An old friend of mine once said, "If you want peace, prepare for war." This chapter title is a tribute to that. Disclaimer: I don't own Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, or Overlord.

Spirit Tracks Chapter 25: Ready for Peace, Prepared for War

"You're still joining us in our quest?," Starlight asked Zesshi. The group was sitting in the main lounge of the palace in Re-Estize, discussing current events. "Jack only joined us to further his goal of restoring the Sunlight Scripture," Zesshi clarified, "A goal that is all but assured after exposing the duplicity of Phytops. In all likelihood, a replacement leader for the Afterlife Scripture will be found before long. But the pontiffs were very clear. I am to continue aiding you until the Spirit Tracks are fully restored." "What of the talks of war with Baharuth?," Shasryu asked, "The empire is very close to lizardman territory, and I fear for the safety of all our tribes."

"I doubt the empire will involve the lizardmen," Starlight assured him, "Traditionally the war has taken place on the Katze Plains, a no-man's land infamous for its large amount of undead. However, there is talk that Baharuth will forgo the war this year due to the damage done by the demons to the capital." "I see you've recruited quite the ragtag group," Zanac said as he and Renner entered. "Indeed," Renner said as she sat down, "My friends from Blue Rose, a member of scriptures from Slane, workers from Baharuth, two lizardmen. And of course our friends from the other world."

"We were just discussing the situation with Baharuth," George noted. "Yes, they are well aware of our current state of affairs," Zanac said with a nod, "I'm not surprised, they are bound to have spies and agents scouting our defenses. Emperor Jircniv may treat these wars as a game, but that does not mean he does not intend to take us seriously." "What about the missing people I heard about?," Holly asked. "Sadly we haven't found them," Renner replied. "It's possible these people were selected specifically for breeding experiments," Zanac noted, "This is supported by the age group of the missing people, and the fact that only unmarried individuals went missing. All other hostages were accounted for."

"What of the talks of this year's war being canceled?," Lakyus asked. "Father and I are in agreement that it's likely they'll keep their word," Zanac said, "But Marquis Boullope says its likely they're just saying that to get us to lower our guard." "Momonga and his team took a trip to Baharuth recently," George noted, "We know the conspiracy that disrupted the Spirit Tracks has yet to be fully exposed. Tolkien only has so much information on it." "The leaders deliberately sent proxies to meet with me," Tolkien admitted, "Knowing my real goal for joining them."

Zanac nodded. "So you think Momonga's faction might use Baharuth and its annual war with us to expose the conspiracy. It has merit, but also the potential to blow up in everyone's faces. Then again, the ringleaders of this unknown faction have been one step ahead of us, so perhaps a bold maneuver is just what we need." "Do we have any ideas of who might be involved?," Evileye asked. "Barbro's always been a possibility," Renner pointed out, "As well as Boullope." "There might be some nobility in Baharuth involved as well," Gyro chimed in, "Not everyone in the empire agrees with Jircniv's reforms."

"Some demi-human leaders might also have been coerced," Zesshi said, "We know that the lizardmen are not involved, save Stagnox who had been exiled. But the elves might have agents in this group, as well as the dwarves." "Possibly other beastman tribes are involved," Zaryusu suggested, "We know they are engaged in a prolonged war with the Roble Holy Kingdom." "Roble itself my also have agents," Holly noted, "Let's not forget Jolyne's main nemesis was a priest, so we can't rule out holy people as potential enemies."

"Wise words," Zanac said with a nod, "That said, we can't expect them to have too many agents. If they are too large, then finding them would be easy. As the saying goes, it only takes a few pebbles to start an avalanche. They'd likely only need, at most, a few dozen agents." George rubbed his chin in thought. 'Momonga and his faction may have split off from DIO, but it's clear they are still willing to go to some extremes for some less than altruistic goal.' "What I want to know is why Nfirea Bareare was taken to Baharuth," Gagaran chimed in.

"That's easy," George replied, snapping out of his thoughts, "His Stand provides Momonga with the means of getting Baharuth's Prime Wizard, Fluder Paradyne, over to his side." Zanac nodded. "Yes it's no secret that Fluder's primary goal is the furthering of magical research. You mentioned Nfirea's Stand grants him untold magical potential. If I remember correctly, Fluder has an innate talent that allows him to see magical potential. To behold a young man who somehow has centuries of magical potential within him..." He grinned. "It would bring the old geezer to tears of joy at the prospect of learning from him."

George and Gyro nodded to each other and started scanning the room using their Hamon. "The room appears to be clear of uninvited ears and eyes," Gyro noted. "Why the sudden concern?," Renner asked. "If Momonga's plan to out the conspiracy is to succeed," George noted, "It will take some planning on our end as well. And since we know the conspiracy has eyes and ears within the royal court..." Zanac nodded. "I see. You thought it best to take precautions. In that case, what do you think Momonga's plan likely entails?" They began to discuss Momonga's possible plans, and how they could incorporate some plans of their own.

George's concerns proved well-founded, as Boullope and Barbro were speaking with a maid who had been peeking in on the group's conversation. "As soon as I saw Joestar using that strange golden energy," she said, "I quickly left." Barbro sighed in frustration. "Meaning any chance of learning what they intend is officially out the window." Boullope looked down at the ground. "We only know that Momonga's faction is planning something with Baharuth, and the Joestar faction intends to comply and even contribute. We're in the dark."

Barbro considered his options. "Well... I intended to take the throne one way or another. I'd originally intended to be patient and wait for Father's eventual demise. But I'm not above usurping the throne if that's what it takes. Can you make contact with our agent in Baharuth? I doubt we'll learn anything more than we already have, but he may have insight that can keep us a step ahead of our enemies." Boullope nodded. "I'll travel there presently. With my Stand I can make the trip in a mere hour." Barbro nodded. He knew Boullope would wait until he was outside the kingdom before unleashing his Stand. After all, if the demon train suddenly appeared within the city walls, it would be all too obvious who it was connected to.

Everyone's making their plans, and it's soon to collide. Who's to say what will happen when the dust settles? Read and review.