Author Notes: It is time for the penultimate chapter of "Sorrowful Peace". For those of you who read this chapter, it will further cement the fact that both "Spoken & Unspoken Words" and this story take place in the same continuity. For those of you who haven't read that story, I would recommend you read it as well.
I hope you will enjoy reading this chapter and provide feedback. It is always appreciated.
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Sorrowful Peace
Chapter Nine: Lingering Scars
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Scars are from the past
Scars can heal, but they remain
We must move forward
/
After using a Slyphjay to contact the Aifread Pirates, they did not hesitate to come to Eleanor's aid. With their help, Eleanor was able to smuggle the Daemon, Edward, out of Eastgand. They also were working on arrangements to smuggle the Daemon to Laphicet's Altar once they reached Port Zekson. In the meantime, all Eleanor could do was await anxiously on the ship until they arrived. Eleanor did her best to keep herself occupied.
Eleanor was sitting in the same room they would keep the Daemon version of Edward. She was sitting on a chair and leaned on a table as she watched the Daemon lay on the bed they had provided for him. There wasn't much for Eleanor to do other than to keep watch over him until she heard a knock on the door.
As soon as Eleanor heard it, she turned around and said, "Come in."
Eizen walked through the door as he asked, "Are you okay, Eleanor? You've been in here since we left Eastgand."
"I'm fine. Thank you." Eleanor graciously stated, "Thank you for doing this, Eizen."
Eizen shrugged, "I can't really take the credit. Benwick is the one in charge of this ship now, but I would've made the same decision. You only would've sent that message if it was really important."
"Yes …" Eleanor realized what he meant by that.
Eizen then said, "You told me that you were going to explain the situation to me thoroughly after we smuggled him. Now that we're at sea, I think now is as good a time as any."
"Okay," Eleanor warned, "but I doubt you'll like the full story."
"I hardly ever do." Eizen grimace.
"Maybe you two should get some fresh air as you regal him about our 'Tale'. It really is quite a story." Magilou entered the room as she remarked.
"Well you've got some timing." Eizen remarked.
"That I do." Magilou grinning as she snapped her fingers and held up her pointer finger, "You two don't have to worry your pretty little heads, especially you my Dear Exorcist. I'll keep an eye on our honors guest."
Eleanor almost sounded surprised as she asked, "You will?"
Eizen skeptically asked, "Are you serious?"
"But of course." Magilou put her hand on her chest as she boasted, "It's my magic that's keeping this Daemon in his place. If he were to escape now, it would destroy the marvelous reputation that I 'The Great Mayven' has built."
"…" Eleanor and Eizen looked at each other before then looking back at Magilou.
"Okay …" Eleanor reluctantly accepted Magilou's offer, "Thanks a lot."
Eizen and Eleanor excused themselves and left Magilou alone with the Daemon. Eizen had his hands in in his pockets as he remarked, "The word 'humble' definitely doesn't exist in her dictionary."
Eleanor stated in a deadpan tone, "I think that's the closest we'll get to seeing Magilou be humble."
"Heh." Even Eizen couldn't help but crack a grin at that remark, "You're probably right."
The two former traveling companions choose to speak outside by the bow. The brisk sea air and the feeling of the wind blowing through Eleanor's hair helped her feel at ease. To Eizen it felt like business as usual.
Eleanor explained the situation in thorough detail regarding what she and Magilou had discovered. Eizen listened to her story with his arms crossed. He waited until she was finished speaking before remarking as he leaned on the ship's railing, "I see … So that poor bastard was another toy for Melchior's games. Just like Aifread was …"
"Yes … I don't know much." Eleanor stated, "Just what the Earth Pulse showed me. All I can say was that he was kidnapped by Melchior when he confronted him."
Eizen inquired, "Why would he do that?"
Eleanor stated, "Melchior was indirectly responsible for killing someone he loved. Velvet's sister. He didn't have proof, but he figured it out."
"Damn it …" Eizen lightly hit the ship's railing with this fist which caused Eleanor to be surprised. "Damn … Even after he's dead, he's still giving us trouble."
"I … I know." Eleanor stated, "I can only hope that this is the last problem of his we'll need to deal with."
Eizen didn't feel optimistic, "That would be wishful thinking. Wasn't that asshole alive for centuries? He left a lot of damage in his wake. He could have done plenty we don't know about."
"Yes …" Eleanor reluctantly agreed, "There's no telling what other damage he did. He may've been trying to create some kind of ideal world, but he didn't think causing harm to others was a big deal as long as he got what he wanted."
Eizen muttered, "What else could he have done?"
Eleanor took a breath before declaring, "We can worry about that another time. What's important is that he can't do that anymore, and that is one less mess he left behind. We can start trying to move past what he and his followers did."
"That's a fair point …" Eizen then stated, "I suppose whether this was the last or not isn't important. You're right that we should be glad that this is one less problem."
Eleanor merely said, "Yes …"
"After this is over," Eizen promised, "I will keep my ears open for any other leads to what Melchior might've done."
"I'll do what I can too. I made promises that I will spend the rest of my life trying to fulfill. I don't mind making another." Eleanor held up her hand and said, "If you ever need help with dealing with anything, don't hesitate to contact me. All you need to do is send a Sylphjay, and I'll head straight for you."
"I've seen you eager before." Eizen questioned, "But are you that eager to jump into this fire?"
"Of course." Eleanor then asked, "We're friends now, aren't we? Right?"
"Friends, huh?" Eizen chuckled in amusement as he crossed his arms, "I guess we are. There are worse people I could be friends with."
"Heh." Eleanor shook her head as she replied in a playful manner, "I'll take that as a compliment." Her tone became more serious as she then said, "Anyway, I mean it. I will do everything I can to find out if Melchior left any other messes behind. If I find any, I will take care of them. If I need help, I'll be sure to let you know next time."
"Don't hesitate to ask for help." Eizen warned her, "You have a tendency of overburdening yourself."
Eleanor remarked, "Magilou sort of said the same thing."
"Then you know it's serious if the 'Witch' is telling you that." Eizen replied in a deadpan tone.
"Heh. Hold on!" Eleanor then remembered, "That reminds me. Aren't you worried about turning into a dragon? Couldn't something like this do something that?"
"Of course I'm worried about it." Eizen pointed down below the deck as he declared, "But it's not gonna happen today, and that down there isn't gonna to do it. So let me do the worrying. I know what my body can take. Trust me."
"Okay …" Eleanor felt uneasy and not entirely convinced.
Eizen then asked, "Anyway, I'm fine with you wanting to save another human's life, but are you sure he's secure down there?"
"Well Magilou is keeping a watch on him, and she told me his 'restraints' should keep him docile as long as no one tries waking him up." Eleanor stated.
"Hmph. If you say so." Eizen looked toward the others on the ship before remarking, "Good thing Benwick and the others have enough common sense."
"Speaking of them," Eleanor rhetorically asked, "they really can't see you can they?"
Eizen shook his head, "No. After Velvet sealed Innominat, that finished the job. Benwick and the others lost what little resonate they had left, and I'm basically a ghost to them."
Eleanor had no words to say other than, "Eizen …"
"Sometimes they will gaze in my direction." Eizen sounded sorrowful as he then said, "I'm sure they may faintly sense me, but it's not like how Aifread was able to."
"Oh …" Eleanor softly asked, "How do you feel about that? Is it lonely?"
"Hmm …" Eizen closed his eyes before reopening and answering Eleanor's question, "It's a return to normalcy for us Mal … Seraphim. With exceptions, we were never visible to humanity before what Artorius and Melchior did. Now we've returned to how things were."
Eleanor bluntly stated, "That's not really answering my question."
"Like I said, it wasn't something that I hadn't experienced before, but after spending years speaking to them, it feels …" Eizen felt himself pause before saying, "rather jarring not being able to do something that simple anymore."
"I understand …" Eleanor looked up to the sky as she remarked, "I understand that."
"Hmm …" Eizen looked up to the sky as well.
Eleanor looked down and said, "If you want, you could tell me something you'd like to say to your crew. Anything at all. I will tell them."
"…" Eizen was briefly silent before then telling Eleanor, "I'll considerate it. Thank you."
Eleanor then replied, "Don't forget. We're friends. Friends help each other out."
"…" Eizen was silent again much to Eleanor's dismay.
Eleanor sounded rather down as she said, "Please don't tell me you didn't think I was a friend."
"It's not that." Eizen sounded rather sincere as he then said, "Personally, I'm just surprised at myself. I never would've thought I'd become friends with an Exorcist."
Eleanor remarked, "You're not the only one surprised at themselves."
Eizen crossed his arms again as he said, "I suppose not."
"Anyway, just let me know if you think of anything." Eleanor said as she turned to leave, "I'll be more than happy to do it."
Eizen reiterated, "I will keep that in mind."
/
As Eleanor conversed with Eizen, Benwick the de-facto leader of the Aifread pirates could only see Eleanor seemingly talk to the air. However, Benwick knew that wasn't the case. After watching for a while, he decided to head below deck.
When he was went down below, he found himself outside the door where the Daemon was being held. When he knocked on the door he heard, Magilou on the other side way, "Come on in."
Benwick saw Magilou set up at a table, and she was writing in a booklet. He also saw the 'Daemon' in question. Through his eyes, the Daemon more or less appeared as a normal human.
Magilou turned to see the ordinary human and commented, "Didn't expect to see you here, Benwick.
Benwick stated, "I was just curious about what exactly this Daemon is while Lady Eleanor talks to the first mate."
Magilou raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"That's what was going on, right?" Benwick asked, "She was talking to the first mate … To Eizen, right?"
"Yep." Magilou slyly confirmed, "They're having lively conversation."
Bewick sighed, "Man … I wish I could still see him. He may be tagging along and watching out for us, but I miss him."
"Hmm …" Magilou looked over to see Benwick's disappointed look, "I guess Eleanor was right. A little at least."
Benwick asked, "Can you tell me what they were talking about?"
"I could but will I?" Magilou shook her head. "I don't think so." Before Benwick could say anything, Magilou then said, "Just kidding. A little. I wouldn't give you the specifics but they're talking about all the trouble Melchior caused with this guy right here." Magilou motioned to the Daemon on the bed, "If you want to know more, you'll have to ask Eleanor. I'm sure she wouldn't mind telling you. I'm sure she wouldn't mind acting as your go between with Eizen."
"Melchior …" Benwick gritted his teeth at the mention of the name.
"I'd watch it if I were you." Magilou held up her hand as she warned Benwick, "You wouldn't want to turn into a Daemon yourself. Or Eizen for that matter." The Witch's tone was serious as she looked in his direction.
"…" Benwick remained silent as he did his best to hold himself back.
Magilou: stated in a matter of fact tone, "Melchior's dead, and he won't be causing anymore trouble. Eizen helped avenge your Captain. I suggest you try living with that."
Benwick reluctantly looked down as he said, "I … I'll try."
Magilou bluntly stated, "Believe me. You will need to. You don't want to let someone drag you down for the rest of your life."
Benwick asked, "Are you …?"
Magilou cutoff Benwick with, "That's enough life advice for one day. You can talk to Eleanor if you want." Magilou then returned to writing in her booklet.
"Wha … Fine." Benwick then turned his attention to the Daemon on the bed as he then asked, "This is … supposed to be the Daemon, right?"
Magilou continued writing in her booklet as she said, "In the flesh."
"This …" Benwick stated, "… doesn't exactly look like the Daemons I remember seeing before. He looks a little wild, but he doesn't seem that dangerous."
Magilou warned, "I wouldn't get too close to him. He only looks like a normal human to you because you now lack the ability to see what he really looks like now."
"…" Benwick remained silent as he backed away.
"That's smart." Magilou then told Benwick, "Depending on the circumstances, you might not be able to see a Daemon at all, but when a human becomes a Daemon, who is unable to control him/herself they'll seem like a crazy person to you or something."
"Hmm …" Benwick was unable to give a proper response.
Magilou then stated, "Something tells me that explanation frustrated you more than helped you."
"A little …It wasn't that long ago we could see them too …" Benwick sounded depressed as he then said, "Now it feels like we regressed."
Magilou replied as she wrote in her booklet, "I guess it would seem that way."
/
As Eleanor returned to where they were keeping the Daemon, she saw a distraught looking Benwick leaving the room. Eleanor's first instinct was to ask the young pirate, "Something wrong, Benwick?"
"You know …" Benwick stated, "I can't help but envy you, Eleanor."
"Envy me?" Eleanor pointed to herself.
"You can still see the first mate." That was all the explanation Benwick needed for Eleanor to understand.
"Oh right …" Eleanor looked down as she said, "Eizen isn't exactly pleased by that either."
"I see …" Benwick stated, "It was tough enough when we lost the Captain, but losing our ability to see or hear the first mate really hurt us, too. At least he helped us prepare for when we couldn't see him anymore, but still …"
Eleanor stated, "I can understand what you mean … I can still see him, but if I couldn't see him or anyone else I've come to know … it would feel … strange not to see them anymore."
"Yes …" Benwick stated, "Sometimes I … You know feel his presence or something, but I can't see him. The very fact you were talking to him is proof that my feelings were right."
Eleanor stated, "Eizen really looked up to Aifread. It's probably one of the reasons he wants to keep an eye on you."
"Yeah well …" Benwick remarked as he left, "I wish it didn't have to be like that."
/
Eleanor returned to the room to see Magilou at the table. Eleanor first turned her attention to the sleeping Daemon as she said, "I see he's been behaving himself."
Magilou remarked, "I told you there wasn't anything to worry about. Not when you have the great Magilou on your side." After she was finished boasting, she returned to her writing.
Eleanor rolled her eyes.
Magilou didn't even look as she casually remarked, "No need to make that face."
Eleanor felt taken aback as she began to say, "But you didn't …"
"I know it." Magilou said as he continued to write.
"Okay then …" Eleanor then decided to ask, "By the way, are you writing something?"
Magilou continued writing as she answered, "I'm multiple-tasking." She then took out another booklet and wrote in that as well, "If you're curious, you'll have to wait."
Eleanor asked, "You mean you'll tell me what you're writing? No 'super-secret' stuff?"
"No. Not this time." Magilou grinned as she looked at Eleanor, "That's partly because I want to know how you'd react."
"Is that so?" Eleanor let her uneasiness show as she said, "I don't know if I like the sound of that."
"You probably shouldn't." Magilou stated, "Despite that, I think your feedback will be necessary."
Eleanor remarked, "If you really need my feedback that much, I'll give it to you. Just tell me when you need it."
Magilou grinned as she stated, "Will do."
Bienfu materialized as he whispered to Magilou, "Is it that bad, Miss Magilou?"
Magilou softly replied, "It could be worse, but one that is necessary."
"…" Eleanor didn't hear this exchange as she looked at the Daemon lying on the bed. "Magilou … Did Melchior cause the Aball villagers to betray Velvet's family? Is he the reason why Velvet's sister died Why Laphicet was … why he was never born? Why Artorius became who he became?"
"I wouldn't know, but would that really change anything?" Magilou asked.
"That doesn't matter, Magilou." Eleanor put her hands on the table which caused Magilou to look in her direction as she firmly stated, "I need to know the truth. I always wondered why the villagers betrayed Velvet's family. I was angry when I learned about it, but I should've been more suspicious since it was 'Melchior's testimony.' I spent a lot of my life being ignorant, and I don't want that anymore." Eleanor leaned on the table as she began to plead, "If you know anything Magilou, please tell me."
"…" Magilou sighed as she put down her booklet. She admitted, "I honestly don't know if Melchior did it or not, but I have a strong feeling that he did."
Eleanor then asked, "Could you explain?"
Magilou stated, "You told me before how in the Earth Pulse memories, that Melchior only showed up after Velvet's sister was killed and Artorius had lost use in his right arm, right?"
"Hmm-Hmph." Eleanor nodded.
Magilou then continued, "I always found that timing to be suspect. Melchior clearly knew what was happening. If he did, why didn't he show up sooner? We also saw in Edward's memories that Melchior was heading toward Aball prior to that incident. He was looking for Artorius. We've seen the lengths Melchior has gone to achieve his goals, and he had the ability to pull off some moves people would never see coming He did try to manipulate Velvet with her own dreams, and his magic affected an entire town's worth of people to sell that dream as reality."
Eleanor pointed out, "Those people at the port did cause Velvet to lower her guard."
Magilou stated, "While I don't doubt Aball did betray Velvet's family, I know Melchior had the personality and the power to manipulate people. Chances are he did something to cause Aball to go through with selling out Velvet's family. I lack proof, but it feel like the most plausible explanation to me. Of course we will never know the truth. After all, the Aball villagers and Melchior are dead."
"Ugh …" Eleanor groaned as she leaned on the table and said, "That's what I thought …"
"It is all speculation though." Magilou stated, "Unless Melchior actually did tell this guy anything and we didn't see it in those memories, chances are any proof of Melchior's involvement died with him."
Eleanor looked at Magilou as she asked, "Could his soul affect the Empyrean like Velvet's brother affected Innominat?"
"I doubt that the Innominat we saw was really affected by the original 'Laphicet'." Magilou stated.
"What do you mean?" Eleanor inquired.
"Innominat may have used Laphicet # 1's body, and he had Laphicet # 1's memories to hurt Velvet, but I don't think he affected Innominat beyond that. I'm pretty sure Innominat was like that long before 'Laphicet # 1' fused with him. It's more likely he used the original Laphicet's memories and appearance to look like Velvet's 'Laphi' to mess with her."
"I guess that could've happened, but what about Melchior?" Eleanor inquired.
Magilou stated, "None of the Empyreans were that eager about Innominat. I don't think even someone like Melchior could change that. As far as I'm concerned, we'll never have to worry about Melchior here again."
Eleanor let out a breath as she said, "I hope you're right."
Magilou stated, "Of course that doesn't mean his messes have been cleansed because of his death."
"…" Eleanor only needed to look at the Daemon.
/
When they were getting closer to shore, Eizen paid Eleanor a visit. The moment he entered the room, it didn't take him long to notice, "I see you're worried about something."
Eleanor mused, "You know me so well."
"Hmph." Eizen grinned as he stated, "You're just easy to read."
Eleanor stated, "I'm thinking about what Velvet told me … back when we were on the island during our vacation."
Eizen rhetorically asked, "When you two became a couple?"
Well …" Eleanor's cheek brightened as she scratched the back of her head. "I was… It was the day before that actually."
"Hmm …" Eizen listened to what Eleanor had to say next.
"Anyway," Eleanor began to make her point, "Velvet told me something … I tried to convince her to use Laphicet's flames to return her to being a human."
Eizen merely replied, "I see …"
Eleanor explained, "I figured that after Artorius and Innominat were defeated, she wouldn't need to be a Daemon anymore, but Velvet told me a lot of things. There was one thing she told me that makes me wonder … Velvet told me about the day she was turned into a Theron in great detail. She told me that she felt her 'humanity' leave her when she was changed."
Eizen stated, "I'd imagine other people who turned into Daemons felt something similar."
"Yeah, but Velvet also said that she didn't think the flames would work on her because she embraced her Daemon power." Eleanor felt a sense of dread crawl up her spine as she stated, "She embraced them because she knew they were her best bet to killing Artorius."
"Hmm …" Eizen replied, "She wasn't wrong."
"Yes … After what happened to Rokurou, she might've been right." Eleanor pointed out, "He embraced being a Daemon as well since it helped him fight his brother. After we won, Rokurou was covered by Laphicet's flames, but he didn't turn back into being human."
"I think Rokurou was a doomed case." Eizen remarked, "I always figured he preferred being a Daemon over a human. He seemed rather ecstatic he didn't change back. Velvet saw being a Daemon as a means to an end rather than getting any enjoyment out of it."
Eleanor nodded as she said, "That's true, but still … I really would like to know if we could've made Velvet human again."
"I doubt we'll ever know." Eizen had his arms crossed as he stated, "It's better not to focus on such a hypnotical situation and focus on what you can do. Thanks to Laphicet, we found out that Daemons can be saved. Let's try to find out if that Daemon can be saved as well. I'll do what I can to help you."
"You're right …" Eleanor graciously replied, "Thanks again, Eizen."
Eizen nodded, "Any time."
/
Thanks to the arrangements Benwick made, they were able to smuggle Edward out of Port Zekson by a cart. Eizen, Eleanor, and Magilou made their way to Artorius former altar on top of the temple where Laphicet resided. However, he preferred to be called by the true name Eleanor had given him when they formed their bond, Maotelus, which was a name befitting the large Dragon Empyrean form he had taken.
When they arrived at the Altar, Eizen carried the Daemon over his shoulder until they reached the top of the stairs and he promptly placed the Daemon by his feet. No sooner had they arrived Laphicet's Empyrean form manifested. His dragon form was an impressively magnificent sight. His scales were completely white and they appeared to glow in the sunlight. His size was so massive it looked like there was hardly enough room for him on the top of this temple.
Eizen, Eleanor, and Magilou were forced to look upward, so they could properly see Laphicet as he looked down at them. It felt as if they would get a crook in their neck if they were forced to keep looking up like this. However, the sound of Laphicet's voice contrasted with his size.
The voice of 'Maotelus' still sounded like the young boy they had traveled with as he spoke, "Hey guys. It's been a while."
Eleanor sounded happy as she replied, "Too long, Laphicet."
"Eleanor …" Laphicet sounded annoyed as he said, "I've asked you to call me Maotelus now."
"I can't help it." Eleanor stated, "That's the name Velvet gave you."
"Hmm …" Laphicet took a moment before reluctantly conceding, "Okay. Okay. I won't make a big deal out of this time. Anyway, it is a little disappointing that Rokurou isn't here, but I see that the three of you decided to bring a guest. Care to explain what happened?"
"I would've wanted Rokurou to be here, but we needed to take care of our 'guest' as quickly as possible …" Eleanor looked over to the restrained Edward Daemon, "It's a long story."
Laphicet looked intently as he said, "I'm listening."
Eleanor did her best to summarize the events that transpire and the memories she and Magilou had witnessed. After all was said and done, Laphicet solemnly replied, "I see … So some things still haven't been resolved."
Eleanor stated, "Yes so that's why I was hoping you'd help us resolve this one."
Laphicet looked at the restrained Daemon before stating, "I'll see if my flames can do the trick, but I can't guarantee a thing."
Eleanor replied, "I know there's a chance this might not work, but I believe this 'will' work." She did her best to encourage the giant Seraphim, "Just believe in yourself, Laphicet. Like we all do."
"…" Eizen had his arms crossed as he smiled. Magilou grinned as well.
Laphicet's large dragon form nodded as he said, "I do. Let's give this a try." When Laphicet forced his attention the Daemon Edward, flames emerged from Laphicet's body, and then they moved and covered the Daemon's body completely. Eizen, Eleanor, and Magilou watched as the Daemon was engulfed by the silver flames. After a few moments, the flames dissipated as if they were never there. In the place of the Daemon was a man. A man in ragged clothing. In front of the man was a jewel. It was the same jewel that was attached to his forehead earlier.
Magilou walked up and picked up the jewel as she commented, "I'd say that was resounding success."
Eizen had his arms crossed, but his fingers were digging into his arms. The space between his eyebrows became smaller as wrinkles formed on his forehead as he asked, "Magilou, is that thing …?"
"Yep." Magilou flipped the jewel like a coin and caught it in midair before Eizen could finish his question. She held up the jewel as she said, "This is one of Melchior's toys." Magilou shivered as she stated, "I can practically sense his aura radiating off this thing."
Eizen then inquired, "Are there more of them?"
Magilou looked at the jewel as she stated, "There might be. Can't be sure. He wasn't exactly open to me about anything even when I was his apprentice."
Eleanor inquired, "If there were, could we track them down?"
"Hmm …" Magilou held up the jewel as she said, "Maybe. I'll hang onto this for now." Magilou placed the jewel in her pocket as she said, "It might help me figure out what the story is."
"Ugh …" The three looked to see Edward was groaning. He appeared to be regaining consciousness faster than anyone anticipated.
Eleanor rushed to his side and knelt down by his side as she told him, "Hey … Are you okay …?" She looked to the Witch and told her, "Magilou! Undo your restraints!"
Without saying a word, Magilou moved her hands which caused the bindings of Edward's arms to be undone which caused his hands to fall to the side. After he groaned again, he started to move his arms, so he could push himself off the floor.
"Hey … Take it easy." Eleanor's warned as she put her hand behind Edward's back.
The sound of Eleanor's voice caused Edward's ears to perk up. He slowly spoke, "I'm … I'm fine, Eleanor." Edward replied even though his eyes were still closed.
"You …" Eleanor asked in surprise, "You know my name?"
"I heard your name earlier …" Edward groaned and pushed himself off the ground. He was on his knees as he then nursed his head, "I've been kinda in and out of it for a while, so I heard some of the stuff you guys were saying … It's a lot …"
"Is that so …" Eleanor then calmly said, "It must be a lot to process …"
"I've had a few days to process some of it …" Edward took a breath, "Some of it was stuff I had been suspecting … I thought what 'Arthur' did was strange … He didn't even seem to care about what happened to his family …"
"…" Everyone including Laphicet were unable to say a word.
Edward slowly opened his eyes as he said, "I was a Daemon …" He glanced at his human hand as he said, "But I'm not now?"
"Yes …" Eleanor began to say when Edward looked up.
"Holy crap!" Edward fell back before pushing himself up again as he exclaimed, "You're a lot bigger than I thought you'd be!"
"You can see him!?" Eleanor exclaimed as she stood up.
"Yes!" Edward said as he looked up and pointed at the dragon, "You're Laphicet?!"
"That's …" Laphicet then said, "Technically my name."
"Did you free me from being a Daemon?" Edward asked.
Laphicet began to say, "It wasn't just me. It was …"
"His silver flames cured you." Eleanor interrupted, "We brought you here, but it was Laphicet's flames that saved you."
Edward bowed his head, "Thank you so much! You have my gratitude!"
Laphicet held up one of his claws as he attempted to wave off the praise, "There's no need for that. I was just doing what I said I would do."
As the exchange was happening, Eizen looked to Magilou who then said, "Perhaps being subjected to Melchior's experiments awakened an inner resonance within him."
"Hmm …" Eizen just looked at Edward without saying a thing.
"Ugh …" Edward groaned again as he nursed his head.
"Are you okay?" Eleanor asked.
"I think … I think I'll be fine." Edward said as he rubbed his head.
"You're head is still a mess after what Melchior put you through." Magilou seriously advised the man, "You should get some rest. I'm sure Benwick can help you with that."
"Okay …" Edward reluctantly accepted the suggestion.
After they escorted him back to the cart, Benwick took him back to Port Zekson. Afterwards, they ascended back to the top of the temple at Laphicet's request.
"Now that it's just us, there is something I was hoping to talk to you all about." Laphicet continued to speak while his three former traveling companions looked up and let him speak, "I've noticed that more than a few people are greatly distressed over the missing 'Shepherd'. While Artorius' death has not been made public yet, there are rumors of his death along with the other key members of the Abbey who were defeated."
Eleanor looked down as she said, "Yes I know … We saved the people from the true plans of Artorius and the Abbey, but they'll never know about it."
Laphicet concurred, "Yes. As much as it pains me, I know if the people were aware of the Abbey's crimes, the people would lose faith, and they will never be able to trust anyone. We need someone to help keep the people's faith strong as the world is being rebuilt, so they won't become overwhelmed by Malevolence."
Eleanor's eyes widened as she felt herself involuntarily back away, "Laphicet … are you suggesting …?"
"Yes!" Laphicet was looking directly down at Eleanor through his 'dragon' eyes as he proclaimed, "Eleanor Hume, I would like you to become the next Shepherd."
"Oh!" Magilou clapped her hands, "Congratulations, Eleanor."
"Me … The Shepherd?" Eleanor pointed to herself as she voiced her disbelief, "There's no way … A position like that should …"
Laphicet spoke, "You've more than proven yourself qualified for the title, Eleanor."
Eizen spoke up, "He's right. While you can be emotional, it's not necessarily a bad thing. You care for others, and I believe that's because you understand loss better than anyone. You've also proven to be intelligent, and you can think for yourself. Two other fine leadership qualities."
Magilou cheekily grinned as she stated, "I think he hit the nail on the head."
Laphicet nodded his gigantic head as he remarked, "Yeah. I couldn't have said it better myself."
"I … I don't know …" Eleanor voiced her dissenting argument, "At first when Artorius became the Shepherd, I thought it was a good thing, but in reality he just wanted to control all of us as if we were sheep. It might be better if that title dies along with Artorius."
"…" Eizen and Magilou remained silent after hearing Eleanor's argument.
"That is …" Laphicet conceded, "A reasonable argument, Eleanor. You do have a point that maybe it should be forgotten like Innominat needs to be. However, I would like to think you can perform the role the way it was meant to be."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow as she inquired, "What do you mean?
Laphicet stated, "When Artorius was given that title, the people believed it was meant that he could continue to act as their protector of the people like a Shepherd protects his flock. I believe you can do this and set an example for others to come."
"Others to come?" Eleanor repeated Laphicet's last words before realizing the implication, "Are you saying you'd want that position to endure?"
"Yes." Laphicet bluntly replied, "If I can, I'd like to see the position endure for as many generations as possible. Until we find a right way to help our world grow and not need to worry about Malevolence or Daemons."
"Hmm …" Magilou scratched her chin as she remarked, "That's a tall order, Kiddo."
Eizen gave his two-cents, "I doubt even I'd live long enough to see that."
Laphicet nodded, "Probably, but I still believe it is an ideal worth striving for, so that our world can have a future. I believe having a position filled by one that could be neutral and fair to the different kingdoms and people could be the key to helping our world."
Eizen seemed fairly impressed by Laphicet's reasoning, "I can see that you thought this through."
Magilou clapped her hands, "Gotta give the kid points for thinking ahead, but …"
Bienfu finished Magilou's thoughts as he materialized, "The decision isn't up to any of us."
"…" Eleanor knew all eyes were on her as she reluctantly asked, "Can I think about it?"
"Of course." Laphicet then assured Eleanor, "You don't have to become the Shepherd if you don't want. There might be a better way. If you can find it, I will support it."
"Thank you." With that Eleanor decided to take her leave and head back to the port.
/
When they returned to Port Zekson, Eleanor went off on her own as she wandered in the town. Eventually, she decided to lean against a wall to rest.
Eleanor sat on the ground and rested her head against the wall as she said to herself, "What am I supposed to do?" Even though there was no one around to answer, she said, "I've always done my best to 'move on' … To be honest, I'm not really sure what it means anymore … At least I don't think so … it just feels like I'm always trying to 'move on'."
"And you always have been." A familiar voice spoke to Eleanor.
When Eleanor looked up, she saw that she was no longer in the town. It didn't take long for Eleanor to figure out, "I fell asleep again, didn't I?"
"Just like I would when I sat outside the ship." Velvet spoke to Eleanor. "I would sit outside and lean against the wall. Before I knew it, I'd fall asleep."
Velvet and Eleanor were sitting back-to-back to each other. Eleanor did not bother looking over her shoulder as she said, "I take it that you can hear me now."
"Yes." Velvet sounded rather pleased as she told Eleanor, "Loud and clear. Don't let me stop you. Go on."
Eleanor sighed before continuing her point, "Moving on … First it was just my mom and I … Then, it was just … After my resonance awakened, I became an Exorcist. After all that, I ended up joining your group. I was forced to at first, but I ended up staying willingly after a while. When all that was done, you and Laphicet were … you both willing scarified yourselves … You're both are still alive, but you became Innominat's seal and Laphicet became Innominat's replacement as an Empyrion. We can't travel together anymore … I thought I could get over it, but I'm just sad … I miss those days … I never would've thought I'd miss them, but I do."
After Eleanor was finished speaking, Velvet told Eleanor, "You're not the only one that misses the."
"Velvet …" Was the only word Eleanor could say.
"But you've done well, Eleanor." Velvet sounded pleased as she said, "Despite everything, I know you'll figure something out just like you and Magilou figured out about that Daemon, and you even saved his life, too. You should be proud. I'm proud of you."
"Yeah …" Eleanor replied.
"But …" Eleanor could hear Velvet getting up as she said, "… it might be time to get going."
Eleanor closed her eyes as she heard Velvet beginning to walk away, "Velvet … Please don't go … Not again … Not …"
Eleanor suddenly woke up to see she was still leaning against the building she was resting at. She could see that she had dozed off. Despite her surroundings, Eleanor stood up and frantically looked around. There was no sight of Velvet. That truly was another dream.
"Not too smart." Eleanor turned to see Eizen leaning against the wall before remarking, "I hear humans can get sick."
Eleanor asked, "Have you been watching out for me?"
"Well …" Eizen pushed himself off the wall as he remarked, "I'm not about to leave a young lady sleeping alone on the street."
Eleanor nodded, "Thanks, Eizen. I don't know what happened, but I guess I must've dozed off."
Eizen then remarked, "Just like Velvet would."
"… Yes." Eleanor sorrowfully replied.
Eizen then inquired, "What were you dreaming about?"
"I was …" Eleanor admitted, "Actually, I'm not really sure if I was dreaming."
"Hmm?" That caught Eizen's attention.
Eleanor explained, "When I was asleep, Velvet was there. Velvet spoke to me.
"Interesting …" Eizen asked, "You think Velvet telepathically spoke to you in your dreams?
"It … wasn't the first time …." Eleanor looked down as she told Eizen, "It's been happening ever since I went to Aball …" Eleanor looked up as she rhetorically asked, "It sounds crazy doesn't it?"
"Of course it does, but we've been through a lot of crazy things." Eizen held up his hand has he began listing everything, "We've seen dream illusions. We've also seen a kid become an Empyrean as well as people who are practically immortal. Not to mention, Daemons turning back to human. With everything that's happened, hardly anything could surprise me now."
"So …" Eleanor felt a sense of relief as she asked, "you believe me?"
Eizen nodded, "Yes."
"Then I need to go back to Aball." Eleanor firmly stated, "I still have some unfinished business there. Business I can only complete there."
"If you need help getting there, I'll be more than happy to oblige." Eizen then corrected himself, "Or rather Benwick will."
Eleanor then stated, "Then we'll leave in the morning. Let's make sure to take Magilou and Edward with us."
Eizen reminded Eleanor, "You'll have to ask Benwick about that, but I'm sure he'll be happy to bring them."
"Yes." Eleanor stated, "And Eizen …"
Eizen replied likewise. "Eleanor."
Eleanor stated with certainty, "I know that once I get back to Aball, I'll be able to find the answers I'm looking for."
/
Author Notes: The next chapter will be the final chapter of this story. It feels bittersweet that this story is coming to an end, but the time to conclude is coming. I feel proud that I was able to complete this story.
Eizen made the most sense since it was established in the video game that Sylphjays were useful in sending messages like Ravens were useful in Game of Thrones. I decided that I would bring him back in time for the finale of this story, so he could help Eleanor and Magilou bring Edward back to Laphicet. The Aifread Pirates would be perfect in helping smuggle Edward in and out of a port.
Personally, I'm pleased with how I had Eleanor and Laphicet have completely opposing points of views regarding the position of the Shepherd. While Eleanor apparently does become the Shepherd in canon, I can't imagine it was easy for her. I know I might feel uneasy. Regardless, Eleanor does understand some good can come of it.
Thank you for reading, so be sure to provide a review. It will be appreciated. Hope you had a Merry Christmas 2018 and a Happy New Year.
