Epilogue: At a Sacrifice -Hope-




Nearly one month had passed since the second raid on Aldehyde. The people had been invigorated by Princess Cecilia's safe return from locales unknown, and by her successful retrieval of the Tear Drop. Life was still unbalanced, but slowly on its way back to normal as everyone pitched in to help rebuild the city from the fire's destructive wave.

She had decided. She was going to ascend to the throne to lead the people. Finally, a kingdom with regality as its beacon of leadership. As one who has felt the heat of battle, that fluttering 'Dream Chaser' within her heart seemed impossible to tame. Yet, she knew that everyone needed her to guide them. Selfless as ever, she had no problems placing others before her own desires. Not because she was royalty, but because it gave her happiness to give others happiness.

The coronation ceremony had been whipped together in a whirlwind meeting of ministers, but went off without a hitch. Now, people referred to her as 'Queen' instead of 'Princess' on the streets. Jack and Elmina had attended, as they had stayed in the kingdom to attend to her health. Vassim, the last Elw in Filgaia, traveled with them to monitor her health. After learning of his sister Mariel's fate, he had consigned himself to spread the word and history of his people's plight. People came to realize the truth within the battle between good and evil--the Guardian War--and what enlightenment it offered to them. Legends became history; myths and rumors became written fact under his word. The Elw race was extinct, but its history will live on in Human's documents. Technology will advance and the world will become a better place to live.

The three of them left the kingdom soon after, disappearing into the world for parts unknown.

Yes, they all attended the ceremony. Cecilia felt relieved to see their faces in the crowd. That memory of her friends, allies and subjects looking up to her, chanting words of praise after the crown had been placed on her head filled her with hope. She was going to be their beacon of 'hope'.

'Queen' Cecilia, ruler of Aldehyde Kingdom. Very different, but very comfortable.

~~~~~~~~~~

One month later, after the fanfare of ascension. Life seemed good.

The morning sun peeked over the horizon, shining soft sunlight through white curtains into the Queen's room through the portico doorway. Cecilia rose from her bed with a stretch and a yawn; her eyes adjusting to the yellow light beaming into the room. A warm breeze blew past the curtains, beckoning her to come out. Brushing back the curtains, she walked outside in her white silk sleeping gown to get some fresh air.

It was a very beautiful scene. Through her adventures, she had never taken time to sit down and really observe the beauty of nature around her. The crisp air seemed invigorating to push out her lethargic state. The burnt-colored sun lit up the sky in varying colors of tan and yellow, emphasizing the clouds slowly moving along overhead. All of it brought a smile to her face as she realized that this truly was her world. Nothing could take this beauty from her and the people. She would never let go without a fight, because everything and everyone she loved was here.

"Oh great world full of splendor, " she said while staring into the sun. "If need be, I would take up arms for you a thousand times over in order to protect you. You and the Guardians, who make this all possible for us. We now know that it is important to live for the future; to live for tomorrow and the next day. Our regrets shall not hinder us, nor shall our times of pain and sadness…because we understand. Our humanity gives us the hope to live for the future. And whenever my people suffer, I will help them to find that hope." Cecilia paused for a few seconds to realize what she had said. It all came out so suddenly…it really surprised her that she would say that. But, she believed it. Every word. For herself, for her friends and subjects, and…for 'him', she would honor that word.

"Rudy, I…miss you so much," she said, holding her head up high and smiling. She brought her hands clasped to her chest. "Somewhere out there, you're watching. I will not let your sacrifice be in vain. I'll even bring hope to the people in your name. Watch me from the heavens, Rudy. And wait for me up there."

Taking in a breath of fresh air, she felt renewed. A faint image of a sleek, graceful beast appeared before her, its wings spread and gliding through the open skies. Cecilia looked on, watching it fly over her castle and fade into the distance. She felt more energetic than she had ever felt in her life at that moment. It was almost supernatural.

"Rudy!" she yelled into the wind. "Watch me! I'll give the people hope…in your name!"

Her smile widening, she began to laugh and go back into her room to prepare for the day ahead. Not at herself for being inexplicably happy, but at her renewed sense of purpose. Her day as a queen was beginning anew; her duties waiting in the form of a slight gaudy golden chair. But, it wasn't that which made her Queen.

The power to give people 'hope'. The power to lead the people into the future. The power to be strong under unrelenting opposition and to protect that which you love. That's what it meant to her.