:: 6 ::
:: Peace ::
( Constructive criticism and reviews only, no flames )
…
They winded down deeper and deeper and soon, they found themselves in the presence of God-Generals. Sync the Tempest, Asch the Bloody and Largo the Black Lion held Ion as their captive in front of a strange colored door, as everyone ran to his rescue.
"Ion! What are you doing with him?" screamed Anise, placing her hands on her hips. "Give him back!" she demanded. "Ah, the princess is here as well. Why don't you go back to the castle where you belong little girl?" Largo suddenly bellowed, taking a glance at Natalia. She scoffed. "How dare you! I am a princess of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear! I will not allow you to insult me or my country!" she replied proudly, her bow and arrow ready for fire.
"Tough words, princess. I wonder if you're as good with that bow as you are with talking back!" he answered, his gigantic scythe resting on top of his shoulders for battle. Guy nudged a little closer to Natalia, his hand on his own weapon ready to draw. "Natalia, be careful with you words. These guys aren't going to mess around with us, if they're insulted you know." he whispered, eyes penetrating the enemies.
She narrowed her eyes. "I know! I'm sorry. I just got a little carried away." she whispered back, taking a stance. "We still need the Fon Master to do something for us." Asch suddenly beckoned. "You can't interfere." Luke smirked. "Like hell we will!" He unsheathed his sword and everyone else prepared for battle. "Tough words for someone who fainted back at the Tartarus." Largo insulted.
"Yeah? Well tough words for someone who almost got killed with one blow from Jade's spear!" he insulted back. Tear glanced behind her. "Stay at the side so you won't get hurt, alright?" she said. Sophia blinked and nodded. "I'm sorry about this, but alright. I'll do my best, to at least stay out of your way." The other blonde in the group overheard the conversation and inched just enough to Sophia. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" he asked her. She took a deep breath and sighed. "Yes. I promise."
Jade, eyes still fixed on the God-Generals, subtly took a side step next to her and whispered. "Sure you aren't lying this time?" he questioned, his voice in between a tone of joking and a tone of seriousness. She stifled up a smile.
"I hope not, colonel."
…
As soon as we made contact with the infamous God-Generals, harsh words and cruel glances were already being cast and drawn. It seemed like everyone had something bad to say about them, especially with the kidnapping of the Fon Master. They didn't seem like they wanted to harm him, though. (Thankfully.)
I was a little worried when I say them. Just by looking at them, they already look dangerous, just like their reputation commends them for. That would be a problem for everyone, including me, especially. From Anise to Guy, everyone who came to rescue Ion would definitely expect a fight. Of course, I didn't include myself there. I guess that's what worried me so much; to be a hindrance in battle.
Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to go this time? What if something bad happens, caused by me? I sighed to myself, this isn't the time to be worrying about what I should have done. I'm already here, and if I turn back, they'd probably look down on me for not abiding with my own decisions. (That wouldn't help with the God-Generals either, would it?) I'll just have to do my best, like them, to do what I can; stay out of their way.
The battle began as soon as their words stopped flying. When everyone dispersed to fight the three God-Generals, Asch suddenly decided to just watch and protect the Fon Master. So they would be fighting Sync and Largo...nevertheless, this would still be a difficult battle, indeed. Sync and Largo are still part of the Oracle Knights, after all. They shouldn't be taken lightly, just because Asch isn't with them.
After the dispersion, I quickly ran to the back of the battlefield, back to the bridge, as I watched from the sidelines. (Thank goodness none of the God-Generals felt my presence run to the back.) Luke quickly took the challenge head on, drawing his sword again and swinging it at Sync, who maneuvered his way away from his attacks. I heard him scoff. "Damn it, stop moving!" he screamed. Sync didn't reply in response, but instead, flew up in the air and kicked him down. Luke tried to guard with his sword as best as he could, but he fell down from the impact and Tear had to cover for him as he regained his composure. (If he had one, I suppose.)
The colonel and Anise were casting spells from behind, but unfortunately, got disrupted when Largo swung his weapon at close range. The colonel managed to dodge it and continued his casting, while Guy and Natalia kept Largo at bay. "We won't let you win!" the princess shouted at him, drawing three arrows at once and shooting them with deadly precision.
Guy clashed blades with Largo and jumped up and landed back down with grace. "You heard her. You aren't getting away with the Fon Master!"
My eyes glanced back at the colonel, who concentrated his fonic energy in a fonic glyph beneath him. I wonder what spell he was casting. I soon found my question answered as a felt a drift in the air around me. It was getting rougher and rougher until a small whirl of wind centered on Sync; still clashing with Tear and Luke.
"Turbulence!" the colonel beckoned and the wind started to develop into a small tornado-like blast. It seemed very powerful, I could at least tell, from the change of the winds around us. Sadly, Sync dodged the attack (just barely it seems) and staggered, before standing tall and adjusting his loosened mask.
"This'll end now!" he shouted. Everyone regrouped, and took a defensive stance. "Everyone, try and take separate places around the battlefield. If we stay on one position too long, we'll end up for dead." I heard the colonel order. I saw them all nod, and as soon as Sync rushed in for an arte, they all dispersed.
Anise took a risk, though. I got much more worried when she rushed in to attack Sync after he rushed in. "Dual Punishment!" she bellowed. Her Tokunaga doll (The person who made it must be really good to sustain that much damage, just by attacking.) spun around, punching Sync. He blocked and Largo ran towards Luke, swinging his scythe. I felt my breath hitch and a lump form in my throat. Watching them fight was nothing I've ever seen before. Sure, not everyone was as talented and as good as the others, but still. It's not like I could ever match up to that.
I gripped the side of the concrete bridge tighter and my breathing started to grow faster. I felt compelled to help them, somehow in some sort of way. I knew, though, if I did I'd just be a burden but, they were so...indescribable. As if I felt insulted just staying there, watching.
Anise was doing her best defending against Sync's attacks. She wasn't doing very well, though since Sync was winning with speed. She gasped and fell from Tokunaga's back and tried to cover herself from the incoming impact Largo was about to deliver, instead of Sync. I gasped and winced.
"I won't let you get through!" I heard Natalia shout. When I opened my eyes, I saw her crouching down and clutching her bowstring, a flurry of arrows heading straight for Largo. He stammered when one of them hit his shoulder and leaned on his scythe for support. Anise sighed gratefully and regained her position back on Tokunaga. "Thanks Natalia! I owe you one!" she said.
"Let's save the gratification for when we win!" Guy said as he and Luke took Sync on together, a storm of artes brandishing the battlefield. Tear and Jade tried to cast spells to slow Largo down. I heard Tear sing a beautiful hymn, and
I felt as if, I was drifting to sleep. (She has a wonderful voice.)
As soon as she finished her singing, a purple aura glowed underneath Largo and emerged in a spark of energy. He winced in pain and I saw the colonel run up and summon a spear from (what seems like) nowhere. He thrust hard at Largo, but failed in killing him when a part of his weapon got caught in the attack. It looked like only about half of the attack was connected.
I had a feeling the colonel and Tear would be alright by themselves. If they could slow down Largo together, just by themselves, then I'm sure they'll be alright. (I pray for this to be true.) I suddenly heard someone cringe in pain. Luke had been punched mercilessly by Sync and not even Anise nor Guy could break his rhythm.
Eventually, Sync's attacks grew fiercer and I felt the ground shake a little. What was he planning to do? Guy drew his sword in a flash of light and I heard him shout. "Crescent Moon!" Sync blocked with one of his legs and continued pummeling Luke. "Stop it Sync! If you kill him, I won't have anyone rich to marry anymore!" Anise whined, while jumping high above the air and twirling down bellow. "Eagle Dive!" she said.
"This ends now! Storm Edge!" Natalia also cried out, the same crouch as I saw before connecting with a barrage of arrows. It broke Sync's attack, but as soon as he regained his position, the ground shook up even more. I lost footing and slipped on the ground, but my eyes stayed fixed on the fight.
"Take this!" Sync bellowed. "Stone Dragon Ascent!"
My eyes grew wider when Sync started the Arcane Arte. The ground around him was shaking and huge boulders and spikes from the ground emerged from underneath the area, everyone caught in it damaged. Natalia stayed safe, since she worked from afar with her bows and prepared to heal Guy and Luke who got caught in the spell.
"Oh soothing light, Heal!" she cried. She healed Luke while Tear saw the damage and ran over to the back to heal Luke with First Aid; both spells I wished I could learn and use. I suddenly felt useless when I witnessed the two Seventh Fonists act. They were so talented, both in Fonic and Strike artes, and I felt sad. I was older than them by at least nine to ten years and yet, they beat me in almost everything I want to strive to be good at. If I could use those kinds of spells too, then at least I wouldn't be cowering behind the battlefield, waiting for something good to come up.
"Thanks Natalia! That helped." Guy winked and ran back to the fight. Natalia nodded and continued to cast support spells, instead of attacking the God-Generals. I sighed again. It was a good thing she healed them so quickly. What Sync had done cost a lot of damage.
I stood from my seated position on the ground and, after realizing this wasn't the time to dust myself, just stood there watching in awe and in worry. No one would know what the outcome of this battle would be, but I'm just praying, hoping, they'd be victorious.
I stayed fixed on the colonel and Tear again, who was joined by Anise after a few blows to the large God-General. (Guy, Natalia and Luke were busy fighting Sync.) Tear used Invoke spell to create Fields of Fonons on the ground and Anise used one for the taking.
"Hee hee, just for you! Frigid Raptor!" she shouted, performing an Eagle Dive while staying inside a blue Field. Largo grimaced and hit the attack full on, finally kneeling down on the ground, using only the scythe for support. The colonel pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose and ran swiftly towards Largo, summoning his spear again and this time, thrusting him with completion.
Tear nodded and ran up to the colonel and Anise. "That was good. We hardly have any damage at all." she said. Anise sighed. "No way! Sync almost killed us with that Stone Dragon Ascent!"
"It seems our fight isn't over, just because Largo is out of the game." the colonel said, suddenly. That look in his eyes, it was scary. He seems so carefree and calm when there aren't any battles, but when in one, it was whole different story.
They were so concentrated and so, focused. When he ran up to join in the assault with Sync, I felt myself just focus on his eyes, instead of anything else.
I snapped out of it when Tear started to sing a fonic hymn again. This time, it was a lot calmer than before, but still retained the beauty of her voice. A huge force field enveloped Luke, the colonel and Guy just as Sync took a flying kick. He attained impact on the field and made a backwards flip back. Natalia and Anise caught him off-guard and both attacked him to no end.
"Feel the power of light! Limited!" Anise shouted and a pillar of light started to come down on the young God-General. He tried to somersault away but his leg caught the impact instead and he winced in pain. "Got you!" Luke shouted. "You're dead now!"
With a cocky grin, he ran and charged his sword at Sync. "Take this! Fang Blade!" I saw him jump a little sloppy upwards, taking Sync with the slice of his blade. It was over, at last.
I thought I could sigh with relief, but when I did, Sync unexpectedly did a back flip in midair and disarm Luke with a kick.
Luke's sword went flying and landed on the ground, away from them. He screamed. "Damn it!" He landed with a huge, painful thump and I knew I heard Tear sigh. "Careless..."
"I'll use another spell to disarm him." the colonel offered, and soon, Guy and Anise started covering him for protection.
Natalia used another healing spell on Luke and Tear cast that strange purple fonic glyph that made me feel sleepy again.
Sync, however, was too fast for it to take effect and instead he went fo--
"COLONEL LOOK OUT!"
It was so sudden. My thoughts washed away from me when I saw Sync suddenly appear from behind Tear and the colonel. He pushed Tear away with a blow and suddenly decided to use another one of his Stone Dragon Ascent artes.
The colonel, thankfully, heard me and jumped away from his attack. He landed on his feet and summoned his spear again, my breath hitched once more.
Sync tried to counter, but was met with Guy's sword instead and he fell from impact of the two fonists.
I started to breathe normally after both God-Generals were pinned down. It seemed everyone could breathe, if not for a little after that. I leaned my head back a little in relief. At least the colonel was alright, as is everyone else. (I wasn't very happy with Luke, though. He was a little too cocky at that fight.)
I felt a bead of sweat slide down my temples. Just watching that fight had already made me tired. Just think of what they had felt, when all I ever did was sit and stand and sit and stand, watching them. It was a beautiful fight, if you want me to tell the truth. (And believe me, I somehow subconsciously tell lies.)
I stepped up a little from my safe spot (although I didn't know how safe this spot really was...) and approached them again. They were still focused on the God-Generals, whimpering in fatigue and defeat. "Y-You've grown stronger..." Largo stammered. "Heh! I misjudged you, princess."
Natalia scowled and crossed her arms. She seemed very annoyed and replied feverishly. "Well, this is brought upon by your own selfish actions!" Sync gasped for air, he seemed really hurt. (Some of the times where I wished I had the ability like Tear and Natalia.)
"You don't know what you're talking about." he retaliated, although it was hard for me to see the anger underneath all that embarrassment and tiredness. Before anything else could be said or done, Asch left the Fon Master's side and ran towards us, or, more importantly, to Luke.
Luke scoffed back and ran towards his attacker, both drawing swords at...exactly the same time. Which was...strange. I blinked. At the same time as well, Asch and Luke did the exact same move, with the perfect timing to mimic each other.
Just like...a mirror and a reflection. (Funny, I'm making reference.)
I glanced around, and saw everyone else was shocked. Especially Natalia. Once again, my eyes traveled to the colonel, and I saw the same look in his eyes when he's thinking about something...something important. Eyes that was unwavering, seemingly knowing the situation. Does he know why they executed the same thing at the same time with the utmost perfect timing?
I really, really wanted to know deep down. But I suppose, things like this could wait for when I...we...actually, know more than just our names.
"What the hell?" I heard Luke say in shock. I saw Asch cringe. "You really are stupid, dreck. Of course it's the same. We both trained from Van." I see...so they were both trainees under the Commandant. Somehow, I didn't really catch on the whole truth. I guess, deep down, I really wanted to use that as an excuse. (I don't think he'd like it that I'm using his curiosity to arouse my own ego.)
I broke out of that train of thought and saw Asch ready his sword again. "This time I'll--" he started, when Sync blocked his path. "No Asch! Hold back! We have more important things to accomplish than this trash."
Trash?
He scowled and seemed to listen to his comrade. "Fine." he snapped. I'm sure I saw him give Luke a dirty look, though.
Was there something between them, other than the strange fact that they look so much alike? (I sighed when I thought about this. I can't believe this.)
"We'll make a deal." Sync started. "You can take the Fon Master back and in return, we expect you to all leave this place. And if you return, we'll make sure you'll regret it. I can bury you all alive if you dare come back!" Even though he was already hurt from the battle, I can already tell he was serious.
The colonel sighed and nodded. "Alright, we aren't in a position to argue with that. It does both sides well, so why not?
Anise, if you will." he said. Anise nodded back and ran towards the Fon Master. "Ion! Are you hurt?" I heard her ask.
"Tch! Cowards. Fine, let's go then. C'mon! Move!"
"My, my, you really do have a temper. Alright. Let's get moving then, shall we?"
"I can't believe we're running away, like this."
"It's not really running away Natalia, but we've got no choice right now."
"Very well."
I'm sure I heard the God-Generals say something, but I walked away from them as they had ordered, with the others. I didn't look back, although I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me. I slowly tried to look at the colonel, but, as expected, he was looking towards the pathway.
"That was a very poorly placed move, Luke." I heard Tear say from behind. "Well, I thought I could have killed him, alright? Big deal! We got Ion back, so stop moping about it!" he remarked back. "Thank you for rescuing me, Luke." The Fon Master said.
"Yeah, whatever. Let's just get to Chesedonia, okay?"
I heard Tear sigh, and quite frankly I couldn't help but sigh too. (Although I stopped myself before it got too far.) I didn't really like Luke, ever since Kaitzur. He seemed to have an air of arrogance all around him, and he was too easily persuaded. As if, he relied on the words of others, instead of his own.
Am I being hypocritical again?
What am I saying to myself? If there's one thing I should have realized after that fight, it's that, in a way, I am sort of like Luke. (If what I think is right.) I'm only tagging along because of the Emperor's wishes. It isn't like I'm any different from Luke. He was sent here to be an ambassador, wasn't he?
I sighed, and unfortunately, the colonel and Tear noticed me do so. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I know he isn't a very good person to be with at times like this." she said quietly, moving forward to avoid Luke overhearing. (Fortunately though, he was talking to Guy and Ion.)
I smiled. "No, I'm alright. It's not that." I reassured her. "I was thinking of something else, that's all." She smiled back at me; she really was a beautiful girl. "Alright, if you say so. I'm sorry, again."
She walked faster and ended up next to Natalia and Guy (who was a little ways behind them.).
"I must thank you, by the way."
My eyes widened, just a little and I smiled. I lowered my head and looked away, slowly. "For what?" I asked softly. "I did nothing to help." I added. It was true; the colonel was thanking me for nothing. If I at least, had the abilities of Tear or Natalia, then I'd be happy to take that gratitude. But sadly, I don't really have anything to offer, in terms of battle. (Hopefully, I can offer something else.)
I heard him sigh and it got me to look at him. (He was very good in getting attention.) I didn't know why, but there was something with his eyes that sparked my interest. I keep looking at them, whenever I get the chance. (It was kind of embarrassing.)
"Did I say something wrong?" I asked him again. He smiled, one I've always seen around when we travel. "No, it's just that, you have this great habit of lying." I blinked a few times and produced a chuckle. "I'm sorry. What did I lie about this time?"
He was very perceptive, I guess it's part of him I like.
"That you did nothing to help, of course. I would've suffered greater injuries than the ones I have now, if you didn't warn me of Sync." I giggled. "You're very good at this, colonel." I replied. "Yes, it's quite a burden being this vigilant."
"I wish I could do more than just shout when enemies approach." I thought out loud. The colonel seemed to be listening to me, even though he was silent so I decided to stop talking. Who knows what more I could blurt out. I just wished this sort of talking gets us somewhere. A close friendship is good enough for me, I'm not asking anyone of us to fall completely into the arrangement.
Friends...yes. I'd like that very much.
…
They left the ruins soon after defeating the God-Generals, exposing themselves back into the desolate heat of the desert around them.
"Man! We did get Ion back but now we gotta face this tremendous heat!" Anise complained, while she walked beside Ion.
"Let's get going as soon as we can, alright? I don't think I can take this much humidity!" Natalia nodded. "I agree with you Anise. The heat isn't very comfortable, now that we've left the ruins." she said, loosening her collar just a little to let some air in.
"And the faster we get outta here, the faster we can get to meet up with Master Van!" Luke shouted. "You mean to get to Akzeriuth where we can help those people?" Tear corrected, narrowed eyes piercing the red head. "Honestly. Is my brother all you ever think about?"
"Well, he can't help it. Van is the only person that Luke got to train with and bond with while he was still in the manor."
Guy answered, nudging next to Luke. "Got that right! L-Let's just get going okay?"
"Geez! Can't we let Ion rest a little? He must be exhausted!"
"But Master Van's already there by now! We'll miss him if we stall and waste time!" Luke retorted, voice a little higher than before. Anise was about to retaliate with her own, but was cut off short by a polite cough.
"Oh, this is getting interesting." Jade said, before the women next to him began to talk. "If you don't mind, Luke, maybe it is wise for us to ask the Fon Master if he wants to rest. He did go through that tiring ordeal of getting captured by the God-Generals." Sophia said; her voice still calm and collected. She smiled afterwards.
Luke sighed in defeat. "Fine! Go ahead and ask him!" Tear and Natalia shook their heads. "Unbelievable..." Natalia said.
"I know." Tear added.
"No, thank you for your concern, but I'm alright. Thank you Anise, Sophia and Luke." he answered politely. "I don't want to be a burden. I can take the heat, please don't worry." Sophia smiled and nodded. "Alright Fon Master, if that is your wish. Forgive me."
"Man, you sure are polite Sophia. That's so cool!" Anise said, grinning at her. She smiled in response. "Thank you Anise."
"Well, putting that interesting conversation aside, shall we get going everyone?" Jade finally intervened, earning the nods and approval of the group (especially Luke's). They walked out of the ruins and back to the desert.
Sophia was faced again, with having to trail behind with the colonel, something both of them have been doing so far.
Both of them must have realized it by now, but it was better to be safe than sorry. They both wanted to make this arrangement work, and if that means having to be friends at least, then it was fine.
When they trailed a little more from them, the silence broke. "That was the first time I've ever seen you stand up for yourself, you know." he said casually. She giggled. "Really? Then I'll make a note of speaking my mind out more often then, colonel." she replied.
"Oh, you don't have too." he answered.
She stared in confusion. "Pardon?"
He smiled again, one that she had gotten used too. "It's just interesting seeing things unfold like this." She smiled. "Then, in that case, am I helping at all, even though it's not in a fight?" she remarked. He chuckled. "Indeed you are. Congratulations."
She stopped walking and Jade looked back at her. She blinked, before smiling as warmly as she could; she remembered, back at the ruins.
"Yes, and you're welcome, colonel."
