AN: Heys! What's goin' on! I haven't updated for a while… Long story. It involves moving from the south… to the north. Waaaay north. And then the mover dudes were late… So anyway. I'm gonna get right to the story (After the reviews of course)
Eien- XD Pesky snails and their mobbin' and shoe eatin' ways! Well, it'd be kinda boring if Doom Flounder just sat around all the time, so I decided he needed some exercise. And indeed, the stuttering is back.
Attic- Ack. If you were coming everyday to look for updates… And I haven't updated for like 3 weeks… Sorry! Good to know someone appreciates my humor…
Judgment- Umm… Well, Doom Flounder's jogging path takes him in between Victoria and Maple Island, so… Just work with me on the Doom Flounder thing…
The arrow was loosed before Seifer or Hien had begun to think about moving. It arched gracefully through the sky, then suddenly burst into flames and struck the giant Doom Flounder head-on. The two objects seemed to hang in the air for a moment as Seifer rummaged through the boat for a sword. "I know there's a sword around here somewhere..."
The arrow exploded in a brilliant flash of light. Hien stumbled backward as the shockwave rippled through the air. The Doom Flounder obviously felt it as well, because it let out a gurgling roar and fell back into the water. Hien relaxed and turned to Zale. "That was amazing! How'd you get your Fire Shot to be so powerful?"
Seifer shuffled back towards the prow. "I told you I found a good captain!"
Zale shrugged innocently. "When you are a fisherman, you must be strong or the sea will overcome you..."
Hien nodded. "Sage advice."
"Sounded like a load of philosophical shi--"
"Seifer!"
"Sorry, sorry… Sounded like a load of philosophical nonsense- there, ya happy?"
"Yup."
"Good. Good… So, are we clear on the whole monster fishies thing?"
"I'm afraid not..."
"Figures."
"They will only be more enraged by my attack on Doom Flounder."
"Ohh! So if we die, we can blame you!"
"S-Seifer!"
"What?"
Zale looked up and seemed to take a double-take. "Behind--"
Seifer leaped into the air and swung his Red Katana in a wide circle. The blade caught the Shark in the head. The monster fell into the water, dead. "What was it you were saying?"
"Nothing..."
"I… f-feel a little out-matched by you guys..."
"Aw, don't worry about it! You'll have your chance to shine!" Seifer clapped Hien on the back, causing him to tumble forward. "Eh, sorry."
"N-no problem..."
"There's more fishies coming." Seifer noted quietly.
"How can you tell?"
"The water. Can't you feel it rippling? There's probably 'bout four this time"
Hien gripped his staff tightly. "O-oh man…"
"Don't worry, Hien! Just cast a spell, kill the monster, and move on!"
"E-easy for you to say. You just swing a sword and hope it hits it. I have to concentrate and remember the words and--"
"Hey! Don't insult swords! 'Least it's better than a stick..."
"Shut up! Why is it you always have a different sword every time I see you?"
"I like to vary the ways monsters get killed! And the blades get all bloody! Yeeuuuk! Have you ever held a bloody blade? The blood runs down onto your hand and--"
"S-Seifer! S-stop!"
"Sorry, sorry. So who wants the next few fishies that pop up?"
Hien smiled weakly. "I… I'll take them..."
"Alright! Here they come!"
Hien raised his staff in preparation, ready for when the monsters attacked. Simultaneously, seven Cold Sharks erupted out of the water. Hien raised his staff and a bow formed in front of him. Hien aimed at one of the fish and loosed an arrow. The arrow sprung through the monster cleanly. Hien quickly fired six more arrows and dispatched the monsters quickly. "Nice work. Was that Element Composition?"
Hien nodded. "Y-Yeah."
Seifer frowned. "You guys feel like the boat's bein' rocked?"
Zale stood up, then promptly fell over. "They're hitting us from underneath! Dammit! It's going to--"
The Doom Flounder burst through the boat, scattering it's inhabitants into the water. Seifer whooped as he fell through the air and laughed uproariously. "This is gonna be--" Before he could finish, he hit the water and went under.
Hien surfaced quickly and glanced around to find his companions. "Guys? Where are you?" Zale popped to the surface.
"I'm here. I think Seifer went under with the Doom Flounder!"
"W-we have to go after him!"
Zale simply nodded, then ducked underwater.
XxX
Hien watched in amazement as Seifer rode the Doom Flounder like it was a horse. As he passed, Seifer waved merrily to him. Hien thought, What the hell is he doing?
Seifer reached behind him and pulled a Red Katana out. Twirling the sword expertly, he plunged the blade into the giant fish's head. Blood squirted out into the water as the fish bucked wildly, trying to throw Seifer off as he continued stabbing the fish. Seifer opened his mouth and a stream of bubbles appeared. His sword glowed with raging energy. With a mighty heave, Seifer swung the sword, cleaving the fish's neck. The Doom Flounder bucked one final time, then hung still in the water. Seifer kicked loose and motioned upwards to Hien. The mage nodded and swam to the surface. "Wooohooo! That was fun!" Seifer yelled as soon as he surfaced.
Zale looked at him questioningly. "What was?"
"I totally just owned that Doom Fishie!"
"You killed it?"
"Well, yeah!"
"Now other monsters will be attracted by the blood and they'll come and--"
"W-we don't have to worry about that…" Hien muttered quietly.
"Why?"
"Th-there's a ship"
On the horizon, a mast was barely in sight. As the ship loomed closer, the three companions were given an unwelcome view of the flag.
"That can't be--"
"It is!"
"But I thought they were just fairy tales told to naughty little children who sneak away and try to sail across the ocean!"
"Isn't that what you're doing?"
"That's beside the point! Crimson Balrogs don't exist!"
XxX
Aradia clutched her head, sighing as she leaned into the warm embrace of her bed. "Are you sure you're alright?" Alex asked, crouching beside Aradia's bed.
"Of course! It's just a headache! I'm not dying, Alex." Aradia waved Alex away. "Now leave me alone"
"If you're sure…"
"Yes! Just let me get some sleep"
Alex nodded and left. Aradia quickly drifted off to sleep.
XxX
So, after such a long reprieve, we see each other again…
What? Where am I?
Such an intelligent young woman, but so foolish. I'm almost disappointed!
Who are -
Again, do I need to answer that? You are asleep. You are dreaming. Since you're inside your mind…
You again?
Exactly. Me again.
But you were sealed…
Seals wear off. Alcaster cannot overpower me. Which means you are stronger than Alcaster…
What?
Dammit, why are you so dense! I am you! You are me! If Alcaster cannot beat me, he cannot beat you!
Ah…
I grow tired of your imbecility. I'll be around… You can use my power… At your own risk…
AN: Ooooh! Aradia's got some personal demons of her own and Seifer and co. are in a spot of trouble… Well, review. I'll be sure to update sooner. 'Till then, see yaz!