By: Strider Yoshi
Send feedback to:
strider_yoshi@yahoo.com
Hero's Rest
Note: Thanks to Iced Guardian for informing of mistake. Why did I mistakenly call the Hero Link? Because when i played through the game the first time, I named the guy Link, cuz I didn't know of the default, and I thought Link was cool and all. When writing this I had to continually change Link to Max, when I typed in Link by reflex :P
Chapter 2
The ship herself was unremarkable. It was a large ship, somewhat slow, but very spacious, which came in handy during her travels. The ship was christened Navarow The ship was not as packed as it had once been. Currently, only a few passengers were travelling on it, compared to over 20 before. No, the ship itself was nothing special. What was important however, was that it was taking home the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. The army that had struck fear in the hearts of every evil creature serving the Darkness. The ship was taking the remnants of the Shining Force home.
However, the state of Navarow did not concern Lowe, as he strolled around the deck, trying very hard not to throw up from the heaving motions of the ship. All he cared about was getting home to the namesake of the ship, and returning to his homeland of Guardiana.
"Are we there yet?" Lowe asked of Gort, who was calmly perched as lookout at the front of Navarow"
Gort, the aged warrior who had decided to come out of retirement in order to battle Runfaust, gave Lowe a surprised look. "Are we there yet? Gee, that's a new question from you! Oh, I've never heard you ask that before!"
Hans, one of the original members of the Shining Force, and who was keeping Gort company at lookout, put on a confused look. "Wait a minute. I think I remember him asking him that before, was it five week ago?"
Gort raised his eyebrows, as if surprised. "Wait, I remember now! Perhaps it was one week-"
"5 days-"
"1 day-"
"5 hours-"
"5 minutes-"
"Oh shut up," said Lowe. Both Hans and Gort grinned.
"Relax," said Gort, giving Lowe a hearty slap on the back, which almost sent Lowe overboard. "You land-grubber! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the sea, like I do."
"Right, just relax," muttered Lowe. "Only a crazy old fool could-"
"What was that last part?" inquired Gort in an off-hand tone, as he casually dropped his hand down to his belt, letting it lie on the blade of the Atlas Axe resting there.
"Nothing."
"That's what I thought."
"Stop the cat-fight, girls." This remark came from Arthur, Paladin, and who Tao jokingly called "Dead Weight", due to his eagerness, or lack of, to fight against Runefaust. None could argue against his fighting ability though. He came strolling over from where he had been taking a nap. "You fight like a bunch of women."
Mae, daughter of Varios, smirked at that remark. "Arthur, what are you saying? Does that mean women can't fight, or something? Because if it does..."
Arthur gulped, as he recalled the ease at which Mae had torn through enemies in the past. She was definitely not a centaur you'd want to 1anger. "No, no, no, no. Of course not," Arthur exclaimed nervously.
"That's what I thought."
Mae opened her mouth in order to make an further remark, but fell silent as a large shadow fell over them, and her companions. She looked up. There, coming down to a landing, was Balbaroy, the Sky Warrior, along with Amon, his wife, and fellow Warrior.
"Land sighted." The grave Balbaroy said this without emotion, even though everyone's heart leapt at the fact that this long journey would soon be over. Luke and Ken looked up from the game of chess they were playing, though the rocking motions of were wreaking havoc on the board. Tao and Khris stopped their spirited debate about the book Tao was reading, entitled "Do witches really float?" Zylo looked over from he where had been perched hanging over the railing of Navarow, with a ray of hope in his eyes.. The Wolf Baron, who could move through rough terrain with ease, and could cut through enemies like butter, had developed a pale green tint. This voyage was definitely not treating him well. Amon nodded, as if to confirm her Balbaroy's sightings.
"How far!" Lowe shouted ecstatically.
Balbaroy thought about it. "I'd say we have about 4 hours before we hit Uranbatol," he answered after a moment. "I have to warn you, though, we have a welcoming party awaiting us when we hit."
Earnest, who had been brooding while staring off into the sea, looked up sharply at this remark. "Welcoming party? How many undead? How many bats? What's the makeup of the enemy force?"
Balbaroy looked amused, although none but Amon could read that expression from him. "No, I mean an actual welcoming party. Apparently, the word's spread about our little adventure overseas. The entire shipyard is stacked with people. You should have heard the noise when Amon and I swooped by overhead! It was deafening, especially to our sensitive ears." Both Balbaroy and Amon covered their ears, and winced at the memory.
Lowe looked horrified. "An actual welcoming party? With all those people all staring at us, and all that attention? I don't know if I can do this."
Arthur grinned, and threw his arm over Lowe's shoulder. "Hey, it'll be fun. We're heroes! We've defeated the greatest evil the world has ever known-"
"Though I'm pretty sure you were knocked unconscious by that Armed Skeleton," Tao muttered.
Arthur continued without missing a beat. "-and we deserve a hero's welcome, don't you think Lowe?"
Zylo grimaced. "I don't know if I like this. I've never been comfortable around a whole group of strangers."
Luke was surprised. "Why?" Luke asked.
"I don't know," Zylo responded dryly. "For some reason, people become uncomfortable around a mad wolf that attacks everything in sight."
"That was before we got the Lunar Dew for you!" Khris interjected. "You're different now! You're OK with us now aren't you?"
Zylo rubbed his paws together nervously, which was not characteristic of the usual fearless warrior that everyone knew Zylo as. "I guess so..."
Arthur broke the uncomfortable silence. "Come on guys, cheer up! It'll be fun! There'll be interesting parties, interesting drinks, and if all else fails..." Arthur grinned even wider. "Interesting women," he finished.
Tao couldn't help it. She fell to the floor in tears, laughing hysterically, while the rest of the Shining Force stared at her. Finally she finished. "You! Women! Since when did you know the firs thing about women, Arthur!"
Arthur mockingly put on a hurt expression. "Tao! Just because I rejected your advances doesn't mean you need to take your anger out on me! I have feelings too, you know."
Tao inwardly debated whether to smack Arthur across the face with her Holy Rod, or to throw up. She settled for just rolling her eyes.
Arthur continued, "Anyway, my heart is set on another woman. I know she feels the same way about me. Right Mae?" Arthur sidled over toward her, with his arms outstretched, but stopped from the promise of instant death he read in the look she gave him. Everyone enjoyed a hearty laugh at this.
However, the laughter stopped when they noticed a silver-haired figure climbing up from the decks below. She was walking toward them unsteadily. She looked terrible, as if she had lost a lot of weight over the last few weeks. She had dark rings under her eyes, from sleepness nights. She was one of the key figures in the defeat of the Dark Dragon and Darksol, and was to be the future leader of Guardiana. She was the wizard, Princess Anri.
Anri quizzically searched the faces of the Shining Force, all who was looking with concern at her. "What's with all the commotion?"
Balbaroy answered her. "Your Highness, land has been sighted off in the distance."
Anri smiled wanly. "Don't call me that."
Balbaroy remained solemn. "Formalities must be maintained."
"Yes, formalities must be maintained," said Arthur, in a perfect imitation of Balbaroy's voice. "Lighten up, O Holy one! Come on, let's see a smile!"
"My beak does not contain the muscles necessary to form a 'smile,' Arthur."
Arthur looked nonplussed. "Oh," he said, rather lamely. "So how ya feeling Anny?"
Anri looked amused. "You, on the other hand..."
Arthur grinned. "Don't look so down, toots. I'm just giving you what you want, sweetie."
Tao glanced at Mae, who was trying to hold back a smile. "Mae, as Princess of Guardiana, I hereby order you to put this scoundrel to death."
Mae immediately put on a serious face. "Mission accepted. Come here, Arthur." Mae slowly advanced on him.
Arthur's grin faltered. "This is a joke right," he remarked, while slowly backing away. He suddenly turned around, and took off, with Mae in hot pursuit. "Where are you going, you moron!" Mae shouted. This is a boat.
Anri looked at the duo in amusement. "If anyone wants me, I'll be down below." She headed off toward the decks.
The Shining Force glanced at each other. "She's taking this real hard," Khris mentioned.
The rest of the Shining Force nodded in agreement. "What should we do?" asked Lowe, as he tried to ignore the sounds of a screaming Arthur in the background.
"Just let her be," said Earnest solemnly. "I, of all people, know that she wants to be left alone right now."
The rest of the Shining Force concurred. They went back to their activities as Navarow sped on toward Uranbatol. Khris and Anri resumed their discussion on "Do witches really float?" Hans, Gort, and Lowe continued bantering. Zylo tried not to throw up. Luke and Ken decided to move their chess game downstairs, where they could at least lock down the board somehow. Balbaroy and Amon took off to the sky again, in order to serve as forward scouts. Earnest went back to his silent thoughts. Arthur was STILL being chased by Mae. He was running with a surprising amount of speed and stamina, considering how much he trains.
Anri headed back to her cabin. She had been unable to gain a good night's sleep during the whole voyage. In fact, she hadn't slept well ever since the defeat of Dark Dragon. The reason was Max's death. She could still see it in her dreams. The look on his face as he sent the rest of them, Anri included, to safety, using the last of his strength. He had stayed behind in order to ensure that Dark Dragon was sealed away, sacrificing his life, for the good of mankind. She paused by her small desk. Situated in the centre, was the White Ring. Max had given it to her after they had discovered it. "No, it's ok, I don't need it," she had protested. "But you must," Max had insisted. "If anything should happen to you-"
Anri had looked up at him, eyes wide. Surely, he wouldn't say what she thought he would!
"- the kingdom of Guardiana would be left without a heir." Max finished. "Your safety is of paramount importance to your people!"
Oh, he was concerned for Guardiana, Anri realized dully. She accepted the White Ring, and Max went off without seeing the tears in Anri's eyes. Anri clutched the Ring and suddenly, broke down completely. "Oh Max," she cried in a pain filled voice. "Where are you?"
Elsewhere, at that same moment...
Max was heading back toward Edward's house when the Evil Ring on his hand started glowing brightly. Edward whistled.
"What is that?" Edward exclaimed, with fascination in his eyes. "Nothing," Max lied. In fact, it was the only remnant left from his time with the Shining Force. The Orb of Light he had possessed had vanished. The Chaos Buster he had used to seal away Dark Dragon. The only thing left to him was the Evil Ring, whose curse seemed to have vanished at the same time Dark Dragon did. The ring stopped glowing. "Hey, it's stopped. Where did you get that anyway? A ring like that must be very expensive," Edward mentioned, with a curious look in his eyes.
"Just a family heirloom," Max assured, although he wondered what exactly it could mean.
To Be Continued...
OK, what did you dudes and dudettes think? I know it's a little slow at first, but it'll pick up eventually. At least, I hope it will. Remember, all feedback is appreciated. If I missed a comma, tell me about it. I'm pretty sure I made all kinds of spelling and grammar mistakes, so if I did, I'd like to know. Please be kind. It's my first piece of work, show mercy! Strider Yoshi
Send feedback to:
strider_yoshi@yahoo.com
Hero's Rest
Note: Thanks to Iced Guardian for informing of mistake. Why did I mistakenly call the Hero Link? Because when i played through the game the first time, I named the guy Link, cuz I didn't know of the default, and I thought Link was cool and all. When writing this I had to continually change Link to Max, when I typed in Link by reflex :P
Chapter 2
The ship herself was unremarkable. It was a large ship, somewhat slow, but very spacious, which came in handy during her travels. The ship was christened Navarow The ship was not as packed as it had once been. Currently, only a few passengers were travelling on it, compared to over 20 before. No, the ship itself was nothing special. What was important however, was that it was taking home the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. The army that had struck fear in the hearts of every evil creature serving the Darkness. The ship was taking the remnants of the Shining Force home.
However, the state of Navarow did not concern Lowe, as he strolled around the deck, trying very hard not to throw up from the heaving motions of the ship. All he cared about was getting home to the namesake of the ship, and returning to his homeland of Guardiana.
"Are we there yet?" Lowe asked of Gort, who was calmly perched as lookout at the front of Navarow"
Gort, the aged warrior who had decided to come out of retirement in order to battle Runfaust, gave Lowe a surprised look. "Are we there yet? Gee, that's a new question from you! Oh, I've never heard you ask that before!"
Hans, one of the original members of the Shining Force, and who was keeping Gort company at lookout, put on a confused look. "Wait a minute. I think I remember him asking him that before, was it five week ago?"
Gort raised his eyebrows, as if surprised. "Wait, I remember now! Perhaps it was one week-"
"5 days-"
"1 day-"
"5 hours-"
"5 minutes-"
"Oh shut up," said Lowe. Both Hans and Gort grinned.
"Relax," said Gort, giving Lowe a hearty slap on the back, which almost sent Lowe overboard. "You land-grubber! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the sea, like I do."
"Right, just relax," muttered Lowe. "Only a crazy old fool could-"
"What was that last part?" inquired Gort in an off-hand tone, as he casually dropped his hand down to his belt, letting it lie on the blade of the Atlas Axe resting there.
"Nothing."
"That's what I thought."
"Stop the cat-fight, girls." This remark came from Arthur, Paladin, and who Tao jokingly called "Dead Weight", due to his eagerness, or lack of, to fight against Runefaust. None could argue against his fighting ability though. He came strolling over from where he had been taking a nap. "You fight like a bunch of women."
Mae, daughter of Varios, smirked at that remark. "Arthur, what are you saying? Does that mean women can't fight, or something? Because if it does..."
Arthur gulped, as he recalled the ease at which Mae had torn through enemies in the past. She was definitely not a centaur you'd want to 1anger. "No, no, no, no. Of course not," Arthur exclaimed nervously.
"That's what I thought."
Mae opened her mouth in order to make an further remark, but fell silent as a large shadow fell over them, and her companions. She looked up. There, coming down to a landing, was Balbaroy, the Sky Warrior, along with Amon, his wife, and fellow Warrior.
"Land sighted." The grave Balbaroy said this without emotion, even though everyone's heart leapt at the fact that this long journey would soon be over. Luke and Ken looked up from the game of chess they were playing, though the rocking motions of were wreaking havoc on the board. Tao and Khris stopped their spirited debate about the book Tao was reading, entitled "Do witches really float?" Zylo looked over from he where had been perched hanging over the railing of Navarow, with a ray of hope in his eyes.. The Wolf Baron, who could move through rough terrain with ease, and could cut through enemies like butter, had developed a pale green tint. This voyage was definitely not treating him well. Amon nodded, as if to confirm her Balbaroy's sightings.
"How far!" Lowe shouted ecstatically.
Balbaroy thought about it. "I'd say we have about 4 hours before we hit Uranbatol," he answered after a moment. "I have to warn you, though, we have a welcoming party awaiting us when we hit."
Earnest, who had been brooding while staring off into the sea, looked up sharply at this remark. "Welcoming party? How many undead? How many bats? What's the makeup of the enemy force?"
Balbaroy looked amused, although none but Amon could read that expression from him. "No, I mean an actual welcoming party. Apparently, the word's spread about our little adventure overseas. The entire shipyard is stacked with people. You should have heard the noise when Amon and I swooped by overhead! It was deafening, especially to our sensitive ears." Both Balbaroy and Amon covered their ears, and winced at the memory.
Lowe looked horrified. "An actual welcoming party? With all those people all staring at us, and all that attention? I don't know if I can do this."
Arthur grinned, and threw his arm over Lowe's shoulder. "Hey, it'll be fun. We're heroes! We've defeated the greatest evil the world has ever known-"
"Though I'm pretty sure you were knocked unconscious by that Armed Skeleton," Tao muttered.
Arthur continued without missing a beat. "-and we deserve a hero's welcome, don't you think Lowe?"
Zylo grimaced. "I don't know if I like this. I've never been comfortable around a whole group of strangers."
Luke was surprised. "Why?" Luke asked.
"I don't know," Zylo responded dryly. "For some reason, people become uncomfortable around a mad wolf that attacks everything in sight."
"That was before we got the Lunar Dew for you!" Khris interjected. "You're different now! You're OK with us now aren't you?"
Zylo rubbed his paws together nervously, which was not characteristic of the usual fearless warrior that everyone knew Zylo as. "I guess so..."
Arthur broke the uncomfortable silence. "Come on guys, cheer up! It'll be fun! There'll be interesting parties, interesting drinks, and if all else fails..." Arthur grinned even wider. "Interesting women," he finished.
Tao couldn't help it. She fell to the floor in tears, laughing hysterically, while the rest of the Shining Force stared at her. Finally she finished. "You! Women! Since when did you know the firs thing about women, Arthur!"
Arthur mockingly put on a hurt expression. "Tao! Just because I rejected your advances doesn't mean you need to take your anger out on me! I have feelings too, you know."
Tao inwardly debated whether to smack Arthur across the face with her Holy Rod, or to throw up. She settled for just rolling her eyes.
Arthur continued, "Anyway, my heart is set on another woman. I know she feels the same way about me. Right Mae?" Arthur sidled over toward her, with his arms outstretched, but stopped from the promise of instant death he read in the look she gave him. Everyone enjoyed a hearty laugh at this.
However, the laughter stopped when they noticed a silver-haired figure climbing up from the decks below. She was walking toward them unsteadily. She looked terrible, as if she had lost a lot of weight over the last few weeks. She had dark rings under her eyes, from sleepness nights. She was one of the key figures in the defeat of the Dark Dragon and Darksol, and was to be the future leader of Guardiana. She was the wizard, Princess Anri.
Anri quizzically searched the faces of the Shining Force, all who was looking with concern at her. "What's with all the commotion?"
Balbaroy answered her. "Your Highness, land has been sighted off in the distance."
Anri smiled wanly. "Don't call me that."
Balbaroy remained solemn. "Formalities must be maintained."
"Yes, formalities must be maintained," said Arthur, in a perfect imitation of Balbaroy's voice. "Lighten up, O Holy one! Come on, let's see a smile!"
"My beak does not contain the muscles necessary to form a 'smile,' Arthur."
Arthur looked nonplussed. "Oh," he said, rather lamely. "So how ya feeling Anny?"
Anri looked amused. "You, on the other hand..."
Arthur grinned. "Don't look so down, toots. I'm just giving you what you want, sweetie."
Tao glanced at Mae, who was trying to hold back a smile. "Mae, as Princess of Guardiana, I hereby order you to put this scoundrel to death."
Mae immediately put on a serious face. "Mission accepted. Come here, Arthur." Mae slowly advanced on him.
Arthur's grin faltered. "This is a joke right," he remarked, while slowly backing away. He suddenly turned around, and took off, with Mae in hot pursuit. "Where are you going, you moron!" Mae shouted. This is a boat.
Anri looked at the duo in amusement. "If anyone wants me, I'll be down below." She headed off toward the decks.
The Shining Force glanced at each other. "She's taking this real hard," Khris mentioned.
The rest of the Shining Force nodded in agreement. "What should we do?" asked Lowe, as he tried to ignore the sounds of a screaming Arthur in the background.
"Just let her be," said Earnest solemnly. "I, of all people, know that she wants to be left alone right now."
The rest of the Shining Force concurred. They went back to their activities as Navarow sped on toward Uranbatol. Khris and Anri resumed their discussion on "Do witches really float?" Hans, Gort, and Lowe continued bantering. Zylo tried not to throw up. Luke and Ken decided to move their chess game downstairs, where they could at least lock down the board somehow. Balbaroy and Amon took off to the sky again, in order to serve as forward scouts. Earnest went back to his silent thoughts. Arthur was STILL being chased by Mae. He was running with a surprising amount of speed and stamina, considering how much he trains.
Anri headed back to her cabin. She had been unable to gain a good night's sleep during the whole voyage. In fact, she hadn't slept well ever since the defeat of Dark Dragon. The reason was Max's death. She could still see it in her dreams. The look on his face as he sent the rest of them, Anri included, to safety, using the last of his strength. He had stayed behind in order to ensure that Dark Dragon was sealed away, sacrificing his life, for the good of mankind. She paused by her small desk. Situated in the centre, was the White Ring. Max had given it to her after they had discovered it. "No, it's ok, I don't need it," she had protested. "But you must," Max had insisted. "If anything should happen to you-"
Anri had looked up at him, eyes wide. Surely, he wouldn't say what she thought he would!
"- the kingdom of Guardiana would be left without a heir." Max finished. "Your safety is of paramount importance to your people!"
Oh, he was concerned for Guardiana, Anri realized dully. She accepted the White Ring, and Max went off without seeing the tears in Anri's eyes. Anri clutched the Ring and suddenly, broke down completely. "Oh Max," she cried in a pain filled voice. "Where are you?"
Elsewhere, at that same moment...
Max was heading back toward Edward's house when the Evil Ring on his hand started glowing brightly. Edward whistled.
"What is that?" Edward exclaimed, with fascination in his eyes. "Nothing," Max lied. In fact, it was the only remnant left from his time with the Shining Force. The Orb of Light he had possessed had vanished. The Chaos Buster he had used to seal away Dark Dragon. The only thing left to him was the Evil Ring, whose curse seemed to have vanished at the same time Dark Dragon did. The ring stopped glowing. "Hey, it's stopped. Where did you get that anyway? A ring like that must be very expensive," Edward mentioned, with a curious look in his eyes.
"Just a family heirloom," Max assured, although he wondered what exactly it could mean.
To Be Continued...
OK, what did you dudes and dudettes think? I know it's a little slow at first, but it'll pick up eventually. At least, I hope it will. Remember, all feedback is appreciated. If I missed a comma, tell me about it. I'm pretty sure I made all kinds of spelling and grammar mistakes, so if I did, I'd like to know. Please be kind. It's my first piece of work, show mercy! Strider Yoshi
