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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.

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Memories
Chapter Five: Death At Maella Abbey
Luckily she didn't have to wait too long for Angelo to return, but the sounds of footsteps falling about; the small hallway was quite busy with Templars running around. She felt so isolated until she heard Angelo demanding to see her. She felt her tears dry instantly as she banged on the door to signal to Angelo where she was. Someone tried the door to find it was locked as she heard Angelo demand, "Do you have her locked up in your room Marcello?"
She called out to Angelo, "You have to protect the Abbot! Father is in terrible danger Angelo!" Angelo was getting angrier by the moment as he heard her through the door, and even more distrusting of his half-brother for locking her up.
He whispered through the door, "I'll give you the signal when it's clear Air. I want you to be able to get out of here. I knew the girl didn't want my ring, but I used it as means to allow them entrance to the abbey."
Airlia nodded as she took her ring out of her belongings and slipped it under the door to Angelo. "Take mine and keep it on you, so if they try to lock you up, you can say the ring they have is mine."
Angelo whispered, "I will get you out of here – I swear to it!"
He hurried off when Marcello got pushy about lingering at his door. "Will you stop at nothing Marcello? Holding her in your room will only serve to make her hate you more."
Marcello growled, "I'm protecting her from the likes of you and other would be users like those travelers." She couldn't tell much, but by the sounds she heard, both were going somewhere down the stairs. She didn't dare try to unlock the door with her thief's key because she still heard footsteps nearby.
Time trickled slowly for her as she waited for the moment when she could be free as she heard steps coming up to her room. She heard Angelo's voice as she said, "I feel the sinister air I felt in the tower! Father's life is in danger! Please let me out to help him!" The guards grunted negatively as the door opened to reveal the steps were from Marcello. She backed away as she knew the time to run wasn't then. She had to pray that someone would be able to save her father.
She kneeled in prayer, hoping he would leave her alone. Marcello saw her and merely smirked – because he had everyone right where he wanted them. Angelo stewing over the railing he was given, the travelers on their way because he had the Abbot well protected and his lady trapped in his room. Oh he would give her the room to pray, but he ultimately knew he would have what he wanted, no he would have what he rightfully deserved! Suddenly her head shot up, and by the look in her eyes he knew something was wrong.
"Oh… no! That evil air! It's after father!" She cried as she turned her tear filled eyes on Marcello. "We have to help him Marcello! Please!"
He nodded, not wanting to admit that the surge of darkness made him concerned for the man he viewed as his own father, having taken care of him since he was but a boy. He hurried to the door, unlocked it as the pair ran outside.
She tore down the steps as the guards looked at Marcello in question. "We're going to the Abbot! Come with us now!" When they went outside, the sky was dark… foreboding. The air was still as she saw the three Templars collapsed on the bridge to her father's home. Running inside, they saw several more guards collapsed on the ground and wasted no time going up the stairs to see Draco and the others engaged in protecting the Abbot. Airlia felt instantly relieved that he was still alive, still safe. However, Marcello, saw it differently as her father woke from his sleep.
Matthew first put his hand on the sword as he said, "These were the ones threatening the Abbot's life!"
The other guards merely had their weapons ready to be drawn as Airlia broke free of Marcello and ran to them. "No! They stopped the sinister jester! Father is only alive right now thanks to them!"
Her father started to wake up, his hair pulled into two pony tails that shifted as he moved, mumbling softly, "What on earth…!? What's going on?"
Airlia smiled at her father gently as she embraced him. "Airlia? I thought you left the Abbey…"
She nodded sadly, "I did, and I managed to help someone, however – the dreams told me you were in danger! So I convinced my friends to come with me to help protect you from Dhoulmagus. Draco, what did you see?" Her father hid his smile beneath his moustache as Draco described the jester appearing in midair, hovering just above the Abbot and about to strike. Airlia breathed heavily as she said, "By the Goddess that was too close dear friends. Father, I found them! The travelers from my dreams that are hunting the evil jester that continues to wander killing innocent people!"
Her father nodded and then turned to Marcello to find out what that sinister air was about. "Abbot Francisco. Captain Marcello, at your service as always!" He dropped to one knee as the other Templars relaxed their guards.
The Abbot nodded for him to continue, "There has been a breach of security. Many of the guards have been seriously wounded, but they will recover with rest."
The Abbot flushed as he said, "What!?"
Marcello nodded, raising his head as he said, "I feared you might be in danger, so I came immediately with your daughter who had only just returned." He stood as he put his fisted hand to his heart as he said, "And sure enough, we've caught these criminals. They've been loitering around the abbey since midday."
Airlia glared at Marcello as she challenged, "No they haven't been loitering! They've been trying to find the jester who is out to kill father! How dare you slander them so!"
Marcello continued smoothly – ignoring what she said as he finished, "It seems we were just in time. I thank the Goddess that you're safe."
The Abbot interjected, as he said, "… Wait! These people are no criminals! My daughter would never lie!" His hand went out to his daughter and the travelers.
Marcello turned on a dime, to try and plead with the Abbot. "They forced her to say good things about them before… And they were caught red-handed! Please, Holy Father!"
Her father shook his head as he spoke aloud, "Look into their eyes. See their pure hearts. These people are guilty of nothing."
Marcello casted a glance at Draco first, then Yangus and Jessica, darkening with each movement as he said, "But…"
Upon the insistent look from the Abbot, he nodded, "Very good! But we must find out what they were doing here in your residence so late at night. At the very least, let us ascertain that. Please."
He spared a glance at Airlia as he continued to look concerned for the well-being of the Abbot. Francisco knew that he couldn't stop Marcello, but at least he had garnered his daughter's friends a small reprieve as he chuckled, "You really are a worrier, Marcello! Very well, if you must! I warn you though, please be lenient with them as they did save my life."
Marcello turned from him, keeping an eye on his lady and on the group before him as he spoke, "Thank you Holy Father, well then, shall we go?" Airlia felt a sickening arise in her stomach as she saw his brow lower and a sadistic smirk appear on his face. He turned to her, as he spoke smoothly, "I wish for you to come with me as well Airlia…"
She looked at Marcello, irritation plain on her face and said, "I will remain here, with my father until I am sure he is no longer in danger."
He wanted to interject but knew that he had no way to do such. So he went off with the group in tow, which she noticed, didn't include Alistair… Eying Draco for any sort of sign, he gave her a half smile that told her he was there, but remained hidden so he could keep her safe. She sighed internally in relief as the group was forced to leave them. Marcello turned to her because he had to try one last time, "I would rather you come with me, please."
She remained firm with a shake of the head as her father said, "I would rather speak with my daughter, to find out about her travels thus far." Marcello nodded stiffly and bowed before leaving with them.
She waited until she heard the door shut, indicating everyone had left as she said, "Please pardon me a moment father. I know of another who wasn't with the group, but is part of them who remained hidden to be able to protect us both."
He smiled as he said with a twinkle in his eye, "I know. You can find him behind the house hiding in the barrels."
Nodding, she quietly left, and went around the house. She looked around a bit and knocked on the barrel closer to the middle of the house. Alistair came up as he said, "You found me! I had a feeling something would happen, so I opted to stay here, waiting for the time to join you to keep your father safe."
She nodded as he got out of the barrel, taking the small odd medal with him. "It's another of those tiny medals! I wonder what good they are…"
Airlia nodded as she placed it in her bag. "I didn't have a good time to escape earlier, Marcello had me locked in his personal study with adjoining bed." Alistair's glare darkened simply because the woman who saved him was being treated like a personal object or a pet that had escaped and was being taught a lesson.
He didn't want to think if it were his sister – Jessica being treated like that. Thinking of his sister, he asked her, "Where did the others go?"
Airlia's gaze became sad… "Marcello took them, probably to the interrogation room, in order to 'obtain' answers, and by that I mean he is likely telling them to stay away from me…" She didn't want to add the last line, but Alistair seemed to already make the connection and shuddered.
She nodded as they went back inside, quickly as to not be seen by his guards that were still stationed outside. The sky was darkening and that worried them both because of what had happened in the tower. Going inside, she wanted to lock it, but knew if she did, Dhoulmagus could just use his magic to get inside. They went up the stairs and found her father sitting on the chair near his bed. "Ah my daughter, I have yet to meet this one in my dreams, but I can see he is no less pure than the others you travel with. Come, talk, and let me see who it is that my daughter helped."
Alistair offered him a smile as he sat down, with Airlia taking the other chair. "Hello, I'm Alistair Alexander Albert, and it's a pleasure to meet you Holy Father."
The Abbot smiled as he said, "It's a pleasure to meet you young Alistair. I am the Abbot Francisco, Airlia's father."
Airlia smiled as she spoke to her father, "When I ran, the Templars had pursued me as you feared they would. The band that you gave me helped quite a bit getting to port," She smiled as she indicated the armband that she had over her birthmark. "The Quartermaster got me on board and prevented them from following me. The Captain was nice enough to allow me to rest in his quarters with the key to keep the door locked. I had another… dream." At her father's sympathetic look she continued, "It was of Alistair, he was in a tower and being impaled by the evil from my other visions…" he nodded, afraid of what would come next as she continued. "When I awoke, I spoke with the captain, thanking him for his kindness and to ask him of the person in my dreams. He was identified as Alistair here… So I took off soon as we were docked to find him. Luckily I met up with him before the tower…"
She let the sentence trail as Alistair picked it up, knowing she would have a hard time saying what happened next, "We traversed the tower, which had grown more dangerous with the multiplying creatures within its walls. Finally we reached the top and found the evil jester, Dhoulmagus. He paralyzed us, making me unable to withdraw my sword, or to keep her from running. I was impaled – but not until after he mentioned going after your daughter for his bride."
The Abbot then gasped sharply as he turned to his daughter, "Is this true Airlia?"
She felt her eyes watering as she nodded, "Yes. I heard the words with my own ears father…"
He nodded gravely as he said, "No matter what happens here, you must leave the Abbey until you are safe once more. I may not be your biological father, but that matters naught when it comes to your safety. Please, promise me."
She nodded as she said, "I promise father. The others may not like it though…"
He nodded, "I will make Marcello understand my daughter. I fear his lack of meeting other females has distorted his views of women – especially with how his father was. For that, I can't apologize enough. One day, I am sure; he will grow to understand that women are equals to any other male in the world. Please, do not lose hope on this." She nodded as he explained to Alistair, "Before I have her continue with her tale, I want to make one thing known. Marcello believes he loves her, but I don't think he understands what love truly is. I believe with time and growth, he may. Please, as charismatic as he may seem, do not take what he says lightly." Alistair nodded as both looked to Airlia to continue.
"So Dhoulmagus had expressed I was to be his wife, and impaled Alistair. However, I do not believe whatever has inhabited the man means to have me be Dhoulmagus's wife. Otherwise he would have grabbed me then and there. With Alistair dead and bleeding before me, I screamed – which drew fierce winds about me, and pushed Dhoulmagus away from me as something happened to the staff he carried. I heard something about another binding undone, but I can't recall if it was said, or implied within my mind. With me free, I got to Alistair and used my magic that I learned within the tower to get us out and to the local port to find help for him."
She paused for a moment, considering how much to say to the pair before her. Her father would believe her, but would Alistair? Only one way to find out…
She drew a breath before continuing… "The local herbalist saw me, and helped to support Alistair on the other side as we went to the inn. When the innkeeper saw me, she just about fell over, as I was covered in blood – Alistair's blood, not mine. The herbalist ran to find the local nun and came back with her and the traveling pastor who was in town. While she was gone, I had a vision… Not a dream but an actual vision! It was a beautiful woman, pale skin, sun-spun golden hair, golden eyes and a white dress that went off one shoulder. She spoke of if he were of any other bloodline, he would still be alive. So she gave me the magic of revival. However, she gave me limitations so it can't be used abjectly."
Her father looked at her in pure shock as he recovered quickly, "You saw and heard the Goddess!? You truly have a very special destiny in store for you my child. Not just anyone can commune with the Goddess…"
Alistair looked at her in shock. "I understand why you didn't say anything until now about this, fearing I would probably look at you like you were crazy, but I can see why now… Something about my bloodline made me his target and she was trying to give those of us with this special bloodline a second chance at life."
She nodded as she continued, "I had just healed your wounds and brought you back when the others came up to us. I had to hide how exhausted I felt that day. I was grateful the Captain refused to leave the port with the monster out there that day so I could try to rest."
Alistair looked at her and truly saw the exhaustion in her eyes. "Soon as we can, I promise we will leave here and you will be able to rest. I know the wagon is small, but it should be able to allow you to rest while we travel."
She nodded as she explained how she met Draco and the others, that they were the ones from their dreams who would help her. Her father was grateful that she had friends who could help now to keep her safe from the beast. Any chatter they were going to have after that was silenced when they heard something… Airlia and Alistair stood, protecting her father as they shared a worried glance. They heard the door open and then slam shut with the locks latching in place as both of them picked their swords to arm themselves.
"Alistair, I'm sorry I got you into this mess." She said softly as he shook his head.
"Nah, if you hadn't helped me, I would be dead now and you would be alone against this creature now." They heard footsteps on the stairs as the top of Marcello's head came into view.
Seeing Alistair, he growled as Airlia silenced him with a look. "Something terrible is coming Marcello, draw your weapon! We must protect father!" He grimaced and nodded as he reached for his rapier.
Following Marcello was two more Templars as he went to the trio. He refused to settle as he glared at the tall man behind Airlia… "What is he doing here!?" Marcello bellowed, indicating Alistair, as Airlia stepped forward to defend her friend.
"He is here to help me protect father! Now we have a dangerous person on the loose that is after him!" Marcello glared at Alistair before reluctantly nodding. A crack of lightning sent memories shivering down Airlia's spine, memories of the tower as she backed up towards her father.
"He's here! Watch everything carefully!" A cackle of glee was heard as he appeared in the air, mere feet from Marcello. She reached for him, and pulled him backwards towards the group, "Don't go near him! He will kill you Marcello…"
And thinking back to the words from the Goddess, she wouldn't be able to revive him if he were killed. Marcello nodded as he said, "I will protect Abbot Francisco, and you need to leave Airlia."
She shook her head as they watched the jester. "Such a pity… So many must die for me to kill the one I seek. Think you can stop me do you? I would like to see you try!"
She saw him fling his staff as one Templar was sent flying down the stairs, making her wince. She then saw his eyes set on Alistair and screamed, "No! That's impossible!" He looked at the staff and saw the seal wasn't redone and then looked at the girl, the only other one in the puzzle… "You! You revived him somehow! It matters not as I am going to soon be free! Then you will be mine, no matter how many guards you draw about you!"
She paled at the thought of being a piece of property – be it Marcello's or this creature that was merely using Dhoulmagus. Dimly they heard the shattering of the door as it was broken open as another guard went to attack the jester. He, too, was sent hurtling down the stairs. The three remaining took a triangular stance around her father as Angelo and the others came up the stairs!
Relief flooded her as she knew they stood a chance at keeping her father alive. Suddenly the jester sent a wave of energy at Marcello, knocking him aside and into the brick wall! Airlia felt afraid for him, but couldn't afford to worry about him just yet; she had her father to keep in mind! Angelo was, however, able to run to Marcello as he whispered, "It… was all… that… jester… I couldn't…. stop… him… Please… protect the… Abbot! Protect her! Your order now… Templar Angelo is to… get the Abbot and his… daughter… to safety!"
He said nothing else as the jester waved his staff, sending Angelo harshly into the wall, cracking it. Marcello was sent feet away from him, crumpled in a heap as Dhoulmagus cackled as he said, "Now almost nothing stands in my way!"
Marcello tried to push himself up as he threatened, "You dare lay a finger on Abbot Francisco?! You think I'm going to let you near Airlia?!" Dhoulmagus hadn't missed the look that Marcello had sent the lady who was to marry him!
He grinned maliciously as he flung Alistair over to Angelo and Marcello as he said, "I won't just lay a finger on him, but the girl will be mine too!"
Marcello growled – one that was echoed by everyone else there, save Airlia and Francisco. Her father came out from behind her, the picture of complete calm, as he said, "Don't worry, Marcello! I will be fine. I have given myself to the Goddess! If it is Her wish, I am prepared to die. … But, wretched sinner, if that is not Her wish, nothing you can do will ever harm me!"
He pointed at Dhoulmagus and said, "The Goddess will protect us all from whatever evil you can muster!"
Dhoulmagus sneered as he said, "Well, well! What faith you have! Let's put it to the test, shall we!?" Airlia was prepared to dive in front of her father, as was Draco. Yangus sneered from his location, trying to tend to the wounds of the other members of the group while Jessica snapped her whip in preparation.
However, King Trode showed up, pushing aside Draco as he said, "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!" Yangus was surprised by his appearance – but hid it well as Jessica glared at the beast, waiting for the optimum moment to attack him. Trode continued to speak as he said, "It's been a while, Dhoulmagus!"
Dhoulmagus gave a mocking bow as he looked at the short green man, "Ah! If it isn't King Toad! Looking as small and ugly as ever!"
Trode, angry at the insult jumped about as he said, "Shut up! Return my daughter and I to normal at once! Do you realize what you've done to my castle!?"
Dhoulmagus smirked nastily as he changed his grip to throw the scepter at Trode like a spear… Then suddenly everything seemed to move in a slow haze for her. Draco running towards Trode, his hand extended, her own father running towards Trode. However her father was the fastest as the scepter impaled him, halting all movement.
A scream ripped from her throat as Dhoulmagus collected his scepter and looked at her again. Her father was dead! This couldn't be true! It can't be happening! As she ran to him, Dhoulmagus watched her. She cradled her father's form to her body, as blood seeped into her gown. "Such a pity… It seems both fate and your benevolent Goddess are on my side…"
He cackled even more as another seal broke on his scepter, as he said, "Yes… Such a pity… Poor Francisco! The power!" He cackled as the scepter began to glow eerily red, "My work here is done! Now my dear… Remember! Keep yourself pure for me, as you are mine!" He used his new powers to shatter the window and fly off. Airlia sobbed as she had Yangus help move her father to his bed. When he was in position, she knelt before him, like she had with Alistair and put her hands together in prayer. Alistair, Angelo and Marcello all slowly got to their feet as they watched her.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she used her powers to heal his wounds first, and then try to call his spirit back to his body. Exhaustion made perspiration dampen her brow as she began to glow with a golden aura. She kept calling for his spirit before the glow spread to his body – remaining a golden glow, enveloping him entirely. When the light passed, a moan was heard – but it wasn't female!
Angelo and Marcello ran over, holding their ribs as they ran to find the Abbot was alive! Airlia slumped against the bed as Alistair hurried to her side, to check her and make sure she was still with them! Breathing a sigh of relief, he picked her up gently as he said, "She's merely exhausted. Can a bed be brought up here so she can rest and see her father when she awakes?" Marcello nodded as he went outside to order a new bridge to be quickly built and for a bed to be brought in for Airlia.
Night gave way to day as the two Templars who were caught in the fight to save the abbot had perished, and thus were given a hero's burial. Airlia slept soundly as everyone looked on in shock at the girl sleeping. She was truly in grave danger and couldn't be in one given place at any time, lest he go after her easily.
When she awoke, she was startled by the room she was in. Seeing her father's room at the Abbey triggered the flood of memories to hit her! Her father… he was alive! The last thing she had heard was his moan. She got up to see him sitting at his table, the window boarded up until it could be repaired.
He looked at her as he said, "My daughter! Are you alright?"
She nodded as she put a hand to her head as she thought about the fight yesterday… "Alistair… Angelo… Marcello? Are they alright?"
He nodded as he said, "They are all downstairs waiting for you my daughter."
She got up as he joined her in going downstairs where everyone was sitting. They looked up to see her weary form. King Trode ran over to them, "Are you alright my dear?"
She nodded as exhaustion was still present in her eyes. Marcello looked quite put out by the idea of her having to leave them, but he had to make things right. "King Trode explained everything to us last night while you slept Airlia. I'm sorry for being so stubborn about everything. Do you think he will go after the Abbot again?"
Airlia spared a glance at her father… "No. I don't think so, only because he was killed and the seal was broken. The scepter glowed and these rings came around it and expanded before glowing darker. It seems to be different than before… It happened with Alistair too and he saw Alistair clearly during the fight upstairs last night."
Alistair nodded as they seemed to consider the matter. Her father smiled as he said, "I'm going to step down as Abbot here, and leave Marcello in charge of Maella Abbey. I'm going to go visit my old friend and spend some time with him. My daughter, I advise you strongly to travel with these new friends of yours. The more you move around, the harder it will be for that wretched sinner, Dhoulmagus, to find you. He seems to be on a killing mission though, before he will go after you."
He looked at the group as Angelo stood, "Abbot Francisco, Abbot Marcello. I'm going to be leaving the abbey. I want to protect Airlia from this creature. The only way I can do it is to go with them if they'll let me join." Everyone looked at him warily except for Airlia who just smiled.
Draco smiled as he extended his hand, "We'll be grateful for an extra set of hands – Airlia still looks exhausted… While we travel, she'll be able to rest in the wagon."
Angelo smiled as Jessica grimaced, "Just keep away from me Angelo." Alistair pinned him with a glare, telling Airlia something had indeed transpired while she was locked away in Marcello's room.
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Memories