It's that time of year again where I manage to crank out another one of these here chapters. And it's the beginning of Act 2, too. Ooh, how exciting. Want to know how long it took me to write this chapter? A week. There was absolutely no reason for this chapter to take six months to write. I apologize. On the plus side, I did technically meet my deadline of April, and just in time for the story's three year anniversary. Woo!

Thankfully, this chapter is not as long as the last two. I did the math, and the last two chapters combined are equivalent in length to the four previous chapters. My goal for Act 2 is to write shorter chapters so that I can update more frequently. Obviously, I'm doing poorly at this so far.

Also, at the end of the last chapter, when I was going through thanking everyone that had participated in the story so far, I noticed that two users had their names removed because they were interpreted as URLs. These two are (with spaces) hi. just. reading and Sir. nick of dragons. Sorry about that.

Anyway, I don't really have much else to say at this point, so I'll just let you jump right into the story. After the disclaimer and review responses, of course. I truly hope you like this chapter.

Disclaimer

Dragon Quest IX is property of Square Enix and Nintendo and not me and probably not you.

What I do own are the characters that I make up, such as Michael, Jessica, and Allison, and some of the crazy things that happen to them.

Reviews:

theoneandonlylordmonkeyknight: You're right. That is an awkward romantic subplot. And I'm sure that Stella would absolutely love to watch it go down.

outcast247: Thanks for the support and the suggestions. I might actually have to use part of what you said...

Wolfpack64: Did Jessica break the 4th wall? I can't recall. Yes, the freedom of characterization is part of what makes DQIX such a fun game to novelize. You get to make most of it up as you go along. And worry not: I'll die before I let this story die, and I refuse to die until this story is completed. I don't care if it takes me 25 years (Almighty forbid).

Uchiha Orion: Thanks for the compliments. Thankfully, that unholy delivery date has finally arrived. Did you ever end up starting your own story?


Act 2 – Part 1: Homecoming

(Jessica's POV)

"Um…Are you okay, Michael?"

Michael, who was very audibly grinding his teeth while walking, took a deep breath and turned to face me. "Yes, I'm perfectly fine," he responded with a slightly crazed look on his face. "Why would you think anything was wrong?"

"Well…" I began to answer carefully, "It's just that we've only been walking for five minutes, and…um…you already look like you want to strangle someone."

"Whaaaaat?" he laughed tensely. "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I even want to strangle someone? It's not like someone is completely unable to contain their excitement to the point that they haven't stopped talking since the moment that they woke up, right?"

"Yeah…Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you about tha-augh!" I shrieked as I was suddenly knocked to the ground from behind.

"Oh, Jessica, I'm sorry!" Allison cried out from where I was once standing. "I hadn't realized that you guys had stopped. I'm just so excited that Michael is taking us the Observatory, you know, so I guess I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going. Oh, my Almighty, I'm just so excited! Aren't you excited Jessica? I can't wait to see other Celestrians. I could just scream I'm so excited!"

"Allison!" I cried, cutting her current train of thought off. "That's perfectly alright. There's no need to scream. I'm fine, thanks."

"Awesome! Then let's keep going! I can't wait to get there! Oh, my Almighty, I'm just so excited!" She let out a little shriek, causing both Michael and myself to jump a little, and then resumed walking in the direction of the mountain pass, not stopping her constant stream of excitement the entire time.

In front of me, I could see that Michael's hand was slowly reaching for the hilt of his sword. "Michael…?" I asked cautiously. "What are you doing?"

His hand continued to hover above his sword as he answered in a disturbingly calm manner. "I could kill her, Jessica. I could do it right now. We would be the only ones who would know. It could be our little secret."

For a moment, I just stood there, confused as to how I ended up being the last sane one in the group. Then I realized that I should probably try to stop my friend from killing my other friend. "Michael…I don't think that that's a very good idea…"

"Why not?" he asked completely rationally. "She'd finally stop talking. Aren't you annoyed by it?"

"Well, I mean, yes…" I admitted. "But that doesn't mean that we should kill her!" I quickly added.

"Can we at least knock her unconscious?"

"No."

"Fine. I won't kill her." I let out a sigh of relief. "But you're responsible for making sure she remains calm the entire time we're at the Observatory. For both your sakes." I immediately retracted my sigh. "What?"

"You heard me," Michael responded. "Keep her quiet, and maybe the other Celestrians won't throw the two of you over the edge to save their own sanity."

"They wouldn't do that, would they, Michael?"

He turned around, looked me right in the eyes, and answered in an absolutely horrifyingly stoic tone. "I wouldn't really kill Allison, would I, Jessica?"

Frozen in fear, I only gulped in response. Apparently satisfied, Michael turned around and continued walking towards the mountain pass, from which random shrieks could still be heard coming from Allison.

Motivated by sheer willpower, I managed to convince my legs to run past Michael, hoping to catch Allison before her mouth doomed us all.


(Michael's POV)

As I approached the mountain pass, I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. That was far too easy. Even though it took a while, I felt like I finally got my revenge for the time when Jessica punched me through the Doomingale Forest. I let out another chuckle as I rubbed my jaw, thinking about how satisfying the look of terror on Jessica's face was at the end.

Holy shit.

I'm a terrible person.

Did I really just do that to Jessica? My Almighty, what was I thinking? Killing Allison? How did I even come with that? Ah, well, what's done is done, I suppose. I mean, what's the worst thing that could happen?

A little bit farther inside, I found Jessica and Allison sitting underneath a tree, waiting for me. Jessica appeared to be relieved for some reason. Allison, surprisingly, was no longer talking. However, she was still clearly and visibly very excited.

"Uh…Jessica?" I began to ask. "How did you…?" She just shook her head, clearly not wanting to explain her methods. "…Right. Anyway, we're almost to the Starflight Express. I should be just around this corner," I explained, gesturing farther down the path.

Allison quickly jumped back up onto her feet and started running in the direction I pointed to as fast as possible, eliciting a sigh from Jessica, making me cringe from another small wave of guilt over my actions. That all went away, however, when I noticed that Allison, who had already disappeared around the corner, was slowly walking backwards into view, followed by what looked like the ghost of a young, sad woman wearing a cloak.

"Michael, what's a ghost doing all the way out here?" asked Jessica, who had stood up and was now standing by me.

"I don't know," I shrugged. "Ghosts can go wherever they want."

Stella had also reappeared out of my bag, intrigued by the sudden ghostly figure, as well. "Blimey, she looks like she could do with cheering up," she observed as the woman came closer. "Hey Michael, she must be a ghost." Jessica and I both gave her incredulous looks, clearly impressed by her ability to state the obvious. Stella, for her part, either didn't notice or didn't care. "Why don't you ask her what's wrong? She looks like she could use an ear to cry into."

I shrugged in agreement, but before I got the chance, the strange woman stopped walking in front of us and looked around. "He's not here…" she said melancholically.

"What?" Stella responded.

"He's not here either…" the woman lamented. She then turned and walked away, fading away into nothing.

"Charming!" Stella exclaimed. "Talk about cold shoulders! Some people are so flapping rude!"

"You have no idea…" Jessica added, causing a slight smirk to creep onto my face.

Once again, Stella showed absolutely no reaction to it. "Huh, never mind. We've got better things to be doing. All aboard the Starflight Express!" she proclaimed before disappearing back into my bag.

"You were right," Allison suddenly announced, having rejoined us with the mysterious, cloaked, sad ghost woman. "She is always that rude." This caused Jessica and myself to laugh a little. "Anyway, Starflight Express is that way!" she screamed, running off in that direction again. "Let's go!"

"Well, it worked for a little while," Jessica sighed before running off after Allison once again. Not wanting to be left behind, I quickly ran after the two of them.

In the clearing where the still-faded Starflight sat, I found Jessica and Allison once again waiting for me. Allison, who was seeing the Starflight for the first time, appeared to be completely enthralled with it. "It's beautiful…" she expressed calmly. However, I could see that she was physically shaking from all of the pent-up excitement she was keeping inside her body.

I sighed, knowing what I had to do. "Allison, if I let you scream in excitement as loud as you can right now, you will be able to remain calm while we're actually at the Observatory?" She looked at me and vigorously nodded in agreement, her glasses sliding down her nose in the process. "Alright. Go ahead."

"Michael," Jessica began to ask, "are you sure abou-"

She was suddenly cut off by what sounded like a physical explosion of noise tearing through the area, causing both of us to cover our ears in pain. Whole flocks of birds started flying out of the forest, trying to escape the painful sounds. In the distance, I could see a dazed Cruelcumber trip and fall off one of the mountain ledges, crashing onto the path and getting impaled by its own spear, causing it to instantly burst into purple dust.

After a minute, the brain-splitting noise finally faded away, and Jessica and I were able to uncover our ears. "I think I just saw Allison kill something with her voice," I immediately proclaimed.

"What?" Jessica responded.

"It doesn't matter," I answered.

"WHAT!?" Jessica repeated. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

"Oh…" I replied. "That's what you meant. I'm sure you'll be fine in a few minutes." She just gave me an irritated look and crossed her arms. I shrugged back and turned towards Allison. "Feeling better?" I asked.

"Yeah…" she panted, trying to catch her breath. "I needed to get that out. I wasn't too loud, was I?"

"Uh…No, it wasn't too bad."

"WHY IS EVERYONE WHISPERING!?" Jessica asked loudly, causing Allison and me to jump a little.

"Oh, I see that your hearing is starting to come back," I responded.

"YES, BUT WHY IS EVERYONE WHIS-"

I quickly put my hand over her mouth to stop her screaming. I could immediately feel a burning death stare start to bore into my skull. "Anyway, I think we should stop wasting time and just get going."

"Right…" Allison agreed. "But, what about Jessi-"

"She's fine. Let's just go." At this point, I could feel my hair actually starting to smolder. I chuckled nervously, slowly dropped my hand, and then booked it to the Starflight as fast as possible, hoping to escape whatever wrath the red-head may unleash upon me. However, as I reached the steps, I realized that I was lacking in any major physical injury. Cautiously, I turned around to look behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I realized that Jessica was standing literally right behind me, staring at me with a calm expression on her face.

"Is something the matter, Michael?" she asked, a tiny smirk forming across her lips.

"Nope. Nothing at all. Also, I notice you've gotten your hearing fixed."

"Oh, yes," she confirmed. "Isn't Allison a great healer? Anyway, I believe we were going."

"Yes, you're right. We are…" Greatly disturbed by her unusually calm demeanor, I turned back around and opened the door into the Starflight.

Immediately, Stella flew out of my bag and through the open door. "Come on, get a wiggle on!" she called out. "The old rustbucket isn't going anywhere without you to help it get its feet off the ground!"

"I'm coming," I responded, holding the door open so that the ladies could board first: Jessica with a look of genuine curiosity on her face and Allison with one of silent awe and wonder. I stepped through the doorway after them. As soon as I did, the Starflight started shaking violently once again, catching the girls off guard, leading them to grab each other for stability.

After shaking for a few seconds, the sound of machinery starting up could be heard and the lights in the compartment started flickering on. A stream of strange clicks and beeps starting coming from the controls at the front, and, gradually, the entire Starflight regained its former golden glow.

"Woohoo!" Stella cried out. "Look at her! I'd say she's finally decided you're a Celestrian after all, wouldn't you, Michael?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," I agreed, rather relieved.

"It's so beautiful," Jessica exclaimed breathlessly.

"It's absolutely amazing," Allison added, just as softly.

"This is it, Michael!" Stella continued. "Now all I have to do is… Er…fly us home… No problem for the dab-handed driver of the Starflight Express, of course!"

"Stella," I asked, concerned, "you do know how to fly this thing, right?"

"Sure!" she responded less than confidently. "I'll just, er…programulate the…co-ordinators into that control panel over there and we'll be up, up and away before you can wink!"

"You know what, Michael?" Jessica asked, now with a concerned expression on her face. "I don't think I really want to go anymore."

"I-I'm sure it'll be fine, Jessica," I replied half-reassuringly. "But…um…just in case, I'm going to watch Stella to make sure nothing happens…"

"Okay…" she accepted resignedly. "I'll just be sitting over there with Allison, then. …Don't let Stella kill us, okay. This is not where I want to die."

"I promise that you'll survive ."

"You better keep that promise, Michael," she said with a smirk as she walked off to the side. "If I die, I'll kill you."

I shook my head and headed to the front of the Starflight, where Stella was fidgeting over the vast control panel. "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Stella? Most of us would prefer not to die."

She gave me a look that I think was supposed to be a glare, but it was lacking the usual confidence that usually made them so potent. "Um, yeah… Okay, er… Obviously, all I have to do is hop on the controls there," she responded, shakily gesturing in the general area of the control panel, "and its next stop, the Observatory… But, um…we're not in the much of a hurry, so if you've got any, er…unfinished business here, I don't mind waiting… What's it to be?"

I cocked an eyebrow at Stella's 'offer.' "Really, Stella?" She looked at me, her eyes pleading for a little more time. "Fine…" I sighed. "We can wait a few more minutes."

"Oh, thank flap for- Er, I mean fair enough," she exclaimed, a look of relief passing over her face. "Do what you want, yeah? Take your time." I just rolled my eyes and headed back to wait with the girls.


(Allison's POV)

"Really?"

"Yes, Stella, we've waited long enough."

"Oh, er…alright, then…" Stella sighed resignedly. "Um, aye, aye, Captain! Full stream ahead!"

"Ugh…" I heard Jessica groan from besides me. "Did Stella just say 'full stream ahead'?"

"…Yes," I answered carefully.

"You know, I'm really starting to have second thoughts about this whole thing."

I was about to console my friend when Stella, in her separate conversation with a growingly impatient Michael, suddenly declared "No time for second thoughts now!" and began messing with the control panel.

"Augh!" Jessica cried. "I really don't think that I'm going to like this."

"Don't worry, Jessica," I comforted. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"Death."

"Um…Besides that."

"Serious injury and/or loss of limb."

"Oh…How about other than that, too?"

"…A couple of bruises and a scraped knee?"

"See, that doesn't sound so bad, does it." Jessica gave me an unamused look in return. "What?"

Jessica opened her mouth to answer, but she was immediately cutoff by Stella. "Here we go, then… Iiiiiit's TAKE-OFF TIME!" she exclaimed before hitting one last button. Suddenly, the entire compartment started shaking and Jessica reflexively grabbed onto my arm for support.

I started gently rubbing my scared friend when something outside the window caught my attention. "Jessica, look outside!"

"What?" she asked, opening one eye to glance at the window. "Trees?"

"No, Jessica," I explained excitedly. "The tops of trees."

She looked at me for a few moments, trying to figure out what I was talking about. Then the realization hit her and she spun towards the window and watched as the ground slowly fell away as the Starflight Express lifted in the sky. "Oh, my Almighty," she whispered as a look of wonder washed over her paled face.

"Let's see…" Stella murmured as she continued to fiddle with the controls. "Just a little tap here and then…let's try that one there, and then…" She then suddenly started banging viciously on the controls, startling everyone.

"Allison, look!" Jessica called, pointing to something outside.

I looked out the window and I quickly found what she was pointing at. Off in the distance, past the mountains that surrounded Angel Falls, several other golden carriages started to rise into the sky. Most were dripping with water, seeming to have come out of the ocean itself.

One by one, each of these carriages flew towards the Starflight, appearing to attach themselves to the end, forming a long successive line of compartments beyond the one we were in. Jessica and I were left completely speechless at what was happening before us.

"Ha ha!" Stella cried happily from her position at the front. "I did it! I did it!" She quickly noticed that deadpan stare that Michael was giving her. "Ahem, I mean, obviously. I did it. After all, I'm the cucumber-cool captain of the Starflight Express!" She tried giving him a high-five, but she missed completely and ended up hitting him in the chest instead. Michael rubbed his head awkwardly at the interaction, but Stella seemed completely unfazed by it. "Right then! Observatory, here we come! Woohooooo!" Stella screamed before smashing one last button on the control panel.

Suddenly, a loud, piercing whistle sounded from above the cabin, startling Jessica once again. I patted her shoulder reassuringly as a more rhythmic rumbling sound started beneath us and the Starflight jerked forward, signaling that we were finally on our way to visiting Michael's home.

We slowly picked up speed as we circled around the mountain pass, and Jessica was humming to herself, trying to drown out her fear as she watched the trees pass by below the window.

"Oh, shoot," Michael suddenly said. "I just realized something."

"What, Michael?" I asked.

"The Observatory is really, really high up in the sky."

"What about it?"

"You might want to grab onto something, like, right now," he advised, personally grabbing onto a metal pipe extending from the wall himself.

Starting to realize what he was talking about, I immediately grabbed onto another pipe that was nearby. I then noticed that Jessica hadn't heard Michael's warning. "Jessica," I called out to her over the ever-increasing sound of the engine going faster.

"What?" she asked, startled out of her trance.

"Grab onto something!" I screamed as I watched our bags start to slide down towards the back of the Starflight.

Jessica watched quietly as the bags slid past her before the realization of what was about to happen finally hit her. Not a moment too soon, she dove towards me and managed to grab my foot right before the floor fell out from beneath us and the Starflight started rocketing straight up into the sky as fast as possible.

Despite the deafening sounds of the wind rushing past outside and the thunderous roar of the engine, I was still able to faintly hear Jessica screaming as she hung from my foot, watching as clouds flew by the windows.

After a while, the clouds outside started to become darker, and flashes of lighting regularly illuminated the cabin. Jessica was no longer screaming, but she was still actively crying onto my shoe. I noticed that the engine had started to quiet down, and, soon after, that the floor was starting to return to its normal position. After a few more minutes, Jessica and I finally landed back onto the floor, and I sighed from the relief of no longer having my leg being pulled out of its socket. I picked myself off the ground, dusted myself off, and stepped over to where Jessica was still lying on the ground, gently sobbing out of fright.

"Jessica," I soothed. "It's alright now. The worst part is over." She remained silent, frozen in her terror. Wrapping her in my arms, I asked her, "Would you feel better if we went to stand with Michael?" She nodded silently, and I helped her off the ground and walked her towards the front where Michael was standing.

"Is she okay?" Michael asked as we approached him. "She looked really startled while we were going up."

"She was – and continues to be – absolutely terrified." I explained. "She's beyond words at the moment."

Michael nodded in understanding, and moved to help me support her. He looked out the front window and a small smile formed on his face. "Look over there," he said, pointing to something approaching in the distance. "There's the Observatory."

I looked out the window and was amazed by what I saw. A giant floating structure was sitting in a clearing within the thunderclouds. Long vines of ivy covered the countless pillars and arches the adorned the building. Most amazing of all, however, was the tree that sat atop the Observatory, which exuded an aura of both power and comfort. The whole scene before me left me completely speechless.

"I-it's…b-beauti-tiful, M-Michael," Jessica managed to mumble, her awe-filled eyes fixated on the sight before her.

"Admittedly, it's seen better days," Michael noted. "But, it's still my home."

"I c-can't wait t-to see it," Jessica sighed, before passing out from emotional exhaustion in my arms.

Michael smiled softly at the unconscious red-head wrapped around me. "I think I'll let her sleep for a little while. It'll probably be easier that way," I decided.


(Nobody's POV)

"O Almighty Architect…" Apus Major prayed at the foot of Yggdrasil. "O abundant Yggdrasil… Grant us shelter in these turbulent times! We fear for the safety of the Observato-" A sudden flash from Yggdrasil interrupted the elder Celestrian, and the sound of a familiar sounding whistle approaching caused him to turn around in amazement. "C-Can it be…?"

From within the darkness of the clouds, The Starflight Express flew out and began to circle around the Observatory, much to the disbelief of the few Celestrians observing from below.

"How quickly the prayers of the pious are answered!" Apus Major exclaimed. Quickly, he and the other Celestrians with him went to meet the Starflight where it landed. "Behold, the Starflight Express, here to carry us to salvation!"

"Apus Major!" one of the other Celestrians called out. "Someone is emerging from within!"

"Hm?" Apus Major inquired, turning back towards the Starflight as the side door began to slide open…


(Michael's POV)

As we circled the Observatory, I realized that it was in a worst state than I initially thought. Whole chunks of the structure were missing, having likely been blasted away on that fateful night. There weren't many Celestrians outside, either, except for a few at the top, including Apus Major, who had been praying at the foot of Yggdrasil, but now were watching the Starflight approach.

"Hold on tight," Stella ordered. "We're coming in for a landing." She messed with a bunch more of the controls, banged a few more buttons, and then finally kicked the panel. The result of all of this was, surprisingly, the Starflight steadily slowing as it gently descended to the edge of the Observatory before finally coming to a complete stop with a slight jerk that happening to wake Jessica.

"Wha-?" she cried out groggily. "Are we there already?"

"Yes, we're already there, silly," Allison responded. "Now hurry up and get up."

"It looks like there's a welcoming party to meet us," I remarked. I turned towards my two companions. "A mortal has never actually visited the Observatory before, so this is an incredible honor that I'm bestowing upon the two of you. I shouldn't have to remind you to be extremely respectful while here, okay? Don't make me regret my decision. Understand?" They both nodded in agreement. "Good. You should be warned: I'm a bit of an anomaly among Celestrians. They're not all as…carefree…as I am."

"Not a bad landing, if I say so myself," Stella exclaimed, having her own conversation. "Especially for my fir- I mean, hundredth time!"

"Yes, Stella, we're all very impressed," I responded. "But I think it's time for us to go. I think I should go first." Not hearing any objections, I stepped towards the side door, slid it open, and walked outside.

"B-by the stars!" Apus Major cried out as I climbed down the short staircase to the ground. "Michael? Is it truly you? What are you doing aboard the…? What is this? Your wings… Your halo… What horrors have you suffered, child?"

"My wings and halo were lost the night that I fell, sir," I explained, trying to repress the painful feelings from that night. "The Starflight helped me return to the Observatory."

"You lost your wings when you fell from the Observatory?" Apus Major repeated. "And the Starflight Express came to your aid, you say? But what of the other Celestrians who are gone to the realm beneath? Why are you alone returned to us?"

"I-I was not aware that other Celestrians had fallen with me, sir."

Apus Major gently approached me and laid a hand upon my shoulder. "…Forgive me, child. Your homecoming is more than sufficient reason to give thanks to the Almighty on high. Come now. Tell us of the events unfolding in the Protectorate."

"Of course, sir." I cleared my throat nervously. "However, there is something else that I should mention first."

"What's that, my child?"

I took a deep breath before continuing. "While I was in the Protectorate, I acquired the help of a couple of mortals. In exchange for their assistance, I offered to let them visit the Observatory…"

"Hm…" the elder Celestrian responded thoughtfully. "And where are these mortals now?"

"They're waiting inside the Starflight Express, sir."

"Well, bring them out here, Michael," Apus Major ordered cheerfully. "I'd very much like to meet them."

"Yes, sir." I turned back towards the open door of the Starflight and motioned for Jessica and Allison to come on out. Slowly, the pair cautiously stepped through the doorway and sheepishly walked down the steps to where I was standing, clearly intimidated by their surroundings.

Noticing this, Apus Major approached them. "My dear children, you need not be afraid," he kindly reassured. "We are indebted to you for helping bring Michael back to us. You are welcome guests of Michael here."

"Th-thank you, sir," Allison managed to squeak out in response, looking, once again, like she was about to explode.

Apus Major chuckled warmly at their reactions. "And what are your names, my children?"

"A-Allison."

"…Jessica…"

"Ah!" Apus Major exclaimed. "Two beautiful names fit for two beautiful young women." Jessica and Allison both blushed a little at the compliment. "Anyway, Michael, come. We have much to discuss."


News of Michael's safe return soon spreads throughout the Observatory.

He explains to Apus Major how he lost his wings and halo in the fall to the world below…

and how many strange things are now taking place there.


"Hmm…" sighed Apus Major, standing deep in thought in his position at the top of the main hall. "So, the Protectorate too was ravaged by the same beams of light that pierced the Observatory that ill-fated day."

I was standing before him at the top of the stairs, with Jessica and Allison standing behind me. They had loosened up a bit since when they first got here, and had helped fill in some of the details that I had missed during my recollection of our adventures. They were still very actively aware of all the looks that they were receiving, but they were trying their best to hide their discomfort.

"I remember it vividly," Apus Major continued, a pained look on his face, "as I am sure do you, Michael. The day that Yggdrasil bore fruit at long last… That iniquitous light from the world below carved its way through our hallowed realm and the Starflight Express. And the fyggs… Yggdrasil's sacred fruits… They tumbled from our grasp… As did you, of course, Michael. Many of our number later descended to the Protectorate to search for those who had fallen and seek out the source of the attack. But alas… As yet, you are the only one to return. We remain anxious for those still missing, but… It is a blessing that you at least are safe. You must give thanks to Yggdrasil for your safe return. Go to Her and offer up a prayer of gratitude for your deliverance. She may even restore you to your Celestrian form. There is no time like the present, Guardian Michael. Go now, and may the blessings of the Almighty go with you."

"Yes, sir." Having received my orders, I turned back to Jessica and Allison, who were still nervously waiting behind me. I was about to say something to them when, much to my surprise, Stella flew out of my bag; although, she remained in her sphere form. I hadn't even realized that she had gone back into it at some point.

"Right then," she boldly declared. "That's me done. I brought Michael back to the Observatory safe and sound, as promised. Well, you know what they say… Time and tide wait for Norman." We all rolled our eyes at Stella's unique paraphrasing. "And I'm not Norman, so I'd best be off! Good luck with that. It was nice knowing you, Michael…and Jessica and Allison, too, I suppose. Short but sweet! See you, then!" And, before any of us were able to say anything in response, she flew away.

"Oh," Allison reacted. "I suppose she's gone, then."

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think I'm actually going to miss her," Jessica added.

"Be careful what you wish for, Jessica," I responded, already walking down the stairs. "You might just get it."

Jessica simply shrugged it off and started following me through the Observatory with Allison in tow. "Where are we going again, Michael?" she asked.

"I'm going up to the top to pray to Yggdrasil," I explained, slightly increasing my pace as I did so. "You're more than welcome to join me, if you want, unless you wanted to look around here instead."

"I think I would rather stay close to you," Jessica answered, practically running at this point to keep up with me. "I'd feel more comfortable that way.

"Michael," Allison asked, struggling to keep up, "why are you walking so fast?"

I paused at a doorway, turned, leaned in towards them, and whispered, "Because, and I'm sure you can understand, I don't enjoy all the strange looks that the other Celestrians are giving me. Especially the ones filled with pity."

"Oh."

"Yeah, so, let's keep going. It's a long climb back up those stairs." Resuming the long walk through various hallways and staircases, I paused once again upon seeing a familiar face at a nearby memorial.

"Mighty Corvus…" Columba prayed. "Shine your light on Aquila and Michael, that they may be returned safely unto us." A small smile forming on my lips, I stepped through the doorway and cleared my throat. She turned to look at the source of the sound and a look of complete surprise came over her face. "Oh- Michael!" she cried, running up and hugging me. "Praise the stars! You are safe!" She pulled away and looked me in the eyes. "And what of Aquila? Has he returned with you?"

My smile fell a little as she asked that last question. "No, I'm afraid not…"

"…Oh, I see," she responded, similarly crestfallen. "I was sure you would be together…" Glancing behind me, she continued, "Speaking of which, who are these two lovely ladies behind you?"

"Oh, right," I said, realizing I hadn't introduced them yet. "This is Jessica and Allison," I explained, gesturing to each of them. "They helped me return to the Observatory."

"It's wonderful to meet you," she replied, a smile returning to her face. "I'm Columba. As I'm sure you could tell, I'm a close friend of Michael here and his master Aquila."

"It's nice to meet you, too," Jessica responded happily, having warmed up greatly due to Columba's kind demeanor. Allison was nodding in agreement.

"Wait," I suddenly interrupted, an important thought coming to mind. "Why did you think that Aquila and I would be together?"

"Did you not know?" Columba asked in response. "Aquila descended to the Protectorate in search of you, but he…is yet to return."

"Oh, I had no idea…"

"This is why you find me here," she explained, turning back to the monument. "I have been praying ceaselessly at this monument for both of you to return to us unharmed. It is a monument to Corvus. Erected so that no Celestrian would ever forget him. Come, allow me to read the inscription to you…"

'In memory of Corvus, whose noble heart and compassion for mortals shall never be forgotten. Let this monument be a reminder of our promise to guard the Protectorate until our return to the Realm of the Almighty.'

After reading the inscription, Columba sighed reminiscently. "Many moons ago – many hundreds of years in the past – Corvus was Aquila's master. He descended to the Protectorate to become Guardian of a village and…" she paused, struggling to get the words out. "…He disappeared. We knew not what became of him, and were powerless to do anything but pray for his return." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke. "That is why Aquila was so concerned. He feared he would lose you as he lost his master. No doubt he is even now scouring the Protectorate in search of you." Overcome by her emotions, she returned to praying to the monument. "Mighty Corvus, noble master of Aquila, please protect your apprentice in his hour of need. See that he returns unharmed to the Observatory."

Leaving her in peace, we somberly continued through the Observatory towards the top. "…Michael?" Jessica cautiously asked.

"What?" I responded despondently.

"Was…Is…um…Nothing. It's nothing. Never mind."


"Michael, I just thought of something," Allison suddenly said as we walked up one of the many staircases in silence.

"What?"

"Remember how Columba had said that Corvus was your master's master hundreds of years ago."

"Yeah. What about it?"

"Well, it got me thinking, and...well...um... How old are you, Michael?"

"What?" I asked, caught off guard by the question.

"It's just that, it's you, your master, and then his master, all over the course of several hundred years," Allison explained. "Clearly, they'd both have to be several hundred years old, as well. So, I was wondering how old you were."

"Yeah, she's right, Michael," Jessica chimed in. "You never did mention how old you were."

"Oh...kay," I continued cautiously. "Well, I'm not that old. Only a mere...um...180 years old."

"180 YEARS OLD!?" they both repeated simultaneously.

"I mean, yeah. What did you expect? We are immortal beings."

"I suppose you're right," Jessica ceded. "And, I must admit, you look good for an old man."

"I'm not that old," I countered.

"Sure, Michael," Allison added. "Just, you know, a power of ten older than us."

I growled in frustration. "I'm. Not. That. old."

"Whatever makes you feel better, Michael."


Having finally completed the exhausting climb back up to the top of the Observatory, we were now standing before mighty Yggdrasil herself.

"It's a beautiful tree, Michael," Allison remarked.

"Yes," I agreed. "Yggdrasil is sacred to all Celestrians. We offer the Benevolessence that we collect up to her so that she would one day bear…fruit." I cleared my throat, pushing aside any unwanted emotions that I had for now. "Anyway, I should probably start praying to her. I don't know how long it'll take, so you don't have to stay up here with me if you don't want."

"Don't worry, Michael," Jessica reassured. "We'll be just fine. You just do what you have to do."

I nodded in appreciation, knelt at the foot of Mighty Yggdrasil , the World Tree, and began to fervently offer up my prayers to Yggdrasil.

Hours passed as I prayed in silence, with only the distant rumbles of thunder and wind daring to make noise. Eventually, I felt myself starting to drift off into a deep, deep sleep…


"…Yea, the mortals are not fit to inhabit my Kingdom."

An immense spiral of darkness materializes from the night sky.

"The sins of greed, of falsehood, of dishonour are like unto a plague among them."

"From dust they came…and to dust I shall return them."

From within the darkness, a piercing red beam of energy is shot towards the land below.

Suddenly, a purple ball of energy appears and intercepts the red beam, stopping it.

"I beg of you! Stay your hand!"

"Wherefore do you defy me?"

A blinding white light appears where the two energies collided with each other.

"Father, I- I have faith in the mortals…"

"You cannot – you must not – lay waste to their realm… I beg of thee…"

Again, the spiral of darkness appears.

"SILENCE!"

"…You shall not sway me. …The mortals will be eradicated!"

Everything fades to white.

"Father, I- I have faith in the mortals…"

"I assume this form that the mortals and their realm might be shielded from your wrath. I will – I must protect them…"


Confused and disoriented from my strange dream, I awaken and get on my feet. Taking a few steps, I think to check my body; but, despite my prayers, neither my wings nor my halo are restored to me. I sigh in disappointment and look up towards the sky. As I contemplate my path for the future, I hear a mysterious voice.

"…Michael, Celestrian and Guardian… We rejoice at your return to the Observatory…"

"…That you were able to return without wings or halo, this is surely a sign that fate has chosen you…"

"…Michael… I shall open the way before you…"

The image of a new island in the Protectorate appeared within my mind, and a tree in the northwest, near a large tower, began sparkling with a brilliant shade of blue.

"…This tree shall guide you to the next destination fate would have you visit…"

"…And, precious Michael…"

"…I bestow upon you this spell, that you may travel in an instant to any domain that you have heretofore visited…"

Suddenly, a small cloud of gold light rained down around me, and I could feel a new power flow through my body. Given the voice's description, I decided to name this new spell 'Zoom'.

"…Michael, Celestrian and Guardian… Return once more to the mortal realm…"

"…Journey aboard the Starflight Express to the lands below and gather the fyggs that lie scattered there…"

"…Do this, Michael, for all mortalkind. For their salvation…"

I didn't know whose voice that was, but I found it oddly comforting… As if it came from someone that I've known my whole life. Being filled with a sudden surge of motivational energy, I quickly headed back to the descending staircase, but was stopped before I take the first step. Apus Major and a couple of Celestrians were heading up the stairs. Jessica and Allison were behind them, wanting to see what was going on.

"So, Michael," Apus Major inquired. "Are your wings and halo restored?"

"No, they haven't, sir."

The two Celestrians with Apus Major gave each other uncertain looks while Apus Major hurried up the rest of the steps to get a better look at me. "No?" he repeated. "Despite your prayers, Yggdrasil has not restored your Celestrian powers? I… My sympathies, Michael. It would seem that you must endure this divested state for some time yet."

"Yes, sir. However, I did have a mysterious dream while praying."

"Really?" he asked, taken aback in shock. "Upon offering your prayers to Yggdrasil you witnessed a mysterious dream, you say? Tell me of this vision! Every last detail!"

I quickly explained to him everything that had transpired while I was praying. Jessica, Allison, and the two Celestrians had reached the top of the stairs and were listening attentively to what I had to say, as well.

"Hmm…" the elder Celestrian mused. "A mysterious dream indeed… One who would destroy the world…and one who would save it… I fear that, unbeknownst to us, a terrible conflict may be brewing. It is tragic to have lost your wings and halo, Michael. But perhaps there is meaning in your misfortune. After all, you are now able to ride the Starflight Express. I believe that your dream may have been a message from the Grand Architect Himself. If the voice of the Almighty instructed you to gather fyggs, then gather fyggs you must! Fyggs harbor the power of Yggdrasil. They may indeed hold the key to the salvation of the Protectorate and the Observatory alike. Time, Michael, is of the essence." He gestured towards the Starflight. "You must leave at once. Bring the fyggs safely back to us. Our destinies are in your hands!"

Nodding in understanding, I walked over to rejoin Jessica and Allison and together we started walking down the stairs. "Did you get all that?" I asked.

"Yup," Jessica confirmed, smiling. "It looks like you're stuck with us for a little while longer."

"That's one way to look at it, I suppose," I agreed. "One could also say you're stuck with Stella for a little while longer, and I think that that's a worse fate."

Jessica's eyes widened upon hearing my words. "Wait, you don't serious mean that, do you?"

"He did tell you to be careful what you wished for, Jessica," Allison reminded with a giggle. "It looks like you ended up getting it after all."

"Ugh…"

"And she's still driving the Starflight Express."

"No! Please! Anything but that!"

"That's one wish that isn't going to come true."


"Where the flap has old fatguts got to?" Stella asked herself, pacing back and forth through the air in the Starflight. "I was sure I'd find him if we managed to get back here. He must've fallen down to the Protectorate when those light beams struck. Am I gonna have to go and hunt the old codger down? Can I really be bothered to go and look for him…? I don't suppose I've got much choice if I want my wages."

"Who are you talking about, Stella?" I asked, catching her attention.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, surprised. "Hi, Michael. Didn't expect to see you here. No time for pleasantry, I'm afraid. I've got an annoying errand to run. Got to go and look for someone, as it happens."

"Oh, that's convenient, then," Allison chimed in. "You can just drop us off along the way."

"What's that?" Stella asked, shocked. "You need to get back to the Protectorate too?" She quietly flew to the control panel, and then turned around with a big smile on her face. "Then we can go together!" she cheered, fist-bumping with the air. "What a turn-out for the books! Come on, then. Let's go!" She fiddled with the controls a little bit, then turned back towards us. "Right, let's get this show on the railroad back to the mortal realm!" She fiddled some more with the controls. "Hmm… But the old girl's still not running at full steam ahead… Is she going to make it down there in one peace, I wonder…" Jessica's face paled at her words, memories of her last trip still vivid in her mind. "Oh, hang on. What's that blue tree thing? If I just plop her down on top of that, we should have a softish landing… Softish…"

"You know, Jessica," Allison interrupted, "let's go sit down in the back, so we can let Stella and Michael work." Jessica nodded appreciatively, her face growing even more pale.

"Well, I don't have any better ideas," Stella retorted, "so unless your brain's waving at you with something amazing, it's my plan or nothing." No one voiced any objections, so Stella turned back to the control panel and slammed a bunch of buttons at once, screaming, "Look out mortals, here we come!" And, once again, the Starflight Express began to move, marking the beginning of our journey through the Protectorate to recover the seven fallen fyggs.


And, with that, we kick off Act 2. Let's hope it takes me less than three years to complete that, too. Sigh... Anyway, I hope you liked it.

As before, I'm always welcome to suggestions on how to introduce the final party member into the story. I'm also happy to receive ideas in general for things to add to the story. Romance? Drama? Rivalry? You come up with an idea, and I may just add it in one day.

Also, just as a brief reminder, there is now a forum dedicated to the story where anyone can ask a question or leave a comment. I made it, so we may as well use it. It's called "The Mortal's Guardian: Michael's Story Forum".

Anyway, here's hoping the next chapter comes out in less than six months, but I've learned my lesson and I'm not giving a specific month this time around.

As always, don't forget to favorite, follow, and review if you haven't so far. Please don't hesitate to let me know of any typos in the story via a private message or the forum. I strive for perfection, but, alas, I am only human.

I think I've definitely gotten better at keeping the author's note nice and short. Let's try to keep it that way from now on.

Until next time, this has been D~F.