Chapter Sixteen: The Goodbye

It is late as the stars shine bright in the sky as the two moons look down at the world. It has been a week since Aarons and Hugo's fight. Aaron well keeping his distance from his siblings. Hugo is still bedridden after Lei impaling him in the leg. As Alphonse has clearly shown that everyone is no longer welcome. It was best to leave as soon as they can.

The wind gently blows a cold breeze as clouds can be seen in the distance. Iolene gazes at the pitch blackness of the ocean, looking as if it never ends. It frightened her how sailors navigate the dangerous void. The sea with its gentle waves hit the dock as the men prepare the ship to leave.

She is on the other side of the ancient wall. The gold draconium gate sitting behind them. Always curious to see what it looked like. It is not much… Just ships and docking stations. Manual supply cranes tower over her. It is a quiet night as many of the docks have only workers tending to the area for maintenance.

Iolene wears a grey cloak embellished with gold trim, hoping it will blend in amongst the sailors. She loiters around nervously as Lexi stands next to her. The fire priestess apprentice looks at the men who are carrying Mali's supplies. A man on the brow winks and raises his eyebrows at the women, as they don't do anything in reply. Being a much older man around sixty, Lexi has told Iolene to not respond to the advances.

Iolene spoken of her time with Akvor knowing how desperate men can do awful despicable actions. With the consequence of losing an eye. Lexi is impressed after being told and pats Iolene on the back. Even Iolene tending to his eye after stabbing him impressed Lexi. Many people will just watch them suffer and then kill them.

"None of them are young… Oh well…" Lexi says jokingly to break the nervous tension. Iolene snickering as she raises her hand to hide her smile.

"Getting bored are we?" Iolene asks.

Lexi sighs. "Nothing can beat the fun from Mille Voix, but yes I am bored in a way. But protecting you is first priority, my sex life can wait…" Lexi says but her mind was busy as her mind grieved. For her dragon partner is leaving. Being the first time in six years they have parted ways. She understood… Beau will need a dragon friend and priest protector. Her dragon has always been smart and independent. Everyone can count on him. Lexi prayed and hoped that Iymp doesn't steal anything… For that is a great weakness of his. If anything gets his interest he will have to be smart and not touch it. The last thing she wanted was for her dragon to be mutilated when he returns… If he returns. She shakes her head to remove the intrusive thought.

As two women have a friendly chat, Lexi catches a glimpse of a navy dreadnaught in the distance. Tapping Iolenes shoulder in excitement. It is massive… Taking both of the women's breath away. No wonder the Black Empire haven't tested the might of the Light-Blue navy. Iolene thinks the ship can easily be a floating city. A light blue hue is subtle and that is the light-blue draconium glowing underneath the water.

"Ah! You two ladies admiring the dreadnaught?" A sailor named Seaweed speaks. "Beautiful isn't she?"

"She's remarkable!" Iolene says excitedly.

"That one's name is Laelia, Beauty of the Sea. She is on patrol of our coast. She is two hundred and three feet tall. Nine-hundred and four feet long. Light Blue Draconium metal hull, seventy draconium cannons. Pure war ship… I helped construct her, sixteen years ago now. She was commissioned when the Gold Empress passed away. Did the welding of draconium plates." Seaweed said it with such pride you couldn't help but feel enthused.

"By the phoenix… Iolene…" Lexi leans into Lexi's ear. "How many of those ships does your uncle have?"

"I heard fifty-three and more are being built." Iolene whispers back. Lexi's eyes widen with surprise as she knows any navy will be wiped out against those things. The ships in the red empire are made of wood, like most other countries. The Gold Empire once upon a time also had such fancy ships. Don't know if they do now. But Lexi would not be shocked if the Black Empire builds a ship similar in design. Iymp told her they have a machine that can move faster than any dragon, riding on thin metal tracks. It is called a train… Beau was on one, travelling from one place to another. Lexi wondered what else of machinery is being made in that country.

As the two spoke the group finally arrive. Aaron, Mali, Fred, Beau, Duryss and Iymp all stand together. Nervously anticipating their next step.

Aaron wearing his old black and orange Iqosha armour. It looks freshly cleaned and repaired. Him not clearly happy with wearing it, but he knew it will help not to bring attention. He drops his clothes sack on the floor. Iolene quickly notices that he has both his new and old swords.

Removing his helmet, he reveals the scar on his face. Thanks to Iolenes powers it is no longer painful. The cut starting from his forehead, down to half of his right cheek. Lucky that he didn't lose an eye. The scar will never go away, but it could have been worse.

"Why are you taking both of your swords?" Iolene asked innocently.

"I am taking both because one." Aaron picks up his old great sword. It is at least four feet tall and wide, it has no special markings or detailed to distinguish itself different. Black leather hilt with a steel blade. Aaron has clearly sharpened it as the edges look it can easily cut through anything. "This one Mali let me choose to take with me as part of purchasing me, I will be using it when I travel around the city. It doesn't draw attention and helps me to blend in as this is a common sword." Aaron sheathes the old sword and takes out his new one. "I am taking this because you and Mali gave it to me… Mali will keep it safe." He smiles, but Iolene can see right through it. He is anxious returning to Dominus Sahara.

Iolene clears her throat as she revealed a massive brown tote bag. It is immensely heavy as Iolenes shoulder ached. "Take it!" She demands. Aaron opening his arms as Iolene passed the bag. Clanking noises can be heard.

"I have made many healing remedies and salves… You will need them." Iolene says shyly. Trying to avoid eye contact. For every time they have eye contact they reinitiate the awkwardness of their feelings. They haven't spoken much since their private talk. Aaron faltered in the meadow in such emotional passion. He cannot do that again.

Iolene thinks to herself… What happened in the meadow stays in the meadow. Iolene wishes that Aaron can be free from the Orange Empires' grasp. But would it be possible?

Aaron opens the bag and takes out a jar. "Blisters, cuts and abrasions." As he chuckles to himself, about the injury he received from his loving brother. He reads as Iolene labelled them all. He looks at her so grateful, "Thank you!" He said with some relief. He wished over and over for her to come with them. As awkward as it is. She is a terrific healer and is intelligent. But it is far too dangerous. Aaron ruffles through the bag and sees a large journal. Every page Is intricately illustrated with pictures of plants. The writing is basic but neat. Aaron realising Iolene didn't do her usual calligraphic writing. He can read her instructions easier, her usual writing is usually art. But under pressure, he will struggle. He places the book back into the bag. "Thank you…" Aaron says again.

There was then an awkward pause as Iolene tries to hide her blushing cheeks.

"You should be in bed… Stein is in bed." Mali playfully smirks and bows to Iolene saying his farewell. Despising to bow as he felt that he shrinks even further, due to his small height. But always did to those he respects and loves… He takes both of her hands and holds them tight. Shedding a tear, but he hopes that this plan will work. By the end of this, they shall have a new ally. "We shall do our best… We won't be able to send letters. Hope the word spreads that Khafra is their new Emperor."

"I know you will." Iolene kneels to Mali's height and gives him a quick peck on the cheek. Mali smiles as he tries to hide his flushing red face. "Tell Khafra I say hello… Be safe and please, I beg protect Aaron." She whispers holding back tears. The small man's grip tightens on Iolenes hands. Mali never thought that parting could so difficult… Last time he left an Ovideus. They died… Mali felt choked up as he wanted to vomit. He could not falter… Not now… Everything is set to depart. He never thought of it until now… Fighting all he had not to show his tears, as he saw the image of Laelia and Aelius in his mind. They were smiling, as Laelia kissed him on the cheek. The memories returned to him as hard as the storm the day before. "Be safe, my Empress and I will…" Mali murmurs. Kissing her on the cheek once more before letting go.

Iolene stands up as Captain Reed shouting it is time to board.

Aaron gives Lexi a quick hug. "Protect her… And be safe my dear friend. Look after each other." He gives an uncertain smile, where Lexi gently touches his cheek

"Don't get soft on me." Lexi laughs. "Better return or you will have to deal with me in the ether." Playfully punching his upper arm. As Aaron grunts in pain.

Iymp licks Lexi on the face goodbye and nuzzles her. The two prefer to keep this moment short and sweet. Lexi kisses Iymp on the cheek. "If anything remotely bad happens. Come back to me, I will always be waiting for you…" She demands as Iymp chitters happily. Rubbing his head on her. Saying nothing in the human tongue, only dragon terms of endearment. Iymp head rubs and chitters as she giggles. Using all her will not to cry.

Beau pushes everyone away to get to Iolene. Iolene scratches Beau's nuzzle. "Protect each other…" She mutters. Giving him a quick kiss on the nuzzle. Beau shudders from the kiss. Much preferring the nuzzle scratching.

Iolene holds Lexi's hand as the group board the wooden ship "Lovely Evian". The ship is nothing like the Dreadnaught. Iolene fears as it is powered by the wind. But she couldn't talk as she has never ridden a ship before.

Fred tries to give Iolene a hug but she avoids him. "Come on Blondie… Just a small hug? Please? Dominus Sahara is a dangerous place. I may never come back."

Iolene nods as she tried not to laugh.

"I'm counting on it..." Lexi says deadpan.

Fred wondered if she was joking or actually meant it. "So long bitch... Don't get lost without me." He tells as Lexi couldn't hide a small smirk.

Beau breathes slowly as he is the first to board. His eyes glance up at the strange thing called a ship. It looks old as the wood is discoloured and mouldy. The creaks sounded as Beau's four feet contacted the wood.

The jetty workers release the ropes from the posts as the sailors shout to release the sail. The winds are strong as the ship moves forward quickly.

Iolene in haste chases after the ship. Never much of a sprinter she breathes in and out quickly. Aaron watches from the stern as he watches Iolene chasing.

"COME BACK TO ME! YOU HEAR ME!" Iolene used her all to scream. Her throat aches and her legs weaken. As she almost loses her footing at the edge of the dock, as Lexi holds onto her shoulders. The two sit at the edge of the jetty as the ship sails away from view.