Chapter eight: Malice: Why can't I help you too?

Since everyone was tired out they all went to sleep too… They set up sleeping bags on the ground. The next morning the group reported to the Magi. "Not much has changed… It all looks the same…" Ecthel said looking around. "Yes, it's all the same from ten years ago." Ledah said casually.

"Wow! Can Lina go sightseeing? It's pretty up here!" Lina exclaimed excited. "We will show you girls around after we report the situation okay? Ledah, what was the training plan you had with Malice?" Ecthel wondered. "Well, I'll tell you while we are reporting… for approval." Ledah answered.

The group entered the meeting room. "So you've returned. There are three angels in this room but I only see two… The rest of you are sprites from Riviera right?" The Magi looked them over and asked. "I am Ecthel, the Grim Angel who left Asgard… I do not look like an angel because I am wingless. These girls are my friends, sprites from Riviera. Lina's the bouncing girl, Serene is the arc, Fia is the one in the green dress and the one in red is Cierra. They helped me defeat Hector and had stopped the retribution with me. Ledah said that they can help with this mission, so we brought them here too." Ecthel said introducing the girls.

"Ledah, you said, we can plan for our training more accordingly once Ecthel is with us… Why don't we start now?" Malice started. "Okay, Ecthel, our plan is one of us goes to train and the others protect Asgard from those annoying demons. With you here, we can have less worries that we can't hold them off." Ledah explained.

"I don't agree! I don't want Malice to come either way! Not right now! We are going to set off back into Riviera to finish all the demons as soon as we ensure Asgard's safety right? It'll be way too dangerous! Besides, that training is just a waste of time! If we are going to battle demons we should to it all together!" Ecthel said disapprovingly. He looked Ledah over as if shocked at his friend's simple request.

Ledah was also surprised by Ecthel's reaction. Ecthel usuallylistened to Ledah but this time he disagreed like Ledah's words were outrageous. True, in the retribution Ecthel had disagreed with Ledah but that was explainable. Ledah did not see why Ecthel was acting up. "Are you saying that she's too weak to join us?" He said withshockand a somewhat anger showing in his usually calm voice. Ecthel was a little relieved but he continued to explain what he was saying.

Ledah had mistaken and Ecthel was glad to see that Ledah was showing more emotions but he is also more concerned about being troubled by his friend's reaction and was afraid to tell them the truth. "No! That wasn't what I meant!" He said as a reflex to defend himself and to correct the way it came out. "Ecthel is right though, As much as I hate her, I don't want to see another person's death…" Serene interjected looking pensive as well as Ecthel.

"But all three of us are Grim angels, you may have become stronger than me… jumping to a second place from last of these three remaining grim angels, you shouldn't compare us…" Malice cut in arguing her position to battle alongside them to prove that she can and is willing to help as for to make up for the sins she has committed. "It's not that! And you are mistaken Malice! … How should I say this…? Cierra, Fia… Do you two have any suggestions?" Ecthel tried to explain but he did not know how the best way is.

"What did you mean then Ecthel?" Ledah asked, clearly confused by what the group were talking about. "It is rather hard to break the news… But I think we shouldn't hide it longer or it'll be even more dangerous for her." Fia pointed out. "… … But how? Cierra, what do you say?" Ecthel asked. "Whatever it is just say it! Lina wanna know too!" Lina said not catching on about the situation as always. "But you know what is going on Lina…" Serene said. "No Lina don't know!" Lina said. "Well… I think you should just tell her… Make her understand. Lina, you heard it too… Don't you remember?" Cierra said thinking about what to do.

"Tell me what? You sprites know something Ledah and I don't! What is it? Why are you hiding it from me Ecthel?" Maliceaskedgetting moreconfused."… … I … … I…" Ecthel was stuck and thought to himself "What should I do?" "It's because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings, You Mur… um… Malice… … You know how Ecthel is too don't you?" While Ecthel is thinking Serene tried to explain it quickly. "…You actually dropped calling me by murderer…? Rosalina's little arc… But what do you mean?" Malice said surprised and confused. "Don't call me that! I'm not little! My name is Serene you mur… No… I mean Malice… And yes, Ecthel doesn't want to hurt…" Serene started but shewas cut of by Ledah who seems to be quite anxious too.

"You already said that, We all know Ecthel well enough but just what are you talking about, Things will be to dangerous for Malice? If it's too dangerous for her it'll be more dangerous for you sprites…" Ledah tried to figure out the situation and pointed out what he knew was the truth. "No, Ledah, Malice… Isn't… … She… didn't… um…" Ecthel started again but found himself stuck again. "how am I going to say this?" He asked himself frustrated.

After a moment of think Lina realized what was going on. "Lina gets it now! Ecthel wanna tell Malice the truth about what that evil Magi said about using Malice… He said something about she was a false Grim angel, and Ecthel doesn't know how to tell her… Is that it? Yay! Lina understands now!" Ledah was speechless for a moment then he asked. "…What did you say little sprite?"

Malice became quiet, she was surprised and depressed. She looked close to tears and she slowly whispered "A-are you telling the truth?" "Lina! You little! … How could you do that? You ruined Ecthel's plan! He was finding a way to tell her nicer!" Serene exclaimed. "… … I'm… a… fake…? But! … Skadi… It's powers are… No! It can't be… You are lying! It's not true!" Malice said crying and angrily.

"Malice… Sorry… I… well… I suppose you want to hear the words Hector told us… Starting from what Ledah said after you left to destroy the final aquarium… Ledah said you were not following the will of the gods and has become Hector's puppet… Then after you were also sacrificed along with my friend he said… "Even a false Grim Angel proved usefulness." From then on I had forgiven you… Since it wasn't your fault." Ecthel explained and added "I just hoped you, Ledah and those of Rosalina's could have had another chance. And it came true. Do I seem like a liar to you?" he asked.

"… … That's right… Ecthel isn't a liar… and I see why you had so tough a time against those demons now… Ecthel is right! It'll be dangerous! A regular angel is not able to fight demons! Think about it Malice… How much have you struggled…? You had said it yourself that the demons were much too tough for you. I didn't really agree with that remember?" Ledah said after thinking for a moment.

After calming down some Malice agreed "… yea… … I suppose…" Then she asked. "What should I do then…?" "Until you become a true Grim Angel, You can't join us. We don't want to put you in danger… After all we should be helping each other… Whatever you do, you don't have to worry. Ledah, my sprite friends and I will try our best to defeat the demons." Ecthel said as an instruction like commanding one of the sprites. "Yes. We better get going to defeat the rest of them that are invading Heaven's gates." Agreeing with Ecthel Ledah gets ready to leave.

"Angels, and Sprites, Don't leave yet… Let me give you a power boost, You might need it. Be sure to defeat those demons!" The Magi exclaimed. "A power boost… All of us? Do you mean it?" Ecthel asked. "Okay, But make it fast please, we don't have much time." Ledah told him. "Fine. Just stand still for a moment…" A flash of light engulfed the group when it was over everyone felt energized. "Done."

(Power up!)

Everyone:

Hp up: 10 max (about… different for everyone. And it'll be rounded up to the nearest 10th. So 5648 will become 5650)

Stat up: 10 (ditto!)

New Hp: Ledah's Hp 7200 Ecthel's Hp 5830 Fia's Hp 5590 Lina's Hp 5495 Serene's Hp 5640 Cierra's Hp 6120

Ecthel felt a little different than before and then he noticed. "I feel great! Wow! And! You've restored my wings too! Thanks! Alright! Now I can fly around with Ledah again!" he exclaimed. "You've earned it back yourself. For saving everyone. Besides, What he lost was retained, If your loss isn't, wouldn't it be unfair since you both worked as hard to accomplish your tasks." The Magi answered.

"Ecthel, Can Lina get a look-see of the beautiful sites around here now? Come on! Show Lina before we leave!" Lina exclaimed. "Ecthel, do you remember how to fly? It's been about eleven years or more since you lost the ability… Do you need me to…?" Ledah started but he noticed Ecthel wasn't even paying him any attention. "Hey!" Ecthel was flying all over and crashing into all the walls in the room. "Ecthel…"

"That's gotta hurt… Mr. Ledah! Catch him before…" Before Lina could finish Ecthel had crashed into another wall. "Ecthel!" She screamed. "Oh dear… Will you come down and calm down?" Malice called but there was no reply. "Gee! Ecthel! Come down here! You can fly later!" Serene exclaimed but was ignored also. Ledah sighed and got started to flap his wings...

"That's it!" He flies up and catches Ecthel bringing him down and holding him down to prevent another flying havoc like a long time ago. "Ecthel! You don't want that to happen again do you?" Ledah asked. Ecthel had no idea what Ledah was talking about he tried to ask why and was trying to struggle out of Ledah's firm grasp.

Before he said a word however Malice started to speak. "I don't want to repeat myself… Or do you want me to make you remember what happened?" "Malice, Ecthel was a toddler back then… He won't be able to remember. Ecthel! Stop now! We have to go battle the demons!" Ledah said still trying to get Ecthel under his control or at least have him stop flying until they have time.

"Then let's fly back to Elendia together!" Ecthel said excitedly. "You are forgetting about the sprites." Ledah corrected him yet again. "Oops sorry… I'm just so happy! Well…" He grabs Lina and flies around to show her around. "You wanted to see the views… It's better from up here." He said "Not like this! Ecthel's gonna crash Lina into the wall!" She cried. "I won't do that! I am flying carefully this time! Whoa!" Ecthel said but he lost his balance.

"Put her down! You haven't learned to balance yourself while holding someone! You will drop!" Ledah exclaimed but he was too late. "Ecthel!" "Ahhhh! Ledaaaaah! Heeeelp uaaaasss!" Ecthel screamed still trying to at least keep Lina up right. Ledah sighed again and flied over and caught them. "Don't be so hasty next time!" "Sorry! I forgot to ask! Lina, Come on, We should be going." Ecthel said

After a tour The group made their way through Heaven's gates battling demons. Rose started complaining about her various of things again… Especially about her voice. "Ledah… When can we fly like before?" Ecthel asked "After you get used to using your wings again. You can fly but you still need more practice. I'll tell you later." Ledah said "Okay." Ecthel said.

Then they came across the ledge."Ledah, look! It's the silver palace! Let me try to fly up there! Maybe there are demons hiding there." Ecthel exclaimed. "Alright, I'll be right behind you incase anything happens. What about them? How can they follow us?" Ledah asked. "I don't know… Will you carry them then?" Ecthel thought a bit then asked. "Fine. But I'm going to make sure you land safely first." Ledah said following Ecthel as he started to fly.

(We are taking forever again! I want to take a nap!) Rose started to complain. "there you go again… We are battling demons! You said you wanted to come with us. Don't complain." Ecthel said. (What's wrong with that? No one understands me! I want my voice back!) "You'd annoy everyone. Ledah did say you talk too much." Ecthel said.

"What happened to Familiar's voice?" Ledah wondered. "Cierra gave her a magic potion…" Ecthel said. "I know something that can restore it. But we are missing a few things." Ledah said. They talked as they flew up to the Silver palace. "We can find them right? Oh no! A demon! I'll hold it off while you collect the girls! We need Fia's Cadenza! From the Rosier." Ecthel exclaimed. "Are you sure you can handle it by yourself?" Ledah asked. "I think so. There's only one, and we got a power up…" Ecthel said trying to sound brave. "Okay, I'll be back with that girl as fast as I can." Ledah said reassuring Ecthel.

Battle:

So Ecthel started battling with These items. A potion, Einherjar, Rosier and Zypher. He started the battle with using his diviner that did little damage and the overdrive did not go up very much so he decided to attack with the Rosier. The Vampire did decent damage against him though. Ecthel kept on attacking with the Rosier until the overdrive was finally maxed in the fifth turn. By that time he has been hurt pretty bad. It was a good time for Mimic Ray so he summoned his remaining energy and attacked. "This should end it! Mimic Ray!" Restoring and dealing a nice amount of damage Ecthel took the Rosier again and attacked. In that cycle.

Ledah flies back to the girls… "Where is Ecthel?" Lina asked. "Something happened?" Fia asked. "Didn't you say you'd watch over him?" Serene wondered. "What happened? Are you here to collect us?" Cierra asked. "… Ecthel is battling, against a vampire… He says he needs me to come collect one of you. He could use her help…" Ledah said "Vampire…! Lina wants to use divine wind against it!" Lina Exclaimed. "Ecthel said you need to use the Rosier's over skill. Which one of you uses Rosier?" Ledah asked "That would be me. Let's go!" Fia said.

When they arrived back in the battlefields Ecthel is just about to finish the Vampire off. "Look He's about to use Disaresta!" "Hasty…" Ledah commented and watched as Ecthel finished the vampire off. "This is the will of the gods! Disaresta!" The Vampire dies "This is the duty of the grim angels." Ecthel remarked.

Battle ends.

After winning Ecthelwondered what happened. "I've already defeated it… Ledah flies very fast, where are they? What happened?" He asked himself. "Looks like you didn't need help after all." Ledah commented smiling happily to see Ecthel is now strong enough for this. "Ledah! Where were you? I thought…" Ecthel started. "That was only about two minuets… you don't expect me to be that fast do you? Wait here as I go get the other one. The arc is on her way with the little sprite." Ledah said and flew off.

"… … … Two minuets…? Are you sure?" (he's saying the truth! I was here watching and counting. You have really improved a lot. This is your first battle you had without anybody by your side assisting you. Either they instruct you or you instruct them… It is still team work… You are becoming more mature and more like Ledah every day.) Rose said but Ecthel did not understand that. "Are you teasing me or are you complementing me?" Ecthel asked. (Idiot! I was complementing you!) Rose Exclaimed. "You teased me too much it's hard to tell the difference." The argument broke out.

Ledah Returned with Cierra as Serene flew over with Lina. (How dense can you be…?) Rose said angrily. "Ha, ha, ha… Don't start, you ruined it again… I am surprised too Ecthel. You can take on demons by yourself now. Do you have confidence in yourself now?" Ledah asked encouragingly. "No, There was only one… And it was weak against Holy! My specialty… I don't want to battle on my own unless I have to!" Ecthel said still trying to rely on Ledah.

"Your judgment on when to use what attack is good now." Ledah commented. Ecthel was shocked. "L-let's go… S-shall we…" he said. "Told you Ecthel is good! Now even Mr. Ledah agreed!" Lina exclaimed leaving Ledah speechless yet again. "I don't think that was what he meant." Serene pointed out. "This proves it! Ecthel's our leader!" Lina said. "Well… I think it is about time to decide isn't it…?" Cierra asked.

"… Maybe… I think I had enough of this… go on and pick one of us if you must! That's not going to change things very much." Ledah said. He was tired of the argument. Each time Lina would mistake his words and mess up more of everybody's meaning. "… N-now? …" Ecthel was a little surprised. "Ledah…?" Ecthel saw Ledah's expression making him realize that Ledah is kind of fed up with Lina badgering them at the time.

"Ecthel! Our leader is Ecthel!" Lina still yells. "Ecthel didn't want to be our leader anymore…" Cierra said. "We shouldn't force him." Fia said. "Lina wants Ecthel…" Lina started. Serene stopped her. "Stop it Lina! Ecthel, what should we do?" She asked still used to listening and asking Ecthel about everything. "I'm not sure… Let's just go. We better get on back to Elendia. Ledah, we didn't miss any areas right?" Ecthel said uncertainly. "Yes. Now let's go! If we missed anything I believe that Malice will take care of it once she is ready." Ledah answered.

Back within Asgard, Malice stood in a room looking out the window… "If I am not a grim angel… I will become one! I will impress my old rival once again! I will become a grim angel and go help my old rivals now my friends… defeat those demons!" With that thought in mind she sets off into a harsh training session.