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Memories	By : Asirainis Category: +A through F > Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior Views: 1615 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Memories
Chapter Thirty Seven: The Truth is Unveiled
Airlia gasped as she saw the demon dog land upon Calchas. She growled as she screamed at him, "Let Calchas go!"
She released the arrow as it struck his wing, making him scream out in pain. "That isn't what a proper wife does to her future husband. I will be sure to break you of those habits." She blanched as she grabbed another arrow and set to strike him again. He growled as his eyes glowed red for a moment as the doors flung open.
Airlia smirked as she knew who it was without even looking behind her. "You came!"
Alistair glared at Leopold-Rhapthorne as he responded, "Course we did. This bastard tried to keep us from coming, but it will take more than thorn encrusted vines to keep us!" He drew his sword as she put her bow away and quickly withdrew her own sword.
The black dog growled as he screamed, "What will it take to get rid of you pests! My wife doesn't need your protection anymore! Once this last sage is dead, I will be free!"
Angelo drew his bow back and rained arrows on Leopold as he spoke, "Not if I can help it!" Jessica whipped at Leopold while Draco jumped up and landed on Leopold, finishing him off. Soon as the dog dropped the scepter, Airlia ran to Calchas to help him up.
Jessica eyed the scepter warily as they put their weapons away. After Calchas was standing, she sheathed her sword. She sized his wounds up first before healing him with a moderate strength heal spell. Once he was healed, she turned to the others and used a healing spell to take care of all of the injuries of her companions as Calchas groaned. "So that was the evil that was after me then?"
She nodded as Alistair supplied, "Yes, he killed me and several others; however Airlia was able to bring us all back, like she did with Francisco. Hopefully it's all over now, if we can bring it back to the castle and seal it away once more."
Calchas nodded before he turned to Airlia, "Now that Marcello knows you are all up here, you may want to leave swiftly to try and avoid a confrontation." Airlia nodded as she quickly tucked everything but her sword into her bag and quickly placed it amongst Jessica's belongings. Jessica merely raised an eyebrow as Airlia shook her head quickly.
With sad look on her face it told the Lord High Priest much, "I can tell your view of him as changed, however, his view of you leaves you powerless to express it. I worry for your safety my goddaughter, you must leave immediately." However, before the group could as much as get up, the doors were thrown open as Marcello came in with his guards. The look on of lust on his face made her feel physically ill. He walked over to the scepter and picked it up as the following few minutes passed by in the blink of an eye, but yet, seemed to take an eternity.
He walked over to the white haired man, Calchas, and whispered a few words, making him fall asleep. Marcello took him to the chair so he could rest while he dealt with the 'attackers.' With him subdued, Marcello smirked darkly as he spoke, "I want those who tried to kill the Lord High Priest to be taken prisoner, now! However, Lady Airlia is not to be touched. She is innocent – being forced to help them." Airlia glared at Marcello as she tried to attack the nearest guard to free Jessica. The two females working together managed to subdue the Templar. As the two went to try and free another one of their allies when more guards came running in and grabbed Jessica.
The brown eyed girl, sick of being desired by Marcello, lashed out at one of the guards, to try and free her friends again. Enraged that the wench dared to attack him, he backhanded her, sending her reeling towards Calchas's desk. Tripping over the subdued guard, the cursed brunette hit her head on the edge of the desk – submerging her world into darkness. Marcello saw red instantly as he ordered the guard to be thrown into the same dungeon as the ones who tried to kill the Lord High Priest. He knew they were on a mission to end a supposed evil creature. However he merely gave that familiar devilish smirk that he gave back in the Abbey when they were to be taken to the 'interrogation room.' That look alone told everyone his intentions to be rid of the people whom had his lady's affection as well as his half-brother. He grabbed the scepter and ran to the sleeping woman's side. Withdrawing a cloth from his pocket, he applied pressure to her head, while he ordered for a guard to bring healing herbs. With everyone dealt with deftly, she was placed in the sleeping chamber nearby under lock and key until she awoke.
Days went by as she slept, worrying everyone – but not as much as those who traveled with her as they were ripped away from their unconscious companion. They were tossed into a pit with the other prisoners to be forgotten about as her pale face burned into their minds. They could only hope she was okay and that Marcello wouldn't take advantage of her while she slept. Luckily for the sleeping woman, the bond with her blade had made it impossible for anyone to take the sword from her, even in sleep as they had found out – having to remove it by slicing the sash off of her to do so. Finally after a week of slumber, she groaned as her eyes opened. A guard, having heard the soft groan sent another man to inform Marcello. While that guard was away, the Templar who was watching over her came inside the room. She groaned at the sound of the door opening, and turning to look at the guard, she sent a glare at him. "Where is the Lord High Priest?"
He smirked as he responded, "The Lord High Priest, Marcello, is doing just fine. Even better now, with you awake now…" The words told her that something happened to Calchas that he was likely dead and beyond her window to save him… He continued, "Now, he will be coroneted officially as the Lord High Priest, and then you two will be married."
Tears slipped down her cheeks unchecked as she screamed, "I refuse to marry him! You can't force me to!" Her birthmark burned, as if in warning. She could only pray for freedom from her prison as she noticed her sword missing from her waist. "What did you do with my sword?! I demand its return!"
He chuckled darkly as he shook his head. "I fear my lady; your sword has been confiscated in fear that you might harm yourself."
Shortly after that, Marcello came into her room, relieving the guard of his post as she looked at the man she loved, but could not love as he was currently. He looked much the same as he always did, except this time for the band of cloth draped over either side of his neck which also ran along the edge of his new jacket. His eyes showed a promise of pain and pleasure, leaving her shaking internally. She never asked for anything for herself, truly, but now she just wanted a way out of there. She was fearful for her companions as he continued to smirk, making his way over to her on the bed. "I do hope you saved yourself for our wedding night." He snapped his fingers as a woman came in with a lovely white gown, but a chilling fear replaced the appreciation for the gown. It was a wedding gown! He smiled knowingly, "If you wish to see your friends again, you will marry me." He took out a ring and jammed it tightly on her finger, making her wince in pain. He chuckled as he left the maiden and the woman he had always coveted behind to get her into her gown for a fitting. After all, he had chosen that day wisely it seemed! To be officially declared the Lord High Priest and to be married to the woman he has always desired and loved was a lot to process – but for him, it made his victory all the sweeter. He laughed as he left the room, the chilling chuckle could be heard long after he couldn't be seen from when her door was closed.
Fearing for her fate and the fate of her friends, she collapsed on the bed and began to sob. The maiden came over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I heard from some of the guards that your friends were placed in a hole, a hell described by all who speak of the pit as there was no way out save the lift when the guards change shifts once a day. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Airlia looked up, recognizing the maiden from her travels. "Elsie?"
She nodded with a small smile of comfort, "Yes, it's me. What can I do to help you?"
Airlia shook her head, "If you see Trode, you remember him, small and green with a beautiful white mare?"
Elsie nodded as she said, "I do recall him when the wagon was just outside of Argonia. I will tell him where to find your friends if I see him again. But we must begin the fitting of your gown. I know the measurements he gave me, but I knew they'd be too small on you." Airlia nodded as she was directed to a screen and removed her clothing. Elsie laid the princess gown on the bed, to keep it safe – especially since it was a gift from herself as well as the esteemed King Clavius. She had happily made it, but the king had requested it when he first heard about it so long ago, that it was a gown that could shield the woman partially from ice and fire…
As Elsie knew it would be, the measurements were just a little too small, meaning that it was meant to teach the girl a lesson without causing lasting damage. She set the seams to be adjusted with a few pins to tell her where she had to adjust them. However, even as she tried to drag on the work, it went all too fast. Before either knew it, night had fallen as Elsie left with the gown to finish the seams that needed to be adjusted. When Marcello tried to inquire – she deftly dodged him, leaving to go below to her room to finish it, promising it would be done for his wedding. Marcello waited until Airlia was dressed before coming in. He decided that the gown she was in this last visit… the princess gown… was truly unflattering to her figure… He could just imagine her undressed – lying in bed just for him. The mere thought made him hard with anticipation, but he wouldn't force her until they were married no matter how hard the darkness from the scepter willed him to do so. The one thing he would never do was force her until they were married, then it was his right as her husband to claim her.
Marcello glared at her as her silence annoyed him. "Well I asked you before, so what will you do? Marry me, or never see your friends again?"
She felt tears spring to her eyes as she said softly in defeat, "I will marry you. Just don't hurt them!"
He looked at her with a smirk, "Very well. So glad we could come to some sort of… agreement…" He left as she threw herself on the bed and cried, praying for night to come, for her dreams to take her away.
The moon, wide and beautiful shined through the small window, as she watched its shadow for a while. Suddenly, she saw something familiar as the shadow reached the wall… it looked like a familiar door… "It couldn't be…" She muttered softly to herself as she went to it, and touched it. When the doors opened, she went through it without a second thought, and found herself within the realms of dreams. "It is!" She rejoiced as she ran along the path as enchanted music played around her.
Seeing familiar doors, she threw them open to see Ishmahri! He looked the same as ever, his long blue hair running along his back, his pointed ears, and his enchanting toga. "It is even rarer to meet twice, but never has anyone found me three times in their lifespan. But your heart is filled with such dread and fear! Come here and I will find out all that is needed to be known." She nodded as she went to him as his voice calmed her heart, and he began to play his Moonshadow harp. Seeing the memories flood him, she knew how he would feel after that. As anyone would feel, distaste at her choices, or worse!
However, his face only reflected concern as his soothing melody ended, "Oh dearest child of the sun… One who has taken such care to learn of the Moonshadow Clan cultures is now being forced to marry… What a choice to face, marry and see thy friends or don't and be forced anyways. Fear not, your friends are on their way even as we speak. When you return, refuse him. He will force you, but he won't find your friends in the pit for they will be there to protect and aid you when you need it most. Take this pendant; it will give you protection from certain magics. I promise; I will be there with you in spirit until you find my body proper. You will know it's me, that much I can assure you." He smiled at her as he removed the pendant that had been obscured by his clothing and handed it over to her. Relieved that the others would be there to save her soon, she took the pendant and placed it around her neck, tucking it beneath her nightgown.
Airlia smiled at him gently in relief as she stood – turning to leave the place that brought her such peace. The blue haired man smiled as he spoke one last time, "Just remember, this place will always bring you comfort within the realm of sleep." She nodded as she left the enchanting room, slowly making her way back down the magical path – and went back out of the doors and into her room, time seemingly having stopped while she was away.
She hated the thought of shredding her friend's work, but she was sure that the poor maiden would understand her desire to drag it out for as long as possible to give her friends time to find her. Elsie returned moments later, smiling at her with the dress in her hands. "I finished the seams Lady Airlia. I leave the dress with you." The wink told the girl that Elsie agreed with the choices that she could somehow sense Airlia had made. Elsie left after draping it on a mannequin.
She searched the room and found a knife concealed within the seams of the gown! Smiling she took the knife to the dress, mercilessly shredding the fabric to pieces. Marcello came storming in after hearing shredding sounds coming from her room only to find the tatters of the gown everywhere. He glared at her, "So I take it you are refusing me?"
With a glare she gave him a sarcastic smirk as she stood with more weight on one foot than the other, one hand on her hip – the other outstretched with the knife pointed at him, responding hotly, "Gee, what was your first clue?"
He rushed her, gripping her arms tightly, the shock forcing the knife from her hand to the floor with a clatter, "You are mine you just don't get it yet! We will be married after I'm coroneted as the Lord High Priest. However, your friends will not be allowed to be at our ceremony, as they will be dead!"
She feigned fright as she recalled Ishmahri's words; the pendant being beneath her gown was humming softly to reassure her. They had to come true for the sake of her sanity, as well as that of the world. Angered that she didn't fall for his words, he tossed her on the bed, "Next time, don't ruin your friend's work! Else you get married bared before the world!" She gasped as he left her there, taking the fallen knife with him. She collapsed, crying against the bed.
She had to be strong; her friends would come for her. The door creaked open and closed softly as Elsie came over to her friend. "My lady…?" She saw what the woman had done to the dress and smiled. "I can make this go on for a week if you wish Airlia…" The ill-fated woman gave Elsie, a watery smile. The pair sat down to plan out the wedding gown that Airlia would hopefully wear marrying her true love, not to the ceremony where she would be forced to marry someone.
Elsie drew out the gown that she would make for another occasion. It was lace trimmed, with a silvery blue solid sheet beneath the patterned overlay. It was silk with a starry patterned lace, going down to the floor with a train going back two feet. When they were satisfied with the true dress, she began to make the wedding gown the woman would be forced to wear. Elsie made the train detachable, so that Airlia could fight if the need arose… or run. However she knew all she would have to say is it would allow Airlia to dance with Marcello safely, without risking either tripping on it. It would be a modest gown, which had a square neckline and long sleeves that billowed out from the elbow to give her freedom of movement. The gown would go to the floor, but she had to hide the fact it would be able to detach at knee height. She had to make it beautiful with intricate designs to ensure that the new Lord High Priest would like it; otherwise she would be forced to redo it. With the gown sketched out, she left and went to show the designs to Marcello.
Marcello came back in with a smile as he said, "I'm so glad you've agreed to her new designs as you destroyed her last work so distastefully!" Airlia's anger, fear and pain all rose to the surface as she collapsed against the bed, sobbing.
Marcello's face distorted for a moment as he looked at her. Putting a hand to his head, he mumbled, "Air?! What have I done?! I wanted you as my wife, but not like this. Not in tears of pain and anger!" He looked at her in her night robe as he said, "Hurry and put something on, anything! I need to get you out of here before the scepter takes my mind again!" She looked up at him as she took in his eyes. They weren't dark like before… She nodded as she threw her princess gown straight over her nightgown. He nodded…
"Let's go!" He took her out of the room, motioning to the Templar, "Leave us! I need some time with her alone. She's not going to run."
The Templar nodded as he left the room. He went to a window and opened it. "Use your magic and flee here! Return only with the others Airlia to destroy this scepter!" She nodded as she prepared her magic, and taking a leap of faith, both literally and figuratively, she called for Zoom to take her to Argonia! The light enveloped her, taking her there as she reached halfway down the mansion. Upon landing, she collapsed into a troubled slumber as the ring on her finger wove its darkness around her.

A blonde haired man with pointy ears – like Ishmahri's ears – who was dressed in red and black, a dragon symbol prominent on his clothing that lay against his chest. He groaned as he started to turn into… something… she couldn't see what it was, but she could hear him moan, "Help… me!"
She cried out to him, "Who are you? How can I help you?" Sadly his response was masked as he finished transforming into a dragon.
The scene suddenly shifted to show her people in a town – perhaps not far from where the dragon was for they shared the same sharp tipped ears that he had… They all appeared to be very sick though, collapsing from something that she couldn't see. She tried to touch one of the ill, and felt exhausted… Energy drain perhaps? She thought to herself as she felt herself waking up…

Airlia yawned softly as her hands moved on something soft. She was still didn't know who the guy was, and why did he want, no, not want perhaps – but need – definitely needed her help… The brunette frowned as she refused to open her eyes, unsure of what she would find. Trying to figure out where the woman was she felt sheets beneath her fingertips and paled because that wasn't what she had wanted to feel. Her mind whirled as she quickly remembered what had happened, finding out Calchas was dead, Marcello demanding her to be his bride, then letting her run, trying to flee to Argonia… Suddenly, she felt the room move, prompting her to open her brown eyes. Airlia saw a wooden room and putting it together with the movement, it was easy to figure out that she was on a boat. She got up and looked at the finger her ring was on, and felt fear rising in her throat, like bile as she saw it slowly turn purple. Getting up, she removed her gown to remove the nightgown. Once she was free of it, she quickly put on the princess dress once more before going to find the captain of the ship. Looking around, she saw King Clavius and his son staring out to the ocean ahead. She hid her finger in the folds of the gown as she walked over to him. "You found me!"
He gave her a small smile of relief. "You were unconscious and unresponsive. Since my healer must travel with us, we brought you with us to ensure that you would be alright."
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Memories