It hit him then, full force, the impact of his fate, eternal life in a tragedy stricken world such as this, the non-stop witness of pain and suffering that was going to, was now, and has always plagued Endiness. "Oh gods...what have I done to deserve this..." Lloyd once again fell upon the cold, lifeless stone of Kasseda, his sobs wracking his body. He knelt there, amazed at the weakness he was showing; he caught the salty drops on his fingers, watching the clear liquid run across the gloved weapons. H tasted one, touching it lightly to his lips, he was stunned at his soul showing through, and a revelation came to him, his life had now just begun. He wiped the remaining tears away and used his wings to travel through the city. The planes of energy keeping him above the rubble of 10,000 years ago.
"What are you thinking about Dart?" the former silver-white Dragoon placed a hand across his that held the small sphere.
"Everything, I guess. Nights like these, of the new moon, always bring back memories. It's unnerving sometimes." Dart glanced down at Shana, taking in her fine girlish looks, and smiled gently, "I'm fine though, don't worry."
"I always will though, you know!" Shana laughed lightly, kissing her husband on the cheek, "You miss them don't you."
"Of course, I must think about them at least once everyday. I don't think I've ever been so close to anybody as I were with them, and you also. Rose, most especially." Stroking the soft mob of hair on his child's head in Shana's arms, Dart placed the Dragon spirit back on the small chest in front of him.
Shana stared at the spirit, "Poor Lloyd, we've never really decided on what we though of him, he was a lost soul it seemed." Her eyes, focused on the dragon spirit seemed to be looking at something altogether different.
"I'll tell you, he was broken in the end, probably over all the terrible things he had done!"
"Lavitz..."
"Exactly."
"I do feel sorry for him though, I think he was confused about what he really wanted to accomplish. He was used as a tool by Emperor Diaz the entire time it appeared."
"He was probably just crazy."
Shana elbowed Dart playfully in his ribs, "He's dead, Dart, give him some type of respect!"
"What respect does he deserve!?"
"He gave his life to try to recompense for what he had done in the past."
"He's not the only one, everybody who dies now tries to use that excuse to get pity for themselves, and maybe a bit of publicity once they're gone."
"That's not true Dart, he really did. If it wasn't for Lloyd the Divine God-Dragon spirit would never be in your possession, and Melbu Frahma defeated."
Melbu Frahma, former leader of the winglies when they were in their glory, had summoned and taken upon himself the power of the god of destruction. Lloyd attempted to stop him, but was shot through the heart when it started to look like Lloyd had the upper hand. Lloyd had given the Divine God-Dragon spirit to Dart, whose original dragon spirit had been taken by his possessed father Zeig, also known as Emperor Diaz. The Dragon Buster had been handed over to Rose, the Dragoon of Darkness. Together, the group had been able to defeat Melbu Frahma and save Endiness from complete destruction.
Dart sighed and leaned back against the small cushioned bench with his eyes closed, "I'm just glad that that whole journey is over, that we are able to settle down now."
"So am I, oh Dart," Shana shifted the small newborn child in her arms so she could snuggle up against her husband.
"By the gods, what do you want?" Lloyd took a step forward; the winglies in return taking one back, except for a certain blue-haired girl dressed in a see-through blue skirted bow and very skimpy underclothes. Lloyd was not surprised, the Sea-Blue Dragoon, Meru, after all did originate in these woods, but for her to be back so soon after the battle was unheard of.
"L-Lloyd, is it really you!?" Meru seemed shocked, her jaw wide as she stared at the man who should be dead right then, "You died over a year ago! Who are you!"
Lloyd stood mute staring at the young winglie, *One year I've been off of this world? Can that be? I was in purgatory that long?* "What do you mean, a year ago?"
"Melbu Frahma, he killed you a year ago, right before we beat him, you're supposed to be dead! What's going on!?" stamping her feet, Meru made her way towards Lloyd, poking him violently in the chest, "You tell me right now or I'll beat the pulp outta ya."
Pushing the young dragoon gently out of the way Lloyd began forward, "It's a confusing story, but the gods couldn't decide what to do with me so they threw me onto Endiness for the rest of forever." He growled, shaking his head in frustration, *any other man would give anything for immortality, but of course I who gets it wishes to have nothing to do with the prospect.* Lloyd was jolted slightly as he found himself tumbling forward onto the stony ground below, he groaned as he lost his balance, muttering a curse directed towards the gods.
Meru pounded after him, huffing in distaste at his present state pertaining to the ground, "what in the world is wrong with you Lloyd?"
"Could you just leave me be, kid, I'm none of your concern," Lloyd pushed himself up and unsteadily stood on his feet, only to find a hand hooked around his arm helping him to balance. Lloyd glanced at Meru, shooting her a queer look, "Aren't you afraid I may attack you?"
"No, Dart beat you awhile ago, I'm not afraid of you anymore, and I'm not a kid," pulling him along Meru made her way with Lloyd towards the small civilization the surviving winglies had created. Lloyd, composing himself to a state where he could walk without the Sea-Blue Dragoon helping him. Meru walked silently next to Lloyd, maybe because he was a winglie like her and she had some unknown connection to him because of that. Meru led Lloyd, all the same, to her home, a few of the winglies she was close with following behind her.
"Mom! Dad! Where are you?"
Rushing out from another room, Meru's mother grabbed her child by the shoulders, "Meru, dear, what's the matter? Is everything ok? What happened at the teleporter?"
"It's alright mom, it was nothing, just Lloyd, you remember what I told you about him right?"
"Oh, yes, I do," Meru's mother stood and took Lloyds hand into her own shaking it gently, "Nice to meet you, Lloyd, would you care for something to drink? Maybe something to eat, eh?"
"Some water would be grand, thank you." Lloyd glanced around the room, it was small with an artificial light of energy in the center, through the doorway was another small room with standing beds built into the wall, they were on a slight angle but vertical other than that. The rooms were mostly shades of soft green and brown, earthen tones to blend in with the woods they were placed in. Tables, some small and others large, were placed against the sides of the walls; chairs were scarce, sitting pads used in their place. Meru's mother walked over to Lloyd and handed him a glass of water, he sipped it slowly staring at the clear liquid with a hidden fascination.
"Who's; this Meru? Why is he here? Where did he come from?" Lloyd glanced up to see a person who looked to be Meru's father standing in the doorway. Bouncing over to him, Meru hugged his waist and looked up at him.
"This is Lloyd daddy, from the story I told you about when I was gone the winglie who well...died."
"If he died Meru, then why is he standing in my home?"
"He didn't really die, I just thought he did?"
"The gods work in confusing ways," Lloyd stated to the older man, rolling the water around in the glass and setting his cool gaze on the figure. He turned abruptly towards Meru's mother who was pulling at his elbow-
"Sit down, Lloyd, come and rest for a bit."
"Thank you."
Meru's mother pushed Lloyd gently into the small chair, the wood creaking under his weight, and then skittered to the other side of the room, "So Meru, what was the matter with the transporter? Did anything come through?"
"Oh, no, I thought I told you, it was Lloyd who was using it." Meru pulled a chair over to sit next to Lloyd, who sat sipping his water in silence. "Lloyd, why were you using the teleporter anyways? How did you get up there, is that where the gods threw you?"
"You ask too many questions, Meru, and yes, that is where the gods chose to return me, right where I found the Dragon Buster." Lloyd took a plate of fruit from Meru's waiting mothers hands, setting it in his lap and picking up one of the red slices, "Do you know what happened to the sword after the fight?"
Meru sat for a moment thinking until snapping her fingers and jumping up. "Yeah, I remember, since Rose died from the fight with Melbu, Dart took the sword afterwards, though I'm not sure what he has done with it."
"Dart..." Lloyd almost growled, *That boy better be willing to give that sword up.* The thought of someone else possessing the buster instead of himself was maddening, it was rightfully his.
"H-hey Lloyd, no need to get worked up over it! Dart wouldn't break it or anything, I'm sure it is just fine, are y-you ok?" Meru hesitated, poking Lloyd in the shoulder. Lloyd turned suddenly and grabbed Meru by her shoulders, "H-hey!"
"Where does Dart live Meru, tell me right now."
"W-what! Well I-I guess, he lives in Seles with Shana, they rebuilt it I think, at least, that is what they said they were gonna do. Come on, get off of me Lloyd."
Lloyd released his hold on Meru, seeing her father through the corner of his eye beginning to get irritated. "I know where Seles is, good, that makes this easier...what happened to the other Dragoons, did anyone else die besides Rose?"
"Well, Zeig, Darts dad, you know, who took the Red-Eye Dragoon Spirit, he died with Rose. Everyone else was really beat up afterwards but was fine after a week or so of rest and potions." Meru rubbed her left shoulder while rolling it backwards; Lloyds grip had been strong and desperate. "The last I talked to Albert was at his and Princess Emily's wedding, that was a big to-do, and even Kongol and Hashel had come to the ceremony. I've only seen Hashel and Kongol since then."
Lloyd stood back and studied Meru for a few moments, taking another piece of fruit and eating it slowly. The young winglie seemed to cower under his gaze and switched her weight from one foot to the other. *How long will it take me to get to Seles...it's not too far from here...but still, there is no way I could fly that long so I'll need to get some supplies and money, ahh, where will I get money!* "Meru, I really must get to Seles," Lloyd, finishing the rest of the red fruit, stood up. "Thank you for the information, and the food," Meru and her parents nodded, smiling at the resurrected man.
"It was a...pleasure, Lloyd, it was nice to meet you," Meru's mother stepped up and took Lloyds hand once again, "but really, before you leave, you should visit the priest here, he can probably give you some supplies or at least some advice and a blessing."
Lloyd nodded, more so to himself than Meru's mother, his mind racing ahead, making plans and setting his course.
"I'll take him mom, I won't be long." Meru ran out the door, beckoning for Lloyd to follow. He did so, meeting the gaze of a few winglies that were trying to make themselves look busy and uninterested, their peering eyes and stares giving away their true intentions. He walked a short way behind Meru, until they reached a small door carved into the trunk of a tree, Lloyd had to duck to fit under the low frame and ceiling. Once inside completely, the ceiling raised enough so Lloyd could stand almost at full height. In the eastern corner of the room stood a short, hunched over man who looked to be carving at a piece of ivory, swirls of curved lines flowed around the small ornament, a graceful design that reminded Lloyd of the gentleness of the wind. The old man turned to the silent Meru, and gave her a small smile. She grinned back and bounced slightly and then pointed at Lloyd, "he's the one who came through-"
"Yes, I've been told Meru. Get him out of here right now."
"W-what, but, he just got here!"
Lloyd frowned at the man, crossing his arms across his broad chest, *what is this old fool talking about?*
"There is a strange aura about this man, it brings trouble, I'm not sure what or how, but death follows closely behind him." The man turned back towards his ivory ornament, not even meeting Lloyds eyes.
"That can't be right, that makes no sense!" Meru threw her arms out and waved at Lloyd, "You must be reading hi wrong or something, that is crazy talk!"
Lloyd believed the old man, which scared him the most.
"Get him out of here Meru, or, if you want to see your friends dies, keep him here..."
"Well, we're obviously not getting any help from this cooke, lets go Lloyd."
"Meru, I do need to leave now, not because of what-" Lloyd gestured to where the old man stood, "-this priest says, but because I really must get the buster back."
"Yeah, whatever, ok."
Sighing, Lloyd walked out of the room, down the steps, and out back into the sea of curious faces. He stood for a few moments, finalizing his plans on getting to Seles, the roaming winglies beginning to loose interest and going back to what they were doing before he had arrived in their small forest inhabitance. Meru stepped up behind him once again, "Lloyd, sorry 'bout that old man, no one really knows who he is or why he came to out forest but I'm sure he's got some screws loose."
"It does appear that way doesn't it?"
"Well, Lloyd, um...this is kinda sudden, but do you mind if I come with you to Seles? I'd like to visit Dart and Shana again anywise."
"Meru..." "Oh, come on, please, I promise I won't bug you, it'll seem like I'm not even there, I swear. I won't do anything to make you mad. Plus, that way I can convince my parents to lend us some money and things." Meru was practically on her begging, "You know you need me, pleeeeeeaaaaaase?"
"Gods Meru, just shut up. You can come, but once I get back my things you're out of my sight, got it?"
"Yay!"
".............."
"I'll be right back, just give me a few minutes ok?"
"I'll give you five." Lloyd groaned again to himself, placing his hand on his hip, head bowed glaring at the ground. Cool air blew harshly against his back, autumn was on its way, the once war air now tingling with the crisp breeze of the north. Thunderstorms would become more abundant, only to lead onto fleets of snow pummeling the frozen earthen ground. He hated winter, traveling was a burden and more than once he had found himself stranded on an unused trail that had been snowed in. He preferred spring much more.
"Llooooooooyd! I'm back!" moaning, Lloyd turned to see the little girl winglie rush up to him, a huge hammer in one hand with leather packs draped over the blunt head by the straps. In her hand she held two cloaks, some wrapped sausage and dried bread, and strung across that shoulder was a sword with its scabbard. Meru held out the arm that held the cloaks, Lloyd taking the larger black one from her. By the heavy material, Lloyd knew it to be made out of fur-lined skin, a quality cloak fortunately. He also took from her one of the packs; both seemed of equal size and weight.
Meru handed him two of the sausage packages and one of the bread, he placed them inside the pack he had taken on top of the canned rice and beans and potions. She put the one other sausage package and the last bread into her own, which not only held potions and rice, but bandages and herbs for more serious injuries. Lloyd saw no use for them, "Here, my dad said that you should have a weapon too. This was his and has been passed down from his grandpa and farther back, he said you could borrow it."
"Thank you." The swords scabbard was a black pearl color with engraved winglie script trailing down the sides, it appeared to be an enchantment on the sword, he could only recognize a small number of the symbols. The rounded tip was a cream-lavender color pearl, the hilt was the same lavender color with a blade of what appeared to be steel, as smooth as water, so much that one could see their reflection in the blade without any distortion what-so-ever. The thick brown leather strap that served as a belt fit Lloyd well, being taller than the majority of winglies and humans alike, more close to the build and height of his long dead ancestors from where the sword came from.
Looking up from his study of the ancient weapon, Lloyd noticed that Meru had changed. No longer was she wearing the sluttish blue and gold 'dancer' outfit, but was clad in a ¾ length light blue skin tight 'V' neck leotard, a light blue and gold breast plate armor over that. A light blue and gold trimmed belt went around her hips and as in her previous outfit, her huge tailed clear bow fell behind her, except now in the front a small single tail was meticulously placed. Short cut-off dark blue and gold pants ran to her calfs lead to reveal only a small amount of skin only for fur-lined boots to begin.
"Lets go!"
"Alright, alright, do we have any gold?"
"I've got five pieces, that's it, my parents would only give up the food and mantles, the money is just some I have leftover from some work I did awhile back."
"We'll just have to make due."
"Fine, come on then!" bouncing, Meru ran on ahead of Lloyd, following the path that lead towards the warp tunnel out of the winglies forest. Lloyd followed at his own pace, if Meru chose to run ahead and loose him in the deep forest surrounding the area, unintentionally, so be it. Just so long as he made it to Seles and got the buster back.