Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time

The True Nature Of All

Chapter 13: The Strike Back

Airyglyph XIII had to ask about who would ride the great King of dragons, "So, Romeria, who shall ride the Marquis?"

Romeria nodded as she spoke, "A good question, indeed... I was hoping you would lend us the services of someone from the Dragon Brigade."

Crosell shouted out, "That is unacceptable. Only those who personally requested my help may ride me."

Romeria nodded as she spoke, "Then we must let them decide who will ride."

Arzei nodded as he added, "It seems we have no choice. Anyway, the Dragon Brigade is short on men. They are already too taxed trying to form a unit bearing runological weapons. I just wish that my daughter remain with me instead of going up in the air with everyone."

Airlia shook her head, "I must see this through father, for the sake of everyone waiting for us at home. I know this in my heart of hearts." He grimaced as he nodded. He held her tightly as she could feel the slight tremors run through him. She knew he was trying so hard to mask his emotions. Fayt looked on as the group of runologists finished up with their work and everyone gathered. Albel went to get up on the back of the mighty dragon when he saw Airlia was approaching him. His glare could have scared any of the people away, however, she was unfazed. He mused that her stubbornness was one of her best qualities. Maria paused as she placed her hand to her ear. A voice could be heard.

The voice was that of a young woman, "We're here, ma'am."

Maria nodded as she said, "All right. Keep in mind that there may be a Vendeeni ship lurking nearby. Put us into low orbit."

That same voice she heard spoke again, "That will increase atmospheric friction. Are you sure?"

Maria nodded again as she spoke, "Our enemy will have the same problem. Stay on your guard."

The voice spoke one last time, "Roger!"

Then suddenly a ship shot across the sky, it wasn't like the ships that Airlia and Fayt supposedly destroyed. However, they saw a ship similar to the ones that were supposedly destroyed by the blue haired boy and the Princess of Airyglyph descended down past the clouds. They knew that their time was running out fast, so the group of small but powerful humans that Crosell respected got upon his back and onto the device that sat upon the mighty dragon. Airlia, Albel, Fayt, Cliff, and Maria stayed outside of the device while Nel and Roger went inside to operate the machine. Albel glared at the blue haired swordsman who was still passing slight looks to the Princess. Without a second thought, the mighty dragon roared and took off into the sky.

During the confrontation, as they tried to catch up, another transmission came in, "Captain, three Vendeeni ships are closing in." Right after that, before Maria could respond, they saw the other two ships descend down past the clouds.

Maria smiled grimly as she said, "Prepare for battle. We'll provide backup down here." Maria's green eyes darkened with a grim promise. Her blue hair was swaying in the wind. With her jacket billowing, they continued to pursue the ongoing battle.

The voice seemed startled as she said, "Backup? With what?" Maria spoke quickly, "There's no time to explain. Just hang in there. We'll cover you from here."

The voice said, clearly her interest peaked, "Roger."

Airlia spoke, her voice soft but firm, "Crosell, head towards that huge object over there."

His voice almost seemed to chuckle as he said, "Yes, little one."

Maria shouted to Nel, "Okay, fire when you get within range."

Nel shouted back, to ensure she was heard, "Got it." She fired the Thunder Arrow, which shot out a bolt of brilliant white light. However, when it met the shield, it just disappeared.

Airlia looked on in worry. Nel was worried as she said, "Hmmm...?"

Maria shouted back, "Don't give up. Keep firing!"

Nel was worried, as she shouted out, "I know. I'm trying." Other dragons with their riders flew up to join in the conflict. All of the cannons attacks' were just disappearing like that of the Thunder Arrow.

Airlia shouted out, "We have to keep trying! It must be working! We have to believe that!" However, before anyone could say anything, there was an explosion off to their left; Fayt seemed worried as he asked, "What was that? That was the..."

Maria shook her head, "No, it wasn't the Diplo. I think they pulled it off."

Fayt shouted with a smile, "Yes! We got a chance now!"

Nel was looking through the scope of the cannon as she noticed something strange, "What's this?" The ships were retreating. However, before they left, one final shot was sent to the smaller ship, which unfortunately for everyone, hit it.

There was a transmission, "Captain, we're history if like we don't do something fast!"

Maria shouted, trying to reassure the ship, "We're coming to help!" However, even as the battleship was enclosing, a large beam of light that came from nowhere hit the ship, and made it disappear. All anyone could do was stare in amazement. Everyone wanted to ask the obvious question; however, the familiar blip of the communicator interrupted them. Maria placed her hand to her ear as she said, "Marietta! Are you okay!?"

The female voice replied, the same voice as before, "Yes, thankfully... Did you see that?"

Maria asked again, her voice full of concern, "What was it? Do we have a computer analysis?"

Marietta began to speak; however, horror was growing in her voice as well as shock, "Hold on a second... Here it is. What!?" Maria asked her about what was wrong.

Marietta's reply would shock them all, "I don't believe it! The computer says that narrow beam of light was packing an energy magnitude of 3.2!"

Cliff shouted in shock, "Did she say magnitude 3.2!?"

Fayt looked at the ground as he explained to everyone, "That can't be... Even the creation cannons on the latest Federation battleships can only emit an energy magnitude of 2, tops!" Cliff demanded to know what it was.

Marietta explained, "No. All I can tell is it's somewhere extremely far away. Even the Diplo's sensors couldn't detect the source. Oh! Hold on a second. Captain, our sensors have picked up multiple instances of the same type of energy reaction! They're all heading in the same direction! One of them is exceeding magnitude 4!"

Maria shouted in demand, "Magnitude 4!? Where are they headed!?"

The voice shouted so loud, it couldn't have been misheard, "Earth!"

Fayt asked Cliff, "An Aldian or Vendeeni weapon, maybe?" Airlia moved closer to Albel.

He simply held her close giving comfort to both of them; Cliff shook his head with a response, "Not a chance. Do you think a Vendeeni weapon could do what we just saw? Or an Aldian weapon for that matter?"

Fayt nodded with his response, "...True. It's highly unlikely that either has an energy source exceeding the magnitude of creation energy."

Maria said in response, "But if it's some new weapon, we're in big trouble. I'm not even sure the Earth's planetary defense shield could block it."

Fayt said tried to hide his emotions from his voice, but it was belied by the fear in his eyes, "Let's get back to the castle. We're wasting time here."

Maria nodded as she said, "You're right. Marietta... Give me a damage report on the Diplo."

Marietta responded sadly, "The gravitic warp engine's been damaged. ...Repairs should take about six hours."

Maria nodded with her response, "Do it in four. I have a bad feeling about this..."

The voice responded, hope alive in her voice, "Roger. We'll try our best."

Maria said back before ending transmission, "I'm counting on you."

The great Marquis turned around and began to fly back to Aquaria. It was all too soon that they reached the castle of Aquaria. Airlia had a sad smile on her face as she got off the Marquis's back with Albel's assistance. Albel knew that she was leaving, and he couldn't bear the thought of it being for good. He kissed her hand with a gentle smile sent her way as he turned to leave. Airlia's blue-green eyes darkened with sadness knowing why he left. She shook her head softly as she moved her way over to the large group. Fayt bowed as Roger and Nel stepped away. As much as Arzei knew this was coming, he simply wished that it could have been avoided. His eyes, too, were shining with sadness.

Airlia gave him a gentle hug before saying, "You know I must. I have to find out how I tie into these strangers before they bring our lands more trouble. I will return as soon as I can…"

Arzei gripped her tightly as he looked the blue haired boy straight in the eye, "You hurt my daughter over my dead body. You had better keep her safe…"

Fayt felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he said, "I will your majesty."

However, as she joined the group, he bowed to the others, "Your Majesty, it's time for us to leave your world. With the fleet destroyed, I hope things here will return to normal."

Romeria nodded as she spoke, "As do we."

Fayt smiled sadly as he spoke next, "I am very sorry for causing all this trouble."

Aquaria XXVII smiled gently, "On the contrary. We have learned that there are entire civilizations out there beyond our world. And we have learned this is not the time for foolish struggles between our countries."

Airyglyph XIII nodded, he tried to not cry, knowing that no one would wish to see the proud King crying when his daughter would surely return to his side soon, "Precisely. In order to avoid bringing the final prophecy of Apris to fruition in its worst form, we must not wage war."

Aquaria XXVII nodded brightly. It was then that Fayt noticed that Albel was missing, "Huh? Where's Albel?"

Woltar grimaced as he spoke, "He went back home. Said something like, 'The danger's past, so there's no need for me to stay here.'"

Maria shook her head as she said, "He didn't even say good-bye... He'll never change."

Airlia shook her head this time, "On the contrary, he did change. You just don't know what he was like before the war really." Woltar gave a mysterious smile with a friendly chuckle to accompany it.

Fayt smiled as he shook his head, "I wanted to at least say good-bye."

Airlia responded to it, "I'm sure they'll say it, however, some feel that if you don't say goodbye, which it means you're not really leaving. They know I'll be back, so does he."

Airyglyph XIII smiled brightly at this, "I will give him the message." Fayt nodded and before anything could be said, Maria heard another beep to indicate a transmission was coming in.

Maria smiled as she said, "Yes?"

The voice responded with, "The repairs are complete, ma'am."

Maria's voice responded with a dose of pure surprise, "Already? That was fast."

Marietta's voice responded with pure pride, "We did our best."

Maria spoke once more before ending transmission, "Thank. I owe you one. Be ready to receive five via transportation in one minute."

Fayt, Airlia, Cliff, Maria and Mirage step to the transportation range and Fayt and Maria bow. Nel smiled, "Farewell." Her heart was breaking, however, she knew that Airlia was right and she would see them again.

Roger jumped and frantically waived "Take care!"

Airlia gave a proud, albeit watery smile as she bowed and said, "Thank you. I will return to you father. I promise!" With that she disappeared from everyone's sight.

Airlia, Fayt, Cliff, Maria and Mirage are transported to the Diplo. Inside the Diplo a man with a group of people were there to welcome Maria back. His slightly messy brown hair brushed over his dark eyes. He smiled brightly to her as he said, "Welcome back, Captain."

Maria nodded as she said, "Good work, everyone." As he continued to speak, it was plainly obvious that he liked the blue haired woman. Airlia mentally rolled her eyes as he lavished comment after comments while Maria tried to get to the bones of the matter.

The man continued, dismayed by her trying to get right to matters, ignoring what he was trying to say, "Uhhh...yeah. It appears that blast of energy came from neither Federation, Aldian, nor Vendeeni forces."

Maria looked at him stoutly, asking, "How do you know that?"

Lieber spoke, his words were wearing on the minds of everyone who understood what was being said, "We don't have much information right now, but according to intercepted communications, all three groups are currently under attack by another entity."

Cliff looked squarely at the man as he asked, "From where?"

Airlia just listened quietly she was new to this world, and had no idea what to say to anyone. The man spoke again, "Don't know yet. There are limits to the communications we can intercept at this distance. Marietta is continuing to analyze the data."

Airlia assumed Marietta was the woman with the light voice that Maria had spoken to over her 'communicator.' Maria spoke again, "I don't know if they're friend or foe, but they sure did a number on those Vendeeni. Let's take advantage of the situation. And keep gathering that data for analysis." He started saying something as Airlia let out a tiny yawn. She blushed deeply as Maria turned to the princess to question, "Are you tired Airlia?" Airlia smiled meekly, as she nodded.

Mirage smiled, "I'll show her to one of the rooms downstairs after showing her where the bridge is."

Airlia smiled at Mirage, "Thank you." They left to go see the ship before allowing her to rest.

They walked forward and they saw a doorway where the floor split off into stairs leading downwards. "Beyond this door is the bridge, when you feel rested." Airlia smiled as she nodded. They then went down the stairs to the left as the larger group followed behind to the bridge. Mirage showed her to one of the last rooms, "This is my room, feel free to rest as much as you want, and then please come join us up at the bridge."

Mirage showed Airlia her room as Airlia fell against the bed and began to sleep soundly. The day was wearing on her mind. Mirage smiled as she brought the blanket up to the girl's neck. She turned off the light and proceeded back to the bridge. Time seemed to pass so quickly. However, when she awoke, she proceeded back to the bridge as she was instructed. When she got inside, there was a large face on a screen in front of her. Then, just as suddenly, it vanished. Airlia blinked as she proceeded to where Fayt was sitting.

A strange looking creature appeared on the same place the man was only moments before. It started to speak with a male voice, "This is Captain Biwig of the Vendeen Empire ship Dasvanu. Surrender immediately and submit to our orders."

Maria said sarcastically, "Nice to meet you, too."

The creature known as Biwig spoke again, first spying the boy, "Dr. Leingod, enemy of the galaxy, and the girl, are in our hands. You are in no position to refuse our demands." However, he then focused his eyes on the girl behind him. "Ah, you also have the girl who stopped us in the Shrine of Kaddan as well as when we first arrived at that pathetic world. We shall relieve you of her as well."

As he spoke, he moved slightly so Fayt could then see that behind him was Sophia and Robert being held hostage with their arms behind their back. Fayt cried out, "Dad! Sophia!" The man then started to laugh cruelly as he tormented the blue haired boy.

Fayt growled out, "What do you want with my father!?"

The man then spoke again, "We have but a single demand. You must exchange Leingod's son for Dr. Leingod. However, we will also exchange the girl for the girl we hold captive."

Airlia glared, she knew enough about this point, "I can't believe your gall! Exchanging a mere boy for a man and a girl for another girl? Tell us, where would this exchange be done?"

The smirk could be heard in his voice as he said, "Here's the coordinates. Meet us there in two hours."

Then he disappeared. Airlia looked at Maria, "Where is that?"

They inputted the coordinates and Airlia had to laugh. Fayt and Cliff also joined in the laughter. Maria looked perplexed, "Have you been there before?"

Airlia smirked, "You can say that again. They're foolish to pick any location on my planet."

Then, the man that Airlia briefly saw before reappeared, "I heard everything."

Maria spoke, "Don't worry, the signal is encrypted to only your ship. No one can get in."

Maria then explained the situation to the man on the screen. He seemed to be in deep thought before he spoke again, "Dr. Leingod's safety is paramount. As long as they hold him, we're unable to attack. I suspect our intentions are not that different from your own. As for the Vendeeni, I'm not sure what they want, but I do have my suspicions." Maria nodded as they paused for a minute. Airlia glared around trying to think of a solution.

Airlia tuned out all other conversation as she pondered the road ahead. She could remain at home and stay ignorant to the situation at hand and all that may happen there after, however, she highly doubted it. She walked outside and leaned against the wall while she pondered what to do. She felt the ship jerk slightly with the change in course; she prayed that the doctor would survive to tell her why she had abilities similar to Fayt, also about why she felt such a bond to both him and Maria. She couldn't ignore the bond, no matter how slight, that she felt with the captured girl, admitting that she had been in a similar situation herself. The ship slowed to a stop as it came into orbit with her home once more. Everyone had made preparations to try and protect the Leingod father and the girl that was also a prisoner. She proceeded forward to the ship's rear, where she had first come to the ship from. Suddenly there was an announcement, "It's time, everyone. Meet in front of the transporter room."

After a short time, Fayt showed up and Cliff said, "Ah, there you are. Are you ready to go?" Fayt nodded and Airlia just looked ahead, her mind was whirling with the possibilities that lay ahead of her, but would she regret her journey? That would be a question that she may never find the answer to…

Maria's normal group of three was forced to leave one behind because of the extra person that was Princess Airlia. She nodded and picked one person to remain behind. They went back inside the transportation room where they vanished, one by one, to the place that would be Airlia's bane for a time to come. Cliff told Mirage that she was in control of the bridge, and would remain so should anything happen. However, when they got there, they saw a shadow in the distance, each one from a different angle. Airlia felt her blood freeze at the thought of it being any of her dear friends. Suddenly the man known as Biwig showed up with two Vendeeni soldiers appeared while holding Robert and Sophia hostage. Then another object appeared. Fayt went into a defensive posture as he said, "A transport jammer!"

Biwig demanded, "Hand over the boy and girl, now."

Maria shouted, "What do you mean? I thought we had a deal."

He spoke with a smug tone to his voice, "Hmph. Did you? Your equipment suggests otherwise. You Federation scum are always up to dirty tricks."

Maria replied with a smart retort, "It'd be plain stupid to come unprepared. Besides, we're not from the Federation."

Biwig glared as he spoke with an air of disdain, "What's the difference? Hey, boy, girl... Get over here." Fayt and Airlia both growled softly, but fiercely…

Sophia shouted, trying to stop them from making the trade, "No! Run!" However, before anything could be done, the two members that came with Fayt, Cliff, Maria and Airlia were shot with the disrupter rifles and were killed instantly. Airlia knew in her heart immediately that there was nothing could be done for them; however, it did nothing to quell her disgust. They were twin brothers and were equal in appearance, both were bleeding severely.

Maria shouted, "No! How dare you!"

Biwig smirked, sending the already frazzled nerves of the group to a further end, "Take the boy and girl alive. Kill the rest!" Airlia looked frantically around to size up the problems. Cliff smirked as he ran up and engaged one in hand to hand combat. Airlia used her magic to kill the one approaching Fayt from behind. He grinned in relief as he ran to his father and best friend. Airlia pulled out her sword as she used it to reflect the beam from the rifle. Maria used her gun to take out the Vendeeni soldier from behind.

Airlia glared in disgust as Cliff quickly snapped the neck of the final soldier. Cliff glared as Fayt brought Sophia and his father over to the group, "seems you underestimated us.'"

Sophia, in her relief, threw her arms around Fayt's neck, half sobbing, she cried his name twice. His father smiled as he said, "Fayt…" Suddenly, to everyone's disgust, the Vendeeni soldier started to laugh.

Cliff having had enough of the jerk, demanded flatly, "What's so funny, bag-head? You're the only one left." Suddenly a huge machine appeared. It looked like a large mechanical spider of sorts. Before they could even move however, several more appeared.

Airlia's nerves began to rise sharply. Fayt glared in anger as he demanded, "Something's being transported down!?"

Maria switched her stance to that of a defensive position saying in surprise, "How's that possible!? There's a transport jammer here!"

With an air of arrogance, they received a response, "Ahahahaha! Fools! Our technology only blocks who we want it to block. We can bring down as many reinforcements as we need!" They glared as growls emerged from all of the people as they fled into the building that once held the Princess prisoner for a month.

As they ran into the building they followed Airlia's lead as she led them down the short cuts and back up to the third floor, from which, they would not be found. However, as they neared the area that they were going to regroup in, Sophia cried out, holding her leg. Fayt growled as Airlia pulled the woman up and they ducked into the side tunnel nearby to examine the injury. Fayt looks at Sophia's leg as he demands, "Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?!"

Airlia looked around and recognized the nearby door, "Let's go in there and regroup. We're no good carrying someone injured without a plan in mind."

Everyone nodded as Cliff went to run back into the main tunnel, "I just want to ensure they aren't on our trail. When I'm ready, I'll be back; I'm not going to die any time soon mind you." He ran off as the group went inside to set Sophia down so Maria could examine the injury. She smiled, "It shouldn't be too hard to fix the ankle when we're on the Diplo."

Airlia looked at Sophia, "I'll take care of her. Now, what should we do?"

Fayt nodded as Maria supplied the information, "The transport jammer should have about a 2-km radius of effect, right?"

The man known as Robert nodded as he spoke, "That's the Federation spec, but the Vendeeni technology is more advanced. No doubt it has an even greater area of effect." Maria nodded, "It will be hard getting clear of it."

Fayt nodded as he spoke next, "If we try to run, they'll only come after us. We have to make a stand."

Airlia nodded, "He's right. We need to work together on this; however, running will create more problems than solve them." The man known as Robert was tall and his dark hair struck her like that of her father; however, she found immediate disdain for this man to put his own son in any danger willingly.

However, when he spoke there was an air of familiarity, though she could not place why. "You've grown, Fayt."

Fayt seemed to ignore his father's comment as he said, "Let's talk it over with Cliff when he gets back." Maria and everyone else nodded next.

It was then that Fayt turned his attention to his father, "In the meantime, Dad, there's something I have to ask you."

Robert seemed to look slightly disappointed as he said, "So you've finally found out."

Airlia looked at him, "He knows that he's been altered. However, I think you're not referring to that. Am I right?"

Robert turned his attention to the Princess and seemed to balk at the sight. He turned slightly red as he spoke, "No. That was all that I refer to…"

Airlia glared darkly at him, "I can see right through a lie, however, I will not press matters… for now. However, when we get through this, I will push matters beyond this when we get on the ship."

Robert felt compelled to defend himself, if only through his known son, "But you must understand. I never once thought of you as a tool for my research. You were born because your mother and I always wanted a child."

Maria's anger flared anew at this as she openly demanded, "Well then, tell us why! How could you treat your own child like a guinea pig!?"

Robert looked at her strangely as he said, "By the way, who is she?"

Fayt refrained from glaring at his father, if only for the danger he was in only moments before, "This is Maria. Maria Traydor. She's the leader of Quark, the anti-Federation group."

Robert seemed to falter for only a moment before the name began to register; he eagerly seized the new topic of interest, "Maria Traydor... Traydor?"

Fayt seemed to spit the words out as if it were poison to his mouth, "You performed genetic engineering on her, just like you did to me."

Sophia seemed to be confused as she asked, "Uncle Robert-genetic engineering...?"

Robert shook his head as he spoke, "What!? So that means you're-I see. That's why your last name is Traydor."

Maria spat impatiently, "Explain yourself, Dr. Leingod... I think we have the right to know." Fayt pleaded with his father to explain his actions, however, the doctor tried to keep his eyes away from the group.

The answer that he would give would distort all that Airlia knew of. "I did it...for the sake of our universe."

Robert said as Airlia gasped harshly. She threw out a retort that made Maria smile bitterly, "Our universe? That's quite a grand scale. How could modifying their genes have anything to do with the universe?" Maria nodded looking the Princess squarely in the eyes, knowing that she could not leave the group at this point, having been dragged into it so deeply.

Robert looked down, almost as if in shame, "But it's the truth. I performed symbological genetic engineering on you because of a force that would one day threaten all we know." Fayt tried to pry, however, knew ultimately that it would get the group nowhere and fast. However, Cliff came back before anything else could be pressed from the doctor.

The fighter felt the tension and shook his head as he said, "O-kay... I've cleared out all the enemies in the immediate area, but we can't waste any time. I'm sure they'll keep calling in reinforcements. And there are still Vendeeni soldiers here and there. Seems to be no end to them. They're like roaches!"

Fayt smiled bitterly as he said, "I think we should destroy the jammer. Otherwise, we don't stand a chance. We'll be picked off one by one." He then turned to Maria to ask her opinion, "What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinion." Maria nodded, her eyes showed her resignation to the situation. She clicked her transmitter on as she spoke to Marietta, confirming the situation with the Diplo.

Airlia tuned it out as she walked over to the doctor, "I expect a better explanation. These people are my friends, and I will not tolerate such a pathetic excuse. Be grateful that Cliff came back when he did."

She turned as he spoke ever so softly, "Is that you Mirabel?"

Airlia looked at him coldly, "I don't know who that is. I'm Princess Airlia of Airyglyph. Don't you forget it."

After that, she turned to Maria, however, it would be Fayt that would speak next, "It's gonna be tough, you two, but hang in there." The pair nodded as everyone left the small kitchen and steadily made their way back down to the first floor.

Airlia showed them the shortcuts that had been neglected, thankfully, by the enemies. They made it without having to kill too many and deplete strength back to the elevator. They rested on their way up, Airlia wondering what the doctor meant when he called her that name. They made it back to the eerily empty arena as Biwig spoke out loud, seeing their arrival, "You've fought well, I'll give you that. However, it all ends here. Hand over the boy and girl now. I will say it once more. Resistance is futile. I can keep calling in reinforcements, no matter how many of my soldiers you defeat. There is no escape! Muwahahahaha!"

Fayt and Airlia growled low in their throats as they spied a lone figure on the north edge of the stones. A voice spoke low in his throat, feeling the urge to hurt the man who hunted his Princess, "That's because of this thing, you fool!" He jumped down and sliced the transport jammer and ran as it blew up behind him. Everyone was gasping in shock as Airlia's face turned to that of pure delight. He smirked, knowing he stole the show as he said, "Hmph, are you still so confident, now?"

Airlia cried out his name in delight, "Albel!" He smiled with a slight chuckle as he ran towards his Princess, dodging the laser beams that came near him until a pair of them came at once. One hit him in the right shoulder causing him to spin and collapse on the ground. Airlia's face turned from pure delight to pure fright in that single instant.

"ALBEL!" Airlia was instantly at his side, holding his head in her lap. Her tears started to flow from her eyes as she felt two familiar presences. Glancing up, she saw Nel from her left and Roger from her right; they quickly joined the group without introduction. Nel felt bitter fury at what happened to her friend's protector – because he had slowly become her friend and the Princess was her friend. What hurt one; hurt the other and thus both hurt her.

Fayt, Cliff, and Sophia run over to where the group already is. Maria's anger was boiling into a rage at the Vendeeni scum that would dare attack one of her friends. Sophia saw the size of the wound and turned her head, "How horrible…"

Fayt however, demanded, "What are you doing here!?"

Albel grimly chuckled, "What am...I...doing here? ...This is...my turf. Just thought...I'd drop by... And look what happened. You worms...are...my prey... I'm not going to let...anyone else have you..."

He tried to sit up, only making it so far as Airlia's face, which was already close to his. He whispered for her alone, "If I am going to die, I want you to know something… I…love…you." He leaned back and his eyes closed.

Airlia's eyes watered up even further as she spoke softly, to him, encouraging him to survive, "You better make it Albel. I love you too…" Cliff didn't hear the exchange, only the sound of her tears falling upon his skin.

Cliff knelt down to him, trying to shake him, "Stop joking around! Hey! Open your eyes!" Airlia withheld the sound of her weeping; however, they knew her pain was very intense.

Sophia knelt down as Airlia shifted his head to her lap. Airlia wanted to cry, to shout, to give way to her pain… however, nothing could prepare the group for the next turn of events. He began to try and pull out his men when a bright white light appeared from Airlia, it shot forward towards the two Vendeeni members and when it died away, there was nothing left of them. Then there was a second light, however, this light was far different than the one that was just seen. It was a golden color and it enveloped the area. When sight was returned, Nel looked as white as a ghost. Airlia had no strength to look around. Nel's words, however, would tell all.

"How can they be alive?!" Nel stammered as she tried to remain upright.

Cliff came over to her and held her up with a supporting arm around her shoulders. The two men who had been struck down earlier came up from behind as Maria gasped. Standing before everyone were several forms – three men and four women, all who looked very perplexed before they saw the fallen pair. "Albel?!"

The familiar voice was definitively female. Airlia smiled slightly, "Nixie?"

The voice stammered, "Yes…" Airlia promptly passed out, holding tightly onto her knight. The worried group headed over to the already large group of people. The familiar men with the trio of women wound their way specifically to Albel, Airlia and Nel where Elysia and Neville held their daughter tightly as Nixie, Glou and Kira tried to find out what was wrong with the pair.

When most of the people had been figured out on who they were, it just left one pair in question – but Fayt quickly put the pieces together… "You're Ameena's parents aren't you?"

They smiled and nodded, "My name is Faith and my husband's name is Tylar."

Fayt nodded as Maria interjected for the remainder of the group, "I can help them on my ship. I promise to have them back to everyone as soon as possible. Please be patient with us. Thanks everyone…" Maria said in a strong voice as everyone nodded. The two who had come with the group initially remained with Maria – they may not know how they got revived, but they were better off with the ones who knew them than the ones who had no clue of what was going on.

"I'll go with them father. I know they won't hurt them, but this way someone active from our lands is with them."

They nodded as Fayt spoke up, "I don't know you all unfortunately, however, I think it may be best to wait here until we return. We have to find out why you're alive, no offense. This way everyone will be more accepting to this development. Thank you." He bowed, as did everyone else. Fayt gently picked up Airlia, knowing that Albel wouldn't trust anyone else near many people - just their group and the ones before them.

Cliff, being the stronger man, picked up Albel. They began to disappear, several pairs at a time. Cliff bowed his head as he looked at everyone and said, "I promise to bring 'em back safe and sound." Then, just as suddenly, they were all gone, back onto the Diplo.