"HENDRIK! HENDRIK CATCH MEEEEE!"

As clear as her voice had been so many years ago, Hendrik remembered the little girl whom would laughingly stand up on the roof of the castle, and then without any warning what so ever just jumped, making Hendrik nearly scream in his panic to catch her, only barely did he manage to do just that, almost falling over.

Jade though didn't seem the least bit scared as she laughed. "HAHAHA! You caught me!"

Wide-eyed Hendrik looked at the little girl in his arms. "Princess! What were you thinking?!" he asked.

"It wasn't dangerous, you were going to catch me." Jade stated.

"You can't be sure of that." Hendrik stated.

"Yes I can, because you are always looking out for me." Jade grinned.

Hendrik sighed deeply as he put the girl down on the ground. "Please princess, can you not do that?" he asked. "I beg of thee!" he stated, ready to go down on his knees if it would only stop her making stunts like that.

"All right fine." Jade sighed deeply. "But then you need to promise to play with me!" she demanded with a lecturing finger. "And don't just walk out midway through, that's rude behavior."

"I was running late, my instructor would have me reprimanded." Hendrik sighed deeply.

"Well okay then." Jade sighed deeply. "I suppose I just have to make you make it up to me." she commented. "Give me a ride!" she asked reaching up her small arms.

Hendrik smiled amused. "Fine, you are getting a bit to old for this though." he pointed out.

"No!" Jade stated. "And I have you know, you still owe me. At least one tea party."

Hendrik smiled. "All right, next time I come home from Porto Valor then."

"Awww." Jade pouted disappointed. "Well get down then, at least I want my ride!"

Hendrik smiled as he turned around and kneeled down allowing the princess to climb on as promised and he stood up. "Where to princess?" he asked.

"The town! Go to the fountain!" Jade asked.

"As you wish princess." Hendrik smiled and trotted on his way, Jade sighed as she leaned against him. "Princess?" he asked.

"Do you really have to go back to that place?" Jade asked. "It's so boring without you here."

"I'm afraid so." Hendrik stated.

"Why?" Jade asked.

"So I can become a real knight" Hendrik stated.

"Why do you need to become a real knight?" Jade asked.

"So I can protect people." Hendrik stated. "And protect you, from anything. I swore to your father you know, that I will always protect you."

"Well you already do, you're being dumb." Jade stated making Hendrik smiled amused. "You promise to have that tea party?" she asked.

"On my honor, I swear to you." Hendrik stated.


It was the only swear Hendrik had not managed to keep. The day after he had gone back to Porto Valor, shortly after Jade had gone with her father to Dundrasil and.

Hendrik closed his eyes, to think. It had already been sixteen years, and yet it still all stood so clear to him.

That princess had been the light in the castle, but then her light had been extinguished and far to soon.

King Carnelian had changed… He had become distant, cold somehow.

Hendrik could not blame the man though, he had witnessed unspeakable horror, had seen his own daughter die! And now, Carnelian had watched two different nations fall. Swardrust and Dundrasil, who could fault the king for wanting to protect his own kingdom at any cost?

It was the dark spawns doing, Carnelian spoke of that with such conviction so it had to be true. even though sometimes.

Hendrik hated to admit it, but sometimes in the deepest corners of his mind he was… No! He could not be doubting his king!

Carnelian was kind! He had saved his life and Jaspers! He had taught him what it meant to be a knight!

Always be kind, always be helpful, act to protect those whom cannot protect themselves! The people here were defenseless and needed the protection.

Surely Carnelian would see reason when the situation demanded for it! Hendrik would stay loyal to the man he owed everything.

It got harder though, Hendrik hissed as his fists tightened, he had done his duty for these past sixteen years.
It was his duty! To protect the people.

He could not save the people of Swardrust, he could not save the princess. He could not allow himself to be so weak again then suddenly he froze, someone looked at him and he looked up to see a little girl. "Huh?" he asked looking at the small girl. "Pr-Princess Jade?"

"Is that what you see me as?" The girl asked.

Hendrik hissed as he squinted his eyes and shook his head then turned back and saw the girl, realizing she did look very similar to the princess but it wasn't her.
Of course it wasn't! The princess had died sixteen years ago! If she had been alive she would have been a young woman now.

"Sorry, what are you doing here child?" Hendrik asked kindly. "Are you lost?"

"No. But you are sir Hendrik." The girl informed and Hendriks eyes widened.

"I.. I'm sorry. I don't understand what…"

"You are surrounded by darkness, so it's no wonder you can't even see where you are going." The child commented. "Don't worry though. The luminary will soon shine upon the right path for you."

"Luminary?" Hendrik asked. "The dark spawn! You claim he is alive?!"

"Dark spawn?" The girl asked. "Ah, I see." she commented thoughtfully.

Hendrik sighed. "Child, do you want me to help you find your parents?" he asked.

"No need." The girl assured. "By the way, you may call me the seer! I imagine we'll see each other again! Bye now."

"What?" Hendrik asked and suddenly… she was gone. "Huh? Little girl?" he asked looking around. "CHILD!" and he halted… It really was weird, it was not even like the girl had just vanished in a puff it was just. One moment she had been there and the next… She hadn't.

Hendrik shook his head as she rubbed the bridge of his nose, he was starting to both see and hear things. Perhaps he really should take a rest, it probably wasn't such a good idea to be dwelling on the past.

Then he halted… somehow the girls word kept linger. "You are surrounded by darkness, so it's no wonder you can't even see where you are going."

Hendrik cleared his throat, he had just imagined it! He had conquered up a girl in his mind that both looked and sounded like the dead princess, he needed rest, clearly. Before he went insane… At least Hendrik hoped that was all this was about.


"Here you go darling!" Sylvando smiled offering a small brown paper bag to an old woman.

The woman gaped. "I honestly can't believe you ran all that way." she admitted.

"Ah it was no trouble, your poor husband needs that medicine, doesn't he?" Sylvando asked.

"You know, Sylvando." One of the circus artists next to him commented. "You don't have to help every single stranger in need we happen to run into."

"Ah! What are you saying sweet heart. Of course I do!" Sylvando proclaimed. "How can we make people smile if they are in trouble huh? That doesn't make any sense! And I want everyone to smile!" he beamed happily.

The old women smiled amused as she clutched the brown bag with the medicine, the story was simple, for some reason the delivery man with the medicine had run late, several days in fact.

The moment Sylvando had realized what was going on he had ventured out there alone to look for the delivery man whom as it turned out had been attacked by bandits.

It had taken a while, but finally Sylvando had managed to teach those bandits a lesson and retrieve the medicine as well as the other things they had stolen.

None of the circus folks were surprised in the least, they were all used to Sylvando just running out on his own to help who ever was in need with what ever they needed help for.

They had all learned not to worry, somehow the minstrel always figured it out. No matter what it was about, a giant monster threatening the village, a cat stuck in a tree or young lady whom lacked the perfect dress. Sylvando would be on the case.

"How can I repay you?" the old woman finally asked.

"Your radiant smile is more than enough for me, my lady." Sylvando bowed making the old woman both blush and chuckle.

"Please, no one has spoken that way to me in fifty years!" She exclaimed.

"Well they should! Your smile is indeed radiant." Sylvando stated making the old woman smile ones again.

"Please excuse me, I need to go. my husband needs his medicin." The woman stated.

"Oh darling hurry, please!" Sylvando exclaimed. "Don't hang around here!"

The woman nodded and turned around as she ran with the bag. "Thank you again young man!" she cried.

"Take care of yourself!" Sylvando smiled as he waved. "And maybe you would like to come watch our show." he invited. "It is going to be a blast!"

"I most certainly will!" The woman beamed and she was gone.

Sylvando kept waving and kept beaming until finally the woman was out of sight, then finally he halted, his smile turning down and his eyes downcast.

"Sylv?" The circus girl next to him looked at him, she was a magicians assistant and thusly dressed in her spangled getup. Her name was Sacha, a young but very sweet girl. "Are you okay?"

"Ah, don't mind me darling. It's nothing." Sylvando assured his smile back in place.

"Seriously Sylv?" The girl asked. "You can speak to me, whats up?" she asked.

Sylvando sighed. "The monsters are growing in numbers." he admitted. "I sure had my hands full out there, and they are getting more vicious too. I want to make the entire world smile." he stated. "But… How can I make the world smile when everyone need to constantly fear for their lives?" he asked. "When medicine can't even be delivered probably?"

"I… don't know." Sacha admitted. "But perhaps, you do not have to make the world smile. You are making everybody you meet smile. Isn't that enough?"

"NO!" Sylvando stated. "I promised I would make the world smile so that is what I must do!"

"Huh?" The girl asked.

"Just watch me darling, i'll find a way." Sylvando blinked at her, then turned his head to the night sky looking up. "No matter what it takes." he reached up a hand. "The world will smile again." he stated.

"You need the luminary." A new voice spoke beside him.

"Huh?" Sylvando turned for his eyes to blink in surprise, the old lady was back! Sylvando had not even seen her coming! Or heard her.

"The Luminary is the person able to spread light even in the deepest darkness." The old woman smiled kindly.

"Luminary?" Sylvando asked. "That sounds wonderful darling, though first. Did your husband get the medicin all ready?" he asked.

The lady smiled amused. "You should go to Gallopolis." she commented.

"Oh?" Sylvando asked.

"Their annual horse race is coming up, lots of people are sure to gather, the luminary might even be there." She commented.

"UH! That's a wonderful idea!" Sylvando beamed. "Don't you think so Sacha?" he asked the magicians assistant next to him.

"Sylv… who are you talking to?" Sacha asked.

"Huh?" Sylvando turned back and realized, the old woman was gone! As if she hadn't even been there at all. "What in the?" he asked.

"I got an idea though." Sacha then commented. "Why don't we head for Gallapolis?" she asked. "Their annual big horse race is up, it is a big event for them."

"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea darling." Sylvando stated still stunned.

The girl though smiled. "Then it's settled!" she beamed and was on her merry way.

Sylvando for ones in his life, was though quite stunned… That was… weird.

He frowned as he held his chin. The luminary? The person able to spread light even in the deepest of all darkness?
Sure would be great with such a person… Could it possible be though?


"I'm sorry about this lass."

Concerned Jade looked at her old companion whom was finally allowed to sit down as he gasped for air, it was often easy to forget, how old Rab was.
The way he mostly seemed so carefree and were able to just skip across the fields while slaying down monsters.
For the most part, his age did not seem to be a factor, but sometimes, when he had overdone it like now, he would almost collapse, he would stumble and not be able to walk.

"Don't worry about it." Jade assured kindly as she helped the old man down like she had done so many times before. "Just rest, i'll fix us some dinner."

"You sure are good to me lass." Rab smiled as he leaned on his cane, closing his eyes. "Thank you."

Jade smiled as she went to the fireplace, using a flint rock to get the flames going, things sure had changed.
When they had began this journey, Rab always had to protect her, now she could protect herself, she had grown tall, her body lean with pure muscle, she prided herself with her leg work in particular. She could smash giant rocks with just a single kick now…

All thanks to Rabs instructions and training, she had become the warrior she needed to be.

It had been a long time now, sixteen years, they had travelled the entire world, been both to the gold mountains of Sniffleheim and the insanely hot dessert of Gallapolis… And yet still, they had not managed to uncover what had happened to king Carnelian.

Jade closed her eyes as memories of her father flashed before her eyes, the worst thing was, if they as much as suggested that something was wrong, they would in the best case scenario be laughed at. Worst case being chased out.

No one believed them, and yet the evidence seemed so staggering, so obvious. The raids, the no tolerance for offenders… execution?
Jade sighed as she found a corncob in her bag and started to peel it so she could roast it on the fire.

Soon a stew was boiling in a pot, and the corn were laying on the embers, behind Jade she could hear Rab snore as he had fallen into a well deserved sleep.

Poor man… He had lost so much, and yet kept going. For such a long time and nothing good had happened, what was the point? Was there a point.

"Don't loose hope."

Jade almost gave out a shriek in shock as she looked up, to realize a young teenage boy sitting right in front of her on the other side of the fire.

The boy blinked, he had brown hair going to his shoulders and blue eyes as he looked at her. "Are you quite all right?"

"Yes… I just. You scared me." Jade admitted. "I suppose I must have been lost in thought, I didn't even hear you coming."

The boy smiled amused. "You should go to Octagonia." he commented.

"I'm sorry?" Jade asked.

"In a short while, there will be a tournament there. The first price will be a branch from Ygdrasil, you are going to need it." The boy stated.

"Huh?" Jade asked.

"It makes sense you are confused, you can call me the seer." The boy informed in a smile. "I have visions you see, of the future. It is not set in stone though, which is why I must really insist you go to Octagonia."

"I…. see." Jade commented. "I think."

"The thing you seek, what you find in Octagonia will help you." The boy stated. "If you want to safe your father and this world, you must go princess."

Jade gaped. "How do you?"

The boy smirked. "Seer." he reminded her. "Go there, you will meet someone, with his help, you can safe your father, and the world."

Jade could only gape at the boy and then suddenly, he was gone! Not having vanished just… He wasn't there anymore. Jade blinked then she shook her head and looked back.

"Hmm Jade." Rab slurred behind her as he was waking up. "That stew sure smells lovely."

"Oh." Jade blinked. "It's ready in a moment." she stated swirling a spoon in it then she halted. "Rab."

"Yes." Rab replied.

"Urhm… I want to go to Octagonia." Jade then informed.

"Huh? What on earth do you want to do there Jade?" Rab asked. "It's a place for brutes and fighting, nothing else."

"Exactly, it would be a good place to test my skills and earn some cash right?" Jade asked.

"Well, I suppose." Rab hesitated.

"I heard they have the newest issue of ooglers digest on sale over there." Jade tempted.

"LASS! That language!" Rab exclaimed. "Why would I be interested in such filth?" he asked then he cleared his throat. "We are short on cash though, and you could use the training. Very well then, let us head for Octagonia." he stated as he laid back


"Erik! ERIIIKKKK!" Derk screamed out the name as the person in question was thrusted overboard.

It was to late down, Erik doing a storm had been flung from the ship and down in the icy cold water, immediately the cold water swallowed him and dragged him down.

Erik struggled for breath, trying to reach up, but he could not make it up.

They say when you are dying, life flashes before your eyes. The only thing flashing before Eriks eyes though were the forever frozen horriefied face of his sister, now in solid girl.

Mia.

Erik let out a gasp, so the remaining air escape his mouth in bottles and salty water now filled his mouth, throat and longs.

Mia… Erik sniffed. What was it all good for?

His sister was gone, and it was because of him! He had run like a coward at the first chance he got, he was pathetic!

A pathetic no one, forever doomed to be a thief merely scraping by. Perhaps this was all for the better after all! A low life like him didn't deserve to live.
He had never helped anyone but himself, he couldn't even help his own sister! I'm sorry Mia… I'm sorry.


Erik groaned as his eyes opened then he blinked. He was… Okay?

Above him the sky was no longer stormy, it was clear blue, he was laying on freshly green grass, the weather was nice… Not to hot, not to warm.

Slowly Erik sat up and looked around, it was a green field, peaceful greenery for as long as the eye could see.

Where?

Slowly Erik stood up then started to walk, wondering looking around himself.

It really was peaceful here, everything was so calm, even the bird song seemed to be mostly calm, the wind itself as well was just.. Calm.

Then his eyes landed on a house, standing right next to a stream. Un top of the house was a person, holding a fishing rod and Erik gasped, it was the first sign of civilization he had seen since he woke up. "Hey!" he shouted as he came running. "Hey you there! Excuse me! Do you know where I am?!"

The person did not reply, just pulled in the fishing line.. And then threw it again.

Erik frowned annoyed, finally deciding to climb the latter to get up there, first when he was on the roof top did he realize the person was a woman.

She looked mature yet elegant, and quite beautiful. With long black hair, wearing a simple but nice looking dress.

"urhm." Erik hesitated. "Excuse me."

"Hallo." The woman spoke then turned to him with a light smile on her lips. "Please excuse me, it is so rare I get any visitors."

"Oh, that's all right." Erik stated. "I just… Do you know where I am?" he asked. "One moment ago I thought I was drowning and then."

"You are still drowning." The woman admitted. "Don't worry though I will not let you drown for real, the water will carry your body safely to shore. For now though, how should I put it." she commented. "You are at a place, which is not of the physical world."

"I'm sorry?" Erik placed. "Are you saying I am.. Dreaming or something."

"Well, in a sense." The woman smiled amused. "I mean, your body is unconscious which is how you can be here. At the place where I live."

"Who are you exactly?" Erik asked.

The looked down as that smile played on her lip. "Well, you can call me the seer." she stated the she turned to him. "I brought you here, because I needed to talk to you."

"Me?" Erik asked.

"Yes." The seer stated. "You see, it is of great importance that you go to Heliodor and steal the red orb from their treasury."

"Huh? Why would I do that?" Erik stated.

"You are a thief are you not?" The seer asked.

"Well yeah, but stealing from a royal treasury, that is very high risk!" Erik stated. "And Heliodor, you do know those guys execute their criminals these days right?" he asked.

"You are seeking forgiveness." The seer then stated making Eriks eyes widen. "For your sisters suffering."

"How did you?" Erik asked.

"Forgiveness can be achieved and you will achieve it." The seer stated. "How-ever for that to happen you must go to Heliodor and steal the red orb!" she stated. "You must guard this orb with your life, you will need it to win her forgiveness. Remember to hide it, and hide it well, you will be caught shortly after stealing it. Then after you have been caught, and put into the prison cellar of Heliodor, you will meet someone there whom will be thrown into prison with you." she stated. "This young man will be the luminary, and you can recognize him by the mark on his hand, the mark of the luminary. It will look like this." she held up her hand with the palm upwards, projecting a symbol of light, looking sort of like an arrow head with wings.

"The… Luminary?" Erik asked looking at the symbol in the air.

"You must help him escape, and then you must aid him in his quest." The seer stated. "Only if you do that, can the world be saved!"

Erik looked up. "Hey hold on, the world?" he asked. "The world is not my business! I am just a thief!"

"Then do it for your own benefit." The seer asked. "You desire forgiveness, well, this is the way you shall achieve it!"

Erik opened his mouth, then closed it. "Are you… Sure about this?" he asked.

The seer nodded then she smiled. "You will be much needed Erik."

"Heh, needed?" Erik asked. "I haven't been actually needed one single time in my life." he commented.

"Really?" The seer asked as she held her fishing rod. "I do believe there is a certain girl whom has needed you in the past, and she shall need you again."

"Huh?" Erik asked.

"Mia shall need you." The seer informed. "And many others, oh! A bite!" she exclaimed as true enough the line was stretching. "And it is a big one! Oh I see! It's you!"

"What?" Erik asked.

"Maybe we will see each other again! Bye Erik!" The seer exclaimed as she pulled in the rod and Erik blinked.

"Huh?" Then suddenly, his lungs were being crushed by water, his body was trapped in the ocean, then he lost concious.


"ERIK! ERIK OH GOD! Please wake up!"

Erik groaned as his eyes opened. "Derk?" he asked then he coughed as he rolled to his side and coughed up the water.

"Oh thank god!" Derk exhaled. "I can't believe I actually managed to find you here! It's a miracle!"

"Urghh." Erik groaned. "Where… Are we?"

"Oh." Derk looked up. "Just south of Heliodor, you washed up on shore. Have you any idea how lucky that is?"

"Heliodor?" Erik asked then his eyes widened.

"Erik?" Derk asked. "Are you… Okay?"

"Derk." Erik breathed. "Let us go to Heliodor."

"Well we might as well, we are allready here." Derk pointed out and Erik sat up.

"I know our next target." Erik stated.

"Really?" Derk asked and Erik nodded.

"The Heliodor treasury:" Erik stated.

"Huh? WHAT?!" Derk shouted. "Erik that's madness! The king ruling that country EXECUTES criminals! Even small time offenders!"

"I know." Erik stated as he turned to Derk meeting his eyes. "But I need that orb."

Derk blinked confused but Erik turned his head towards the spire in the distance that showed where the castle and thusly the city was. Well, perhaps it had just been a mad dream. But at least it was worth a try!


Two young women stood side by side, holding each others hand.

Their height, build, eyes and hair color was all completely identical as they were identical twins, how ever in spite of that their personalities were very different.

One was brash and outspoken, the other incredible gentle and often even nervous at nature. They did indeed seem to be two different pieces of the same soul, even though their personalities could be so different, they both had the same kind heart and would always be together, always had been.

"So… it truly is soon the time." Serena commented.

"The Luminary is out there!" Veronica grinned. "And it is our duty to find him and aid him! It is literately why we were born!"

"I am a bit nervous." Serena admitted. "Are you Veronica?"

"Njah, we'll be fine." Veronica stated. "As long as we stick together, we can do anything."

Serena smiled. "I sure am glad we are two and not just one." she admitted.
"Well…. Me too." Veronica finally admitted and Serena smiled as she looked up.

"Huh." She blinked.

"What is it?" Veronica asked.

"That… that man." Serena gaped as she blinked. "He looks just like Morcant!"

"Huh?" Veronica asked as she looked up and true enough, there stood a man in a long robe, holding a long magical staff, a long beard flowing down as he smiled. "WOW! Just like the old statues!" she gaped. "Hey where did he go?!" she asked as true enough he was gone.

"Well… We both saw him, so that must have been for real." Serena commented. "I know! It was a sign! And a good one too!" she smiled. "Morcant as the representative of the former Luminary is giving us his blessings."

"I am not so sure about that." Veronica admitted. "But if you say so!" she beamed. "Let's go sis!" she beamed pointing towards the road. "Unto adventure!"

And Serena smiled as she took her sisters hand and they both walked together.


Far away, in a little village hidden in the corner of the world was a little house, hidden away in the corner of this hidden village.

"WAKE UP!" A young girl shouted. "You sleepy head."

"Gemma." The young man groaned turning around.

"We are nearly sixteen which means we are nearly adults!" Gemma exclaimed. "So it is time you take some responsibility!"

The teenager pouted as he finally sat up, yawning as he rubbed his eyes. "Responsibility?" he asked. "From what I remember I was the one out all nigh to re-capture all the chickens that had escaped. You were just being lazy sleeping."

"I HAD SPRAINED MY ANKLE!" Gemma exclaimed. "And I need to be ready so I we can climb that mountain. To think, in just a few weeks from now… We'll be adults. Well, I am glad we are going to do it together."

The teenager looked up then he smiled. "Me too." he admitted. "How is your ankle?"

"Much better, thank you Hiro." Gemma smiled. "Sorry about waken you but well, breakfast is served. And I know you don't like cold porridge."

Hiro, the young boy whom had been found floating in a basket as a baby. Found while Gemma had been born so they just assumed their birthday was the same day. They had litterately spend each and every day here at Cobblestone together. He stood up as he smiled.

"Thank you Gemma." he assured. "You're always looking out for me."

"That's what I am here for." Gemma assured. "Tell you what, if you need to sleep after you eaten just say the word. I will cover for you!"

"You sure?" Hiro asked.

"Absolutely!" Gemma stated. "You were out all night chasing those darn chickens! And it was all my fault, I am so sorry." she stated. "I.. I'm sorry."

Hiro smiled as he stood up now standing in front of Gemma, about half a head taller than her as he smiled. "It's all right, I am here to help you you know."

"I know." Gemma stated. "You have always been there to save me." she looked up. "You know… I hope we can always be together."

"Huh?" Hiro blinked confused.

"I know, it sounds stupid I just." Gemma blushed. "I can't imagine a life without you in it. I mean." she swallowed.

Hiro halted then he smiled. "You know what, you too." he stated. "I can't even imagine a life without you in it too."

And Gemma gasped then she smiled as her cheeks burned red, Hiro as well blushed glancing away then he looked back. "Well, I suppose we should go eat our breakfast before it gets cold or Mah will scold us."

"Oh yes." Gemma gasped as she grabbed Hiro's hand. "Come on let's go!" she beamed as they both ran to the dinning room, laughing and ready to enjoy another day together here at cobblestone, not even knowing what the future might bring.