Yes! This story is finally done! I told you guys I would finish! MWAHAHAHA! Ahem, that is all. Thanks to all my reviewers for stickin' with me, and to my awesome beta! I apologize if the events don't go exactly as they do in the game, but I couldn't remember the exact details. Please enjoy!
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out,' Xelha mentally chanted. Although Xelha believed she was a fairly patient woman, her patience had been stretched far too thin for far too long. It seemed as if someone up there just did not want her to see Duke Calbren, which just made her want to see him more. She was determined to do everything in her power to get to the mansion; even if she had to go by herself. Somehow, she had a feeling that Fate was going to throw something else her way.
Kalas, meanwhile, was plotting how to get back to Reverence.
Man, Xelha would never agree to go back. Now what? Kalas asked Talis.
Sorry, but I can't help you there. She's determined to go see the Duke.'
Man, if only we had a chance to slip away... Kalas sighed. The he could quickly fly to Reverence and end this nightmare once and for all! Just then, it was as if the gods had hear him.
Look, it's Pauly!Yay, Pauly!What's all that commotion? Lyude asked as they approached the mansion. There, in front of them, was a crowd oohing' and aahing' at Pauly of Balencoire.Excuse me, but what's going on here? Xelha asked a bystander.
Well, apparently, it seems as if Pauly here refuses to move from the front of the mansion. We've tried everything, but he just won't budge, and snaps at anyone who gets too close. And the kids don't want him to get hurt, so we're kinda at a loss here. Xelha twitched.
Well, now what? Savyna questioned the group as they walked a ways away from the clamoring crowd.
We could wait until Pauly decides to move on his own- Lyude began to suggest, but Xelha cut him off with a curt, Everybody stared at her in surprise, but she continued, I've been waiting a long time to see Duke Calbren, and I'm not going to let some Pollywhale get in my way!
The situation would've been laughable if Xelha hadn't been glaring.
But we can't get into the mansion, and there's no back door, Kalas pointed out.
Actually, I think I might have an idea, Lyude interjected.
Well, let's hear it then, Gibari said.
I've heard that Pollywhales are very fond of sweets...pastries and candy, that sort of thing... Maybe if we can get some, we can lure it away from the doors.
Xelha lightened up considerably at the prospect, and the wheels began to turn in Kalas's head.
Uh, hey, we wanna make sure that Pauly'll actually like it, right? So why don't I go and get us some stuff from Parnasse? They don't make better sweets than there.Well, you don't have to go, Kalas. So could I, Xelha volunteered.
Uh, no, it's okay, Xelha. You'd better stay here in case Pauly decides to move before I get back. Kalas quickly declined. Xelha looked a bit rejected, bit agreed. Seeing Xelha's expression, Kalas quickly tried to make amends.
Uh, well, you know me n Trill have been friends since we were kids. I'll probably be able to get some pastries from her quickly. Xelha frowned slightly at the mention of Trill, and all those rumors surrounding her and Kalas.
Nice work, idiot.' Talis's voice rang out in Kalas's head. Let's just go before you make things worse.'
Kalas was put off by the last remark, but just waved to his friends and headed for the city gate before they could change their minds.
So, are you going to Parnasse or Reverence first? Kalas was flying now, as there weren't many people on the road.
I was thinking of heading to Parnasse first, then Reverence on the way back, Kalas replied.
Let's hope that sorcerer keeps his promise, or you'll never be on the front lines in battle again,' Talis remarked dryly as they descended on the outskirts of Parnasse. Kalas had no trouble finding Trill working hurriedly in Tisoco's shop, and convinced her to give him some sweets.
You said you'd let me try some, right? So now I'm back to take you up on that offer.All right, a promise is a promise, Trill agreed and handed him a couple of small cakes. Now you'll have to excuse me, as Master Tisoco really wants this cake finished. But you should definitely stop by more often. I'd love your company, she said, and smiled.
Man, if Xelha were here, she'd be bursting a vein right about now,' Talis stated.
Oh, will you just drop it? Kalas shot back as they walked out of the shop. I'm just curious as to how Trill would've reacted if I told her I was gonna feed her handiwork to a Pollywhale.
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Their first leg of the mission complete, Kalas and Talis headed to Reverence, to try and find the sorcerer who'd cursed them. He was again hanging out in the dance hall, and Kalas quickly thrust his friends' towards the guy.
Here, I got what you asked for. Now get this ridiculous curse off me! he demanded.
The sorcerer, ignoring the outburst, took the items, and somehow absorbed it into his hand.
I am unexpectedly grossed out by that,' Talis noted and Kalas could hear gagging sounds coming from the back of his mind.
Hey, would you quit that? Do you know how gross it is to hear someone puke in your mind, Kalas grumbled, not wanting to attract any attention by talking to himself.
So, YOu sUCCeeded. VErY Well, i ShALl cHaNgE yoU BACk. The sorcerer did a strange little dane and Kalas found himself wondering if it was really gong to work.
thEre. YOu aRE curED. Kalas blinked, That's it! The sorcerer just turned away and melted back into the crowd.
Well, I guess there's only one way to find out.'
I suppose. This had better work, Kalas said and headed for the road.
Now, who's gonna be our lucky volunteer?" Kalas mused as he scanned the surroundings for a test subject. He spotted a Shawra idly flapping its wings nearby and grinned, "Perfect." He unfolded his wings, and leapt towards it, drawing a magnus from his deck.
"Please don't let it be blank," he muttered, and flipped it over. It was Blue Storm.
"Alright! Sword style, Blue Storm!"
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"Hey guys, I'm back!" Xelha and the others turned around at the sound of Kalas's voice.
"Took ya long enough, kid," Gibari teased, but looked grateful as Kalas pulled out the cakes.
"Let's lure it away from the door, then," Savyna said, and walked toward the mansion.
The group made their way through the door, and Lyude took one of the cakes and held it in front of the Pollywhale. For a while, no one breathed, until Pauly gingerly sniffed it, then leaned forward and snatched up the cake in one bite."
"Well, I guess this means you like it, then," Lyude smiled and held another cake in front of its nose. This time, Pauly stepped forward, and Lyude carefully led it well away from the door, before letting him eat it.
The crowd, seeing the dilemma solved, burst into applause and cheers.
"This is wonderful! Now we'll finally be able to see Duke Calbren!" Xelha cheered. It seemed that things were finally going her way.
After the group explained their problems to the Duke, who immediately agreed to help out, they headed down to a secret passage, only to run into the troublesome trio, Mr. F, Ms. A and Mr. G.
"Come back here!" Kalas yelled as they disappeared with the End Magnus, but a giant ball blocked their way.
"Damn it! Now what!" Kalas growled in frustration. Could this day get any worse?
"Do not fear. The Great Mizuti be here!" Seemingly out of nowhere, the same little guy that had saved them in the Trail of Souls appeared, and got rid the ball.
"Hey, it's the great Mizuti!" Xelha said, recognizing the unique mask.
Kalas paled. Just what they needed; another crazily-dressed odd-speaking sorcerer. He hoped he/she/it leave soon.
"The Great Mizuti now be joining you!"
Kalas nearly fainted.
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Well, I hope you guys enjoyed this little romp. Shameless plug: Please read my other BK fic, especially if you like Savyna/Gibari/gets whapped by Talis/ Also, kudos to those of you who can figure out how I've been naming these chapters so far. .