~o~O~o~
The episode begins at the castle Diamond was practicing in the yard with some dummies as she charged with her sword and she slashes at a few slicing the dummies in half.
Diamond says, "Hhaha alright, now this is my kind of training I invented. Diamond's Guardian Training-Knight style. Hahaha. Man oh man if only the guy-...I still wonder..."
She walks over to a bench with her mask laying there and picks it up I wonder if I'll ever tell those guys one day who I really am behind the mask..when I wear it I'm Rosella, but off I'm just me...that reminds me...how did Aria knew my name especially when I wore my mask..."
She thinks, "Aria is an enigma wrapped in a mystery...but I wonder wh-"
Suddenly a monster alert goes off.
"A monster alert!" Diamond grabs her mask and puts it on and runs off.
Soon in the portal the flying lion is heading to monworld.
Diamond says, "So this time the signal came from somewhere in the Wind Realm?"
Batch says, "Yep, don't know if it's a Monster Item or not since Aria got the Monster Item from there the last time we were in the Wind Realm. But with all the monsters traveling about, someone may have brought another one in."
Eccentro says, "Exactly. So hurry Batch! We have to get there before those Mon Colle Knights do!"
Batch says, "Sure thing Boss!"
The ship launches forward and soon the group finds themselves flying over the plains of the Wind Realm, near the forests.
Outside in the forests they walk carefully. Diamond looks around looking left and right.
Ojama Yellow says, "Something doesn't feel right..."
Ojama Green says, "Yeah the forest is quiet..."
Ojama Black says, "Too quiet."
Diamond says, "Maybe the monsters are taking an easy afternoon nap?"
Ojama Yellow says, "Would we be napping if it was relaxing."
Then she stops and suddenly listens with her ears.
Diamond says, "I hear something..."
With her sharp hearing she hears swords clash and arrows fired and soon she runs after the sound.
Diamond calls, "I heard something over here!"
The group peek as they show a group of Forest Elves fighting a group of monsters that looked like demon-like creatures.
Teddyornaut spits out cards.
Diamond says, "Woah! I don't believe it! Forest Elves!"
Eccentro and Batch's skins turn pale remembering about Forest Elves and how they were defeated by the Forest Elf King.
Diamond says, "Looks like they're in battle with some monsters...but Teddy didn't spit out a card...strange."
On the enemy's armor was a weird demon-like face with a claw swirled in and leading the group was General Goulie, a frightening looking demon monster.
Goulie his sword locked with the sword of a red headed elf. "You elves fight quite valiantly, your hate for demons truly shines through."
Sonnet says, "I've never seen a demon like you before. Who exactly are you and what do you want?"
Goulie says, "What? You've never heard of me?"
The two push back off of each other and stand in attack position. A card of Goulie pops up on screen. "I am Demon General Goulie, the Under World Necromancer. I spent my entire life in the Dark Realm learning how to resurrect and control demons for my own personal armies."
"General Goulie..." Diamond looks, seeing a weird mark on his armor. "Hey! That's the same tattoo Helia had! He must be from Demon Claw! I'm gonna get in there to help th-"
She suddenly is grabbed by Eccentro and Batch before she got up half way. "Hey! What's gotten into you guys? They might need my help!"
Eccentro says, "I would advise not going out there if I were you." Diamond looks at him, obviously asking why with her expression. "Let's just say that the Forest Elves aren't very fond of us."
Batch says, "Yeah…we kind of almost killed their king…"
"Hold it..." Diamond glares at them. "What do you mean almost..."
Then a little bit of the bush moves and confused lines are heard as Diamond has a horrified face with dark bluish scary background with little blue orbs surround her as she had a scared look on her face.
Diamond shouts, "AhhhH! WHAT?! ARE YOU telling me that was wh-I mean...when a group of pig warriors whe..."
The Ojama Brothers laugh.
Ojama Yellow says, "They thought he was a pig cause of his-"
Diamond yells, "DON'T EVEN SAY IT YOU THREE! You say it and I'm gonna have nightmares of that!" She is glaring at the Ojama Brothers
Meanwhile Goulie's ears perch up, hearing something : "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!"
Diamond crosses her arms with back turns on Eccentro. "You kidnapped their king to get your hands on an item that was a wish granting scroll or whatever you said. I won't hold a grudge against you, Prince, but I am a little disappointed, but I am angry at you Batch, how dare you laugh when you told me Eccentro was-well..." A disgusted look was on her face.
Batch says, "Well you wanted to know!"
Meanwhile Goulie ran from the battle with Sonnet toward the bushes where Diamond and the others are hidden. As Goulie nears he swings his sword, cutting the shrubbery and plunging his blade into the ground right between Diamond and Eccentro. As the blade cut through, Team Eccentro dodges away from the blade, making sure to stay well enough away as Goulie stood there, his sword still impaled in the ground.
Goulie says, "Well well, what have we here?" He stood, pulling his sword from the ground and holding it once again at his side. "Hmm, you're the Guardian of Light are you not?"
Diamond says, "Uhh...yeah that's me and you must be the Freak of the Week." She thinks, "Me and my big mouth sometimes..."
Goulie says, "Well then, it seems my priorities have suddenly switched. My new objective: kill the Guardian of Light!" Goulie swings his sword at Diamond before she even has a chance to react, but Sonnet leaps in front of her, blocking Goulie's blade once again with her own.
Sonnet says, "These people are not part of our fight, Goulie. I demand you leave this place at once!"
Goulie smiles. "Well, fortunately for you because of this change in plan demands a change in tactic. So for now, I will retreat." Goulie leaps back away from Sonnet and the group. He snaps his fingers and the demons that the other elves were fighting dissipate. "Until next time, General Sonnet."
And with that, Goulie fled. Sonnet stood and sheathed her sword. She turned to Diamond.
Sonnet says, "Are you all alright?"
Diamond says, "Uhh...uh..." She nods. "Yeah thanks for saving us..."
Then Sonnet looks, seeing Eccentro, Batch and Gluko with her and then looks at her suspiciously.
"Uhh..." Diamond blanks, with tiny anime eyes and sweatdrop by her head and she raises her hands up.
Soon it shows in the Forest Elves Village the group is tied up.
Diamond says, "Hey! Why'd you tie me up! I didn't do anything wrong I was going to help your side." She is struggling .
Two elves that were seemingly about the same age as Aria stood beside the group, keeping watch over them.
Aussa, the elf on the left, looks down at Diamond. "I would advise that you keep quiet."
Oriel says, "Even though you claim to be the Guardian of Light, you mingle with our enemies, thus you must be judged on your true loyalties before you may roam free about our city."
Eventually the Elf King stepped up to them, mainly to Diamond.
The Elf King says, "So you are the Guardian of Light. I must admit I did not expect a Guardian to appear in our city this day. But I must inquire of you, do you know with whom you travel and the crimes they have commited against our village?"
Diamond says, " Yes." She bows in respect, even if she is still tied up. "And please, your majesty, forgive them for the crimes they committed against the village long ago. So please, I apologize on their behalf. I didn't know until... " She is glaring at Batch. "... a certain red-head told me. But as I travel with them, though their desire is to find the monster items, I haven't seen them do anything wrong. Please, deep down they're really sorry for what they did." She is glaring at Eccentro now and then back at the King. "But the past is the past and everyone deserves a second chance, right? So please accept my dearest apologies for not knowing of what they did your majesty..." She looks up.
He looks at her eyes deeply and then smiles softly.
The Elf King says, "I can see it in your eyes that you speak the truth. Very well, if it is as you say, then your comrades shall receive this second chance."
He looks to Aussa and Oriel and says, "Untie them, they are our enemies no longer."
Both bow in respect and then untie each member of Eccentro's team. The Elf King then begins to walk away, but stops as he walks near Sonnet. "Sonnet, will you please be kind enough to show our guests around the village?"
Sonnet says, "Of course sir."
The Elf King smiles in reply and then continues back to his home in the trees. Sonnet then approaches Diamond and the group. "If you follow me I can show you around the Village of the Forest Elves."
Diamond says, "Uh..sure." She gets up.
~o~O~o~
Around the village ...
Diamond thinks, "So this must of been the village Aria grew up in...it's so peaceful...and so lovely. Hmmm, I wonder if they got Wifi here? I should check my email before it piles up."
"Hey, ... uh Sonnet was it? Thanks for back there. By the way my name is Rosella. Can I ask you something? Do you know someone named Aria?"
Sonnet suddenly stops, pauses and then turns half way around to look at Diamond. "How do you know her? Have you seen Aria?"
Diamond says, "Uhhh...Yeah many times. Actually she saved us from a group of Harpies the first time we met her that was the time we ran into someone from Demon Claw. She came right out of no where and took out those harpies like they were nothing. Ever since no matter where we go no matter which realm we go to she's always there when we get ourselves in a pinch against a monster or a Demon claw member. But we haven't seen her since we came to this realm. Vyers told us that it brought back some bad memories..."
Sonnet says, "What your Vyers friend says is most assuredly true."
There was a long pause before Sonnet spoke again. "Come with me to my house. I will tell you about Aria."
Sonnet began to walk away. Diamond hesitates in following, pondering on the information she was about to obtain.
Diamond begins to follow her.
~o~O~o~
Inside Sonnet's home ...
Diamond says, "So you and Aria were friends?"
Sonnet sits down at the table with Diamond, Eccentro and the others. "No, Aria and I are friends. Though, I don't know if our relationship could be considered friendship. I've always considered it more of a Guardianship. After all, there is an eight year difference in our age. It's hard to explain unless you know the beginning."
Diamond says, "Ummm...actually we don't know. Could you tell us please Sonnet?" She has a sweatdrop by the side of her head.
Sonnet sighs. "I haven't talked about this in so long. Even mentioning Aria's name is considered taboo my most people here. But, if she's helping you, then you should probably know of her origins. Well, I guess I'll begin at the beginning. I found Aria, as an orphan, 16 years ago. She was only a year old then, left alone just inside our village's boarders. I was only nine at the time, but had already lost my family due to an illness that had taken both my mother and father's lives. I didn't know what to do with her when I found her, I just knew I couldn't leave a baby alone like that. So, even at that age, I took Aria into my care. Of course, back then, she had no name, so for a while I just referred to her as "kid". But as days passed, I grew attached to her and finally decided to give her a proper name. But, being that I was only nine, you can imagine that the names I came up with weren't well suited for her. And, you're going to think I'm crazy, but Aria's name actually came to me in a dream. I didn't question the name, I just assigned it to her.
And for the next six years of her life, I raised her like I would a daughter. During this time I had already set out to become the general of the Forest Elf Army, and by 15 I had nearly claimed the spot as my own. I had also jumped the gun in hoping that Aria would be able to follow in my footsteps and become a general by my side. But during Aria's last year in the Forest Elf Village, when she was seven years old, we discovered something about Aria that no one had even considered before."
Diamond That she was a half-breed of some sort of demon and she possessed strange powers that made everyone get jumpy and thus banished her from the village. Or is there a little more to the story than that or did I just summarized it up?
Sonnet says, "For the most part you are correct, but I fear that the situation was a bit more dire than how you put it. You remember Aussa and Oriel, the elves who were guarding you while you were tied up? Well, no one is really sure who started the fight, mainly because each party claims that the other one sparked it. But whoever it was that started the fight, didn't know that the outcome would be catastrophic.
I only know what Aria told me that day, that Aussa and Oriel had come up to her, bullying her about being abandoned by her true family. I think that something more was said of course, because I don't think Aria would have become so defensive otherwise. But as the results lay, Aria nearly killed Aussa and Oriel when she unleashed this new "Shadow Hand Technique". I didn't see what happened myself, only the aftermath. Aussa and Oriel lay bleeding on the ground, slowly dying, while Aria ran up to me in tears, frightened about what she had just done.
She didn't know what she had done of course, since she had never used or even knew the existence of her Shadow Hands. But it was quite clear at that moment that Aria was not a full blooded Forest Elf, but was clearly the spawn of a mixture of elf and demon. In only a few days after the incident, Aria had been banished from our city, at only seven years of age. I was reluctant to let her go, but I had my duties as General to attend to.
So I did the best thing I could think of. I had acquired the Blade of the Wind Realm only the year prior to Aria's banishment, but I knew Aria would need it far more than I would. I gave it to her the day she left, telling her that, perhaps if she could collect all the blades and become strong, she may be able to return to the village.
Aria of course left with this plan of gathering the Blades of the Realms and often during the following years I would meet with her in secret, supplying her with anything from clothes and food to information. But as the years passed we began to meet less and less often as the other elves of the village grew suspicious of me, and now I haven't seen Aria in nearly nine months. I've been so worried about her, but at least I know she's okay, that my daughter is safe."
Diamond says, "And she has all the blades. I saw it myself. She carried the blades of the six realms on her back while hiding the scars of the experiences she had. Something tells me that Aria will come back to the village very soon Sonnet." She smiles. "I just know it."
Sonnet smiles faintly in return. "I hope you're right, Rosella, I long to see her. But I do not wish her return to the village unless I know she'll be safe from the attacks from the others. Which on all accounts is unlikely. Although if she is as crafty as you insinuate, then perhaps she could get into the village undetected. If only there was some way to-" Sonnet's sentence quickly cuts off and she looks straight at Diamond. "Rosella, Aria comes to you, does she not? Would you please go outside the village and find her for me? Would you tell her that I wish to see her, at my house? Would you give her this message as soon as possible?"
Diamond says, "I'd be happy to Sonnet, besides I need some fresh air anyway to get away from "whom I travel with". She gets up and glares at Eccentro and hmphs as she walks out the open door.
Ojama Yellow says, "I think she's a little mad at you deep down."
Ojama Green says, "But that's just how girls are."Lifts hands up
Ojama Black says, "The best thing to do is give her space."
Outside the village Diamond walks around calling out for Aria.
"Aria! Aria!" Diamond is yelling out. "Are you there Aria! It's me, Rosella! If you're listening Sonnet wishes to see you at her house! Aria!"
She is looking around and thinks, "I also wanna talk to her about how she knew who I really was underneath this mask..." She then breathes in and yells out louder. "ARIA!"
Aria says, "JEEZ you are so LOUD! What do you want?!"
Diamond looks up, seeing Aria in a tree above her.
Diamond says, "Uhhh...sorry..."She has an anime sweatdrop. "About that...anyway listen, Sonnet sent me to tell you that she wishes to see you at her house right away." She smiles. "Besides I really wanna get back to the Forest Elves village too in case.." She is looking around. "Well you see earlier when me and Eccentro, Batch and Gluko arrived in the Wind Realm there was this battle between the Forest Elves and some of Demon Claws minions and it was led by General Goulie and he almost tried to kill me if it wasn't for Sonnet and then the next thing I knew we were tied up because of some crime Eccentro did long ago, but I apologized on their behalf thus the Forest Elf King forgave us and let us go and are guests in the village and then Sonnet told us about your history with her when I asked about ya and then she sent me out here to give you that message I said earlier...phewww man that was a lot to say." She wipes her forehead with a hand.
"Sonnet wants to see me right away?" Aria looks up into the sky seeing that the sun was to set soon. "I'll go when the sun has set." She turns to leave but Diamond calls to her, to stop her since there was something else on her mind.
Diamond says, "Hold it Aria before you leave there's something I want to know...How did you know my real name?" She is glaring at her "I always told you my name was Rosella...did you knew who I was from the very beginning especially when I wore my mask." She points at her mask. "Now tell me, how did you know my true name was Diamond?"
Aria is turning back to Diamond. "Of course I've always known who you were. And as for finding it out, well, let's just say that I'm very skilled in the art of observation and eavesdropping."
Diamond's eyes widen. "You're not gonna tell anyone are you? ... I mean, if Mondo and Rockna knew who I was behind this mask ... they'll get the wrong idea and they'll never trust me again ... I mean I've known them since we were little kids...we've always been best friends since. Me and Mondo always enjoy having monster battles with our cards and I always been supportive of Rockna's cooking...even if I ended up staying home sick because of it...I mean, six years ago they were always missing class and I never got a chance to see them a few times, but now I know why. It's because they come to this world...I always dreamt about a place like this in my dreams especially about my rose prince and now...I feel as if my dreams came true, but I couldn't have imagined Eccentro was evil...but evil or not I still like him for who he is even if he can be a little eccentric. When I saw that the Mon Colle Knights were my own friends...I took on the alter ego Rosella so they'd never knew who I was behind this mask...they only knew me as Rosella, but even so...I feel as if as Rosella I was able to meet them again and again and spent time with them even if it was saving a Wind Kingdom from Helia or helping them defeat a group of Demon claw goons...even when that crazy monster doctor came...I mean, what would happen if they discovered the real me behind this mask...I don't wanna hurt them, Aria...I don't want to hurt any of my friends' feelings...I mean, I'm not one to take sides...I just see what's right. When someone's in danger or needs help I help them. It's because of them...they helped me grow stronger...their words...their support..." She smiles. "I'm glad to have friends like Mondo and Rockna...they're the greatest friends in the whole world... and I don't want to lose them over this..." Small tears form in her eyes. "So please don't tell a soul...not even my friends, will you, Aria?"
Aria smiled. "You worry too much, Diamond. It's not my place to tell Mondo and Rockna who you are. That's something only you have the right to do. But I will admit, I do await the day when you do reveal your identity to them. That day will surely be one of the most interesting yet."
Diamond sets her hands on her hips. "You're like a fortune teller aren't you? Next you're gonna say that me an-" She shakes head. "Nevermind. Anyway, I'll see you in the village. I'll go tell Sonnet you'll be coming."
She runs off.
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile one of Goulie's goons spied and grins and at the Demon's camp General Goulie talks into a mirror.
The unknown figures says, "What? Did you say the Guardian of Light was there? And you tried to kill her! IDIOT! DO YOU NOT KNOW THE POWERS SHE POSSESSES!" Ap pair of red eyes are shown in the mirror showing a dark figure. "She has discovered the powers of Water, Wind, Earth and her element Light which has evolved into a new level! Not only that, but she is able to see others aura especially our own...and as for her bracelet it is able to detect if an item is a true Monster item...Now listen very carefully Goulie I want you to capture the Guardian and persuade her anyway you can to join Demon Claw...bribe her, do anything to get her to join...and if she refuses...hehehehee you can do as you please with her, but make sure you get her bracelet."
Goulie bows low in respect. "As you command Master. The bracelet shall be yours."
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile back in the Forest Elf Village…
Diamond has her arms crossed and is walking back to tell Sonnet, but soon spots the Mon Colle Knights who arrived in the village and approaches them.
"Mondo, Rockna, good afternoon. I was going back to tell Sonnet that I delivered a message to Aria for her, but I'm also gonna tell her I'll be staying in another hut away from Eccentro." She has her hand on her hips now. "After I heard what he did here long ago though I told the Forest Elf King I apology on his behalf...well I'm just a little disappointed and a little steamed at him. Mind if I hang with you guys for a while?"
Rockna says, "We understand, and you're welcome to stay with us for as long as you like."
Mondo says, "We were just on our way to see Sonnet and the Elf King ourselves. We just wanted to say hi. So I suppose we should get going then."
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile Eccentro, Batch and Gluko had left Sonnet's place and were now in an inn in a different area of the village. Currently they were sitting around eating, drinking and moping. At least Eccentro was moping in any case.
Eccentro says, "Oh I knew coming back to this place was a bad idea. I mean, we're lucky and all that Diamond persuaded the Elves to give us a second chance, but she's so steamed at us!"
Batch swallows the food in her mouth. "You mean she's steamed at you. As far as she's concerned Gluko and I don't hold a candle to you."
Gluko says, "I didn't know we were supposed to be holding candles Batch…"
Batch says, "Gluko just stop trying to think and eat."
Gluko says, "Okay." She picks up a knife and fork and begins to eat mannerly.
Eccentro says, "Haaaaaaahhhh, I just don't know what to do."
Batch says, "Ah, come of it Boss. She just needs some time to mull it over. I mean, you have changed a lot since the guy you were six years ago. Eventually she'll come to realize that." She begins to eat again.
Eccentro looks to her but then buries his face on the table top.
The Ojama Brothers float to him.
Ojama Yellow says, "Maybe you should find a way to show her that your sorry."
Ojama Green says, "Yeah maybe do something um...romantic like write her a poem that tells how you feel about her."
Ojama Black says, "Or sing! Singing makes a girl fall head over heels."
Batch says, "Well the poem writing and singing wouldn't work, that'll only make her angrier at him."
Eccentro lifts his head just enough to see his large glaring anime eyes.
Gluko says, "Diamond really likes roses, so why doesn't the boss just give her a large bunch of them?"
Batch and Eccentro look at her with shocked looks on their face.
Eccentro says, "Gluko I think that's the best idea you've ever had!"
Gluko says, "Oh good! What was it that I said?"
Eccentro ignores Gluko's statement as he stands up. "I will win back Diamond's heart with one of the things dearest to mine. After all, I'm not called the Rose Prince for nothing!"
Batch and Gluko say, "Yeah!" do their famous pose
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile Rockna, Mondo and Diamond have made their way to Sonnet's house. They knock on the door and Sonnet answers.
Sonnet says, "Well if it isn't the Mon Colle Knights. How have you two been?"
Rockna says, "Oh we've been fine thanks."
Mondo says, "We just wanted to stop by and say hi before we went and paid the Elf King a visit."
Sonnet says, "I'm sure the king will be pleased to see you." she then looks over to Diamond, asking only with her expression if Diamond had delivered her message. Diamond nodded and Sonnet's face became covered with a smile "Well then, if you don't find it rude of me, I have to prepare for a guest. But you're welcome to stay if you'd like."
Diamond says, "Thanks Sonnet." She smiles and then sits down "You know what I still can't believe besides what Eccentro did to this village long ago...that the one time in his life he wa...well...you know...uh...he was like a pig." She is using her hands to tell the size of what she's getting at what she's trying to say to Mondo, Rockna and Hiragi.
Rockna says, "Yeah, it was really hard to recognize him."
Hiragi sighs. "Too bad I didn't have a camera on me, that would have been a picture to keep."
Rockna says, "DAD!" She hits him sending him into the far wall. "Sorry about my dad, Rosella, he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut sometimes."
Mondo says, "Boy that's the truth." He turns to Sonnet who is busy cleaning the kitchen area of her home "So Sonnet, who's coming to see you anyway?"
Sonnet looks at Mondo, smiles and then turns back to what she was doing before. "Someone very dear to me whom I haven't seen in a long time…"
Rockna says, "Is it a boyfriend, Sonnet?"
Sonnet laughs slightly as she replies, "No Rockna, that's not it. That's not even close. You see, it's my daughter that's coming to visit me."
Mondo and Rockna both say, "Your what?!"
Diamond says, "I know I was shocked too when she told me...but it's true, Sonnet has a daughter and she'll be coming over soon."
She thinks, "I can't believe that Aria is Sonnet's daughter..."
Ojama Yellow is flying outside and pointing down.
Diamond looks, seeing Ojama Yellow outside. "Excuse me for a minute it looks like I have a visitor of my own...I'll be right back."
She gets up and walks outside and on the bridge. "Alright Ojama Yellow, did Eccentro send you here?"
Ojama Yellow says, "Yeah and he wanted me to give you this." He holds out a note with a rose symbol on it.
Diamond takes the note and reads it.
My Dearest White Rose, please meet me by the Big Tree just south of here. I have a surprise for you.
Looks at Ojama Yellow says, "A surprise huh? Let's see what kind of surprise."
~o~O~o~
In the woods Diamond walks with Ojama Yellow leading her to the location, but as he did in the bushes lurked some of Goulie's minions that grin and two take out a big sack.
Diamond says,"Slow down Ojama Yellow, just how far is it?"
Ojama Yellow says,"We should be there soon...uh...or was it that way?" He is pointing in one direction. "We went passed a tree that looked like a long nose."
Diamond says,"Ojama Yellow...Please do not tell me you got us both lost!" An anime vein pops on her head.
Ojama Yellow says, "Heheheh now now, no need to worry. I know the way I just get confused between the forks...now um...was it this way or um..."
As he tries to figure out Diamond stands there. "I bet the surprise was getting me lost in the woods or crossed."
Unknown to Diamond the minions begin to lurk up behind her as Ojama Yellow was too busy trying to choose which path to take. Suddenly the goons leap on Diamond.
Diamond blurts, "What t-" She is suddenly ransacked into a sack and with a muffled voice cries, "HEY! What's going on?! Let me out of here!?" She is moving around in the sack.
Wraith Oro says,"Our master General Goulie wishes an audience with you."
Wraith Kon says,"But as it stands, you have no choice in the matter."
And with that the two slink off into the shadows back to General Goulie.
Ojama Yellow says, "Oooh! Now I remember it was this way!"
He points to the left and turns around. "Huh?! Hey Where'd ya go boss?!"
He flies around looking left and right. "Diamond? Oooh no Prince isn't gonna like this..."
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile at General Goulie's camp in his tent Diamond is sitting in a chair and on the table was the very best cuisine anyone could have roasted turkey, lovely side dishes and the most loveliest desserts and Goulie sat at the other end of the table as DIamond looks at it unsure if the food is poisoned or what kind of game Goulie is playing at as he was eating some good.
Goulie says, "You believe the food is poisoned, I can tell by the look on your face. Do not fret child, I fear more harm would come to me than you if anything you ingested caused you to take ill. So surely you must be famished, go on and eat."
Diamond's stomach is growling, but she is ignoring it. "I'm not hungry really..."
Besides her are Oro and Kon guarding her and she looks behind and gulps seeing the scary look on their faces and then at Goulie.
"Gulp...Uhh...actually I do feel a little famished. Maybe I'll just have a teensy an roll." She begins to eat it a little too fast, but then feels she's choking until she grabs her mug and drinks some water down. "AhhH~Much better. Now hold on a minute...when we first met you wanted to kill me and now your treating me like a guest and serving up this fancy spread in front of me...what's your angle?"
Goulie says,"My angle? My dear child, I have no angle, only orders. And I have come to ask you to join up with me at my master's command. He sees you as a very powerful ally."
Diamond says,"Join you?"
Goulie gets up and walks to her and grabs her left hand abit rough, but softly placing his other hand on it as a clawed finger was on her bracelet.
Goulie says,"Yes, join us. There are so many benefits of joining our ranks of Demon Claw. Especially at your level of talent. Why, with your skills, you would easily become one of the highest ranking generals under our master. You would have underlings who would follow your every order and risk their own hides to make sure you were kept safe. There would be no shortage of food or comfort or whatever else your heart desires. You would finally be able to achieve that level of respect you feel you deserve. My dear child, you are wasting your power by staying with those you travel with now. I mean, just look at them sniveling cowards who would run away rather than fight. They are no better than lapdogs to be disposed of when they are of no further use. Just pawns, easily removed from the game."
Diamond grips his fist and is getting angry. "THOSE Sniveling cowards your talking about are my friends! And one of them your talking about is my Prince pal!"
She moves her hand away from him. "Sorry, but no deal! Besides I wouldn't work with the likes of you anyway! Going around bringing chaos and destruction wherever you touch! Destroying this beautiful land and the creatures that live within it! I'd rather side with sniveling cowards than a group of spineless, low-life, selfabsorbed, no good scum that should be scraped off the bottom of a shoe." With a finger she pulls down right eye lid and sticks out tongue at him.
Goulie chuckles to himself. "I'm sorry you feel that way…"
He then lunges at Diamond, grabbing her bracelet and breaking it off from her wrist while shoving Diamond into a large chest near the edge of his tent. Locking the chest he pockets the key. "Tell the other's to move out. We attack the Elves before returning to the master." He looks at the bracelet in his hand and then pockets that as well.
Wraith Oro says,"Yes sir. As you command."
Both wraiths exit and Goulie leaves behind them, preparing to advance.
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile, because the sun had set, Aria made her way into the Forest Elf Village. Fully aware that, if she were caught, not only would she be in danger, but Sonnet would be as well. Slinking through the shadows she managed to make her way to Sonnet's house and slip in through an open window in the back, where no light was present to give away her position. Sonnet was at the table, a cup of tea in hand, waiting. The Mon Colle Knights had left an hour prior, and so Sonnet waited alone for Aria's arrival. As Aria emerged from the back room she sauntered up behind Sonnet as quietly as possible and then embraced her from behind.
Sonnet says, "So you are alive, Aria."
Aria says, "Naturally."
Sonnet says,"I've seen hide nor hair from you in nearly a year. What happened to you?"
Aria straightened, releasing Sonnet. Sonnet turned in her seat to face her.
Aria says, "I…I don't know. I can remember the past eight months of my life…"
Sonnet says, "What do you mean you can't remember?"
Aria says, "I mean exactly as I say. I stopped existing for eight months. I don't know what happened. I just awoke one day, alive again. I didn't know how much time I'd lost, or where I had been prior to that. There was a gap in my time, that much I knew, but as to how or why, I don't know."
Sonnet stood and embraced Aria.
Sonnet says, "I'm sorry I couldn't help you."
A few seconds passed until Aria's ears perked up and she pushed out of Sonnet's grasp. She ran into the back room. Sonnet was confused and began to follow but stopped as a loud knocking was pounded out on her door.
Azriel shouts, "Sonnet! General Sonnet! We're under attack by General Goulie! GENERAL SONNET!"
Sonnet pulled open the door.
Sonnet says, "Assemble the Firing Squad, Forest Squad, Swordsmen and Magical Defense Force immediately! It's going to take all we have to drive back that Half-breed Goulie!"
Azriel says, "Right away General!" He salutes and then runs off. Sonnet proceeds back inside and grabs her sword and bow from their stands. Aria returns from the back room.
Aria says, "Half-breed?"
Sonnet says, breeds always cause us so much trouble, why do they even exist?"
Only after the words left her mouth did Sonnet realize what she had said. She turned to Aria, whose face was turned downcast, her eyes hidden. Sonnet began to approach her. "Aria, I didn't mean…" she lifted her hand to Aria, who slapped it away with great vigor.
Aria says, "I had figured I'd always been trouble for you. I'm sorry, but I'm leaving."
She ran at the front door this time and threw it open. Sonnet chased after at her heels.
Sonnet calls, "Aria wait!"
But by the time Sonnet had gotten to the door, Aria has already vanished. "Aria…I'm so sorry…"
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile, back in Goulie's tent, there was a very, very angry Diamond locked away.
"LET ME OUT OF HERE!" Diamond is struggling inside. "WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE YOU'RE GONNA BE SORRY PAL! YOU HEAR ME!" She hits the top of the chest. "LET ME OUT OF HERE!"
She is panting and falls down. "Man...some mess I've gotten into...I have to get out of here and get my bracelet back to help the Forests Elves...SIGH...I just hope Ojama Yellow and the others are alright...not to mention Eccentro...I wonder what kind of surprise he had for me?...Well whatever it was I wish I could of seen it..." She closes her eyes. " I wish I could see his charming face again and tell him how sorry I am for getting mad...I mean I'm still mad at Batch, but I know what he did long ago was wrong, but he's changed...well from how long I've known him or told, but stil...Eccentro's my Rose Prince and no matter what stupid trick he'll pull or when were searching for items I'll follow him no matter where we go because...he's the Prince of my Dreams I dreamt since I was a child...even now I smell a faint fragrance of Roses...or if it's just my mind playing tricks on me..."
Suddenly she heard a very familiar voice outside of the chest.
Eccentro calls, "Rosella? Rosella! Are you sure she's here Ojama Yellow? Yes? Well then…ROSELLA WHERE ARE YOU!"
Diamond's ears perch up. "That voice...ECCENTRO! I'M IN HERE! IN THE CHEST!"
Outside the tent Ojama Yellow floats and hears something with Eccentro and they see the chest shake.
Diamond shouts, "I'm here! That Demon we ran into earlier stole my BRACELET AND LOCKED ME IN HERE!"
Eccentro says, "What?! Well we have to get you out of there and get your bracelet back! Batch! Gluko! Help me get Diamond out of here."
Batch and Gluko say, "You got it boss!"
They pull out a large crowbar and slam the end in between the lid and bottom part of the chest. Soon all three were on the end of the crowbar, pushing down on it until, after a third time of pressing, the lid of the chest snapped off and flew out, landing on Eccentro.
Diamond gets out of the chest. "Pheww..." She then looks and gets out and runs to Eccentro and gets the lid off and then helps him up.
The Ojama Brothers float over.
Ojama Yellow says, "Thank goodness you're alright Rosella!"
Ojama Green says, "By the way by bracelet you mean this?"
Ojama Black and Green took it out.
Diamond says, " My bracelet ... but I tho-"
Ojama Yellow says, "Uhh yeah funny thing. Remember back at the castle this morning when you were taking a bath well we played a little trick by switching your bracelet with a fake as a practical joke."
Ojama Green says, "Yeah we made it look like the real thing, but the gemstones are fakes."
Diamond looks at the bracelet. "So if I have my bracelet at the Ojama Brothers I gotta hand it to ya guys that was a very good practical joke. "
She takes the bracelet and puts it on her left arm wrist. "While I got mine here that stupid Demon is carrying around a fake...ah! Which reminds me! We have to go back to the Forest Elves VIllage! Goulie is planning to attack the village!"
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile the battle was already well underway.
Sonnet shouts, "Don't hold anything back! FIRE!"
Arrows were soon flying through the air at Goulie's demons, each one that hit caused the demon to dissolve. "Magic Squad, you keep that barrier up! Don't let them through!"
M.D.S says, "Aye!"
The aura about the hands of the Magical Defense Squad began to glow even brighter as the shining shield of light separated Goulie's troops from them and also allowed the Elven troops to see in the darkness of night.
Sonnet shouts, "Swordswomen, ADVANCE!"
Leading the way into battle, Sonnet rushed in, sword drawn. Goulie smiles and with his troops at his heels, runs headlong in to face her. The blades of multiple warriors set the silence around them ablaze with the sounds of clangs and crashes as metal attacked metal. In the midst of the battle Goulie decides to make conversation with his enemy.
Goulie says, "Well, it seems we meet again General Sonnet."
Sonnet says, "This will be the last time we meet Goulie!"
Goulie says, "Oh surely you're not planning on dying on me, are you General?"
Sonnet says, "To you? Never."
The battle raged on between them. Meanwhile the Mon Colle Knights were in charge of protecting the king and so were guarding him on Sonnet's orders.
Rockna says, "I wish there was something more we could do to help."
Mondo says, "Yeah, but at this level of battle, I think the best thing we can do is stay out of the way."
Rockna says, "But…there must be something. Can't anyone do anything to help Sonnet and the others?"
As Mondo, Rockna and the Elf King looked out over the battle field, Aria stood in a nearby tree, having heard what the Mon Colle Knights had said. She lowered her head in thought, but more so in shame.
Aria says, "Sonnet…"
She let the word escape her lips before peering upwards at the battle below. She then grabbed the Blades of the Water and Fire Realm from the sheaths at her thighs and leapt out of the tree towards the battle. No longer caring if she was seen by the Forest Elves or not.
Rockna shouts, "Hey! That's Aria!"
Mondo says, "Aria?"
Elf King says, "Why is she here?"
Rockna says, "It looks like she's going to join the battle!
Elf King says, "Then…this battle may be lost to us."
Mondo says, "I doubt it your Majesty, I believe Aria's on our side."
Rockna nods. "Yeah! Just you wait, everything's going to be okay!" Aria raced into battle, cutting through the resurrected wraiths as fast as she could swing her blades. She then spotted Sonnet and Goulie as they battled.
Aria says, "Sonnet!"
Unfortunately Sonnet did not hear her shout, but Goulie did. He glanced over, and upon seeing Aria called to his nearby archers.
Goulie shouts, "You three! End this! NOW!"
At his command the archers lifted their arrows and aimed them at Sonnet, whom Goulie was still fighting. As Sonnet hit her blade with Goulie's, he grabbed her wrist holding Sonnet to him. Aria was still fighting her way towards them and realized what was going to happen before Sonnet even had an inkling of what was going on as she had not yet seen the archers who were just out of her line of vision. Aria knew she needed to speed up if she wanted to get to Sonnet in time, so she dropped the two blades she held and then pressed the clasp of her back scabbard which was located on her chest, allowing the Blades of the Holy and Dark Realm to fall from her back. No longer concerned with slaying the enemies that got in her way she ran straight to Sonnet and Goulie. As the archers released their arrows Goulie released Sonnet and leapt away from her, only then did Sonnet notice the arrows too late. The arrows impaled flesh, but not the flesh of their original target. Sonnet stood horrified as Aria stood in front of her as a shield, three arrows protruding from her back.
Sonnet says, "A…Ar…ia…"
Aria looked up at her, a smile on her face. "See? I'm not useless after all…"
Aria then collapsed, but she was caught by Sonnet before she hit the ground. Just then Diamond, Eccentro and the others came running over the hill of the battlefield.
Diamond sees Aria collapsed and saw closely that she got three arrows in her back. "Aria!" She then growls seeing Goulie laughing evily. "Now it's personal..."
She clenches a fist and suddenly a gemstone shines and it's a small glow of a light yellow forming the wind and then rushes into battle.
Ojama Yellow shouts, "Diamond!"
Diamond shouts, "Don't worry! Besides at least it'll show another side of Team Eccentro! JUST FIND Safety! Besides I got some unfinished business with him! WIND SOUL AWAKEN!"
Suddenly the transformation begins as wind swirls around Diamond and soon it shows a bird-like figure fly around her like a phoenix and soon a cool-looking phoenix-like outfit appears on her that was sparkling and was yellow as her mask turns all feathery like a phoenix and the gemstone changes to the shape of a Topaz and soon wind swirls creating a bow and arrow that Diamond grabs and her shoes look bird-like to fit the phoenix outfit that was white/yellow and she poses.
Diamond shouts, "Wind Style!"
Goulie grins as he was approaching Sonnet, but suddenly a arrow made of wind charges at him and hits him back and soon he looks as his eyes widen seeing Diamond.
Diamond yells, "Step away from my friends, you monster!"
Goulie looks at Diamond, confused. "So you got out of the chest, that I expected. But how were you able to…without your bracelet…" He pulls the bracelet out of his pocket. "There's no power in this. I've been tricked!"
He throws the bracelet away and then stands and unsheathes his sword. "No matter I'll deal with you persona-"
Suddenly he is knocked several feet away as Shadow Hand connects a deadly blow to his body. Diamond looks over and Aria is standing, her four Shadow Hands protruding from her back and her eyes slits, the arrows once in her back now fallen to the ground, soaked in blood.
Aria shouts, "I'm not dead yet you fool! I'll KILL YOU for what you've done and have tried to do!"
Goulie gets to his feet with a falter. "Heh, an injured half-breed and a rookie Guardian. I'm not afraid of you two. My powers are more than a match for you both!"
Goulie lifts his hands and a whole new hoard of demon wraiths form around him. Aria looks over to Diamond.
Aria says, "Are you ready?"
Diamond says, "Ready as I've ever been. Let's show this "Freak" what happens when he wished he never messed with us! Time to combine our powers together we can take out Goulie and his army! Goulie! You have brought nothing, but pain, misery and destruction upon the Wind Realm and for it you shall be punished!"
She raises bow and arrow and soon her arrow swirls with wind. "AERO PHOENIX ARROW!"
She rires arrows and soon as the arrow charges it shows it split into a hundred arrows as it formed a phoenix-like being made of wind charging at Goulie and his army.
Upon seeing the oncoming attack, Goulie and his troops attempt to evade.
Aria says, "Oh no you don't! Dark Technique SHADOW CAPTURE!" Aria's Shadow Hands become like normal shadows and raced along the ground, weaving across the shadows cast by Goulie and his army, pinning down their shadows, preventing any of them from escaping.
Goulie roars, "This cannot be! I can't lose to the likes of you! I cannot fail here!"
Aria shook her head. "Sorry Goulie, but we say otherwise."
Diamond's arrows closed in and upon impact slice through the enemies, sending a torrent wind to swirl about the entire battle plain. As the wind subsided, the troops that Goulie had summoned, even those not directly affected by the attack, were no more and only Goulie was left lying motionless on the ground. Everyone thought it was over…until Goulie lifted his head.
Goulie says, through strained breath, "Well played Guardian of Light, you truly are a worthy adversary. As are you, my fellow Half-breed."
Goulie began to sink into his shadow, despite Aria's Shadow Capture. "We shall meet again, this…I promise…" and with that Goulie disappeared beneath the ground, lost from sight.
Diamond says, "Thank goodness..." She smiles and looks around and thinks, "We did it...we saved the village."
~o~O~o~
Soon in the village ...
Diamond says, "Your majesty, please allow Aria back into the village. As you and your villagers have seen during the battle though Aria is a half-breed she isn't like Goulie who abuses his powers to cause destruction. Aria uses the powers she has to help people...she's still follows the code and honor of the Forest Elves. She even gathered all six blades from the Six realms as in respect."
Elf King smiles. "I know of what she has done, and how she not only helped defeat Goulie, but put her own life on the line for our General. As you suggest, Guardian of Light, I will allow Aria to become a Forest Elf once more if she so wishes."
Diamond smiles and turns to Aria who is standing beside Sonnet, arms crossed. Sonnet glances at her as well, smiling and curious of her response. But the expression on Aria's face was shown to be deep in thought as her eyes were also closed in a seeming concentration. Her torso had been bandaged earlier to stop the bleeding from the arrows she was injured with. Aria soon opened her eyes and looked up at the king.
Aria says, "No."
There were several gasps among the Elves.
Sonnet asks, "No?! What do you mean no?!"
Aria says, "I cannot be a Forest Elf. I do not wish to be one. Perhaps one day, when my grudge towards those who ostracized me from my home when I was only a child passes, I will return to guard the place I was raised." She looks over her shoulder at Sonnet. "Where the one who is most important to me dwells. But even when that time comes, I will not be a Forest Elf, I will still be The Wandering Aria. Nothing can change that. And I do not wish for it to ever change."
The Elf King bowed his head in thought, but then looked back to Aria. "I understand Aria. So you will not be a Forest Elf, but your own being. I can respect that decision. However, though you wish to remain as you are, you will no longer be barred from our borders. You are free to come and go as you please. And even if you will not acknowledge it, you are one of our own now."
Aria bows her head, laughs to herself slightly and shakes her head. She then looks back up at the Elf King. "I suppose I can accept that."
Diamond smiles.
~o~O~o~
Later that evening a celebration is held and it shows the Mon Colle Knights with Eccentro's team attending the celebration.
Diamond says, "I'm glad everything turned out for the elves." She take a bite out of an apple with good manners and swallows it. "And I was able to get back at Goulie for stuffing me in that chest. I was in there for almoast thirty minutes if Eccentro and the guys didn't ..." She is blushing. "Looks like this time I was the damsel in distress."
The Ojama Brothers coughed and Eccentro looks and rubs the back of his head and soon takes out a large bouquet of roses.
Eccentro says, "Um…I…well…I got these for you to make up for making you mad earlier. Diamond takes them in her hand and inhales their fragrance I would have given them to you sooner but, well, you know…"
Diamond mutters, "Eccentro...you ..." and she hugs him. "They're beautiful, thank you, and I accept your apology."
The Mon Colle Knights smile and Diamond looks around wondering where Aria is and then from the corner of her eye, she sees her in a tree eating some food too.
Diamond thinks, "I guess Aria likes to stand out from the crowd...still I'm glad that her own people can allow her back and she is free to wander...And you know something me and Aria make a pretty cool team...she almost reminds me of Shikamaru of Naruto with that Shadow jutsu stuff...but still Aria is Aria and she'll always be her."
It shows up in the sky a pair of eyes looked down and glared showing the mysterious figure fly off.
~o~O~o~
