Wings of Dakness, Wings of Hope.
Summary: This story is intended as a fanfic around a future novelization of BoF2. Tells about the past of Nina Wyndia, before being taken to NewHaven (HomeTown), to be a student in the Magic School. How they realized about the Black Wings, and how the Fate of the Crown of Windia depends on her. Revised Version.
Epilogue
The guards stationed outside of the queen's private chambers let Zarinna pass without a word. Inside, she found Hina seated at her writing desk, chewing on the end of a quill and gazing pensively at the gardens outside.
"Your majesty," said Zarinna as she knelt. Hina turned around in surprise, and as their eyes met, Zarinna flicked one hand into one of the signs from the secret language they had made up when they were girls. Hina nodded in understanding and, raising her own hands, wove an arcane silencing field around the room. Any who tried to listen in on their conversation would only hear a static buzzing.
"Zari, please stand," Hina said with a smile, standing herself and moving towards Zarinna. "And address me by my name! Now what is it that's so urgent that you need the silence spell up?"
Zarinna got to her feet, opened her mouth and then closed it again. She couldn't find the right words, the words to tell a mother that her beloved daughter was as good as dead. How could anyone find the right words for that sort of situation? In the end, Zarinna just went over and hugged her sister, crying silently onto her shoulder. Startled, Hina patted her comfortingly.
"Zari? What is it? What's happened?"
After pulling back a little and wiping at her eyes, Zarinna held out both pairs of feathers and the necklaces. Hina's eyes widened with shock as understanding dawned, and she collapsed into a nearby armchair.
"I'm so sorry, Hina, big sister," Zarinna whispered. "Davan is with her at the moment, guarding her."
"So it really did happen . . ." she said dazedly. She glanced again at the beautiful feathers clutched in her hand. "It was supposed to be at dusk."
"Will you tell me? Davan mentioned that you knew more about it, but he wouldn't tell me."
"You remember how Davan went to go consult the Seer of High Winds?" Hina started. "Shortly after he arrived, she turned into a demon, one that fed on her desire for power. He and his twelve Elite Corps fought against it and managed to kill it, but he lost half of the troop in the process. Her last prophecy was that the bearer of Black Wings would be the very same vessel for the Queen of Angels, and that they were both Nina."
"So that's why you were sad the other day? Because of Nina's future . . ."
"Yes. We were arranging everything to announce her death tomorrow."
"What?" exclaimed Zarinna, just as surprised by Hina's manner as she was by the news. She had spoken without flinching, her tone grim and nearly succeeding in masking the anguish that lay beneath it.
"As you heard, Zari. Kenneth and I decided that we'd rather our people considered us cursed because our heir died on her wing-day than consider us cursed because she had black wings. Laws can change relatively swiftly, but the minds of people cannot."
"I see . . . So what were you all planning?"
"Little brother had a brilliant idea, as usual." Hina and Zari shared a rueful smile over the thought of some of Skye's less than brilliant plans. "If Nina were to travel to a place where the legend is little more than an old wives' tale, she would be safe. We chose Newhaven, a mostly human town near the border between Wyndia and the Highlands – it's far enough, yet still inside the kingdom enough that we can keep an eye on her. There's also a School of Magic run by an old . . . acquaintance of mine where she can study, and Davan has connections with the Ranger Guild based there.
Zarinna nodded. "It sounds like everything's set, doesn't it? But please, Hina, let me help as well. Let me repay the favour your family did by raising me. I will stay with her, make sure she lives in a decent house and eats well. I know you don't mean it as such, but she's being exiled, and she will need a familiar face."
Tears welled in the queen's eyes. "You would do that for me, little sister? There is no debt to repay, but thank you so much. Here, take these for the both of you." Now that she had recovered emotionally, at least for the moment, she pulled open a drawer that seemed curiously short of space. The reason for this was quickly revealed as Hina took out the secret panel and removed several small pouches, each filled to the brim with jewels and silver hundred-zenny coins.
"Hina! This is far too much!" Zarinna breathed.
"Nonsense, ensuring the safety of my daughter is priceless," Hina replied firmly. "So is having you care for her. I'll miss you, but she needs you more." Zarinna blushed, flattered, and started to stammer an objection, but Hina went on speaking.
"Besides, you were always the better haggler of the two of us. I could never understand how you could be so patient with those damn Manillos – I was rather short-tempered, from memory."
"You still are, sis. Just ask the retired ministers." Zarinna winked at Hina, who giggled and accepted the defeat.
"They're too nasty, that's the problem. None of them know how to properly address a woman. Chauvinistic pigs!"
"True, true. I'd love to throw these five-pound court shoes at their heads sometime. Anyway, I think I can get a couple of good houses with this. Nina and I can stay in one, and I'll rent out the other; that ensures we have a steady income."
Hina hugged her again. "You're wonderful, Zari! So practical. Please, can you buy Nina a concert-quality harpsichord from Melodia? It'll put her at ease if she can continue with her music, and I'll send Davan over periodically with extras for her schooling."
"When were you planning sending Nina away? Tonight?"
"Yes, I think so. But I'm not sure how. Oh, don't worry about the necklaces," she said, taking them from Zarinna. "I'll make sure they go back without anyone noticing."
"Alright." Zarinna smiled sadly. "Should I say good-bye to little Mina, do you think?"
"Mina! By the feathers of the Great Bird!" Hina exclaimed. "I had forgotten about her . . . it would devastate her if we told her Nina was dead. But she worships Nina . . . being away would tear her apart. I don't want to see her suffer, but I don't know what to do, Zari . . ."
"Hmm . . . People say that looking after a pet can help children to overcome obstacles," Zarinna mused. "You could get her a puchichi, those tame pet piglets. They don't grow much bigger than a house-cat, and they can live up to twenty years if looked after."
"A piglet?" asked Hina, wrinkling her nose. "Aren't they dirty? Wouldn't Mina prefer a pet finch?"
"No, the puchichi are quite clean, and house-trained." Zarinna chuckled a little. "Besides, Mina's always been a bit different than most girls. I think that owning a pet as different as a puchichi would appeal to her."
"Well, Kenny might need a little convincing, but I'll bring him around. And then Mina and I will go to the pet shop together."
"When she's older," Zarinna suggested, "say in four years, perhaps, you could ask Davan and some of his lancers to take her in secret to Newhaven. It would be good for her to see more of the world than just the palace and the city."
"Yes, Davan said much the same."
Zarinna nodded. "Is there anything else before I go back?" she asked.
"Ah, yes. Could you wait a few more moments, please? I just need to write a letter, if you could give it to Nina for me . . . ? Please?"
"Of course, sis. Take as much time as you need."
"Oh! One other thing . . ."
"Yes?"
Hina grinned wickedly. "Zari, don't be too mean to your tenants, okay?"
"Your Majesty," said one of the palace guards, kneeling with one fist held over her heart, "there is an old woman outside, demanding to speak with you. Should we let her in?"
"What does she want?" he replied wearily.
"She says that it's about your daughter, Princess Nina, sire. She mentioned something about black wings, sire."
Kenneth hurriedly took a seat. Did this beldame know somehow? He couldn't risk it. If she did, then something had to be done to stop her from telling anyone else. "Send her in," he said.
The guard stood, bowed again, and left the conference hall. After several minutes, an irate-looking elderly lady stormed in, flanked by guards. "Your Majesty!" she proclaimed. "There are demons within your kingdom!"
"Bow to the king!" one of the guards whispered frantically, but she ignored him and glared up at Kenneth. The guard glanced over at his partner, who shrugged in confusion.
He motioned for the guards to leave, before turning his attention to the intruder. "You are disrespectful," he said coldly. "You try to enter our palace without permission, you slur the name of our daughter and you seek to cause unrest with your talk of demons. State your name, and one good reason why we should not have you thrown into jail for this offense."
At least she had the presence of mind to curtsy. "Aila Hirondelle, your majesty. I run an inn on Alondra Street. Your daughter came in earlier. But I saw it with my own eyes!" She straightened, and pointed an accusing finger. "The Princess is a demon! She has black wings!"
"We are aware of the princess's condition," he answered, choosing his words with care. Why was she here? Simply as a well-meaning but ill-mannered citizen, who had heard the legend and was worried for Wyndia's safety? "However, your accusation that she is a demon is unjustified."
"That's what I was told," she insisted. "The law says that anyone with black wings must be executed, because they might be a demon that would destroy Wyndia." Tears started rolling down her wrinkled cheeks. "My grandson was so bright, so happy, like a ray of sunshine. Do you know how much he was looking forward to his wing-day, your majesty? But when they came, they were black, so your soldiers took him away and killed him! My little Cisne, my little swan, dead!"
Ah. So this was why. This was about revenge – she'd lost someone close to her, and she wanted the royal family to lose someone close in retribution.
"Madam, what exactly is it that you want? Do you believe that if the Crown Princess were executed, Wyndia would not suffer?" Rage tinged his voice, but the old woman refused to back down.
"You have another child. Another heir. Have Princess Nina put to death and Princess Mina can become Queen."
"I will not kill my own child!" he roared.
"Why is she any different to my Cisne?" Aila screamed back at him.
The question made him pause. He knew that she spoke the truth. The thought of Nina being dead made his heart freeze up, his blood turn to ice. But why was it any different to what this woman had felt when she had lost someone equally precious to her? And if the people of Wyndia were to find out that he, who had advocated the deaths of so many whose only crime was to have black wings, had hypocritically spared his daughter . . .
"Fine," he said at last. "I give you my word. By tomorrow, Princess Nina of the Black Wings will be dead. Now get out."
The day drew to an end slowly, changing its joyful blues for swathes of majestic gold and fiery red in one final blaze of glorious colour before nightfall. On the third floor of the Silver Nightingale inn in Newhaven, Skye sat on the balcony and gazed at the sky.
He yawned, rubbing his neck, and turned to check on Nina – now Lady Erina Skydiver, a member of a minor noble family tenuously related to House Skye. She hadn't woken up since she had fainted in Wyndia, despite the hours that had passed and the gut-wrenching experience of warping hundreds of miles in minutes.
A lucky coincidence meant that he'd bumped into Eldritch Master Yoji while sorting out last-minute details. A chill ran down Skye's spine and he shuddered. Until several years ago, Yoji had run an academy of the arcane arts for the children of Wyndian nobility, a school that he, Hina and Kenneth had attended. Even through nearly two decades had passed since those days, the memories of Master Yoji's torturous lessons were etched into his mind and resurfaced every time he saw his former teacher.
Now he supervised the Magic School in Newhaven, but the Mages' Guild kept spell reagents under strict control, and the ones he needed were only available for purchase in the capital. Skye had called in a favour, remembering how he'd secured a collection of spell-books from the royal library for him, and Yoji had agreed to warp Skye, Zarinna, Nina and the two Elite Corps who had recovered to Newhaven with him in exchange for an explanation once they got there.
Zarinna hadn't been happy with their method of travel. Those of the Wing Clan, their bodies adapted to flying and high altitudes, didn't get warp-sickness. But there were few humans not trained in the arcane ways who didn't, and she'd thrown up her lunch as soon as they had arrived.
I wonder where she is now? he thought idly. Zarinna had mentioned something about houses, but he hadn't really been paying attention. Skye glanced over at Nina again and frowned.
She was smiling in her sleep, perhaps dreaming of flying on the east wind as it blew over Wyndia. He didn't want to be the one who had to turn that smile into hopeless cries of grief, but he couldn't see any way of breaking the news to her gently.
He was still deep in thought when someone knocked on the door, three quick, two after a brief pause, and then another three. Skye grinned. Despite all of his words to the contrary, one of his lancers still insisted on using a 'secret knock' when he had something important to tell his commander.
"Come in, Hawkeye," he called.
The door opened and the soldier stuck his head inside. "Eldritch Master Yoji here to see you, sir," he announced.
"Move out of the way, lad, Skye knows who I am," said someone kindly, and a bearded old man pushed Hawkeye out of the doorway gently. His dark eyes resembled those of a fox, shining with a spirit and cunning beyond even his years. Despite his age, he walked without needing a cane and the lines on his face didn't disguise the fact that he still possessed a wiry strength.
"Meister Yoji," said Skye, standing and giving him a short bow.
"Ah, Davan Skye. A long time has passed since we last talked. What brings you to Newhaven? Surely not just to visit your old teacher? And who is the little angel asleep over there?"
"Still the same inquisitive master," Skye chuckled. "I'd like to say that I'm here on official duty, but that's not the case . . ." He took a sealed scroll from his pack near the beds and handed it to Yoji. "Instead, I bring a request from my sister and brother-in-law."
Yoji unrolled the parchment and read it quietly. When he'd finished, a spark leaped from his fingertips and ignited the scroll, the ash blowing away in the wind.
"They'd like me to tutor her in the ways of elemental magic, so that she is able to defend herself against those who would harm her . . ." he mused. "It would be an honour to train her in my academy; she radiates magical potential. Her schooling will be funded by House Skye, I take it? And she will go by the name Erina Skydiver. Tell me, why the secrecy?"
Davan removed one of the orchid-purple feathers from his belt-pouch and gave it to Yoji, letting the magical residue speak for itself.
"The Queen of Angels . . ." Yoji whispered, eyes wide. "I did not think I would see the day . . ."
"There's more than just that, master. If you'd follow me?" Moving over to where Nina slept, he pulled back the blanket just enough to reveal her dark wings.
"By the Dragon God! Just like in my dream!"
"A dream?" said Skye, intrigued. "When was it? What happened?"
"It was years ago, before Crown Prince Kenneth Windia married Hina Skye. I dreamt of a blonde-haired girl, tall and slender, standing in the center of a grand hall. I knew not her identity or her Clan, but suddenly an enormous pair of wings, raven-black in colour, grew from her back. I thought her an omen of evil tidings, but two spirits, one green and one white, came towards her. A bright light shone, blinding me, but after it had cleared, the girl was gone. In her place was the legendary Queen of Angels, who would bring an age of splendor to Wyndia."
The old man paused for a minute, before continuing. "I dismissed it as being too much wine the night before, or a hallucination brought on by lack of sleep and too much study. I did not know that it was related to a future student."
"But was the figure in your dream really Nina?" asked Skye with a frown. "The girl you described sounded older than our Nina, and while she did become the Queen of Angels, it was in an inn, not a grand hall."
"I am sure that it is. There may be a few details that differ, but the essence is the same. Yet I have the feeling that there is more to this story than you are telling me, Davan."
Skye shrugged, his feathers ruffling uneasily. "It seemed logical at the time to just dismiss it, I guess. Yes, there's more, but I cannot tell you, Meister. My life would be forfeit if I did, and I need to stay alive and protect Nina."
"Worry not, young Skye. I know of the legend your Clan has about black wings, and I promise you that while she studies with me, no harm will come to her. I'll also personally oversee her studies."
"Are you sure that's a good choice, master?" Skye asked hesitantly, laughing a little nervously. "She's a sweet girl and she can overcome hardships, but . . ."
"I am not that mean of a teacher!" Yoji snapped, glaring at his former pupil, before relaxing with a laugh. Skye disagreed, as did most of the civilized world, but unlike some others, he had a strong sense of self-preservation and kept his opinions silent.
"Well, it is time for me to depart," said Yoji after they had talked a little longer. He stood up, brushing dust off his robes, and shook Skye's hand. "There is paperwork I must finish, but bring the little lady over when you wish her lessons to start."
"Thank you, Meister. I greatly appreciate it."
After Yoji had left, Skye sat back in the seat he had vacated and stared at the sky, feeling the sea-breeze sweep across his wings. It brought the scent of salt and the sharp tang of chrysm, as across town the crystal street-lights were activated, and he realized with a peculiar apathy that the sunset had faded, replaced by dusk's somber shades.
Nina's original birth-time, he thought. How amusing. Nothing has happened the way we were expecting last week, has it?
He turned as he heard Nina stirring. Tears trickled from beneath her lashes, and she whimpered softly in her sleep. A nightmare? But the Dragon God had promised Nina wouldn't have nightmares anymore . . .
Skye rummaged through the bags Zarinna had packed for Nina until he found her old flute. While he was definitely not at even the average Melodian's skill level, he liked to think that his music didn't hurt the ears at least. Sitting on the bed beside Nina, he slotted the metal pieces together and raised the instrument to his lips.
Gently, the melody began to float through the air, the clear, graceful notes entwining themselves with the wind. As it trilled and swept upwards, it conveyed an unspoken story of peace. But riding on the underlying harmony was a longing, a sorrowful lament that the composer could not return to that time of peace.
Deep within dreams of a search without end, Nina heard the song. It glowed in the darkness, a lifeline that would lead her to the labyrinth's exit. Her soul resonated with music and she flew over the walls that bound her, spreading wide the wings of night and gliding across starlit skies.
She drifted silently, the sound of feathers hidden under the silky rise and fall of the melody. And then she saw that she was not alone in the moonstone-and-jet shadows, that there was another figure flying beside her. Violet-scaled wings beat rhythmically, taloned paws tucked neatly beneath its chest. One green eye gleamed at her with a hint of a laugh, and with a gasp she remembered what it was she was seeing.
A dragon.
Nina awoke, the gasp still on her lips, but within minutes, the phantom memories had faded. "A dream?" she murmured. "But that music . . ."
As she sat up, the song faded. Where was this? It definitely wasn't her room in Wyndia. "No more nightmares now, sweet Nina?" asked her uncle, a flute in his hands.
"Uncle Davan," Nina replied dazedly. "Where am I? Where are Mother and Father and Auntie Zari? Where's Mina? And what were you playing?"
"One question at a time!" he chuckled, although his eyes looked sad. "Firstly, the song I was playing is called 'Stones'. When you're older, you'll learn it as well. Secondly, we're in Newhaven, a town near the southern border. Don't worry about your parents, they're safe and sound, but . . . well, have you looked at your wings yet?"
"My wings?" Nina turned to look over her shoulder, unfurling her wings and gasping once more. So it hadn't just been a dream, that her wings had been black. But Nina decided that she liked them. They were pleasantly warm, and larger than some of the older children's' wings. She stretched them out fully, marveling at how the lamp-light flickered and glowed on the tips of her feathers.
"Now, your Aunt Zarinna is here as well," Skye continued, "but your parents have decided that they want you to study at the Magic School here."
"But, uncle, please, I want to show them my wings, my happiness . . ."
Skye sighed. "I know you do, sweetheart. Can you stand?" Nina nodded, and Skye guided her over to the balcony. "Spread your wings out, feel the breeze against your feathers."
Nina shivered with pleasure and she hesitantly flapped her wings. Her feet rose, leaving the floor, and she realized in shock that she was flying.
"It took me nearly three years of practice before I could even get off the ground," Skye remarked, smiling fondly at her. "And you were able to do it like it was nothing."
"Thank you . . . Uncle Skye . . ." Nina descended again, rubbing her wing-joint. It felt as though she had been airborne for hours rather than minutes, judging by how sore her muscles were. She'd have to practice later. But the freedom she'd felt while hovering!
I think that was the most incredible thing I've ever done! she thought ecstatically.
"Nina, do you see the sky to the west there?" asked Skye quietly. "Where the last rays of the sun meet the night. The first stars have appeared, awaiting their cousins. It's beautiful, don't you think?"
"Yes, uncle, it's very pretty," she replied, wondering where the conversation was going. Recollection sparked briefly, a half-formed memory of a dream, but it faded again.
"No matter what anyone says, your wings are as beautiful as the dusk. Whenever your parents or I see the dusk, we will be thinking of you. And if anyone tries to tell you that you're not a proper member of the Wing Clan because your wings aren't white, just tell them, 'Without the darkness of the night sky, how could we see the beauty of the stars?'"
"Thank you, uncle," Nina said, smiling. "Oh! I wanted to tell you about a dream I had. There was an angel, and I think I saw the Dragon God . . ."
Skye just smiled, tears glittering in his eyes as Nina told him about what he had seen in the inn. "A very interesting dream you had, my Nina," he said once she had finished speaking. "Well, make sure you pray to the Dragon God tomorrow, alright? And if there's a shrine here, remember to visit when you can. Oh yes, these are for you."
"Uncle, And my parents?" Nina asked. "They aren't here, are they? Why can't I study Magic in Wyndia?"
Davan smiled, bitterness consuming him from the inside. "One question at a time, my girl."
He opened one of the pockets on his pack and pulled out two letters and a Wyndian passport, giving them to Nina. She opened one of the letters to find that it was from her father.
My dearest daughter,
When I was younger, and a rash and foolish prince, I was taught of a legend from ancient times. It spoke of one with feathers as black as pitch, a dark demon given flesh that would bring obliteration and tear apart our kingdom. "The Wings of Darkness are the wings of the Avatar of Destruction!" they said.
I am ashamed to tell you that I believed those tales, and enforced an ancient law stating that every single black-winged child was to be executed on their wing-day. This grim duty was carried out by the overzealous, as I was. I feel today as though my hands are tainted with the blood of those who died and the blood of those scarred by loss.
I did not realize the stupidity of my actions, until I learnt that you too had been born with black wings. As a parent, I know that you cannot be a demon and could never become one. Your heart is too pure; your concern for others outweighs your concern for yourself. Always you sought to bring joy into the lives of those you met. How could someone like you ever be a demon?
But as a king, I must uphold the laws that I created. As I was blind to the losses of others, so they would be blind to my loss. They would insist upon your death. And so it is with the utmost of self-loathing that I must send you away from Wyndia, to keep you safe from those whose ideals I once supported.
From now on, you must become Lady Erina Skydiver, a distant relative of Sir Davan Skye. Princess Nina Erina Windia died on her wing-day, of an incurable illness. But for your mother, Mina and I, you will always be our sweet Nina.
Should you ever need to pass through Wyndia, show your face and wings to no-one. The passport you have will allow you and your escort safe passage, though I advise you against returning to live here. I do not wish to risk someone discovering that Princess Nina survived, as I do not want to think about what action I might have to take.
Please know that I have never wanted to cause you suffering, but this was the lesser of the evils I had to choose. I could never order your execution, much less support it. While you study at the Magic School here, I will try and slowly revoke the laws concerning those with black wings, so that in time, you will hopefully be able to return.
Farewell, sweet daughter of mine. I cannot expect forgiveness for my actions, but I will feel at peace knowing that you are safe and sound.
Your loving father, Kenneth Windia.
For a long time, Nina simply read and re-read the letters, her voice muted by shock. "No!" she shrieked. "No, this can't be real! Mother . . . Father!" She threw herself into her uncle's arms, sobbing helplessly, her eyes burning with tears. At last she cried herself to sleep, and Skye gently laid her back on her bed.
As the years passed, the future only seemed to grow more uncertain, but there was no point in looking backwards. The sorrow of losing her parents was buried, and with the support of her aunt and periodic visits from her sister, Nina grew up lonely and independent. She soon discovered that spells came as easily to her as flying did, and without court life to distract her, Nina became a brilliant and dedicated student.
This would be her life for ten long years, until the time came for the Wheels of Fate to start turning once more.
- o -
Genevieve. I am truly disappointed in you. I did not invest three hundred years nurturing you to ensure the downfall of the Queen of Angels, only for you to fail at such a simple task.
** I – I apologise, Master Habalk. I hadn't expected a power-hungry person like that to have even an ounce of heart left after all the time that had passed. **
Well. Though I do not agree, our God has asked me to be lenient with you. Thus you shall have your second chance in due time. Do not think it will be easy, though.
** Master . . . thank you, Master! **
Thank our God for being merciful. After all, what little you did achieve has given Him energy. So praise Him, become His strength, Genevieve. In Him shall you find respite and salvation.
- o -
The End.
Author's Notes:
- Well, I finished it. I hope I did not bore you with my ramblings :)
- I took the name "Davan Skye" from a FFIV fanfiction, made by Andrea Hartmann, "Heart of a Dragoon".
- Just for the record, Nina isn't actually flying. Wyndians can't fly in BoF2. Instead, they can hover in the air, similar to her battle-field sprite animation. How long depends on how much practice they've had and how fit they are, the same way some humans can run longer than others can :)
- Again, I thank Miss Kestre Wynde. She's a jeweler when it comes to polishing raw ores of stories. Period. Anyone who argues otherwise will have The great bird pooping upon their houses, because i said so!
