Chapter 2: A Hero's Welcome

That night, Lyude could not sleep.

Naturally a light sleeper, he tossed and turned until a crash of thunder sent him straight up, sitting and looking around before he realized it was a storm and not gunfire. Kalas mumbled something and yanked the covers away from Lyude as he rolled over in the bed they shared. Gibari, who had taken the other due to the fact that neither of them could fit with him, was on his back, his snoring attempting to rival the thunderclaps.

It was useless to try to go back to sleep now.

Softly, Lyude crept out of bed, bare feet making no sound on the carpeted floor. He pulled on a shirt for decency over his briefs and walked to the window. Lightning flashed in the dark sky overhead, but it was not raining. At the next flash, he saw the silhouette of someone out on the balcony. It was slight and slender, so it couldn't be a guard, suited in bulky armor.

One of the girls? Their room did join this same balcony. Mindful of that, he pulled on a loose pair of pants and walked outside.

As soon as he let go of the door, a sudden gust of wind slammed it shut with some much force Lyude feared it would wake the others. A quick check showed the two still sound asleep. They probably wouldn't wake for anything less than imminent divine destruction, thought Lyude wryly as he walked towards the person on the balcony. When he saw who it was, he nearly stopped in surprise.

Savyna stood, wrapped in a blue shift, facing the oncoming storm with a sense of anticipation. Lyude walked up quietly beside her, unsure if he was interrupting or not.

"Can't sleep either?" he asked her. A clap of thunder nearly drowned out his words, and he couldn't tell if she had heard him. She didn't answer.

He was just about to repeat his question when she replied, "I came out to watch the storm come in."

She looked up at the pitch-black sky, illuminated only by flashes of jagged lightning. "I heard thunder, and went outside. I saw the clouds swallow the moon and stars until there was no light left. Only darkness. But light still flashes in the black, streaks of lightning. Still… it is a terrible light, destructive." She glanced at him. "I know that must sound odd…"

"No. To me… it makes perfect sense." He felt a splash of water on his upturned face, and then another. Soon the air was full of fat raindrops deluging the earth below with fury. Lightning rent the sky, the wind screamed, and thunder cracked the air in two. The storm whipped about the two soaked figures, insignificant against such a powerful force of nature. Their puny castle might stand for a few centuries, but the storm was there before it and would be there long after any trace of it had been washed away.

"Shouldn't we go inside?" yelled Lyude over the thunder and wind.

Savyna stood hypnotized by the fury of the storm. Then she blinked and shook her head as if coming out of a trance. She looked down to realize how wet she was.

"Yes… yes, we should." She turned and walked off towards the girls' room. The wind carried her last words to him. "Good night, Lyude."

With a bit more haste, Lyude ran indoors, the wind shutting the door behind him. In here, the thunder was muffled and the thrill and fright of the storm faded. He realized he was soaked to the bone and shivered.

"Lyude?" mumbled Kalas. "Where are you? The bed's empty."

"Over here," Lyude whispered. "J-just got up to t-take a walk."

As lightning flashed, Kalas eyed Lyude's trembling form sleepily. "Some walk," he yawned, turning over. "Just don't get the bed wet." He went back to sleep.

Lyude sighed and hurried off to find a towel and dry clothes.


Lyude rose early, despite having next to no sleep, to find dawn's pearly light gracing the horizon. It was an old Imperial habit of his that he had never been able to kick. If he rose too much later, he would be sluggish and slow during the day.

He dressed quietly, pulling on his customary scarlet and black uniform with its gloves and polished golden boots. Breakfast would not be for a bit yet, but he could use this opportunity to walk outside and collect his thoughts.

On the balcony, he could see the sun beginning to rise. It was still a little disorienting to see the clouds so far above him instead of below and around the land like they used to be in the sky.

Instead, a green world greeted him, fresh and gleaming from the rain of last night. Below the city slumbered, and farther out the ocean lapped gently against the new shore. He could see other lands beyond the ocean, and just over the horizon, he imagined his homeland, greeting the same golden dawn. More people would be up at this hour, soldiers making rounds or helping with repairs. How would the people like their new world? Would they see the returned ocean as a blessing, a new land to explore? Or would they see it as a curse, cutting them off from the sky and the rest of the land?

Until he returned, he could not say for sure.

The wind blew from the east, brought the scent of the ocean to him. He inhaled deeply of the sea breeze to smell its salt and water and life, new life that flourished in the depths of the mother ocean. Whatever others might say, he knew the ocean was truly the best thing that had ever happened to the world.

The sun was well above the horizon now, and he turned back to the castle. To his surprise, he found both Kalas' and Gibari's beds empty. Smiling wryly, he realized there was only one thing that could have enticed the two out of their beds.

"Hey, Lyude, you'd better hurry up! In a few minutes, there won't be anything left!" called Gibari as Lyude entered the room his friends were dining in. Lyude laughed and pulled up a chair.

The six friends enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and sat around afterwards chatting idly. None of them wanted to be the first to leave.

Gradually, a silence grew around the table. The quiet itself, however, was not uncomfortable. It was the silence of companionship, of those who have shared enough pain and joy to make words unnecessary. Lyude felt it wrap around him and realized he was himself in a way he had never been able to be with anyone, except these people. They had all seen him in his worst moments, and helped him to his best. He could only hope he had done as much for them. He knew that part of the clenching in his stomach that came when he thought of the return to Alfard was not just anxiety over his homecoming. It was also their imminent separation. Would there ever be others who understood him like they did? Would he even see them again?

Savyna sat with her hands clasped in front of her, for once her eyes not darting about to automatically assess the room, its occupants. She knew them all already, could feel them sitting near her even if she did not meet their eyes. Something inside her had shifted from the day she had met these people, and been swept up into events larger than herself. It was only with them that she had begun to realize what she was looking for, what she needed. And it was only with them that she had realized the burdens she carried, and even begun to believe she had the strength to continue with them. Even if they did not know everything, they trusted her. Perhaps with that... she could begin to trust herself.

A contented grin made its lazy way on to Gibari's face as he looked over folded hands at the people who had become his closest friends. They weren't perfect, any of them - crazy, reckless, overcaring, cold, or driven - and he was glad. Sometimes their flaws made them fight all the harder for what was right and good. And he was proud to be with them, proud to be their friend. Of all the people he'd known over the years, they were some of the few he truly wanted to see happy. And he hoped that could come. But for some, he knew, it might be a long time in coming.

Mizuti's thoughts darted like fishes through clear water. Now that the Ocean was back, there was so much to explore and do. Her mind roamed over the possibilities, but one thought kept drawing her back to this room, to these people. The adventures she envisioned might not include them. And as eager as she was to run out into the world, the thought of their absence brought sadness to her heart. They were strange, sometimes, and she couldn't understand why they insisted on so much responsibility. But she supposed that came with being heroes, and they'd grow up one day and have fun. Besides, they'd never be too far apart, she hoped.

Kalas felt Xelha's hand in his beneath the table, and he squeezed it gently. He hadn't believed he could be this happy again... not since Fee's death. For the first time, he was no longer driven to his next action, his next thought with trying desperately to avenge Fee and Gramps, to cling to the shreds of happiness he remembered from his past. Here, with her, and with everyone, he could create a future. Even after he'd betrayed them and tried to kill all of them, they still wanted him back. Still liked him, still loved him. He could feel complete again, even if Fee was no longer by his side. Instead... he looked over, and his eyes found golden hair, brown eyes, and a gentle smile.

Xelha smiled at the joy in Kalas' eyes, a joy that mirrored her own. She had thought she could not have it - not his love, not any of these friends - when she carried the Ocean within her. But the sea had returned her to the people that she loved, and they surrounded her now. An overwhelming gratitude filled her, for their trust and faith, their friendship and love - in following her, in rescuing Kalas, in fighting against Malpercio. She was unworthy of it, but she knew, with all of them, that it didn't matter. And even if they were soon to be parted, she knew in her heart that they would meet again.

The silence quivered with their thoughts and touched them all. At last, Mizuti stood.

"The day be wearing on! The Great Mizuti has many things to attend to. It be sad to say goodbye… but not quite so sad. Good friends be forever!"

Everyone smiled at this. "Bye, Mizuti!" Kalas waved. "Be sure to come back and tell us all about your adventures!"

The others said their goodbyes, and Mizuti beamed. "Well, the Great Mizuti be off! Farewell!" She floated away out the door.

"If it is late, I think I should be going, too," said Savyna, rising. "Mayfee is expecting me. But I'll be around Anuenue if you ever need me." After a chorus of goodbyes, she left, followed soon by Gibari.

"Diadem's gonna need me now rather than later," he grinned, but there was a note of sorrow in his voice. "Keep out of trouble, now. Especially you, kid." He gave Kalas one last gigantic squeeze, and then he was gone.

Lyude sighed. "I suppose I should catch an airship out before they all leave." He stood, and Kalas and Xelha followed suit.

"The last one left a while ago, I think. How about you ride the White Dragon and we drop you off on our way to Wazn?" Xelha suggested.

Lyude smiled at her kindness. "Thank you, I would appreciate that."

Together the three took their leave and scrambled on the back of Xelha's dragon, waiting patiently outside Komo Mai. Soon they were airborne once more. Lyude reveled in the feel of the air across his face as he had in the sky. Unconsciously, he began to hum a tune – a tune he'd played long ago as a child.

Shadows across the moon…

He realized what he was thinking of and stopped. Glancing and Xelha and Kalas, he was relieved to see neither of them had heard him over the wind. His thoughts turned uneasy. What kind of greeting awaiting him back home…? He suddenly wished the dragon wasn't carrying them towards Alfard quite so fast. He wanted the flight to last forever.

All too soon, it ended. Lyude's stomach clenched as the White Dragon landed gracefully outside the city of Mintaka, a little into the desert.

He dismounted, looking at Kalas and Xelha longingly. They grinned and waved at him.

"Don't worry, Lyude! I think you'll be just fine! Farewell!" called Xelha.

"If you need us, you know where to go!" yelled Kalas. With a single beat of the dragon's wings, they were airborne, and with another beat, they were high in the sky. A few more and they were gone.

Lyude turned towards Mintaka and steeled himself. Whatever happened, he would be strong. He would accept fate.

He was prepared for anything but what awaited him.

The people of Mintaka had seen the enormous White Dragon fly in from the sky. Many were milling about in the streets, uncertain as to what this portended. But when Lyude entered the city, they caught sight of him immediately.

"Look!"

"It's him!"

"No, mom, really! Come here!"

"It's the Imperial soldier! What was his name?"

"Lyude, you moron."

"Of course!"

"Lyude…"

"Lyude!"

Whispers and murmurs followed him as he walked, erect, through the streets. He had no doubt they planned some sort of arrest, or were on their way to get the soldiers, but he intended to try to get to his house.

The crowds made no attempt to hinder him; indeed, they parted almost reverently before him. Their behavior puzzled Lyude, made him hesitate as he approached his house. Finally, he turned around to face them.

There was silence for a moment, when only the clicks and whirs of background machinery could be heard. Then…

"Lyude!" someone called.

"Lyude!" The cry was taken up. All at once the crowd broke out into a rousing cheer, screaming his name, applauding and stamping their feet. Lyude was taken sharply aback and could find no words to say, could only stand there dumbstruck as the people he'd thought had hated and abandoned him yelled his name with wild abandon.

There was movement, and two people shoved their way to the front of the mob. Lyude's amazement grew as Ayme and Folon approached him, both wearing grins.

"Why so surprised?" Ayme yelled at him over the cheers. "You're a hero on all five islands, Lyude! One of the six who defeated Malpercio!"

"I… I am?" Lyude asked faintly. He wasn't sure what to make of all this.

Folon snorted, but with good humor. "Clueless, as usual! At least acknowledge them." He grinned, looking more like an evil clown than he usually did, with his vivid-colored blue and red hair, pale face, and swaggering style of walking.

Hesitantly, Lyude turned to the crowd. Acknowledge them? He hadn't the faintest clue how to handle this. Shyly, he raised one hand and gave a little wave. The crowd cheered even louder, if possible.

"Sir Lyude! Mr. Lyude, sir!" A little girl dodged through the people, between their legs with expert ease, and came to a halt in front of him.

"Scalla!" exclaimed Lyude with pleasure, relieved to find a familiar face. The crowd quieted as he lowered his hand and bent down to talk to her. "What brings you here?" He could feel the eyes of everyone on him, and he began turning red.

"Lyude, someone wants… oops! I forgot!" She stood straight, a serious look on her face, and saluted him. Lyude smiled at that.

"Scalla, you don't have to do that. I'm just Lyude, remember?"

Scalla shrugged. "That's what mom told me to do, 'cause you're a hero and everything. But anyway, someone wants you to come down to the hospital they set up in the city. I forget her name… but she says there's someone who wants to see you."

"Oh, that's right," said Ayme. "We'll handle the crowd for now, but you'll have to talk to them sooner or later. Scalla, show Lyude to the hospital."

"Right!" Scalla seized his hand and dragged him through the crowd, which parted reverently before him. Everywhere he looked, people smiled at him, murmured his name, asked for his goodwill. He was in a dreamlike daze, for it all seemed like a wonderful dream.

The dream lasted at least until he reached the hospital.

Scalla led him inside and ran ahead, then came back with a pretty brown-haired nurse in tow. "Hey, Lyude, this is the lady that sent me. She'll show you!" She grinned, saluted him again, and walked out. The nurse smiled at him.

"Sir Lyude, I'm Lycoris. Please follow me." Turning around, she walked down the corridor. Lyude followed after her.

She turned a corner and opened a door on the left. Upon entering, Lyude found he was in a small ward, with gray-curtained beds on either side of the room. Lycoris led him to one and drew aside the curtain. The bed's occupant sat up upon their approach, blinking in the sudden light, and Lyude took a sharp breath.

His brother, Skeed, one side of his forehead wrapped in bandages, stared straight at him. At first, his eyes were blank, but then recognition flared in them and some unidentifiable emotion crossed his face.

The nurse looked slightly uncomfortable at the brothers' silence. "Well, I'll just… leave you two here," she said, smiling hesitantly and backing off. Neither noticed her absence.

At last, Skeed managed, "Lyude?" At the same time, Lyude blurted out, "Skeed?"

Then Skeed did something he had never done before. He laughed.

He had laughed before, but not like this. This time he was not laughing at his brother. He was laughing to be alive, to be able to see another dawn, and – had he known it – to see his brother alive again.

Lyude was totally unprepared for this sort of reaction and thought Skeed was laughing at him. He looked down at the floor, far too used to this sort of thing.

Skeed noticed his brother's reaction and stopped laughing. "Lyude," he asked after a moment. Then he paused, as if unsure how to phrase his question. "What's… wrong?"

Lyude looked up, hardly daring to believe his ears. He saw the concerned look on Skeed's face and his heart leaped in his chest, but his head held it down. It was like this before when I thought he cared about me, he thought bitterly.

"Nothing," he replied tonelessly. "Are you injured?"

Skeed saw the faint flash of hope in his brother's eyes before they darkened. He realized then that Lyude didn't trust him. And why should he, after years of abuse, taunts, and put-downs? Looking back now, he saw how hard his brother had worked to win his approval in spite of his scorn. He saw himself as Lyude did – unreachable, arrogant, hurtful – but still his brother.

For the first time in his life, he felt shame.

"Are you injured badly?" asked Lyude again, a note of concern entering his voice.

Skeed looked up at him, touched the bandages on his own forehead. "This? This is nothing. A mere scratch from fighting off the demons that came from Cor Hydrae. They say I will be free to go in a few days."

"That is well, then. And our sister?" continued Lyude.

Skeed did not reply. A silence fell.

Despite everything he hated about Vallye, Lyude's chest constricted. "Vallye… she's not…"

Skeed's voice was flat. "A few days ago, we were both carried in from the battlefield, having sustained injuries in combat. She was much more seriously wounded than I. A little while after we were brought in, we both lapsed into comas. I came out of mine. She…" His voice cracked ever so slightly. "…Did not."

Lyude took a step backwards in shock and nearly fell into the bed behind him, just barely catching himself.

She did not survive.

"Are you certain?" he asked in a choked voice, even though he knew the answer already.

"I assure you, Lyude, this is no joke," said Skeed, a flash of anger and frustration darkening his words. "I know you don't trust me, but I would never…"

"I know!" cried Lyude, startling both himself and Skeed with his sudden intensity. He bowed his head so that his flame-colored hair hung over his face, hiding it. "I know."

Skeed regarded him. "Why do you care? She treated you terribly."

"Because…" whispered Lyude. "She was my sister."

Skeed considered this, taken aback by the depth of the young Imperial's emotions. "Yes… I suppose she was, brother."

Lyude looked up, and Skeed could see tears shining unshed in his brother's eyes. "Skeed… you've never called me brother before. Not once."

An uncertain smile crossed Skeed's face. "Then… I guess you might… get used to it."

For the first time, in response to what Skeed had said, a genuine smile bloomed on Lyude's face. Not fear, rage, or sorrow, but true happiness.

"Brother… you know… I've always… loved…" Lyude whispered, trembling. Skeed reached out tentatively, and Lyude embraced him, hugging him gently. Skeed felt something wet stain his shoulder, and he knew his brother was crying.

For once, he did not say a word.