Disclaimer: I no own, you no sue.
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A/N: I'm hoping of improving my writing skills through a creative writing class I am now going through. Um....my apologies for deleting 'Dragon's Brood'. I've found so many holes in the plot, and thought I hadn't included enough of Spark's "origin" if you will in it.
The title of this chapter is an inside joke between me and my boyfriend. ELEPHANT JUICE!
Well, now for your viewing pleasure "Crystal Quartet"!
~NeoNaoNeo
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Crystal Quartet
Chapter 1: Shut the Door
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Lightning momentarily lit up the small, dimly lit church, soon being followed by an earth shaking thunder clap. Rain fell like shimmering jewels from the early afternoon sky, rapping on the cathedral's windows lightly. The town of Burmecia hardly looked as though it had been under siege only a few hours ago, many small flames the black mages had managed to set were soon extinguished by the rainstorm. The casualties of the Burmecian army were small; hardly any civilians had even been injured. The Burmecians praised whatever gods they believed in, grateful for the black mage army's swift defeat.
The black mages, however, suffered heavy losses. The army of nearly forty coming from Lindblum had been whittled down to twelve; four of them were barely clinging to life by a thread. The others had been killed by both their enemy's weapons and quick attacks or due to exhaustion, merely stopping in the middle of combat. Those twelve may not have made it if it wasn't for a Phoenix summon from Eiko and Garnet's healing spells, although they were still in horrible shape. Ipsen was among them, although the only wound he had was a gash on his wing and that was already nearly healed. Although hesitant, a few of the civilians helped the soldiers, black mage and Burmecian alike, into their church only after Robin, Eiko and Garnet cast Silence on every black mage they had taken in. It had been nearly three hours since they had brought the last soldier in and cleaned their wounds; a few of them were already up and about.
Freya walked into the church, carrying a small bundle in her arms. Robin walked up the aisle to meet her.
"What is it?" Robin asked.
"A black mage, I found him in the field on reconnaissance," Freya explained and shifted the black mage in her arms. He was half the size of the others, having a unique autumn leaf pattern on his leg. The small mage was trembling violently in Freya's arms despite the thick blanket she had wrapped him in. His clothes were covered in mud, blood and rips. "He was being attacked by a small pod of Mus."
"Poor thing," Eiko cooed as she peeked over Robin's shoulder. "Here, Garnet and I will take care of him."
Freya passed off the bundle to Eiko and looked to Robin, noticing the girl's concerned look.
"What's wrong?" the Burmecian asked.
"It's Ipsen," Robin said.
"What about him?" Freya replied.
"He has a wound on his wing, but that's it." Robin murmured. "And he seems to be doing worse off than the others."
"Here, let me have a look at him," Freya demanded politely.
Robin nodded and led her to the pew where Ipsen was resting, a blanket draped over his limp and motionless body. Every so often, the waltz would shiver and mumble something inaudibly. Freya looked him over and shrugged.
"He seems fine," Freya insured. "Just probably having a bad dream."
"No, feel his forehead," Robin directed and the Burmecian complied. Freya drew back quickly.
"He's burning up," Freya muttered. She examined the wound on his wing. "It's not an infection. Nor is it a broken limb, so he's not in shock."
"I hope he's okay," Robin said quietly.
"Well, let's put a cold washcloth on him and see how he's doing later, hm?" Freya suggested.
"Why a wash cloth?" a voice from behind them squeaked. "Is he hurt?"
Freya and Robin turned around, spotting one of the stout black mage soldiers behind them, watching curiously. He met both of their surprised gazes with a certain joy be vive. "Hi!"
"I thought you cast Silence on them," Freya snarled at Robin quietly.
"I did!" she defended. The black mage was watching them both with interest, periodically shifting his gaze around the room. Robin decided not to be rude and introduced herself. "Hi, my name's Robin."
"Hel-lo," the mage said shyly and imitated Robin's wave.
"And this is Freya," she continued, motioning to the Burmecian.
The black mage said nothing, as he found something of more interest on one of the rafters above. Freya huffed and looked back to Robin. The black mage said nothing as he toddled back down the aisle, looking from side to side, examining everything with the keenest interest.
Robin chuckled. Even Freya found some comfort and amusement in the black mage's childish behavior. Both snapped to attention when Ipsen turned over in a quick and clumsy way, more from a panic than his uncomfortable resting place. The waltz's wing spastically twitched on one side, spreading completely then quickly snapping to his back a few times.
"Ipsen?" Robin said. Her voice was pleading and insecure.
*`*`*`*`*`*`
I have no reason to live....to remember.....
All I've done.....
All I've committed....
I don't deserve life....
I don't deserve the comfort of death....
I don't deserve her....
Darkness seemed to surround him as Ipsen lay in a pathetic heap, not moving. 'Get up!' a commanding voice ordered.
The waltz immediately sprung to his feet in a panic, surprise overwhelming him. 'It works.'
What works?
'Nothing.'
What do you mean? Who are you?
'No one. Nothing.'
It's you.
'Yes.'
Kuja...
A screeching cackle seemed to echo all around him.
'You can't escape.'
Escape what?
'Your fate. You are...'
No. Do your own work.
'You will....'
No.
'You can't....'
I am.
'Try.'
The waltz spread his wings in the darkness, gracefully and slowly, finally accepting the creature had become, the memories he would now leave behind. The moon topped staff gripped in his hand was gleaming beautifully in an anonymous light; everything about the magnificent waltz was perfect balance, stability, power. Ipsen looked about, feeling in control.
'You underestimate me puppet.'
No Kuja, you can f*ck yourself. I'm leaving.
'Hah, you think you're in control.'
I don't think. I know.
*`*`*`*`*`
Robin dabbed Ipsen's cheek with a cold washcloth as Freya watched, becoming just as worried as her. Vivi was the last onlooker, torn between abhorrence and love for the boy.
".....i know..." Ipsen muttered in a slurred voice, talking in his sleep. The feathers on his wings and around his collar bristled.
"Ipsen?" Vivi pleaded, edging toward him.
A spark of small electricity quickly circulated about his wing, but immediately leapt into the air with a high, electric crackle. Vivi shook his head and looked down, ashamed, not being able to take seeing this. Ipsen had become something he hated, a near duplicate of Black Waltz No. 3.
Ipsen's feathers settled back into their pores and he chuckled.
*`*`*`*`*`
Ipsen raised his staff in the darkness, every fiber of him surging with the energy of his outgoing attack. He was a black waltz, no matter how much his father denied it. Powerful, agile, cunning; Kuja was the one that underestimated. Ipsen roared the final word of his incantation, sending the attack flying into the darkness. "Flaraga star!"
He heard the sound of something falling and smiled.
'I will have my way, whether you like it or not, pet.'
Bastard.
'Bring her to the Ice Cavern.'
There was a long silence.
Kuja?
No answer.
Kuja?
No answer.
I'm alone.
I....can remember?
No. It's easier to forget. Sometimes....it's just easier to forget.
Ipsen spread his wings triumphantly and gave them a sturdy flap as he took to the air in a harmonious motion, no longer feeling awkward or clumsy, nor was he confused or ashamed. He had reached his potential. The dark around him seemed to brighten, slowly at first, but then it flared into a giddy flash. Ipsen shielded his eyes, his wings beating the increasingly thin air.
Sometimes....it's just easier to forget.
*`*`*`*`*`
A/N: Good times, a nice long start to a somewhat short story. Yes, I said the "s" word. No, not sh*t. This story is going to be much SHORTER ((said it again!)) than 'Malevolence's Waltz', only around 10 chapters. But there will be a lot more action, character and plot development and a whole bunch more stuff. Plus, a kind of surprise ending...
~NeoNaoNeo
*`*`*`*`*`
A/N: I'm hoping of improving my writing skills through a creative writing class I am now going through. Um....my apologies for deleting 'Dragon's Brood'. I've found so many holes in the plot, and thought I hadn't included enough of Spark's "origin" if you will in it.
The title of this chapter is an inside joke between me and my boyfriend. ELEPHANT JUICE!
Well, now for your viewing pleasure "Crystal Quartet"!
~NeoNaoNeo
*`*`*`*`*`
Crystal Quartet
Chapter 1: Shut the Door
*`*`*`*`*`
Lightning momentarily lit up the small, dimly lit church, soon being followed by an earth shaking thunder clap. Rain fell like shimmering jewels from the early afternoon sky, rapping on the cathedral's windows lightly. The town of Burmecia hardly looked as though it had been under siege only a few hours ago, many small flames the black mages had managed to set were soon extinguished by the rainstorm. The casualties of the Burmecian army were small; hardly any civilians had even been injured. The Burmecians praised whatever gods they believed in, grateful for the black mage army's swift defeat.
The black mages, however, suffered heavy losses. The army of nearly forty coming from Lindblum had been whittled down to twelve; four of them were barely clinging to life by a thread. The others had been killed by both their enemy's weapons and quick attacks or due to exhaustion, merely stopping in the middle of combat. Those twelve may not have made it if it wasn't for a Phoenix summon from Eiko and Garnet's healing spells, although they were still in horrible shape. Ipsen was among them, although the only wound he had was a gash on his wing and that was already nearly healed. Although hesitant, a few of the civilians helped the soldiers, black mage and Burmecian alike, into their church only after Robin, Eiko and Garnet cast Silence on every black mage they had taken in. It had been nearly three hours since they had brought the last soldier in and cleaned their wounds; a few of them were already up and about.
Freya walked into the church, carrying a small bundle in her arms. Robin walked up the aisle to meet her.
"What is it?" Robin asked.
"A black mage, I found him in the field on reconnaissance," Freya explained and shifted the black mage in her arms. He was half the size of the others, having a unique autumn leaf pattern on his leg. The small mage was trembling violently in Freya's arms despite the thick blanket she had wrapped him in. His clothes were covered in mud, blood and rips. "He was being attacked by a small pod of Mus."
"Poor thing," Eiko cooed as she peeked over Robin's shoulder. "Here, Garnet and I will take care of him."
Freya passed off the bundle to Eiko and looked to Robin, noticing the girl's concerned look.
"What's wrong?" the Burmecian asked.
"It's Ipsen," Robin said.
"What about him?" Freya replied.
"He has a wound on his wing, but that's it." Robin murmured. "And he seems to be doing worse off than the others."
"Here, let me have a look at him," Freya demanded politely.
Robin nodded and led her to the pew where Ipsen was resting, a blanket draped over his limp and motionless body. Every so often, the waltz would shiver and mumble something inaudibly. Freya looked him over and shrugged.
"He seems fine," Freya insured. "Just probably having a bad dream."
"No, feel his forehead," Robin directed and the Burmecian complied. Freya drew back quickly.
"He's burning up," Freya muttered. She examined the wound on his wing. "It's not an infection. Nor is it a broken limb, so he's not in shock."
"I hope he's okay," Robin said quietly.
"Well, let's put a cold washcloth on him and see how he's doing later, hm?" Freya suggested.
"Why a wash cloth?" a voice from behind them squeaked. "Is he hurt?"
Freya and Robin turned around, spotting one of the stout black mage soldiers behind them, watching curiously. He met both of their surprised gazes with a certain joy be vive. "Hi!"
"I thought you cast Silence on them," Freya snarled at Robin quietly.
"I did!" she defended. The black mage was watching them both with interest, periodically shifting his gaze around the room. Robin decided not to be rude and introduced herself. "Hi, my name's Robin."
"Hel-lo," the mage said shyly and imitated Robin's wave.
"And this is Freya," she continued, motioning to the Burmecian.
The black mage said nothing, as he found something of more interest on one of the rafters above. Freya huffed and looked back to Robin. The black mage said nothing as he toddled back down the aisle, looking from side to side, examining everything with the keenest interest.
Robin chuckled. Even Freya found some comfort and amusement in the black mage's childish behavior. Both snapped to attention when Ipsen turned over in a quick and clumsy way, more from a panic than his uncomfortable resting place. The waltz's wing spastically twitched on one side, spreading completely then quickly snapping to his back a few times.
"Ipsen?" Robin said. Her voice was pleading and insecure.
*`*`*`*`*`*`
I have no reason to live....to remember.....
All I've done.....
All I've committed....
I don't deserve life....
I don't deserve the comfort of death....
I don't deserve her....
Darkness seemed to surround him as Ipsen lay in a pathetic heap, not moving. 'Get up!' a commanding voice ordered.
The waltz immediately sprung to his feet in a panic, surprise overwhelming him. 'It works.'
What works?
'Nothing.'
What do you mean? Who are you?
'No one. Nothing.'
It's you.
'Yes.'
Kuja...
A screeching cackle seemed to echo all around him.
'You can't escape.'
Escape what?
'Your fate. You are...'
No. Do your own work.
'You will....'
No.
'You can't....'
I am.
'Try.'
The waltz spread his wings in the darkness, gracefully and slowly, finally accepting the creature had become, the memories he would now leave behind. The moon topped staff gripped in his hand was gleaming beautifully in an anonymous light; everything about the magnificent waltz was perfect balance, stability, power. Ipsen looked about, feeling in control.
'You underestimate me puppet.'
No Kuja, you can f*ck yourself. I'm leaving.
'Hah, you think you're in control.'
I don't think. I know.
*`*`*`*`*`
Robin dabbed Ipsen's cheek with a cold washcloth as Freya watched, becoming just as worried as her. Vivi was the last onlooker, torn between abhorrence and love for the boy.
".....i know..." Ipsen muttered in a slurred voice, talking in his sleep. The feathers on his wings and around his collar bristled.
"Ipsen?" Vivi pleaded, edging toward him.
A spark of small electricity quickly circulated about his wing, but immediately leapt into the air with a high, electric crackle. Vivi shook his head and looked down, ashamed, not being able to take seeing this. Ipsen had become something he hated, a near duplicate of Black Waltz No. 3.
Ipsen's feathers settled back into their pores and he chuckled.
*`*`*`*`*`
Ipsen raised his staff in the darkness, every fiber of him surging with the energy of his outgoing attack. He was a black waltz, no matter how much his father denied it. Powerful, agile, cunning; Kuja was the one that underestimated. Ipsen roared the final word of his incantation, sending the attack flying into the darkness. "Flaraga star!"
He heard the sound of something falling and smiled.
'I will have my way, whether you like it or not, pet.'
Bastard.
'Bring her to the Ice Cavern.'
There was a long silence.
Kuja?
No answer.
Kuja?
No answer.
I'm alone.
I....can remember?
No. It's easier to forget. Sometimes....it's just easier to forget.
Ipsen spread his wings triumphantly and gave them a sturdy flap as he took to the air in a harmonious motion, no longer feeling awkward or clumsy, nor was he confused or ashamed. He had reached his potential. The dark around him seemed to brighten, slowly at first, but then it flared into a giddy flash. Ipsen shielded his eyes, his wings beating the increasingly thin air.
Sometimes....it's just easier to forget.
*`*`*`*`*`
A/N: Good times, a nice long start to a somewhat short story. Yes, I said the "s" word. No, not sh*t. This story is going to be much SHORTER ((said it again!)) than 'Malevolence's Waltz', only around 10 chapters. But there will be a lot more action, character and plot development and a whole bunch more stuff. Plus, a kind of surprise ending...
~NeoNaoNeo