Arc the Lad 2:2

by Dreamer's Prophetess

[Sorry, Discontinued for the time being due to work and school, but feel free to review!] The story continues from the end of the Arc the Lad 2 game, but Arc and Kukuru are still alive. Though the world is safe from the Dark One, it's not over yet.

3. Omen, A Path Unknown

Disclaimer:

"Arc the Lad" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © 1995-2002 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Published by Working Designs under license by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. English Translation © Working Designs 2002.

Omen, A Path Unknown

Shania sat on a wobbly seat of a crumbling table inside the feeble Ajarl Bar with her submissive and loyal friend, Roan, besides her. As she was looking over the process of restoration of the Toyoke Forest and seeking ways to bring stability within Millmana, her eyes grew tired as she realized the task seemed beyond her. With piles of papers before her, she quickly divided the first pile into two piles. She placed one large pile in front of her. She fumbled quickly over the process of rebuilding sewer systems, which ran through the Headquarters- now in ruins with all its nightmares dormant. Shania took a look at Diekbeck, which came along with her before she left the Silver Noah. It roamed around the tiny bar, making clanking noises. As it started picking up broken pieces of the walls and the roof, and assembling them in one corner, Diekbeck seemed to make a mental note of what to do with those pieces in the future. She looked back unto the piles of paper before her. She knew Diekbeck belonged in Yagos Island and not with her, trying to fix problems that had no tangible solutions. Diekbeck is probably just as needed in Yagos Island with Vilmer. She couldn't imagine the damage that could have happened in such a cozy village as Yudo Village; nevertheless, till she settled things here, she wouldn't be able to obtain an air ship that could transport him there. She had responsibility over Diekbeck till then. Roan with his thick shiny glasses, which seemed to hide the appearance of his timid eyes, opened his mouth as if to scream. Though no sounds came from it, the frustration in his face was apparent. He was just about ready to pound his head on the table as he examined the great damage made throughout every forest, even Ajarl.

"Anymore examination and finding just oil after oil and train wreckage after train wreckage, and…I'm GOING TO… SCREAM!" In desperation, Roan threw his trusty vacuum. Luckily Diekbeck ran to save it from its eminent doom. Roan slumped back into this chair, letting his glasses fall to the side, giving him a bizarrely angst appearance. He tilted his head as he felt tired by the invading thoughts of hopelessness. Shania looked into his expressionless face and a pang of fear crept down her spine. A feeling of endless troubles ahead seemed to appear like a mountain that could not be crossed. Shania sighed as she was starting to give in to his frustration as well. "… I…I know how you are feeling Roan, but till we get the little problems fixed, we will never be able to get back to the way things were before."

Roan immediately noticed the insolence of his negative thoughts as he already felt the change in Shania's tone of voice. He began to straighten himself slowly, almost as though he was dreading what was to come next. "Forgive me, your highness."

Shania put her head down, softly closing her pretty eyes. Roan looked at her, "There just doesn't seem to be any meaning in all of this. I find that there is no hope sometimes…but not just a lack of hope, a lack of people who are willing to help!" Roan abruptly got up and stood near the window next to their table, "Look outside the window, your majesty. There is so much suffering that it's hard to bear... for anyone… It's even hard to walk outside this crumbling bar and find that people have to start all over aga-"

Suddenly, Shania slammed the papers back on the table. Diekbeck took a step back as it made mechanical noises to alert those around him of his emotional confusion, "So, are you meaning to say that we should give up?" Shania fiercely shouted. Roan became alarmed and also defeated by her convicting words. He turned toward the window and simply looked down. Her voice became softer, almost to the point of whisper, as she spoke. "…it must be hard Roan, I know…isn't it hard for anyone right now…that's why…we have to keep pressing on… because the moment we step back, just like many years ago…with my father and mother…"

Roan became silent, aware of Shania's bitter feelings and sadness towards the events of the past. Shania blinked as she looked at the pile of rubble that Diekbeck gathered and place in the corner of the bar. Roan looked yonder the window, watching the winds clear from the streets. Civilians walked back and forth- gathering anything they can from the brokenness of the place. Children tugged the seams of their mother's clothing and wailed in frustration from the lack of shelter, from the bitter coldness, and from the never ceasing rain of death. Men were arguing over property matters and the money that seemingly disappeared with all aspect of love and care in the world.

'We are at a loss…such a great loss, that who would ever care to look at us with pity and show us any concern…Aren't we all in the same shoes as any other about us…' Shania's eyes nearly watered but Shania shook her head. She quickly regained herself, 'No, Shania… Get yourself focused! We must continue through this dreadful time… if not for ourselves… then for our future…" Looking back at Roan with her eyes filled with determination, she raised her voice.

"Roan! C'mon! Get yourself straightened up! I will not have someone that weak working with me! You must be strong with me. …Roan…please…I need you here….by my side…" Roan looked up slightly with distress in his eyes, but placed his head back down, solemnly understanding what she meant.

"If we do not hold onto this situation with assurance, someone with more authority may use our weaknesses again! If we let this responsibility go, the same mistake as in the past can happen… and I won't allow it…No. Not now, not ever…" Diekbeck crept towards Shania as she spoke with more clarity and boldness. Diekbeck, though it did not have within him any program or way of expressing emotions, it was still a machine that responded according to the emotions that Shania was feeling- defeat, rapid emotions and thoughts of despair being countered with confidence, responsibility, and hope. Diekbeck lightly tapped her side as it spoke up. "Shania, I concur." Shania looked towards Diekbeck and smiled. When it isn't broken, Shania actually thought Diekbeck was quite an adorable character.

Hearing Shania's words of encouragement boosted Roan to find light in their actions once again. Roan, regaining his passion and zeal, stood up as well and fervently nodded his head. "If we fall today, then we just have to get back up. If we fall and can't seem to get up, we wait for someone to come and help us up!" Roan threw his head back as he triumphantly laughed. Shania felt her weakness slowly dissipate from her faint heart and mind. She felt encouraged by Roan and Diekbeck's presence. Though she can sometimes be cold and act as though she wanted to be independent, she knew deep inside, her need of support. Shania took a moment to examine herself, as the warmth of renewed hope filled the room. She did not want to deny the fact that she was in need any longer, covering up her truthful disposition with her selfish pride. She wanted to let it be apparent when she was vulnerable, let it be obvious if she was tired, and let it be known that she wanted help as well. 'I guess, all that traveling with them did change me after all…' She smiled at the thoughts of her companions during the last battle with the Dark One.

Suddenly, their warm moments seem to fade as they heard a strange applaud coming from the entrance of the bar. Shania took guard as she saw three men in hooded red cloaks standing behind them. Diekbeck made a strange whistling sound, as he walked forward in a protective manner, causing the metal of his armor clatter together.

"Courageous words from the Princess of Millmana…I must say." The figure in the middle of the other two crimson cloaked men said in a deep voice, as he stepped forward. Shania stood her ground. Though there was no specific explanation, she realized the room's atmosphere has changed the moment she heard the words of this stranger being spoken. Clearly, the room grew darker as a large shadow of heaviness fell upon the entire bar. Diekbeck computed the change of this environment with his eyes, examining the room, and finding more men in hooded red cloaks standing outside the window, looking in. With the crack of the lightening, Roan sheepishly yelped like a child, dropping some of the documents, as he saw the unnatural white glint of the eyes of the men outside. The stranger was now just about a few feet away from Shania. Shania was slowly reaching for the back of her skirt, where she hid her cards, as she slowly turned around to face the stranger. The sternness of her face never eased, for she was not going to show any fear of this potential threat. Diekbeck noticed her reaction right away, and started to prepare itself as well for a fight to pursue.

The figure in blood red cape raised his head slightly. He stopped and chuckled. "But I must add… in this dark age of despair, do you intend on working alone?" Shania's tensed face slowly changed to a confused expression. She blinked at his question, as the man reached to undo his hood, dripping from the rain it blocked. Shania looked on with curiosity as she found thin silver bangs and the tint of golden glimmer of his eyes reflected from the candle light. He looked up at her as his eyes, filled with a strange self-assurance and boldness that came beyond this world, never left her eyes.

"Let me introduce myself, Princess Shania. My name is Clive…" He grinned as he slightly bowed his face and then slightly looked up at her to say, "…the Crown Prince of Palencia."

Shania froze. Her eyes grew wide with shock as her mouth opened, though she did not gasp or say something about what she just heard. Roan, knowing the situation already, dropped his papers again without any thought to pick them up this time. Diekbeck stiffened as well, though inside he felt as if he needed to clamor around at this most disturbing news. She put her head down, in disbelief as she stepped back a little. 'What in the world…is going on here…? The Crown Prince of Palencia…? What about Arc? Did he not yet go to Palencia? Who…?' Clive, expecting this reaction from all of them, simply let his eyes wonder around the room, until he spotted Diekbeck. Diekbeck traveled over to Roan to assist him in piling up the paper that was almost uncontrollably scattered across the floor. His grin became sly as he looked closely at Diekbeck with a most twisted expression upon his face.

Back in the Silver Noah, the atmosphere was still as dim as the last unexpected battle. Lying unconscious, Elc twisted his face as he slightly groaned. Though the room was spinning as his focus became adjusted, he was finally able to see his own room clearly. The same smell of his bed, the rustle of the Silver Noah, and his damaged weapon posted next to his bed were all welcoming gestures as Elc finally awoke from the previous night's attack. Elc slightly tensed his body so that he could get up. Yet a shocking pain passed straight from his right leg straight to his shoulders. He cringed and gritted his teeth, as he fell back onto his bed with a painful expression. As he was coping with the pain the best he could, Tosh's laughter caught his attention. Elc looked up slightly confused, as he saw Tosh, who was apparently there from the beginning, sitting comfortable against the cold metal wall of Elc's room. It seems that while Iga and Poco were getting their share of rest, Tosh offered to watch over Elc. Tosh shook his head with an amused expression, slowly getting up and approaching Elc's weak condition.

"So how is our little fire master?" Tosh examined him up and down as if to check whether there are more broken parts to fix. Elc simply grabbed his right shoulder, which still vibrated with pain and almost swollen. Elc gave a quick bitter look towards Tosh's casual attitude. Tosh leaned over, being careful not to hurt Elc more than he already was, and slightly helped Elc get up to a sitting position on his bed. As Elc was slowly adjusting his position, he shook his head, feeling still a bit dazed from the impact last night. Tosh gave a rough manly pat on Elc's back, which didn't ease any of his pain.

"You took quite a hit yesterday, Elc. Gave us all quite a fright…nearly causing Arc a heart attack… (sigh) and maybe Gogen, his peaceful rest…"

"Humph... Hope that didn't imply anything, Tosh—," Gogen spoke up as he fluttered in slightly over his cane. "Nah, of course not, Gogen, why would it?" Tosh grinned as Gogen simply raised an eyebrow at him. Then Gogen peered at Elc, who still needed time to recuperate from the pain that he was dealing with. Nevertheless, Elc didn't bother worrying about his own weak position. He looked up at Gogen and Tosh and earnestly asked, "Is everyone else all right? What about Arc…how is he?"

Tosh and Gogen looked at each other for a moment, giving each other uncertain looks. The clear change in their expression made Elc even more concerned, as he looked intently at them, as he beckoned an answer. Gogen cleared his throat as he spoke up first. "Well, you can say, physically, he seems perfectly well, my young friend. But his inner state…one could not well decipher the emotions he may be feeling this very moment…" Elc's eyes widened with understanding as he slightly let his head back down. His head without the bandanna caused his brownish black hair to fall in all sorts of directions. He gave a deep sigh, wondering about Arc and the others. Elc was certain that Arc would feel awfully guilty and perhaps a little broken. Recalling the battle from last night, everyone could very well testify that Arc's powers has decreased incredibly, to the point where fighting with him wasn't the same anymore. A strange silence occupied the space they were filling. Gogen abruptly broke the unpleasant mood, as he coughed uncomfortably. Tosh with a melancholic expression crossed his arms and looked over as Gogen smiled, "Well then, since you are now wide awake, my friend, I believe I shall find Shante and ask her to aid you in the process of recovery… ho ho ho…"

He silently turned and fluttered away from the room. Elc and Tosh were still silent, until Gogen was on the other side of the room. Once Gogen was completely out of the room, he let his long and ancient eyebrows cover his entire eyes. A painful expression revealed his distress, for he knew that Elc already felt a change within himself and perhaps even more. Gogen, fluttering across the hall, took a look into his hands, marked with wrinkles but also experiences that only time and mistakes could ever disclose. Gogen sighed as he kept moving forward. "Perhaps…all the days of the past have finally paid off...perhaps my final days are sooner than expected…"

Gogen shook his head with insecurity as he was going towards the cockpit, where Shante and Shu were resting. On the other hand, back in Elc's room, Tosh looked over at Elc, who kept opening his hand, revealing his palm, and then closing it into a fist. Elc seemed to be examining something, but Tosh couldn't tell what he was actually doing. "What's the matter, Elc?"

"Tosh…did you feel anything strange last night…?" Elc's expression of scrutiny didn't change as he looked into his hands again. Tosh shrugged, "Hmm… you may need to get a little more specific than that, kid."

"Last night's attack… it's impossible that such an attack would hit me that way…it's just impossible…" Elc gripped his hand, as Tosh gave a glum look, wondering why Elc was in a strange state of denial. He sighed as slightly sat on the edge of the bed. "Yea… yea… hard to believe, I'm sure…but it happens sometimes, we all don't know our own strengths…and weaknesses…"

"I'm…not joking, Tosh…" Elc's voice had a strange sense of fear and pain. Tosh turned and looked at his young friend, who returned him a look of pure solemnity. This time, Tosh knew there was an important point that he was missing. Tosh slightly nodding, prodding Elc to continue what he was trying to say. Elc looked unsure as he spoke, "I know my powers more than anyone…and going through so many different battles, even after the battle with the Dark One… Tosh, I know… that monster's attack couldn't have defeated my fire shield… it just doesn't make any sense to me…it just couldn't have happened…"

"…what are you trying to say…Elc…?"

At that moment, Shu spoke up from the corner of the room, "He's saying… our powers are weakening…" Tosh and Elc both looked up, their faces marked with surprise and alarm. "Isn't that what you mean, Elc?"

Elc closed his eyes, "Yea… that's what I was starting to think. Then, this means, you too, Shu…?" Shu came in to the center of the room. He didn't have his crimson scarf on with him, letting his stern chin show. "I started to notice last night…and after I watched Shante try to heal you. It was obvious that her behavior was different as well as my own. We've been through much worse than the previous battle…Yet after I used my spells, I felt myself grow unbelievably weak…at first, I thought this was due to our fight with the Dark One, but if you ask me, we had plenty of time to recover…it was just unlikely…just unnatural to see this happening to you…and us…"

Elc nodded as he realized the puzzles of the pieces were starting to fall into their place. There was a distinct change in their strength. He certainly wasn't sure whether this should cross Arc's mind or attention. He wasn't even sure, what is the cause of this strange problem. Shu, noticing Elc's disposition and Tosh's confusion, spoke up. "We do not know for certain, though I'm sure, personally we can all sense something…for now, let us keep this quiet…"

Shu looked out towards the window of Elc's room, as he saw the strangely dark clouds glow like fire as the dawn began to fight against the darkness. And on the other side of East Aldia was Romalia, where Kukuru was fast asleep. As she was huddled with the children, wrapped in their torn blankets, she stirred feeling the dampness within the air. Her ruby eyes, still sleepy and exhausted, examined her surroundings, and she couldn't help but give a slight smile, watching the kids sleep in such peace.

"Strange…I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep that well…" Kukuru's long loose hair revealed slight curls from being damp last night. She sighed as she slowly got up. With her two hands, she reached for her hair and gathered them together to tie it up in the original pony tail. When she heard the voice of the children's mother, she lifted her face towards the door. Kukuru got up and opened the door slightly. Seeing Ovelle sitting quietly by herself, Kukuru walked to greet her. Ovelle had her wounded leg treated with bandages. The wound would take quite a while to heal completely. Upon seeing Kukuru, Ovelle's face beamed with excitement and joy.

"Kukuru-sama!" Kukuru was surprised by her reaction, but Ovelle seemed ever joyful as she continued speaking, "My brothers and sisters told me about you, but I didn't really expect to truly meet you!" Ovelle was in her young teenage years. She and the rest of her siblings all had auburn hair. Her eyes were as the leaves in early spring and her face seemed to have inherited lots of features of her mother. Kukuru gave her a warm nod, "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes! I'm much better since I've gotten lots of rest and care from the people here."

"Well well, Kukuru-sama, you're awake so early…" Ovelle and Kukuru stirred as Ovelle's mother stepped in. "You should have gotten more rest…were the children too noisy…?"

Kukuru shook her head as she bowed her head, "No… they were perfectly quiet. Thank you for last night."

"Call me, Maye." Just like her children, Maye had eyes that were of reddish-brown color. Her skin was fairly tan compared to them, and she had a robust figure. On her face, a true mark of kindness and humility was present. Maye gave Kukuru a reassuring grip on her arm. "If you need anything else, we'd be more than happy to help you…" Kukuru couldn't help but feel hesitant about receiving help from this lady. It's a great feeling to be able to find support, yet somehow, it's an unfamiliar feeling to Kukuru, or a feeling she had long forgotten. Kukuru looked at Maye's eyes.

"You are… too kind, Maye. You don't even know much about me…and…" But before Kukuru could finish, Maye softly spoke in, "Kukuru-sama, we don't need an explanation… it's all right…We are not concerned about you and the rest of your company…and about the criminal record that has been placed on you all, though some of the misunderstanding is starting to clear up. I've received letters while my stay in Romalia, about what you were doing for the people of Touvil. Unfortunately, we couldn't have known that a devastating flood of monsters would disguise as villagers…yet, I know for certain you and your group are not the criminals here. And should that matter now? After all, in these hard times, shouldn't everyone be helping one another…?"

Hearing this, Kukuru realized she had something lacking inside and the words from Maye's heart seemed to reveal it to her. She knew the great need to be there for one another, yet this woman's selfless attitude towards the entire situation surprised her or rather shocked her. Quickly Kukuru spoke, "Uh…Thank you, I-" Yet Kukuru stopped abruptly for out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a strange figure cloaked in a large red cape stand outside the shattered window. The second Kukuru turned to examine the figure, the figure quickly dashed away into the crowd. "…I…I think I need some air…" Kukuru turned around and ran outside. Though she grew curious of the strange figure, she also felt a strange sense of indignity in her heart. She didn't understand where this feeling could be brewing from. In many ways, Kukuru was constantly thinking of the past, and somehow trapped within it. She was frustrated in her lack of strength, but now she has seen a part of humanity that glowed. Somehow, Kukuru wished she could return to the state when she did have that same glow in her heart-just as the time she felt the powers of the ARK endowed on her, as the time when she felt the rising passion and desire to save the broken world. Kukuru stopped running, as she wondered when she ever lost that luster and glisten. In the middle of the broken city, she looked about the grey haven of Houfian, lifeless and poor. Seeing that the figure was already long gone, she decided to not keep her mind on it and focus once again on training herself as she did in the past. She slowly headed towards the forest area.

The rain has slowly ceased, but the sky was still as dreary as it was before. The warmth of the sun was completely covered by thin clouds that seemed to glisten as it passed by the glowing radiance. Kukuru settled in an open space as she was practicing her moves, with every precision. She felt a warmness flow inside of her as her blood ran quickly with anticipation. Though it was supposed to be morning, the trees about her, both broken and sturdy began to fall into shadows. Kukuru didn't notice at first, the changing colors of the leaves and the changing hues of the skies above her. Then she looked around, feeling as though there was another presence close by. She kept training alone, letting the only sounds to be heard to be her own breathing and the flow of her movement with her usual crimson suit. And then she abruptly stopped when she heard a strange murmur behind her. She felt her heart race faster, as she froze for a second to confirm whether there was someone other than her in this place. She quickly looked behind her, observing the area. From the corner of her eyes, she could have sworn a faint rush was heard, as though someone has dashed by. Without a moment to lose, she rushed forward to catch up to the person. Yet to her surprise, she heard another presence running towards her from behind. And this time as she turned around, indeed there was a man hooded with a large red cape. Kukuru's eyes narrowed as she spoke. "You- You're the---!"

She stopped her pursuit, which allowed the one she was pursuing to disappear into the shadows. Kukuru wanted to hit herself for not realizing that this person must be collaborating with the other. She asked in her spunky way, "Who are you?"

Yet before she could continue, the figure started walking backwards, almost as though it was floating. Kukuru was fully determined to know who was behind the hood. She didn't enjoy this mystery act and every one of the questions that rose to her mind only frustrated her. Suddenly the figure lunged towards her. Kukuru slightly gasped, not expecting him to actually attack. The mysterious stranger threw his arm to strike her, but Kukuru quickly dodged. She leaned back when another one came her way. The figure than whirled around to kick, but Kukuru stood her ground and quickly stopped the kick with her left arm and in the same place, slightly hit the ankle of her enemy with her foot, whirling around and with both of her hands, struck him hard near his neck. The man seemed amused by her speed, but he was far from being exhausted. He resumed a steady pose, as Kukuru realized he was only warming up. She took in a deep breath. Kukuru tried to see who was behind the hood, but she could see the sturdy chin and the emotionless lips. His eyes and his hair were completely covered. She tightened her fist and the fight began once more.

As his thick cloak wavered in the air, the man jumped high to hurl down a kick, but Kukuru pounced back and rushed in with her own kick, only to be blocked by his arms which he raised to his side. The man hit her shoulder, which made Kukuru stumble back, but she leaned towards the ground, and kicked under. The figure was able to avoid it, and it once again tried to strike Kukuru, but she quickly blocked his fist and retaliated with her own, which hit him fully on his face. Throughout the fight, Kukuru couldn't help but feel a great excitement flood her heart. The fight made her reminisce on her past battles with all her companions, preferably before the last battle with the Dark One. She recalled how their struggle made her stronger, as well as making her admire and love those who fought with her. She didn't feel powerless, so she felt able to defend the people she cared for. She never felt weak with them fighting by her side. The figure whirled around and tried to kick her, but Kukuru was too quick for such a blow, and she quickly dodged it and hurled in her Kaiser glove. She saw him stumble, and took the chance. Kukuru raised her arms and started to shout, "Divine Judg---!" Kukuru stopped in her tracks, completely dumbfounded, before she could fully conjure up her strongest spell.

'….How could I have forgotten…' She did not have any of her powers to summon the force of the guardians any longer. Her eyes of confidence were utterly marked with pure disappointment. She slowly put her hands down, yet she realized her opponent didn't stop. He began to come again. She raised her hands once more, taking heed of his actions and grabbed the arm that was flying towards her.

As he seemed a little surprised, Kukuru quickly hurled a stream of hits towards his neck and face, and finally elbowed his chest. He backed up and as she flung around to kick him, however, another man, cloaked exactly as her enemy, swooped in and kicked her side. She winced as she backed off. Kukuru looked up, her eyes flared with anger and disappointment. There, before her, were two men in large red hooded capes. Her opponent was obviously a little injured from her hits, but she too felt the pain of their attacks. Her opponent looked towards his companion. His masculine voice spoke, "We were close…"

The companion, that interrupted their fight, said, "Not close enough. We failed this time…"

"No! We can finish the task now!" The one Kukuru fought spoke out loud, as he grabbed his companion.

"If it were two on one, it would be possible, however, that is not our way of doing things…" Her opponent looked reluctant as he heard his words, but the companion continued to speak, "What makes you think I could fight her alone if you couldn't even slow her down?"

The breeze blew against their capes as the moment of silence passed them by. Kukuru stared into their nameless faces and walked closer to them, "What is the meaning of this? Why are you attacking me!"

The companion looked at her and simply whispered, "Let us leave for now." And both of them began to dash away towards the trees. She didn't plan on letting them go without hearing her questions answered, thus she started pursuing them. Yet, Kukuru found her breath fall short as a familiar pain began to rise in her heart.

"Guh!" She felt her body grow incredibly cold. She coughed as she fell unto her knees. She shook her head, as she grabbed her heart, barely able to breathe. From her very veins, she felt a part of her realize that the Guardians were shaking in terror. When she closed her eyes, a vision of darkness covering the entire world was seen in her mind, and this time she felt herself being consumed with its entirety. Her legs and hands began to shake, as she felt the pain only grow worse. "I don't understand…the darkness is gone…it's sealed…Yet why do I keep seeing this?"

Looking up, Kukuru saw the two red cloaked strangers standing far off... Kukuru was barely able to get up and while she was trying, the two figures disappeared into the darkness of the forest. Her eyes began to blur and she stopped attempting to rise from where she was. She simply laid her head down on the cold pasture, as she felt her stomach turn with unease. The sky above portentously thundered, while the winds began to blow wildly with signs of evil days to come.

Shante softly laid her hands on Elc's forehead. "Hmm…at least you didn't catch a cold…" She smiled at him, as he was now sitting comfortably on his bed, dressed in his usual attire. She let her hand fall on his shoulder as she gently closed her eyes. As a light glow appeared from her hands, Elc felt the reassuring warmth fill his body. "But I'm sure you'd rather have a cold than an injury like this."

"The weather doesn't make me feel too good… It makes me lose my appetite." Poco's eye brows furrowed in to show an anxious expression. Though the rain stopped for a few hours, a sparkle in the sky seemed to reveal its imminent shower. Elc tried to move his arm in a circular motion. Though it wasn't completely healed, he did feel his strength return. A childish grin was back on his face, "Thanks, Shante." She looked amused at Elc's optimism. In the past, he would only surround himself with his own problems. He would rather feel guilty and remorseful, than to ever show a smile. He felt as though he deserved it, to express how he loathed the mistakes of the past. Yet now, he wants to hold onto any moment whenever he is grateful, a moment that makes him laugh, and a moment that can help others to shine. Perhaps, if it wasn't for the incident with Mariel, as he was confronted with the death of his close friend, he wouldn't have truly valued the natural gift of expressing emotions, both sorrow and delight. Shante smiled back, "I'm glad you're feeling better."

Elc slowly got up from his place, "I think I'll give Arc a visit and see how he's doing…" Poco, who was staring into the window for some time, looked away when he heard what Elc said. His face looked a little troubled when the lightning struck, causing his face to darken with the shadows. "Um…Elc…I'm not too sure if you would want to do that…"

Poco caught up to Elc, who turned around with a confused expression. "What do you mean, Poco?"

"Well…um…you see…" Poco's eyes was filled with uncertainty. He closed his eyes as he fully recalled what has happened a few hours ago with Arc in his room. While Elc was still in the room recovering, Poco decided to check up on Arc's condition. As he cheerfully strolled along the hall, he clearly heard loud mourning and groaning from Arc's room. A little surprised, Poco gave a little knock. The sounds resounding from his room was as though he was gravely ill. Poco slightly opened the room and saw Arc on his bed. With his usual tunic on, Arc turned from side to side, his eyebrows creased to reveal frustration and despair. Poco rushed over to Arc's side as he grabbed Arc's left arm.

"Arc! Arc! What's wrong?" Poco was surprised at how deeply Arc seemed to be in his sleep or pain, but it started to even send chills down Poco's spine, as he noticed Arc's face and body was just marked with cold sweat. Poco felt a definite fear for his friend. In utter panic, Poco quickly ran outside to find Gogen. He rushed down the hall, not noticing the three Kelack figures running by him. As Poco was turning the corner, he smashed upon the large plump body of Chongara. Chongara was quite surprised at how great an impact it took on Poco, since Chongara only took a few steps back, while Poco was completely thrown unto his back by the collision.

"Whoa Whoa, little Poco, why you run? You hit Chongara belly hard and now look, you fall..." Poco looked about confused and shook off the dizziness from the fall. Looking up, he saw Chongara give a wide grin, revealing the intimidating rows of pearly yellows and other tan colors.

"Oh…Chongara! Oh! Chongara, this is an emergency!"

"Indeed," Chongara said, staring deep into Poco's little beady eyes. "Emergency? YES! E---mergency! Where they go?" Chongara nodded furiously and scanned about examining the area closely. Poco was completely oblivious of Chongara's concerns. Chongara returned his suspicious glare at Poco once more, "That Kelack, they be here. My eagle eyes of Alatos can see as far as east from west! My ears are as the giant bat, they could hear anything even through the destruction of Romalia!"

Poco gave a very puzzled look towards Chongara's rather confident words. "Uh….No, Chongara! Arc! Arc is in trouble!" Poco said, as he suddenly remembered why he was running in the first place. Chongara, however, returned a smug look and in a dark deep voice began to speak.

"Let Chongara guess, really dark and where sounds only mourning and gnashing of teeth?" To Poco's innocent ears, his words were quite disturbing; however, they also perfectly matched the situation of Arc's disposition.

"How—How did you know?" Poco's eyes widened with shock. Chongara's usual voice reappeared as he gave a most grave look.

"Chongara's eyes of eagle see ALL!"

Poco was still in great panic as he began to jump from side to side, the way he usually does when he is nervous, "Chongara, we must go find Gogen!"

Chongara discarded the idea, waving his hands, "Gogen Smogen--- but Kelack indeed be punished for crime against our Arc the lad!"

"Crime? Wha-What CRIME?" Now Poco was flabbergasted.

"As you said to be, they cause mourning through gnashing of teeth! Thus Arc suffers so greatly as I every night sleep! Teeth grinding keep Chongara up all night! These eyes of eagle can prove it, yes yes! My ears of---" Poco practically threw himself at the mercy of the floor for Chongara's horrible misunderstanding. And at this moment, Kelack is seen out of the corner of Chongara's eyes, and he gives a loud shout, "AH! YOU! KELACK! You teeth gnashing, nocturnal, grief bringing creatures!" The three tiny creatures scurried about even though they didn't understand any of the insult Chongara seemed to throw at them. They nearly bumped unto each other. Luckily (or unfortunately), they quickly dashed away into Arc's room. As Poco was rising from his shocked state, Poco eyes widened when he saw Chongara dashing towards them.

"Wait! Chong-!" Yet it was too late. Poco winced and shut his eyes, as he saw Chongara trip and fall over his head and roll onto Kelack (all three), and smash into the wall.

Arc was shaken awake from the loud noise of Chongara falling over Poco's drum. Apparently, Poco was quite absent minded from worrying and left it on the floor of Arc's room. Arc looked startled and shook his head. He gazed around and finally gazed upon a half-conscious Chongara, flat on the floor with the three Kelacks knocked out from the impact. Poco came running in and rushed over to Arc, completely ignoring Chongara. Arc was up in a sitting position, as Chongara moaned and rubbed his head to ease the pain of the fall.

"Arc! You're awake! You got us so worried…." Poco slightly looked back at Chongara's state, still half-conscious and now mumbling random ideas, and turned back to Arc, "Well…um, most of us…at least…"

Arc weakly returned, "It's all right…just…a nightmare…"

"Oh…" Yet Poco saw the lack of rest in Arc's face, as Arc looked away and let his face down. Arc got up from his bed and stretched a little, letting loose the tension of his muscles. Chongara got up as well. He went over and lightly nudged Kelack(s), to check whether they were alive and breathing. One immediately jumped up dashed towards the door, as the rest of them followed almost simultaneously. Chongara looked angrily towards the door. Arc moved along to equip his armor, "Is…Elc alright?"

Poco nodded towards his friend, "Yea…he's going to get all well soon. You'll see!"

Arc looked somewhat relieved, "I see…" Arc gripped his chest with an upset face.

As Poco stopped recalling the past events, he looked up at Elc. "Elc, I know something's wrong with Arc…but…as usual, he doesn't really tell anyone…" Elc and Shante both shared an expression of concern in their eyes. Yet Elc walked forward as he patted Poco's small shoulder, "Don't worry…I'll keep in mind what you've told me." Elc walked out of his room, as he walked towards the hall where Arc's room was.

The clouds began to thicken with every eerie breeze that covered the earth. Back in the lonely forest of Romalia, Kukuru was sitting down, in the muddy ground where she collapsed. She felt her heart beat return to normal, the pounding headache and the strange shrilling pain that ran throughout her body stop. She simply sat there, her eyes fixed with worry and weariness. She should have known she was being followed from the beginning, but the calm atmosphere of Maye's family seemed to have diverted her focus. She may not know what they were after and why they attacked her, but one thing she knew for certain was that she could not stay with the loving family any longer. Kukuru stared up at the darkening sky, as the afternoon passed by and evening approached. Whether her pursuers were potentially dangerous people, she did not care any longer. She was too tired from the ominous visions that started to come and go wherever she was, whatever she was doing. A fearful feeling told Kukuru that her pursuers will come back again and that all she saw would come to pass. Their tone of voice was steady, revealing a sense of confidence, but she wasn't willing to give them a chance at victory. It frustrated Kukuru to find herself making absolutely no progress. She started to wonder even why she was shutting herself out of the lives of her companions, out of Arc's life. Kukuru pounded her fist to the ground in bitterness and confusion.

"I feel like I'm running away…but I don't even know what I'm running away from…"

Meanwhile, among the ruins of what was once called Millmana Skyport, Clive with his legion of followers, dressed in strange red cloaks, walked on through the wet weather, and approached their aircraft that would lead them back to Seirya. In front of the vehicle, two of his men walked before him and slightly bowed their heads, one of them appeared injured. Clive, who was also under the red hood of his cape, examined them up and down. "How did it go?"

"We were able to spot her, your majesty." The two spoke with respect and fear from the cold stares that Clive only returned.

"Hmm, I see," Clive shook his head slightly as he took off his thin glasses, and simply looked back at them with a stern stare, "Gentlemen, I don't believe 'spotting her' was my actual order to you." The two looked a little uneasy, as they glanced at each other. Clive cleared his throat as he continued, "Clearly, you weren't able to bring her to me."

"Forgive us. We underestimated her strength and her will. She was stronger than she appeared."

"And where is she now?"

"That- That is…" Clive looked quite annoyed as they looked nervous. The two mumbled quickly, "We have lost tracks of her. The usual people she have found shelter with in Houfion were not with her. We've searched the entire area but she wasn't anywhere…" He continued to listen to them as they said, "We will not make that mistake again. Give us another chance."

"…Another chance?" Clive walked by them in a smooth manner, and without looking back continued, "I actually have a better idea…"

The two stirred as he spoke. "What is it, my lord?"

"There is no need to put on a fight and drag her to me. Kukuru did always have her pride to uphold. We shall make it so that she will walk to me with her own two feet. That is… if you could actually find her. Find her… and it would do you well to come back and inform me immediately…"

His two men nodded, as they understood what he was trying to imply. They stepped aside as the massive number of people walked through. Clive simply occupied the most suitable seat there was for a lord of many men. He looked towards the sky as he maliciously grinned. "In only moments, Arc, I will slowly take away all that belonged to you…one by one…starting with what I believe is most dear to you…"

The corrupt and wicked chuckle filled the air. Amidst the darkness, the Silver Noah stood still as powerful as it was in the beginning. With the rain starting again and night falling, everyone was gathered around the Cockpit, waiting for their leader to join them soon. Elc was walking towards Arc's room. Yet, as he was walking down the hall, he stopped as he saw Arc standing in front of his room, towards the windows, watching the dark clouds hover by. His morbid look was apparent to Elc from their distance.

"Hey, Arc!" Arc stirred and looked at Elc, who was walking towards him. Arc gave a subtle smile, "Elc, you seem to be better…"

"Haha, of course! Can't stay on the bed forever, right?" Elc gave a reassuring smug look. Arc looked relieved as he looked back towards the window. Elc noticed Arc's breathing has changed. He seemed rather tired, but Elc knew there was more to it than that. Arc spoke up again, "Have you been thinking about what to do now?"

"Yea, I have. Actually…" Elc stared back at Arc in a determined way, "First, I was thinking about checking up on that wound of yours…"

Arc looked at Elc, confused and unsure of what Elc meant by his words. "Wound? What wound are you talking about?"

"Arc…you've been acting very strange. Heck, you start to look paler all the time. You may want to hide it, but everyone is starting to notice. Shouldn't it be about time that you tell us what's going on?"

"…There is nothing going on. You seem to be misunderstanding something, Elc." A moment of silence passed them as they stared into each other's faces. Elc grew frustrated and his expression clearly showed it. He began to speak in a low tone.

"Do you remember, Arc, the time when we finished our battle with the Dark One. Do you know what you said to me?" Arc's determined face softened for a moment, as he recollected the past. Elc continued to speak, "Little by little, we can help this world grow beautiful once again. And…this can only happen with a strong will and heart…

…hearts like yours, and everyone here. I may be powerless, but I won't stop trying to make a difference as long as I'm still alive and breathing..."

Arc lowered his eyes, silently pondering on his own words. Elc continued, "If I was not mistaken, you said 'we' would help this world grow beautiful. You said 'our' hearts are capable. Have you forgotten, Arc? None of us are alone in this…we finish what we started together, every one of us. Isn't it about time we trust one another enough to not hide anything anymore?" Arc solemnly stared into Elc's determined but encouraging eyes.

"Elc, would you believe me if I said nothing had changed since we've defeated the Dark One? Would you believe me, if I said our battle was indeed for naught?" Elc looked perplexed as he heard this. Arc turned away and continued, "I would keep telling myself, it's through and done, we were victorious, but it kept coming...and it wouldn't stop. His voice I could still clearly hear every night, as if we were fooled all along. Nothing I said, nothing I thought would stop his horrible reappearance in my dreams. Even when I shut my eyes, I could see his face, pale and marked with evil of purest form. Have I gone mad? …Has this entire battle pulled me in so deeply, that I am forever bound in this fate?"

Arc finished his words, and Elc returned a most concerned look. Elc gripped his hands and looked at Arc, "No… Arc, you are not mad…you're what bound everyone together." Arc looked towards him again as Elc spoke and grinned, "Whatever the circumstances, I believe there is a reason why everyone is here, a reason why we are alive. If your destiny was fulfilled, I don't think you would be here…Doesn't matter what fate we're bound by…we must move forward. Arc, you can still depend on all of us. We'll fight together with you till the very end… just like old times… except now we'd be better prepared." Elc lightly laughed, as Arc smiled.

"…I understand and you're right…I've been getting so tense these days, I feel like I've been behaving like a paranoid child. I guess… there's nothing but another confrontation to wait for..."

Elc nodded, "…Right…"

"But you know… if there was a wound, it's probably the wound in my pride." Arc laughed a little as he patted Elc on his back, "Thanks, Elc, for yesterday. It sure humbled me to know that I'm going to have to depend on you guys now and not rely on my own strengths."

Elc chuckled, "Anytime. I think I'm pretty good at it, considering all those times I've helped out Tosh, only to be yelled at and thanked at the same time." They both laughed out loud. Arc started walking towards the cockpit with Elc. Arc smiled as he was truly thankful from the bottom of his heart, to be able to pour out everything to his good friend.

As Arc and Elc returned to the cockpit, they realized everyone was already present. Shu and Shante raised their gaze towards them as they greet them. Elc looked towards Arc, "Arc, give me a moment with them."

"Sure." Arc nodded and walked towards Chongara, who was sitting with Poco and Gogen. Shu and Shante looked somewhat puzzled. Shu began to suspect something since Elc had quite a determined but a peaceful face.

"What is it, Elc? You seem to have something to tell us." Shu spoke while Shante looked towards his concerned.

"Shu, Shante…I've decided, I'm not going back to East Aldia…"

The rain softly continued and every moment the lightning clattered together, Roan would give a little jump. Looking completely awkward, he quickly resumed his work. Though the city was in shambles, Shania was able to find a decent place to rest, while Roan insisted he stay to clear up the documents from earlier. The atmosphere of the city has changed since the encounter with Clive. There was a strange silence in the air, an eerie feeling. Hearing the wind howl by, civilians have gathered about quickly to look for shelter. Shania leaned her body towards the wall, trying to settle in her present circumstances. As she heard the faint patter of the rain against her rigid window, in the dark corner of the room, Shania recalled her conversation with the one presumably called the 'Prince of Palencia.'

The thundering of the sky seemed to only grow louder, as the lightening caused the rooms of Ajarl Bar to turn dark. Shania and Clive stood facing one another. Shania's look of confusion was still imprinted on her face. Clive walked forward, having an inscrutable expression. Roan uneasily coughed as he motioned Diekbeck to stand with Shania. Diekbeck trotted over, as Shania closed her eyes to gather her thoughts and speak.

"I've heard rumors of an heir to the throne in Palencia…that is, until the death of the recent King. Would you care to explain your identity?"

Clive smiled with a confident grin, "Certainly. You are correct in addressing the fact that there was an heir until the death of the recent King. The heir embarked on a journey to research every known Sealed Ruins of this world and thus, left the Kingdom at the age of twenty. No news of his journey was heard, even after the death of his father, the King of Palencia. One year ago, he hears the news of his father's death. With the advice of his trusted counselors, he returns to Palencia to bring order and restoration during this time of the Great Disaster. Yes, I am that heir…"

"…How is it that no one knew about your whereabouts…and no one has ever mentioned you?" Shania crossed her arms, as she found it strange how he kept his identity a secret for so long.

"For some time, the people have assumed I was dead...After the death of my father, the counselors have advised me to keep my identity a secret. In case, another strange assassination attempt would be made. The Kingdom was utterly ruined and there was no stability and foundation. It is just as our world is now, in a state of no order and no peace, which brings me to the reason of why I'm here today, princess…"

"We need not be formal. Though I'm the daughter of royalty of this land, I did not take on the position. The time of monarchy ended with the death of my parents…" Shania showed a glimmer of hurt in her face, yet her eyes were still cold towards him. Clive noticed her slight opposition towards him, yet did not let that affect his firm demeanor.

"I see. Well then, let me get to the point. I would like to offer you a proposition."

Shania raised an eyebrow, "A proposition?"

"As a country on its own, Millmana has always been financially stable. Yet due to the accident with the Deep Oil Rig, financial stability has been thwarted, not to mention, the Headquarters located near the forests lost all control over Millmana."

"…You did your research, I see." Shania felt an anxious feeling rise as she noticed Clive's calm manner. His composure was apparent through his handsome grin, yet Shania felt a malignant intention behind it all. "What is your proposition, Prince Clive?"

"Let us build an alliance. Join hands with me, and let us work together to rebuild our broken kingdoms. Through this, we can also restore other kingdoms ruined by the Disaster." Shania eyes shifted away from his face and looked towards the floor. As much as she was certain that Clive could not be trusted, she realized it was pure foolishness to handle the restoration of Millmana on her own. "How do you expect me to trust you? I barely know you…"

"Should that be so important in times like this?" Clive coolly flung his front bangs to the side of his face, revealing the gleam of his seductive golden eyes.

"…To me..." Shania's eyes flashed a glint of anger. Shania recalled the faces of all her friends and past foes. The memories of all their struggles were fresh in her heart and mind. Too many events have passed by for her to not regard this matter in a serious way. "…trust is everything…I need some time to make a definite decision. I understand that this is a proposal, what do you ask for in return...?" Clive slowly grinned, though he seemed slightly disappointed at her first response.

"Yes, I do ask for one thing in return. I would like to take this machine you have here with me back to Palencia…" Shania's eyes grew wide as Diekbeck clattered in a startled behavior. The lightening clattered and flared a white sparkle amidst the sky. Shania narrowed her eyes towards Clive and stood in front of Diekbeck, "Diekbeck, is not a simple machine. He is not a prize and will not be treated as such."

Clive reclined and gently reassured her, "Yes, you are right, it is not a prize to be won. I only meant my request with the best of intentions. In my journey throughout the Sealed Ruins, the counselors and I have discussed manners of repairing the damage through the help of machines." Shania's eyes did not change towards Clive and she stood her ground still, as Clive continued, "A plan to use the wreckage from Romalia tower to build machines that may aid in building back Palencia has already been started. Nothing would be wasted; it's a simple way to use equipments, to build alliances, and to restore the broken stronghold."

Shania realized Clive was not only cunning, but quiet wise. He was not a simple minded person with simple requests. She did respect his constant inspiration to restore the broken world, yet there was a strange glow in his eyes that Shania began to fear. She could not read any of his thoughts, though they seem to be filled with good intentions. She felt confused towards his charismatic stance, the handsome look of his eyes, almost tempting her to embrace this man as the next leader of Seirya. It was a foolish choice, but she could not trust him. Whether he was heir to the throne or not, the only heir she was going to acknowledge was Arc and him alone. Arc was still alive and he belonged on the throne. "Though it may be for the good of all people, I can not make a decision so soon about handing over Diekbeck."

"Hmm…I understand. Then let me at least show some means of support." Clive motions with his hand as two of his hooded men, walked forward. Shania tensed up as she tried to see who were behind those hoods. "I leave you two of my assistants. They will allow us to be in touch with one another. I'm sure they will prove to be useful."

Clive looked towards one and gave a little nod. The two men bowed towards Shania, who simply gave a stern face towards Clive, doubtful about this strange generosity. Clive took a few step back, as he smiled towards Shania, "Well then, I will leave you now. I will be waiting for your answer to this proposition…"

The thunder hammered throughout the sky, as Clive walked outside the bar with the remaining men by his side. Clive looked up in a defiant manner, giving the sky a queer sneer. He put on his hood and walked silently away. Shania watched through the window, seeing the rain partly blend their red capes to the gray environment. As the faint drops of rain carried the reflection of their red cape, it drizzled down the glass like trails of blood. She looked back towards the two men who stood silent and still. She sighed as she motioned towards one to come closer to her. One of them walked up silently, barely making any noises with his feet. It sent a strange feeling down her back, as she cleared her throat. "There is still much to be done. I ask you both to do your best in helping Roan out with the tasks ahead."

The two men merely nodded, so silently that Shania could hear her own breathing stop. Roan fiddled with his fingers as he nervously looked around him. He didn't really feel comfortable staying in one place with these strange figures. When simply standing by their side, his knees were weak and his glasses fogged up. "Uh, um…your highness…?"

"What is it, Roan?" Shania asked, completely oblivious to Roan's hidden fear.

"I…uh…you see…" Roan gave a quick look towards the two men staring silently back at him. As the lightening crackled again, their eyes seemed to give a faint white light, which made Roan yelp like a young child. Shania gave a skeptical look towards Roan's awkward yelps. Shania crossed her arms, looking disgruntled towards her friend.

"Roan! For a grown man, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, crying like a child whenever you hear the lightning thunder." Roan looked a little confused but tried to explain through his panicky mumbling, "But-but, your highness, their- their eyes--"

Shania sighed, shaking her head, "Not today, let's talk more about all this tomorrow. I think this entire meeting drained my energy. Roan, be sure to give proper instructions to our new helpers. Try to get them a decent place to stay if you can…"

Roan sheepishly looked towards them again, dropped his head, and gave an unhappy sigh, "Yes…your majesty…"

Shania opened her eyes, stopping her recollection. Matters seemed more complicated since the appearance of Clive. His disappearance and reappearance was shrouded in mystery. There was nothing she could do for her friends at this point. She could only hold hopeful thoughts for them and especially for Arc. She didn't even want to know how he will deal with the situation of Clive. She closed her eyes, trying her hardest to wash away the worries of this puzzling night within her heart.

Meanwhile, Arc, Gogen, Poco, Tosh, Iga, and Chongara gathered together at the cockpit in the proud Silver Noah. During the course of their long journey, they learned so much from one another. Arc looked around at his comrades faces. Their familiar expressions brought him so much peace. Gogen looked at Arc, who was deeply engrossed in his thoughts. Gogen grinned, recalling how much Arc has matured from the first time they've met. Even now as Arc stood among them, Gogen admired the young lad's humble nature. Though his insecurities are clear to all, his transparent attitude and true heart helped many of his allies to openly face their fears together.

"Arc, are you feeling better now?" Poco asked.

Arc opened his clear brown eyes. "Yes. Thanks, everyone. I've been trying so hard to hide all my struggles, but now I understand that it has built a barrier among us. As a leader, it was immature of me to act that way. I apologize." His friends looked intently back at him, attentively listening. "For many days, I've been struggling with discouraging thoughts. As you've noticed, our mission draws to an end. Yet, I've been haunted with doubts that the Dark One may still revive one day. It's been in my mind like an obsession. I've come to question my sanity, my leadership role, and my role as the future King of Palencia. Yet, in this personal confusion, there is no reasoning and proof behind the revival of the Dark One…

That is why…I don't want my worries, wounds, and struggles to hinder anyone. We all have homes, each one of us. If any one of you wishes to return home, you are more than welcome to…"

Everyone fell silent. Tosh looked quite bitter and disappointed that the issue of their departure must arise. Iga sighed deeply, pondering on what Arc has said. Gogen started to straighten his long beard silently, his eye brows furrowing in to reveal his distress. Chongara took off his large hat as he started to scratch his head with uncertainty. Poco pouted and gave a remorseful look, "It'll be strange, not traveling all together though…"

Chongara heavily sighed, "Aye…not to mention all the adventures…and (ahem) treasures that come along 'em, neh?" Everyone held a dismal look as though the moment of their parting has finally arrived, though the issue has only been lightly touched upon. The heavy atmosphere made everyone grow silent. Arc was saddened to part, yet he knew he shouldn't keep anyone from reaching out to their personal paths. He knew that his personal worries and fears may be simply childish fears. There was no telling when or how he will find out the truth of this manner. The only thing that concerned him at this time was the wellbeing of his friends. Suddenly, Gogen threw his head back and roared with laughter. Everyone looked at their ancient friend with perplexity.

"Ho HO HO! Go Home? Hah!" Gogen slammed his large staff upon Arc's head. Arc grabbed his head as he didn't expect Gogen to hit him so quickly and outwardly without reason, "My boy, do not foolishly think we could leave your side that easily…we still have the promotions to receive, did you so quickly forget!"

"G-Gogen?" Arc's surprised look made Gogen and Tosh's eye grow wide with a mischievous glint. Gogen simply laughed as he fluttered upon his cane, "Now now…did you truly so expect us to leave you so unprotected?"

Tosh chimed in, holding his chin, "As in physical protection, my friend…" He gave an impish look, "It wouldn't be kind of us to leave our king so defenseless on his way to his throne now, would we?"

Iga smirked and nodded in agreement, as Poco said, "My home is in Seirya. Still, Arc, I want to see to it that you get back to where you should be first. It's the least I could do after all that you've done for me, as a friend…as a leader…"

"Poco…" Arc looked surprised at his friend's compassion and determination. A warmhearted feeling brewed inside that made Arc pull a steady grin. Gogen and Tosh returned a disappointed look towards Poco, as Tosh retorted, "Well, if we all must get so sentimental like that, heh, then I suppose…" Tosh did a quick stretch and gave Arc a rough pat on his back, "…that makes two of us…like Poco said, it's the least we could do…"

Arc turned around to find Tosh giving him his usual confident grin. Gogen spoke up, "Ho ho ho… you've forgotten to count another Tosh…I'd say three."

"No, four…" Iga softly spoke, in the same manner he always had. Arc looked a little concerned as he asked, "But Iga… what about the Amaidar Temple?"

Iga closed his eyes as he smiled, "I admit, my friends, that I do want to go back home to the temple. Yet to me, to stand by your side, Arc, I consider it to be an honor and privilege. Our experiences together are priceless to me. It doesn't matter to me whether our paths will go astray or not, it doesn't matter whether your visions are true or not…" Everyone looked at Iga with a stunned expression, seeing Iga's eye lighten up with a certain soft glow. "I'd say, the presence and company of close friends are to be treasured when able."

"Iga…" A moment of silence passes as Iga's deep words sunk into everyone's heart. Gogen smiled, gripping his staff. Poco grew teary but quickly sniffed away his tears, wiping his face without anyone noticing. Tosh simply crossed his arms and leaned back on the wall with ease.

"HAHA! MAKE IT FIVE!" Chongara laughed loudly, as he swung his huge pot around, nearly hitting Poco. "Not to mention, promotions come when Arc go back! You can't forget Chongara and all, Arc, neh?" Arc was deeply moved by everyone, who returned a look of trust and comfort. He laughed lightly. "Of course …I could never…"

"Is there room for one more?"

Everyone turns around to find, Elc standing with his arms crossed. "That is… as long as Arc doesn't mind?"

"Elc?" Gogen raised an eyebrow, watching Elc walk toward them. Tosh turned to look at Iga and Poco, with an amused face, as they returned him the same expression.

"Elc, but…what about East Aldia?" Arc asked.

"It's been on my mind for quite some time… the feeling that I don't have a place to return to, but I've been wrong all along." At this moment, Shu and Shante walked around the corner of the corridor, watching their conversation. "I've always had a place to go back; it's just, I've never truly searched for it. Arc, let me help you too— just till I can find a place called home to go back to…"

"Everyone...thank you." Arc raised his hand to scratch his head, feeling somewhat embarrassed by everyone's sentimental attitude. Everyone simply laughed at Arc's obvious behavior, as Arc laughed with them.

Shante and Shu were smiling in the midst of their warm conversation. "I never thought it would turn out this way for Elc." Shante said.

"Yes, but Elc has already determined his path. He's been changing ever since the day I've met him. He's growing so fast…not a child anymore, I suppose."

"You sound as if you almost miss his childish behavior." Shante sarcastically winked at Shu, who laughed in response to her accusation.

"Haha. No…it only confirms what I believed in from the beginning…"

"Which is…?" Shante curiously asked. Shu put his head down, as his firm and cold eyes seemed to soften for a moment. For many people, it was rare to see such side in Shu.

"…That one day, I'd let go and see him off on his own." Shante smiled, seeing Shu's brotherly heart. Shu looked towards where Elc was, seeing how Elc was laughing with the rest of the company. Chongara patted Elc on the back, as Elc somewhat cringed from the incessant pain. Poco dragged Chongara away, as Iga and Gogen laughed with Elc. Watching them, Shu knew he could be certain Elc would be all right. From the first days in the desert till now, Shu anticipated for this day but, at the same time, he's unprepared for it. It dawned on Shu, how truly he was attached to Elc as a brother, and how he shall always be. Shu turned and smiled back at Shante. "Let's go back home, shall we?"

"Right behind you." Shante giggled as she grabbed her belongings.

"Hmph, so quick to leave are we, Shu?" Shu stopped, recognizing the brash voice of Tosh. "No, Tosh…somehow, it's harder than it looks…"

Shu turned around, as Shante smiled and moved on towards the door. Tosh smirked as he gave Shu a good punch on his arm and firm hug. "You're going to be missed. And you know, your skills could use some honing."

"As you. Tis a shame we can't have a rematch to truly test our skills against one another."

"Heh! I'd beat you any day. I just wanted to spare you the humiliation."

"So very thoughtful of you…" Shu simply returned the usual grin as they both chuckled.

The landing platform opened, as the stairway was prepared for Shu and Shante to leave. Cautiously they walked down, as everyone else's eyes stared on. Shu and Shante walked a few steps away from the platform and turned back towards everyone. Arc waved, "Thank you. We'll meet again…I'm certain of it."

Gogen laughed, "Ho ho ho. And let's hope you've made some progress by then, Shu, Shante." Shante immediately blushed as she played with her hair suddenly while Shu growled under his scarf with a faint blush. Gogen simply fluttered away towards the back of the cockpit, "HO Ho hO…"

Shu looked up and saw Elc, staring back at them. Shu sighed and sternly asked, "You could take care of yourself, right?"

"Of course, are you kidding me?" Elc nodded. Poco waved, jumping up and down. Shante gave her final wave. They both turned around to start heading towards Prodias, the closest town. Elc watched as he shouted from afar.

"Uh…Shu!"

Shu stopped. He slightly turned his head, not completely facing him. Elc softly spoke. "Thanks….for everything…." Shu smiles at him. Yet, before the warm moment lasted for another second, Tosh barged in and grabbed Elc around the shoulder. "Aww, what's all this mushy stuff? Didn't know our little pyromaniac had a soft side, hahaha…"

Elc gave an annoyed glance towards Tosh's sarcastic attitude, as everyone chuckled with Tosh, who waved towards Shu, "Now get out of here, go live your lives, and restore the world in the process, will you?"

"You bet." The lift was raised and the platform was shut. Inside, Arc turned towards Chongara, "All right, Chongara, we're ready when you are."

Chongara gave a thumb up towards Arc as he shouted, "Off to Seirya then! HAHA!"

Elc looked out the window for last time, watching the environment below grow smaller and smaller, as well as the figure of Shante and Shu grow harder to distinguish below the Silver Noah. Elc grinned as he knew inside there was a new road ahead of him, a new path for him to walk. A childlike excitement gripped Elc's heart, and Arc noticed it. Arc knew it as well, the journey was far from over for all of them. He turned away from the others as he looked out the window, watching the sky's unchanging behavior. For Arc, he only hoped that this unknown path was a path for a hopeful future.

To the reviewers: I'm sorry that I haven't updated this in so LONG. Finally, I'm back and I just wanted to thank you all for your reviews and comments. Please continue to review and comment to your heart's content. God bless you!