Author's note: I don't own Star Ocean Till The End Of Time
The True Nature Of All
Epilogue: Happily Ever After…
Airlia looked at her journal and thought of everything that had happened so quickly after all of the events. Ameena and Dion had gotten married shortly after the conflict, demanding the presence of all of their friends. Her father had been able to give her away while her mother was happy being the mother of the bride. Airlia was her maid of honor and Maria, Sophia, Mirage and Nel were her bridesmaids. Dion had requested Fayt to be his best man while Albel, Cliff, Adray were there as the groomsmen. The wedding was beautiful. There was a chapel that had been used in Peterny, where Ameena and Dion were living in.
The windows were cleaned and tapestries were hung and pink rose petals were laid down to form a path for the bride. The flower girl and ring bearer were adorable children that Welch knew. Elena supported Dion as his closest friend, like a mother to him. He had no living relatives and it had meant the world to Dion for her to be there. Ameena was bathed in a beautiful white gown, courtesy of the girls of the group. Ameena was dolled up with Sophia's help. Her hair was pulled into a rush of curls that cascaded down her back. Her bangs were feathered and she had a light rose gloss on her lips. Ameena was the bell of the ball at the wedding, which was the way it should be.
Blissfully the wedding went uninterrupted and Elena actually caught the bouquet. Everyone went about their ways for another few months. Fayt hadn't started up school yet to finish, for there was so much on his mind about what had occurred in such a short time. All his parents could do was stare in worry that he was going to stray from the path that he had always indicated that he wanted. Fayt had told her later on that he was seriously considering dumping college and come to live in Airyglyph and work there doing something. Airlia merely chuckled and said he would finish college first and then he could have one started in Airyglyph to bring more people to her small kingdom. He had laughed at the idea and then began to seriously consider it, or so he had said to her.
Airlia was honored to have a tremendous role in the wedding of her mother to her father. The pair had insisted that Airlia be the maid of honor and that Albel and Glou be the best men. Nel was one of the bridesmaids as was Mirage and Sophia. Woltar was honored to give Elena away to Arzei. Elena's dress was a delicate pale pink, almost white. The ceremony again went without a hitch as they married in the cold kingdom. Airlia had to smile, she knew she would be going through a similar ceremony, and yet she had to plan as to where it would be. Surely there were people who want to visit from other kingdoms as she married the one man who made her whole.
However, when Elena tossed the bouquet, Airlia was the one to catch it, indicating who was next in line to be married. Airlia had pulled Fayt aside at the ceremony after the bouquet and told him that he would be part of the wedding and that his family was allowed to attend on a few stipulations. Fayt grinned with understanding as he nodded.
"Let me guess, they can't object to you marrying Albel?"
Airlia nodded as she spoke, "They are not to walk me down the aisle."
Fayt nodded in understanding. "Is there anything else Airlia?"
She nodded, "Yes, they can't call me Mirabel anymore." Fayt nodded as they all parted ways…
It had been a few months since everyone left… She was truly grateful to everyone helping to save her world and ultimately the universe. She grinned blissfully; she was going to be getting married. She had managed to get as far as she did with her friends at her side. She worked hard to find everyone that she wanted to be there for her special day. Peppita and Roger were delighted to be invited to the ceremony as the flower girl and ring bearer respectively. Ameena and Dion were both invited and delighted to come to the ceremony. Cornelius and Maxwell would also be at the ceremony.
The best man was Fayt and the maid of honor was Sophia. The matron of honor was none other than Elena and Nixie. Kira and Adray promised to be there with Clair, Tynave and Farleen as well. Nel was a maid of honor as well with Cliff being a best man also. Maria and Lieber were not easily found, but both promised to be there. Elysia and Nevelle would be there along with Queen Romeria. Blair had taken a little time off to be there for the wedding of two who were so dear to her. Peppita's troupe was planning on putting on a show after the wedding, dedicating it to the newly married couple.
Airlia heard a heated debate outside and rushed to see what was wrong. She saw it was Glou and her father arguing! She blanched at the sight as they both realized she was present. "Father, what is wrong?"
He coughed slightly and turned to his daughter. "It seems that Glou and I cannot agree on this one particular matter of the wedding…"
Airlia looked at him suspiciously. "What is the matter that would have you two shouting? I have never heard either of you argue with such passion, especially with one another." He nodded his face pale.
"Well, we couldn't agree on who would walk you down the aisle as your father. Glou already considers you his daughter, and it will be such when you are married to his son."
Airlia smiled slyly, she had already thought of a solution. "How about both of you escort me? I am more than honored to have two fathers."
They chucked, as Arzei spoke out, "It would seem that my daughter is far smarter than either of us, or both of us combined! Forgive me for worrying you, why we didn't think of that, we shall never know!" Airlia grinned as she bowed and walked back into her room as she continued to look at her list of friends and their roles…. The two maids of honor were Nel and Sophia. The best man was Fayt and surprisingly to her – Cliff at Albel's behest. Her mother and the three women, who had given their lives for her early in her life, were all to be her Matrons of Honor. It was unconventional, sure, but it was something she could do to express her care for the women. Roger was given the task of being the all-important ring bearer while Peppita was given the special honor of being the flower girl.
The Circus Family that had raised Peppita had been a roaring success! They had earned enough to get out of debt quickly; but also be able to establish themselves where the old Kirlsa Training Facility was, which had been torn down after everyone was home and settled down. People still – to that day still went to enjoy the circus. Both her father, as well as Glou – who had long since viewed her as a daughter and was honoured that it would be so soon would be walking her down the aisle. Her bridesmaids and Albel's groomsmen would be the others who had fought alongside them as they saved the world, and later to save her from the sadistic vampire king. Romeria would be the one graciously presiding over the ceremony.
She was pleased by the turn of events and thought that she had chosen well for how her life would soon turn out. She wasn't allowed to see her love for that day, which left her feeling so alone. She turned in early that day, wanting it to be the wedding day so she could see her love and be his wife. She was happy to know everyone was there and that they were excited to be there for their dear friend.
Dawn broke over head the day of the wedding and all Airlia could feel was a nervous excitement that she couldn't recall ever truly feeling before. There was a knock on the door, Airlia smiled as she went to the door. She could hear conversation out there of all female voices. "Airlia, it's us, don't worry, the men are taking care of Albel." Airlia opened the door to reveal everyone who had played an important part in her life, no matter how large or small. The girls came in and pulled Airlia out of there to go to the place that Sophia was staying in. Her parents had been visiting the Leingods and they had all decided to stay away from Airlia in hopes of trying to show her that she did matter and that they didn't want to ruin the best day of her life.
Airlia was shown to the tub filled with heated water and it had rose petals of various shades in there. The roses' scent served as a perfume as it soaked in the water. There were also oils brought by Sophia to help with the scents of the water. She brought heather, which was divine and lilacs. Everything caused Airlia to simply relax into the water as she bathed and began to think about what was going on that day. She stayed in the water until it grew cold and was ushered out and into her special wedding dress.
Busana and Aria had been working on the perfect dress for the Princess. It was an extremely pale icy blue from top to bottom. There were sleeves that sat on the edges of her shoulders. The sleeves went to her wrists that ran over the back of her hands and the palm of her hands as well. It linked through the middle finger, the material encircling it like a ring. The veil was attached via the small, but simple crown upon her brow. Fates determined that the groom couldn't see the face of his bride until right before they kiss, for the most luck upon the marriage.
Light makeup was applied to the face of the Princess by Sophia, who went all out for the Princess. She applied a light gloss to her lips that tasted of raspberries. Light blush was applied to her cheeks, making them a beautiful shade of pink. Her hair was pulled into a half-hair bun and everything cascaded into curls with a few tendrils framing her face. Light pink eye shadow was applied. When it was done, the Princess was even more beautiful if it was possible to everyone.
The gowns worn by her maids of honor were of various shades to enhance their roles. Nel wore red – for it symbolized her passion for her friends and for what she believes in. Sophia wore green – healing and luck; something that Sophia had in abundance. She was planning on becoming a doctor, and she had helped to care for the injured during her journey. Albel's suit was black and had crimson red lining, matching his eyes. Fayt wore blue, showing his tranquility and truth, he was a protector of his friends and family, so it was a fitting color. Cliff wore gold, showing his strength and vitality and his courage. He was a perfect match for his lady Nel. Maria's color was turquoise showing her discipline and creativity in the face of adversity. Lieber wore brown, showing that he was thoughtful and yet his perseverance for justice would keep him grounded throughout life and a match for Maria in every way. Peppita's color was obviously pink, she was full of compassion and tenderness who had a heart of gold and believed in true love and romance. Roger's suit was yellow, symbolizing his intelligence and creativity. Everyone else wore suits or dresses that went with their personality color and they amassed to the colors of the rainbow. Airlia brought her veil down and the group left to go to the church at the north end of town to find the groom so their friend could finally get married.
The procession began as the women and men began to go down the aisle. Peppita was the last girl to go as she sprinkled various colored petals of roses on the ground, as if making way for an angel to go down to the altar. There was white gauze lining the ceiling, which was freshly painted. The carpeting was new and a vibrant red. The pews were also new and were freshly stained so they glinted in the candle light. The windows were new and now were stained glass. Glancing around, Airlia was in the presence of everyone who meant something to her. When she arrived, she could see his figure waiting for her. Glou and Arzei were on either side of the Princess, showing the bond was mutually accepted between both men. Airlia smiled gently as she walked down the aisle, when she finally arrived, she could make out his smile. It was enough to make her knees shake and her body felt like it would turn to mush. When she arrived, her father stayed by her while Albel's father joined his son's side and the wedding began. Romeria was in a stunning priestess's dress. It was simple, and yet it seemed so beautiful. It was as if the dress was spun of pure silver and it glinted with every movement that she made. She turned to the group.
"We are here today to join Airlia Yepa Bohnleid with Albel Alistair Nox. If anyone knows why these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace." She spoke out calmly, projecting her voice to the far reaches of the tiny church. Airlia held her breath, afraid after everything that she went to some pathetic noble would speak out, claiming her hand.
However, her fears were justified as a voice rang out, it was not familiar to the young Princess as someone shouted, "I object!"
Romeria gave the couple a sympathetic look as she spoke out, "Then you had best give a good reason as to why they shouldn't be married, or I promise you will regret this huge mistake."
The voice seemed shaken as he approached the group, "The man she's getting married to be not a prince! However, do not fear fair Princess, I am a prince! My name is Prince Angelo."
His voice was whiny and grated on her nerves. Airlia ignored him as she turned to Romeria, "He doesn't have a true claim. Albel may not be a prince; however, he is the son of a Count. That is enough for nobility for him to marry a Princess."
The prince was effectively moved out of the way as Romeria nodded to the Princess, "She is quite correct, so that reason is discarded. If there are no further objections, we shall continue with the ceremony."
There was silence after a while and the priestess nodded and continued. "We are here to bind two lives into one, would the man coming forward to marry Princess Airlia please come forward with your support."
Albel stepped closer to his Princess and felt his senses overwhelm him. He could smell the flowers on her, the roses and two other scents that were unusual, but beautiful on his Princess, his love. "I am Albel Alistair Nox."
She nodded, "Who supports you in this union in an unbound support?"
Fayt stepped forward, "I am Fayt Leingod." She smiled, "How are you related to this situation?"
Fayt smiled, "I am the biological brother of Princess Airlia."
She smiled knowing that his support of the binding was unbreakable. "Who supports this union as the bound support?"
This time it was Albel's father who stepped forward, "I, Glou Nox, support this union."
She smiled with a nod, "And how are you related to this situation?"
His reply was also formidable, "I am the father of Albel Nox and am a Count in the kingdom of Airyglyph."
She smiled as she turned to the Princess, "Who seeks to marry Lord Albel Nox?"
Airlia smiled as she stepped forward, her hands burning to touch her love's hands, his face, anything she could to soothe her spirit. "I am Princess Airlia Yepa Bohnleid of Airyglyph."
She smiled as she spoke softly, "Who supports this Princess as her unbound support?"
Nel Zelpher stepped forward, "I am Nel Zelpher of Aquios."
Nel grinned in relief that she could help her friend again after everything the Princess suffered to try and end the war on her own power. The Queen turned to Nel as she said, "How are you related to the situation?"
Nel smiled as she said, "I am the best friend of the Princess and I am an agent of Aquios."
Romeria turned to the Matrons of honor as she said, "Who brings their support to the Princess as her bound support?"
Everyone looked at each other as Elena stepped forward. "I am Queen Elena of Airyglyph. Airlia is my daughter and I offer my support as her mother."
Romeria nodded as she spoke. "I seek the aid of the elements to bind the pair together." However, before she could bring out the cords, several fairies flew into the room, led by none other than the Faerie that they had helped earlier on in the forest.
"I heard about the wedding and gathered my friends, each is of an element and they would like to give their blessings."
Romeria was in shock that even the fairies would like to give their blessings. "I will speak of an element and if that element could give their blessing, I would definitely appreciate the help." They nodded as they flew into the corners, glowing brightly of their element.
"I seek the binding of fire. Will each of you anger the other or cause pain?" As they studied the other, they knew they might make each other worry; they would never anger the other.
Sure and true they said, "No, we would never cause anger to the other. We may cause pain though."
Romeria nodded, knowing where the pain would come from. "Is this intentional?"
The pair knew they would never cause it intentionally. "Never."
She smiled, "Will you seek to strengthen your union through sharing your pain?"
The pair nodded, "We will." The Faerie that was of the fire element danced over them, her dust sparkling on the pair.
"Will you cause worry the other?"
They stared at each other's form and couldn't lie, "We may."
Romeria asked, "Would this be intentional?"
The pair nearly shouted as quickly back, "Never!"
She smiled as she spoke, "Will you seek to strengthen your bond through raising your belief in each other?"
The pair nodded, "We will." Romeria smiled as she welcomed the earth Faerie to dance over them.
Romeria smiled as she spoke again, "Will you share in one another's laughter and seek the positive in your life?"
The pair gazed at each other through the veil as they said, "We will." Romeria smiled as she welcomed the water element to dance over the pair.
She spoke again, "Will you burden one another?"
Airlia and Albel hid their winces, knowing they may burden one another, "We may."
Romeria asked instantly, "Is this your intent?"
The pair almost chuckled out, "Never."
As they both knew that it would never be intentional to cause any burdens. Romeria smiled as she replied, "Will you seek to lift each other's burden and grow together with it, to use it to temper your strength?"
The pair smiled as they said, "We will." Romeria welcomed the wind elemental Faerie to dance over the pair.
She asked the next question, "Will you share your dreams with one another, and dream together to create new realities and hopes?"
The pair shared a gentle smile, "Of course!" She nodded as the Faerie that they aided in the forest outside of Peterny came over to dance over the pair, sprinkling her magic.
The next one was for the Celestial Faerie, the strongest of all elements for it encompassed all elements, and Romeria smiled as she said, "Will you honor one another and seek to never give cause to break that honor?"
The pair knew the other to be smiling as they spoke, love and joy in their voices, knowing that their union was about to be cemented and their love would burn between them for all of time. "We will." With that answer, the Celestial Faerie came over, sprinkling her magic, dancing on the winds as the others had.
Romeria knew this would be the answer as she spoke proudly, "You may gaze upon your bride." Albel reverently moved the veil back as he nearly stopped breathing. She was so beautiful!
Romeria spoke assuredly as she said, "You may kiss your bride!" Albel took claim of her lips gently and felt the passion that was in her as they gently parted as Romeria spoke again, "Congratulations to the newly wedded couple of Princess Airlia Nox and Prince Albel Nox." Everyone erupted into cheers as they left to go celebrate the wedding in the castle…
The pair left to see Nixie and the others waiting for the pair. Nixie enveloped Airlia in a tight hug, "Welcome to the family, daughter. Please, feel free to call me mother or Nixie."
Airlia smiled, "I think it's so nice, having two mothers and two fathers. It makes my heart soar."
Nixie grinned as she gave Airlia a special bracelet. "This has been handed down from daughter to daughter in my family. I would like you to have it, and if you are to have a daughter, to pass it to her. It's a symbol of unity in my line." Airlia smiled as she nodded.
Airlia shut her journal one more time as she went to get ready for bed with her husband for the first time. She smiled as she felt ready for something that felt so… so right! They had separated the bride and groom so that they could get ready for their first night together. Airlia was shaking with excitement as she checked her appearance one last time. Her hair was tumbled gently and she hoped that her face showed her pure joy and love as she heard a knock on the door. She opened it and saw the face of her only love in the doorway. She slipped away from the door as he entered and closed the door gently. He could barely believe his eyes as he gazed over her form. They came together in a powerful kiss as they lay down on the bed. They slowly made love for the first time and Airlia had proven several times over how loyal she was to him throughout their lives. Night gave way to day as Airlia awoke in his arms. She smiled as she snuggled into his arms, trying to not wake him up. He had made what was a fearful experience, since the last time someone did something like that, it was to try and force her into the most beautiful and filling experience of her life. He kissed her forehead tenderly as she studied his masculine chest.
It had been several months since that wonderful night. Airlia felt blessed each morning and night that she was laying in her marriage bed with her husband. She was certain that she was with child, but she hadn't been able to confirm if she was or not… Albel's eyes twinkled with a deep pleasure that came from being with not only his best friend, but the love of his life. Airlia smiled as he took one finger and twirled it in her hair, making her smile as he kissed her lips tenderly. "What shall we do today my love?" He asked her.
She smiled, "Let's go visit Fayt and Sophia seeing as they still have to 'graduate college.'"
He nodded as they got up, regretfully and got changed. Airlia picked out a simple green dress and Albel groaned in response, "You are going to be the death of me, Airlia. I don't want to go anywhere now that I've seen you in that dress." Airlia smirked as she waltzed past him and he growled softly as he got changed.
They left to find Fayt and Sophia. They were sobbing heavily as Airlia entered quickly into the room. "What is the matter?" Fayt looked at her as he handed her the message that had upset him so. It was a notice that Robert and Ryoko Leingod had died in a terrible accident with a drunken driver.
Airlia shook her head as she turned to her brother, "I'm so sorry. I never liked them with what they did to me; however I would never wish the death of a loved one on even my worst enemy. You are welcome to stay with me for as long as you need to brother." He nodded as everyone started to get ready for the return to Earth, possibly for the last time.
Time flew too swiftly for everyone as they went to depart. Airlia embraced her parents and her other parents, the Nox family. Albel insisted that he go with his new wife and no one dared to argue with him. They knew that she had to put this part of her life to bed and the best way was to attend the funeral. Airlia bowed to everyone, "I'll be home soon. I'll miss you all while I'm away." They nodded as the group vanished. The trip was quiet as they arrived on Earth.
When they arrived, Airlia saw everyone swarm Fayt and she smiled gently. He had plenty of friends who would help him through his pain if he didn't want to return to their world. Albel and Airlia quietly made their way to their friends. Someone, apparently a friend of Fayt approached the pair. He was tall and was way too muscled for her. Fayt grabbed his friend's arm and shook his head. Airlia nodded as she and Albel walked away to look at the place. There were flying ships and people dressed strangely. Airlia felt so out of place and was grateful that she was allowed to grow up where she did. Albel could almost sense her thoughts as he wrapped her in his arms. Fayt came over with Sophia. Clive and Kyoko met up with the group. Airlia merely ignored them as they walked over to the new vehicle that was indicated.
The next few days flew in a flurry as they prepared the burial. Airlia handled the preparations and the estate paid for everything. Airlia knew that Fayt was grateful for the help; however, the burials reminded Airlia and Albel of what they had lost and regained. The burial was quiet and private. Airlia was glad when it was over, and she pushed Fayt to go to school when it was over. She murmured that the best remedy for the moment was to be doing something, anything. She stayed for a little while with Fayt to see where he lived and if they hadn't thrown her away, where she would have grown up. Before anyone knew it, it was time for Fayt to graduate college.
She secretly called everyone and invited them to view the graduation. It would help if he had the support of his friends around. Everyone promised to be there, agreeing with her idea and that he needs his friends around to help him through his rough times. Airlia smiled as she saw her baby brother ready to go out into the world. He turned to her, his eyes wide with fear, "Am I truly alright to live in Airyglyph?"
Airlia smiled as she nodded, "Yes, you and Sophia are welcome to live in Airyglyph. I'm sure that father would even allow Kyoko and Clive to live there, should Sophia ask for it. Fayt, I'm sure that anywhere you wanted to live, they would allow it. You, do after all, have allies in Surferio, Aquios, Peterny, Kirlsa and Arias." He smiled as he nodded. They left to go to the college to get ready for the graduation. When they arrived, Fayt walked off to the area reserved for the graduates. Airlia spotted Nel and everyone else that was there for them. They walked over to them and saw that the pairs had remained together. Mirage was now sporting a ring that when Airlia raised a brow to Luther, he merely blushed. It answered her question without trying.
Maria was sporting an engagement ring as well as a wedding ring. Airlia smiled and gave her congratulations. Maria nodded with a smile and Lieber looked nothing less than relieved and blissfully happy at the same time. Nel and Cliff were still seeing each other, and by the looks that Nel was getting from other men, Cliff was going to be asking her the question soon. Blair was there and she was happy to help her friends again. She had even managed to bring Flad with her. Adray was there with Kira, Clair, Tynave and Farleen. The trio of women was still single and not interested in anyone yet.
And so the ceremony went without a hitch and everyone enveloped Fayt whom was grateful for the support. Slowly everyone filed out of the building and went to help load things onto the transport that would take everyone back to Elicoor II. Life went on, even if it felt too painful for those among the living. However, everyone went forward to try and move on with their lives, and move on they did… Life is rarely perfect, but it is only as good as they make it… And they all live, well, happily ever after.