Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time
The True Nature Of All
Chapter 18: Promises Made and Kept
Ryoko looked at her daughter and said, "You should talk with respect to your parents." Airlia finally snapped; she looked at her 'mother' with such near hate that it made everyone wince. They backed up slowly as the Princess looked ready to unleash her pent up anger on her former 'family.'
"You threw me away! You tossed me to the fates, not caring if I was alive or dead. I thank Apris, or whatever deity ensured that I made it here safely, and perhaps it was the same deity that ensured I wouldn't remember you for what you did to me. This is your only warning, stay away from Airyglyph. I will not be held accountable for what my father does to either of you. He is a kind man; he would have forgiven you had you come for me initially; however he won't be so kind to you now though. Anyways, I promised Glou and the others that we would explain. Let's not keep them waiting any longer…"
Airlia abruptly broke off the conversation and turned to Fayt, Sophia and Maria who were awaiting them… They went through Kirlsa and went south to the training facility. When they arrived there, everyone was awaiting them at the entrance. Airlia and Albel embraced Glou and Nixie tightly. It seemed so real to them, it was hard to believe they weren't the real ones… Silently they had all agreed to the same line of thought, to treat them like they were the real ones. "I've missed you mother, and you as well father." Albel stammered out.
Airlia couldn't believe her eyes regardless. "You both have been missed terribly," Airlia choked out.
Nel had embraced her family similarly to that of Albel and Airlia. They turned to see Kira Lasbard. "I know you've been missed too Kira, Faith and Tylar. Let's go to Airyglyph first, and then we can head to Arias and then Aquaria. Everything will be dealt with during these times. Then we can go with a lighter heart into the conflicts."
Fayt smiled at the remaining pair and said, "Ameena's doing very well in Aquios. If you want, we'll be happy to take you with us to her. We'll be heading in that direction after we finish some minor stuff up in Airyglyph." Everyone nodded as they proceeded back to Kirlsa, Talos took those that were brought back to their dimension beyond the town, the others made their way so swiftly through the shadows that no one could be certain of who or what they had seen.
When they made it to the cold mountains, Airlia breathed a sigh of relief, which was until someone placed their hand upon her shoulder. Whirling around, she nearly cried aloud when she saw it was Lady Elena… "I can't believe that you came! There is much to be said before you can see my father. Can I trust you to not give way to anything you may see between here and when we reach him?" Elena nodded with a smile, her purple eyes shining with understanding. They proceeded to the castle where everyone made their way to the castle. Upon reaching it, most of the group remained on the ground floor until they could warn the King of Airyglyph of what had transpired. Albel and Airlia started up the stairs, nearly choking with excitement. They made it to Arzei who stood and seemed to have put back some weight on his form when Airlia ran to embrace him. "Father, there is much to say, you might want to sit down for this…"
Arzei looked at her, somewhat in alarm. He knew she wouldn't leave him, not as his daughter. However, there was something about the tone of her voice that had made him alarmed. "What is it Airlia? You know you can tell me anything…"
Airlia gave him a watery smile, "That's what makes this so hard. I found out who my parents are, biologically that is…" He looked so crushed at that moment that Airlia wanted nothing more than to tell him that she didn't consider them to be parents. "They are Robert and Ryoko Leingod, Fayt Leingod's parents. They sent me away after placing a special 'symbol' in me. It mutated into three 'symbols.' They have no claim on me, I made that very clear. However, I digress, one of the symbols manifested recently. It was originally called the symbol for 'Life,' however, it was as if they were pulled from their times right before they passed away, and brought to our current times. If you could please follow me to where Oddeye rests…" She decided that no one outside their group should ever hear the horrible truth of what her Symbol did.
Airyglyph stilled Airlia's hand once… She looked up to see his eyes filling with confusion. "Symbol?"
Airlia's eyes turned downward, certain of what that meant… "Yeah, I'm not a normal person…"
He shook his head. "Airlia, you are my daughter, no matter what shall ever happen…" She slowly retracted her hand from his as he smiled brightly. "Airlia, I raised you from a child. I only want what's best for you…" She smiled a watery smile as she held her hand out to her father as he clasped it tightly once again. His eyes were on his daughter as he wondered what she had meant.
They went down the stairs as Fayt's group approached them. Airlia noted with relief that Elena had stayed out of sight of her father. She didn't want him to be too thrown off balance before the biggest shock that was still to come… Arzei saw the people standing by Fayt and recognized them to be his parents. He closed his eyes to steel them against the pleas to release their child. When none came, his eyes opened and burned holes into the very same people that he had feared.
He knew that Airlia made it plain to them she wanted nothing to do with them and realized they were probably starting to accept the fact. However, he was still taken aback that they didn't even try to ask for her back. On the other hand, for them to not ask was still a horrible fact that was hard for him to begin to swallow. They all followed Airlia beyond the steps and turned right with her, heading to the farthest west of his castle. When they reached the place, Airlia curtsied to Oddeye as he nodded his head at the child. Airlia let out a shrill whistle as another form came into the cave. Oddeye's roar of surprise made everyone look up… Arzei blinked as he sank to the ground in surprise… that dragon… he couldn't possibly be there… he died…
When Talos landed, Arzei thought he couldn't be any more shocked when he saw the old familiar faces, that of Glou and Nixie being most primary made him lose his balance even more. Airlia sat down on the ground, next to her father as she saw the tears that were streaming down his face. With the tears unchecked; he held his daughter closely and thanked whoever it was that brought this family back to the way it was physically. Nixie and Glou were just as relieved to see him. Then Fayt's group made way for the final shock, Elena came to visit him! He stood shakily on the ground as he made his way to his love, the one woman who made him feel truly whole.
Airlia stood up, brushing the tears away as she smiled brightly and watched them come back to her. Arzei looked at her, "You can be released from your duties if you wish to return to them…"
Robert and Ryoko looked at her hopefully as she shook her head, "That's so kind of an offer; however, they are not my parents. You are my father. You raised me from when I was a child; you took me in even though I had no memory. No one could force someone to do that, but you did it willingly. I couldn't leave the people I call family for two who are not true family to me anymore…" Arzei seemed to be relieved and yet he was happier than ever before.
Airlia shook her head, "We must go, we have to inform Romeria of the changes in life and then finish a few loose ends, then we can truly live happily forever…" Arzei smiled as they all walked out of the cave and back into the castle. They made their way back to where the dungeons were. However, even while others were becoming suspicious, Airlia knew better.
They walked down the stairs and kept straight to the door. Airlia knew it led to the treasure room. "My daughter, I give you my gift to you now. Please, take what you need to properly protect everyone to ensure that you come back to me alive…" Airlia smiled while she wiped a tear away. She took the sum of what she suspected she needed for proper equipment for everyone.
With that amount safely tucked in her bag, she turned to her father and bowed deeply, "Thank you father. This will not be wasted. I will use it to save our world from a far greater threat than I actually shall face. I will also ensure that it is replenished at all costs."
He smiled as he shook his head, "I'm certain that you have already done so in the past from your training in addition to the development of your special remedies. They are quite popular everywhere…" Airlia had the grace to blush.
They left the dungeon and made their way back up to the ground floor where Airlia kissed her father's cheek and bowed to Elena. Elena enveloped her tightly. "Please, make up with my father, he needs someone to love when I am away. He cares about you more than he will ever admit. You know how his pride is… I would be honored to call you my mother…" Elena smiled with tears afresh in her eyes. With that, the pair made their way upstairs to find a room that they could talk in.
Airlia turned to the others and smiled, "Let's continue onward, we're almost there!" And with that, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, everyone left with a substantially lighter heart than before. They made their way from Airyglyph, making their way past the monsters to Kirlsa and continued their passage, trouble free, to Arias.
It was time for the second shockwave to begin. They made their way to Clair's home where Clair, Tynave and Farleen were planning rebuilding of the town. They went inside, ignoring the looks of amazement. Inside, they proceeded to where the trio was. When they went in, Airlia began to explain it again, having known what to say by heart. When it was done, the three were seated in disbelief. However, it quickly melted away at the sight of Kira, Elysia and Nevelle. For the moment, Faith and Tylar knew no one really knew them, so they just remained quiet. Kira ran to her daughter's side, unable to take the pained disbelief anymore. Clair's shock ended the moment her mother's hands touched her cheeks. The tearful reunion aside, everyone proceeded to leave. And while the family remained there for the time, until they could explain to Aquaria what had transpired…
They ran to Peterny, and Fayt looked at the four people who were swimming in the middle of such conflict, "Dad, with the trouble you've caused for Airlia, its best if you and mom stay here where neither country has to deal with you. No one will like you for what you've done to the child both kingdoms clearly love. Don't argue, they won't charge you for staying here. However, right now, it's for the best. Clive and Kyoko, I think you had better stay here too…" Nel nodded, as she proceeded to one of the empty homes and spoke with the man who 'owned' the land.
She came back with a brilliant smile, "Right this way everyone." When she came back, they headed to the house and allowed them to settle in before leaving, Airlia dismissing them without thought and everyone just about on her heels if not right there with her. Fayt and Sophia caught up with the group as they proceeded to Aquios. They skirted away from the monsters as they made it to the beautiful kingdom that was in full bloom. Upon arrival, they were greeted by none other than Ameena and Dion. Airlia was so happy to see the pair together.
Fayt looked squarely at Ameena as he said, "How have you been feeling Ameena?"
Ameena smiled brightly as she turned to face the group before saying, "It's been so much better. It has been a real change for me, but let me ask all of you, are things better now?"
Airlia looked down in minute disappointment, "Not especially, I've found out more than I've cared to know, but it doesn't matter anymore. I've got some matters to settle, and then I can go home to Airyglyph." Ameena smiled as did Dion.
Airlia smiled softly as she moved a little to the right and allowed Ameena to get a good look at who was behind her. She gasped – half in shock and half in almost fright. There was two faces she hadn't expected to see ever again, except for in her dreams. Then, she broke into a run and embraced the two people behind her as Dion half smiled. He knew she needed a few minutes before he could introduce himself. Ameena turned to look at the Princess, the speechless expression a thanks in and of itself, but also a question. Airlia smiled as she said, "It's a long story. But the short of it is that I was tossed away when something that was given to me changed. My current father took me in as you know, with no memory of who I was. Well, things changed when Albel was injured. I got so scared, so angry, that one of my abilities manifested and brought several people back to us. Albel's family, Nel's family, Adray's wife, and your parents." Ameena nodded – knowing that there was more to the story – but yet the time was limited for them.
So they left to go to the palace, and as they proceeded, Maxwell came up to the group. He smiled as he said, "I'm glad things are settled with Airyglyph, if I'm ever there, I'll say hello Princess…"
Airlia grinned in response, remembering how they had first met. "I'll look forward to it Maxwell." He bowed and allowed them to pass, looking at the lady who captivated many, even though she was so cold usually. Albel gave her a strange look that startled her before she laughed, "He tried to accuse me of being someone who would betray information to Airyglyph. I told him the simple truth with Elena and Romeria confirming my story. He felt like a fool and made us all dinner… That's all. He felt bad after how he treated me. Nothing more than that my love."
They went north to the castle where Airlia had first met Nel and her family. As they passed, everyone observed with wide eyes at the people among the group… Airlia just grinned softly as they proceeded into the building, many just stood there, in almost a breathless awe, and however, they were in for a shock when they reached the chamber that the Queen of Aquios resided in... Adray Lasbard was back from exploration! He looked at everyone and his eyes narrowed on the Princess from Airyglyph. When she curtsied before Romeria, she smiled gently, "I'm glad you're back Adray! There is much to say and little time to get it all said in…"
Airlia began to explain the story again, for the final time, about who she really was and what was really going on… When she got back to the point of the revival, Adray nearly screamed out, "Well if this is true, why isn't Kira back?!"
Airlia bowed her head to hide her smile, when she looked back up, she had hid her expression, giving nothing away, "Well maybe if you went home once in a while, you might find out…" He avoided the taunt in there and was about to scream, when he saw the sincerity in her eyes aside from the gibe.
He grinned, "Well, I'll make a deal with you, if you show me what you mean, then I will lend you my strength."
Airlia and the others from their world knew he was a master in runology and that the offer was too good to pass up. "Very well Adray, you won't be disappointed!" It was then that the door opened up to reveal half of the story was true; Nevelle and Elysia Zelpher walked through the door and nearly knocked everyone off their feet in shock. It was more than proof positive for Adray who was practically out the door to find his wife. Airlia grinned as she motioned for the others to follow.
She bowed to the Queen before leaving, "I'm sorry to run like this, but we all know how Adray gets when he is excited like this!" Romeria grinned back in response, though masked it quickly into a genuine smile befitting her position.
The trip back to Arias was grueling with the pace that Adray had set before them. However, they made their way to Arias with little interference. One monster had attacked and Airlia pitied it with the force of the runology that Adray used to destroy it, for it never had a chance. When they made it to Arias, Airlia smiled as they slowed their pace and walked with Adray to his home. When he went inside, Airlia felt the ground shake slightly; she chuckled knowing that he had just discovered that what she had said was true. They ducked inside and saw him holding his family tightly.
When he turned around, he saw the Princess there that he had blamed for his wife's death subconsciously. When she looked at them, she smiled slightly and turned to leave. Adray knew he couldn't break his promise, and he realized that there was more to the story than he knew. He bowed to his family, "I promised to help them if what they had said was true. Now since this is true, then I believe that everything they have told me is true. I will return, that I promise." He kissed his wife soundly and placed a gentle kiss upon his daughter's forehead.
Then he smiled as he turned to the group and bowed, "My abilities are at your service, Princess."
Airlia smiled gently and nodded. "I appreciate the help, but if you had wanted to stay behind, I would have understood." They left to return to the gate that was only a short walk away. When they arrived back to the gate, they used it to go back to the town of Gemity. Being back in Gemity brought the reality of the situation back to everyone.
Peppita grinned, "Let's get going! The sooner we do this, the sooner we can go home!"
Airlia smiled again, "Yes, thank you Peppita!" They left the room that could bring them home in the blink of an eye and wandered around, until they found the weapon shop.
She turned to everyone, "Please find the best possible equipment for you. We need to be as prepared for what laid at hand as possible." Everyone nodded as Airlia and Albel eyed weapons and armor together.
She smiled brightly as a clerk came to them. "Can I help you miss?"
Airlia smiled, "Yes, I need two of those laser weapons and two of the ablative shields." He named his sum and she handed him the money without batting an eyelash. Airlia equipped her laser weapon and her shield while Albel did the same.
He grinned as he kissed her cheek, "It's perfect love." Airlia noticed everyone except for Sophia and Roger picked out the same equipment as them. They traded their old equipment in for a partial discount.
When they were done, they all had their equipment of choice. Roger had wound up going with a poleaxe and ablative shield, while Sophia had gone with laser weapon and carbonite armor as her choice. Airlia made sure everyone was equipped before bowing to the shopkeeper who was extremely happy that he had sold so much equipment. With equipment in hand, they left to go to the place that would bring them to the center of the problems for their galaxy, Sphere 211. Everyone dreaded what they would find awaiting them. However, they would find one more hurdle that they had to cross…