Chapter 3: A Farewell to Arms
Lloyd pushed the windowpane up hard, shoving his sweaty head out into the crisp morning air, unawares of the small avalanche of snow now quickly progressing down the roof due to the unwanted disturbance of its slumber, straight towards him. Startled, Lloyd pulled away from the harsh coldness slipping down from his hair to neck and downwards, slamming the back of his head on the recently opened window resulting with a large amount of shooting pain igniting his body. Lloyd groaned and pulled himself safely inside his small room at the inn. *Not quite my morning, if I may say, but at least it will be the last one in this dismal town.*
"Meru, what time is it?" Lloyd rubbed the back of his sore head.
"Breakfast time!" seriously, she glanced at the burning wax candle that denoted the time Meru added, "A little after nine."
"Damn, I slept in so late…"
"Yeah, I saw that, so I just got all our stuff together myself, I told ya I'd be useful didn't I!?"
"Yes, I believe you mentioned that a few times…" Lloyd grumbled as he slunk past the younger Winglie over to where his clothes lay, "Why did you not wake me?"
"I felt like putting you in a pissy mood for today cause we're gonna go see Dart and maybe you two will get in a fight, "batting her eyelashes, Meru innocently stated, not able to keep a slight smirk from her otherwise angelic face.
Lloyd glared for some time at the blue haired demon, not finding her antics amusing at all until finally the grumbling in his stomach got the better of his attention. "Lets just get going so we can pick out our runners and get this journey over with."
"Don't forget about the trial, you said we were going."
"I haven't forgotten."
Lloyd pulled his vest on, zipping the leather garment up and changed into the rest of his traveling clothes, shoving his sleeping pants into his pack, "Ready?"
"Yup." Meru pushed open the door and ran down the steps into the bar area, Lloyd following not far behind. Turning while switching her large mallet from her left shoulder to her right, "Hey Deasil, you know where we can buy some runners?"
"Nallies farm I know breeds a few, at least they did during the war, she may have a few to spare considering the war ended so abruptly, prolly cheap too if she wants to get rid of them.
"Thanks a bunch Deasil!"
"Sure"
Deasil, a boy of about 16 was a gruff yet handsome resident of Dorrin. He worked for his father partially as a cook and otherwise attempting to break up bar fights that occurred more often than not. He took a certain protective air for the younger waitress and had saved Meru from a number of would be molesting, as Meru described them that is.
"Where is this farm located?" Lloyd stepped up next to Meru while playing with the knot tying his mantel together.
"Towards the northern part of town, just keep heading up the main street and when it forks head to your right, it's right there."
"Thank you, lets go Meru."
"Ahh, Lloyd, what's the rush?"
"We need to get to Dart's house, Meru, you know perfectly well!"
"Well, maybe I do, but that's not the point, you need to lighten up, a lot."
Growling, Lloyd grabbed the hood of his mantel and forcefully pulled it over his head. Meru followed though not silently, complaining about the older Winglies 'rotten un-fun attitude' and kicking clumps of snow up so that they hit Lloyd on the back of the head. Trying his best to ignore Meru, Lloyd ground his teeth together and focused on the twitch he seemed to be developing about his right eye.
The road forked and, according to Deasils directions, Lloyd and Meru veered off onto the road to their right, they reached the farm almost immediately. Snow covered and slightly broken down, the farm appeared to be a cozy, inviting, and loving home. The owners must care for it a great deal, by the pride of the bran and the much wear and ear on the shed. It was a busy farm for such a tiny town, the care for the animals not being deterred by the heavy snowfall. Runners of all breeds paced and galloped about in the padlocks, workers seizing their bridals only to hook them to a lead and show them to their stall when breakfast was served. Meru shoved Lloyd aside and gaily gazed at all the runners.
"They are so cute!" dancing around, Meru chanted this over and over again, "I get my own runner!"
"Have pity on me, Soa"
*Haven't I already? *
Lloyd couldn't stop himself from tumbling forward into the snow.
"What in Endiness is going on!? How are you able to talk to me!?"
*Lloyd, take calm, you are making yourself quite conspicuous. *
"Conspicuous my ass, I have a bloody Goddess talking to me in my head and you expect me to be calm!?"
*I know this is very confusing to you, but if you would just lower your voice I'm most certain I can explain the situation to your…understanding. *
Being pulled out of her joyful dance by a screaming Lloyd, Meru bent over the platinum haired man. Probing his face with a single finger repeatedly jabbed into the un-responing features. Meru finally sighed and slapped the man hard, yet still no response was elicited from him.
"Alright, ok, this is sane, I'm listening to you Soa."
Meru tried her best to stifle her gasp, was Lloyd talking to himself!? She peered into his unfocused eyes whose lids had fluttered almost closed, no response, it was as if he had been pulled out of reality and into his head!
*That is much better, child, now, about this communication we share. As part of the, one may call it a 'bond', we share by my bringing you back to the world of the living and bestowing a certain 'gift' upon you, Lloyd, there are certain 'attachments' to your good fortune. Because I had to directly act on you, you have now a tiny portion of my energy in your body; this enables the immortality, and a few more things, one, obviously child, being that we can communicate. *
"Ah, yes, as I expected of course," sarcasm dripped like acid from the statement.
"Yes, my child, I'm not the most thrilled about this either. But take note, as you speak with me, your conscienceless is pulled in upon itself causing your body to become but a vessel through which we speak. *
"Virtually meaning I'm unconscious."
*One may say, except for one tiny detail of which may enrage you, you are speaking aloud. *
"Ah, of course, so any mere man passing by can be entertained by a babbling idiot Winglie who thinks he is speaking to Gods."
*Do not fret over it too much, you just appear to be drugged, or even drunk, child. Best though to make sure you call upon me for conversation only when you are in an area where harm can not befall you lest you collapse and injure yourself. Though immortal, limbs can be lost. *
"Yes, well, I will surely keep that in mind, and to call upon you I merely speak your name?"
*Yes, you are catching on dear one. *
"I sometimes astound myself with my intelligence also."
*I sense you are just saying that. *
"How the bloody hell do I make you go away!?"
*Simply will it. *
Lloyd brought forth an image of what he conjured together and imagined Soa to look like burning in a massive amount of flames. The nest instant he was staring at a frowning Meru with a sharp stinging in his cheek.
"I always thought that you were close to going off the deep end but that just made me realize that you were drowning."
"Oh shut up Meru, I don't need anymore bloody bashing, especially from you."
"Well, mind telling me what just happened?" pulling the side of her mantle over to Lloyds face, Meru began to quickly wipe off the snow which still clung there, Lloyd winced when she ran the fur over his left cheek.
"Gods, did you hit me or something!?"
"Yeah, sorry! It was just a reaction, I was worried!" Meru frowned again, "I've got a potion if you want it…
"No, no, it's fine, I've been through much worse." Lloyd pushed himself to his feet and brushed off the numerous clumps of snow that had been forming on the mantle. "I just found out from the Goddess S-" Lloyd caught himself before he finished the creators name, not wanting to be thrown back into the semi-unconscious state again, "-by the woman goddess who brought me back to life that by speaking her name I can communicate directly with her. But by doing so, I'm put into a state of nearly unconsciousness, allowing anyone in the vicinity to bear witness to my incessant mindless babbling as it appears."
A few wry comments popped into Meru's mind but instead she gave Lloyd an understanding smile before his eyes found something interesting to focus on at his feet. "Well, if ya let me stick around, I'll just beat those onlookers until they are babbling just as incessantly as you." Meru could have sworn she saw a quick smile pass over Lloyd's pinky lips.
"Let's just go see about these runners," starting forward, it wasn't long before one of the stable hands jogged over to them, able to get away from his duties now that the snow had lessened.
"Can I help ya two?"
"Yes, we are interested in purchasing some of your runners," Lloyd immediately stated before Meru could start singing to the stable hand and ultimately scare him away.
"Really, well, I think we can help ya two, let me go get Nallie." The stable hand rushed off and, a few moments latter, reappeared with an elderly woman who, though her age was great in years, around ninety, was quite fit and without a walking aid of any sort. The stable hand ran off to his duties again, leaving the Nallie woman to study her customer candidates.
"It's not often, well never, that we get Winglies around here," it was a flat and unemotional statement. Meru laughed uneasily while Lloyd met the woman's gaze straight on and unwavering.
"It is not often we seek aid from humans either."
The woman smirked, her grin a wicked one of defiance "Well, you are interested in my runners after all then."
With a squeal of pleasure Meru grabbed onto Lloyds arm, to his annoyance.
"She is quite young for one of your age is she not, or is your race dwindling in numbers even more than I last thought."
Lloyd met the statement with a snarl and flash of his crimson eyes, Meru didn't seem to realize what the old woman was talking about, "she is not my 'mate', rather my only sister."
"Yes, much more than I last thought."
It took all of Lloyd's will power and pride to not strike down the old bag on the spot.
The same wry smile o her gnarled face, the woman changed the subject back to the runners, "I've got a large amount left over from the war breeds, strong yet extremely quick. I prefer to breed the quick ones over the bulky beasts some favor, I trust that is fine with you?" The woman started towards one of the smaller corals of runners, Lloyd and Meru following. The runners were indeed strong, large, yet very quick, the legs versus those of others, were long and the frames much sleeker, forming an almost 'V' shape from snout to behind.
"Yes, that is fine, what is the price?"
"Depending on which, between 25 and 40 gold."
The price was extremely high.
"A special Winglie fare I trust?"
"You are a clever one."
Lloyd grunted and motioned Meru to the fence, "have your pick Meru, any is fine."
Squealing yet again, Meru placed a quick hug around Lloyd's waist and then danced over to the fence, beckoning a few of the smaller runners over. The old woman smiled and walked to stand next to Meru, pulling a worn leather purse from the folds of her skirts. Lloyd silently watched as the woman poured a large amount of grain from the leather into Meru's open palm, smiling sweetly. Meru thanked the woman and went to feeding the eager animals. The woman returned to her former place in front of Lloyd, the grey eyes inquiring.
"So, what do you want these runners for anyway, magical wings not to your liking, or has the mystical powers of the almighty Winglies just diminished so much that you can't even use them at all?"
Lloyd sighed, there was no use in trying to lie to the old bag, and she seemed to know the answer already. "You are right for the most part, the magical abilities of the Winglies now have diminished so low beyond those of our ancestors that we would be either killed when born or put into manual labor if born back then. Mine, though, for as you may say, my blood lines have been kept clean of interbreeding and fresh, are as strong as my ancestors if not more so." The woman nodded, seeing in his crimson pools of blood that served as eyes that it was the truth.
"Though how much my ancestors did loath your kind, it is a shame to see your race at such a horrible state, the once proud Winglies now broken due to their own mistakes."
Squeezing his eyes closed in frustration and taking a few deep breaths to settle himself, Lloyd repeated to himself that this woman only spoke the truth, even if she did so only to spite him. Turning his attention to Meru, he called out to her happy form, the feed long gone from her palm, "find one you like yet Meru?" The old woman kept her gaze on Lloyd.
"I like them all Lloyd! But I think I narrowed it down, can I have your guys' advice?"
Turning once again back to the old woman Lloyd almost pleaded with her, "Though I've got you in years and experience my wisdom on runners is not the widest as that of other things, I'd appreciate your professional opinion on which to choose."
The old woman smiled again, yet it seemed softer this time around, "Yes, you are right there, a professional reading at no extra charge, and at another special Winglie rate of course." Lloyd met the woman with a slight smile of his own and bowed his head thankfully. The two went over to the fence beside Meru. "So, my dear, before you tell em about your favorites, let me give you a quick evaluation on which I think would best suit you. Because your frame is small and light, I suggest a smaller runner for one, the beast would be much easier to control on your part, not needing as much forcefulness as one would need if riding a larger one. As us breeders sometimes say, along with people, the bigger they are, the larger the ego," the woman huffed out a laugh at her own joke. "Also, smaller runners would respond better to you because, when riding a runner, one uses weight as much as a major way of steering the beast. A smaller runner would be able to move easily feel and thus respond to your light weight because of it, too, is small and light."
Meru nodded in understanding, eager to learn anything she could about the adorable beasts.
"Since your personality seems to suggest you'd not only look to this runner as your means of transportation, but as a familiar also, a more kind tempered runner would best suit you."
"Why would someone want one mean?" Meru inquired.
"Well, some like to have their runner reflect themselves and see themselves as big when in possession of a rebellious runner, able to control it so they think. I don't quite understand their foolish line of thinking but those types do exist."
"Oh."
"I recommend Lelian, I think her personality is much like yours, kind and responsive, but a strong and fierce companion, the significant sign of the blood of a war runner."
"I like the way that sounds! Teehee! Which one is Lelian?"
The woman scanned the runners in the coral, her attention laying on a snow white female, her flanks dappled with a musty grey brown, solid around all four hooves and snout, fading into white near the ears. "Lelian, here!" the runners ears perked up at the mention of her name, the mare snorted, trotting happily up to Nellie, nuzzling her hand for any treat that may be hidden there. "This, Meru, come here," Meru moved over and nodded, "is Lelian, I think you should choose her, but I'm not forcing you into anything." Opening the worn leather bag of grain again, the old woman poured a small amount into Meru's hand yet again. The runner's gaze stayed fascinated on the grain being exchanged and as soon as Meru held it out the mare gently nibbled down the food.
"I like Lelian a lot, thank you for telling me all that Ms. Nallie, turning to Lloyd, "she'll be great Lloyd! Can I have her, pleeeeeeeease?"
"I said any one Meru, this runner is fine," Lloyd gestured to Lelian and then to Nallie with eyebrows raised.
"Ah yes, and now for yours Lloyd…
Lloyd shrugged, "If you are going to go with personality or just a runner like me in general, might as well choose the most depressed runner you've got, I'm not the most bloody happy guy like Meru here."
The old woman chuckled lightly and clasped a worn hand on his towering shoulder, "I think I've gathered enough about you to be able to choose a suitable runner, and believe me, it won't be a depressed broken one."
Muttering, Lloyd gazed at the beasts, "What about one that has voices in its head."
"Hnnn, what was that?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
"Winglie…typical…well, you are an extremely tall man so naturally a large runner would fit you best. You seem physically strong and thus ready and able to handle such a beast at your ease. Runners are not only a mode of transportation, but to some familiars, such as I feel Meru's will be to her. Runners also, for most, reflect the rider's personality and strengths, in your case though, Lloyd dear, I think a bit of an opposite would suit you better. I think, if given the right runner, it could strengthen some aspects of your being, maybe mend a few broken parts. A confident runner, in strength and mind, yet not overly aggressive but extremely loving would suit you well. I think that from the way you perceive runners now that they are more a tool than an actual living thing, as you may perceive others, so a runner with actual emotions attached to you may rehabilitate gentle parts of you that may have been lost previously."
Lloyd felt the urge to stop the woman, not wanting her to probe farther into his soul than she already had. All that she was saying was making a large amount of sense. Nallie seemed to sense this and didn't evaluate and more on that subject.
"Here, see that runner over to the far right corner of the coral," the runner, a strong sleek dark grey and black male was fighting, rather, challenging another smaller male. Its shining fur was beautiful, a bit of blue reflecting on the smooth muscled form giving it a majestic look, its mane was the black color that seemed as menacing as a deep swamp. "That is Narneel, he is a great young powerful runner, one of the prides of the farm, I'm torn on selling him but I feel he'd be happier free from the confines of this small town and of more use to one such as yourself versus a prize for myself. His price is 40 gold, as Lelian's is 30, tack included."
Lloyd nodded and handed over the gold, he really didn't have any other idea of what type of runner to choose so went along with Nallie's suggestion. Two of the stable hands entered the coral and led the pair of purchased runners into the barn to be tacked up for their new owners. Nallie had taken the gold and returned to her house, watching the two Winglies from the front porch. The runners were brought out, Lelian dressed in a pale blue blanket to match Meru's outfit under a light brown leather saddle with gold metal trim work that was quite beautiful. Narneel had a midnight blue blanket with black leather saddle, reins and bridal, silver encroaching on the rim of the seat adding more to the exquisite beauty of the proud animal.
Meru turned to Lloyd, once again thanking him for the runner, not realizing that she worked for this 'prize' with her own hands and time. She mounted her new found friend and Lloyd soon followed suit, talking and petting the large beasts neck before hand; cooing to it and allowing the animal to become familiar with his voice. Nallie smiled, pushing a long strand of silver grey hair from her face. "I see great things yet to come of you, Winglie, yet hope fully not at the price I sense afoot behind. You both have my blessing…" At that, Nallie turned to enter her farmhouse home.
~ * ~
A pot of nasty looking gruel had been placed in Albert's cell that morning. It stank of something awful and Albert could barely stand to be within its vicinity. The young king suspected to mess to be no more than water and the castles previous nights trash mixed together with a little feces for the over powering smell. Needless to say, he'd rather starve to death rather than eat it, at least, though; the guards had brought him a bowl of water. Yet, even with the water, he was forced to drink like a dog, his hands still chained behind his back rendering them useless.
Albert knelt silently, eyes squeezed shut in a feeble attempt to stop the salty tears from flooding down his cheeks and disrupting that thread of sanity he'd managed to hold on to. *Oh, dear Soa, why, why, did you have to take Emily from me, what did I do wrong to deserve this? Please, let my people see the truth even against what is being told them now… * sobbing silently, Albert finally allowed himself to break down, he needed the release of emotions, who cares who saw him, he didn't think that anything could be done to further cause him more humiliation.
~ * ~
After purchasing the runners from Nallies farm, Meru and Lloyd made quick their breakfast from some cheese bread and fruit picked up at the small supply shop in Donovan. They restocked what potions and other vitalitys they were running low on with the remaining gold, once again; their supply remained at a mere four coins. The snow ahead let up for the day to Lloyd's approval and improving his mood. Meru needed no mood adjustment; she was in what appeared an ever-constant high thanks to her new runner.
"Lelian, you are so pretty! Ohhhhh, just think how adorable little blue silk bows would look in your main!" Lloyd felt the sudden urge to empty his breakfast through the pipe it first went down…
"Please tell me you are not serious Meru…"
"Well, why not? We match pretty well already, what could a few little bows do?"
Grunting distastefully, Lloyd urged Narneel into a gallop, versus the trot he previously had the beast at. If they kept at the speed, he estimated Meru and himself to reach Darts home by the first of nightfall. Already it was after midday.
"Leli-chan likes to gallop, don't ya girl!" the runner shook its head happily in response, keeping up easily at Narneel's heals even though their difference I size was great.
Lloyd bent towards the furry ears bent back, keeping their attention on their new owner and rider, "If those two keep up their act, I'm going to have my boot shoved so far up that girls ass she'll be shining it with her tongue." Narneel, at the comment, snorted in agreement. The runner, as Nallie had stated, was extremely intelligent and affectionate, Lloyd never doubted that the beats could sense his emotions and maybe even understand many of the words spoken to it other than its name. He was growing quite fond of Narneel as Nallie predicted also. Lloyd, at the fact that the old racist bag was actually right, laughed aloud. The sound was rich, real and out of pure emotion, and it felt good.
"………Lloyd, hun, are you alright up there? Something going on between you and Narneel I'm not aware of?"
"No…heh…I'm fine Meru," Lloyd still had an uncharacteristic smirk spread across his face. *My life couldn't get much worse, but for once, the simplest of things is making me happy, I'm actually enjoying myself. *
"I think that was the first I ever heard you really laugh Lloyd."
"Me too."
Meru smiled herself, *No matter how much of a fuddy-dud he is I still like spending time with him, he is always surprising me with the most out of character outbursts, I wish the others could have known him like this. * With that Meru's thought drifted to the memories of her Dragoon friends. The thought of seeing Dart and Shana excited Meru, though she felt she was much closer to Hashel and Kongol than those two lovers. Miranda was cool, she reminded Meru of one of her teachers when she was younger…unfortunately though, that certain teacher was 'accidentally' thrown down a flight of step which resulted with a certain Wingly getting a years detention. She tried to reason that she was just helping the teacher get her 'ol flying wings back in shape but the school board didn't take too kindly to her claim. Meru missed Rose, she had been the best out of the entire group, getting on her nerves was the most challenging but the reward of a snarl and a flash of those blue-violet eyes was worth the work. Then there was Albert, who only Soa knows now is doing right then, who had to Meru's dismay, married Princess Emily. Sure, Emily was great and all, a real nice girl, pretty too, oh, and dancing at their wedding was great; yet still, Meru couldn't help but feel a little jealous when he'd fawn all over his princess and not give a rat's ass about her. *No wait, that is wrong to say, he loved her, loves her, he can't help his heart, and he devoted such time in aiding us in defeating Melbu Frahma… * Meru's thoughts drifted, she didn't really pay attention to them, just let her mind wander.
"Meru, we're about a mile from Seles now," Lloyd's voice was low, hinted with a lot of distaste, acid already dripping from the words. His mood was deadly, as that of the weather, sleet now burning her cheeks.
"Calm down Lloyd, we're not here to burn down Seles like a black monster or something so just-"
Lloyd snarled at Meru in response.
~ * ~
"Dart! Dart! Come here quick! It's the divine dragoon spirit! It's glowing really brightly!!!" Shana grabbed Catrine, hers and Darts five-month-old daughter and rocked her whimpering form gently as Dart charged into the room.
"Damned thing, what's its problem, it's almost as if it's trying to tell us something…damn it!"
"Daaaaaart! Make it stop!"
Grinding his teeth together in frustration, Dart realized that the spirit wasn't going to let it's tantrum up. A bright indigo colored luster shone from the glass sphere that hovered in the air, a low humming had filled the room as happens when a dragoon spirit begins to react to something. Suddenly, the ball shot from its former place above the table making a frantic beeline for the door leading to the porch at an astonishing speed. Dart could have sworn it was going to break through the thick oak; yet, right before it hit, the plank swung inward sharply, the spirit landing in the palm of the uninvited guest.
Shana screamed
Lloyd cursed
Dart wet himself
"Where. Is. My. Bloody. Sword." Crimson eyes boiled, setting afire all that was in it's deadly stare, fingers turned white from clutching the divine dragoon spirit so tightly, and words laced with such poison that Dart doubted that if he were to be physically affected by the scene in front of him that not even an angels prayer could save him.
~ * ~
It wasn't there; Lloyd could feel it, or rather, not. As soon as he entered Seles ha knew his journey was futile, the Dragon Buster was missing, *What the bloody hell did that human do with my sword!? * Rage nearly blinding him, Lloyd stormed into the small cozy looking cottage home to find his dragon spirit gaily coming to meet him. At least he had that now. Yet, Lloyd could not be all that furious, he did have an amusing effect on the inhabitants of the house. He could have sworn he saw Dart soil himself, the dark stain on the front of his pants spreading with each passing moment; and Shana was in such a pitiful whimpering state that Lloyd could probably just smile at her and she'd have a heart attack and die, "Where. Is. My. Bloody. Sword."
"The fuck is your sword! You are DEAD!!"
"So I keep being told," Lloyd took a step forward; "Do you really believe that, Dart?"
"……………….."
"Now answer me, what the bloody hell did you do with my sword?"
"Wait a minute! Don't you come barging into my home, disturbing my family all because by some miracle you survived a death that occurred over a year ago and want your friggen' sword!" Dart fumed with unknown courage, this was his peace that was being disturbed and so on his terms would this unexpected meeting tread upon.
Lloyd visibly settled down, building a dam against his rage that still begged to come crashing through with unbridled fury. Breathing became less of a burden as Lloyd stepped completely into the house followed by a blushing Meru, embarrassed for the older Wingly. Dart once again had to stare in shock, thoughts of why his once companion traveled with his former rival. Shana gathered up Catrine and ran out of the room only to return a few seconds later with Darts sword, "I put Catrine down to bed…" Shana kept shooting confused looks in Lloyds' direction, Meru closed the oak door and took her place next to the other Wingly.
"Meru, what did you do with the runners?"
"I saw a barn next to here with a pretty long overhang so I tied them to that and gave them some fresh feed."
Nodding in approval, Lloyd then turned his focus back to a soiled Dart who stood grasping his sword and sputtering curses. Shana took that time to almost pleasantly offer their gusts seats, Meru smiled and bounced up to the young woman and gave her a large hug. Shana returned the friendly gesture and Lloyd saw that it appeared as if a boulder had been lifted off of the humans' shoulders. Dart seemed a bit less stiff also. Sitting, Meru turned and growled at Lloyd to 'sit down or I'll beat you in your sleep tonight,' smiling happily afterwards. Lloyd did as told, deciding that a confrontation against the red clothed, spiky haired warrior at that point in time was not the best of ideas.
~ * ~
Dart planted himself across from Lloyd who was seated next to Meru on the soft, plush, recently made couch.
"I'm sorry to inform you, but your sword as you've already seen, isn't here," Dart wrung his hands together in frustration, trying his damndest to keep himself from lunging at his former rival and beating him into the floor. Snarling unhappily, "I believe that you gave it to Rose when you...'died'…and after we defeated Frahma, she died, we searched for their bodies. Rose and Zeig that is. We never found them but we did find Rose's choker, it made her immortal, and the Dragon Buster." Lloyd nearly jumped up to strangle Dart, would he get to the point! "I didn't want to have, or rather, have the need, to have anything to do with the weapon, so we took and gave it to Charlie Frahma for safe keeping."
Lloyd visibly flinched, *Damn it, Charlie, why her!? * "I see…do you think she still has it?"
"I would think so, she'd have no reason to give it away." Lloyd snorted in response to Darts remark. "Now that I've cleared that up, will someone explain to me just what exactly is going on here?"
Meru and Lloyd looked at each other until Lloyd flung himself back lazily on the couch and began laughing hysterically. Meru just shrugged, "Seriously, we have no idea. Soa brought Lloyd back to life, she made him immortal and un-aging for the rest of eternity as punishment for what he has done, and can talk to him whenever she or he pleases. Lloyd has some unknown urge to find the Dragon Buster, Albert is in jail for murder, Emily to be exact, and I just got bored at home so decided to tag along with him on his journey."
"You're kidding."
"In my dreams Dart, only in my dreams."