Chapter 1 – Starting voice

    My name is Damien. If you've read Water Lily's previous works, you would probably know who or what I am. And I strongly suggest that you do so, for I really do not feel like explaining myself when it would essentially be a repeat of Celestine's words. Celestine who…? She's none other than the female protagonist of the above mentioned.

    Just to refresh your memory a little… we both are Angels who guard over mortals blah blah blah have to abide by our rules in Angel Land, the place where all Angels reside… and if we break them, we have our punishments.

    One day she died, I became a dark Angel and left Angel Land blah blah blah and then I fight with Zell, I lose to her (yes, her.)… she has been revived again, living happily ever after with Zell.

    Okay, one major issue you SHOULD know… I've always had a thing for Celestine, but she treats me like a Big Brother… get that.

    Enough about the mundane stuff.

    Let's begin.

    During and after the first Sorceress' War, there were many orphans as a result of the mindless slaughtering that was so common during that period. Celestine and I decided to choose our Masters or Ladies from the Lighthouse Orphanage, probably because we felt drawn to the children there. All of them had the brightest potential ever.

    Celestine chose her Zell, while I chose Seifer.

    Why? There's no why. Such things happen. It's fate, I guess.

    You might have had the impression that I chose him for impure reasons. That's not entirely wrong, but it's not all right either. You see, even if a secondary motive might be inherent when an Angel chooses whom to serve and protect, he or she would be unable to do so if he wasn't drawn to the person in some way.

    And I was drawn to Seifer; make no mistake about it. Don't be surprised at my words there. For even though there may have been many who were turned off by his cocky attitude, there were just as many individuals who found him to be rather charming. Maybe it was the confidence he always seemed to carry himself with; maybe it was the potential that he possessed, and never hesitated to show. It wasn't by accident that he was the Head of the Disciplinary Committee, despite his widespread reputation as a rebel of the rules.

    However, I find that my reason for being drawn to him was none of the above. It was his dream.

    You know, the dream that he wants to be a Sorceress' Knight.

    An innocent, yet in no way foolish one he had held since young. You wouldn't believe how serious he was about it. He spent hours in the library reading up on anything at all that related to the subject, while practicing his gunblade moves with a feverish intensity, maybe in hope that it might come useful to protect a Sorceress if he were to have the chance to follow one.

    I spent many of my years from that of a child to a full-blown young adult guarding him, warding those evil influences away, while silently supporting his dream.

    I do not know if he sensed it, like Zell had sensed Celestine. But I wasn't nearly as careless as she was… so it remained a mystery for a long period of time.

    But in the end… I wasn't competent enough for the job.

    I'm sorry, my Master.

    I had not put my full attention on my duty, on you. And no amount of atonement can erase that fault.

    I was such an easy opponent; that Ultimecia must have known that, which was why she headed straight for you.

    Of course, the Sorceress' Knight dream was a catalyst, but it still doesn't take away my failure at protecting you, nor does it lighten the blame that should be placed on me.

    After losing Seifer as my Master, I wanted to make amends by giving my all into the next appointment.

    I chose from the same gang, one who looked like he or she needed guidance and protection.

    It turned out to be Quistis, who had held a fragile and vulnerable heart beneath her serious, capable appearance.

    Despondent and with insecurity gnawing at her core after having lost her Instructor's license, her glass heart was shattered yet again after seeing Rinoa and Squall together.

    Of course, to her friends she had said that it was a sisterly affection she had felt for Squall. You believed that?

    It was so fitting that later, the two of them got together. My Master and My Lady, a couple.

    While I was plodding away in my own maze.

    When I saw them so close in the cell, I almost returned to my normal self, gratified that at least, they hadn't turned out too badly despite my incompetence as their Angel.

    I'd like to think that I had been a link between them… drawn together subconsciously because they had once been guarded over by the same Angel, perhaps?

    Maybe I flatter myself, maybe it was self-consolation… but I'm glad.

    So glad that tears of gratitude flow as I thank Hyne for giving them, and me, a second chance in life.

    Now, I renew my vow to watch over them, both of them, and their future generations. Damien Silvergrace, their Eternal Guardian. I think that sounds fairly good… no it's absolutely way cool…

    Enough about me. It's time to turn our eyes and ears to the hero/heroine of this story.

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    Author's Notes: From the beginning of the next chapter onwards, the only voices you'll hear in the main story will be from Quistis or Seifer. No exceptions whatsoever. But that only reaches up to the main story, cos they only paid rent for that. The space above and beneath, I'm free to do whatever I please.

    Quisty: See, readers. This is a lesson that teaches you that ALWAYS check up on your landlord before you sign anything!!!! We've been duped!!!

   WL: Shut up… you can't do anything unless you want to buy the whole space from me… that you definitely can't afford! Hahahaha!

   Quisty: Ohhh! You're a meanie!

   WL: That's Rinoa's line. (Well, something like that.)