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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 Nine: Fond Farewells
The group began to check their supplies as their friends came up to them. Airlia gave David a kind smile as he said, "Are you all okay? Is that the thing that wanted me dead?" She nodded with a sad gaze – confirming his – and Dominico's fears.
Dominico closed his eyes, and speaking too softly to be heard, glowed briefly before fading, "I healed your injuries and restored your strength one last time. If there is anything in Arcadia that you need, you have my permission to ask for. I will gladly cover any cost. It's imperative that we win this ultimate battle."
Cash smiled at the group with Carrie as they both extended their scarred hands saying, "The same goes for Baccarat, and it extends even into the casino. If you need anything, you simply tell us and we'll get it for you, no questions."
Airlia smiled as she said, "Thank you both, this means a lot to us. I promise, we will visit you before long, and in fact, we'll be happy to give you all a ride to your respective homes. I've gotten well versed with my magic." They nodded as everyone joined in a circle. However, before she could cast the magic, she saw Marcello's form running over to them.
She smiled at him as he joined the group, as he looked straight at the three men that he had disliked for so long, "I know I don't have a right to say anything to any of you… But please, I need to get this out before you all go to fight that… thing." He looked at each of the members of the group, who nodded in turn before he spoke.
"First to you three, Angelo, Alistair, Draco… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for my truly atrocious behavior. Next, to all of your friends who were here to see and hear me before, I'm truly sorry for all I've done to all of you. Airlia… words cannot begin to express how horrible I feel for all of the wrongs I've committed against you. Angelo… I would like to begin to make it up to you by getting to know you… my brother. I would like to begin to try and make it up to you all by offering my sword arm in battle against the evil I helped to unleash." He emphasized his words in hopes of getting through to the group before him, that they would see that he truly changed, more than just words could ever say.
Airlia was willing to give him a chance, but it had to be a group effort and decision to allow or deny him. Draco looked at each member expectantly. Airlia waited to hear each response, before putting in her own.
Jessica seemed to think for a bit before asking him, "How do we know you're not just going to try and dupe her once more?"
Marcello, to his credit, looked upset as he said, "The darkness of that staff, of Rhapthorne, embroiled me deeply within its curse, amplifying every emotion I felt, hate, lust, distrust… It twisted my feelings for her into something ugly and ensnaring. The only time I was able to try and force it back was when he wanted me to do anything to her… Her tears were what woke me the one time, where I told her to run as fast as she could, as far as she could. Her magic took her to Argonia I suspect."
The brunette nodded as Jessica spoke, "Yeah, Rhapthorne is quite overpowering."
Marcello nodded as he continued, "Now that the evil is gone from me, I can say no plainer that my emotions are well under control. I no longer feel pure hatred, which went away with Airlia's little chat with me – that slap really woke me up – both the literal one and the verbal one. However, with regards to my feelings for Airlia, I would be lying if I said I felt nothing for her anymore. However, before making them known, I want to explore my own soul to discover what these feelings truly are… but know that I will never allow her to suffer at my hands or anyone else's, ever again."
Angelo nodded as he spoke up, "What do you think about me traveling with Airlia, and my protecting her now?"
Marcello looked at him seriously as he said, "Looking back on it, I can say firmly I felt hurt, angry, and jealous. You had her attention so effortlessly, and I worried that she loved you and would never feel love for me."
Angelo shook his head as he said, "I merely saw her as my sister. I would do anything to protect my family or my friends."
Marcello nodded, "I realize that now. However, before I couldn't see it due to my jealousy blinding me. I merely saw how you were with women in Simpleton and didn't want her to be hurt by your actions. Like what happened with father and both of our mothers."
Angelo nodded as he spoke to the others, "Its fine with me if he comes. I see he has no intent to hurt her, and may even want to mend things with all of us."
Jessica nodded, "I agree with Angelo on this one guv. I don't sense any hatred in him anymore."
Alistair nodded as he said, "I don't mind him coming with us. I'll be around if he tries anything untoward with Airlia, but I suspect it's for naught."
Marcello nodded, "I promise, I won't be a burden to you all. I need to do this for me, to prove to myself that I am not what I was!" Draco saw the nods, and then looked to Airlia as he nodded to her.
She smiled as she went to Marcello, clasped his hand, and said, "Then we've all agreed. You're welcome to journey with us Marcello. Just, please, always pull your weight in battle." He nodded as he smiled – the first genuine smile that she's could recall seeing in a long time.
King Clavius looked on in disbelief that he would now be welcomed into the fold. He hadn't liked the fact that she was used in the debacle, and that he was going to force her to marry him. He was also angered by his view of kings, and found himself determined to prove that kings aren't useless… However, if they were going to give him another chance, then he would watch the man like a hawk while they were around the blond king. Turning his attention to his son he said, "Mind if we go home first? I have a kingdom I really need to get back to."
She nodded and smiled as they reformed the circle. Focusing on King Clavius's home first, she used her magic to fly them to their location. When he looked around, he was amazed by what he saw… "Wow, truly amazing."
Clavius turned to the group as he gazed at Airlia and Draco, "I don't know why I feel such concern for you fighting that creature, beyond the concern that our world will come to an end if you fail, but I do. Be safe, both of you. Keep that crown though, Airlia. It's got powerful magic as I'm sure Master Dominico will agree with."
Dominico focused his mind on the crown and gasped, "Yes, it's truly rare. Keep it on you girl. It will protect you many times over."
She nodded as they bid farewell to the king and his son. She took the crown off to admire it as Marcello spoke up, reminding them that he had another of those crowns in his hands, "Yes, these are called 'sun crowns.' They will protect the wearer from certain spells. I would like Airlia to have mine, since I can't use it in battle as headgear. This way she can decide who gets the second crown."
She was given the second crown, as she handed the first one in her hands to Jessica as the women shared a secret smile. They both put their crowns on – making the men of their group smile. Trode turned to the group as he said, "Now who shall we take home next?"
Cash and Carrie looked at one another as they said, "Could we be taken home next? We have something… well more like a lot of things … to give you all."
Airlia nodded as she used her magic to take them to Baccarat where Cash and Carrie looked at the group with admiration. "We never understood until now what our Father's bloodline from ages past did, but now we do. We want to offer you any equipment within Baccarat, even the casino, to aid you in your fight. Let's go and figure it out for you all." Airlia offered them a smile of thanks, as Carrie went to the item shop to get her hands on anything that she could offer to help the group. Word got around the town quite quickly that a group of travelers were looking to fight the impending threat to the world that could be seen from all corners of the globe.
Carrie returned to the group as they went into the casino and handed Yangus the heavy bag loaded with a stock of medicinal and antidotal herbs along with holy waters, amor seco essence and chimaera wings. "If any of this can help you, please take it. I've already paid the shopkeeper for you, so he doesn't run out of supplies."
Everyone looked in the bag shocked as Jessica just stammered out… "Wh-what!? This is going to help us out a lot, thank you so much!"
Cash merely smiled as he said, "We're not done yet. Remember we're going to the Casino too – they have some of the best gear in the world, I'm sure something there can help you all!"
Airlia shook her head as Cash looked at her, "Please, as an apology from us for our behavior when we were figuring out the inheritance and because that guy is so powerful that your spell didn't work… Then you're going to need all of the help we can give." Looking around at everyone, she relented with a nod. They went up to the clerk for changing in tokens. She smiled as she saw the group, but the smile turned to nothing short of shock at seeing Cash before her.
The clerk had always had a crush on him, but knew it was never meant to be. Fighting to not stumble on her words, she said proudly, "Welcome to the exchange counter at the glorious Baccarat Casino. How may I help all of you?"
Cash looked at her with a charming smile as he said, "I would like to offer my friends here anything within the confines of the exchange counter of the casino. They're seeking to fight off the terrible evil that wishes to destroy the world."
She nodded as she said, "But if we don't get coins…"
Cash held his hand up, "I have the coins with me to exchange. Just let them kindly pick everything out, so we're only doing one transaction, instead of many please…"
She nodded, "But of course. I have a written list of all of the items we carry here. Please feel free to peruse and choose as you see fit." Airlia smiled as she took the list for them to look over.
She nodded and returned the list to the woman at the counter. "We need seven liquid metal armors and three gringham whips if you have them…" The woman turned around and began to sift through the chests that she kept the prizes in, and turned around to the group. "I have it all. It will be nine hundred fifty thousand tokens…" Cash nodded and handed her the sum named.
She bundled everything and said in a low voice to the group, "By way of apologies, we have a tremendous overstock of saint's ashes. I threw in three dozen of them for you. I hope it can be of help to you all."
At Cash's astonished look she said, "They kept coming in when we told them we didn't need any more. They simply won't listen."
Cash smiled as he said, "Thanks so much Diana. We will see about that overstock that keeps coming in merely send them my way. Oh by the way… are you doing anything tomorrow night?"
She blushed lightly as she said, "No, not really. It's my day off."
He sent Carrie a look as he said to the group, "I wish you all luck fighting that creature. Just know we're all rooting for you here!"
Carrie smiled as she led the group out of the casino while Cash continued to talk with Diana. Airlia merely mentally wished the pair luck and the same good fortune to her friend Carrie. When they reached the end of the path to where King Trode waited for them. She looked around and saw King Pavan there, and smiled as she said, "Shall we get you back home now Your Majesty?" He nodded; a grateful smile on his face as she called for her Zoom spell to take them to Ascantha to return the king to his rightful people there. While the spell carried them, they were all lost in thought of the battle looming and of the town who needed their help so desperately. They had all fought so long and so hard to help towns all over the globe, but now – there was another town that they hadn't found who needed just as much help.
When they arrived, Pavan merely smiled at everyone, "I offer to you, the same as those before you have. If ever you need any supplies to help you fight against this evil, please, let me know. You've done so much for me, for my people and the world already. You all have a home here, should you ever need it my friends. Even your delightful friend – Trode – is welcome here."
Trode smiled as he said, "And when my home is restored, you and your people are always welcome to visit us. That scoundrel that we were chasing turned me into this. However, the demon that the scepter held the spirit of is the source of the curse, and until he is gone, my people and I will never be free." Pavan smiled as he waved to everyone and left to join Emma whom had been looking much better, perhaps her king noticed her care for him went deeper than that of the normal maid. Proof was given when Airlia observed the pair walking closer than normal dictated – then the hand holding made her smile even more gently.
She noticed that Marcello had observed the interactions of the King and Emma, as well as that of Cash and Diana – giving her insight that he hadn't really realized from within the walls of the church of what true love really is. She turned to Master Dominico and David before saying, "Please, pardon me, before we go to your hometown, if we visit one special place prior to that. Medea could use a drink of water." They nodded in agreement as they flew off to yet another location.
Using one of the chimaera wings she took them to the special place as Master Dominico and David looked on in wonder. Draco unhitched the wagon and walked her over to the water. She knelt down for a moment to drink of the water, joined this time by her father. He wouldn't regain his human form for long, but he wanted to embrace his daughter so badly, he would give anything to do so. As they took their human forms, Dominico swore softly, upset with himself once again, for his arrogance and hatred with regards to his friend David. He understood part of it was the magic weaving the two together – however along the way came his ancestors who had let their power get to their heads, but he still felt horrible for his treatment of the boy.
There was no doubt in the minds of any watching that young David's death – then moments later revival, had changed Master Dominico's life forever. The reuniting of the princess with her father and Draco in their human forms was unfortunately short lived as she was regretfully reattached to the wagon. As the gazes all around spoke of promises to end the life of the demon Rhapthorne, Master Dominico turned to the group, "David and I will return to our home, however, like the others, anything that we can supply you to help end the beast's life, we're happy to. Please, just don't fail any of us. The world is counting on you!"
With smiles of thanks for all, the pair left the magical spring as everyone thought about what was left for them. Marcello had been silent up to the point of the pair leaving to go back to Arcadia when he broke the silence. He sighed heavily as he sat down on the ground, thinking about all he had done to her. Now did he really realize what love meant to others, and had to think about his feelings with regards to Airlia. He looked at her, and offered a small smile before standing up. "I understand now, what you were getting at Airlia, I can't apologize enough. However, I will continue helping all of you with the remainder of your journey. It seems there is much I can learn from all of you." She nodded with a smile as everyone prepared to go to the next location on their journey… Tryan Gully. Angelo focused his magic to give Airlia a small reprieve. Nodding to Draco, they returned to the special home of the peaceful creatures of old.
They arrived to the shocked and worried expressions of the monsters everywhere as one of the kind Gigantes turned to them, "Raya had shut herself away in the church because Rhapthorne's loose, please try to talk to her!" Airlia nodded as she sprinted ahead, following the familiar path to the mystical elf. She ran across the bridge, and turned right sharply and descended the stairs once more. Once she went into the church, she saw Raya's friend looking at her sadly which she returned as she went to the woman. Looking at Airlia Raya felt her tears turn to anger as she demanded sharply, "He's loose! It'll only be a matter of time before he comes after us all!"
Her eyes took on the faraway look as she recalled the joy there at finding out that David was alive again. "I feel horrible that he's loose, believe me. Turns out he's after me too to be his… bride…"
Raya saw the woman pale in sickness before nodding and embracing her. Everyone turned fearful eyes to the skies as Airlia nodded her thanks for Raya's comforting hug. Raya couldn't help but spit out, "The mere thought makes me ill. Is there anything we can do to help you prepare for it though?"
Airlia shook her head, "Friends that we have made the world over are seeking to aid us however they can. They've given us items and equipment beyond any of our wildest dreams. I haven't had a chance to take everything that we've gotten and give it to the alchemy pot to try and strengthen them further. However, I'm more grateful than words can say for their incredible kindness."
Raya nodded as she said, "Then Tryan Gully will also throw in their lot with you. The weapon and armor shops are going to offer any equipment that may help you. Just let them know I sent you. Good luck! All of Tryan Gully – nay – the world is throwing their weight in with you!"
Airlia smiled and nodded as she left to rejoin her friends, who just arrived at the entrance of the sanctuary that Raya was in. The two walked together back to the group and Raya spoke, "I've taken liberty of speaking with a few people. They have some important items to give you to take with you. The weapon and armor shops are also open to you at no charge. We want freedom from the evil Rhapthorne, and you are our last hope for peace. Please… don't fail us." Draco nodded as they turned to Hori, the giant slime with a crown sitting on his head.
"We had goo split and rejoin many times goo create the number of crowns you may need. Please take them. We know of the power of alchemy." Airlia nodded as she accepted the bag, noting there were well over a dozen crowns in there.
She marveled at how long it must have taken in order to form all of these. She bowed to the slime, "I thank you – from the bottom of my heart Hori, for I know how much effort that takes you. Have you been doing this since we first left here?"
He merely nodded as she stared in awe at him. "You have our deepest thanks my friend. These will not be wasted, that I promise you!"
He gave her a smile as they turned to another elf from the Gully. "I have visited the great tree of life and gained a leaf and dew from its grounds. They have an immense healing power. May they aid you in battle should you fall or be critically wounded in battle."
Draco accepted the gift as he said with a slight blush, "This is truly touching that you all would go through such lengths to help us all. I promise this will help us tremendously against that creature." The elf nodded as she went to the King Slime and they shared worried gazes.
Angelo stepped forward as he said, "I promise, we will defeat him. You all have our thanks for such amazing gifts."
Next a Pandora box came forward as he spoke, "They say there are mystical powers in the gems that I carry. Please, take as many as you need, if they can help, please let them. I don't want to be evil ever again." Airlia looked at the stones and gasped as they glistened in their hands. The stones were glistening as they seemed to be pure silvery white.
She took the offered items as he explained, "They call it orichalcum, and they say it has the power to do many good things. Please, let it protect you all in your fight." She placed the many pieces of the rare stone within the bag, noting that she had to try it out with alchemy.
They turned to the next monster before them, an Orc. He came forward with a frown as he displayed a bag, within it were many weapons. "Please, take what you need to help you beat Rhapthorne." They had already received weapons from the Orc before during their first visit, but they looked at everything to see if they needed anything else – even for alchemy. She looked at what he had, and what she had in her bag that the group shared on the wagon.
They had two great bows already, so they didn't need more. She had the heavy hatchet for Yangus and smiled at the gentle Orc. "Thank you so much, but we don't need anything from this. Perhaps from the armor shop…" He nodded as a small Winky approached them with the aid of a Cyclops who held a bag. When he saw Winky nod to him, he opened the bag displaying items that were carried in the armor shop.
They had the basic armor already, but she grabbed a couple of power shields and a single mirror shield to make more weapons and another piece of armor for Marcello. "Thank you very much my friend. We won't fail all of you. I promise!"
A Bodkin Archer approached the group lastly; he came up to Marcello and opened his bag. Inside were all sorts of items as he said, "Please, take any that may be of use. It's all or nothing right now, so we are all counting on you for our safety." The black haired man nodded as he turned to Airlia to get an idea of what they needed. He saw her nod as he indicated the Magic Water. So he grabbed more than two dozen of them, placing them in the bag. He also added the Holy Water, grabbing two dozen of them as well to bring them aid if they need reprieve to sleep.
She smiled as she thanked everyone for all of their help, knowing how truly valuable it was to them all. Bidding them farewell, she used her magic to take them to Princess Minnie's castle. When they arrived, the group went calmly to the princess whose eyes lit up on her friends. "Welcome back one's friends. Have you brought us more of those shiny teenie tiny medals?" Airlia nodded as she undid the pouch that held the medals and gave it to her. "Wow, so many shiny medals. You have earned many of my prizes thus far. You are now at one hundred and seven medals." She handed over orichalcum, a metal king helmet, and a dangerous bustier to the group as they placed them into their bag. She smiled as she said, "I only have one more prize that you can get with three more medals. Please, help us to complete one's collection of the beautiful teenie medals!"
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Memories