I've come to realize that even though the story of I.U. wasn't as in depth as it could have been, the reason I like it so much is because it leaves room for ideas and theories. It didn't dead-end the things that were never explained thoroughly; it just left those areas open, maybe to be filled in by fanfics later? Maybe for a sequel? Hmm…

Chapter 3: The Million Fol Questions

She knew he was there even before she could see him. The castle roof felt much like the balcony of her home, a place she had adopted as her sanctuary and later shared with him. This place had that same feeling of quiet; hidden away in plain sight. When she rounded the corner it came as no surprise to see him there, leaning against the balustrade looking out over the city. Only this time his flute did not reside in those artistic fingers.

"I was wondering how long it would take," he said quietly without turning to see who had intruded on his solitude. "Are the others looking for me, too?" Aya joined him at the railing, leaning on her arms to watch him as he watched the darkened horizon. His face had the washed out look of someone who had just cried themselves out, yet he was seemingly unruffled.

"Yeah. Edward thinks you might have left to go after Sigmund yourself. Eugene doesn't think you're that reckless. They've split up to search the castle and check with the city gates."

"And all they had to do was follow you." He said softly and Aya thought she heard humor in that statement. Or maybe she hoped she heard it.

"I wanted to find you first," she admitted, "to make sure…" Soft eyes turned on her in the moonlight.

"I'm fine," he assured, "really. I just… needed time to sort out my thoughts and make some choices… about my future. I needed to know what I wanted before I came to you." Aya nodded slowly and turned her attention to the road bellow, empty and quiet.

"We're going in after him, aren't we?" Capell's eyes widened at the defeat in her tone and he straightened.

"You don't want to save him?"

Aya's face screwed up. "No! I mean yes - of course I do! Lord Sigmund is more than just a hero to me. I would do anything to save him! I just," she shook her head; "I lost you for two years. I wanted to get that time back, to reclaim the peaceful time we lost together. Only now I know that we can't get that time back. Those two years are gone forever."

Capell returned his gaze to the dark skies in the distance.

"We've lost a lot more than just time." He said and she began to feel small for her selfishness until he reached over and gave her fingers a soft squeeze. Folding his arms beneath him once more, Capell turned his attention back to the horizon and Aya was content to sit in silence with him for a while.

"I'm leaving in the morning," he said at last, "with anyone who wants to come. If you come, Aya, I need to you listen to me when I issue an order. You have to hang back if I tell you to, and run if I say run. Can you do that?"

She took a long, deep breath. Aya knew why he was giving her this warning. He had to know that she wouldn't try to interfere like she had on the moon. Capell knew she would fight to defend him no matter what, even if that went against his plans. Though the words aggravated her, she managed to voice her compliance, and again when he looked at her from the corner of his eye. Satisfied, he returned his attention to the distance.

"When we get Sigmund back," he said after another long stretch of silence; slowly and with a great deal of thought, "if he can't or won't take up the throne of Cassandra again, I'm going to." Aya turned to him, a slight smile on her lips.

"I thought you would," she admitted. Though he had started off running from everything, now Capell took on every duty that fell on his shoulders, and he did so without so much as a reluctant word.

"Only there is one problem that I can't seem to work out," he admitted with a slight frown. "How will you and I be able to rule two countries at once when we're married?" He delivered the question as simply as though they had spoken of it often in the past.

Aya could only stare at him for the longest time. He continued to watch the nighttime horizon silently during that interval, as if he never expected her to respond. Finally he lowered his head; his eyes trained on his arms, and spoke quietly.

"Are you going to say you'll marry me, or should I start laughing and tell you I was only kidding?"

"…Were you?"

Capell didn't move. "No." Aya felt herself lift from the dark cloud that had been hovering ever since Kiriya had broken their peace. Any worry she had held for Capell's state of mind vanished. She turned back to the view as well.

"Maybe if you ask the right question, I'll answer you." Capell's lips quirked in an amused smile, the wrinkle leaving his brow. He straightened and took her into his arms.

"Marry me, Aya?" She smiled back.

"As you wish, Lord Capell." She answered playfully before giving him the answer he had truly wanted.

XXXX

The ship from Port Zala to Kolton arrived in good time five days later, with no small amount of hastening from the captain when he realized the rulers of three nations had boarded his ship and one man who bore too much resemblance to the lost Liberators to be a coincidence. Aya and Capell had decided that now was not the time to share their decision to marry. That could come later, when things had calmed down and they could have real time to celebrate.

Once safely within the gates of the city, Eugene led the group to the lavish home of a prominent noble. Within that home, however, the King of Kolton and his family resided in secret, the noble family who owned the residence having gone on an extended 'vacation' to accommodate the royal family's stay.

"Ah, Prime Minister," Kolton's new king took Eugene's hand in a greeting that was more relieved than happy. "It is good to see you once more. Honored Emir, Your Majesty," he nodded to Aya and Edward in turn before acknowledging the rest of the party where his eyes came to rest on the Liberator, clad in the unmistakable armor and Emblazoned Sword. "Oh… oh my word…"

"Lord Capell," Eugene assured with a small smile, "has managed to successfully escape the moon and return to us."

"Honored Majesty, I have come here to retrieve my father from the forbidden teleporter." The Liberator announced without looking to his colleagues for their advice. This was not an issue where he would tread lightly. "I intend on curing his madness. Kiriya the healer is already awaiting our return."

"You will be bringing Lord Sigmund back into this world?" The king's expression became wary.

"I have already opened my castle to the treatment of Lord Sigmund." Eugene replied. "We would never dream of asking to keep him here. This land has experienced enough disturbances already."

"Yes, thank you for your consideration. However I cannot imagine that any good will come from bringing Lord Sigmund through to this world once more. He may have been a great hero and a pivotal part in our world's survival, but he has killed many men recently for no apparent reason. I do not know that it is wise to bring such a man back. I fear for your safety, honored guests, and would be most distressed if my men could not protect you properly."

Capell bristled at the near refusal they received from this man – this person who had probably never lifted a hand in defense of anyone once in his life – saw fit to pass judgment on their combat skills? After they had defeated the false god? Capell remembered the new king as the one who had stood beside King Miro when the Aristo had held the position. This man had been the most outspoken person against Capell when he had been discovered as an imposter. Though he felt his temper flare the Liberator kept his face placid and his voice steady.

"Majesty, I did not come here to ask for support," Capell tried to sound reassuring. "My men and I can handle the situation ourselves; we are no strangers to battle, remember, and are familiar with Lord Sigmund and his strengths. Rest assured we will succeed. However I must point out with all due respect to Your Majesty that I did not come here for permission either." At this he steeled his gaze slightly. "Cassandra has been reclaimed, and as her restored king I will not abandon my father – the former king – to madness. Our intent is to retrieve Lord Sigmund and to leave your land in peace. If your kingdom will require aid with the teleporter after we bring back Lord Sigmund, Cassandra and the Liberation Force will be honored to assist." He hoped the king saw the ultimatum in his promise. Without Sigmund's return, Capell was not coming back – and neither were the other monarchs. At least, not until the king was willing to reconsider.

Kolton's ruler appraised the room carefully for a moment, his chest puffed out in self-importance. Three rulers stood with the King of Cassandra and none among them argued his claim or his statement. It was one thing to deny the Liberator access to the teleporter to save a comrade. It was something else entirely to deny a king the right to save his father. Wars had been started for less.

Miro's successor smiled after a moment.

"Of course, honored King of Cassandra. May you and your men return safely and in success."

XXXX

The time spent as The Liberator had obviously taught him political protocol, Aya thought as she watched Capell lead them through the castle without the slightest trace of trepidation. He had spoken like a true king – like a man who knew he held the upper hand, though he never came out directly and said it. She had actually concentrated on not smiling when Capell put the wily king in his place. Vic had not been quite as self-contained and had let the beginnings of a chuckle slip out before Aya reached back and swatted the thief – discreetly of course. She watched Capell's back before her. He carried himself identically to Sigmund – who had always possessed the air of a king himself – even among his 'superiors'.

Aya hoped Lord Sigmund would regain himself to see how far Capell had come.

Without asking anyone if they were ready, Capell stepped up onto the stone platform and activated the teleporter, taking himself and his comrades through to the world beyond.

Aya had always been tolerant of desert heat, but this time she was sweating. The journey through the False Graad Prison and False Oradian Dunes had been difficult, Michelle's skills as a healer had been used quite a few times since they came through the first teleporter, along with Aya and Eugene's elementary skills. The beasts they had fought had been beyond any normal creature he had ever encountered. Capell understood now how one spider had killed three men. They were stronger and more blood thirsty than their cousins in the true Cobasna Timberlands. It had taxed them all to fight their way this far – it was a good thing they carried so many berry powders to rejuvenate themselves. When at last the teleporter that would take them to their true destination came into view Aya could not say if she was relieved or if she would have rather stayed behind with the creatures. Capell gave her no time to debate it, however, and climbed the stone steps immediately.

The blinding flash of the teleporter's magic dissipated and a Vesplume Tower was before them, bathed in a faint red glow, it's bizarre sky telling him that this was not the same tower he had last visited.

An armor clad figure stood where the Crimson Chain still appeared to be attached – another flaw in the recreation – his back turned to them, seemingly relaxed.

"F-father," Capell could not make himself sound firm. He couldn't believe what he was seeing even though he had already accepted that their lost hero was still alive. Sigmund turned, that same cool expression still making his features a perfect mask of composure.

Until his face twisted into a snarl and his fingers curled into tight fists. Capell resisted the shudder that climbed up his spine. Eugene had been right – Sigmund's rage was not something easily witnessed.

"No!" He hissed, moving slowly. "What were you thinking? Do you know what you have done by coming here?"

"I only know that you are here. We've come to take you h-"

"You fool!" Sigmund bellowed and Capell felt the others take a united step back. But somehow, through pure strength of will, Capell remained rooted. "You have given her the perfect weapon – the only beings capable of destroying a god! You have put yourselves right into her hands!"

"I don't understand. Who are you talking about?" Capell asked, trying to pull Sigmund out of his ire through talk. But the original Liberator shook his head wildly an action he would never have made in their home world. The franticness of his movements and speach reminded Capell of Leonid when he had last seen the Dreadnight on the moon; something frightening and no longer human.

If anything had been done to Sigmund to rob him of his humanity…

Capell felt something stir within him. Something unexpected and utterly necessary.

Anger. He did not know at who or what. But anger rushed through his veins and Capell felt all fear drain from his limbs replaced by the tingling need for action.

Sigmund pulled his sword free and Capell echoed with the Emblazoned Sword. The ring of steel shrilled in the strange air. He heard Aya murmur his name from behind.

"I will save you," Capell said to the mirror image that watched him intently, "even if you fight me every step of the way. I swear it."

Something in Sigmund's eyes had changed. He truly did not look like himself any longer. "I must protect the world." He murmured, as though he had never heard Capell speak. "You must die before she finds you. It is the only way to save the world; the only reason she would reclose the Gate. It is the only way to save you from her…"

"Don't follow me," Capell turned briefly to his friends. "and don't catch his attention."

"Capell!" Aya shrieked and the son turned, the Emblazoned Sword rising before him to repel the blow that had been aimed for his skull. Sigmund had moved on him that quickly. Capell dodged to one side and feigned an attack to draw the man's attention away from his friends. Another attack from the young Liberator and Sigmund followed Capell and the siren call of battle.

Grinn Valesti screamed into existence and Capell knew at last the horror of being on the receiving end of the awesome attack. Light and metal hurtled towards him faster than thought and by instinct alone he threw himself aside, feeling the rush of steel and raw power brush past him dangerously close. Close enough to think that he felt the blade against his leg for an instant. Somewhere in the distance Raven Venom was called forth. Aya's powerful attack followed Sigmund and he slid aside with liquid grace, barely missing him.

What is she doing?!

"Aya! Stop!" Capell's cry was so desperate she feared at first she had attacked the wrong man, until Capell stood and held a pleading hand out at her. "Keep your promise!" She knew she would regret agreeing to obey him the moment he had asked it of her in Burgusstadt. She knew Capell was not one to hold a grudge, but could she live with herself if she lost his trust? It was the only thing that kept her next arrow nocked and her feet planted. His trust was not something he was comfortable with giving out and she had worked hard to earn her share of it.

Sigmund seemed to dismiss the members of the Force as though they were of no consequence. His focus was solely on his son, standing firm and determined before him. Exactly as Capell wanted.

Metal flashed and the former king moved faster than anything Capell had ever encountered before. Spinning Waltz answered, throwing Sigmund's advancing blade aside and pushing the attacker away with the momentum. Again the elder advanced and again Capell deflected and countered. Steel crashed on steel and armored bodies collided again and again. Blades were moving so quickly that only bright flashes of their trails through the air could be seen.

Sigmund roared and came in for another assault. "She has opened the Seraphic Gate! She knows you exist and she will not rest until you belong to her! I will not allow that to happen!" Reginleif flared and Capell was flung backward, the force of the attack had been enough to render his block useless. Capell sprang to his feet slightly dazed for a moment, but managed to lunge in response with Alfheim.

It was all moving in slow motion for Aya, who could only stand by and watch. The glint of polished armor flashed like small explosions in the strange light. Twin attacks shook the very ground they stood upon while identical men spun and danced over the battlefield too quickly to tell them apart with any certainty. Blood from both men soon began to speckle the stone floor and stained shining blades and armor. Michelle actually called out Levi at one point by sheer reflex, though now it was just a word with no purpose.

Sigmund advanced; the same crushing blow that had almost killed Balbagon previously was this time deflected by a seemingly easy maneuver from Capell. Grinn Valesti was called out against the young hero and struck true this time. Yet after staggering for a brief moment, gripping at the bloodied gash at his shoulder, Capell was able to dismiss the injury and throw himself back into the heat of battle.

They had been right in their assumption it seemed. The only one strong enough to stand against the King of Cassandra was his own flesh and blood.

"This isn't right," Aya could hear Edward growling beside her, "this isn't right…"

"We've gotta do somethin'!" Vic's knives flipped into nimble fingers but Eugene intervened with a restraining hand.

"If you go in there," he said as gently as possible, "you'll only be a distraction to Capell. He asked us to stay back for a reason. He wants to protect us. If we go into that battle he will put himself between us and Sigmund – even if it means his life. I can say that, because he's done it before."

The moon.

"But…"

"Why did he ask us to come if he will not let us fight?" Edward demanded defiantly. "Why come all of this way just to stand here and watch? To be useless!"

"Because he knew we would come anyway," Dominica responded, "even if he told us not to – especially if he told us not to. But also because he needs us. He needs us here in plain sight, so that he remembers why he's raising a sword against his father." Dominica never speculated unless she was certain she was right – and she almost always was.

Capell's voice rang loudly in the air and Levantine Slash was born into the makeshift arena. It was not an attack he had used often – he reserved it only for the most desperate of fights for the amount of harm it could inflict. The raw demonstration of Capell's power sent Sigmund crashing into the balustrade, his unarmored head ricocheting against the stonework sending flecks of rock and mortar flying. Michelle cried out and Balbagon had to lift her under one giant arm to restrain her.

"Capell please stop!" But the son paid no heed to the woman's protest – his sword poised and ready with his next attack. Blood trickled down the inside of his armor, wetting his wrist and fingers that gripped the sword. The shoulder wound must be worse than he thought. This needed to end quickly before he couldn't fight anymore.

The swirling of the sky above began to change. Black fingers mixed in with the rainbow hues, becoming thicker and thicker. Sigmund's eyes rose groggily to the heavens.

"Coming..." he whispered… "she is coming…" He rose on unsteady feet and stumbled towards Capell, sword hefted above his shoulder in an all-too familiar stance. Blood dribbled down from his temple where he had struck the railing. Capell knew this was likely to be his only chance; Sigmund was stunned and would not be able to react quickly.

Capell sidestepped when Sigmund charged, parrying the fierce upsweep of Sigmund's sword and, flipping the blade in his grip as Sigmund passed by him, brought the pommel of the weapon crashing down onto the back of his father's head with all of his might.

The elder melted into a heap of metal and man at his son's feet. Capell waited, blade ready and tense. Yet Sigmund did not move. It seems luck had chosen his side at last. Michelle moaned from her place on the platform, but did not approach.

The Emblazoned sword slipped from Capell's fingers with a ringing clatter and he knelt awkwardly to turn the fallen man onto his back. Sigmund was breathing still, though the welt on the side of his head was visible now through his hair. He would need healing quickly. Retrieving his sword Capell slung the hero up onto his good shoulder awkwardly and turned to the awestruck party.

He was thoroughly depleted, having not fought a true battle – let alone a series of battles – in years. The effort had taxed him to exhaustion. He felt his knees buckle under his father's weight, but hesitated when Balbagon stepped forward to take the fallen man. "I can carry you both if I have to." The enormous man's words were not a threat but an offer and spoken with something that could have been considered deference from the boisterous man. Capell surrendered his charge and raised his eyes. The swirling sky that had struck fear into Sigmund was increasing in activity, the ebony tendrils growing thicker and longer. Capell didn't know what that meant but he wasn't about to take any chances. His eyes continued to lose their focus despite his best efforts. He wouldn't be able to fight anymore today. Soon enough he wouldn't even be able to stand.

"Whatever is coming was enough to frighten Sigmund," he said wearily, "and that's enough for me. We're leaving. Now."

XXXX

He remembered this sensation. Comfort. This was not something he had known in…

Sigmund frowned, the effect bringing a sharp sting to a place just above his brow. He could not grasp the concept of the last time he had lain down. It eluded him, a memory he knew he possessed yet could not uncover.

He opened his eyes and sat up, the thin blanket slid from his chest. This place seemed… familiar. What was this place? One entire wall was a row of thick iron bars, revealing a long corridor on the other side. He was in a prison? It certainly appeared to be so.

Someone was in the cell with him and Sigmund's hand went instinctively to his hip. There was nothing consequential there to meet his fingers. No armor, no sword, nothing but thick cotton sleepwear. The person who had been seated on the rough stone floor stood slowly, watching him through compassionate eyes.

"We had to take your sword and your armor," the man said softly, "just for now. Edward is mending it for you. We'll give it back when you're well."

"Edward…" he tested the name on his tongue, "Edward…" The name seemed familiar – as did the man standing before him, for that matter. A memory broke free of the fog within his mind. "Edward!"

"Yes, Edward. Edward and Aya; Eugene and Michelle; … you remember us, right?"

Sigmund pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes shut tight. It was difficult to concentrate; he felt as though he had been drugged. "I… yes… yes I know you." Serious eyes rose to the young man once more. "I remember you, Capell."

"Do you remember what happened?" Capell did not move closer, though his stance shifted slightly – just enough to betray the fact that he wanted to. "Anything from before?"

"Before?" Sigmund nodded. The fog was dissipating with a bit more ease now. "I remember, though some memories are not as clear as others yet." He reached up and absently touched the heavy bandages swathing his head, his eyes darkening as he recalled flashes of his last battle. Capell's shoulder was also wrapped in the thick, white dressings, though he did not show any sign that the wound beneath bothered him.

"Are you… were you badly injured?" Sigmund's voice was still steady and composed, but something in his expression changed. Capell smiled sheepishly and shrugged with his good shoulder.

"Michelle's a very good healer. In a couple of days we'll both be as good as new." Sigmund frowned.

"You should never have entered the Gate." He said firmly. "You have no idea what could have happened." Capell moved forward and lowered himself on his haunches beside the bed.

"No, I don't," Capell agreed, "though very soon I will. Hopefully with your help, but without it if I have to."

"Be careful your valor does not turn to self destruction," Sigmund cautioned, "for the longest time I could not tell the difference between the two." Capell frowned.

"You once told me to find something to fight for, and to protect it with my life." There was no humor in his expression or tone. "That, father, is exactly what I was doing." Sigmund blinked.

And then he sighed heavily. Suddenly the man looked older, more tired than Capell ever remembered.

"So you know."

Capell nodded, the steel leaving his gaze. "Iskan told me. Empress Svala had told me about your past and what happened after… but it was Iskan who told me who the baby was – who I am." True emotion crossed Sigmund's face; pain. Capell thought at that moment he would have preferred the rage again.

"Perhaps someday I will earn the right to ask for your forgiveness." The elder said quietly. His son shook his head.

"You don't have to earn anything, and you don't have to ask." But Sigmund's face hardened.

"I do; and for more than attacking you in the tower. For giving you up, though I knew in my heart is was wrong. For not telling you the truth once I remembered. For depriving you of a mother in making that terrible decision. There is much I must atone for with you, more than any man should forgive so easily."

Capell regarded his father for a moment. "We can talk about that later, if you want. For now there are questions that need to be answered." He stood and reached down to Sigmund with his good arm. "Are you able to leave this cell safely?" More than Sigmund's safety – the former king knew the true meaning of that question.

With a brisk nod Sigmund took the outstretched hand.

XXXX

Capell did not take him to the royal suite. Instead he traveled down to the residential district, to the very last house on the path. It was Genma's house – Sigmund remembered it from prior trips.

Word spread quickly when the Force had returned with their charge, and folk had been swarming the pathways in an effort to see one of the resurrected heroes. Now the Liberators received startled looks as they passed shops and homes. To see one of these mighty men up close would have been exciting, but to see the pair of them together! Even without their armor, their very presence was invoking awe among the citizenry. Whispers, gasps and even broken crockery followed their wake. Sigmund paid no heed, but was mildly surprised to see that Capell did not flinch under those gazes either. When at last they reached the door to Genma's house Capell let himself and his father in without so much as knocking.

"Lord Sigmund!" Edward was on his feet instantly, but there was something different about his stance. He no longer seemed eager to jump to Sigmund's bidding. He was calmer, more self possessed. Aya, Komachi and Gemna were also in attendance, rising to their feet and making an equal to-do about the new arrival. Sigmund bobbed his head politely and allowed Komachi to show him to a chair.

"Does your shoulder hurt again, Lord Capell?" The subdued guild warrior asked as she showed Capell to a seat of his own. "You are favoring it again, it seems."

"I'm alright, thank you." But Komachi stubbornly shook her head.

"I will go and fetch Michelle. She will know better than anyone if you need care. And she can also tend to Lord Sigmund's dressings." It was the closest Komachi ever came to disobedience, and Capell decided not to squash the slight rebellion. It was actually refreshing. He nodded complacently and watched the woman slip from the room.

"Are you feeling any better, My Lord?" Edward asked the first Liberator, taking a seat at the table. He leaned on the table casually, as though watching a man return from the brink of madness was commonplace now.

"Yes, thank you."

"You'll want to drink this, My Lord," Aya placed a steaming mug of tea with an herbal scent to it before Sigmund, "Michelle said it would help counter the sleeping potion she had to give you."

"I see," that accounted for the trouble gathering his thoughts when he had first awoke. "Thank you."

"You're looking better, too." Edward smiled teasingly and reached over and gave Capell a careful shove of his good shoulder. "Sleeping on the floor did you well, I see." Aya batted the dark man back and placed a tender hand on the assaulted shoulder, a gesture that spoke of more than friendship. Sigmund watched the group with a smooth expression, but Capell seemed to know exactly what he was thinking.

"A lot's changed since you disappeared." He explained.

"So I gather."

"Genma, will you please bring the others here?" Capell turned to the wizened warrior. Genma saluted austerely.

"As My Lord wishes," he replied with no less formality and was gone from the house before anyone had a chance to take another breath. Sigmund turned back to his son to find those sincere eyes were now trained on him with all the seriousness of battle – the others had become graven as well. Sigmund knew the question before it even left Capell's lips.

"I would prefer to wait a while to give you time to recover more, and to tell you everything that has happened since we last saw you, but with the Gate still open I don't believe that's a good idea." His son started with that old apologetic tone that Sigmund remembered.

"While I know that you were not well while we were in the Seraphic Gate, I fully believe that you were not wrong when you said someone was after us. Tell me, father, who is 'she'?"

So I'm sure you all know the answer to that question. But her whole presence in the game was barely touched upon (Unless you see more when you play on Hard; I don't know that yet) – we got a few hints but nothing really concrete. So I'm going to give her a place in the plot. Idea's in the works. Let's see how it goes. ;o)