Disclaimer: I no own, you no sue.
Chapter 14: Sweet Revenge
Lenore and Angel walked through Alexandria, the streets nearly deserted, most people were either at home or at the castle for wedding. Her stride was confident and patient, the soles of her leather boots making a small click-clack, click-clack noise which echoed eerily through the street.
"It seems we came alittle bit late, I do hope we didn't miss the wedding," Lenore said, stopping and looking around. Angel stopped behind her. "Tell me truthfully Angel, how do you feel? Right now, at this moment. Don't be shy."
The waltz cocked his head to one side, wondering what she was getting at with such an out-of-the-blue question.
"Well, kind of....jittery," he said, wrying his hands, holding his scythe as he did so.
"That's to be understood, you haven't used any magic for nearly a week now," Lenore said. "It builds up as energy if not used."
"...and....hungry," Angel added.
"Nor have you eaten for the same amount of time," Lenore " Angel said.
"Why is that?" Lenore implored.
"W-when I went to the village, a doll there said that killing was wrong. And I was wondering if what you want me to do is wrong too," Angel answered.
"What they did was wrong too," she said. "They killed my father. Is it so wrong to want Zidane to suffer the same loss of a loved one?"
"I suppose not," he said.
"Are you scared?" Lenore asked. The waltz shook his head.
"No," he said.
"Why not?" Lenore asked. "You know if you fail you'll be out on your own, that is if they don't kill you."
"I know," Angel said.
"Well, do you know why you're not scared?" Lenore asked, cocking her head to one side. Angel looked up to his mistress, yellow eyes sincere.
"I don't know..." he admitted. "I feel like...like I can't lose. I won't."
"I'm glad," Lenore sighed, noting how tense and serious the waltz looked. "You must be angry at me for locking you up in that room, are you?"
"No," Angel answered quickly, though Lenore saw right through this lie.
"Yes, you are," she hissed tenderly. "For starving you, for not letting you train."
Angel clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to prevent an outburst on his behalf, not wanting to offend Lenore.
"Use that anger," Lenore said. "Let it come out as wildly and powerfully as you will. It will show useful against them."
Angel nodded.
"Is there anything you need to ask before you go?" Lenore inquiried. The waltz looked up to the sweet pink and indigo blue heavens, a mellow purple forming at their point of conflict.
"What's wrong with the sky?" Angel asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all," Lenore said. She felt like it had been an eternity since Angel had asked her one of these innocent minconception questions, the girl was glad to answer, now remembering her original purpose for Angel. "The day's over and when the sun goes below the horizon, night comes, and this twilight, is called a sunset."
"It's so pretty," Angel said. Lenore smiled.
"I'll leave you to your job," the girl said, absentmindly stroking his feathers, a few loose plumes drifting to the ground. "Good bye pet."
"Bye Lenore," Angel said, wrapping his arms around her waist in a hug. The girl drew back for a moment, surprised, but then smiled and put her arms around his shoulders. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and stood up.
"Now get going," Lenore ordered, pointing to the castle. "I'll know if you did your job or not. So don't come crawling back to me if you fail."
Angel nodded, spreading his wings proudly and giving them several sturdy and loud flaps.
"Don't fail me..." she murmured, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I won't let you down," Angel said under his breath, the scenery below him dwindling as he gained altitude on the day's leaving thermals, soaring towards the castle gracefully, sickle at hand. He flapped again to ascend enough to pass over the wall, the sudden, static noise of hundreds of clamouring people boomed in his ears as soon as he got overhead. He grimmaced, confirming why Lenore hated these humans so much. Angel looked about for a suitable perch, one close enough to the ceremony to where he'd have a good view, but far enough to where he wouldn't be taken note of.
The waltz took rest on a protruding stone from the wall, about thirty feet above the heads of the crowd. The ledge was large enough for him to sit comfortably on, that is if he crouched or let his legs hang over the side. He sighed and leaned against his sickle, the sound of the organ echoed over the proles' chattering, calling them to silence. Angel watched as a girl with purple hair and a silky yellow dress walked down the aisle, scattering flower petals on the ground. A small black mage, nearly half her size, scuttled after, with a dire look on his face as he carefully balanced the two rings on a white silk pillow. Many mothers of the audeince whispered comments such as "Aren't they darling?" or sometimes a collective 'aw' filled the air as the flower girl and ring bearer passed, the ring bearer often tripping and stumbling nervously. He was wearing the same outfit as always, though Garnet had bought him a formal black coat to go over his usual sky blue one. Needless to say, the pinstripe pants and black coat caused some distress to the eye, but most people didn't mind.
Angel chuckled slightly at the hard time the ring bearer had walking in front of so many people and his ridiculous outfit. They were followed by two of the bride's maids, a Burmecian and a human, her brown locks curled heavily at her shoulder, both wearing light pink. The the best men, a red haired teenage boy, a belt over his eyes, and a tall, muscle bound man, the light brown hair of his crew cut suffered heavily from the weight of a helmet, which was now absent. Angel pulled his hat down, trying to stifle a complete breakdown from laughter, the knight's appearence in anything but armor was just too much for him to handle. Zidane was next, wearing a long sleeved white shirt and his small ruffled ribbon. His pants and shoes were unchanged, which upset Steiner, as well as the fact he still wore his dagger on a belt. Then, the music's tempo changed to one of slow seriousness as Garnet walked down the aisle.
Her hair was hidden beneath a transparent white veil which flowed clear down to her waist. The contours of her body were fitted perfectly into a silk white dress, long, lacey sleeves sat snuggly against her skin clear down to the wrist. Her train followed her for a good five feet, though she didn't have any attendants picked it up and carry it behind her. Baku's arm was laced in hers as he led her down the aisle, his attire only slightly more formal than usual, a bouquet of roses in her hand, in memorial of her mother.
Angel tensed his wings. 'Come on, get on with it...' he grumbled and brought his feet up under him, coming to a crouch and shifting his wings over a hunched back.
"We gather here today to join two hearts under the sacred rite of marriage, our beloved Queen, Garnet Til Alexandros XVII, and our soon to be king, Zidane Tribal." the fish faced preacher said solemnly. He opened his mouth to begin a long speech about the process and sacredness of the ceremony, but was interupted by Blank.
"Get on with it!" Blank said, leaning over and covering up his mouth. Zidane and Baku were the only ones chuckling a Blank's comment, the rest were somewhat embarassed, though Garnet looked pleasantly amused.
Angel's sharp hearing caught this sneer and was about to give a cry of agreement, but refrained.
"Very well," the priest said, rather annoyed. "Do you, Garnet Alexandros, take Zidane Tribal, to love and to cherish, through health and illness, for rich and for poor, 'til death due you part?"
"I do," Garnet nodded.
"And do you, Zidane Tribal....?"
"I do," Zidane said impatiently.
"If any has a reason why these two should not be joined in the sanctity of holy matramony, speak now or forever hold your peace." the priest said loud enough for all to hear. That was Angel's que.
He stood up and spread his wings, quickly and proudly, immediatley jumping into a dive, sickle raised. Members of the crowd shouted and pointed as he passed overhead, going straight for the bride and groom. He lifted up his scythe, Garnet's throat as his target, but Zidane quickly shoved her over, falling on top of his wife clumsily. A sharp pain shot through his spine when Angel hacked off half of his tail with the calculated blow intended for Garnet.
"Ah!" he growled and stood up, his tail bleeding profusely. Garnet quickly removed her veil and wrapped it around the injury. Angel decided another attack like that would be useless, so he remained low to the ground and angled his wings, giving them several flaps and landing. All on stage gasped in horror.
"V-Vivi!?" Eiko said.
"That creature is not Master Vivi!!!" Steiner shouted at Eiko, but Sprite knew better than both of them.
"Dad!" the small mage cried, running at the waltz.
"Sprite, no!" Zidane said, reaching out for him. But Sprite paid no mind, quickly latching onto Angel's waistcoat, sobbing.
"Dad!!!" Sprite cried affectionately again. The waltz only stared for a moment, but brought his arm up, fingers slightly curled and slashed him across the only exposed part of him, his face. Sprite fell off with a grunt, still snivelling and crying. Angel turned his attention to Garnet, slightly red eyes narrowed.
"Vivi, what's wrong with you?!" Zidane barked, the fur on the remainder of his tail bristling.
The waltz said nothing and raised his hand, sending a fira spell right at Garnet. She quickly cast reflect, sending the spell straight back at its sender. Angel stumbled and fell over but regained his stamina and stood up again.
Zidane examined the waltz again, confirming it was Vivi. I don't know what happened to you little guy, but I'm sorry I have to do this...
The genome charged at him, twin daggers raised and ready to strike. With lightning quickness, Angel shoved the curve of his scythe between the daggers' blades. He flipped the scythe, sending the handle right between Zidane's legs and him to the ground. The waltz chuckled evilly until three draining techniques hit him with parrying blows.
"Dragon's Crest!" Freya called and hit him with a spear she had stolen from a nearby guard.
"Climhazard!" Beatrix bellowed.
"Shock!" Steiner said, dealing the last blow to the waltz.
With a groan, Angel fell over, wings pathetically limp. Zidane stood up, still in pain.
"Glad you guys h-held back..." Zidane said. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if we killed him."
"Why, he's nothing more than one of those vile, despicable, heartless black waltzes!" Steiner said. Freya shook her head.
"No, it's Vivi." she said.
"What!? No, that's not possible!" Steiner said.
"If there's one thing I've learned, nothing's impossible," Zidane said. He looked over to Sprite, hands cupped over his face. "Hey, you okay?"
The small mage sniffled as Zidane lifted him into his arms, holding him carefully. The scratches caused by the waltz weren't too deep on his cheek, though it was still terribly painful. Sprite nudged his chin in Zidane's palm with a snivel.
"What's wrong with dad?" Sprite asked.
"I dunno," Zidane sighed with a pant, feeling very weak after having his tail severed and a nut shot with a wooden pole.
"Well, even if it is Vivi, we cannot look past the fact that he made a direct threat of Garnet's life," Steiner said sadly. "My queen, would you...?"
The queen nodded and cast Silence on the waltz.
"Haagar!" Steiner beckoned, one of his troops coming at the call.
"Yes sir?" the knight asked.
"Take him to the dungeon, make sure he's tethered," Steiner directed. The charge saluted and grabbed Vivi by the back of the shirt, dragging him towards the castle.
Many of the people in the audience had left, the priest was shaking in fear at the back of the alter. Zidane helped Garnet up, her dress covered in blood.
"Hey Mr. Preacher, are we going to finish this wedding or what?" Zidane chuckled at the fish demi-human. The preacher, horrified, slowly stood up.
"Y-You may n-now kiss the bride," he stammered, closing his torn and burnt bible. The two lovers embraced and kissed sweetly and slowly.
Author's Note: Awwwww....just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Two more chapters, please R&R.
Chapter 14: Sweet Revenge
Lenore and Angel walked through Alexandria, the streets nearly deserted, most people were either at home or at the castle for wedding. Her stride was confident and patient, the soles of her leather boots making a small click-clack, click-clack noise which echoed eerily through the street.
"It seems we came alittle bit late, I do hope we didn't miss the wedding," Lenore said, stopping and looking around. Angel stopped behind her. "Tell me truthfully Angel, how do you feel? Right now, at this moment. Don't be shy."
The waltz cocked his head to one side, wondering what she was getting at with such an out-of-the-blue question.
"Well, kind of....jittery," he said, wrying his hands, holding his scythe as he did so.
"That's to be understood, you haven't used any magic for nearly a week now," Lenore said. "It builds up as energy if not used."
"...and....hungry," Angel added.
"Nor have you eaten for the same amount of time," Lenore " Angel said.
"Why is that?" Lenore implored.
"W-when I went to the village, a doll there said that killing was wrong. And I was wondering if what you want me to do is wrong too," Angel answered.
"What they did was wrong too," she said. "They killed my father. Is it so wrong to want Zidane to suffer the same loss of a loved one?"
"I suppose not," he said.
"Are you scared?" Lenore asked. The waltz shook his head.
"No," he said.
"Why not?" Lenore asked. "You know if you fail you'll be out on your own, that is if they don't kill you."
"I know," Angel said.
"Well, do you know why you're not scared?" Lenore asked, cocking her head to one side. Angel looked up to his mistress, yellow eyes sincere.
"I don't know..." he admitted. "I feel like...like I can't lose. I won't."
"I'm glad," Lenore sighed, noting how tense and serious the waltz looked. "You must be angry at me for locking you up in that room, are you?"
"No," Angel answered quickly, though Lenore saw right through this lie.
"Yes, you are," she hissed tenderly. "For starving you, for not letting you train."
Angel clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to prevent an outburst on his behalf, not wanting to offend Lenore.
"Use that anger," Lenore said. "Let it come out as wildly and powerfully as you will. It will show useful against them."
Angel nodded.
"Is there anything you need to ask before you go?" Lenore inquiried. The waltz looked up to the sweet pink and indigo blue heavens, a mellow purple forming at their point of conflict.
"What's wrong with the sky?" Angel asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all," Lenore said. She felt like it had been an eternity since Angel had asked her one of these innocent minconception questions, the girl was glad to answer, now remembering her original purpose for Angel. "The day's over and when the sun goes below the horizon, night comes, and this twilight, is called a sunset."
"It's so pretty," Angel said. Lenore smiled.
"I'll leave you to your job," the girl said, absentmindly stroking his feathers, a few loose plumes drifting to the ground. "Good bye pet."
"Bye Lenore," Angel said, wrapping his arms around her waist in a hug. The girl drew back for a moment, surprised, but then smiled and put her arms around his shoulders. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and stood up.
"Now get going," Lenore ordered, pointing to the castle. "I'll know if you did your job or not. So don't come crawling back to me if you fail."
Angel nodded, spreading his wings proudly and giving them several sturdy and loud flaps.
"Don't fail me..." she murmured, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I won't let you down," Angel said under his breath, the scenery below him dwindling as he gained altitude on the day's leaving thermals, soaring towards the castle gracefully, sickle at hand. He flapped again to ascend enough to pass over the wall, the sudden, static noise of hundreds of clamouring people boomed in his ears as soon as he got overhead. He grimmaced, confirming why Lenore hated these humans so much. Angel looked about for a suitable perch, one close enough to the ceremony to where he'd have a good view, but far enough to where he wouldn't be taken note of.
The waltz took rest on a protruding stone from the wall, about thirty feet above the heads of the crowd. The ledge was large enough for him to sit comfortably on, that is if he crouched or let his legs hang over the side. He sighed and leaned against his sickle, the sound of the organ echoed over the proles' chattering, calling them to silence. Angel watched as a girl with purple hair and a silky yellow dress walked down the aisle, scattering flower petals on the ground. A small black mage, nearly half her size, scuttled after, with a dire look on his face as he carefully balanced the two rings on a white silk pillow. Many mothers of the audeince whispered comments such as "Aren't they darling?" or sometimes a collective 'aw' filled the air as the flower girl and ring bearer passed, the ring bearer often tripping and stumbling nervously. He was wearing the same outfit as always, though Garnet had bought him a formal black coat to go over his usual sky blue one. Needless to say, the pinstripe pants and black coat caused some distress to the eye, but most people didn't mind.
Angel chuckled slightly at the hard time the ring bearer had walking in front of so many people and his ridiculous outfit. They were followed by two of the bride's maids, a Burmecian and a human, her brown locks curled heavily at her shoulder, both wearing light pink. The the best men, a red haired teenage boy, a belt over his eyes, and a tall, muscle bound man, the light brown hair of his crew cut suffered heavily from the weight of a helmet, which was now absent. Angel pulled his hat down, trying to stifle a complete breakdown from laughter, the knight's appearence in anything but armor was just too much for him to handle. Zidane was next, wearing a long sleeved white shirt and his small ruffled ribbon. His pants and shoes were unchanged, which upset Steiner, as well as the fact he still wore his dagger on a belt. Then, the music's tempo changed to one of slow seriousness as Garnet walked down the aisle.
Her hair was hidden beneath a transparent white veil which flowed clear down to her waist. The contours of her body were fitted perfectly into a silk white dress, long, lacey sleeves sat snuggly against her skin clear down to the wrist. Her train followed her for a good five feet, though she didn't have any attendants picked it up and carry it behind her. Baku's arm was laced in hers as he led her down the aisle, his attire only slightly more formal than usual, a bouquet of roses in her hand, in memorial of her mother.
Angel tensed his wings. 'Come on, get on with it...' he grumbled and brought his feet up under him, coming to a crouch and shifting his wings over a hunched back.
"We gather here today to join two hearts under the sacred rite of marriage, our beloved Queen, Garnet Til Alexandros XVII, and our soon to be king, Zidane Tribal." the fish faced preacher said solemnly. He opened his mouth to begin a long speech about the process and sacredness of the ceremony, but was interupted by Blank.
"Get on with it!" Blank said, leaning over and covering up his mouth. Zidane and Baku were the only ones chuckling a Blank's comment, the rest were somewhat embarassed, though Garnet looked pleasantly amused.
Angel's sharp hearing caught this sneer and was about to give a cry of agreement, but refrained.
"Very well," the priest said, rather annoyed. "Do you, Garnet Alexandros, take Zidane Tribal, to love and to cherish, through health and illness, for rich and for poor, 'til death due you part?"
"I do," Garnet nodded.
"And do you, Zidane Tribal....?"
"I do," Zidane said impatiently.
"If any has a reason why these two should not be joined in the sanctity of holy matramony, speak now or forever hold your peace." the priest said loud enough for all to hear. That was Angel's que.
He stood up and spread his wings, quickly and proudly, immediatley jumping into a dive, sickle raised. Members of the crowd shouted and pointed as he passed overhead, going straight for the bride and groom. He lifted up his scythe, Garnet's throat as his target, but Zidane quickly shoved her over, falling on top of his wife clumsily. A sharp pain shot through his spine when Angel hacked off half of his tail with the calculated blow intended for Garnet.
"Ah!" he growled and stood up, his tail bleeding profusely. Garnet quickly removed her veil and wrapped it around the injury. Angel decided another attack like that would be useless, so he remained low to the ground and angled his wings, giving them several flaps and landing. All on stage gasped in horror.
"V-Vivi!?" Eiko said.
"That creature is not Master Vivi!!!" Steiner shouted at Eiko, but Sprite knew better than both of them.
"Dad!" the small mage cried, running at the waltz.
"Sprite, no!" Zidane said, reaching out for him. But Sprite paid no mind, quickly latching onto Angel's waistcoat, sobbing.
"Dad!!!" Sprite cried affectionately again. The waltz only stared for a moment, but brought his arm up, fingers slightly curled and slashed him across the only exposed part of him, his face. Sprite fell off with a grunt, still snivelling and crying. Angel turned his attention to Garnet, slightly red eyes narrowed.
"Vivi, what's wrong with you?!" Zidane barked, the fur on the remainder of his tail bristling.
The waltz said nothing and raised his hand, sending a fira spell right at Garnet. She quickly cast reflect, sending the spell straight back at its sender. Angel stumbled and fell over but regained his stamina and stood up again.
Zidane examined the waltz again, confirming it was Vivi. I don't know what happened to you little guy, but I'm sorry I have to do this...
The genome charged at him, twin daggers raised and ready to strike. With lightning quickness, Angel shoved the curve of his scythe between the daggers' blades. He flipped the scythe, sending the handle right between Zidane's legs and him to the ground. The waltz chuckled evilly until three draining techniques hit him with parrying blows.
"Dragon's Crest!" Freya called and hit him with a spear she had stolen from a nearby guard.
"Climhazard!" Beatrix bellowed.
"Shock!" Steiner said, dealing the last blow to the waltz.
With a groan, Angel fell over, wings pathetically limp. Zidane stood up, still in pain.
"Glad you guys h-held back..." Zidane said. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if we killed him."
"Why, he's nothing more than one of those vile, despicable, heartless black waltzes!" Steiner said. Freya shook her head.
"No, it's Vivi." she said.
"What!? No, that's not possible!" Steiner said.
"If there's one thing I've learned, nothing's impossible," Zidane said. He looked over to Sprite, hands cupped over his face. "Hey, you okay?"
The small mage sniffled as Zidane lifted him into his arms, holding him carefully. The scratches caused by the waltz weren't too deep on his cheek, though it was still terribly painful. Sprite nudged his chin in Zidane's palm with a snivel.
"What's wrong with dad?" Sprite asked.
"I dunno," Zidane sighed with a pant, feeling very weak after having his tail severed and a nut shot with a wooden pole.
"Well, even if it is Vivi, we cannot look past the fact that he made a direct threat of Garnet's life," Steiner said sadly. "My queen, would you...?"
The queen nodded and cast Silence on the waltz.
"Haagar!" Steiner beckoned, one of his troops coming at the call.
"Yes sir?" the knight asked.
"Take him to the dungeon, make sure he's tethered," Steiner directed. The charge saluted and grabbed Vivi by the back of the shirt, dragging him towards the castle.
Many of the people in the audience had left, the priest was shaking in fear at the back of the alter. Zidane helped Garnet up, her dress covered in blood.
"Hey Mr. Preacher, are we going to finish this wedding or what?" Zidane chuckled at the fish demi-human. The preacher, horrified, slowly stood up.
"Y-You may n-now kiss the bride," he stammered, closing his torn and burnt bible. The two lovers embraced and kissed sweetly and slowly.
Author's Note: Awwwww....just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Two more chapters, please R&R.