Aria, Maiden of Water

A quick update. (It won't always be like that.) This chapter will hopefully show a bit in which direction this story is heading. It's all made up, but in the end will tie in with the main Final Fantasy III storyline, don't worry.

2. Erin of the Dark

Aria groaned as she woke up again. Her vision was blurry and she felt dizzy. What had happened? Oh yes, she had passed out in the forest. Her vision became normal again and Aria noticed, she was no longer in the forest. She was laying on a soft bed in a building, probably a house. She wanted to move, but only then she noticed her hands were tied together, as were her feet. A gasp escaped the young maiden's lips.

"What's going on?" she muttered. Aria bowed her head. Why didn't this end? She had died, why wouldn't they just leave her alone now? She heard footsteps. And a familiar screeching.

It was that young man that had saved her from that thing in the forest.

"So you are awake?" he asked, giving her a sideways glance. Aria nodded. "Are you from the world of Light?" This question had come sudden, and Aria was confused by it. She didn't answer. He sighed impatiently. "You can speak, can't you?"

"I can." She shyly replied.

"Then answer me, are you from the World of Light?"

"I don't understand what you are saying." She confessed. "Where am I?"

"You are in the World of Darkness." He answered. Silence. "I take it you are from the World of Light then." It all didn't make sense to Aria, she was more and more confused about what had happened.

"Is this…" She slowly asked. "Is this death?"

Now it was his turn to be confused. "Death…?"

Aria nodded. "I am… I am supposed to be dead…"

"Did you hit your head or something?"

She shook her head and showed him the scar on her chest, only an inch above her heart. She heard him gasp. "Where did you get that?"

"In the cave of tides." Aria replied. "The Warriors of Light were attacked by an assassin named Kraken… I…" She bit her lip. The memory of it was actually quite painful. "I pushed them out of the way." He fell silent, not sure if he had to believe her. But at the sight of the tears he didn't doubt the truth in her words anymore. Gently he untied her bonds.

"I believe you." His facial expression softened into a gentle, assuring smile. It comforted her. "Well, my name is Erin, what's yours?"

"Aria, my name is Aria."

He offered her a hand, which she took and he helped her up. Aria noticed the black bird from the forest. "I believe you already met Falc?"

"I have indeed." The Maiden smiled. The bird screeched again and flew to Erin, landing gracefully on his shoulder. Aria carefully stroke over the birds soft feathers. It seemed to enjoy that, as it let out some soft noises.

"Well, anyway Aria, do you want to stretch your legs a bit?"

"Gladly." She replied. "I want to know where I am and why it is, that I am not dead."

He led her outside. Erin's hut was built in the forest, close to where the river broadened.

"Do you live here all by yourself?"

He shook his head. "No. I'm a hunter. Lately the Jurmangunds have become a plague. I'm one of the people who tries to do something about them. In vain, though."

"Jurmangunds…?"

"You saw one already, the serpent that attacked you was one."

Aria shivered as she remembered the cold eyes and the long, shimmering fangs. Erin gazed of in the distance. "More and more monsters show up lately." He didn't look at her. "It's like in the old tales of the Dark Warriors."

Aria didn't get what he was saying. She was still confused by all these new things. A sigh escaped her lips and she tugged Erin's arm.

"Erin, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't get at all what's happening here. Would you mind giving me some answers?" he gazed in her crystal blue eyes for a while, then nodded. Aria sank down on a tree stump.

"Where am I?"

"You are in the World of Darkness. It's the counterpart of the World of Light. Both worlds maintain the Balance between Light and Dark."

"So that means I am not dead. Or am I?" She shook her head and bowed her head. "I just don't know…" He kneeled down in front of her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Aria, calm down. I'm sure there is a logical explanation for all of this. Take it easy for now."

She studied his face, it showed a caring expression. She was grateful that he cared.

"Thank you Erin."

"It's what I do." He shrugged. "But okay, I'm sure you have more questions."

"Yes…" She closed her eyes and thought for a moment. "Why did you tie me up? When you asked me if I was from the world of light, you seemed afraid, or angry. Why was that?"

Erin didn't immediately answer. He turned his back to her and pondered over his answer. "The people of the Dark they… They don't really appreciate the People of light."

"Why is that?"

"Thousand years ago, the Cataclysm of Light happened, thanks to the haughtiness of the people of Light. The Balance was Broken and our world was threatened to be devoured by the Void. It was stopped in time when the Dark Crystals called forward four Dark Warriors, but still… The people of the Dark still haven't forgiven the People of Light."

"It happened long ago." Aria said. "By now, the Ancients who did that no longer exist." She looked at Erin. "Do you know that now it is the Darkness from this world that threatens my world?"

Erin stiffened. "E-even if that is so, the people of the Dark have nothing to do with it!"

"I didn't say that." Aria quickly apologized. "It's just… You can't keep blaming us, when the same thing easily could have happened to the people here."

"Fair enough." He agreed. It became silent for a while. Aria didn't really know what she wanted to ask now. Her biggest question was one he would not be able to answer.

"Do you trust me?" she finally asked.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Something inside me tells me that I can, that I have to."

Aria sighed again and again. "I'm at loss. What do I have to do…?"

Erin seemed to be thinking about that too, for his face had a serious expression. Even Falc was silent for once. Finally Erin stood up, having made up his mind.

"Well, on this small island you won't find any answers, I'm afraid." He helped her up. "I have a friend on the main continent of Archis. He's very wise, he might be able to help you with some of your questions. At least, more than I can."

"Is it very far?" Aria asked, not sure if she liked the idea of a very long journey in an unknown world where the people didn't like People of the Light World like her. Then again, what options did she have?

"If we leave today, we can reach the Airship port within two days. From there, it will be only a day to Archis with the airship ferry."

"Well… Are you sure you want to help me? It is a sudden decision, is it not?"

"Aria…" He shook his head. "What else can I do? Leave you here every day, waiting for me to come back from my hunt, and you not getting any answers at all?" He patted her shoulder. "No, it'll be quite alright. I was going back soon to get my money for all the Jurmangunds I've slain and to buy some new supplies, anyway."

"Alright then… If you are sure it is okay."

"Great. Now, give me some time to gather some of my stuff and we'll be off." He already was going back to the hut when Aria asked: "Now?"

"Yes, now." He winked, with a half smile. "Time's valuable, and you never have enough of it in your life."

"Tell me about it." The Maiden of Water muttered as soon as Erin had disappeared in the hut.

A bit later Erin returned, carrying a bow with quiver on his back, together with a backpack. His sword, with which he had slain the Jurmangund that had attacked Aria, dangled on his belt. He took a black travelling coat from the backpack and handed it to Aria.

"It maybe doesn't fit with your nice white dress, but it'll cover you enough so you won't be as easily spotted."

Hesitatingly Aria put the coat over her shoulders. It was made of some heavy material, but also soft and warm. Yes, it would certainly help to make it harder to spot her. Then Erin handed her a dagger. Her eyes went wide and she looked at him, feeling a bit afraid.

"I hope you won't have to use it, but if I ever get beaten or if you are attacked from behind, you'll be able to defend yourself with it at least." Erin explained.

"But… But I've never wielded a weapon before! I'm a priestess, I help people with my white magic, but I can't fight!"

"Don't worry, you won't have to fight. I'll protect you. I'll just feel better knowing that you'll have a last defence should I fail." Hesitatingly, Aria took the dagger and put it in a small pocket of her coat. If fitted perfectly in it.

"If we get to Achis, we can buy something more appropriate for a magic user like you." He looked at her sideways. "Are you good at magic?"

"I can cast some Lv3 white magic, but nothing more." He seemed a bit disappointed and she quickly apologized. "I'm sorry! But… I can't help it… I…" He mentioned her to be silent.

"It's okay." He assured her. "If you can cast Cura, that will be good enough for our journey to Achis. We can learn you more magic once there."

"I don't want to be a burden…" Aria whispered, looking at her feet. He put his arm comforting around her. "Or plunder your wallet."

"Don't worry about that. You aren't, let me assure you." Then he took his backpack and called Falc. "Common Aria, let's go."

She nodded and ran up to him. Together they left behind the hut and headed for the airship port that would take them to the main continent of Achis. Aria sincerely hoped that this friend of Erin would be able to help her. She let her questions drop of her for now and focussed on the journey ahead. Many things continued to happen so sudden. Her meeting with Erin, and now her journey with him and his sudden decision to help her. Her head hurt.

"Don't think about it." She reminded herself. "Everything will eventually get clear." Full of doubt Aria followed Erin.

"Don't worry Aria." He gave her a smile. "Every question has an answer. Even yours, confusing and strange as they might be."

"I hope you're right." The Maiden of Water thought. "I really do."

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This one was a bit shorter than the first one, but I can't always write long chapters. Anyway, enjoy.