keiss. The two Selkies carried on back and forth, off and on over the last mission and the fake Brigands. Chime was a bit upset Keiss did not catch the leaders real name, as neither of them believed he was actually called 'Roe Dat'. The Clavat watched as the Selkies spoke until gradually Chime became too busy with patrons to really focus on Keiss. As the bar steadily filled the noise grew louder and louder. Selkies came into drink and eat. To catch up with friends and rest up before and after they had tormented some Lilties on the higher streets. And of course to play cards. Over at the corner table a game was underway, and the sounds of the men cheering and moaning as they dealt away their earnings filled the bar.
Keiss, who had turned his back to the bar and was watching the events of the little tavern, had his eyes now focused on the table. "Hey, Layle."
"What?"
"You want to make some extra gil?" The Clavat turned his head to his partner. Keiss smiled and jerked his head the direction of the game. "You know you want to."
"I don't even know what they're playing…"
"Come on! Selkie card games are easy to learn." The red head practically leapt from his bar stool and motioned for Layle to follow.
"Says you." Layle followed leaving his empty bottle behind. The two made their way over to the corner table where a new game was about to get underway. As the men fresh out of gil were getting up to leave Keiss grabbed a chair and spun it around so he could lean forward onto the back. He then motioned for Layle to sit down. "Deal us in." The Selkies all looked at them speciously. "What?"
"Sorry, you two. This is a closed game."
Layle took a seat and leaned back with one arm hanging over the back of his chair. "Guess we can't play, huh?"
"Well I guess we'll take our twenty thousand gil and play elsewhere…"
"You only brought twenty? I brought thirty-"
"I wasn't sayin' that to you two!" The Selkie with the cards started to shuffle with a smile. "Just to the blokes behind ya's." He chuckled awkwardly and started to deal to the boys and the four other players at the table.
"Of course you were…" Layle leaned forward and took his cards.
"Alright, Crystal Bearer," Keiss took his cards as well, "The rules are simple. You want to make as many suits as you can. Doubles. Triples. Runs. Hearts are highest. Ace of Hearts is wild. Joker can be added onto any suit. Any face card with an onion on it is lowest in rank."
"An 'onion'?" Layle made a questioning face and Keiss held up a Jack of Clubs with a Lilty on it.
"An onion." He winked at Layle.
"Should have guessed…" The Clavat picked up his cards and felt Keiss elbow him.
"Don't worry, these are lucky seats. All you gotta do is pray and look up."
'Pray and look up? What the hell is that supposed to mean…' Layle looked down at his hand, his mind trying to understand Keiss' words. 'Pray and look up?' The Clavat leaned back in his seat and his eyes glanced up. He had to stop himself from visibly smirking. 'Lucky seats my ass…You cheat!' Hanging awkwardly on the wall was an old stained long mirror. It was just long enough and at just the right angel that it let one see over the shoulders of the men on the other side of the table. Mind you this still meant at least two other players' hands were unknown, but it was a good advantage.
It didn't take Layle long to get the hang of the game. And with the advantage of the mirror, it wasn't hard to stay one step ahead of other players. He and Keiss played for hours. Selkies dropped in and out over the games. And while they occasionally lost, one of them always won big after a few games. And the later and later it got, the livelier the place got. Soon the little unmarked bar was filled with patrons. Selkies coming and going; drinking and partying; everyone was having the time of their life.

"That's it!" The Selkie across from Keiss tossed down his cards after his sixth loss in a row. "This is insane! You're winning too much!"
"Aww, come on…" Keiss held his cup by the brim and swirled the contents. The alcohol consumption had not helped with the loss of time. "You're gonna quit too? It's not like I haven't loss."
"It's unnatural!" The Selkie stood and threw his chair. From the bar Chime called out to him to calm down or get out. The aggravated loser opted to leave.
Layle turned his head to his partner in crime and smirked, "Perhaps we should call it a night."
"I guess if there is no one else left to take us on…"
"I'll take you on." The boys turned their head to the voice speaking behind them. Layle frowned as soon as he saw who it was, but Keiss smiled. Standing behind them, hands in his pockets was the familiar long blue haired Selkie the Clavat had come to hate.
"Dass!" Keiss set his cards down and stood up from his chair. "Just the Selkie I wanted to see."
"Heard you had an eventful day…" The red head slung his arm around the other Selkie and turned away from the table.
"Oh, Layle. I'll see you at the apartment."
"Sure. Whatever." The Clavat stared at the table as Keiss walked away. Two new Selkies sat down ready to play, but Layle stood up and collected the pair's earnings. "I'm out." Some of the Selkies grumbled as he left, unsatisfied they would not get the chance to win their money back. The Clavat walked through the crowded tavern over to a bar stool. He could see Keiss and Dass heading out the door. He grumbled and flopped into a seat. Immediately Chime was across from him.
"You okay, handsome?"
"Yeah, great. Just won a good seventy thousand gil playing cards…"
"You don't look so hot…Too much to drink?"
"Not enough if you ask me."
The Selkie barmaid made him a drink and set it down between the two of them. "You're upset, with Keiss I take it?" Lalye didn't answer he just took a sip of his drink. "Or maybe with Dass? Either way, you're looking a bit green."
"Who says I'm jealous," the Bearer scoffed at her.
Chime chuckled, "Jealous? I just said you look a bit green. Sick you know. Why would you think I was implying you were jealous?"
Layle rolled his eyes and pushed his drink away, "I think its time to head home. I am feeling a bit green, as you say."
Chime took the glass and poured its contents into the sink, "If you're looking to fix what ails you," she called out to Layle who glanced over his shoulder at her, "Head up the street and take a left. He stays in flashy green building…Can't miss it."
Layle hesitated for a moment before continuing on his way out the bar. Outside he stood on the sidewalk thinking over where he was going to go. The plan was to go home. To head right back to the apartment and face plant there. He would just sleep it off. Sleep off Clockwork, having to learn a new skill, and his idiot partner. Sleep was all Layle wanted. So he turned north and walked up the street.
"Stupid, Keiss…making me waste my night." The Clavat walked the streets of the Selkie neighborhood. Passing by a few couples and some girls that called out to him and giggled as he passed. They probably thought he was lost, or could smell the gil stuffed in his wallet. It didn't matter to him. He walked until he reached the end of the street and turned left. Sure enough there was a two story building a few feet down that was green and decked out in ocean paraphernalia. An anchor on the house, old fishing nets, sea shells on the windows. Layle tucked his hands in his pockets and slowly approached. He could already see from the windows no lights were on.
There was a set of stairs leading up to an enclosed doorway. After making sure he couldn't see into the windows, Layle moved around to the steps. Just as he reached the top he heard the sound of someone slamming onto the door from the other side. For a moment Layle hesitated before reaching forward; as his hand touched the door knob it started to turn. The Clavat stepped back and jumped from the stairs. He ducked under them and sat holding his breath as he heard Dass' voice over head.
"I still don't quite understand…" The Clavat could hear the other Selkie was a bit out of breath. "It's just…abrupt."
"Priorities, Dass." Keiss spoke up, and again Layle heard the sound of something hitting a wall, this time followed up by silence and heavy breathing. It lasted for about ten seconds before he heard the noise again. "Really, that's the last."
"Pr—priorities, huh?" He could hear Dass sniffing and chuckling. "You're ambitions are so high…I don't see why you can't handle two people at once."
Keiss chuckled, "It's not about what I can…or cannot do. Because believe me, I can handle you, and my partner."
"Prove it to me." Layle heard the door open again. "Don't leave." There was another long pause, but this time Layle didn't hear anyone moving. He didn't even hear any breathing. In his mind he was imagining Keiss just standing up there on the stoop, looking at Dass in the open door way. In his mind he saw Keiss shake his head and leave. In Layle's mind, Keiss was at least not a big a jerk as he made himself out to be…
"Fine," Keiss chuckled. "I'll stay."
The Clavat rolled his eyes. Of course, Keiss was only not self-centered in his mind. Within moments he heard the door close shut again. Layle came out from under the steps and could faintly hear his partner's and Dass' voices leaving the doorway heading deeper into the house.
"Why did I hide!" He threw his hands up in the air. "Why did I even come!" Layle turned and headed back the way he came. "Why did I even think Keiss was going to stick to his word- oh wait that's right it was the only thing he had me retract. Jerkass."
Layle walked the streets of the neighborhood talking and ranting to himself. It certainly put off what few Selkies he passed. If they had been planning to rob him, they all turned or got out of his way. Something about a Crystal Bearer cursing to himself in the middle of the night just didn't strike them as an 'okay target'. Eventually his feet managed to bring him back to the shuttle. However this late at night, they only came by every thirty minutes. He leaned up against the wall of the shuttle platform grim faced and unamused.
There were no platform workers at night, at least not down on the lower streets, so he was by himself. Layle just kept shaking his head, questioning, "Why did you go back in? Why?" Which was usually followed up by asking himself, 'Why did he insist upon caring?' he and Keiss were business partners. Mercenaries. They relied on each other for their strengths and abilities. Personal affairs were not tangled up in that. It was not his problem. It shouldn't rub him the wrong way.
As the shuttle approached Layle picked himself up off the wall. "I just need to sleep. I just need...to get back to our apartment and sleep…" As he walked across the lowered bridge he could hear the faint sound of footsteps racing toward the platform. They were followed by someone shouting his name and the word 'wait'.
The Clavat stepped over the threshold of the shuttle and turned around to see Keiss running at top speed across the platform. He glanced to his side, there was an emergency stop button he could hit to keep the terminals automatic controls from kicking in and leaving the Selkie behind. However he didn't press it. Layle turned his back to Keiss and sat down on the empty seat. He felt the shuttle start to drift away from the platform and he closed his eyes to rest. Just before it took off he heard the sounds of the emergency signal and looked up to see Keiss had jumped the gate at the edge setting off the warning. The Selkie landed with a tumble on bridge as it drew itself up.
Layle didn't move. He watched his partner panting on the ground. The red head stood up and backed into a seat that he promptly lay down across as he continued to catch his breath. "Geez, Layle! You couldn't make it wait for me!"
"…I'm tired. I want to get home sooner rather than later. There'd be another in thirty minutes."
Keiss sighed, "So you would make me wait? I'm tired too."
"Tch, I bet you are…"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Keiss turned to glare at him.
"Nothing. It means nothing." Layle leaned back in his seat. The entire shuttle ride back to Fountain Avenue he didn't' say a word. The silence continued once they disembarked as well. He could feel Keiss glancing over at him as they walked. There was no one else out this late- or this early depending upon how you looked at it, so only the sound of their footsteps filled the air. Layle kept his jaw clenched tight, just focusing on wanting to sleep. But he could tell Keiss wanted to talk.
By the time they reached the apartment's door, the Selkie had had it. Keiss stood holding the key in his hand, but he wasn't going to open it just yet. "Alright, Layle. What's wrong."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you…" Keiss leaned on the door and looked his partner. "You usually don't talk, but also usually don't look like a Blazer Beetle crawled into your ass and died."
"Very funny. I told you…I'm tired."
"Bullshit…" The Selkie continued to glare at him. Layle rolled his eyes and reached for the key.
"Just open the door."
Keiss yanked his hand back. "We will go inside when you tell me what's wrong…Is it the mission form today?"
"No."
"The Oides talking about your powers?" The Clavat rolled his eyes, "Then you don't want to work for Spinosa?"
"What the- Keiss, if I didn't want those things I would have told you twelve hours ago! Now give me the fucking key so I can go inside and quit looking at your fucking face!"
The Selkie shoved the key in his pocket and put his back to the door, "Its me! I'm what's bothering you?"
"Congratulations. You figured it out."
"Why!"
Layle took a step back from Keiss rubbed the side of his head, "Can we please have this argument in the morning, after I've slept." He reached forward again, using one hand to push Keiss' shoulder and keep him on the door while the other tried to dig into his pockets.
"Hell no!" Keiss grabbed the front of Layle's jacket and pushed off the door. He rushed at the Clavat and slammed him into the wall opposite of them. The force of the blow knocked the air out of Layle's lungs, but he didn't stay dazed for long. Using his ability he took hold of his partner and flung him off back into their door. The two stared at each other scowling for a moment before they lunged again.
Keiss swung out his fist to punch the Clavat in the face. Layle retaliated by grabbing one of the locks of hair that hung in front of Keiss' face. He yanked the Selkie to the side and punched him in the gut before turning their bodies and throwing him into the wall. The red head rubbed the side of his head as Layle stood in front of the door and took out his own key grumbling. "Why don't you go stay with Dass, and let me get some freaking rest for a change?"
"Dass? Dass?" Keiss glared at Layle's back as he unlocked the door. "All of this over Dass?"
"Yeah, all of this over Da-" Layle was turning around to shout at Kiess but the Selkie had rushed forward and slammed into his back. They both fell through the open door and hit the ground. Layle felt his chin hit the floor and his whole head shook. Keiss sat on his back and rolled him over to punch him in the face. The Bearer stopped Keiss' punches with his powers and growled at him.
"Get off me!"
"No! Not until I knock some sense into you!" The Selkie struggled until he could break free of Layle's hold. Luckily for him all the drinking made his powers a little less accurate. Keiss grabbed the furred collar of his partners coat and lifted his head before slamming it back into the ground. Then he did it again. And again. "You stupid! Stupid! Crystal Bearer!" Layle grabbed Keiss' wrist and squeezed them trying to stop him from shaking his head up and down.
"L-let! Go-o! Damn-it! Ke-iss!" Finally the Selkie stopped shaking Layle but he kept his grip on his collar. "Get off of me! Just- leave me alone!"
"Are you gonna stop being a brat?"
"I will when you stop being one!" Keiss shook him again. "Stop it!"
"Why are you upset! Huh? Why are upset with what I do!"
"W-what? Why wouldn't I be upset, Keiss? You fucking flirt with me all god damn day and disappear at the drop of hat-"
"Admit that you're jealous!" The Selkie cut him off. "Admit it!"
"I'm not jealous! I'm angry! There's a difference!"
"Admit it!" Keiss shook him again, "Just say it, Layle!"
"No! Not! Never!" Layle shouted out one word answers each time he felt Keiss shake him. He wanted to get a grip on the Selkie with his powers but found that each time he tried to his gravity field was easily broken. He made a mental note to never drink so much again. "FINE! I AM!"
"You're what?" Keiss stopped shaking him, half smiling half looking exhausted.
"I'm jealous! I'm jealous and I fucking hate Dass! Now get off of me!"
"There…" Keiss let go of Layle's coat. "Now don't you feel better?"
"…No. I feel like punching yo-"
Layle's sentence was cut off. Somewhere between gloating and letting go the Selkie on top of him had leaned down without him noticing. And in between admitting how he felt and ranting out how he was going to beat him up, Keiss had pressed his lips to Layle's. At first he didn't move. It took him a few seconds to process that he was no longer arguing with Keiss, and that Selkie was moving his lips against his. It took him twice as long to realize his own mouth was moving and he was kissing back.
He was kissing back. That was all Keiss could think about. His hands fisted around Layle's jacket and he kept his body still while he turned his head and dragged his tongue over his partner's lips. He felt that if he moved anything more than his mouth, Layle would snap to his sense and shove him through the roof. It was almost like dealing with a wild animal. But so far, things were fine. He felt the Bearer's arm wrap around his side and pin them together. He didn't feel like he had to worry about getting the shit beat out of them this time.
Layle hung onto him; each kiss was calming down his rage. If he didn't hang onto Keiss he was probably going to deck him. The taste of Selkie flooded his sense- which of course was the taste of strong alcohol and the mix of something…exotic? Some sort of sweet flavor. A juice? A fruit? Or maybe it was just something that Keiss all on his own. Finally the Selkie had to pull back for air, but they each didn't let go.
Keiss looked down at his partner with a bit of a smirk, and Layle stared back at him questioning, 'what now'? But before either could make the next move there was a knock on the door frame. Keiss turned around and Layle leaned up on his elbows to see a Lilty woman standing in their doorway in a robe and her hair tied up in a net.
"If you're going to be having 'lover's quarrels' have them at reasonable hours! Or I shall call the authorities!"
"Uhh…" Layle looked over at Keiss who stood up and smirked.
"Of course Ma'am. We're so sorry…" He pushed her back and waved with a half smirk. "Won't happen again!" Keiss slammed the door and her face and leaned on it before he started chuckling.
Layle got up off the floor and took off his coat. "I'm going to bed…" He turned around and stopped when he felt Keiss grab his elbow. The Selkie pulled him back for once last kiss before walking passed him and smiling.
"I broke up with Dass. …Told him it wasn't worth it to have you always in a sour mood. One is enough for me." Keiss winked at him as he went down the hall to his room. The Clavat scratched his head. Did he know?
Did it matter?
Layle shrugged and entered his room. He didn't bother getting undressed, he just fell face forward onto his pillow. Finally he got to sleep.

A/N: I guess Layle will just have to sleep on that. Hope you enjoyed Eleven.
- 10
- 11
- 12
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Crystal Rule