Cloaked Stranger

"You did what!" yelled a mysterious figure in shadows, "You lost to Ramza's regular warriors. No specialized fighters or mages, just a pair of Priest/Summoners and a few fighters. There was nothing special about that group. After all, you didn't meet the Engineer, the Holy Knight, the Holy Swordsman, the Temple Knight, the Mage Squire, the Cleric, or the Divine Knight, did you?" A dangerous tone was in his voice, and Deverca's cronies began to huddle in the corner like scared sheep.

"But milord, these are powerful warriors. Don't worry, we're just retreating to regroup. Next time we encounter Ramza's men, they will die by our swords," Deverca vowed.

* * *

The next day, Meliadoul and Alma had gone to town. It was a crisp January day, and they were purchasing some supplies for their journey. Meliadoul was deep in thought over the situation. She was worried about losing another person that she loved, with the battles flaring up again.

Alma asked her, "Is there something wrong? I noticed that you are always embarrassed when you are talking to my brother. Do you have a crush on him or something?" Alma was often a very perceptive person, so this statement made Meliadoul blush terribly. The young Cleric looked on, already figuring out that what she assumed was true. Meliadoul was in love with her brother.

The young Divine Knight hid behind her hood. "We're just friends, nothing more. Alma, I have no time for a romance, I want to live out my life as a warrior. If I fell in love now, I would have to get married, and have children. And that would stand in the way of my career as a swordswoman."

"Mel, you don't have to do what you don't want to," Alma told her, "If you are in love, you should follow your heart and tell him how you feel. After all, you don't want to die an old maid. Heck, Ramza would understand if you didn't want children at all or even right away. You know how he is always listening to the concerns of the members of our group, this wouldn't be any worse."

Before Meliadoul could reply, to tell her that she didn't think of Ramza like that at all, she heard the sound of approaching feet. The young woman turned, wondering who was coming up to them. When she looked around, she saw a gang of six men and two women. It was Deverca and his cronies.

"You're members of Ramza's group, aren't you? How fortunate for us. Our boss is going to be most pleased when we eliminate at least one of the fools who serve the Beoulve boy. Prepare your weapons, girls, you will never be able to take us on," Deverca boasted.

Meliadoul said, "You are underestimating your opponent, because your number is greater and you think that women are the weaker sex. After all, only two girls are in your whole party. But if you want to start trouble, you'll find that a reared warrior like myself will prove to be a challenge."

But before the group of thieves could advance, they saw a cloaked figure jump off of the roof and land right in front of the women. "I suggest you leave them alone. I will protect these girls with all of the power that I possess." He slashed out with his sword in an intimidating gesture.

"Who are you?" asked Deverca, "Some sort of justice freak? If you want to defend the girls who serve Ramza Beoulve, you will die. I will lay you at my master's feet, and he will be most pleased. The same with these two girls." He sneered, but that didn't faze the man. It all made Deverca wonder exactly who he was fighting. Most people would think it suicide to fight his whole unit.

"You may try if you wish. But I assure you that you will fail just the same. Now, en guard," the boy called out. He attacked Deverca, and their swords clashed against one another.

Deverca motioned to his men to let him take care of the boy by himself. He then ran and struck out. The swords met, as described above. But the boy had the weaker arm than his opponent did. The thief struck him down, and a gash appeared right in the stomach of the young boy.

But things didn't happen as expected. The gash in the boy's stomach began to close right before their eyes. Everyone backed off, they were afraid of what the boy was. Esmeralda, freaking out a little too bit, inquired, "What are you? Are you a new kind of demon or something?"


The boy shook his head. Then, his whole soul seemed to burn with anger. "Demon, you dare to insult me by comparing me to such creatures! I am not the demon. The demons took my life, and now I have come back in order to avenge myself, and protect the people I hold most dear. Now, do you want to die, or can these young ladies return to their comrades peacefully?"

Deverca was no fool. He had no desire to tangle with a ghost. So he just sheathed his sword and motioned to his men to retreat. Something would have to be done about the ghost, he would have to discuss the situation with his master before he attacked again. The young thief winced, thinking about the wrath of the boss, which he was sure to endure for this failure.

"I hope you two weren't hurt," the boy stated, "There's nothing I hate more than an unfair fight. I guess it was a little bit unbalanced, considering I can't be killed twice, but I had no plans to take any other lives. Only to make sure that you could continue on your way back to your home."


"Why did you save us? Who are you? You said that you wish to help those who are dear to you. But how can Alma and myself be such people? Tell us now!" Meliadoul demanded.

The boy said, "What good will it do for me to return? I am content fighting from the shadows, in order to protect you. But there is no need for me to reveal my identity to anyone."


Meliadoul blocked his escape, knowing that a ghost could well get past her. "I demand for you to tell me who you are, and why you saved Alma and me. Do you think I like the idea of a silent protector? I have my pride, you know. I at least deserve to know why you have done such a thing for me."


"I'm sorry," the boy whispered, "I never wanted to hurt you. You might be hurt if I reveal myself. But if you are so adamant, I guess I have no choice. You always were a demanding woman, ever since you were a young girl." He took off his hood, revealing a familiar face to both women.

- - - -

Notice that that Rafa and Malak weren't mentioned by the boss? Well, who would be scared of those two? They're the most useless characters in the game.