Eureka! I got it!
Chapter 12: How it Ended, Part II
Two Minds...
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Ocean, for I speak the truth, only the truth, and nothing but the goddamn truth. (I think)
Act I: What happened to that bet?
It's not love! It's called uneasy negotiation, dammnit!
Nel Zelpher, Crimson blade and the agent of Aquios, watched the content people of Arias walk by. What was that? That's right; the people of Arias were content! Content as in happy, pleasant and downright dandy! While Nel goes off trouncing the bad guys that threatened her nation, and possibly the universe, the people of Arias rebuilt their city. It was no longer a gray unhappy town, less crime, less danger equals a happy country. The war was over and due to the Aquios soldier's constant maintain of peace, the planet of Elicoor was happy. Nel had to admit… it was kind of boring. The lack of action was nice, but only for so long. Bearing a slight grin, the Aquarian remembered what Cliff has told her about the galaxy's view of Elicoor… the planet that could never record its population due to internal struggle and mass warfare.
Arias looked like a miniature version of Peterny. The streets were crowded with more people, the buildings were rebuilt, and business was spreading. The Waterfront City, afterall, was located between Airyglyph and Aquaria. It was a new trading post of commerce. All those poor, suffering Inventors in Airyglyph were transferred to the new Workshop in Arias (except a few like Noppin who wanted to stay close to home). Claire's been doing a great job... Speaking of Claire...
"Nel! How ya doing?" The boisterous father of Claire Lasbard greeted her. His entrance, as always, was very manly. Muscles were manly, his skirt-like robe was manly, and even the way he was carrying his groceries was... somewhat manly. Adray was a man with many surprises... despite his old age.
"Nothing much," Nel simply answered to Adray.
Nel was sitting at a table in a newly opened cafe. She was wearing rather casual clothes, well... more casual than usual, anyway. She was given a vacation for a few months, and in these past months the usually busy work-a-holic Zelpher was actually enjoying her life. What was she doing? Well from time-to-time she worked in inventing, went shopping with Claire, Tynave and Farleen, Hung out with Cliff and Mirage, and beat Lassele in chess. (A feat that was only accomplished by a few... like Professor Elena, Mackwell and maybe even her majesty.) Her life was peaceful, for once.
"Ah, it's such a nice fall morning," Adray sat beside Nel. "Not busy working anymore, Nel?"
"I was given a vacation." Nel replied.
"Hmm...Hmm..." Adray scratched his beird thoughtfully, "Vacation, eh? The perfect time to be hunting for a man, wouldn't you agree?"
She looked away, sipping the cool drink in front of her. Nel replied evasively, "Don't talk nonsense."
"Well if my lovely niece is having trouble picking out a few, you know your Uncle Adray could always find you a nice man!" Adray laughed, "That's the problem with you and Claire! It's always work, work, work and more work!"
"What's wrong with work?" Nel asked, "If I recall correctly, when father and you were Crimson Blade Agents, you worked hard too."
"Don't be ridiculous." Adray waved his broad hands, "It was an adventure! Thrill of a life-time! Your father always believed it to be work... poor Neville, always so diligent! Life is to have fun! Young people need to have fun! Besides Nel, you're sweet, caring, a little too serious, and have the looks of your mother! Finding a man is like catching a fish!" Adray seated himself across the table, placing the groceries on the floor. "Your Uncle Adray will find the perfect man! He should be strong, good looking, charming, a real prince, nice personality, pride, honor-!"
Nel sighed, Adray, her "Uncle" was always a little too happy from time-to-time. The man acts way too young for his age! Sometimes, this was a good thing... other times it was kind of scary. And when the man attempts to act like a father... well... we all know where that is going. But Nel had to admit, for an old man... the guy sure was talented. He had strength, energy (that rivals even today's youth), Fashion sense (... i think?), a sense of humor, and was one of the few men who could cook (Being a single father for so long, helps). Nel, being his godchild from Neville, was treated like a daughter. Adray loved her so much! But... atleast Nel and Claire could split the pain 50-50... This was one of those moments when Adray was acting more fatherly.
"Anyway, have you been eating ok?" Adray asked.
"Yes, Adray." Nel sighed.
"Have enough money?" Adray asked.
"Yes, Adray." Nel replied.
"Have good clothes?" Adray asked.
"Yes, Adray."
"Alot of clothes?" Adray asked.
"Yes, Adray."
"A place to stay?" Adray asked.
"Yes, Adray."
"A boyfriend?" Adray asked.
"No, Adray and I don't want one." Nel replied.
"Damn," Adray snapped his fingers, "So close that time!"
If there was one thing Adray was good at... it was spoiling Nel and Claire. That man... he has to realize that his two prized young children are adults now! Sometimes... Nel would see him in his room looking at old picture albums of his wife, Claire when she was a baby, Neville (Nel's father), Neville's wife and Nel (when she was younger)... Nel even looked at it once. Adray, in his younger days was not very different from today. He had his arms around Neville's neck as they took a photo. The same wide smile, gentle eyes and silver hair. He sure was handsome when he was younger, (and one has to admit he looks pretty good even now...for an old guy.).
"Who are you waiting for?" Adray asked.
"No one in particular." Nel replied taking another sip from her drink.
"Who is it?" Adray asked nudging closer. His muscular arms pushing against Nel's shoulder. "You can tell your Uncle Adray..."
"Nobody special. It's only Albel." Nel said with an almost cold tone. "The idiot's late."
"Glou's boy?" Adray gasped, "You two are an item? He might be a little scrawny for my taste, but atleast the boy got pride! And possibly nice fashion sense, so how about that marriage-!"
"Now your just jumping to conclusions." Nel pushed Adray back into the seat. "He just has a debt to repay... but I've been out here for hours already... What a jerk." Nel sighed as she leaned back in her chair, "Making a woman late..."
"My little Nel is growing up!" Adray bawled giving Nel a large hug with his manly arms. "You make your uncle proud! Now if Claire would actually follow this example I can die a happy man, possibly a granddaddy!"
"You're jumping to conclusions again, Adray." Nel sighed, once again pushing the boisterous warrior off, "Besides, Adray you're a godfather, not an uncle."
"Bah!" Adray grunted, "You should know better that Neville and I were like brothers! Brothers in arms! Why didn't you hear the story when you're father and I fought off them pirates!"
"Yes, Adray." Nel sighed.
"And that time when we traveled all of Elicoor!" Adray continued.
"Yes, Adray."
"And that time we were accepted as Crimson Blade Elites!" Adray continued.
"Yes, Adray."
"And that time Adray succeeded in getting grandchildren from his two most prized little girls-!" Adray was cut off.
"No, Adray, it won't work on me." Nel shook her head, "Quit with the matchmaking, you're too old for that..."
"Nonsense! A father's work is never done!" Adray's booming laughter filled the streets. "Today's youth can't even compare to my awesome energy! I can bring life into a graveyard if I wanted to!"
"That's why retirement needs more youthful old men like you, Adray. you can be so carefree sometimes..." Nel giggled. She began to stir her drink with her straw watching the ice cubes float around. Her eyes fell a little, "Unlike some young jerks who need to stop acting like complete idiots."
"Ah, you must be talking about Lassele, yeah that guy needs to lighten up." Adray laughed, "Not to mention, pull himself out of the early retirement! With all that barking, complaining and constant chattering, he'll get grey hair before he reaches 40!"
"Adray...I was talking about-" Nel paused, "Nevermind."
"The fool always makes fun of me because he can beat me in a game of chess!" Adray flexed his massive, manly muscles. "In battle sometimes strategy needs no calculation! It's about might, courage and pride!"
Nel sighed once more, covering her eyes with her hand. "Adray, don't you have cooking to do?" Nel asked, rubbing her eyes with her fingers.
"You're right! I almost forgot." Adray scooped up his bags of groceries, "Today I'm planning on cooking a nice healthy meal for you ladies! How about some of my famous garlic fried fish? Or maybe my three beef stew? So drop by for dinner."
"We'll look forward to it." Nel waved as the large boisterous man waved back.
"Also..." Adray whsipered in Nel's ear, "If you're staying late, make sure to have lots of fun, ya hear? It's hard work getting them kids... I'm sure Albel knows how to pull it off real well. He is from Airyglyph, heh... but don't forget, we Aquarians got the energy to topple mountains!"
"Adray!" Nel snapped irritated, not wanting to hear another word. "We are NOT an item! It's... It's... It's an uneasy negotiation! A frail treaty! That's it!"
"Right..." Adray winked. The large man began to chuckle as he made his way down the street. The Aquarian warrior waved happily, "Remember Nel! 2 boys and maybe a girl will do!"
"ADRAY!" Nel barked, flinging what looked like some guy's shoe. "Not another word!" Adray disappeared in the crowd of people, Nel, rather wasted of energy from her dear old, "uncle" slumped down on the table. Albel was well over an hour late... Nel crossed her legs as she continued to stir her drink, uneasily.
Meanwhile... On the other side of town
"We're lost again, aren't we, old man?" Albel snapped irritated.
"Nonsense, Albel!" Count Woltar Chuckled. "The Cafe is just around this corner."
"Bah, you said that a thousand times for the last thousands of corners! Admit it, we're lost!" Albel muttered scornfully, "And if this is the cafe, then where the hell is she?" Albel snapped as they stood in front of the 5th Cafe today. "Why the hell does this town have so many god-forsaken cafes, anyway? Not ALL of us love Coffee!"
Albel and Count Woltar stood in front of yet another cafe. Arias was alot more complex than it use to... not to mention the crowds of people everywhere. It was no surprise that they would get lost...Albel was pretty pissed off... They've been wandering around town for so long, his feet was yelling at him to sit down and forget that damn girl! Regardless, they were still lost. Woltar bore a very easy going and happy expression as they wandered the town... It was nice to escape the paperwork and go for a nice stroll. Sadly, the same didn't go well for Albel.
"The Kitty Cafe?" Albel stared, "Why the hell are we here, again? We came here 5 times already!"
"Oh, no wonder it looked so familiar." Woltar chuckled, "May I ask Albel... are you lost?"
"AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT? What gives you THAT absurd idea? WHO'S FAULT DO YOU THINK THIS IS?" Albel roared, "You dressed me up! You Kicked me out of the house, Forced me to go on the ridiculous stroll, and now you take us around in circles? THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!"
"Ah, to be young again." Woltar whistled. "It's a special occasion, Albel, no need to act all upset."
"I am NOT upset." Albel huffed, crossing his arms. He was dressed in black silk, his usual attire was no longer a deep violet but black and gold. It was a present from Woltar a couple of years back... on his birthday. Albel was grumpy today, especially since that bumbling Cliff spilt some coffee on his favorite violet outfit. Now, he was forced into his "special" outfit that he rarely wears... unless it was for Woltar's or Arzei's birthday... Coffee ruined his day, so seeing cafes where they serve coffee makes him more pissed off than usual.
"My, Albel..." Woltar gave the young swordsman a pat on the back. "You sure have some bad direction sense."
"One more word... One more word, old man..." Albel threatened.
"Regardless, you do know you are 1 hour late." Woltar smiled, "You know that you are-"
"Yes... old man... I am late." Albel gritted his teeth. "She probably... left by now..."
"It's rude to keep a woman waiting, Albel." The two Airyglyphians walked down the next street, turning yet another, familiar curb. "It's no surprise if she rejected you by now."
"There is no 'rejected'!" Albel hissed, "Have you gone senile old man? We are not together! I would rather eat maggots than hang around with one! This was nothing but a silly game! A harmless bet! Competition!"
"A bet?"
"That's right, A BET! Want me to spell it out for you?"
"I didn't know you were so eager to see a woman. Are you two-?" Woltar began.
"WE ARE NOT TOGETHER!" Albel roared, "I said before, I would rather eat maggots than hang around with them!"
"Oh good, so you do have feelings for these maggots, afterall."
"What in blazing hell are you talking about?"
"Well you'd rather eat them, this must show atleast SOME affection. I mean, you'd rather eat them than kill them?"
"I didn't say that!"
"Just to let you know, Albel... some animals they eat their mates to show their-!"
"You really are senile, aren't you?"
"That's right!" Woltar cackled, "How old do you think I am? Well in my years I'd say! Back in my day-!"
"FORGET IT!"
Albel's legs were once again aching... They walked from Kirlsa to Arias by the Aires hill. Normally, this was an easy task... but being in a sour mood already, Albel was even more pissed off when they wandered around the city of Arias for hours! Fall was a pretty decent season too, it's not as sweaty and hot as summer... and not as freezing cold as winter. Albel hates winters, especially in Airyglyph. In Kirlsa, his home town, Fall was probably the nicest of seasons. Arias shared the same nice atmosphere... sadly, coffee ruined the best of it.
"Maggots, Worms, Fools!" Albel muttered to himself sourly, "And now I have a senile old man!"
"By the way, Albel, why are you dressed up like that, anyway?" Woltar asked.
"ARGH!"
The two Airyglyphians made it in front of the Arias manor... it wasn't what they were looking for... but it was a start. They kindly asked Tynave and Farleen the direction of their commanding officer. It was an odd feeling... but Albel felt a tweak of anger... those two women were giggling at him. It's the outfit isn't it? ISN'T IT? Albel didn't ENJOY dressing nicely and all fancy, that was MACKWELL's job! As they walked through Arias ONE MORE TIME, following the map that Tynave kindly drew for them.
"By the way, Albel." Woltar tapped the young swordsman on the shoulder.
"Yes...?" Albel asked.
"You seem to be in a good mood." Woltar urged forward, "Did something good happen to you?"
"Bah, what nonsense are you spewing?" Albel hissed, "I'm not happy! Why in hell would I be HAPPY?"
"Because..." Woltar inched away. "That smile on your face... is very unlike you, and kind of scary."
"Oh really...?" Surely enough, Albel's face possessed a contorted smile in which grew even more abstract and red as they walked over towards the next Street. Count Woltar needed no explanation... sitting on the table was a certain crimson haired Aquarian. She stared off into space, as if lost in thought. The gentle wind blew past her, she wore casual clothes, and a carefree smile on her face. Woltar blinked... Albel's face was not only scary... but what was this? Has Albel truly fallen over for someone who he calls a maggot? Or maybe... she was more than just a mere maggot to the great Albel the Wicked.
Nel suddenly turned around, her glowing eyes staring at the two gentlemen. Her face split into a small smile as she waved. "Albel you're late... now about that bet..."
"I thought you said there was no loser." Albel asked with a smirk.
"I did," Nel replied with an innocent smile. "But it doesn't change anything."
Albel gave a small sigh, he ran his hands through his dark hair. "Alright, fine... what evil and dangerous place do you want me to get stranded in?"
"I said we both won." Nel got up, she walked toward Albel and smiled evilly, "Sorry Albel Nox, now we're stuck together in an evil and dangerous place to get stranded in."
"And where's that?" Albel asked curiously.
"Where do you think?" Nel sighed, "An adventure to clean up... Cliff's room. Are you up for it, Albel?"
"Woman, you know me." Albel flashed a dangerous smile, "I never back away from a challenge."
Act II: Patience is a Virtue
Eliza skipped her way across the street. The fall season was one of her favorite seasons of all, second to spring. The beautiful colored leaves floated down from the sky like rain. A coat of orange, red and yellows filled the streets of Aquios. The young Inventor was off on her lunch break, the work days were long, but learning more and more everyday, the young Alchemist was gaining new knowledge everyday. The cool fall breeze blew past, making a flutter of leaves blow past. In a few months the winter season will roll in, simultaneously, summer heat will drift to Airyglyph.
She wore a short simple skirt, a blue sweater and pretty blue hat on her head. In her arms she clutched a book on basic runology... her dream was always to learn the fascinating works of the mystic arts. She didn't have much money for schools in Aquios, therefore, she had private lessons. Every weekday she would work many hours in the Inventor's guild to support her brother, and on the weekends she studied runology. It was amazing how hard the young girl worked.
"Good morning, Eliza." Mackwell smiled as the young girl passed through his front gates. "You're looking well today."
"Morning, Mackwell!" Eliza replied happily, she slipped through his yard and appeared beside him. "How are you?"
"Busy..." Mackwell replied nonchalantly. "I forgot to apologize to Miss Welch about my frequent absences."
"True," Eliza smiled cheerfully, "But it's ok, you still work three times a week."
Mackwell opened the doors for Eliza, the young girl entered his manor-like home. It was well kept, nothing was out of place. Even during Mackwell's absence, the librarian Leila kept everything in check. Eliza, like always, was in awe at the large house... it was very spacious and nostalgic. She visited every weekend to learn runology with Mackwell. Once in a while they would spend lunch together...
"How is she doing...?" Eliza's voice was small. She followed the Alchemist down the hall and towards the kitchen.
"She's progressing well." Mackwell's answer was somewhat mechanic. "There's nothing to worry about..."
"But she's not progressing fast enough... is she?" Eliza felt a small tear roll down her cheek. "I hope she gets well soon..."
Mackwell crouched down, his hand on the small girl's shoulder. He wore no heavy garments, rather his casual appearance made him easier to communicate with. He bore a small smile, comforting her. It was hard for Eliza... she came over the very morning the two arrived back from their trip. Nel escorted them personally... Boy was Eliza surprised. She almost fainted in shock... Misty Lear was not only unconscious, but deatheningly weak and frail. Her pale skin was the deadly color of ice, and Mackwell's appearance was a shock as well. Both looked as if they encountered death.
"Keep your hopes up." Mackwell handed her a bundle of lunch boxes. "Here, for you and your brother."
"Thank you..." Eliza clutched the boxes in her hands.
Mackwell slowly stood up, walking toward the cabinets. He pulled out a silver tray and tea cups. On the small plates were what looked like crackers and soup, he silently poured tea into the cup. Though he may not show it, Mackwell was disturbed... He still possessed that straight posture, that down-to-earth attitude as well as his hard working nature. That much has remained the same for sure... He held the tray in his hand as he headed for the hallway.
"5 minutes late..." Mackwell chuckled to himself.
"What?" Eliza asked.
"She woke up... would you like to see her?" Mackwell asked. "It's time for her lunch, anyway."
Eliza silently nodded. The two made their way to Mackwell's bedroom, the room itself was well lit. The sunlight streamed through the windows, bringing a somewhat warm and light atmosphere. The room itself was a bit messy, but that was to be expected. The cats perched around on top of the grand sofas and furniture watched as the two entered the room... Eliza wiped the tears from her face. Sitting upright on the grand bed was Misty Lear, her face was beginning to regain its old glow and her hands were folded in front of her as she gazed outside the window, a small smile on her face.
It's been three months since they returned from Airyglyph... she woke up a short while ago. Regaining most of her energy she slowly improved. Eliza walked up to her, keeping a fair distance.
"She still doesn't talk, does she?" Eliza asked.
"No," Mackwell looked away as he picked up the scattered books on the floor. "She's still as mute as ever. But from time-to-time she does smile."
"Does she remember anything?" Eliza asked.
Mackwell gave no response. He quietly stacked the books back on his desk and placed the tray in front of the quiet woman. It was scary... as if she was a fragile doll. She possessed no memories what-so-ever, let alone understand. It's as if she closed her mind from the world. The concerned Alchemist could only wonder what that dungeon she was held in, did to her. Was it that horrifying that she refused to feel pain again? She only remained there for 3 days at most... and yet, she was lost. Mackwell could only feel bitter that he didn't make it in time...
"People see terrible, terrible things down here. How long you last, depends on the will of the person... though that will can be easily shattered." Hanrei, that mysterious soldier's voice echoed...
Mackwell bit his lip.
"Miss Lear..." Eliza's small voice appeared from behind her. She held the pale alchemist's hands, "It's me Eliza again, you remember, right? The one who comes every week?"
"..." Misty Lear only blankly stared at the small girl. Her gentle eyes were completely blank... as if staring at a stranger.
"Get well soon, ok?" Eliza smiled happily, her blonde pig tails bouncing. "Try hard, we're all waiting for you to come back to us! I'll try my hardest too! Then... then we can work together in the workshop again, and have tea! wouldn't that be nice?"
"Eliza..." Mackwell advanced forward, he was about to comfort her but he stared wide eyed... Already placed on top of the girl's head was Misty Lear's pale hand. Eliza began to cry louder as she embraced Misty Lear in a hug, one a child gives to her mother. Mackwell slowly shook his head, "Eliza... I think it's time to go feed your brother."
Eliza sniffed, rubbing the tears from her eyes. "You're right..." The girl gave Mackwell a bow, "Thank you for the lunch Mr. Mackwell! It means alot to me!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Eliza walked out of the room, running outside of the house. "I'm sorry Eliza..." Mackwell muttered holding his forehead, there was no sign of illness. Yet, his head felt like it would split... He gave a coarse laugh, "How ironic... I thought I told her not to adress me as 'mister', anymore."
Mackwell began to quietly clean the room. The books scattered around the room were about Airyglyph... most of which were restricted files he found in libraries. He discovered many strange things... interesting... but strange all the same. Like Hanrei said, that Prison was deffinitely a torture chamber... it was never used previously. The area itself was said to have perished in a fire, it was a torture chamber used more than 300 years ago. That wasn't the extremely strange part either... A strange name came up as he read through the files. The list of the victims and the perpetrators were recorded in the files. The interesting name was, Hanrei Arden... he died during the fire that destroyed the place centuries ago.
Mackwell, being a very non-spiritual person found it pretty hard to believe...was it possibly an apparition? Records stated that he and his love was brought there and tortured to death... they never saw each other again. Mackwell could only gaze at Misty Lear... spirit stones to bring the soul of her departed daughter to rest, that was what Fayt Leingod gave her. Spirits? Was that what he was? Decorated in his room was a vase full of flowers... deep purple lilacs that were given to Misty Lear as an apology gift from Janice.
"Spirits..." Mackwell was deep in thought, his eyes fixed on the pale alchemist. She was gazing out the windows at the rain of brightly colored leaves. "Hanrei never found the woman he loved... and yet, he died unjustly. Their bodies thrown out..."
Mackwell picked up the spoon from the tray and mixed the soup. "It's tragic... and yet, appropriate." carefully he fed the food to Misty Lear. With a content smile, Misty lear took a small bite and chewed. It was like feeding a child.
"Every victory is a step towards death..." Mackwell continued to feed the young woman. "Every death is just the next level of life..." The alchemist gave her a moment to chew, "And every life is precious to everyone... no matter who you are."
"Ah!" Misty Lear reached over her hands grabbing for Mackwell's desk, the motion was so sudden that she knocked over the tray onto the floor. Mackwell's eyes trailed to the vase of flowers... Sitting beside the vase of lilacs was the small cat statue she had made for him earlier... he requested it to be repaired since he accidentall broke it.
"You want this?" Mackwell asked, picking up the cool glass cat. It's glossy shine reflected the light off of it's surface like a jewel. "You probably don't remember, but you gave me this..." He held it in the palm of his hand. "I apologize for breaking it before..." The glass cat passed from Mackwell's hand to Misty Lear's... "I also apologize that I wasn't able to thank you properly..."
The pale faced, beautiful alchemist stared in wonder at the glass cat. She stroked its glassy surface, her blank eyes gazing into the small jewels of the cat's. Mackwell sighed as he began to clean the floor, the soup and tea spilt all over the polished wooden floor. He began to dry the floor when a noise caught his attention. It sounded like a small murmur... his eyes trailed upward to Misty Lear. Her eyes were still fixed on the cat in her hand.
"Who am I fooling?" Mackwell chuckled, "The doctors already told me it was impossible... it would take months, maybe even years...untill you..."
"I..."
Mackwell's eyes widened. He slowly got up, his eyes wide as he stared in disbelief.
"What did you say?" Mackwell asked, he pushed his messy silver hair back from his eyes. "Did you say something?"
"I..." Misty Lear began to shake, the cat in her firm palm, "I..."
Mackwell firmly grabbed her shoulders. She was gently, but firmly pushed back. His eyes were still wide... she gave a small groan of pain. "You said something, didn't you? Misty Lear?"
"I'm..." She pushed the glass cat to Mackwell, Misty Lear covered her eyes with her hands as she spoke. Her voice was shaky, tears filling her eyes. She began to hysterically squirm in his grip, as if ashamed to look him in the eyes. The pale but beautiful alchemist broke down to sobs. "I'm s...I'm sorry... I'm sorry!" The woman got out of the bed quickly and attempted to hide in the corner, to hide her face but Mackwell's firm grip was strong. Still extremely weak, she tripped on herself and was left sobbing on the floor.
"Lear!" Mackwell walked up to her, she was shaking... repeating 'I'm sorry' over and over...
He wasn't sure if she was apologizing to him... no, she was apologizing to alot of things. Possibly because she inflicted pain on herself, the trouble she brought to mackwell and the others... but this was subconsciously. Or maybe she was apologizing to those spirits of the past? But... Right now, she was apologizing for not understanding... for forgetting, and for her confusion.
Mackwell gently released her, his hands shaking as he held her up, she was in his warm embrace. She was light, her body was frail from the lack of nutrition... he wrapped his arms around her, his hand over her head. "It's ok..." he murmured reassuringly... "It's ok... there's no need to apologize."
"I'm sorry." She flung her arms around his neck, sobbing in his shoulder.
"Shhh..." Mackwell put a finger over her lips as he carefully got her up on her feet and placed her back in bed. "It's ok... you have plenty of time... I'll wait for you, I promise." Mackwell placed the blankets over her as she gazed her blank eyes into his. "I promise I'll wait for you, I won't leave you behind..." He held her hand in his grip, "I'll wait like you did for me."
Act III: The Grave of the Lost
The Snow began to drift down from the heavens... Aquios, the capital of Aquaria, was covered in a thick coat of white. Winters were nice, peaceful and very beautiful despite the cold weather... Despite the season, the sea was still shimmering giving off an eerie glow. Walking through the gardens, leaving a trail of footsteps on the newly fallen snow, were 4 people. The place was a graveyard for those who have fallen over time... There were many familiar gravestones... some names that our friends would never forget.
Mackwell, Eliza, her younger brother and Misty Lear stood before the many stone plaques, paying their respects to the dead. Eliza and her younger brother prayed for their parents who died during the war, Misty Lear for her daughter, and Mackwell for his old friend, Dion and his lover Ameena. Underneath these soils were memories of the past... So many people come to visit the spirits of the departed. Misty Lear firmly gripped Mackwell's arm, she was dressed in thick black robes, her dark hair covering her eyes. Small vapors protruded out as they breathed the cold winter air...
"Mackwell..." Misty lear began to shake.
"I'm sorry... I want to visit one more grave." Mackwell walked over to the farthest corner, by the stone wall was a large memorial. It was placed recently under Mackwell and Nel's request... Engraved on the stone was a single statement, 'En Memoriam de Mori' (In memory of the dead). This was the grave dedicated to those who died during the fires of Airyglyph and in that terrible torture chamber... a same grave was built in Airyglyph as well... where the massive structure collapsed. No evidence remained of that dreadful place, it was all destroyed in the process of time.
"May you poor souls go in peace." Misty Lear closed her eyes and began to sing a small hymn... "Let the light guide you through the darkness..."
"Rest in peace, friends..." Mackwell gently placed the roses down on the grave... The stone was covered in snow, it held the lives of many of the departed. Mackwell was about to turn around and leave when Eliza tugged on his sleeve, she looked up at his face.
"She's never told you, yet?" Eliza asked.
"No," Mackwell replied, "But it's ok, we can still give her time and wait." Misty Lear, still haunted by forlorn memories stared at the grave stone... memories of her daughter she lost, the husband that left her, and the haunting visions of the dead in that dreadful prison.
"For her, I'd wait for as long as she needs." Mackwell smiled.
"Yeah..." Eliza held the hand of her younger brother. "She'll move on one day... just like how she remembers everything now..."
"Yeah... We're not alone in the cold world."
Misty lear began to sing, her voice soft and gentle as the snow that drifted down. It was haunting, yet soothing at the same time. The Wind began to howl as if the spirits began to thank her. Tears fell from her eyes as she prayed...
"Lear..." Mackwell reached for her shoulder, helping her up on her feet. "I think it's time we go..."
"Ok."
Mackwell and Lear walked out the gate, the two children close by their side. There was many mysteries in the world that one couldn't solve with numbers, calculations, and experimentation. In some people, they would call them miracles. Mackwell, the greatest alchemist mind, realized that this world was full of these unsolved mysteries.
Together, they walked out of the gates... the resting place of the dead is said to be the closest to the afterlife... Mackwell breathed in the cold air and smiled. He was alive, they were alive... and that was all that mattered. He clutched Misty lear's hand as they walked... leaving the graveyard behind them.
The Red roses gently swayed in the wind... slowly, the snow began to gather on its red petals. From above, perched over an old tree, beyond the stone walls, it's branches leaning over the graves, sat a small black cat. It's golden eyes sharpened as it watched the Alchemists leave the cemetary...
Later that Night...
Misty Lear sat outside of the balcony. The Cold winter breeze was gentle and strangely comforting. She wasn't use to its comforting embrace... the cold was different from the usual loneliness she felt in her life. The cold loneliness of being left behind, being abandoned, and being lost. The moon was bright, the clouds parted and the golden moon shone glowing its mysterious glow. Behind the moon were the many stars. Misty lear held a rose in her hand, she began to pluck the petals slowly. She's been living with Mackwell for a while now, she hasn't confessed her feelings to him.
Every night, she would just gaze out at the moon and stars. How long would she stay? Would a man like Mackwell really want someone like her, around? She could only believe this happiness was brief. She began to sing, her voice echoing and blending with the wind. The wind that spread to the 4 corners of Elicoor.
Her song was interrupted by Mackwell who watched from her room. He quietly opened the door, wrapping his arms around her.
"It's cold out tonight, shouldn't you be in bed?" Mackwell asked gently in her ear.
"Couldn't sleep." Misty Lear whispered.
"Ah, I see." Mackwell gave her a light kiss on the cheek, he sat behind her, arms around her waist. "Don't let me interfere, sing for us... I want to hear that voice."
Misty lear touched his arm and closed her eyes. Her haunting voice echoing in the darkness...
I sense there's something in the wind
That feels like tragedy's at hand
And though I'd like to stand by him
Can't shake this feeling that I have
The worst is just around the bend
And does he notice my feelings for him?
And will he see how much he means to me?
I think it's not to be
What will become of my dear friend?
Where will his actions lead us then?
Although I'd like to join the crowd
In their enthusiastic cloud
Try as I may, it doesn't last
And will we ever end up together?
No, I think not, it's never to become
For I am not the one
"Not that one..." Mackwell whispered, "You're the one just for me, now. As I am, to you."
"I'm sorry..." Misty lear answered.
"Then allow me..." Mackwell's voice was deep and gentle. Misty Lear's eyes widened... it was the same as that voice she heard so long ago. That voice that sang that sad song... Mackwell closed his eyes as his voice drifted into her ear. Blending in with the wind...
My dearest friend, if you don't mind
I'd like to join you by your side
Where we can gaze into the stars
And sit together, now and forever
For it is plain as anyone can see
We're simply meant to be
"Forever, you and me..."
Yay! I'm finally done! Sorry for the other excruciating wait > , Anyway, the last part is from Nightmare before X-mas. Thanks Christine for the inspiring idea of using that ending song for the end. It took a while for me to add it in with the story perfectly.
Well, the ending wasn't perfect but oh well. Hope you liked it! This ends Eureka I got it! XD (And just before X-mas too!)
So what did you guys like about this fic? What did you dislike?
Was the ending bad? or was it ok?
I'm curious :3