Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 12: The Marquis Dragon
Going forward, they went to the north-eastern exit and through the dirt path that led to the Mountain of Barr. They saw a dragon brigade member on the side that shouted out, "Princess, Lord Albel, I shall await here in case you need anything." Airlia and Albel both smiled gratefully. They proceeded forward through the paths, trying to duck and dodge all of the many types of dragons that existed. However, they did have to fight several dragons. The dragons, however, startled them from time to time. The only way that they managed to get out of the fearful holding the dragons put them in was to hurt them. Airlia was the first one to be out of the many holds as she quickly tried to conjure the shield that protected them before.
"I don't have enough strength to hold this for too much longer. Hurry!" They worked quickly to defeat the dragons and managed to make it into a tunnel that was behind a waterfall. They used the dark spaces of the cave to avoid the monsters that loomed there.
When they made it to the back, Nel saw light coming from the right and led them to the exit at the rear of the cave. "Guys, let's go this way. Hurry!" They proceeded forward to the remains of a workshop of sorts. A woman was wondering around, seemingly in a daze. They passed through very quickly and wandered their way to the top where there were absolutely no monsters in sight. However, a sound within a cave drew them closer. They walked in to find a large purple dragon that was rotting and had various weapons stuck within it. Airlia stayed towards the rear to keep the group healthy. Nel used her Ice Needles from afar as Albel drew his weapon closer and ran at the creature, slashing at its face and arms.
It seemed that the monster simply wouldn't let go of its hate for the people that had killed it. When Fayt used his sword as hot as pure fire and rammed it within its skull, killing it. However, the sound of air dragons wouldn't leave the cave. Airlia stood ready to help her friends when they figured out that it was simply the bones of a dead dragon. Airlia suppressed a shutter as Albel drew her closer. Fayt took the windpipe of the dragon skeleton, and put it within his knapsack. They left without a word and traveled back down. However, on their way, the group met with a pack of small dragons that packed a powerful bite.
Airlia stood back as she used her Thunder Flare. As they were told, her strength didn't flee as quickly as before. Fayt grinned as he added in his own, "Thunder Flare."
Nel topped it off with using her "Ice Needles." With the pack of dragons dead, they managed to make it back to the safety of the destroyed workshop. Fayt went to the area where you could create items and used his abilities to turn the windpipe into a flute. Airlia gave him a curious look when Nel explained, "I told him we would need this to progress into the caves. You Airyglyphians aren't the only ones who know of the secrets of the caves." Airlia merely smiled as she gripped Albel's hand to keep him from saying or doing anything that could destroy the fragile treaty in place.
They proceeded forward into the caves and found where the dragon was displayed on a wall. When examined, the dragon seemed to be happy. Airlia thought back to the legends she had learned over time. "The dragons enjoy their favorite tunes… The happy dragon, I think went like this…" Airlia took the flute and played a short and joyful sound.
The wall disappeared before their very eyes. Airlia looked up, "By Apris…" They went in as Airlia clutched the flute tightly. They found a tune that brought the angry dragons away. "During my non-exciting times, I learned how to play flutes for my friends. However, that went by quickly with the war. Who knew that it would be so needed?" They proceeded in to find the remains of an experimentation room. Airlia looked away in disgust.
"What is so different from us Princess?" Albel asked as she looked at him in shock.
"Sure we had to kill those dragons, but we didn't experiment on them while they had just died or were dying. That makes us different." Albel merely smiled as she spoke, having justified the need to kill the beasts that threatened their passage, from what would have more than likely been their ancestors. They proceeded back outside and forward through the main passage and proceeded north to find another relief. This dragon was also happy. Airlia took out the flute and played the music that the dragon loved to hear. With the song played, the group proceeded into a vast room with floor tiles. As they stepped on the floor, various tiles began to light up, forming part of a cross pattern.
They reached a large dragon relief. It was another angry dragon relief. Below it was the dragon runes. Nel read them allowed. "'Offer the dragon's cranium while within the cross. The dragon reliefs seek nothing than their favorite sound.' What could that mean?"
Airlia smiled, "I think the music is the flute that I've played to make the reliefs vanish. I think the cranium is the one that we saw back in that room. However, this cross, perhaps we can only offer it once the tiles are fully lit up." The group examined around the room, only a couple of the tiles lit up.
Airlia examined the reliefs. The largest one was an angry dragon. Airlia pulled out her flute of the dragons and began to play a long, dark and heated melody. When it was done, the relief vanished. They proceeded further into the rooms and saw a tile at the end of the last room. Stepping on it, they heard a small noise. Airlia smiled as Cliff said, "It looks like another tile lit up." They proceeded back into the main room and avoided touching the lit stones. They headed east to the next relief. This one was of a playful dragon. After playing the long and whimsical song, it disappeared. Going forward, they followed the path to the end to see another tile that would light up. They proceeded back to the part where the tunnel split into a wing area nearest their current location.
They went forward to find a monster that they easily avoided and went into the far room. Seeing a chest, Airlia opened it and saw some berries that could restore the magical strength of the person consuming it. She put it away for when it would be needed. They left again and avoided the monsters as they went down the tunnel on their now left. Going to the end, they followed the path to the left and found two chests. One held some sort of stone that emitted an eerie glow. The other chest had a charm that protected you from the wind attacks some. Airlia gave that to Nel to keep her safe from the assaults that were from wind based attacks. Cliff smiled when he saw it on her. They left and went north to see a multiple relief. This one had a sad dragon and an angry dragon. Airlia took out her flute as everyone got their guards up to protect her.
She waited until the sad relief came up and played a short, soft and hauntingly tearful melody. The dragon remained up there until it was done. Then it vanished with almost a smile on its face. The next was the angry dragon. Airlia played the long and fierce song that she played before. It too stayed for the duration of the song and vanished when it was over with almost a smile. With the two dragons gone, they went forward and opened the single chest that held a pixie of wind prisoner.
She smiled and blessed them with health as she flew off. Their strength restored, they left to return to the beginning of the path. Upon returning without incident, they found another sad relief. She played the song that she knew it loved to hear to find the room open and reveal another tile. Nel quickly ran to it to light it up. Proceeding back to the main path, they found that only two tiles remained untouched. Albel smirked as they went to yet another sad relief. Airlia played the flute again. The haunting melody brought tears to her eyes as images of pain flashed before them. When it was done, the painting vanished. They proceeded forward and saw a dead end to their right. They followed the path to the end and saw another tile. Albel ran forward and triggered this one, earning a brilliant smile from the tired Airlia. Albel knew she couldn't be fully well after the night before. They proceeded back to the room that held the initial large relief. Airlia sat down in a corner as Albel ventured, "I'll go get the cranium. You relax here slightly Airlia."
A weak, but grateful smile emerged. She had seen so many images from the dragons' memories that were embedded in the reliefs. Airlia leaned her head back on the stone as Albel ran off at top speed to get what they seek. When he returned, they proceeded to the center where the tiles lit up in unison as they lifted the cranium up to the sky. There was a clicking sound from ahead as they finished. Heading forward, they saw the door was open to the Urssa Lava caves. However, as they proceeded forward, a small being flew in. He held a bow with arrows that were strapped to his back. After he came in, he began to speak, "Hello there! It's been quite some time since anybody's come this way! It is gonna be fun having somebody to beat up again! The name is Robin Wind!" He began to rapidly fire arrows at the group who split up to make it harder to hit everyone. Airlia growled low as he shot arrows at Albel who was trying to make his speed be put to good use.
"Don't you dare hurt him…." She began to glow eerily as she spoke, "Explosion…" The sky turned an eerie red as the group scattered to get away from the falling bomb. The flying boy however, couldn't get away as he couldn't get out from under the falling remains of a giant star. It fell down with him at the center. Airlia used the few remaining ounces of power that she had to use to project a shield that kept the explosion away from the group. When it was done, Airlia took out the blackberries that she had found earlier and ate them quickly to regain her strength. She felt some of her strength come back as Fayt called upon the powers of ice to his blade. He rammed it at the slowly moving Robin Wind who was still recovering.
When he did, the being known as Robin Wind felt his life give out as he spoke, "You passed the test. You may proceed. Find the Rabbit Ears Key before trying to find the home of the Marquis. Find Vanilla because you'll need his help to reach him. Please proceed with caution humans for the next place you go into is full of hot trouble."
They proceeded into the next room, where it was blistering hot with pools of lava around them. Various large monsters loomed nearby as they tried to skirt their way around them to avoid a confrontation with them. Albel was their guide in this realm. He led the way to the right as they wound their way through the hot paths that could kill them at any moment. They followed the path straight, trying to avoid the flaming zombies that were trying to stop them. Airlia killed one with her "Ice Needles."
Nel took two down with her own runology. Fayt used his "Ice Needles" to take down the remaining three. They followed the path straight through to the end where there was a large bunny statue.
"The key should be around here. Let's split up and look for it." Airlia moved around to the back of the statue while Albel started to search the front. Roger and Nel started to search the two candle sticks that were lit. Fayt, Maria and Cliff shared a look between them as Airlia cried out, "I found it!"
She joined everyone as Albel nodded with a smile, "That's it! I'm glad that we found it. Let's get going. The sooner all of this is done, the sooner my Princess is safe and can return to her rightful home." They left, everyone following Albel's move. They returned to the place that they had first arrived at. Albel led the way as they avoided the flaming Mudman. Following the path, they continued straight to the next chamber.
Airlia saw the path on the right first. "Is that the way we're going?" With a swift nod, the group hurried forward, eager to try and escape the blistering heat. At the end was the locked door that Albel remembered before.
Without a second thought, Airlia passed Albel the Rabbit's Ears Key. He opened the door and everyone ran inside. However, the room before them was filled with such heat that the steam rendered sight useless Albel took his princess's hand instinctively. "Grab one another's hands, this way we follow as one giant piece of rope." Everyone gripped the hand of the person before them. Airlia gripped Albel's hand tighter as he felt around with his clawed arm. Fayt held Airlia's other hand and one of Maria's hands, while Cliff gripped her free hand and with the other one, gripped Nel's hand tightly. Nel's free hand gripped Roger's hand while his hand gripped his trusty axe. When Albel felt the first depression in the wall, he felt deeper in before saying, "Everyone, we're turning here. It'll take us to the rabbit quickly." They followed the path while barely being able to even see the hand before them. Everyone had time to think except for Albel who was leading the group along.
Nel thought about the attack upon the Princess by the swine and how she hasn't had a chance to really say what lays in her heart. Nel thought about what lay in her own heart and how she would feel if she never said it. The pain was unbearable to her. She gripped the hand before her tightly. Cliff too was thinking about what had happened and how he would feel if he didn't say anything and knew it would nearly kill him. He hid his own feelings until he had a chance to really talk to her. The time came to turn and everyone was shaken out of their thoughts. Not soon after, they turned yet again to the right this time. Before they knew it, it was time yet again to turn right. Albel found the door and quickly opened and everyone spilled into the small cave. With the door shut, Airlia sighed as the heat level dropped through the floor to a tolerable level. There was a small boy there who appeared like a rabbit humanoid. He was about waist high to Airlia and he wore a green cap with a golden rim to it. He wore a green shirt over his torso. Airlia smiled at the small rabbit boy as he looked at everyone in shock.
The rabbit-like humanoid spoke with caution, "Who are you? Didn't you see the message not to search for a spare key?"
Fayt looked at the boy curiously, "Spare key?"
Airlia spoke up next, "He probably means the Rabbit Ears Key."
Fayt nodded as the boy spoke again, "Well, no matter. Besides, you don't seem to be monsters. So, what do you want?"
Fayt smiled as he started to talk, "First, let's introduce ourselves. I'm Fayt. This is Maria."
Maria nodded gently with a smile as she spoke, "These guys are also with us."
Airlia smiled, "I'm Airlia and this is my protector Albel."
Cliff smirked before he said, "Hey, I have a name, too, you know!"
Nel looked at him through slanted eyes as she said, "I'm Nel and this muscle man is Cliff. This boy is named Roger."
The rabbit-like humanoid smiled and said, "I'm Vanilla. Pleased to meet you."
Fayt nodded as he spoke further, "We've come to speak with the Marquis, the dragon who lives somewhere in these caves."
Vanilla looked up at Fayt curiously, "Speak with...him? Hmm... The entrance to his lair is blocked by volcanic rock. You can't get in."
Albel nodded, "That's why I came to look for you. I know you might not remember me, but I came here years ago looking for him before to try and commune with him. I was with my father."
Vanilla nodded, "Yes, it was right after you left that the path was blocked with stronger rocks. He wasn't quite happy with you it seemed." Albel glared as he nodded. Airlia gently rubbed his shoulder to try and comfort him.
Fayt asked, "Aren't you in charge of these caves?"
Vanilla shook his head with a response, "I have nothing to do with this place. I'm just an uninvited guest."
Airlia asked softly, "Is there any way to remove the volcanic rock?" Vanilla seemed to consider this for a minute.
His ears drooping before perking up, "There's a way, but... I'll need a glowstone to make a Ring of Disintegration. You could use that to remove it."
Airlia smiled as she was about to pull out the stone when Maria asked, "A Ring of Disintegration?"
Vanilla nodded as he explained further, "'Disintegration' refers to a special runological force that makes objects disappear forever. A Ring of Disintegration is an item with just such a power. Anyone can use it."
Fayt asked as a question formed in his mind, "Are you saying you can make a Ring of Disintegration for us?"
Vanilla thought for a moment, "Well, I am an inventor, appearances notwithstanding. A Glowstone... Hmm... Do you know the Airyglyph Aqueducts? I believe there's one hidden in the ice-covered room there. Do you really want a Ring of Disintegration that badly?"
Airlia spoke up next, "Yes, we have to speak with the Marquis."
Vanilla knew what question to ask next, "When do you need it by?"
Maria was excited, so much so that she could barely contain it, "Then you'll make one for us!?"
Vanilla nodded with a response again, "Well, it'll put food on the table. So, when do you need it by?"
Airlia smiled, "As soon as possible."
Vanilla thought before he asked tactfully, "How much will you pay me to make it?"
Airlia pulled out a pouch as she said, "Umm... Let's see... We'll pay 30,000 Fol."
Vanilla jumped for joy as he said, "Really? You'll pay that much? Yippee!"
Fayt spoke up next, "Oh, uhh... Hold on a sec."
Vanilla merely ignored him as he said, "All right then, and the entrance to the room where you'll find the glowstone is covered in ice. Use these disintegration bombs to break through, and then bring the glowstone back to me. I'm only giving you ten, so don't go wasting them."
Airlia shook her head, "I was trying to tell you earlier, I have it already." She pulled out of the pouch the stone in question.
He looked at her in shock, however she responded, "I gave you the money already as I knew this would be an inconvenience, however, my father, the King of Airyglyph gave me this from his treasury. He always kept one on hand in case we needed it for something like this."
Vanilla smiled as he took the stone from her gently and began to work on the item the group needed. Airlia leaned against Albel during that time, having him near her brought her strength. Vanilla jumped up in joy saying, "Done! Here's your Ring of Disintegration. This is something that really requires more time and money. But, since both are in short supply, I only could make a ring that disintegrates certain things. Time and money are far more important than talent, so it couldn't be helped."
The group left after bidding him farewell. They followed the path again back to the entrance way that they had first come from. Everyone was holding hands again as they had the first time around. Before long everyone was back in the blistering heat, however, they could see once more. With Albel leading the way back, they returned to the beginning of the caves. Albel led the group north; they dodged many of the fire based foes. Finally reaching the edge of the cave where the doors were blocked by the rocks. Maria took the ring and put it to use. The rocks disappeared one by one; however, they had to dodge the falling rocks from above. When one door was opened, they rushed inside to rest near the edge of the cave. Airlia pulled out healing items and made sure everyone was ready to go. Albel looked at her, "I wouldn't blame you if you stayed out of this fight. He's a very dangerous dragon to fight. I just want you to be safe Airlia."
Airlia shook her head, "I'll be too pissed if I stayed out of it and any of my friends were hurt." Albel shook his head as they proceeded forward.
The dragon before them was huge. He was so still, though that they feared the worse. However, everyone gasped at the sheer size. Fayt exclaimed, "It's huge..."
While Maria spoke, "Now that's just too big."
Cliff spoke calmly saying, "I can see why they call him the Marquis. Now that is impressive."
Nel spoke softly, "I really hope he'll go along with our proposal..."
Albel shook his head, "It won't be that easy, fool."
Nel looked like she was going to attack Albel for the comment, "What did you call me!?"
Suddenly before anyone could continue, the Marquis moved his arm. Airlia spoke, "Everyone, knock it off. He's waking up."
The dragon spoke, his voice showing his anger, "Who dares disturb my sleep?"
Cliff looked like he was going to say the wrong thing, however, Airlia spoke, "Don't say it Cliff. He's angry enough as it is." He nodded and remained silent.
However the dragon spoke next, acknowledging the kindness of the Princess as he spoke his first question, "A perceptive one amongst your group… interesting... Do you believe you are the masters of all creation? Why are you so surprised that other creatures can speak? You act as though you know everything. Ages pass, yet you humans never learn."
Airlia grimaced as she bowed before him. "May I speak Majesty?"
The dragon seemed to think before speaking next, "Yes. What is it that you want tiny human?"
"Majesty, have you felt the unsettling in the air? There is darkness that comes towards this planet, threatening all forms of life, not just that of the humans?"
He thought for a moment before nodding, "Yes tiny human. Come forward child…"
Airlia and Nel went forward and both kneeled. "I am Airlia Airyglyph. Daughter of the King of Airyglyph…"
And Nel spoke forward, "And I am Nel Zelpher, agent of Aquaria. We've come to request the Marquis's aid, Your Excellency."
The dragon seemed to be surprised, "A maiden of Aquaria? A maiden of Airyglyph? Speak your purpose."
Airlia looked to Nel to explain the situation from her perspective, "Yes, Your Excellency. A great threat is menacing these lands. We need Your Excellency's help to stop it." The Marquis nodded and spoke, "What would you have me do?"
The brunette spoke next, "We'd like you to bear the runological weapon that the Aquarians have developed, so that we can deal with this threat."
The royal Dragon roared angrily, his wings spreading as he spoke, "Imbeciles! You would have me bear on my own back something made by human hands!? Do not insult me, humans. I am great and ancient, and you are nothing. How could you think I would acquiesce to such a foolish request?"
Both maidens stood as Nel spoke again, "Even so, we cannot leave until you agree!"
The Marquis glared, "I could not care less!"
Cliff spoke next as he punched into one hand, "Nel, forget it. Turkeys like this need to be smacked around a bit before they'll listen."
Albel pulled out his sword as he said; "Now that's a first. We're both of the same opinion." Airlia nodded as she said nothing.
Maria spoke next, her voice cold, "I agree that humans are nothing special. But I wonder if you are as great as you say you are. Perhaps you need a lesson in humility."
Fayt asked softly, "Your Excellency... Is there no way you'll agree to cooperate?"
The Marquis glared darkly as he said, "None!"
Airlia glared as she said, "Oh well. We'll have to force you to listen!"
The Marquis roared his answer, "You are free to try. Convince me of your worth and I shall listen to all you have to say!"
Maria took out her gun as she said, "We'll hold you to your word, Your Excellency!"
The dragon seemed to smirk as he roared, "It is a promise I shall not have to keep!"
Airlia kept to the back as she, Nel and Maria attacked from afar. Cliff, Fayt, Albel and Roger tried to distract him with their shorter ranged attacks. Airlia managed to hit him with an Explosion. She used what little strength she had left to protect everyone from the force of the blow. Nel tossed her a strength restoring potion followed by getting ready to use her "Ice Needles" when she saw he was going to hurt Cliff.
Her body glowed eerily as she called out, "Lightning Chain!" Thunder emitted from her hand that struck out at her enemy. Maria finished up with a strike to the already weak point with her Laser Blast.
He shook his head as if to clear it. He spread his wings as he exclaimed, "Not bad for mere humans. And an even better challenge than that man who subdued Tempest. This shall be the first time in ages I have had to really earn my name!"
The dragon readied for battle once more. Airlia tossed Nel and Maria healing items to restore their strength like her own strength had been. They prepared for the next round where the dragon seemed to show a sense of renewed strength. Roaring, he took to the sky, however, he was stopped by a familiar beam of light. This was from Maria's choice weapon of course. She shot off a few more times in an attempt to keep him from diving at everyone while Airlia and Nel prepared a dual Thunder Flare. When they launched their attacks, Fayt added his own for good measure. However, before long, he collapsed to the ground, exhausted from the onslaught.
He growled out, "Arrr... To live 700 years only to suffer at the hands of mere humans." Airlia smiled gently as she handed out the healing herbs again to restore the group's strength.
Maria smiled in relief as she said, "You'll keep your word, right?"
The Marquis responded in a low growl again, "Though it is humiliating to serve your kind, breaking one's word is a despicable act. I have no choice."
Albel spoke next, "All right then."
The Marquis knelt down before speaking, "You may ride on my back, small but powerful humans. I shall bear you wherever you desire." Fayt got on first while Albel aided Airlia with getting up; he got on behind her as Cliff got on behind Nel. Roger got on between Nel and Albel as to not fall off. He stood up and began to fly into the sky.
Fayt asked, "Ummm... What should we call you?"
He rumbled with laughter as he said, "Call me Crosell, little one."
Fayt spoke again, "Well then, Crosell. Would you start by heading towards Castle Aquaria to the east?"
Crosell nodded as he said, "As you wish!" It seemed as if it only took a few beats of his wings and they were flying faster than on any dragon. It seemed as if in no time at all they were back at the Castle Aquaria.
They got off with a rush as Nel shouted out, "Get ready at once!"
The runologists nodded as one said, "Yes, Lady Nel."
Fayt spoke softly, trying to lessen the blow to Crosell, "This may be hard for you, but please bear with us."
Crosell growled out, "There is no other choice."
Airlia spoke next, her voice ringing out and calming him, "That's right. Besides, the strong must be magnanimous toward the weak."
Crosell seemed to smile as he said, "This young lady speaks the truth."
Nel walked over to the royal rulers of both kingdoms, "I have returned, Your Majesty."
Aquaria smiled as Arzei embraced his daughter tightly as he said, "Thank you everyone for keeping my daughter safe. I am thankful for your efforts." Everyone got to work at once.