Author's Note: …I'M ALIVE! No really, I am. I just was debating whether or not FF.net was still worth my time after the happy little changes on 9/12/02. But I have returned and have decided that I may actually keep writing this damn thing. To answer a few questions, no I don't have an Alma fetish or something I just felt that her character needed a little bit more development then the rest… at least at this point. Hey, if you were possessed by something you had spent your entire life believing was the very angel of life but turned out to be the angel of death and it almost made you kill everyone you loved… would you be a little bit… I don't know… affected by it? This is not the last Alma centric chapter though. Come on, there going to her funeral in the next chapter. Next to last, any comments about the way I have change Alma's appearance may or may not be ignored depending on what they are. Finally, all the crap about I don't own the character, that they are actually own by a little man run by wires in some corner office in west Tokyo and that the government is out to get me… Can't Sleep, Clowns Will Eat Me. Kennedy was killed by that governor of Texas that was riding in front of him. The government is watching me… I will eat your first born if you steal my characters……. You know, all that stuff… enjoy.

            "Well, so we at least know Alma is alive and well… well sort of." Sarah said shaking her head at the thoughts of becoming a demon. She couldn't imagine what it was like, what it must have felt like, she just shivered.

            "Interesting enough. She seems to have set her own path, but I wonder what has become of the others?" Dr. Cortez asked. He looked over the next section of the scripture and saw that it was still in the same writing as the previous had been. He continued through the next few pages and finally came back to what appeared to Ramza's handwriting. Horatio had been watching him and stopped him just before he started reading what he had in his hands.

            "Simon, let the girl finish the passage she has. After all, who knows what Alma's adventures could lead to. Right now she is only one of the group still standing. We don't know if she just leaves them or not. Besides, she left the comfort of the castle because she was looking for them… not for work as was suggested to her." Horatio commented handing the scripture back to Sarah.

            "Besides listening to her is more entertaining then listing to either of you prattle on." Jonathon said under his breath. He was captivated by her. He had been a student of Dr. Cortez for almost five years now and he had yet to find someone who rivaled him in intelligence and determination… but here she was. And to find someone that was as beautiful as she… was this a dream?

            "Are you ok Jonathon… you look like you are lost in dementia?" Sarah said with a chuckle.

            "Just waiting for you to continue…" He said with a smile… one which she returned. Horatio and Simon merely looked at each other and chuckled.

            "I think it's time we get back to the papers. Sarah, please continue." Simon stated breaking the mood.

            "Of course Doctor." She stated as she continued

……………………………………..

Chapter 4: To Rise from the Ashes

            "Miss, we're almost there." The stable master said. She looked out him and wondered if this man ever got any sleep. He was the same stable master that had come upon lying dead to the world in the snow and now, near the crack of dawn, here he was taking her Zeltennia.

            "Are you alright madam?" He asked her. His comments just seem to go in one ear and out the other. He noticed this and wondered what she had on her mind. For her part she looked out at the stars… what little she could see with the approaching light of dawn. She shook her head and wondered what she was going to do next.

            I have no idea where to begin. I need to do something, I need to find that place… I need to find them again. But, I don't know where… or how to begin again. What am I to do… where will I go? …I can't think like this, it would be the way that Alma Beoulve would have thought… she is dead and she is going to…!

            "Driver… where is the cemetery?" She asked suddenly. The driver startled by her sudden question almost lost the reigns but was able to get his bearings back. He looked back at the young blonde in his carriage and wondered why she would want to know that.

            "It is there, near the cathedral at the end of town ma'am. But why would you ask for something like that all of a sudden?" He asked her. She herself was unsure just why she asked but she felt that she needed to go there. Then she thought about her true task…

            "Where did you find me?" She asked him. The stable master looked at her inquisitively but then shook his head and determined that this was no stranger then her last request.

            "In the forest to the south of the castle over yonder. You were near dead when I stumbled upon. Although I do remember you saying something about having friends there. I would take you back there but I strict orders to take you to the inn. The king has arranged a room for you. He wants you to find a job in town in the afternoon." He said to her as he passed through the gates to the city. She looked out over the forest.

            I can still feel them there… Delita couldn't see them but I could. They should be safe. But still, I have to go find them… but first I have to…

            "Where is the nearest item shop?" She asked.

            "It is near the inn I am taking you to. He returned happy that she was asking normal questions again.

            If they wake up they will probably be in the same shape as I was. I need to make sure that I have the resources to help them.

            "Here we are ma'am. Just tell the innkeeper who you are and he will show you to your room. I hope you have a good life." The stable master said hoping of the carriage and opening the door for her. She stepped out and looked over the inn. It was as one would expect in a city as important as Zeltennia. It was regal, it high columns at its entrance to greet its well to do clients. She would almost feel out of place if it wasn't for the clothes they had provided her. However, she would need something different now.

            These are clothes befitting me now. Alma Beoulve would have worn fineries like this. I am but a simple bar maiden. I guess it is time I start dressing like one… but perhaps… I should get some sleep.

            "Thank you driver, for everything. If it wasn't for you… I probably would have died out there." She said bowing her head to him.

            "No problem ma'am. I need to take the horses back to the stable. Pleasant evening." He said taking the reigns. As he turned the carriage and turned away Alma couldn't help but think that this was place that something new was going to start.

            I don't think this will be the last stop on my journey… but it will be the first.

            She walked into the inn and was met by the innkeeper. He himself seemed to pretty well to do, one would expect no less from the money that he made. He looked over and almost through her… as if she wasn't even there.

            You aren't the first to this you jerk and probably won't be the last. But I don't have the time for this I just need to sleep.

            "You must be the wench the king was speaking of. Well your room is down the hall to your left. I am not a charity house, I expect you out of the room after noon today. Try not to make a mess… although I suspect that this is too much to ask for someone of your low class and morals." The innkeeper said turning his nose to her. She looked up at him and for some reason just didn't care. Before treatment like this would have brought her to tears but now…

            There it is again… that feeling of indifference. I just don't care about his words… is he right… am I of a low class or worse, morals? Have I truly lost that much of myself that these words have no meaning to me… or worse, ring true? …No, I won't except that I have lost that much of myself… myself. Listen to me, I sit here and talk about myself and yet I have no idea who or what that is. Although I do know it is not what this ass says it is.

            "Excuse me sir… but I would appreciate some respect from the likes of you." She said forcefully. He looked at her and laughed.

            "The likes of me… madam? I think you are mistaken. You see I am of the highest caliber class and quality… far better then you lowlife bar wench." He said with a laugh. She thought about his words again and then come up with an idea. She ran up to him, kneed him in his fat stomach. He dropped to the floor and she knelt down on his chest.

            "Gee… for someone so high and mighty, you look pretty low to me. I am going to my room now. I will be out your… establishment… by noon. Have a nice night." She stood and begun the long down the ornately decorated hall way. She felt exhilarated. Never in her life had she done something like that… it made her feel good, for the first time in a long time, it made her feel good. She stopped and turned back to him as he slowly picked himself up off the ground.

            "Next time, perhaps you had better watch you tongue… commoner." She said with a laugh of her and continued towards her.

            Did I just do that… whatever possessed me to such a thing? In times past I would broken down and cried… maybe I have changed… maybe, I like this new me.

            She reached her room and smiled at the idea of she just had… perhaps she was starting to answer some the questions she had. But there were still more to answer… however those would have to wait till morning.

            Tomorrow is a new day… let's see where this new me takes me.

            This was the last thought she had before she unceremoniously fell over onto bed and went right to sleep.

            She awoke a few hours later to bustling sounds of the city. She sat up and covered her eyes as the sunlight shown through the window.

            Sunlight… something I thought I would never see again… is this a sign of things to come?

            She cleared her mind and got out of bed. She grabbed the few things she had and decided that she would go off and look for the supplies she needed. She passed by the front desk where the innkeeper hid from her. She just laughed to herself as she left the inn and looked out over the busy town. She looked down at herself.

            Well, it is time that I throw off the bonds of the old me and shine like the sun above me.

            She looked out over the town and saw the places she needed to go. She didn't want to take to long though, the wind was cold and who know how long it would take her to hike back to they place where her friends were. She ran to the nearest clothing store and found the few things she was looking for but wondered how she was going to pay for all of the things she needed. She reached into her pack and to her surprise found both a few hundred gil and note

Hey Girl

            Always remember to smile. Live your life to fullest and never let what happened to you get you down. Here is some seed money to get you start on a new path. Don't go back to the those seedy places… you like someone of royal blood and though it was spilled… it will always flow within you. You are different now, you are woman… but never forget the girl you are leaving behind.

                                                                                                With love and Hope

                                                                                                            Beryl

            She… she shouldn't have… but she did. She didn't know me at all and yet she gives me a chance to regain something I lost. She's right though… I am different, but in some ways I am the same. I guess it just comes down to my choices now… I guess… it just comes down to who I make myself out to be. But I need to change something… my clothes yes, but something more.

            In her thoughts the shopkeeper came up to her and tapped her on the shoulder snapping her back to reality.

            "Excuse me miss, is there anything I can do for you?" The shopkeeper inquired. Alma for her part just looked up and for the first time saw herself in the mirror.

            That's it… if this world thinks that Alma Beoulve is dead then so be it. I need to change the outside to accommodate the new heart and soul within.

            "You most certainly can. I need supplies for a few night stay out in the woods and a whole new outfit for myself." She said looking around at the thing in the store.

            "Will you be purchasing those items in you arms miss?" The shopkeeper asked happily. Alma looked down at what she was carrying…

            Dresses… that… that doesn't fit anymore.

            "No, here. Let me look around." She said handing back all the things she had in her hands back to the shopkeeper. She moved swiftly around the store looking for items that would suit the new her. What she came back with surprised the shopkeeper.

            "Milady, these items… a leather battle vest, leather travel pants, a white silk over shirt… leather boots… the items of a swordsman, not of a lady of fine up bringing such as yourself." The keep said setting the dresses aside. Alma looked at him inquisitively…

            What makes you think I had a fine upbringing… just because I did? Is it that obvious… but then maybe there is something else. My clothes, my attitude, my…!

            Alma looked around the store and found what she was looking for. She grabbed a long dagger by its hilt and looked back into the mirror.

            "Tell me, would a lady of 'fine upbringing' do this?" She said as she took the length of her hand into her hand with a draw of the dagger sent it to the floor. What was left reach to only to just above her shoulders. She looked up at the mirror again and smiled…

            There I am… that is me… at least the me that here now. I will never forget the girl that had that hair but this the woman that was spawned from the ordeal that killed her. Yes, I lost my innocence that day but I gain something greater… what that is I am not sure yet… but at least I know… I have found what I look like.

            "No, I guess not. Will there be anything else other then the clothes and the supplies mila… ma'am?" The shopkeeper stated. Alma looked around and found the final piece to her puzzle.

            Dad, you showed me how to use one of these long ago… I only hope that I can remember…

            It was thirty inches long from hilt to point. The pummel was a simple circle design with stripes going down through it. She picked it up and grabbed the clothes which she had picked out and ran to the dressing room. A few minutes later she emerged tying the scabbard at her side and the blade itself swung around in her hand.

            "I will be dammed… not only does the blade, but the entire outfit suits you ma'am." The shopkeeper said picking his jaw up off the floor.

            "My father taught me how to use a sword like this year ago… I can only hope I remember his lessons." She said returning the sword to its scabbard.

            "I am sure that you will ma'am. By just what I have seen you skill is impressive."

            "How much for everything?" She asked riffling through her pouch to get her gil. The shopkeeper thought about it for a few moments and then realized something.

            "Keep your money. All I want is that dress you came in with. I can make a fortune selling something like." He returned.

            "It's yours, but double my order including my clothes here and tac on this dagger." She said picking up the dagger which she had used to remove her hair earlier.

            "Gladly, the profit I will make from a dress that fine will more then cover it." The shopkeeper said collecting the items she asked for. Alma in between a bright smile noticed that it was getting late.

            Have I really been in here this long? I guess changing yourself takes time. Well at least I have the money to get something to eat now.

            The shopkeeper returned with a rather large pack of things and a small pouch.

            "What's this?" She asked

            "One hundred and fifty gil. That and the items you purchased should about cover the profits you gave me from the dress. You have made a very rich man ma'am… it's the least I can do." The shopkeeper said as he bid her a found farewell. She shook her head and decided it was for the best. Beside, her stomach was getting the better of her and to add to the already cold wind of the encroaching night snow had started to fall. She decided that a quick retreat to the nearest tavern was in order and did so. A few hours passed as she had her fill. It seems that this new person she was become had a taste for food of any sort.

            So many things are different now. Before, I barely ate… now I eat enough to feed all three of my brothers… Dycedarg, Zalbag… I had forgotten about you. Both of you dead because of that damn battle… and I… and Alma could do nothing about it. No longer… no longer will I hide form danger. I will face it in all of its forms. I will make sure that what happened to me not only doesn't happen to anyone else… but ever again.

            This last thought caused her to hit her gloved fist against the table. A few of the table looked at her funny and she decided that it was time to leave. She place about thirty gil on the table and got up. She looked around at the drunks and decided that this place wasn't half bad. She walked out into the cold. She pulled up her hood and looked up at the stars.

            First I see the light of a sunrise and now I see the light of the stars… seemingly for the first time. Of course, I guess there have been a lot of first for me in the past day. But I guess that comes wi… !

            "AHHHHHHH!" A voice screamed out into the cold winter night snapping Alma out of her thought. She ran to see where it was coming and came upon a scene that struck to close to home.

            "Let me go, let me go, somebody… HELP ME!" A girl screamed as she was being attack by three guys who obviously had plans for this bar maiden.

            "Stop screaming girl… there no one out there but the wolves, which if you lucky and real nice, I won't throw you to them." The apparent leader of the bunch told the girl as he ripped off the top of her dress reveal her breasts to the cold night. The other two men with him just stood around laughed.

            Typical flunkies… let's hope that I remember my lessons…

            "You know gentlemen… I don't think she's interested in you. Perhaps you should just move along." Alma stated walking up on to the scene. The three men just turned to look at the person that was breaking their privacy.

            "It's nothing but a little girl with a little sword." The one henchman to left stated with a chuckle. The leader of the group released his victim as she struggled to cover herself up more for protection from the cold then modesty.

            "Who are you… the wench's fairy godmother?" The leader stated drawing his sword. Alma just laughed.

            "I'll have you know I was trained by the best." She said drawing her sword.

            "Oh and who would that be?" The other hench asked.

            "Balbanes Beoulve." She said with a smirk. The three men just stopped dead in their tracks, even the girl stopped crying at the sound of the name.

            "She lying… Kill her!" The leader as the other two lunged at her. She drew her blade and the sounds of clashing steel could be heard ringing through the night. She seemed to hold her own though, however she got herself into a pincer. However, thinking quickly she elbowed the hench behind her and knocked him off balance. She then knocked the blade out of the others hand and ran him through. The one hench fell to the ground and his blood stained the snow red. She grabbed the other sword and rolled forward dodging the other blade that was about to fall. She quickly turned around and dispatched the other with a swipe from both her blade and the other hench's. However, what she hadn't noticed was that the leader had come up behind her. Her smacked her over the head with the pummel of his sword and she fell to her dropping both blades. The leader picked up her blade and took both blades to the sides of her head and stood there ready to deliver the deathblow. He got up into her face and began to gloat.

            "You know… you're not half bad. But I would have expect someone trained by Balbanes to have eyes in the back of their head like he did. Oh well… I guess its time for you to die." He said readying the blades.

            "You're right… I should have seen you back there. I guess I am getting a little rusty,' she stated between short breaths as she reached down to her belt, 'But there was something that Balbanes did teach me." She said looking him straight in the eye.

            "Oh and what is that?" He said with a smile. That smile quickly changed however, when she answered his question.

            "Never be caught in a situation where you don't have options." She said as she ran the leader through with the dagger she had bought. The blades fell from her should to snow below her. For his part the leader could only muster a short comeback between the blood he was spitting up.

            "You… bit…" He fell to the snow dead. Alma grabbed the back of her head and rubbed it as she reclaimed her fallen and now bloody blades. She walked over to the girl who had been lying in the snow watching her savior do her work. She checked over her and everything seemed ok but she decided to ask anyway.

            "Are you alright… well of course you're not alright, you just almost got raped. Are you hurt?" Alma asked.

            "I… I… I… ok…" The girl said barely able to look up at her. Alma looked over her closer.

            "You seem ok. But your gonna want to get those gashes on your breasts looked at." She said without the modesty that she would have had before all of this happened. The girl just looked past her almost into nothing and then without warning grabbed onto her.

            "Thank you so much… I don't know what I would've done if they…" The girl managed before she started sobbing again. Alma pulled out a blanket from her large pack and wrapped it around her. She managed to pry the grip of the girl off of her.

            "It's ok. Look, here's my word of advice. This is gonna change you… no matter how much you try to make it not. Don't forget what happened here tonight… but instead of weakening you… let it make you stronger. Take it from someone who's been there… but didn't have a warrior around to save her." Alma said picking up her packs. She looked back at the girl who had already gotten back on her feet, stumbling as they were.

            "Are you gonna be alright to get home?" She asked. The girl looked back at her.

            "Yes… my house isn't far. Thank you for what you have done… and what you said. I hope that I turn out like you." She said as she stumbled away.

            You don't want to do that. But maybe one day you will gain the strength that I apparently have. I just hope you know where it comes… because I don't have the faintest idea.

            She shook her head clear of the thoughts and went on her way. She had the description that the driver gave her of the forest she was found and knew it was going to be a long trip, especially with the snow piling up. A few after she began she didn't feel like she was any closer. The sun could be seen coming up over the horizon… if the snow was blocking out all view beyond a few feet in front of her.

            I can't even find myself in the storm let alone them… what the hell am I supposed to do now. I think I have been walking in circles for past four hours. Wait… what is that.

            She looked down at her side pack and saw that there was something glowing in it. She pulled at it found that it was the Virgo stone.

            What do you want with me now you demonic thing?

            Almost as if reading her thoughts the stone shot a beam of light into the storm… almost like a signal to something.

            What, are you saying that they are in that direction? Why would you be help me now?

            The stone didn't answer and she finally gave in. She had nothing else to do. She decided to follow the stone's light. A few hours later the light turned towards a small clearing near a road that lead towards the castle.

            This has to be it… they're here… I can feel them here.

            She ran towards the clearing and a few yards past where she had been stand a flash of light hit her and the storm stopped. She looked around and it seemed like the storm was going on outside this protect bubble that she had somehow managed to get inside. She walked forward and saw the area where she had set up the shelter and fire a few nights before. She dropped the packs and ran towards the camp site with what little energy she had left. She expected to see her friends still lying in the snow… what she got was a gun shot to her feet. She stopped and drew her sword but it was immediately knocked from her hand by a far larger blade. That blade was then place at her throat. She put her hands up and tried to look at what was going on but her had been tilted skyward by the massive broadsword.

            "Well, just who might you be?" A very familiar voice asked from the trees above her. The person that voice belonged too jumped from the trees and landed on his feet in the snow. She final realized that only one person could do that.

            "Mustadio what are you doing. Don't you recognize me? … Well of course you don't recognize me but…" She stated.

            "Mustadio… this wench knows your name… is there something I should know?" The person with the sword asked. Alma knew that voice right away and pushed the sword from her throat.

            "Meliadoul… you're awake." She stated happily.

            "She knows your name to Melia… I'm not even going there." Mustadio said with a laugh. All this time another figure had appeared behind three and could only stare in awe at the girl… woman, which the other two had stopped.

            "Meliadoul, Mustadio… stand down both of you." He stated as both put their weapons away.

            "What's up Cid?" Mustadio asked.

            "Do you know this wench Master Orlandu?" Meliadoul asked less comically.

            "Yes… I do indeed. What has happened to you? How long have we been out for this much of a change to have taken place?" He asked as he looked Alma over.

            "I am unsure. I woke up three nights prior to this. I guess I have changed haven't I." Alma asked.

            "Mind telling me what's going on love?" Mustadio asked Meliadoul.

            "Your guess is as good as mine." She answered just as dumbfounded as he was.

            "Wait here… I'll get the other two… their out looking for… well, you." Orlandu said turning from them. Mustadio and Meliadoul just stood there as if they had both been hit by raging Zahgnol.

            "Al… ma? Is that you?" Mustadio asked.

            "Sort of." She responded.

            "My god girl… you have changed." Meliadoul said handing back her sword. Alma took it and placed it back at her side and looked up just in time to see both Agrias and Ramza with their respective jaws on the ground.

            "Hi." She said with a smile. Ramza just stood at what had become of his sister. Agrias was the first to speak.

            "I know we've been out for a while… but five year?" She asked only half jokingly.

            "From the nearest I can tell we were out here for about eight months before I woke up three nights ago." Alma answered.

            "How did we survive for eight months?" Orlandu asked. Alma reached into her side pack and pulled out her stone.

            "These." Was all she said as she throw the stone around in her a bit.

            "The stones kept us alive?" Meliadoul asked.

            "And apparently shielded from the outside world… which they are still doing I might add." Alma responded.

            "You have changed… but are you still my sister?" Ramza spoke for the first time. Alma thought about it for awhile.

            Am I… am I still Alma Beoulve? I cannot be sure until… until…

            "There will be time for that later, right now we have to decide what to do next." Orlandu stated.

            "We can't stay here. The world thinks that Ramza is dead and the rest of you are nothing more the fugitives." Alma stated in return.

            "So where do we go?" Meliadoul asked.

            "We can decide that tomorrow afternoon. First we have something to attend to… or rather attend." Alma stated.

            "Oh, what is that?" Agrias asked.

            "My… her… Alma Beoulve's Funeral."

            There… we both shall have our answer Ramza.