Author's note: The main character of this story is an Original Character created by myself. All other characters belong to Nintendo. All characters (except for Valentine) have been humanized.

Chapter 1

I felt my heart beating rapidly as I approached the giant warship. My emerald green eyes scanned the exterior. The metal looked near flawless, giving a sheen off even in the dim light of the rising sun.

This ship was a work of art in it's own right. It looked as if it could fly with the wind from here to the other edge of Popstar...

A voice stole me away from my thoughts: "Who goes there?"

I looked up, and quickly flicked my golden-blonde hair back over my slightly paled shoulders, before responding.

"I am Valentine Raynals. I am here for a meeting with the captain?"

I took the appearance of the knight in, and he looked quite interesting. He Around around five feet, seven inches, with a purple spiked helmet, red goggles over his eyes, a chain mail vest, long, blue pants, black boots that appeared polished, and a mace in his grasp.

"Valentine Raynals? Ah. Yes. You were on the list. Follow me, ma'am. I'll take you to the captain."

He gave a wave of his hand for me to follow. I walked up the ramp into the warship behind him, looking around with an impressed gleam in my eyes at the halls of the ship. They were rather large, and seemed to go for miles, twisting and snaking all around the ship.

The man looked at me, leading me down the hall. We walked in silence, before a small smile etched on his lips.

"So, Valentine, I pro'lly should've introduced myself." He began "Mace Knight. One of the more skilled technicians and warriors on the ship. Please, though, feel free to call me Mace."

"Mace? Well, it's a pleasure to be acquainted with you."

"Likewise. May I ask where you come from, Miss?"

"A village near Grape Garden. A rather peaceful place. I wanted a little more adventure in my life though... So when I heard they were hiring here, I took the opportunity, and decided to apply for First Officer."

"First Officer? Wow! You must have a good amount of faith you'll get the job if you came all the way from there..."

"Well... My father owns a bar there. He knew the captain rather well, and sent in a request for me."

Mace cast me a humored glance "Oh boy, well, as long as the captain liked you, I'm sure you will be fine."

I chuckled warmly, smiling at him "Thank you. I imagine you've been here longer than I, though."

"Not really, actually. I've only been here a week or so."

"Oh." I chuckled, before he stopped in front of a metal door.

He knocked on it three times, before he caught a response, that I did not hear.

"You can go in." He told me "But I warn you, the captain may be in a bit of a foul mood today.."

He stepped aside, and gave a short bow, before turning on his heel, and walking back towards his post.

I stepped up to the door, and gave the handle a turn. I heard it give a click, and I pushed it open, stepping into the room within.