Disclaimer: I don't own anyone who was ever in the game.
Author's note: Not much to say; it's the next chapter.
--------It was the next morning the Dragoons set out for Fletz, their packs bulging with home baked goods that would most likely be eaten right away. The entire village of Gez waved them goodbye and wished them Godspeed. Shayla and her father were towards the front of the group, Shayla jumping up and down as she waved. The nine travelers waved back, thanking them for their hospitality.
The day crawled along slowly, seemingly taking two days for noontime to come. They waited until they found a good enough clearing before stopping, everyone sitting and emptying their packs. Their meal started in relative silence until Hashel spoke up, looking at Elizabeth and Verona.
"So, are you two enjoying the trip so far?"
Elizabeth shrugged, carefully picking up a piece of bread. "Not bad. Kind of fun, actually. But I would like to test out my Dragoon Spirit sometime, seeing as how I still don't know how to use it yet."
"I agree," said Verona, also taking a piece of bread. "Both of us used our Spirits once, and we didn't actually know what we were doing. I'd like to get some training on using them."
Hashel grinned. "And here we are; seven experienced Dragoons that can teach you!"
Kongol noticed Elizabeth's eyes light up at the concept. Knowing how much both girls were looking forward to it, he offered his opinion in hopes that the new Dragoons would be given the opportunity as soon as possible. "We should train them soon; never know when we need their help."
Albert nodded. "I agree. We have time, now that we don't have any immediate trouble to deal with."
Meru grinned as well. "Right!"
Shana smiled. "How about we start after we finish eating?"
Everyone nodded and resumed eating. They ate quickly, hurrying so they could start the training as soon as possible. Afterwards they put everything back into their packs and placed them at the base of a tree. The seven more experienced Dragoons stood around the perimeter of the clearing while Elizabeth, who had volunteered to go first, stood in the middle. Verona stood near the packs, leaning against the tree and watching. Dart, who had been a Dragoon the longest out of the group, was the instructor.
"Since you have your Spirit on a necklace, you won't have to worry about finding it each time you try to use it. Focus on it carefully; don't think about anything else."
Elizabeth took a breath before closing her eyes. She was nervous, and yet, at the same time, felt idiotic. Everyone was watching her, and she could feel it.
'Idiot!' she berated herself mentally. 'Concentrate on the Spirit!'
Pushing all further thoughts from her mind, she focused on the gem around her neck; how she could feel it resting just above where her collarbones met. It felt warm on her skin, mostly because it was warm from her body heat. Her mind moved on from her skin to the gem itself; she formed a mental picture of how it looked: completely black except for the red outline, a perfect sphere, maybe even glimmering a little bit…
The other Dragoons watched as her Spirit began to glow it's black shroud, cloaking everything a foot around it for a second before it formed a beam that shot into the suddenly cloudy sky, causing a sudden breeze that pushed Elizabeth's platinum hair back a bit. Elizabeth's eyes were still closed, but she still looked up as the beam shot skyward, almost as if she could sense it. A few moments passed; she didn't move. Then the black beam came back, shooting down from the sky large enough to seemingly swallow her completely. She was lost from sight, save a red outline of her form in the middle of the beam. Then the darkness was seemingly swallowed back into her and her new armor, leaving her to hover slightly over the ground with her transformed sword in hand. Her ruby eyes then opened, seeming oddly calm as she landed on the ground.
Dart nodded. "Not bad," he commended. "You won't be able to stay a Dragoon for very long at first until you use it more often. But for now, we'll go over flying. Your wings are like extra arms; you can control them in pretty much the same way and they don't get tired. Go ahead, give them a try."
She nodded and stood straight. Moving an arm wasn't hard; you want it to move and it moved. So she concentrated and willed her new wings to move. Much to her surprise, it worked; her wings began to flap and she lifted off, albeit slowly and rising only a few inches. Despite herself, she couldn't help but to smile excitedly. She was actually doing it! She couldn't wait to try it in a real fight; then she could see what a Dragoon could really do.
Her armor shimmered and disappeared, leaving her back in her normal clothing. Her sword had found its way back into its scabbard. She fell back to the ground, easily landing on her feet. She was proud of herself; she had successfully transformed and flown on her first day of training.
Meru grinned and cheered. "All right Elizabeth! You did it!"
Elizabeth and Verona traded places; Elizabeth leaning on the tree and Verona standing in the middle of the clearing. She pulled out her light-teal Dragoon Spirit and waited, facing Dart.
"Pretty much the same thing," he said. "Concentrate on your Spirit and your Spirit alone."
She closed her eyes and held her Dragoon Spirit in both hands in front of her. She was very nervous; what if she didn't do it right like Elizabeth did? She could embarrass herself in front of everyone; make herself look like an idiot! What was the tip Elizabeth whispered to her as they walked past each other? "Make a mental picture of the Spirit." 'Well, here goes…'
Much to her surprise, she felt the slightly familiar tingling sensation start at her feet and slowly spread up her body.
The transformation started with the ground below her. A circle about a foot in diameter around her feet began to glow, shining light upwards. Several figures floated up from the glowing earth, taking on more human shapes as they surrounded Verona on all sides. A faint sound could be heard, like voices singing songs of joy. Then the figures began to slowly swirl around her, starting with her feet. They spun faster and faster, eventually becoming a solid white blur as they circled her waist. They seemed to be getting larger, still spinning around her feet as they moved up to her shoulders. In moments they covered her completely, still spinning around her entirely. A bright flash of light made everyone reflexively cover their eyes. When the light died down, Verona stood on the ground, wearing her new armor and her transformed spear in her hands.
----The training had gone well. Both of the new Dragoons had learned how to use their wings in the short time they had. Afterwards they started back on their way to Tiberoa, nearly getting within a day's travel to the border before deciding to stop and camp for the night. After they finished eating, Dart offered to have the first watch. No one really argued; they all just nodded and pulled out their blankets. Shana hugged her husband goodnight before turning in for the night. Dart settled himself near the fire, watching and listening for any type of threat, whether it be man or animal.
There were both advantages and disadvantages to being on guard duty. It allowed one to have some alone time and to have time to think about almost anything. But it was usually so boring one couldn't help but to almost fall asleep. Dart tried his best to stay awake by observing the other Dragoons.
Hashel slept with his back to the fire, his blanket up over his shoulders and nearly to his neck. His arms twitched every once in a while, giving Dart the impression that his grandfather was dreaming about martial arts.
Kongol slept on his back with his head tilted away from the fire, the blanket coming up to his chest. Dart felt sorry for his large friend; he was the only Gigantos left. When he dies, his species would become extinct. It was the sad, depressing truth, lightened only by the fact that Kongol was still young; only in his lower twenties of age.
Meru was nearly lost from sight; her blanket was pulled up to her head, almost covering her completely. Her back was also to the fire, lying on her side with her hands holding the blanket and tucked under her chin. She was by far the youngest of the group and the most childish, but her personality was a necessary deviant from the seriousness of their journey.
Shana slept on her side, facing the fire. She too had the blanket nearly up to her chin, her hands tucked up to her neck. The blonde swordsman couldn't help but to feel protective of her. Moon Child or not, she still meant a great deal to him; she was more precious than his own life in his eyes.
Miranda slept on her back, her arms to her side, the blanket up to her chest. Dart supposed she was one of the more burdened of the Dragoons aside from Albert; not only was she to help save the world, but she also was an heir to the royal throne of Millie Seasu.
Elizabeth slept on her back as well, her head tilted towards the fire, her forearms resting on her stomach with the blanket up to her chest. Dart couldn't help but to remember that she was the reason they were on their journey in the first place; it was because she had an unknown Dragoon Spirit that led them to believe that the world was threatened.
Verona slept on her side with her back to the fire, her blanket over her shoulders. Her legs were slightly curled up to her side, bent at the knees and tucked closer to her for more heat. She was the one that seemingly added a twist to their reasons for going on their adventure; seven Dragoons was understandable, but eight?
Albert lay on his back, his arms at his sides. The light from both the true moon and the small fire reflected from his open eyes, which stared up at the inky blackness of the clear sky above and the stars within. His eyes seemed distant, as though his mind was somewhere else.
"Can't sleep?" the swordsman asked quietly as to not disturb the others.
The Jade Dragoon's eyes slid towards the blonde, seemingly coming to reality. His voice was quiet as well, keeping in mind the others were sleeping. "Unfortunately, no." With a sigh, he sat up, turning to face his companion. He hugged his left knee to his chest while the other lay in front of him. His eyes drifted towards the fire, looking tired but too preoccupied to sleep. "I can't help but to feel that I should have stayed with Emille in Bale."
"Oh." A moment of silence dragged out through the small clearing between the two men, during which Dart glanced at the fire out of the corner of his eye. He then looked back at Albert. "Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?"
He shifted a little, his right leg beginning to go numb. "I'd be happy with either, really. I just hope I can be there when Emille gives birth."
"Have you decided on any names yet?"
Albert took his eyes away from the fire and looked at Dart. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering. "Emille and I have agreed on one name, but only if it's a boy. We don't know what we're going to name it if it's a girl."
"What's its name going to be if it's a boy?"
Again he hesitated, this time for seemingly longer. "… Lavitz."
Dart's icy blue eyes softened and a small, reassuring smile appeared. "I'm sure he would've been honored if he was alive to hear about it."
A rustling behind them diverted their attention, making Dart look over his right shoulder. Verona's legs straightened underneath her blanket, stretching the stiff joints before settling again.
It took them less than a week to reach Fletz. Nothing had really changed since they had last been there. There was still a stream flowing smoothly through the city, and stars were still the main decoration. There was even the same guard barring the entrance to the castle. It took him a while to recognize everyone; but his well-tanned face quickly split into a grin.
"Well, if it isn't Dart and his friends! I haven't seen you folks in a long time! King Zior's been wanting to talk to you people. Especially you, Your Majesty." He moved to the side and let them pass.
They proceeded to the throne room, where King Zior Princess Lisa sat. The king stood once he recognized the group of warriors. He smiled.
"I've been waiting to talk to you all for a long time! Please, make yourselves comfortable! What brings you all here?"
The Dragoons looked at Albert, who took a small step forwards. "For several reasons, actually. Emille requested that I give her regards to you and Princess Lisa. She also wished me to inform you that in seven months we will be expecting a new heir to the throne."
Both the king and the princess' smiles enlarged. "Oh my!" exclaimed Princess Lisa. "I will be an aunt soon!"
Zior rose from his throne, walked over to Albert and gave him a hearty slap on the back as he laughed. Albert had to take a step forward to keep himself from being knocked over.
"Ha ha! That's grand news!"
Dart decided it was time to get to business. He stepped forward slightly and nodding respectfully. "Unfortunately, Your Majesty, the other reasons we're here aren't good."
Zior nodded and sat back down on his throne, as did Princess Lisa. "Please, do continue."
"We have reason to believe Endiness is in danger yet again. So far we haven't been able to discover what it is, but we were on our way to Millie Seasu to continue our search."
"Very well then! The nine of you can go to Millie Seasu in the Queen Fury. You warriors have saved my country twice; I cannot thank you enough. However, there have been several reports of the Phantom Ship again, so you'll have to keep an eye out for that as well."
"The Phantom Ship? But we watched it sink almost two years ago!"
"It is the strangest thing. The reports say that it is more aggressive; it has tried to ram a few of our ships then they encountered it. Be careful!"
"We will, and thank you Your Majesty." They all kneeled, then left for Doneau, the Flower City.
The flowers were brighter than ever. There had been very little change from when they had last been there. They even saw two old friends of theirs walking home. The man saw the group and pointed at them, smiling. "Kate, look! It's Dart and his friends!"
The woman looked where her husband pointed and smiled. She didn't wave, however, because of the bundle in her arms.
"Lynn! Kate!" The group approached the couple with smiles.
"You all look so well! It's been a long time since I've seen you!" Lynn exclaimed as he shook hands excitedly with Dart. "And there's more with you this time! Who are these two new faces?"
"Elizabeth and Verona. How have you two been doing?"
"We've been just fine. We had our baby a while ago."
"Is it a boy or a girl?" asked Shana, looking at the bundle in Kate's arms.
"A boy," Kate replied, showing them the infant in her arms.
"He's adorable!" awed the previous Dragoon of Light.
"My wife and I are expecting soon," said Albert, smiling down at the baby boy who giggled at the attention he was getting.
"Really?" asked Lynn. "About when will the prince or princess be born?"
"In about seven months."
"So what brings you all here?" asked Kate.
"Oh, out saving the world again," grinned Hashel.
"We're going to go to Millie Seasu on the Queen Fury," replied Dart.
"The Queen Fury?" asked Lynn. "It's been at the docks for a few hours now."
"We'd better go catch our ride then," said Hashel. The group waved to the family as they passed to get to the docks.
"Bye!" called back Meru as she waved.
Up at the dock, Kayla recognized them immediately. She waved to them excitedly as they approached. "Hi everyone! We've been waiting for you for hours now! Are you ready to go?"
"I think so," said Dart. Everyone nodded.
"Right! Let's go! Commodore Puler is waiting for you on deck!"
They all boarded the ship, meeting Commodore Puler just off the walkway. "Dart!" The smiling Commodore gave the swordsman's upper back a pat in greeting. "How are you? Have you thought about becoming a man of the sea yet?"
"Not really. Commodore, these are two new friends of ours- Elizabeth and Verona. They're joining us on our journey."
"Ah. Saving the world?"
"Again."
"Well, if you don't take the time to save Endiness, then who will? Make yourselves comfortable; we'll leave as soon as possible!"
Elizabeth stood up on the crow's nest, watching the sea. Her hair was being tossed back I the sea breeze as she leaned against the wood with her forearms resting on the edge. Her life had taken an interesting turn. One day she was living alone, just a Wingly woman trying to get by in life, now today she was a part of a legend dating back 11,000 years. She was alone, and now she was with eight others. She was part of this odd group that would save the world. As strange as it sounded, she liked the idea. It gave her life a purpose.
The sound of someone climbing the ladder behind her returned her mind to the present. She turned to see Dart appear from behind the mast, walking towards her. She turned back to the sea. He stood beside her, resting his forearms on the ledge. "You like it up here?"
"Yeah."
"Rose did too. She stayed up here for most of our trip, like you are."
She turned her head to look at him. "What was the story with her, anyway?"
Dart sighed. "Well, she saved my life three times. She was the Darkness Dragoon from over 11,000 years ago. She fell in love with the Dragoon of Fire, Zieg Feld."
"Feld… Isn't that your last name?"
He nodded. "He was my father. But he was petrified while he was fighting Melbu Frahma. It took 11,000 years for the spell to wear off. Later he met my mother, and then I came along."
"What about Rose?"
"After my father killed Melbu, she was given immortality to become the Black Monster She later destroyed my first home town, Neet, and killed my mother. She joined us when we were fighting Kongol in Hoax, which I already told you about. She died with my father at the final battle of our last journey."
"And your dad took your Fire Dragoon Spirit, right?"
He nodded. "But Lloyd gave me the Divine Dragoon Spirit before he died." He took the stone from his pocket, the Dragoon Spirit around Elizabeth's neck reacting with it and causing both to glow. After a few moments the black and golden lights faded down to gentle pulsing.
Verona stood at the every front of the ship, watching the sea rush by. Her life had taken a drastic turn; for better or worse, she didn't know. She had gotten new friends, so it couldn't be that bad, could it? She would admit- it felt strange to be able to call the King of Serdia her friend.
"Having fun?"
She turned to see Hashel move to stand beside her, looking out at the waves. She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess."
"So, how are you liking the trip? Not getting seasick, are you?"
She shook her head. "No, I usually don't get seasick." She paused to watch a wave splash up against the front of the ship. "It's interesting. Being a Dragoon, I mean. I'm still not entirely used to being one."
"Well, don't worry, you'll get used to it soon." He leaned against the wood. "We're headed for Furni. Isn't that where you're from?"
She nodded. "It'll be strange, though. When I left for Bale, I was… I don't know; fairly normal, I guess. But now I'm a Dragoon, helping to save the world."
"I know how that is. When I left Rouge over 40 years ago, I was just a man out looking for his runaway daughter. When I came back about a year ago, I was a Dragoon looking for a long-lost Wingly city."
Verona turned to face him. "I didn't know you had a daughter, Hashel."
"I sure did. She looked a lot like her mother. She was a good kid; I was just too hard on her when it came to the Rouge School. She ran away, and I never saw her again."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."
"She died a long time ago. She was Dart's mother, you know."
"I didn't know that. So you're his grandfather?"
"Yep. It was a bit strange when we found out, since I met him a long time ago and joined him before Lavitz died."
"You must be proud of him; he's a good guy. It's a shame he didn't grow up with you around."
Hashel grinned. "Yeah, He can be a stick in the mud once in a while." He leaned closer to her and hushed his voice, almost as if he was telling her a secret. "But I think he would've been a cute baby!"
They both laughed.
Authors note: GAH! Finally! It took me forever to finish this darn chapter!
