Note: Not too much happening in this chapter, as it's more set up, yet next, we'll be getting into more of the exciting stuff. I'm really liking how this fic is coming along, and while I do plan to correct things later, I'd like to at least get this thing marginally complete first. With that said, I'm excited that we're getting past all the explanatory stuff. Sorry, even if it is necessary.

Brief updates on Matelo and Harcypete, as they'll have roles to play later. Also, more references to Heroes of Mana.

Boarding

He had lost his master. A despondent Matelo looked at the various occult and potion books around him, having little to no interest in what they had to say. What good were they anyway compared to a genuine master of magic and the supernatural? Ok, the latter part was more of the young man's own assessment, yet magic was still supernatural in a sense, so it counted! Yet his one and perhaps best chance to learn the mystic arts from an actual user had slipped through his fingers! He knew that he should've bolted the doors that night! Then again, perhaps the blonde wizard could simply teleport through the entrance...well, not with ropes keeping him in check!

This was getting him nowhere, Matelo thought. He needed some fresh air.

Stepping out from his home, he was surprised to find a ship in the harbor when the last one had sailed out but an hour ago. He went to one of the stands in hopes of getting some sort of Mana Elemental icon to perhaps channeling his powers again (this time he would get it for sure!). Yet still, the ship was what drew his attention. He found himself beginning to approach it, already sensing that there was something unusual about it (thanks to his supernatural senses of course).

The captain looked over to him, he appeared human, yet his eyes...there was something off about them. They were dull and almost lifeless, like a corpse. Definitely of another world. 'Excellent.'

"What is your destination?" the captain asked, voice smooth but emotionless.

"I…" Matelo shifted his feet. "I don't know. Right now, I'm sort of...directionless."

The captain then studied the young man's form for a moment before it seemed a lightbulb went off in his head. He knew what this boy wanted. "You seek the one you saw the other day, yes?"

Matelo's eyes widened. "How...how did you…" it then hit him. "You're a psychic, aren't you?" he then got excited. "You're one of them! The gifted ones! Please!" He then took the older man's hands. "You can take me to my master!"

The captain had no reaction to the young man's enthusiastic reaction. "Very well." the older man said, gesturing towards the ship. "Climb aboard, and you shall see wonders you will never see anywhere else."

Matelo needed no further convincing than that, going up the ramp and onto the deck of the ship, the captain seeing that several of the other townsfolk were considering boarding as well, approaching him. Excellent, he thought. His collection was growing larger and larger.

Laurent

She awoke to the sun hitting her face, she moaned at the sudden light and stirred, the world around her slowly coming back. Riesz rose from the bed, surprised at first that she even was in one in the first place. She must've fallen asleep on Hawkeye outside! She fell asleep...on Hawkeye. The young woman's cheeks flushed bright red, unable to believe she had even done such a thing. It was also then that she realized she was dressed in a nightgown instead of her armor. No. He...he hadn't. Had he?

Then, she heard the door open, Alma entering into her chambers. "Ah, you're awake." she smiled.

"What," Riesz paused, feeling a yawn coming on. "What time is it?"

"It's nearly past noon."

"WHAT?!"

"Relax. I would say that you've earned sleeping in a little late." the blue-haired amazon said. "And if you're wondering, I changed you out of your armor. That young man didn't do anything but carry you to the bed."

Well, that was a relief. Still, the fact he carried her...Riesz shook it off. "Where is everyone else?"

"Waiting for you. But don't you dare feel guilty. They slept late too." Alma told the younger amazon. "Still...perhaps you should get ready. There's something that some of the others want to discuss."

She stood at her father's throne, or rather, perhaps it was now hers. Though she dare not call it that.

"Princess…" Gertrude began, though quickly corrected herself. "My Queen, we wish for you to stay with us."

The other five youths winced, knowing well that this was coming, yet nonetheless, weren't wishing it was so. Some such as Angela were about to protest but were kept from saying anything by her comrades.

"With King Joster no more, there is no one else that can take the throne but you." an old man said. "And being that the kingdom has been retaken, we are in need of guidance."

"But…" Angela spoke up, no one stopping her this time. "What about her brother?"

"We shall send a search party to search for Prince Elliot." another amazon said. "Now that we know of the enemy's location, we shall depart as soon as possible."

"But we need our Queen." another added. "The enemy forces may come back. And while we managed to drive them off, the pollen of the flowers will not be effective against them anymore."

Riesz heard all of this, looking at her companions, her eyes centering on the thief, then to the rest of her people. "I...I…" she stammered. "I...understand." she then looked to the five. "I...I am sorry," she said. "But...I am no longer just a princess. And my people have been through a tremendous deal of grief and pain. They are in need of guidance." she looked down in guilt. "Please, understand. I-"

"No, it's fine." to everyone's surprise, it was Hawkeye that had spoken. "You're needed here more. It wouldn't be right for you to just abandon your people."

Riesz's eyes widened. "Thank you," she said after a few moments of silence. "We shall provide provisions for your journey. I believe that a ship will dock in the harbor soon, so…" she bit her lip. "I believe that it'd be best that you make haste."

Everyone nodded, but Angela noticed the thief's disappointment, despite what he had said earlier.

"Come, we shall show you off," Riesz said, moving away from the throne and towards the five, all of them making their way towards the exit of the throne room, and after a short while, made it to the borders of the citadel. Two sacks full of items were handed to the group, Duran and Kevin taking them. "We all wish you luck on your respective journeys."

"Thank you." Duran said.

"I...I guess this is goodbye." Kevin said, clearly sad.

"We'ww miss you, Wiesz." Charlotte added.

Riesz stiffened, averting her gaze for a moment from them all. Especially Hawkeye. "Well...I thank you for all that you've done. And I bid you farewell." she then gave a bow, everyone doing so as well, and then turned to make their way back down to Palo.

The thief stopped for a moment, yet didn't look back, Riesz clenching her fists and looking away. This was far harder than she had expected it to be. Still, eventually, the young man followed the others, leaving the new Queen alone at the entrance of her citadel.

Far Above

What had she nearly done?

Her heir and several other fellow harpies had tended to her wounds, yet even then, it far from made a difference in comparison to the sickening twisting in her gut. She couldn't keep what she had just done from her people, summoning all of them and delivering to them what had just happened. Suffice to say, the reactions were mixed. Some were rightfully furious with her, screeching with fury (a few rocks making contact with her temple), others argued that her actions were for the good of her fellow kind, and others, such as the purple-haired youth that was currently with her, only lowered their heads in disappointment.

Harcypete held no resentment towards those that had struck her, she deserved all of it.

The younger, violet-haired harpy currently nursed her wounds, both from the amazon that had combated her and from those that had made their displeasure with their leader known. Already, there was talk of Harcypete being replaced with the younger harpy, yet she immediately protested this. She wasn't ready, and besides, despite her actions, all that she had done was for the good of her people. True, she wasn't happy with it...but...her intentions were good, right?

Harcypete shook her head as her heir tried to comfort her. Her actions couldn't be defended, especially when she knew what was at stake.

Her people knew well of the risk the Mana Stones, as well as the Benevodons well, and even more, how she had broken the sacred covenant her people had sworn to. It was established far before her time, a time where the world was still new and young, and her ancestors were conceived to soar the skies with the rest of their avian sisters and brothers. The Mana Goddess had established the skies once again, the First World over and done with, and in this new sky, her people were tasked with caring for one of the remaining creations, as well as one of the saviors of the world of the past.

One of the remaining specimens of these saviors rested within the confines of the giant egg.

The mother of the said egg came to roost in their cave sometime ago, nineteen years ago to be precise. Harcypete was in the same position as her heir then, and she remembered how her young, wide eyes gazed upon the majestic creature, her sisters gathering around and instinctively caring and nurturing her as she did her work. She was injured and old, but still, she had a task to do. She knew that she should've done this sooner, yet the Peddan War had, unfortunately, put a stop to her plans, and thus, the next member of her race would have to go one without her. She told the harpies tales of where she had been, how she had been called the 'Winged Guardian' by those that knew her, how she had seen the rise and fall of empires and kingdoms, one, in particular, being that of a Valdole Empire, and of how it had assisted in carrying not only the most current wielder of the Mana Sword, yet those of past generations. Yet now was the time where she would have to pass on such responsibilities to her child.

After a few weeks, her egg was laid in the massive nest constructed for her, she then departed for the heavens above. She did not come back.

Yet even with her departure and apparent death, the fact that she had seen to lay an egg of her own at the end of her long life signified that, eventually, the little one inside would be needed. And while she had hoped that it wouldn't have to be the case, Harcypete, as well as her fellow harpies, sensed that it would have something to do with the Benevodons.

Yet what she had done...no. She had been more than foolish. She had been outright selfish and disgusting.

Oh yes, the amazons didn't belong here, and yes, she was still holding firm to the belief that the mountains and skies of this place belonged to those with the wings to soar them, yet a belief that both tribes shared was that the Mana Stone was to be untouched. Oh sure, as she had experienced, there lay great power within it, or rather, within the beast trapped inside, yet, with everything, there was a downside to using it as well. True, the power and effects lasted, yet frankly, Harcypete would trade it all in a heartbeat for the respect of her people again. When that knight and magician came...she had seen an opportunity. Her people had been struggling against their human rivals for so long...and while the Gusthall's security measures kept her and anyone else from entering, that could be solved for her. And...what was one Stone receiving blood? The amazons were their enemies, what grief would she or anyone else suffer if one of them was given to the Benevodon?

So many things seemed like good ideas at the time or at least things that would finally give her a chance to surpass that blonde princess. It wasn't so much the use of the Stone, as, had she had any way before, she would've taken its power gladly. Yet to lead those two to it, knowing well what they were planning to do...and who was to say that they would stop there? Harcypete knew that they are more likely than not wanted to spill blood on all the Stones. And...she had been too greedy to not care. Tried to justify her decision and say that she could kill them easily to prevent their way to other Stones if need be, yet she had seen how the knight had slaughtered so many of her sisters. Despite herself, she knew that it'd be close, yet he was not worthy to make such a mark on her. Despite her animosity towards her, the amazon princess, no, queen, was the only one that was allowed to strike her down if anyone had to. And even then, Harcypete would take the amazon with her somehow. Yet even then, in that battle, despite giving her the exact same edge, the amazon had more honor than the harpy did. And frankly, she wished that she had been slain right then and there.

Hacrypete's heir turned from her despondent leader to the egg, it began to stir again. She placed her golden claw on the surface, then her ear, a low, repetitive thumping able to be heard from inside. She looked to her leader, who reached the same conclusion.

Soon.

Citadel

She looked at the throne stationed in the expansive chamber, running her hand on the red velvet of the cushion. At least that Belladonna was decent enough to leave this article of the citadel intact, one of the few 'nice' things that she's done. Still, Riesz felt torn looking at it. She had positioned herself to sit in it, yet stopped at the last minute. She couldn't do it.

'It's not time.' an inner voice told her. 'Not yet.'

What did that mean? Not yet? Her father was gone, thus, that made her Queen now. Still...this didn't FEEL like her kingdom, nor her throne. None of this felt like it belonged to her.

'You don't belong here right now.'

"Riesz?" Riesz turned to see Alma. "You've been quiet ever since your companions left. What's wrong?"

'I shouldn't be here.' "Nothing, Alma." the young Queen said. "I...I suppose it's just that none of this still feels real." she looked at her father's throne again. "It's mine," she said. "I know it's mine, and yet…" she ran her hand along the armrest. "I feel that I don't have the right to any of this. It wasn't passed down to me. Father...he's the one that belongs here. Not me."

Alma placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Your father chose you as his heir, and his judgment has been sound so far. As far as I and everyone else is concerned, there is no one that should be Queen but you."

Riesz sighed. "I know you mean to encourage me," she said. "And...I'm ashamed to admit this, but…" she went to the throne and was about to sit down, yet stopped herself before she made contact with the cushion, rising up quickly as if she felt a burning pain on her backside. "No. I...I know what I must do. I know. But...but…"

"You feel that you belong somewhere else." another voice said, Riesz and Alma turning to see Eliza and the other amazons that had entered the throne room. "You want to go with them."

Riesz's eyes widened, but she then shook her head. "No. I…" she noticed everyone's eyes on her, she then sighed. It seemed that she couldn't hide what she was truly thinking from anyone. "I have the utmost trust in your abilities to organize a party to search for Elliot. And...whether I wish to go and search myself, that's irrelevant. My place is here. I can't afford to be selfish."

"Nothing selfish about it," Gertrude said. "After all that's happened, it's clear that Nevarl is far from the only player in all of this."

"The whole world is at stake," Alma said. "And, if I may, I dare say that is your calling for now."

Riesz was shocked. "Alma…" She then looked at her people. "Everyone…"

Eliza smiled. "We can take care of things from here. Those guys need you."

"But you need to hurry if you hope to catch the ship." Alma added.

Riesz stood in silence, completely speechless. Then, she began to tremble, trying to contain her emotions threatening to spill out. Then, she threw her arms around Alma, the former captain embracing her as well. But she soon drew away, indicating that now was the time for her to go. The amazons parted, a pathway created for her, Riesz taking a few steps before hurriedly sprinting, her mind made up. She could only hope that she would make it in time.

Palo

It looked like the amazons were right, a ship had docked in the harbor. Duran made his way towards the aged man on the dock, leaving the rest behind.

"You're not ok with this."

Hawkeye turned towards the Altenan magician. "Huh?"

Angela scoffed. "Don't 'huh' me. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You wish she was here."

The thief bit his lip. "It's ultimately Riesz's decision where she goes," he told her. "It's nothing that can be helped."

"But you wish it was." Angela countered. "Why didn't you say anything? Personal feelings aside, there are only five of us now. It would be better if there were six."

"Yes, it would," Hawkeye admitted. "But it's not. And ultimately, that's the way it is. We'll just have to improvise and go from there."

It was then that the magician noted how, despite her comment on 'personal feelings', he didn't retort against it. Sure, he didn't confirm, though he didn't deny it either. "There's still some time, you know." she said. "You could just tell the captain to wait a bit." Hawkeye didn't answer her this time, only looking out towards the endless ocean. It was clear that she wasn't going to get anything out of him, so Angela kept her mouth shut. Still, she wished Riesz was here too. Despite her being a bit too uptight for Angela's liking, she had proven a valuable asset to them all. True, they had gotten a boost from the Stone, yet still, her expertise in combat and planning would be missed.

Nearer the ship, Duran sorted out the lucre to hand to the captain. "No need." he then said in a smooth, emotionless voice. "We shall carry you all for free."

"What?" the soldier was baffled at what he had just heard. "But all ships charge fees to board."

"We have enough money." the old captain answered. "Come. We have a wide variety of food and drink aboard. And travelers like you look like you haven't had a decent meal in some time."

Well, that was true. Still, something about this was off. 'I wouldn't if I were you.' Faerie said to her host. 'I'm sensing something strange emanating from this man.'

'Emanating?'

'Coming off of him.'

'Oh. I...I knew that.' Duran answered. 'But like what?'

'I don't know for sure.' Faerie replied. 'But...he looks human, but his energy says otherwise.'

"You should consider your decision carefully." the captain said. "There is nothing unusual about me. I am just a man, as you are a boy."

"I'm seventeen, thank you very much," Duran grumbled.

"There is no other ship that'll be on the way for some days." the old man said. "And you look as if you have an important task ahead of you."

Duran was taken aback. "How did you-" he was about to say what they needed to travel for, yet quickly stopped himself. "How do you if we have places to be?"

"I have good intuition." the captain said. "You are free to board. But you must do it soon, otherwise, you'll be several days behind. And I've heard dangerous things are happening in the world as of late."

The young man was silent, looking back to the others, then to the captain. "Give me a sec. I'll be right back." he then went to everyone else.

"What's the hold-up?" Angela asked. "You pay for the trip yet?"

"Yeah, about that…" Duran then proceeded to tell them of the small conversation he had with the old man, everyone listening in and drawing their own conclusions.

"Not going to lie," Hawkeye said. "That sounds pretty sketchy."

"Maybe he's just one of those guys that don't charge?" Kevin suggested.

"No way." Angela shook her head. "Nothing is for free, Kevin."

The beastman tilted his head. "Well...we technically get our food for free. Once it's been hunted, of course."

"Weww, what are we waiting fow?" Charlotte interjected. "We've got a boat, wet's go awweady!"

"No way!" Duran protested. "This guy just reeks of bad news. Probably runs some trafficking ring or keeps the passengers as slaves."

"That...might be going a bit too far, don't you think?" Angela said.

"You'd be surprised what people with money think they can do," Hawkeye added. "I haven't seen any of that myself, yet if they have no problem letting everyone else live in poverty, then slavery is probably not too above them."

"Ok, look," Angela said. "I don't like it either, but...what other choice do we have?"

"We could always wait for another ship," Hawkeye suggested. Though given how he looked back at the trail up the mountain, his suggestion clearly indicated what he wanted to wait for. "Since the town's been liberated and all, it's not like we can't just settle down here for a bit."

"But we can't delay!" Faerie then said, popping out from her host. "You saw what happened in the Gusthall! And now that there are more parties involved that want to use the Stones to open the way to the Holyland, then who's to say how many more lives they're willing to take in order to get to them, much less succeed in sacrificing them."

Everyone was left silent at that, knowing well they had gotten lucky with the past Stones, they currently being inaccessible, but the incident with the Wind Stone was cutting it close. "So, what do you suggest we do?" Duran asked.

"Sounds like the answer's already in front of us." Angela gestured to the ship. "Hey, the lady with wings said we had to hurry. And you ARE the future wielder of the Mana Sword."

Duran pondered this, looking at the ship, then back at the group. "I still don't like what I feel about that man," Faerie said. "But...she does have a point." she then thought a bit. "Perhaps we should consult the Elementals-"

"You're the one that said we should hurry. So why are we still wasting time?" Angela argued.

"Well, yes, I did. But…" Faerie bit her lip, fluttering while trying to avoid being seen by anyone outside of the five youths. "It…" she sighed, looking at Duran. "It's up to you I guess."

"What?" Duran asked. "Why are you shoving this on me?"

"Well, you ARE the one that's going to get the sword." Hawkeye said.

"And the money," Kevin said though he was elbowed by the thief. "What? It's true." the beastman didn't know what he said that was wrong.

"And besides," Angela went up to him, Duran surprised when she put a gloved hand on his biceps. "If he or anyone else gives up trouble aboard, you could take them, right?"

Duran was torn between wanting to remove her hand or keep it there, for while it was probably just the fabric, the texture of the gloves made her hands feel smooth and soft. He took her hand, yet he didn't yank it off of him. Rather, he held it there, unsure of what to do. Then, he gently pushed it back to Angela, looking down to conceal his face. He was silent for a short while before he turned and began walking towards the ship.

"Well?" he then said. "C'mon. All aboard!"

Well, that problem was solved. Everyone boarded the ship, Hawkeye being the last to do so. He sat at the railing, leaning up against it, watching the town from his elevated position. The captain then lifted up the only means to board, ready to sail off. The thief watched and waited for a sign, a sight of blonde hair wrestling against the wind as she ran down towards them. It did not come.

He then turned away, "WAIT!" before whirling around just as quickly, a figure racing towards the moving sea vessel.

Damn, she was too late! But maybe not. There was still some ground she could cover. Still, the fact she was even willing to attempt this, a certain breach of rules and boarding without pay, yet she could take care of those matters when she got on. If she could make it though…

When she reached the edge of the dock, Riesz took a bounding leap forward, rising high into the air and reaching for the railing of the ship. Her hand caught it, yet it nearly slipped, she only being saved by another hand grasping her wrist, keeping her from falling in the ocean.

Hawkeye used all his strength to lift her up, yet found Duran also joining in. Both young men yanked the young woman up and over the railing, they all falling over on the deck. And by happenstance, the amazon fell right over on the thief.

Realizing that, she lifted herself up on her knees, Hawkeye in turn giving her a wry smirk. "Sorry." Riesz apologized, trying to not let the thief's look get to her. "I ran a little late." everyone then heard someone stepping towards them. "Oh, please forgive me, sir." Riesz bowed apologetically to the captain. "I meant no offense. I just...well, what I mean to say is-"

"No need." the old man interrupted. "You are free to come along."

Riesz was surprised. "Are you certain?" procedure or not, she DID nearly risk it jumping up here as it was. "I mean, I shall contribute to the shipping fee-"

"No need." the old man repeated. "All are welcome aboard." he then gestured to the entrance to the lower quarters. "Go. There is a meal prepared for you. Hurry before it grows cold." he then went away towards the front of the ship.

"Are you certain? I mean, I insist that I pay something!" Riesz stopped when she heard Kevin sniffing the air.

"Anyone smell that?" he asked, sniffing some more.

"Smell what…" Duran said, yet soon, even his nostrils caught wind of something. Everyone did. It smelled like...meat? Cooked meat. Cooked meat and baked food.

All coming from the entrance to the lower quarters.

Going over, there was no mistaking it. The smell of food was strong, and it was GOOD food. It wafted from around the corner. Duran drew his sword and went to investigate, coming to a door where the smell was the strongest. Pushing it open, his eyes widened at what he saw. A large table was full of food, everything from roast chicken to glazed ham and deep-fried turkey. Fresh, ripe vegetables and fruits, as well as various cheeses, pastries, and wines, were present, all complementing each other in an arrangement.

"Guys! You gotta look at this!" Everyone came and witnessed the sight, shocked, yet also enthralled, everyone suddenly feeling hunger come over them.

"Is this the 'meaw' he was tawking about?" Charlotte asked. Upon asking that, it seemed the smell grew stronger, the food looking brighter, more tantalizing to the eye.

"Well...if it is," Riesz said, looking at the banquet before them. She was about to protest, yet the barrage of smells and sights of delicious food disoriented her, a veil of longing and hunger overtaking her. "Then...it would be rude to let it go to waste."

With that, everyone entered the room, Faerie all the while feeling anxious about the whole thing.

This food had the same energy as the captain.

Note: A bit on the short side this time, but we're going to get to the beginning of the spooky stuff next. I'll admit that I'm going to do things a bit differently on the Ghost Ship than how it was in the game, yet I don't think it'll be anything that drastic.

With that said, give your input, and thank you for reading!