Okay, this next chapter continues from where the previous one left off. I feel like I haven't gotten more then eight reviews, but I will continue nonetheless.
This is mostly talking, but there will be some action.
Remember, the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series games, characters, locations, etc were created by Squaresoft.
Chapter X: White Magic-Part 2
At the upper levels of Alfitaria Castle in the Lilty Kingdom, Althea was at a meeting with the Council of Elders regarding recent events and the possible return of magic.
"Your majesty, you realize that even if magic were to be reestablished in the kingdom, people may not accept it?" spoke the Prime Minister.
The queen replied"I understand, but it may be the only way to stand up to whatever horrors the Crimson Moon has in store. Also, I think our kingdom's Healers could benefit from Healing magic, and we need not fear magic as much if anyone in the kingdom can use the Arcane Arts via Magicite."
"I understand, and those of us in the council will support you, you just need to be aware of the consequences your decisions may have on our kingdom, especially in the future. Your late father would be saddened if we are to fall into chaos" said another council member.
"Be that as it may, and I understand your concern. We'll only end up destroying ourselves if we let our fears of the past take over, therefore I shall take action and return magic to the kingdom. We only need to impose some restrictions" said Althea.
The Prime Minister was stunned"Truly? Even if that were the case, what if yet another Tribal War between the Lilty and Yuke clans occur? Both our races were too powerful in magic and strength, respectively. We would have destroyed each other if one of the warring tribes' crystals were not shattered in the first place."
Althea thought for a moment, then replied"I will consider that possibility, but I will do what I can to ensure good relationships beteen the four tribes."
"No matter what, we will support you, as I said." said the Prime Minister.
Just then, a guard entered the room"Your highness, we recently sent a squadron in to help with the retrieval of the magicite. They and the group you hired have returned."
Althea nodded"Tell them we'll discuss what must be done next in the throne room. Prime Minister Jeane, will you accompany me?"
"Certainly" said the Prime Minister.
Near Ancient Alfitaria, Mira and Fiona flew the flying tower to find that a border dispute had already happened.
"You've got to be kidding" said Fiona, horrified as they landed.
The Black Mage, a Yuke called Voldwal, sighed"Vajeem and I will check out the scene of the battle."
The two Adventurers left the tower, the Thief surveyed the area"Looks like the casualties were mostly Lilty. Yukes are no pushovers, that's for certain."
Fiona, who followed behind, inquired"So the Yuke Tribe has the upper hand?"
"Just the opposite, I assume. My tribe regins supreme over magic, but Lilties have tremendous strength, twice that of Clavats and Selkies. I fear that it is the same as the wars spoken of by my grandfather" said Voldwal.
"I don't care much for history. Let's just nab the head honcho and demand some answers!" said Mira.
"I will go talk to my father" said Fiona.
"Let me teleport you to the castle. I'll give you ten minutes before I come storming in myself" said Mira, sighing.
The Alfitarian princess was teleported into the castle by her friend, where she raced for the throne room.
There, the king of Ancient Alfitaria was going through paperwork, when his daughter burst in"Father!"
"Fiona? What is it? I'm busy" said the king.
"I've been away for too long, why is there war between the Lilties and Yukes?" inquired the princess.
Her father sighed"It's nothing for you to worry about, you need not carry a burden like I do. How did you find out, anyway?"
Just then, a Lilty soldier entered the room"Your hightness! A scout's reported that some of our hotheads are marching on Shelia!"
"What? Stop the siege if you can, I'd prefer not to engage in a total war with the Yuke Tribe" said the king.
The soldier bowed and left the room. The king again addressed his daughter"You heard, a war broke out between tribes now that the Dark Princess Mira quit fighting."
Fiona groaned"Why must we resort to violence? We have to convince the Lilties and Yukes to stop fighting."
"Chancellor Jerek rashly issued a challenge to the Yukes. The leader of the Yukes in Shelia held back as best he could, but the chancellor was aciddently injured. As a result, he vowed to conquer the other three tribes" said the king, gravely.
The princess was desparate"Is there nothing we can do to stop the fighting?"
The king looked grave as he spoke"I have heard of the four Tribal Crystals, which even now lie somewhere in the land. Eventually, the warring factions will attempt to destroy one another's crystals and seal that tribe away. What of Padarak?"
"Padarak can no longer stay neutral to the tribal disputes. Princess Mira has unexpectedly decided to pitch in to put the warring warriors and mages in their place. King Leo has reluctantly decided to authorize the use of military force against the warring Lilties and Yukes" said Fiona, sadly.
"Ah, Padarak has a new king, eh? Perhaps you should take a leaf out of his book. I'm nearly ready to retire, but I'd prefer it if you didn't become queen during a time of war" said the king.
"I understand, father" said Fiona, turning to leave.
"Where are you going?" frowned the ancient Alfitarian king.
"I have to do something, I will stop Jerek" said Fiona.
The king sighed"I can't stop you, but you should take at least two dozen soldiers with you. Seven of them should be your personal guard, you can't always depend on your allies. They need to defend themselves, too."
"I understand" said Fiona.
Layle, Keiss, Belle and Mid met with Althea in her throne room. The Lilty Queen spoke"The retrieval of the magicite was succesful?"
"Yes, your majesty" nodded Mid.
Althea spoke"Our researchers will try to reanimate the White Magicite with help from the Yukes. The sooner we arm ourselves with magic, the better we will fare against the Lunite threat."
"What of the academy you intend to build?" spoke Layle.
Althea replied"Since the Yuke Tribe's return I've been trying to establish relationships with them. I will have a White Magic academy built near the capital, but Black Magic will have some limitations."
Layle shrugged"Big deal, but most people will likely have a bad view of magic. Crystal Bearers are known to abuse their powers sometimes."
"True enough. But anyway, I have another mission for you after White Magic is produced. You must undo the Crystallization of the people whose bodies are still intact" said Althea.
"The only one we know of that wasn't completely shattered is Amidatellion. Vaigali and your dad are a lost cause, and I don't know or care what happened to Blaze" said Layle, frowning at the thought of his former 'mentor'.
"I see. Well, your first priority then is to revive her" said Althea.
Belle grinned cheekily"So let's get to it!"
Althea calmly responded"It will take a while. Layle, Belle, your powers may be needed, I must ask that you assist our researchers."
"Will do" said Layle.
In the mystery chamber, Ken and his group made their way around the nearby chambers.
"What's next?" said Gerald, impatiently.
"We just need to look around, who knows what secrets this place holds in store for us" said Aline.
Just then, a group of monsters attacked.
"Ah well, nothing like a little monster before breakfast" smirked Del Dee, charging at the fiends.
Ken, Aline and Gerald rushed in.
Ken dispatched a group of Orcs, while Del Dee, Gerald and Aline mopped the floor with the Goblins.
Norschtalen gulped"Gosh, I've never seen a monster before."
Ken shrugged as he wiped his blade"Just stay close. Have you learned any spells, yet, Norsey?"
"Oh, yes. I did learn some basic black magic" said Norschtalen.
"Then stay behnd us, and be careful where you might aim your spells" instructed Aline.
The small Yuke nodded, and the group went on farther.
There, The group ran into a group of Crystal-like warriors.
"Looks trecherous" said Gerald.
"We'll cut through them" said Ken.
The group charged at their new foes. But they were more formidable then expected.
Gerald and Del Dee exhausted themselves cutting down two crystal guardians, while Ken and Aline fought another one.
Norschtalen curled herself into a ball"This is scary."
"Face your fears, Norsy" said a voice as a girl appeared.
"Huh? Eryl?" gasped the Yuke.
"I know you can do it, remember what your teacher taught you" said Eryl.
The yuke shrugged"Okay, I won't let those things scare me."
As Ken and Aline defeated their opponent and engaged another, Norschtalen cast a Fire spell at one of the monsters.
In retaliation, a much bigger monster blasted the small Yuke with a Ice spell, Eryl spoke"Ken, Norsy, Sherlotta and everyone else is watching. I know you can do it."
Ken clashed blades with the monster, while Del Dee thawed out Norschtalen with a fire spell.
Just then, Shell and Protect spells were cast on the group.
Ken struck the crystal golem down, and spoke"Who's there?"
The voice replied"You'd be surprised".
The group watched as a Clavat woman approached"It's been too long, Ken."
"Who are you?" inquired Norschtalen.
The woman replied"My name is Ashtair, the Oracle of Time. I am immortal, much like Larkeicus and Sherlotta were."
"How are you still alive? I broke the crystal, killing off the 'immortals' in the proccess" frowned the younger Clavat.
Ashtair replied"Ken, it is no accident that you were left in the forest near the village. It was a gamble to see if the world you live in can be spared from it's past mistakes at Larkeicus's hand."
Ken replied"Now that I think about it, what are you?"
Just then, a more powerful Crystal Golem appeared.
The Oracle teleported behind Ken"Defeat the creature, then we'll talk."
Ken nodded, then drew his blade again.
Ashtair rejuvinated Gerald and Del Dee, and the latter two joined in.
Norschtalen cast Thunder on the Crystal Golem, paralyzing it long enough for Ken to get in a strike.
The monster recovered and swung it's massive sword.
The group dodged, then Ken and Gerald double teamed the Crystal Golem.
The monster staggered back, then fired a Ice Beam.
Norschtalen countered with fire, while Ken stabbed the demon in the chest.
The Crystal Golem shattered and disappeared.
"Ken, forgive me for putting you through this all these years. I wished I could be there for you, as a proper mother would" said Ashtair.
"You're my mother?" gasped Ken.
The older woman nodded"As for your inquiry about the crystals, the reason I was spared from Sherlotta and Larkeicus's fate was partly due to the new crystal core in the forest. Ken, forgive me, no mother would've wanted her only child to go through this."
"How are you here, miss?" inquired Norschtalen.
Ashtair replied"I was sent here by the blast of the first Crystal Core after Larkeicus tried to destroy it. Ken, you have the power of Sages in your blood, Sherlotta can still be saved. Just know that it will be difficult to revive her without also bringing Larkeicus back. Good spirits stand close guard over evil spirits to keep the evil ones from influencing the spirit world."
Ken nodded, then said"Can you join us?"
"I suppose that an old Sage like myself can use her excercise. With my white magic, and you and your friends, we can unlock the secrets of the void" said Ashtair.
"Great, now let's go" said Del Dee.
The group then proceeded to move farther into the realm.
About time to wrap this up here, no? It's getting quite late. I will definately post the next chapter tomorrow if I can. If I fail to fulfil my guarantee, you can go ahead and chew me out. Sorry it took this long.
Please feel free to review.