I do not own anything from Star Ocean Till the End of Time!
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 4: Growing Pains and New Enemies?
It had been several years since she had given that day any thought. Airlia had grown since that day seven years ago. Now at the age of fourteen, her hair was now waist long and still light golden brown. Her eyes were still a beautiful blue-green. There have been many visitors over the past several years trying for her hand, however, she had found them lacking. Neither boy nor man brought her heart to a running speed like one in particular. However, she feared he would always view her like the fragile sister.
To be strong, she hid her feelings, not knowing whether or not they were love as that of a family, or that of how a woman can come to love for a man. That was, until one day when two strangers breezed into Airyglyph. She grimaced at the start of the memories…
She was wearing a newer confection of that of a warm beige top and her ice blue skirt. She had her dragon necklace on her neck, in fact, she never took it off. She had her other crown on. It was what everyone thought was the real crown proving she was the Princess. She never let anyone else think otherwise. She had visited Aquaria on and off, learning about runology and studying with Lady Nel, Lady Tynave, Lady Farleen, and Lady Clair under Lady Elena's tutelage. She had a few runes inscribed on her that were hidden under her clothes. One was a rune for protection. One would be one that could make her invisible if she was in a situation of life and death that it could get her out of.
She had a rune of healing also inscribed into her to help boost her confidence in compounding and healing her people. Having returned the day before, she was settling back in when she received word that she had two visitors from Greeton which brought her back to somewhat near to the present. Leaving the safety of her room, she was first greeted by the sight of her knight. He had grown so quickly. He now stood around five foot, with her trailing at four foot and a half. She could only smile gently at the sight. He became more and more like his father as he grew. He was now wearing a sarong and a black fitted top. He was learning from his father about fighting with not only his fists, but with a katana as well.
However, being a teenage boy, his hormones were running rampant and making him cocky. He was exceptionally agile on his feet and his words were getting more and more viscous towards those he saw unfit to be in the same room as his Princess. However, if she, his family or her father were in the same room, he acted like a proper man would. He was swiftly to her side with a cocky grin that made her insides melt, if only she could tell him though. It tormented her soul to feel something for her knight that and that he might never feel the same way for her.
They walked over to the throne and nodded for the guards to let the two from Greeton come and see her. Her father was in his room working on refining laws to help his people more. The first man was quite tall. His black hair went to his shoulder and he had ice blue eyes. He wore a long white coat that ended half way down his calf. He wore white pants and a fitted black shirt. He gave a courtly bow before asking permission to kiss her hand smoothly. She knew that her poor kingdom couldn't afford a war, so she allowed it. The moment his lips touched her hand, she knew that he would never make her fall in love with him.
It was after a slight cough came out of the second man that she even noticed he was there, a slight smile came out as she said, "And I apologize for making you wait." The man with the dark hair sent a glare at his partner. "Dear Princess, forgive my manners. I am Cavan Erik Donovan. That man," he said gesturing to the man whom had coughed, "is Cassius Alben Duglas." She observed Cassius for a moment. He stood just short of his friend Cavan.
He had platinum blond hair and amber eyes. He was developed somewhat, but she didn't feel any attraction to him either. He came forward and kneeled, "I am humbled to be in your beautiful presence Princess Airlia." She didn't say anything as both men rose to their feet. She stood and felt slightly uncomfortable that she was not nearly as tall as they were.
"Princess, would you please show us around? We were planning to stay a while and perhaps make a home here for us, having left Greeton to try and make our ways in the world." Cavan said as she nodded stiffly. Albel stood quickly wanting to object, but understood that she couldn't afford to make an enemy of the Engineering Country, Greeton. She went into her room and grabbed her cloak. Albel had a spare cloak in there for such an occasion, so thinking quickly, she grabbed that too, if for no other reason than to keep the man she had a crush on warm.
Walking out, she wrapped her cloak around her and gave Albel his cloak. "I'm fine Airlia." She refused to show the hurt, but Albel sensed it anyways and took it begrudgingly.
When they went outside, he had to admit that it was bitter today, more so than normal. They walked around town, eventually ending up at an empty home next to that of the workshop they had fixed up six years prior. She had gotten better at compounding since. Cassius smiled, seeing that Cavan had a crush on the innocent Princess. However, he had things that needed to be done. "Princess, may we stay here while we remain in your kingdom for a time?" She nodded briskly.
Cavan was the first one to kiss her hand again. "Then I beg your pardon while we set our belonging down and get settled in today. Tomorrow, I would like to take you out to lunch. Hopefully it will be without your watch dog." He said as she shook her head.
"He is my knight. He is like my shadow, where I go; he goes to keep me safe from harm."
It was then that Cassius threw on a charming smile, "What if we promise to keep you safe from knaves?"
She again shook her head in response. "There are only two men he would trust me with like that. They are my father and his own father."
Cavan shot a glare at Albel from behind her back; it raised the ire of Albel to a new level. "Scum, you're not fit enough to be in her presence any longer. Leave now." It was the first time that she heard him speak to anyone like that around her. His eyes were like that of liquid fire. He truly didn't think they meant any good for her. Little did she know at that time how right he was? If she had known, she would have not gone at all.
That night she went to bed dressed in her chemise. When she woke, she bathed as normal and twisted her hair a bit so it was curly. Pinning it up, she looked beautiful in her forest green skirt and top. She left with her cape in hand. Albel already had his on, as she figured Cavan and Cassius met with her at the top of the stairs. "We have everything ready for you at our place that you allowed us to stay in Princess Airlia." Little did she know at that time that both men had infatuations with her? She had no idea for what was to come.
They walked to the house that they were staying in. It was a small place, but suited the two bachelors. The food made had a wonderful smell to it. There was some simple wine to go with everything. Cavan held the door open, but it was Cassius that helped her to be seated down. Albel sat down next to her, determined to protect her from the two lustful men. He had feelings for his Princess, but thought she only viewed him as her brother and best friend. He wouldn't disturb it, but he refused to let anyone near her that wasn't worthy in his eyes. Of course, to him, no one was worthy of her.
She might have been young, she mused, but she could practically smell that they were hitting on her, and failing miserably. After lunch, she turned to them, "I'm sorry, but after this, I cannot see you any longer as I must keep to my royal duties. You two are nice men, but I am looking for someone, preferably from my kingdom, and preferably one who wouldn't mind my knight. I know that is a tough path, but if you're just passing by, then you must understand."
And with that she bowed and walked out of the house. Cavan punched the wall viciously. "That woman dare turn me down?!" Cassius was not taking it any lighter.
"She will love me!" Cavan spat at Cassius.
Cassius rolled his amber eyes. "We are detouring from our plans. However, if you are intent on bringing her into this, then we shall have a competition. Using any means possible, the one to end up with the girl will win…" Cassius said as Cavan smirked. He knew that he was better at compounding than Cassius. What they didn't know was that Albel lingered to hear of the plot.
After he overheard them, he left to rejoin his Princess. They made their way in the castle, reaching her room she turned to the man she secretly loved, "Albel, I shall get changed, I feel so dirty." He nodded as he left to go search out an old friend.
He saw Gareth training in the court yard. He went over to enlist the aid of the dragon brigade member. "I need you to travel to Surferio. I need the help of Louise the Diviner. Those fools from Greeton mean to plan on trying something with our fair Princess, something that could hurt her soul. I need someone to make a remedy that can clear any confusion of the heart that potions can cause. Pay her whatever is needed. Get as much as possible with this. Who knows how long this may go on for?" Albel said as he handed Gareth a large bag of fol.
"One last thing Gareth, our little Airlia cannot know of the plan." Albel added as more of an afterthought than anything else, Gareth nodded. Gareth left to go to the land of Surferio to find this woman who could help save the soul of the small Princess.
Blinking, she returned to the present, but before she could do anything more, another memory passed…
It was the following week after meeting the pair of men. They had been subtly trying to court her, and she refused their affection time and again. They had taken her and at her request Albel to lunch at their place again. This time, Airlia wore the full cream gown that was two pieces and her cloak. They walked down to the loft that they were in again and were instantly greeted by Cassius.
"Hello Cassius," she said before seeing Cavan setting the table. Drinks were already sitting, they were in shorter glasses. She then continued, "Hello Cavan. Now, what is going on here?" She asked politely.
"I'm planning on staying here permanently if you want to reconsider my courting you." Cavan said smoothly, Albel saw through it however, as his hate for being turned down the first time.
"Let's leave that for the end, I would hate to put a strain on this wonderful looking food." Airlia said as Albel held the chair out for her and once she was seated to tuck her into the seat. She smiled up at him. They ate in silence, Cavan and Cassius were looking intently at the Princess, as she ate and drank. Once she was finished, a wave of nausea passed over her as she looked up at Cavan. She felt funny; she looked around as Albel reached out for her hand in alarm.
"Airlia what's wrong!?"
Albel demanded. Airlia felt weak for a few seconds before responding, "I'm not sure Albel. Whatever it is though, I don't know…" Before Cavan or Cassius could do anything, Albel was out of his seat and picking her up.
"What did you do to her?!" He demanded of the pair. Cavan glared at Albel, he saw that his Princess had passed out; all was going according to plan. Cassius swiftly tripped Albel and took Airlia from him. Before Cassius could do anything, Cavan was trying to pull her out of his arms. Neither noticed Airlia was waking and their chances to get her were fading. Cavan thought quickly and kicked Cassius out from under Airlia. Catching her, he pulled her into his arms and looked intently into her face as she woke up.
"Feeling better Airlia?" Cavan said as she nodded, her eyes not pulling away from his own.
Airlia felt her breath catch in her chest. Her heart was racing and she couldn't remember why she didn't notice how handsome he was. "I think so. Maybe I ate something I shouldn't have…"
Cavan gently set her down and Albel was at her side instantly. "These maggots have done something to you Airlia…"
It was then that Cavan chose to speak up…
"Now Princess Airlia, remember that I said when you came in that if you were interested in me, I wouldn't mind staying in Airyglyph if you would so kindly grant me that option." However, before she could reply, Albel punched the man directly in the face, dropping her in alarm. After he caught her in midair, he spirited her out of the house. He knew they had made their move, now it was time for him to make his. No one messed with the woman that he cared deeply for, never mind that someone was messing with her heart. He didn't stop until he got her to her room safely.
"Airlia, do not trust anything at this point please, not even me. They drugged something you either ate or drank. I want you to be careful; I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you at this point because those two couldn't stand to be turned down." Albel said as Gareth brought in a cup of wine, he had put the drug in it that Louise given him.
"Princess, please, you must drink this. It should help to ease the confusion of your heart. Look not at anyone, just close your eyes and ask your heart about what should be the truth, not what your mind says." Airlia glared at him for the first time in either of their lives, the glare was cold and it actually shook him.
However, she had relented and did as she was told. She knew it would come out to the same result, that it was Cavan that she was meant to be with. However, the moment the liquid touched her lips, she closed her eyes and viewed everyone that was currently vying for her hand. However, it was only after she drank that one face stood out. Her head felt weighted again, she felt like crying, remembering what she had done just now.
She opened her eyes, a tear escaped and slid down the side of her face. Albel gently wiped it from her face. "Are you okay Princess?"
"I'm so sorry Albel. I wish I could take back what I've done. I never have or ever will of my own volition look at you with such hate." Albel smiled slightly, he knew that she was back…
Her memory ended and brought her back to the present. She had her royal blue top on with her cream bottom dress. She avoided Cavan and Cassius like they brought the plague with them. Eventually though, she knew she would have to face them. However, she would deal with them after she gathered the herbs she needed from the mountain path. Albel was sent to do some training for the dragon brigade with the help of Gareth.
After she was ready with her cloak and basket, she left to meet Vox in the main hall on the first floor. Shelby hadn't grown much during the time, only more cruel for the number of times she turned him down. Vox smirked, "you can either travel with me or with Shelby as your guard. Everyone else is already assigned to other duties." When she refused to answer, Vox smirked even more deeply, "Then Shelby it is."
Shelby walked over to her and leered, making her weary. Lucky for her, she had learned much in the time of training with Count Glou and Albel. She nodded stiffly as they left to go to the mountains where she had first been found. When they got there, the wind was so powerful that the snow that had fallen was kicked up into a mighty frenzy. She never saw the hilt that met the back of her head. The last thing she heard was the cry of the wind amongst the mountain peaks. Then, before anything else could happen someone or something knocked out the would-be perpetrator.
This creature human or otherwise then picked up the slumbering woman, and left the mountains to beyond Kirlsa to an abandoned church that was tucked away in the nook of a set of mountains to hide her away. Unless one was actually checking every beaten path, they may not find this old structure. A cruel smile spread over his face as he tossed her into a jail that had been erected for this purpose. It was far beneath the surface so none would ever hear her pleas for help. He removed the fake crown without realizing that it was not the real crown. However, he got hit several times in the chest from the energy blast that emitted from it. He ordered one of the groupies that followed him to remove it.
This man gripped it with both hands and was hit hard several times in the chest before it came loose, but it also ended his life. Smirking, he buried the guy behind the abandoned church and left for Airyglyph. It was time to start a war between nations, one of which would cost Airyglyph XIII his life and he would become King without assistance from the Princess. His dark chuckle echoed through the halls as several men stood guard, ensuring that no one would get close to the church, never mind find her.
The man returned to the castle. Shelby had already been found unconscious. Vox smirked darkly as he mused; yes everything is going as planned. Albel was pacing around the Princess's chambers like a caged tiger. Arzei couldn't be determined whether or not he was angry, furious or frightened for his missing daughter. Nixie was sobbing while Glou tried to interrogate Shelby on what he may have seen or heard before he went unconscious. Vox knew Shelby would never say anything as if he did, then it would come to light on how he, too, had plans for the little Princess.
Arzei shot out of his chair, "Vox, Airlia's missing. Have you seen or heard anything?"
Vox feigned worry as he said, "I haven't seen anything, however; I found this on an Aquarian soldier who refused to tell me where he found it." Vox said as he presented the fake crown of the Princess. Arzei's eyes shot up to Vox. He knew that the Aquarians knew that this wasn't the true crown. However, the question would remain as to why Vox would lie. Nixie left the room, she ran to her love's dragon, Talos.
"What is wrong Lady Nixie?" The dragon's voice boomed.
"We must reach my homelands quickly. I need to recruit some assistance from Lady Kira Lasbard and Lady Elysia Zelpher. Airlia's missing and Vox is trying to pin it on my homeland. If anyone knows that region, it's them." Nixie said as she climbed on Talos's back. She could feel a deep rumble as he left the castle and flew fast to the kingdom of Aquaria where Lady Elysia would be waiting. He landed in the White Dew Garden behind the castle and she was off like a shot and ran to the castle's rear entrance. There she was greeted by Queen Aquaria XXVII and the woman she was looking for.
"What is the matter Nixie?" Elysia said as she saw the desperation.
"Airlia's missing; Vox is trying to pin it on you guys. I know that the Aquarians has nothing to do with it though. So I need your help Elysia, and that of Kira. The three of us used to be the best trackers in the kingdom. Kira has learned much from her husband Adray, however, with how hot tempered Glou and Albel are right now, it may be best if we don't involve any men in first trying to locate her. When we have, if we can, we shall rescue her, otherwise we can then get assistance to liberate her. Seeing as both the storm brigade is in Kirlsa, and you have your people in the village of Arias, I doubt they'll be in that mine that borders the kingdom. However, I have suspicions that cannot be confirmed or denied." Nixie said in a rush. Elysia looked up at Aquaria, whom sadly smiled and nodded, "go, but be careful. I will inform Nevelle what has transpired and tell him to wait for your return before sending out the secret legion to hurt whoever has threatened our little angel of the ice kingdom."
Elysia rushed out the back door of the throne room and with Nixie onto Talos's back once more. "Hang on you two."He said as he took off into the sky, knowing his next destination would be Arias where Kira lived.
When they arrived, the saw Kira and her family having a picnic outside and landed near them, what Kira saw made her shoot to her feet. "Whatever is the matter Nixie, Elysia?" When Adray saw the pained look on Nixie's face, he knew it was no laughing matter.
"Someone has kidnapped Airlia and is trying to make it look like the Aquarians did it. I know for a fact that none would ever try that, especially since it would lead to war and the Queen's wrath first off. Never mind that they would likely die in the process." Nixie shot off trying to keep herself from worrying for the sake of the Princess. Kira looked like she was ready to strike something down.
Adray had to ask though, "So why aren't Nevelle, Glou and Albel here with you all?"
"That is because Albel is like a caged tiger, ready to pounce, and Glou is like an angered god that is going to strike down whatever is in his path. We need smarts right now to find her, not strength. If whoever kidnapped her knew they were coming, they would kill Airlia first." Nixie responded; her voice was on the verge of breaking.
Kira supplied, "We could check out the abandoned church at the boarder of our two lands. I'd suggest dressing like maids and covering our faces as much as possible to infiltrate. If we see her, then we can devise a plan to get her out safely." Elysia and Nixie nodded as they ran to the nearest clothing shop.
Airlia awoke, having had no idea how long she has been unconscious. However, what graced her sight made her cringe in worry. She examined her cage to see that the bars looked unfortunately new. A heavy set figure strode up to the bars. His voice was masked and his face, hidden. "Will you marry either Shelby or Vox?"
Her response was a spit at the figure's face. "Never," She said. T
he figure went to strike at her, but refrained. A dark chuckle later followed by, "We shall see who lasts to the end," graced her ears. She sank to her feet, praying for a miracle.
"Albel, where are you my knight…?" She whimpered as she curled up at the back of the room.
The women were dressed and ready to go. When Kira had explained the situation, the shop keeper had happily given them the uniforms with no cost. They changed swiftly and hid simple weapons that were effective under their robes, but still easily accessible. When they left they rejoined Kira's family to bid them farewell for the moment. They left through the south west exit of town. Any identifying features were hidden by cloth. They went to the church that Kira suggested and saw there was too much activity for something that was supposed to be abandoned… "Nixie, I think we found her."
When she nodded, they went to leave, except they were spotted. "Did Vox send you three to cook for us?" Kira thought quickly and said, "Yes he did." And the guard escorted them in.
They worked tirelessly in the kitchen while keeping their ears open for word of the Princess. A month came and went with not a word on anyone being a prisoner or of the Princess. Then one day the guards did mention that the prisoner was a pain in the back. They knew that had to be their Airlia. Kira made a sleeping draught for the keep to eat and render unconscious. Then they could get her out. With all of the guards sleeping, they went to free Airlia. They found her starved and frightened. "N…. Nixie?" The weak voice whimpered.
"Yes, let's get you out of here. Everyone's waiting for you to return." It was then that Kira managed to unlock the door. Airlia rushed into Nixie's arms.
Talos waited behind the church, acting as a wild dragon would, for he would never leave his partner's mate in danger if he could help it. However, all of this would soon change, and not for the better either. A dozen well armed soldiers came out with swords and spears. He let out a battle cry to both startle his enemies, but to warn his friends as well. He began to fight the losing battle fiercely. For every soldier he killed, two seem to replace the fallen. Finally the dragon used his fiery breath that he had tried to not use in fear that it would burn down the church that everyone was in. However, that would lead to his demise. His throat was bared for only a few seconds when a lucky shot from a strong man ended it with a throw that would pierce his throat, killing the dragon instantly. A tear escaped for the knowledge of the fate of the three ladies inside trying to rescue the Princess were now gone and that the Princess, herself, might die as well.
They made their way to the entrance of the church to meet the force behind her abduction waiting with more assistance. Airlia was pushed to the back of the three women. "Now I have the reason to start the war. Kill them and knock out the Princess." A dark knight said as the assault began. A dozen well armed soldiers surrounded the group. The three women made a triangle around the young Princess. For every soldier they managed to cut down to size, two appeared in his or her place. However, the three women were not without marks to their own bodies. A slice on the arm in one place, a slice to the rib in another, it went on endlessly while the Princess cried her tears as she picked up a sword and began to cut through her own pain and some soldiers in the process. A faint light appeared above her forehead, however, that quickly ended with a club to the back of her head sending her thoughts and mind reeling.
"Princess," Nixie cried out when she saw the blow. However, it was in that one moment of distraction that turned the battle to the favor of the kidnappers. The soldier saw his opening and threw out his morals as he drew his blade back and sent it into the back of the young woman. Nixie choked for a minute before she passed her last breath. Its sound brought distraction to the other two women who were both instantly assassinated as well. Each was killed in a different way. One was stabbed through the heart from the front; the other was shot with an arrow through the throat. Their bodies lay on the ground as blood swiftly pooled around them; tears in their eyes for a brief moment, praying for their families to be safe. Little did any of them know what that would bring around?
The knight uttered a dark laugh again as he picked up the fallen Princess. "Such a sad sight, eh little brat, now that we have everything we need to start a war. It is time to put into place the final pawn. That of your pathetic knight should do the trick." Vox said as he locked her up again in the jail. Soldiers brought in the few priests of Aquaria that they could find from both Airyglyph and Kirlsa. The priests were terrified of what laid ahead of them.
"You fools have but one choice, do what we say or die!" Vox demanded as they nodded. "Good, I will be back in a few hours, when I return you must talk about asking the King for a plot of land. However, you must do so softly." They agreed to it, thinking that they would live through the end of the day, not knowing what really is in store for them. Vox left, going up on his air dragon, Tempest. The dragon and his master few off with the few remaining of the dragon brigade that went with him, reaching Airyglyph in little time at all. Tempest landed in the courtyard as Vox quickly dismounted and ran to the King. He had information but wanted 'reinforcements' in case there was a struggle.
"Sire, I may have learned of the Princess's location, however, I wish to bring reinforcements incase I run into resistance." The time without his daughter had indeed worn on Airyglyph XIII. His eyes were sunken in and his body seemed even frailer than ever. Albel was by Airyglyph's side instantly. His eyes, too, were sunken and had dark rims around them showing his lack of sleep. Glou, however, was still fiercely angered. Whoever had done this to his King would pay dearly. The disappearance of Nixie had also worn down on the trio of men. She was the only one who was making sure they ate or drank anything.
"We shall both go in your place Majesty. You are in no shape to go anywhere," Glou said as he mentally added, 'I also have my doubts about the condition the young Princess is in. Who knew if they fed her anything or gave her anything besides poison to drink?' One look at the young knight's eyes told the father that he was having the same thoughts and that he, too, wanted to spare the worried King the sight.
With that the three men left to go the abandoned church that Vox's trap was laid in. They left by aid of Oddeye as Talos had yet to return from his flight. They soon saw why, upon landing, they instantly smelled rotting flesh. One quick look told them a dragon had been there. It had been a common misconception that all dragons could breathe fire. Only those of the baron class could. They looked around to find the slain body of Talos among the bodies of many unidentifiable beings that were probably once human. Glou felt his heart clench. He sunk to his knees in prayer for a moment, for that of his lost partner of the sky. He rose to his feet just as quickly to rush inside and see if his wife and goddaughter were in the building.
Albel could hardly believe the once strong dragon could fall. He felt his blood boil, but nothing could prepare them for what laid inside the church surrounded by death. Albel pulled out his katana while Glou pulled out his own katana, the famed Crimson Scourge. This sword had a rumor around it that it chooses its master, and if the one seeking is found lacking that they will lose control of both mind and body, becoming insane. Albel was grateful at this one instance that the anger felt was by that of a man in control of his body, not one in control by that of a sword.
They crept inside and saw the pools of blood that lay on the ground. Bodies of many soldiers littered the ground. It was evident that a deadly fight took place. However, the sight of a dainty handmade Glou's stomach lurch. Walking over he was relieved that it was not his wife's, however, as quickly as the relief flooded, pain filled in its wake. "Elysia… I pray that you find your way to heaven brave one, but where is my wife?" He muttered softly. Albel's startled gasp made him look up and wish that he hadn't, it was the body of Kira.
Her throat had been cut, but the item that cut it made an odd wound and there were several lacerations on her body from various angles. It was evident she lasted longer than that of Elysia. They moved forward, daring any that hide in the shadows to show themselves. At the altar though was a sight that broke the very soul of Glou. He fell to his knees, trying to hold his emotions in check for the moment, but he knew that when he found her killers, they would die slowly. His wife, his only love, Nixie lay on the ground, with no real wounds to the front, attesting to the amount of fight in her, however, a gaping wound on her back told all. Refusing to give his position away with a scream of rage, he looked for where the bastards that had did this to her could have run.
He saw a doorway and followed it down to the bottom. When he got to the bottom, he heard voices whispering. None could make out what was being said, however, they heard all that was needed to be heard, "It is time… Death… To the King…." Not bothering to listen for anything further or to make sure that they had heard correctly, Glou launched himself at the figures in the shadows.
His sword delivered one deadly blow at the beginning, to the nearest man, cleaving his head off of his neck, "How dare you think to kill my wife and kidnap a child, who happens to be my goddaughter?!" His blood was boiling at the mere thoughts of what his wife and her dearest friends must have suffered. Albel saw the fight and ran in head long striking down a man that would kill his father with a stab to the back, just like they did to his loving mother. The time for sorrow would come later, right now, retribution was at hand.
Vox saw one of the ones he told to say those things were about to speak out and quickly silenced him with a thrust of his big spear. When they were done, Albel screamed loudly, releasing his anger and then a cold fear settled in his stomach, "Airlia!" It was then that it dawned on the others that with no one alive to tell them, she was still missing and possibly dead. Albel ran through the halls, not believing that his Princess was dead.
Airlia shifted slightly in the darkness and instantly regretted the movement. Her hand went to her head and felt dampness at the source of the throbbing pain. She tried to get to her feet and felt lightheaded. Suddenly a cry rang through the halls, one that made her heart race, "Albel!" She cried as loudly as she could. She heard someone running towards her location. She backed into a corner to hide in the shadows as the door rattled on its hinges from the force of the impact.
Albel wasn't sure which door the cry came from, only the direction pointed to no other hallways. Glou was trying to find her, but all of the doors were locked. "Airlia, we're here! Where are you?!" Glou shouted loudly enough to be heard in all of the cells.
Airlia's head jerked up, but quickly went back to its resting place from the pain and dizziness that she felt. "I'm here!" Airlia shouted, trying to help them find her. Albel was closest to the source of the call, but the rooms echoed the sounds, distorting its origin point.
Albel pounded on the door nearest him, this time the door didn't rattle on its hinges, even his voice sounded farther away, "In here?"
Airlia felt like she would cry because they couldn't find her, "No. I'm in here!" Her tears were evident to Glou and Albel.
Albel rushed to the door that was at the far corner and pounded it with all of his might. It was then that the hinges rattled on her cell. "Yes, I'm in here!" Albel backed up and looked at his father. The door was wide enough for them to both run into.
"Keep away from the door Princess! We're coming to get you." Glou shouted as Airlia flattened herself against the side of the wall that was ajar to the door. Glou and Albel ran towards the door, the impact was not enough to knock it completely off of the hinges, but it was enough to tell them that the next one would. They backed up and ran one more time, this time; however, they knocked it off the hinges completely. Airlia ran to Albel and threw herself into his arms.
Her tears were soaking into his shirt as he just held her to him. She was back where she belonged and she knew it. However, it didn't stop Albel's anger when he saw his hand after feeling something sticky. It was covered in blood. "Who did this to you?!" Albel demanded when he probed slightly further and discovered a wound.
"I… don't know… I was hit from behind. When I woke up, I was in here…" Airlia gestured with one hand to indicate the cell. Albel took her up to the cathedral and blocked her sight as they walked through the pools of blood.
Glou picked up Nixie; sobs were starting to emerge after the adrenaline died down in his body. Another soldier picked up the still body of Kira Lasbard. One last soldier picked up the body of Elysia Zelpher, best friend to both women who were dead. Glou went with the soldiers to the boarder of Arias. A soldier stopped him as Adray came up. The look on Glou's face told the man everything, tears came to his eyes, but he forced them back as did the other man. "Did you find the Princess?"
Glou gave a wry laugh. "Yes, and killed those who tried to stop us from doing so. Unfortunately, there were four casualties prior to our arrival. One was Talos, one was Nixie, the others were…" His voice trailed off with sorrow evident.
Adray finished it for him, "One was Elysia wasn't it? The other would be the last of the trio, Kira, my wife…" Glou finally released some tears, this hurt Adray as much as Glou was hurting, and he never cared much for the man that Nixie chose, but if he made her happy, then that was all that had mattered.
"I'm sorry that you had to find her like that, however, at least she did know happiness." Adray said, finally acknowledging that his wife's best friend did love him as deeply as the man before him had loved her.
The soldier brought the body of Kira forward as his daughter came up to see the commotion, Adray caught her, "Go inside Clair. Stay with Nel, Tynave and Farleen, however, please ask Nevelle to come out here." Clair nodded and turned around, heading into the house.
Nevelle came out, the look on his face was similar to both men, obviously the women hadn't told them where they were going or what they were going to do, otherwise they would have stopped them. "Nevelle, I'm sorry, but Elysia…" Nevelle saw it and felt tears come to his eyes and the men mourned together over what happened to their loves. Moments later the tears were gone, all that loomed there was a thirst for justice or vengeance, whichever should come first. Glou had to suppress his emotions once more as he bade them farewell.
Tempest had taken Vox and Talos back home. Oddeye was giving comfort to the Princess as was Albel. She had fallen asleep right before Glou rejoined the family. Glou saw tears in his son's eyes. Albel had pulled her into his arms as he held her head gently. Oddeye used his foreleg to help Albel and Glou up with the Princess and the recently slain body of Nixie. Oddeye flew as fast as he could without risking either woman falling. When he landed, he allowed Albel and Glou to slide down his wing. Albel brought her into his room first to clean up the wound. After he finished, he wrapped it gently as she began to stir. The initial look of fright hurt Albel, but he knew she wasn't afraid of him, it was just that one of the last things she consciously remembered, but as soon as she saw him, the fear instantly subsided and was replaced by something Albel wasn't familiar with.
After her head was bandaged, Albel led her up the stairs to see her father before going to lie back down in her room. As soon as she saw her father, she could barely hide the wince. He was so painfully thin. Albel stood back as Arzei stood and ran to his daughter to engulf her in a tight hug. "Thank the gods that you're safe Airlia! I was so worried about you!"
He saw the wound and physically winced. "Airlia, who did this to you, who hurt you?"
All she could do was shake her head, "I don't know, I never saw any of their faces and I couldn't make out any of the voices. I'm sorry father." Airlia looked at the man who had lost his true love.
Arzei's gaze followed her sight line and gave Glou a sad smile. "I'm sorry about your wife old friend. We'll give her a hero's burial."
Glou's voice shook as he spoke, "Thank you my King. I must also bury my best friend."
Arzei's face fell as his voice spoke, in the barest of whispers. "No, not Talos… I am so sorry my friend. I promise you, when we find the ones who did this and who started the chain of events, they will be punished to the most severe extremes." Glou nodded. At least their souls could rest in peace after that. At this point, Airlia had been leaning on Albel for support for she was half asleep, having had a long day and was recovering from the blunt force that was used on her earlier.
Arzei saw the tiredness in his daughter's expression and nodded sadly. "Albel, please, escort my daughter to her room and stay with her until she falls asleep, it may make it easier for her with it being her first night home in so long." Albel nodded as he strayed closer to her. The corner of his vision saw Cavan and Cassius, the ones who started this whole mess. He wanted to blame them for their unwanted advances towards his lady. However, he knew that he couldn't continue to blame them for her misfortune. He merely picked her up and left the room without another word. He tucked her in and grabbed a spare blanket to wrap himself with as he held her hand the whole night for as she would toss and turn the moment he let go. Little did either know what the following year would bring…