AN Star Ocean Till the end of time
"Blah"- Normal speech
'Blah'- Thoughts
"Blah"- Memories
Reunion
Chapter 11: Holocaust
Mirage slowly made her way to the flight of stairs that led to the kitchen upon entering she saw Fayt standing over someone who was crouching in a corner
"You don't need to fear me, I won't hurt you unless you force me too." he was saying "Your the one causing all the trouble around here."
"I'm sorry...I tried I really did...but I can't control it..." came a girls voice "Please don't tell anyone my lord I need this job. My father is dead and I fear that mother will join him soon leaving me to look after my three younger sisters..."
Fayt then leaned over and did something to cut her off "Shh, don't worry you have nothing to fear from me." he then straightened up and took a few steps back then a few seconds later dishes and cutlery pots and pans flew from the shelves and cupboards and swarmed around him "Your not the only one in this house with special powers."
Mirage looked on in wonder, she was aware that Fayt was powerful but didn't think he was this powerful "You can come over Mirage unless you've forgotten our little talk upstairs?" Fayt said as soon as he returned the plates and cutlery to their places.
Mirage blushed slightly with embarrassment as she walked over to Fayt's side and saw a 15 year old girl with short blond hair and blue eyes who's body appeared to be made from a kind of mist
"Who is she?" Mirage asked "What we're looking for." Fayt replied Mirage stared at him a moment before returning her attention back to the girl then some of the mist passed over a knife that was on the floor and vanished before her eyes
"What was that?" "I believe that the mist her body is composed of has some sort of corrosive effect, it disintegrates anything it comes in contact with. Unfortunately it appears she can only manage to stay in a tangible for short periods it seems she doesn't seem to have too much control over it." Fayt replied
Mirage then let out a small yelp and leapt behind Fayt who didn't seem to notice he knelt down again and stretched his hand towards her just stopping short of her face and leaned in closer
"Shh. Its alright," he whispered "let me help." he then closed his eyes and something unexpected happened Mirage wasn't sure but believed she could feel a kind of energy radiating off him whilst the girls body solidified before her eyes, the girl then grabbed hold of the blue haired swordsman and began sobbing into his shoulder "What's your name?" Fayt asked "M...my names Azmaria." she sobbed in reply.
Fayt and Mirage took Azmaria back to her room and whilst Mirage helped her prepare for bed Fayt contacted Tank What's up? "I need you to do a complete search of the sphere, I want to know if any characters are missing particularly ones with special abilities."
"Any particular reason?
"Call it a hunch but I think I know what Apocalypse is after." Ok I'll get on it, I'll tell you if I find anything.
"Right." Signing off he began heading back towards his room 'A hunch. I'm turning into Cliff, that can't be good.' he thought to himself a small smile spreading across his lips.
The next morning after breakfast the gang gathered together in the library to discuss a plan of action "So that's the situation." Mirage said to the others once she'd explained everything to them
"So let me get this straight," Maria said "There's a girl in this house who's body is made of some kind of mist that disintegrates anything it touches. And you believe that Apocalypse is going to be coming after her."
"That's about the size of it yes." Mirage replied "Fayt thinks it has something she can do at will but it clear she has little to no control over it."
Albel who was by the window that looked out onto the grounds let out a cruel chuckle "So the two of you had a midnight rendezvous eh. Are you two up to anything your not telling us?" he said in a cruel tone if there was one thing Albel enjoyed more the humiliating people it was watching them squirm
"What. N...no." Mirage protested meanwhile if anyone had bothered to notice they would have seen Cliff staring daggers at Fayt who was seated at a desk his feet resting upon it reading a book clearly not listening to the conversation nor did they notice the dark look Nel was giving Mirage
"So what do we do now?" Sophia asked "We keep an eye on her and protect her," everyone got a small shock when Fayt who hadn't said anything the entire time "If Apocalypse wants her then we'll make him regret it."
"Sounds like a plan I guess." Maria said not particularly comfortable with the idea of going up against an enemy that almost overwhelmed them last time but it was clear that none of the others had any better ideas and this time they knew what they were up against so theoretically they would be better prepared.
For the next few days the gang never let Azmaria out their sight Fayt sticking closest to her not just her protection but also he was the one who was keeping her powers in check, however a week into their arrival the group were informed that in a few days the Manbouras would be hosting a garden party where many of the counties important people, though agreeing that they it would make keeping watch over Azmaria easier they also had to take into account that if Apocalypse's forces showed up they may not be able to defend so many people and keep Azmaria safe at the same time, on the other hand according to Albel with so many people at the event Nel might actually be able to get a date for a change to which Nel replied by punching him in the face.
The party had been going on for nearly hours now and Fayt could tell it would not last much longer as quite a few of the more important guest had left some time ago, he made his way towards one of the many refreshment tents that had been erected inside he found Azmaria sorting out the left over food she then looked over her shoulder and saw him
"Oh master Leingod."
"I told you before you can drop the master part, I don't have any noble blood in my veins." 'Technically speaking in this world I don't even have blood in my veins.' he replied as he walked over to her and picked up a tray of half eaten food
"You shouldn't be doing that that is my task sir." Azmaria said trying to take the tray away but Fayt grabbed one of her hands
"Don't worry I want to help you, and drop the sir." he said a small blush coloured Azmaria's cheeks before picking up another tray and the two of them set off back towards the kitchens unaware that the two of them where being observed.
The two of them reached the kitchens Fayt listened to the story Azmaria was telling him when she finished for the first in a long time he let out a laugh, not a forced or sarcastic laugh but a true one, still chuckling as well as having a smile plastered to his face he looked over at his companion who seemed to be blushing which caused him to stop
"Is something wrong?" "N...no, it's just...its nothing." she replied as she placed the tray down on one of the tables "Please tell me." Fayt said in a soft tone setting his own tray down then placing a hand on her shoulder
"It's just...your smile is very comforting." she said her face becoming even redder "You should smile more." "Haven't really had any reason too." he replied turning away from her "Nor will I have any reason too in the near future." she stared at his back she wasn't sure how but somehow she knew he was hiding something from her
"Azmaria, there's something I need to tell you." Fayt said still not facing her "There's a reason I came here and it's to do with you." "Me?" she replied surprise colouring her voice
"I..." he began but was cut off when an explosion from outside caught their attention and standing in the doorway was a strange looking creature dressed in amour carrying a large scythe and began advancing towards the pair Azmaria let out a scream whilst Fayt stared at the creature his face twisted into a scowl.
With a cry the creature lunged at them Fayt grabbed the blonde and side stepped out of the way as the blade cleaved the air embedding the weapon into the stone floor. The creature let out a deep throaty cry as it tried to remove its weapon from the ground however it wasn't quick enough Fayt had deactivated his holoemiter and his officers uniform vanished revealing his black and silver armour plus all his equipment, he then drew his sword and charged and used his sword to cut the creature in two. Looking over his shoulder he saw Azmaria staring at him her eyes wide in shock and fear
"Wh...What is that thing? What are you?" Fayt shook his head then turned his focus back at the bleeding creature on the ground
"It's called a Legion. It's a foot soldier, a grunt. It may look formidable but their pretty easily dispatched but unfortunately their like cockroaches, where there's one there are always more."
"And...what are you?" she asked
"Once upon a time I considered my self human but now...I don't know...not anymore." the two of them fell into what felt like an eternal silence till Fayt his focus back on the short haired blond and extended his hand to her
"Come on we'd better go." the girl stared at his hand for a few seconds before taking hold of it and led her out the kitchen door however the sight that greeted them wasn't very promising as the found themselves surrounded by more Legion
"Shit." Fayt cursed through his gritted teeth as he took up his fighting stance making sure Azmaria was safely behind him before uttering an incantation under his breath and the runealogical symbol for fire appeared on his palm "Wait." the sound of the young woman's voice caused him to stop chanting and the symbol disappeared
"These things are after me, aren't they." not taking his eyes off the enemy Fayt gave her a simple nod then to his surprise Azmaria then walked out in front of him
"What are you doing, it's too dangerous." he said as he made to grab her but stopped short when her body began changing into mist "These things are after me, I should be the one to deal with them." Azmaria stated calmly "But you can't, you don't know how your power works." Fayt yelled
"Please let me do this. I may not know how but seeing you risk your life for me has given me courage, courage not to be afraid and use my power to help you." Azmaria then held her hand out in front of her and a stream of the mist rushed out consuming the Legion instantly before holding out her other hand and doing the same to another group of Legion.
Fayt couldn't help but be impressed at the level of control over her power that Azmaria had developed in such a short space of time but he shook it off he couldn't afford to become distracted he had a job to do, drawing his sword he charged into battle cutting down Legion after Legion however as soon as he cut one down two more seemed to take its place 'I don't have time for this.'
He then grabbed Azmaria's shoulder "Quick get behind me, cover your eyes and whatever you do don't move."
Azmaria was about to question him when a white aura began appeared around his body that grew and a large symbol appeared on the ground, a wall of pure white energy then rushed forward consuming all the Legion in it wake.
When the young maid opened her eyes and saw that not only where all the creatures gone but also all the grass and vegetation in a 10 meter radius and white feathers floated around her as if from the heavens she then stared at Fayt who had suddenly make begun making strange choking noises
"Stay where you are don't come near me." Fayt ordered as he reached into the leather pouch on his belt and pulled out the injection gun, a vial of serum already inserted into it and injecting the liquid into his neck, once the last drop had passed into his neck Fayt collapsed onto his knees supporting himself with his hands breathing heavily and making grunting sounds forcing himself to stay conscious
"What...are you?" Azmaria asked
"Someone with great destructive power and not much time left." he replied
"Are you alright?"
"No, the serum temporary weakens me for several minutes and usually knocks me out for several hours but I can't give into it this time, I can't I have to keep going I have a job to do."
It was then an explosion followed by screams were heard, forcing himself to his feet using his sword as a support Fayt saw more Legion down below attacking the remains of the garden party but then something happened, two swirling masses of dark gas appeared next the burning remains of one of the tents and from them two figures emerged.
One was a strange looking creature as if someone had created a hybrid of a man and a hyena like creature, grey fur with black dots covered its body wearing leather pants that where ripped in places and a dark green shirt the sleeves torn off and on his bare feet and hands where talon like nails. It's companion however was very different, encased entirely in an armour suit with a large plasma cannon for a left arm, however a semicircular built into the top of the suit revealed there a skeletal like creature inside with multicoloured gasses swirling around in side.
Fayt growled and turned to Azmaria "Its getting too dangerous, we need to find some place for you to hide." she was about to argue but the look in his eye stopped her "Follow me." She then led him back into the kitchen to the fire place on the back wall, she reached inside the hearth and the back slide away revealing a hidden staircase
"Long a go during the Great Rebellion Manboura House was home was a garrison for soldiers and Lord Manboura was one of the kings most decorated Captains, however what they didn't know was Lord Manboura was secretly working with the rebels to overthrow the king. The tunnels under the house where used to hide weapons and supplies and a place to hide injured rebels and escaped prisoners." she then turned to him
"You must trust me," he said placing his hand under her chin "the two who have just shown up are very powerful and very deadly and my companions won't be able to handle them on their own." she then placed her hand on top of his "I won't let them take you, I swear." he then turned away and headed back out the kitchen door whilst Azmaria watched until he was out of sight and headed into the darkened tunnel the door closing behind her.
The day had been quite with nothing really out of the ordinary a few minor scuffles between one or two guests who had hit the readily available supply of wine one too many times.
Nel was seated at the refreshments tent drinking a cup of tea 'Clair.' she missed her, she had been her best friend since either of them could remember and she also missed Tynave and Farleen and Queen Romeria and too an extent Adray (sure she respected him but she also liked to hear herself think as well).
Whilst she was thinking Maria sat down across from her "Penny for them?" "Huh?" Nel looked up from her cup snapping out of her reprieve
"A penny for your thoughts, Its an old saying from Earth." the blue haired girl stated as she poured a cup for herself
"Oh it's nothing I was just thinking about things, its silly really." Nel replied Maria smiles at her
"Y'know in all my years as leader of Quark I've developed a pretty good sixth sense when someone's bullshitting me."
a small smile graced the crimson haired warriors lips "Is it that obvious."
"You're not that good of a liar." Maria replied before sipping her tea "I was just thinking about home,"
Nel told her after a long silence had developed between them "Wondering what ever ones up to." "I'm sure their missing you too." Maria said and took a sip Nel smiled and took a sip from her own cup.
The two had just finished their beverages and walking away from the tent when suddenly it exploded throwing the two women five feet and slamming into the ground the air around them shattering like glass and the same creatures that had appeared on Elicoore surrounded them
"Shit, Fayt was right they've come for Azmaria." Nel muttered as the two warrior women got to their feet, fortunately for them the majority of the guest had already left and any who remained had already run for cover meaning it was safe for all of them to deactivate their holoemitters drew their weapons and charged into engage the monstrosities.
As before fighting these things was tough no matter how many they cut down more just seemed to take there place but this didn't discourage them as they weren't prepared to give up, then for some reason their opponents seemed to back away but before anyone comment on this two swirling masses of dark gas appeared in front of the burning remains of the refreshments tent and from them two figures emerged.
One was a strange looking creature as if someone had created a hybrid of a man and a hyena like creature, grey fur with black dots covered its body wearing leather pants that where ripped in places and a dark green shirt the sleeves torn off and on his bare feet and hands where talon like nails.
It's companion however was very different, encased entirely in an armour suit with a large plasma cannon for a left arm, however a semicircular built into the top of the suit revealed there a skeletal like creature inside with multicoloured gasses swirling around in side.
"Hey Maria you think you, Sophia and the kid keep the rest of these things off our backs?" Cliff asked then Peppita kicked him in the shin "Ow." "Yes I think so." Maria replied "Then whilst you do that Mirage I want you Nel and Albel to take care of that walking junk heap. As for me dog boy's mine." Cliff stared at the thing and assumed his pose
"Hey dog boy, I don't know about here but where I come we got leash laws mutt." the creature seemed to posses some degree of understanding because it began growling at Cliffs comments
"Come on bring it Fido." the furred creature snarled and rushed towards Cliff and pounced on him and the two of them rolled about on the ground in a flurry of teeth, claws and fists.
Mirage was about to back up Cliff when Albel grabbed her arm "Albel let go," she demanded "Cliff might act all tough but he might need some help with this one."
"Cliff is a moron," Albel growled "But this time he must have some slight idea of what he's doing, I might not like the guy but he gave us an order and we are going to carry it out." the two of them stared at each other for a few seconds before Mirage lowered he gaze
"Right." Albel stared at her a few moments more then turned gaze at the others "You already know what to do?" Maria Sophia and Peppita nodded
"Leave these things to us." Sophia replied offering the swordsman a small smile "Alright lets reduce that walking heap to scrap metal." Albel then smirked and turned to look at Nel "I'll try and leave something for you Zelpher."
Nel glared at his back before she hurried after him and Mirage.
Fayt charged towards the battlefield, using the serum had left him weakened but it still didn't stop him from cutting down all the Legion that got in his way, looking ahead he saw Maria Sophita and Peppita where taking on the Legion whilst Cliff tangled with Jackal-Head and Mirage Nel and Albel were engaging Holocaust.
Having faced these two before he knew when it came to raw power Holocaust was the more dangerous of the two but Jackal-Head, who might not be the sharpest tool in the box but when it came to raw strength and ferocity he was no push over.
Nel and her two companions where engaged with one of the most powerful enemies they had ever faced as their attacks did little then scratch its armour
'This is impossible,' the red head growled 'How are we supposed to beat this thing if he can't get through its armour.' 'You don't.' a voice echoed inside her head 'Not like that anyway.'
Suddenly she felt something move past her then a flash of white light which was followed by a cry from the monstrosity in front of them an almost transparent orb appeared around the monster with an X shaped cut on it which grew larger causing it to disintegrate
"Your shield is gone Holocaust, lets see how long you last with out it." standing before the beast was Fayt sword drawn and eyes wild
"You'll pay for that." Holocaust roared as the large cannon fired a beam of energy which Fayt dodged out of the way of Albel Nel's and Mirage heading over too him
"Ok Liengod spill," Albel growled "What the hell is that thing." "That thing is Holocaust the over there is Jackal-Head, more of Apocalypses minions." Fayt replied "Listen up you pathetic insects I don't have time to play infantile games with you." Holocaust growled "Hand over the whelp and I'll make your demise quick and painless as possible." "I have a better idea," Fayt snapped in response "Azmaria stays with us and you and your furry companion can go to hell."
The quartet then charged at the monster Fayt and Albel's sword and Nel's daggers sliced and hacked at Holocaust's armour whilst Mirage delivered powerful blows whilst also doing their best to dodge the plasma blasts from its arm mounted cannon "Pathetic worms." it cried as it let loose another blast which the trio dodged with ease, Albel activated the claws on his arm guard and leapt forward taking a swipe at the clear dome that covered the creatures head and although it didn't do any major damage it was able to make a small crack which slowly began to release the gasses that were keeping him alive
"That's for using my line maggot." Albel said a sinister smirk spread across his lips Holocaust let out a roar and charged his cannon up with enough energy to take Albel's head off Nel leapt forward and unleashed a vicious kick which made the crack larger and more gas began seeping out which Mirage doubled up with a vicious blow to the chest that sent him crashing to the ground
"Now tell us why your want Azmaria, tell me why are you here?" Nel demanded Holocaust let out a small chuckle "To gather the Horsemen of course." "The Horsemen?" Nel said confused "Yes, the avatars of the four plagues that have existed since before the beginning of time War, Famine, Pestilence and Death. Apocalypses most powerful soldiers the ones who will pave the way for the End of Day's."
"It will never happen." Fayt spat "I swear on what life I have left I will hunt down and kill these Horsemen and destroy Apocalypse." "I wouldn't make promises you can't keep foolish child," Holocaust snarled "You wouldn't live long enough to face the Horsemen because I will annihilate you here and now." he unleashed another cannon blast which Fayt dodged.
The fight continued it was clear to Fayt that no matter how powerful or skilled he and his companions were this was a battle they couldn't win glancing slightly over his shoulder he could see Jackal-Head was starting to gain the upper paw against Cliff who's clothes were almost completely ripped to shreds and flesh bore long serious looking cuts, meanwhile Sophia, Maria and Peppita were holding their own against the legion, barley. He looked back at Nel, Mirage and Albel who were giving it their all to defeat the monstrosity before them, but it wasn't enough they weren't ready to face the likes of Jackal-Head and Holocaust.
No, there was only one way to end this and he didn't like it one bit but it was clear there was no other way if he was going to save his former friends and the entire population of this planet.
Whilst the others where busy with Jackal-Head and Holocaust he made a swift retreat and headed where he had instructed Azmaria to hide, running up towards the the house and into the kitchens, once inside he ran to the fire place and pulled the hidden leaver revealing the secret door that led to the tunnels under the house the door closing behind him leaving him in total darkness but this didn't deter him and reaching out with his mind he found she wasn't to far away from him and running his hand along the wall he hurried along the corridors coming across a small speck of light and kept going till the whole room was eliminated and the short haired blonde stood before him
"Master Fayt..." she began but stopped when she saw the look on his face and the way he was holding his sword
"Its not going well, is it?" he didn't reply the look on his face told her all she needed to know she then began advancing towards him "If I was by myself I could use my powers freely and Jackal-Head and Holocaust wouldn't be a problem, but the others aren't ready to face their kind of power."
He felt her placing her hands on his shoulders "I understand." she whispered before she pressed her lips against his before opening her mouth and her tongue danced with his. For a moment the two of them lost themselves in the warmth of the other "Thank you for our time." Azmaria whispered once the two of them separated
"Goodbye." he replied, he never took his eyes off her even when he saw her eyes widen and felt something warm oozing onto his hand nor when she fell forward into his chest.
Removing his sword from her chest he then gently he set her down on the ground and stood there and watched as slowly her life slipped away.
Nel was gasping for breath she had just dodged another of Holocaust's assaults, just. She knew she couldn't keep this up much longer and from the state the others where in they couldn't either.
Looking up she saw Holocaust standing over her pointing his cannon at her "Die." he stated as his cannon began glowing with energy preparing to end her life
"STOP." a voice cried out turning to look Nel, Albel and the rest of the group saw Fayt standing there the lifeless body of Azmaria in his arms "You want her here she is." he then dropped her on the ground. Holocaust stared at him
"You little upstart because of you we have failed to capture the girl. So I'll just have to kill you instead." Holocaust roared and levelled his cannon at Fayt however before the monster could fire a flash of light appeared behind Holocaust and from it emerged a familiar figure who wore a figure long leather coat and what looked like a gasmask covering his face
"Lerajie." Fayt snarled drawing sword which was dripping with blood which told his companions the whole terrible story.
"Enough," the masked man yelled "Holocaust Jackal-Head this mission is over we're leaving." he then glared at Fayt "Don't think for a moment this makes any difference Leingod, you have only postponed the inevitable. Our master and creator Lord Apocalypse will rise and with his horsemen at his side the galaxy will tremble in his iron fist."
And with his final words Lerajie Jackal-Head Holocaust and the remaining Legion disappeared leaving Nel staring at Fayt as the blood of a young woman ran down the blade of his sword and dripped onto his hand.
AN Finally I finished this chapter, I have no other excuse then being a lazy bastard however I've already made a good start on chapter 12. For all of you who liked my one shot Not so Innocent I have news, I want to expand upon it but whether it'll be in the form of another chapter or another one shot I dunno plus if anyone what's to contribute some ideas it would be appreciated as I'm a little low on ideas. Only 10 more days till FFXII, possible the last great game before PS3 comes out in April, is released in this country. Happy Valentines Day y'a'll.