**Please note to those who have not played/finished this game, that this story will contain massive spoilers. Read at your own discretion.
Author's Note: I am realizing now after posting the previous chapter that I didn't completely elaborate on the changes made to the original story, which might be worth mentioning at the end of every chapter for those that are interested in knowing.
In the last chapter I followed the original dialogue pretty closely, adding in a few bits here and there to make the conversations a little smoother and elaborate. You also may have noticed that I made Capell attracted to Aya right of the bat, which is not something expressed in the original works. Something that always bothered me was the lack of implied attraction between the two of them until Aya later begins showing signs of the "tsundere" stereotype, which I quite honestly hate. Regardless, I've always loved Aya as a character and wanted to make her more of the strong, compassionate female lead I wished she was.
Basic Synopsis: Capell and Aya attempt to sneak through Graad Forest undetected before reuniting with The Liberation Force. Aya's wound worsens, and Capell agrees to transport her to a nearby village to get help.
Discovering the Undiscovery
Chapter 2 – The Liberator
The ogre leader, panting rapidly on the cold floor, is approached by two prison guards. "Forgive us, Master Vembert...but Sigmund has escaped." The ogre silently sits up, it's anger building inside. "They're in the forest now, and it's probably too dark to search for them." Vembert rises to his feet, infuriated. "Send hounds! Use noses! No escape!"
Outside, the moon shines brightly in the clear night sky. Capell, ready to collapse of exhaustion, stops for a moment, leans forward and places his hands on his knees for support. "We're finally out!" He sighs. Aya turns to him, sympathy riddled across her face. A bright ring of light suddenly appears around her. "Levi," She speaks gently as a small flash of light illuminates the area surrounding him. He instantly feels relief. Capell is amazed, for he has only seen magic used a handful of times in his life. "There's no time to relax." She says, the light quickly dissipating. "There will be guards out in the woods too, you know." He nods. Aya gasps, taking a step back as she yanks Capell with her behind a bush. "See, look over there." She whispers.
"There's one guard. I don't think he's noticed us yet." The two of them peak around the corner at a dimly lit torch in the distance. A guard, facing towards the forest entrance, stands calmly and unaware of the chaos in the prison. "We should sneak up on him," Aya suggests. "Let's be sure to use the shadows to our advantage." The two of them quietly press forward, hiding behind a tree as Aya readies her bow. "I'll grab his attention, you jump in before he alerts the others." Aya aims for the guard's backplate, letting the arrow slip past her fingers and glide towards the figure. Upon impact, the guard stumbles forward, quickly turning around to face the ready Capell, sword in hand.
"That was easier than I thought," Aya whispers with relief as the guard topples to the ground. She examines Capell for a moment as he sheathes his sword, admiring his somewhat confident aura. He...is tougher than I thought. He doesn't use his lunaglyph though. I wonder why. She's thankful to have him around. If he refused to come with her, it would have been difficult for her to escape on her own.
The two proceed through the forest before Aya notices some Burguss Apples in the trees above them. "Hey, those apples up there..." She starts, causing Capell to pause. "The apples here are delicious, but they have a pretty strong smell. Some animals like the scent, but..." She shakes her head to dismiss her skepticism, reaching for her bow once more. "This might make a bit of noise, but we could really use them right now." Capell nods in agreement. He had completely forgotten how hungry he was through all of the excitement. Aya misses twice, but manages to shoot the apples down without causing too much of a ruckus. "How'd you manage to hit all those guys back in the prison?" He jokes with a small chuckle. Aya doesn't think it's funny. "Excuse me?"
"S-sorry! I was just..." She picks the apples up off of the ground, shoving one of them into his hands without a word, and keeps walking. She has always been a bit insecure about being a poor shot, but has been working hard to improve. Capell makes a mental note not to make fun of her again.
In the near distance they can hear scattered footsteps approaching. "Don't let 'em escape! They couldn't have gone far!" They rush silently into the bushes again, noticing two guards approaching the clearing ahead. Above one of the guards shines a bright orb of light. Aya sighs. "As long as they have light, they have the advantage." She turns to Capell. "Let's try to avoid the light if we can. We can use the darkness to escape." He nods. They carefully slip past the illuminated guards, staying within the shadows as they proceed.
The two can see a bridge in the distance. "We're about half way," Aya starts. "Once we reach the Luce Plains, I can't imagine the other's will be far." Capell wonders who she means. "Others?" He asks. "The Liberation Force." She answers. Everything suddenly begins to make sense to him. "Ah...okay. So I'm assuming this Sigmund guy everyone is confusing me with is the leader of this group. And you're a part of it." Aya nods. "Yes. There aren't many of us...but we've been able to manage."
"How exactly...does Sigmund destroy the chains? I thought it was impossible." Capell asks, causing Aya to wonder herself. "Actually...I've never really questioned it myself. He's just...special." Her smile makes Capell a bit uneasy. I think she admires this guy a little too much. He thinks to himself. "You seem to like this guy a lot," He mumbles, causing Aya to shoot a disturbed look at him. "What!? No, no, no...it's not like that at all!" She quietly exclaims. "He just..." Her eyes drop to the ground. "He's liberated my homeland from two chains already." Capell wonders where her homeland is exactly. He knows she is no commoner. "There are still a few chains there, but things have been calmer with less of them. He's capable of something no one else is," She looks up at Capell once more, her face serious. "...and I know he'll save us all. He's the only one who can." He nods at her statement. "I hope he does, then." His smile causes Aya to relax a little. "Sorry about getting all serious there." She says with a gentle chuckle. He shakes his head. "Not at all."
Aya steps forward to peak around the bend in the path, when a sharp pain in her abdomen brings her to her knees with a small cry. Capell rushes to her, moving her clenched hands away from her stomach to reveal a small bright red stain that has seeped through the fabric of her dress. "Aya, how long have you been hurt?" He asks, his face full of worry. "I'm fine!" She says, feeling weak and embarrassed. She tries to stand but quickly stumbles back down as the pain rushes through her body once more. Capell puts his hand on her shoulder, gently pushing her back into his arms. "What are you doing?" She says, her breathing shallow. "I'm going to carry you." She shakes her head. "I-I can take care of myself." He ignores her attempts to persuade him as he places his left arm under her legs and scoops her up gracefully. She doesn't fight him, but feels ashamed. "Just relax, okay? I'll get us out of here." He says and begins walking.
The shining moon peaking through the branches above catches Aya's attention, and she watches as the trees pass by. She hates being a burden on people, and wishes she hadn't been so careless. Capell breathes heavily as he jogs at a brisk, steady pace. It's difficult not to make noise in a hurry. Aya shifts her eyes to Capell, a soft blush appearing across her cheeks at the thought of how close she is to his face. He really does look like Sigmund. She thinks to herself. But he's nothing like him. She's surprised at how strong he actually is, or at least, how well he can fake how strong he is. He had adjusted to fighting quickly, and that wasn't something she is used to witnessing.
"If we make it out of here, why don't you join us?" She asks. Capell shakes his head. "Like I said, I hate danger." Aya rolls her eyes. "But you have to join us. They'll catch you again if you're alone." Capell feels offended she doesn't seem to have faith in him. "Hey, I'm not useless. I can take care of myself too." She instantly feels guilty. "No, silly...I mean..." She sighs. "Don't you get it? You look too much like-" In a flash, Vembert springs out from the trees above, blocking their path with a horrible smirk across his face. Out of the bushes three hounds appear and rush towards their master in defense as they growl at the couple menacingly. One anxious hound lets out a blood curdling howl, alerting all the guards in the area of the escapees' location. In only moments, they are surrounded.
One amused guard chuckles. "Whoa, that's him? He looks weak!"
"So they say." Another guard says, almost sarcastic.
"What?" One more guard jumps in. "This kid is Sigmund!?"
"Not this again!" Capell shouts, annoyed and exhausted. He sets Aya down on her feet. "I can handle these soldiers myself." She says as she reaches for her dagger. "Hurry! Kill the girl!" One guard shouts as he rushes towards her. Capell jumps forward in front of her, shoving the guard back and knocking him to the ground. "Damn you! Kill them!" The guard screams. Another guard steps forward, lifting his mace high above his head to attack the young man. Instantly, the guard stumbles back, an arrow piercing him between the eyes. Everyone, including Aya and Capell, freeze in shock. "W-what the hell?" One of the guards exclaims. Aya recognizes the arrow's fletching, a beautiful shining gold color. "Wait...that's..." She turns to the direction the arrow came from, Capell following her gaze.
"Lord Sigmund!" Aya exclaims. Capell stares at the figure standing tall in the near distance, a man dressed from head to toe in prestigious metal armor that shines in the moonlight. His stern face stares down at them, his bow at the ready. Capell can't believe what he was seeing. "He...does look like me." He whispers in shock. The man speaks. "Are you alright?" He calls down to Aya, who nods in response.
"Damnit, capture him!" A guard yells, and the group start towards the man. He rises his hand up. "Get down!" Aya yells at Capell, grabbing and pulling him swiftly behind a boulder. With the man's signal, dozens of arrows begin raining down from the sky behind him, shooting the guards surrounding them down one by one. Vembert, frightened by the sight, turns to escape the massacre, his hounds scurrying quickly behind him. When no more movement can be seen, Aya peaks out and sighs of relief. "We're safe now." She whispers with a smile, stepping out from behind the rock.
The armored man, now surrounded with masked soldiers in blue cloaks, approaches the clearing. Aya steps forward towards him. "Lord Sigmund, are you hurt?" She asks worriedly. "No." The man answers sternly, stepping forward past her and towards Capell. "Are you alright there?" He asks as he approaches the timid young man. "G-good evening." Capell replies, feeling a bit boneheaded at his response.
As the man got closer, his expression changes. He... The man can not believe his eyes. Staring down at the young man, it's as if he is staring at a slightly younger version of himself. Aya approaches the crowd, her gaze hopping between the two of them. "You look like twins," She thinks aloud, covering her mouth in embarrassment. Her attention is brought back to the armored man.
"Never mind that." He says before she can speak again, and reaches his hand down towards Capell. "Thank you. You've done us a great service." He starts. "I am Sigmund." Capell is amazed at his presence, even intimidated. "I'm Capell." He says as he takes Sigmund's hand and shakes it firmly. "It's still dangerous here," Sigmund continues. "Come with us. Can you stand?" He says, gently pulling the young man to his feet. Capell nods in respect. "Thank you." Sigmund shakes his head. "No need for that now." He turns around. "Edward." He calls. A tall young man makes his way through the crowd of guards and bows slightly before Sigmund. "Yes my lord!" He exclaims. Sigmund continues. "We will return to camp. Lead the way." He places a hand firmly on Edward's shoulder as he walks past him to gather his things, causing Edward to bow again. Sheesh, this kid is way too formal. Capell thinks to himself. Edward turns his attention to Capell, his eyes opening wide in shock as his attention wavers between him and Sigmund. "What's this? He looks exactly like-"
"Lord Sigmund, right? Surprised me, too." Aya interjects with a chuckle. "Yes, but it's more than a mere resemblance." Edward says. Capell laughs nervously, scratching the back of his neck uncomfortably. Edward's expression changes and his voice deepens. "Never mind, follow me." He motions to Capell, and Aya smiles kindly to reassure him. "Come on, Capell. I've got your back." He smiles back, but can't help feeling uneasy about the situation. The group continues forward through the woods, before pausing at Edward's command. "The camp is just a short walk from here. Continue on, men." He says confidently as the soldiers obey and proceed in that direction.
A deep voice coming from off the path roars in their direction. "Sigmuuuund!" A large, muscular man sprints towards them in a frenzy before halting at the sight of the armored man's face. Capell's eyes widen in fear. "Sigmund!" The man exclaims with a wide smile. Edward steps forward, an annoyed expression across his face. "Balbagan! Pay Proper respect to Lord Sigmund. I will not remind you again!" The muscular man howls with laughter, ignoring Edward's command. "Good, you're still in one piece!"
"Did you hear what I just said!?" Edward shouts. Sigmund speaks to hush Edward. "I apologize for my long absence, Balbagan. It is good to see you well." Balbagan laughs once more. Another voice appears from above, causing everyone to look. "Pleased to see you safe and well, my lord." A white haired man in a purple colored garb jumps down from the trees, landing gracefully on the forest floor in a kneel. He looks up at Sigmund with respect. "I feel nothing but happiness upon my lord's return."
"Thank you for mobilizing everyone." Sigmund says with a small bow of his head. Lastly, a gentleman with a large backpack and glasses approaches through the bushes, staff in hand. He must be a priest. Capell thinks. The man chuckles slightly before speaking. "I wasn't too worried about Sigmund. On the other hand..." He turns his attention briefly to Aya as he adjusts his glasses. "Aya's disappearance was indeed a cause for concern." Aya crosses her arms with a sad expression. "I'm so sorry..." The priest shakes his head in dismissal before noticing Capell. "And tell me, who might this look-alike be?" He asks with a smirk. The three newcomers stare at Capell in disbelief.
Capell scratches his head as he awkwardly tries to find a way to introduce himself. "I...um...it's nice to meet you." Edward scoffs at his timidness. "This is Capell." He starts. "He was being held at Graad Prison." Capell is thankful for his interjection. "It wouldn't have been right to leave him behind, so we brought him along." Aya shoots Edward a look. You mean I brought him along. She thinks. "Gotcha!" Balbagan exclaims. The white haired man nods. "Amazing. Their similarity is most uncanny." The priest watches Capell, examining his features closely. This can't be a coincidence. He thinks before shaking the idea out of his head. Sigmund, exhausted from the group's journey, continues forward without a word and the majority follow. The priest turns to Capell, who looks confused and tired. "Come on," The priest starts. "Why don't we rest up." Capell isn't sure what to say, and the priest can sense his tension. "Relax. Please." He says to the young man with a kind smile. "Just follow me."
The group arrive at their camp, and one by one everyone begins to unload. The cloaked soldiers post up on the outskirts of the camp while Sigmund and his group make themselves comfortable in the center. A small campfire grabs Capell's attention, and he takes a seat in front of it. He watches as the soldiers go through their nightly routines, but notices everyone else seems to be a bit restless. He himself has too much on his mind to rest easy. The young man stares at the fire helplessly, wondering how all of this started. What is going to happen now? He thinks.
Aya is still in a lot of pain, but is relieved to be reunited with the Force again. She notices Capell sitting alone on a wooden crate in the distance, a feeling of sympathy washing over her as she witnesses his lonely expression. She knows he's probably upset that he can't go home, but he is no longer safe now that the Order knows of his existence. She quietly approaches the young man, careful not to startle him. "Hey, Capell..." She starts. He looks up at her, relieved. "Mind if I sit with you for a minute?" He shakes his head. "Not at all." Aya takes a seat on an empty crate and stares at the fire. Fire always reminds her of home. "You look awful, Aya." She looks up at him. "Shouldn't you try and get some rest?" She sighs. "I can't. I'm exhausted, but..."
"What about your wound?" Capell interrupts. Aya smiles, thankful for his concern. "I'll be alright. It's not as bad as it looks, you know? I heal fast. You'll see." He isn't convinced. "So where are you from?" She asks, trying to change the subject. Capell pauses for a moment in thought. He'd never been asked that before. "Uh..."
"You don't know?" Aya says in surprise before noticing his saddened expression. "I'm sorry, Capell. We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." He chuckles gently, shaking his head as he looks up at her. "It's okay. It's just that don't really have a 'home' exactly." The way he air quotes the word "home" makes Aya feel guilty. Capell notices, and quickly continues. "...but it's okay! I'm a traveling musician, so I get to see the world. I quite enjoy it." He smiles widely, trying to reassure her. Seeing her sad really tears at his heart. "You're a musician?" She asks, curious. He nods. "I am! I play the flute." He remembers that his flute was taken from him when he was incarcerated, which makes him sigh softly. He tries to remain upbeat. "It is a lot of fun making people smile through music. I wouldn't have it any other way."
He's so kind... Aya thinks to herself. He may be kind of goofy sometimes, but... She smiles. "So you say you travel the world. Where have you been?" This question gets Capell excited. "Lot's of places, honestly. But this country is pretty new to me. I was on my way to Burgusstadt before I was captured. Didn't make it there unfortunately..." He sighs. "But I recently had a nice time in Fayel." Aya pauses, desperately trying to recall if she has seen Capell before. "I-I'm from Fayel." She spits out awkwardly, trying to sound enthused. His eyes raise slightly. "Oh yeah? Ha..." He scratches the back of his neck. "Maybe we've crossed paths before without realizing it." He chuckles. Aya's sure she would remember someone like him. "How did you like it there?" She asks. "The people were very kind." He replies. Aya is glad to hear this.
"Did you have a chance to talk to everyone?" She asks. Capell shakes his head. "Not really, I feel pretty out of place if I'm being honest." Aya sighs, rolling her eyes a little. "You worry too much. No one here bites." She says with a small chuckle. "That Edward guy seems like he does." He says. Aya looks up to find Edward, who is listening intently to Sigmund. "Ah...don't take his attitude too personally. Ed has always been a little uptight." Her eyes move to the priest, and she nudges Capell to look. "Eugene is kind at least."
"His name is Eugene?" Aya nods. "He's our healer. Him and Lord Sigmund have been friends since they were little." She says with a smile. Capell's head drops back down to the ground, feeling defeated. "Don't get yourself down. You'll get to know everyone in no time." He looks up at her, thankful for her kindness, before looking around. "Whose the older gentleman that jumped out of the trees earlier?"
"That's Genma. He's a Night Whisperer from Halgita. He doesn't talk much, but he's been a huge help to the Force." Capell nods before noticing the muscular man in the distance. "And the big guy?" Aya laughs gently. "Balbagan. He's been a loyal member of the Force since the beginning. I don't really know much about his past, but he's always very nice to me." Who wouldn't be nice to you, Aya? Capell thinks. "So...it's just the six of you in the Force?"
"There are a few others...but they come and go as they can. It's usually just us for the most part."
"Gotcha." Capell nods, wondering how they've managed to stay alive this long on their own. Aya turns her head to him. "That's why I feel like you should join us. I think you'd be a really great addition." He stares at the fire with a bad feeling in his gut, and it shows on his face. "You...really dislike fighting, don't you?" Aya asks. His voice is calm, but serious. "Yeah. It's dangerous." Aya knows this already, but can't help but remember how well he defended himself during their mission. He continues. "I'd rather just be playing tunes on my flute." This statement makes Aya laugh slightly, which causes Capell to look at her embarrassed. She shakes her head to reassure him. "You fought well to protect me, though." She says, a warm feeling in her heart as she thinks about it. "Well, yeah...I couldn't not protect you, you know?" He sighs. "Besides, I don't like getting hurt. Don't you find it kind of foolish?" Aya turns her head to him again, this time slightly confused. "Are you saying we're foolish?" She asks sternly. Capell shoots her a sympathetic look. "That's not what I meant. I was just trying to say-"
"You just said that we're fools for getting hurt while fighting for others, didn't you?" Capell can see the hurt in her eyes, and it instantly makes him feel guilty. "I'm sorry...I made a mistake." He looks back at the fire. "I don't think it's foolish to fight for others." Aya sighs deeply, knowing deep down that he didn't mean to insult them. She has just always been very sensitive when it comes to protecting people. "I just..." Capell continues. "I just think I'd get in the way is all." He admits.
"I told you." Edward calls as he approaches the fire. "A cowardly fool is of no use to us." He says, watching Capell's expression in annoyance. "He isn't like us." He continues. "He doesn't understand why we fight. He's more concerned about himself than with honor." He chuckles sarcastically before looking directly at Capell with a cold, stern stare. "I'll thank you for saving Aya, but that's all. She got into trouble for helping you. So, that means we're even now." Edward's statement causes Capell to look over at Aya remorsefully. "I'm so sorry." He says.
Aya can barely hear Capell over the agonizing pain residing in her abdomen where her wound remains untreated. "Aya?" Capell says as he notices her blank expression. She stands and takes a few steps away. "I just need to..." She manages out before her head becomes light with fatigue. Feeling a rush overcome her, she falls to the ground exhausted as the pain throbs more and more intensely. "Aya!" Capell shouts as he jumps to his feet and rushes to her. He tries to help her sit up before she shouts back at him. "Don't touch me!" Capell backs away slightly. "This...this is nothing. I can handle it." Her voice is full of agony. Edward kneels down in place of Capell, moving her satchel to reveal the blood stain Capell had witnessed earlier. "You're still suffering from this?" He says concerned, lifting her slightly into his lap. Capell watches their short exchange, recognizing the respect and care Edward has for the young woman. He can't help but wonder how long they've been comrades for Aya to trust him the way she does.
Her exhausted voice brings Capell back to reality once more. "It's just an old wound." She says, raising questions in Capell's head. "How did you get hurt in the first place?" He asks. Edward scoffs harshly, insulted he would ask something like that at a time like this. "We protect our lord with our life. No more explanation is needed." Aya's breathing quickens as she tries to sit up on her own. Suddenly, her eye roll back softly as she goes unconscious, Edward catching her frantically. "Aya!" He yells, examining her face closely with deep concern. "I'll go find Sigmund." Capell says unable to sit still any longer, and jumps to his feet. "No, you fool!" Edward shouts after him, knowing full well there is nothing Sigmund can do.
Capell alerts the group of Aya's condition, which comes as a shock to Sigmund. He was unaware she was still recovering. As the group approach the unconscious young woman, Eugene quickly leans down and checks her vitals. A few moments pass and through the heavy atmosphere Balbagan's voice pierces the silence. "How is she?" Eugene's distressed expression is answer enough. He lifts his right hand, drawing two crosses quickly in the air and bringing his hands together in prayer as he bows his head. An orb of light appears above Aya, and Eugene drags it with this hands to the location of her wound, just below her ribs. The orb shines brightly for a few moments before slowly dissipating, the blood surrounding her wound disappearing. "I've dressed and cleaned her wound," Eugene starts. "But...it's not healed." Balbagan interjects once more. "Not healed? But the bleeding's stopped!" Genma also chimes in, shocked that Eugene's magic is not enough. "How is this possible?" Eugene speaks quietly, almost to himself. "This isn't a normal wound." He says. "It's unrealistic for us to keep treating her. Her body can't take it anymore. It's a wonder she could still walk today."
Capell, unable to stay silent and watch anymore, steps forward and grabs Eugene's shoulder. "What do we do then!? We can't ignore it!" Eugene can sense the worry in his voice, which causes him to sigh deeply as he adjusts his glasses. "The problem is that this is a lunaglyph curse. There's nothing we can do for her here." His eyes scan the rest of the group, hoping someone will chime in with a good idea. Everyone remains silent. "Then we bring her somewhere else!" Capell shouts as he looks at everyone, noticing their disapproving expressions. "What's wrong with that?" He asks, confused. Eugene stands and turns away, ashamed that he can't do more to help her. Edward speaks in his place, already knowing what everyone is thinking. "Our mission is to destroy the Azure Chain." He stands, staring at Aya with remorse. "And?" Capell asks. "The people can't go on like this. They are suffering more and more everyday the chain remains intact. We cannot delay any longer." Capell cannot believe what he is hearing. "So you're just going to let her die!?"
Edward turns to Capell, a burst of anger and annoyance rising inside of him as he steps forward and grabs the young man by his collar. "Do you think we want to leave her behind!?" He asks infuriatingly. "She's one of us! That's why we have to leave her."
"I don't understand..." Capell says. "Aya will regret it if she becomes a burden. That's why we have to continue forward and destroy the chain without her. It's for her sake, too." Her sake? Capell wonders in confusion. Eugene steps forward, placing a hand on Edward's arm to release his grip on Capell. "Ed is right." He sighs, but knows it's true. "This...is the manner in which things must happen." As Edward steps back, Capell looks around at everyone surrounding the wounded young woman. No one is happy about the decision, but they accept it. Finally, he looks down at the sleeping girl, her expression weak and feeble. He feels a horrible guilt in his gut, knowing that she risked herself to help him escape the prison.
"There is a village nearby." Sigmund speaks abruptly. Everyone turns their attention to him. "It is called Nolaan." Genma chimes in once more. "Yes. As I recall, the village has a deep tie to the Claridian of Burguss." Sigmund stands, deciding on a new fate for the girl. "Good. Aya will be taken there for proper treatment." Capell is relieved. "But," Eugene interrupts, "We can't put off destroying that chain any longer. It's been weeks since our departure. If we delay any longer, who knows what will happen."
"Capell." Sigmund calls forth. "I want you to carry out this task."
"What!?" Edward exclaims. Eugene is also concerned. "Sigmund..." Capell points to himself, speechless. "Wait, my lord! We cannot trust this boy." Edward continues. "I'll do it, my lord! I'll drop Aya off at Nolaan and return to your side immediately."
"And what about the chain?" Sigmund asks, a hint of anger in his voice. "You are coming with us. That is final." Edward feels a rush of shame, guilty of second guessing his leader's commands. Sigmund steps forward, placing a hand on Capell's shoulder as he senses his nervousness. "I trust you Capell, and leave Aya in your care." His statement angers Edward, who speaks under his breath. "This coward will never do it. We can't trust him." Sigmund ignores him, his attention on the nervous Capell.
"You won't let me down, will you?" Capell looks up at Sigmund, his strong voice bringing a new found confidence in himself. He silently admires the man for a moment, honored at his request, before looking down at Aya. She saved me. Now it's time for me to save her. He thinks to himself. "No, I won't let you down. I'll take her to Nolaan." There is an aura of doubt coming from the rest of the group, but Sigmund is pleased to have put his faith in the young man. He reaches for a sapphire-colored sword resting in it's sheath against his belt. "Take this." He says. Capell's eyes widen slightly at the size of the sword. It's size much more beautifully crafted than the one he used in Graad Prsion. "But I don't need a sword!" He says. Sigmund smirks. "It was given to me by the king of Burguss. It bears the royal emblem on it's hilt and will grant you safe passage." Capell hesitates. "I entrust you with it. Whether you unsheathe it or not is up to you." He steps forward, grabbing the young man's hand and placing the handle of the sword within it. "Well..." Capell starts. "If you insist." He grips the sword in his hand as Sigmund releases it, the weight of it alarming him slightly. Sigmund nods, pleased once more. He steps past Capell, placing his hand back on his shoulder, and smiles warmly towards him. "Please, take good care of Aya for us." Once again, Sigmund brings confidence to the young man. "I will."
Sigmund starts up ahead. "Eugene." The priest looks to the leader. "Will Aya be alright to wait through the night?" Eugene nods. "Since the bleeding has stopped, the curse has slowed down." Sigmund continues. "Good. We will rest then. The monsters in these woods at night are much tougher than the usual. It will be best to avoid them with Aya in her current condition." The group all nod in agreement. Capell leans down towards Aya before Edward steps in front of him. "I will keep watch over her. You stay out of the way until morning." He says. Capell sighs and stands, not in the mood to argue with the stubborn young man, and searches for a spot to sleep for the night.
Author's Note: In this chapter, I decided to change some of the interactions between Aya and Capell from the original. I added a lot of small talk and explored their backgrounds a little bit to build up their friendship more. I also gave Ed more dialogue to express his distrust in Capell, which seemed a little abrupt to me in the original story. I also wanted to show Capell's admiration towards Sigmund from the first time he meets him, since their relationship is extremely crucial to the entirety of the story and also seemed a bit short lived in the original. As always, thank you for reading, and I hope you are enjoying my interpretation.