F.F.O.

Author's Note: Concerning the character “Fenrir Skylar”, he is based on the character “Sawyer” from the Emmy-winning drama series “Lost”. (Season 3 is so close :D)

Author's Note #2: I suggest you listen to the FFXII soundtrack's track 57 “Esper Battle” to get the feel of the coming events. Seriously, it will help a lot!

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Chapter Twelve

Vain Protection

“We're still above the city” said Harry, he looked out of the window and saw the Citizen District below “Can't this thing get any faster?”

Harry didn't know why he asked. The airship is flying fast but the vastness of the city makes it feel like a drag to get out of it.

“It's the fastest she can go” said Fenrir, who was on the wheel

It was Harry's first time flying on an airship. He hasn't quite succumbed to that fact owing to the big chase he had in the past hour but after finally seeing the view, he couldn't help but smile.

“Wow…” Harry whispered in amazement as the ship passed by another airship

Harry couldn't quite help but feel a sensation in his gut. He was flying on a large vessel! It's quite different from a broom. He never flown a plane before (The Dursley's would leave him Mrs. Figg whenever they went abroad) so the airship ride can be quite exciting. He looked below and recognizes the Greater District's many shops and cafés, the trade market, the famous Celes Hotel at the Citizen District and his Warrior's Guild.

My guild…

Harry frowned while he looked at the red-roofed building. He realized that after what happened, he might never see the place again… he was now a fugitive accused of kidnap and murder.

How about Moco and Yumi?

Harry looked at Moco who was looking at the other Moogles (who are in frozen panic from the recent events) from a distance. He wished he didn't bring Moco into this. Moco had goals, dreams and a great life as a Chocobo rancher. What would Mooka, Moco's father, think? He must be worried sick as they fly above.

Then Harry looked at Yumi, the first human being he befriended in Accula's world. She was sitting at one of the many chairs of the bridge. She was staring at the ceiling while swing her legs idly. Harry didn't know much about her but he wished Rapticon Sr. didn't bring her along… though, after what Harry thinks she feels about him, Yumi is probably half delighted that she came along.

After that theft fiasco a week ago…

Harry chuckled at their first meeting where she robbed him of his money but had a change of heart during confrontation. From then on, he is used to know that Yumi is more than just a thief.

Yumi must've felt Harry's eyes since she turned to Harry and gave a sheepish smile. Harry replied with a wave and looked out of the window.

Hermione…

His thoughts now swirled on his amnesic best friend. Hermione was looking indifferent seated on a chair a few feet from Harry. Harry could tell that she is reflecting on what is happening to her right now… how she got fooled into getting kidnapped, how she was deliberately molested by a royal subject, how she witnessed the confessions of Royal Council member, Severus Snape and a crystal of her dark past, how her Uncle Vector didn't believe her… and how she allowed herself to go along with them on this roller coaster ride.

Reflecting on about Hermione Grangeré, Harry always wondered why she ended up this way. Why is she like a developed character? Why don't Harry, Ron and Rapticon Sr. have a history or an established place in this world? He remembered Rapticon Sr. saying about them having a possible background in this world like how Hermione is a daughter of a famous general. So what is their background in this world?

Hermione's character background is somewhat a very shocking one. Remembering Moco's stories on how Summoners were extinct, he looked at Hermione and thought about what she can do. Can she actually summon a Sentinel? A super-being that can cause apocalyptic feats? For some reason, the departure of this world to the real world didn't really matter to Harry like before. What concerned him now was who exactly Hermione is and why does Snape want with her.

“Are you alright, kupo?”

Harry shot a look at Moco who approached him. Moco looked at Harry with concern. Harry smiled at the little creature and nodded.

“I'm fine, Moco” he said “I'm just tired and…”

“…shocked, kupo?” Moco asked

“Yeah,” Harry said “We can say `shocked'.”

Harry sighed.

“Look, Moco” Harry knelt before the Moogle “I am sorry I got you into this -“

“Kupo!” Moco jumped to midair flight “Don't apologize, Harry! It doesn't really bother me, kupo!”

“It doesn't?” Harry looked at Moco

“Erm… not really, kupo” Moco landed on the ground “But I know you have no intention in putting me and Yumi in danger. Maybe you had no choice in taking us along, kupo? Or maybe it's because you don't want us to get hurt? I can keep guessing but always have the thought that you guys want to help us, kupo!”

Harry laughed and rubbed the Moogle on his head. He was glad that Moco was the first one he met at Atrynömunal.

“So I have decided” Moco said, putting a tiny hand on his chest “that as your Moogle friend, kupo, I will go with you wherever you please! Choco will tag along too”

“But it might be too dangerous -”

“Dangerous, kupo?” Moco crossed his arms in a cute manner “Are you conscious that my delicate look might compromise my safety?!”

“Take it easy!” Harry raised his arms in defense “I didn't mean that!”

The Moogle started laughing.

“I am just playing around, kupo!” Moco said “But if there's one person you should be worrying about and that is…” he pointed to Hermione

Harry looked at Hermione and saw her rocking back and forth on her seat. She looked worried and lost.

“You said she's your best friend, right?” Moco said

“Yeah” said Harry not taking his eyes off of her

“Then ignore me and be a friend for her, alright?” Moco tugged on his sleeve

Harry looked at Hermione and nodded.

“But what about that explanation I owe you and Yumi?” Harry asked

“We have a lot to worry about, kupo” Moco waved a hand “Besides, we can wait”

Harry unexpectedly pinched Moco's fluffy ear and stood up. He walked towards Hermione. Hermione stopped her indifferent manner and made a fixed smile at Harry.

“Hi,” she said weakly

“Are you okay?” Harry said sitting beside her

“No” said Hermione not looking at Harry. She glanced at Harry and noticed his grim look and added “Sorry… I just had a rough day, that's all”

“We all had” said Harry “Look, I am sorry I didn't tell the truth before -”

“Save it, Harry” said Hermione “I know you had to… and frankly, I am glad you did otherwise, we'd never know what Severus Snape is up to”

Her very straight tone gave Harry the impression that she had some annoyance in her state.

“Are you… are you angry?” Harry asked

She looked at Harry with her chocolate brown eyes and looked away from him.

“I… I don't know” she said slowly

“What?” Harry said in slight aghast

“Look, Harry” said Hermione, standing up “I know you're nice but after what is going on I don't know who to trust!”

“Why can't you trust us?” Harry said standing “We saved your life twice already”

“Harry, I know what you did” Hermione said “But trust goes a long with me… I trusted you but after you had to use my trust to kidnap me, I don't know how far you are going to go”

Harry looked at her in a hurt expression. How can she be so stupid? Shouldn't the run from the clutches of Snape and Scipio outweigh the actions they did to her?

“Then what can I do to earn your full trust?” Harry said

“You already did” Hermione said “I just have a lot on my mind… I barely know you guys and after the assassination, it looks like I have no choice, do I?”

“B-But I thought you said a while ago you had no idea on who to trust?” said Harry

Hermione sighed

“My mind is racing, I am tired and I want to eat, Harry… I can't think straight”

“Then answer me, as a person you just met last night, will you trust me and my companions as we go to Skyld?”

Hermione looked at Harry with a very thoughtful expression. She looked to her left and saw the pilot, Fenrir. She looked at Harry and nodded.

“Thank you” said Harry

“But one question”

“Fire away”

Hermione bit her lower lip and in quick fashion, she dragged Harry to the corner of the bridge away from earshot.

“Harry,” she said “I - I can't help but notice how you and… Ron, right?” she looked at Ron who was aiming his spear at Fenrir

“Yes, that's Ron” Harry said

“Okay, Ron -” Hermione continued “I can't help but notice how you and Ron seem to… erm - know about me”

“What?” Harry looked at her

“Don't be stupid” she spat “You two claimed that you were my best friends!”

Harry's hear leapt. He almost forgot that Hermione wasn't oblivious that there is something wrong with him and the company he has brought.

“Hermione” Harry said quickly “I - I don't know if it helps but it is true”

“Really?” Hermione put her fists on her hips “I don't really recall having two boys as best friends”

“No” Harry rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger “Hermione, its complicated -”

“Complicated?” Hermione looked aghast “Elaborate, please”

“Erm - I don't think it is the right time to explain everything” said Harry “But here's the idea: the four of us, me, you, Ron and Rapticon Sr. don't belong here”

“I don't understand” Hermione shook her head “Don't belong here?”

“Like I said, it's not the right time” said Harry “As much as I am frustrated that you have sense of amnesia -“

“Amnesia!?” Hermione said loudly causing everyone to look at them “How dare you say that?! If I recall correctly, I know perfectly what my past is and who my father is!”

Harry bowed his head down.

“This will be hard…” he muttered

“Sorry?” Hermione asked

“I said this will be difficult” said Harry “Your amnesic state will make this difficult for the both of us”

“Difficult?” Hermione said hotly “I am not amnesic! I remember everything that has happened, thank you very much”

“It's not that, Hermione!” Harry said, grabbing her by the shoulders “Can't you remember anything!? You are my best friend! I trusted you with my whole life! You helped me in the worst situations and I saved your life many times! Can't you remember?!!”

“You're hurting me!” Hermione cried

Harry released her as if she was a hot kettle. He backed away and looked at her with shock on what he did. He closed his eyes slowly and covered his face… he hoped that he would shake her out of the memory.

“What's going on here?” said the voice of Rapticon Sr.

“Nothing” Hermione said

“God, it's like back at Hogwarts” Rapticon Sr. rubbed his head “Any luck, Harry?”

Harry shook his head. He felt ashamed at hurting Hermione and didn't look at her.

“Oh…” Rapticon Sr. nodded “Anyway, we are almost over the city walls so sit tight and…” he turned to Moco “I just checked the Chocobo hatch, Choco is doing fine along with the other Chocobos”

“How many are down there?” Ron asked

“Five” said Rapticon Sr.

“Plannin' to hurt them, doc?” said Fenrir coolly

Rapticon Sr. turned to Fenrir and shook his head.

“I have no intention to hurt the birds”

“Just you wait,” Fenrir chuckled “Everyone will find out where you are headed and once we reach Skyld, they will arrest you for whatever you're doing”

“We can kick their ass” said Rapticon Sr. “Look, if you want you, your Moogle friends and your Chocobos to avoid any inconsistencies then at least follow whatever we want”

“What makes you think I will listen to ya?” Fenrir glared at Rapticon Sr.

“Want to listen to a story?” Rapticon Sr. asked

“No time for your fairy tales, doc” Fenrir said

“Oh believe me, this ain't no fairy tale” Rapticon Sr. waved his hand impatiently

The raptor walked in front of Fenrir and said

“A few hours ago, we attempted to kidnap the daughter of Jacques Grangeré” he gestured to Hermione “I think you can recognize her”

Fenrir looked at Hermione with great surprise. His solid features looked thoughtful from Hermione to Rapticon Sr.

“Go on…” Fenrir said

“As I said, we tried to kidnap her - bam! - Mission successful. On our way out we ran into the Royal Adviser of His Majesty King Bedeviere who ran away from the crime scene of the now assassinated king -“

“Hold on a sec” said Fenrir “Are you telling me Scipio killed King Bedeviere?!”

“Yep” said Rapticon Sr. “This event lead to a complication since we know about it and Scipio held Hermione hostage. Severus Snape arrived, “Royal Council member Severus Snape” saw this and made a head-on confession that he orchestrated the assassination of King Bedeviere and that it was him who told Scipio to do it”

“That's just bull -” Fernir said but was cut off by Hermione

“It's true” Hermione said “I was there when I saw it… he told me every single detail and now he has accused my companions that they are responsible of the death of the king and my kidnap. If you are going to accuse me of lying then I ask you; why in the Sentinel's name would I lie about something so serious?”

Harry didn't know how she did it but Hermione's speaking skill caused Fenrir to look at her in shock. It felt like a well thought-out speech.

“B-But under what agenda is Severus working on?” Fenrir asked

“Someone powerful” said Rapticon Sr. “Snape used his power as Council member to arrest us but we escaped from their clutches since we have more bigger fish to fry”

“Even bigger than a conspiracy against the kingdom?” Fenrir raised an eyebrow

“We have no idea what's going on” said Rapticon Sr. “But before we get into much detail, everything hangs on the city of Skyld”

“What do you want over there?” Fenrir looked at Rapticon Sr. suspiciously

“We need to warn Archmage Accula about Severus Snape's implication in the assassination of King Bedeviere” said Harry all of a sudden.

Rapticon Sr. and Ron looked at Harry in surprise.

“How could I be so sure that you won't pull an assassination attempt on the Archmage?” Fenrir leered into Harry's eyes

“Accula is a friend of mine” said Rapticon Sr. “I have known him for years and he's the only one I can trust. He must know that Snape is working for someone that might threaten the kingdom”

Harry thought Rapticon Sr. read his mind. Harry wants to get out of the world of Atrynömunal badly as Rapticon Sr. does but after walking into the assassination of the King, Snape's confession, Hermione being a Summoner and being accused for doing crimes, would he just walk away from that?

Because whatever it is, he is now part of it. Hermione, Ron and Rapticon Sr. are also involved since they were there when Snape told them the truth and with the scandalous nature of this information, it won't be less than sooner till Snape's superiors try to take them down.

Don't forget… Snape wants Hermione because she's a Summoner.

Hermione's past concerned Harry the most… it may be a work of fiction emulated by the F.F.O.'s magic but Harry thought that it would be best to help Hermione out of it. If she was a real Summoner, then that would mean she can be an advantage in the current war that's going on.

How about their escape to the real world?

It had to wait… Harry cursed himself for thinking that but he has made friends in this world. He grew to liken the place and he couldn't help but think of leaving the place in a state where he has the choice doing something to make it better.

“Milady,” said Fenrir, looking at Hermione “Do you think they are serious?”

Hermione looked into his eyes without blinking. Fenrir read her eyes and glanced at Rapticon Sr.

“You people are serious, aren't you?” he said

“We are not lying” said Ron, lowering his spear “If you thought we were then you should've turned this ship around and hand us to the authorities. But you haven't done such thing, have you?”

Ron had a point. Fenrir stared into space and reflected on what they told them.

“Let's say I believe you” he said after a moment of silence “But if you were to be caught on the way to Skyld, how will that affect me?”

“You will claim yourself a hostage of the fugitives” said Rapticon Sr. “You will say that you were threatened by the fugitives to cooperate and that if you were to do otherwise, we would use this ship as a weapon to destroy property”

“That's bold of you, Ford” said Fenrir with a chuckle “But how will I know I have your word?”

“We will give you control of your ship again” said Rapticon Sr. “Even if trust is an issue right now, we hope you won't turn around. It's either you turn this ship around and allow this information to never reach the Archmage or you help us. It is entirely up to you”

The direct question to Fenrir felt very well done. Harry knew Rapticon Sr. was making Fenrir feel like he had to make a choice that if one false step is made, chaos will ensue at his expense.

“Fine,” said Fenrir “But if you screw with me then I will have to oppose”

“Fair enough” Rapticon Sr. nodded “You have my word”

“And I will know soon enough what your word is worth” said Fenrir coolly

“Um - guys?”

It was Yumi, everyone looked at Yumi who was looking outside of the bridge's window pane.

“What's going on, Yumi?” Ron asked

“We have a big problem heading our way” she pointed outside

- - -

“You have authorized what?!” Jacques Grangeré roared

“They won't shoot them down, Jacques!” said Diana Glacius as the two walked down the castle corridor.

Jacques Grangeré couldn't help sit around and wait for his daughter's safety. The moment he heard they left on airship, he left his office and went to the Situation Chambers where everyone was operating on the current situation.

“Then what are you trying to do, Diana?” he said strictly “Tell me”

“We are going to pin it down to the ground. Cripple it to put it simply but not destroy it” she said

“And if they fight back?” Jacques asked irritably “They weren't reluctant to kill King Bedeviere and Scipio!”

“We are aware of the circumstances, Jacques” said Diana “But we can't do anything but wait on and see what will happen”

“This better happen quick, Diana” he said and then his face became sulk “I promised Hermione I would keep her safe”

Diana bowed her head down.

“I know” she said “I love her as much as you do but what can we do? They might use her to get out of the castle since they know you would never order such an action!”

They entered the Situation Chambers where the Royal Council (sans Snape, Relo Perkins and Vector Alonzo), Royal Chief of Staff Xander Erkley, the five succeeding Generals in the chain of command, Attorney General Boris Gullivan, Royal Officer of Defense Wes Duvall, Royal Officer of Special Forces Jofer Tripp and many working officers.

“Where's Zeiji?” Jacques asked as he walked down the large room.

“He is escorting the Emissaries of each kingdom over here just in case the fugitives try to escape towards their kingdoms” replied Diana

If there was one room that was technological advanced, that would be the Situation Chambers.

The Situation Chambers was a wide square room filled with desks and velvet furniture. The entrance of double doors would lead you to a stoop of stairs where a short hallway opened up to a very long oval table. Branching out to every side of the table were study rooms where operations would commence. At the back of the oval table was the office of the superior officer in charge of the situation. Whether it is the King or the Chief Executive General, that room was their throne. The office had a single desk, a phone (the land of Atrynömunal is entering an age where phones are becoming a medium) and a wide glass window pane that can let the occupant view the outside.

From here and there, everyone from every race would walk here and there holding documents and papers. Generals, mostly human race, sat on the oval table, viewing the Situation Chamber's screen where an airship is putting surveillance on the hijacked airship.

“The Royal Chief of Staff is here, sir” said a secretary Viera

“Thank you” said Jacques as he entered the room of the oval table “What's the situation?”

“Sir Jacques” said a female general who had black locks for hair “We are glad you arrived. The situation is still not looking good”

“Put me up to speed” said Jacques

“The target is swerving away from the emergency airships and thing is that this airship looks like it was customized to be very fast” said the female

“Can they out maneuver it?”

“They are trying”

“Thank you, Miss Leslie” said Jacques

“Sir” bowed Leslie Murma

“Jacques” said a new arrival as he entered from one of the rooms “I think you have heard about the move on pinning down the ship?”

This man was the Royal Chief of Staff, considered to be the “second most powerful man in the kingdom”, his name is Xander Erkley. He was tall, almost bald and had a demeanor of strict authority.

“Who authorized it, sir?” asked Jacques sternly

“It's not a sanctioned order” said Xander, sitting down at the oval table “The Council members at the field decided it”

“Who? Severus Snape?” asked Diana

“Alonzo, Perkins and Snape” Xander clarified “They thought it would be best”

“Aren't they aware that they might endanger my daughter?!” Jacques said hotly as he pointed to the screen

“We are all aware of that, Jacques” said Xander giving him a look of no concern

“I - I just can't believe it!” Jacques rammed a fist on the table “Under our very noses! How can we allow such actions to happen?!”

“It is not your fault, Jacques” said Diana “Now calm down and let's find a way to fix this situation”

Jacques raked his brown hair and closed his eyes.

“Get everyone ready in a few minutes in the oval table, we will try to get a Machina Master to get us in contact with the fugitives” said Grangeré

Diana nodded and ordered a Royal Guard to do the announcing around the chamber.

“This has to end today” said Jacques to Diana “Because if something happens to her, I will -“

“ - never forgive yourself” Diana finished his sentence “I know… we all know what she's been through in the past years”

“I - I just can't believe I am making her experience this” muttered Jacques so only Diana can hear “When Danielle died… I promised to her that I will never put her into any harm again”

“Jacues… don't be too hard on yourself. Focus on getting her back instead of focusing on sentiment!” said Diana “As much as I hate saying that, listen to me: we will get through this. Hermione will be safe”

Jacques sighed and nodded.

“Fine, fine… any word on Zeiji?”

“He has arrived with the Emissaries” said Diana

Jacques thanked Diana as Zeiji, his chief of staff entered with the Emissaries of every kingdom in Atrynömunal.

- - -

“Hold on tight!” Fenrir said as he turned tilted the airship sideways causing everyone to slide to the right.

The airship swerved away from the incoming small airships (which looked liked peanut shaped ships) and spun around from them.

“Woah!” Ron yelped as he rolled and landed on a chair

“Ahh!” Hermione screamed as she fell of her place and nearly fell on a control panel filled with knobs and buttons.

“Gotcha!” Harry said as he caught Hermione

Harry stood on his two feet as he tried to gain balance. He helped Hermione up to a seat and fastened a seatbelt on her.

“Thanks” she said quickly “How about you?”

“I'll be fine!” Harry said

“Kupo!” Moco squeaked as he rolled the other way when Fenrir tilted the other way

“Moco!” Yumi screamed as she jumped for the tiny creature and caught it “Stay here with Hermione”

Yumi ran to Hermione and gave her Moco.

“Take care of him, okay?” Yumi said

Hermione replied with a nod. She tucked Moco under the seatbelt and held the armrests as Fenrir took another swerve to the right.

“Can't you lose them?!” Rapticon Sr. shouted as he held on a mast

“I am -“ Fenrir then turned another left “- trying!”

“Can we at least shoot them down?!” Yumi yelled

“This ship is not for combat, sweet cheeks!” Fenrir yelled back

“Oho! Don't you `sweet cheeks' meeeeeee!!!!” Yumi said when she fell back as Fenrir made another swerve

“We can't lose them any further!” Harry said looking out of the cockpit window.

Every Moogle in the bridge were fastened to their seats as they started squeaking their “kupos” in panic.

“Then that only means one thing” said Rapticon Sr. He looked at Fenrir “Where's the way up the deck?”

“Are you crazy?!” Fenrir said giving glances to the radar and to Rapticon Sr. “The moment you go up there the wind will scoop ya up before you could even move!”

“Then sustain a straight flight plan!” Rapticon Sr. said “Trust me, I'll take care of it”

“I - I am coming too!” Harry said, grabbing on to the mast near Rapticon Sr.

“Me too!” said Ron

“No, Ron!” Harry said, turning to Ron “You stay here and guard Hermione!”

“Then who will watch your back?!” Ron asked as he held tighter when Fenrir made another swerve.

Harry pointed to Rapticon Sr.

“Be careful then” said Ron “If we lose you then we'll have a reason to land at the city”

Harry nodded which cued Rapticon Sr. to yell

“Sustain a straight flight, now!”

Fenrir scoffed and made a twirl. Everyone nearly rolled on their places as the airship finally went on a straight flight.

“There is a lift that leads you to the deck a few corridors down here!” said Fenrir, observing the radar “I'll try to let ya near them as close as I can but I won't guarantee you accurate range”

“Good, let's go Harry” said Rapticon Sr.

Harry followed Rapticon Sr. into a threshold leading them into a narrow hallway. Harry expected to go further but Rapticon Sr. took a right. A lift waited for them as a sign saying “Lift” stood above.

“C'mon” Rapticon Sr. climbed onto the lift

Harry followed suit and with a push of the button, they ascended upwards. Harry saw a sliding door above them open up as gusts of wind and flashes of light met them.

“When you feel like falling, grab on to me!” Rapticon Sr. shouted among the gust of wind ringing in their ears “And when you're in a jam, never fight back just retreat, okay?!”

“Okay!” Harry yelled in reply

The lift finally ascended to their location.

It was a sight to behold. The towering castle of Biestavale loomed over them like a giant. The mid afternoon sun shone behind it giving the castle a shadowy look among the horizon. Harry saw below the ascending terrain level of the city as it ascended to the castle. It was almost a dream for Harry to see such a size!

“Watch out!” Rapticon Sr. pointed upward

- - -

“The airship is preparing to leave the city!” said the voice of the pilot in the radio at the Situation Chamber

“Then follow it out of the city!” demanded Xander “Just remember that we need to hit them where they are forced to land! Got it?”

“Yes, sir, copy” replied the pilot

“General Sebastian Koontz?” Diana said

“Yes, ma'am?” said a balding general around his mid-forties

“I want you to lead a band of Royal Guards to set a perimeter around the outskirts - never lose sight of the airship” she said

“You got it” said Koontz as he left the Chamber

Diana walked to Jacques and said in his ear

“I've sent a squad of Royal Guards to follow the airship outside of the city”

“That's good, thank you” said Jacques distractedly as he watched the screen which broadcast the airship's flight intently

“This is your opportunity to cripple the ship's engine” said Xander to the radio “Remember, shoot to cripple, not to destroy”

“Yes, sir” said three voices at the same time

Jacques put his hands together and rested his chin over them. He watched the screen when three small airships started advancing forward the target.

- - -

“Here they come, Harry!” Rapticon Sr. shouted as he took out his hammer

“How can we fight them in the air with these?!” Harry asked as he waved his sword

“Follow my lead” said Rapticon Sr.

An airship fighter closes in on the side of their airship. Harry could see the pilot from the outside.

Rapticon Sr. lifted his hand, aiming at the ship.

“Fire!” he yelled

A small explosion of fire emitted beside the tiny airship causing it to move away a little.

“Dammit, they're too fast!” Rapticon Sr. said then with a look of realization he looked at Harry “Harry, prepare to follow me, okay?!”

“Okay!” Harry replied

Rapticon Sr. cast another fire spell except above the tiny airship causing it to dodge below. Another fire spell and the tiny ship's top hull were on level with theirs.

“Follow me!” Rapticon Sr. shouted

Harry looked on as Rapticon Sr. ran towards the edge of the airship

Is he crazy?!

Then in a fraction of a second, Rapticon Sr. jumped off the edge and with a big relief, he landed on the tiny airship with a loud “thud”.

Harry was reluctant to follow such a stunt! He held his ground as Rapticon Sr. shimmied to the cockpit of the tiny ship.

WOOSH!!

Harry fell backward as a second airship fighter flew above him. The airship was so close it could've knocked Harry off the deck.

“That was close” Harry said

BANG!

Harry shot a look towards Rapticon Sr. and saw him bashing the glass of the cockpit with his hammer. Rapticon Sr. was holding on to a ledge of the ship's structure as he smashed the cockpit with his hammer.

- - -

“Sir, sir! One of the fugitives is hijacking my ship!” yelled the radio

“Really? How did he do that?!” said Leopold Bialystock, one of the generals

“He must've jumped” said Maximillian Bloom another general “They are trained professionals!”

“Shake him off!” yelled Olaf, who has arrived at the oval table from his office

“I - I can't, sir!” said the pilot in a panicked voice “He must've disabled my rudder!”

Everyone nearly flinched as they heard a loud crack of glass and the whizzing of wind from the radio.

“Argh! Mayday, mayday! - ksssshhhhh - !”

The radio then went dead.

“Um, sirs, you have to look at this” said Zeiji Hildasan looking at the screen

- - -

Rapticon Sr., sitting on the top of the cockpit's broken glass, grabbed the wheel and swerved it around the course of flight. He looked below as Fenrir's airship went into blur. He looked below and saw the knocked out pilot.

Rapticon Sr. then twisted the wheel to make it fly left away from Fenrir's airship and towards the castle. He then put the wheel on hold to let it sustain straight flight.

“Here ya go!” Rapticon Sr. said as he carried the pilot out of his seat. Rapticon Sr. looked inside the cockpit and saw a bag… it looked like a parachute.

Rapticon Sr. took the parachute bag and made the pilot wear it. Then holding up the pilot, he knocked his helmet.

“Wake up!”

The pilot's eyes opened suddenly and gasped at Rapticon Sr.

“Have a nice flight!” said the raptor as he pulled the parachute's string causing the chute to open up forcing the pilot to glide away.

With the pilot gone and safe, Rapticon Sr. went to the cockpit and controlled it towards the airship.

Meanwhile, Harry dodged a couple of zooming airship fighters.

Where is Rapticon Sr.?

Before he could survey the area…

Ziiinnnngg!

Harry looked up. What was that?

To his surprise, a small flying object circled the airship. Harry squinted at it and saw black lenses.

Is that a surveillance device?

Harry remembered Yumi telling him about the kingdom's airborne cameras that captures every event such as this one. Whatever he is doing, they can see him.

- - -

“Isn't that the boy who is under your guild, Olaf?” Xander gave Olaf a derided look “The one who you said was your best?”

“Y-Yes, he is the one” said Olaf, he bowed his head “I can't believe he put himself up to this…”

“Don't worry,” said Xander “Your blunder won't even get to the news”

Olaf glared at Xander as the Chief of Staff surveyed the screen which was now showing the Ibarra war hero Harry Potter.

- - -

“Argh!” Harry ducked as one of the airships flew by him

Harry stood up with the help of his sword. He went to full height and glared at the upcoming ship. It was at this moment Harry felt like he knew what to do.

The airship is coming right at me… it's leveled to a point where I can hop on like Rapticon Sr.! But how can I get to it?

Harry stared at his sword.

Bingo!

Feeling the same strange confidence that he felt back at Ibarra against the Behemoth, Harry bent his knees as the airship approached closer.

Come on… a little closer…

The airship was already a few feet.

Closer…

It was about to knock Harry off!

NOW!

Harry raised his sword and with a strong thrust forward, his sword caught the strong metallic hull of the sword. Harry expected it to scoop him up off the deck but there was no dragging motion… no feet hanging on midair.

The sword just kept slashing the airship's hull as the ship flew above Harry a few feet above him. Harry looked up as he saw sparks and metal flying while his sword cut the hull.

How am I doing this?

The airship flew away from Fenrir's airship as Harry dropped his sword to the ground. He saw his sword glowing orange, he could tell it was hot after it's friction against the opposing ship's metal.

Harry looked behind him and saw the airship fighter emitting black smoke as it started making a very heavy “wooing” sound. To Harry's surprise, the airship fighter turned around and started heading towards Harry again. Harry prepared his sword for another slash but the airship's cockpit opened up. The pilot jumped out of it and parachuted himself to safety.

H - He aimed the crashing ship at us!

Harry retreated for the lift but he knew that it would be too late. Pretty soon, he could see himself falling down to the city below…

WOOSH!

Harry ducked out of instinct as another wooshing sound rang his ears. Harry inspected the skies and saw a broken airship fighter zoomed towards the crashing airship. To his amazement, the broken airship fighter's cockpit opened and an orange raptor jumped out of it and landed on the deck of Fenrir's airship.

“Duck!” Rapticon Sr. shouted as he ducked

Harry closed his eyes as the two airship fighters rammed at each other causing a large explosion.

BOOM!

“Argh!” Harry yelped as the airship tilted a bit from the shock

Harry started rolling sideways towards the edge, he tried to grab something but nothing was there but smooth metal.

“AAH!!” Harry gasped as he fell of the edge

He prepared for a freefall to death, he expected winds to howl into his ear, or maybe feel his body getting whipped by the gust of win.

But none of that came.

Harry saw that he was hanging by the edge. He looked up and saw that Rapticon Sr. and - unexpectedly - Hermione were holding his hand.

“We've got you, Harry!” Hermione yelled through the wind

“Pull!” Rapticon Sr. demanded

The two pulled Harry up to safety. Harry calmed himself down as he started taking deep breaths.

“What are you doing up here?!” Harry asked Hermione loudly

“I - I wanted to help!” Hermione replied back

“But what can you do?!” Harry asked

“If you paid attention, Harry, you must know that I just saved your life!” Hermione said in a bossy tone.

“But it is not safe up here!” Harry cut the air “Get back to the lift now!”

“Don't tell me what to do, Harry!” Hermione argued

“WOULD YOU TWO MOTHER - “ a passing trade airship passed by making a loud horn blocking Rapticon Sr's words “ - STOP ARGUING?!?!?!”

Realizing what's going on, the three stood up and surveyed the area. There was one airship fighter left but where was it?

- - -

“DAMMIT!” Xander rammed a fist on the table “How did he do that?!”

“We can still catch them, sir!” said Leon Chappelle, another of the five Generals present “We have one more airship”

“Then take it down!” said Xander “Use the black magic missile if you have to!”

“But what about Hermione Grangeré?” muttered Chappelle

Xander looked beyond and saw Jacques talking to Diana Glacius.

“Shoot it down with the airship fighter's missile. Tell the pilot I said so” said Xander “We can't pin them down anymore, they're too dangerous! They will kill the girl anyway if we don't catch them!”

“Sir, I disagree!” said Chappelle “What would Jacques do if he finds out?”

“He won't” said Xander “I trust that you won't tell, right?”

Chappelle looked at Xander in shock. Since when did the Chief of Staff acted so irrational?

“He would be crushed”

“Just do it, that's an order” said Xander “We have to take it down!”

Xander is acting funny lately…

Chappelle shook his head.

“Sorry, sir but I can't do that”

Xander nodded thoughtfully.

“Then I want you to gather up the five generals and discuss what to do. Now” said Xander in a dismissive way

“Y-Yes, sir” said Chappelle and with turn of the heel, he left to do his duty

Xander looked around and saw that everyone was busy to notice him. He picked up the radio near him and said

“Bomb A-One, do you copy?” Xander talked

“This is Bomb A-One, over” replied the pilot

“I have orders from General Grangeré to shoot the airship down with the black magic missile”

“The BM missile, sir?”

“You heard me,” said Xander “Use it now, take it down. Those are your orders. Follow them”

“Copy that, sir”

- - -

“There it is!” Hermione pointed

Harry and Rapticon Sr. followed her gaze and saw the last airship. It flew in a normal fashion as it lowered speed.

“It's withdrawing?” Harry said happily “I think they are withdrawing!”

“D-Did we win?” Hermione asked weakly

The airship fighter sustains speed a few feet away from the large airship. Rapticon Sr. observed it suspiciously.

“Something's wrong” said Rapticon Sr.

“What?” Harry and Hermione said in unison looking back

“It's not withdrawing” said Rapticon Sr.

The airship fighter's lower hull opened and with the blink of an eye, a long black entity emitted from the small airship's hull.

Holy crap!

“It's shooting a missile at us!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

“WHAT?!” Harry and Hermione turned to Rapticon Sr.

- - -

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!...

“What's that?” Yumi asked Fenrir, as she walked towards the wheel

“We got ourselves a missile!” Fenrir said in panic “They shot us!”

“What?!” Yumi's eyes widened “B-But why would they do that?! They know Hermione is on board!”

“They probably found her expendable, freckles” said Fenrir as he took the wheel

“Oh my Merlin” Ron gasped “Harry, Hermione and Rapticon Sr.! They are still up there!”

“Can you dodge it, kupo!?” Moco asked from his seat

“I can, just hold on to your seat `cause this will be a bumpy ride!”

- - -

“What happened?!” Jacques yelled as he went inside the oval table room

“The airship shot a missile at the airship!” Zeiji announced in alarm

“IT SHOT A WHAT?!” roared Jacques

“NO!” Diana and Olaf gasped

The screen showed a missile zooming towards the ship. The airship swerved away from the missile as the missile followed it.

“Who put the order?! WHO!?” Olaf demanded

The chamber was in panicked chaos as everyone started talking and moving around. Chappelle gave a very suspicious glance towards Xander Erkley, who replied with a leering stare.

- - -

“HARRY!!” Hermione squealed as the ship made a surprise swerve to the right forcing her to roll to the right

“Hermione!” Harry called out as he grabbed her by the hand. Harry held unto one of the ship's sail frames. Hermione pulled herself up and held one of the frames.

“This can't be good!” Rapticon Sr. yelled as the ship took a dive below the city

Harry held on tight as the ship made a forty-five degree dive, he could almost smell the city's market from up here.

“IS IT STILL FOLLOWING US?!” Hermione yelled

“YES!” Rapticon Sr. replied, looking up

“I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY SHOT US!!” Hermione cried “I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!”

Harry closed his eyes tightly as he felt the wind whip his face violently.

His stomach made a belly flop as the ship made a sudden pull upward. Harry opened his eyes and saw the airship was gliding along the Citizen District.

“Oh my gosh” Hermione gasped “We're way too close below!”

Harry looked beyond, he could tell they were thirty feet above ground zero. What was Fenrir thinking?

“He's avoiding the missile!” Rapticon Sr. yelled against the wind

The ship made an ascending motion as it raise itself to the skies. Harry could feel the sun burning his face as the ship circled around the castle.

“The missile won't give in!” Harry yelled

“We've sustained straight flight!” Rapticon Sr. released his grasp from the frames “Let's use this to our advantage!”

“How?!” Harry asked as he got out of the frames

Rapticon Sr. pointed behind Harry, Harry looked behind and saw Hermione.

What did he mean by that?

Then Harry remembered the Ochu incident…

Oh…

“What?” Hermione asked in a worried tone

“Hermione,” Rapticon Sr. walked towards her “Honey, if it is too much to ask -“

“What is it that you want?” Hermione asked, glancing at the missile that was chasing them

“We need you to cast `Protect' around the ship, the missile will catch us up at any moment and we need you to -“

“No!” Hermione cried “I - I can't do it! It's too big! I - I know I did it against that Ochu but that was small and I don't even think I can do it again - I just can't! I am not qualified yet!”

Harry felt sorry for her, she looked panicked and she was looking red all over.

“Hermione, we need you to do this!” Rapticon Sr. said “Please! Just try!”

“But I can't!” Hermione said

“You have to!” Rapticon Sr. said “Because WE ARE GOING TO DIE!”

“I know that!” Hermione said in a very high voice “But I can't do it, I just can't!”

“Then at least try, Hermione!” it was Harry who yelled this time.

Hermione looked at Harry. Harry felt a bit taken aback at the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. They were asking her too much.

“Harry…” Hermione shook her head “You know I can't do it…”

“The missile is closing in on us” said Rapticon Sr. “We can avoid MASSIVE DAMAGE if you cast `Protect'!”

“I don't have the power to do it!” Hermione said

“You're a Summoner for Christ's sake!” Rapticon Sr. said in frustration

“DON'T CALL ME THAT… EVER!” Hermione screamed as she went to full height

“THEN DO IT SO I CAN CALL YOU A WHITE MAGE!” Rapticon Sr. answered back “Please, Hermione! You want to die and never find out what your fate is in life? Be my damn guest!”

The words seem to strike Hermione. Harry saw her gulp a huge amount of air. She walked at the center of the deck and took a deep breath.

“If - I - If I fall” she stuttered “Catch me, o-okay?” she looked at Harry and Rapticon Sr. “And don't try to stop me if I ask you to”

“We will” said Harry

Hermione closed her eyes and lifted her arms to the sky. The same whitish glow emitted around her body. Harry saw a faint hexagonal-shaped barrier emitting around them.

“Is it working?” Harry looked in awe

“I - I can't do it!” Hermione cried as she lowered her arms

“Hermione, do it!” Rapticon Sr. said as he climbed up the sail's frames and looked behind them “The missile is closing in!”

The ship made a swerve to the right. Harry was prepared to catch Hermione but she was unusually still while she was raising her arms as she glowed brighter.

The airship ascended higher as the missile followed. The missile was so fast it was already ten feet from them.

“Hermione, we need that shield right now!” Rapticon Sr. yelled from above

“Rrghhh…….!!!” Hermione groaned, as she closed her eyes tightly. Harry could see she was sweating a waterfall

A barrier of hexagonal shapes started materializing but would disappear. Harry quietly cheered on for Hermione as she started whimpering.

C'mon, Hermione… you can do it…

“Six feet!!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

Meanwhile, below the bridge.

“What was that?!” Fenrir pointed outside the bridge window. Yumi saw hexagonal-shapes emitting and disappearing.

“I…” Yumi looked in awe “don't know -“

“It's Hermione!” Ron said “She's casting Protect on the whole ship!”

“But she's not doing a good job, is she now?” Fenrir said coolly

“The missile is closing in!” Yumi looked at the radar

“Try to get out of the city” said Ron “So if we get hit, we can crash land to a wide open field”

“Ron's right” said Yumi “C'mon, dude!”

“I'll try” said Fenrir

Back to the top…

“HERMIONE, TRY HARDER!!” Harry yelled

Hermione was now making sniffling noises. It looked like she was in the middle of sobbing. Harry could see her face, it looked like she was in pure agony while she tried to cast the spell. She was sweating, her eyes were shut tightly, she was breathing rapidly and her white glow was growing stronger.

“THREE FEET!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

- - -

“The missile is going to hit them!” Zeiji said

Everyone in the Situation Chamber watched silently as the airborne camera captured the missile chasing the ship, they could see a strong white glow on the ship's deck.

“What's that glow?” Norman Quagmire, one of the Royal Council, asked

“I don't know” said Diana

Jacques' heart was now racing. He can't just sit here and watch his daughter die in front of his eyes. He felt like shaking but he froze on his seat.

- - -

“HERMIONE!!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

“I CAN'T DO IT!!!” Hermione yelled in the midst of crying “IT HURTS, OH PLEASE STOP!!”

Harry couldn't take it anymore, Hermione was now crying in agony and excruciating pain but her hands were still high up in the air and the white glow was strong than ever.

“STOP IT, STOP IT! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP, HARRY!!!” Hermione screamed

“TWO FEET!!”

This was it.

Harry ran for her, he wanted to stop the pain. She was pushing herself too much.

But before he could grab her, Hermione made a bloodcurdling scream as the white glow around her died away. A feeble half barrier of hexagonal shapes materialized behind them.

“ARGH!!” Rapticon Sr. yelled as he jumped down the deck and grabbed Harry and the unconscious Hermione.

The missile closed in on the hexagonal barrier and…

- - -

BOOM!

Everyone in the Situation Chamber flinched as the explosion in the screen caused the airship to produce heavy damage.

Everyone saw the airship flying upwards with its flaming tail behind it. The airship gave out another explosion from the rear causing it to fly beyond the walls of the kingdom. As the whole aircraft was out of sight, everyone gave a sudden gasp as another big explosion erupted from behind the walls.

“NOOO!!!!!” Jacques cried as he collapsed onto his seat, everyone near him helped him up as he started sobbing tears of sorrow “Hermione!” he cried

Everyone bowed their heads down in guilt of their failure… the great general was sobbing without shame! He cried out his daughter's name as Diana placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“My daughter is lost!” he said in a mad-like voice

“I don't think so, sir!” Leslie Murma pointed to the screen “Look!”

The airborne camera followed the airship out of the city. Everyone looked on and saw that the big explosion came from the ship's gas tank that fell from the ship itself. The camera looked up and to everyone's amazement the airship was gliding to crash landing northwest looking badly damaged. Flames were still erupting from its rear.

“I WANT A ROYAL GUARD TROOP OUT THERE RIGHT NOW!” Jacques shouted “Find her and bring her right here to safety, I don't care what you do with the fugitives, I just want my daughter back, now!”

“Yes, sir!” everyone said as the whole room buzzed into action

Jacques sat on his seat and cried tears of joy.

- - -

“UP! UP! UP!” Yumi yelled as she helped Fenrir pull the wheel towards them “DAMMIT!”

“We ain't gonna make it for a clear field, red!” Fenrir said to Ron

“AARRH!!!!” Ron yelled as he held onto a mast

All the Moogles in the bridge squealed as the sound of a crashing plane rang into their ears. The light of the sun was now moving fast inside the airship's bridge due to their spinning.

“HOLD ON TIGHT, FELLAS!” Fenrir yelled

The ship did a very long and violent barrel roll as it flew over the lake that rested below the plateau of the city. The ship flew beyond the lake and over a mass land of dense forest.

“PROFESSOR!!” Harry screamed as he hugged the unconscious Hermione around the waist so tight with his right arm while he held the frames of the burning sails with his other.

“HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU!?” Rapticon Sr. yelled as the ship continued spinning “I AM NOT YOUR PROFESSOR IN THIS GOD FORSAKEN - !“

Before Rapticon Sr. could even finish the ship finally made a very violent landing as it crashed through a dense area of trees. Harry held on to Hermione as the airship crashed through the trees causing branches, twigs and small trunks to fly around.

“AHHH!!!” Rapticon Sr. yelled

The airship made a violent shake and with a sudden halt, it bumped to an enormous boulder. The shock of the impact caused Harry to fly from his place, his grasp to Hermione let go as she flew elsewhere.

“No!” Harry screamed but before he knew it, he knocked himself face first on a solid rock wall. He fell to the muddy ground of the dark forest and with brief glance of the place, he fell out of consciousness and into darkness.

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