Note: Shorter chapter here, and the next one will be as well, yet after these few, the action will start up again, I swear!

This is more or less when everyone 'officially' decides to go through with the quest, as it's now clear that perhaps they were all brought together for a reason.

Here's hoping you enjoy!

Taking Up the Mantle

Still calmness and black was all that he knew. Peace, for the first time in a long while. All was right, and all was at rest. Nothing could shatter this place. And yet...and yet, he found the blackness beginning to dissipate, blobs of colors coming to his vision, said colors then beginning to take shape and form. Greens formed into a variety of fertile, flowering plants and trees while blue turned into running, crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Reds, yellows, purples, pinks, all colors of the spectrum were present and took some form or shape, whether they be plants or animals.

It was then that he became aware that he too was in this mysterious yet beautiful place. He was completely uncovered, naked and laid bare. He wished to immediately cover his nakedness, yet found a growing sense that his current state was meant to be. As if he was being laid out and presented in a 'truer' sense. What and who he was had been presented out in the open. He far from liked the vulnerability the state put him in, yet it was clear that there was nothing that could be done about it. The main question on his mind though was where was he even?

'Come…' wait...what was- 'Come…' that voice...it seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. 'Come to me…' it sounded feminine, that much he was sure of, but where was it coming from? 'Come to the tree...then all will be clear.'

The tree...yes. He could see it. In the distance stood a tree that completely dwarfed every other specimen of flora present in this paradise. It looked a good ways away, yet he found himself not caring. He was drawn, compelled even to begin the trek to it. The distance he traveled seemed to not matter, for he found himself not tiring, nor his body aching from the many steps he took. Rather, he seemed completely taken by the sights and sounds around him. The sweet scent of fruit and flowers, the gentle chill of the breeze, everything here seemed to be nothing short of perfect. Then, when he was steadily becoming convinced that he never wished to leave, his foot met something. Looking down, he saw that it was a massive root. Sensing that this was a hint as to where to go, he traveled atop of it, going further and further until he came across a large body of water and the base of the mighty tree. Several other roots protruded outward and he assumed that they must've spread throughout the entire area, yet one particular root drew his attention.

Or rather, what was stationed in it.

A sword was stuck deep in the root, its rain guard were shaped like wings of gold, its grip of pure platinum, and its pommel was a diamond surrounded by golden strips. It was the most beautiful blade he had ever seen. Immediately, he reached for it, yet then paused. Steadily, it began to change. The diamond began to blacken and turn to coal, its grip and rain guard began to lose its shine and glimmer, and the blade itself began to dull and rust. Suddenly, three cracks developed in the blade, he immediately sensing that whatever was happening was far from anything good.

Reaching forward, he wished to stop what was occurring, yet it was far too late. The sword was split into three separate pieces, and the land immediately began to lose its beauty and vitality. Plants withered and died, animals grew sickly and fell to the ground dead, and the great tree began to slowly disintegrate into dust. The entire land faded away, and he fell into the outer darkness. How far he fell, he didn't know, the abyss seeming to go on forever and ever. Finally though, he met some solid surface, though it bore no detail save for it being solid black and completely flat. Rising to his feet, he looked around, seeing nothing, yet he was immediately taken off his feet by a massive tremor that shook all of the void. Then, to his horror, eight giant, monstrous shapes manifested before him from the outer darkness, he was unable to see any details of them, yet he could immediately sense that they meant nothing well. The beasts were larger than life, each having a different shape, and while he couldn't tell for sure, they seemed to have reigned over the entire world, or what encompassed his current world at the moment. Then, they all fixated their eyes onto him. They appeared curious at first, then a range of powerful emotions were directed at him: mild such as amusement and annoyance to extreme loathing and disdain for his very existence. One in particular, one that, while he couldn't tell, seemed to have three heads, centered all of its six eyes on him, studying him as if he were some strange specimen.

Then, a darkness even greater than the void around him began to develop, he realizing, to his horror, that the center head had opened its mouth, the energy pouring out for an unnaturally stretched opening. Then, the energy came in his direction, he left with nowhere to go.

'WAKE UP!'

Duran's eyes opened, he shot up and seeing that, to his relief, that the void and beasts were gone. He was in a bed in a room in Richard's castle, undressed and, as he soon became aware of, wracked with aches and pains, but overall, in decent shape. "Oh, thank the Goddess. You're awake." He looked to see Faerie fluttering over him, hands clasped together as if in prayer. "I mean, I know that you were still alive, seeing as how I'm still here too. But I was worried whether or not you'd wake up…"

Duran held his head, a pounding headache suddenly assaulting him. "How…" he groaned. "How long has it been?"

"Around three days." Faerie answered. "Some of the others are awake, both some are still in recovery. But overall, everyone's alive."

The soldier was relieved to hear that. Looking around, he came to see that he was in the infirmary, several beds occupied by other injured soldiers, yet along the left, he spotted a flash of purple. He tried to move, yet a pain in his side stopped him. "Oh, no you don't." he heard a stern voice say, looking to see a blonde woman coming up to his bed, hands on her hips.

"A-Auntie…"

"Big brother!" another voice cried out, a small form leaping onto him. "I was so scared you weren't gonna wake up!"

"Wendy!" Duran wheezed, the girl's weight being put on him not exactly helping his current condition. "A little space...please!"

"Oooh, yeah. Sorry." the brunette backed up off her brother's form and sat at the foot of the bed.

"How do you feel?" Stella asked.

"Like a horse rammed right into me." Duran sighed, but then he realized: Faerie was out. Right in view of his aunt and sister.

"Yes, we're aware of your...friend." Stella told him. "She took the liberty of informing us of what you've been doing since you've been away."

Wendy nodded. "She's pretty."

Faerie giggled. "I like her." she said, gesturing to Wendy.

"Of course, we helped with some of the details too!" suddenly, Lumina and Gnome manifested before them all, the lack of shock from Stella and Wendy indicating that they were already introduced. "It's been a while since I've seen this place." the Light Elemental said, looking around.

"There's no place like home, but I'm open to getting out once in a while." Gnome then said, giving a hearty laugh afterward.

"Anyway," Stella then said. "I'm not rushing you, as you clearly need more rest, but once you're ready and able," she took a moment to brush some hair out of the way. "King Richard would like a word with you."

Sometime Later

While he wasn't exactly a hundred percent, those extra few days in bed certainly helped. At least there was an end to the crippling boredom he had to endure during the mandatory recovery period. "They're waiting in the courtyard." Stella told him, Duran in turn making his way towards and entering that particular open part of the castle. The very spot that, but a short time ago, the most he was doing was participating in a sword wielding tournament and standing on night watch. And upon entering, he saw all five of them conversing with each other, their attention being set on him when he made his way towards them.

"I take it you slept well?" Angela inquired. "Must've, seeing as I even managed to get up before you." Duran only gave a small hum, the princess approaching him, he was somewhat surprised to see a look of concern on her face. "How do you feel?" she asked.

"Better." the soldier confessed. "Not entirely there, but I've got to get out. I can't stay in that bed another second."

"I know the feeling." Hawkeye agreed. "Never a good idea to get sluggish. Especially in my line of work."

"Work?" Riesz questioned, yet she dismissed what she was about to say. "Anyway, it's good to see that you're up and about." she told Duran. "The king requests and audience with us."

"All of us?" Duran asked, looking to Kevin and Charlotte. True, it had been proven that they were on their side, yet was still unaware as to why they were even with Hawkeye and Riesz in the first place.

"Yes." the amazon nodded, gesturing to the beastman and small girl. "These two also have matters regarding these...current events."

Faerie then emerged from her host. "Well...I suppose that we had better get going. His Majesty awaits."

Throne Room

While he was quite relieved that Richard was well enough to be out of bed, as well as alive in general, Duran wouldn't lie in saying that he was somewhat apprehensive about this meeting. Especially given how he technically left without so much as a farewell. Yet given from the bearded man's expression, it seemed that his actions had been predicted long before they had been carried out. "Hello...your Majesty." Duran greeted, getting to one knee, Riesz and Kevin doing the same.

"Hello, Duran." King Richard answered. "From what I've heard, you've had quite an eventful trip."

Duran winced somewhat. "Well...yes, about that-"

"While I'm not exactly pleased at how...abrupt your exit was," Richard's expression then softened. "It's good to see that you are safe." he said. "And, given the circumstances, perhaps it was inevitable that your departure was to happen."

Duran knew well what he was referring to. "Your Majesty, about that-"

"Hey," Angela suddenly spoke up, walking in front of Duran. "I've got something to ask-"

"What do you think you're doing?!" Duran asked, flabbergasted. "Show His Majesty some respect!"

Riesz looked back at Hawkeye, Kevin at Charlotte, both of whom were not giving their proper dues. The thief stood for a moment, yet then rolled his eyes and he too got on one knee, albeit begrudgingly. Charlotte only did a small curtsy. Ok, that was a little better, Kevin thought. Had he ever tried to pull that off with his father...oooh, he didn't want to think of it. Angela, however, remained standing.

"Yes, what do you wish to…" Richard began, but he then grew silent. "Oh. You're…you're her, aren't you?" he asked. "Altena's princess. Valda's…"

"Yeah, about that," Angela began. "How do you even know my mother?"

Richard closed his eyes, a low sigh exiting him. "We...fought together in the Peddan War." he explained.

The sorceress's green eyes widened. "Wait...what? Mother was in the…"

"When Valsena was attacked by the Dragon Lord's forces, who had allied themselves with Pedda, she was one of the brave few that assisted in fighting them off." he then shook his head. "Unfortunately...we could not do the same for Altena. She was forced to take the throne at such a young age." he then looked at Angela. "Around your age, as it so happens." Angela was left speechless. Never had she heard such things, not even from Jose. "But tell me...is it true?" Richard asked, clearly not wishing to. "Had Valda...really considered doing such a terrible thing to her..." he stopped himself.

"What was that?" Angela asked. "What were you about to say?"

"Answer me this: who is your father?"

"What?"

"Please, just answer me."

The princess looked at him suspiciously. "I don't know." she answered. "I never knew him, and my mother mentioned nothing about him. But regarding me... I don't believe she would do this. It's all Koren's fault...somehow. He's the one that's behind it all." she seethed even mentioning the wizard's name, and she heard Duran emit a low growl at hearing it as well. "But back to what you said. Why does it matter to you who my father was?" Richard looked surprised that she had caught him.

"It...It's nothing. I was just...unaware that Valda even had a daughter."

"Oh no. You're not just gonna leave it there!" Angela answered. "Tell me what you know!"

"Hey, how dare you talk to His Majesty like that!" Duran rose from his kneeling position. Angela only turned and stuck her tongue out at him.

"I'll ask whatever I damn well please." she told him. "And besides, this guy's clearly got answers he's not sharing."

"All right, all right!" Riesz spoke up. "That's enough. We didn't come here to make a scene." she then turned to Richard. "His Majesty has clearly summoned us here for important business."

Thankful for her intervention, the ruler of Valsena nodded. "Yes." he then turned to Duran. "It's come to my attention that you've been chosen for a very important task, my boy."

Duran was about to speak, yet Faerie interrupted him. "Indeed." she spoke. "My host here has been chosen to take up the Mana Sword. And in order to acquire it, we need to find the eight Spirits."

Richard nodded, having been aware of Faerie since the time after Koren's invasion, the winged woman having been out and by Duran's side as he recovered. "I remember having one of your kind by my side during mine and Loki's campaign against the Dragon Lord." Duran's eyes widened at that. "She bonded with your father, as of matter of fact." he said to the young man. "Yet...I'm afraid that she is…" he lowered his head, not wishing to discuss it further for Duran's sake. "But if you have bonded with another human...then the world is in peril yet again."

"Yes." Faerie nodded. "That Mana Tree...it's dying." she said solemnly. "And...and I was the only one who…"

Flashback

How far they had flown already, they knew not. But the distance covered wasn't at the forefront of their minds. All that mattered was getting to Wendel. But it seemed that none of them were even remotely prepared for the journey that they would undertake.

"It...it's no use!" one of them cried out, the skies beneath them flying by, as if to signify that their energy was being drained more and more. "We can't do this!"

"We have to try!" another one cried out, despite the agony just flapping her wings caused her. "Otherwise, the world is doomed!"

The one that would be known as Faerie said nothing, only going on silently. In any other situation, they would not be doing this, as this very thing was not just dangerous, but life threatening. True, while they could go outside of the Mana Sanctuary, the Mana of the world had weakened to the point where the effects were already assaulting them. The further they went from the Tree and Holyland, the more strained and diminished their very life force became. Yet on they went. For miles and miles, all unaware of how much distance they actually covered, yet all with a clear goal in mind. They had to reach Wendel.

Suddenly, a pained groan came from one of them in the back. "I...I can't do it." the winged woman wheezed, her form beginning to fade in and out. Everyone was terrified, for this was a sign that she had but a few minutes left in this plane of existence. "You...you have to go on without me."

"Wait! No-" Faerie cried out, but her friend faded away, disappearing into small, glowing lights that floated upward into the heavens. "NOOO!" she wailed, going to reach for the lights, yet a hand clasped her wrist. "Let me go!"

"You heard her." the one that had seized her said firmly. "We have to keep going."

"But…" Faerie stammered. "But…"

"Do you want her passing to be for nothing?" Faerie was silent at that. "Now, let's go!"

With little fuel to make an argument, she and the rest of her fellow folk flew, though it wasn't long before another one of them displayed signs of fatigue. "This...this is it." the one disappearing choked out. "I can't go on…" she then too faded away. Still, as much as Faerie wished to reach for her, the rest of them kept moving. One by one, the small group dwindled down until there were only two of them left.

And just when they had traveled the furest they could...Faerie's only companion began to flicker.

"No!" Faerie cried out. "You can't!" she begged, holding her company in her arms. "You can't! We're almost there! I...I can feel it! We're so close to-"

"It's all up to you now…" the other winged woman sighed, her form growing limp as she then faded away.

She flew. Flew on and on and on. She flew until beneath her, she saw a great, white city. Yet...yet she wasn't going to make it. Already, she could feel herself fading away. But...but she had to go on. Her wings grew weaker, her altitude lower and lower. Soon, she found herself losing track of her surroundings, the world becoming a blur until she fell to the surface of the earth.

"Hey, are you all right? Hang in there!"

Present

"And...that's when I met you." Faerie said, gesturing to Duran. No one said a word, silent at what the small woman had said. She wished nothing more than to move on from that particular part of her tale. "We made it Wendel, and from there, we've been traveling."

Lumina and Gnome then appeared. "They found us." Lumina said.

"And saved us both from some rather nasty critters." Gnome finished.

"But from what we've seen here, it seems that we're not the only ones wishing to enter the Mana Holyland, much less obtain the Mana Sword." Faerie explained.

Richard's expression grew grim. "I see." he murmured. "As the case now stands...I believe that this was fated to happen." he then looked to Duran. "What do you say, my boy?" he asked.

Faerie bit her lip. "He...he still doesn't seem to understand, your Majesty." she said. "I've told him that once the host has been chosen, unless either one of us dies, it can't be undone." she then looked to Duran. "But...but I have no other choice! It must be-"

"And it will." she paused, unable to believe what she had just heard. Indeed, it seemed everyone else was in shock as well. "I…" Duran began. "I will take up the Mana Sword."

Everyone stared at the soldier with widened eyes, Faerie assuming that her heart was about to stop right then and there. "What...what do you mean?"

"It's like you said." the young man answered. "We can't be separated unless one of us dies." he continued. "And...it's also like you said. I'm the only one who can obtain it. So…" he paused, unable to truly believe he was doing this. "I'm the only one who can do it."

Another period of silence fell over everyone. "Duran…" Richard said. "Are you sure about this?"

Duran nodded, albeit slowly. "Yes." he answered. "Yes, I am." he looked up at Faerie, who he swore was about to cry tears of joy. And indeed, she zoomed into him, clutching the side of his face and burying her own into his cheek, the young man feeling tiny, wet droplets trailing down his skin. "But…" he then said, gritting his teeth. "What do I do now?"

Richard was flabbergasted at the young man's words. "You are certain of this, Duran? You know what this means?" Duran was still for some while, yet eventually, he nodded. "Then so be it." the king answered. "If you're certain, then I would suggest that the best course of action would be to seek out and find the rest of Elemental Spirits." in the back, Hawkeye noticed that Riesz looked like she was dying to say something. A small nudge from him surprised her, yet it was clear what he was silently telling her to do. She shook her head and continued to listen to Richard. Again though, he nudged her, she brushed him off. The thief, however, seemed to be persistent in his nagging, not letting the amazon have one moment of peace.

"No!" she finally hissed. "I'm not doing it! It's not my request to make!"

"And why not?" Hawkeye retorted. "You heard Domperi. It'll fit right in."

"It's not proper." Riesz argued. "It's not right to simply insert myself into a matter such as this." she looked down, biting her lip. It was obvious that she wanted nothing more than to speak up, yet it seemed that in order to do, she would need some...coaxing.

"Now," Richard questioned. "Do you have any questions, Duran?"

Suddenly, a voice from the back spoke up. "Actually," Hawkeye began. "We have some that we want to ask." he then took ahold of Riesz and lifted her arm up. "This fine lady would like to go first though." Riesz was taken aback, glaring daggers at the thief, of who just looked satisfied at what he had done.

"Yes? What is it, dear?" the king questioned.

Riesz looked back to the thief that had gotten her in her current situation, then to the ruler of Valsena. "If I may be so bold, my Lord," she paused for a moment, then sighing. "I would like to suggest that perhaps our first stop being that of Laurent."

Richard was silent for a moment, memories coming to him of his time there. Granted, it was before the kingdom was even founded, but the area was still one traveled to, as well as where three valuable allies and friends were gathered. Indeed, this young woman was Joster and Minerva's daughter. "I understand." he told her. "And it would be beneficial for you as well, seeing as you will surely find Sylphid."

"Yes." Riesz nodded. "And we have been advised by the head of the Koropokkurs, Domperi, that he will be essential in reclaiming the kingdom."

"So you've spoken to Domperi as well." Richard observed. "Indeed, it's clear to me that this was all part of destiny." he then nodded. "I agree that Laurent would be a good stop for you. Find the Wind Elemental, and I trust the great Domperi's guidance will lead you to victory."

Duran was confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Well…" Riesz began. "I would think that you would know." she explained. "You won't be alone. We are accompanying you."

"What?" Duran was shocked, yet Faerie was elated.

"Yes, of course!" she exclaimed happily. "All of you can come! And even more, the Mana Sword will help all of you!"

"What do you mean?" Angela questioned.

"Well...let's take you for example." the winged woman said. "You said that you were wishing to learn magic? And what have the Mana Spirits given you?"

"Yeah, hun!" Lumina then spoke. "Find more of us, and they'll surely give you some of their powers!"

"Besides, given the trouble we got in, they might be in need of some help themselves." Gnome added. "These guys you told us about are probably wanting some 'help' from our fellow spirits too." he huffed, but then looked to Lumina. "What's up?"

"It's just a hunch," the Light Spirit said. "But I can't help but feel that there's more to this than just these humans at work." he then looked to Angela. "But that can be dealt with in good time."

"Well, getting back to the former subject," Faerie then said, she turned to Riesz. "And with the help of the Elements, you can surely save your country!" then she turned to Hawkeye. "And you can save your friend!" the thief gave a sigh of relief.

"And Karl?" Everyone looked back at Kevin. "Karl. He's my...was my friend." he then stiffened. "He was...killed. I went to the Priest for help. But…he can't bring him back." he then looked to Faerie. "The sword...can it bring back Karl?"

"Of course!" Faerie responded. "The sword is a beacon of the Goddess' power. Anything that the Goddess can do, it can do." she explained.

"So it can save Heath too?!" Charlotte asked, hopeful.

"Sure!" Faerie nodded. "Whatever trouble you have, the Mana Sword can conquer all."

"But wait." Duran then said. "What's all this about? Why are you all wanting to be a part of this?"

"Well, it's kind of like the Priest said." Angela answered. "This affects all of us."

"And if we simply let things remain as they are now, then they will surely get worse." Riesz added. "If your decision to take up the Mana Sword is final, then so is ours to accompany you."

Duran was left speechless looking down to the floor, then to King Richard. "Well, Duran?" the bearded man asked. "Is this what you wish to do?"

The young man was silent for a good while, looking at the five around him, then to Richard again. Then, he centered his eyes on Faerie. "Yes." he finally answered. "Yes, I do."

Note: Sorry if this was kinda dialogue heavy. I also changed the stakes Faerie took to get to Wendel, as she did say she couldn't survive long outside of the Holy Land.

That said, I hope you enjoy, and we'll see some downtime for the six, as well as some insight from the villains!