Author's note: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII!
Nearing Our Destiny
Chapter 09: Broken Hearts
The trip was relatively easy as the ship made its way to the isle of Neos. Airlia stared out at the ocean as the wind blew her locks of hair around her. A hand touched her shoulder as she turned her head to see Angelo. His pale blue eyes were shining with compassion, "Thinking about Marcello?"
The brunette quirked one side of her mouth as she spoke, "Is it that obvious to you? I wanted to tell him the truth, but I feared if he knew before fighting that monster that Dhoulmagus would kill him. Then after everything transpired things were just rushed and we were about to tread into bandit country. We didn't tell any of you until Ascantha to avoid most finding out about us. We told you then only because of what we knew would happen with King Pavan. We would have preferred to keep it low until we were out of bandit territory altogether but thankfully no harm came of it." She felt the weight lift off her shoulders a little with the sad smile he gave her.
"I will defend you Princess, and I can tell you never lied with regards to your personality. You're true to your comrades in every way. You don't back away from a fight and you do what you feel you must to protect your people. That's the reason that you're going to go through with this stupid wedding isn't it… Duty to your people to not bring shame on them…" The former Templar said as she sighed.
"I want to put duty before me, it's all I've ever been taught. But my people have voiced their disagreement with it so loudly that I don't think they'd hold me angrily to any action I do." She said as he saw the confliction in her eyes.
"Do what feels right here," He said as he indicated her heart, "not here." He raised his hand to level with her mind. "Your mind may be centered on duty, but if you don't follow your heart, you will only feel pain."
She smiled at him as she said, "Thank you Angelo. I know now that I have two supporters at least with my plight. Probably more with Jessica, Yangus and Alistair. But I don't know where Trode and Medea are with my plight. I know they must feel something, but I would never put them in a situation that could put them at jeopardy with the engagement." He nodded as he walked off to relieve her brother at the helm.
Airlia turned back to the ocean, something that always brought her a sense of calm – no matter how much it tossed and turned. The wind caressed her dress as Jessica came over to her to stare out at the ocean. The two had felt a kinship from the moment they realized the situation one another was in. The ride was silent aside from the waves tossing against the ship.
A short time later, the ship came to dock against the isle of Neos as Airlia smiled. She felt that familiar sensation that the princess had felt in the dream with the mysterious stranger whose face she couldn't see. Once the plank was lowered, Trode opted to remain behind as to not create a scene with his physical appearance. The group wandered straight to the center of the isle where the sacred village laid, surrounding the statue of the goddess in the valley below. They walked quickly to the town as Draco and Yangus opened the gates, allowing them inside as they watched the priests, nuns and normal people wandering about making their pilgrimage to the sacred isle.
They continued down the path and up towards the giant Goddess statue as they found themselves on a bridge, crossing over water to a smaller isle that was lined with columns on either side before the bridge took them to the bigger inner isle where the statue was located. They began walking up to the doors when a guard was about to put his hands on Draco when they realized who the pair were as they bowed respectfully. "Our apologies Prince, Princess. Welcome."
Airlia and Draco shared a look before the doors opened to show High Priest Rolo walking out with Marcello behind him. Airlia tried to hide the smile that she felt trying to emerge at the sight of the dark haired man. However, it was easy to dampen when she heard Rolo talking down to the abbot. Rolo's garments were jewel encrusted as he spoke, the light reflecting off of it. "This is the Holy Isle of Neos! The coronation place of the Lord High Priest! You may be the Captain of the Templars, but a man of such humble origins as yourself has no place here!" She realized he was speaking to Marcello as he continued. Rolo's deep voice rolled over her, "Understood, Marcello? Your continued office as guard is in itself a privilege beyond your station. No doubt you're aware that it was only because I requested it of the Lord High Priest that you hold such a rank. As his likely successor, he grants me the occasional special favor."
Marcello spoke with such spite for Rolo that it was palatable. "… Yes. I am aware of that, High Priest Rolo."
Rolo closed his eyes as he smiled smugly back at Marcello, "And you could never have attained such an esteemed position as Abbot at your age, without my recommendation. You'd do well to remember that!"
Airlia had had enough of the measuring contest the two seemed to be having as she cleared her throat. "High Priest Rolo, you know the favor came from Abbot Francisco after he retired from his position, likely with the support of royalty of different kingdoms. He asked the Lord High Priest Calchas, to give the position to Marcello since he held such favor with the Templars as it would cause the least amount of upset amongst them."
The fat priest paled as he looked at Airlia and quickly recovered with a spiteful response, "Well, welcome Princess Airlia to the Holy Isle of Neos." Airlia paled as Marcello turned towards her quickly.
"Princess Airlia? I thought your name was Mirabel." Marcello spat as Airlia winced.
"May I speak now Abbot Marcello?" She asked as he glared at her with such near hatred that she felt as if she had been struck.
The sapphire blue eyed man continued to glower as he spat, "What's there to say Princess? Why bother to explain? I'm sure it will be a lie – as was anything you apparently told me. I'm sure now that you were working with that jester."
The princess winced as she felt like she had been slapped physically. She had always felt an inner grief at the death of Master Rylus because of her being incapacitated. She blinked to try and keep the tears back as Draco stepped forward with a glare, "Now wait just a minute you self-centered jerk."
The dark haired man glared at the prince as he said, "And I suppose you aren't really a man by the name of Altair… If that whore lied…" Airlia couldn't take any more of the physical pain that felt like it was being inflicted on bare skin, she turned and ran. The brunette didn't bother to wait for anyone, she just ran as fast as her feet would carry her. She wanted to be anywhere other than there as she held the tears back for as long as she could.
She knew her brother felt the pain and that was why he stepped forward to end it. She didn't want to stay there to see what her brother would do to him. She knew all too well Draco was restraining himself on hurting the Abbot on her behalf, and many would say it was a herculean feat. No one hurt his twin and lived to tell of it. She ran past the open gate darting through traffic of both human and animal of the group that arrived. She kept her eyes on the ship, letting some of her tears flow now that she was out of sight of most of the people. Making her way to the ship, she ignored Trode's look of pity at her heart wrenching expression of pain. She got into the cabin and went to a bed to sob into the pillow.
Draco couldn't help himself he saw the sight of his twin running with such tragic pain written on her face, as he balled one hand into a fist and slammed it into Marcello's face. She didn't cry, even when their parents doomed her to some loveless marriage. He turned to Jessica, Alistair and Yangus before speaking angrily. He wasn't mad at them… just at the man who hurt his sister. "One of you go with her. Make sure she gets back to the ship safely, please." Jessica nodded as she ran off to catch up with the princess, knowing how angry the prince was with Marcello. Draco turned back to the man who was still clutching his jaw. "You dare to call my sister a liar and a whore? You are such a pathetic little boy. My sister is far better off without you. Did you know how she ached to tell you the truth? We even went back to try and find you before we began our trek across the ocean to find the jester."
Marcello opened his mouth to respond when Angelo cut the man off. "I will start off first with she was coming to tell you. However, I don't give a damn what you think of me Marcello, but that woman is genuinely good. They kept up the façade because the jester had threatened to kill Alistair and her family if she told anyone who she really was. She didn't know when she was truly safe to be able to spill it to anyone. She hesitated to say anything to us because of the heavy bandit activity. They ended up telling us in Ascantha because Airlia and Draco knew that anyone in the castle could recognize them."
Marcello spat at his brother, "Oh and I'm sure you didn't merely have your way with her. I'm sure she enjoyed it."
Alistair stepped up with Yangus trying to physically restrain the three men – even though it was only because the former bandit wanted to get a piece of him. "You dare to question her purity? No one here has been with her. We know that she was promised to someone she hasn't met – hell she was promised to someone that no one has ever met. We would do anything to protect her because of how gentle, kind and caring she is. She never lied about her personality though. She is as gentle and sweet as any flower you could ever find on this world of ours. Her brother told us the project she did with the orphans in her kingdom is very true. Don't believe us? That's fine. But don't you dare say even just one more lie about her. Go to Argonia and see it for yourself before you do anything else. Good riddance. I hope there is someone out there who can care about her for who she is because it's obvious that you don't. Let's go guys."
Draco glowered at the men before he spoke, "And to think my sister actually felt anything for you Marcello. I don't want to see you near her ever again considering how she now knows you hate her." He hid the grin that wanted to emerge at the look Marcello had on his face when he learned of her feelings towards the dark haired man. The group left swiftly, opting to not buy anything at Neos since Baccarat had a lot more gear that was of better quality. Melampus could bless the gear to give them holy protection if need be.
Airlia was still sobbing into the pillow as her heart felt like it had been cut into tiny pieces, unaware of the door opening or the female form entering the room before shutting the door. She was aware though when the bed depressed from the weight of the second person. "Airlia? You have every right to hurt and hate him."
Airlia let the last of her tears go as the pain remained. "I know, but I just can't let myself hate him. If I was in his shoes, I would hate me for lying. I just need to move on plain and simple."
Jessica looked at the princess with a frown. She didn't like what she was hearing. The pain wasn't out; it wouldn't heal until it was. But Jessica had to give a point to the girl. Airlia was trying to freeze her heart to keep anyone else from breaking it. The redhead could only hope the men beat some sense into the Abbot less she have to do it herself. All she could do was try to support the hurt woman as the pair left the cabin to see the men on the boat, all silent and stewing in anger.
Airlia turned to Trode, "Mind if we check on Golding before we go to Melampus? I'm worried about his health…" She didn't want to voice the main concern on her mind. Trode merely nodded – the men having informed him of the agony the woman had just been put through. He would never wish that on anyone, even his worst enemy Dhoulmagus. The remainder of the trip was silent with Airlia looking over the rail at the water and the land as they went around the southern half of the western continent towards the gambling town of Baccarat. Once they arrived, Draco lowered the plank before looking at his sister. The miserable expression she tried to hide was not hidden from him and he wanted to hit that man again for his words.
They got off the ship and headed west to the walled in city. Once they arrived, Airlia looked around as a man came up to them. He was wearing the guard uniform of Baccarat. The man bowed to the prince and princess, "Welcome Majesties. My name is Bryant. The Golding family would like to see you if you have a moment to spare them."
The group followed the guard to the gates protecting a mansion behind it. Once they were safely ensconced beyond the walls of the gates the guard turned to them. "Princess, when your letter came – it was just in time. Only yesterday a jester came into town and tried to kill Golding. He kept in mind what you said to do and he is recovering from the attack nicely."
Airlia released the breath she had been holding as she smiled. "I'm so glad to hear that Bryant." He led them inside the mansion and to the room that Airlia had long become familiar with when she was setting up trade between the two towns. They turned left and walked down the hallway and around the corner and through the heavy wooden door – into the main room that the family took their guests in.
They saw Cash and Carrie sitting on the desk with none other than Lord Golding himself seated between the two on the chair. Cash turned to the group, "Thank you so much Airlia for helping to save father. He's still recovering but it's not nearly as bad as what could have happened." Airlia sized up the blue haired man with a smile. He was a head taller than she was with short cropped blue hair. His bright red with gold trim jacket fit well aside from the puffy red sleeves. Carrie was dressed similarly to her brother except her jacket had short sleeves where her brother's went to his wrists.
Golding stood as he grimaced at the pain in his shoulder. Coming around, the man was dressed in a business suit that consisted of a black jacket, black pants and a white tuxedo. Airlia came over to him as she smiled, "How're you feeling Golding?"
He gave her a tight smile, "Aside from the fire in my shoulder my girl, I'm just fine. However I want to repay your kindness for saving my life. Let's go to the casino everyone."
She focused her healing powers as she began to glow white. Putting her hand on his injured shoulder, she whispered, "Midheal." The glow transferred from Airlia to Golding as it set in the wound, easing his pain.
He gave the shoulder an experimental roll to feel no pain and sighed happily. "My healer has been trying to heal this wound since the attack and nothing was happening. Thank you Princess. Come; let us all go to the casino now."
He led the group back outside of the mansion and down the pathway back to the main level of the city. Golding sighed as he looked up at the sky. "At first Airlia I will tell you I doubted the message you sent. However some part of me remained ever alert after that. When he showed up, it was as if I had been expecting it and I allowed him to think he killed me by hitting my chest area, but it was just above my heart so I survived. I sent my men after him and I believe that they went to the northwest isle. However that area is a haven of evil, you should bring the family heirloom of the magic mirror to break the darkness to find him if he did go into that den of evil."
Airlia nodded, "I agree. I remember much of Melampus's teachings and one of them was about a magic mirror known as the sun mirror. It was said that it is strong enough to penetrate any darkness."
The strong businessman nodded, "Right. And as thanks for saving my life, I want to give you and your friends some assistance. Come."
He led them around to the front of a tall brick building that had stairs leading up to it. "This is our casino. We have all sorts of rare prizes in here. Let's upgrade your equipment. I think you all could use it."
Airlia blushed while Alistair spoke, "Lord Golding, sir, it's a kind offer but it really isn't necessary."
Golding brushed off Alistair's words as he spoke, "Nonsense. She saved my life, so I want to help you defeat him before he can actually kill another as he did that Master Rylus whom Airlia mentioned in her letter."
Angelo nodded, "Very well then Lord Golding. We appreciate it."
Going inside, they saw the casino was empty, Golding explained. "You see after my attack I closed the casino for two days while I recover. Come."
He led the group to the exchange counter where the woman smiled at the casino owner. "Welcome Mr. Golding. How can I help you today sir?"
Golding smiled, "Maria, these good people are to be treated to whatever prizes they wish because Airlia saved my life."
Maria was a blonde woman of petit stature wearing a gold colored dress. Her hair was pulled back by a length of ruby ribbon as she smiled at the group. "Certainly Mr. Golding. Here is our prize list." She pulled it out as the group looked over the list. Airlia ended up picking out a princess gown that was an emerald green color, while Jessica got one of the same but in a beautiful sun golden color. The men all ended up getting new armor that was a gleaming silver color that was called liquid metal armor.
Golding explained about the mysterious armor, "That armor is supposed to be the most durable in the world. We call it liquid metal because it's so light; it's as if you're not wearing anything."
The two women ended up getting whips to upgrade their own. The men opted to get new swords while Golding turned to Yangus. "You are their strongman in battle aren't you young man?"
Yangus chuckled as he looked at Golding, "Well actually I protect the guv an' guv'ness. Why?"
Golding nodded as he indicated the broad axe on the back wall. Maria grabbed it and brought it over. "Take this axe. Keep them safe. Normally our casino doesn't have all of this gear, but I've been having a feeling in my bones that trouble is coming. I was originally going to prep my soldiers, but the situation has obviously changed."
Yangus took the giant axe and marveled at it. "Thank you Lord Golding."
The stocky Lord of Baccarat nodded with a grin. "That one belonged to my ancestor. I know he would want to be part of this battle. Give it some use then." He then turned to the princess, "If you ever need anything, simply ask it of us. If we can do such, I promise we will. Take care and beat that monster!"
Airlia nodded, "We will. We must head towards Argonia though for the mirror. I'm sure my parents will want me to remain behind to help plan," the princess spat the word plan with distaste, "my wedding. I will be forced to pray for their success."
At Golding's understanding nod, she knew she had another ally to help her if she ever needed it. He walked them from the casino to the gates of the kingdom where he watched them leave with Cash and Carrie at his sides.
The group gathered at the edge of town where Trode was. "Golding's alive Trode. He gave us equipment to be able to take on the monster – going so far as to give Yangus his ancestor's axe to help bring him down. We're going to go see Melampus to have him bless the equipment and see if the spring can break the curse."
Trode gave him a watery smile, "Thank you my boy. I hope it does work, truly."