Chapter 4
Gin bit her bottom lip till it started bleeding, once that happened she started gnawing on her nails, she was on her 7th one when she finally hit inspiration. Fumbling at the laces of her shirt, she quickly undid the first two and pulled on a necklace. Grabbing the green shell that hung on it, she quickly held the necklace, and the shell, up to her mouth.
"Draish!" She yelled into it. (AN: If you haven't guessed already, this is my version of a linkpearl. :P)
"Gin? Where are you?"
"ATM (AN: At the moment) I'm stuck in a tree, roughly position G-7 I think, problem is I'm miles from the wall, out of MP, surrounded by Orcs . . . and Opeth is dying. I can't stop the bleeding." She whispered.
". . . hang on, we're coming towards you." Gin swallowed.
"Okay, hurry please." She whispered. Letting the shell drop, she glanced around feverishly. The Orcs hadn't backed down at all, if anything they were getting more excited at the prospect of a kill. She looked back at Opeth.
'Opeth . . . c'mon man, you can live though this . . . I KNOW you can.' She thought nervously glancing around again.
"C'mon Draish . . . c'mon man!" She hissed to herself.
"Scwol!" Draish called. The paladin looked at the redmage. "We have an issue, Gin's stuck in a tree, she's got the whitemage Hume with her, the one who did the benediction." He said seriously. "He's dying." Scwol frowned.
"We can't break ranks for the kid, I'm sorry, but we can't take the chance that the Orcs might break through." Scwol finally said, his eyes fierce, they were glazed with sadness, but determination. Miaah glanced at him.
"Are you sure? It'll be on our hands if he dies . . . we're the ones who asked him to fight."
"We let them choose on their own." Scwol argued.
"Scwol, that child saved our lives. Without that boy, we'd have died a long time ago. He saved us with the benediction." Draish whispered. Scwol gritted his teeth.
"Well what can I do! If I leave the ranks now, there will be a gap, what then! They will break through and destroy this city, I cannot take that chance!" He snapped. Draish looked at him calmly.
"Scwol . . . what about that time you were in Valkurm? When you were about to be killed by that Goblin? A man went out of his way to save you."
"That's not the same!" Scwol growled. "He didn't have this much on the line!"
"Yes he did. It was lose his chocobo and save you, or keep the chocobo and make it to Selbina on time to warn them of the Goblins' rise. What did he do in the end Scwol?" Draish demanded. Scwol didn't reply.
"SCWOL!" The paladin gritted his teeth before averting the Elvaan's gaze.
"He saved me." Draish nodded.
"And was it not that act that inspired you to become a paladin?" Scwol sighed and shook his head.
"Yes. I owe Artemis my life . . ."
"Don't you think he might want you to return the favor to someone else?" Scwol sighed.
"ALRIGHT!" He finally growled. Checking to make sure his armor was secure he looked at the two of them.
"I can handle the nasties by myself, you make sure the ranks are kept, do NOT let them break, or it's all over." He warned, before hefting his sword and running into the surging throng of Orcs.
"Laz, Hal, look!" Lilli cried out and pointed. The two names she called looked and blinked. Scwol was running through the Orcish hordes without a single regard for anything else but plowing through.
"Guys! I can't find Gin, and they're sealing off the entrance!" Mabs yelled running up, Bagel panicking behind him.
"Opeth isn't here either! They're gonna get locked out!" He yelled panicking. Lilli went pale.
"He's not back!" Elvaan and Taru shook their heads.
"Wait- why is Scwol running through the Orcish hordes?" Mabs asked squinting at the patch of white among brown.
"HE WHAT?" A voice suddenly snapped. "DAMN THAT PALADIN! THAT'S HIS EXCUSE FOR BREAKING RANKS? SO WHAT IF TWO OF THOSE DAMN KIDS ARE GONNA DIE! IT'S THEIR OWN DAMN FAULT FOR GETTING INVOLVED!" A commanding officer screamed. Draish glared.
"Whatever you want to believe is your right, now if you'll pardon me, I must be going, my friend needs my assistance."
"I'm coming." Miaah put in. Draish shook his head.
"No, it's bad enough they lose a Paladin and a Redmage, they cannot afford to lose a summoner- a healer as well." He said firmly. She glared.
"I'm coming." She made a move to walk past him, he moved to intercept her. She tried again, and again Draish moved to block her, on the third move she growled in exasperation.
"Scwol is my fiancee! I am not going to lose him!" She growled, eyes bright with surpressed tears. Draish stared back unmoved.
"And you won't. I swear I'll bring him back to you." The Elvaan whispered quietly before placing his hands on her shoulders. "Have faith in me." He whispered to her. Miaah cast her gaze down and closed her eyes.
" . . . I do."
"Then trust me. Keep Sandoria safe till we return!" Draish called and ran off. Miaah swiped at her eyes before spinning around.
"STOP GAPING! Get to your positions and start meditating you louts!" She snapped. Draish heard the shout, paused and looked back. He smiled a little.
'Kaleta . . . you would have been proud to see your sister this day.' He thought, then ran out the rapidly closing gates into West Ronfaure. Right behind him however, what no one else saw, were 5 shapes, one had a tail, another was carried sack style by a tall figure with pointy ears.
"Are you -huff- sure this is such -huff- a good -cough- idea!" Lilli asked as she, Mabs, Lazarus, Halloween and Bagel ran behind Draish, not too far, not too close. Mabs nodded.
"Yeah. -huff- You heard loudmouth back there, two kids gonna die, we're missing two, do the math." He grumbled. Laz showed no signs of tiring.
"Try to keep up." He said icily. Mabs glared at him, then sighed.
"Okay, okay."
"Shit Opeth, you die now and I'm gonna . . . . I'm gonna kill you!" Gin threatened dully as she held her hands over the wound.
"-in? Gin?" Gin squeaked and fumbled inside her tunic for her necklace, grabbing it she held it close to her face, her other hands still holding pressure to the wound.
"D-Draish?"
"Yes. Scwol is on his way. He got a head start, I'll be there as fast as I can, don't give up hope and do something stupid like jump into the Orcish horde again." He warned. Gin glared at the shell.
"I only did that once I'll have you know! They were going to kill that poor kid!"
"Yes well, no little kid saving today, park your ass in that tree!"
"Yes sir." She said dully. Suddenly whistling sounded to her left, she glanced and gasped in shock.
"Gin?" Draish asked. "Gin you there? This isn't funny girl, speak to me dammit! GIN!" Nothing. Draish's heart would have stopped it he wasn't running. Swearing, he grabbed another pearl from his belt, and his fingers fumbled to thread it through the chain. All the while still running, pretty talented. Once he got the chain through he breathed life into it to turn it on.
"Scwol!"
"Draish? What is it?"
"I'm not sure, I was just talking with Gin and then her pearl went dead."
". . . . shit, have to hurry."
"YOU THINK?"
"I'm going." Scwol replied irritated as he swung his sword and cut down an Orc, the tree they were supposed to be in was in sight now. Running forward, he noted the cut marks in the tree. Looking up, he saw the two of them. Two forms anyway. Pulling a dagger out of his boot he jammed it into the tree and started moving upwards. An arrow suddenly found itself lodged next to his face, he gulped and looked at it, eyes wide.
"Crap." He grumbled as his gauntlet covered hand scrabbled over the wooden bark, trying to find some sort of hold.
"FIRAGA!" A voice yelled suddenly, instantly the area around the tree burst into flames. Scwol grinned and hooking his hands around a thin branch climbed on. Draish deposited himself at the base of the tree, eyes glancing wearily about as he cast third level spells (AN: In my organizations of spells, which will come later, this is known as multi casting spells. Basically spells that attack/heal/affect more then one person or monster. More on this later!) Scwol finally made his way to the branches that seemed to hold Gin and the Hume. The Elvaan in question wearily turned her head towards him and smiled tiredly.
"Hey, took you bloody long enough." She croaked. Scwol glared.
"Why didn't you reply to Draish on the linkshell?" He demanded. Gin tilted a little to the left, her body almost falling out of the tree.
"I dropped it. Orcs stomped it, I'm pretty sure it's in pieces somewhere over there." She mumbled as she pointed tiredly. Pointing caused her to give a small cry of surprise as she nearly tipped over. Scwol caught her and glared.
"What is wrong with you? You're acting like you're drunk!" Gin shook her head.
"It's nothing."
"I'm sure." Scwol said dully. Then he peaked over her shoulder to get a look at Opeth, who was abnormally pale and the wound on his chest wasn't healing. Gin sighed worriedly.
"We have to get back to the castle as soon as we can." She said softly. Scwol nodded.
"Okay, I'm going to get Draish to clear the area, when that happens, I will drop down carrying the boy, you run behind us, got it?" Gin nodded, her face had turned ashen.
"Got it." She gasped. "Any idea of why Opeth's bleeding?"
"Got a theory." Scwol murmured as he tried to heal Opeth's wound himself, with the exact same results as Gin.
"What's the theory?"
"The spell he cast, used a lot of life force. And life force is what keeps the blood from leaking out of your pores, so naturally he used too much . . . and . . . well, it's obvious." He sighed when even his most powerful healing spell, a cure 4, didn't make an iota of difference on the wound. Standing, he shook his head.
"Definitely need to take him to the castle for a better healer." He said calmly as he glanced around. Gin nodded.
"Ri- AH!" She suddenly gasped with pain and bent forward, blood draining from her face, Scwol was instantly by her side and frowning.
"What's wrong?" Gin shook her head and shifted so she could jump.
"Nothing."
"The hell it's nothing, let me see you." He said calmly inspecting the side he could see, nothing was wrong as far as the eye could go. Gin shook her head.
"I'm fine."
"Gin, we're not leaving till I know you're absolutely, 100 percent alright, and the more time we waste is the more time your friend gets worse." Gin glanced at him, sighed heavily, then turned so he could see her entire front. His eyes went wide in shock. Her arm was bloodied completely, and her other hand was gripping her biceps on the other arm tightly. Blood seemed to trickle from underneath.
"Great merciful goddess . . . what happened?" She shook her head again.
"An arrow caught me, I was careless. Can we get going now?" She demanded. Scwol blinked before scowling.
"One second." He grumbled and closed his eyes. Holding his hands over the wound he began to chant the mantra for the Cure spell. Suddenly he stopped. His skin went pale and his eyes wide as he opened them again.
"Oh goddess . . ." He whispered. Gin squinted her eyes to see him.
"What?"
"I can't close the wound, we have to get you back to Sandoria castle now." He said feverishly as he reached into his pocket, drawing out a handkerchief he wrapped it around her arm and tied a tight knot. Gin focused on him.
"What's wrong?" She asked in a soft voice. Scwol didn't answer her, he was afraid to say it aloud. She narrowed her eyes at him. "Scwol, what is it?" When he still didn't reply, she grabbed his wrists and forced him to look at her. "WHAT?" She demanded. He flinched and shook his head.
"It's poisoned. I don't know how, but some Orcish mage must have cast it after the arrow hit you, it's poisoned and I can't close it." He said softly. Gin looked downcast for a moment before trying to stand on the branch.
"Is that it? Then we'll make a run for it. The castle isn't too far, and Opeth needs help. Lets go." She urged as she pointed to Opeth who as leaning against the trunk, sitting safely on his branch. Scwol nodded and hopped a few branches, praying that they wouldn't break under his weight. Reaching Opeth's other side, he lifted his arm over his shoulders and nodded to Gin.
"Hey Draish, we good to go down there?" She called.
"Of course, in fact I'm having tea with a Cursemaker." He called back. She shook her head. Jumping off her branch, she landed on the ground with a small thud and a roll. Falling back onto her feet she nodded to Scwol, the Paladin instantly let Opeth's form drop to the ground where a steady Gin awaited him. He fell on top of her causing her to crash to the ground, Scwol dropped beside her with a heavy thunk.
"No time for fooling around." He said calmly and picked up Opeth.
"Of course not." Gin gasped as she struggled to her feet. Scwol looked at Draish and nodded.
"Time to go!"
"I agree completely."
"I however, do not." A cold voice suddenly interrupted. Orcs suddenly halted their cries, weapons were lowered and heads turned towards the source of the icy voice. Almost in unison, the Beastmen began to part, allowing a lone figure through. Silver hair was in long silken strands, crimson eyes fixed a hard and cold stare upon the three as small lynx like ears poked through her hair on the top of her head. Tall, slender, and cloaked in blood colored armor, she was a vision of terror, the halberd was held loosely in her clawed hand, the blade had been cloaked in blood and dripped afresh with it. She had a look that did not fit into Elvaan, Hume or Mithra, more of a look that fit into a mixture. Gin immediately took a step back, her eyes narrowed in distrust. The woman laughed.
"Well, well, well. It's such a shame to see my lord's work unfinished. Of course, I suppose I'll just have to clean up then." She said icily. Draish glared as he moved in to protect Scwol and Gin from her view.
"What are you talking about? Who are you?" He demanded. She laughed.
"You won't live long enough to remember. Now, hand over the child." Scwol tightened his hold on Opeth.
"Why?" Draish snapped. Gin on the other hand was starting to feel dizzy, her mind was clouding, her body becoming numb from the pain that seemed to run through her veins. Suddenly the woman laughed.
"Never mind. I see she is already half way there, in fact, a few more seconds and I won't have to do a thing." She laughed. Scwol blinked, before his eyes widened, THE POISON! He spun around, and nearly tripped in his shock. Gin leaned against the tree, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth as her eyes grew distant and unfocused.
"GIN!" He cried. Draish turned at the cry.
"What?" He yelled as he turned. A bad move on his part. Instantly the woman vanished and reappeared next to him. She smiled.
"Bad move mortal." And that's when fire ignited around her.
"FIRE!"
"Loose!" A voice cried, instantly a dart, a crossbow bolt, and two arrows flew at the woman, she dodged them easily and turned to glare at the new intruders as the fire embers vanished.
"Children." She spat disgusted. Mabs, Lazarus, Lilli, Hal and Bagel all glared, weapons drawn, and their faces set. Draish spun to face them again.
"Stop! Get away!" He tried to warn.
"Too late Elvaan." The woman hissed, she had vanished again, only this time, she reappeared, with her claws digging into Mabs's throat, blood began to drip down his shirt and he gasped for air. "Time to die child." She whispered.
That's when the small clearing exploded into light.
While that had been happening, Gin was slowly starting to fade off into the afterlife, it nearly had her, when a voice cut through her haze, as cleanly as mountain water and as shocking as thunder.
"Bad move mortal."
"Bad move mortal." The woman hissed sneering at the man. The Elvaan male held his blade tightly, his hands shaking, blood dripped off his chin and onto the soil.
"You're highness! Take the princess and flee!" He cried. Tilaphiopa hesitated. "GO!" He screamed at her. The queen hesitated for yet another second, before turning around, grabbing Ginryu's hand and running off through the forest. The barrier around the land flickered as they passed through it.
"Mommy! Why are we leaving? What about Edwan?" She cried. The queen shut her eyes in agony as she continued to run.
"Edwan is making a sacrifice. You will understand one day, now run!" Gin glanced up at her mother, panting as she ran. Edwan, her brother's best friend. Sacrifice?
"Mommy, I don't understand!"
"You don't have to right now. Just run!"
"Edwan . . ." Gin whispered.
I see things are finally making sense to you. Good. Now, awaken.
And light exploded from her body.
"What!" The woman shrieked as the light cut through the clearing. Gin slowly righted herself and stared straight ahead, her eyes as blank as slate. Slowly, she raised her hand, the one that hadn't been shot, light began to spiral around her in swirls, gathering into a sphere above her raised hand. Slowly a ball of bluish white light appeared, it sparkled above her hand for another second, before she smiled. The sphere, in one word, imploded. It withdrew into itself before flaring into a large sphere that spread like wildfire. Orcs vanished into the wind as soon as it touched them, comrades were healed instantly, it spread for miles, from the castle wall it appeared to be a large white light, that filled them with hope, even though they didn't know why. It extended beyond the castle. The light continued over walls, barriers and the like, it extended itself to ALL or Ronfaure. As soon as it reached the border, the light vanished. Any remaining Beastmen fled in terror, the only one left, was the woman. She glared, her eyes had gone white, almost bleached, her skin was ashen, and her hands shaking. Gin glanced at her coolly.
"Put him down." She whispered. The woman tightened her hold on Mabs, suddenly pain flared in that arm, a searing fire flared up the limb, scalding it horribly. "I said, put him down." She repeated. The woman was forced to obey as she gritted her teeth against the pain, glaring at her arm, she transferred that gaze to Ginryu.
"Just you wait you brat, I'll have your head on a platter for my lord!" She hissed. "You will remember the day you crossed me harlot." She snapped. Gin glared right into her eyes, freezing her with the intensity of the gaze.
"Edwan." She whispered. "Faros . . . mother . . . and father." She murmured softly. The woman glared.
"What are you babbling about?"
"What is your name?" Gin asked softly, her eyes still holding that blank look. The woman looked surprised for a moment, before grudgingly muttering;
"Celan. Why?" She demanded. Gin smiled softly.
"I just wanted to the know the name of my family's murderer. We shall meet again Celan." She whispered calmly. Celan scowled before withdrawing into the remaining shadows, out of sight. When Scwol no longer felt her presence, he turned to Gin.
"Gin? What was that?" He whispered. Gin smiled at him eerily.
"Nothing you should concern yourself about." She said calmly. Suddenly she turned around, her eyes narrowed. "Now if you'll give me a moment please." She commented, then turned her back on them before waiting for an answer. Kneeling down next to Opeth, she trailed her fingers along his face, from the top of his forehead, along the arch of his nose, brushed his lips, before trailing over his heart. Blood still flowed, his breathing had stopped at this point. Draish shook his head.
"He's too far gone." He murmured.
"For you mortal, yes." Gin whispered. Draish raised his eyes.
"What-?" He was interrupted when white light erupted from her hands again, it centered around Opeth, encasing him in a white shell. Life returned to Opeth's features, his eyes fluttered. In the stunned silence that followed, Lilli ran up and kneeled on his other side.
"Opeth?" She murmured tentatively. He was still for a moment, the light began to fade, then he stirred.
"M'yea?" He whispered. Lilli smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Glad you're okay." He smiled. Mabs and the others all sighed relief, not Draish and Scwol however. They knew the signs of a dead person when they saw it, so how was he alive! The two hardy adventurers looked at Gin with a mixture of awe, gratefulness, and fear. Gin smiled at them.
"Come, lets walk back to the castle."
"What happened! We saw a large explosion coming from the South and- well- the Orcs! They completely vanished!" Jidai yelled as the group approached Sandoria walls.
"I wouldn't say vanished . . ." Draish trailed off looking at Gin from the corner of his eye. She smiled and continued to walk through the gates.
"Well, thank Altana this battle is over." He said softly.
"Yes, though we must investigate where that implosion came from, AND that healing spell earlier, both were incredible skills." Prince Trion commented walking up.
"I don't think that wise your highness, such things might come back in . . . unpleasant ways." A voice whispered. Everyone froze, then turned to Ginryu, the speaker.
"Pardon me?" Trion whispered in surprise.
"Was that a threat to his majesty!" Jidai demanded stepping in front of Trion. "You children! Just because you live one battle- do not think yourself so high and-!"
"Quiet." A voice broke in. The group turned once more to find Pieuje and Curilla standing there. Pieuje walked up to Gin, then looked her over carefully before speaking.
"What did you mean by that?" Gin smiled at him prettily, her eyes were cold, without feeling or emotions.
"You should mind your own business." She said grinning. Pieuje's eyes narrowed in thought.
"Excuse me your highness." A polite voice interrupted. The source came from a young Elvaan male, his eyes glittered brightly in the night, he nodded to Draish and Scwol who saluted in return.
"Ah, Commander Ziggeraut, what is it?" Trion asked focusing on the newcomer. Ziggeraut, leader of the adventurer forces, he was the man whom all high leveled adventurers listened to, not only because he was companionable, loyal and willing to risk his life for theirs, but also because he was wise and trustworthy. The believed in his judgment. Ziggeraut bowed to the prince.
"The news is not good sir. I have just received reports from my other Generals in the cities of Windurst, Bastok, Selbina, Mhaura, and Jeuno. The attacks have gotten worse, before the night is out, along with Kazham and Norg, Sandoria will be the only surviving city." He said grimly. Scwol's skin went ashen, Draish gritted his teeth, clenched his fist and cast his gaze to the floor. Trion and Pieuje shared a glance of horror, Curilla and Jidai shook their heads in sorrow.
"And Tavnazian?" Draish murmured quietly to his commander. Ziggeraut shook his head with a sigh.
"The linkshells of the generals stationed there are all quiet, I can only assume that means nothing unusual is happening, it is the dead of the night . . . what bothers me however is that whenever I tune into their shells, all I hear is a strange buzzing sound." He whispered back, Draish nodded, though his face was etched with worry.
"Your linkshell." Gin suddenly said. Ziggeraut glanced at her in surprise.
"What of it?"
"Let me see it. The original shell, I promise I will return it to you." She said softly. Ziggeraut shared a glance with Scwol and Draish in surprise, both adventurers nodded. He sighed, removed the shell and handed it to her. She took it with both hands, looked it over, before smiling.
"Your generals . . . for Windurst, Kiary. Bastok, Chster. Jeuno, Amand. Selbina, Angel. Mhaura, Kierra." She said softly. Ziggeraut gaped in shock.
"Yes- that is correct." He stammered. She smiled. Holding the shell with both hands to her chest, she looked up at the sky and smiled.
"Power of Necronia, guide your child." She whispered. Draish blinked.
'Necronia. . . .?'
He got no more time to think as a circular symbol appeared beneath Ginryu's feet, Mabs and Scwol quickly moved away from her as light flared around her. Her eyes had closed, and a look of concentration was plastered upon her face.
A Mithra feebly fended off an attack as Taru mages swarmed around her, no MP, no time for meditation, it was all out close range battle now. They were done for.
"General Kiary!" A voice yelled. Kiary, the Mithra, turned to where her second in command, Avadon, pointed to. A bright line of light, was viewable on the horizon. It was headed straight for their battlefield- no . . . it was headed straight for her! She held her arms up in feeble hopes it would protect her, white light fell on her, surrounding her . . . and was surprisingly painless. She glanced up in shock. Suddenly a pulse was felt around her, warmth spread through her body, wounds healed, health was restored, and then it flew out through the battlefield, the armies of Windurst healed immediately, their enemies, the Yagudo and goblins vanished without a trace. A man observing the battle from a hill top growled. His black hair was cut shortly and held up with a circlet, a black cloak, a simple tunic and breeches served as clothing, black knee high boots with golden engraving near the top were footwear, a sword with an elegantly engraved hilt served as his weapon, fingerless gloves that went up to his elbow were also engraved with golden embroidery as he scowled with anger at this turn of events. His eyes were a livid green, almost like the color of poison, his ears were the size of a Hume's, but pointed right at the tip.
"Dammit." He growled. Sudden crunching sounded behind him. He turned, and his eyes narrowed in anger. "What the hell happened to you Celan?" He demanded. The woman scowled.
"The girl has awakened Cliff."
"I know that." He snapped waving an arm at the bright light that flooded the area. He shook his head in exasperation. "Come, we must leave, there is nothing more we can do." Celan nodded tiredly, and they both melted into the shadows.
A Hume tried valiantly to heal his comrades with what little magic he had left. When he ran out, he knew this was the moment, this was when it was only a matter of time before they began to fall. Drawing his sword, he took a deep breath and prepared to fight.
"Chster!" A voice cried, Chster blinked as Vexed, his Mithra second in command pointed over the horizon. The Hume turned to look- but just a second too late as a funnel of white light hit him. He glanced around in surprise and shock as his fatigue was washed away, warmth pulsated from inside him, and his magic began to restore itself.
"What in the name of the goddess?" He whispered holding up one hand and inspecting it, suddenly the light flew outwards, like a halo. Quadavs vanished in a heartbeat, the forces of Bastok became restored. In short detail, they had won. Chster looked about the suddenly empty seeming field. With no Beastmen left, the adventurers and soldiers from Bastok looked around stupidly, before a Galka, paused, then raised his axe into the air and cheered. The others quickly followed suit, cheering the word;
"Bastok! Bastok! Bastok!"
"Useless, I knew Celan would never get the job done, she's always too lazy." A man hissed venomously from a cliff nearby. His eyes were covered by a black head band, his skin was unnaturally pale. He wore a simple T-shirt and a pair of slacks. A golden pole staff tipped with a ruby jeweled top was his weapon of choice as a cloak flared around him, the hood was pulled over his head, but long strands of crimson colored hair could be seen, flapping in the breeze. He sighed and shook his head.
"Now, to see how Jeuno fares." And with that, he vanished.
The Mithra could not believe her eyes. All she had remembered was that Goblin, ready to strike, and her with practically no Health left, closing her eyes in acceptance of her fate, when suddenly warmth had surrounded her, almost sheltered her, destroyed the goblins, and any other dangerous force out there. She was fine, the adventurers who had come with her were well, and there were fewer casualties then could have been hoped for.
"Angel?" The Mithra opened her eyes and glanced at her second in command, an Elvaan by the name of Magetsu.
"Yes?"
"It's over." He breathed, as if he couldn't believe it. Then he smiled and cheered. "We've won!"
"Comradekage, at this point in time I elect you general of this squad." A Hume grumbled as he flopped down on the sandy beach of Mhaura.
"Why do you say that Kierra?" The Elvaan asked tiredly as he cleaned his dagger.
"Because when flashy beams of light come shooting down from the sky, destroy hordes of Orcs and heal all your fighters, it's a sign you've been working too long." Kierra muttered. Com laughed.
"Or maybe it's just a sign that the goddess favors you." He suggested. Kierra shook his head.
"Now that's just being superstitious."
"No." Com said evenly. "That's just being hopeful. Because without hope, how would we find will to live on?"
"They're losing." Celan said eagerly.
"Why do you women always state the obvious?" Cliff demanded.
"And why are you always in such a shit sucking mood?"
"Can it Cane." (AN: Pronounced Can-ay) Cliff snapped. The mage sighed and continued to watch the fight. The three stood perched on a hill top, watching the fight over Jeuno progress.
"The general recalls the left flank, after that he will recall the right, he will draw the troops into the city for a final hold out. He knows they have no chance."
"Scratch that, it seems women aren't the only ones stating the obvious." Cliff said dryly. Cane stared at him coolly before pointing his staff at the swordsman.
Silence.
"AUGH! HOT!" Celan snorted.
"When will you learn not to piss off a spell happy mage Cliff?"
"CAN IT CELAN! OW! OW! SHIT-BLOODY-FUCKING-FIRE-SPELL!"
"General Amand! At this rate we won't hold out, they've almost broken down the entrance door, the Port is having the same trouble, only the Lower level isn't that damaged, but they say they won't hold out for much longer." An Elvaan female said worriedly. The Hume nodded tiredly.
"I know Cemeille. I guess this is where our story ends." He said softly, then turned to the door. "Time to fight one last time." His tired face became set with determination, he headed towards the gate yelling orders.
"Set up ranks! Form the lines! Mages if you're not meditating I will kill you myself." He snapped. Adventurers under his command and soldiers of Jeuno scrambled to obey.
"Amand-!" A voice suddenly cried. The Hume turned in time to see Cemeille as she tackled him, instantly where he'd been standing a circle of white light flooded the area. Amand stared at it shocked as is started twisting, collapsing, like a tunnel of dirt. Standing, he assisted Cemeille up and gave her a thanks before observing the tunnel.
"What in the name of Altana . . .?" He whispered walking around it in shock and fascination. Slowly, he took off a gauntlet, and slid his hand into the light. Instantly a vision burned into his eyes. A young Elvaan child, a girl with raven hair stared at him.
"Save your people. Accept the aid of Necronia." She whispered, and the light suddenly flowed up his hand, through his arm, into his body. Wounds healed, fatigue became a mere memory, and as light flowed from his body in waves, the gate into Batallia downs burst open, goblins came running through- only to be swallowed up by the light, turned to ash. Amand and Cemeille glanced about in shock as comrades that should have been dead from injuries suddenly found strength to go on, to walk, to fight! Amand glanced at Cemeille again, and she glanced at him, both looked shocked, awed, and somehow, frightened.
"Bah, interference again." Cliff grumbled still rubbing his sore rump. Celan sighed tiredly, her wounds from the light were starting to ache.
"Nothing more we can do . . . lets just leave." She muttered. Cane smiled, he said nothing.
'My lord will be quite pleased. She is growing quickly, it is only a matter of time before we can make the offer.' He chuckled. 'And with that girl's aid, The Shadow Lord will rule once again!'
Disclaimer: I own plot and OC characters, nothing else. Lillianna, Mabs, Bagel, Opeth, Draish, Miaah, Trion, Pieuje, Curilla, Ziggeraut, Chster, Amand, Kierra, Angel, Kiary, Cemeille, Comradekage, Magetsu, Vexed and Avadon do not belong to me.
Author's notes: Wondering why Scwol or Draish couldn't cure the poison on Gin? Simple. Scwol is a paladin, and I'm fairly sure they can't cast Poisona. Draish is a Redmage at this current point in time. With a whitemage sub he could have casted poisona, but when he reached the tree he distinctly yelled 'Firaga' meaning he had a blackmage sub on, thus, no poisona.
