Ohhhhhhhhhhh! Another chapter?! already?!
What sorcery is this?!
I hope you all enjoy the "official" last chapter-But YES there is no "Complete" tag yet because there will be a short Epilogue!
HUGE thank you to the readers, and enjoy this chapter. Once the Epilogue is finished, I will post that as well.
To the Guest reviewer from last time; I can't reply in a PM to Guest reviews, but thank you SO much for leaving a review! I really appreciate it. And a big thank you to the other reviewers!
Admittedly, last chapter was "meh" for me, but I had fun writing this one. I wish it was better, still, but I'm happy to have it complete so I can share it with you.
The hum in the background was unsettling.
Usually Cuore found the eerie silence of Bab-Il comforting, relaxing in a sense.
But after so long being trapped in a Lunarian space that had been very nearly the death of her, her friends and the world, any reminder made her skin crawl.
The sterile smell, artificial lighting and echoing droning was making her ill.
Still, the work she'd come to do was nearly complete.
She was busy inputting the memory crystal's information into Bab-Il's mainframe. Once that was done, she could return to the real world.
Cuore leaned over the control panel and growled in annoyance when strands of hair obscured her view. She swept them away and tucked them behind her ear for what had to be the hundredth time in the last hour.
That dragon had ruined so much of her locks that she'd been forced to trim it severely, and the shortened length wasn't easy to deal with. Parts were too short to be tied back, often getting in her face.
She couldn't wait to grow it back out.
"Bab-Il," she said, "make sure you just copy this data, not replace."
The computer chimed, "Affirmative."
Cuore sighed and let her eyes wander over the space, taking in every detail. Even though it reminded her of the ruined ship, Bab-Il still had differences.
As the transfer process begun, she stared at the translucent screens but didn't really pay attention to it.
Her thoughts were scattered, thinking how odd things had been since they returned from the ordeal in the ship.
The world had recovered so quickly from what had happened that it gave her mental whiplash. She knew it was because the majority of people hadn't even realized such danger lurked beneath their feet, and even once they knew, why fear what had already been stopped?
And yet, there was still much to be done.
Cuore had been relieved that several people were keeping an eye on the Magicite situation after Guy's attack, despite Mysidia's insistence they would handle it.
She still couldn't quite understand why they resisted help when it was offered, but she supposed stubbornness was everywhere.
Ceodore had mentioned in his last letter that so far, no other anomalous Magicite activity had been found.
That was both a comfort and a concern.
Cuore sighed and slumped, resting her elbows on the console. Her hair fell into her face again and she closed her eyes.
"This hair is driving me crazy,"
There was a chuckle. "I'm recalling someone who had one time wanted it to be shorter, to look less Maenad?" Rubicante pointed out.
"Yes, well, that past me was obviously a fool." Cuore retorted, chuckling herself. "I should have borrowed mother's headbands."
"Now look who's vain!" Cagnazzo teased.
Cuore smirked, "Must be Barb's influence."
"Hey!" the windy Eidolon snapped, obviously annoyed.
Her relationship with the Eidolons was slowly but surely being repaired. There were moments when things felt awkward, and sometimes she felt through their link a melancholy sort of echo. But the conversations flowed easier, and the tone was nothing but friendship and comfort.
Cuore wasn't mad at them, but she still sometimes felt terrible.
There was always that nagging sense in the back of her mind that her very bonds with them were wrong.
Ultima and Zodiark had finally told her of the strange dreams they'd been having, but the details were hazy and indistinct, and Cuore now realized why they didn't think she needed to know.
There was no clear message from these visions, only the general feeling of dread, darkness and fear. The images that they had seen were only flashes and Cuore wasn't about to pry them free to experience them herself.
She had enough troubling thoughts in her head as it was.
Still, with their newfound trust, the two elder Eidolons promised to keep her updated on what they might learn.
Cuore felt only a twinge of suspicion that they wouldn't keep up their end of the bargain.
Things were mostly back to normal in all aspects on the planet, but for once the routine and order didn't comfort Cuore.
She suspected it was the lingering heartache that caused her to feel less then optimal.
Bab-Il beeped and chimed at her and she looked up to see that the data from the crystalline memory key had been successfully store into the mainframe of the tower.
A small smile made its' way to her face, and she hesitantly reached out to gently touch the memory data block on the screen.
"I'll be your living witness," she whispered to a race of long-lost beings.
There were many memories stored in her. Not all were good, but they were real.
With one last sigh, Cuore closed down the systems to cycle at a lower power output and looked up at the ceiling. "Goodnight, Bab-Il."
The computer's bell chimed once more, and the robotic voice echoed an obvious stitched together goodbye.
"Goodnight."
She chuckled lowly and hopped up, intent on spending some time away from technology and instead focus on the parts of this world she loved the most.
"How did this happen?!" Candace Anneal asked, glaring at everyone present.
Luca thoughtfully stroked her chin, "Welp, looks like someone took out the micro rotary coil gears."
Candace scowled, "Who would do that?"
Luca chuckled, "I have no idea. I was the last one in the hanger and I left around midnight, so…someone must have come in here after that and before we got here this morning. I'd say it was someone who really didn't want to take your test, captain."
Candace glared down at the dwarf woman, who just grinned back, obviously undeterred.
Jansen made a face, "Why do you think that?"
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to remove those gears without damaging the ship?" Luca replied, cocking an eyebrow. "An expert did this, I'll tell you what."
Kieran could tell Ceodore was pinning him with a look, even if he couldn't see him. He ignored the feeling and instead worked really hard on not snickering.
"Can you fix it?" Candace asked.
Luca sighed long and hard. "Yes, but not quickly. The Farragut is sort of…you know, ancient. We don't use those types of gears anymore. I'll have to fabricate new ones specially fitted. It will take time."
"How much time?"
"Weeks."
There were mutterings and groans all around, and Candace sighed before glancing over to those assembled. "Well, it seems today's test will have to be put on hold. Perhaps we can reschedule, or get approval for use of another ship in it."
"I can't believe I got up early for this," Hobby complained.
Candace ignored him and swept her sharp gaze over the group. "Unless of course someone who like to fess up to this here and now?"
No one did, and she sighed again and then flicked a hand dismissively. "Fine, then. We'll do a formal investigation. You are all dismissed."
As the gathering broke up, Kieran heard a few people mention relief at not having to do the test, while others complained about the waste of time coming all the way down here. He stifled a grin.
Jansen walked by, stopped and wheeled back around.
Kieran just looked at him impassively.
"Please tell me you weren't the one who did this," Jansen demanded.
Now Kieran did smirk. "You heard Luca. An expert did this, Jansen. I seem to recall that I was…what was it? A posterchild for mediocrity?"
His roommate scowled for a full minute. "If you weren't Kain's favorite, you wouldn't even still be here, Kieran. One of these days, I'll be in charge, and then there won't be anyone to protect you."
"A dark day for us all, I'm sure." he retorted flatly.
Jansen tossed him one more glare and then stomped off, nearly shoving a few people out of his way.
Kieran spared another eye roll before turning to leave himself and coming face to face with Candace. Obviously she had overheard the entire exchange.
He tried not to glare at her. "Captain Anneal,"
"Astor," she greeted, smiling slightly. "I would hate to think this was somehow you're doing,"
"Mine?" he replied, feigning confusion.
Her expression shifted to slight annoyance. "Don't be coy. I've read your file, if you recall. I believe it was you who once replaced a rotary coil gear midflight on a training exercise…?"
Kieran paused and she grinned again. "Ah, but I'm sure that's just a coincidence."
She glanced at his wrist and he fought the urge to tug his sleeve down over the scale he knew she was looking at.
"I hope your new dragon scale is working alright. I'd be most intrigued to see how it holds up during actual combat."
Kieran blinked. "Hopefully there won't be any real combat anytime soon."
"Of course." Candace replied smoothly.
He blinked again, suddenly wary and very confused what they were even talking about anymore. The woman was a grating personality, but there was also something…off about her.
With another dismissive looking flick of her wrist, she swept past him, only pausing to remark one last thing over her shoulder.
"I do hope you know, Astor, that I will be watching."
Kieran chose not to answer her and merely relaxed once she finally moved out of sight.
The hanger was almost empty, and Luca stomped up to him and put her hands on her hips. "Where are my coil gears?"
"You are the third person to think I did this!" he complained, pressing a hand to his heart. "I'm hurt, really."
"Oh, can it. I know it was you. Those take forever to make. Can you just give them back to me?" Luca pleaded.
Kieran held up his hands, palms upward, and shrugged. "If I had done this, hypothetically, I probably would have tossed them into the scrap metal bin which I think you guys melt down every morning?"
She groaned. "Which means they are gone…"
"I'm just saying. If I had." Kieran added.
Her eyes narrowed. "I hate you."
He offered her a cheeky grin and she just gave him a light shove before stomping off to get back to work. "At least I don't have to repair the entire damn ship from some stupid test!"
Glad to be off the hook, he left the hanger bay only to find Ceodore waiting for him in the hallway.
"I can't believe you." the prince chided.
"What?"
"Don't what me!" Ceodore hissed, looking around to make sure no one was listening. "You removed the gears? Just to get out of the test?"
"Who says I did!" Kieran replied. "It could have been anyone."
The prince pinned him with a look, "Anyone who is smart enough to know how to break a ship without causing permeant damage and not get caught?"
"Whoever it was is a freaking genius, you are right." Kieran retorted with another cheeky smirk.
Ceodore rolled his eyes. "Well, I can't say I'm sorry to miss out on another test. Pretty much everyone hates it, and no one but Jansen seems to want to take it more then the required single time."
"That's because Jansen is an idiot." Kieran muttered.
His friend cast him a reprimanding look at the comment, but didn't say anything.
"Between you and me, I'm not the only person in the Red Wings who is fed up with this test." Ceodore admitted. "I know two other people who tried to get medical notes from my mom to avoid today."
"Oh? How'd that go for them?"
Ceodore chuckled, "Poorly."
"Sorry you had to get all fancy for nothing," Kieran commented, gesturing to his fully geared attire.
The prince shrugged and then frowned at him again. "You better hope you don't get caught,"
"If I did this, you mean."
"Ugh, whatever…"
Kieran felt undeniably relieved to not have to partake in the test, let alone that there was no way anyone could know it was him. They could guess, but there was no evidence.
However, any happiness he felt was instantly snuffed out when he spotted someone he very much wanted to avoid talking with Viola of all people in the main entry way of the castle.
"Oh! Your back early." Viola said, looking puzzled.
Edge made a face, "Yeah, Viola was just telling me you were going to be in some stupid test where you blow each other out of the sky. I love how Cecil won't give me a ship, but apparently has so many of them you guys can just blow them up,"
Ceodore laughed nervously. "Um…well, it's…not exactly like that…But, anyway. We were going to have that test, but someone…um…well, sabotaged the ship, so it got called off."
Kieran saw him flick a look in his direction and refused to acknowledge it.
Viola sighed regardless, "Kieran,"
"Who says it was me?" he retorted defensively, feeling very uneasy suddenly.
The white mage just looked at him. "Who else would it have been?"
Kieran averted his gaze, uncomfortable.
The last person he ever wanted to see again was Cuore's father, let alone now, and with everyone guessing he had been the one to ruin the ship to get out of the test.
But, to his relief and then suspicion, Edge just laughed at the exchange.
"What are you doing here?" Kieran asked sharply.
Ceodore nudged him.
"Doing what my cousin apparently can't," Edge replied, rolling his eyes. "Can't get me an airship, and can't even manage to drag you back to Eblan. I seriously don't know what I'm paying her for."
Kieran glared at him, annoyed and flustered. "I'm not going to Eblan."
Edge made a face, and Viola cleared her throat suddenly, turning to look at the prince. "Ceodore, do you know where your mother is?"
"Yeah?" he said, looking a little confusion.
"Excellent! We should find her. Now." Viola replied with false cheerfulness.
Finally catching on, Ceodore nodded with far too much enthusiasm. "Yes! Yes. Yes, we should."
They both scuttled off and Kieran glared at them as they left.
There was another awkward pause.
"So," Edge said, looking amused. "what do I have to do to convince you to visit? Or, do I need to kidnap you? Because, honestly, that would be a lot easier."
Kieran stood still for a moment, deciding how to answer, when he remembered that he didn't technically have to be nice.
He and Cuore were already broken up. The worst had already happened.
"Are you insane?" he snapped, "I'm never going to visit."
Edge didn't seem phased by the comment, which only sparked Kieran's annoyance more. He threw a hand out haphazardly. "Look, if you want your damn airship, go bother Kain or Cecil. If you really did come here just to talk to me, well…don't bother. You already made it quite clear last time that you don't actually want to hear me say anything."
The king chuckled, "Wow, where was this snappy attitude a few weeks ago?"
Kieran glared at him, "I was trying to be on good behavior then,"
"And now?"
He crossed his arms, "I already lost Cuore. What does it matter now?"
There was hardly a pause to take a breath between him speaking and Edge asking his follow up question; "So, you do love her, then?"
Kieran was too tired to be flustered. There was no point in lying about it now. "Of course!" he exclaimed, exasperated "I like how you ask me that sincerely now, after everything that's already happened."
Edge smiled sheepishly and laughed a single time. "Okay, I might have been a bit harsh. But, I'm giving you a chance now to convince me you love my daughter."
Kieran's arms dropped to his side and he glared again. "A little late, don't you think?"
"You're the one who broke her heart," Cuore's father pointed out. His tone was flippant, but there was an underlying quality that was unsettling.
Kieran winced, "I know. I…that was the last thing I wanted, but…I know." Digging his annoyance back up, he shook his head quickly. "But that's partially your fault! You were going to make her chose? Cuore loves you and Rydia and her siblings more then anything else. You shouldn't have pushed her into that."
"A calculated risk." Edge shrugged.
Kieran snorted, "A very big risk. Do you have any idea how tempted I was to agree with Cuore? To run off like some bad fairytale with her just so we could be together?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose, "But I knew that she didn't really want that, and I knew it would hurt her. More then letting her go. I probably should have still done it, considering I just ended up doing the one thing I never wanted too; hurt her again."
He threw his hands up, "Ugh, I don't know why I'm even still talking to you! You got what you wanted. Cuore is back home, I'm out of her life!"
As he ranted, he happened to glance back finally, intent on continuing, but paused when he saw the look on Edge's face.
Something between smug and disappointed.
With a tired sigh, Kieran frowned. "What?"
"Oh, I'm just trying to figure out if I should be glad you convinced me you love Cuore, or if I'm actually disappointed about it." Edge said honestly. "I'm debating, you see."
Kieran blinked. "I—What?"
"You wouldn't still be this upset if you didn't love her. And, besides, if she hadn't meant so much to you, you would have run away with her without a second thought about how she would feel later." he pointed out.
Kieran hesitated. "You…believe me now?"
"Yeah," Edge replied with a sigh. "I believe you."
"You don't sound happy about it,"
That made the king chuckle, "Well, mostly I'm just mad now I have to apologize for that last conversation we had, considering."
Kieran rolled his eyes and crossed his arms once more. "Why bother."
"Because I'm still trying to convince you to come to Eblan and talk to Cuore," Edge answered, looking annoyed. "Are you always this slow?"
"She hates me."
"She'll get over it."
Kieran hesitated again and averted his gaze. He realized they'd been having this conversation in the lobby of the castle and winced with another sigh.
"The world could use some new gossip," Edge remarked. He seemed amused again and must have already figured out that there were a few people trying to look like they weren't listening but were clearly faking.
One maid had dusted the same spot about six times already, and a couple of mages were walking extremely slowly across the opening to their destination.
"So, what do I need to do to make you talk to Cuore?" Edge asked, getting back on track. "I'm not above intimidation, kidnapping and or blackmail."
Kieran narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Are…you saying your okay with us being together, now?"
"…Maybe," the king replied.
Kieran rolled his eyes, "You are obnoxious."
"I am!" Edge agreed, chuckling. "Look, I know firsthand how…tricky all this can be, so…just tell me why you love Cuore and I'm willing to give you a chance."
"You don't think I seduced her anymore?" Kieran asked flatly, still irritated.
He wasn't allowing himself to feel hopeful for how the rest of the conversation was going to go. Not to mention that he was certain Cuore would hate him forever. And rightfully so.
"I said I was mad I was going to have to apologize," the king said with a flick of his hand. "Now you're just stalling. Tell me why you love my daughter."
Still feeling tired in more ways then one, Kieran sighed and shuffled over to sit on a nearby stair. He couldn't even bring himself to care that he was blocking a commonly traveled path through the castle. Some small part of him wanted to suggest they take their conversation elsewhere to avoid any additional gossip, but there was no point.
He looked down at his hands clasp together. The red dragon scale glinted ominously.
"I don't even know what to say. I could tell you that I love her because she's perfect, and kind and smart and funny but you already know that. I could tell you I love her because she's beautiful and dangerous in combat, but everyone knows that."
Kieran closed his eyes and smiled an apologetic, ironic smile. "And I realize I'm not helping my case against proving I wasn't trying to seduce her…"
He sighed; hands tightened around themselves. "That's all true, but…I love Cuore the most because selfishly she makes me better and stronger. She challenges me, pushes me, encourages me. I…I need that. I…need her."
Kieran chuckled dryly. "We've seen each other at our worst, and…somehow I'm okay with that. I never wanted to know what I would do without her, and…well, now I'm here and…I feel like part of me is drastically diminished."
He winced, "That sounds stupid."
Edge chuckled and sat next to him with far too much energy and enthusiasm for the gloomy mood. Kieran made a face at how he flicked his cloak behind him in a flourish as he settled on the stair right above him.
"Yup, it does sound stupid." he agreed. "And I know exactly how you feel."
Kieran wrinkled his nose, "Please tell me you are not about to compare this to you and Rydia,"
"Sort of the same thing," Edge commented, grinning cheekily.
Kieran scoffed and turned to look straight ahead again, wishing he could restart his day and avoid this whole situation and conversation.
Maybe he could just steal an airship and go somewhere far, far away.
"When did you first know you loved her?" Edge asked.
Kieran laced his fingers together, thinking back. "I…didn't really admit it to myself until Ursula pointed it out,"
"Oh, I bet that was fun. Gentle is not a word in that girl's vocabulary." the king remarked.
With another dry chuckle, Kieran nodded. He hesitated and then glanced at Edge, deciding he might as well be honest. He returned his attention to the nearby doors that led outside and spared a glare at the guard who was obviously eavesdropping.
"I think, though, looking back…I…liked her a long time ago."
It felt strange to admit it out loud, but secrets had never done him any good. Especially recently.
"When we were looking for Leo. We…talked, and she shared so much and I…told her things I'd never told anyone else." Kieran closed his eyes. "I remember looking at her, in the moonlight with the campfire and everything just felt so right and normal at that moment."
He smiled. "I think that's when I really started to fall for her, looking back. I just…I didn't realize it."
There was a long pause.
It wasn't awkward, but it did drag on long enough that Kieran shifted uneasily, concerned about what happened next. There was nothing more to be said. He had confessed how he felt, and merely felt drained.
But it also felt nice to finally snap the tension and at least take a step forward.
"A chance." Edge commented sharply, breaking the silence.
Kieran blinked at him.
Cuore's father was frowning, but he didn't seem particularly angry.
"A chance." he repeated. "One chance to make this work with Cuore. Don't screw it up or make me regret it."
The sentiment was nice, but Kieran had to bite back a nasty retort about it being far too late. If they could have had this somewhat civilized conversation before, then maybe it would have mattered.
But not now.
"She won't want to see me," he muttered.
Edge shook his head, "I think she will. One thing that is different between her and Rydia is that Cuore doesn't hold grudges. Rydia, on the other hand, has no problem bringing up the past to win an argument."
Kieran had to smile a little, "That's good, because Cuore does have an eidetic memory, so…"
"Ouch, no kidding…"
Edge hopped to his feet in a swift motion and shrugged, "You never answered my question; threats, abduction or blackmail?"
Kieran frowned and stood in a slower manner. "How about just an invite? Why does everything have to be dramatic with you?"
"Because I am a dramatic person." Edge replied.
He forced down an eyeroll.
"Okay, then an invite. Come to Eblan and talk to Cuore?"
There was a part of him that wanted to shout 'yes' but the more cautious part of him hesitated. Doubts and fear were front and center, no matter how much he tried to ignore them.
"This is ridiculous. I'm willing to sabotage an airship just to get out of a test but I'm not willing to at least try and win back the woman I love?" Kieran chided himself, feeling foolish.
And, he really didn't want this to turn into a situation like Cuore's parents.
With a deep breath, Kieran nodded. "Okay. I'll…talk to Cuore."
"Great!" Edge exclaimed. "Can you also figure out the airship thing for me?"
Feeling a little bit better, Kieran smirked, "I'll tell you what; if Cuore and I get married someday, I'll build you one."
Edge paused, gave him a once over and then frowned. "Bribery?"
"Incentive," Kieran countered.
Although the frown was still in place, Edge didn't seem overly upset and just held up a hand before muttering; "Careful. I might start to like you…"
It was said in such a bland tone of voice, Kieran wasn't sure if it was a compliment or a warning. But it was progress, regardless.
Perhaps this wasn't going to be the worst situation.
Assuming Cuore didn't summon an Eidolon to vaporize him.
By the time he stepped into Eblan castle proper, Kieran was beyond unnerved. The trip to get here had been awkward because he still couldn't figure out Cuore's father.
Some conversations were borderline insulting, others made it seem like they were friends.
He was pretty sure he understood why Kain made smart remarks about Edge now.
Then there was the random fruit seller they passed in the market who remembered him from his visit months ago.
When he'd expressed surprise, she'd made a comment about remembering anyone Cuore liked and winked.
That was unsettling.
And now Izayoi was following on their heels complaining.
"I thought Baron had weird dynamics…" Kieran thought.
Edge tossed a look at his cousin, "Izzy, it's not my fault you can't get anything done,"
"Don't call me that and if you want stuff done, then how about you go to Baron yourself for the stupid flying ships!" she snapped back.
Edge grinned at her, "Yeah, but then you wouldn't get to go, and we both know that wouldn't work."
She glared at him. Kieran made a face and glanced between them.
Izayoi spared him a look and frowned, "Why couldn't you just come back with me?"
"Honestly?" Kieran said. "You kind of scare me and I think you might be crazy."
Edge burst out laughing.
Izayoi smirked, "Such honesty! Well, I would rather be feared then admired, so thank you."
"Sure." Kieran said with a shrug.
How Kain dealt with her so often was beyond him.
Izayoi gave a mocking bow to her cousin and stalked off. They, in turn, continued on their way and started going on a round about trip through winding corridors.
Kieran remembered why he hated this castle.
The layout made no sense.
"Where are we going?" he finally asked.
Edge held up his hands, "Cuore is probably in a couple of places, but, since she got back, she's been spending a lot of time outside in the gardens."
"Because it's the exact opposite of the Lunarian ship," Kieran remarked without thinking.
Cuore's father gave him a weird look but didn't break his stride. "In any case, we're headed to the gardens."
As they moved through more stony hallways, they happened across Rydia who smiled.
"Ah! You finally showed up." she greeted.
Kieran frowned. He wasn't sure being expected was a good thing on not.
She glanced at her husband. "Cuore is in the gardens. Do you mind if I walk Kieran the rest of the way? I want to talk to him."
He tried not to wince.
Edge sighed, "Sure, but I refrained from stabbing him, so you don't get to zap, freeze or burn him."
She shrugged, "For now, at least."
"Good luck," Edge muttered sarcastically before wandering off with a haphazard wave goodbye.
Rydia rolled her eyes. "I actually wanted to go get you from Baron, but since it was Edge who had previously been a pain, I knew you wouldn't come here unless it was him who went and got you."
Kieran wasn't about to argue, since she was right.
The summoner smiled and motioned for him to follow her. Her pace was more leisurely then Edge's had been.
"That makes it sound like you are…okay with Cuore and I?" he asked carefully.
She laughed slightly, "You know, Cuore asked me the exact same thing."
"And? What did you tell her?"
Rydia stopped him and set a hand on his arm. "I told her that I had already known you two were in love and that I thought you two were good for each other."
"…You already knew?" he repeated, puzzled. "How?"
Her expression was coy. "Because, I'm magic."
He couldn't help it. He rolled his eyes.
She laughed again and started walking again. "Kieran, truth be told, I perhaps wouldn't have been alright with this if you hadn't of stayed with us. But, I saw you two and I see it. You and Cuore balance each other out."
He relaxed at that, and muttered a grateful word of thanks under his breath.
Feeling better about the situation, he glanced back up at her. "Do…you think Cuore will want to talk to me?"
"Yes," Rydia answered without hesitation. "She's spent a lot of time since she's been home thinking and assessing. I'm certain she's come to the conclusion she would rather love even with trouble then not love at all."
"How do you know?"
She smiled a knowing, wistful grin. "Cuore is and always has been, logical and practical. She puts things in boxes within her mind so she can better understand and comprehend them. Emotions take her time to figure out, and even a human with a normal upbringing can struggle with something so complex as love."
Kieran paused, wondering if that answered his question or not.
The summoner finished with a teasing note; "That, and she is hopefully more decisive then I ever was."
Someone was comparing them to that seventeen-year situation once more but Kieran was too nervous to find it irritating.
They continued their walk for a few moments, the only sound in the eerily silent castle was their tapping shoes on the stone flooring.
Leo was loitering in the hallway ahead, obviously waiting for them. For a child, the boy could probably melt steel with his glare if he really applied himself.
Kieran felt another flash of guilt and braced himself for a verbal lashing.
Instead, Leo stomped over and kicked him in the shin.
"Ow!" he exclaimed, completely caught off guard.
Rydia 'tsked' and put her hands on her hips. "Leo!" she reprimanded.
The boy glared up at him. "That's for making Cuore cry!"
Leo spun to his mom and looked sheepish, offering a completely opposite look then he'd just had. "Sorry, mom…"
Rydia sighed, "You and I are going to have a very long talk later."
Leo frowned, but nodded, before glancing back at Kieran.
He didn't glare, but he looked upset, still.
Kieran bent down to rub his leg and frowned, "That hurt. You are a lot stronger than you look. But, that was a reasonable reaction…"
Leo crossed his arms. "Cuore really likes you, you know. She always has. I don't know why."
"Because she's too nice sometimes," Kieran replied, standing upright again. "I am sorry I hurt her. That…wasn't what I wanted."
"Yeah, well…" the boy hesitated and then bit his lip. "Are…you here to fix it? 'Cause…I would like it if you did."
Kieran raised an eyebrow and Leo sighed before looking away. "Cuore's back to being moody and sad all the time and…I tried to cheer her up, but…"
He knew how hard it was the be a sibling and not be able to do anything about a situation. And he knew how moody Cuore truly could be.
"I'm going to try to talk to her, if she wants too." Kieran assured him. "If that's alright with you, that is? You know your sister. If you think it's better I leave, I will."
Leo gave him a once over and then shook his head slowly. "No. Talk to her."
He started to walk away, only to stop and look back with a saucy smile. "I may not be allowed to summon Eidolons yet, but don't forget; Cuore can."
He was gone with a twirl and Rydia rolled her eyes. She glanced at him, an apologetic smile in place. "I'm sorry,"
"Don't be," he waved off her concern. "I deserved that."
Rydia groaned. "Ugh, you are starting to sound like Cecil with all this self-blaming and I don't have the patience for it."
Kieran made a face, unsure how to take that comment or reply to it. That wasn't a person he was usually likened too.
"Go and talk to Cuore," Rydia urged, giving him a gentle push towards the door to the gardens. "Be sincere. She'll come around."
"And the Eidolons?" he asked, only partially kidding.
Rydia shrugged, grinning. "They are fickle, temperamental creatures at the best of times."
"…Thanks." he muttered.
She made a shooing motion once more before heading off in the direction Leo had disappeared too. Kieran had to assume she was going to have that promised talk with her son.
He sighed and then took a few breaths to steel himself for the upcoming conversation.
Each step towards the door felt like it was far too fast and also somehow taking years. Kieran never claimed to the most courageous person, and right now he certainly felt like a coward. A good portion of him wanted to bolt, but that wasn't going to happen.
With one last deep breath, he opened the door and stepped outside. The day was overcast, but not cold. The garden area held a peaceful, serene feeling that he couldn't find comfort in.
No matter how much birdsong he heard, or much a gentle breeze stirred the lovely flowers, it still felt tense.
Kieran didn't have to go far to find Cuore. She was sitting on a bench in a small rounded grassy patch, surrounded by flowers that had just started to bloom. There was a book next to her on the bench, but she was distractedly watching a butterfly a few feet away.
He recognized that glazed look in her eyes and knew she was most likely thinking of something other then what her eyes saw.
The shimmery turquoise materiel of her dress stood out among the more jeweled tones of the flowers nearby, but the relaxed attire fit in much better then any of her clothes had on the derelict ship.
As if merely sensing the change in her space, she tilted her head to look in his direction and that feeling to bolt intensified tenfold.
Cuore blinked, eyes wide.
Her hands tightened on the edge of the bench she was sitting on.
"Kieran,"
He tired his best not to cringe at the monotone sound of her obviously disapproving voice.
"Hey," he greeted softly. "I…"
Kieran trailed off at her expression.
It was guarded, but he knew her well enough to see the roiling emotions she was trying to hide. Cuore was startled, unsure.
He felt guilty for making her feel in any way uneasy, and anything he had hope to say to her was lost instantly.
She swallowed after a moment of silence and asked quietly. "What…are you doing here?"
"I…had hoped to talk to you," Kieran replied equally as soft.
She darted a look behind him at the empty archway that led out of the gardens. Her lips pulled to a frown. "My parents brought you here, didn't they?"
He winced, "…Yeah,"
She sighed and looked away, hands going to rest in her lap.
Underneath her shielded posture and face was annoyance, but it faded as quickly as it flickered to life.
Kieran decided that if they continued this conversation, it had to be Cuore's choice. No matter how much he wanted to pour his heart out and try everything to convince her he loved her and wanted to try again.
It had to be her decision.
"If you tell me to leave," he said, "then I will. I'll walk through that door and never bother you again."
Cuore was quiet, though her hands twisted at the fabric of her skirt enough to show that her thoughts were running a mile a minute.
Kieran debated saying anything further, but ultimately decided there was nothing to say; he'd already told her what he could, and anything extra would only add to the tension.
After what seemed like hours, Cuore spoke, softly, hesitantly. She didn't look at him, but kept her eyes trained on the ground.
"And…if I tell you to stay, instead?"
He paused, tempering his reaction, knowing her words didn't really mean she forgave him. It was Cuore, testing all avenues as always.
"If you tell me to stay," he repeated quietly. "then I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for hurting you."
Cuore glanced up, her expression still guarded and impossible to read.
Kieran offered her a sad half-smile. "I am sorry,"
"I know." she whispered.
They said nothing for a moment, and Kieran wondered if he should press her for an answer, or suggest she think on it. Both were realistic responses when dealing with Cuore, but he didn't feel like he had the right to tell her anything.
Cuore looked away again, hands still picking at her dress. "I do understand why you did what you did,"
He didn't say anything.
"And…I know it wasn't meant to hurt me. I know you thought you were doing the right thing." She sighed. "I guess you really were doing the right thing, but sometimes the right thing hurts more…"
"Yeah," he muttered, bracing himself for whatever she said next. He had a terrible suspicion she was going to tell him she couldn't forgive him. Why else would she be babbling?
"You weren't wrong, either. I think…I think I would have missed my family too much. I don't know if it would have been everything you said, but…"
Cuore looked up again, this time with a less cautious expression.
"I'm sorry too." she murmured.
Kieran blinked, "For what?"
"For saying I hated you," she admitted, smiling sadly. Her eyes darted away once more. "I…I didn't mean it; I don't mean it…"
He sighed, tossing his hands up halfheartedly and letting them fall in defeat. "I wouldn't blame you if you did."
Cuore gave him a once over, and he tried not to fidget.
This conversation was both better and worse than he'd been expecting. Perhaps a more emotional charged fight would have made things easier.
After another heartbeat of awkward silence, Cuore stood, brushing some of her hair out of her face in one graceful motion. She wandered over slowly and only paused briefly before reaching out to take his hands.
Kieran shivered at the contact, and resisted the urge to squeeze her hands. Instead, he just let her hold his hands limply.
Cuore bounced on her toes once, appearing very lost in thought. Finally she looked up, eyes soft but cautious.
"Did you tell me the truth when you said you loved me?" she asked quietly.
Kieran nodded. "Yes."
She blinked. "Do you still love me?"
"Yes."
Cuore's gentle grip on his hands tightened. "Stay, then?"
Kieran exhaled slowly. His immediate response was to ask her if she was absolutely sure, but he bit that comment back and instead whispered a different question.
"Do you love me?"
It felt like a selfish thing to ask, considering, but he needed to know.
Cuore's lips curled upwards to a slight smile, "Yes,"
Her smile, no matter how small, was infectious and he grinned too. Cuore giggled softly, and he finally gave into temptation and squeezed her hands.
She released his hands when he loosened the grip and instead wrapped her arms around his neck. Kieran in turn pulled her closer with an arm around her waist and the other resting just below her shoulder blades.
They both took a deep breath together, as if finally relaxing and letting the situation settle.
"I really missed you," Cuore whispered.
Kieran tightened his hold on her slightly, "I missed you, too…"
The tranquil, delightfully normal moment was broken abruptly.
"Kiss already!"
That was undoubtably Izayoi's voice, yelling from somewhere nearby and up a bit, judging from how the sound bounced.
"Ew, no!" Leo exclaimed, just as loudly. "Gross!"
There was a high-pitched giggle that was probably Seren, followed by Edge.
"Exactly; gross. I did not say kissing was okay,"
Rydia's stern voice was next. "Edge, you are not laying down rules now. It's way too late for that."
"Their young, let them kiss!" another voice said, probably one of the other Eblan Four.
"It's so sweet!"
"Tsuki, are you crying?"
"…Maybe."
Cuore giggled, and Kieran sighed, releasing her with a roll of his eyes. She grinned in reply to his reaction and nervously brushed at her hair again.
"I purposely shut off the link with the Eidolons for this very reason," she admitted. "I guess it doesn't matter after all…"
Kieran chuckled, "Just our luck,"
Cuore shook her head, even as the voices continue to bicker.
He grinned and tugged on her arm gently. "Can I ask you out?"
She raised an eyebrow so he gave her another tug and elaborated. "On a date. We can start over. Our last first date was a walk. I think now that we are out of the ship, we can have a better walk."
Logical Cuore scoffed, as expected, but there was a charming smile pulling at her lips. She reached out to take one of his hands again and brushed past him, spinning him around so he had to follow her.
"I accept."
Kieran felt too giddy to be annoyed over the bossy tone. Since the castle and grounds were laid out like mazes anyway, he gladly let her pull him through the fastest routes.
"Hey, wait!"
Someone was calling them, but Cuore merely giggled and quickened her pace, obviously intent on not listening.
Once they had broken out and were far enough away, she slowed her pace and smiled at him again. Kieran made sure their fingers were threaded neatly together and lifted her hand to kiss the back of it.
"Have I ever told you that you are perfect?"
Cuore looked smug and shrugged, "I am a perfection of life,"
Kieran laughed, and she flashed him a smile before pulling him to a stop. He gave her a curious look, confused as to the sudden halt and shift in mood.
Cuore studied him intently, long enough that he started to feel uncomfortable.
"Sorry," she murmured, looking down. "I'm still unaccustomed to hearing you laugh."
She winced and continued before he could reply. "That might sound odd…I…just want you to be happy, like this, always."
Kieran smirked, "I could say a really cheesy line about only being happy because of you,"
"Please don't." Cuore deadpanned.
He laughed again and nodded. "Deal."
"…Rapid heartrate. Rational instability. This is going to take some time to adjust to…"
Kieran blinked, confused by the fleeting voice. Cuore winced.
"Telepathy?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The teal haired woman nodded, looking uncomfortable. "Yes. I'm sorry. I…I'm still trying to get a handle on it, especially…"
"Around me?" he finished. "You had mentioned that before. It's okay."
"But…" she trailed off, eyes averted to the side.
Hoping to alleviate some stress, Kieran shrugged. "Phoenix mentioned a bond between us. I don't quite know what she meant, but…maybe that's why it always seems to happen."
"That is my fault, I think…" Cuore admitted, biting her lip.
Kieran tilted his head at her, puzzled.
She offered an uneasy, fleeting smile. "When…we were in the ship, and TinSouRe trapped us in those dreams? I pulled everyone out, and…I think I got too close to you."
She winced and continued. "You were the hardest to free, and I think I might have created this link by not shielding my mind when I broke you lose."
It made since, and honestly knowing where it came from relieved Kieran greatly. As long as it wasn't harmful, and wasn't the result of some other horrible thing that had happened inside the ruined ship, that made him feel better.
"I could look into finding a way to deactivate it," Cuore said, sounding uncertain but curious. "It resembles mental links between Lunarians, so perhaps I could research how to diffuse it."
"No," Kieran replied, only to pause and add; "Unless you want too."
"Don't you?" she asked, looking up at him with a furrowed brow.
He smiled slightly, "Do I want to remove a link that binds me to the woman I love? No, why would I want that?"
A delightful blush graced her cheeks and she bit her lip nervously. "O-oh, but…it's telepathic. I…thought…"
Wanting to assure her it was fine, and finding the normally logical woman flustered to be irresistible, he pulled her closer. "We talked about that. I don't mind."
Whatever attractive nerves she'd had before had faded as she smirked instead. "You don't mind telepathy? What a terrible pun."
Kieran stifled a laugh and rolled his eyes. "Always a mood killer, aren't you?"
But Cuore surprised him by sliding her hands up his arms to his shoulders. He tensed, feeling the strangest sensation in the back of his mind.
"If…you don't mind it, then…" Cuore murmured. She closed her eyes and he felt her released the carefully crafted barriers.
Cuore spent a good portion of her time trying to dampen abilities, and now he could feel her lessening that grip a little.
Despite the bond being telepathic, they couldn't read each other's minds instantly. It was more of a mental tether that assured them of the other's presence.
Kieran could tell through the link that Cuore was safe, and feel a sparkle of power from the Eidolons lingering somewhere far away.
He exhaled, trying to catch his breath from the strange sensation.
Even if it was jarring, it was somehow comforting.
Cuore winced, "Sorry, I'm still figuring it out. It's different then how I communicate with the Eidolons."
"Don't apologize," he whispered. "It's just…weird."
She giggled, and nodded. "That is an apt word to describe it."
They stayed still, both physically and mentally, letting the bond settle.
Cuore was staring at him with a wonderful look of trust present in her stunning blue eyes. "Kiss me?"
Kieran chuckled at the mental speech and request. It wasn't a request he had any intension of denying.
It had felt like years since they'd kissed, but it was worth the wait.
The tentative kiss was rapidly replaced by a much deeper, passionate display after only a moment. They both remembered previous kisses in a less than ideal environment.
This was so much better.
No looming danger or plots. No claustrophobia to ignore.
Cuore's grip on his shoulders tighten, and in return Kieran released one hand from her waist and let it tangle in her hair. The locks were drastically shorter, and he missed the longer strands.
"I'm going to grow it out again," she replied through the link. Apparently she had heard his unspoken remark through their bond.
"This is going to take some getting used to."
"I like learning new things," she teased.
Being so closely bonded was intoxicating; he certainly felt drunk. It took effort not to drown. This wasn't the first time they had gotten psychologically lost.
The link made it far too easy to lose track of time or place, and Kieran had to forcibly remind herself that they had only just gotten back together.
It wasn't helping that Cuore was clinging to him tightly.
Kieran reluctantly pulled away, trying and failing to catch his breath. "A walk. We were taking a walk…" he reminded.
Cuore giggled breathlessly. "Oh? Is that what we were doing?"
"Yes, because I'm sure I'm on probation with your family." he said, only half joking. "I'd hate to mess this up."
Cuore smiled and shrugged, "What they don't know won't hurt them."
"…You are a terrible influence," he said, batting her shoulder before pulling fully away. He took his time in sliding one hand down her arm.
Her smile turned devious, "I learned from the best, you know. I think everyone forgets the people I'm related too."
"…Fair enough," Kieran said, frowning. He held his hand back out. "A walk?"
"Yes," she said, nodding. "A walk."
"Just a walk."
Cuore hummed, "No promises."
Kieran shook his head, but felt far too lightheaded with optimism to argue with her teasing remark. Besides, he'd be lying if he said he didn't already want to kiss her again.
But merely walking together, without hiding, or being on a ruined ship, or in a nightmare, felt shockingly peaceful.
The normalcy and harmony were intoxicating.
Even the silence wasn't awkward. It was companionable.
There was a very small, nagging feeling that they still had much to go through together, but he had never felt so light before.
As if sensing what he was thinking about, Cuore squeezed his hand and offered another smile. Kieran mirrored her look.
"Maybe some people do get happy endings…"
Author's Note: WOW. THE END - sort of. Don't forget, one final small chapter is coming. Epilogue so we can officially say goodbye to these guys.
There will also be another chapter that will contain the Lunarian codex of words in completion. I had once said I didn't want anyone using it, but that is silly; I now say to everyone...if you want to use it, DO IT! I had a blast making up that language, and it would so much fun to see someone else enjoy using it in their story, if they want.
So, keep an eye out for those two things!
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! FINALLY those two crazy kids will shut up...for...awhile, hahaha. But hey, happy endings for now.
Leo cracks me up. He's probably, honestly, the best character.
Stay tuned for the last bit of the story!
