Author's Note: I do not own any of the characters/locations mentioned; that honor goes to Level 5, Studio Ghibli and Bandai. Just putting that out there in case anybody is hunting the site for copyright infringements...

Everything I've done so far has been material to be inserted between events of the main game. However, like so many other fans, my thoughts turn to what would happen post-game, and I'm ready to put my two cents in. In the prologue, I want to make it clear that after the great adventure, Swaine deems himself worthy of bearing the name Gascon once again and returns to his brother's side in Hamelin as a co-ruler. Of course, it's not easy to live a completely different lifestyle even if he has come to terms with who he is, and who can blame him if his thoughts turn to the open road once in a while even though he is content? Well, that excitement to get out of the palace for a few days on official business is going to turn into something much bigger that will change his life, so I for one encourage it!

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Prince Gascon opened the lowest drawer of his dresser and pulled out a worn green trench coat, followed by a ragged orange shirt, faded blue pants, and distressed buckle shoes. Ah, his old roving outfit! The only things missing were the red socks he had worn for years; even he had to admit at the time that those were beyond saving. Besides, he now had an orange pair that would mean one less color in the collection… It made him smile to see his old clothes again.

There were bad memories attached, to be sure, memories of going hungry, being chased out of towns, fighting off the cold, desperation, fear, beatings, brokenheartedness… Wait, did these clothes make him happy or sad? Oh, right, definitely happy. Besides being more comfortable than the restricting formal duds he had on at the moment, they also spoke to a simpler time when he had had unlimited freedom and grand adventures. The last and greatest of these adventures had basically erased all of the unhappy times in his life and led him back home as a hero. When he thought about trekking across the deserts of Al Mamoon or the plains of the northern Summerlands in the company of Oliver, Esther and Mr. Drippy, a goofy grin formed across his face. Those were the good old days…

That wasn't to say that he was unhappy now that he lived in the palace of Hamelin with his brother, the Emperor Marcassin. For one, his brother meant the world to him, and being reunited…he'd put up with a lot of unpleasantries for that. Besides, having finished his epic quest, he realized that this was clearly where he belonged. He came to understand what he had to offer his empire as a leader, and even if he couldn't be an Emperor to the letter of the law, there were plenty of things he was needed for. When people needed tactful diplomacy in a situation or any sort of magical advice, they went to Marcassin, but when people needed someone to stand up and point out shortcomings or any sort of mechanical advice, they went to him. He had to admit, some of the problem solving was kind of fun, and seeing the positive effects of his decisions was empowering. What he didn't like were the meetings. The etiquette. The inability to just get up and go when he needed space. It was a big adjustment.

For that reason, he was especially excited about his self-proclaimed royal assignment: a trip to another kingdom to offer counsel. Marcassin had insisted that they had people to do that sort of thing for them, but he would have none of it. The empire had two rulers, so why not send one who had years of experience traveling across the continents to deliver advice in person instead of sending someone to repeat things and potentially screw things up? Marcassin was, as always, a bit of a pushover, and it was not hard to convince him it was a good idea when he saw how happy the thought made his brother. With his blessing, Gascon had rushed to his room and began packing immediately.

He had his bottomless bag, of course. This was stocked with various potions and food. There was his creature cage, with Gunther, Lenny, and Rufus ready for action. Obviously, he had his Highwayman's Handgun and a large supply of every type of ammunition he had invented for it. More formal attire was included for when he arrived. A map of the world and a modest sum of guilders rounded it out. All he had to do was change, and he'd be off!

Having donned his old traveling outfit, he looked into the mirror and stared. It seemed so strange to see himself wearing those clothes but having a neat haircut and clean-shaven face… Maybe by the time he got back from his adventure he'd have some stubble at least! Hopefully the clothes alone would be enough to keep him from being recognized as the Elder Prince of Hamelin.

Satisfied, he went down to the study to say his goodbyes to Marcassin. When he opened the door to present himself, his younger brother jumped to his feet. "Gascon! What are you wearing? This is a diplomatic trip!"

"Yeah, but why would I wear the fancy stuff beforeI get there?" he frowned.

Marcassin held his forehead in his hand. "Brother, you are not WALKING across the entire known world to get there! I'll just teleport you there, and the Queen will teleport you back!"

This news came as an unwelcome surprise to the formerly eager co-ruler. "Teleporting? Really? Where's the fun in that? You miss out on all the life experiences…"

The young man sighed. "You are not going to be gone for six months running this errand! A day or two at most is all you will need depending on how much assistance the Queen requests. Did you really think you could get away with being gone for that long?"

Gascon scratched his head "Maybe…"

"Go change into something more presentable, then I'll teleport you over. Hurry, I told the Queen you would be there by noon! You've already overslept…"

He sighed and sulked out of the room. Kill-joy…

Once he was out of earshot, Marcassin had to chuckle. Only his brother, Gascon, would hope for a difficult adventure instead of a leisurely trip! Even as a boy, he didn't prefer the pomp and circumstance of court, but could be found out in the wastelands where a prince should not be. Apparently, not even wandering around and living in poverty for fifteen years had broken him of this preference!

The young emperor's face faded into a thoughtful frown. Gascon had finally come back and had assimilated himself into life in the palace three months ago once they had removed the curse on the White Witch and Oliver the Savior had returned to his world. He took over several duties which seemed fitting for a man of his unique talents. Besides being adventurous, he was perceptive, a fierce wheeler-and-dealer who could read people and negotiate like a master. He had struggled for many years at the bottom of society, and so was also able to identify with the common folk of the kingdom; due to this, his ever creative mind found all kinds of unconventional solutions to problems throughout the empire, making him quite popular. Most of all, he was clever, and his brain seemed to work on overdrive designing new contraptions to aid his people. While the latter trait had been branded unprincelike in his youth, Marcassin only saw how it aided the kingdom. No one understood the needs of Hamelin's number one industry like Gascon, and his excellent plans were already being put into place, resulting in an economic boom.

Marcassin only frowned because he wondered if this idyllic situation could last. Clearly, Gascon was ready to head out the door for a road trip, and he hadn't even been back as a prince for very long! Of course, the whole thing was a huge change for him, and wanting to travel would be a natural response. But what if he walked out the door and didn't come back? He shook his head. That was ridiculous. His brother wanted to be here, he would not just walk out on him! Maybe he would get distracted though…

His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of his brother clomping through the halls back to the study. Goodness, he still wasn't used to those shoes… For an ex-thief, he sounded ridiculous! Gascon reentered the room, wearing his typical royal attire. The elder brother didn't find it wise to mention to his younger brother that he still had his travel garb packed in his bag, just in case… "Better, Your Highness?"

The Sage shook his head and smiled. "You are something else, brother. Are you ready to go?"

"I suppose I am. I'll be back when I get back." He waved at Marcassin casually.

"Send my greetings to Queen Cassiopeia," Marcassin instructed, taking up his magical staff and drawing the appropriate runes in the air. "Naazca," he intoned, and in a flash, Gascon was gone. "Don't do anything crazy, Gascon…" he muttered to himself, looking frazzled.