This is my first fanfic and it's FFT-related with Dycedarg Beoulve as the main character. I love fanfics through the eyes of a villain and he was the epitome of villainy in that game. This one takes place prior to Chapter Three's beginning. I'm unsure if I need to include any more material for this particular piece and I'm also not too confident on my ending, but I'd like your input. Be brutally honest here and feel free to pinpoint any plot inconsistencies and questionable material:

The Heat of War

As I stared straight ahead on Chocobo-back on the road from Gallione to Lesalia, through nature’s workmanship, all I could see beyond was the Lion War; our war against Prince Druksmald Goltana and the war to determine whether now-infant Prince Orinas or young Princess Ovelia shall take the reigns of Ivalice into the next millennium. Though we fight for Orinas, our enemy fights just as gallantly for Ovelia and not one of us will give up easily. That’s precisely why I’m headed to our stronghold in Lesalia, what the royal family once called home, presided over by my younger brother, General Zalbag; our father’s successor as the undefeated leader of the Hokuten Knights.

There isn’t a soul in Ivalice I know who could hold that position better, stronger, or any nobler than my younger brother of 9 years. No one else can lead our great Hokuten Knights better than he, not even me. Our father knew that, hence why he insisted Zalbag take leadership after he no longer could. Before I go any further on the subject of my noble father, all I will say is that what had already happened had to be done.

I dare not leave Igros Castle alone in this age of war! I accompany myself with a small band of aged, skilled, and battle-literate noblemen. Five heavily-armored Knights donning the finest equipment money can buy, as the senior Knight is a warrior I have known for the better part of a decade and I know he has gathered the best of the best to fight to the death with him. With the 5 greatest knights in the land, I also am accompanied by a well-schooled White Mage. She’s younger than the rest at 20 years of age, but she has a great knowledge of Black Magic, much like yours truly. With this party I am perfectly safe in the open, but my personal thoughts now are interrupted by a roadblock…


Dycedarg Beoulve halted his small Hokuten party of 5 Knights and Valerie, a Priest well-schooled in Black Magic along with her trade, in the middle of Sweegy Woods at the sight of a green-clad Squire at a small campfire with a very attractive Dancer. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Dycedarg said as he dismounted his Chocobo and walked towards the couple. As the magic fencer approached the two, the squire stood up and took a bow. “L…Lord Dycedarg! W-wha-what…why? No…what brings you here?” Dycedarg cockily smirked at the confused man and replied, “Relax!” A sarcastic tone appeared in his voice as he said, “You don’t have to get nervous around little old me-e!”

Squire: “I-I’m sorry sir. It’s just I…I”
Dycedarg: “Talk to me like you talk to your best friend, stranger.”
Squire: “Thank you, Lord.” *clears throat* “What brings you and your party in this part of the land?”

Dycedarg felt it was time to have some fun. “Shut up you worthless commoner!!” As he said this, the Squire was visibly shaken and confused to the point of paralysis. “If you say another word or make one slight move, your head will decorate my mantle!” The Squire remained in this state as Dycedarg approached the frightened woman. “Come here,” this time, speaking softly “I won’t hurt you…” Dycedarg turned to the Squire, “HEY! Turn around!” As the shaken Squire turned to see him with his arms around his fiancée, Dycedarg imposed his dominance and fed his ego as he planted a big wet tongue-in kiss on her while she struggled helplessly. The Squire answered with, “You bastard!” as anger and rage overruled formality and social standards. The Lune Knight smiled as he did it again, this time with the Squire charging. His experience helped him see the Squire charging at him out of the corner of his eye, and Dycedarg quickly threw the Dancer in front of the tackling Squire and she went down hard to the floor. The Beoulve elder then looked at the guilt-stricken man in shock. “How could you do this to a woman?! She’s small compared to you. You’re nothing but an overzealous bully!” The Squire was irritated that a powerful nobleman would be this dastardly, but he expected it out of the noble class. The Squire drew his sword and challenged Dycedarg to a battle. “Please…” was his cocky answer to the challenge. Then, Dycedarg walked towards his Chocobo. The Squire couldn’t bring himself to strike him from behind. “Turn around you Hokuten bastard! All you nobles are alike! Turn around!!” He ignored the commoner until he mounted his Chocobo and the party moved closer. Dycedarg: “Stand aside while we pass!”

Squire: “Get off your Chocobo and fight me!”
Dycedarg: “I’ll give you two options, hothead. Challenge me to a fight, thus challenging all 7 of us, or you can step to the side of the road and nothing would have happened between us.”
Squire: “….” The Squire thought better of the situation he was in and chose the second option.
Tears filled his eyes as he headed towards his wounded, yet still living fiancée. As the Hokuten passed through, Valerie threw a Hi-Potion at the couple as she felt sorry for them and grew un-spoken disdain for her commander.

Upon leaving Sweegy Woods, the Hokuten party stopped at Dorter Trade City. Hearing about the Zodiac Brave Story and the legendary Zodiac Stones at the Dorter bar perked Duke Dycedarg’s interest. Of course he had heard the stories, but he wasn’t a firm believer in Glabados teachings as Zalbag is, but the story of the Zodiac Stones interested him. “So no one has any concrete proof that the Zodiac stones exist today?” he asked the bar owner.

“Nope. Anybody that claims to have any idea as to where to find one or claims to have one is crazy anyway.” They both laughed as he drank his expensive beer. “But lately…” the bar owner continued, “There have been a lot of stories about them since the rumored appearance of a monster in Lionel Castle came about after the Cardinal’s death. It’s been said he had a Zodiac stone and turned into a vicious monster with its power.”
“Who would make up such a ludicrous story?” Dycedarg asked.
“Actually, your brother Ramza told a heresy examiner sent by the church just a few days ago.”
Dycedarg immediately corrected him, “Half-brother!”
“I suppose that you know that Ramza is wanted by the church for the Cardinal’s murder, right?”
“Of course I do!” Indeed, Dycedarg knew about Ramza’s charge for Cardinal Draclau’s murder. He was none to happy either and he made an official statement concerning the matter when he was first asked his thoughts and his statement protected his status with his brother. “It’s like I told the people back at Igros, he left the Hokuten Knights after the destruction of Fort Zeakdan and hasn’t made any contact since. He left the family and our relation is the only thing that we have in common. He will be brought to the church for judgment shall I ever see him again…”
After his conversation with the bar owner, the Duke of the White Lion flag finished his beer (the most expensive one) and left. They bought water and rations for their desert journey. His five Knights, Valerie, and he mounted their yellow Chocobos at Dorter’s stall and headed north.

Upon long hours of traveling is when we usually agree to rest. We make camp within the wilderness where we stop and stay at town inns so we’ll be well-rested for the long trip ahead. As per military custom, one soldier stays on watch every two hours. However, when we made camp at Zeklaus Desert…

While journeying through the vast desert, fatigue weighed down upon the group. They saved what remains of their rations and water for the rest of the journey, but for now, they all agreed to make a campsite. One of the five Knights had first watch.

As they rested in the night, the Priest whispered to her commanding officer. “Milord. Duke, may I ask you a question?”
Duke Beoulve started to stir and replied, “What? What do you want?”
“Was it really necessary to bully those two like you did?”
“Two what?”
“That couple back at Sweegy Woods. Why did you have to do that?”
“Why?”
“I’m just curious. I thought we were supposed to uphold justice and be righteous like your father was.”
“First off, I don’t have to explain a thing to you. Second of all, I’m not like Zalbag. We deserve the freedom to treat the lower class however we want. If they don’t like it, they’ll fight back and die anyway or be tried for assaulting a high-ranking official. It’s that simple. If you don’t like your service to me, feel free to go back home, but I assure you that you will be alone. Any more questions?”
“Just one. Do you actually enjoy being heartless towards innocent people?”
“Yes I do. Like I said before, if you choose to leave my service, we won’t help you back to Igros.”
“Yes sir.”

Dycedarg had trouble sleeping, but definitely not because of what she said. He had a disturbing dream. The Capricorn Zodiac Stone and a vision of a goat-like demon with a demonic voice haunted his mind. Ramza with madness in eyes, a sword in his right hand, and fury in his voice didn’t help him sleep any better, either. Thus, Dycedarg agreed to take next watch.

During the watch, a clan of skeletons could be seen in the distance with two juravis in the night sky. With his group sleeping soundly and a need to ease his mind, he prepared for solo combat. He donned his Carabini Mail, Circlet, Power Wrist, and Platinum Sword. A Fire 3 spell obliterated the closely-tight pack of undead warriors and a Lightning Stab did away with one juravis while a Flare spell eliminated the other. When one of his Knights took the next watch, the Lune Knight slept like a baby until dawn hit.

It was strange. Dreams mean nothing to me, but if they do have a meaning, then this one did. It won’t really get to me until it starts to become a recurring dream. I know dream talks are not something Hokuten usually do, but I felt that I must share. The part of it that really got to me was seeing Ramza. He was furious and had a previously unseen rage in every sword strike. He doesn’t scare me one bit, but I don’t see why I’d see him like that in a dream. I think it would be best to ignore and forget it, especially now that we’re getting closer and closer to Lesalia.

Their trip through Goland Coal City was rather unfruitful as they were under attack by a band of thieves just when the Hokuten passed a tall building. They declared their hatred for the nobility as they threw everything they had against what they perceived as intruders. The surprise attack caught the Hokuten off-guard with the Chocobos that survived the onslaught fleeing for safety.
Bullets, magic attacks, and arrows bombarded the trailing Hokuten party as they fell off their saddles and stood to fight just as the thieves’ raid stopped. Dycedarg walked in front of his party as his five Knights and Valerie spread out in attack formation just as their 6 attackers emerged: two gun-equipped Chemists, one Archer, and 3 physically powerful Monks.

The three Monks headed the front while the Chemists and Archer stood on high ground. The Duke of the White Lion stood ground with a stern look on his face as his subordinates came from behind. The Priest cast a Protect spell on her commander, the apparent target of the ranged attackers. The three Knights subdued the 3 Monks while the other 2 came from opposite sides of the rangers. The Priest was occupied by keeping her partners alive with Cure 3 spells whereas the Chemist threw Hi-Potions at their teammates in-between gun shots to the commanding Beoulve and the on-coming Knights, but the Knights were much more durable than they had anticipated.

After pure physical brawling, effective healing and maneuvering, the 3 Knights, with the Priest’s help, defeated the three Monks as the other 2 Knights successfully mounted the building archways. One Knight remained at the Archer’s blind spot underneath a ledge. Dycedarg kept the 2 Chemists distracted as he moved in close to attack range. The three Knights healed themselves with Hi-Potions and the Priest’s aid before joining their commander. When Dycedarg moved in close enough, he cast a Hell Cry Punch to obliterate one Chemist’s gun. Around this time, one Knight on one side of the building destroyed the other Chemist’s gun with a successful Weapon Break sword swing while the other Knight inhumanly leaped to the ledge to join the archer and struck serious blows, easily subduing the Archer leaving the two Chemists alone. The distraction provided by the Knights was enough for the Lune Knight and the Priest to deliver a powerful Flare and Holy spell to seriously injure the two Chemists. Two Knights came in for the kill, earning a clean-sweep victory for Dycedarg’s Hokuten party.

Their next stop is the capital of Ivalice, Lesalia Imperial Castle at the very heart of the land of Lesalia. It is here, that Dycedarg’s long journey reached its climax as he prepares to meet with brother Zalbag.



It’s always a good feeling to walk out of a battle alive and with your entire party intact. It’s even more rewarding for me that the purpose of my trip from Igros to Lesalia is at its end. We are approaching Lesalia Imperial Castle, our most important stronghold in the war, as I prepare to meet with my brother.

Upon approaching the gates of Lesalia Castle, Dycedarg was confronted and saluted by Hokuten guards on patrol.
“Lord Dycedarg, it’s an honor,” one of them replied as another opened the gate for Dycedarg and his company.

Upon entering, Dycedarg’s party rested and stocked up on equipment and supplies while the Lune Knight headed for his brother’s office. He found it strange that Lesalia would be emptier than it should be. A battle happening as he looked outside a window and Zalbag not in his office told the experienced war veteran that the Hokuten were engaged in combat.

After his party had finished their shopping, he gathered them, mounted new Chocobos at Lesalia’s stable, and headed for Doguola Pass to join brother Zalbag and the Hokuten Knights in battle.

Dycedarg’s Hokuten party joined the heat of a seemingly ceaseless battle between Zalbag and his Hokuten Knights against the one and only Count Cidolfas Orlandu, better known as “T.G. Cid”, and his Nanten Knights.
The Hokuten’s Lune Knight and his five Knights drew their swords while Valerie had her staff and magical ability at the ready as they joined their fellow Hokuten army against the bearers of Prince Goltana’s Black Lion flag.

The battle was intense. Brave souls under both administrations died around them while the remaining warriors combated with everything they had. The Hokuten had an advantage upon the arrival of Dycedarg and his company as they brought fresh bodies, fresh recovery items, and a powerful fighting spirit with them, but that wouldn’t be nearly enough to defeat the undefeated Black Lion leader with his 30+ years’ worth of battle experience which gave them a clear edge over the younger Hokuten generals. However, Zalbag has been undefeated for a reason and Balbanes’ heir vowed that this day wouldn’t hand him his first loss.

Dycedarg and his Knights had little trouble adding death counts to their resumes at the expense of exhausted and worn-down warriors. Valerie, however, was at a distinct disadvantage with this being her first major battle. Had he the time to pay close attention, Dycedarg would’ve been furious at the youngster’s look of awe as she laid eyes on the legend of T.G. Cid fighting gallantly against Zalbag’s finest remaining fighters. The veteran that the Thunder God is knew he had a slight moment to learn as much as he could about his enemies, especially the fresh back-up, and he knew the inexperienced mage was an easy target to eliminate.

Even with his heart of gold, Orlandu knew that war was no place to show sympathy; he’s seen many powerful fighters killed for showing even the slightest hint of human compassion during the heat of war.
The young mage, however, showed considerable talent by healing and supporting her allies (both the weak & weary and the fresh & strong) and casting devastating Black Magic spells on her on-coming attackers. Wide eyes of attempted innocence wouldn’t stop battle-hardened foes from delivering fatal blows, however. Dycedarg moved in closer to his in-experienced teammate and in turn, Zalbag joined the two side-by-sides after he had laid eyes on the cavalry.

Tired and worn-down, Zalbag couldn’t hide his smile and the grin on Dycedarg’s face assured that things were well-in-hand for the White Lion flag bearers for the time being. Swords clashing, magic spells being cast, and death cries could be heard in the distance louder than before with the two Beoulve brothers fighting together for the Hokuten army and Cid knew his army was in danger.
Refusing to lose his noteworthy, undefeated record as the leader of the Nantan Knights, the Black Lion’s Holy Swordsman (the only living war general to have acquired this title) sent a messenger to call for back-up from a nearby town. After long moments of clashing, the help message was answered when Orlandu’s messenger returned with Olan Durai (Orlandu’s adopted son) and a party of 5 Nanten Knights which evened out the odds considerably.

Olan wasted no time implementing his magical abilities, making contact against multiple Hokuten. The Hokuten’s Arc Knight maneuvered closer to Olan with a strategic attempt to take out his enemies’ greatest advantage. Strengthened by magic spells by Valerie, Zalbag rushed at Olan for a critical strike, but an already weakened Nanten warrior took the blow for Olan, saving Durai’s life, but ending his own. Olan maneuvered away from General Beoulve and started to charge a spell. Orlandu took it upon himself to guard his adopted son. Weakened and injured, Orlandu’s resolve was stronger than ever as he fought gallantly to save Olan, with Lightning Stab from his Excalibur being his best friend and his victims’ worst enemy.

With Dycedarg’s Knights pre-occupied with their own affairs, the Nanten took the opportunity to take out the Hokuten’s freshest Knight. After missing a Flare spell, two Nanten Knights charged at the magic fencer from opposite sides, but remorse and compassion escaped the Hokuten as he grabbed Valerie by her robe and threw her in-between the two Nanten Knights’ swords, killing her on impact. The distraction was enough for Dycedarg to cast a Stasis Sword and gain assistance by two Hokuten Knights in finishing off Valerie’s technical murderers. Zalbag had just turned around to check on his brother after the dastardly altercation, not seeing what his elder brother had just done. In his eyes, it appeared that Dycedarg fought off Valerie’s killers. Orlandu saw exactly what Dycedarg had done and with Olan defending himself after casting a magic spell on two of Zalbag’s knights, Orlandu rushed at the Lune Knight with a Night Sword that critically injured the evil Beoulve warrior. Zalbag defended his brother’s life by charging at Orlandu and a climatic swordfight had begun between the two extremely tired undefeated war generals.

After an hour more of ceaseless battling, neither noted war general was going down. With countless deaths, approximately 20 total critically wounded Knights, and Dycedarg, Olan, Zalbag, and Orlandu standing on their fatigued legs, something had to give. They both surveyed the battleground in-between sword swings before both Zalbag and Orlandu had knelt down from fatigue. In the meantime, Olan received a massive, yet non-fatal head wound by a Head Break attack that destroyed his helmet and busted his head open. In retaliation, he cast a desperate and unsuccessful Galaxy Stop spell. An end to this long battle at last came when both Orlandu and Zalbag, too tired to even lift their swords, called a retreat to their much smaller armies than what they started with. Zalbag, Dycedarg, Dycedarg’s five injured, yet still living Knights, and Zalbag’s few remaining warriors returned to Lesalia while Orlandu, Olan, and their few remaining warriors returned towards Gallione.



Zalbag’s battle report: Neither a victory nor a defeat between my army of 43 Hokuten Knights against 46 Nanten Knights under the leadership of “Thunder God” Cid. Despite it not being a victory, I am relieved at the outcome of the battle. Count Orlandu was Father’s best friend and most trusted ally while Dycedarg and I were young Squires-turned Knights under Father’s guiding hand and noble leadership, while garnering the respect of Orlandu, himself. In this battle, I refused to allow the heat of war enter my brain like a poison and get the urge to kill him. You fight to win, but I refused to accept victory at the cost of such a great human being’s life. Dycedarg would disagree with me on this and I wouldn’t be surprised if Cid would feel the same. I was almost in awe when Dycedarg entered combat with 5 Knights and a Priest and even when Olan and 5 Knights under his command join his adopted father’s army. It’s a shame to see Dycedarg’s Priest, so young and new to combat, die at the hands of the Nanten, but in this age of war, T.G. Cid and I still fight, undefeated, until Ivalice once again knows peace.

General Zalbag, Dycedarg, and 12 Hokuten Knights (Dycedarg’s 5 and 7 under Zalbag) returned to Lesalia Imperial Capital’s Castle. Zalbag entered his office to scribe his battle report. The surviving Knights got some much-needed rest. Dycedarg, however, was restless, pacing around the castle while admiring the many royal pictures that decorated the walls. After a few minutes of aimlessly wandering around the former home of the Aktascha Royal Family, he entered Zalbag’s office.

“The next thing we need to do is return to Igros, gather more men, and launch a full-scale assault against Goltana, then we can win this war once and for all.”

Zalbag answered his brother, “You know full-well the modus operandi of T.G. Cid as I do. He’ll be more than prepared for us, perhaps on-route to Igros or Lesalia as we head towards Gallione.”

“However, Bethla Garrison has always been an integral stronghold during the 50-Year War. We strike there, get the Queen out, and then victory will be at hand for us!”

“What are you trying to say? You want war, don’t you? The rumors of instigating war against Zalamonia are true, aren’t they?”

“First off, you ask way too many questions for a war general. Second of all, I’m your older brother and superior officer. I separate the chain of command between you and Lord Larg, and whoever disagrees with my orders will be charged with insubordination!”

Zalbag had to ask him, “Were you sent here specifically by Prince Larg himself? Are you ordered to bring me to Igros so that I can lead a rescue mission? She was justifiably charged and deserves to be held. She wanted to kill an innocent Princess Ovelia!”

“Were under Larg’s orders. We are not to question his authority, but the bottom line is that he wants us to help lead our troops into the famed fortress to bring his sister out of jail. He is going to personally lead our charge with Orinas at the forefront of Gallione command.” The Beoulve elder refused to acknowledge the fact that he has Larg’s ear like no one else nor did he mention he tried to send cut-throat mercenaries, namely former Touten Knight Leader Gaff Gafgarion, to help Ruvelia’s dastardly cause. “We must return home immediately.”

“Agreed. In our current condition, we’d be hard-pressed to survive another full-scale battle, but T.G. Cid’s surviving party would fare no better and no doubt, they’re returning to Zeltennia Castle to regroup. Returning to Igros to regroup is the next best course of action.” Zalbag chose not to question Dycedarg of Ramza’s claim during their half-brother’s visit of Lesalia, as his belief and trust in his brother was unbending, almost to a fault.

Duke Dycedarg and General Zalbag led their remaining 12 Knights and returned to Igros for rest, rations, supplies, and many more soldiers. Prince Bestrada Larg with Prince Orinas and the Beoulve brothers led the Hokuten army to Bethla Garrison to rescue Queen Ruvelia from imprisonment. The Nanten Army on the other hand, was on-route to intercept the White Lion flag bearers as Prince Goltana with Princess Ovelia and his finest war generals T.G. Cid and Limberry Aegis Knight Leader Marquis Mesdoram Elmdor. The Lion War was soon to begin…



As we march on towards Bethla Garrison, determined faces decorate our army. Eerie silence looms over the chorus of Chocobo stomps as we march on. A few years’ worth of planning on my part will come to fruition very soon. I know Zalbag will support me all the way and as long as I hold my position within the Knights, I have their unswerving loyalty and support as well. No one except living witnesses will know that I will be responsible for Duke Larg’s eventual death. The time will soon come when the future heirs to the Beoulve name will live as members of the Royal Family of Ivalice instead of blind servants and I will be the one to make it possible!
Dycedarg Beoulve


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