Chapter 3: What They Missed.
Shortly after the incident in Florem, Magnolia managed to master the Summoner asterisk. What joy she felt when she could summon the soothing, elegant Amaterasu now with ease!
Once her training was complete, her mind became occupied with Edea's sentence of flowers and their meanings. What else could they mean, other than the notion of marriage? To find the answers, she decided to spend a few days in Istantal, searching through the extensive collection of books within Norzen's observatory.
When she got to the city, a wave of nostalgia hit her. She couldn't place a finger on what it was, but something always bothered her about Istantal. Nevertheless, the desire to learn overpowered the nagging thought, and Magnolia rushed to her destination in an energetic run.
"Norzen-sama, good morning!" The elderly man raised an eyebrow at the peppy youngster. "Good morning, Magnolia. What brings you all the way here?" "Ah...about that...do you happen to know anything about flowers and their meanings?" Norzen stroked his long beard, humming at her question. "I'm not an expert at botanical languages. How about I ask one of the students here?"
Eventually, a timid girl was called upon to help sate Magnolia's appetite. In the short time she spent with the girl, she never realized how vast her topic is. From flowers with contrasting meanings to color symbolism, Magnolia studied well into the night. When she finally decoded what Edea meant by Yu picking a particular flower for her mood that night, she sat back in pleasant surprise.
When she got to her name and its meaning, a blush unwillingly formed on her face. Of course, she knew Yu didn't mean it at the time, but it filled her with joy to know that magnolias stood for beauty and love of nature.
Meanwhile with Edea, she was able to get the Orthodoxy headquarters to hold the ceremony. Her long battle with the old priestesses was won (honestly...this was Agnès who is getting married...they would think to let her use the building for their former pope), and she could move on to more pressing matters (like that wedding cake…).
In the village of Norende, Tiz Arrior stretched his arms as he supervised his newly acquired herd of sheeps. His fiancée was clueless on how to raise the wooly animal, and the first few days were spent teaching her how to properly care for one. Agnès was an eager learner, and Tiz couldn't remember the last time he felt so blissfully happy.
As for Yu, he continued his duties as the protector of the Crystal Orthodoxy. Reunited with Jean and Nikolah, they remade their bonds, now stronger than ever. Most of his days were spent carrying out small errands while working alongside the various members of the duchy of Eternia. At the end of the day, his older brother would be waiting at home, greeting his younger sibling with fulfilled relief. The first time this happened truly shocked Yu. How did Denny come back after banishing Diamante?
When Yu launched himself into his arms, Denny rocked the crying knight, he himself feeling tears in the back of his eyes. Reunited at last, it seems...
Life was peaceful for Luxendarc. Except in one city of beginnings...
...
Magnolia hummed as she dragged a take out from the noodle shop in Istantal. Nighttime glittered the darkened sky with bright stars. People were closing up stores and heading off to their homes. The last Ba'al Buster started off to the inn, reciting the lesson she had recently learned from her shy mentor.
Upon opening the door to the red building, she spotted shuffling movements in the corner of the lobby. A grumble and harsh whisper was exchanged in the barely lit darkness. Someone mentioned something about going to bed, and the rustling of clothes grew louder. The person stepped out, revealing Jean Engarde with somewhat sleepy eyes.
"M-Magnolia?! Why are you here?" The fencer's drowsy state was broken, replaced with friendly alert. "I could ask you the same," the exhausted floral student shot back. The other occupant in the room walked into the faint light.
"Jean, what's the matt-" Einheria snapped her mouth shut when her vision perceived Magnolia. "Ah...Magnolia. Turning in for the night?" The younger female nodded. "Y-yeah. Just a little tired from the previous nights." Einheria patted Jean on the shoulder, and the blue-haired knight visibly slumped. "We'll track it tomorrow. I'm sure Artemia will have something by then." The spear-wielding woman headed up the stairs, probably off to contact the ranger about her whereabouts, leaving Jean with a confused Magnolia.
"Back to my earlier question. Why are you here?" Jean asked. Magnolia shifted restlessly under his glare. "I...was studying."
"Studying? Studying what?"
"Flowers, and their possible meanings."
"Really? What for?"
"Oh...just out of curiosity."
Jean tossed his bulky hair, obviously not convinced by her answer. "I highly doubt you would dedicate yourself to something as tedious as studying unless something sparked it. Didn't Yu say something about how you don't particularly like the idea?" She reluctantly nodded at his statement.
"Yu talks about me?" she thought curiously. Outwardly, she replied, "I guess...the real reason is that…"
Magnolia described the Sacred Flower Festival that happened a couple of weeks ago, including Edea's victory with the exquisite Bravo Bikini and the flower Yu gave after her defeat. Jean listened well, occasionally backing into his seat when something bizarre popped up in her retelling. By the end of it, his tired body leaned back fully into the comfy chair. "That Yu...finally making a move, huh?" he mumbled to himself. Magnolia tilted her head in confusion. Upon looking at her expression, he once again shook his mane. "No, nothing. But, who would have thought Edea was that…" Both quietly sighed at the blonde's boldness.
Now it was Magnolia's turn to inquire on his reason for being here. "So, Jean, what kind of business do you have in Istantal?" A listless huff was given, followed by the crossing of arms across his chest. "Apparently, there has been a disturbance in the nearby desert that's causing unnatural sand tornadoes. They originally wanted the Three Orthodox Knights to investigate the issue, but Yu is busy with his brother's parole and Nikolah-san was sent to Ancheim to help negotiate with the prime minister over some sort of trade business. Einheria, Artemia, and I had nothing much to do, so I guess...here I am. Artemia went on ahead to scout the surrounding area, so once she comes back, we may have a general idea of what we're dealing with."
Magnolia's heart beat sped up a tiny bit. More unusual sightings? Surely, this could be the work of demons. "Shouldn't they have disappeared? After Diamante was sent away…" She closed her eyes, deciding that her lessons could wait a week or so.
"If you don't mind, I'll join you. Four people are better than three, after all."
Jean did not expect her instant involvement. "W-what?!" he lamely replied. The currently equipped freelancer giggled. "So, will you? I can offer support, since there seems to be enough heavy hitters with you," she added. The fencer gauged the good and the bad of the situation. Finding that she would do more good than harm, he reluctantly gave her his approval.
"Okay then. We leave early in the morning. It's best if you rest up now."
Party Chat: Disturbances in the Desert.
Jean: "Have Artemia come back yet?"
Einheria: "Not yet. I imagine she won't be back for a while."
Magnolia: "So, what do you think is causing the tornadoes?"
Einheria: "I don't think I know any monsters around here that can make these miniature storms while hiding in the sand."
Jean: "Hmm...I have a bad feeling about this..."
Magnolia: "Jean? Did you say something?"
Jean: "A-ah, no, I didn't."
Einheria: "..."
Magnolia: "You know, it feels off not seeing you with Yu and Nikolah, Jean. If I was someone who didn't know about your involvement with the Empire, I would think you guys have been together since the beginning."
Jean: "Yeah, it does feel empty without them. I never considered that our bonds were as strong as they are."
Magnolia: "Well, it's a good thing Yu is so forgiving. It sort of feels...almost natural that the three of you have such a unique connection."
Jean: "I'm grateful for Yu's compassion. Truly, I am."
Magnolia: "It's like...I experienced this before..."
Jean: "Huh?"
Einheria: "Hmm..."
…
Magnolia tested the fabric of her red mage outfit by bending to the side. It's been awhile since she acted as the main supporter. Fortunately, she happened to bring along her time mage and red mage asterisk for the fight. As Artemia prepared the last of their supplies, Jean glared at the vast dry landscape that drew a border with the civilized town. He had a bad feeling about this from the start, and the dread only increased when he let Magnolia join. Why couldn't he shake off the awful feeling that something will be triggered, whether anyone would like it or not?
"It's time we go. Artemia discovered the source of the sandstorms, so let's not waste time," the oldest sister urged.
"Let's go."
All four were no stranger to the difficult terrain, although Artemia and Einheria were the least experienced in open, barren grounds, having spent most of their time in Florem during their deployment in the Bloodrose Legion and in cold, snowy Eternia after the closing of the Great Chasm.
The group troweled through the sand, hoping to find some sort of disturbance in the smooth layer. They felt the wind pick up, and several minor whirlwinds shot sand into their eyes.
"Artemia can't see," the hunter complained. Einheria raised a gloved arm to her eyes. Warning signals rang in Jean's mind. "This...I know this feeling!" Magnolia shouted in disbelief. Her glare challenged the spiraling tornado. "No doubt about it. A demon is here." She assumed her battle position; she swung her lance over her shoulder. "I won't let you get away!" Her other companions gripped their weapons uneasily.
What spawned was a black spider with fluorescent blue light running along its body.
Magnolia could only stand paralyzed at the monster. "No way...why? Why is this still alive?!" In her confusion, she forgot to realize that she didn't pursue the monster in this reset.
Jean was shocked over his own reasons. The choking constriction in his heart came full circle. His head exploded with pain, like something wanted to cut itself to freedom. The fencer collapsed to his knees, crushing the hilt of his sword. "What...what is this pain?" After a few seconds of agonizing strain, he stumbled back to his feet.
"Magnolia, default!"
Einheria had spirit barrier up, acting as the tank for the rapidly deteriorating group. Artemia tried her best to draw the attention of their opponent, but it looked dead set on Jean and Magnolia. The red mage barely registered the Valkyrie's words, wobbling to a defensive stance in the nick of time.
"Get a grip, you two! Magnolia, give Artemia Cura now!" The ordered woman nodded and raised her katana, feeling her magic work towards the slightly beat-up ranger. "Artemia can hunt again!" she cried. Instantly, she braved four times before firing off consecutive Insect Hunters. Jean gritted his teeth, and he pointed his sword at the spider, taking his wolf stance.
It was a long battle. With Jean only able to attack once every stance and Magnolia split between healing Artemia and Jean, damage came slow. All were running out of stamina, and options were running out. Magnolia slowly reached into her pocket, bringing out a familiar hourglass.
"Looks like I have no choice!" The background faded to gray as she unleashed the SP inside.
"Bravely Second!"
Once those words were spoken, Jean's head pulsed. The pain strangled the breath out of him, and he collapsed on the cold black floor.
"Magnolia Arch!"
"Do not make eye contact with her..."
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
"Don't tell me you're our…"
"Good Gravy! That's right!"
"Are you serious?"
...
"That's right. Now that we found Magnolia, we can inform Agnès about it."
"Agnès?"
"You don't know Agnès? How odd…"
"I-I know, I know. O-o-of course I know about her."
...
"I just need to protect, after all."
"Eh? Umm...uh...oh…"
"Oi, Nikolah-san. Why do I feel like we're being left behind..."
"Mm...This atmosphere is wonderful."
...
"Doing well! Yu, how about it?"
"What is it!"
"About that guy…"
"Even so, that was scary~"
"Ah, it's alright. How are you feeling? Yu?"
"Very well!"
"..an! ..ean! Jean! Wake up, Jean!" The fencer squinted before opening his eyes to a pale Magnolia. Artemia was absent from the scene, but Einheria expressed the same amount of worry as the red mage.
"Jean! Thank goodness! You wouldn't move even after Esuna!" She felt Jean's pulse on his wrist, relieved that he retained a steady beat. The splitting headache dulled to merely diminishing thuds. He stood up, registering the soft sand under his feet, rather than a solid black floor.
"Hnng...What...happened…?" His voice was hoarse. Moving his throat to speak was difficult. When he assumed his casual position, he cringed as a jolt of pain sprinted up his back.
"Jean, are you okay? What happened back there?" Magnolia desperately asked.
"I...had a bad feeling about this from the start...but I didn't think it would be this bad…" Artemia was back now, securing a handful of herbs from the city. "Eat herb. Good for head," she insisted. He graciously accepted them, putting them in his pocket for later use. "Thank you." Einheria held her stern expression. "Well, the monster was defeated. I will personally make the report to Edea. Please, take care of yourself while I'm gone." In a whisper, she murmured, "That includes you, Magnolia."
As the Valkyrie walked away with her sister in tow, the two former enemies eyed each other in remorse. As if the shock finally came to him, Jean slowly knelt down to the ground. Magnolia remained totally confused over his state.
"Was all of it a dream? No, they were too vivid to be dreams. Then, memories? But I don't remember that these things ever happened..." Suddenly, his headache came back with a vengeance, and Jean once again collapsed to the sandy ground.
"Jean! Jean! Jean!" Magnolia chanted. He wouldn't stir, and so Magnolia dragged him over to Istantal, immediately seeking aid from the inn they were staying in.
"Please, Jean! Hang in there!"
…
Something bright flashed wickedly into Jean's tired body. He gritted his teeth, feeling the light fade away a tiny bit. Blue-green eyes adjusted to the sudden shift in brightness, and he could make out a familiar ceiling.
"Jean, thank goodness! How are you feeling?" Jean sat in his bed for a moment. Wasn't that Yu's voice?
The leader of their group was indeed there next to his bed. Nikolah stood nearby with Magnolia, who just entered the room with a tray in her hands. All were frowning with concerned interest.
"Yu...why are you here?" Yu's frown grew bigger. "What do you mean? You just collapsed out of nowhere. Of course I'll come and help you!" Jean turned away from his companions. He felt fine now, but what to do with his realization?
"I'm okay now, Yu. Thank you. You too, Nikolah-san. I guess I caused a lot of worry." Their frowns did not disappear, but Yu backed away from his side. Magnolia set the tray on the desk by his bed with slow steps. She didn't meet his eyes.
As if sensing her inner turmoil, Jean patted her shoulder. "It's not your fault, Magnolia. I bet you weren't focused in that fight as well." A hesitant nod. Relief flooded her, and she gratefully watched Jean climb out of his bed.
"If you're good to go, Jean, how about we get some breakfast?" Yu asked while Jean drank a cup of water. He nodded once, and Nikolah caught the look in the fencer's eye. The bishop cleared his throat. "Alright. There's this one restaurant that just opened up that's really good. Who wants to try it?" The three of them gave their approval with Magnolia sprouting her usual happy smile.
That night...
Nikolah found Jean standing on the bridge, looking out at the faraway stars in the sky.
"So, what really happened, Jean? I'm inferring that Yu shouldn't know of this." The bishop saw Jean's face struggle with conflicted thoughts.
"Yes, he shouldn't know because he doesn't remember."
"What do you mean?"
Jean faced the older man, and he stumbled back at the seriousness of his ally.
"We have much to discuss, Nikolah."