That night the ship left from the docks of Norg towards Bastok. Andrew had shifted bodies to Celphie. She was sitting up on the deck gazing up at the stars. Beside her was Lucia. She held a cloth and a sand stone. She was sharpening the blade on her scythe.
"So what was that little thing between you and that other girl?" Lucia asked
Celphie still looked out onto the stars.
"I'm not really sure. My brother had this sudden urge to protect the honor of this other Mithra." Celphie said
"Really, well what did she do to "dishonor" herself?" Lucia asked
"Well she's a white mage. So in the middle of a battle she broke down, in this hesitation I almost died." Celphie said
Lucia dropped the sand stone. Looking sternly at Celphie Lucia set the scythe down.
"What?" Lucia gasped
"Yes, I don't know why Andrew would stick up for such a runt." Celphie answered
Lucia moved in closer to Celphie.
"Yeah, I don't know why he would want someone that weak. When there are so many strong women out there that can fight by his side." Lucia said
"Lucia." Celphie said
"Yes?" Lucia answered
"Calm down." Celphie spoke
Angel was in a medium sized room with two other people. Next to her was Amand, across the table was Kotosumex.
"So once we land in the port what do we do?" Amand asked
The three looked at a map of all of the city of Bastok. Pointing to the metal works Angel spoke.
"We need to get up to the top floor of the metal works. Once there we can get to the presidents office. First thing is to get the President out of the city, if he is still alive." Angel said
"Well what if he is possessed like the others?" Kotosumex asked
"If you encounter any possessed civilians, which I'm sure you will. If you fight them just knock them out. I don't want too many casualties." Angel said
"You're telling me that we can't kill anyone?" Amand asked
"Yes, I can purify their souls and bodies returning them to normal. But until we get to the metal works I don't want you killing anyone." Angel said
Amand looked grim at the map.
"What is in the metal works?" Kotosumex asked
"Andrew told me that Cid was working researching the power of the crystals. If he has a rifle that can harness their power I want to see what else Cid has locked away in that city." Angel said
"All right, but what if we run into anymore demons." Amand asked
"Those you can kill. I'll have a watch dog around to keep an eye on you two," Angel said
The ship finally came to a stop once it docked in the port of Bastok. For every warrior that came with there were four other guards that came with him or her. Angel and Celphie led the group. Celphie was running ahead to scout out the area. They encountered very few lost souls. Those that were seen were quickly knocked out. The city was pretty much empty. Amand and Kotosumex were left to search the entire city to see how the population faired.
Celphie got to the metal works; searching for any equipment she found something a bit more useful. It was Cid himself.
"Cid… wake up." Celphie said trying to wake him
"Huh… what?" Cid asked
"Good, your still alive." Celphie said. "We need to get you out of here."
"Celphie my dear, is that you?" Cid asked
"Yes, now we need to hurry." Celphie said
"Oh there's no rush, here I have something for you." Cid said
Cid was in his laboratory when Celphie found him. He got up wearily. It looked like after the attack he feint death and got away from the demons. Unlocking a closet he pulled from it a large metal box.
"Here, I'm sure you can put this to better use then I can." Cid said smiling
Handing the box to Celphie she opened it. With in it was a large crystal.
"What am I to do with this?" Celphie asked
"While researching I found out that in abundance crystals like these can amplify magical abilities." Cid said
"But I can't use magic." Celphie said
"Well, I'm sure there is someone left alive who can put this to use." Cid said
Celphie closed the box. Thanking Cid she took him with her to the lower levels of the metal works. Celphie wanted to get him out of the city first.
Angel was in the markets district waiting for Celphie to return. She had gotten reports from Amand and Kotosumex. Searching almost all of Bastok the two couldn't find anyone.
"This is just weird. Where is everyone?" Angel thought to herself
She had four guards spanned out over the area.
"Angel?" Celphie said
Over a link-pearl Angel received a message from Celphie.
"Yes?" Angel responded
"I found some one alive. But there isn't anyone else in the city." Celphie said
"Who did you find?" Angel asked
"Cid." Celphie said
"Really…" Angel questioned
"Yes. I'm going to taking him to the boat right now." Celphie said
"Ok, I'll be waiting out here then." Angel said
Angel put the green link pearl back in her pocket. Looking out over the area she grew unnerved.
"Why is this place so disturbing to be in?" Angel asked herself
She called back her guards. She stepped away from the fountain in the center of the markets district. The five were walking back to the port.
"Hmmm, this should be fun." A voice spoke
As the five were coming up to a gateway out stepped a tall male Elvaan. He wore dark red armor with a long black katana. Angel saw this and stopped moving. He turned and faced the five. Angels eyes widened in horror. The Elvaan grinned evilly. Angel turned around to run and there he was standing in front of her. The four guards around Angel fell in two. Their bodies dropped to the floor in a bloody mess.
"Hello Angel. It has been such a long time." Elnroth spoke
Celphie had just taken Cid to the boat. She stepped off the boat and saw Amand and Kotosumex walking up.
"So you guys didn't find anyone?" Celphie asked
"Nope, not a one." Amand answered
They walked on to the boat.
"Say, have either of you heard from Angel?" Celphie asked
The two looked at each other. Then they turned to Celphie.
"Oh shit…" Celphie said
"My dear Angel, how have the years treated you?" Elnroth asked
"I've been fine, you don't really age when you're dead." Angel answered
"Oh that's right. You did pass away didn't you." Elnroth said
The Elvaan held his katana in its sheath.
"Guess, all things are inevitable." Elnroth said
He popped the sword out of its sheath with his thumb. Angel couldn't move. She was paralyzed in fear. She could never beat Elnroth in a sword fight. And if he has been corrupted by the Shadow Lord's magic he will be much stronger. Elnroth drew his sword and raised it to eye level.
"What have we here?" Elnroth said. "Are you afraid?"
Angel couldn't speak. Elnroth raised his sword to her throat.
"You are smart not to run." Elnroth said. "For I have been reincarnated by the Shadow Lord. I have a new title to go by. You may call me Wrath."
He pushed the blade to her skin. The slightest pressure and the skin separated under the blade. There was a small trickle of blood running down her neck.
"Such a sweet feeling. You have been through so much pain, let me end it in a quick bliss of horror." Elnroth said
Bringing his sword up Elnroth swung. A gunshot came from behind them. Elnroth deflected the shot. Angel took this opportunity to run away.
"Get away. Take the rest and get far away from here!" Angel yelled
Celphie cocked her rifle. Lucia stood behind her with her scythe drawn. They did not run. Wrath stood with his sword laughing.
"More people to slaughter. Mercy be damned, this will be entertaining." Elnroth yelled
In a rush Elnroth charged Angel. She brought her sword up to block the attack. Elnroth moved so quick he swung past her sword. Under Angel's rapier he swung hitting her in the chest. The force blew Angel across the market. Before she reached the other side Elnroth was there hitting her again this time into the air. Above her body he appeared again, Wrath struck Angel with such force she was blown to the ground. Hitting the stone pavement below her she was forced into the ground by about 2 feet. There, Angel lied, eyes open, completely out. Her lungs were empty from the strikes. Elnroth stood over her body. He laughed.
"She isn't dead yet. But you all will be soon enough." Elnroth said
Celphie shot at him. Wrath moved so quickly he just vanished. Lucia raised her scythe up to guard when she was hit from behind. Wrath kicked her across the area. Lucia landed skidding along the ground. Clephie turned around to face Elnroth. As she faced him Wrath moved his sword to the point of touching Celphie's face. If she moved the blade would be in her skull.
"So what shall it be?" Elnroth asked
He turned deflecting a strike from behind. There, Amand and Kotosumex were attacking Wrath. Celphie ducked out of the way and ran to Angel. Using a vial of smelling salts she was able to bring Angel back to consciousness. They didn't exchange words. Angel sat up. Putting a hand on Celphie, Angel, spoke a quick spell. The world around Celphie slowed.
"What is this?" Celphie asked
Angel did the same to herself.
"Haste…" Angel said
She drew her rapier and rushed at Elnroth. The enchantment boosted her speed. The two were attacking Elnroth now. The two warriors were moving faster then Wrath could keep up. Some of their hits were landing on his flesh and armor. Dropping low Elnroth swung around himself pushing the two back. He closes in to attack Angel. She puts her hands out trying to cast aero. He planned on using it to blow Wrath back so she could regroup herself. As Angel cast the spell Wrath moved around Angel bypassing her magic completely. He swung again knocking her to a wall. Upon impact Angel was on the verge of losing consciousness again. But there was something at her chest that brought her back rather quickly. Elnroth held the tip of his sword to Angel's chest. With a quick movement he pushed the whole sword through her body into the wall. He pushed it till the hilt rested on her skin. Angel was screaming with tears streaming down her face. At a loss for words she just screamed in pain.
"So many memories. What does this bring back for you my dear?" Elnroth asked
He grinned in her agony. He let go of the sword. Pulling a dagger out of his belt he raised it to her eyes.
"So much pain you must be in.?" Wrath spoke. "How else can I add to it?"
Elnroth put the daggers edge to Angels skin, slowly carving into her face. Slowly it moved to her eye. Before Elnroth could he was pulled back by a very strong figure.
Titan materialized and threw him across the market district. He then turned to Angel and pulled the sword out of her, Angel crashed to the ground trying to heal herself. Wrath came running to the pair. He knocked Titan aside rushing at Angel. Swiftly picking up his sword he swung at her. But the attack never connected.
Angel summoned her armor and wings. Jumping into the sky she flew up away from his attacks. She held her arms out and summoned a long black staff. Holding his she caused it to cast a bolt of lightning down to strike Wrath. Elnroth faltered and fell to one knee. IN this instance Angel dropped to the ground summoning Carbuncle.
"Carbuncle, go!" Angel yelled
The blue summoned creature ran at Wrath. Jumping into the air he gathered all of his magical energy.
"Searing Light!" Angel called out
A beam of concentrated light burst through the red ruby on Carbuncles head. Elnroth's body was deeply manifested by the corruption. Using all of their combined energy they were able to push the corruption spell out of Elnroth body. Elnroth fell down once the attack stopped.
Angel released Carbuncle. She used the staff as a support to help herself walk. Slowly Elnroth's natural spirit seeped back into his body. Rising up he saw Angel walking towards him. Her wings were slumped to either side. Using all of her energy she lost her focus and released her staff. Falling Elnroth dashed out catching her.
"Angel. What the hell happened?" Elnroth asked
He held Angel's body. The scale armor encased her figure. But there was a growing red stain over her abdomen. Putting a hand over hit he felt a warm wet liquid. Holding his hand up he saw his hand dripping with blood. It was slowly seeping out through her cuff and legs. Elnroth looked at the bloody sword on the ground and how everyone around him stared at him with distrust.
"Angel, you're going to be fine." Elnroth tried say in a calm voice
Angel looked up to him and smiled.
'I'm glad to see your better…" Angel spoke just before passing out
Legal Notice. I do not own FFXI. It is property of Square-Enix. All PC's and NPC's have thier respective owners.