RONSO RAGE

Besaid Saga
Chapter 1

LogBook Entry 01

It felt awkward leaving Luca after living there for 2 years. Off course its still my refuge, but now I'm going on a Al Bhed vessel to explore this world of mine. After Sin was truly defeated and the Al Bhed's machina was now incorporated into every day life, new opportunities soon followed.

I heard that a new flying ship made by the Al Bhed was going to explore Spira fully and record all the changes if any was made by Sin being eternally gone. One thing for sure the climate is a bit higher.

I sent a messenger with a note asking the captain if I may join them on their quest as an researcher. I also included information on my education and my fighting experience.

Later that week I received a letter from the captain:

Dear Anth Garu Ronso

After considering your request, I grant your presence on my ship the “Gallion” as researcher.

Please come tomorrow in a weeks time when the ship departs. Please be punctual at noon. I request that none essential equipment must not be brought onboard.

Yours

Captain Mera

Gallion – Dock 4

After sorting my things that week I was on time at Dock 4. I brought my belongings in two trunks. One full of my research materials and the other my personal belongings. I carried each in one hand with my lance attached to my back. Once at Dock 4 I saw the ship that was to come my new base of operations fro the time being. “Gallion” was written on its front side in white. The ship was large, as they seem to come now these days. It was a sort of sea green type of color. It looked like a sea bearing vessel, with an supporter on each side of the ship. But it was clearly floating inches above the water. I suspect it has sea and air capabilities fully installed.

“Are you Anth Garu Ronso?” Came a voice from behind me.

It was one of the Crusaders who continually have fought Sin in the past. Now they are act the temporary security in Spira.

“You must be. There aren't many Ronsos in Luca and those who are, are Blitzball players. Please come this way” He explained.

I nodded and followed to a group of people standing at the base of the ship on the peer. There was a hustle and then a sudden Shhhhhhh! An Al Bhed woman appeared from the ship, she had shoulder length blonde hair with goggles on her forehead and wearing Al Bhed clothing. She started talking:

“Alright people, settle down. I'am Captain Mera, this is my ship. We are about to join the many others before us who explored our land and make it known. We will explore the four corners of Spira and record any changes made by the permanent destruction of Sin!”

Then from the ship appeared a hume male. He had short black hair and dressed in red, obviously a Crusader.

Captain Mera continued:

“This in Major Kilik of the Crusaders”. She explained.

There was a cheer from the Crusaders in the group.

“He and some of the crusaders will be joining us on this adventure. They are here for our protection, even though most of us can look after our selves.” She joked

Major Kilik stepped forward:

“Remember Crusaders; its our new duty to protect this ship and its crew. We will explore some of the most fiend infested areas in Spira, some of you might not make it back.”

There was a sudden grim wind blowing through the group. ‘That was great” I thought to myself.

Captain Mera stepped forward again:

“Right… yes, lets get this thing going while I'm still 30. Crusaders help the crew get their stuff onboard!”

With that there was a cheer and sudden movement around me, as the group got moving. Crusaders were running around helping the crew onboard with their luggage. I just walked up the peer with my two trunks onto the outer bridge.

“Anth Ronso?” It was Captain Mera with 4 Crusaders behind me.

“Anth if you prefer. Its a pleasure to meet you.” I said

“Well now, a Ronso who can speak properly. It's a refreshing change to say the least. I thought there might be something about you they way you wrote that letter.” She replied.

“Not only can I speak properly, I'm also fluent in Al Bhed.” I continued

She smiled gently and said; “You'll do fine onboard”.

She turned around to Crusaders. “Take his belongings to his chamber.”

She turned to me again.

“I hope you were able to bring most your equipment?” she asked

“All I need, I'm sure we will stop at other ports to get supplies?” I said

“Certainly.” She replied.

“Uh ma'am?” asked one of the Crusaders

We turned around to find that the Crusaders are unable to move my two trunks. Captain brought her hand to her forehead and sighed.

“Don't worry, I'll carry those.” I said

She turned to one of the Crusaders: “Doji, show him to his chambers after we leave the dock.”

“Yes ma'am” Doji replied.

“If you'd excuse me Anth I've got to get this ship going.” She told me.

“I'll see you soon then.” I said.

With that I looked over the edge at the people down at the peer. PREPARE FOR LIFT OFF! Came a booming voice from the peer. With that the ship slowly rose and ascend. The crowd started shouting and waving. Others cried and laughed. On board was the same as the crew waved at there loved ones. The young Doji next to me shouting down:

“BYE MOM! BYE DAD! BYE TIMI!”

Soon we were to far away to cheer anymore. Doji gave his last wave, sighed and turned to me:

“Right let me show you were you go!” He shouted over the wind.

We walked inside; as we passed through the passages I noticed there were Chocobo Riders as well as Guado's onboard. Doji soon started asking me questions:

“I'm 12! How old are you?”

“Around 20, I guess.” I replied

“You mean, you don't even know how old you are?!?!” he went on.

I kept silent.

“Well that's just silly. Anyway I joined the Crusaders when I was 9 and I REALLY wanted to go on a flying ship. So my dad asked Major Kilik if I could go with him. My dad is very important and Major Kilik said he would look after me!”

I couldn't stand children let alone a hume child. But I'll let it slip this time.

“This is the crew chamber. The Captain, the Major and you have one of the good rooms.” Doji said.

“Why did I get a special room?” I asked

“Dunno, maybe your too big to fit in the other rooms” He coyly replied.

“Here we are!” Doji shouted.

He opened the door. The room was rather large with a suitable window and blue painted walls. The bunk bed was large enough for me as I saw it. There was an empty bookshelf, a desk with source lighting and some sample holders. It was like a mini research lab and bedroom amalgamated into one. With a bathroom in the corner with a large closet. I was very pleased.

“WOW! This room is much better than the Crusaders Scouts rooms!” Doji exclaimed.

I walked in and dropped my trunks on the floor. They landed with a thud.

“Geez! What do you have in there? Chocobos!?!” Doji said

“Thanks Doji, that'll be all.” I said

Doji stood in the passage. He coughed and opened his hand, hinting that he wants a tip. I walked over and promptly closed the door. I sighed and smiled at the same time.

“I guess he'll be a thorn in my side from now on” I thought to my self.

I walked over to the desk to unpack my research materials. There was a note:

Dear Anth Ronso

You are to be present at a meeting at 16:00 hours in the Discussion Room. Please be prompt.

Captain Mera


LogBook Entry 02

I seem to write in my log even before the day is over, but it may be best just write in before I forget anything. The meeting I attended just now was rather interesting and unsettling. I became acquainted with the crew much better.

The meeting went something like this:

There were 4 of us in the room waiting for Captain Mera.

Me off course, Major Kilik, One of the Chocobo Riders and a Guado female. She was the most interesting one at the time. She was probably around 18 in age but had the look of authority over the age of 25. She had black hair curled in typical Guado fashion. She was wearing a black and silver Guado dress, which was a style very uniquely to her thin figure so that the dress' rim won't drag on the floor. She was reading an Al Bhed book, which I found strange that she was even here and could read Al Bhed. Since the Guado was very strict to the Yu Yevon law and anything Al Bhed to them was sacrilege. I know that the Ronsos are not on good terms with the Guado's at the moment, but will the same clash be made here between her and I?

I sat on one of the chairs, as well as Major and the Guado next to him. The Chocobo rider had red hair and wearing the battle uniform assigned to the riders. He was also young, about my age. He walked from wall to wall and occasionally looked outside the window. Major Kilik was tapping his fingers on the table and sighed continually. “Stop... your annoying me.” The Guado suddenly said to Major Kilik. He just shrugged and crossed his arms. A few seconds later and in came Captain Mera and another Al Bhed:

Cpt. Mera: “Sorry Im late. We had a slight problem in the engine room.”

Mj. Kilik: “A problem?”

Cpt. Mera: “Yes, one of the engine coolers malfunctioned, but we handled it. Nothing to worry about.”

There was a short silence before Cpt Mera started again:

Cpt Mera: “Alright lets get this meeting underway. You all know me by now as well as Major Kilik of the Crusaders. What you need to know now is who-is-who amongst yourselves. Each one of you will get a authority card granting you just that by the number indicated on the card. It also gives you access to sensitive areas within the ship. Major Kilik and I for example are Level S authority and a Level 5 access card. I'll start with our engineer; Goda.”

Goda stood up and wanted to say something, but Cpt Mera interrupted.

Cpt Mera: “Sorry Goda, no speeches. I want you to get back down there at the engine room and find out why the cooler malfunctioned.”

Goda sighed and went on his way to the engine room.

Cpt Mera “Goda has a Level 5 five access card, but has a level 3 authority. Since he is the ships engineer he needs to get around easily. A person with a lower authority number must take orders from him, but those whose are higher can give him orders. Understand?”

The room is silent. But we just nod our heads.

Cpt Mera “Right now for our Chocobo Rider. Botan is this ships Chocobo Rider; he takes care of the few chocobos onboard and even something else. Even though the Chocobo Riders were used for battle, Botan will be our messenger as well, when we reach a dock. He will take messages to the nearest Al Bhed Inn from where the Ships progress can be sent to Luca. If you want him to send any mail to your loved ones ask him to do it. Botan I'm giving you Level C authority and Level 3 access.”

Botan could not argue with that; he would love to have some authority.

Cpt: Mera “Next I want to introduce you to San Guado. San I will be giving you Level B authority and access level 3. Since your our chief magic user and teacher to the others using magic, you should worry about going about the ship anyway.”

San: “Whatever you say.”

Cpt Mera : “Major Kilik here is second in charge and I already told you his levels. Major Kilik has fought Sin numerous times and escaped death by the skin of his teeth. He is a good leader and a even better fighter.”

San: “I believe that brute strength wont help us at all...”

Cpt Mera “San not now! <sigh> Last, but not least is Anth Ronso. I will giving you Level A authority and access card level 4...”

“WHAT!?!” shrieked San, while Kilik almost jumped out of his chair.

Cpt Mera looked at San with disbelieve. San gathered herself looked at Cpt Mera and started to talk in Al Bhed:

San: <Why are you giving the Ronso more authority than me? The brute is less capable of thinking how lucky he is just to get a Level 1!>

<Im sorry if you think its unfair that I get ranked higher than you, but calling me a brute is asking for trouble!> I responded in Al Bhed

She looked at me and I could see she was shocked. I couldn't decide if it was the fact I could talk Al Bhed or the fact she just insulted me was troubling her the most.

San: “I..uh...i just think you are getting more credit than you deserve..”

Cpt Mera: “On the contrary San. Anth here is our researcher. He was tutored under the wing of a Yu Yevon Monk researcher. He is fluent in Al Bhed and has vast knowledge of our world. He is also trained as a warrior monk. A fighting scholar if you will.”

“Maybe I'am getting a little more credit, but if its so then I probably deserve it.” I told San

Major Kilik: “Does the Ronso wish to be known throughout the crew as an Yu Yevon monk?”

“Major I'm not a label, please call me by name. To answer your question; no. I was never a monk only a servant under one.”

Major Kilik: “Very well then Anth.”

Cpt Mera: “And as such have the authority to give orders to those to complete your research. Its that clear San?”

San: “Yes ma'am.”

Cpt Mera: “Please lets keep it pleasant between us. We need to set the example for the crew if not for the young Crusaders. Best to stick to first names as ranks tend to stiffen the environment. And I'll be damned if that happens. Any questions?”

Botan who kept most of the meeting silent finally spoke:

Botan: “Mera.. where is our first destination?”

Cpt Mera “Good question. I was thinking of going to the Island Besaid first. Any objections?”

Major Kilik: “The edge of Spira... fine with me”

Botan: “Where Summoner Yuna was raised? Cool!”

San: “Just get going”

“It's a great place to start, we can even visit the temple there.” I said

Cpt Mera “Great, we will be there in the morning. For now get settled and enjoy your first night on my ship. Meeting over!”

We soon left the room and I went to my room. But had a unexpected run in while walking there:

“Hey Anth Ronso!”

I turned it was San Guado. She came up to me with a blank face.

San: “I want to apologize, but that doesn't mean I'm going to work with you! I work hard to get this far and I'm not going to have some Ronso out-class me!”

Before I could say something she hurried off. I wondered why she apologized and then go all shrew. Was she scared I might do something to her, because she insulted me? And is she showing she's tough for assurance?

After having supper I decided to read some of the Al Bhed books that was given to me by Cpt Mera. I soon dozed off, but I didn't sleep for long.
LogBook Entry 03

I didn't sleep at first, as I wasn't used to sleeping in a new bed.

I suddenly awoke to a noise from my locked door. It sounded like someone was trying to get in. I saw there was a shadow covering the shaft of light that entered my room under the door. I put my bed light on and quickly got out of my bed. As I did the shadow suddenly disappeared from the door. I hastened towards the door, unlocked it and flung it opened. I first peered right then left. I then tried to remember what direction did the shadow move. I thought it was right and not left. So I closed my door and locked it again. The ships hallways were dimly lit from the sidewalls too preserve energy. The hallways were a dark blue if not black with the yellow lights. “I wonder who that was? What was he doing at my door? Did he want to sneak in? Is he one of the crew?” All these questions were racing through my mind why I always have to think the worst is even unclear to me.

I came to where the hallway made a gentle curve to the left. I heard running footsteps coming towards me. “This is it!” I thought. I decided to hide around the corner in the shadows. When “whatever it is” comes around the corner I'll catch it by surprise. A good as plan I could think of at 3am.

I flattened myself against the wall. The footsteps came closer. Then they stopped. I was breathing heavy. I held my breath to hear where the footsteps went. The footsteps came closer, but slower this time. “God if that thing doesn't come soon I'm going to pass out from holding my breath so long.” I thought to myself.

Then in a second the shadowy figure came running past me! I grabbed what I could!

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! THUNDER!!! Shrieked the dim lit figure.

With that a bolt of electricity hit my right shoulder. I fell backwards on my rear and let go of my captive. I looked up and saw the figure standing in the corner in the darkness. It's smaller than I expected.

“Who are you!?!” I barked at the blasted thing.

“Huh? Mr. Ronso?” Came a reply as the figure walked into one of the small yellow bulbs light.

“Doji?” I asked and sure enough it was him.

“What are you doing sneaking around!?!” I demanded to know.

“Me what are you doing catching little kids?” Doji replied.

“I thought you were somebody who was sneaking around my door!” I said.

“Its not me, I just came from the scouts dorm!” Doji said

“Then what are you doing out of bed then?” I asked

“The other scouts say there's a monstrous fiend onboard the ship! They were all scared, but I wasn't. I wanted to show that nasty old fiend whose boss!” he said

“That's absurd!” I hissed at the tike.

“Well I was running around looking for the thing. I came to this corner and heard something big walking. I thought it might be the fiend. So I stopped, but when I heard nothing, I slowly went on. I got a chill down my neck and started to run. Then something grabbed me and I used a thunder spell. Only it turned out to be you, you big grizzly!” He coyly explained.

I wanted to say something, but realized that naturally I would look like a fiend. But just because I had my shirt off he didn't have to call me a grizzly!

We paused when we heard someone walking towards us. Maybe this time it was him. I told Doji to hide on the opposite wall from where I was hiding. The steps came closer. I peered my head from where I was hiding to make sure we didn't jump someone else like Cpt Mera.

The figure came forward. It was San! She looked around and spotted my head. She twitched from fright.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!?! HIDING IN THE SHADOWS HALF NAKED, SCARING ME ALMOST TO DEATH!!!” She hissed.

Damn I missed my chance.

“There was someone trying to get into my room. Was it you?” I asked.

“No what do you take me for; a pervert? I came here, because I sensed someone used magic at this spot. I found it odd so I investigated!” She said.

“That ...was me.” Poked Doji's head from his hiding spot.

“And you are?” she asked.

“ His name is Doji. He's one of the Crusaders Scouts. He thought there was a fiend roaming the ship.” I told San.

“First spies and then fiends? You two been sleep deprived? What proof do you have?” She asked.

Doji couldn't answer her question, as he didn't have any proof, visual or physical. I had somewhat of a visual and audible proof.

“I'm sure there was someone! Did you see anyone coming from your direction?” I asked her.

“No, this ship is almost a maize. Even if there was someone he or it would be long gone by now!” She barked back.

“If I didn't know any better, I would say you were up to something!” She told me.

“Then you better say nothing. I wont compromise this journey! Just because I was under the wing of a Yu Yevon monk doesn't mean I' am a long lasting Yu Yevon terrorist. You can just be as suspicious for just being an Guado!” I told her.

“Whatever, just that you know I will be giving a report on what just happened to Cpt Mera.” She said.

“As will I” I told her.

“Me too!” Said Doji.

“SHUT-UP DOJI!” We shouted at the youngster.

There was a moment of silence.

“Look we'll be arriving in Besaid in a couple of hours. I want to get some sleep before then.” San said.

“Fine with me, we can discuss this with Cpt Mera in the morning.” I told her.

She then left leaving Doji and I in the hallway. I still found her story a bit light. Are Guados really capable of sensing magic?

I felt a tug at my one hand. I peered down to find Doji tugging it.

“What?” I asked

“Um you mind walking me back to the Scouts dorms? Not that I'm scared or anything.” Doji said.

“Your were brave enough to walk about an couple of minutes ago. What changed?” I asked.

“Yeah.. well that was before you scared me and almost wet myself. I'm just a bit rattled. That's all.” He said giving me those dreaded puppy eyes.

“<SIGH> Okay fine...” I said.

I walked with Doji to the dorm. He stuck really closed to me. It reminded me when I was sticking close to Chinov when I first went to Bevelle with him. We soon got to the small dorm.

“Okay I escorted you to your room. Anything else you want me to do?” I asked the kid.

“You can be little nicer, you know...” Doji muttered.

I hesitated to say something. I realized I wasn't exactly “nice” to the kid.

“...Sorry.. I tend to treat people that they are on the same level as me and forget who they really are.” I said to Doji.

“Its okay, you'll learn!” He said before running through the door into the dorm.

I sighed. I realized that I was not being myself. Was it now that I have all this authority, I should act like a jerk of a Ronso? I continued asking myself these questions all the way to my bedrooms door. I almost put the card key in its slot, when I realized there were marks around the lock.

“So, I didn't imagine it.”
To be continued