35.
Demon's Knight
Aeria Palmira.
Auron's examination room.
Three days later.
A woman in the same Aeria Palmira uniform as Frederick (a plain green coat) was sitting on a stool near a small desk close to Auron's bed. She was sifting through several files, putting some of them away in a small cabinet. This woman was thin, with her brown hair tied back in a bun with green ribbons. She was slightly tanned, a slender face and had calm, soulful red eyes. Her name is Marilyn, and she is one of the three head doctors of Aeria, along with Frederick and another man, Yuichi. Known for her gentle, sweet nature, Marilyn has helped many sick and injured on the road to recovery.
These three are not the founders of this medical "facility" however. That title goes to a man named Kamiya, who oversaw Aeria's construction during the time when people were still settling on this continent. Meo Oneller was much smaller back then, of course. Kamiya eventually passed away seven years ago, of old age, and a small grave was erected in his honor, which still exists today in the town's Garden District.
Auron's examination room was small, but it's meant to house only one patient anyways. Unlike the guest rooms and the "receptionist's room", the walls and floor here are painted sea-green. Three cabinets line the south wall, all containing bandages, medicines, and a few surgical tools. The cabinets are all painted the same color as the walls. Auron's bed…well…you guessed it…its colored white.
As for Auron himself, he's been sleeping throughout the three days (that must be one strong sedative). His head rests on a couple of pillows, slightly turned at an angle, and lies under a white blanket that comes up to his chin.
Marilyn, as she continues to sift through her files, occasionally turns around and casts a glance at him, smiles, and returns to her paper sorting. After a while, she stopped. She raised the paper to her face and began to read it.
XX Month X Day XX Year:
…Several patients were admitted today. All had minor burn wounds. Treated and released about six hours later…
"This isn't it…maybe…" Marilyn mumbled as she put the paper down and looked at the next one.
XX Month X Day XX Year:
One patient admitted. Male, appears to be between 30 and 45, delivered here last night, most likely on the last Merylie ferry for this day…
Marilyn skimmed to the last part of the page.
…shows almost no signs of consciousness………cannot confirm origins……has yet to show vital signs………family and name cannot be determined……bears a scar on the wrist and right eye……pulse discovered……still has not awakened……brain-dead?
……cause of affliction unknown……
Marilyn cast another glance at the sleeping Auron.
"Huuuh…" Marilyn pulled out another file and looked through it.
XX Day XX Month XX Year:
After about 20 years, the patient has come to...became confused after awakening……… broke out of the examination room……… No one was injured…... the patient fled out of town…… Appeared disoriented………confusion……missing……seemed to be……………internal bleeding (?)……experiences of bodily pain…………shock……
……………….Current status: Missing.
"…He's come back." Marilyn mumbled. "The same patient that escaped a while back. It's you…But…something's not right…"
She took out a small sphere, about the size of a grape. She raised herself of the stool and made her way to Auron's bedside. She tapped the sphere with her index finger and it began to glow, like a flashlight. She gently opened his eyelid and shone the light in his eye, studying it.
Normal, nothing out of the ordinary.
Marilyn sighed and pulled out Auron's arm from under the bed sheet, and then examined the scar on his wrist. She thought she heard a noise; she turned her head towards the door. Nothing there and the door remained closed. Marilyn shrugged and she shut off the mini-sphere light. She tucked it away in her pants pocket.
Someone was now knocking at the door. Marilyn put hand on Auron's face for a moment, and then let go and walked to the door.
Before she could even reach for the doorknob, the door swung open, right in Marilyn's face. Marilyn was knocked back, hit the wall, and fell to the floor. She tried to regain her footing but fell on her behind. She jerked her hand up to her face, covering her bleeding nose.
Eva slowly walked into the room, her eyes darting back and forth. Spotting Auron, who continued to sleep, Eva's lips curved into a small grin.
Marilyn looked up, hand over her nose, terrified.
"I'll be taking him." Eva murmured.
She snapped her fingers and a male crimson knight rushed in. Eva pointed to Auron, and the knight nodded. The two effortlessly dragged Auron off the bed and out the door. She shut the door on the way out with a swift kick. Marilyn tried to follow them, but Eva motioned for the knight to continue without her. Eva swung the door open again, hitting Marilyn a second time. Marilyn, dazed and bleeding from the mouth and nose, staggered back and collapsed onto the bed, knocked out cold.
"I love doing that." Eva mumbled as she rejoined the knight, and carried Auron out of the Aeria.
During the three days, Cid would go into town and buy some goods, then return to rest occasionally. He took care not to disturb anyone.
Cid had returned from his exploits around town, only to be knocked aside by Eva and her cohort when he arrived to the receptionist's room. Rubbing his head, he stumbled to his feet and ran to Auron's room. He rushed to the injured Marilyn and shook her gently. She gasped weakly and opened her eyes. He propped her up, her head resting on his chest.
"Miss…what happened?" Cid began ripping the bed sheet into smaller pieces and wiped the blood off her face.
"…They took him…"Marilyn said weakly. "They hit me with the door…and dragged him out of here."
"Where are they headed?"
"I….don't know…please…."
"Was Auron awake?"
"No…just get him back…just leave me here…."
"….All right…Stay here and don't open the door unless it's me or Melbourne, understand?"
"Sure…Woman in white…and an armor-clad man…"
Cid tucked Marilyn in with the remaining bed sheet pieces. He rummaged through Auron's storage box and picked up his blade. He then left the room.
Aeria Palmira.
Melbourne's and Cid's quarters.
Melbourne had fallen asleep for a bit, the book she had been reading still lying open in her lap. During their stay, she hasn't moved from that spot. If she wasn't having short sessions of sleep, she was looking through her book.
She stirred, her eyes opening to narrow slits. She felt something in her body, as if her blood was beginning to boil. It was a strange sensation, flowing to her hands, to her mind, and her heart…
…She could sense that there were enemy presences outside, somewhere. Yet she felt neither pain nor insanity…Instinct? She couldn't put a finger on it.
She opened her eyes, slid off the armchair and picked up Spell Edge, which she had put behind the chair. She walked to the door when Cid burst in.
"Miss! Auron is gone. We must—"
Melbourne, without a word, walked past him, towards the stairs and began descending them.
"Miss…" Cid mumbled. He followed her outside of the Aeria, lugging Auron's blade behind him.
Meo Oneller's layout is that of a five-pointed star, each "section" divided into six Districts. The sixth is the Central District, and all other Districts connect to the Central District.
The Six Districts:
Garden District (the eastern district): A park, filled with lush, live flora. Numerous fountains and benches have been built here, with stone walkways (all "walkways" and "paths" are made of stone). This is the place you frequent if you wish to relax, and perhaps have a picnic. Kamiya's grave is located here, at the far end of the park. There is also an old tree, grown immensely large and is perfect for shade.
Healing Wind District (the northern district): This is the far end of the town, where Aeria Palmira has been built. The town exit, which leads to the path towards the port where Cid's vessel is docked, is here as well.
Familiar District (the western district): Shopping area, what more can be said? All shops and inns are here. If you need items, stop in Force Stealer Apothecary for the latest and greatest (?) potions and ethers. Need a shiny new sword? Save the Queen Smithery have over 125 kinds of them! Plus, they sell armor! Most of the townsfolk either work here or the Aeria.
Central District (the middle district): A simple town square and all districts radiate from here. It's a great place to meet and greet people. It is the smallest of the districts (but not too small!).
Initial District (the southwest district): The town entrance. This is where Auron, Cid, and Melbourne first arrived, with the sign. Past the sign is a wooden message board, where people can post job offers, flyers for special events, among other things.
Rosetta District (the southeastern district): The obvious residential district. All houses are here, all of them made of painted wood. Every house, oddly, has a chocobo-shaped weathervane on the roof.
Meo Oneller.
Healing Wind District.
Cid finally caught up with Melbourne. "Miss….Oh."
Melbourne stood there, gripping the scythe in her right hand. She was staring at the mob of crimson knights, who all had their weapons drawn, in front of her. Cid surveyed the area, shaking his head.
"They knew we'd try to retrieve Auron…so they set up a blockade," said Cid.
"…Yeah. Do you think they hurt the people here? I…" Melbourne whispered. "We have to help them…"
"…And get Auron back. Miss, I know you wish not to fight but…"
"No…it's not that. I feel…something malevolent…something that wasn't here before."
"What? Here they come!" Cid yelled.
The mob of crimson knights charged, and the place echoed with the sounds of weapons clashing. Melbourne ducked under a wayward staff swung by a male knight and slashed at the feet of four knights, knocking them off balance. She rose up and stabbed at the staff-wielding knight, and threw him into another group of knights that were overwhelming Cid.
"Phew…Thank you Miss…gah!" Cid barely evaded a sword swing that came from his right side. He unsheathed his sword, turned around to retaliate, but three knights appeared and tackled him to the ground.
"…Cid…" Melbourne knocked a lancer away from her and dove at the knights attacking Cid. She slashed at all three of them, and two of them fell over, dying. Cid shoved away the remaining knight and was helped to his feet by Melbourne. By the time they had realized it, they were surrounded by more knights.
"It's…huff…a full-scale invasion!!" Cid cried. "They just keep coming…"
"……Area…." murmured Melbourne under her breath.
Cid moved closer to Melbourne, as if to protect her. "It's you they want…"
"Huh…?"
The knights began to close in on the duo.
"...If they can come back…does that signal…that the demons can come back as well…?" Cid said in a fearful voice.
"What's a….demon? And….how are we gonna get out this?" Melbourne raised her scythe as if in a blocking stance.
"…She…no…I won't…I won't let that happen again!!" Cid looked into Melbourne's face.
An image flashed in Cid's mind, the memory of him holding a woman in his arms. The woman was breathing heavily, like a sick animal. She had a small trickle of blood flowing out of her mouth. She had a round face, and pink lips, as well as long, purplish hair, messy, with some of it falling about her face. Her eyes were ocean blue and she wore a reddish cotton dress. She was barefoot.
They were alone, on the outskirts of a village, at night, amidst a group of slain villagers and knights. Pyreflies floated all around them.
The woman raised a hand and placed it on Cid's face. Every vein on her hand was visible, colored black, twisted from its original form. Her eyes were overcome with pain.
"Please…I'm sorry…Cid…" the woman said weakly.
"Stay…you came back to me…I'm not going to lose you again!" Cid cried out.
"There's no time…cough I'm not really hack myself anymore…Cid…"
"Fight back! Please…I don't want to…"
"Cid…it hurts…My head…hurts…it's…driving me mad…There's…too many…hack Thoughts…Cid why does it hurt?!"
"…Sakura…Don't…"
"hack…He's…biding time…I saw it…in her…hack gone…it will awaken!"
"Sakura, don't give in…what is…"
"...You still...call me 'Sakura'…hack……."
The woman's face was hardening into a blank, emotionless expression. Cid heard a strange voice call out to him.
"Indeed, he will awaken."
Cid screamed and dropped the woman to the ground, and drove his sword into her torso. She looked up at him, as if saying, "Thank you." She shut her eyes and began to fade into pyreflies, which floated to the sky and dissipated. Cid stood there, and then fell to his knees, his sword still in the ground, his face stricken with despair.
"Cid! Ciiid!!" a woman's voice called. It was Melbourne's voice.
Cid looked bewildered, and he shook the images out of his mind. He held his sword out in front of him.
"Save…" Cid mumbled.
"What?"
"I swear I will not let you become a demon!!"
Cid gripped his sword, and it erupted into black flames. His eyes were filled with rage, as he jumped (!) over the mob with one great leap, sliced at the air below him, and landed on the other side, crouching but holding the sword out to his side.
All the knights turned to look at him. Cid, without turning around, sheathed his sword and as it locked in place, a large black energy wave came from all sides of the mob, engulfing them, and many knights fell, doubling over in pain, and then becoming motionless.
Melbourne looked at the dark knight in shock, and awe. Cid turned to look at her. She jumped into the air, and spinning back down; upon contact with the ground the same burst of light exploded all around her, just like her battle with Ulysses, and finished off the knights still alive. A swell of pyreflies began to form around the area.
She walked up to Cid and asked, "Are you all right?"
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"…I don't know…"
"No no no…What was…that was…"
Cid smiled weakly. "I haven't used that in what seems like ages…Just…"
"…What was that?"
"….Back then, we honed our skills…Harnessing the power of arcana…Mine is…'Hell's Judgment'. The 'Iron Maiden.'"
"…You really are dark knight…that was amazing, and I never thought I'd say something like that. I wish I was more in control, like you."
"We should go."
Melbourne nodded in agreement.
Meo Oneller.
Garden District.
"Okay, is that everyone?" Rose stood in front of a large group of people, the inhabitants of the town.
She had helped move everyone to one District, with the help of a man who had wandered into town and got caught up in the proceedings. That man was now at the entrance of the Garden District, fending off a group of about ten crimson knights. It was late afternoon, and the sun was still in the sky, shining, but not as bright as it did earlier in the day.
This man was probably in his mid-forties, wearing a thick white scarf, tied loosely around his neck and shoulders. His hair was a deep gray, and his face was stern, yet gentle at the same time, as if he had seen a great many things in his lifetime. His face showed some age, but not one wrinkle could be seen. He wore a thick pair of gloves, what appeared to be a white coat fit for a butler, grayish slacks, and boots that came up to his knees, all colored an extremely pale yellow.
In his hands, he brandished a beautiful, silver partisan (spear), adorned with amethyst, peridot, and citrines. If you look closely, you can see an elegant scarlet-colored wave pattern running from the mid-handle to the spearhead.
"Entropy" is what the man called this weapon.
A female crimson knight jumped at the man, and the man effortlessly swatted the knight, smacking her about twenty feet clear across the town. The rest of the knights ran in and began to try to surround him.
Rose was in the District, trying to keep order amongst the panicked people. Some were taking refuge under the large tree, and some were crying.
"It's gonna be okay! Just stay here and don't leave, okay!?" Rose shouted.
Frederick, along with several doctors from Aeria Palmira approached her.
"Where did they come from?! We just went to get some supplies…Where is Marilyn?!" Frederick asked.
"Marilyn? Who?" Rose asked back.
"She…must still be at the Aeria…with Auron. She stayed with Auron to…We have to go get them!"
Rose spread her arms out. "You can't! It's too dangerous…"
"There may be injured out there! As doctors we—"
"Uh-huh! No-o-o!" Rose stood her ground. "I don't know…how long that guy will last…but no one in and no one out!"
At the entrance of the District the man had defeated the knights trying to break through to the Garden District. He stood there, catching his breath. He looked up to see Cid and Melbourne running towards him. He raised his spear in defense.
"Friend or foe?" the man asked. "If you are in league with—"
Cid shook his head no. "No! We aren't your enemy. Please, is there a man named Auron in this District?"
"…Not that I know of."
"Where is everyone?" Melbourne asked. She slowly approached the man and he stared at her, surprised.
"Most of the Districts have been evacuated, and everyone is holing up here." The man looked back, and then returned his gaze to Melbourne. "I think there may be some left behind in other Districts…but I can't just leave here."
"………We'll take care of it." said Melbourne. "…Ahh…?" She noticed his eyes were almost the same exact color as hers. His eyes were olive-green, but just a little darker.
"Christopher." said the man.
Another wave of knights was approaching the Garden District. Christopher readied his spear.
"Go now!" he shouted.
Cid nodded his head and led Melbourne away. Christopher pondered for a moment, and took a small, faded photo from his coat and looked at it.
"…Might be…no…" he mumbled.
The knights all formed a line and began to attack. Christopher snorted and put the photo back in his coat.
"Bring it…" he said to himself.
Meo Oneller.
Familiar District.
"You know, this wasn't so hard after all." Eva brushed a hair out of her face. She was overseeing her subordinates as they were picking though several shops and stands. She was holding a blue bottle, which she put to her lips and emptied the entire contents. Auron, still sleeping, was lying against a wall, sitting up, and heavily guarded by several crimson knights, all who were looking back and forth at the surroundings.
A male knight ran up to her. "Madam? If I may…"
"Yes." Eva tossed the bottle aside.
"We've received no word from the ones stationed in Isolde…And, do know of a means of crossing the continent?"
"Do not worry; I've already got a few ships ready."
"What of Isolde?"
"….View this…This happened after I left…" Eva handed the knight a sphere. He took it and tapped it lightly. It was slightly bloodstained.
Eva's Sphere.
The sphere was displaying the area around Rose's bar. Several knights, two males and one female, were talking amongst themselves.
"So…uh…what are you planning after we…ya know…offer up that guy?" asked the female knight.
"Not sure we should be planning anything yet…I mean…Eva will kill us if we go against her orders," said the male knight to the left of the woman.
"Hey who's that?" asked the male knight to the right of the woman. He pointed to an approaching figure.
Several more knights joined the trio.
"Isn't that…" The female knight began walking in the figure's direction. The male knight who had been standing to the right of her picked up the sphere near him. The screen bounced as he walked.
"…L—oh…what the hell is that?!"
"Attack! In the name of…what the fuck is that thing?!"
Piercing screams could now be heard all around, as well as the sound of weapons clashing…the sphere clattered to the ground, slowly becoming more static. Small spatters of blood were blotting out the sphere, until it went completely static and faded out.
The knight holding Eva's sphere looked completely horrified. "What…was…that…?"
"There was only one survivor…he brought me this, before he collapsed. He told me that something quite ferocious slaughtered the squad stationed there…If I find it, I'll kill it." Eva shook her head. "I can recall that knight's final words…'berith's awakening'…feels as though I've heard it somewhere before…"
"……You….."
Eva spun around. Auron lifted his head up. His belongings were still back at the Aeria, so he was only wearing his pants, socks and black shirt.
"Look who decided to wake up!" Eva snapped her fingers and the knights surrounding Auron all pointed their weapons at him. "Well, you know…"
"What do you have to gain from all of this? My body has become twisted, malevolent…it doesn't even belong to me anymore…Something is there…"
"I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about," Eva replied, then snorted. "I'll tell you what I do know: your blood—well, it's gonna break through the gate of Geis, see? Man…those Sacreds sure can be a pain…"
"…Sacred knights…"
"Bingo!" Eva pulled out her fragment of the Archives. "An earlier section says the two people were unidentified…but in another section…it was confirmed…two Sacreds pulled a fast one on all of us! And this other one says we consume blood! Phhhhbbtt! That's a load of chocobo shit…We don't really need anything to eat or drink, but I sure love some booze; it sure takes the edge off." Eva laughed uncontrollably.
"Melbourne…"
"Oh…that chick you're hanging out with. You DO know you were really meant to kill people like her, yes? So tell me…why?"
"…."
"Why do you protect her? I'm list-en-ing…"
"…Because…it's what I do best, isn't it?"
"Fat lot of good that's gonna do. Where's your charge? I don't see her."
Lightning bolts came from above, striking the knights guarding Auron. They screamed and ran in awkward, clutching their heads in pain. Auron quickly rose to his feet and shoved Eva away, who was looking around, dumbfounded. She hit the wall and screamed. All the knights who were pillaging the shops all unsheathed their weapons and moved in to attack.
Melbourne's scythe, spinning through the crowd, struck several of them, felling them in one blow. It hit the roof of a fruit stand and stuck there. Auron, in the confusion, shoved his way through the crowd.
A few feet away from him, stood Cid, holding his sword in one hand and Auron's blade in the other. Melbourne was next to him, still in the stance she used to throw her weapon, her left arm stretched behind her back, and her right arm held up at an angle, covering some of her face. She began to stand more relaxed, lowering her arm.
The three of them approached each other. Cid held out the blade. "Here."
Auron took it and looked at himself. "….Not even going to ask."
Eva, leaning against the wall, pointed straight at the trio. "Annihilate that woman and the dark messenger!!! But leave Auron intact!!! Go!! Kill them!!!"
All of Eva's knights, those who were still alive, all began to stampede towards the trio.
"…Figures…Melbourne." Auron cast a glance at her.
"…Yeah?" Melbourne tilted her head to the side.
"Get your weapon. We fight."
Auron, Cid, and Melbourne all charged forward, and swords clanged, echoing throughout the town. Melbourne kick-jumped on the heads of a few knights, and retrieved the scythe. She jumped down and swung it wildly, knocking away many knights.
Cid stabbed a knight through the torso, and pulling out the sword, slashed a knight that was coming from behind him. He ran through the middle of another group, slashing wildly at both sides, felling most the group.
Auron ran up to several knights near Melbourne, pulled back his blade for a bit, then swung the blade with great force, sending many of them flying far away, and into the windows of the shops, as well as the walls. Most of them crumpled to the floor, near death, or dead, pyreflies beginning to form.
Eva, breathing heavily, screamed and dove at Melbourne, unsheathing her twin daggers along the way. Melbourne turned and tried to get out of the way, but Eva sheathed one of the daggers and punched her in the chest. Melbourne staggered back and fell to her knees. Eva backhanded her, and she fell to the side, and struggled to get up. Eva, with one of her daggers still out, tried to stab Melbourne, who had sat up but couldn't get away in time. She shut her eyes.
Cid tried running towards her. "Miss!!"
Melbourne, oddly, felt nothing. She opened her eyes to see Auron in front of her. He had used himself as a shield. Melbourne's face was slightly buried in his shoulder, and he held her in place. Eva's dagger was jammed in his left arm. Infuriated, she yanked it out and screamed.
"…Auron…" Melbourne murmured. His arm already had blood streaming from the wound.
Auron stood up and helped Melbourne to her feet. He motioned for her to move to the side.
"Stay back," he said.
Eva whistled and the remaining knights charged.
Auron leaned to the side a little, as his arm hurt greatly. He struggled to grip his blade with both hands. He ran head-on into the crowd, and only performed one horizontal slash. He stopped on the other side of the crowd, and turned around. He plunged the blade into the ground.
Everything seemed to fall silent. All the knights, including Eva, were looking around. Out of nowhere thin, red and black spears cut through the air, cutting through every knight, striking them from every direction.
All of the knights except Eva burst into pyreflies, and faded almost as quickly. Eva was staggering, holding her stomach. She fell to one knee and looked up.
Auron stood directly in front of her, staring at her coldly. Eva looked straight into his eyes, and her face became more frightened.
"No….It cannot be…" Eva gasped. The faint image of a winged figure flashed in her mind. She staggered to her feet and backed away.
She whistled loud enough to wake the dead. "Everyone, retreat!! Regroup, now!!"
All the knights attacking other Districts stopped and began to withdraw. Christopher sighed with relief in the Garden District.
Eva snapped her fingers and a black hole in the wall near her appeared. She staggered back into it. "…Astaroth…awakened…"
Auron and Melbourne tried to catch Eva, but the hole vanished. Melbourne tore off a piece of her scarf and began wrapping Auron's arm. Cid approached them.
"They're gone, for now I suppose…" said Cid. "I will inform the rest of the town, if I may."
"Go," said Auron.
Cid nodded and ran off. Melbourne turned to Auron.
"…What you did back there…I'm sorry…I should've…" Melbourne sighed.
"Think nothing of it." Auron said calmly.
"…Okay...Let's get your stuff back…"
The two began walking towards the Central District. Melbourne, this time, walked a bit closer to Auron than previous occasions.
36.
Fate's Thorn-Lined Wheel
Aeria Palmira, some time ago.
Patient Quarters 3-B.
Several doctors were looking over a man, lying still on a bed. He had been here for many years, and not once did he ever wake up. The doctors and nurses tried as hard as they could to tend to him, in the hope that he would wake up. Despite the shots and medicines given to him, this man would show some signs of life, yet he would not regain consciousness. His files, both old, and present, would be the files that Marilyn would discover later.
That man is Auron.
"That is all we can do for now. We can't keep him here forever," said a red-haired male doctor.
"But…I think we're this close to treating him!" said a blonde-haired female doctor. "If we just…"
"It's been too long already. I have no choice…but to pronounce this patient dead."
"But…"
"No buts…there are other patients that need our help. We can't spend all our time and energy on one patient anymore."
"…Do you…feel that…?"
"What?"
The green-coated man had been sitting on the roof of the Aeria. It was night at this time. He was holding a book in his hands, which he shut. He stood up, gazing at the moon, full, and gave off a gentle, pale yellow glow. The stars seemed to resonate along with the moon. The man smiled.
"Only a matter of time…" the green-coated man murmured under his breath. "…Amon…"
He turned and jumped off the roof, and ran off.
Meanwhile, the doctors looking after Auron were still arguing. They were shocked when they turned see Auron sitting up, staring at his hands. He was shaking.
"Oh…" said the blonde-haired doctor.
The other doctors, including the red-haired one, just stood there, speechless.
A brown-haired nurse slowly edged up to the bed. She reached over and put a hand on the side of Auron's head. He continued to stare at his hands.
"Go get Marilyn and the others!" instructed the blonde-haired nurse.
All the doctors except for the brown-haired nurse walked out of the room. The brown-haired nurse smiled and said, "Welcome back."
Auron lowered his hands but wouldn't look up.
"Are you hungry?" the brown-haired nurse asked.
Auron raised a hand to his forehead. "…What…is this…?"
"You're safe…here in the Aeria. This place has looked after you for quite a while—"
"This…where…belong…Aaagh…" Auron groaned in pain.
A blue-haired doctor walked in, carrying Auron's belongings. He and the nurse helped to dress him. Auron sat on the bed, shaking.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" asked the nurse. She turned to the blue-haired doctor. "Get something for him. Painkillers should do it."
The blue-haired doctor nodded and left the room. The nurse put a hand on Auron's shoulder and smiled.
"You'll be all right, I promise. I know you must be in shock, but the most important thing is to stay calm, okay?" the nurse said calmly.
"…Bright…why…is everything…bright…?" Auron shut his eyes.
"Shh, stay calm. We're gonna get you some medicine, okay? Where does it hurt?"
"…It's too bright…why…am I here? I must…" Auron began to cough violently.
"Shhhh…." The nurse clasped Auron's hands, which felt clammy to the touch.
Auron stopped coughing for a few minutes. "…Suffocation…the brightness…closed…It's painful…."
The nurse's face grew nervous. She yelled, "Someone! Please!" She patted Auron on the back lightly, and then looked around for something she could use. Auron began coughing again, this time he was spitting up blood in his hands. The nurse gasped, pulled a handkerchief from her uniform coat, and tried wiping the blood from his mouth, but he shoved her aside, and began staggering out of the room. The nurse fell to her knees, rubbing her head.
"Someone!" she called out again. "Restrain him! He can't leave yet!"
Auron was staggering down the hall, shoving anyone that was in his way. He stopped and leaned towards the wall, with one hand on the wall and the other clutching the side of his head. A few doctors came with potions and shots, but Auron knocked them away, and continued drunkenly down the hall. He collapsed in the receptionist's room, startling the people there. He cast a glance at them, and burst through the door, staggering off into the night. Some of the doctors came out, looking around, and searched all of the districts. Auron was already gone, staggering down the road, eventually wandering off the path.
He stopped and dropped to his hands and knees, small droplets of blood falling to the grass below him.
He had wandered off to the "Blue", an open "plain" of grass and some wildflowers, situated several miles away from civilization. There isn't much here, as it fringes on the far edge of towns such as Meo Oneller, and stretches as far as Eicale.
Auron looked up, towards the moon, then at his hands again. He clutched the sides of his head and screamed. It seemed to echo all around him.
He continued to scream for about five minutes, until he fell over, tired, confused, and filled with nausea.
Blue.
Some time later.
Auron had awakened after sleeping for quite a while after his collapse, and wandered through Blue, regaining some sort of control over himself. He occasionally looked up at sky, gray, with the sun nowhere in sight. It was raining somewhat heavily, and Auron was quickly soaked. As he looked up, thick raindrops would bounce off his face. He would shake his head and walk on, with no real set destination. He continued to do so, as he had no inclination to find any place to stay. He had no idea of where to go, or even where he was.
He wandered for a while, running into a few fiends along the way, and dispatched them without much effort. Eventually he spotted a structure in the distance.
An abandoned tunnel.
Auron shrugged and began walking towards it when a short sword whizzed by his left arm, cutting him. He turned around to see an armored person behind him.
That man is Agistral.
"Found you," said Agistral, waving to the sword embedded in the ground. The sword returned to him.
Auron brandished his blade, but said nothing.
"Hey, put that thing down. I just want you to come along quietly. C'mon, don't make this hard." Agistral made a gesture towards Auron.
Auron moved into his battle stance.
Agistral shrugged. "Tch…Hard way then." He drew his twin swords and charged. His swords began to generate small wind gusts around the blades.
Auron ran, drew his blade back, and slammed it into Agistral, who was knocked several feet away, and landed on the ground, bounced once, and rolled over to the side. Auron lowered his weapon and began to walk away. Agistral rose up and laughed. Auron looked back and his eyes narrowed.
"Is that all? C'mon, I wanna play some more!" Agistral yelled.
Auron started to run towards the tunnel. Agistral chased after him. The cut on Auron's arm was trickling with blood a little as he ran. They both ran into the tunnel, which was actually larger than it looked from the outside. The walls were black, and cracked in places, with plants growing from them. The "roof" leaked, small puddles forming on the ground. A stale smell filled the air, as if no one ever returned to inspect this place for a long time. The two ran through the tunnel, their feet stirring up splashes of puddles, and Auron carried his sword with one hand. He reached a fork, and headed left, with Agistral catching up to him.
They would eventually encounter each other again, ending with Auron defeating Agistral, and his meeting with the strange cloaked woman, Arleinne. He had reached the "back" area of Eicale, behind the item shop. He walked out to the front, soaked with rainwater, and stricken with the pains in his body; he lost consciousness and fell to the ground, his sword falling beside him.
It continued to rain, droplets of water running down Auron's face and body. Melbourne, will discover him lying here, and nurse him back to health, as well as defeating the crimson knight, Ulysses.
Eicale.
Near the end of Melbourne's battle.
Auron slowly opened his eyes and sat up on the bed of the room located in the inn, where Melbourne had carried him to. He examined his surroundings, and could hear loud sounds outside. He left the room and as he made his way to the front door, a sudden burst of light engulfed the area in front of him. Auron threw his arm up, shielding his eyes, and leaned forward a bit.
The light faded away after several minutes. Auron walked outside to see Melbourne fall to the ground, try to get up, and pass out.
"Who is that?" Auron mumbled under his breath. He ran to the woman on the ground, being soaked by the rain. It wasn't raining as hard as it did earlier, but there was little sign that it would let up that day.
Auron bent down and picked Melbourne up. Balancing her in one arm (as in standing her upright), he put a hand under her throat and felt her pulse. She was breathing sluggishly, but still breathing. Her shoulder was stained with blood from her wound, and some of it had gotten on her scarf and coat arm. Some of her hair had become stuck on her face, due to the rain.
"Can you hear me?" Auron shook her arm that wasn't injured. Melbourne did not respond but continued to breathe heavily.
Auron studied her face intently. He looked over at the fallen knight she had killed, only to return his gaze to Melbourne's face. He lifted her legs and feet off the ground and they dangled loosely a several inches off the ground. He turned around and stared off into space, rain spattering off of him and the wounded woman he held in his arms.
Present.
Meo Oneller.
Central District.
One day after the district assault, early evening.
Cid and Melbourne were addressing a crowd of people who were thanking those who helped drive away Eva's brigade. Actually Cid was doing most of the talking, as Melbourne sort of hid behind him, silent. Auron was having his arm wound treated at the Aeria, and receiving a fresh set of bandages. Christopher was helping to clean up the Familiar District with some of the townspeople, and Rose.
"Cid, can I go?" Melbourne finally asked. She looked away from the crowd.
A young couple approached her, their faces lit up with delight. The female of the couple was the first to speak up.
"Thank you so much! We're like, soooo in your debt sir, and the lady behind you, ya knooow?! We can't thank you enough!" the young girl squealed.
Melbourne said nothing. Cid began to stutter, "Yes, yes, we do what we can, but could you let us through?"
The male of the couple shook Cid's hand. "Can I…introduce her to my little sister? Please?"
The rest of the crowd began to surround the duo, each spouting heartfelt thanks. Cid grew nervous and clasped Melbourne's arm.
"..Umm…yes, yes, you're welcome, please let us through…even my sacred knight companion needs to—"
Melbourne jabbed at Cid's back. "Cid!!"
"Oops…I hit a nerve…Miss?"
The crowd fell completely silent. They stared at the duo in awe, and then began murmuring amongst themselves. After a few moments they all started to lower themselves to one knee, and bowing their heads. Melbourne looked away.
"Aha…I…yes…" Cid darted his head back and forth. Just then Christopher appeared in the crowd, walking cautiously towards the duo.
"Lady in blue…was that you bearing a scythe during the attack?" asked Christopher.
Melbourne came out from behind Cid and said, "Yes, I have a scythe. Yes, I'm a sacred knight, and…"
She punched Christopher in the stomach. He staggered back, some of the wind knocked out of him. Some of the bowing townspeople began to talk amongst themselves.
"My. Name. Is. Melbourne. Don't ever call me 'Lady', or 'Priestess', or 'Silver'. It's Melbourne, just Melbourne." Melbourne put her hands on her hips, and stormed off. Cid looked around as the crowd began to disperse. He looked over at Christopher, rather jittery.
"I am…sorry…I…Miss, she is…" Cid managed to say.
Christopher nodded and glanced over at Melbourne, walking towards the Healing Wind District.
It is her…she is alive…Christopher thought. I cannot blame her…for the way she is now, but…I can't rest until my job is done.
He nodded at Cid and walked away. Cid wiped his forehead and walked off to the Garden District.
You've grown.
Aeria Palmira, evening.
Frederick was writing in a logbook when Melbourne came in. He made a small wave of the hand and smiled.
"You're free to see Auron if you want," said Frederick, "I won't stop you. He's a fast healer; it's a wonder."
"Does this place have a kitchen…?" Melbourne brushed a lock of hair out of her face.
"…Yeees…We have a staff that prepares meals for our patients, yes of course."
Melbourne reached under her coat and dug in her skirt pockets, pulling out two small vials of powder, one brownish, the other a mix of brown, green, and black.
"Hehehe…all of that and these never break…" she said. "Where is it?"
"Upstairs, make an immediate left, down the hall, fifth door to the right."
"Thank…you."
Aeria Palmira.
Auron's examination room.
One hour later.
Marilyn had been moved to another room and sleeps soundly. Auron sits on the bed of his examination room, staring at the scar on his wrist, and thinking. He was fully clothed, but his collar was on the floor, near his left foot. His arm was healing quite nicely, and quick, though it occasionally throbbed with pain. A peculiar smell began to fill the room.
Melbourne walked in, carrying a small tray that had a cup, and a steaming bowl. Auron turned his head, watching her out of the corner of his eye. She walked in front of him and set the tray in his lap.
"I…thought you'd be hungry." Melbourne sat on the bed next to him. She turned her head to look at him, and nodded slightly.
Auron looked down at the bowl. It was filled almost to the brim with a dark reddish soup. Melbourne handed him a small wooden spoon.
"It isn't much…I…ah…already made some for Cid…he devoured it! Hehe…Cid's sleeping right now." Melbourne ran a hand over her hair.
"…I remembered being here." Auron took a spoonful of soup into his mouth and swallowed it.
"You were here?" Melbourne asked.
"…Yeah. It's blurred, but it is there."
"Are you from this place?"
"No." Auron swallowed another spoonful of soup.
"…I don't remember where I was born…but when I was sitting in that room, reading that book, I started to remember a few things…"
"You were acting a bit off after Eva escaped…"
"Oh…when everyone started thanking and praising us…That happened again earlier…It's…the bowing…I can't stand that…"
"And why not?"
Melbourne clenched her hand into a fist. "I just don't! I don't…want to be treated greater than anyone else, okay?!"
"Something in your past again?" Auron continued to eat the soup.
"…….I remembered being in a town, somewhere, when I was small. With Crocell. We had been living there for quite a while, before Eicale. Crocell would, you know, teach me things, and train me…But the people there…he told them how I was a sacred knight, and…they would constantly offer me precious jewels and clothes and food, and showering me with compliments and such…They treated me like some revered high priestess…" Melbourne shut her eyes for a few moments. "…And I hated it. I wanted to feel equal to everyone else."
Auron finished the soup. "Huh."
Melbourne opened her eyes again. "That pampered lifestyle…it was suffocating to me. I didn't mind my powers back then…but it seemed that they were cutting me off from other people. I remember trying to play with the children that lived near us…only to have them forced away from me so I could continue training or be fitted for something. They started becoming jealous of me…and I seriously never wanted that…The children would make fun of me, call me names…'melba toast' by the younger ones, and the older ones would call me 'grand high lady bitch'. I remember begging Crocell if we could move, to someplace quieter…someplace where I could be 'normal.'"
"Yes."
"We did leave, about a year later, and we found Eicale. It was quiet, and the people were kind, and didn't constantly spout 'sacred knight this' or 'sacred knight that'. I continued training…and I was becoming more content with myself. I was happy. Studying all the books at home, and playing with the resident children, I was…so happy."
"Kiera. That room. What did you see there?"
"It was my birthday. My fifteenth birthday. Crocell took me to the Queen's/Sebastiani Festival. I was having so much fun…I…aaaaagggh!" Melbourne fell off the bed, holding the sides of her head.
The image of a large room, completely in disarray, flooded Melbourne's thoughts. Several glass objects lay shattered on the floor; unknown fluids spilled everywhere, and several bodies thrown against the wall, severely beaten to death. There were spatters of blood on the floor, and the walls, as well as some of the shards of glass strewn around.
Someone in the room sat there, covered in blood, crying in the corner, clothes torn in some places. This person stood up, staggered towards an overturned table, slumped down next to it, and screamed.
Aeria Palmira echoed with the screams of Melbourne, and several doctors rushed into Auron's room. Auron motioned for them to leave, and they did so. He put his hands on her face.
"Calm down! Your voice will give out if you keep doing that! Get a hold of yourself!" he said.
Melbourne's scream died down, becoming hoarser, until she slumped over, exhausted. She rose to her knees, groggily, a hand over her heart. Auron let go of her face and sighed.
"I'm so impressed with you."
Auron and Melbourne both looked to the opposite corner of the room. Arleinne stood there, leaning against the wall, grinning.
"What now?" Auron asked.
Arleinne tapped her foot. "Just…checking up on you two. My, my…I saw what happened to Eva's brigade…There's great strength in you both."
"What do you want?" Melbourne scowled. "I'm doing what you told me to do…"
Arleinne snorted. "I'm quite impressed, is all. So…are you headed to Geis?"
"Why do you care?" Auron's eyes narrowed.
"Soldonna Gaile…the so-called 'leader' of the crimson knights, is sealed in the castle that lies there. The castle of your family, silver. I want you two to head there before her servants do." Arleinne grinned again. "I want you to kill her before she resurrects."
"What?!" Melbourne exclaimed.
"She is a great danger to this world. And, if she were to have control of the Grand Cross again, many shall die."
"…What was that?"
"Grand Cross is a forbidden book. It details special arts that can manipulate life…and death…allowing extracted pyreflies to manifest in a fully physical, human form, bound to serve the one who resurrects him or her…The knights you fought, they are the product of this book. Truly magic and alchemy of immense power…who would've thought that mixing things could create life…?" Arleinne laughed.
"That isn't something worth laughing over…" said Auron, his voice growing stern.
"…They're just…toys…?" said a frightened Melbourne.
"…In a sense, yes. Soldonna was actually quite normal…I knew her, a little. She was a thief…but once she found that cursed book…"
"The Soldonna Murders…" murmured Auron. "Cid mentioned that…"
"Precisely…So many killed…Your family, silver…slaughtered…Soldonna was eventually defeated, and locked away. I believe a non-sacred actually put her servants to sleep…I do not know who this person is."
"You sound as though you DO know…"
Arleinne scoffed and turned her back to Auron and Melbourne. "Now you know what your goal is. Kill Soldonna. And rid Spira of her ghastly machinations…"
Auron blinked, and Arleinne was gone. Melbourne sat on the bed, and Auron followed suit.
"…That doesn't explain why…they're after you…" said Melbourne.
"…." Auron looked away from her.
"…Why are they after you?" Melbourne yawned.
"Because of who I am…or rather…what I am…"
Melbourne was leaning against Auron's side, tired. "…Who…are…..mmmm…."
She had fallen asleep, her head turned at an angle. Auron let her be.
"It returns…to the root of the blood."
37.
Revelation
Cid was sound asleep in the patient quarters of the Aeria when the sound of someone knocking on the door caused him to stir and awaken. His black suit of armor, gloves, his sword in its sheath, and cape were neatly placed on the empty bed next to him. He sat up and stretched for a few moments, and went to answer the door. Since he wasn't in his armor, the thin black shirt and pants he wore underneath was visible. A dark blue ribbon was tied around his left arm. Yawning, he was surprised to see Marilyn when he opened the door.
"Hello…Cid." said Marilyn. She was fully dressed in her uniform, looking rather concerned.
"Yes? I thought you were resting. It's rather early for you to be up…What's wrong?" Cid asked.
"…Do you still run the ferry?"
"Sadly, no…" Cid shook his head. "After everyone began settling here, fewer people would come to try and retrieve their belongings they left behind on the other continent. Eventually, no one would come at all. Still, my crew and I get by, thanks to the fiends. The fighting keeps us in shape."
"Oh. I…want to ask you something."
"Hmm?"
"…That man you brought in. Do you remember transporting him here during Geis' evacuation? I was looking through our patient records…and that man matches the description…"
"Auron? Well…hmm…I remember the ship was almost always packed with people…I tried as hard as I could to keep records of all who boarded; eventually it got far beyond my control. I couldn't keep up."
"So…he was on your ship and you probably didn't know, yes?"
"Most likely…I am sorry…a lot happened. It's been so long."
"But who dropped him off? The older files said that he was left here at, quite literally, our doorstep. I don't know…I wasn't working here at the time."
"Perhaps some of those who were also on the ship at that time took it upon themselves to leave him here."
"Hm…It's just…strange, is all. To see him recover so fast, then…"
"What happened?"
Marilyn told Cid what she had been told by the doctors who had monitored Auron after Kamiya's passing. Auron had awakened in a delirious state, and escaped from the Aeria, disoriented and distraught.
Cid nodded. "Have you figured out what he suffers from? Is he sick?"
"We tried. And…well…from those wounds, it's a miracle that he's even alive, let alone walk. But…we're clueless about what causes his symptoms. But for now, he seems well enough so we don't need to keep him here…again…I am truly sorry."
"I thank you, for your hospitality."
"…Ah…you are welcome at Aeria anytime. I take it you all are well enough to leave?"
"We should go. My crew is waiting for me."
"And you're taking those two with you?"
"Yes…to Geis."
Marilyn looked shocked. "Wh-why? Are you prepared for something like that???"
Cid stared at her, his expression solemn.
"You don't need to say anything. Well, it's your mission, I suppose. Oh! Sorry…I went to check up on them before coming to you, and I saw her sleeping in the examination room. Are they friends of yours?"
"Miss, it's quite all right. I was taken aback when I saw her too. Friends, you say? You could say that. I'll protect them with my very soul."
Marilyn nodded. "I see. You may return here anytime you wish." She smiled and left, walking down the hallway. Cid let out a heavy sigh, and placed a hand over the ribbon on his arm.
"For…my sakura," Cid said aloud.
She was his 'sakura'. She was beautiful, kind, and warm. Once she came into Cid's life, he wanted her to stay there, always. He first saw her in Audentia, many years before, and it's certain that it was love at first sight. Cid, who was much younger at this time, was stationed here, and during a normal patrol of the town, that is when he saw her.
She was buying fruit, at the marketplace. Cid could not help but watch this woman load her basket, with such grace, and placidness. All the while she kept a warm smile at the merchant, occasionally exchanging a few gentle words to him. Cid watched as she fumbled around in the large pockets in her dress for Gil to pay for the fruit.
"Not enough money," the merchant said. "It's 1550 Gil. You've only got 700 here. Either pay up or put back some of the merchandise."
"I'm sure, I'm sure I brought enough," the woman pleaded. "Just wait a moment, please."
Cid walked up to the stand, and handed the merchant 2000 Gil. He then took the woman's money and handed it back to her. She looked shocked, but also grateful.
"Keep the change," Cid told the merchant. "And learn to be more patient."
"Th-thank you so much," the woman managed to blurt out. "Sir…"
"Just call me 'Cid', Miss."
What struck him were her eyes. Beautiful blue eyes that resembled the ocean itself, cool, and calm. She seemed to give off an aura of warmth as they spoke to each other. As time went on, they would laugh, and eat together. She was an alchemist. She told him of the invention she was perfecting. It's almost done, she would say. It will help people. She was also quite skilled at neutralizing fiends, and even saved Cid from a deadly poison once.
Cid adored her. He was nervous as all hell when he proposed, barely getting any words out, but she smiled and put her hands on his face. Yes. His beloved 'sakura' had said yes. He could see the tears of joy on his beloved's face. And the warmth he felt when he held her, his face touching the soft hair on the top of her head, was something he would never forget.
She is gone.
The only thing left is her ribbon. Cid wears it, and it holds all the memories of his 'sakura' within it. But she is gone. The warmth, laughter, and light that made Cid feel loved and content—gone. And so were the Dark Messengers. Being so few in number, they disbanded. The survivors became drifters, except for Cid. Eventually he became the captain of the S. S. Merylie, and made his living as a ferryman during the evacuation of Geis, and later on taking onboard Ophelia, Molly, and Thompson as his crew. The ferry business slowed over the years, and just came to a halt at one point. With nowhere else to go, Cid and his crew made the Merylie their home.
Cid now accompanies the sacred knight, Melbourne, and Auron, the swordsman, on their journey to Geis, offering his ferry service to them, as well as fighting alongside them. He fights fiercely, despite the loss of his beloved that remains in a corner of his heart.
Melbourne, as Marilyn said, was asleep in Auron's examination room, tucked under a fresh bedsheet. Her coat, ripped scarf, gloves, and boots were now in the storage box, folded. She was not snoring at all, only very soft breathing emanated from her mouth. Auron was sitting on the left corner edge of the bed, leaning against the wall. He had stayed up all night, keeping watch over her. However, now he slowly drifted off to sleep himself, without realizing it. Since it was almost dawn, the Aeria was quiet, with only a few doctors still in the facility, tending to the patients.
"Ugh…Great…this again…"
Auron awakened and found himself in the void again, the room of gravestones, with the faraway, unseen bell tolling without end. The room remained still, and the gravestones same as they were before, except for one. Auron noticed that the "Berith" gravestone was radiating a strange black light. He walked over to it and examined the stone. The phantom of Luther's sword had vein-like black markings running all over it. The other stones remained untouched.
"It intrigues you, does it not?" an empty, flat voice called out.
Auron looked over his shoulder. "…It's one and the same…you've spoken to me a few times before. Afraid of showing yourself?"
"Fear has no meaning to me. It is only my duty, to observe, and to enlighten those who shall become."
A small circular section of floor appeared from behind the "Amon" gravestone, revealing a tall, white statue. A flowing robe and knight's armor was elegantly carved into the stone, the folds and creases in its robe spilling out from under the armor. The statue's hands were smooth and white, just like the rest of the statue, and clenched tight, as it was holding a pair of white rings, one in each hand. Its face was simple, with no distinguishing features, only a blank expression that showed no signs of emotion, and probably never would. A large hood, carved as neat as its other "garments", decorated its head.
Auron turned around and approached the statue. He held his weapon in hand.
"You need not draw your sword," said the statue, its lips motionless. "Truly, there's much potential in you."
"What are you? I assume…you too are a product of this madness?" Auron asked.
The statue stood silent for a few moments, and then began to speak.
"You stand before Glasyalabolas, guardian of the blodia stones that stand before you. My clairvoyance has no equal. There is nothing that can conceal itself from my sight. For I am the alchemist's recorder, and I bid you welcome."
"You've been watching me all this time, haven't you?"
"You are still oblivious, it seems…Tsk. It has been quite a long time since you departed from the human world, correct?"
"…?"
"A new dawn for Spira, the age of blodia, is coming. Cast aside your foolish ambition to stop us, and release the power that lies within you. True, unadulterated bliss awaits….and that woman, she too, will be released from her suffering, by your hands."
Auron stared up at Glasyalabolas, silent.
"Why not make full use of your strength to help us? Such incredible power…It is in your eyes. It is waiting, waiting to awaken, to break free. Even the white angel could not bear it."
"What was done to me, and why I was brought back…" Auron began walking toward the center of the room. "…I will not forgive."
"So you refuse? What you wish not to forgive will be your greatest folly, child. How stubborn you are. You have been granted a new life, a gift…And yet you want to waste it. All for the sake of a fool sacred."
"Hmph."
"I will allow you to reflect on my words. Perhaps in time, you will understand. And I shall be watching, always, waiting for the blodia to rise. We will speak another time. Off you go."
"How about never?" The white portal appeared under Auron's feet and he left the room. Glasyalabolas remained in its place, watching the stones as usual.
"Ungrateful bastard." The statue said in its dull, unchanging voice.
Auron woke up, to see that he was still in his room in the Aeria. Melbourne woke up as well, sat up, and yawning loudly. She looked around in surprise.
"…Did I…f-fall asleep? I…ah…" Melbourne muttered. "Morning…Is it morning?"
"Almost. You should rest more." Auron stood up and dusted himself off.
"I kind of…can't sleep anymore. Um…."
"What?" Auron turned on the ceiling light by giving it a quick tap. The buzzing noise commenced.
"I'm sorry about what happened last night. This is why…" Melbourne began to raise a hand to scratch the side of her head.
"Your hands."
"What? My hands? Oh…sss!" Melbourne hid her hands under the sheet.
"Show me your hands, Melbourne."
"…No."
"Show them to me."
"No. No!" Melbourne looked down at her hands hidden under the sheet.
Auron returned to the bedside and leaned forward. "Show me."
Melbourne looked at him. "…No one can see. No one should see. Give me my gloves."
"Let me see your hands."
Melbourne grunted and pulled her hands out from under the sheet. To Auron's surprise, she took off her white blouse.
"What are you doing…?" Auron asked.
Melbourne was wearing a very thin white tube top as an undershirt. Her shoulders and arms were bare, but there were marks all over her arms and hands, even on the side of her neck. Similar marks were slightly visible under the shirt, extending from her left breast and down to the side of her waist.
The marks on her body were faded scars of unknown origin. Auron could only stare in a stunned silence.
Melbourne's eyes began to fill with tears. "You see. You see it now?! No sleep. Once a day…N-no one should ever see me like this! It hurts…N-no…Noooo!"
"….What happened to you?"
"…All. nothing…no light, no sleep…just…hell…" A tear trickled down Melbourne's cheek. "Why am I even telling you this? It's…going to bring me back there…I…I don't want to go back to that! Never again!! No more…no more!! Cut off…No sleep, only an object…No! No! No! It's coming back…Don't…don't let them take me away again!"
Melbourne slid out of the bed and stood up, her back turned to Auron. She buried her head in her hands. "Pleeeease! sob I don't want to go back! I can't take it! Why can't I just forget…?! Help me! Someone help me!!!" She snatched her blouse from the bed and put it back on.
She fell to her knees, hot tears flowing from her eyes. Auron searched through the cabinets and pulled out a small bottle of the sedative that had been given to him a few days earlier. He opened the bottle and walked over to Melbourne, and helped her to her feet. He put the bottle away to place both his hands on her shoulders. Melbourne stared at his feet, still crying heavy tears. "I've got work…Kitchen…where is the cough kitchen? Cooking, yes, the bar…sob I can't…"
"Look at me," said Auron in a calm tone.
"…sniff W-why…does it have to be like this…? sniff, sniffle…Why is it me? I…don't know…" Melbourne's gaze remained staring at Auron's feet.
"Look."
"sniff" Melbourne raised her head up.
"…Because this is about you."
"Wh-what?"
"This is your story, Melbourne."
"Auron…sniff"
"It begins and it ends with you, Melbourne."
"No. Not me. No! I'm no one…n-nothing…sniff more…Normal, normal, and normal!"
"Is that what you truly think of yourself?"
"…I don't sob even know anymore. I can't understand anything anymore. I'm tired…"
"You must be strong! This is fate, your fate! Running away is not the answer. You must keep going, and from your experience…You may find who you really are. Understand?"
"…I…I will…sniff I'll try…"
Auron let go of her shoulders, took out the bottle, and opened it. "You need to rest. Your body will eventually wear itself out if you continue to deprive yourself like this." He placed the bottle in her right hand. "Take this and sleep. We'll be leaving soon."
Melbourne put the bottle to her lips and drank half of the contents. About five minutes later, she began to feel its effects, and slumped to her knees again. Auron lifted her up off the floor, as if to carry her.
"…A-auron….W-will…you still be around when…I wake up?" Melbourne's eyes were half-closed.
"Sleep."
"W-why…are you doing…this for me…? Why are you…s-so…?" Melbourne's tears were coming to a stop.
"Enough. Melbourne, rest."
"…warm…Promise me…that you'll still…be here…"
Cid appeared in the doorway, in full armor. Walking up to Auron, he noticed that Melbourne had been crying. "…Dear me. What happened to her? Is she all right?"
"For now." Auron turned toward the storage box, holding Melbourne, who was now asleep. "How much further is it before we get to your vessel?"
"Not too far, we just leave here and continue on. There is a path that leads directly to port. Although it will take some time to get the ship ready, and actually sailing to Geis. Do you want to leave now?"
"Yes. Get her things. Our objective is to find and eliminate Soldonna Gaile."
"You intend to fight her? It will probably come to that…If need be, I will gladly fight by you side. It will be dangerous, for sure."
"Do what you will. Let's go."
Cid, and Auron, who was still carrying Melbourne, proceeded to leave the examination room and the Aeria, just as the sun was rising in the sky.
Eva and her brigade had retreated back to Isolde, despite what the sphere showed them. During this time, she had them check every corner of the place, for any traces of what attacked the crimson knights that had been left behind.
Eva was leaning against the left wall of Rose's bar. She was watching the sunrise, with a dejected look on her face. A young male knight came running up to her.
"Found anything?" Eva asked angrily.
"This is the seventh sweep we have done, ma'am. No signs of the enemy, only run-of the mill pyreflies," said the young knight.
Eva snorted. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes. Whatever was here has left. My apologies, ma'am."
Several other knights began to approach them. Eva turned around, and punched the wall, causing some of it to break off, and pieces falling to the ground.
"…Damn…damn it!! I will not…let those bastards make a fool of me again! Everyone, prepare. I won't let him slip away…and once the gate is open…I'll kill them all!!" Eva screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Sigh…Is it so necessary to carry on like that? You're already making a fool of yourself."
Eva and her knights all turned and looked upward. The green-coated man was standing on the roof, nodding his head in disgust. He jumped off, and landed a few feet away from them.
His back turned to them, he sighed and said, "Didn't I tell you to not take Auron or that woman lightly? And look what's happened. You've lost many subordinates to them. Do you truly expect that tearing everything apart will yield progress?"
"Shut up. Don't tell me how to do my job…" Eva snapped. "Your yammering is bad enough."
"Loud and obnoxious as always, doesn't that ever tire you out? What you seek is no longer here. You should really focus, Eva, on pursuing Auron. Acquiring him is your top priority after all."
"…Shut up! Did you kill my men? I swear, if you did…"
"No, I have nothing to gain from that. I just knew you would screw up and end up back here."
"…You…bastard!!" Eva yelled.
The man shook his head and sighed. "A true crimson knight does more than destroy things left and right. I tell you, the ones that came before were much more organized…The absence of my lord is taking its toll, I suppose."
Eva's face grew red. "You will listen to me! I answer only to the great Soldonna Gaile, and you are below me, got that!? I'm not about to take orders from some nobody!"
"You should learn to be more grateful…It was me who gave you the knife and the incantation. You want me to take it back? I told you, I really do not have the time and patience for loud-mouths."
"Who…the…hell…Y-you…YOU WILL ADDRESS ME AS LADY EVA MOIRA DESTOC, WRETCH!…" Eva furiously yanked her daggers out and tried to tackle the man. As she tried to stab him in the shoulder, he simply grabbed her wrist and threw her to the ground. She screamed and snapped her fingers.
The group of knights all unsheathed their weapons, all aimed at the man. He yawned and began walking toward them.
"…Kill him." Eva said coldly, still on the ground.
The knights did not move. Eva grew even more furious.
"What the hell are you doing?! Kill him!" she cried. Oddly, all the knights lowered their weapons and stood there, like statues. The man had stopped between Eva and the knights.
"Go to Geis, to the castle," the man said calmly.
"Why? What do you really want?!"
"Just do as I tell you. And leave the rest to me." The green-coated man smiled.
Eva stood up, sheathed her daggers and crossed her arms. "The fuck is you going to do?"
"Sigh…Your time will come, eventually, loud-mouth. Maybe then, you can redeem yourself."
The man turned and began walking away.
"…Did he…just call me 'loud-mouth'?" Eva asked. "What the fuck? Ugh…I need a drink." She felt dizzy, and put a hand to her head. She was remembering what had happened in the Familiar District. She recalled Auron standing near her, staring at her, and the extremely faint, silhouette of a winged figure that she saw in his place for a brief instant.
"His shadow," Eva muttered.
"What is wrong, ma'am?" asked a blonde-haired female knight.
"Did any of you notice Auron's shadow as we left…?"
"Umm…"
"It was still light enough for shadows that day…I swear…"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I saw something…his shadow, Auron's shadow, it had…"
"Eva? Lady?"
Eva heard a monotone voice call out to her.
"The wings of blodia."
Cid and Auron were now on their way to the Merylie, walking down the road. Auron is still carrying the sleeping Melbourne in his arms. They stopped when they heard a voice calling them from behind.
"Wait! Wait!" It was Christopher, running and stumbling towards them, his spear strapped to his back. The spear gleamed in the early morning light. He caught up to them and nearly fell over, gasping for breath.
"It's you!" said a surprised Cid. "I must apologize, for the Miss…well…you know…"
"Puff…huff…No, no, no need for that. It's fine, really," said Christopher.
"Who are you?" Auron asked.
"I am Christopher. I was passing through when the attack on the districts happened. I couldn't leave. So that young lady and I moved as many people as we could to the Garden District. I am sorry that I couldn't help you."
"It is all right, you held your own well. Are you a dragoon, perchance?" asked Cid.
"…Used to be. I'm…well...I would say I'm just a wanderer now. There are some things I have to do. If anyone comes to me for help, I help them any way I can. My Entropy…" Christopher pointed to his spear. "We have cut down many fiends and crimson knights…been doing that for a long time."
"I see." Cid nodded his head.
"Where are you headed?" Christopher asked.
Auron, holding Melbourne, walked closer to Christopher. "We are going to Geis, and defeat the one called Soldonna Gaile. Do not try to stop us."
Christopher stared at Melbourne, who was still asleep. "Grimoire Castle, the castle of the sacred knights? Why would you want to go there?"
"The crimson knights want to open the gate. If we can get there before them, then we might be able to battle Soldonna without interference," said Cid. "She also might be quite weakened as well."
"I would think so. But, what of the barrier? It took two sacreds and a ceremony to create such a powerful ward, or so I'm told. Morgan Intera and Gail Intera…I wonder what happened to them after that. I knew them so well." Christopher sighed.
"Melbourne Intera, this woman, she is related to them, correct?" asked Auron.
"If her last name is Intera, I would say so…the last occupants of Grimoire were the Intera family. The successors of Reis," said Cid.
"Who is Reis?" Auron turned to Cid.
Christopher nodded. "Reis Sebastiani, is the original founder of the Sacred Knights, centuries ago. She is believed to have fought against the Crimson Knights during the Pandemonium, and the demons."
"Demons? You mean fiends, do you not?" Auron asked.
"…No. Not fiends. It seems like that…but…from what I've heard, they're far stronger than ten crimson knights put together. The mad creations of Amon, the first demon. But…the sacreds, crimson knights, and the demons, they all seem linked, somehow. Many people don't even know what really happened. It's hard to separate truth from the legends."
"Hmm…I did promise my crew that I would find the Archives…Will you bring us any of the pages of the Spirian Archives, if you find them?" asked Cid.
"Actually…if you don't mind me asking, I want to join you." Christopher replied.
Auron said nothing. Cid began to sweat a little.
"You will fight with us?" Cid asked. "You might not know what you're getting into."
"This spear of mine has never let me down. I have a lot of unfinished business anyways. That castle's a place I know all too well," said Christopher.
"You can come, if you want." Auron turned and started walking off. "Just remember I can't be held responsible for your own safety."
Cid nodded and followed suit. "You heard him; I guess you too are welcome on my vessel."
Christopher adjusted his spear and followed behind Cid. "Thanks."
"Let us make haste."