Author's note: I don't own Dragon Quest VIII. This will not be completely to canon long term.

The Missing Princess

Chapter 9: The Brains of Argonia

When they first went inside the labyrinth, they noticed stone surrounding them forcing them forward into a more open area with a thirty foot drop. Yangus pointed to the red and gold jewel encrusted treasure chest. "Yea that 'olds the Venus' Tear. I'll lead you as far as I got, then 'opefully we can move forward to get that chest."

He led them to the west, "I went to the east before and it's just a singular room with a monolith. This way leads down." He continued to lead them down the stairs to the second floor. Yangus frowned as he led them past a door on the right and into a four way intersection. "That doorway before, it leads to a nasty pit of poison and a map." Checking his directions with each corner, he led them east and around a hole in the floor. "That 'ole leads to the same poison bog as before and that door ahead…" He pointed to a relatively normal looking door. "That is a spring to push you into the 'ole. Let's keep moving." He led them around the corner and into the doorway at the end to the steps descending into the third floor.

Once they went down the stairs, something felt odd as both Angelo and Alistair each put a hand on the hilt of their swords. Yangus's expression darkened as he spoke, "Guys, I have a feelin' that we're not alone."

Draco nodded as they went around the stairs and past a opening in the wall to their right, heading straight for the statue when four men came out from around that corner. "Hey lads, seems our little bundle of gold has come back! Come to us sweetheart and we'll get you back home." The dark chuckle made Draco frown.

Yangus took the cue from Draco and moved the statue just enough, "Guv'ness, duck behind here and run. We'll be right behind you. Just want to make sure they don't follow us no more."

Airlia nodded as she slipped into the small opening that Yangus closed afterwards. Airlia looked around and didn't see a place to hide as she ran down the tunnel and down the stairs. Looking around, she saw two paths and crossed her fingers as she ran down the small side tunnel to her immediate right and followed it around to a dead end. However, there were a few urns and she knew she could hide herself behind them. Quickly ducking behind the urns, she waited for help to come…

Draco drew his sword while Angelo drew his rapier. Jessica frowned as she tossed over her shoulder, "Guv, shall we just deal with these morons or do you want them to never move again?"

He shook his head, "Never move again is preferred as this is the second time they've gone after her. Obviously they haven't learned their lessons."

Jessica grinned maliciously as she didn't move for her whip, "Leave this to me." She focused her powers as a fireball came to the tip of her fingers and began to grow. "You should be running now boys." She flung the ball that had slowly become bigger than a coconut, and was bordering the size of a human head – incinerating the men. When all that was left was ashes, the mage pretended to dust off her hands.

Yangus moved the statue aside so they could go and try to find the princess. They didn't see her in the tunnel – so they followed the path, even as it led downwards into a room with two paths. Draco called out, "Sis, it's me. You're safe." He looked down the side tunnel when he saw a shadow coming around the corner and felt his relief soar when he saw her frightened face there.

She ran to the group as Yangus sighed. "This was almost where I got to. That corner she ran down was a dead end and over 'ere, it's a little 'arder to figure out. Come on."

He led them north, to a room that was partially divided by an eight foot wide moat of a poisonous bog. Yangus pointed to the bridge, "That's the only way across guv. But as you can see, it's on the other side. Looks impossible right?"

Everyone began to search around – to try and find some sort of switch or lever that needed to be triggered. Alistair, so lost in looking for something obvious didn't notice the small button he stepped on until the bridge lowered to the ground. Yangus slapped his forehead, "Cor Blimey! Keep yer foot there mate!" He went to the statue and pushed it over to where Alistair's foot was. They deftly switch the two as he sighed in relief. "Thanks mate, that was 'arder than it needed ta be. You see, it was visible last time when I came years ago. The last room is where I got stuck."

He led them around the back and forth around the winding corridor until they came to a giant rom with several tiles and two statues. "This is where we got stuck. Nothing worked here."

Airlia looked at the statues, something was funny about it. Jessica followed her gaze, "You onto something there?"

The dark haired woman shook her head, "Not sure. Something tells me it has to do with these statues. Not sure what though."

The well-endowed mage looked up, "There's a hole there, maybe… I think I know what's going on."

She turned to the others, "Line the statues up second from the end on both directions. I think we got something."

Jessica led Airlia to the respective tile as their hands gripped one another's tightly. "Hold on, it's gonna be interesting I think."

The pair braced themselves as the statues were moved into place, catapulting the pair to the floor above. Yangus scoffed as the men quickly launched themselves to the floor above. "Cor Blimey! The answer was right before my eyes! Damn!"

They hurried to the chest as Airlia read the inscription on the chest. "Only the pure of heart may open the chest and remove the jewel within unharmed."

She sighed as she knelt before the chest, clearing her mind and heart of her doubts, and her worries before putting her hands on either side of the chest. It glowed white before an unlocking mechanism could be heard. Airlia lifted the lid up to see the glistening blue gem. However, there were more than one gem as she threw it open fully. She would have to trust her heart and instincts to pick the right tear. Closing her mind and ears to the people around her, she reached in with her hands and gripped one that was partially exposed. Pulling it up, she found herself holding a shimmering blue gem before nodding to the others. "This is it! We've got the gem!"

Draco gathered everyone close before using his magic to warp them outside the labyrinth. Yangus eagerly led the way back to Red's home. "I'm so glad we got that tear! At long last I can close that chapter o' me life! Guv'ness, you were amazin'!"

They rounded the isle to the bridge and went across to the healing strongman. He looked at them before grinning. "Yer friend is safe an' sound."

Airlia went up to him and nodded, "We need to see Red though if you don't mind."

Nodding, he stepped aside as the twins and the former thief went inside to see her relaxing on her recliner. "Who is it?" Her voice roughly called out.

Airlia spoke up, "It's Melody with Altair and Yangus. We have something for you in appreciation for your help before."

Red stood up quickly, There was no way they could have the gem. "You wot?"

She walked up to the former bandit and offered a small leather cloth bag that held the jewel. "This is for you in thanks."

The lady bandit gaped as she took the bag and opened it to see the glittering blue gem. "Wow, so this is the Venus' Tear. I never expected ye ta actually get it. Thank you!"

Yangus shuffled forward, the stocky man blushing, "Well you did us a good turn, saving Melody that it wos the least we could do."

The brown eyed lady thief teared up at his humble words. She quickly shoved the emotions away; they could be processed later on. "Thank ye – all of ye. I 'onestly didn't expect this."

Yangus shook it off, "It wos nothing Red. I owed it to you for helping the guv'ness and 'sides, I wanted to make it up to you from my mess from years back."

Red turned away from the group, ending the conversation as the trio left while the woman clad in red and leather sat the tear on her mantle before relaxing in her rocking chair and cried softly.

The group reunited with Trode who smiled at the group. "Ready then to go back and find Brains?"

Yangus nodded, "Yea, but I'll just go in and leave you all out at the edge of town in case we have company again."

Angelo nodded, "Sound idea Yangus. I don't like the idea of someone going after Melody any longer and once we're over in Argonia's territory, she'll be safe I'm sure."

Draco shook his head, "I want to stop by Neos on the way home. If I've kept track of my days properly, mother and father should be going there on their pilgrimage they make every year. They pray there every year at this time of year for Melody's safe return to them."

Airlia looked at her brother sharply, "Really? You'll have to tell me all about them brother. I don't even know their faces…"

Draco nodded, "While we wait for Yangus, I wouldn't mind telling you about our family. There's more than just mom and dad. You have an uncle and a cousin too!"

He smiled as her face contorted from delight to shock and finally to excitement at learning her family was ever expanding. He was overwhelmed by the excitement flowing through her veins.

Once they arrived at the edge of the ruined town of Pickham, Yangus went inside while Trode moved over so Airlia could sit on the wagon. Draco launched into information of their family…

"So first we have mother and father… King Eltrio and Queen Xia. Your kidnapping when you were a newborn hurt them worse than anyone could have ever imagined. You see, word has it from some of the busybodies of the kingdom that they seemingly aged ten years on top of the years you have been missing. Both have salt and pepper dark brown hair. Their eyes always seem to have this hidden aura of sadness. If you were to look at them, you could smell the defeat there – even though they press on and rule the kingdom with our uncle, Clavius, watching from behind the scenes. He doesn't do it to usurp our parents, it's just he can only imagine the pain they've suffered when he lost his wife during our cousin's birth. He suffered for a year while his son was fed by the maids of the castle. So he knows only a small depth of how much pain they had to be suffering. Charmles is set to inherit the kingdom when I marry into the kingdom of Trodain so that they have a bloodline to rule the other kingdom." He said as his eyes dimmed in worry for his parents. Would they even believe that he found her after all this time?

Airlia nodded, "I can't wait to meet them. I don't know how I can even expect them to believe me though… Goddess I'm truly worried about explaining this."

He gave his sister's hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance while Angelo raked a hand through his bangs. "Eh everything'll be just fine Melody. And even if they don't believe you, we all do."

Jessica looked at him through narrow eyes, "What's your deal at any rate Angelo? Why did you really come with us after Maella Abbey?"

He merely shook his head, "I want to make sure he can't hurt anyone else like he did the Abbot and Melody. It was only because of her that Francisco lived. And she almost didn't make it because of her focus on saving others."

Alistair nodded, having heard enough. He turned to his sister with a small grin and a nod. Jessica turned away to hide the small smile, her brother approved of this man and it took quite the bit to earn that respect.

Yangus approached his friend's home from the path above the huts on the ground. Going down the stairs and into the man's room, he was happy to see the man moving about. "Oi Brains, how're you feelin' mate?"

The man turned around and smiled at his friend. "Hello Yangus. Thank you for your help earlier. I'm much better as you can tell. Now what's bothering you?"

Yangus grinned as he sat down while his friend sat across from him. "Well see it goes like this. We're chasing a bloke named Dhoulmagus. 'E put a curse on Trodain and killed Master Rylus. 'E also tried to kill Alistair Albert and Abbot Francisco."

Brains nodded as he adjusted his glasses sitting on his pointed nose. "Ah yes, I heard about that, and about how you are traveling with the missing princess. No I didn't tell those brutes that attacked us. That was the work of her former family you see. However the mage has started to cross the ocean. I don't know where he's heading, but it's somewhere to the west."

Yangus nodded as he got up and hurried for the door, yelling over his shoulder, "Thanks Brains. I owe you one!"

Moments later, Yangus hurried up to rejoin the group. "You guys! Seems that guy is heading across the ocean to find more people to kill. There is still no reason as to why…"

Draco nodded, "Thanks Yangus. Let's warp now to Neos and see if I can find my family."

Gathering everyone, the prince focused his powers and sent them in a flash of blue to the sacred isle of Neos. Trode looked around as he pointed to a ship, "That's the royal ship of Argonia. They're here. My boy, please don't tell them of what has happened to us and to Trodain."

The dark haired man nodded, "I will merely say that he stole the royal treasure of Trodain and now to prove my worth to the princess, I am seeking to get it back. I expect all of you to stick with my story! Then when Airlia is revealed, I suspect they won't even care…."

Once everyone nodded in agreement, Draco led them to the giant gates sealing in the sacred site of Neos. Trode pulled his hood up and tightened it, drawing the reigns closer to him so he could hide his green hands before Draco opened the gates to allow them all inside. Once they were inside, it was a straight shot past the roughly made stone houses and the few brick made buildings before the giant statue of the Goddess. Upon not seeing his parents, the prince explained, "They'll be at the goddess statue praying like normal."

He led them north across the bridge and small inner isle to the larger mass that was well guarded by stone walls. Beyond it, they could see the goddess statue there – looking exactly as Airlia had seen in her dreams. She crossed herself before continuing to the gates when a man pushed her back. Her brother immediately steadied her before glaring at the man. "You touch her again, and you'll lose your hand."

The brunette looked up at her brother in shock. She hadn't heard such a tone from him before that it made her blink, but she could understand the sentiment. The Templar studied Draco before nodding. "Only royalty and those of the faith may enter these sacred walls."

The man dressed in gold rolled his eyes blatantly, "Then obviously you need to check your sight because I'm Prince Draco. This is my normal traveling gear when I come to pray to the Goddess statue."

The guard looked at him before flushing and nodding. "Your Majesty! You may pass, but these riff raff must remain behind."

The gates opened as four people emerged from the gates. Airlia could immediately pick out her parents through their connection before a problem arose as she turned to her brother, "Draco, they won't believe me because my hair is a different color!"

He shook his head, "I'll explain that to them and all it needs is a good rinse and you're fine sis."

He pushed his way past the men as the pair ran up to their son. "Draco, what are you doing here?" King Eltrio asked as he looked at his son.

The boy shook his head, "I have much to tell you and mother. I see Abbot Marcello behind you, has he told you of anything?"

This time, his dark haired mother shook her head, "No, not really. Only something about an attack on the former abbot and that he was needed to protect the Lord High Priest."

Marcello ran up to the group and gave Airlia a tiny smile. "King Eltrio, Queen Xia, why not talk down by the Goddess statue where it's more private? I'm sure you all have much to talk about."

Rolo looked about to say something when he spied the girl that Marcello eyed. Something was off about it. Remaining silent for a moment, he nodded. "I agree, why not take everyone and go inside the inner walls to catch up quickly on everything."

Draco felt relief pour through his body as he led everyone inside. With the gates secure, and his parents looking at the group before him, he launched into his tale. "So I went to Trodain and met with Medea and her father. A man named Dhoulmagus came through and stole a sacred treasure from its walls. I went after him with the help of this former thief named Yangus." He indicated the rotund man. "As I chased him, another traveler joined me with green skin and a horse attached to a carriage. It seems the man tried to hurt him so he wanted to stop the man from going after another." It wasn't necessarily true, but it was close enough.

"Turns out we were too late to stop him from murdering Master Rylus of Farebury. We went south and found out that he tried to kill Alistair and almost killed Melody." It wasn't the time to mention that she was their daughter. That would have to be last… Taking a breath, he continued, "They joined up with Alistair's sister, Jessica and made their way back to Alexandria. When I arrived with my small group to the village, we compared notes and agreed to travel together. We found our way to Maella Abbey where we dealt with a minor situation and then the situation where Dhoulmagus tried to kill the Abbot Francisco. Melody had been badly wounded, but Marcello tended to her injuries after she collapsed from saving the abbot." He went over the important parts of the journey, leaving out Ascantha and finding out from a friend of Yangus that the mage went across the ocean. "I knew you would be here, so I figured I would come and see you both… Which brings me to the last point… Melody was apparently kidnapped – part of the situation we had to deal with in Maella Abbey. Melody… is Airlia."