Epilogue - "The Search For Answers"
Ignia Castle.
Royal Quarters.
Shortly after returning to the castle, Fuubuki was immediately brought to Akagi's room to recuperate after his exhausting battle. Thankfully, yet strangely, his wounds closing up in such a short amount of time saved his life which minimized the amount of blood he lost after the duel.
After a few hours, signs of life finally began showing on the unconscious knight. Fuubuki slowly opened his eyes as he regained his consciousness. He sluggishly rotated his head around to look at the place he is in.
Noticing the familiar walls of Akagi's quarters, he immediately realizes that he is finally back at the castle. Carefully, he sits up on the soft mattress to have a better look at his surroundings.
"Akagi's room?"
As he tries to move around, he feels a slight stiffness of his body. Upon closer inspection, he sees that most of his torso is covered by bandages. From the base of his abdomen to his right shoulder, it is all covered tightly in white cloth.
A few seconds later, the door swings open. Akagi peeks her head inside and her face instantly lights up as she sees Fuubuki already up and awake.
"You're up," Akagi calmly says with a smile as she walks inside, carrying a basket of fruits.
"Strange, I was expecting you to come in here crying but you're somehow very composed..." Fuubuki replies with a curious stare.
"Hehe, I knew you were okay so I wasn't that worried this time," Akagi giggles.
"How long was I out?" Fuubuki asked.
"Not that long. In fact, it was a lot quicker than what was expected."
"Is that a bad thing?"
Akagi makes her way to the bedside and places the basket of fruits on the nearby cabinet before sitting down.
"I'd like to think it's not," she says as she reaches for an apple and begins peeling it with a knife.
She then hands the peeled fruit to Fuubuki who tries to reach for it. However, as he does so, his arm falls down just as quickly as it raised.
Upon noticing how difficult it is for Fuubuki to move, Akagi takes the initiative and inches the apple to his mouth, urging him to simply take a bite.
"Thanks."
"Mm."
The young knight graciously accepts the offering, munching down slowly on the apple slice. The flavor, and the juice satisfy both his hunger and thirst after barely eating anything for the whole day.
"So... I'm guessing things turned out well in the end?" Fuubuki asks after swallowing his food.
"Yeah... so far. Griffon took care of things down there for us. Here," Akagi says before handing out another slice.
"Thanks."
Akagi then continues giving slice after slice to Fuubuki. The two silently enjoy their time alone together after successfully surviving a dangerous encounter.
"You know, those things look good on you," Akagi suddenly praises as she sets her gaze on the shoulder guards.
"Yeah. They're also the reason why I was able to take down Kuroe," Fuubuki replies with a thankful tone.
"Really? How so?" Akagi tilts her head in confusion.
"If I were still wearing my old shoulder guard, I wouldn't have been able to protect my dominant arm from Kuroe's attack. My arm might've even been cleaved right off," Fuubuki answers as he relived the pain of Kuroe's final attack on him.
He remembers how Kuroe's blade got redirected to his chest area thanks to the toughness of the shoulder guards he was wearing. Without that protection, he could imagine how devastating that last attack would've been to him.
"So... thank you. Akagi. Your gift won me the battle."
Fuubuki tries to reach out to Akagi to give her a quick hug, but then again, his arms failed him. However, Akagi notices his gesture and leans in herself. She gently grabs his hands and wraps them around herself.
"Glad I could help then. But this battle is on you. I mean look at what you've accomplished. First, the knight captain, then father's best guard. At this point, you're already the strongest individual in Ignia... apart from my father of course."
"Is that a good thing?"
"Of course it is! If the princess' future husband is such a remarkable person, then whether you were a commoner or not, even the nobles will accept you as their future king!"
"A king huh..."
The idea of becoming the leader of a nation never crossed Fuubuki's mind before but as Akagi's lover, there are things he must accept that he should do for the sake of their relationship. He remembers the promise he made to the king back then about becoming a worthy sovereign.
His strength has already been recognized. However there are still improvements to be made in other departments, and that is where he needs to work himself more.
"By the way, does the king already know about Kuroe?" Fuubuki suddenly asks, remembering the current issue at hand.
"Yeah, I already told him. Strange though, he said he already expected it. I swear, I really don't get father sometimes," Akagi replies, sounding slightly confused.
"Hmm... Can I go talk to him for a bit? There's something bothering me," Fuubuki requested.
"Bothering you? Sure. Wait, let me help you."
Upon agreeing to his little request, Akagi stands up from the bed while wrapping her arm around Fuubuki's waist to assist him up.
"Thanks," Fuubuki says before they walk out of the room. His steps are still limpy after losing a lot of blood earlier but thanks to Akagi's help, he is able to move himself enough.
"I also need to ask something to the old man."
"Oh, professor Marcellus? Good then, he's with father before I left them."
The two then limp their way towards the audience hall. As they reach the entrance, a group of knights comes out of the door. They have such grim looks on their faces that they just walk off without even noticing the princess' presence.
"What's up with those guys?" Akagi asked out loud. It is rare to not be greeted by her knights after all but she decided not to dwell on it.
The two then enter the audience hall. As they step inside, they see Helios sitting on the throne with the same grim expression the knights had earlier. His cheek resting against his palm. Meanwhile, Marcellus could also be seen staring off into the distance by one of the windows.
Something was definitely up, and Akagi is dying to know about it.
"What's wrong? Why is everyone so gloomy all of a sudden?" Akagi asked.
Her voice surprises Helios who looks up and discreetly wipes his eyes with the back of his palm.
"Father? Your eyes look red," Akagi voiced out her concern.
"Y-yeah, sorry about that it's just that..." Helios replied, his voice sounded shaky.
"Did something happen? Professor Marcellus is acting strange too..."
"Well... we just received news that..." Helios took a pause to breathe as he still couldn't believe what he is about to say with his own mouth.
"Captain Griffon... he's... he's dead..."
Akagi, and Fuubuki's eyes went wide in shock. They looked at each other as if checking whether they heard the same thing.
"The knight captain is... dead?" Akagi repeated. She couldn't believe it. After all, it was just a few hours ago that she last saw him well and alive.
"W-what happened?!" Fuubuki asked with raised voice.
"According to the second team's report, they saw Griffon and the other elites who went ahead on the scene, lying on the road. They were already long gone by the time they were found," Helios summed up.
"But that can't be! Who did it?! Kuroe was gravely injured!" Fuubuki shouted again.
"Kuroe couldn't have done it. They also reported that the corpses were all dried and shriveled up. It's like their bodies suddenly aged by several decades. Phantians have no power to do such things," Helios replied.
"Dried, and shriveled? Just like Fuubuki back at the feast..." Akagi mumbled.
"Yes, but that was the work of a drug. They couldn't have all taken them without caution."
Helios rests his head in his palms. Losing knights in battle is natural due to the inherent dangers of the profession. However Griffon was not just a knight for him. He was his brother-in-arms. The man he grew with back in the day when he was just a fledgling knight. It was no exaggeration to say that he felt like he lost a family member.
"Father..." Akagi called out, feeling the pain of the king as he grieves.
"A-are there anything else that could lead us to the perpetrators?" Fuubuki asked, his voice sounded furious.
The king slowly raises his head as he ponders. There is still one detail that he hasn't mentioned.
"There was something too," Helios recalled.
"Old Gray was the first to saw the aftermath of the slaughter. He said he saw the unconscious Kuroe being carried off by someone else. However, he didn't see exactly who that someone is, nor did he noticed any distinguishable features. They were gone in the blink of an eye," he added.
"So not even a lead..." Fuubuki gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Young Fuubuki. Revenge is not how a knight does things. Although we do need to bring justice for our fallen comrades, please do not lose yourself in anger. It'll only lead you to ruin," Helios remarks as he notices the expression on Fuubuki's face. He can feel the young man's fury emanating from his body.
Akagi, noticing the growing unease in the young knight's heart, holds his hand firmly. Her warmth snaps him out of his anger. He shakes off the feeling in his heart before it could get any worse.
"Anyway, what brought the two of you here? I assume you had an original purpose before you received the news," the king says as he composed himself and returns to his duties of listening to his subjects.
"Ah, right. Fuubuki had something to ask to you father," Akagi replied.
"Is that so? Let's hear it."
Putting the terrible news aside in his mind, Fuubuki gathered his thoughts and wracked his head to retrieve the questions he needed answers from earlier. Perhaps the king's wisdom can provide him with some answers.
"Your highness, is it normal for a Mesgaean to recover from their injuries in a natural way?" Fuubuki asked.
"Eh? This is... hmm... Wounds and injuries do heal naturally. That much is already well known. Why?" the king asked, confusion could be seen on his face.
"No, no, wait, let me be specific. Is it normal for a Mesgaean to heal a sword wound in the span of a minute, or less?"
At that point, the king's confusion turned to curiosity.
"Healing from a wound in a short amount of time. Are you talking about supernatural regeneration?"
"It is possible. Though that doesn't apply to everyone," Marcellus suddenly stepped in, answering the question in the king's stead.
"Marcellus..."
"It's fine, your highness. I still have my duties as the wise mage to attend to. I can continue my mourning later," the old man said, wiping his eyes with the sleeves of his robe.
"Anyways, supernatural regeneration is a unique trait of Mother Gaea's children."
The old man tapped his staff onto the ground and a projection of a certain imagery projected up from the ground. The imagery was made up of mana particles that the old man expertly manipulated to make them appear as they were.
"I said children but don't take that literally. The nation of Gaea, located southwest from here is the domain of the Gaeans. They are a species of Mesgaeans that specializes in Life Magic," Marcellus explained.
"Life Magic?" Fuubuki tilts his head in confusion.
"Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. Life Magic is the power to control life. Mother Gaea's children are those that has the capability to use Life Magic."
The imagery on the projection changed into that of a wilted tree being brought to life by the touch of a hand. Another projection was shown of a wilted field of flowers blooming into life with the touch of a single palm.
"What's with the sudden interest, young Fuubuki?" Marcellus asks as he dissolves the magical projection into thin air.
Fuubuki taps his bandaged chest, trying to vividly feel the scar carved by Kuroe. However, no matter where he touches, he couldn't feel something similar to a sunken portion of his skin. It felt strangely clean.
"The thing is, while I was fighting Kuroe, I noticed that my wounds were healing faster than normal. It was how I was able to fight back with the last of my strength in the first place."
Akagi gives him a curious stare. After all, she couldn't remember a single wound on him that was as serious as he made it out to be.
"So, I'm wondering. What if that Gaea place was where I came from?"
Marcellus and Helios exchanged glances upon hearing Fuubuki's speculation. The fact that he could already regenerate as quickly as he claimed is already surprising in of itself, but being an actual Gaean is something they didn't consider. And Marcellus had a reason to doubt his claim
"That can't be. All Life Magic users have a green hue on their hair due to the color of their mana. Besides, didn't we just confirm that you can use Fire Magic? Mesgaeans can only wield one type of magic," Marcellus rebutted.
"No, it may be a possibility..." Helios cut in.
"Your highness?" Marcellus gave the king a surprised look.
"Mesgaea is huge Marcellus. You never know when the things you think of is impossible is something common in another place," Helios replied as his gaze was fixated on Fuubuki.
"Are you curious about your origin. Young Fuubuki?" he asked.
"Y-yes... I want to know what happened in the missing part of my memory, and why did I even forget in the first place. Maybe I can find my answers in the place where I came from. Otherwise, it's going to keep bugging me and possibly affect me in the future," Fuubuki answered.
"Then... do you wish to go to Gaea and seek your answers?" Helios suggested.
Akagi's expression suddenly darken at her father's proposition. She stayed silent as she didn't want to impose her authority over Fuubuki but the idea of him leaving to a far away land was something she didn't take kindly deep inside.
"To Gaea..." Fuubuki muttered.
"Yes. Mother Gaea is a knowledgeable sovereign, probably the wisest one among all of us. Her domain stretches everywhere, thus she has quite the huge repository of wisdom. If you seek any answers, she might be your best bet," Helios explained.
"Am I not going to be suspected if I do go there?" Fuubuki asked.
"Ah, that is unlikely. Mother Gaea is a kind soul. She accepts everyone equally. Besides, Gaea is a neutral faction that hasn't participated in any war throughout history. Conflict is not in their vocabulary," Marcellus replied.
"I see... then I can indeed-" Fuubuki cuts his thoughts short as he notices Akagi beside him, staring at him with anxiousness in her eyes. He can already tell that she doesn't like the idea of him leaving. This is something he cannot decide on the spot.
"I... Can I have some time to think about it?"
Akagi's eyes lit up at Fuubuki stalling his decision. After all, going to a far away place is something not to be taken impulsively. She can't quite take being far away from him now that they have such an intimate connection.
"Of course. Take all the time you need," Helios answered kindly.
Akagi and Fuubuki then turn to leave the throne room. However before they can get too far, Fuubuki stopped in his tracks and turned around to face the king once more.
"Also, there's one more thing I'm curious about..."
"What is it?"
"About Kuroe... Akagi said you already know about her... or rather expected this outcome," Fuubuki recalled Akagi's words from earlier.
"Mm..."
"Then, why did you still accept her?"
"..."
"Your highness?"
"I told you right, young Fuubuki? Revenge is not how a knight does things. Her father, the previous Dark Lord who I've slain during the Phantian invasion also slayed countless of my comrades. People I've grown with during my rise as a knight. However, I do not wish to further continue this bloodshed, especially after it has already ended."
The king sighs deeply.
"When she came to us, I can already tell she had revenge on her mind. Yet I still accepted her, and wanted to treat her as family to maybe change her heart. But alas, perhaps the sin I've committed against her is far too grave to simply atone for it with acceptance."
King Helios raised his head and gave Fuubuki a longing look.
"However, I wanted to try you know? That's what only mattered to me. And if she really can't find it in her heart to forgive me, then there's not much I can do."
Helios' lips curved up into a melancholic smile.
Somehow, Helios' story seemed to have hit Fuubuki. It felt like he wasn't just saying this about her. Is there something else he's hiding? Questions filled Fuubuki's mind, but he could not find the words to express them.
"I see... thank you for letting me know," he finally said, dismissing the swirling thoughts in his mind.
Fuubuki then turned around to leave for good along with Akagi. As they exit the room, Helios' head sunk on his palms before giving Marcellus an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry Marcellus, your son died because of me," he sighed.
"It is not your fault your highness. Don't apologize. It was not your kindness that killed him," Marcellus replied, giving the king a determined look.
"Thank you..."
The throne room then falls into silence as the two men quietly grieved for the fallen.
Meanwhile, back at Akagi's room...
Fuubuki is now back on the bed, resting his body while eating another full apple from Akagi's fruit basket. Although he finds it quite difficult to eat for certain reasons...
"Akagi..." he muttered as he looked at the girl clinging tightly onto him the moment they entered the room.
"..."
"Are you mad?" Fuubuki asked in a concerned tone.
"No, I'm not... I just..." Akagi replied, her grab on his body getting tighter.
"I won't go if you don't want me to."
"No! No! Don't let me affect your decision! If you really want to... then I won't stop you. You're no longer just my knight Fuubuki... you're my lover... and I don't want to tie you down if you want to go somewhere else..." Akagi mumbled.
"You want to know about your past right? I think that's a good thing. It's good but...!"
Akagi paused, her voice was already sounding like she is about to cry. She took some time to gather her thoughts more so as to not sound like she's hoping deep down that he won't go.
"But... I still can't help but feel sad about it. I can feel that way right? Even so, don't let this feeling decide for you. If you do wish to leave, then always know that I will be waiting..."
That last phrase got stuck in her throat. She really can't help but hope for him to stay. Tears began to form in her eyes.
"I'll be waiting... sniff... that's why... sniff... that's why-! Promise me that you'll come back alive!" as she said those words, Akagi's tears finally bursted out as she couldn't hold it in anymore. She bawled her eyes out, deciding to let go for the sake of her loverl.
Fuubuki instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Akagi. I promise that I will return back to you alive. No matter what," Fuubuki whispered into her ears.
And with that, his mind was already made up. He has to go. After all even though it was painful for her, Akagi was pushing him to pursue his desire to know about himself. If he were to decide not to go, it would bring shame to him as a knight after his beloved shed tears for him.
Where did he come from? Who was his parents? Why did they leave him? Why can he use magic suddenly? Why can his body regenerate so quickly? And who was he?
He has so many questions that he needs answers to. Perhaps by seeking the answers, he may know more about him that could make him grow, both in strength and mind. Perhaps he may also find answers that will lead him to the fallen knight's killer. Nevertheless, it all starts tomorrow on his journey towards the nation of Gaea.
Meanwhile, in the middle of an unknown forest...
"Unh..."
"Awake finally?"
"Hah!" Kuroe jolted straight up as she suddenly finds herself lying on a wilted tree log. A campfire burns beside her under the gaze of the lightless world ceiling.
"My chest still burns..." she mutters.
"You're still recovering. Stand down."
Kuroe turned her head to the source of the familiar voice. She knows it all too well, that soothing yet demonic voice as if it was mocking her.
"L-lady Shureiya?"
"Ah, I see you still know my name. I thought for sure you would've forgotten it after all the years we spent apart, ufufufu."
Towering over Kuroe is an elegant-looking woman with extremely long hair that extends down to her hips. The color white is all over her from her hair to her long dress, and even the regal hat resting on top of her hair. She has a rather refined but condescending look on her face, accentuated by her crimson eyes.
"Did you... save me?" Kuroe asked.
"Oh dear, no.You should thank Koyome for that," Shureiya answered with a haughty shake of her head.
"Master Koyome? Where is she?"
"Already left quite a while ago. The Overlord probably called for her. I happen to be in the area so she left you to me but I won't be staying long," Shureiya said as her body began to lift from the ground.
"Once you've recovered, make your way to Neptunia. That was the orders given to you. I will be rejoining you when the time comes but until then, sit tight," Shureiya said before she completely vanished out of sight as she flew away on top of the forest canopy.
"Neptunia..." Kuroe repeated to herself as she went and lied back down on the log feeling alone once again. She stared into the dark world ceiling, wondering when this hell would finally end.
The following day...
Ignia castle...
Fuubuki sits up on the bed, stretching his body to start the new day. He took a quick glance beside him where Akagi slept peacefully under the blanket, her bare body covered by the thin sheets.
They've already said their goodbyes last night so Fuubuki thinks perhaps it would be best to leave now while she's still asleep.
He quickly leaps up from the bed and puts on his clothes lying on the floor. He then equips his trustee blade, and the two shoulder guards gifted to him before quietly leaving the room.
He quickly made his way to the audience room where the king awaits. Strangely enough, the room was decorated with flowers of varying types.
"Ah this? It's for the burial of the knights slain yesterday," Helios answered after Fuubuki walked up to him and asked.
"Anyway, you decided to go after all hmm?"
"Yes."
"That's fine by me but aren't you at least going to atick around a bit for the burial?" Helios asked, slightly surprised.
"I don't really know what a burial is... but I wanted to leave before Akagi wakes up. Otherwise, it might be difficult," Fuubuki replied.
"Ah, I see what you mean. Very well, you can always visit Griffon's tomb once you return. Anyways, here..." the king handed over a small envelope.
"This is?" Fuubuki asked curiously, inspecting the unknown object in his hands.
"I've written a letter to Mother Gaea to explain your situation. Just show it to her and you shouldn't have any problems over there," Helios explained.
"I see... thank you so much your highness. You're even using your position to help me."
"No need for thanks. Think of it as my thanks instead for all these days that you've protected Akagi, especially yesterday. If it weren't for you..."
"By the way, what about Akagi? Will someone be taking my job temporarily?"
"Don't worry about her. I've selected some trusted knights to take over your position while you're gone. Griffon holds them in high regard so she's in great hands. Also, I myself will be watching her closely."
Fuubuki sighed in relief as a burden was taken off his chest.
"Then... I'll be heading off now. Take care, your highness..." Fuubuki waved but before he could turn, Helios stepped down from his throne.
"I'll see you off," the king offered.
"Huh? No, you don't have t-"
"I insist."
Surprised by Helios' persistence, he decides to let it go and makes his way to the entrance together with the king.
As they reach the main gate, Fuubuki notices a carriage waiting right in front of the entrance. He curiously looks at it, wondering what it's doing there standing by.
"There's your ride," Helios said.
"Eh? Your highness this is too much! You didn't have to-"
"Do you know how to go to Gaea?"
"..."
"Thought so. Wait, were you about to just wander aimlessly until you reached the place?" Helios asked, suddenly bewildered.
"Well... yes?" Fuubuki answered.
"Oh dear White Sovereign... good thing I decided to come along..."
The two of them made their way to the waiting carriage. Fuubuki tilted his head as he inspects the carriage, seemingly finding it familiar.
"Oh, it's you!" the carriage driver said.
"Hmm? Ah..." Fuubuki recognized the same driver that took him and Akagi to the workshop yesterday. It was also this guy that went back to fetch some reinforcements during his little skirmish with Kuroe.
"Lazarus, I leave him to you."
"Of course, your highness! Now, get in young man! It's going to be a long ride for you," the man cheerfully smiled upon accepting the king's order.
"R-right... thank you..." Fuubuki uttered in disbelief as he steps into the carriage.
"Good luck out there, young Fuubuki," Helios waved.
"Thank you for everything your highness! I won't let this opportunity you've given me go to waste!" Fuubuki replied back enthusiastically. After giving his thanks, Fuubuki then reached out to close the door.
"-ait up!!!"
"Hmm?"
"-ait!!!"
"What was that?" Helios said, turning around as he heard the voice of someone shouting at the top of their lungs.
To everyone's surprise, there goes Akagi, running towards the main entrance with everything she can while carrying a bag on her back.
"Akagi?!" Fuubuki and Helios said in unison.
"Wait up!!!"
After a while, Akagi finally caught up to the carriage before it could leave.
"Jeez... how mean of you, leaving without waiting for me?" Akagi huffed, catching her breath.
"Akagi? That bag..." Fuubuki pointed out.
"I've made up my mind! I really can't be separated from you after all! So I'm coming along!" Akagi declared out loud.
"What?!" Fuubuki blurted out.
"What do you mean 'what?' Is there a problem?! Are you against it?!"
"N-no, I didn't say that but..." Fuubuki unsurely looks at the king.
"..."
"Pft..."
"Hahahahahaha!!!"
The king suddenly bursts into laughter. The whole spectacle was so absurd that he couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh.
"Ahahaha! I shouldn't be laughing because there's supposed to be a burial, but I just can't help it with you two!"
Akagi, and Fuubuki exchanged glances. This was the first time they've seen Helios laugh like this after all. It was such a rare sight.
"Father!"
"Right! Right... pft hahhaha! Okay, okay, ahem," Helios cleared his throat before voicing out his decision.
"Permission granted! Akagi, you may join young Fuubuki as our nation's ambassador to help him with his purpose there," Helios declared.
"Yay!" Akagi exclaimed, immediately hopping into the carriage and embracing Fuubuki in her arms.
"Your highness?" Fuubuki is genuinely confused right now at the unexpected changes in the plan.
"What can I say? I know my daughter very well. Don't worry about it, this works for you as well to make things even easier for you over there," Helios explained.
"But isn't this a bit too sudden? We didn't even have time to talk about it..."
"No need. I told you, I know my daughter well. No amount of convincing is going to change her mind."
"But-"
"Well in that case, how about this..." Helios pondered a bit as he thought of a way to smoothen things up.
"Apart from your personal mission, I'm assigning you to escort her back safely after your little trip to Gaea," Helios issued.
"Ah... r-right! I accept!" Fuubuki replied.
"Alright, alright. Now Lazarus, time to depart," Helios said.
"At once! Hah!" Lazarus then gently whipped his horse to begin moving. The carriage started to roll away to the outside of the main gate.
As they depart, Akagi waved her hand towards her father.
"Thanks, father! I'll be back soon!"
"Yeah! Take care!"
Once already out of sight from the castle main gate, Akagi pulled her head back inside. Her body shook with excitement at this new thrilling experience.
"Someone's excited."
"Of course I am! This is the first time I've gone outside of Ignia! And... I'm also with you..." Akagi replied shyly as she snuggled herself to Fuubuki.
"I see. Good for you then," Fuubuki replied with a sweet smile.
The two then exchanged a brief kiss as they embark on their journey towards the land beyond the place they call home. Whatever is out there remains a mystery for them, and dangers might appear along the way.
But at the very least... something is sure. This journey isn't going to be lonely after all.
- END