Angelica sat against the wall of the ship, staring at her mother's dagger in her hand. She was thankful to Prompto for retrieving it for her before Aranea's men tore the village apart. Ignis sat beside her, keeping a close eye on her condition. She was periodically having surges of pain from the plasmodium spreading through her body. And even in between the surges, an uncomfortable burning sensation overwhelmed her body and her voice grew hoarse.

"How's your throat?" Ignis quietly asked, remembering the way Thanatos grabbed her by the neck.

Angelica tucked the dagger away and looked at him. "It feels fine. How does it look?" She tilted her head up, showing her neck.

Ignis leaned down, the dim lighting inside the ship making it difficult to tell. He traced his fingertips over her skin. "A bit of light bruising, but nothing too noticeable."

Noctis was currently on the phone with someone, pacing back and forth. Prompto sat against the opposite wall, across from Ignis and Angelica. Gladiolus was standing close to Prompto, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Aranea," Gladio called. The woman turned to face him from where she stood between the two pilots. "You never told us exactly what your job was at the village."

The others, aside from Noctis, looked to her, curious to know as well. "The empire's been keeping a watchful eye on those assassins for a long time," she explained. "They've feared a rebellion for years now. So, they sent me to quell any uprisings and keep those assassins in they're place. But when they attacked us on sight, I knew what needed to be done. Pretty sick knowing what they were actually doing this whole time. I was never told about the magitek bugs they used."

Angelica suddenly winced, feeling a surge of pain spreading from the back of her neck. She groaned in pain, earning everyone's attention. She almost instinctively turned and grasped onto Ignis beside her. The bespectacled man wrapped his arms around her as she whimpered from the pain.

"Ignis," she mumbled. "I'm... I'm scared. I don't wanna become a daemon."

Ignis tightened his hold on her, hoping to ease her pain in any way. "I know, darling. Everything will be alright once we catch up to the Oracle in Altissia. Just hang on till then."

Her pain faded away and she slowly pulled away from Ignis. Noctis put his phone away with a sigh. "Bad news, repairs on the boat aren't finished."

"But then we won't make it to Altissia before..." Prompto trailed off, glancing at Angelica.

"That's not all," the prince continued. "Also got word from Cor. He and the hunters have located more royal tombs." The gang fell silent briefly, wondering what to do. Noctis finally shook his head. "The tombs can wait. We've gotta get Angel to Altissia."

"But you need all the royal arms you can get," the girl argued. "You NEED that power to reclaim the Crystal."

"But we can't just sit here and watch you turn into a daemon either," Gladio added.

"My friends are more important," Noctis said. "Getting you healed is our top priority."

"Or we could split up," the girl suggested. "You guys go for the tombs while I head for Altissia. I just need to find a ride..."

"Actually..." Aranea was thinking it over. "I may be able to help you. I've actually got another job to do at Steyliff, but I could have Biggs and Wedge give you a lift to Altissia."

Angelica's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Well it's better than watching you turn into a daemon," she pointed out.

Ignis placed a hand over Angelica's, earning her attention. "Are you certain you wish to split up at a time like this?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Don't worry, I'll be fine. You guys go on and do what you gotta." She leaned closer and quietly added, "Besides, you and I can stay in touch. Feel free to give me a call or text whenever you're unsure of my well-being."

He smiled lightly. "Very well, then."

The group planned everything out. The boys would continue gathering royal arms while Cid finished up repairs on Regis's old ship. While they did that, Aranea's subordinates would take Angelica straight to Altissia, where Lunafreya was said to be heading. It was still dark when they arrived outside of Steyliff Grove. The boys were set to go after the tomb Cor said was hidden in the Myrlwood.

Aranea stood before Biggs and Wedge. "Drop the girl off in Altissia, then come straight back. I should be done with my own job by the time you get here."

"You got it, Lady A!" Biggs replied.

Angelica was busy saying her own farewells. "I'll be waiting for you guys."

"We'll try not to make you wait too long," Noctis playfully retorted.

Ignis wrapped the girl in a quick hug. "Godspeed, and stay safe," he muttered to her.

She hugged back, a small smile crossing her lips. "Same to you."

After pulling away, Angelica hurried back onto the ship behind Biggs and Wedge. She waved to her friends before the hatch closed. The two men seated themselves at the controls, starting up the engine and taking off. Angelica took a seat on the floor.

"Alright!" Biggs announced. "Next stop - Altissia!"

"You just hang on back there, little lady," Wedge said, glancing back at her. "We'll getcha there in no time."

"I can't thank you enough for the ride," she gratefully told them. "Be sure to thank Aranea for me too."

Most of the ride was made in silence. Between her agonizing pains that would come and go, Angelica managed to doze off. The trip took the remainder of the night and a portion of the next day. It was late in the afternoon when they finally arrived at the Walls of Water. Biggs had to wake the girl from her slumber. Angelica tiredly yawned and looked at the man.

"Oi, girlie, you ain't lookin' so good!"

Angelica swiftly got up, her eyes wide. "W-What do you mean?"

"You're whole bloody eye's turned daemonic!" he cried.

As if it had been waiting for her to awaken, a burning pain surged through her. She winced, softly crying out as she clutched her right eye, the one that had turned black with a golden iris. The blackened skin had spread from the back of her neck up to the right side of her face and even on her shoulders. Like always, the sensation slowly faded for the time being into a constant, slight burn.

"We're in Altissia," Wedge informed her. "You'd better find that Oracle ASAP."

Angelica nodded. "You're right. Thanks again, you guys."

The hatch opened and the girl darted out. "Good luck, girlie!" Biggs called.

Angelica jumped from the ship, landing on top of a building. She watched as the red magitek engine flew away, heading back toward Lucis. She then looked around, scanning the environment. There were lots of people walking the streets below. The girl figured it would probably be best to stay away from crowds for the time being, not wanting to frighten anyone with her condition.

Instead, she traversed the rooftops and back streets where nearly no one would see her. She did a lot of eavesdropping for information. Fortunately, it didn't take long to learn what she needed. People all over the city seemed to be ecstatic over the Oracle's arrival. Angelica heard talk that Lunafreya had just arrived and was in the first secretary's custody.

It was sunset when she sought out the secretary's estate. There were a ton of guards all around the place. Well, it IS the home of the first secretary of Accordo. She decided to wait until it was completely dark to snoop around for the Oracle. As soon as night fell, the girl made her move. She leapt across the roofs, avoiding streetlights and the watchful gaze of the guards.

She nearly slipped up when a shooting pain shot through her again. She clenched her jaw to keep herself quiet and hugged her arms. After a few moments, the sensation died down, allowing her to continue. She climbed and jumped her way around, staying above the guards below. She managed to get all the way up to the roof of the estate.

She then slid down a bit, peeking into windows in search of the Oracle. She finally stopped at one, balancing on a slim railing and peering inside. The room looked to be a guestroom of sorts, and two people stood inside - Lady Lunafreya and Camelia Claustra, the first secretary. They looked to be talking, and Lunafreya seemed to glance around the room with a smile. Wonder if that's where she'll be staying while she's in Altissia.

Angelica patiently waited, watching them. Once Camelia left the room and the Oracle was alone, the redhead moved in. She lightly pushed the large window open. The sudden draft and the quiet squeak of the window caused Lunafreya to turn around. The Oracle stepped back in alarm at seeing a dark figure entering her room.

Angelica quickly covered her right eye as she walked in. "I mean you no harm, Lady Lunafreya," she said upon seeing the frightful expression on the woman.

Coming into the light, Lunafreya recognized the redhead. "You're the one who aided in my escape of the Citadel."

Angelica smiled lightly. "Yes, you remember. My name is Angelica, I serve Prince Noctis and the late King Regis." She bowed slightly. "An honor to meet you once again, but I'm afraid this time, I have a favor to ask."

She slowly uncovered her eye. Lunafreya gasped lightly at seeing her infected skin. "You have Starscourge."

"Noctis had me come here to Altissia ahead of his arrival," Angelica explained. "Told me to find you before the darkness takes over my body. And now here I am, requesting your healing."

"But of course," the blond-haired woman replied without a moment of hesitation. "I will do all I can to ease your suffering."

She led Angelica over to a chair and sat her down. Lunafreya grasped her hands. A brilliant golden light illuminated from the Oracle's hands. Angelica watched with fascination. Lunafreya released the girl's hands and placed them on the sides of her head. She then leaned down, resting her forehead against Angelica's as more light shone from the contact.

"Blessed Stars of life and light," the Oracle chanted, "deliver us from darkness' blight."

The light enveloped Angelica. She could feel her pain being erased as her darkened skin visibly faded. Once Lunafreya pulled away, the redhead was in awe. Her black skin had been reduced to what merely looked like bruising, and her eye faded to a pale blue. It would take a short time for the healing effects to completely restore her eye to its usual color and for the darkened skin to fade, but the constant burning sensation had finally ceased. Angelica was smiling as she stood.

"Thank you, Lady Lunafreya, thank you! If I can do anything to repay you, just name it!"

The blond woman smiled. "All I ask is that you look out for Noctis."

Angelica placed a hand on her hip. "Easy. I've been doing that since elementary school. Noct is practically like my brother."

"I'm happy to know he has friends like you, and I'm relieved to see how much you've changed since last we met." She noticed the surprise on Angelica's face. "In our escape at the Citadel, you hardly gave me a second glance. All I could see was rage and darkness in your eyes. But now, a completely different woman stands before me."

"That... means a lot."

Angelica was smiling with joy. She even had tears threatening to fall. To know just how far she'd come, through the hardships and lessons she'd learned, filled her with hope that she was following in her mother's footsteps.

Being an assassin meant knowing the boundary between light and darkness, good and bad. To take a life was sometimes unavoidable, especially when people you care for are in danger. But to mercilessly slaughter innocent lives was not the way of a true assassin. There is a path in between light and dark - that is the path Valerie walked. And now, Angelica finally understood that.

A sudden knock on the door startled the two women. "Quickly," Lunafreya said in a hushed tone. "You must leave."

Angelica nodded and hurried to the window. She glanced back at the Oracle. "I hope we meet again, Lady Lunafreya."

With that, she jumped over the railing. Lunafreya swiftly closed the window, but gazed outside momentarily, looking for the girl. But Angelica had already disappeared into the night.