~Chapter Twelve~

Catching Up and Doing Favors

Oliver had decided to Fast-Travel to Al Mamoon once the sun started to go down, knowing it wouldn't be wise to travel in the coldness the desert offered at night, and the number of beasts that hung around. He figured he shouldn't be worried, considering he outmatched many of them before he left... but he didn't want to take any chances. Some beasts were bold enough to attack stronger opponents, and there was the thought that, due to his absence, they wouldn't sense his strength... maybe it even decreased. What a loss it would be! Having to level up all over again in order to survive!

But, considering a few creatures ran from him in the Rolling Hills, he didn't let that thought bother him- he did do plenty of mighty things and took down the toughest opponents, and still knew many spells and tactics to remind any beast of what he was capable of.

That didn't keep him from checking in at the Cat's Cradle. Luckily, he still had enough guilders stored away for a night's rest. "It's so nice to see you again! You must have a few stories about your travels, I purresume?" the Purrprietor asked.

Oliver only gave a small smile. "Not yet, but I will in time, I hope!" he replied, then went up to his room to get some rest.

The young wizard instantly relaxed the moment he lied down. How strange yet wonderful it felt to be sleeping at the Cat's Cradle, on his way to travel the world! He couldn't wait to see Swaine, Esther, and Mr. Drippy again. He had thought about going straight to the Babana Stand where Rashaad could always be found the moment he got there, but the sun was already going down, and he knew the Sage had closed up for the night. He could use a night's rest anyway, having been exploring and getting familiar with the land again.

The next morning, however, he was eager enough to head down there early as he could. Excited to see his friends again, he didn't even need coffee to wake up, running out to the street as if he heard Raj was giving away free curry.

"Rashaad!" Oliver called once he reached the stand.

The Great Sage turned, his eyes widening, and he blinked a bit to make sure he wasn't suffering from a mirage. "Oliver!" he exclaimed, shaking the boy's hand firmly once he got close. "It's been ages since I've seen you! What brings you back, at last?"

"I decided to come back and travel the world again." Oliver said- he was too happy to tell the whole truth, at the moment. "How are things going here? Where's Esther? I wanted to know if it was alright if she came with me, like old times."

Rashaad laughed. "This is quite a coincidence! I'm sorry to say that Esther isn't around at the moment... but you'll be happy to hear that she's willing to travel. She and Swaine have been wandering the world the last couple of months- last she told me, they were going back to Castaway Cove."

Oliver's eyes widened with joy. "Really? Swaine and Esther are travelling together, again? Is Mr. Drippy with them?"

"Not that I've noticed. All I know is that my daughter wished to take to exploring again, wanting to have another adventure, and Swaine invited her along. Now, as she's shared with me during their last visit, they're going from town to town, paying back all the people Swaine stole from throughout the years."

"I hope it's not a long list... What about you? What all have you've done?"

"I've been humbly tending to my babana stand. However, once in a while, I have taken to travelling myself to assure myself all is still right with our world, re-visiting nearby friends, and testing myself against various creatures in battle- those who are brave enough to face me, that is!" he rubbed his chin, recalling something. "I also heard news that Queen Cassiopeia is starting a new council, asking rulers of the Three Kingdoms and the Great Sages to join."

"Wow... are you a member of her council, Rashaad?"

"Unfortunately, I was travelling outside the city when she visited the Cowlipha about it, but I'm sure she will come by again. She went to Hamelin afterward, I was told."

"I'm glad she's doing better as queen, now... Hopefully we'll run into each other!"

Rashaad gave a warm chuckle. "I'm sure you will, Oliver. ...Give my best to Esther once you catch up with her and Swaine,"

"I will! See you again, soon!" Oliver waved farewell to him as he prepared to leave Al Mamoon, preparing another Fast-Travel spell to Castaway Cove...

"Oh my, not again!" came a voice that caught his attention. He turned to see a familiar portly man in a suit and hat, baring a pipe and looking around fretfully. "Just when I had got it back, too!"

"Is there something wrong, sir?" Oliver asked him, even though- from experience- he knew what the problem could be.

"Oh, young wizard! How nice to see you again! How have things been with you?"

"Fine... but you look worried."

"Oh, dreadfully flustered, I am! You see, I've lost my diary! I got it back over a week ago you see, a kind girl came across it and returned it. I then went to the spring outside the city, a fine, shady place to relax and cool your feet, you know. Suddenly, these monsters came at me, itching to pick a fight! So, I did what any fellow could do- run like the wind! But it appears, during my haste, I once again left my diary behind. I would go look for it myself, but I have an appointment to keep in the city."

Oliver nodded. "It's alright, I can go find it for you."

"You will? Oh, once again my boy, you deem yourself as a life-saver!"

Oliver bid farewell to the man, and started walking towards the gates of Al Mamoon. As badly as he wanted to see his friends, he couldn't decline helping someone out. What kind of Pure-Hearted One would he be if he thought of his own desires above the need of others?

"Oh, my... not again!" A woman cried. "You three! Get down right now!"

"We can't! We're stuck!" came a child's voice.

Oliver looked over, seeing that three kids were stranded upon a rooftop, their mother standing below, quite irritated and worried. He walked over, once again willing to lend a hand. He didn't really mind the delay, just as long as everyone he helped was alright, and he got to see his friends.

Besides, Swaine and Esther couldn't get into too much trouble on their own, right?

*0*0*0*

A/N: *together with readers* Wrong! XD

So, yep, got the idea to keep Oliver a little busy until the right moment ;)

As always, review, lend some nit-picks, and keep flames away, and we'll see what our thief and familiar-tamer are up to in the next chapter!