Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Quest 9. The game belongs to Square Enix and Nintendo.

Most of these fanfics focus on the P.O.V. of the hero/heroine, but I really liked Aquila in the game so I wanted to do something that everyone wants to read. All the chapters are going to be Aquila's P.O.V.

Angel Falls

My student and I stood still within the air as we watched over the flock that no longer belongs to me. I listen to the roaring of the waterfall that is behind us, I see the sun that shines brighter than the stars, the village below is beginning to awake. The men began their works, the woman gossiped as they did their chores and children ran around playing together.

I throw a side glance towards my student who was fondly watching the children play. "You have come far, Phoenix. I must confess to having had my doubts when you became Guardian of the village in my stead," I saw her deflate slightly at my statement so I add, "but its inhabitants' continued peace and safety is proof of your devotion." Phoenix perks up, her cheeks were dusted a light rose as she sheepishly giggled at the rare compliment.

"When Apus Major bade me, 'Aquila, take Phoenix as your apprentice,' I never imagined I would see you bloom so. You are worthy of your title indeed, Phoenix, Guardian of Angel Falls," I acknowledged proud, but refused to show it. I whipped my head to the outskirts of the village where two of the villagers, a young woman with an elderly man, were returning back home on the pathway. Suddenly, a Cruelcumber and two blue slime leap out from the bushes before noticing the innocent travellers.

"Master Aquila?"

"These wicked creatures must not be allowed to ambush innocent members of your flock, Phoenix. Come, Guardian of Angel Falls, it is time to fulfil our duties as Celestrians!" I inform before shooting off with my student following straight after me.

We land behind the monsters though I land further away and let my student prove herself against her foes. She defeats them swiftly.

"Yeah! My first win alone!" Phoenix cheered, ecstatic.

"There is no reason for celebration, those creatures are beyond feeble. It would have been a disgrace had you lost to them," I shoot down her excitement immediately, the truth may hurt but she must learn.

"See Grandpa! There's Angel Falls up ahead," the young woman with short purple hair, Erinn I believe, points out, relieved.

"Aaah... I honestly believed I'd never set these tired, old eyes on the place again, but here we are at last. Home," the elderly man says, lovingly.

"Oh, don't be so melodramatic, Grandpa. The village Guardian will have been watching over us the whole way. Nothing bad could have happened to us," Erinn chastises, placing her hands on her hips before going into a praying motion, "Benevolent Phoenix, thank you for protecting us on our journey." Erinn strolls into the village with her grandfather, but before that her body illuminates a soft, light azure before the light materialises as Benevolessence which floats to Phoenix.

"Behold, Phoenix. Benevolessence. The crystallisation of the mortals' gratitude towards we who watch over them," I clarify.

"It's so beautiful," Phoenix marvelled, memorised by the seductive glow of the gem.

"It certainly is," I couldn't help but agree before continuing to teach her about her duties, "as Celestrians, our cardinal duty is to offer this sacred substance unto Mighty Yggdrasil, the Great World Tree. Come, let us return to the Observatory so that you can make your offering."

We both unfurl our wings before shooting high into the sky and entering the Observatory. As soon as we land I turn to Phoenix, "The first task a Guardian must perform upon returning from Protectorate is to report to Apus Major. As unchanging as the North Star, you shall find him in the Great Hall. I have other matters to attend to. You must excuse me," I walk away with the intent of finding Columba who is, with no doubt, in the library.

The library is right next to the Great Hall so I am left baffled why Phoenix is not here, but I assume she somehow got ahead of me. She is determined to be a great Guardian.

I open the doors to the library to find Columba sitting hunched over at her desk, her brow furrowed as beads of sweat streamed down her forehead, her hand scribbling something down furiously as she mutters under her breath. I glance over to the mountains of shelves containing the books of our history to see Columba's student rearranging the books.

"Working hard as always Columba?" I alert her of my presence as I stride up the steps to her desk.

"Aquila, my good friend, have you just returned?" Columba greets, putting her quill down.

"Alongside Phoenix," I inform.

"Ah, Phoenix, how is she doing? I was surprised to hear of her promotion. I never expected you to permit it so soon."

"You assume too much, Columba. I also believe it to be too soon for her to take Guardianship. It was Apus Major's decision," I reveal, but I didn't blame Apus Major. Rather I agree with him, Phoenix is focused and driven in her role as Guardian. She listens attentively, she has demonstrate the ability to take of herself and she has shown me on multiple occasions that she loves to work with the mortals which is rare to find amongst us Celestrians. The only reason I do not want her to be offered Guardianship is so that I can remain close to her as her mentor.

"Indeed? How amusing! I might have known," Columba shook her head in exasperation, chuckling slightly.

"It is no laughing matter. Phoenix is but a fledgling. What if something were to happen in the Protectorate?!" I hissed. Phoenix may be an excellent future Guardian, but never has she faced those ferocious creatures that are clearly more powerful than her. Angel Falls may consist of weak creatures, however, there are occasions where villainous beasts escape from grottos and wreak havoc. She'll be killed in an instant. "Or have you forgotten the tragedy of Corvus so soon?" I accused without thought. I have lost too much already, I shall not let Phoenix be ripped away from me.

Columba immediately halts her laughter before nervously glancing to her student who appeared not to have heard me, Columba focuses back onto me and sends me a warning, "O-Of course not... we have been forbidden to talk about that incident here within the Observatory, have we not?" I gave no response to my friend who sighed before blanching back and staring at something right behind me so I turn around to see Phoenix behind me.

"Phoenix! H-How long have you been standing there?" I stuttered as shame overcame me. The sight before me nearly broke my heart. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her lips quivered slightly and she wrapped her arms around herself.

"N-Not long," Phoenix mutters, refusing to meet my gaze.

'Apologise. I need to apologise,' I repeated in a mantra, but when I opened my mouth what I wanted to say, I didn't, "Why do you idle, Phoenix? You have yet to make your report to Apus Major. Do you really wish to keep him waiting?"

"But... I have already seen him," Phoenix corrects after a moment of hesitation.

"Have you offered Benevolessence to Mighty Yggdrasil?" I question sharply to which she shook her head, "then make haste. You must not keep the Great Tree waiting any longer."

Phoenix flinched at the harshness, but obeys, "I'm sorry, Master Aquila. I will perform my duty immediately." She rushes out the library.

"Was that really necessary, Aquila?" Columba questions, staring at me with disapproval in her eyes, "all Phoenix has ever wished for is your approval."

"I am being firm with her," I argue while I thought, 'no, I was not.'

"That was not being firm, that was you being cruel," Columba snapped with ire, she exhales a large breath to calm herself as she pinches the bridge of her nose, "I know after the incident you fear letting people close, but this is Phoenix, your student. Aquila, I am your friend and I know you did not mean to say those words to Phoenix but you did so it is your responsibility to atone for your mistake. Go to her."

"You are right, Columba, as always," I acknowledge the mistake I made.

"There is a reason why I am the Book Keeper of the library. Now shoo," Columba ways me away. I proceed to the highest point of the Observatory where Mighty Yggdrasil stood. She radiates splendidly at the offering of Benevolessence given by my student.

"Behold, Phoenix... is Yggdrasil, unto whom we offer the Benevolessence we gather, truly not beautiful?" I question as I admire Yggdrasil's refine beauty.

"Undeniably so, Master Aquila," Phoenix concedes as she stares up in wonder.

"Gathering and offering up Benevolessence is the most sacred duty with which we Guardians are charged," I inform of her before telling her my thoughts, "I trust you will perform your duties well."

"But I thought you believe it is still too early for me to take Guardianship?" Phoenix reiterates in perplexity.

"If I had truly believed you are unworthy of being a Guardian then I would have fought harder against Apus Major's decision even breaking the Celestrian Law which forbids a Celestrian to oppose their superiors," I point out, looking her sternly in the eyes.

"I guess I did overreact, I should have known better," Phoenix discloses.

"I know you will do well, Phoenix, Guardian of Angel Falls," I say before adding, "I have been thinking... calling you 'Phoenix, Guardian of Angel Falls,' is both convoluted and inconvenient. We have known one another for so long I feel as if... as if we are family. Henceforth, why not drop our titles for when we are alone?" I request, turning my head away so she could not see my embarrassment.

"Of course Mas-Aquila!" Phoenix accedes wholeheartedly.

"It is good to see that you succumb to my recommendation so readily, though our laws prevent you from declining my request," I remind before mentally noting that I just ruined a moment between us. "Now, go report to Apus Major and inform him of your success."

"Right away, Aquila!" Phoenix salutes before sprinting down the stairs. I already knew what mission Apus Major would give her so I journey to the portal that leads to the Protectorate.

What do you guys think? Is this a good idea?