Chapter 3: A New Quest Begins

Vyse, Aika, Fina, and Gilder returned to Pirate's Isle aboard the Albatross. When they arrived, a huge victory feast had been prepared and soon after landing the festivities began. A huge crowd surrounded Vyse and his two friends as they recounted their battle against Vigoro. The crowd crowed with laughter at The former admiral's title, gasped as the details of the battle, and cheered at Gilder's skillful rescue. No one noticed when Gilder disappeared into The vegetable patch with Tim's wife, and the laughter was so loud that all other sounds were completely drowned out.

Everyone was having such a great time that it was not until well after midnight that everyone finally fell asleep. Various crew members lay against walls in loqua induced slumber. Vyse, Aika, and Fina all slept crowded into a single hammock inside the windmill. Gilder and his men slumped over rails and fences. Citizens managed to find their own beds inside their houses. Everything was peaceful, only the gentle sounds of snoring broke the silence.

Perhaps it was because of this silence that no one expected anything. Without warning, a giant shape blotted out the moon and stars. With an unspoken fear, every man, woman, and child instantly awoke, staring at the giant figure above. Then there was a deep booming roar and a blast of dark light exploded out of the figure. Every structure began to fall apart and collapse. Children cried, women screamed, men panicked as the dark shape eclipsed it's fear upon them.

"Aika! Fina! Get out of here!" shouted Vyse as he shoved the two girls away from him and out of the windmill. Before Vyse was able to get himself out, the windmill collapsed entirely, smashing into Vyse's legs.

"Come on, Fina, let's get Vyse out!"

The two girls struggled with the windmill, their every thought focused on freeing their friend. Gilder ran by and saw their plight. Quickly, he added his own strength and grabbed Vyse. Slinging the young man over his shoulders, the three heroes ran to the Claudia. Once aboard, they had a chance to look back at Pirate Isle. Slowly, the entire island was disintegrated by the dark blast. When the darkness cleared, there was nothing left. No island, no figure. Just the moon and the stars.

"Dyne is signaling for us to convene at Crescent Island. Helmsman, destination Crescent Island!"

"Aye-aye!"

The trip to Crescent Island was uneventful, and when they arrived at the island they were delighted to find everyone alive and present. Fina and Aika cast healing spells for whoever needed them and were able to pull back from the brink many people. However, their spells were unable to cure Vyse's legs, which had both been broken by the windmill.

Once Dyne was sure everyone would survive, he called a council. Fina, Aika, and Gilder joined him by Vyse, and the council began.

"Okay. I speak for everyone here when I ask what in the name of Hell was that!"

"I don't know Gilder. That thing is something I've never heard or seen before. Son, did you ever run across anything during your travels that resembles that ... that thing?"

"No. Nothing. Although . . . it was very similar to the creature in our final battle against Ramirez. Don't you remember?"

"Yeah. Ramirez merged with that Zelos-thing." Aika recollected. "He used that attack and forced Vyse to use Pirate's Wrath on me. That hurt!"

"I'm sorry, but Fina healed you right after, so it could've been worse."

"Fina, do you have any idea what could have done this? I thought Ramirez was dead!"

"Yes, we killed Ramirez. I don't understand . . . However, long ago the Silvites recorded some of our history in the part of Soltis that is now referred to as Shrine Island. If we can go there, we may be able to learn something about that creature."

"Okay, everyone, here's the plan. I'll stay here with Vyse and we'll work on getting Crescent Island up and running as our new permanent base. Aika and Fina, I want you to take Luke and go to Shrine Island. Gilder, are you up for an adventure?"

"Of course! This is going to be the most fun a guy could ask for! I'll definitely take these two lovely ladies!"

"All right, I want everyone ready by dawn. Now get some rest."

The council drifted apart as the heroes got ready for the following day.

"Gilder! Could you come here?"

"Sure Vyse, what's up?"

"Gilder, I need you to promise me something. And I don't mean one of those fingers-crossed promises you've made to every tavern girl from Ixa-taka to Yafutoma."

"Ha ha ha! Okay Vyse, whatever you want, I'll do it."

"Gilder, promise me you'll take care of Fina and Aika. I love them both more than anything in this world, and if they both don't make it back safe and sound, I'll never be able to forgive myself. Or you. Please keep them safe."

"All right. Those two highly attractive ladies will both stay unharmed. You can trust me!"

"Thanks. I knew you'd understand."

Dawn broke the following day with Dyne approaching the Claudia. Aika and Fina were packing supplies while Max and Georg from Gilder's crew loaded boxes of food, moonstones, and various healing crystals. Gilder "supervised" from within his quarters while Luke cleaned out the cannon below decks. Willie the parrot gave a squawk and Gilder woke up with a start.

"Huh? What? Im awake, I'm awake. That was a great dream you ruined Willie! I was back at Nasr with Milena and what's-her-name, Latima. We'd just had a pillow fight and we were just getting down too--"

"Dyne! Dyne!"

"Willie, you stupid bird, it's not time for din-din, it's the crack of dawn! What you need is some breakfast! Oh wait, there's Captain Dyne! I'll be right back."

Gilder ran up to Dyne to exchange greetings.

"Good morning Captain! We're almost ready. Are you sure you'll be all right here?"

"Yes. We'll be fine. Just make it back in one piece! Good luck"

"Thanks. You too."

Gilder cried out to his crew and sails were unfurled. With a speed only achievable by the Claudia, the ship left Crescent Island, ready to challenge the wide blue yonder, and to uncover the secret of the mysterious black figure.