Meru threw Claira a worried look. "From the appearance," she glanced upwards at the building in the distance. Small white specks seemed to be sucked right into the building. She shuddered.
"What?" Deirdre asked.
"Where are we Meru?" Claira asked, her voice betraying her fear.
"We're in the Death City Mayfil," Meru answered. "The ancient Wingly city of Death."
Claira gasped as they passed through mist. A Wingly guard suddenly shoved Claira in the back to keep her going forward and she plunged ahead, just as an apparition went by. Claira screamed.
"Keep going," came a gruff demand behind them.
Meru placed a hand on Claira's shoulder. "It's all right, Claira. I've been here before."
"That's not very reassuring," Claira replied.
"This place gives me the creeps," Deirdre said.
"I think that applies to all of us," Meru said.
They entered the enormous black building. Deirdre shuddered.
"What's wrong?" Claira asked.
Deirdre hugged her arms to herself. "This-this place is so full of death, I can sense it even in the air!"
Meru exchanged looks with Claira as they halted.
"Deirdre," Meru said. "Are you the Divine Daughter?"
Deirdre looked at Meru. "Couldn't tell you. I have no memory of what I used to be before I went to the abbey."
A loud click sounded behind them.
Meru whirled around. "They've locked us in!"
"And with two ugly guards," Claira said in disgust.
"Why you little-!" One of the guards started to draw his sword, but the second stopped him.
"Stop," he said. "You know we're not allowed to harm them."
The first guard reluctantly sheathed his sword.
Claira turned to Meru. "So, now what? Looks like we're stuck here."
Meru looked over at Deirdre. "You wouldn't know an games or anything to pass the time, would you?"
Deirdre smiled. "Sorry, I don't know any games, but I do know a lot of stories."
"Story time!" Claira said, grinning.
Deirdre carefully sat down on the slightly moldy floor. Claira and Meru followed.
A loud click resounded.
"Finally!" Meru jumped up and dusted herself off.
Four Wingly men strolled into the room. Repard and Blian came into view, flanked by two bodyguards. Repard dismissed the men who had been guarding the cell with a wave of his hand.
Repard crossed his arms. "So..."
"So what?" Meru snapped. Deirdre placed a hand on Meru's shoulder to silence her.
"No need to get snappy," Repard said gently. "I just want to know something."
"Want to know what?" This time it was Claira's turn to snap.
"Claira..." Deirdre admonished in a quiet voice.
"Oh, nothing much," Repard said, turning towards Meru. "Seeing as that you're supposedly a Dragoon, you could tell me something about a topic that's closely associated with both Dragoons and Winglies. Seeing that you're both, of course."
All right, what's he up to? Deirdre thought.
"I ain't telling you anything!" Meru said defensively.
"Well, we could to do this the easy way, since I'm asking, you could answer," Repard said. "But, believe me, there are alternate options to get it out."
"Is that a threat?" Claira demanded.
"No," Repard answered. "More like...an ultimatum."
Blian lifted a hand up and snapped his fingers. The two bodyguards with them swiftly moved from behind the General to Meru and restrained her by holding her arms behind her.
Meru stuggled momentarily. Seeing as that was useless, she glared at Repard. "What do you want?"
Repard smiled. The somewhat "friendly" smile didn't stretch to his eyes, which remained cold and insensitive. "The Moon Child...whatever her name is...she's expecting, correct?"
Meru didn't like that at all. "I won't tell you anything dealing with Shana, you creep! I won't tell you anything, got it?!"
"Such a pit," Repard said, shaking his head.
"What do you mean, a pity?" Claira asked.
"Since she won't tellus, we'll have to kill all three of you," Repard said. "Bane has commanded us to."
"Bane?" Deirdre asked. Her face paled.
"What?" Claira inquired.
"Bane means death..." Deirdre said.
"You have that correct, young one," Repard said. He turned to his bodyguards. "Dispose of the little one first."
One of the bodyguards nodded his head and went to draw his sword from its sheath at his waist.
"Setting your base here, Repard, you will soon learn what death is really like..." a dead-like voice echoed from the background. "You will soon experience permanent residency here at Mayfil."
The bodyguard with his sword out whirled around, expecting to see a person standing there. He only saw darkness and white mist.
Suddenly, a figure darted out of the mist and slugged the armed Wingly in the face. The figure, from what Meru saw at a mere glance, had long, dark hair and was armed with a blade of some sort. The shape of the sword looked oddly familiar to Meru...
The figure soon took the lives of the bodyguards, freeing Meru.
"I warned you, Repard." The figure said.
There was something about that voice...
"Who are you?" Repard demanded.
The figure stood. It was a transparent apparition. It stood with its back to them, its sword pointed diagonally away from the side of its body. "Who I am bears no meaning to the likes of you, Repard."
There was definitely something familiar about that stance...
The apparition turned slightly and looked over its shoulder. On its face (or what should've been a face) was drawn a passive look with a frown that showed slight anger.
Meru's memory came whirling back to her.
"Rose?!"
"What's that?" Matthias asked, pointing to twin peaks in the distance.
Erisi backed up to walk beside him. "Those are the twin towers of the castle in Fletz."
"Yes, I remember now," Matthias smiled at Erisi. He slid an arm around her shoulders. "It's good to see you again, Erisi."
She returned his smile. "Ditto, Matthi-- Ow!"
Dart and the others froze at her yell. In response, they turned around.
Erisi was bent over, clutching her foot.
Matthias looked down at her. "What'd you do?"
"I stepped on something, you idiot!" Erisi snapped.
"Are you okay, Erisi?" Albert called.
"I will be once it quits hurting!" Erisi answered. She winced as she finally pulled the object from her foot. She held it up to inspect it. The object was metal, and was irregularly shaped so that it resembled a rough piece of shrapnel with no symmetry. Where the group was standing looked ideal for a past battle ground. The shard of metal Erisi held in her hand probably came to be as the result of a shattered sword blade. The metal shard was tinted red from blood after it pierced the sole of her foot.
Dart made a face. "Ouch."
"I'm bleeding," Erisi said, looking down. A small pool of red had appeared beneath her foot. She winced as she attempted to take a step. "Great," she said sarcastically. "I'm lame too."
Matthias spread his arms apart. "Come here."
Erisi looked at him. "What?"
"I'll carry you," Matthias said.
Erisi grinned. "All right, then." She hopped over to him.
He bent down, allowing her to latch her arms around his neck. He then scooped her up effortlessly, his right arm cradling her back, and his left arm under her knees.
"Ok, let's go," Matthias said.
"Rose?!" Meru said again, not believing her eyes.
The apparition nodded at Meru, and then turned her gaze on Repard.
"What do you want?" Repard demanded.
The apparition narrowed her eyes. "Leave."
Repard didn't leave.
Blian took a step back. "Not to be meaning any disrespect at all, General, but I think we should listen to her."
"Are you saying you're scared of a ghost?" Repard spat.
The "ghost" brandished her rapier. She lunged at Repard.
In fear, both Repard and Blian turned and ran out of the cell.
Claira laughed. "What cowards!"
The apparition stood in the doorway. She turned to face the trio.
"Rose! It is you!" Meru exclaimed.
"Yes," Rose said. "It's not safe here. You three must leave."
"How?" Deirdre asked.
"Exit this room," Rose said. "And head south. Travel in that southerly direction until you come across a large auditorium-sized room. I will attempt to assist you in any was possible on the way."
"Rose!" Meru called. Rose halted, and looked over her shoulder.
"Why?" Meru asked. "Why'd you help us?"
Rose hesitated. "You will find your answers in the near future. I have none." The apparition of Rose exited the room.
"So, now what?" Claira asked.
"We leave, I guess," Meru said.
"Come on," Deirdre said, heading towards the door.
"Hmm..." Claira said, thinking of the dangers that might lie ahead, she called out, "Wait you guys!"
"Hm?" Deirdre turned around.
"What?" Meru asked.
Claira pointed to the dead bodyguards. "Since you two are Winglies, put those uniforms on!"
Meru's face contorted. "No way!"
Deirdre grabbed Meru by the upper arm and dragged her over to the fallen Winglies. "What she says makes sense. Just put the uniform on! It'll only be temporary."
"Okay..." Meru said uncertainly. "Gross..."
"I'm going to need new shoes now," Erisi commented offhandedly as they entered Fletz. "It's unfortunate, really. I'm quite fond of this pair."
"Oh well," Matthias answered. He stopped and set her down. "Hold on." He turned to Dart. "You guys go on, we'll catch up."
Dart nodded and left.
Matthias turned to his blonde companion. "You sure do use a funny vocabulary when around others, Erisi."
"Oh come now, I wasn't trying to hide anything," Erisi said, removing her right shoe. "I was just merely commenting about my footwear." She poked her index finger through the obvious hole in the sole. "And it fits extremely tight in contrast to the other when you bandaged my foot."
Matthais sat down next to her. "We couldn't have it get infected, now could we?"
Erisi smiled at Matthias and carefully slid her shoe back on.
"So," Matthias said. "You want to keep it in the box?"
Erisi caught on immediately. "Of course. Even with the Dragoons here, it still won't be safe. What with the inclining Wingly numbers."
Matthias nodded. "That's what I thought." He stood. "What's got me worried is the-" he stopped, and stared at Erisi. She was smiling. "You're not lame anymore, are you?"
Erisi shook her head. "Nope. It healed."
The dark-haired Wingly grinned. "You're amazing."
"You say that all the time," the young blonde said, unwrapping the bandage on her foot. She slid her shoe back on and stood. She slipped her arm arm around his. "C'mon. We need to catch up with the others."
Claira peeked around a corner. She signaled to the other two that the way was clear by waving her hand.
Meru and Deirdre tiptoed over in their stolen uniforms.
"What next?" Deirdre whispered to Claira.
Claira shrugged. Meru was busy observing their surroundings.
"Look!" She whispered urgently. She was pointing up towards the ceiling.
Deirdre smiled. "Perfect. A ventilation shaft. Good thinking, Meru."
A moment passed, and Meru and Deirdre were up in the air, carefully removing the grate over the shaft.
"This is heavy," Meru said.
"Here, let's slide it up in the shaft," Deirdre said. Meru nodded, and the plan worked.
"I'll go get Claira," Meru said.
Deirdre had climbed into the shaft and grabbed hold of Claira's outstretched hand as Meru lifted her up and attempted to pull her in.
Meru gasped. "Someone's coming!"
"Crap..." Claira said, gribbing the edge of the opening with her free hand.
"Hurry!" Meru called.
Claira tore her hand from Deirdre's grasp and clutched the edge of the shaft. She pulled herself in. Meru came up a moment later. Together, they quietly pushed the grate back into place.
About a second later General Repard appeared from around the corner with his second-in-command, Captain Blian.
"If anyone ever finds out about this..." Blian said.
"It is not your concern to worry about others finding our mistakes," Repard said.
"Yes, General," Blian said obediently.
Repard hesitated, and glanced nervously around. "Ever get the feeling that you're being watched? It's annoying as hell." He turned back to Blian. "Find those three escapees. Now."
Blian saluted. "Yes, General. It shall be done."
Blian turned on his heel and marched off. Repard rubbed his forehead with a hand.
"I don't know if those three are worth the trouble they've given us."
"So..." King Zior said from his throne. "You're looking for passage to Mille Seseau. Why?"
Albert took the floor. He spread his hand apart. "Winglies have abducted three of our companions. You know for us, it would be natural for us to want to retrieve them. We have done so in the past. But... I know we must be tiring you; King and we must be wearing out our welcome. You don't have to assist us, we are only asking."
King Zior's face broke into a wide grin. "Do you honestly think I would turn you down, Albert? Come now, we're family. Both Emille and Lisa would berate me if I refused."
"So, you'll help us?" Albert asked, dropping his hands to his sides.
"Of course," King Zior answered. "It'll give the Queen Fury a chance to stretch her legs."
Albert smiled. "Thank you."
Suddenly, shouts were heard from outside. The doors burst open, and Matthias trudged into the Chamber of the Sun. He carried Erisi over his shoulder and was followed closely by a giggling Princess Lisa.
"Matthias put me down!" Erisi demanded as Dart laughed. "And what do you find so funny, Mr. Feld?"
Dart threw a bewildered look at Lavitz. "How'd she know it was me?" He whispered.
Lavtiz shrugged.
"Please put me down," Erisi repeated.
"Why?" Matthias asked. "You're about as light as a feather."
Erisi kicked her feet in frustration. "All the blood is rushing to my head."
"Matthias, just put her down," Lisa said, laughing.
The dark-haired Wingly shrugged. "Fine." He set her down gently. "There you go."
Erisi whacked Matthias playfully on the arm. "Why you big bul-" she cut off suddenly. She winced and grabbed the sides of her head with her hands. A bright piercing light resonated from the stone set in her tiara. Her legs gave way under the intense pain that flowed through her head, and she fell to her knees.
"Erisi!" Matthias exclaimed, squatting down beside her, his hands on her shoulders.
"What's wrong with her?" Lisa demanded.
Matthias didn't answer. He had a pretty good idea what happened.
A few moments passed and the pain receeded. Erisi opened her eyes timidly, squinting against the light and looked up. "Matthias..."
"Was it Crys?" Matthias whispered.
Erisi nodded gently. "I think so."
Matthias helped her up. "I don't think I ever remember that happening."
"It never has. Maybe it's an omen telling us to get our rears in gear," Erisi said.
"We do have a ride," Haschel remarked.
"There's a plus," Matthias remarked.
"It's late," Lisa said. "Do stay the night. It would be much easier to start out in the morning."
"Phew. That was close." Meru whispered as Repard stalked off beneath them.
"Yeah." Claira agreed. "What is that stench?"
Deirdre examined the walls and ceiling. "It's rust."
"Great," Meru said sarcastically.
"Come on," Claira said, crawling ahead. "Let's go."
The rusty ventilation shaft abruptly ended. Claira and Meru jointly lifted the heavy metal grate that was embedded in the ventral side of the shaft. Claira propped the grate up against the side of the boxy shaft while Meru jumped down to investigate.
"It's clear!" Meru called up in an urgent whisper. "No one's here."
Claira dropped down out the shaft, followed by Deirdre.
"Okay, now what?" Claira asked.
Meru glanced around as she spoke. "Well, this room looks like the one Rose was describing, doesn't it?"
"Basically," Deirdre said.
"That's because it is."
Meru shrieked loudly in surprise of the sudden voice.
A figure walked towards them. Like Rose, this one was an apparition. As the spirit moved towards them, it became apparent that the apparition was a man. He had long blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore red conforming armor that fit like coveralls. When he was about ten feet away, he stopped.
"I've been expecting you three," he said. "But I must ask you to refrain from shouting again, Miss Meru, lest you attract any Winglies."
"Hey, how do you know my-" Meru cut off as realization dawned on her. "Oh, wait! I know you! Well, sorta know you. You're Zieg Feld, right? Dart's dad?"
"The apparition smiled. "Yes, I am Zieg. Fancy meeting you here."
Meru giggled quietly. "I think I like you. You have a good sense of humor. Unlike Dart, really."
"Claira, is there something wrong?" Deirdre asked suddenly, directing Meru and Zieg's attention over to the forlorn-looking girl behind Deirdre.
Claira had her head slightly bowed, and she looked as if she were about to cry.
"M-My borther's name Zieg..." Claira said. "Named after our dad. He's Zieg Feld Jr."
Deirdre glanced over at Zieg. He had gone rigid, a look of surprise on his semi-transparent face.
"I've never met my dad, so I don't remember him," Claira said. "Momma...momma always told me that if I look at Zieg, I would see my dad, 'cause my brother's supposed to look so much like him."
Zieg raised his left hand. He held in it a small red glass-like ball. It suddenly began to resonate with a solid red light.
Meru's Blue Sea Dragoon Spirit reacted and resonated momentarily.
"Huh?" Meru said. "Wait. That's...that's gotta be..."
"That's the Red-Eyed Dragon Dragoon Spirit!" Claira exclaimed.
Meru and Deirdre whirled around to looked at the dark-haired teenager.
"It's my brother's! Momma said that it used to belong to our dad!" Claira said, her face just as shocked as her companions'.
"Which brother?" Zieg asked.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Claira asked. "Zieg is my only brother."
"No," Meru said. "I don't believe it." She stared at Zieg, then at Claira. "Dart's your son, Zieg. He had it last."
Zieg shook his head. "No. I have two sons...and a daughter I've never met." He held up the Dragoon Spirit. "My eldest son, who was named after me, got a hold of this Spirit not too long after the final battle with Melbu Frahma. It has been returned to me under unknown circumstances."
"Wow," Meru said, exchanging glances with Deirdre.
"You look like Zieg," Claira said after a moment.
Zieg's apparition smiled. "Like father, like son, I guess."
"D-Dad?" Claira said.
Zieg nodded.
Daddy!" Claira ran forward.
"Claira...!" Deirdre called out in warning. Zieg was an apparition, a ghost. There would be no way she could actually hang on him or anything. She'd fall right through him.
Claira ran up to the image of her father and went to hug him. Instead of falling through him, however, she collided with his torso and wrapped her arms around his middle. She buried her face into his shoulder and cried.
Zieg wrapped his arms around Claira's shoulders and smiled.
"Daddy...Daddy..." Claira sobbed, totally disregarding the fact that she could see right through him.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to watch you grow up," Zieg appologized. "For you, Zieg and Dart. If it weren't for Melbu Frahma, I would have been able to be a father to all three of you. And Dart...because of him...Dart grew up without parents...you two had something Dart never really had."
"He thinks his mom's dead," Meru piped up sadly. "I feel spoiled...at least I grew up with my parents."
Zieg shook his head. "No. Claire is alive."
"How?" Deirdre asked. "The Black Monster killed everyone in Neet, right?"
Again, Zieg shook his head. "Before I tried to awaken my Spirit, I saw Claira follow me in. I recognized The Black Monster was my once fiancée, Rose, and I yelled at her to flee. Our eldest son, Zieg, followed her back in, so she grabbed him and took off running... I don't know how she is now."
"I kinda wish I hadn't run away now..." Claira said. "Momma..."
"Zieg," Rose reappeared through the gloom. "Zieg, hurry. It isn't safe here anymore."
Zieg pulled away from Claira. "Listen, my girl," (Claira sniffed loudly). Zieg wiped the tears from his daughter's eyes. "I want you to be strong, like you mother. You remind me a lot of her. Be strong. And give this to Dart." He handed her the Spirit. "You need to leave now."
Rose walked over to Deirdre. She handed Deirdre two small glass balls. "When the time comes, you will know who to give these to."
As Rose left, Deirdre inspected the items given to her. They were the same size, but one was a dark violet purple, and the other was an emerald green.
"How are we going to get out of here?" Meru asked.
Zieg turned and pointed upward. "Through that rift in the ceiling of this accursed place."
"I have a quick question," Claira said. "If you two are ghosts, why are you also solid?"
"During our lifetime," Rose explained, "we obtained so much Wingly magic that was unnatural for Humans, so now our spirits are semi-solid."
"That's weird," Claira said.
Meru wrapped her arms securely aroudn Claira's upper torso, so that her chin rested on top of Claira's head.
"Are you two ready?" Deirdre called from above.
"Ready when you are," Claira said to Meru. The young Wingly nodded, and a moment later, blue wings appeared at her back. Claira felt herself rising up into the air. She waved down to the image of her father.
Zieg waved back, and continued watching as the trio rose through the rift and out of sight.