Redemption and Rebirth

Note: I would like to apologize for the long wait. It took me a while to pick this story up due to things taking place in real life. Now that the excuse is put aside, I would like to give you the continuation of the story. Enjoy.

Echoes

"So, what exactly brings you here to see me Xion?" Siegel's voice resounded softly with his query. His form lay relaxed on the chair, leaning to the side with his elbow on the armrest. "Could it be related to the adversary that I fought earlier?"

The lamp laid on the table gave off its gentle yet bright light within the confines of the room. Opposite Siegel's position was Lord Xion, seated on the other side of the table. With his face illuminated by the lamp, he laid his right leg on his left as it was crossed together elegantly. His leaned his back on the chair's back rest, whilst his elbows lay on the armrests. His hands were before him, fingers leaning at each other idly. Behind him was his aide and ally, Judas, whose back was leaning on the wall. The moment of the encounter was fresh, the very thought of the being was vivid enough. He looked at Siegel's eyes, light giving its glint on his irises.

"It's true this is related to that warrior, Isher." Xion replied with a calm tone lined in his words. "Judging from how he summoned those demons and commanded them, it truly signifies his power and position in the hierarchy of Evils as the Accursed. There are others aside from him. And with such aura and power could note one thing."

"Where demons lurk, the Accursed are surely likely to be around." Siegel continued. "We have encountered the likes of them before during the first Ragnarok. But that's odd. How can they be here? We already defeated them in Utgard and no doubt Ursula sent some of her capable allies to face them. How can they appear here in Midgard?"

"The threat of the Retribution actuating subsided." the cleric explained, his gaze shifted from the Fallen Angel to the illumination of the lamp. A sigh left his lips as he confided a strange truth. "But thanks to the destruction of the Hall of Chaos which houses the Retribution device, it caused the whole thing to reset, sending the souls to wander about. Nifleheim and Valhalla were sealed to stop the imbalance. To make matters worse, the Chain of Glyphs in Parveeju began to waver. With that, it brought every soul to be reanimated into Midgard. Thanks to that, the result is as what we see today."

Siegel went aghast upon learning such. Gritting his teeth in such predicament, he knew the paradox was seemingly uncalled for. The flickering tongue of fire wavered momentarily with the slight motion of his hands, balled into fists to rid of the tension. "So it is much worse than I have anticipated."

"Not only that. There's also another anomaly making things much more horrid." Judas added with such comment. Raising his head, he spoke. "The day of the blood moon heralds and draws near at every moment. The seals of every bind in Heaven's Gate will break and it may cause utter chaos. Anything can happen with that."

A sigh left Siegel's lips as the gentlemen began to note the worst scenarios that could happen. The blood moon bids no quarter as he could recall. Sparking from the past records he had come across bade no goodwill about the phenomena. Looking back at the young cleric, he knew urgency would be much needed and there is nothing more to be wasted. "How much time do we have before that thing happens?"

"We only have 13 days left, Siegel." Xion answered coldly, hiding the tension within that moment.

"Then we have not much time to stop this. We have to find the Crimson Angel before this tragedy happens or the whole of Yggdrasil will be gone. There will be only nothingness when that happens."

Xion crossed his arms as he closed his eyes. There is nothing else to be done with such time that they can't afford to fail. "Judas, can you find the other Candidates of the Rebirth? I trust that you have that capability to find them."

"Understood, Lord Xion." The warrior answered as he pushed himself erect from the wall that he was leaning on. Turning his back towards the light and heading for the shadows, he evanesced. Once more silence filled the room as the pondered for the next part of their plan.

A crack came to Siegel's lips as he smirked, a chuckle erupting from him. "I just can't believe this is one big mess."

"Call it history if you may." A cold and unchanged expression came in response from Xion. "Right now that the Azure Angel is here, we'll need her counterpart and a few other Candidates."

"Talking about assembling a unit for battle, let's hope this thing works well." Siegel leaned back on his chair as he wried his head, gazing at the nocturnal sight outside the window.

Flames danced in the air as their torrents vanished in a momentary flare. Each flicker made by them, a result from a certain crimson spear being brandished at each stroke. Whirling in swift strokes, the spear circled around the wielder's grasp before a thrust ended its motion. The move brought the fire to ignite as it made a burning flash. The Crimson Angel was truly awake from his slumber as he continued to train his body and mind with his Diviner. The sun's golden rays peered through the canopy of branches above him while he practiced his craft. The wind came with its slow breeze, blowing away the stray strands of his blond hair aside, cooling down the beads of sweat dripping from his face. Lowering his spear, he dispelled the Diviner as its crimson aura consumed it and vanished.

That might be enough. Ledah thought as he felt an urge within him. The robes seem to be causing him discomfort. He had them for a considerable amount of time. Curiosity must have taken its toll on him. His mind came clear, focusing on one task as the air and the earth around him began to react. His body gave out a light glow of orange as it began.

His clothes began to change its appearance with the wind and the light whirling about his form. The crimson cape began to disintegrate and the black robes following suit. His wings of jet black began to vanish as well with its feathers bursting from the pinions. The light settled as the magewind subsided. Now clad in a long black coat, a red button up shirt and a pair of dark jeans, he had found himself in a different form. A notion of memory gave him a familiar note of how he looked like from long ago.

"I guess this will do." he said to himself as he checked out his new outfit.

"Who could have thought you would look handsome in that, without the wings on your back." A female voice echoed from behind, chirping with its lively tone. It was enough to earn Ledah's attention as he shot back to look.

Seen seated on a stump was a young woman; dressed in a blue robe with its loose sleeves covering her arms and its hem reaching above her knees as it displayed the fair skin of her legs. A sash was around her waist, bringing the garment secure around her body whilst a pair of sandals was placed on her legs. Her long hair glimmered under the sun with its azure shade, matching her bright expression as she gave a smile to the man. Ledah was left to question who this person was. Judging from her appearance, it seems to be beyond human if pertained to the presence that she emits.

"Sorry if I took so long, Ledah." the Deva's distinct voice came forth. From the corner where the trees were came Arjun, sauntering as he halted his pace. He noticed the Grim Angel's confused look that made him snap back to his mistake. "Oh, I guess I forgot to introduce to you a friend of mine that can aid us."

The woman chuckled at the situation as she looked at the two gentlemen. "I think I should do that." She said to him as she rose from the stump of a tree. "I am Maya. As you can see, I may seem to be an ordinary being and may even pass to be a human. But truth be told, I am actually a water nymph."

"I see." Ledah gave a calm answer as he looked at Arjun. "Our party is growing. Are you sure she can help us Arjun?"

"Yeah, since her specialty is on Water magic, she can really aid us." Arjun replied. "Besides, there's another specialty that she can use for us. It's useful for our search."

"Well, allow me to demonstrate." Maya said with a playful hint in her voice as she extended her hand. An open palm came to conjure the vapors around them, stirring as they amass and form a mist cloud before them. The small cloud began to project an image from its gray form as colors from the sun's rays began to play around and call forth an image. The sight became clear as a city was seen in its display.

"That's our destination, Ledah." Arjun said to him as he beheld the image. "The City State of Arcadia."

Ledah turned at Maya and gave his remark. "Scrying…How will this be of use for us?"

"I can view things at any location and at any distance with it. It gives me the capability to track down certain targets when asked and I may even assist you remotely with it." The young nymph explained with a smile on her face. "Arjun has the capability of scanning an object's structure and find its weak points. Not to mention his adept skills in using Wind and Lightning magic. We can really be of use to you."

"You have justified yourself." Ledah turned his back as he sauntered away, feeling a sort of uneasiness pushing him to hasten their steps. "We should be going. I have a feeling we shouldn't stay here any longer."

A shrill cry came echoing within the corners of the woods, shaking the branches slightly with its sound. From the shadows came a body, charred beyond recognition. A young man stood in the clearing in his battle stance, fists at a ready with crimson gauntlets glowing with a flaming anima. The crimson streaks found occasionally on his spiky blond hair move with the wind as he began to gather his energy for another strike. The vest of orange shade placed on his torso covering the dark gray shirt inside it began to flutter at the circling warm air. His legs, clothed with its loose pants and shoes, began to propel him in a dash as he lunged towards a female vampire. The demoness charged forth with a glistening scythe, a demented snicker coming to her lips as she came to meet him head-on. She swung her weapon, prepared to reap at his body. The young man merely ducked to dodge the stroke and brought his fist in a straight thrust. The gauntlet's forearm components opened as a metallic claw shot out and impaled the vampire's body. The youth, with all his strength, lifted her up as a muzzle barrel came forth from the claw and shot forth a powerful burst. The force of the impact was enough to propel the enemy into the air, burning to her death.

He gazed at the numbers of his adversaries, what was once a horde enough to overwhelm him now was reduced to merely four. The young man snickered as he looked at each of them. A complaint escaped his lips soon after.

"Great, where did my marksman buddy go when I need him?" he groaned in disbelief as he shook his head. "Well, no matter. I can enjoy this party on my own. Like all of you could bring a Jinn down easily."

He flicked his hands together, making the gauntlets initiate their shift of form. The pincer mechanisms aligned as they held together the metallic barrel. A handle rod came to the grasp of his hands, the triggers coming visible as they aligned to his fingers. The gauntlets now became hand-cannons for his use. He aimed them at the hovering demons.

"Let's see how you would like this." he said confidently as he pulled the triggers of the cannons. From the weapons hailed a barrage of flaming shots, rushing in a volley quick and formidable. One unfortunate vampire was caught by surprise with the barrage that the blasts peppered her body beyond recognition. Shifting his aim to another vampire, he continued his onslaught. Yet unbeknownst to him, a wolf came behind him and lunged towards his unguarded form. He felt a sharp pain injure him as the fangs sank deep to his left arm. The young Jinn quickly turned and punched with the cannon gauntlet on his right arm then pulled the trigger to fire a shot at that range. Not only was the hellish wolf sent away, it was also immolated with the blast made by the weapon. Fatigue and injury now was taking its toll, making it hard for him to keep up. He cursed under his breath as he fell to his knees. "I hate being cornered."

He looked around and there stood before him a vampire with her imp familiars beside her. He snickered noting the remaining target, knowing that it won't take long for this to be over. Raising his arm with the weapon connected, he took aim as he began to conjure energy. His body began to glow, the energy being channeled into the cannon as he fixed his sight on the demoness. She snickered as she brandished her scythe, sending a falcate wave to strike him down. The Jinn took no hesitation as he rolled out of harm's way. Yet he found no respite as the imps aimed their wands at him, sending bolts of lighting at the man. He used the momentum of his rolls and sprung into the air, his leg wasn't spared as it was slightly scorched by the electric shot. Ignoring the pain, he snickered and saw the opening.

"Say bye-bye." he taunted through the gruff given by the pain. Pulling the trigger, he fired a charged blast. The projectile rushed in with precision that it engulfed the demons in its grasp, exploding in impact while they fell into dust. He landed to the ground, falling to his knees due to the weakening of his body. The injury was draining him of his strength.

"Whew, that was close." he whispered to himself. He found a tree nearby, just a few steps away from his landing point. He rose and staggered on his way towards the towering tree and leaned his exhausted body on its trunk to rest. Finally at ease, he closed his eyes as he tried to breathe slowly. "Great, I'm too tired to fight. I could only wish no one would care to ambush me here."

He drifted in his rest, waiting for help to come.

The sun's idle form casts radiance to the city, giving life to it on a fair-weathered day. The piazza's cobblestone walkways were trodden upon by people. The fountain found on the center spewed water in a spray that brought droplets to reflect prismatic colors. The trees gave shade to a few benches, where among these Malice took her seat. She watched the children frolic about in glee, playing near the meadows as they felt tomorrow would be the same. There are families spending their time together as they stroll around and loiter while on another end came lovers who would wish this tranquility would remain. They are seemingly devoid of worry, despite the discord that brought a flood of blood and chaos. It made her curious and all the more puzzled, wondering why they are laid back at this kind of situation. Her heart began to feel tight; a resonance which made her thoughts flood in with a memory that somehow remained faint.

"Why are they like this? They smile without any worries? Are they not afraid of death and destruction that may come when a demon would attack?" her words drifted in whispers soft enough to be muffled by the myriad of noises running about from her surroundings.

"They have faith and hope that all this will end. There's nothing that could keep them from being happy and peaceful because there are those who would fight for that freedom. Though some are powerless, they would be willing to fight and die for it." The voice trailed as it gave an answer to her question.

Malice wried her head as she turned, finding Siegel behind her as he was seated with his back turned. His silver hair remained tied as it flowed down to his back, glistening along with the sparkling fountain. He craned his neck as gazed up to the sky, continuing his explanation. "You see, these humans are no different to the sprites. Every being would wish such serenity. Even before becoming one of the Grim Angels, we were once Personae who had wishes and desires when we resided on Asgard. We are created after the Gods' image and likeness alongside the humans and sprites."

Malice fell silent with Siegel's words as she blankly watched the people in their own actions. The memories that she once saw rushing in her mind now began to make sense. Siegel smiled weakly as he raised his hand up, the back of his palm coming to sight as he seemingly grasped the sun. The rays peer through his fingers, despite running through the leaves and branches into a shower of light. Malice watched the fountain with its sprays, a question leaving her lips. "Siegel, do you have a clue in understanding my situation? These images that rush in my head, do you know how they came to be?"

"I'm glad you asked." Siegel replied with a tone of relief. "You see, I thought I was the only one suffering this kind of thing." He lowered his hand and averted his gaze to the trees that towered from the ground. With a breath, he began his explanation.

"Each of us began as Personae, incomplete beings that had will and body. We are similar to sprites and humans. Those images that you keep seeing ever since you woke up in this world, those were actually memories of long ago. I know that since I saw them before. Even being a Fallen Angel caused me to remember this because of one thing."

Siegel reached for his pocket and revealed to Malice pieces of a broken item. It was a pendant that resembled a cross with runes engraved on its surface. Malice soon recalled what it was.

"Wait, this is…"

"Yes," Siegel answered her. "That's the Immoral Rosary. Every since I wore that, my memories were sealed and I followed the words of the Magi, despite giving me such power that no Grim Angel could be defeated with it. Their word was law and that their commands are worth to be followed, even if it means sacrificing my life for it. The reason behind that surge of recollections is due to the shattering of the Immoral Rosary. When I found you in that old church, you no longer have it on your neck."

Malice lowered her head, mincing each truth told to her. Her silence was unnerving that even she could not understand what was going on. Fingers began to coil, grabbing at the fabric of her white skirt as it crumpled at her grasp. Why are they showing up now? What do they mean? How does this have to do with that man, that Crimson Angel? Her questions ran in her head, finding no sense in them yet. Siegel rose from his seat and stretched his arms after putting them into the pockets of his trousers. With a head turned to gaze at her, he noticed the gloom that seemed to amass at the brooding that she is in.

"From the looks of that, it seems there are still unanswered questions. Your memories must still be incomplete." Siegel remarked as he turned to the fountain. He closed his eyes as gauged her heart and mind. "You have to look for him if you want to get your memories back."

The young woman was taken back by his statement, puzzled at the sudden suggestion. She looked at him, waiting for Siegel to continue.

"That man you were looking for. Was his name Ledah?" he asked in a straight and deep tone.

That's when Malice was taken in shock. How did he know his name? Siegel was quite an enigma even in his companionship. What else he may know, she found meager of a clue to that.

"How did you know?" Malice asked tentatively.

"I happen to know him." Siegel replied. "I have seen him before in the academy. I trained with him and I was able to spar with him a number of times to be equaled by a certain woman whom he sparred with most of the time. And in his circle of friends, there are two people who are very close to him. That memory alone is the evidence of the truth I'm telling you."

She said nothing, her mind drifting with the possibilities of validity. Siegel turned his back and made his remark. "I'll leave you be to think about this. I know it may be too much for you but from this point, you must judge everything. I'll meet you at the inn later on. You can go ahead and search for him. I'll go and make my investigations."

Having said this, Siegel left her there. As he walked away, Malice closed her eyes and tried to make sense of everything that was said on that moment. There were a few people loitering about at the moment, granting her silence and the echoes of the wind and the showered drops of water on the fountain. Taking a moment on her own, she weighed in the things to be considered. She wanted to stand and make her move but even she couldn't muster enough effort to it. Malice leaned back, exasperated with such helplessness.

"I can't stand this anymore." She snorted as she pounded her fist on the wood. "Where are you, Ledah!?"

The park glows with the tilted angle of the sun's rays, casting a brazen light on the trees and on the pathway. There on the far end near a balcony, a young man clad in black clothes stood with his back turned. His short, blond hair danced with the wind as he watched the horizon. Unbeknownst to the youth was the soft hand that came to reach out to him. Touching his shoulder gently, he turned back to look. His stern countenance softened with a smile slightly marking his face.

"Malice," he said to her with a soft tone, enough for her to hear amidst the silence.

"I was looking for you, Ledah. I thought you left." replied Malice, her voice coming in a low tone. She made her saunter towards the edge of the balcony, her hands idling as they lay on the railings. She spoke as she tried her best not to let her resolve falter. "Don't tell me you want to miss the dance and all the festivities? This is the last day before we graduate from the academy."

Ledah looked towards the horizon, Malice's words passing through his ear. The quiet that the night brought, although relaxing and calming, became quite awkward with such uneasiness. His calm demeanor cloaked his doubting and troubled heart quite well, but can he really hide it fully? Even Malice felt it from him; she wasn't spared from that wall of isolation. The air that was cold now felt dense. She wants to be rid of it.

"Say Ledah, do you want to be a Grim Angel?" she asked out of curiosity, although it felt more of stirring the dead air.

"Does it seem like I have a choice?" he coldly answered with another question. It brought Malice to look away. Ledah eased his tone as he continued. "The truth is there is nothing else left for me. I have no family to go home to. I'm the only one left carrying his blood. It's more like my fate is sealed somehow."

Malice intently listened to him, every word painted a scenario that she knows by heart. She wasn't the only one compelled to live. But there's one thing that made her fear his answer. "Even if it means sacrificing what is precious to you?"

Ledah paused for a moment. It dawned to him. Malice had a point for him to reconsider. But deep within him, there is still a tinge of will that he is going to answer that question sooner or later. And that time which he feared was drawing near. He kept silent on that matter, trying to change the topic.

"I've heard you're going to be engaged to an heir of a prominent family." Ledah said finally, a tone of hurt embedded within his usual serious tone. "You're a noble and I can't do much about it. You need to get an assured future."

"I know that…" Malice powerlessly said. Knowing Ledah for long, she knew how he would feel about it. It proved too much for him to be in such pain yet his face cloaked it well behind the calm and collected demeanor that he always carried. It must be true about members of the clergy, being raised in a line of powerful clerics and conjurers. But she shook that thought. She knew that he wouldn't give up in anything, all the more reason for her stubborn behavior. She looked at him in the eye, this time unable to hold much longer. "That's not a reason for you to give up. You made me like this, stubborn as much as you have persisted. That young man knows nothing but wealth. You understood me very well, even at times when I sleep and you watch over. I know you that my heart and body cries your name. Can you even comprehend that?"

"Do you think this is making things easier?" Ledah asked in return. His voice was low but it seemed to be more of a growl rather than a statement. "Can't you see how much it hurts from within? The fact that there's nothing left for me to cherish have vanished and can never return is far too much. It's too much for someone who had lost everything and will remain with nothing. It's—"

Ledah was left startled, shocked at the feelings that surged within him. This sensation, this softness that has pressed on his lips, it canceled his train of thought. His eyes came to close, overwhelmed by warmth as his hands gave its embrace. Malice gave a startling move as her kiss deepened, her tongue beckoning him to enter. Its taste was far too much as the line of control was now thinned. It could last for a long time but the demand for air made them part. Malice leaned her head on his chest, her hands placed alongside as she remained in his embrace. Ledah acquiesced on that moment, giving her a chance to explain.

"I refused the engagement and chose this path." Malice said to him. "If it's alright with you, we can run away to a place where they cannot follow."

"Are you sure about this?" Ledah asked her. He found Malice as one who can be impulsive at some things but she can push through with everything she had decided. This was no different. An heir to the nobles with her as the Baroness of the Court of Asgard, it would mean a lot of pressure for her. "Are you sure you really want to go that far?"

Malice only gave a nod as she closed her eyes. "I rather be a Grim Angel and forge my freedom. I want to walk my path and make my destiny with my own hands. Just like you."

"Malice…" Ledah halted his pace, his ears catching a distinct voice in the air. He could have sworn he heard her voice. The wind caressed his face, brushing away a stray strand from his visage.

"Ledah, is something the matter?" Arjun inquired as he turned to the youth.

Ledah shook his head in silence and continued walking. He passed by the pair and went on his own. Arjun couldn't read what he was thinking, finding his expressions hard to read at this moment. Maya noticed the Grim Angel walk ahead, wondering what he was up to.

"Arjun, what's with him?" she asked as she turned to the Deva. "Did something happen?"

"I have no clue to what he's thinking." he replied. "We should catch up with him. I have a bad feeling about this."

The two followed him, wondering which trail they are following. They had no idea what was waiting for them on the end of the path. But within Ledah's hands, a resonating glow flickered on the outlines of the fair skin. The Diviner that was hidden within him was calling out to its other half. It meant one thing to Ledah alone as his stride quickened and he began to run.

(End of Chapter)

Whew. That looks like a long wait for many of you. This chapter took me a while to write since there were many things in the outside world going on. I'm in a band right now and I'm a drummer in that. Just want to inform you about that thing. Well, that doesn't stop me from writing this chapter. For one reason, I feel kinda rusty.

Well, time for the tidbits.

For most of you who played the game, you might know where Parveeju is (hint: the Dragon Zombie's lair). That place is found in the depths of Riviera.

Now for the next part, the definitions.

Jinn – These beings, according to Muslim folklore, are humanoid creatures like us humans. The only catch is that they have an alternate world for them to exist and they are made of fire. Here in this fic, they are human-like but they are affinitive to fire.

Nymph – You have to know what nymphs are. They are beautiful. Anyways, here in this story, they are beings borne out of the elements. And there is a difference between a water nymph and an undine.

Personae – I can't think of anything that comes before being an angel. A Persona is a being similar to a human. They have will, souls, and of course a body. They are somehow incomplete for the matter. (You can image Ledah and Malice without wings. Or to make things easier, look at Ein.)

Well, if you have questions and comments, send it in your reviews. All reviews, comments, suggestions and the like are appreciated. See you again in the next chapter.

Sydney Grise