Well, now that all of the conflict with Sonia is over, it's time to get back to the conflicts with Matthew. He'll be back next chapter, like so many of you have been asking for. As for this chapter, well...let's just say you may like the end of it ;)
Icy AngelWings: Er, how can things get better between Nino and Sonia when the latter is dead? Or did I just take that question the completely wrong way?
timmycheese: Thanks for your review!
Emotion Changing Reviewer: Thanks for your review!
Nocturna-Fire-Demoness: This chapter is going to be...a lot of fun :)
FireEdge: You said you were going to change your last chapter, but it doesn't seem to have changed at all. What happened there?
Sword of Seals: Don't worry about the contest, it's no big deal. I would like to see your contest when you post it, though :)
Kratos Aurion: I'm surprised you were able to get the name "Kratos Aurion," since I'm sure a lot of ToS fans were jumping for it at their first opportunity, lol. Also, you know you can't support Wil and Lyn, right? :P
Ero Teagues: Thanks for your review!
Firelien: I know Sonia doesn't actually die until later in the game, but after the Fimbulvetr in this story, if Jaffar had seen that Sonia was still alive, you know he would have killed her right then and there. So really, I was pretty much stuck with that. :/
Inferno-Hero: That was...a weird review...
Winteress: Thanks for your review!
Dracobolt: Thanks for your review!
Hinata2004: Considering that I'm writing this, that couldn't have been the end, right? :P
Ragnarok-Legend: Thanks for your review!
Jeanie: I knew that someone wasn't going to like the fact that it was Nino who killed Sonia. Personally, like I said in the last chapter, I think that although Nino was always cheerful throughout her life with the Black Fang, she only was so happy because she was pushing down her anger and pain from Sonia's actions. And over time, that anger and pain built up, and it eventually had to come out somewhere.
Ryst: Thanks for your review!
Spectral Flame: Thanks for your review!
Random Person: Thanks for your review!
gentleness28: Please draw some Nino/Jaffar fan art! I love finding new pieces of art, because, as I've said, I can't draw any of my own for my life. :/
MagicianFairy (x2): Thanks for your reviews!
Oswin the Nino Fan: Um...I hope you were kidding about that last part...
Kayako: Thanks for your review!
Poyo: Thanks for your review!
Douceur: Thanks for your review!
We now return to...
Chapter Eleven
Comforting
The assassin had thought that Sonia's defeat would only make things better. The Black Fang would be free of her tyrannical rule, and Nino would never have to endure her harsh and unloving punishments again.
Yet it was apparent that the Fang was now in tatters, and Nino...it was clear to Jaffar that she was crying harder than she had ever cried in her entire life, the sadness and pain that she had kept bottled up for so long spilling out with wails that echoed throughout the temple.
And Jaffar felt absolutely miserable.
He couldn't help but feel as thought it was his fault that the young mage was going through this much anguish. And moreover, if Nino was sad, then he was sad. He couldn't stand to see her like this.
He had to do something to help her.
Slowly, he knelt down beside her crumpled form. And then, almost nervously, he reached out a hand, hesitating as it neared her. He dearly wanted to comfort her, but what if she didn't want his help; what if she pushed him away? He didn't know whether he would be able to bear such a rejection.
But his desire to see her happy again eventually conquered his fear of being pushed away, and his hand gently rested itself on her shoulder. "Nino..."
She looked up at the gesture, and her eyes, red with shed tears, locked with the assassin's own. Like earlier that night, the sight of Nino's face tear-streaked and utterly distraught dealt a vicious blow to Jaffar that no weapon could ever hope to accomplish.
He stared helplessly at the young mage, trying to think of something, anything he could say to alleviate her despair, but nothing came to mind. For Nino, however, it seemed that the assassin's gesture of sympathy was enough, that it showed Jaffar cared.
Wailing, she flung herself at the assassin, throwing her arms around him with such force that she nearly knocked him over.
Awkwardly, but surely, he placed his arms around the girl's little body, pulling her close, silently telling her that it was all right, everything was going to be all right...
She, in turn, clung to Jaffar desperately, as though she might die from her anguish then and there if she let go. She cried with desperate abandon, her sobs racking her small figure.
But she seemed to find some comfort in Jaffar holding her, and her cries began to gradually decrease in intensity as Lyn and a pink-haired girl came running up the stairs, their expressions clearly showing that they had been worried for Jaffar and Nino's safety after hearing the young mage's wails.
"Oh, my," the pink-haired girl said sympathetically as she noticed Nino's state. Her hair, tied into two pigtails, framed a pretty face with bright purple eyes, and she wore a long lavender robe of a cleric.
Nino didn't even notice her or Lyn; her face was buried in Jaffar's chest. Jaffar, however, didn't like their presence. He wanted to comfort Nino. He didn't want anyone else to help her, this was what he wanted to do, alone...
Lyn's worried expression silently changed to one of sympathy, and she reached out a hand, stepping forward, intent on soothing the young girl.
But Jaffar's embrace tightened noticeably, and his expression clearly showed to Lyn that he didn't want her help, that this was something he had to do himself. The plainswoman's outstretched hand went up to her mouth instead, and she stood there, staring sadly at the scene before her. The cleric, apparently realizing she was not needed, left quickly, preferring not to witness such a depressing sight.
And Jaffar continued to hold Nino close.
Eventually, though, Nino's crying had to subside, and after several minutes of sobbing into the assassin's chest, she finally calmed herself enough to look up at Jaffar's face.
"Are you all right?" he asked softly, awkwardly. He still wasn't very sure of himself when it came to comforting the young mage through her pain. He hoped he was able to help her...
She shook her head, biting her lip to keep back more tears.
"Nino..." he said, glancing over at Sonia's lifeless body. "You did the right thing," he reassured her, trying to ease her guilt.
"I...I-I killed h-her..." she whispered despairingly, a few more tears falling from her eyes. "I-I killed—"
"She deserved it," Jaffar softly cut her off, "for what she did to you, and to countless others." But even as he said that, the doubts began to set in again. Maybe he wasn't helping her at all, maybe he was just making things worse for her and making her hate him...
Her tear-filled gaze strayed from the assassin's eyes, and she looked over at the Fimbulvetr tome that was now lying open on the floor, the spell that had now, for the first time, taken the life of another. "I-I've never..." she sobbed. "I've n-never...killed a-anyone...before..."
"Then your reaction makes you human," Lyn said suddenly, and Nino's head shot up; she had not noticed the plainswoman was there. "There is not a soul alive that can take another's life and feel nothing," she went on soothingly. "You are no different."
Nino stared at Lyn intently, apparently finding some solace in the plainswoman's words. Jaffar, however, gave the plainswoman an angry glare—what was she thinking, taking away his chance to comfort the young mage?
If Lyn noticed Jaffar's glare, she gave no sign that she did. "But Jaffar is right;" she went on sadly, "Sonia deserved this punishment. You must remember that."
"I know..." Nino responded, sniffing a little. "B-But I still...I didn't want to—"
"Perhaps not," Lyn cut her off gently. "But your reaction is natural, and you will grow used to it in time. It is something every member of an army goes through."
Nino only nodded solemnly, wiping her eyes.
The plainswoman sighed sadly. "We should be getting back to camp," she said softly.
"Yes," Nino said equally softly in response. She looked over at the assassin, who was still glaring at Lyn and didn't notice her. "Jaffar?" she asked, sounding concerned at Jaffar's expression. "Are you all right?"
Jaffar hastily dropped his expression as he turned his head towards the young mage. "It's nothing," he replied.
She stared at him confusedly for a few moments before saying softly, "We should go..."
Jaffar nodded.
Slowly, Nino rose, making Jaffar let go of her as she turned to Lyn. "Thank you," she said softly. "When you came...it let me know that we were friends now." She smiled sadly. "It...meant a lot to me."
Lyn smiled serenely. "You're welcome," she replied.
Nino turned back to Jaffar, still smiling sadly. "Let's go, Jaffar."
Jaffar rose and followed the two of them as they headed down the stairs. He stared angrily at Lyn's back as they walked.
Why did this woman have to take away his chance to comfort Nino?
-----
"Pardon me, milady," someone said as the three of them exited the temple.
A man stood at the entrance of the temple, wearing a long black cloak. He had violet hair and eyes, along with a monocle.
"What is it, Canas?" Lyn asked the dark-robed man.
"There is someone here who says he wishes to speak with Nino," he replied. His way of speaking gave Jaffar the impression that he was very well-educated.
The man known as Canas gestured to his side, and Jaffar and Nino turned—it was Jan.
The brown-haired man's face bore a relieved smile and an expression of disbelief at the same time as he walked towards the young mage. "I'm so glad you're safe," he said softly.
"Uncle Jan..." Nino replied, her voice subdued. "Moth—" She caught herself. "Sonia..."
Jan's smile faded, and his gaze dropped to the ground. "You...found out?" he asked uneasily.
The young mage's eyes widened in confusion and slight anger. "You knew?" she asked.
Jan looked up guiltily. "Yes, I did..." he said apologetically. "But Sonia would have had my head if I let you know. I was a coward...I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
Nino's face fell.
"But...there's something I would like to give you," Jan went on. He fished in his pocket for a moment before pulling out a long, golden necklace with a large pendant fastened to it. "This...was your mother's," he explained sadly.
Nino took the pendant, opening it slowly. Jaffar couldn't see what was inside it, but whatever it was caused Nino to gasp.
"Is this...my family?" she asked slowly.
Jan nodded. "Mm-hmm," he replied serenely.
"How did you get this?" Nino asked.
Jan sighed sadly. "Brendan never fully trusted Sonia," he explained. "When she told him that you were her daughter, he was suspicious. He had his agents investigate both her past and yours. He eventually found a maid that used to work in your family's house..." He sighed again. "I was told that she wept with joy when she learned you still lived. She asked that you be given this." He gestured to the pendant.
"Uncle Jan...I..." Nino seemed at a loss for words. "Thank you..."
Jan smiled. "Take care, lass."
-----
Jaffar, Nino, Lyn and Canas trudged back to the camp in silence, preferring to let rest what had just happened than bring it up again. Nino was intently trying to study the pendant in the darkness of the night, but not much happened otherwise.
When the four of them finally reached the camp, Canas went back to his tent silently. Jaffar and Nino were about to do the same, but Lyn stopped the assassin. "Jaffar," she said.
The assassin turned to her. "What is it?" he asked flatly.
"May I speak with you privately for a few moments?" she asked, sounding a little uneasy.
Jaffar glanced at Nino for a moment, then back at the plainswoman. "Fine," he replied.
"Come with me, please," she said, walking towards the fire in the center of the camp.
"Good night, Jaffar," Nino called as he walked towards the fire with the plainswoman. Jaffar turned his head to her, acknowledging what she said, and Nino smiled a little in response before heading off to the tent.
Lyn and Jaffar approached the campfire, where a red-haired knight was now sitting. The knight wore a red armor plate, and was looking about intently, fulfilling his watch duty with vigor as they approached.
"Well met, milady," the knight said in a formal tone as he noticed the plainswoman. "Is something the matter?"
Lyn smiled at the knight's formality. "Kent, will you leave us for a moment, please?" she asked. "I wish to speak with Jaffar privately."
The knight known as Kent nodded. "As you wish, milady," he replied, before rising and heading away from the campfire.
After he left, Lyn gestured to one of the logs surrounding the campfire. "Please, sit down, Jaffar," she said. Jaffar did so.
Lyn sat down on the log next to his. "There is something I have been wondering," she said.
"What is it?" Jaffar asked.
The plainswoman put her hands on the ground behind her and leaned back, her expression indicating that she was thinking about how to best phrase her question. "It's about Nino," she said after awhile.
Jaffar suddenly became defensive. "What about her?" he asked.
Lyn smiled apologetically a little. "Forgive me for intruding on your personal affairs," she said, "but this is just something that I am curious about." She sat up again, gazing intently at the assassin. "You've said several times tonight that the reason you're fighting is for Nino. But I've just been wondering..." Her gaze dropped uneasily. "Why do you feel so obligated to help her?"
Jaffar certainly had not been expecting such a question, and he wasn't sure how to respond. He recalled the first time he had seen her, laughing with her brothers...
"She...needs to be protected," Jaffar replied after a time, deciding it would be the best response.
Lyn smiled a little. "Surely there has to be more of a reason than that," she pressed gently. "Again, I apologize for intruding on your affairs, but...are you indebted to her? Or do you follow her of your own free will?"
Jaffar shifted uneasily, a rarity for him. "I..." he began, but he could not think of anything to say. He had never really thought about it...why did he want to help Nino so much? All he knew was that he wanted to help her...but not why he did. There had to be some reason, though; he could probably figure it out if he thought about it—
"Do you love her?" Lyn asked suddenly.
The assassin certainly hadn't been expecting that. He stared at the plainswoman with confusion at the question.
Did he love Nino? It was an emotion the assassin could not fathom.
"I...don't know," he responded truthfully. He did not know how to recognize what love felt like. Was it possible that he did love Nino...and didn't know it?
His hand went to his forehead. This was all too much at once...
Lyn's smile grew a little wider at his gesture. "I realize you probably do not want to speak about that," she said gently. "But she cares for you, you know. I can see it in the way she looks at you."
Perhaps Lyn had been intending to soothe the assassin, but her words had the opposite effect, confusing Jaffar even further. He had already known that Nino cared for him somewhat, she always seemed concerned about him...but he knew Lyn's words implied more feelings than just concern.
What was he supposed to say?
"I...I'm sorry," Lyn said suddenly. "I...didn't mean to fluster you like this." Getting no response from the assassin, she went on, "Don't trouble yourself anymore with this...I'm sorry. Please, just...forget what I said."
But he couldn't; the plainswoman's words had already embedded themselves in his mind and would not leave.
Lyn stood up. "I'm sorry," she apologized again uneasily. "Please, you should...just get some rest." And she hurried off to her own tent without another word.
Jaffar stood up slowly, his thoughts whirling through his head, and he walked towards the tent silently.
Before that conversation, everything had seemed so simple...he wanted to protect Nino, and he stayed with her because of that. But now...love? Did he love Nino? And did Nino love him? Nothing made sense anymore...
-----
The lantern was lit when Jaffar walked into the tent he shared with Nino. The young mage was still awake; she was sitting on her bedroll, hugging her knees to her chest and staring at the ground, but she looked up when Jaffar walked in.
"Hello, Jaffar," she said softly as he entered.
The assassin's thoughts were too confused for him to even acknowledge her greeting. Numbly, he walked over to his bedroll and sat down. He left the lantern lit; there was no reason for him to put it out, because he knew he was not going to get to sleep anytime soon with his thoughts rushing through his head the way they currently were.
Nino, apparently, did not feel sleepy either, as she continued to sit on her bedroll, silently staring at the ground.
The lantern continued burning as the two of them sat silently, both lost in their own thoughts.
After several minutes, however, Nino finally spoke. "Jaffar?" she asked. She sounded uneasy.
The assassin turned to her silently. "What is it?" he asked.
The young mage looked at the ground. "Jaffar..." She looked up at him suddenly, her gaze boring into his. "What did you feel when you...first killed someone?" she asked slowly.
His mind wandered back to when he was still the Angel of Death, when his emotions still lay dormant...
"Nothing," he replied truthfully.
Nino blinked in confusion. "Nothing?" she asked. "But Lyn said..." She trailed off, then suddenly demanded, "How did you feel nothing?"
Jaffar closed his eyes, his memories coming back to him slowly. "When Nergal found me as an orphan," he explained, "he raised me to be the Angel of Death. He raised me not to think or feel. I just...did what I was told, and that was all."
Nino looked at the floor again for a moment, then back up at Jaffar. "But...you're not like that now," she said softly. "What happened? Why are you not like that anymore?"
He stared at Nino intently.
Do you love her?
"I met you."
"Me?" She blushed, staring at the assassin in shock. "What...did I do?"
"Before I met you, I was convinced you would be just like Sonia," he explained solemnly. "But...the first time I saw you, you were with the Reed brothers, laughing...you were nothing like I expected."
Nino blinked a few times, failing to grasp what Jaffar was talking about. "But...how did that change you?" she asked.
"I became very interested in you," Jaffar went on. "I wanted to know how you were able to remain so cheerful under the punishments Sonia inflicted upon you." He closed his eyes again. "The more I learned about you...the more I realized how evil Sonia was."
Nino continued to stare at Jaffar silently, but her eyes pleaded him to continue.
He did so. "And then, in the manse...when you said you couldn't kill the prince, because he was just like you. When you said that...I knew that Sonia wanted to kill you, I knew Sonia wanted me to kill you. But I felt as though I had to protect you, because you had suffered so much...because you deserved so much better."
"A-and..." Nino began awkwardly, "that was when you...changed?"
He nodded slowly in response.
She smiled a little. "Jaffar, I..." she began. She looked as though she dearly wanted to thank him, but couldn't find the words that could respect all he had done for her.
He turned away, looking at the ground. "That's why I left the Black Fang...that's why I joined this army...because of you."
"Jaffar..." she whispered. "You did this all...for me?"
He nodded solemnly, still staring at the ground.
Do you love her?
Nino was silent for a few moments before finally speaking.
"Th-thank you, Jaffar...for everything..." she whispered.
And before he knew what had happened, before he could even turn to her and reply, she had leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
It seemed as though his mind broke down at that moment. Slowly, dumbly, his head turned towards hers, an expression of complete and utter shock spreading over his face.
She was blushing fiercely, but smiling, obviously amazed at her own courage. She nearly giggled when she noticed Jaffar's expression.
Jaffar couldn't think of anything to do, anything to say...
She cares for you, you know.
"Good night, Jaffar," she whispered, still smiling broadly. Her bright-red face created an almost humorous contrast with her bright-green hair. "And...thank you, again."
And she turned out the lantern and left it at that.
His breath coming in shocked gasps, Jaffar lay back on his bedroll. There were so many thoughts rushing through his head he wasn't even sure what any of them were.
She had kissed him.
He knew it was a futile effort to try to sleep. He stared at the darkness instead, trying to make sense of it all.
But eventually, the adrenaline that had been coursing through him for nearly the entire night finally subsided, and suddenly overcome with exhaustion, the assassin fell asleep.
--huge AWWWWWWWWWWWW goes up from the crowd...again--
Aw, she kissed him. The cuteness is overwhelming me. How about you guys?
Also, I don't like what I wrote for Lyn...do you think I made her OOC?
Man, this chapter took awhile...it's 1:37 AM now. I should probably go to bed. In the meantime...
Please review!!!
-TheOneAndOnlyT