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

The True Nature Of All

Chapter 21: Request

The transmission faded away as everyone tried to find a remotely comfortable spot to sit down on. Airlia sat next to Albel and Nel. Maria, Fayt and Sophia sat across from them. To Albel's right sat Roger and Peppita. Cliff and Adray sat next to Nel and Sophia. There was no wind, the only reason the dust was floating around was because of the constant stomping of the beasts just beyond them. Airlia relaxed for the first time in far too long.

Those who had known the Princess had not seen the expression on her face since before Nixie and the others had been killed trying to rescue her. Adray turned to Airlia as he smiled a genuine smile, one of the first that she had seen in far too long as well. He spoke softly, filling the calm silence, "I never did thank you for reviving my wife. I'm sure that Clair and the others filled in them as to what has gone on." Airlia nodded in agreement.

"I just hope that Fayt's parents took into account what we told them. I know if they try to approach either monarch to try and get me back, they are liable to be thrown into jail for child abandonment."

Fayt nodded, "I may eventually forgive them, and they are parents after all. However, even though you aren't the blood daughter of the King of Airyglyph, the bond that is shared between you can't be broken by normal means."

Albel smirked, "If they think to remove my Princess, they're out of their minds and out of luck. Airlia's staying with us. It's all she's really ever known."

Airlia sent a glance at Albel, "Do you mean what I think you mean beyond that message?" Albel ducked his face, recomposing. He knew that Airlia was as sharp as ever.

When he looked back up, he threw almost everyone, except for his Princess, off balance, "I meant nothing beyond it, however, my apologies for misconstruing the message." Airlia sent him a peculiar look that meant the conversation was done… but only for now.

Airlia looked around as she asked Fayt first, "What do you plan on doing when this is done you guys?"

Fayt and Sophia looked at each other first, "Well we really need to finish schooling. However, after that, I'm not quite sure."

Airlia smirked, "You can always come to visit. All of you are most welcome in Airyglyph."

Fayt smiled, "Yeah, when this is done, perhaps before finishing school, I would like to spend some time with my sister and get to know her more so than beyond the combat, beyond the cold exterior. I know that was for your own protection as well as ours during the war. You had to be certain about us after all."

Cliff nodded, "Plus she had to be cold especially in the face of that jerk Cavan and idiot Cassius." Airlia and Nel shared a secret smile. They knew more about those two than anyone would care to admit, and perhaps that had been enough to save their lives. Before the conversation could continue though, a beeping was heard.

Maria sighed heavily as she placed her hand to her ear. Marietta's voice came in loud and clear, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Captain! We'll transport you up immediately."

When they arrived, everyone made their way to the bridge to view what had happened to the universe as they knew it. Seeing the destruction only served to cement the feelings of the group as Fayt said, "Mirage, take us to Elicoor."

Mirage smiled with a nod of her head as she said, "Elicoor? Roger."

Fayt and the others looked at each other as Airlia spoke up first, "Mind if I catch a small nap? Haven't had enough sleep lately…" Mirage nodded as Airlia walked off to find the familiar cabin, Albel was close in tow. When they arrived, she was all but asleep on her feet. Albel grinned as he gently picked up the light arm load of a Princess who had the heart of a true Princess for one not born in the position. He laid her in bed and went to leave when her hand tightened on his arm.

Startled he looked down; her eyes were barely open, as if the lids were getting too heavy for her. He crouched down to hear her mumblings, "Were you really asking me something else, or was it a true misconstruing?"

Albel gave her a gentle smile, "I will talk to you later, when your wits are more in place than in the land of sleep. For what I have to say may require some serious thoughts." Airlia nodded as her eyes closed and a gentle smile graced her lips.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. He whispered too low for anyone to hear, "I pray to any deity, even the 'mighty' Apris that you say yes." He went to the light control, turned it down before going to sit down and began to meditate, to focus his mind on the task at hand.

The lights came back on as a voice rang out over the intercom. Albel growled as he recognized it to belong to the one named Mirage. Airlia slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes as she began to listen to the message as well.

Attention all personnel, please prepare for using the transporter.

Airlia sighed as she looked at Albel, seeing the focused expression on his face, the intensity of his crimson eyes made her heart race. He stood up as he held his hand out to her, "Ready my Princess?"

Airlia looked up at him shyly, playing the role of the delicate Princess that she never was, "I am ready my knight." They got out and proceeded to go to the transporter. Airlia saw Mirage getting ready for something. "What's going on Mirage?" Airlia asked out of curiosity.

"I'm coming with you. There's nothing else I can do here on the Diplo, anyway. I know I don't look like much, but I can fend for myself. I'm the one who taught Maria how to fight, you know. If you're still worried about me, talk to Cliff. I don't think he'll try and stop me." Airlia giggled, she couldn't help it. Another had joined their large group.

Everyone gathered together to slowly board the teleportation room. Airlia and Albel were among the first to be transported down to the ground. When everyone arrived, they smiled, knowing the journey would come to a close soon. Fayt nodded as Airlia spoke, "Aquios is right over there, let's go. We have much to finish in a short time." They proceeded to climb up the side of the slightly retaining wall to cut down the time wasted as well as to risk not running into those new bad guys, the 'Convictors.' They made it there with no unfortunate run-ins. Airlia smiled brightly, knowing that they were in the realm of their new allies.

They saw the relief as well as the new fear that had settled into everyone since the war with Airyglyph had ended in such a fatalistic way. They proceeded to the castle where they went to the Queen's chambers to speak with Her Majesty regarding the new situation and that they needed to borrow the Sacred Orb to defeat the new foes.

Upon entering, the Queen's face lit with a new joy and new found sense of hope. "Well, what a pleasant surprise this is. We never truly expected to see many of you again."

Fayt bowed low as did everyone else. She smiled again as she gestured for Fayt to continue, "Your Majesty, I believe that strange, winged beings have been spotted here on Elicoor as well."

Romeria nodded as she spoke again, "Yes, this is true. We are currently working with Airyglyph to find some solution. However, the battle is not going well."

Airlia smiled as she spoke next, "That is why they have returned to Elicoor."

Aquaria XXVII gave a puzzled look as she spoke firmly, although not harshly, "Please explain."

Maria spoke up next, knowing the more technical details more thoroughly, "Yes, Your Majesty. We are trying to defeat those small angels...those Convictors at the source. To do this, we will have to borrow Aquaria's treasure, the Sacred Orb."

Lasselle would hear nothing of this, "The Orb!? Impossible!"

Airlia's firm look and Romeria's words sufficiently shut him up as the Queen spoke, "Silence, Lasselle."

Then with a direct look at Fayt she spoke again, "Fayt, will lending you the Orb allow you to defeat these beings?"

Fayt nodded with determination and a will of steel that will not be broken easily as he declared, "...Yes. We will not fail."

Aquaria XXVII shook her head in defeat as she spoke out, "We have no choice but to ask for your help once again. We have suffered defeat after defeat to these monsters... very well. Fayt, we will lend you the Orb."

Airlia smiled brightly as she spoke, "Thank you your Majesty. However, I am not going there as I need to discuss ensuring the peace will remain between nations for all time." Romeria had to suppress the urge to grin at how like the Princess she was beginning to show again.

Anyone who looked at Albel saw the relief that was plainly on his face. They knew he wanted her to remain where she would be safe, not where she could die at any moment, though they knew he'd die before he would allow her to be harmed… or worse. They began to leave to go retrieve the Orb as Airlia and Romeria went back into the Queen's private chambers. A glance from Aquaria XXVII to Lasselle spoke clearly; no one was to disturb them, with the exception of Elena if she should come to visit. He nodded as they went into the back. Romeria had Airlia sit down as she sat next to her.

Romeria was truly happy that everyone was drawing together to save the kingdoms. "I believe that we need to make sure that everything stays peaceful thereafter."

Airlia smiled, "I completely agree." Before anyone could say another word, someone came into the room. It was Elena Frahm and she had a peaceful smile on her face. She stood as Romeria gestured for her to have a seat.

Upon doing so, Airlia had to enquire, "Elena, what's going on?"

Elena wasn't sure how the child would take to her news. "I have some news that will impact both Aquios and Airyglyph…" Airlia saw the peaceful look to her eyes, but there was definitely some fear and uncertainty.

"I went to visit Arzy, err Arzei and we spoke for several hours about many things and yet about nothing as well. We were afraid for you, Airlia, but in our paired fear, we knew you would be safe for Albel was with you. When we realized this fact, we found ourselves almost giddy with relief. It was then that we talked about everything that had gone on recently and realized that we were truly still in love with each other. He asked me if I would marry him. I was not sure about if I should, or if I even could. He was still unsure about what you wanted to do, Airlia. I reminded him that you refused those who were your blood parents. That you had basically denied them any rights, a fact that had made him beam in pride, as did I."

Airlia nodded, she would do whatever it took to ensure that he would remain her father, and hopefully make the wonderful Lady Elena her mother. Elena continued without further ado, "I accepted his proposal. I won't attempt to replace your mother, I hope you know that. I've seen most relations between mothers and their children when they try to replace their own mothers. I don't want to place any harm on our friendship Airlia."

Airlia grinned as she replied, "I hope you don't mind my response, but I have long considered you to be a mother figure in my life. I hope we can make it official."

Romeria smiled as the pair looked at her. They were much more alike than they had ever thought. She nodded, "We can certainly do such after the wedding. Now I assume you would like to have one here and there to show both nations?"

Elena smiled and nodded, "I think it would be best. There are still many details to be worked out; however, I think we'll be done before long. However, there are things to be done first. We certainly can work out the peace treaty after, but for now, we must deal with those small angels." At that very moment, the others arrived back into the chamber. The three ladies left with grim smiles on their lips, may Apris have mercy on those bent on destroying the two kingdoms. This thought was on the minds of all three of them.

When they arrived, everyone but Fayt was there. Airlia rushed to Albel's arms as she examined for any source of injury. Upon finding none, she looked at him with a satisfied smirk. "You really think I'd let a maggot touch me?"

Airlia shook her head, "I know you wouldn't, but I know that you are likely to try and protect others."

One look brought an instant response from Cliff, "We don't know where 'there' is to be able to stop these things yet. Blair is still working on that for us. Fayt went for a quick walk to work off the frustration of not being able to do anything yet."

Airlia questioned, "What is going on guys? What do we know of at this point?"

Sophia reiterated the message from Blair, "In a place of strong heat, covered in storms of sand, one must pass through darkness to find this in eternal light."

Airlia grimaced. "That can only be one place, Mosel Ruins." At that exact moment, Fayt walked back into the room.

Fayt spoke, "Any news guys on figuring out where we have to go?"

Sophia smiled, "I know that we need a gate, however, she only knew a generalized location that the gate will be in. While speaking with everyone, we came to a conclusion."

However, Fayt had to ask, "A gate...? You mean like the Time Gate?"

Sophia nodded, "Yeah... The Sacred Orb is only a device for opening gates. It's not enough to get us into Luther's space by itself. To enter Luther's space we'll need to find a gate that leads there and use the Sacred Orb on that gate."

Romeria spoke up, "Based on what she said, it's probably in the Ancient Ruins of Mosel."

Maria spoke up to clarify a point, "The ruins deep inside the Mosel Dunes, where that peace conference was held..."

Airlia spoke up next, "Exactly. It's the only place that meets all of the conditions that Blair gave to you guys."

Fayt smirked as he nodded, "All right. Let's go check out the Mosel Dunes. Time to bring this to an end…"

Everyone began to leave when Airlia turned to everyone, "Let's be sure that we have all of the equipment that we will ever need. I want to be sure that we have no problems in the coming future."

She had a sense of future ahead of her as she proceeded down the stairs when a familiar pair approached her. "Thank you for your help; however, we like this place more than Kirlsa. We're staying in the house in the corner if you want to come and check out our shop."

Airlia grinned, "I would love to." They proceeded to go down and reached the store. She saw a various amount of many things. She reached for a nearby dress.

When she felt the fabric, she nearly gasped. It was so soft, but yet, seemed so strong. Everyone traded their armor in for new armor. Cliff, Fayt and Roger bought the battle armor. Tougher than nails, it was perfect to protect the stronger fighters. Then Airlia, Albel, Maria, Mirage and Nel bought the battle chain mail that Airlia was examining earlier. Adray, Peppita and Sophia bought the wizard's robes that were best for the mages of the group. Fayt and Airlia upgraded their weapons to the Mythril Swords. Nel upgraded to Ice Falchion while Maria upgraded to the Gravity Laser. Cliff and Mirage upgraded to the same weapon – Crest Gauntlets while Roger upgraded to the Saint's Halberd. Peppita upgraded to the Lunatic Shoes and Adray upgraded to the Biter. Both Albel and Sophia chose to not upgrade their weapons.

Airlia gave Albel a strange look as he shook his head, "I have to go to Airyglyph before we go to the Mosel Ruins." Airlia shook her head as they left, thanking the pair for the wonderful shop full of weapons and armor that would surely help to save their lives. They walked past Peterny, not even stopping to see if the Leingods had taken their advice to remain there. As they went past Arias, everyone was cheering them on, knowing they had saved the world before from the war, and then they would save them again. They passed through Kirlsa where everyone was smiling and waving them onward.

Then came the place where everything first began, the mountains and Airyglyph. It was nearing night time by that point. They reached the castle as Airlia walked them to the guest quarters. "Rest, we will continue tomorrow morning." Airlia grinned as she left to rest for the first time in far too long in her own quarters. Arzei saw his daughter and felt a pang of happiness that she was there. He went into the room after ensuring his daughter was dressed for bed.

When he entered, it struck him how long it had been since he had seen her before when he used to tuck her in. "I wanted to make sure that you were okay with Elena…"

Airlia smiled beautifully, "I'm more than okay with this father, I had long since considered her my mother, I am proud that it shall become a truth." He was grateful that she was happy for that.

"I'm glad, I want you to do what you have to, but remember, I want you to come back to me alive. No matter what happens, now or ever, that you are my daughter, in every form that matters. The fact that we're not related by blood means nothing to me. You shall always be my daughter."

Airlia smiled back. He walked over to her and kissed her forehead, "Goodnight my daughter."

She was all but asleep, "Good night father." Then he left after turning blowing the lights out.