And it's done. I actually had fun writing the lighter parts of this chapter. Writing reactions are fun like that. This was actually much later than I thought because I'm also working on a few of the future chapters of the main story at the same time. Do expect the next chapter to come in a week or two.
The playlist for this one:
Sunlight Filtering Through Trees (Bravely Default Flying Fairy OST)
Under a hollow moon (Bravely Default Flying Fairy OST; there's also a vocalized version but either the actual instrumental used in-game or the vocal version works too; this was for a part with Fai and Rana together.)
Visitor (Bravely Default Flying Fairy OST)
Prayer (Bravely Default Flying Fairy OST)
I had to admit but game OST's makes it easier for me to imagine the situation in hand and it gives me more ideas as I write so the playlists (If there are) would mostly have the BGM's from video games that I played.
A little note though, if you see the song, "Prayer" included, it will be an intermission for the next part/arc for this fic. (It was originally a chapter intermission song for the game and I liked it a lot so… *Sweat drop*)
Either way, happy reading!
"Fai-san had a girlfriend!?" Aladdin was indeed surprised when Ion and Amber break the news.
"Yeah, I suppose he didn't tell you and your friends either, huh?" Amber wondered.
"No…"
"Thought so, he's so embarrassed about it when we found out they started dating last year!"
"Amber, you're like an amazing yet embarrassing mom. No wonder Fai feel like he wanted to jump off a cliff when you're around." Ion interjected.
"Meanie;" Amber pouted.
"That aside, we actually expected those two to be dating already before they even confessed. It took a really long time on Fai's part."
"Eh? Then what happened that he got so embarrassed?" Aladdin asked.
Ion then started. "Fai actually planned on returning to Sasan last year for a family visit. But it's just to ask permission if he could date Rana."
"Why would he need permission?" Aladdin wondered.
"Sasan's a country where the people are devoted to their religion Aladdin, and since Fai isn't a Sasan born, he didn't follow the religion completely. Some of the citizens didn't like it when one takes the religion lightly. Though it was actually because of Sir Aaron, Fai's adoptive father that they were more or less alright with Fai not following the religion because Sir Aaron wanted the best for him; and then there's the problem with dad's being overprotective to their daughters."
"Ah." Aladdin nodded in understanding.
"But their reactions are unexpected on both of their parts!" Amber piped in.
"I was about to go on that Amber… Anyway, they headed to where Sir Darius and Sir Aaron were. Luckily, Rana's father is with them. When they asked, what happened is-"
A scream cut through the air as they had reached the palace. In front, near to the castle gardens was Kougyoku whose eyes are directed to Amber.
"IT'S AMBER!"
Suffice to say, Kougyoku almost fainted at the sight of the idol who flashed a dazzling smile towards her.
Keyword: Almost.
"So you're saying father, uncle, and Rana's father actually had accepted their relationship even without them asking?" Spartos inquired.
"To be exact, the whole country did." Zaire added. A Cheshire grin plastered at his lips.
"What?" Spartos gawked at the revelation. His father and uncle never told him!
"Really lil bro, everybody can see it. From what I heard, those two are so close to the point of hugging even before they started dating. They're close together as kids. Heck, some of the citizens back there are whistling and giggling when they saw the two of them walking together!" Zaire had cackled as he remembered what happened that year.
"Hoo boy, Fai and Rana's reaction when they found out we heard everything and followed them was priceless!"
Spartos couldn't help but have his mouth wide and jaw dropping. He was a child back then to understand the concepts of love so it might made sense if he didn't expect it coming. He'll need to have a talk with Fai for not telling this fact. Congratulation's are in order. But before that…
"Brother Fai told me you used to be much more silent and mature…"
"Ah that, blame Botis."
"Botis?"
"My djinn, I got him around our adventures and since I communicated with him a lot to master his power, he just rubbed on his personality on me."
"Ah… so you can communicate with your Djinn even outside of the dungeon?"
"You need to meditate for that."
So the two talked about the Djinn's and stories of their travels.
At the castle where Sinbad had sat with the knight king and his brother, Sinbad laughed at Darius's revelation.
"I didn't take you to be a type to tease your own relatives king Darius. I thought Sir Aaron would have fit that role."
"Just because I'm a serious man, king Sinbad, does not mean that I do not tolerate with human emotions."
"Ah, I apologize."
"No offense taken king Sinbad. In fact, Darius is looking forward for a grandchild to take care of once he stepped down from his position." Aaron pointed out.
"Oh, is that so king Darius?" An amused grin formed at the king's lips.
"Yes. I am getting older as you can see."
"Ah, that makes sense…"
"But brother is the one who would be looking forward to a grandchild more. He just loves children."
"Sir Aaron, really;"
"Yes, really; you can ask the younger children who were training if you are visiting Sasan. The children really loved his presence."
The two knight brothers and the king then talk of family and trivial political matters.
As with Fai and Rana, they were now a target to Sharrkan and Pisti's teasing.
"Now I know why Ion actually shipped you two before you guys become a thing! You guys were so obvious!" Pisti cackled.
Fai and Rana's blush had gotten darker from the teasing.
"You guys…"
"This calls for a date setup, eh, Pisti?"
"Yup! Come with me Rana!" Pisti grabbed Rana's hand and run off with her.
"And you're coming with me Fai!" Sharrkan slung an arm around Fai's neck and walked with him.
"…May I ask why I'm coming with you?" Fai stared at Sharrkan blankly. Hoping it's nothing bad. Sharrkan frowned at his stare and said. "Aww come on, it's not some brothel. I'm taking you to the best place you can prepare for the date! I wanna see you be an actual man to your lady!"
"Sharrkan!" Fai shouted in embarrassment.
He really had to wonder whatever the hell Ion had told Sharrkan and Pisti.
Ion heard the caw of an eagle above. She knew it was Cyrus. Ion gestured her arm to create a perch for the eagle to land.
The eagle landed and she proceeded to untie the letter at its leg. Ion smiled at the letter. It was Denzel.
Denzel had returned Magnostadt at least a few months ago as he needed to check back on how Magnostadt is faring along with some preparations.
She placed the letter at the pocket of the skirt (She thanked Amber for telling the tailor what to design for her own comfort). The eagle flew and perched to her shoulder. They are now looking at Amber who was talking to a rather giddy but happy Kougyoku. The others listening in and asking here and there.
"So you're an Artemyran too Amber?" She asked.
"Ah yeah, my mom was a citizen there before marrying my dad." Amber smiled back.
Ion took the initiative to approach them and asked. "Say Amber, do you still have the other Hanfu we got from Kou with the same model like mine?"
"Oh yeah; I did! It's pink and white though. What's that for?"
"For Kougyoku to wear;" She answered. Kougyoku gasped.
"You don't have to Ion-chan!"
"But I promised already." She retorted.
"Ah, th-thank you…"
"You're welcome." Ion gave the older girl a small smile. Seeing this, Amber proceeded to squeeze Ion's cheeks in pure glee.
"You finally got a friend outside the group Ion-chan I'm so proud!"
"Amber my cheeks hurt." Ion told her in a muffled sound from having her cheeks squeezed. Which the older lady had let go of;
"Sorry I'm just so happy you get a friend close to your age asides Rana and me!"
"What about Denzel…?"
"He doesn't count because he's a boy!"
As the conversation went on, Alibaba, Hakuryuu, and Morgiana couldn't help but wonder. "Who are Rana and Denzel?"
Hearing that, Amber and Ion stopped talking, turning the moment they heard their question and-
Is that a smirk they saw forming at their lips!?
Even Kougyoku looked at Ion rather warily.
Aladdin just laughed nervously before answering "Well from what I heard before we arrived, Rana-san is-"
"Ion I brought her!" Pisti had come towards them bringing a lady with her. The red bandana had stood out as a part of her brown hair.
Ion smiled uncharacteristically sweet and bright at the older girl with Pisti. ("Who are you and what have you done to Ion!?" was what Alibaba would like to shout since the spell fencer never smiled like that which he opted not to since he felt a chilling aura just by her smile.)
"Hi Rana;"
"What the hell did you even tell Pisti and Sharrkan!?" Rana had shouted; her face was completely red from all the teasing earlier.
"Just things~" She replied with a sing sang tone. ("I- Ion-dono's possessed!?" Hakuryuu had gawked at her seemingly out of character answer. She usually talks so calmly!)
"I'm going with you with picking what Rana should wear! Pisti, right?" Amber piped in.
"Yup~ it's nice to meet you, Amber but let's talk while we're picking Rana's clothes for her date!"
"I'm in!" Amber had cheered.
Kougyoku approached Ion. "Ion-chan… may I come along with you too?"
Ion smiled brightly at her. "Sure you can! You could get to know a bit about Rana too!" (Morgiana was rather horrified at this sudden change of Ion's character.)
"Thank you!"
"Well, let's help Rana in preparing for her date!" Pisti had taken Rana's hand and ran ahead with Amber, Ion, and Kougyoku following.
Hakuryuu, Alibaba, and Morgiana could only stare blankly before they turned to Aladdin who had been silent through the whole exchange.
"Aladdin what the hell is going on and what happened to Ion!?"
"Ion-dono is never like this with us!"
"And who was that?"
Aladdin promptly answered their questions in one sentence. "That lady just now is Rana-san. Rana-san is Fai-san's girlfriend and childhood friend back in Sasan. And I think Ion-san is just excited in the idea of seeing Fai-san being a good man to Rana-san in their relationship…"
.
.
.
.
.
.
"FAI-SAN/FAI-DONO HAS A GIRLFRIEND!?"
Aladdin should have expected this reaction when he answered because Fai doesn't seem like the person who is interested in having a girlfriend in the first place. Even to his friends.
"No! That's too revealing! That will ruin the date's mood!" Amber commented as Pisti picked one of the dresses.
"Ehh? But these are the festival dresses that the girls wore…"
"Say Pisti? How about that one?" Ion pointed at a piece of clothing. It was a shirt that had long sleeves made of the same materials as the shawls. The shirt itself was made of cloth. It also came in pair with pants. The color was an amaranth red.
"Ah! This one looks good!" Pisti commented. Amber soon went over to the clothing and her eyes beamed.
"Nice one! So you agree with this?"
"Yup! Let's get ahead with some accessories Amber!"
Rana who had been sitting with Kougyoku could only laugh nervously at Ion and Amber's antics.
"Um, miss Rana?" Kougyoku called.
"Hm… Kougyoku, right? What's up?"
"Uh… how does it feel to be dating someone?" She asked.
At that, Rana just laughed. Surprising the princess;
"Um… is something funny?"
"Haha! Sorry, it's just… I'm not the best person to ask for that experience."
"May I ask why?"
Rana chuckled humorlessly and replied. "I'm not exactly a girly girl… there aren't much girls my age when I grew up so I didn't get to act and know of all the things a girl does. Sometimes, I find myself wondering… "What if I screw up just by acting like myself?" "What if they ended up not liking me?" It's really worrying me sometimes…"
Kougyoku could somehow understand where she was getting. It was an insecurity that had once got to her when she was younger. She couldn't even brave herself to talk with Hakuryuu or his sister, Hakuei who were more approachable than her other step sisters and brothers (She had loathed the older girl for being so close to Kouen, but nevertheless finds her to be very friendly despite her animosity). She was only getting better from it thanks to Judal (It was rather trippy since it's rather alike to a love-hate situation despite getting along well with him), Ka Koubun (She was still mad at him for planning things without her consent but decided to forgive him instead), Alibaba (She found that Alibaba had been a kind person despite his impression when she first met him) and Ion (Her first friend outside the Kou empire) since they accept her for who she was.
She then asked out of the blue "What do you think of Fai-san?"
"Ah… Fai's… he's actually different from most of the boys that I always play with when I was young… He always hung out with his brothers more, the only times he hang out with the other kids was if the other two were busy. I think the first time we actually get to talk in person was when we met Cyrus when I was three." Rana gestured to the eagle that had settled its claws over at her shoulder when she saw Kougyoku's questioning look before she continued.
"From then on, we started talking. He never really left me out of the conversation and tells me stories of what he remembered of his old homeland. You know, the time that I might actually start to like him was after mom died…"
"Mom?"
"Ah sorry… my mom's been ill ever since I could remember… I was five when she passed so it's… just hard for me back then. What Fai did back then… well…"
"What's this?" Rana wondered at the red clothing he had placed on her hand.
"Stay still okay? You'll be surprised." He told her and took the cloth to his hand. He placed it above her head and connected the end of the cloths. Tying them up;
"You can look now." Fai showed her the sword. Rana was surprised at the reflection through the edge, the cloth had tied up like a bandana for her hair.
"You once told me you'd like to be a hero. I heard that red is the color of heroes. It sounds weird and silly, but I think it might suit you."
"…Haha, it was kind of silly, but I'm starting to see him differently back then. I never get to know why I'm… well, feeling like I want to talk with him more than anything until I got to ask Amber…"
"Ah, but how did you actually start to… like him more?"
Rana laughed nervously. "It's a bit embarrassing but we got into more fights at first over time. It got better over time-"
"Rana; you're going to be dressing up with this! Come on!" Ion grabbed her wrist and dragged her,;she then looked at Kougyoku and beckoned. "You too Kougyoku!"
"Eh?"
"We're helping her out for the date!"
"Ah! Y- Yes!" Kougyoku nodded and went after the girls. Kougyoku herself felt rather excited in seeing how this will go. It was her first time helping out a date setup or even doing something that friends may do, so she was happy.
"Arghh, I can't believe Ion said that…" Fai grumbled as he walked around the town after the talk with Sharrkan.
"She told me you were so embarrassed to even show public affections after the accident last year!"
In a way, Ion was telling the truth that he was too embarrassed for it. He was too embarrassed when he found out everyone back in Sasan already expected it. The embarrassment just made him feel awkward, even after a year.
'But that doesn't mean that she could just go ahead and reveal it!' He mentally fumed as he walked.
In his mental fury, he failed to notice a group going over to him.
"FAI-SAN/FAI-DONO IS IT TRUE THAT YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND!?"
He stepped back when he finally noticed Alibaba and Hakuryuu approaching him as Morgiana and Aladdin followed them.
"Um… yes I do. Why?" He answered hesitantly.
And the bomb was loose.
"WHY DID YOU NEVER TELL US THAT YOU HAD ONE? HOW DID YOU EVEN GET TO DATE HER IN THE FIRST PLACE?"
"FAI-DONO I THOUGHT YOU TRUST US ENOUGH TO TELL THESE KINDS OF MATTERS!"
Fai covered his ears as they shouted. He then saw Aladdin calming the two down after a moment (He was rather thankful that Aladdin's a saint).
"Sorry Fai-san. They've been like this ever since they met Rana-san." Aladdin smiled apologetically.
'Oh bother… so that's why.' He mentally groaned.
"Besides that, what kind of person is Rana-san like?" Aladdin wondered. This perked up the ears of Alibaba and Hakuryuu along with Morgiana and they looked at him, urging him to answer.
"Well… Rana isn't exactly girly. It had to do with the fact that there aren't that may girls her age back home. She always hung around with the boys though she started to hang around me more after meeting Cyrus together."
"Cyrus?"
"My friend eagle;"
"Oh…"
"Anyway, we only got a bit closer when I returned home after four years. While she's pretty boyish, she's friendly and kind. Though we had lots of fights because to be exact, she sees the world as black and white;"
"Why? Is it a bad thing?" Morgiana wondered.
Fai shook his head. "No. Not really. But sometimes, there's more than meets the eyes. People have their reasons, good or bad, and she failed to realize that, even after we conquered one dungeon during our travels and the Djinn accepting her as a vessel. Though it was on a whim on that Djinn's part;"
"Why?"
"You know how some Djinn's had their ideas for their ideal king?"
All four nodded.
"Most of the Djinn's we have are that kind of Djinn's. Rana's Djinn at first thought that Rana didn't fit their ideals but decided to give her a chance seeing that people could change overtime…"
"Did it happen?"
"…In a way, yes, she started to see the world differently. We did get closer after the change and well… it took me a lot of time to readjust myself after finding myself to like Rana as her own self."
"…Is that why Aladdin-dono told us that you only just confessed to Rana-dono last year?" Hakuryuu wondered.
"Haha, it's really embarrassing Hakuryuu, but yes, it is;" Fai nervously laughed.
"That's why you didn't tell us?"
"Not really…but what happened last year was why…"
"Ah, I know this one, if I was right, Ion-san told me that Fai-san wanted to ask for permission from Rana-san's father since Fai-san isn't born from Sasan, but what happened was that everybody already expected them to be dating for some while."
Alibaba looked at Fai incredulously. "That's it? What's wrong with that Fai-san?"
"No… what happened is…"
Shock was clearly written in their faces as Aaron revealed that they were just talking about it and the fact that the whole country expected them to be dating. It was clearly, embarrassing.
Fai remembered some moments during his childhood and some time when he had returned to Sasan nine years ago where some of the adults were giggling and often talked to him about Rana whenever they had the chance. And then remembered the same in the five years after Aaron had taken him to be part of the Leoxses family, asking him about how he is getting along well with Rana. It was then and there, that he was hit with the realization they had been secretly and indirectly match-making him with Rana. This was really embarrassing enough for him;
Rana only flushed at the implication that everyone knows of her crush on Fai as a child and expected it to happen. And they had been secretly giving her the push to grow closer with him. While she was happy for the support, it was embarrassing enough for her that everyone knew about it.
"You know, we were thinking that you two should just be engaged then and there."
"Dad; we just dated! There's no way we could get engaged that fast! Besides, I'm not even blood related!"
"Nonsense, Fai. You're a part of the family and the other knights and citizens are very accepting of you, even with that strange connection you had." Darius chided. (Fai purposely did not mention that last part to Aladdin and the rest because he didn't want them to know about him just yet.)
Ah. That fact that he told to his uncle, father, and Mistoras whom he wished to see again at least eight years ago.
His father had managed to convince him to tell the citizens of Sasan around his temporary stay which was to tell his family of this, which he reluctantly complied.
As expected, they were less pleased when he had revealed it but he didn't think they'll take it all too well (He actually thought that they would take a month or two to accept it). And he was glad that they accepted him for who he was. (Again, this part was left unmentioned by Fai.)
"But still!"
"No buts. Besides, I've been considering choosing you as the next in line for a while but that was still on debate."
"Uncle…"
"That aside Darius, now Fai; you better keep my princess safe and sound. I'll hunt you down if you did!" Rana's father glared at him. Rana was about to tell him to cut it out when Fai murmured.
"I will…"
"I didn't hear that lad!"
"I WILL!"
An eerily familiar cackle was heard moments after his response.
"You're the man Fai!"
Fai, along with Rana slowly turned to see Zaire cackling, Amber grinning wide, Denzel smirking and Ion staring at the scene in front of her calmly (Thinking back, he really had to applaud Ion for a poker face award because she actually managed to keep her own delight which he recently found out (Courtesy of Sharrkan and Pisti) to be hidden all too well.);
"We heard everything by the way." Ion told the couple. Cue to both Fai and Rana looking at them eyes wide.
"And we've been expecting you guys dating for like I don't know, four or five years back? Even the Djinn's are into it!" Amber giggled.
"What!?" The two couple shouted. This just caused Aaron to laugh again.
"Looks like your friends are in the same page as we are!"
"Though it's more interesting if Fai would man up and propose instead of an outright engagement;" Denzel commented.
"Oh yeah; that will be very romantic!" Amber squealed.
"Hey, they're thinking the same thing too, son! Now how about we talk about the arrangements for the wedding?"
"Gladly Sir!"
"YOU GUYS!"
"…Listening to the adults gossiping that their efforts are paid off is just embarrassing and horrifying."
Fai shuddered at the memory of his stay last year Even though it was only a few days. He had to take the brunt of hearing the adults talking about it which really made him feel awkward about showing any signs of romantic affection to public and it just didn't help that ever since they dated, Zaire and Amber had been setting them up on dates with every chance they get. Heck, even Denzel and Ion pitched in whenever they can. (Ion, not so much, but he only realized this just recently)
It was really uncomfortable.
Hakuryuu patted the older boy's back in an attempt of comfort. "I understand Fai-dono."
Alibaba then tried to comfort him as well. "I understand Fai-san. It really seems embarrassing."
Inside, Alibaba himself shuddered at the idea of being involved in some match-making without him himself knowing it. He had some bad experience while going with Aladdin to find some girls to talk (A.K.A., going on brothels) and having that done with someone he may not like is really horrifying.
Aladdin only nervously laughed as he saw how uncomfortable Fai was recalling the event while Morgiana was silent as they walked and listened to his story.
Morgiana then noticed Rana standing near a stall and called. "Fai-san? Is that…?"
Fai looked over to where Morgiana had looked and gaped at what Rana was wearing.
Scratch that, he was speechless.
Rana's usual attire, which was a white sleeveless shirt and pants, was changed. 'Probably by Amber', he thought.
It was a similar rendition except that it was red, and the sleeves are semi-transparent due to the fact that they are made of the same materials as that of a shawl.
It really fit her and he couldn't find the right word to say.
Rana then noticed him and went to where he was.
"Hey. I was wondering where you were."
This snapped him out of his thoughts. "O- Oh, I see…"
There was a moment of silence between them, no words were spoken. They're both speechless and averted their eyes to the side.
Aladdin couldn't help but mentally groan.
'So this is why Ion-san is really keen in setting them up in more dates along with Amber-san and Zaire-san…'
It's too awkward. If this is how they would react to each other through the dates, then they're relationship won't be growing closer.
He can somehow understand that Ion and her friends set them up to get the older two used to the concept of dating compared to the usual hanging out with friends.
Alibaba, Hakuryuu and Morgiana soon sent a glance to Aladdin. He took the hint that they apparently thought the same.
They nodded and Morgiana decided to talk to rid the awkward atmosphere.
"That was a nice clothing Rana-san. The necklace is pretty too."
Hearing that, Rana replied. "Ah, y- yeah; Ion picked it out for me… I wonder if I look okay though…"
At that same time, Hakuryuu went over to Fai and nudged him lightly. "Go Fai-Dono." He whispered.
"Get her Fai-san!" Alibaba winked at him in assurance as he whisper-shouted at him.
"Good luck Fai-san." Aladdin cheered in a whispering tone.
Fai nodded at their encouragement and told her. "It looks good on you."
"Ah… I'm glad you liked it. Amber and that new friend of Ion's, Kougyoku helped out with some adjustments too, I thought you wouldn't like it…"
"Nah, it really suits you. I just can't get the right word to say…"
The four smiled as the conversation went on well before leaving them alone.
"Ahh, the food here are all good! Though I had to say the sweets are better!" Rana commented as they walked through the streets of Sindria.
Fai sighed at her obvious sweet tooth.
Fai had been taking her around a few stalls and stores. Buying little things here and there for Rana and a little for himself;
Sharrkan had told him of a place where the skies are clear over at Sindria (He personally asked because he liked sky gazing) and wanted to leave it the last.
He wanted to take some time walking and taking this date in his own pace.
"Say, isn't that Amber performing over there?" Rana pointed over to a direction. True enough, there was Amber, dancing in front of a crowd of children.
The children are simply enthralled while the adults stare in awe.
Fai nodded at Rana's response as they watched.
Fai looked at the performers with her who played the instruments as she danced. Those performers were Amber's friends from the first time he met her, and also part of her crew.
He was actually surprised that Amber had grown quiet popular during his reunion with her at Reim.
But he then remembered that it had been her dream for a long time, so he was happy for her.
He was brought out of his thoughts as the crowd applauds Amber's performance.
"This next piece is a piece I have heard from far off, and dedicated to my two friends. Wishing them well for their relationship;"
Rana flushed, knowing that Amber had implied her and Fai. Fai only coughed into his fist before he took the initiative to hold Rana's hand.
"Say Rana, let's go. There's somewhere I would like you to see." He beckoned and Rana complied as they slowly walk away.
Fai had guided her off to an isolated beach outside the town. The wind sways gently through the tree leaves, adding the serenity to the scene.
There was another place that Sharrkan had told him, the cliff where Dunya's funeral had been held. But he opted not to go there.
It had brought some bad memories for him in one part because he saw how Ion had been quiet distraught over Dunya's death though she seems to be feeling a bit better thanks to Aladdin and their friends finally coming over.
Another part was the image of Dunya's body being cremated. (He had often times, feared the fire, it reminded him of the sensation that his surroundings are burning, just like that day before Aaron had taken him to Sasan.)
Rana took a note at his slight distraught and asked. "Did anything happen before we were here?"
Fai shook his head before giving a small smile. "No, it's nothing."
"You're… hiding something, are you? You always smiled like you're sad every time you do. Even though it was pretty small to notice that you're sad."
Fai chuckled humorlessly. "I can't hide that much from you, can I…?"
"Haha, I got that from Ion. We've been friends in the nine years so I could quiet tell."
"Well, Ion's that good with perceiving the people she was close to…"
"So… mind to share?"
Fai then told her of the events in the past month before they had come over. Getting to know of Aladdin, Al Thamen attacking the team that went to Zagan, and especially, Dunya;
"…Ion took her death pretty bad. She finally remembered who Dunya was, only to have her die before they could talk more."
"…I suppose you are thinking of some way to prevent Dunya from falling to depravity in some way?"
"...No, that felt rather pointless. The past stays in the past, after all…"
"But you often wished that you could have that power to change it, don't you?"
"If I could, yes; but from those memories from him… I think it's not always necessary."
"Hm?"
"People always wished for power. But what power? To protect those that mattered? Power for your own greed? There are just so many examples. His had been to save. But he'll probably have forgotten so many things due to the countless times he had failed… If changing always had consequences, what good would it be to have such thing?"
Rana took hold of both his hands and stared at his eyes. It was an attempt to reassure him;
"Every power has a consequence, but that doesn't mean that all kinds of power are bad. On the good side, he did give you a bit of a head start which we all used in these nine years and we managed to have some sort of tide with us, don't we? Besides, you have Asmoday and you helped us more than we could count."
"If you're not there, I would still be distraught at mom's death and would have been acting more like the Rana he knows. Zaire wouldn't have traveled with you, and Amber wouldn't have been able to overcome the shadows of her past, Denzel wouldn't have been much more healthy minded than the Denzel he knew. And Ion… she would have taken much longer to recover from the shock of seeing the remains of her old village, won't she?"
Fai stared at Rana, eyes wide. Had she always been that insightful…?
"…I suppose. Sorry about that. Things just got more serious right now since we're close to that point of time."
"No need to apologize. I think it makes sense that you'll be stressed."
"…Thanks Rana."
"You're… welcome."
"Oh, there's some jam over your face."
"Huh?"
"Hold still…"
Rana's face was beet red when she felt Fai's lips over at hers instead of his fingers brushing over at whatever part of her face. It was awkward, but it was rather simple for a kiss. It was still enough to make her flush because he would usually just kiss her by the cheeks or forehead which is simple but warm gestures.
But this one… it was her first kiss.
Fai had pulled away fast. He couldn't see her face quiet clearly due to the dark night and the fact that the lights of the town are rather far off from where they were. So he had to ask.
"So… how was that?"
"I… I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be embarrassed because that was my first kiss or be happy about it…"
Fai chuckled. "Funny, it's my first kiss too, actually."
"…But you did catch me by surprise…"
"I'll take that you'll want something better."
"No, it's fine."
"Yooo, doing well over there buddy~" They heard Zaire calling twenty steps beside them.
"I knew you'd be following us…" Fai sighed. Zaire pouted.
"Aww, you're no fun; you should be lucky that Amber and Ion aren't with me. Amber would have demanded a better kiss. Ion would be squealing hard that you guys are doing the kiss."
"Well, you do have a point." Rana pointed out.
"But these guys are with me instead~" Zaire stepped away to reveal Sharrkan, Spartos and Pisti followed by Kougyoku, Aladdin, Alibaba, Hakuryuu, and Morgiana.
Needless to say, Fai and Rana were surprised.
"...Since when?"
"Just when you're about to kiss Rana-san." Aladdin replied
"Man, I was hoping for a better kiss." Sharrkan whined.
"Yeah, me too; it's a shame." Pisti pouted.
"On the good side, they're not as awkward anymore." Aladdin commented.
The others nodded.
Sharrkan then backed himself up fast.
"Well, since you're not so awkward anymore, that means we could set up more things for them, do we?"
'I had a bad feeling about this…'
"That was a nice idea master! They really need to get closer together!"
Fai resisted the urge to palm his face. 'The last thing I needed is more people joining in the "Match-make Fai and Rana" club…'
"Brother." Spartos approached Fai and congratulated him.
"Congratulations for this relationship with Miss Rana. I never really noticed."
"Thanks…?"
"But I must agree with Sharrkan. You really need to be much braver in a relationship with Miss Rana."
"Spartos not you too!"
"Spartos-dono has a point. You were very awkward with Rana-dono just now when we met her. How would you be able to propose her in the future, Fai-dono?"
"Hakuryuu!"
"I agree with Hakuryuu-chan sir Fai. I actually wished to do this again with Ion-chan. It's so fun to help a date!"
"Ko- Kougyoku!?" Rana was at shock hearing the princess's reply.
Aladdin could only give a helpless "Good luck" to them as the others talked. Fai felt that he had just signed a death wish to embarrassment right there and then.
No, he had already signed it last year.
But then again, he really wanted to cherish these peaceful moments as much as he can.
For the battle is coming close.
A few hours later…
Ion had just taken the letter out of her pocket when Zaire had asked.
"Speaking of which Ion, was that letter from who I think it is?"
"Yeah, it's Denzel. There's also something that he got from Jared."
"Jared? Are you serious?"
"I am serious Zaire."
"Well, what do they have to say?"
"Denzel said there's nothing much going on but the black rukh furnace might just be on the run. It might be used in the next six months or maybe seven. Jared also wants to meet up over at the castle at least two months before the war with Reim and Magnostadt. He said that he's in the process of making a new tool which will be an upgrade of our dimensional bells and they would be done by then."
"Seven months… we don't have that much time. The war's in a year…"
"Say, Fai? I think you should tell uncle Darius, Uncle Aaron and Spartos about that…"
"I know Rana…"
Ion had been silent for a while before she spoke.
"You know… I think Aladdin deserves to know this too."
"Why would you think of that Ion? As far as I know from Fai, he's too caught up with the Alma Torran tragedy…"
"But we don't want a repeat of the first world to happen again, do we? Aladdin's actually pretty acknowledging and accepting when I told him bits of what we know."
"What!? You told him-"
"Yes, I know. But seeing him in person, I think that he's really trustworthy."
"I'll give him a chance in knowing Ion. But his reaction might just be something else…" Fai spoke.
"Better now than never."
"Sorry but Ion-chan has a point." Amber pointed out.
"Alright… But don't blame me if he's getting uneasy at seeing him."
The next day…
Aladdin was surprised to see the king of Sasan and his brother in the large room.
He had come in Ion's request. He wasn't sure what it was for but his curiosity got to him.
He also noted that Amber, Rana, and Zaire are in the room as well along with Spartos.
Fai had been sitting on the chair while Ion set up some of the dimensional bells to prevent the sound inside from ever coming out.
Ion actually felt lucky that Sinbad wasn't there to listen in but they couldn't afford to get their guard down.
This information is too sensitive to Sinbad's ears.
"Say, Fai-san, what is it that you want to talk about?"
"Actually, Aladdin; what you did to Alibaba back then when that guy Ithnan attacked, can you do it on me?" Fai requested.
Aladdin was surprised to hear such request from him. "Fai-san…? Why?"
"There's something I wanted to show to dad, uncle, and Spartos, but telling them story wise… I think it wouldn't work well. Ion told me a bit of how you could use clairvoyance to show a person's memories back in Zagan's dungeon."
Aladdin stared at Ion. She told Fai about it? Maybe that's why she called him in.
"Ah… But it's not a magic that is safe to use, Fai-san."
"Aladdin, the information that Fai wished to tell is also related to what I told you once about alternate worlds. It would really be helpful to let them know. Please?"
"Oh…"
Aladdin was contemplating it. He had been aware of the dangers as Ion told him of the alternate worlds. But does it have to do with Al Thamen?
He doesn't want to use this magic unnecessarily but he wanted to know the true reason to why they fight Al Thamen…
In the end, he complied. His curiosity got the best of him once more.
"Solomon's wisdom!"
When Aladdin landed onto Fai's landscape, he was surprised that he couldn't find any memories around.
"Is it further ahead…?" He wondered aloud as he walked further.
He stopped when he heard a conversation.
"Is this even wise to let him use Solomon's wisdom on you?"
"I know I know… but he deserved to know bits of the truth."
"At what cost?"
"Give him a chance to trust and keep this information a secret, please? We'll need their help, now that we are getting close to that point of time."
Aladdin had run further ahead as he continued to listen to the conversation.
'It can't be. It just can't be!' He didn't want to know, but a part of him wanted to make sure of it.
He soon stopped after finding an influx of rukh nearby. When he saw the person standing in front of the largest cluster of Rukh among the smaller ones, his eyes widened.
"Judal…!"
And so the pages turn for the next chapter.
On to the updated info!
Amber: A 22 year old street performer known by the title, "Songstress of the desert". She is also a metal vessel user with the Djinn, Sitri. Her blonde hair and eye color had been a giveaway of her blood as an Artemyran which she herself confirmed to be from her mother. She incorporated her dances to create a battle style fitting for her performer status.
Zaire: A 22 year old man from Balbadd. In between the nine years, he had gained the Djinn Botis. However, due to the influence of said Djinn, Zaire had grown much more cheery and mischievous over the years (To Fai's chagrin).
Rana: A 20 year old lady who is the child of a black smith who is close friends with king knight Darius and Aaron. She is a childhood friend to Fai and in between the nine years, had started to like him and dated as well. A tomboy by heart and this had made her feel uncomfortable in her relationship with Fai.
Aaron Leoxses: A 55 year old man who had taken in Fai as his own son when he lost his family. He had a default expression of a stoic man that often scares people, but in reality, he is an observant and jovial man. He was fond of children and often spends time with the younger ones at Sasan.
Clarifications and other things:
1: The meditation part to communicate with the Djinn's was inspired from BLEACH. In the Anime/Manga, you can communicate with the Zanpakuto's inner world by meditation and since I felt there should be some way for the metal vessel users to communicate with their Djinn's without having to enter a dungeon or something, I think this could give a good coverage.
2: I'm having too much fun on the OOC is serious business idea for the sake of the light hearted tone for the first part of this chapter XDD. I know for Darius, it seems a bit OOC on his part since he looked like the No-Nonsense kind of person but Sasan isn't very much explored so this was my take in expanding at least some of the citizen's view.
3: "Red is the color of heroes"; it's actually inspired from the same line of Kagerou Project's Ayano no Koufuku Riron. Kind of silly but the quote is growing on me. Let's just forget about Mekakucity Actors due to Shaft messing up with the animations big time… *Sweat drop*
4: Not going to lie, but the kiss there was inspired from chapter 27 of Horimiya/ Hori-san to Miyamura-kun. They're still awkward with each other despite the loosening tension so I think Fai trying to surprise her would fit the situation.
5: Originally, I don't have plans in revealing it, but I then decided on revealing the person while writing this up. To tell you the truth, I originally had the fact that Fai is related to Judal inspired by Ringabel's role in Bravely Default (For the sake of not spoiling both Bravely Default itself and its sequel, Bravely Second, I won't tell what it is) and actually, several terms meant for this fic are more or less inspired from the game itself. The next chapter will explain a little bit more about this connection.
That's all; feel free to ask if you're confused!
- TransparentAnswer