Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 16: To the Fourth Dimension
When they were transported back to the ship, Airlia bade them her leave to rest. Everyone could see the visible exhaustion on her face and in her eyes. Albel nodded as he followed her back to the room where she could rest, as did Nel. When they arrived, Albel had to react swiftly as her body started to fall. Catching her, he lifted her up and walked over to the bed where Nel removed the blankets so they could drape them over her body. With it done, Albel grimaced as Nel spoke, "Why do you think I came? I knew you would feel confliction. Go and represent her and I'll keep her safe."
Albel grinned at her, "Thank you. I trust only you with my Princess. I would trust that boy, however, I don't know what he's feeling after the knowledge came out about who she is. I don't feel any less differently about her; however, I would die to protect her."
Nel gave him a sharp look that he refused to take back. "I promise to live if that's what you're thinking. However, I know you feel quite the same about her and that man, Cliff." Nel's blush told him everything he needed. He chuckled as he kissed his lady's hand before folding it over onto her stomach. Her face was so pale, it worried him.
He left to confront the offenders who did unspeakable things to the girl that he's known for so long and promised himself, mentally, to find out if Cliff felt anything for his friend. He found himself scoffing at the idea that the Aquarian was his friend, but there was no sense in rebuking what was true…
Nel pulled up the bed and sat down to look over her friend while Albel ripped the two men and the woman apart mentally. The mere thought about it brought a slight smile to the Aquarian's lips, "Serves them right… Why anyone would abandon such a wonderful person is beyond me…" Nel watched over her weakened friend who couldn't seem to catch a break anywhere she went. She wondered silently what would have happened if they hadn't tossed the girl away.
Would they have kidnapped her when the invaders took the father and friend…? That thought brought her to the reality that possibly if they hadn't, she wouldn't have met the man who had stolen her heart with his careless ways that clashed with her own cautious ways. He was also arrogant; however, that was merely part of his charm. The sad part about it, however, was that he knew that it was part of his charm. The line of thoughts left her chuckling softly. However, while it wasn't loud enough to wake Airlia, she woke anyways.
Airlia stretched her arms with a stifled yawn. Glancing around, she felt somewhat alarmed, however, the door opened and everyone walked in. Albel sat next to her on her left side and Fayt sat on her right side. Sophia placed her hand comfortingly on Fayt's shoulder Nel and Cliff stood behind everyone with Roger and Peppita bringing up the front. The four people looked away guilt written on their faces as Airlia spat, "If you're looking for forgiveness, forget it. You threw me away, didn't care if I died, and now you're looking for me to be the daughter that you always wanted… Riiiiiiiight…"
Albel looked at his allies as they began to part as Fayt said, "Let's get some rest everyone, we have a long journey ahead of us all…" Everyone began to depart as Airlia signaled for Cliff to remain behind. Albel smirked dirtily to his love as he stepped out for a moment, knowing what she was going to do…
"Cliff, do me a favor…" Airlia began as he eyed her warily, wondering what she was going to ask.
"What is it?" He asked softly, treading lightly on the ground knowing that she was rightfully trying to control her emotions.
"Protect Nel with everything that is within you."
He smiled genuinely, "I promise that I will protect her." He said without hesitation.
Airlia didn't miss the look that passed through his eyes, she spoke out, praying she was right, "She doesn't have a boyfriend you know…"
He looked at her in shock, "I didn't ask if she did…"
She giggled softly, "Oh I know, but I didn't miss your expression when I asked you to protect her. I knew you would do it without question."
He had the good grace to blush, however before he could ask, she shook her head saying, "I will not tell her. You need to tell her, however, before you lose her. A woman can only go so long wondering if the man that she loves has any feelings for her before another sweeps her away." She admitted silently, had Albel not said what he felt when he did that it was possible that Fayt might have swept her away, or Cavan could have taken her so long ago. The thoughts brought tears to her eyes that she quickly dashed away. He nodded, understanding where she was going with her thoughts.
"I will tell her. Don't worry. I just hope she feels the same way about me too…" He walked away with a sense of hope in his heart as Albel came back in.
"So if I hadn't said anything, had I done nothing in the past to stop what would have happened to you, then I might have lost you forever…?" He saw the bright tears in her eyes as he pulled her to him tightly; he kissed the top of her head, noting how perfectly she fit to him.
He tilted her head up as he lightly kissed her lips. "You're going to be alright Airlia; we have a little further to go before we are done with all of this. Then we can go back to our normal lives." She smiled, unsure of what he meant by 'normal' and yet she brushed the thought away roughly, knowing that nothing would be as it was now that she knew the truth of her birth. She had been genetically altered, her parents threw her away without any thought as to if she would be alright. They claimed it was for her own good. Then it came to her mind suddenly, Albel hadn't been told yet…
"Albel… Remember when you were hurt back in the training facility?" She asked tentatively as he nodded, his good hand touched where the injury had occurred. She grimaced as she nodded, tears leaping to her eyes. "Well, my fear and anger broiled quickly into hate and a desire to hurt them…" She explained that apparently she 'manifested' as it was called and that she had turned them into nothing more than ashes when it turned very eerie, "The beam then turned into a positive force, I was so pained when I thought you were dead that it brought back people who were dead to life. Now, Nixie, Glou, Kira, Elysia, Talos and Nevelle are all alive. They're awaiting our safe return before going back to the kingdoms that they came from." Albel sat limply on the bed next to his Princess as he took in the information. She knew how he felt as she felt quite the same way. Airlia sat down with him as she allowed herself to be pulled into his confused embrace.
He lay back with her in his arms; her heat was a comfort to his lonely soul. He felt himself falling asleep with her lying against him. He noticed as his consciousness drifted that she didn't move away from him. Suddenly the lights turned on, startling him. He shot up as memory of everything that had happened in the last few hours passed hit him while a voice boomed overhead, "We've arrived in the sector surrounding Styx, but there's a problem. Report to the bridge, please." Turning his head to glance at his lady, he smiled as he extended his hand. Helping her up, they went into the main hallway where everyone was gathering. Airlia saw the relief in Nel's eyes and hoped fiercely that Cliff had finally told her how he felt. Fayt and Sophia lingered together, making Airlia smile. They made their way to the bridge when everyone got back together. The look on the Commodore's face foretold of problems to come.
He began to speak, mostly to himself, however, he turned to face the group, "I am sorry, but it seems we will not be able to transport you down to the surface."
Maria looked aghast as she demanded, "You want us to give up!?"
He looked at her with an eyebrow raised as he said, "Please, I've said nothing of the sort. You'll go to Styx by shuttle before the Aquaelie enters orbit."
Fayt asked softly, concerned about everyone, "Commodore, what about you and your crew?"
The Commodore responded, his face resigned and the words heavy in everyone's hearts, "That's already been decided. We will use the Aquaelie to lure the Executioners away from you."
Peppita cried out, "You can't! That'd be suicide!"
He nodded, his eyes betrayed his sadness, "Unfortunately, there is no other way. I apologize we are unable to take you all the way. But don't worry. We won't sit here helplessly waiting for our destruction. They shall face the greatest power the Federation has."
Fayt looked around, trying to find someone who would help try to keep the Commodore from his suicidal run. However, everyone merely shook their heads knowing that if he did that, then it would possibly draw not only more Executioners to their location, it could end their quest to stop the killers altogether. Everyone's face showed sadness at the only option. Airlia's eyes were bright with tears. The Commodore bowed to the group as they bowed in return before heading to the aft teleport port to be brought to the ship that would guide them to the planet Styx. When they got in the ship, the group sought the seats as it was quickly ejected and sent hurtling to the planet below.
The screen showed the battle outside that was for the sake of all of those within that capsule. The Executioners were firing rapidly; however, the Aquaelie was dodging all of the firing, while firing small lasers back at them. Suddenly, the Aquaelie shot one single large laser cannon at the group of Executioners. Before the group knew it, the Executioners were reduced to one. This one was a strong, bitter fuelled by the death of his companions. He began to glow as red lights surrounded the top and bottom of the ship. It began to close on the ship, and when both sides met, everything within vanished, including the Aquaelie. The females among the group started to cry softly. The men felt a stronger resolve than they had ever felt before. Suddenly, everything seemed to go dead as Maria said sadly, "I'm no longer picking up the Aquaelie."
Cliff shook his head to clear it as he said, "We've got a job to do before we mourn anyone! I'll take us down to a point one kilometer away from the Time Gate. Here we go!"
Albel nodded, "Once more, we are of like minds. Fight now, mourn later when we can." The shuttle landed on the dead ground below. When they left, the air hung heavily with dirt and shadows of other Executioners could be seen.
Maria spoke again, softly, to try and not bring about attention to everyone, "They're everywhere, as I expected. Everyone ready?" Everyone nodded as they headed slowly down the path, hedging away from all of the Executioners. They knew as their strength had been depleted heavily for the moment - the only option open to them was to avoid battles.
They took off due north, keeping together with everyone, even the now distrusted Dr. Leingod and his wife, Ryoko. They ignored the turns until they were forced to choose to go right or left. Robert Leingod shook his head, pointing left and said, "This is the path that we took before to get us to the Time Gate. Come on!" Even though he took the lead, he kept within the group directing them safely to the north once again when forced to choose to go either north or south. Before they knew it, they were at an open plain that was crowded with Proclaimers, Enforcers and their buddies the Robot Gunners.
Albel looked at Airlia and saw she seemed strong enough for the outright run for their lives across the plain. They broke out into the run as everyone was desperately trying to evade the monsters. They did make it to the Time Gate without incident thankfully. Everyone began to look around and suddenly the gate began to light up, showing a display. Airlia looked at it with confusion clouding her mind and heart. Robert supplied the explanation, "It was doing this the first time we came here. I'm not surprised that it's doing it again."
Everyone began to look around, however, was unsuccessful about finding a way into the mysterious dimension that the trouble originated from. Maria spoke aloud, "The gene of Connection. Sophia, Dr. Leingod said you have the genetic power to create a path through the Time Gate and into 4D space."
Sophia looked at her hands in confusion as she almost sobbed out, "Yeah, but I have no idea what I'm supposed to do... I'm sorry."
Cliff shook his head as Airlia rushed to say, "It's understandable, please don't apologize. I had no idea how I did anything of what I have been told that I have done." Everyone nodded in agreement as Fayt came to her side.
He laid his arm on her shoulder, past her neck in awkward consolation. However, before long, Sophia began to cry out, startled by the light encircling her hand as she cried out, "My hand... It's hot..." She whimpered as her hand shot out a ball of light at the Time Gate and she fell back a little when the lights died down.
Airlia was quick to her side as Fayt looked at his friend with concern, "Sophia, are you ok?"
She nodded slowly, "I think so…" A glance over at the four adults told them more than they ever wished to know. Airlia rolled her eyes at them, annoyed that they would do this to anyone, never mind their own children.
Maria, Fayt and Cliff began talking amongst themselves about the Time Gate, which was now up and operational. Nel came over to check on Sophia who smiled weakly. Roger and Peppita looked around, confused by the images before them. Maria said first, "That's...that's 4D space..."
Airlia nodded, "I agree. Something inside me is saying that it is definitely where we want to go."
Fayt nodded as he spoke in agreement, "It might be."
Sophia smiled grimly as she said, "It is."
Cliff looked at the four in confusion, "How do you know?" Everyone looked at each other, as if reading each other's expressions.
Maria spoke first, "I don't know why, but I can sense it. Yes... This is 4D space."
Airlia smiled as Fayt said next, "Yeah... I can sense it, too." Sophia shook her head as Airlia spoke next, "Something deep down inside is telling me that, too."
Albel grimly smiled, knowing fighting would be happening soon, and he would have the honor of defending his Princess from harm. "I see no reason to doubt you." Everyone knew what lay beyond the gate as they started to link hands.
Maria was the one to speak next, "Everyone, hold hands and believe that we all truly exist, even in their dimension. It is the only way we will live through this at all." Albel smiled as he held his Princess's hand so tightly, that he feared he was hurting her. A glance, however, reassured him that she wasn't hurt at all. Fayt held her other hand and Sophia and Maria were on his side along with the parents of Fayt, Airlia and Sophia. To Albel's side was Nel, Cliff, Roger and Peppita. They leapt through it and traveled through it to the other side. When they emerged, they were greeted the sight of many people looking in their direction in fear and wonder. The future-like look of everyone reminded most of the group of those in Greeton. One woman screamed out of fear of the unknown.
A man tried to approach the group as they looked around, as if in a daze. He said softly, "Whoa, is this a new feature of the Eternal Sphere display?"
However, it went ignored as Fayt demanded, "Where are the Executioners?"
Maria shook her head as she responded, "No clue... But this must be 4D space."
Sophia sighed quietly as she said, "Wow, we made it here safely. What a relief!"
Everyone nodded in agreement as Cliff said, "Hey, wait a minute. Isn't the enemy's home base supposed to be a little more...intense, usually?"
Airlia looked around as she said, "Agreed, however, I have a feeling about this. It's neither good nor bad right here nor right now."
Albel spoke next, trying to calm his nerves more than anything else, "Well, at least this looks like a normal town to me. I wonder if it's some kind of trick."
Suddenly a small boy pushed himself through the crowd. "Did you say Executioners?" He asked softly and yet firmly.
Airlia barely heard him as she nodded, "That is correct." The boy barely came up to Airlia's shoulders.
He had blue hair and blue eyes to match he smiled friendly as he said, "My name is Flad Garrand."
Albel's expression was one of clear distrust. However Fayt shook his head, "We don't have much of a choice, do we?"
Flad chuckled, "Not really if you want to save your world. I know much about what's going on and can give you valuable information if you give me a chance."
Maria nodded, "You have one chance, don't waste it."
He turned his back to the group as he said, "Then come with me to my home. If we stay here any longer, then security will be showing up and I'll never be able to help you then."
Airlia nodded as she drew everyone's attention, "Let's go." They followed the boy off towards wherever he was planning on taking them. They made their way to the north of the 'Eternal Sphere' screen.
When they reached the point where they had to turn right, the boy said, "It's this way to my home." Everyone looked around wearily at the appearance of everyone around them as something out of a dream of sorts.
They headed straight to the end of the path, avoiding a crystal that made people disappear when they entered it. The boy described it as, "That's how people move from town to town around here. This is Arkives and that leads them to Satellite City, and from there you can take another crystal to the Spacetime station that would get you to anywhere you want to go with a few limitations. One such limitation is the Sphere Company where my friend works." When they reached the end of the path, they turned left and continued to a home where the boy smiled brightly as he said, "And here is my home…"