Setosolace: The Kingdom's Sorcerer-AU

Chapter 1: Trouble in Aræn

"Sir, a messenger bird was sent with a note today, directed to you," cooed one of King Choco's own Kwehs, the name he gave to his soldiers. The Kweh was fortunate he found his yellow-feathered king to be near as he received the message, considering how busy Choco was constantly, and how he never seemed to rest.

Choco offered a wing and the Kweh placed the small paper upon it. Curious, Choco unfolded it as serenely as he could with only wings. Glancing over the messy handwriting, his face lit with recognition and concern.

"What is it, sir?"

Choco turned to the Kweh with anxiety in his eyes. "Prepare for a visitor."
~

The Aussie stumbled onto the gravel pathway, exhaustion eating at his muscles. He felt his heartbeat quicken at the glory before him; the massive stonebrick castle with fluttering Kwehs zooming around it screamed activity. He eagerly trudged across the path, while the gate came into view. He noticed the guards straightening their backs, like they were expecting something.

"You must be Rubicon's strongest warrior, Brice," one of the birds spoke with finesse.

The king must've sent a bird to foretell my coming, thought Brice with a sense of honor.

He cleared his throat and tried to imitate the Kweh's noble vocals. "I am a warrior, but perhaps not the mightiest. It is because of the king I stand before you."

The other Kweh shook his head slowly. "To escape such a threat and traverse such a journey takes the most strength one can acquire. Please, come with me, and I'll take you to King Choco." Brice tiredly followed the tall orange bird as they entered the gates, revealing a breathtaking sight of the entirety of Aræn. Citizens of all kinds went on their daily lifestyles like blacksmithing and trading. A large market surrounded the city within the walls. Brice recalled his mother speaking of the one-and-only Balamb, and how it could bring anyone great fortune. He didn't have much time to glance around in wonder when the Kweh soldier led him into the monstrous labyrinth.

While closing the somewhat small entrance (compared to what it led to), the soldier beside Brice bowed low. Brice followed his gaze to see a built, feathery Chocobo standing expectantly. Fierce, muscled talons held up an armored, bulky bird with longer wings than others. He had a more colorful and full crest adorning his head, accompanied by sharp eyes and a broad beak. Brice assumed this was the famous King Choco. The bird stood with a proud form.

Not to Brice's surprise, the king's voice was far lower than his fellow species. He also lacked the pitchy tones usually blatant in the most calm bird, having a voice of silk.

It was clear he spoke deeply from his chest as he cheeped, "Ah, Brice, King Carnassial informed us of your visit. 'Tis a pleasure." King Choco bowed his great head, his feathers fluffing out like the quills of a porcupine. "I am King Choco, the ruler of this domain. I've heard of what's become of your kingdom, and you have my sincerest pity. You are to explain in-depth of the situation so I can assist, correct?"
Brice, distracted by the unveiled hues of the king's feathers as they puffed out, blinked a few times and nodded quickly.

"Ahem, yes, I was the only one who could escape the barrier before it, well, closed completely. . ." Brice trailed off as he recalled the painful backstory.

"I didn't think he was powerful enough to encase a whole kingdom with magic!" exclaimed King Choco. He sighed, and glanced from the guard to Brice and back, thinking intensely. "The only person I could think of that would properly know what to do would be. . . Seto the sorcerer."