Chapter 27

Melchior and Gaspar walked along the parapet of Styx castle. They admired the view of the setting sun to the west. Finally Gaspar broached the subject.

"It must have been at least 15 years now," he said.

Melchior considered it. "It's been too long."

Gaspar chuckled and waved to Odin, who was standing on the tower nearby. He didn't wave back.

Melchior smiled thinly. "He's too serious for his own good."

Gaspar nodded. "Well I doubt he enjoys babysitting us."

She frowned. "So the Queen does not trust me?"

"I think I worry her more," Gaspar said nonchalantly.

She scanned his face. "Because of Golgatha?"

He glanced sideways to her. "Because of Doom."

Melchior sighed. "Goddess has not forgiven Doom yet."

"Can you forgive me then?" he asked resting his hand on the wall.

She smiled despite herself. "Yes. I know your duty to Doom outweighs our friendship."

Gaspar grew grim. "I will try to spare you."

Melchior shook her head. "You assume Doom will win. What if Goddess wins?"

Gaspar scratched his face. "Well then you'll kill me."

They regarded each other quietly as Odin ran up.

"There's something coming from the east!" he said.

They made their way over to the eastern wall where the commotion was coming from. The setting sun illuminated the giant bird that was flying toward the castle. It circled around the castle once, close enough for Odin and Melchior to recognize Ramuh and Shiva. The bird settled down in the main courtyard. It began to preen itself after all the passengers had alighted. Shiva and Ramuh approached Odin.

"Thank Goddess!" said Odin. "I feared the worst."

Ramuh gestured to the bird. "Palidor, meet Lord Odin. This young fellow is Maduin. The small piglet is Shoat."

The piglet trotted over to Odin and looked up at him.

Pleased to meet you!

"That was Shoat," said Maduin self-consciously. "Thank you for sending them to rescue us Lord Odin."

Odin blanched as Ramuh chuckled.

Odin looked at a loss for words. "I actually.."

"He means you're welcome," said Ramuh with a twinkle.

Shiva quietly patted Palidor.

"By the way, where is Ifrit?" asked Odin.

Ramuh and Shiva looked at each other helplessly.

"He didn't make it," said Ramuh sorrowfully. "Alexander."

Shiva went over to Ramuh and rested her head on his shoulder. He embraced her and regarded Odin evenly.

"Actually Ifrit is on his way here," said Gaspar cheerfully.

Everyone slowly turned to the Magus. Even Melchior stared at him suspiciously.

Ramuh grew angry. "Don't play games with us Magus! We saw him die!"

Gaspar nodded. "I know. He isn't exactly dead now though. Diablos is bringing him."

"How do you know this?" demanded Shiva "Where are they?"

Gaspar pointed to the southern sky. Along the horizon they could make a faint object growing slowly larger.

"Scouts, report!" barked Odin.

"Lord Odin, airship sighted!" called a lookout. "Black and red with Golgatha markings!"

"A little late." Odin grumbled.

"It's the Blood Rose," said Gaspar. "I'll be damned, Kelvin finished on time for once."

Shiva frowned and squinted. "No wait! That's the H.M.S. Lete!"

"The boat we took to the Academy," said Ramuh to Odin.

"Why would Cid help Golgatha?" mused Ramuh.

Ramuh and Shiva spoke as one. "Ifrit!"

"Explain to me who Cid is," said Odin testily.

Ramuh waved them all in. "I'll explain on the way. I'll tell the Queen to put together a welcoming committee."

Odin nodded and followed.

An hour later Cyrus stood at the castle gates dressed in an immaculate dress uniform. He rested a lance across his shoulder and marched down to the courtyard as the giant airship slowly cruised to a stop. Rope ladders were lowered as the ground grew anchored the Blood Rose in place. The giant propellers slowly ground to a halt. The ground crew pulled on the tether lines, drawing the airship down to the ground. Golgathean soldiers climbed down the rope ladders and formed a double file line leading back to the castle gates. Cyrus made his way between them as a small staircase was opened on the bottom of the hull. He could still faintly see the original name under the gleaming skull freshly painted on the hull. Cyrus and the soldiers bowed to King Hasdrubal emerged, closely followed by Diablos and Siren.

He gestured for Cyrus to join him. "Major MacKenzie we are impressed by your loyalty and valor."

Cyrus shook his head. "Your majesty, I don't deserve your praise. My men deserve the credit."

He smiled indulgently. "Nonsense. Please escort us."

Cyrus fell in line behind the King as he made his way to the main gate. Odin stood there and bowed to him. Maduin stood in the back of the crowd next to Ramuh.

"That's the King?" he asked. "He looks pretty young."

Ramuh nodded. "He does. That man in black is Diablos, who I told you about."

Maduin looked worried. "He looks like bad news."

"You have no idea," said Ramuh, stroking his beard absentmindedly. "I'm not sure about the young lady with him."

"Do you think she's an Esper?" he ventured.

Ramuh smirked. "I'm sure of it."

After the King and his entourage had entered the castle, Shiva quietly made her way to the Blood Rose. A pair of guards stood on either side of the staircase leading. They regarded her then each other. She stared at them coldly.

"Are you Shiva?" asked the taller one.

She nodded.

"You may pass," said the shorter one.

Shiva walked between them up the stairs into the familiar interior of the H.M.S. Lete. Several windows had been added to the hull but otherwise it was much the same. A young man lounged in the pilot's chair. He looked startled to see her.

"Hey, you must be Shiva," he said standing and offering his hand. "I'm Kelvin."

She stared at it. "How do you know me?" she asked.

He rubbed his neck. "Well Cid talks about you a lot."

Shiva eyed the curtain hanging behind him.

"They're in there if you want to-," he began as she walked through the curtain.

Ifrit was lying across a slab set next to the warm glow of the furnace. Cid was sitting next to him holding his claw.

"Hey Red, I hope you get to see everyone again," she said, holding back tears. "I.wish you weren't such a big dope but I guess I wouldn't love you if you were sensible."

"What happened?" asked Shiva, making Cid jump.

"Oh, hi Shiva!" said Cid, trying hastily to hide her tears. "I'm glad to see you."

Shiva sat across from her and gingerly touched Ifrit's other claw. "How can he be here?"

Cid shrugged. "I wish I knew. Lord Diablos said it might have to do with Phoenix."

Shiva eyed Cid icily. "Diablos is the one who burned down my town! How could you work for him?"

Cid crossed her arms. "I was on the run! You and your friends just flew away and left me to pick up the pieces!"

Shiva sighed. "You're right, it was unfair of us to leave you there. Thank you for saving Ifrit."

"I just found him like this," said Cid.

Shiva turned over Ifrit's claw to inspect the magicite still in his grip. "Phoenix must have been the Esper that was calling him."

Cid stared at Shiva. "Be careful with that. You can't be sure what will happen if-,"

Shiva touched the crystal and was enveloped in a strange warm glow. Then came oblivion.