I do not own anything from Star Ocean Till the End of Time!
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 8: A New Companion and Aquios…
Fayt left the room to see several people waiting for him…
In the living room, Nel went outside to wait for Fayt while there was still Airlia waiting in the room with Cliff who was sitting in a chair waiting for Fayt. Cliff shrugged about Airlia refusing to leave the room. Airlia cornered them as she said, "I know you two aren't from Greeton, neither are Cassius and Cavan as they once said to me that they were from. Now I don't know why you're lying to everyone, however, your secret is safe with me. Just promise that you won't back out now that you've promised to help us."
Cliff looked slightly pale as he asked her, "You sure about this?" Airlia nodded as Fayt did too. They gave her a brief rundown of where they were from and what the current situation was.
The situation was humorous enough that Cliff chuckled as he said to Fayt, "So, whatever happened to that precious UP3 you used to worry about all the time?"
Then he turned to Airlia and said, "When we get some quiet time, we'll tell you everything. I promise. For someone who is from this world, you sure are calm about the idea of there being other worlds and that there are forms of life on them." Airlia merely smiled cryptically.
Fayt however, blushed as he said, "Ah yes, well... I've made up my mind. I'll do whatever it takes to end this war. That's all."
Cliff took one last chance to rub it in with what Fayt said before, "There are things I can do, that no one else can do! If there's a chance I can help... Hah! Cool, kid, very cool."
Airlia merely chuckled softly. Fayt said, "Either way, we've interfered so much already, it's not going to make any difference, is it? And there's no guarantee we'll ever get off this planet." Cliff nodded as they turned to leave.
They left the building as Nel smirked as she said, "Took you long enough. What were you talking about?"
Airlia smiled as she said smoothly, "Oh nothing-I was just asking him if he's going to miss Ameena."
Nel chuckled, understanding now why there was such laughter, "Silly question. Of course he will."
Fayt growled out, "Lay off the teasing, all right? It's not like we're going out, geez!" Airlia chuckled at the frustration. Fayt bowed to Nel as he thanked her again for the assistance of the doctor and not charging Ameena.
Nel merely smiled as she said, "Well, she did help you to decide to help us to end the war, so it's the least I could do. Plus I did it because I wanted to." Fayt tried to speak as Airlia merely looked at him and he closed his mouth.
Cavan ran a hand through his black hair as his blue eyes glared at Fayt. He had been able to elicit laughter out of the Princess, when he himself had not been able to. Cassius let his blonde hair fall over his eyes as he studied the Princess. He couldn't use the potion anymore; however, if he got her a gift perhaps, she'd forget this blue haired –boy.- However, he knew the only thing she really wanted was for the war to end to return to her –knight's- side. The thought irked him that the pitiful girl didn't want him or his friend Cavan. The group left the area as they planned their next move. However, a thought struck Airlia as she gasped. Fayt was instantly at her side, misunderstanding what was going on. Airlia looked at the boy, squashing the connection that she felt with him, and said, "We should get Roger and bring him to Aquaria. He was really useful in the forest, minus the ego of course."
Fayt started laughing as he agreed. He could also see that it had irritated Cavan and Cassius. They left to go to the west of Peterny, however, unlike the first time, they went north instead of turning down the first path that led to the forest. However, they were forced to fight a rather large mammoth like creature. Airlia evaded from under the beast's foot and took out her sword to slice at its belly. Fayt and Cliff worked together to deal the killing blow. Fayt sliced at his neck, however the sword got stuck. Cliff jumped up and used his strength to pull the sword down through the neck, killing him instantly. They proceeded to the bridge where they crossed and Airlia stopped them cold. "Guys, these monsters are very deadly. Best to keep clear of them." With that said, everyone nodded and ran to avoid the creatures. The flying creatures tried to swoop and dive; however, they were avoided when one flew into a tree. The creatures on the ground were slow, luckily for them.
With little resistance, they made it safely to the town of Surferio. The town was small, sitting upon rocks connected by bridges. Below them was a deep lake that lay over the ruins of the Ancient City of Aquor. Airlia had never been here due to the war, but found it highly fascinating. There were several races in the small town. Airlia gazed in pure wonder; however, a familiar voice brought her back to reality. They proceeded down the stairs and across the bridge and they saw a small group of three to the left at the intersection beyond the shops. They saw Roger there with two of his friends. The one on Roger's left was garbed in blue. He had a brown cloth wrapped around his shoulders and he also had goggles sitting on his helmet. He seemed to be half awake. He was on the heavier set in comparison to Roger and his other friend who stood on Roger's right. This other boy was dressed in brown clothing and he had a wooden sword strapped to his back. Both boys were taller than Roger, but not by much.
Roger looked up curiously at the expressions of his friends' expressions. Cliff nodded, "Yo." Roger's expression turned to pure delight as he said, "Ho! It's you guys! It's great to see yah!"
The heavier set of his friends just hummed in thought. However the boy in brown asked, "Hey, who are these guys?" Roger beamed in thought as he said, "Oh. These guys are trying to be my henchmen. I guess that'd make them your underlings or something."
Cavan looked at Roger in incredulity, "Huh?"
The heavier set boy said, "...You're joking."
The slightly taller and slim child in brown said, "Come on, Roger, tell the truth!"
Roger seemed to think, his joyful expression disappearing. "Sorry, hehe, just kiddin'... I had them help out in the 'Real Man Contest' a while back."
The slim boy in brown smiled thoughtfully, "Ah, okay then. Heh, I thought there was something funny going on. These guys seem pretty strong and all."
Airlia smiled as she introduced everyone, "I'm Airlia. This boy," she indicated Fayt "is Fayt Leingod. The blonde muscular man is Cliff Fittir. This woman," Airlia indicated the crimson haired, purple eyed woman "is Nel Zelpher."
Cavan spoke up, "I'm Cavan and this is my partner Cassius."
Dribe nodded as he said, "Howdy, nice to meet you guys, I'm Dribe. I'm one of Roger's crew."
The heavier set boy said, "I'm Melt. So you guys were the ones helping Roger. Heh, don't bother speaking. I see all, and know all."
Everyone looked at the boy questioningly. The boy in brown, Dribe, smiled as he said, "Heh, yeah, this guy can read the stars, just a little. He says weird things sometimes, but don't let that bother you."
Fayt said genuinely, "Wow... The ability to read the stars..."
Cavan asked aloud a little harsher than he wanted to, "What are ya guys doing!?"
Roger looked proud of himself as he said, "Hey! I just found this awesome item!"
However Dribe corrected him, "Hey, you didn't find that, Geloro of the Greem tribe found it..."
Roger scolded Dribe, "You fool! Yah didn't have to tell 'em that!" Melt smiled as he indicated several books. Airlia asked, "A book?"
Roger nodded as he said, "A mysterious book, dug from the ruins on the bottom of the lake bed... It just reeks of adventure! But I don't really understand what it says."
Cassius smirked as he said, "You don't understand what it says?"
Dribe answered next for Roger, "I don't know these characters. Only Melt can read it, and even he doesn't understand the whole thing. All I know is; it seems to be talking about a certain place."
Cliff picked up one book to examine and found he was unable to understand it either, "Yeah, I can't read this stuff... What does it say?"
Melt began to explain each book in turn, "Hidden spring in a sea of rolling white fog; what will the stalwart father and son who stand guard think? Caves as dark as death. The five attributes come into conflict. What light can reveal them? The rotted corridor, guarded by archers of the gods. The Sun King sleeps in his coffin. What shall the mute corpse say? Which of the three shall claim the kingless throne? Does the sacrifice of the winged messenger of the gods gaze at hope or despair? At the end of the caverns where the copper sleeps, the northernmost Wiseman gazes upon the lake. Is it an ancient power sealed below the roots? Burning flames of the underworld. The red twins looked down upon by the giant from the tribe of long ears. Who can release that inner power? ...That's all of it."
Roger scratched the back of his neck as he said, "Hmm... I don't get it. What's it talking about?"
Airlia smiled as she said, "I know what the riddle of the sea of rolling white fog means!"
Roger looked at her as she shook her head with a smirk. "I'll tell you only if you promise to split whatever we may find with us!"
Roger scuffed at the ground as he nodded, "Very well. You help us with this and I'll help you on your adventure!"
Cavan tried to find some excuse to not having the child come along, "Yeah, but..."
Roger looked indignant at that comment, "What's wrong with that? All you gotta do is help out with our treasure hunt while you're on your own adventure." Airlia looked at Fayt as did everyone else. He seemed to think for only a moment.
He nodded to Roger as he said, "All right, you've got a deal." Roger started to cheer.
Dribe looked up at Cliff and asked, "Take care of our crazy brother..."
Melt added in his two cents, "He's in your hands now." Cliff nodded seriously to the two boys, seeing that the care for them was genuine.
Roger looked back at his two brothers of sorts, "I'll see you guys then! I'll pick up some presents for you guys, too, don't worry!" The trio bid goodbye to each other as they left. The group left Surferio with little fanfare as they proceeded back to the path that would lead them to the forest that Ameena was found in.
"Roger, do you think you can take us up the hidden path again?" Airlia asked as he nodded, not quite understanding. They dodged the mammoth like creature that they had encountered earlier and went back up the hidden path. At the summit where Ameena was found, Airlia led the way back to where the Mudman had been. Luckily they had dodged all enemies as they made their way. Roger looked at the area curiously. Airlia saw the pair of rocks and smiled. "I think this is where one of the books meant Roger." Airlia examined closely and saw something catch her eye.
She picked it up to discover berries that increase your health. "Found it!" Roger took out the corresponding book and noted in it what they had found.
They left as swiftly as they had arrived. "I have my suspicions about the second book,"
Nel said, "However; they must wait as we need to get to Her Majesty now. We've delayed enough as it is…" Airlia nodded. She had put off the meeting because she was afraid of being turned away because of who she was. They left and went the way they had come and were off the mountain top before long. When they were back in Peterny, a large argument from the Inn drew them to it. Inside were an odd looking girl and a tall guy with chestnut brown hair.
Airlia stepped in and said, "Excuse me, is there something we can help you with?" The girl was small, and her hair was a platinum blonde under a green cap.
"Yes, we're trying to find our way to Kirlsa and this guy is as dumb as a tree stump when it comes to directions."
Airlia smiled as she told him, "Head south of here and keep going, you'll find it in no time. If you hit snow, you've gone too far."
The boy looked relieved as he smiled, "Thank you miss." The pair excused themselves without much ado and leave for the south. The owner of the inn looked relieved to see the pair leave. Airlia merely smiled as she bowed and left without a word. They continued to the north to their final destination, Aquios. When they left the town of Peterny, they followed the stone pathway to the rapidly approaching city of Aquaria. Luckily that since they were in sacred territory, there weren't as many monsters to bar their path. They fought a few large chameleons with ease as well as two witches, that with the help of Fayt's "Silence" runology, they were able to defeat them without much trouble as well. They finally reached the Royal City when they stood in awe.
Airlia was finally able to breathe a breath of freedom for good. She knew that she was safe at this point. Only the Queen could turn her away, and she had no doubt that when her story was heard, that she would not do that. Nel spoke, "It's time for everyone to meet Her Majesty and Lady Elena, our Runological Weapon Development Department Leader." She led the way through the beautiful city as Airlia walked next to her, between Fayt and Cliff. She felt safe between the two men considering she was the Princess of their enemies. They swiftly made their way to the castle and Airlia felt a fear so profound that she held the necklace she wore in her hand and prayed. The guards stopped Fayt and his group at the gates of the castle, preventing entry. However, when Nel told them it was okay, the guards went to allow them to pass until they saw the Princess.
Their weapons went to her throat and her back. Airlia froze in place, anxiety written on her face. "She is part of the enemy! She cannot be allowed to pass!" Airlia looked to Nel for any ideas.
Nel tried to stop one guard while Cliff stood in front of the other guard. Nel spoke soundly as she said, "She was a prisoner in the Kirlsa Training Facility and has come to aid us in stopping this war. You will let her pass." The guards let up, however, their replacements had just come so the two guards walked with the group to the Queen's throne room.
Airlia spoke next, "Thank you Nel. I'm grateful that you helped me back there. You knew I would be anxious about this confrontation." Nel simply smiled gently, comforting the Princess some as they went up the stairs to the second floor. Fayt had little time to study the palace made of a marble-like material. They turned left at the top of the second floor and approached two large doors. They stopped for a moment, and in that moment Airlia made sure that her appearance was corrected so it didn't look like she had just gotten out of a fight. Satisfied, she said a silent prayer again. The doors opened to reveal a huge throne room. They walked the length of the room and kneeled. Airlia kept her head low as Nel introduced most of the group. However, the Queen's startled gasp interrupted the introductions before they could reach Cavan or Cassius.
"Airlia… You're alive! What happened child? Come here and tell me everything." A sigh of relief rushed through the Princess.
Airlia stood and walked over to the Queen. "It's been much too long Your Majesty." Airlia began to explain the events that led to her arrival.
When she finished, the Queen was too shocked to say anything to her. "Goodness Airlia, you've been through a lot. All of this happened because you refused two men who can't stand to lose?"
Airlia could only nod. "All I want is for this war to end so I can go home to my father and to my knight, both of whom are probably out of their mind in worry." The Queen nodded in understanding. Everyone felt the strains of war and knew that it was not Arzei's fault the war had started. Vox had fabricated the tale of who kidnapped Airlia and dressed some of his own men as those who serve Apris.
"You are more than welcomed to stay here Airlia." Airlia's eyes showed her relief.
The man that she remembered to be Lasselle was storming with rage, "Your Majesty! You surely can't think to harbor the Princess here right now?!"
Aquaria XVII turned to glare at him coldly, shutting him up instantly. "She will be allowed to stay here, however, I will not permit her to leave until it is safe, and she will not be permitted to the development lab, however, Lady Elena and her associates may seek her out if they so wish. She will not be barred from exploring Aquios. Will this pacify you Lasselle? Will you be ok with this Airlia?" Airlia smiled as she nodded, this way no one could say she had knowledge of anything that went on and failed to notify her kingdom. Lasselle could only flap his lips as no sound came out. Aquaria XXVII smiled as she nodded. "I'll show you to your room Airlia while the others go meet with Lady Elena. Nel," Romeria said as Nel bowed.
"Yes Your Majesty." As the group left, Airlia smiled up at her friend, the Queen.
"Thank you for getting me gracefully out of that situation. It would have been awkward to decline going with them. This should put everyone at ease." Romeria nodded as they walked through the halls and back down the halls and down the stairs.
Airlia recognized the room to have been recently remodeled. "Wasn't this a storeroom the last time I was here?"
Romeria nodded as she said, "Correct. I had it remodeled in hopes that you would be found and if you needed somewhere to stay until the war ends." Airlia smiled brightly as they went in. The room was beautiful!
A window had been added to filter some light. The once upon a time storehouse had been cleaned out, a nice green rug with gold trim was added, and the furniture was plain, but, with an intricate design. There was white gauze around the bed, hanging from the rail of the bed posts. The linen was a plain beige color and the pillows were firm. Airlia touched everything with a sense of wonder as she saw the walls had been cleaned so you could see the marble that was beneath the years of grime of a storehouse. There were knickknacks around the place, here and there, to give the place a touch of home. Airlia sat down on the bed and went to lie down.
She had no idea of how long she had slept. However, it had been shining with sunlight before, now there was darkness. She stretched her sore muscles and sat up. However, it was then that she noticed she wasn't alone. She peered through the sheets and saw it to be the form of Lady Elena. Airlia smiled brightly as she went to greet the love of her father. "Hello Lady Elena…" The purple haired woman's smile was so bright and beautiful.
Elena's eyes shown with the emotions the woman was feeling, relief, sorrow, pain, happiness. "I am so glad you're safe Airlia. Tell me, please, no one's mistreating you, right?"
Airlia smiled, "No. The Queen warned everyone against that. I've missed you, though, Lady Elena…"
Elena said, cutting the younger woman off, "Just call me Elena when we're in private. I feel as if you're my own daughter."
Airlia simply smiled even brighter. "I wish you would be my mother when the war ends and both kingdoms are speaking to each other again." Elena's sad smile made Airlia wince. However, before anyone could continue, a disturbance in the hall brought them out.
Airlia was hesitant before opening the door. She didn't want to see who it was or if they were there to accuse her of being there to steal information for her home. Elena, having sensed this went out first to protect the woman she would love to call her daughter. Outside was Dion, trying to get a man to leave the castle. The man was tall, with short cropped hair and it came back into pulled several braids. The man was demanding, "Where is that woman, Airlia?! I've heard rumor that she is here in the castle. She'll betray us all…."
Elena had heard enough as she swept her way into the hallway stopping the tirade. "She is resting. She was held prisoner for a month by one of her own people. She is restricted from movement into certain sections of the castle. She has accepted those terms in exchange for protection from everyone who would harm her on both sides until she can return after the end of the war. Anyone who gives her trouble is subject to be thrown into jail." The man shut up quickly as he saw her.
Tales of her appearance had spread far and wide, but never had he expected it to actually be understated. However, word had spread of her care for her friends with such intensity; he hadn't expected to actually like her. He didn't like anyone except for his own pet cats. "I apologize, Princess Airlia. I didn't hear all of the terms that you were given. I understand everything now, and shall prevent others from making the same mistake that I made. Will you allow me to make it up to you? Have the three of you eaten today?"
Airlia shook her head no, as did the others. "Then I will be right back."
He left swiftly, leaving everyone shaking their heads. "Airlia, this is my second in command, so to speak, Dion Landers."
Airlia smiled as she extended her hand to the tall man with glasses. "Nice to meet you Dion, please, just call me Airlia. Who was that man?"
Elena shook her head with a chuckle, "He is Maxwell Aaron Albert. He was once my pupil, until he branched off into other studies, now he walks around in the Library, constantly studying. He doesn't favor romance; he just favors his cats that he has in his home. He's harmless though, so don't worry about him."
They walked back into her room to set up for a dinner for the group. They had just gotten the table ready and Dion brought two extra chairs when Maxwell came back into the room. He set the table with all sorts of breads, some wine, salad, both fruit and vegetable as well as some pasta. Airlia smiled at the group as they sat down to eat. Airlia worried silently for what was going on with Fayt's group, but never, would she have known what her fear would do. There was little conversation; however, out of the corner of her eye, she could see Maxwell hadn't taken his gaze from her. When the meal was done, Airlia excused herself to get some rest. Everyone saw that she was clearly tired and nodded. They took their leave silently as she went to lie back down in bed to sleep. However, sleep, would not come easily.
Dreams of fierce battle brewed, leaving her whimpering in her sleep. Her fear, a deep seeded fear, came to life as she extended her hands to prevent an attack from behind. At that same moment, Fayt found they discovered too late that a group of monsters was coming up from behind. However to the group's surprise, a shield formed to protect them, leaving the group confused. Airlia passed out from the drain of energy and slept. She had no idea of how long she was asleep again, however, when she awoke, she saw the worried expression of Fayt Leingod. Airlia brushed her hand over her eyes. "Fayt, what's going on?"
Fayt's expression turned serious, "Ameena, she's here and she collapsed again. We've brought Dion to her; however, I know that you would want to know she's dying of a serious infection in her lungs. However, we also heard you were unconscious for two days. What happened?"
Airlia's eyes clouded over in worry, for Ameena more than herself. "I don't remember." She excused him so she could change into the new clothes that Aquaria XXVII brought for her to wear.
It was a simple cloak as well as some fitted pants and top that was cream in color while the cloak was also a cream. Airlia smiled at her simple appearance. She left quickly to go to the inn where Ameena was staying. Airlia pulled the doctor to the side as she was leaving, "What is wrong with her?"
The woman could only give a sad smile, "She will die if she's not treated with medicine that isn't even in existence yet. All I can do is ease her suffering and pray that Apris takes pity and heals her."
Airlia felt like weeping, her friend was dying. "I'll take it into my hands; send for the best compounders to meet me in the Workshop here in town." She nodded as she left and Airlia left to go to the workshop to clean it up. However, when Airlia arrived, she was in for a large surprise! It was already exceptionally clean and ready to use.
There was a knock on the door. Airlia opened it to reveal several figures standing there. "Word came to us on the winds that you're looking for the best compounders in the lands. Here we are. I'm Puffy."
A bright young woman said. She was shorter and dressed as if ready for schooling. Then there was an elderly woman standing there, she smiled grimly as she bowed, "I'm Louise the Diviner. I helped to compound the remedy that was given to you years ago to clear the confusion in your heart of hearts."
Airlia smiled warmly at her, "Thank you again for helping me with that problem."
Then there was a woman who was tall with her blonde hair was braided behind her back, "I'm Cliff's friend, Mirage Koas. It's nice to finally meet you Airlia."
"Thank you all for coming, we're on a very special mission. We're going to create a remedy to save a girl who is dying very slowly, very painfully. We'll each take an element of her ailment and create a remedy for that, and hopefully, amidst this, we'll find a cure for the disease in her lungs."
Mirage started to read off the list of ailments, "Fever. Then there is dry coughing, though when she does get something, it's usually bloody. Then there's the physical pain that she is constantly in. I also felt unusual bumps when I examined her with the doctor, it's possibly cancer. This will be hard to cure, but I know if anyone can do it, it's the group we have right now." Airlia felt her heart sink when she heard the word –cancer.- She didn't know what it was, but assumed that it was something very nasty.
Everyone looked grim as they diced up the things to make in an attempt to save the woman's life. Airlia took the task of finding something to end the coughs. Mirage was making something akin to what she called chemotherapy to save her from the cancer. Then there's the fever, who Louise took to finding something to end it for good for the girl. That left Puffy, who was working on something to soothe her throat and in general to ease the pain. The girls also had to be careful of the elements that went into their remedies, to ensure that they don't cross interact in a negative way.
Hours passed, as each woman worked diligently when Mirage smiled triumphantly. "I got my section done."
Airlia smiled gratefully at the woman as her own potion had the reaction she recalled her book saying it should have. She looked and saw it was ready. "Mine's done too!" Airlia smiled as they compared notes to see that it was truly ready, and nothing would be ill cross interacting.
Puffy jumped for joy as she stated, "Mine's done too!" Airlia and the others watched as Louise just finished her own potion as well. When everything was done, they checked one final time as it was for the sake of a sick girl who had never known what it meant to never have health problems.
"Everything's set. We'll phone it in on the way to the inn. Let's go." Airlia opened her communicator to give her friends their patents on their products. Puffy named her remedy the 'All Soothing Potion.'
Airlia felt that it actually made sense. Louise was next naming her potion the 'Fever Reducer.'
Airlia went to hand the communicator to Mirage who told her, "I don't have a name yet. Why don't you name yours?"
Airlia nodded as she said, "I'm going to name mine the Cough Stopper."
Airlia knew her name was weak, but it said it all. Mirage smiled as she took the communicator and said, "Mine is the Lump Healer." They made their way swiftly to the main street in Aquios. When they did, they turned to the right and went into the building across the street to the inn where Ameena was resting.
When they made it there, Airlia looked around and wondered where everyone was when a woman approached them, "The war is starting. They all left to go to the boarder." Airlia cried internally, she wanted to end Vox's life, but it was not to be.
However, Mirage sensed what was in the girl's heart and said, "We'll take care of the administering the cures, just be sure to bring her reason to live, home alive."
Airlia smiled with all of the relief she felt. "Thanks Mirage. Please take care of her." Mirage nodded as Airlia flew out of Aquios. She tore past the demons on the paths. Normally she wouldn't have cared if she fought them or not, but she wasn't about to let Dion die.
She had just made it to the Arias border when she saw it. Ships appeared in the sky. She saw the beam of light that destroyed the man who was her enemy. "Vox…" When she saw another beam of light, she screamed in outrage. It was then that her abilities would manifest. A beam of light appeared above her as an angel appeared. The beam shot over the arena as it produced a protective shield that reflected the enemy attacks. The first ship that attacked the shield was destroyed by the sheer force of the reflected attack. Fayt took his cue to tell both sides to run. Airlia's body fell as the next ship's beam came and shattered the shield. Dion had already cleared the field, thankfully to the assistance of some of his assistants. The soldiers had started fleeing after seeing the shield destroyed by the beam of the second ship. Gareth was the only one to investigate the source and saw his Princess. He refused to leave her side, even when he thought death could come to him.
"I'm taking her to Aquios. Please, don't attack me." Gareth said as the soldiers nodded and handed him Airlia. Fayt screamed in the distance as another angel and beam of light appeared, this one destroyed the ship as if it had never been there. Fayt apparently collapsed too, with the amount of ensuing confusion. Baldwin rose into the air and swiftly flew to the White Dew Gardens where he landed. He ran inside, much to the consternation of the Magistrate Lasselle.
When Romeria saw Airlia's sleeping body, her worry instantly began brewing. "Gareth, it has been a long time. What happened to Airlia?"
Gareth shook his head, "I'm not exactly sure myself. All I know is that she came onto the field, apparently as Vox was killed by these celestial ships or something. She screamed as they began to attack everyone and a beam of light appeared and shielded the field. The first ship to attack was destroyed as the ship attacked the shield. However, when the second ship attacked, it broke the shield entirely. I flew to find what originated the shield, to get it to safety for the sake of both kingdoms. I don't want this world wiped clean when there are so many unresolved issues. I saw it was my Princess and knew she needed to rest before seeing her father." Romeria nodded as she escorted them to the room the Princess was using so she could sleep it off.
Airlia awoke with a start, not immediately recognizing the location. Gareth woke immediately as he saw her looking around. "It's okay Airlia. You're in Aquios. I brought you here when I saw you unconscious."
Airlia smiled when she saw Gareth's familiar form. Gazing around, she only saw Dion there as well. "Tell me what has happened." Gareth told her of what he knew. He left out what was going on with Albel. Airlia's expression told all as she said, "What of Albel?"
However, the answer would not come from Gareth, but from that of Cavan. "We kicked his ass in the mountains. He was probably too weak to fight in the all-out war we were just in." Airlia sized up Cavan and saw his once perfect face was marred with several bruises, lacerations and scrapes.
Airlia had to restrain her joy at seeing him injured. Gareth smiled as they excused themselves. They left to find Fayt who was also just waking up. Airlia smiled at the fact that Fayt was also safe. However, nothing would prepare them for what would happen next. Ameena walked up to the door without Mirage's assistance. Dion looked at her as he whispered, "Ameena?"
Ameena smiled genuinely without pain. Airlia spoke in a bare whisper, "It worked! Thank Apris. When everything is settled, I intend to compensate Mirage and those other two for all of their help. Now, Fayt, I think you and I need to talk. Alone." Fayt nodded, as did Cliff. Nel and everyone else looked puzzled at this, however, Airlia knew things would change, and quickly.