Forward warning, but there will be a delay to the posting of Chapter Twelve: Part One when we get to that point. I need to do some SERIOUS catch-up on the Investigations and Bath Scenes. I anticipate that Chapter Twelve: Part One will go up on January 19th at the very latest. I apologize in advance.

In any case, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Part Six

Milia rubbed a hand over her face as she looked at the two Dragon Knights standing before her. "Okay," she said. "Sharon why do you blame Futch for what happened to Suna?"

"Because he refused to take off after he had already flown!" Sharon snapped, hugging Suna to her chest.

"I was scared," Futch confessed quietly. "When I saw the lightning strike that destroyed the skyship. It was the same—the same lightning strike that killed Black."

Milia stiffened and her expression softened. "I see," she murmured. "The witch who caused the Gate Rune War is still alive."

"She is."

"But he still flew Bright to check the support units!" Sharon snapped. "Futch flew after that attack but wouldn't fly afterwards! Because he made Bright stay grounded, we got surrounded and overwhelmed by enemies! Because he wouldn't take off, Suna…" she clung to her dragon.

"Sharon," Milia said patiently. "Trauma is rarely linear or predictable."

"What?"

"You realize that Futch witnessed Black didn't you?"

"Yeah." She glanced at Futch. "He told me Black died trying to save him."

"Yes. Did he tell you the rest, though?"

"The rest—what?"

"Our previous commander Joshua was a good man," Milia said. "But during that period our dragons were in danger. We needed an antidote to save them, and Futch and Black were attacked getting one of the ingredients. However—another ingredient needed for this antidote was a dragon's liver."

Sharon gasped. "As you know, dragons cannot live without their livers like humans cannot live without a liver. It was something that Commander Joshua had struggled over; that in order to save all of the dragons, one of them had to die. But then Black died…and his liver was used to save the dragons."

Sharon glanced at Futch. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Daunte saw that it looked like black scales. "This is all that I have of Black," he murmured. "I've kept it with me since that time."

"But that isn't all," Milia said. "Sharon, what happens to a Dragon Knight who loses their dragon?"

Sharon's eyes went wide, and she gaped at her mother. Then…There her eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me—you're telling me that you guys killed Futch's dragon and then banished him?!"

"We didn't kill Black; Black was already dead when we found Futch and him. But Black's liver was used to save the dragons. And then—yes. Futch was casted out of the Dragon's Knights."

"How compassionate of the lot of you!" Sharon spat. "'Oh, thank you Futch for letting us use your dead dragon's liver to save the other dragons! Now get out!' Futch was a kid when that happened, wasn't he?!"

"He was," Milia said. "And his banishment was something that weren't proud of, but those are the laws of the Dragon Knights."

"Would you have thrown ME out if Suna had stayed dead?!"

"No."

"Oh great, I guess there are benefits to being the daughter of—"

"Sharon," Futch interrupted her. "You have four other dragons. Because of those baby dragons, you would have maintained your position with the Knights."

"Oh." Sharon sank back in her chair. "So—what? I'm supposed to forgive you because of Black and because the previous Commander was a bastard who threw away a kid?"

"You will NOT speak of Joshua like that!" Milia said sharply, standing up. "He was a good man who had to make many difficult decisions!"

"She's right," Futch said. "And it was because I was banished that I met Lord Riou and was able to find Bright. So while it hurt me for a long time, it helped me in the end. But I understand," he said. "The pain of losing a dragon. It's like losing a piece of your soul. Bright has filled the void that Black left behind, but there is still a void. I know what you suffered, and I would never willingly wish that upon anyone. Especially since what you experience was worse than what I did."

"What?"

"You were conscious and held Suna in your arms when she died. When Black died, I was unconscious. I was told afterwards when I woke up, and after Black was long dead. I-I don't know what my state of mind would have been had I witnessed Black's death but you handled the situation better than I know that I would have. I've said I was sorry multiple times so I won't say it again, but I hope you believe me when I tell you that it was NEVER my intention for anything to happen to Suna. As Dragon Knights we need to look out for dragons. You're right in that I allowed my fear of that witch to overwhelm my better judgment and that is inexcusable. I'm relieved that Suna was revived when Lord Daunte casted his spell, and I can promise you that this will never happen again."

Sharon looked away, still frowning. "Sharon, do you believe Futch when he tells you that he never meant for anything to happen to Suna?" Milia asked.

Sharon was silent for a long moment before answering, "Yes."

Daunte felt relieved and she looked at Futch again. "Can you promise me that this won't happen again?"

Futch hesitated, and Sharon's brow furrowed. Daunte stepped forward. "The blame for that battle falls on to me," he said. "So if anyone deserves condemnation then it's me and not Futch. And Sharon, I don't think it's fair to hold Futch to a promise that he won't be triggered again. This isn't something that we can control. I have triggers that I can't control—"

"Really?" Sharon looked at him in sure.

Daunte shrugged. "Of course. Don't we all? All of you have known each other longer than I've known you. Do you honestly think that Futch let Suna die on purpose? Do you think he would let this happen again on purpose? That's what you should be asking yourself, not "why" he let it happen."

Sharon's expression relaxed and she looked at Futch again. She looked a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I believe you. I believe you when you say you didn't do it on purpose. But it's—difficult for me to not be angry at you. I know that you suffered trauma over what happened to Black, but Suna still died. This isn't something I can easily forget."

"But Suna is alive now in your arms," Milia said. "Futch does not have that with Black."

Sharon swallowed thickly and she nodded stiffly. "I'm not being rational, I know—"

"Anger is rarely rational," Daunte said. "But you understand now where Futch is coming from. I think it would be unreasonable to demand you to forgive him now, but do you think you could eventually forgive him?"

Sharon hugged Suna tightly to her and she ducked her head forehead. It was a long moment before she answered, but Daunte was relieved by her answer. "Yes."

"Thank you for your assistance with this, Lord Daunte," Milia said. "And I apologize if my Dragon Knights have not been diligent with their duties to you."

"No, it's fine," Daunte said. "I had my own hiccups not too long ago. We're not killing machines, we're people with thoughts and feelings. Whatever is needed I'll do what I can."

"The Dragon Knights Domain is open for you to explore before you leave," Milia said. "But I would advise that you not travel outside of this region. We know that you are friendly forces, but you are still foreign dignitaries. You may be stopped by Toran forces if you travel too far away."

"I understand. You mentioned to the east—"

"Yes, the Dragon's Den. If you would like to see our dragons, then you may go and visit there. But be careful; monsters also roam the cave, though the dragons eat most of them they are still present and hostile."

Daunte nodded warily. "Understood."

"Oh, I wouldn't be too bad since I would be with you," Caesar reassured him. "But yes, it may cause us delays that we don't need."

Daunte waited for Milia to walk away before leaning in close to Caesar. "The final Star of Destiny is in Toran."

"Oh?" Caesar brow rose. "Then we might have to travel outside of the Dragon Knights Domain to find them!"

"Do you think I might find the final Star here?"

Caesar shrugged. "I can't say. But this castle is the only settlement for humans in this region, so…"

"Let's wander around here first and see if anyone stands out," Daunte said.

Unfortunately, after wandering the castle for an hour talking to everyone who was there, no one stood out to Daunte. He sighed heavily and turned to Caesar. "Ah—how big is Toran?"

"It's larger than Nagarea," Caesar responded.

"Oh Nagar." Daunte slapped a hand over his eyes.

"I don't think the final Star is far," Caesar reassured him. "The fact that this quest brought us here would indicate that the Star is near to this region and not on the other side of the country."

"Really? What makes you say that?"

Caesar smiled. "Because that makes the most sense."

Daunte was confused but didn't push it any further. "Let's go to the Dragon's Den."

Futch and Bright were happy to fly them to the entrance of the Den. Despite Milia's warnings, the group did not face many monsters as they traversed the Den. Daunte was more concerned by the dozens dragons that were casually wandering the cave. He didn't know which were safe and which were rabid. Neither Futch nor Sharon seemed concerned so Daunte decided not to be, either.

They went down various passages and corridors in the Den, but found no one but wandering safe dragons and nondescript Dragon Knights. At the end of one passageway though, Daunte found a chest. When he opened it, he found a box labeled 'Window Set 05'.

"What's that doing here?" Sharon asked in confusion. "Kind of a weird place to find a Window Set, huh?"

"Yes well, there are few things in this world that makes sense," Caesar said. "Such as the fact that monsters carry money on them that you can collect when you kill them."

"I always thought that the money that monsters carry is money looted from poor travelers they killed," Futch said. "That's why tougher monsters have more money; because they killed more people."

"I always thought that, too," Daunte said.

"That IS a good theory," Caesar said with a smile.

But Esther will appreciate this, Daunte thought. When I gave Liron that Sound Set earlier, she said that it was the last sound set she needed. So this must be the last Window Set Esther needs.

"The Den's entrance is ahead," Futch said as they saw a light down the corridor. "We may be denied access out of the cave."

"Well, we can still try," Caesar said.

They approached the mouth of the cave, but were indeed stopped by two Dragon Knights. "Dignitaries of Nagarea. For your safety and the safety of the people of Toran, we must discourage you from leaving our region."

"It's okay," Futch said, stepping forward. "We won't be going far. Would it be all right if we step just outside?"

The Knights looked at him for a long moment before stepping aside. "Only the clearing here," one said warningly.

Daunte nodded, though he felt sick to his stomach as they stepped outside the cave. They still had not found anyone who seemed to be the final Star. Leknaat had told him that she sensed the Star in Toran. But where?

I should have known that I wouldn't find them on this trip. Daunte looked at Caesar. "We may have to go back without finding them," he said grimly. "But I don't want to make any further progressions with our campaigns until we find the Fourteenth Star."

"I understand my Lord," Caesar said, still smiling. "And don't worry, you should be able to make multiple trips here to look for the Star without it interfering in our schedule."

"Really?"

"Really."

"You."

Both Caesar and Daunte jumped at this familiar voice. Caesar glanced around Daunte and the smile abruptly fell from his face. Daunte quickly turned and his heart sank into his stomach.

"So," Geddoe said coldly, his sword drawn. "We meet again."

Caesar discreetly moved to stand in front of Daunte. Daunte saw that all five members of Geddoe's group was standing behind him, which did make him feel relieved. They found each other after Viki teleported them apart. Good.

But all of them looked really angry, which sucked away his relief.

"You caused us a lot of trouble," Geddoe said, his eye on Daunte. "I demand retribution for what you did."

"I-I'm sorry—" Daunte began.

"Geddoe?" Futch wandered over, his eyes wide. "What's going on here?"

"Ah, we seem to be having a misunderstanding—" Caesar said.

"Misunderstanding?!" Queen snapped. "I was teleported to the Harmonian border!"

"…I ended up in a village of Kobolds," Jacques said quietly.

"We have only regrouped recently," Geddoe said. "You separated my unit and cost us time and money. You must pay for that."

Geddoe's group looked ready to fight, or possibly kill them. Caesar kept himself between the group and Daunte, though he looked nervous. "Ah, let's discuss this like adults," he tried in a feeble tone. "We have an incomplete party—"

"How is that OUR problem?" Aila asked in a dangerous tone, pointing an arrow at them.

"Wait," Geddoe said, raising his hand. "Caesar has a point. There's no use attacking their party if there is only one person who we have issue with."

Daunte relaxed, but it did not last long. "I challenge you then to a duel," Geddoe said, pointing his sword at Daunte.

Daunte stiffened. "Since when has Geddoe ever been this chatty?" Sharon mused aloud.

"I don't know," Futch responded in a serious tone. "He must mean business."

"Look, I can compensate you for your troubles," Daunte said.

"Compensation?" Ace asked, immediately perking up.

"Not good enough," Geddoe responded coldly.

"Come on, really, it's Viki you all should be mad at," Caesar added.

"Caesar, that's not helping," Daunte said.

"You're right my Lord, I'm sorry."

"I would recommend you accept my challenge," Geddoe said warningly. "I must show restraint with my power during a duel. If I fight you in combat, you will face the wrath of my Rune."

"Okay, okay," Daunte said, moving out from behind Geddoe. "If it will satisfy you, then I will duel you."

"I won't be satisfied," Joker muttered.

"Look Geddoe, can you not do this?!" Sharon asked in exasperation. "Whatever Lord Daunte did to you guys was probably an accident! He's not the guy who does stuff with malicious intent!"

"I don't care about his intentions," Geddoe said. "I want retribution."

"Okay," Daunte said. He squared himself and took a fighting stance. "I'm ready whenever you go, Geddoe."

"Don't expect me to go easy on you," Geddoe said, raising his sword. "And I don't expect you to not do anything out of guilt. As one leader to another, I expect you to respect me in combat and hold nothing back."

Daunte nodded. "I will."

"Kick his ass, Boss!" Ace cheered. Queen smacked him upside the head.

Attack. Defend. Deathblow. I need to listen to what he says and gauge my move-set based on it.

But Daunte knew that this would be difficult Geddoe was obviously displeased with him, but he looked cool and calm as he had the last time they met. And he didn't raise his voice once while talking. Daunte knew that Geddoe was in full control, and he couldn't rely on Geddoe's emotions to guess what he will do.

"I'll take the lead," Geddoe said.

Attack! Daunte lunged forward and swung his tekko. Geddoe raised his sword and the tekko collided with the sword. There was a brief struggle of physical strength between the two. One that Geddoe won, and he swiftly kicked Daunte in the stomach.

"Guh!" Daunte hugged his arm to his torso and jumped back.

"YEAH!" Ace, Joker, and Aila cheered.

"Hold on, Lord Daunte!" Caesar called over to him. Daunte nodded and struggled to take another stance.

"Winded already? Geddoe asked. "I expected better."

Daunte didn't know if that was an Attack or Defend, but he guessed that it couldn't have been a Deathblow. He lunged forward again. Geddoe raised his sword again, but this time Daunte was faster and he landed two punches to his solar plexus.

Of of the mercenaries, all but Jacques shouted in outrage. "Come on Boss, don't be beaten by that kid!" Ace complained loudly.

"That was better," Geddoe said, taking a moment to catch his breath. "But I'm done playing."

Daunte guessed that this was a Deathblow and immediately threw up his guard. Geddoe moved so quickly that he was like a blur, and both Ace and Aila were pumping their fists. The other mercenaries however had looks of dread on their faces, as though they knew what was about to happen.

Daunte saw the blade stabbing towards him, and at the last moment he jumped to the right. The momentum carried Geddoe forward, and Daunte reeled back and punched Geddoe in the head. But to his horror, he saw his blow land directly upon Geddoe's good eye!

Geddoe immediately dropped his sword and fell to his knees, pressing both hands over his good eye. "BOSS!" Ace yelled.

"You coward!" Aila shouted. "Hitting him in his only eye?!"

"That's actually ingenious of him," Queen muttered.

Geddoe however was calm as he cupped his hands over his head. Daunte could see the swelling underneath his hands. Despite this, Geddoe's breathing was even and his shoulders were relaxed. After a moment he said, "I yield. I'm unable to continue fighting when I cannot see."

"I'm sorry I did that," Daunte said.

"It was my own fault for not being more careful."

"You can still use your Rune on him," Aila said. Queen gave her a half-hug and half-headlock. "You've been in enough duels girl to know that you can't use Runes in a duel!"

Daunte raised his hand. "Howl."

The healing spell washed over Geddoe. The swelling faded and he lowered his hands away from his eye. "We can resume the duel," Daunte said. "I'll try to avoid your eye next time."

"I already yielded so there's no need," Geddoe said. He picked up his sword and stood. "I'm satisfied."

"Well I'm not," Queen said, letting Aila go. "Can I duel him next?"

"I-I'll duel all of you if it will make you happy," Daunte said, though he knew that such a statement was stupid of him to say.

"I call dibs!" Ace announced, raising his hand.

"I already did," Queen said sharply.

"The Rune of Restoration."

The new voice startled everyone, and the mercenaries were on guard. Caesar immediately hurried forward as they all turned towards the entrance of the clearing that led to the vast plains. It was a middle-aged man, possibly in his mid-thirties, with the palest eyes Daunte had ever seen. It looked like the man had pale hair, but he couldn't tell with the man's silver hood and coat. His hands were in the pockets of his coat and he was staring at Daunte.

"That was the power of the Rune of Restoration," the man said. He had a unique accent that Daunte couldn't place. As though he didn't speak the common tongue as his primary language. "Where did you get the Rune?"

Daunte pressed his left hand over his right hand. Caesar moved to stand in front of Daunte. "Who are you, sir?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Jeta was the last person who held that Rune," the man said. "She hid it away. Why do you have it?"

Daunte's brow rose in confusion. Jeta? Wait, why does his voice sound familiar?

Caesar sucked in a sharp breath, and he slowly lowered his hands. "It can't be," he whispered.

"What?" Daunte asked.

"Since you now wield the Rune of Restoration, then you can help me," the man said. The he lunged forward.

"Wait!" Caesar shouted.

Before Daunte could react, the man maneuvered around Caesar and grabbed Daunnte's hand. The Rune of Restoration glowed in response to the contact, but Daunte tried to pull free. But the man grabbed his arm with his free hand and held tight. "I need your help!" The man shouted. "I must know!"

It was the last thing Daunte heard before the world fell away again. "What is this? Who are you?!" he shouted, but his voice felt muted in his ears.

"My name is Leto," the man responded. "And I must know!"

Know? Know what?! Daunte was so confused. All of a sudden, he felt a whoosh of air in front of his face, and loud voices filled his ears. Daunte opened his eyes, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

He knew the room he was in. The brightly lit room with beautiful expensive tapestries and gold hanging from the walls. The group men dressed in clothes he was unfamiliar with, yelling in a language he was unfamiliar with.

And on the dais sat a man wearing a headdress and more elaborate clothes. With a unique Rune symbol in the center of his forehead. Daunte knew. When he last saw this vision, he was standing to the left of the man on the throne. Now he stood at the back of the room watching the proceedings.

"I must know."

Daunte jumped and looked to his left. Leto was staring at the men arguing intently. "Something happened. I know it did. I've lived for too long; the memories are muddled together. But now I can finally know!"

Daunte stared at him in confusion before looking back at the throne room. The man on the dais spoke up, and the arguing ceased as it had before. Daunte flinched when he heard the man's voice, and he looked at Leto. Then he looked back at the man…and he realized that both men had the same pale eyes.

"The Leader of the Sindar. It's been said that he was cursed with a True Rune, the Rune of Change. Nobody has a clue what this Rune's power is, but it's been theorized that it promotes constant change in the universe. Because of this, the Sindar race was doomed to wander the world, as the Rune of Change kept forcing them on the path of change. This is why there's Sindar ruins all over the world."

Daunte gasped, and quickly looked at Leto. "A—Are you the—"

"SHH!" Leto hissed, gesturing to him angrily. "I have been seeking this memory for over a thousand years! Do not interrupt!"

A thousand years?! Daunte gaped at him, but then turned to the proceedings.

One of the men shouted in the Sindar language, and the Leto in the memory stood up. He gestured to the man while shouting, and the man shouted back. The other men in the room began to converge on the man who was yelling at Leto; Daunte had to guess in defense of him. The man made a slight motion forward towards Leto, and all the men grabbed him. The lone man struggled in their arms, but Leto stood tall on the dais.

Suddenly, the man who was struggled jolted back and screamed, and Daunte gasp when he saw blood splash onto the floor. The man all jumped away from him, but he collapsed to the floor. Leto leapt from the dais and knelt down beside him, but Daunte saw him take a huge puff of breath, and then he went still.

"I knew it."

Daunte glanced at Leto, but the older man advanced upon the scene, standing before one of the men watching Leto and the dead man. "You did it, Nāvi," he spat at the man, who obviously did not see him. "You killed Xeh! You killed Jeta, and you killed Xeh! How could we all have been so blind?!"

Daunte swallowed thickly as he watched Leto. Leto was so angry that he struck at Nāvi, but his blow obviously did not land upon the memory of the man. Leto cursed loudly and he stormed back to Daunte's side. "Now I know," he said bitterly. "It makes no difference. The misery is done. But now I know, and I have validation."

"Leto," Daunte said, looking at him. "A—Are you the Sindar Chieftain?"

"I was," Leto said. "King of a global kingdom most don't remember, whose people are dead. We were supposed to have our eternal city. I was supposed to bring it to them. I didn't—because of him." His nostrils flared as he jabbed his finger angrily in the direction Nāvi was standing. "I am a King of Ash, with the Rune of Change as my crown.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this!" he shouted, and the memory melted away. "We walked under water! We rode the skies! We OWNED THE WORLD!" Leto shouted into the darkness. "But it was all for nothing! All of it! They are gone and I am here!" he let out an incoherent scream and collapsed to his knees. He pressed both hands to the side of his head. "Why—Why am I here? Why am I here when they are not! Nāvi…why couldn't you believe? I am alone here…"

Daunte let out a shaky breath as he watched his anguish. He had heard much of the Sindar people; Reis was certainly fanatical regarding her research of them. And for all intents and purposes their palace in Nagarea was turned into a mine, and then a labor camp for children. But it was painful seeing the person before him.

This memory happened over a thousand years ago. Most of those people are long dead. Leto remains. Will this—Will this be ME in a thousand years, if the Rune of Restoration chooses to remain with me?

"Leto?" He asked softly, reaching out to put his hand on Leto's shoulder. "Why don't you come with me? I'm leading an Army—"

"My involvement is unnecessary," he said numbly. "I have the Rune of Change. I will never be idle. I will not be able to serve in your Army as I will be compelled to leave."

"That's okay," Daunte reassured him. "We're nearing the end of the war. You will have a place to stay even for a little while."

Leto was silent for a long moment before he stood up. "If you have the Rune of Restoration, then you came from Nagarea."

"Yes, I did."

"It will take too long to travel to Nagarea from this land."

"Not so," Daunte said, smiling. "When was the last time you flew in a skyship?"

Leto's head snapped up so fast that it startled Daunte. "What?!"

Daunte came awake in time for his collar to be seized. "What game are you playing?!" Leto shouted, shaking him. "There are no more skyships!"

"Whoa, whoa!" Queen shouted, pulling Leto away from Daunte. "What the hell is going on?! You two just passed out, then jumped awake attacking each other!"

"I'm serious!" Daunte said, standing up. "We have a skyship! That's how we got here!"

"There are no more skyships," Leto hissed. "I would know if there were!"

"Oh, we DO have a skyship!" Caesar said cheerfully. "Come and see!"

Leto looked at him. His expression relaxed only slightly. "You…are serious," he breathed.

"Yes, Your Eminence," Caesar said, bowing dramatically. "It's an honor to finally meet you."

"Wait," Geddoe said, his brow rising. "The Rune on your forehead. Are you—"

"All right, who cares?!" Ace shouted, brandishing his dual sai. "I want my duel and I want it NOW!"

"…Really?" Jacques asked quietly.

Daunte did duel Ace and won, and after that the mercenaries were no longer interested in dueling. The group made their way back through the Dragon's Den and back towards the Dragon Knight's Fortress. "Everyone, get on," Futch said, motioning to Bright.

"Will we all fit?" Queen asked warily.

"Yes," Futch quickly responded.

The flew towards the Fortress, and Daunte watched Leto's reaction as they came to land beside the skyship. Leto leapt off of Bright's back and ran towards the skyship. He was visibly trembling as he hovered his hands over the sides. Daunte quickly followed him, moving to stand by his side. "See?" He said. "We have a skyship?"

"Eh?!" Hero peered over the top of the ship. "Oh, you're back Lord Daunte. Is that a new recruit?"

Leto looked up at him. "D—Did you build this?"

"Yeah," Hero responded bluntly. "What about it?"

"H—How?!"

"Blueprints!" James cheered as he hurried out of the ship. "Oh, welcome back Lord Daunte! Who's this?"

"D-Do you have anything else that you can show me?" Leto asked.

Daunte shrugged. "Our headquarters was a Sindar ruin. If you're ruled by the Rune of Change, maybe you can lend me some of that Change and help me change my country. Would you help me?"

Leto was silent for a long moment before he nodded. "I have nothing else I'm doing with my time, and you reconstructed that memory I needed." he turned to face Daunte and shook his hand. "I will join you."

"All right!" Caesar cheered. "We have the Sindar Chieftain in that Army! Maybe you can show us the power of that Rune!"

"Don't tell me you all are coming!" Hero shouted in irritation. "We don't have the room!"

"I'm not getting in that thing," Ail said, glaring at the skyship.

"…Can I fight it?" Ace asked, poking it with his sai.

Daunte didn't notice as he couldn't stop smiling. I did. I just know I did it. I got them all.