Penny and Ariel CollabPenny didn't want to go alone, but it seemed she would have to now, as it didn't seem like she would find Damian anytime soon.
"Karn has plenty of people looking out for him, Ariel. And I'm sure Master Jamie will not let anything more serious occur to him. I do not wish to both Sasha, and I cannot find Damian. I need to go, and I can't be looking for someone to go with me"Pondering her options Ariel nodded slightly. Karn did have others to help him, and she couldn't entirely do much to help him at this very moment. Her Spirit magic needed to replenish before she could even consider trying to see how Edo-Karn was. This whole thing was absolutely crazy. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get some distance from Crocus either. At least until she can stabilize more. So far it'd been nothing but being pulled one direction after another from all the magic around.
"You're right. It sounds like time is of the essence. Where is it that we're going?" How did she get herself in these situations? Somehow she was always putting herself out there for others and obligating herself. This sounded like it wouldn't be a particularly long venture though. Mostly because Penny was clearly already short on time.
Penny tilted her head slightly, not expecting Ariel to simply offer herself. Penny was silent for a moment, before she said softly,
"Not far. How good are your climbing skills? I could probably carry you for a few moments if it will be too difficult" Penny wasn't use to thinking about other people's lack of flight abilities,
"Unless one of your abilities is flying, then we can just fly" Penny said, already relieved she wouldn't be going alone as she wrote a note to Damian to say she would be back soon, that she had to do something important and that she hadn't been able to find him and there was a time requirement, leaving it with the concierge to take to his room.
Breaking away from her inner thoughts, Ariel answered the question.
"I don't have any magic to fly. But I should be able to climb with one or two that I have." This conversation was no fun for this personality. Sadly she couldn't change just yet.
Ariel followed Penny as she wrote and placed the note for Damian. Wasn't long after that that they headed out to their destination.
Penny was silent as she led the way. A hours walk, which would have taken Penny five minutes by herself, out of Crocus there were some mountains.
The cave come up more suddenly then Penny thought it would, lost in her own thoughts, her own past. And she began to explain, on the trip there why she was going this. She swallowed before she started, and the story came out slowly to start, but as she got going, it came out faster.
"When my biological mother left me with my adoptive parents, she thought she was doing the right thing. And for a while, it was great. I guess I was about four when it started to change...My adoptive father began to beat my mother. I would hide, in a cupboard, but I could still hear everything, could still hear the pounding, and my mothers cries...One day, he went to far, and killed her, but made it seem like an accident...I hated him, but I was terrified.
Then I found my magic. I began learning it in secret, and then...when I was 16...I...he started to come at me...and I lost control. The fire escaped me, and I let him burn, fleeing. I don't remember that run, nor the travels that brought me to Solias..but I woke up in his cave and...well, he taught me my magic more then anything else, told me of my phoenix slayer magic, and...and...when I went searching for Sasha, he made me promise not to use my slayer magic, and I agreed, only...well, I started to use it. I knew the risks...I still do...and my fire magic is extremely powerful by itself.
But I got off track. He knew he was dying, even then, and asked me one thing. When his time was coming...that I would be the one to do it, to end his suffering. I agreed, because he had saved my life."She fell silent, looking up at the cave she knew she would have to enter. Looked up at the cave that had been a home to her when she needed it.
"I can carry you up, if you like. My flames won't harm you" she said with certainty
Listening intently, Ariel stayed silent while Penny told her story. The two had never really talked much. While she knew Penny had had a hard life she really had no idea just how much. It seemed like every time she got to know one of her guild members they had had a harder life than she did.
"Wow. I had no idea. Makes me glad my family has been... Nevermind." Maybe not the best moment to go into how stable her family was. So far she seemed to be the odd one of the family.
Brushing off her own thoughts Ariel looked up to where the cave was. She probably could climb it, but it might take a while. Her magic wasn't cooperation at the moment, the Crystal magic having surfaced too recently.
"I think you'll have to fly me up. I can't change magics right now.""you shouldn't feel bad that you might be upsetting me or anyone else when you talk about your family, it's nice to know there are good ones out there" Penny said softly,
"alright then. The flames might tickle but they won't burn"It merely took seconds to change to to her flame form, and she held out her hands to Ariel.
Once She held Ariel, it was a little bit harder to take off but in seconds they were in the air. Penny wavered a moment, before taking off. It was barely a minute before she reached the cave opening.
Setting down, Penny stood there, battling back fear.
It was good to hear that Penny didn't mind hearing about her family. Ariel hadn't really talked about her family much beyond where they were from. Not really worried about the flames she welcomed the ride. It definitely was much easier than climbing.
"Thank you for the lift." Before they continued into the cave Penny had stopped. This was not going to be easy for her. Reaching out Ariel took Penny's hand.
"Come on. I'll take the lead." Holding her hand tightly she gently lead them forward. She couldn't imagine having to do this kind of thing. Solias was one of the few that cared for her after all the abuse. While Ariel didn't know the way, she figured it couldn't be that complicated.
Penny shook her head,
"I've never used the death song before. Like...like all the songs, I can choose who it effects, but...if at anytime you feel weak, I want you to run."She turned, staring into the mouth of the cave that she knew so well. She took a deep breath, and stepped forward, stepped into the cave. She didn’t look back. She knew that if she did, she wouldn’t be able to do this.
She found him, gray and lifeless, the slight rise and fall of his chest the only indication that he still lived. His once fiery hair was dull and lifeless now, his eyes faded. And the first sob escaped Penny. She froze, unsure whether she could continue or not. And then she took another step.
“Dad” She said softly, approaching, and crouching
“I’m sorry.” She whispered, sorry for everything, sorry that she had treated him so bad, sorry, sorry, sorry that she hadn’t been a good daughter, sorry that this had to happen, sorry it had to be her. Sorry.
“I know you knew, the minute you found me, that I was yours. I don’t need to know how it happened, how my biological mother came across you. I don’t. I was angry, so angry, that you didn’t want to help me. I thought…I thought that you were ashamed of me…I’m sorry” Another sob escaped her. She knew she needed to do this now, or she wouldn’t be able to.
She hugged Solias one last time, and then she rose, her eyes blurring with tears. “Phoenix Song: Death note” The music was beautiful, sorrowful, a marching tune to death, an echo of grief, of pain, of farewell. It was death. Flame, bright red, yellow flickering within, engulfed the old Phoenix, the old slayer-turned Phoenix. It was beautiful. It was terrible. Penny had no words to describe it.
It was death.
It was over in moments. All that remained was ashes, and Penny fell to the ground, her knees slamming down, scrapping against the rock.
Ariel followed Penny into the cave and before long she saw Solias. He was withered and clearly lost the luster that he surely once had. It was surprising to even see such a creature. Not long ago she didn't even know that phoenix even existed, much less that she would have the opportunity to see one. But the excitement was undercut by the sorrow of what was about to happen. Nodding in reply to Penny's warning she stood off to the side.
Even though she was a little ways off Ariel could hear her guildmates words. They confused her quite a bit. Solias was Penny's dad! Now it hit her why this was so hard. Penny had to put down her father. Feeling numb she approached the two but stopped short not really knowing what to say or do.
And then the
Phoenix Song: Death Note floated through the air. It was beautiful but crushing. Feeling weak Ariel made an effort to leave but her legs folded under her and she fell to the ground. Though she couldn't get away she managed to stay conscious. The brilliant flame drew her attention and she watched as the phoenix burned into ashes. Lifting herself up Ariel dragged herself over to Penny and put an arm around her. Even though she felt light headed she tried to stay stable as best she could.
Besides the dizziness though she felt odd, like she was drifting. A quick glance at the ground confirmed that she wasn't though. Was it the effects of the song? To Ariel the ashes seemed to be shimmering. Staring blankly she clearly wasn't all there.
"It'll be okay Penny... Her vision was blurring and she reached for the light that she was seeing in the ashes.
"So bright. She changed back to Ash magic and ran a hand through the ashes.
Penny fought to keep herself under control, knowing that if she let herself break down here, she wouldn't be able to leave. And she didn't want to completely lose it in front of Ariel. It was a horrible battle, but only the thought of Ariel, the thought that she might have been affected by the song, pulled her back from the black abyss she was tittering on.
Ariel seemed a little...unstable. Penny had to assure herself that the girl was functioning correctly, that she hadn't just half killed a guild mate. she pushed herself onto her feet, rocking back onto her heels, as she pushed back her own emotions. Ariel was running her hands through the ashes, concerning Penny.
"Ariel?" her voice was raw
Even though Solias had been reduced to ashes there was a lot of lingering magic from the phoenix. Penny could probably feel it but Ariel could see it plain as day. What exactly was running through the girl's mind though was a little hard to say. The song had done a number on her and while she seemed to be active she wasn't all there at the moment. Her ability to absorb magic wasn't about to let her die though. The magic left over from the phoenix death was sucked out of the cave and into Ariel.
That seemed to be the jump Ariel needed because she sat up and rubbed her head lightly. [color-gray]"Ugh, what happened?"[/color] She glanced at the pile of ash and then her hard that she'd run through it.
"O-oh. Penny I'm sorry. I didn't mean to touch the ashes." Rising to her feet she glanced at Penny. While outwardly she seemed to have Ash magic, her eyes were a deep orange, like burning coals. Something was going on internally as some of the phoenix magic was leaking out as heat. Ariel took a few deep breaths and managed to cool down a bit.
"Why is it so hot all of the sudden?""Phoenix Magic is very...drawing. Every part of a Phoenix is pure magic, including the Ashes. If this was not his true death, he would simply be reborn, using the magic from the ashes" she spoke in a voice devoid of emotions, yet somehow full of them.
"Phoenix Magic is warm. It is...life. Strangely addictive, it's meant to be rejuvenating. Sometimes the overwhelming magic of Phoenix magic can be so hot, that I have to release the magic within myself to allow room for its magic. There's a reason why there are very few, if only me and the one other in crocus, that can use Phoenix magic. It's almost a third origin, a third well of magic within you."Penny let out a slow breath,
"I know you can copy others magika, but perhaps you should limit the contact you have with Phoenix Magic."Penny tenderly scooped up as much as the ashes as she could, and going to the mouth of the cave, she flung all but a small handful out, watching the wind catch it at once, and it spread far and wide in seconds.
"I want to get back. I need to. Let's see if we can burn some of that excess heat you have. Let's see if you can fly now" it was easier to focus on Ariel, the. On her own twisting and turning emotions.
As Ariel listened she could feel what Penny was describing. A moment ago it felt like she was dying. Now she could feel the Phoenix magic churning inside her. Being warned to avoid Phoenix magic now was probably a moot point. It was building and threatening to consume her.
"I think it's too late to avoid. I still hear the song ringing in my ears. His magic, Solias', I took it all in to live. There's a voice calling to me... 'Be reborn.'" She didn't quite exit the cave yet, hanging back.
Penny wanted to get back and asked Ariel to try and fly. Flying sounded nice, like freedom, and Ariel wanted it. Flames formed around her body as the Phoenix magic was released. Unable to control it the flames grew in intensity and consumed Ariel in a matter of seconds. Becoming ashes herself, her and Solias' very essence intertwined to become a new Phoenix. Barely visible in the firestorm the girl rose from the ashes. Flesh and bone wings sprouted and grew from her back as the Phoenix side manifested. The rebirth process complete the flames dispersed and Ariel stumbled a bit before getting her footing.
Despite what happened Ariel seemed to be quite confused by her form. She had a human body and she examined it a bit before wrapping herself up in her wings, finding that more comforting. Finally noticing Penny it took a couple moments to remember who it was.
"...Penny. What's going on? I look like a human."Penny just watched, knowing there was nothing that she could do. The flames didn't bother her, nor did the intensity in which they burned. It was mildly interesting, and Penny knew that only having Ariel there prevented the same fate occurring for her.
She should be relieved. Instead she just felt hollow.
At Ariel's question, Penny managed a small smile.
"So did Solias, when he wanted to. Phoenix's have two forms, but I imagine you won't as you are a true Phoenix. I don't know, I'm just guessing here. You seem okay, so that's good"Shifting her weight slightly Ariel glanced back into the cave for a moment, and then back out to the open sky. She was ready to go but there was something that she felt needed to be done. Walking over to Penny she wrapped her up in a hug, whether she wanted one or not.
"You're hurting. Don't bottle it up. I won't judge you if you need cry. I may not know everything Solias did but I know he would want you to feel, to heal. He's a part of both of us now."Ariel could be an emotional person to be sure. But this was a little different. She wasn't being this way because the magic dictated so. Solias being part of her gave an emotional attachment to Penny, even if it was one sided. Not in the father and daughter sense. Penny was closer to a sister at this moment, something she'd never had and wasn't entirely sure how to respond. But she knew she had to be there for Penny right now.
Penny shook her head, not at the offer of comfort but rather at the offer to breakdown.
"No. If I start I won't stop and then we will never get back. I need to be away from here. I want to go home" home didn't mean the guild to her, it didn't even mean her dorm. Right then, Home was the place where those she cared about were.
"thank you for coming with me, I'd probably be curled up drowning the rocks in tears if I came alone" she said softly,
"I'm grateful"Though she seemed sceptical, Ariel didn't press the issue. Maybe Penny dealt with things differently. She let go and managed a small smile.
"You're welcome. Let's head back." Stepping out she spread her wings and took off like she'd done it a hundred times before. Surely her guildmate would follow. Flying was going to make this a quick trip.
After a little while of flying in silence Ariel drifted back a bit to fly side by side.
"I'm having a little trouble remembering things at the moment. I think it will come back to me in time." Getting back to Crocus she turned and asked an interesting question.
"Penny, does this make us sisters?" Penny was relieved that Ariel let it go for now. Watching Ariel take flight, Penny watched to make sure the girl wasn't going to plummet to the hard earth below, but Ariel's movements seemed confident. Flames engulfed Penny, and her Phoenix shape formed, the bright red and orange flames seemed to flicker with a deep purple color ever so often, and there seemed to be more solidness to the shape.
"Solias always said it was hard to remember things, until his mind adjusted to his new form, each time he was reborn. You will adjust, in time." Penny replied, loud enough to be heard over the wind.
She pondered Ariel's question, knowing it was hard to answer. She was silent, until the city came into view mere moments later.
"I've learned that you can choose your family. I've learned that some things just happen, that people are thrown together for a reason. I've learned that it's okay to let people in, even if it is scary to wonder if you will lose them, or if they will hurt you.
I don't know what we are, Ariel. But I think it's safe to say that neither of us will ever truly be alone again. So, yes. But I think it's so much more then that"She angled just slightly to the hotel, automatically adjusting for the change in direction and the height of the roof
The answer seemed to be satisfactory and Ariel dropped the subject. Thoughts were still a tad slippery in her mind so she decided it might be best to try and not ramble.
Directing her flight to the Phoenix Wing Hotel Ariel wasn't sure what she would do on arrival. For that matter there was no telling how people would react to her transformation. She was pretty sure the wings were a new feature. Given the strength of the magic she probably wouldn't be changing out of it for several hours.
Penny landed smoothly, her flames dying away in seconds. She looked to Ariel, wanting to check that she was alright, still seeming a little strange. Perhaps it wasn't the best to bring her here, but Penny was teetering dangerously on the edge of an emotional turmoil.
"I forgot. Do you have a room yet?" It wouldn't do to just leave Ariel wondering at the moment.
She walked over to the stair way giving access to the hotel as she spoke, checking that the door was unlocked.
"If not, you could probably crash in my room" Her voice was thick with the unshed tears threatening to spill now.
Ariel stared blankly as she tried to remember if she had a room. Coming up with nothing she shook her head.
"I don't think so. Uh... No, I'm pretty sure I don't." She followed like she was a lost puppy, or bird.
She also noticed the shaking in Penny's voice but didn't press about it. She just knew that whenever Penny was ready that she wanted to be available to comfort her.
No, it wouldn't do to let Ariel wander around by herself. She'd probably get lost and in trouble, and Penny didn't want to deal with anymore trouble right then.
"You can come to my room then, and once you're more settled, we can see about getting you a room" Penny led the way down the stairs to her floor, managing barely to open the door to the hotel room.
She left the door open for Ariel, stumbling into the room. She didn't make it to the bed. She fell to the ground, scrapping her palms. Great, racking sobs tore from her throat, her chest heaving, her lungs sucking in air and exploding it into sobs, tears pouring down her cheeks
Stepping in Ariel closed the door. She was fairly sure that Panny wouldn't want everyone in the building to hear. She wasn't entirely sure what to do at the moment. The thought crossed her mind that, given where her Phoenix magic came from, she could be a reminder of Solias. There wasn't much she could do about that though. Kneeling down next to her, Ariel placed a hand on her back and rubbed lightly.
Penny turned into Ariel, accepting the comfort that she offered, unable to stop the tears tearing out her throat.
jessieJessie, who even know seemed full of energy smiled,
"not murders, just maiming and comatosing. They are powerful wizards, after all" she said brightly, as she packed away the mics and systems, charming them to keep them safe.
"Pizza is always a good choice" she said happily, rising and stretching,
"come on"master Jamie"you speak wrongly, Jackie. Sometimes to act is the only course of action. Sometimes rising, even if you aren't ready, is all you can do. Sometimes being the first to step up, brings an army to your back. Was it not so for Fraquar? In his case, it didn't result in his, nor the guilds death.
Yet it still does not change the fact that sometimes fighting is all you have left" Jamie said patiently
"do you think my guild was prepared to fight the magic council? Yet we did it anyway, because sometimes you have to do what needs to be done, even if you don't know if you can do it" she turned to Jane, giving a soft sigh
"I'm sorry. I can wish my sources had told me sooner of the dark guilds actions, that I may have prevented the deaths of your parents. Yet we can't change the past, and for that I am truly sorry. The loss of those you care about is no easy thing. You will find in my guild that many have suffered such a loss, yet together we find the strength to go on. I hope you will too"@joshua tamashii@zarkun@hatakekuro@t2wave 
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