I don't own Seiken Densetsu 3
Touches of Evil
The end.
"Chirp… Chirp? Chip!"
A big paw gently pocking him, Duran came to his senses.
"Wha… Flammie? Wha…"
He sat up to the dragon-bird's happy chirp and looked around him. Kevin was sitting next to him, looking at Angela, who was watching the sunrise, something clutched tightly against her chest. It was heart warming to see her back in her Grand Divina attire. HE was about to say something, yet Kevin moved his finger to his lips, silencing the swordsman. She seemed to be in pray. Even Flammie stopped chirping and just sat down, her fur protecting her from the snow. The Sword Master looked around him, his worried and tired face reflected in his Ragnarok.
Angela lowered her hands, and her two companions allowed themselves to breath.
"The Dragon Emperor?"
Kevin answered, never letting his glance leave Angela's back.
"Gone. Not dead, though. Faerie said so."
"How did the little thing stay alive through all of this?"
"By keeping Angie safe. She kept her soul together."
Duran nodded and remained silent for a while.
"And Koren?"
Soft footsteps on the snow marked the need for a different subject, or so they thought.
"He's gone. Gave his life for us."
Her voice was hoarse from the long time in the frost and of unshed tears.
"He… did it for us?"
She nodded and gripped the crystal. Kevin, a bright blush on his cheeks, went to her and offered comfort in a hug. She accepted, yet gently turned away when she knew even the shy boy would do something hasty.
"But not only for us. But for himself as well. To prove to himself he still had a soul left."
They nodded grimly and awkward silence fell on the group. Kevin dug in the snow with his boot. Duran stared at the sun. Angela… Giggled?
The other two blinked as she jumped on them, grabbing Duran's left arm and Kevin's right. Duran was more successful than Kevin in keeping his blush to himself.
"Come on, I don't know about you, but I'm starving!"
Her fake cheerfulness didn't fool even Flammie.
"Angela, we still have to fight. He's not dead yet."
"Gah, Zable Fahr too… must be pretty tough by now."
"And if we kill him, the Dragon Emperor will go after the goddess of mana!"
The Faerie cried out as she appeared, as tired looking as her host, yet alive. Angela frowned.
"I know, but… It's either that, or Zable Fahr'll destroy the world. Look, we got so far. We'll train. Get stronger. Then we'll save the world."
The two other warriors nodded, and she clung to their arms again.
"Come on, we can't fight would-be Gods and God Beasts on an empty stomach, now can we? Now… who's gonna buy me breakfast?"
Both pointed at the other, causing Angela to burst into another fit of giggles as Kevin and Duran argued over whose turn it is, then both turned on Angela, causing a chase to begin, which continued on Flammie's back all the way back to Altena. The Faerie sat on Flammie's head, and watched as the three stopped laughing and looked at her.
"I'm counting on you, you know."
"We know, Faerie. And we promise you, we won't let you down."
The sun at their back and the wind blowing the prayers of millions, the three flew on to their destiny.
"But we did fail her and the Goddess… Eventually…"
"Miss, what did you say?"
Angela sat in her bed and looked at the maid, smiling weakly.
"Nothing you need to worry over."
"Very well, milady."
She looked at the amulet in her hand with a smile. It's reddish hue never failed once.
"What do I have scheduled for today?"
"Well, your husband wishes to see you today for the trial."
"I see…"
She hung the necklace around her neck and brushed her hair for the last time.
"You look marvelous, mistress. Do not worry, I'm sure your husband will love you just the way you are. Looks have never been a thing to disturb him."
"I suppose…"
She stepped out of her room, random noblemen and servants bowing their heads to her. The Ruler of the land walked past the halls elegantly, her head high and her nose somewhat arrogantly up as well. She carried herself with such pride and arrogance, the maid had to shake her head. Becoming queen sure changed the young woman. But she was still queen. And so, no one bothered questioning her.
"I just hope the next ruler will be wiser in choosing a mate…"
She finally made her way to the balcony where her people watched from below on the sunny day. The snow fell, from beyond the castle's walls. He beamed at her, and welcomed her warmly.
"Ah, my dear! You look ravishing! And I'm glad to see you didn't overdo your make up again!"
She smiled and him and nodded her greeting to his bodyguard. The black suit of armor was well known by now throughout the castle. He looked her way, and looked beyond her at the surroundings. She sighed. It was his job, but Angela couldn't help finding it infuriating. A man who wouldn't give her a second look…
"Look at them, my dear. Look at the masses. Our loyal citizens."
The crowd cheered for him, and for her. She smiled, drinking the applause. The more she got, the more she wanted. It was like a drug to the young ruler.
"I see you enjoy it. But this is not why we are here, dear, now is it?"
"No, sweetheart. It is not."
He turned to the people and raised his hands. Instant silence fell over all.
"My people! This is a glorious day for us! As we all remember, 5 years ago, three warriors were called forth by the Goddess of Mana, to save the Earth. They have succeeded. And today, one of them is here with us. My queen. Your queen. This beautiful creature here at my side."
Angela blushed at his kind words and bowed lightly. The crowd cheered. They were drinking his words as much as she was drinking off of their applause.
"And we are here to make it official. Today, the great Empire which I made Altena a part of will get an Empress. A suitable ruler to rule by my side."
The purple haired woman walked up to her husband and lowered her head. A servant presented him with a beautiful golden crown with carvings on it.
"Today, we shall become one. No more you and I. There shall only be we. Do you accept?"
"I do."
He placed the crown on her head gently, and the black armor seemed to resent that. She smirked inwardly.
"My people, it is done! Look! Your new Empress! Now and forever!"
Her green surveyed the crowd again and she beamed. They were hers. To command, to rule over… To choose to live or die. They belonged to her. Just like she belonged to him.
"Long live the Dragon Emperor! Long live the Dragon Empress!"
She winked at the former Sword Master in the black armor and sighed in content.
And all was well.
A/N: *cries* it's done.