Authors note. OK before you read this chapter I have a few things I need to say. Before I started writing this story I had three rules I said I would up hold. One, No 2 hour abilities. Simply because I didn't think on a story basis you should give everyone such a powerful move. That and I couldn't figure out how to work it into the story. Rule number 2. No romances. I am not very comfortable to making characters of mine get into a romantic relationship. And 3, no sex. For the obvious reasons. One I wouldn't be able to post it. And two, I'm not going to write about that, just no. Anyway with that being said I have broke one of my rules for this chapter.
The next morning the group set up and left for Sandoria. But not all was well. Zanu had been uneasy all night but he couldn't put his finger on it. Some of the others were talking then he heard it. A quick rustle behind him then to the left. No flapping wings, no cawing. It wasn't a bird. But there was something in the trees. He nudges Kiary.
"Do you notice anything strange?" Zanu asked
"No why?" She responded
"Do me a favor and fire an arrow at the tree directly behind us."
Kiary glanced around and saw a single large tree several yards behind them.
"Why?" She asked
"Do it and see if you hear anything?" Zanu said
She stopped and drew an arrow. Quickly she turned and shot an arrow. As it struck the base a rustle through the leaves followed from that tree to the next. Kiary quickly caught on and fired again to the next tree. The rest of the group were confused and lost to what was happening. Zanu jumped to a tree near by. He threw some stars at the trees sectioning off the unseen follower. He threw a star and jumped in between two trees. He collided with a solid object. As he landed he held tight as an invisible force struggled to get loose. The rest of the group surrounded him to see what he caught. Chster, Ziggeraut's close friend, was asked to see what his magic could do. He stood and cast an enfeebling spell to rid the target of and magical protection.
"Dispel." He spoke pointing his hands at the invisible catch.
A glass like mirror shattered and dissipated showing a small mithra in a ninja garb.
"Who are you and why are you following us?" Ziggeraut scolded
"You cannot get me to divulge any information." She snapped
"Well I guess we'll turn you into the authorities and they can decide what to do with you." Zanu said
Extremely irritated she struggled at much as she could trying to get out of his grasp. Chster cast a bind spell on her keeping her under control. As the began to take her to the Sandorian Royal Knights she began to talk.
"All right. I will tell you if you let me go." She said
"See now wasn't that so hard." Zanu spoke
They let her go and she told her story.
"I was only ordered to watch you and report back to what I saw. That's it. No interruption. Just a shadow. Now can I go? I wont get paid for this now." She complained
"Fine go." Chster said
He dispelled the binding spell so she could leave. The ninja ran off quickly. Zanu had other plans. He took chase. He wanted to know who would want to keep tabs on them and why. He followed her from Ronfuare forest to Lower Jeuno. She ran into a small building. He waited outside watching the place. For hours no one else came in or out. Zanu hid in the shadows watching the entrance. His patience was rewarded hours later. A mithra and an elvaan walked out of the building together. The mithra looked the same enough to be the ninja that he followed to that building. He watched them as they moved to the chocobo stables and left for Rolanberry fields. Zanu moved quickly to stay out of sight but keep a good look at where they were going. Through the fields they rode. The pair arrived at a small house; they dismounted and parked their chocobos by the door. Zanu sat and watched as they entered. Someone was at the house already to welcome the two. An hour later they leave. He ignores them and pays more attention to the one living in the house. He kept wondering why would this person want to hire ninjas to follow them around. He stayed on watch waiting to the fiend to exit his house so I could put a face on this person. The door opened. Out stepped a figure draped in a cloak. It moved for Jeuno. Zanu moved around sneaking in closely.
"No it can't be…" Zanu thought
He kept following the cloaked being through Jeuno. As it began to leave the person held two bags packed with groceries. Zanu took his chance and spoke up.
"Need any help miss?" Zanu asked
Startled she stops and looks down.
"No I shouldn't be of any bother." She responds
"Nonsense. I cant let a woman wonder out into such an area at night be herself. Think of what could possibly happen." Zanu spoke
She kept walking, and Zanu kept following. She walked all the way back to her house and Zanu stayed one step behind her.
"It has been a long time. I think I have searched all over the place for you." Zanu spoke
"Heh… You haven't changed one bit have you? I said I had to leave but you wouldn't listen. Well here I am. You found me." She said
"I'm sure the rest would like to see you." Zanu spoke
"I'm sure they would."
She put one bag down and opened the door to her house. Zanu picked it up and walked in. It was a normal single room house with a bed in the corner near the fireplace. As well with stove and a table. And off to the side in the far corner stood a large staff.
"So you are still practicing your magic? Or have you decided to follow in my foot steps and be a ninja?" Zanu asked
"No. I haven't been out in a while." Angel said
"Well do you mind if I call a few people over then? They all would love to see you and tell you all the news that has happened." Zanu exclaimed
Angel was going through her bags putting things away till she got to some goods that needed to be put up away higher than her reach. Zanu came up from behind her and put it up. She spoke softly.
"Don't you have some people to see? You don't have to feign interest in me to keep me company."
Zanu put his arms over her pulling her in close. He spoke into her ear.
"Do you honestly think that if I didn't care about you I would never have spent all this time trying to find you?"
She put her hands to his. She sighed.
"It has been a long time since I have seen any of you." She said
Angel pushed away.
"If you want to tell them you found me then go do it. I have some cleaning to do if I am to expect company."
Zanu a little upset walked away and outside to call in on his pearl.
"Why does she always have to push away?" Zanu thought to himself
An hour later Zanu stood outside Jeuno waiting for any of the new groups members that wanted to see Angel again. A few came. Kiary and Ginryu were among them, and so was another Elvaan.
"I can't believe you found her. Where has she been hiding all these years?" Kiary asked
"Lets not stand around and ask questions when we can go ask her in person." Ginryu spoke
The four left for Angel's house when Zanu had to ask.
"So who is the other guy?" He asked
"Oh that's Mabs. He is with me." Ginryu said
"Well I guess it's a day full of news." Zanu responded
As they neared her house they hear noises coming from the distance, shouting and crashing. They hurry up to see a battle outside of their destination. Three large Quadavs stand around the house. They bear weapons and approach the house. The door opens and more shouting can be heard, then an explosion. The three are thrown back and Angel steps out into the dark night wielding a very long staff. It curls at the top with a fine pointed end. She batters one back but the other two come from the back. She is pushed around like a rag doll. Her staff is thrown out of her reach. Another spell throws them all back.
Angel stands firm. Out of range they can see her grab something off of her face and a large enchanted summoning circle flashes on the ground. A huge beast comes climbing out of the ground. The titan simply destroys the threat to the caster. Its huge fists ground the enemies into the ground. As they all run closer to her she falls on her hands and knees. Zanu runs to her but the giant summoned creature stands between her and Zanu. Angel grasps at her chest in pain. She focuses all she can. The pain fires through her as she speaks a single word.
"Release…"
The avatar punches the ground as a new summoning circle grows around him. He disappears as the circle fades. Zanu rushes over to her. Holding her in his arms she is breathing heavily. He picks her up and takes her inside. Putting her down on her bed he wonders what he can do. Slowly her breathing goes back to normal. He looks down at her a little confused. Her left eye has a scar from the fight back in the mines. But there was a more elaborate scar covering the whole left side of her face.
The next morning Angel rustles awake. She leans up and looks around her. Slowly her vision focuses and she sees three people moving about her house. She quickly realizes what is going on and grabs for her face. Hair was draped down over her face but the mask was gone. She covered the left side of her face with her hand and spoke.
"Umm… Who are you why are you all in my house?" Angel asked
The three looked over to her.
"Oh we thought you would never wake up." Ginryu said
"Yeah. We got here last night and found you out cold." Kiary spoke
Angel thought back to the night before remembering what happened.
"Where is Zanu?" She asked
"Look down." Kiary said
Angel looked down to see him asleep in the very same bed. Her eye widened as she jumped out of bed and onto the floor.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?" Angel yelled
Zanu groggily got up and looked at her.
"Well good morning." He spoke
Angel grabbed her staff and beat him on the head till he got out of her bed.
"What were you doing in bed with me?" Angel yelled hysterically
"Hey calm down you the one who wouldn't let go of me. I put you down in your bed you grabbed my arm and wouldn't let me leave." Zanu said
Kiary and Ginryu were talking amongst themselves laughing at the scene.
"And what are you two doing here?" Angel asked the pair
"Oh we are here just to keep you company." Kiary said. "But I guess we don't need to be here."
The three standing in the kitchen area all laughed at her joke. Angry she glared at the group.
"I know who some of you are. Who is the other Elvaan?" Angel asked
"This is my Mabs." Ginryu said. "We got engaged a year ago and just got married a few months ago."
A little distraught Angel looks down at the floor.
"Yes sorry I missed the ceremony." Angel said apologetically
"By the way Angel why are you hiding your face?" Ginryu asked
Angel grabbed her hair clip and a wave of hair covers her face. Se gets up and looks for her mask. Zanu puts his hand on her shoulder.
"What are you hiding?" He asks
"Nothing I just need my face mask. The scar is sensitive to light." Angel said
Zanu held her mask out to her.
"I'm not so sure if I should give this back to you. I much rather see your whole face."
Angel took it and clipped the mask on. She sighed and brushed her hair back.
"Hey Angel I thought of something you could do to make up for leaving us." Ginryu said
"What's that?" Angel asked
"Could you show us some of your summons?" Ginryu asked
"What summons? What are you talking about?" Angel asked
"I saw one last night." Zanu said. "It saved you from those Quadavs yesterday."
"You saw that?" She said
"Yes and I would love to see more of them." Kiary said
"I'm sorry but I don't think I can do any of that today. I have to clean this place, fix lunch, and I still need to go to Jeuno." Angel rambled on
Zanu got up and walked behind her. He picked her up and took her outside.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" Angel yelled
"Taking you out of this house and letting you have a little fun." Zanu answered
He got her outside and put her down. The other three that followed stood there cheering her on to summon something. Finally she gave in. She put her hands together hands and began speaking.
"Elements of old, elements of new. Come forth shine your light and hold yourself true!" Angel spoke
He hands pointed to both sides and the winds around them picked up and solidified. They curled about and mixed in the sky. Four streaks begin to spin around a clear green crystal. It wisps around them slowly and moves to Angel. She releases it.
"There happy?" Angel asked
"What about that giant thing to had last night?" Zanu asked
"I can't bring him out." Angel said
"Is there anything else you can summon?" Kiary asked
"Not today. I have too many other things to take care of." She said
The group looked at her pleading to see her new abilities. She sighed and cursed under her breath.
"I really don't want to do this. So you have been warned." Angel said
She took her mask off showing the scars. She pinned her hair back showing her entire face. She held her hands to her chest and sparks began to snap around in the air. A vorpal aura began to envelope her. Then she began to speak
"I hold before you and Angel's heart. Coveted by mages both light and dark. For your power I wear this mark! I SUMMON THEE ON YOUR ETHREAL ARK!" Angel shouts
He arms out stretch and the mark on her face flashes. It dims some then glows blue. A large elaborate summoning circle bleeds through the ground and shines brightly. In the center a red stone illuminates and a blue figure materializes. Angel kneels down as it came running. It jumped into her arms as she stood up.
"This is the first summon I acquired." Angel said as she stroked Carbuncles coat
"Wow… he is so cute." Kiary said
"He is my first summon and he has always been by my side as I fought the rest of the avatars." She spoke
Angel looked up to see them all looking directly at her.
"What?" Angel asked
"…umm… what is wrong with your face?" Zanu asked
"Ehh… there is nothing wrong with my face." Angel said
"You have a glowing tattoo on your eye. I don't count that as nothing." Zanu pointed
"Just because I have a… a…" Angel stuttered
Angel stopped speaking. She was perspiring a bit. She blinked a few times trying to stay awake. Carbuncle looks up at her. He notices she is in pain. He jumps out of her arms and points his ruby at her. He jumps into the air and flashes his ruby at her. A veil coats her trying to ease the pain she was suffering from. But it had no effect on her. Once again she looked pale. She put a hand to her heart and flinched in pain. Her eyes widened as Carbuncle looked up at her. It jumped into the air and released itself. Zanu ran to Angel and caught her before she fell again. This time she was still conscience. She takes her staff and leans on it. She stands upright again trying to look fine. She failed at that attempt.
"Angel what is wrong? Do you need a doctor?" Kiary asked
"I'm fine, I just need to rest." Angel responds
She hobbles slowly back into her house. Slowly she makes it to her bed and lies down. She drops her staff and lies limp on the mattress.
"I have a reason I stopped practicing magic." Angel said softly
"What did you say" Zanu asked
Angel tried to moves but just shuffled.
"Its kill…" Angel speaks as she passes out again.
"This can't possibly be any good." Zanu says
Hours later dusk had set in the sky. A cold mist has covered the region as if awaiting rain. Slowly Angel awakens.
"Zanu… you better not be in my bed when I open my eye." Angel said
"No, I'm not in your bed." He responded
She slowly rose out of bed and checked her mask again. This time it was already on her face. She walked around a bit to get feeling back in her body. Angel walked to her dresser and asked that Zanu would wait outside while she changed. After he walked out she opened the doors on her dresser. Inside hung an old suit of mages robes, a red and black lined coat that she acquired through her battles. She put her hand on it thinking. Then she pushed it aside to an actual dress she hadn't worn in years. She forgoes her cloak today. She dresses in a blue and white gown. It trailed down to her ankles and she put on light sandals. No gloves just silver hairpin and a belt to hold the dress in place. Her tail hid underneath the back not being able to escape. She picked up her staff and walked out side to an awaiting crowd.
"What the?" Angel spoke sharply
"They couldn't wait to see you in Jeuno so Kiary decided to bring them all out here." Zanu said
Angel looked in awe at the group of people that came to see her.
"There are many that are new and some that are old. But I got them all to come out here. My cohort is in Jeuno now with a reservation set for a grand festival. I was wondering if you would like to join us?" Ziggeraut asked
Embarrassed she didn't know what to say.
"What am I going to say? No?" Angel spoke
She followed the bunch to an inn at Jeuno's great restaurants. Once there the whole place was cleared out for a ball. A line of seats was set around tables. As they all walked in a man was standing in red and black armor.
"Welcome all! There is plenty of room for everyone." Chster said
"Ah Chster." Ziggeraut spoke. "I have a friend to introduce."
He showed him to Angel.
"This is our second in command. He is a red mage just like you. He is an old friend that helped me create what you see now. He may not look like much but his wit and creativity more than make up for it." Ziggeraut spoke
"Please you flatter me too much… Wait did you call me ugly?" Chster asked
Ziggeraut laughed and walked away. Chster looked her over.
"You look more like a simple girl then a mage." He sneered
"Oh be nice." Myloko interjected. "Just because she isn't wearing high mage armor like yours is no reason to not like someone."
"Looks are important. If she doesn't have the proper equipment how can she fair herself in a battle." He called back
He turned around to go back to Angel but she was gone amongst the crowd. She tries to find people she knows. There was Kadak talking with some people she had never seen before. She continued walking about when she ran into a tall man wearing heavy armor.
"Oh I'm sorry. I must look where I am going." He said to Angel
She looks up to him. Amazed by his shining armor and helmet.
"I forgot." He takes off his helmet and looks down to her. "I am Noxes. A paladin. If you need any help with fiends of darkness please feel free to ask for assistance. I don't believe I know you name."
"I'm… Angel." She said back.
"Your Angel?" He said with a confused look on his face. "Your the one the old members were talking about. They told me you left and they hadn't heard hide nor hair of you."
"Yes I have been out and about for three years now." She said
From behind another mithra came running. It jumped on her back and clung to her.
"Where have you been? I missed you so much." Kiary said
"Off… get… off…" She struggled to speak.
She fell over from the weight of the other mithra.
"Some things never change." Another Elvaan said
He bent over and picked Angel up and put her on her feet.
"Please try not to make to much of a commotion Kiary." He said
"Alright Bale. Way to ruin my fun." Kiary spoke back
As time went on they all settled down and all got to their seats. Angel was at a table with Zanu, Kiary, Ginryu, Mabs, and Noxes.
"So tell us what have you been doing for the past few years?" Ginryu asked
"I left for Windurst trying to strengthen my casting abilities. So I found out about the summoners. I left to work with them for a year. Then took another year to practice them. At the end of that year I left and came to Jeuno. Found that house and have been living there ever since." Angel explained
"Well what is with the mask?" Mabs asked
Angel looked at him. So did the rest of the table.
"I'm sorry I guess I wouldn't have brought it up." Mabs spoke
"Well I would like to know. There is no reason to wear such a thing in here." Zanu explained
"I rather leave it on." Angel said
"Why so you can hide from the rest of us? We may all be new here but you are amongst friends." Kiary said
"Well I for one would like to see what you look like under that." Noxes said
Angel sighed and unhooked it from a clasp behind her head. It came off in her hands to show the scar on her eye and the elaborate tattoo over her face. She put it down on the table and looked up. The whole table was looking at her a little amazed.
"I knew this would happen." She said
"I haven't seen your face in such a long time. Thank you for taking the mask off." Zanu said
Meals were brought out to them all and Ziggeraut stood up and held a speech.
"I propose a toast to all of us who are here this night. I extend a welcome arm to our new allies. We have some good news tonight. A fellow member of our previous guild agreed to meet us here tonight." He pointed to Angel sitting off with a group. "But even so there may be good news to be had. There is the bad that exists. Our fallen comrades will be not be forgotten. Though they may be lost their legends will live on."
He finished and everyone applauded to him. The five seated at the table with angel forgot that she wasn't there when the three fell and the group broke up.
"Why are you all looking at me strange?" Angel inquired
"Its that we have some bad news to tell you." Kiary said
"Yes three of our people died four months ago." Ginryu said sadly
"I know." Angel spoke
The rest did look at here very confused.
"How did you know?" Zanu asked
"You should know. You found one of my eyes." She said going back to her meal
"Wait what?" Kiary said
"Ellen and Allen. They are the two I hired to keep tabs of my some of you. They came back and told the whole thing. I sent Ellen out to find Zanu. Looks like you found her first." She said
He thought back. "You sent her?"
"Yes. You followed them to me didn't you? If you hadn't I would probably be back at my house still."
They all went to their food when Angel put her utensils down. Zanu looked at her. She was perspiring again, and her breathing was getting hard. She was trying to hide it. She was clearly in pain, ever since the night before Zanu had been watching her closely. He thought it was just exhaustion from the stress of living on her own for so long. But it was something more. Something worse.
"Angel, are you alright?" Zanu asked quietly not trying to attract too much attention.
"I… I… need some air…" She said very softly.
She got up slowly and calmly walked outside. Zanu looked around for a white mage. Once outside Angel had tears running down her face. She was holding her chest in pain.
"Why now? I haven't exerted myself too much."
She gripped her staff tightly trying not to fall down. Her legs were jelly. Numbness was traveling through her body. She found herself on the ground leaning against a wall still holding her staff. Zanu came out and saw her on the ground. He said something. But her vision was poor. She couldn't hear what he was saying. He turned around and yelled something into the building because a swarm of people came out. With her one eye open she saw people talking but could not hear what they were saying. All she could hear was her own heart beating. It was a rapid pace going fast. But it was slowing down. She was breathing very hard, until it happened. The beating stopped. Both eyes opened and she hunched forward gasping for air. She inhaled but it was no use. Darkness was all that ensued.
Funneled noises of people shouting. A numb cool touch at her face and chest. She felt her arm move. Some one must have picked it up. Her skin had waves of coldness run through it. Nothing could be felt. There was nothing at all.
"Am I dead?" Angel asked herself
Second authors note. It is the hardest thing for me to do or any writer as far as I am concerned to kill your character. Legal notice. I do not own FFXI it is the property of Square-Enix. All characters have their respective owners. All I own in the main character.
