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The three stood in silence looking outwards onto the horizon within the abandoned wreckage that Clive and Joshua called home, and what Dion and others referred to as the Hideaway. Their next stop would be the end. The end and their beginning. The place where everything would finish. Origin.
Dion sighs. “Well. Ifrit. Phoenix. May the founder guide us safely to Origin, and may we swiftly return home once our job is done.”
Clive nods, still looking out to the horizon.
“Its beautiful isn’t it?” Joshua speaks up, also looking out. “The view. Full of vast, spacious and gorgeous opportunity. The seas look intriguing, how wonderful would it be to just live… and explore our horizons.”
Dion smiles. “I agree with you. Sheltered so much was I. A loyal knight to my father’s forces. Never did I just wander off and explore. Though Terrence he-“ Dion stops abruptly, clenching his fist and sighing. “Terrence…”
Clive turns to face Dion. “Who was Terrence?” He asks softly.
Dion smiles. “He is…” he begins, looking down on the ground then out towards the horizon again, “Someone very important that the words fail me.”
Joshua walks over to Dion and places a hand tenderly on his shoulder. “Dion, do tell us about Terrence. Perhaps talking about something you consider important will ease your troubles.” He suggests.
Clive nods. “How about we sit down and have a drink before we make way?”
Dion scoffs. “If it is our last day on this marble..”
Clive smiles and leads the way. The three of them make their way towards a free table within the open space seating area of the Hideaway. Opposite them was the Bar, and to their right was Charon’s workshop.
Joshua was almost envious of Clive’s considerably large advantage at having a bigger family thanks to this group of people. He watched as strangers greeted Clive so fondly, people would bare him gifts and the barkeeps would serve him beverages faster than he could say “three ales, please!”
It was nice. And Joshua would’ve loved nothing more than to have had this. Instead, he was granted 18 years of a life of solitude with nothing but his followers and his beloved companion Jote, whom he adored and treasured as if Clive had never left his side. He often wondered if that’s how he just saw her, because she did evidently remind him so much of his older brother - only she had more manners, less complaints and actually listened when he said he despised carrots. I mean… Jote and his followers were everything to him. But this freedom and sanctuary, oh nothing could compare to this.
He looked on as his older brother brought himself, Joshua and his good friend Dion Lesage a final beverage before they departed for their indescribable journey to Origin to put an end to Ultima. Joshua could not help but feel sorrow. To think his first ale would be potentially his last. But to think he got to savour the moment with his shield and his friend.
Dion took a long-lasted drink from the goblet. He exhaled and put it down softly. He clasps his hands together and stares down at the table. “Terrence was my partner. Most importantly the leader of my army. My right hand so to speak. Everything I commanded, well, he would oblige.”
Joshua smiled. “He had faith in you.”
“He did. He does. Only when I see myself worthy of embracing him again shall I see that I return to my dragoons.” Dion confessed, tears forming in his eyes.
Clive places a hand on Dion’s shoulder. “Bahamut, no forgive me for this your highness but… Dion, I must admit my friend. You burden yourself too much. To take on such a task as this. And to do it with such grace, poise and determination is more than worthy. I use your name instead of your Eikon to ensure you that YOU are worthy not just your abilities.”
“What you did… back at Drake’s tail. Back at the Crystalline Dominion.. that was not you. That was him. Trying to control every crevice of your existence, tearing out your soul. The Prince I know would have protected his people and guided them to safety. The Prince I know would have entrusted in his Dragoons to do their duties for the sake of those who believe in him. We all know that it was not you and that it could not be helped.” Joshua adds, finally taking a sip of ale from his goblet.
Dion continues to look at the table, only now the formation of tears turn into droplets. Even the Prince’s tears fall gracefully upon his cheeks.
“What we also know is that you are as noble and loyal to your father’s throne than Joshua and I ever were to ours.” Clive adds.
Dion nods. “I miss him.”
“Your father?” Joshua asks.
“My Terrence.”
Clive nods. Joshua sulks out of pity.
“A few moments ago, Phoenix. You said wouldn’t it be nice if we could just explore this world. Reach every landmark and research it freely. That would evidently be the dream.” Dion spoke up. He finally raises his head and looks over at the Rosfield brothers, he now feels indebted to them. For allowing him to open up so freely like this. It is what he needed.
“Terrence would often ask me to take long walks out in the woods or over picturesque mountains if time served us well and the fight was not yet to be fought-“ he began smiling. He takes another sip of his drink.
“We would often take each other’s hand and roam freely. He would comment on how beautiful the Wyvern’s Tail truly is. And I would comment on how beautiful he truly is, and how kind his soul was. Never has there ever been a person that has admired my wit and determination but also loved me for me, and not my Eikon.”
Clive smiles. Joshua looks proud that his friend is opening up.
“He sounds more wonderful than he let on during our brief encounter. I can only apologise that our first meeting seemed to have alarmed him, your highness.” Joshua bows slightly whilst sat at the table.
“Cease your formalities, especially given the circumstances.” Dion slightly laughs. “He was only doing his duty. And you yours. I only wish you’d been just a tad more discreet so I didn’t have to raise my voice after an exhausting encounter regarding your mother and my father.” He scoffs.
“I had no idea she possessed such a wicked heart.” Joshua stated, his tone getting slightly irritated. “I almost feel like a fool for getting so intoxicated by her pathogenic personality.”
“You were just a boy, brother.” Clive replies, almost immediately.
“She tainted the Rosfield name, not only for us personally but for an entire nation of those who still respected and supported our father’s ideology.”
Joshua nods. “It is still hard to accept. After all, she was our mother. To see her screech at my existence, to hear her dismiss my presence for a child she favoured because of his power was malicious and destructive. I was once her everything, and now I realise why.” He frowns.
“I feel the same way about my father. She pierced through his soul like a knife would a slice of bread. It was sickening to see him change in real time.” Dion adds. “Forgive me for my vulgar take on the bearings before us but perhaps taking her own life was the kindest thing she could have done for any of us.”
Clive and Joshua do not respond. For they know Dion is right. It is just far too hard to admit.
Dion shifts awkwardly and clears his throat. “What i am trying to say is much like Lord Elwin, my father was a good man. Not only to his people, but to his son. I wasn’t just his weapon. I was his child. And that is all I ever wanted to be. And she took that away from me. And my anger spoke on my behalf for a moment, my apologies.”
Joshua nods in agreement. “No need. It is all I ever wanted too, after all. I wished to wake up and not need to heave or cough up blood every 5 minutes.” He laughs, “I wished to not be overcome with impulses and adrenaline. Or bear any burdens. I did not wish to be treated as my people’s God. I wanted to be their Prince. I wanted to be Joshua Rosfield. Not The Phoenix.” He smiles faintly, looking at the liquid in his goblet. “All I want to be is Joshua Rosfield.”
Clive looks at his brother in awe. He never realised this. But he expected it. Joshua was a child. A child with such a harsh responsibility. He thought being a shield of Rosaria was a lot but, imagine being everyone’s beacon of hope? At just 10 years of age…
“Perhaps.. Joshua, that is why I care deeply for my Terrence so much.” Dion began. Joshua looks at him, shocked and flattered to be called by his name - it is almost a fun, ironic moment all things considering. As Dion insisted that Joshua refer to him by his name. It was nice. They now had a bond. “Yes he valued who I was as Bahamut but, he cared for Dion Lesage more. I would have a minor injury, and he would be at my side with bandages and medicine and sooth my pain almost instantaneously. He would rant and go off on tangents about how I should be more careful if I am to keep up my strength.” Dion finds himself smiling and laughing to himself as he ponders the memory. “We hold on to what we love because it reminds us we are human.”
Clive raises his goblet to that remark. “Let us not forget that it is that very reason alone why we sit here today, about to embark on such a quest. We were strong enough because of love and courage and determination.”
Joshua and Dion raise their goblets too, the three of them join their goblets together as a sign of ‘cheers’ and take swigs of their ale.
Dion sighs. “I will see myself worthy the moment I feel I have been forgiven. And I trust you will both know when that time will come.”
Clive nods. “I can only hope you intend on coming back. Because I want to see you thrive. I want to see you face your people in honour and dignity, but for what you have done yourself. Bahamut aside, you are their Prince.”
Dion smiles slightly. “May Gregor’s breath fill my wings.”
“May he ignite our flames.” Joshua adds, looking at his brother.
“May he guide us home.” Clive also adds.
Dion finishes his ale. Joshua still admittedly has the majority of his drink filled in his goblet. Perhaps ale was not to his liking. Or perhaps he wanted to savour the moment. Clive too finished his drink.
“Not an ale appreciator, little brother?” Clive teases.
“I don’t know.” Joshua slightly laughs. “I’d never had it before. I usually drank water.” He smiled.
“You’re finally a man now, Lord Margrace.” Clive teases.
“At 28, I would certainly hope so.” Joshua responds.
“The banter between siblings is certainly a special kind of exchange.” Dion laughs. A hearty, wholesome laugh. One he has not done for years.
“Terrence would banter alongside our Dragoons. But it was nothing like this. Perhaps blood bonds are stronger.”
“Oh. I don’t know about that.” Clive speaks.
“Found family is rather special. Everyone here means more to me than anything.”
Joshua smiles. He looks over at Dion.
“You have a place here too.” He says to him.
“And I thank you. Sincerely. Perhaps one day I will bring Terrence here to visit you all. And we can be merry.” Dion smiles back.
“I never told my father of our relationship. I feared it would be shamed. That I would be ridiculed. For I never desired a maiden, I desired my loyal servant.”
“The heart wants what it wants, my friend. Lest you deny it, and face an eternity of sadness and regret.” Joshua says, looking down at the table.
“The fact that you are so sure of what you want makes you strong. Never feel ashamed of that.” Joshua smiles faintly. “Yourself and Terrence have a place here. You have a place with your Dragoons. You could have the world if you wished… though that would fair you similar to our enemy.” He laughs.
Clive smiles. “Joshua is right. Never deny love from your heart even if impulses tell you it is wrong. The same sex fairer better understandings of each other after all. Perhaps yourself and Terrence were united in harmony. Fate made him your loyal knight. Destiny turned him into your lover, admirer and protector. Don’t let go of that.”
“Love conquers all.” Dion adds.
“It does, and it will. And we should see to it very soon, my brothers.” Joshua declares.
“You see me as one of your own. And for that I will see us safely into battle. All for one, one for all.” Dion stands from his seat. The Rosfield brothers stand shortly after.
“Let us make ready. And say our goodbyes. This will be difficult but alas, they will remind us of why we’re doing it.”
As Dion walks off, Joshua calls out to him and asks Clive to stay too. He ushers for them both to come closer and pulls the pair of them into a hug. Joshua’s left arm reaching over to his brother, his shield, his everything. His right arm reaching over to his friend, his comrade, his motivation for glory. Joshua feels a single tear fall down his face.
“Praise the Gods, the Founder and any who will listen… that we may ALL make it home.”