~Chapter 52~

A Somewhat Casual Morning

Esther thought Abyssa was asleep, but things were never as they appeared.

Though she appeared to be sleeping, the drifter was far from slumber. She was trying to figure out what to do if they encountered Kyani and/or Leon again, what kind of tactics they should use in getting to Kaninesas- such as sending a decoy, or having a familiar scout things out- and finding a Gruffian within the next ten days to fulfill the Sentinel's favor. But with every idea, she could only think of failure as an outcome… and being the cause of it. She knew she wouldn't be able to face her ex-parents with a clear head, all the bitterness they left her with clouding her mind within a second; they wouldn't be able to send a decoy as only those with Kaninesasian heritage could enter the city- otherwise she might do something that would give away their position, or the decoy would end up being a hostage, or killed; and, thinking back to her last Bounty Hunt, they would have to go to a Familiar Retreat to get a Gruffian (if anyone in the group had one), as she couldn't even successfully encounter one in the field without losing sight of it- and considering creatures on the Bounty Hunt list normally stuck to one location, failing to find it was quite the negative statement.

In fact, ever since this quest began- ever since she first recognized Swaine in Al-Mamoon- her head was flooded with negativity. That's what was keeping her from sleep. She had to figure out what to do about the Azen- the burden she was entrusted with, the thing she regretted looking for now. That's practically what started this whole mess, as Kyani had stated: If she never went searching for the gem, the world wouldn't be at risk. She should have just left it in Motorville- knowing that the Great Sage Alicia had possessed it and took it to a world where no Senkradist could get their hands on it, it was better off hidden away, or in the hands of a young boy who just needed to feel its warmth in a troubled time.

She wondered what everyone else who had it felt. They already found out Kublai and his men ended up cursed for stealing it; Angus had felt comfort in his time of loneliness; and the young witch, Ki, threw it into the cold caves because its power was overwhelming… but what about the others? The man who kept losing his diary, the widowed village man after he had lost his wife, Purrofessor Tabitha, Alicia… and, of course, Swaine. In fact, she wondered why he hadn't been cursed for cheating her of it…

…or, had he been?

When she wasn't worrying about the situation, she found herself wondering about the Prince Thief, and what all had gone wrong in his life- as it was clear as day that being a vagabond himself and robbing people to survive wasn't an easy lifestyle. She thought about what he had told her, back in Old Smokey's hidden tunnels- having to run away just to prove himself to his father…

Just like how she ran away, to prove herself…

No, don't compare yourself to him! She scolded herself, her jaw clenching after sensing the similarities between her and the man she despised (Angel and Ghibli looked over at her, concerned). You didn't end up thieving to survive- you hunted thieves for a living, remember?! You're better at battle! You knew how to make it on your own! Swaine… he's an idiot! He ended up taking up a life of crime to get by- he lost his restraint! He ended up having to help out some kid in order to redeem himself!

Abyssa paused in her thinking, remembering Oliver telling his tale- though she wasn't interested at first, she still remembered the details. …He helped take down Shadar… he went back to Marcassin, because his little brother needed him… he did all he could to help them out- he stuck by them, no matter how bad things got… She turned on her side, looking at her pocket-knife that lay on the nightstand beside her- the blade on it was still slightly stained from when she had stabbed the thief in battle. he risked his neck just to save Esther- and they both argue more than brothers and sisters do! He even killed someone, just to save her…and he's going around trying to make amends with the people he wronged… The thief even stuck by me in those caves- he could have just left me at the mercy of the dragon, or ditched me in the tunnels, or left me on the ledge to rot while he flew off with Tengri… he could have just let me run off and get killed by that Dinocerous… but he helped me. He helped his friends…

She looked at the gem around her neck, watching as its glow kept fading. Angel and Ghibli both quietly mewled and snorted, sensing her sorrow. She looked at her reflection in the Azen, seeing it clearly once the light faded completely. Her expression- which once had been full of pride and confidence- was now full of regret and worry… just like when she first looked at it as a child.

Swaine had taken it from her, but didn't end up cursed… perhaps because she had, allegedly, given it to him- she did ask him to be careful with it; maybe that was a way of passing it down, and she didn't know it? But he never brought up something horrible happening, probably because he kept it hidden- or fate itself knew the Azen would be safest with him, since Kaninesas had been under attack, and the gem would have been stolen anyway… She didn't exactly know what he felt while he had it- in fact, he just gave it away because he was hungry, seeing it as only another thing to trade for survival. That's all he was trying to do- survive. He lied, cheated, and stole from others, but at a loss for restraint and a need to go on, what else could he do?

Once she was abandoned to live on her own, Abyssa saw just how hard it was to survive- there were a few kind strangers, such as William Abel and Purrofessor Tabitha, who helped her out… but there were many people worse than a common thief, especially in a Heartbroken world at the mercy of Shadar; even without the Dark Djinn around, people mostly relied on magic… Swaine only knew basic mechanics, being born without magic- to find a place outside of his own kingdom, where he could put his skills to good use, was no doubt a null and void plan… and since it took a lot of skill to hunt bounties, he probably never got far; and with the favors people needed… well, as Oliver had proved, a majority of the tasks involved dependence on spells. Swaine probably couldn't manage that (the drifter often gave up on a task like that after a few attempts, and eventually stuck to mostly bounty-hunts or retrieving items for people).

She could understand his case… but she still had a sick feeling in her stomach. She stared at the Azen longer, watching her own tears form in her eyes.

Her own familiars snuggled against her in comfort; she summoned them back, not wanting their sympathy, and lied back down, staring at the ceiling.

It was nearly dawn, by the time she fell to sleep.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

While Abyssa was just drifting off, Oliver was waking up to his alarm clock ringing. The sound itself was enough to jolt him wide-awake, as it had been a while since he had heard it- he was used to Esther or Mr. Drippy waking him in the mornings, or waking up himself the moment sunlight shined on his face; in this world, since he had been pulled out of school for a temporary time, Miss Leila would wake him before she went to work, or he would sleep in until 10 at the latest (often longer, since he was too depressed about his former situation to find the strength to get up most days).

But, today was a new day- he was to re-register for school, and probably help out around the shop the rest of the day once more… he figured he wouldn't be able to return to the Otherworld until late-afternoon. I hope everyone will be okay until then, he thought as he hit the 'snooze' button- it was only 6 AM, another half-hour would be alright. He turned on his side, shutting his eyes as grogginess began to overcome him, slowly dosing off back to dreamland…

"Zzzz *snort* zzzzz…."

Up until Swaine's snoring woke him. Sighing, the young wizard pulled a pillow over his head to muffle out the sound- it didn't work. So much for sleeping in, he thought, and wondered how he managed to get any sleep at all last night, as noisy as the thief could be. He thought about waking him… but decided to give his friend a morning where he wouldn't be disturbed of some well-needed sleep. Once they got back to the Otherworld, chances were everyone would be lacking some sleep until things were resolved. Slipping out of bed quietly, he grabbed some clothes and walked over to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

After getting dressed and combing his hair, he began to think about his own situation- how could he be of help, if he was at a limit of visiting the parallel world? I know they can do it… They won't need me forever. He told himself. He remembered when he first brought Pea (as a little girl) back to the Otherworld while Cassiopeia was still the White Witch, learning that she had powers no one knew yet! After reforming the Queen, the world remained at peace…

…Even after Oliver had been gone for six months. Now that he was back… well, it was any wonder no one threw a worldwide celebration for the return of the 'savior of their world'. At least, that's how he felt now- all because his friends kept turning to him for help in this quest. He was the one who helped find the Azen; he was the one who got along best with Abyssa; he was the one who always cast 'Gateway'… What would have happened if he came too late, or never returned? Would they still have the will to fight? Maybe… maybe I let them depend on me too much? He wondered, then shook his head. No way- we ALL depended on each other. I'm giving myself too much credit… I wouldn't have gotten far without them… I never would have survived on my own… I would have been lost forever.

That's why I returned to that world… because of them. He kept telling himself, as he looked at his reflection. They helped me feel at home again. They're my 'home away from home', like Mr. Drippy said…

He paused in his thinking, remembering that day when he told everyone he was returning to Motorville… Everyone seemed sad- but only because they had grown so close. To imagine being apart… well, it was almost heartbreaking, even though Oliver promised he'd return. He winced, but smiled, at the memory- the Hero's Send-Off that King Tom held in Ding Dong Dell, the festivities that took place, everyone bidding him farewell…

And then the manna spell hit, seconds before Oliver was about to step through his Gateway spell. If he had left a moment sooner…

I'll always be around when they need me. Not because of any responsibility… it's because they're my family. The young wizard assured himself, giving his reflection a firm nod. If anyone's in trouble, I'll always be there, and I'll always help them out- curfew or no curfew; anyone would understand as long as I tell them my friends need help.

He walked downstairs, where Miss Leila already prepared breakfast. "Good morning, sleepy-head. I'm glad you managed to get up so early! …Thought you'd be up all night, anxious about going back to school again," Miss Leila cheerfully said to him.

"Yeah, I hope I can get caught up in everything," Oliver replied- though a mountain of homework was the least of his problems. "When do we have to be there?"

"At 7:15- I know it's a little early, but I have to be back at the shop by 8, what with everyone crowding in, wanting to get their shopping done before a blizzard hits,"

"That's fine, ma'am. …I wonder if Angus will be at the school at that time? He's getting registered today, too,"

"Well! You might just see him- it's so glad to see you two boys get along so well; that poor young'un looked like he needed a good friend," she patted him on the head, smiling. "Now, eat up, we've got a big day ahead of us!"

Oliver nodded, eating his breakfast. Once he was done, he went upstairs to see if Swaine was awake, finding that the elder prince was still deep in his slumber. Oliver wrote him a note, explaining where he was at and that his friend could hang around the house until he returned, leaving it tucked in his jacket-pocket, before quietly heading back downstairs.

By the time 7 o'clock rolled around, Oliver left with Miss Leila.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

While Oliver was getting registered in Motorville, Esther was sitting by the indoor fountains of the Porcine Palace, lightly strumming her harp- something she always did when she was lost in thought, as the soothing sounds helped clear her head. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong- whether it had to do with Swaine or Abyssa or Oliver, she couldn't decide. I wish there was something I could do… she thought as she played a gentle tune. I'm a Sage's daughter, I've been part of battles… Surely I should have learned more than taming creatures and healing…

"That is quite a lovely melody," came a voice, and she looked up, seeing Marcassin walking out of the royal chambers.

"Oh, Prince Marcassin! I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Esther gasped, remembering it was quite early in the morning.

The young sage gave a soft chuckle. "I've been up for a while- it is part of a royal routine to be up early, to prepare for the day ahead. As soothing as your song is, I'm surprised it did not lull me back to sleep, as relaxing as it is."

Esther blushed. "Thank you." She continued to strum.

Marcassin looked at her, noticing a hint of concern in her eyes. "I take it you have something troubling you?"

She nodded. "Yes… I'm just worried, is all. What if something happens before Oliver and Swaine get back? More importantly, how will we manage without Oliver while he's in Motorville?" her strumming slowed down, as she looked to the ground. "…what if he can't come back?"

The young sage sighed. "I worried about the same thing- but with my brother, when he took to travelling again. When the weeks dragged on, I wondered if he'd ever return- or, if he even wanted to stay and rule Hamelin alongside his young brother. …But, I kept my hopes up, remembering his promise to return, no matter how long it would take- and if either of us ended up in trouble, we would come to each other's aid. …And I have faith that Oliver will always come back. Even while he's away, we all have one another to help fight our battles. I'm sure he believes the same- that we can make it,"

Esther sighed. She wished it were that simple to believe, but she couldn't imagine completing any quest without Oliver's help. When he had fallen into a coma after their first battle with Vilehart, she and Swaine were all that remained to fight the fiend when he returned. "We don't have a hope in hell without Oliver!" the thief had stated; and despite all their effort, he turned out to be right… but only because their despair weighed them down. When Oliver returned, they felt their strength return.

Then there was their battles with Abyssa- the first time, Kublai managed to save their skins. The second time, even after giving it all their might, they came close to a fatal defeat, if Oliver hadn't arrived- and managed to 'tame' the stubborn drifter!

"I don't think we could ever fight without Oliver," Esther quietly admitted. "We've all been together through it all… We wouldn't have gotten this far without him,"

Marcassin lied a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure he says the same thing about you- you, my brother, Mr. Drippy… you lot helped keep his heart strong as well. In fact, when he came here after so long, you were the first ones he asked about- having been looking all over for the friends who helped him save the world."

Esther smiled, remembering their reunion; remembering the reason Oliver came back; and remembering the day he planned to leave- before the 'manna' fell- how their hearts began to sink when he wanted to go home to Motorville… and how their spirits were lifted, knowing he would return, someday. "I just wish… I wish there was a way we could go visit him in Motorville, and make sure things were alright- or if we needed his help… or to just see him."

The young Sage pondered. "…Perhaps there is. Doesn't he have the 'Gateway' spell in his Wizard's Companion? Perhaps you could learn it,"

"You really think I could?"

"Why not? You are a Sage's daughter, after all."

She smiled, though it faded. "But, I don't know many spells, outside of my songs… I don't even have a wand,"

"You can use my imperial scepter. After Oliver gave me Mornstar, I hardly use it anymore, and it is powerful enough to master many spells."

She looked at him, enthralled and surprised. "A-Are you sure? I'm sure I could find my own…"

"Until you do, I insist. …Perhaps I could teach you a few spells, as well. It will be useful to our time, while we wait for Oliver and Gasc- I mean, Swaine (I must get used to that)…"

Esther giggled. "I remember you called him 'Swaine' before, during our journey."

"Once or twice, yes… After I started travelling with you all, I could not decide what name to call him- 'Gascon', my brother who had trained with me as a child before leaving home, or 'Swaine', my brother who returned home and helped carve the Clarion, whom I fought alongside in battle,"

She smirked. "We could just call him 'Swine', like Abyssa, hee hee,"

Marcassin scoffed. "Please do not remind me of their rivalry… I do not abide other people calling my brother names,"

She cocked her head. "Didn't you ever call him names, when you were children?"

The young sage thought back. "Perhaps… but that was when we were children. Things are different, now."

She arched a suspicious eyebrow, crossing her arms. "…Does he still call YOU names? I seem to recall he used to make some smart remarks aimed towards your status,"

Marcassin recalled as well- how his brother sarcastically referred to him to titles such as 'Emperor', 'Your Holiness', and 'Your Royal Eminence'... perhaps, deep down, he was still disappointed at being usurped. "Yes, well… those remarks were better than him calling me 'Pretty Boy',"

"Ha! See? He calls you names, so he should know what it's like!"

The youngest prince shook his head. "Retaliation had never been my suit… But, I suppose I should be less sensitive about it. I guess it's only unnerving when Abyssa does it,"

Esther nodded. "Yes- hee hee, I think Swaine prefers bickering with me more than her,"

He grinned. "Well, no argument there- at least you never tried to kill him,"

She giggled again, before looking towards the corridors. "…I wonder how she's doing. I figured she would be awake by now,"

"I would give her time… She went through a lot yesterday. Perhaps she'll be up once breakfast is ready- she has quite the healthy appetite,"

They began walking out, towards the dining room. Esther paused, looking down the corridor at Abyssa's room. "I hope she'll be okay…" she whispered to herself, before following Marcassin.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Oliver sat in the hallway by the Principal's office- they had finished the registration, and Miss Leila decided to chat for a little longer, asking Oliver to wait outside. He looked at his watch- almost 7:30. They still had time before she had to open the Milk Bar. He looked up at the ceiling, wondering what Swaine was up to back at the house- or if he were even awake, yet- as well as how he should address his situation last night with Angus…

"Oliver!"

As if on cue, the magic-sensitive boy came walking down the hall with his mother. "Angus! Hi!" Oliver exclaimed, giving him a wave.

"Well, how nice to see you here, Oliver! Getting re-registered, I take it?" Mrs. Stonewell inquired.

"Yeah, Miss Leila's wrapping up a conversation in the office now,"

"Are you going to be starting school today?" Angus asked.

Oliver shook his head. "Not until after Christmas Break. Miss Leila and the teachers believe it will be a good way for me to catch up on all the school-work I've missed."

"Same here. Mom and Dad figured it would be pointless to have me in school for only a few days, and that I can just start next semester- get to know everyone in better time. What are you going to do until then?"

"Probably help Miss Leila at the Milk Bar- especially since I'm still grounded, ha ha."

"Do you guys need any extra help? I've been thinking about getting a part-time job,"

"Are you sure, Angus? Why not wait until after the holidays?" Mrs. Stonewell suggested.

"The holidays are the best time to get a job, Mom- everyone always feels short-handed during this time of year. Plus, once school starts, I won't have time to settle since I'll be having homework to keep up with,"

Mrs. Stonewell sighed, but smiled. "Alright, I suppose… Why don't you just work at the Milk Bar during the week, give it a trial run? …That is, if Miss Leila doesn't mind."

"If I don't mind what, now?" Miss Leila asked, stepping out of the office.

"Oh, if Angus could work for you part-time this week. He's been eager to find a job…"

"Well, I don't mind at all! As busy as my shop gets this time around, I would love to have an extra hand. At least, for the mornings until Myrtle gets out of school,"

"Neato! We could work together!" Oliver exclaimed.

"Awesome! I can't wait!" Angus added.

"Well, let's get you registered, first," Mrs. Stonewell chuckled, as she and Angus walked into the principal's office. "Thank you, Miss Leila. See you in a little bit, Oliver!"

"Bye!" Oliver said as he waved, walking out of the school with Miss Leila.

"Now, keep in mind, just because another friend of yours will be working with us, doesn't mean you two can mess around," Miss Leila said, jokingly.

"Don't worry ma'am, we'll be doing our best," …I just hope he'll be willing to talk about last night, the young wizard thought, hoping working with Angus will have an optimistic turnout.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Once they got to the Milk Bar, Oliver was surprised to see Swaine in the store, drinking some coffee while, apparently, browsing. "Well, the delivery truck should be here in a minute," Miss Leila said, looking at the clock, oblivious to the Otherworldly stranger in her shop. "Why don't you sweep up in here a bit, while I wait outside for it?"

"Yes ma'am," Oliver replied, then turned to Swaine once Miss Leila was out the door. "…Please tell me you didn't take anything,"

"And good morning to you, too." Swaine remarked with a scoff. "For your information, I just woke up—I saw you coming towards the shop, and decided to meet you down here, is all."

Oliver chuckled. "I was just kidding." He looked out the door, making sure no one was coming in. "…By the way, Angus will be working here today. I'm going to try to talk to him,"

"Good luck- I'd better stay out of sight, so the kid doesn't have a heart-attack."

"I told you, we can do this. Angus trusts me, and I can tell him everything-"

Swaine shook his head. "No… I want to be the one to talk to him. You just try to persuade him to listen,"

Oliver opened his mouth to reply, but Miss Leila re-entered the store. "Oliver, could you help me carry in everything, please?" she asked.

"I'm coming," he replied, then turned back to Swaine. "It'll work out, I promise,"

Swaine nodded, watching as Oliver walked out the door, then turned and headed back inside. "…don't make promises you can't keep, kid." He muttered.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

By 9:30, Angus walked in the door. "I'm sorry I'm late- we had a lot to go over at the school," he said, hanging up his jacket. "…Man, you won't believe how much I'll have to catch up on!"

"I know how you fell- I'm going to be swamped with homework!" Oliver replied.

"Hey, maybe I could help you with it- that way, I can get a head start,"

"Aren't you going to be in a different class?" Miss Leila inquired.

Angus sighed, his shoulders slumping. "No, I'm getting held back, because… well, you know, after my 'condition'…"

"Ah, say no more, dearie. At least you and Oliver will be seeing each other more often- speaking of which, why don't you both start stacking up the breads? I need to make a delivery to Mrs. O'Reilly, the poor old woman's rheumatism won't let her go out in this cold weather to stock up," she put on her coat and scarf, grabbing a couple bags of groceries she had prepared that morning. "…And no horsing around! I expect to see you boys working when I get back,"

"Will do, ma'am!" Oliver replied, while he and Angus got to work. "So, you and I will be in the same class, huh? That's pretty neat,"

"Yeah…" Angus said, solemnly. He looked toward the door- just as Oliver had done not too long ago, to make sure no one was coming in. "…Oliver, I need to talk to you about something. I saw one of your friends last night- your 'magic' friends,"

Oliver looked at him- he was surprised that Angus would bring up the subject right away. "Yeah… I know. Swaine said he tried to talk to you… what exactly happened?"

Angus bit his bottom lip. "I freaked out… I'm sorry, it's just… he looks just like Jairo- the guy Maverick hung out with- well, except older, since it's been a few years… but I still remember such a face."

"We… we figured that."

Angus looked at him- his expression frantic. "You did? How? …And why did he want to talk with me in the first place?!"

"Calm down, it's not easy to explain… and, he wants to be the one to talk to you about it. But, I'll tell you everything I can, until you're ready."

"If I ever will be, you mean… What can you tell me?"

"Well, we met your soul-mate- funny thing is, he's a grimalkin,"

"A what?"

"They're like cats- only they walk, talk, and dress like people." Oliver saw Timmy Toldrum walk into the shop, hopping up on the counter. "…Timmy's soul-mate happens to be one- and he's a king!"

Angus's eyes widened. "My soul-mate is a king?"

"Ah, no- Timmy's is. …But your soul-mate is psychic- he can see into the future… and even glimpses of our world. He said that might be how you can see magic,"

"Cool… I take it he knows about Swaine?"

"I think so… He said that Swaine should talk to you, because it might help you out with a challenge you'll face in the future,"

"A challenge? How do you mean?"

"I don't know… but he said it has something to do with your connections."

For the next fifteen minutes, Oliver explained the similarities soul-mates often shared- whether in looks or personalities- and went on to explain how Clause's visions about Angus were linked to outcomes of his own future. "So… you think this challenge involves him talking to Swaine? …But why didn't he just say something before?" Angus asked once Oliver was finished.

"Swaine probably doesn't know him- at least, not until he looked at that picture of Maverick, claiming he knew his soul-mate. …He looked devastated when he saw it- I think, whatever happened to him, Swaine feels guilty. He didn't want to talk to you at first, because he didn't think…"

"…that I'd want to see him ever again. I get it." Angus paced a bit, looking out the window for a moment, before speaking again. "…So, he really felt bad, huh? You think Clause wanted us to meet, so we could both prepare for a challenge?"

"That's what I was thinking… Swaine said he's going around the other world, making amends with everyone- that would include the family of Maverick's soul-mate. He must be scared to face them…"

Angus nodded solemnly. "He should be… Mom was a wreck after he died. Dad claimed that if Jairo ever showed his face again, he'd regret ever meeting Maverick… As for me… well, I just hoped I'd never have to see him again. I don't know what happened that day- my parents said he was killed by a bear in the woods, because he had claw marks all over his body… but I don't think that's the whole story. Bears never came close to our house, unless there was food left out."

A knot formed in Oliver's gut. "So… you think… Jairo…?"

He shook his head. "I don't know, Oliver… I've been afraid to know…" he looked at him, his expression stern but determined. "But… I think it's time I did. It's time I finally learned about what happened that day, so I can put it behind me. …Depending on what Swaine has to tell me, I don't know whether I can forgive Jairo or not. Where is he now?"

"In the house- you want to talk to him now?"

Angus paused, thinking about it. "…Nah. Let's wait until after work. You both can walk home with me, and we'll talk then." He then grinned. "People might think we're crazy, ha ha."

Oliver smirked. "You mean they didn't before?"

They both laughed a bit, just as Miss Leila walked in. "Did I miss something?" she asked in a chuckle.

"Nothing, Miss Leila. We were just cracking jokes while we worked," Angus replied.

"Ha ha, well a bit of laughter around the shop never hurt- just so long as it doesn't cause any slacking. You two are doing a marvelous job watching the place!"

"Thank you, ma'am." Oliver replied. "We were just talking, and wondered if it would be alright if I walked home with Angus after work?"

"That's fine. Just be sure to be back by 6- that's as far out of your curfew I'll allow."

Oliver nodded. "Sounds fair,"

"Now, back to work, boys- looks like a few customers are coming our way!"

Oliver and Angus went about their duties, tending to grocery items and keeping the store clean, while people came in-and-out of the shop, buying as many supplies as they could for a 'large blizzard' that was rumored to come, the busy rush keeping everyone on their toes.

Once in a while, Angus would look at the clock, anxious about the future conversation he would have… and at one point, caught a glimpse of the thief in the back-doorway, before slipping back inside.

Clause was right. This would be a challenge for both of them.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

A/N: Yeah, I decided to keep things a little mellow this time, as well as just throw in a little more character interactions. Suspense will come later.

I also decided to add something more to Esther- considering she's a Sage's daughter, sooner or later she'd have to learn some spells outside her harp, plus I always wondered if she, Marcassin and Cassiopeia would be able to cast the 'Gateway' spell and how it would work for them… yeah, got a LOT of ideas I want to throw in here- sorry if my pacing dies.

Also apologies if Abyssa's character is starting to suck- once going from a kick-ass, no-nonsense fighter, to becoming a girl with low self-esteem wallowing in her own depression… (hey, it happens to the best of us- don't worry, she'll be cool again).

You guys think I should get a beta?

Reviewer Thanks-So-Much!

Demon of Sloth: Just had an overdose of shock, that's all. Hopefully their next chat will go better.

Please review, lend some constructive criticism if you have any… but keep the flames at bay, even if I am losing my touch.