Disclaimer: I thought I would go ahead and say that I don't own Zener Works' Okage Shadow King or Nippon Ichi Software's Soul Nomad and the Soul Eater. After all, seventh's time the charm…right?


Chapter 7: The Visitor

It is dark and warm. There is a sense of peace and pure content. Voices are speaking, but they are muffled.

"How are you doing?" A man's voice asked.

"We're doing just fine, dear." A woman's voice answered.

"Please, don't push yourself."

"You know I won't."


Ari woke up feeling refreshed, but confused from last night's dream. He had a feeling it wasn't Gig's dream. It must have been his own, but it seemed like a normal dream instead of a past memory.

That was your memory. Gig thought.

But I don't remember anything like that.

But…this doesn't any make sense. That man's voice was…

You recognize it?

Gig did not respond. Ari felt like he had to press the matter or he would never find anything out. He thought again, Gig, what do you know?

Shut up, kid. I need to think.

Ari got his things together. He decided he would have breakfast, then meet up with Rosalyn and Kisling. Afterwards, they would go see the princess again.

When he arrived at the restaurant, he found that Rosalyn and Kisling were there waiting for him. He joined them at their table and greeted, "Morning."

They greeted him back. Ari sat down and ordered his meal. Stan emerged and said, "Now that everyone's here, bring out the map, slave!"

"Did you forget already?" Rosalyn asked. "We're going to see her Highness after breakfast and she will get rid of you and Gig. This quest is over, Stan."

Ari expected Gig to comment, but he said nothing. Breakfast was brought to the heroes and they chowed down. When they were done, Rosalyn stood up and said, "I'm going on ahead. Professor, would you pay for the meal?"

"I will gladly do so!" Kisling said.

Ari looked at the bill and muttered, "No discount for heroes?"

"Sadly, no!"

With their meal paid for, Ari and Kisling left the restaurant. They were about to head to the main plaza when Rosalyn suddenly ran up to them. She had a worried look on her face as she said, "Beiloune needs to see us."

"What is it?" Ari asked.

"It's horrible, it's—just come already!"

They followed her to the entrance of town. Waiting for them was Beiloune, who looked tired. He lifted his head up when the group arrived and said, "Oh, you're all here."

"Okay Beiloune," Rosalyn said, "tell them what you told me."

"Oh, yes, well, the princess is…missing."

"Missing?" Ari asked. He wondered what had happened.

"Is this another abduction?" Kisling asked.

"No," Beiloune shook his head, "she left a letter. It seems like she ran away. We were talking last night and found that there was a difference between our opinions on what her future schedule should be. I'm sorry, but Ms. Rosalyn, could you…?"

"Of course." Rosalyn quickly responded. "I, Hero Rosalyn, will find the princess and bring her back safely!"

"Oh Ms. Rosalyn! You are a most valorous and true hero!"

"Oh, please…" Rosalyn giggled.

Though Stan didn't appear, everyone could still hear him mutter, "Scatterbrain woman…"

Brushing off Stan's comment, Rosalyn said, "We will search for her this instant!"

"By any chance," Kisling said, "did the princess give any clue in her letter as to where she would be going?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact." Beiloune said. "It appears that she's heading to a town called Tenel."

"Tenel?" Ari asked.

"Yes, but I have no idea why she would go there."

"We will go right away." Rosalyn said.

With that said, the group left Rashelo with a new task at hand. Since there was no real shortcut to Tenel, they would have to go through Madril first. Along the way, Gig finally spoke to Ari.

I really don't like that guy.

You mean Beiloune? Ari thought.

Yeah, him. He's suspicious. I know you feel the same way, soulmate.

I do, but…I don't know why.

Just listen to the guy; he's too calm about this. Tell me: if the princess went missing, wouldn't you be running around panicking like a chicken with its head cut off?

You have a point. Should we tell the others?

No. We have nothing to go on and I'm not in the mood to argue with Brainless. Keep this between us, okay kid?

Ari silently agreed.


When they reached Madril, they were about to simply pass through it when Ari saw Linda. She was in the same spot as last time, and she was still trying to get people's attention. He remembered that he was supposed to see her again.

"Hold on." Ari spoke up.

"What is it?" Rosalyn asked.

Ari walked over to where Linda was. Wondering what he was up to, the other party members followed him. Linda noticed his approach and said happily, "Ari! Gig! You came back!"

"I remember you." Rosalyn said. "You were that girl we passed by yesterday."

"Oh, you're that woman with the parasol, and you," she looked at Kisling, "I've seen you going in and out of the Research Center before."

"Gutten Kisling, world's best ghost expert, at your service." Kisling said.

Linda turned to Ari and asked, "Are they your friends?"

He nodded and said, "I came back, like you wanted me to."

"Th-thank you…" Linda put a hand over her eyes and sniffled. Then, to everyone's surprise, she broke down crying.

"Linda?" Ari asked.

Stan emerged and asked, "What is this girl blubbering about?"

Linda wiped her eyes and said, "I worked really hard until everyone in town came to know me. Some people bring me snacks and drinks, but…but…!" She sobbed, "They all say the same thing. 'Linda', they say, 'you're a great girl as long as you don't sing'!"

She lowered her head and bawled.

"That's horrible." Rosalyn said.

"I'm no good after all." Linda continued to cry. "I have no talent!"

God, would you stop crying already?!

Linda snapped her head up in surprise. She asked, "Gig?"

I'll admit it: you have no talent whatsoever, but that doesn't mean you should be so damn pessimistic about it! You need a lot of work, not just on your singing, but on yourself as well! You can do better, and if people still don't like that, you can tell them they can go screw themselves!

Ari could not believe what Gig had said. Through all of those insulting and bad words, he could tell that he was being kind to Linda. For a moment, he wondered if he was dreaming.

"Gig…" Linda gripped her microphone tightly. "I…I won't give up! Hear me sing, everybody!"

She wiped away her tears and sang, "I'm not an angel but I can be, maybe. I felt a mysterious power when I fell in love with you, baby. You winked, sending me sparks, my heart, oh it skipped a beat. I fell in love with a melody so sweet-!"

"Stop it!" Stan suddenly shouted. "It's horrible!"

"Stan!" Rosalyn snapped at the shadow.

"Huh?" Linda looked at Stan and asked, "What's wrong with my song?"

Oh boy, where to begin…?

"You have no rhythm." Stan went first. "The key is to have a simple and flowing rhythm!"

"Stan?" Rosalyn asked. "Since when do you know anything about making songs work?"

"If I am to take over the world, I need an evil anthem to represent me! These are just one of several things to consider when planning for world conquest, woman."

Your voice also needs work. Make it so that everyone can hear you!

"Gig?" Ari asked. "Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?"

I'm not being nice. I just hate sucky singing. By the way, I know you want to say something too.

He was right again. Ari decided he might as well just say what was on his mind. He said to Linda, "Well, you need more confidence."

"Rhythm, voice, and confidence, got it!" Linda nodded. "Anything else?"

"Yes," Stan said, "change those lyrics!"

"My lyrics? But they come straight from the heart."

"You fool! You have no idea what words to use for a song! Use words like 'conqueror', 'Evil King', 'control', and 'darkness'!"

"Stan," Rosalyn said, "don't try to brainwash this girl into singing your stupid anthem!"

Linda thought for a moment, then exclaimed, "I got it! Please listen to my new song!"

Utilizing what she was told, Linda sang, "I'm not an Evil King, but if I were, the key to my love would be in the power of darkness. I will sing of my lonely heart until the day I control you. Oh, give me love on the rocks to conquer the world, too!"

"Not bad." Stan said approvingly.

"Hmm," Kisling pondered aloud, "I believe Gig and Stan have created a monster."

"Thank you!" Linda smiled. "Ari, Gig, and Stan, you are such great coaches! I feel like a whole new person! Coaches, I owe everything to you! Promise you'll come see me again?"

"Yeah." Ari nodded.

The party left and boarded the structure leading down to the first floor. There was an awkward silence between everyone during the ride down. When they had arrived on the first floor, Rosalyn told Stan, "Congratulations, you've actually managed to brainwash someone into liking you."

"It wasn't just me!" Stan said. "Slave number two and foul mouth also contributed!"

I'm not the one who told her to sing using words like "darkness" and "Evil King".

"He's right." Ari agreed.

"Ugh, why must all of you be against me?!"

No one said anything else, but resumed their trip.


When they were close to Tenel, Rosalyn said, "Ari, why don't you go visit your family?"

"Huh?" He asked. "What about the princess?"

"Professor Kisling and I will search Tenel. Go ahead and see your family, Ari. I'm sure they'll appreciate the visit."

"Thanks."

The group split up, Rosalyn and Kisling going to Tenel and Ari to his family's house. As he approached the house, he thought back to when this all started. He had only been gone for two days, yet he felt like so much had happened. He and his new friends took down two Evil Kings, visited different towns, and even met a princess. However, though Rosalyn was getting closer to freeing herself of Stan by defeating the Evil Kings, he was still at square one at getting rid of Gig.

When he entered the foyer of his house, Ari immediately met his father.

"Oh?" The father seemed surprised. "It's my son!"

"Yes, I am." The words slipped out of Ari's mouth.

"It's only been two days, yet it looks like you've grown so much! But tell me, where is Miss Rosalyn?"

"In town, along with someone else we've met."

"Someone else? You should introduce them to me sometime! Oh, by the way, there's a pretty visitor for you."

"A visitor?" Ari had never had visitors before, not even Julia.

"She's in the kitchen with your mother. Let's go see her!"

The father led Ari to the kitchen. Who he saw caught him completely off guard.

Standing next to his mother was none other than Princess Marlene.

"Princess?!" Ari exclaimed.

Why the hell is she at your house, kid?!

"Hm?" The princess looked at Ari. "Oh, Ari, I was just chatting with your mother here."

Ari had to let know Rosalyn and Kisling know right away. He focused his mind on summoning them. In a flash of light, they had appeared in the kitchen. Their sudden appearance took the princess and Ari's parents off guard. The other two party members were also surprised, not only because of their abrupt summoning, but also that they had found the princess.

Various exclamations filled the room.

"What the?!"

"Oh my!"

"What is this?!"

"Princess?!"

"She's here!"

"Why here?!"

The father spoke above the commotion, "Everyone! Please quiet down!"

Everyone became quiet for a few seconds. Rosalyn was the first to speak.

"Princess?" She asked. "Why are you here?"

"Answer me first," the princess said, "how did you and that man suddenly appear like that?"

"This is Ari's doing." Kisling explained. "Using Gig's power, he is able summon us from anywhere at any time."

"Sorry." Ari apologized. "I thought this would be faster than running back to town to get you."

Rosalyn sighed, "The more you summon us, the less I like it. However, at least we have found the princess."

"So Ari did this?" Princess Marlene asked. "And who is this 'Gig' you mentioned?"

That would be me, your pain in the assjesty.

"You?! You're that voice that insulted me at the Aquatic Ruins! Show yourself!"

"He can't." Ari said.

"Yesterday I mentioned that Ari was possessed by a spirit." Rosalyn said. "That voice is that spirit."

"Yes, he is a rather rude spirit."

"Rude doesn't even begin to describe it, your Highness."

I'm right here, you know.

"Anyways," the princess said, "I was enjoying a stroll when I saw this pathetic big house. I was interested, so I thought I would might as well drop by and visit. This place is rather cozy, I will admit, but I was surprised when I found out that this was Ari's house."

"Ari," the mother spoke up, "the princess told me everything. She said that you attacked her like a wild animal. Is that true?"

"What?" Ari was shocked at what he heard. "It was an accident! I-!"

"Oh, I understand. You couldn't resist her, could you? I'm so happy! You used to be so timid, but look at you now! You really remind me of your father…"

The father gave a nervous laugh.

"Oh!" The mother realized that the father was still with them in the room. She said to Ari, "But Ari, you shouldn't rush things. Girls are sensitive, you know. Take responsibility, okay?"

"Mom," Ari protested, "it wasn't like that!"

"Yes, Ari," the princess said, "you must take responsibility. From this point on, I will accompany you on your travels."

Ari's group was surprised at what she said. Rosalyn protested, "But princess-!"

"Listen, Rosalyn," the princess became serious, "I'm sick and tired of the same old journeys. I only see boring things when I listen to what Beiloune tells me. I can't stay up late, I can't talk to people or take a walk. I'm bored of it all!"

"Aha, I see!" Kisling said. "That is why you ran away!"

"You are correct. When I came to this village, I've heard talk about the Evil Kings that are around the world. That was when I decided on something."

"What is it, your Highness?" Rosalyn sounded worried.

"We will subjugate these Evil Kings."

"Oh no, Princess! It's too dangerous!"

"Silence. That is why you exist, Hero Rosalyn: you are to guard me from danger. I went to the Aquatic Ruins so that I could determine my guard."

"So this was all one big test!" Kisling said.

"Correct again."

You manipulating little bitch…

"Watch your language around the princess!" Rosalyn snapped. She turned her attention back to the princess and told her, "We must really take you back. Beiloune is worried about you."

"There is no need." The princess was adamant. "He is just too wearisome. Rosalyn, my chosen hero, fight for me!"

Rosalyn paused for a moment. She muttered, "Chosen hero…" She gave her answer to the princess, "Alright, I will! I, Hero Rosalyn, will guard you for a while!"

"You really are egotistical." Stan said as he emerged.

"Shut up!" Rosalyn shouted.

"Enough!" The princess said. "I will not tolerate shouting."

Rosalyn bowed and said, "Yes, your Highness."

Doesn't tolerate shouting? Gig thought. She won't fit in with us, then.

"Now," Princess Marlene said, "there is one more thing to take care of. Ari, come here."

Ari approached her, wondering what she was going to say.

"Ari," she began, "you did such a thing to I, the princess, back at the ruins. I cannot forgive you for that deed."

"But you already forgave me!" Ari said.

"I heard him apologize eighteen times on the trip back to Rashelo!" Kisling added.

"You counted?" Rosalyn couldn't help but ask.

"Nevertheless!" The princess raised her voice. "Ari, you are to be my servant for the rest of your life!"

Ari gaped at her. He thought she was going to help him get rid of Gig, but now she was telling him that he needed to be her servant. Gig wasn't going to keep silent about this.

Like hell this kid is serving anyone!

"I agree!" Stan shouted. "He is already my second slave! He serves no one else!"

"Hm…" The princess stared at Stan. She said to Rosalyn, "I believe you never told me what this thing is."

"Oh yes," Rosalyn bowed, "I did say I would tell you. This jerk is-."

"I am the one and only King of Evil!" Stan interrupted. "I am Evil King Stan, and my reign of evil in this world is absolute!"

"Really?" The princess sounded doubtful.

"Yes! This boy is already under my orders to subjugate the fake Evil Kings! He is not a plaything for little girls! Heed my words, or I'll gobble you whole!"

"Idiot!" Rosalyn glared at Stan. "You don't talk to her like that, you idiot, idiot Evil King!" She said to the princess, "I am sorry, your Highness. This shadow is unfathomably stupid."

"Why are you apologizing?" The princess asked.

"I…that's right! This evil shadow and the obnoxious voice are the ones we wish for you to get rid of!"

Ari was glad that Rosalyn had remembered why they were originally going to see the princess.

"Hm, that shadow and that voice do seem to be separate from you and Ari. Unfortunately, I cannot do anything about it."

Ari and Rosalyn stared at her in shock. Rosalyn exclaimed, "B-but princess! I thought you had the power to do so?!"

"I have no such power. My father would probably have been able to help, but he is long gone. Sadly, it looks like we are just going to have to put up with them."

Ari could not believe what he was hearing. Just "put up" with Gig? She did not know what was at stake for him and everyone. She did not know that Gig wanted his body and to destroy everything.

"I am not something to be 'put up' with!" Stan voiced his anger. "Anyways, this boy is my second slave! He is mine!"

"No," the princess said, "he's mine."

"You silly twit! You will regret those words!"

"Who do you think I am? I will not buy such an empty threat."

"That was not an empty threat!"

The princess folded her arms and said, "Let Ari decide."

"Me?" Ari asked.

"Yes, you. Who is your master? Is it me, or that vulgar shadow?"

Goddammit, if this kid is anyone's property, it's mine! It's my body, and I say no!

"Boy," Stan said, "you know you serve me!"

"Ari," Rosalyn warned, "you better listen to what the princess says."

"I'm sure you'll do the right thing, dear." His mother said.

"Well!" Kisling said. "This is starting to become rather stressful!"

"Yes." The father agreed.

"You seem to be a scholarly type of person. Shall we talk of ideas?"

"Yes, yes! You seem like a scholar yourself."

The father and Kisling left the kitchen talking to one another. Meanwhile, Ari was being overwhelmed by voices telling him what to do.

"You are my servant, are you not?"

"You know you're my slave!"

Don't you agree to any of this bullshit, kid!

"Ari!"

"Ari…"

He couldn't take it anymore. He needed to get away from everyone. He covered his ears and ran out of house. He sat on the rim of the fountain next to the house. He lowered his head, his brain overloaded with everyone's words and his own thoughts.

He didn't want to serve anyone. He didn't want to be told what he was supposed to do. He wanted things the way they used to be, back to when he was unnoticeable and not the center of arguments and attention. It was all too much for him to handle.

Calm the hell down, kid! Gig thought. Your thoughts are making me sick!

Ari covered his face with his hands. He trembled and his breathing became shaky. He tried to calm down, but couldn't. He had never been so overwhelmed before.

"Ari?" A familiar voice spoke up. "Honey, are you okay?"

Ari lifted his head up to see who had said his name.

It was his grandmother.


Surprise, surprise, Ari's grandmother said something other than "Uh huh, uh huh. That's right, honey." Also, the chapter didn't end with Ari going to bed. Next time, Ari gets some comforting words.

Note: I said that there were no shortcuts; that is actually not true. There are stone circles that the party can use to teleport. I will bring these up later.

On an unrelated note: I personally love the "pain in the assjesty" line.