Resistance: Chapter 5

[gaiages]

Resistance - Chapter 5
Fic Table of Contents

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV
Things don't go as planned.

CWs: none

We're finally pushing more into the Bozja story. Lots of tension overall as Mikoto gets kidnapped... but for a change it's not the boys at each other's throats. Maybe the hurt feelings are cooling down a bit? (If they are they won't admit it)

Other links: Tumblr | AO3

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"We're simply spread too thin as it is, we don't have the forces to launch an operation to save Mikoto…"

Kris's eyes narrow as he crosses his arms, the displeasure clear on his face. "Would you say the same if it was one of your countrymen, Marsak? Or do you leave them to the whims of traitors and Garleans as well?"

"How dare you…!" Marsak slams the table, his lips curling back as he regards the Warrior of Light. "You do not think we've had to leave our soldiers behind? That this is somehow different!? You would never underst—"

"I do understand." Kris's expression doesn't change, but his tone takes a sharp turn that brokers no further argument.

"Enough." Bajsaljen shakes his head. "I understand your feelings, Blade Kris, but we cannot change facts. Our troops are too far split, and we're fighting the Garleans on too many fronts. We don't have the manpower to lay siege to the Castrum."

Laurent cuts in before Kris can argue again. "At least we know where Mikoto is—and Misija clearly needs her for something, else she wouldn't be alive."

Kris stands silently for a moment, eyes closed, before speaking. "Fine. I'll resolve these other conflicts. Then, we can storm the Castrum."

The others in the command tent stare at him before Bajsaljen breaks the silence. "You… you mean to fight all these battles… alone?"

"Not alone, of course. I will need a partner." Kris's gaze lingers on Laurent briefly. "But I need Blade Elja to rest."

Laurent scoffs at the suggestion. "Ready to be rid of me at the first opportunity?"

He notices Kris's expression softens slightly—ever so slightly—but after he shakes his head, the hard expression returns. "No, we'll need every man we can at the siege, and you've barely had time to sleep. I will not have you falling over when I need you."

Kris taps a finger against his arm for a moment before continuing. "Blade Azetina suffered an injury recently, so Blade Slanasch has been idle. I'll take him in your stead." He nods, not waiting for any affirmation before turning to exit the tent.

"Wait." So frustrating… Laurent bites back the retort. "And what of you? You need rest, as well."

"I do not need rest. I simply need us to storm the Castrum as quickly as possible."

Kris leaves the tent before anyone has a chance to respond, and Marsak growls as he walks off. "Who does he think he is? Ordering people around–"

"He's the Warrior of Light, Marsak. Just let him do what he needs to do." Marsak stomps off after Bajsaljen's comment, and the Hrothgar sighs before turning to Laurent. "Can you tell me what exactly happened? Kris wasn't keen on giving the details…"

"Right…" Laurent lets a slow breath out, then begins recounting the day.

* ~ *

"Laurent."

"What is it?"

"Come here." Kris roughly grabs Laurent's arm and pulls him behind the tent, and he resists the urge to wrestle it back. What is he doing…?

Once they're away from the main area, Kris drops Laurent's arm and remains silent for a moment, concern evident on his face. Laurent crosses his arms, waiting for Kris to work out whatever he was going to say.

"Makoto has found… I don't know how to describe it. I don't understand these things." Kris waves a hand in frustration before continuing. "...She found some way to recharge the focus we used earlier to delve into Cid's memories. Misija is insistent on coming with us onto the battleground."

Laurent shakes his head. "...I don't see the issue, Kris. Misija is a soldier, even if she has spent most of her time at camp."

"It's just…" Kris frowned, taking another moment before continuing. "I don't have a good feeling about this. Misija isn't telling us something." His expression softens a bit as he looks away, staring at a spot on the ground. "I don't… want to ignore this feeling. I don't want something bad to happen again."

Again? Laurent didn't press it—now didn't seem to be the time to bring up painful memories. "What do you need me to do?"

Kris looks back at him, a faint look of shock on his face. "It didn't take much to convince you."

"Seems unwise to ignore the Warrior of Light's hunches."

"...Right. Of course." Kris's expression becomes unreadable. Was he expecting a different answer…? "I need you to follow behind us. Make sure we're not walking into a trap, or be backup if I need it. I know you can do it… discreetly."

Laurent nods. "Fine. I'll make preparations."

He turns to leave but stops when he hears Kris speak again.

"Thank you, Laurent."

"Mm." As much as he wants to, he doesn't turn back around.

* ~ *

"The plan didn't work. We underestimated Misija, and what she was willing to do to get that focus." Laurent sighs angrily. "I was waylaid by some Garleans meant to… ensure Misija did her job. You know the rest."

"I see…" Bajsaljen falls silent, processing the story. "It is undoubtedly a frustrating situation… we all trusted Misija. I don't know why she threw her lot in with the Garleans. But… if this is what spurs Kris and the other Blades to make ground, then we can take back the Castrum and save Makoto all the same."

"Perhaps you should fight your own battles instead of getting Kris to do it for you."

"...What was that, Blade Elja?" Bajsaljen bristled. …I did not mean to speak that out loud… but…

"Hells, you seem happy Mikoto was kidnapped, as if she's something to dangle in front of him so he'll do what you want. I hope your inaction doesn't get them killed."

Laurent turns and leaves the tent. He hears Bajsaljen say something as he leaves, but he doesn't bother to listen.

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