The Nightrose Chronicles I: Broader Horizons

A Hidden Life

Tessa's POV

"What was that about?" Zidane massaged his neck, "You seem like more than just her guardian angel to me." Lailah looked down at the sleeping Tessa in his arms. "You even called her Mili."

"I am quite curious as well," Freya admitted.

"I'll tell you... But you have to promise never to tell anyone."

"It isn't our story to tell."

"... You know how I said that I had a son... Well... She's my daughter, Mili. Mili Frost."

"W--w--w--w--wait!" Zidane said, "What do you mean?"

"She's my biological daughter. Jack is her older brother."

"So that's why she's calling you 'dad'! Why did you say you were just friends?"

Lailah shook his head, "She doesn't remember me. She said she wanted a dad in her life and asked if I would be hers."

"But that must mean that deep down she does remember," Freya said.

"Yeah... You can't tell her though. She has to remember on her own."

"I understand," they nodded.

"... Wow...!" Vivi said, "... Um... Can I ask; why doesn't she remember you? Kailynn and Meadow too?"

Lailah shook his head, "Kailynn and Meadow aren't mine."

"So they're not actually sisters?"

"They are... It's complicated," he said, "This whole situation is complicated...!" He choked, "I---I couldn't---! Th---this whole time I couldn't even comfort her when she cried!!! Let her know she wasn't alone!!!"

"... I'm sorry..." Zidane said, "... If you're an angel though, why...?"

"I'm sorry..." he shook his head, "I can't say anymore, but. I just have to remember that God always has a plan, he's always working things out for our good." On their way to Cleyra Tessa woke to see her dad carrying her. In a flash of memory he wore a festive green and red shirt and matching hat with a bell at the end, snow swirled about him, and the smile he gave her filled her with warmth. A second later her mind shifted back; the snow replaced by sand, and the smile to worry. He knelt down and covered them both with a cloth keeping the sand from her.

"I miss your smile..." she said absently.

"Yeah?" he forced a smile, but she could still see the concern in his eyes.

"Mhm..." she rested her head against his shoulder. "I'm still kind of tired... Is that bad?"

"No, it's perfectly natural, you've had a long day. Just rest okay? Daddy's gonna take care of you."

"Okay."

"This sand sucks!" Zidane grumbled, "It's everywhere!"

"Sand isn't very yummy..." Quina licked the air before flopping her tongue in disappointment.

Freya ran up to a gate ornately shaped as a dragons maw, "The Tempest subsides! Hurry! Let us make haste!"

They ran after her, running across dozens of platforms and into the eye of the storm. Zidane and Freya focused on the puzzles while the rest of the group covered them. Oddly enough they didn't need to beach comb to find some extra supplies, they were just lying around; they even found a pair of boots! The team was exhausted by the time they reached the moogle and decided to rest a moment, "Kupo! Hello! I'm Monev, kupo!"

"Daddy..." she tugged on his shirt lightly, "The letter's in my bag. You'll give it to him?"

"Of course, sweetheart."