The airship sped through the cerulean skies, while each of its five passengers sat deep in thought. Silver noticed that his newfound companion was stricken with an attitude of seriousness. He tapped on her leg.

She looked up at him, and smiled. "Hey." She said quietly, her ears drooped to some extent.

"You alright?" He asked with compassion both in his face and voice. His concern warmed her heart.

"Yeah, I'm-" she paused, and shook her head. "It's nothing. Just a little nervous, that's all." She looked to Dakan, who at the time seemed to be in a world of his own, and then turned back to Silver. "Do I have to go with him?"

The thief smirked. "Sorry. Lieutenant's orders." She rolled her eyes, then smirked. "He'll take good care of you, I promise."

"Take care of me?" She said, insulted. "And just what do you mean by that, mister? Do I look the type to need protection?"

Silver chuckled, then shook his head. "No, I guess not." As he continued to chuckle under his breath, he got to his feet and decided to take a look above deck. Waving to Emira, he climbed the stairs.

Rini stood by the rail of the ship, staring at the mountain range below. Her brown hair flew gracefully through the wind. Silver gracefully leaned across the railing next to her, giving her notice to his presence. She smiled. "Are you nervous?"

"Me?" He asked, turning his head towards her, then looking back across the skies with a head shake. "No, not really. Just another battle, and hopefully the last for a while."

Rini nodded in response. The wind made a swift sound as the airship turned, causing a series of bending wood to overcome the vessel. Finally, Rini spoke up. "You know, war's a terrible thing." Silver turned to face her. "It causes so much grief…so many people have to die. Some of them don't even deserve it. Do you realize that most of the people that we kill are just like us? They fight for their country, unafraid to die. There are good people out there just like us, that die every day by our own soldier's hands." She bowed her head. "It just isn't fair. It's not fair that people like Emira's late husband have to give their lives because two countries can't settle a dispute."

"But something has to be done." Silver replied, agreeing with her for the most part.

"I know…" She said with a sigh. "If I didn't know, I wouldn't be standing here right now. I would be a normal house wife, raising kids of my own." She frowned. "Though as bad as I want them, I refuse to bring children into this world at a time like this. I want my babies to live in an era of peace."

Silver smiled. He had never heard Rini speak of children before. "That's thoughtful of you, Rin."

"Thanks." She said with a smile, looking towards Silver. "Listen, about what happened back before you left. I'm sorry about the way that I-"

Silver placed his finger in front of her lips, closing them gently. "You don't have to apologize." He said, removing his finger. "I acted too soon on my own feelings." She looked as if she wanted to say something, and she started to speak, but she held her tongue. Silver looked curious. "What is it?"

She shook her head with a distant smile. "It's nothing." Changing the subject, she didn't give him time to reply. "We should concentrate on the mission." Reaching into the pouch on her hip, she pulled out a small black pearl. "As you can see, this is a link pearl. Lieutenant Hicks wanted me to give this to you; everyone else already has one." He accepted the pearl, then tucked it into his back pouch. The tiny pearl then shook, sending a telepathic message to all that had one.

"This is Lieutenant Hicks speaking. Do you all copy?"

"Yes, sir."

"All clear."

"Affirmative, Sir Hicks."

"You betcha!"

As they all copied, the leader continued. "As you all may already know, this airship has been equipped for an impact landing. We will crash directly into the main gate, where we will then make our way to the Chateu as quickly as possible. Once inside, Dakan and Emira will handle the front entrance, and Silver Tear and Rini will cover the skyline connected to the cathedral. Estimated time of arrival is five minutes."

----

Those five minutes went by more swiftly than any of the Musketeers expected. They all assembled above deck, Lieutenant Hicks before them. Below, the sound of the war could be heard. Trying to ignore the sounds, Silver concentrated on Hicks. Without a hint of fear in his voice, he spoke. "We will be landing shortly. Brace yourselves!" With that being said, the five soldiers held tightly to the railing of the ship, most with their eyes clenched shut. Emira yelled out to ease the tension. The ship's sturdy metal helm withstood most of the damage, although the airship was in no condition to fly. The pilot drew his own weapon, being a soldier himself, and entered the battle. Hicks yelled out to his soldiers, and the battle began.

The new and gigantic hole in the fortress around San d'Oria caught the Bastokan soldier's attention. Almost immediately, the soldier's began rushing into the city, where they were then met by even more Elvaan soldiers. The five Musketeers rushed through the fray, dodging not only common soldiers, but also arrows, and on some occasions, huge pillars of ice that fell down from the skies, conjured up by Elvaan black mages from a safe distance away. Emira's heart began to race as she sped behind Dakan, grabbing onto his cape. Their black outfits caught the attention of a black mage from high above the cathedral. Unknown by the Musketeers, he began to cast a fierce spell.

The Chateu was in view. Hicks, Rini and Silver deftly hacked away at oncoming soldiers, while Dakan and Emira ran close behind, doing their part just as well.

The Chateu was in view.

"Dead ahead!" Shouted the Lieutenant. Emira raised up to see the towering castle, the rooftops aligned with Elvaan rangers.

"Look out!" She shouted to the others, pointing above. Rini saw them, and as swiftly as instinct, began to chant as they ran.

As if things couldn't get bad enough, a huge glyph formed underneath the party. "Get away from the circle!" Yelled Hicks as he leapt out of it's reach. Having been split in many directions to dodge the impending spell, they defended themselves as the glyph intensified.

The explosion of fire could be seen clearly from any part of the battlefield.

Unaffected by the blast, Hicks continued to fight, cutting down soldiers left and right as if they were insects. When one would fall, he would face another, in a continuing pattern, moving slightly closer to the castle with each kill. When there was a break from the assaults pinned upon him, he reached for the black shell and spoke into it.

"Assume your positions until the mission has been carried out!"

----

Ephraim sat across from the King in his personal chambers. He quietly took a sip of red wine, deep in thought.

"My King, I am certain that the pearl will show up." She said, convincingly. "As a matter of fact, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if it were to show up in this very battle."

The San d'Orian leader raised his head in curiosity.

"Yes, my lord." She said, smiling. "It appears that there is a special task force infiltrating the Chateau as we speak. They are . . . Very talented individuals." She crossed her legs, her armor clanking slightly.

"That pearl must be returned immediately. I fear that there are others trained in the Dark Arts. If a master of the Dark Arts were able to seize control of that weapon that stood against us . . ." He shook his head. "It makes me tremble to even think of the outcome."

"Need I remind you what happened to the Windurstian scum that dared to disobey my commands, my King? Imagine how powerful our army would become once the pearl is returned to us. Aside from that," she explained, "the pearl's true power can only be extracted from Promathia's Sanctuary."

He sighed. "I hope you are certain."

"I assure you, my lord," She said with a laugh, "that once the pearl is once again in our grasp, no one will be able to touch us. We will exterminate all who oppose us like filthy rats. No one will be able to resist our authority. Imagine it . . . San d'Orian control throughout all of the four kingdoms!"

The King had a sudden change of heart. "Have you gone mad? I do not wish to become ruler of the world! Doing so would be madness, you fool!"

Ephraim laughed as she rose to her feet. As she did so, the King met her with his blade drawn to her neck. She smiled, and laughed. "If you think you can kill me, then do it." She said, her lower face seeming as a she-devil. Her cupped hand began to glow with dark energy, catching the king's attention. As she opened her hand fully, he gasped. "My Lord," she began, her laugher continuing, "there is nothing you, nor anyone else can do to stop me!"

From behind the King appeared a portal of deep purple and black, swirling in a circular motion. From within that dark abyss appeared a menacing scythe, its shape twisted sinisterly like the root of a tree. As the king turned around to see it, it struck him straight through the back. He let out a raspy moan as his blood began to splatter on the floor. Ephraim laughed as she allowed the scythe to come to her hand with a quick wave, while the king fell to the floor, clutching his pierced stomach.

She kicked him in the face, rolling him over on his back as he coughed up his own blood, gasping for air. She laughed at his weakened state as if it were a sport. Stepping back, she bowed before him.

"Long live the King . . ."

- - - -

Shaking herself away from her daze, Emira looked above, and gasped. "A-arrows! Heading this way!" The others had similar expressions, and they all flinched as the deadly rain of projectiles headed their way.

"Protect!" Shouted Rini's voice, as a huge, blue dome appeared above the small group. Soldiers of San d'Oria and Bastok alike stood in amazement as she stood upward with her hands raised high while the arrows fell down upon them, hitting the magical dome and then falling off of its smooth surface. When the barrage ended, she lowered the shield and ran towards the castle, signaling the others to follow.

Several more glyphs appeared as they advanced, exploding behind them, sending soldiers from both sides into oblivion, and sending huge pieces of stone and turf flying through the air. Although the area around them was being completely demolished, the group stayed strong. Emira screamed aloud as she latched herself onto Dakan's back, gripping his ears while wrapping her legs around his waist. "WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!"

They were finally in.

The main chamber was extremely quiet, aside from the panting of the musketeers as they fought to reclaim their breath. The only other sound within the central room was the quiet flickering of the torches on each side of the double doors that lead deeper into the citadel.

"Something's not right." Emira said as she looked back and fourth, the hair on her furry tail standing on end as she stretched it out, her ears twitching nervously. "I can feel it." The clanking of armor caught all of their attentions.

The double doors flew open as a young soldier made himself visible. He wore a heavy brigandine armor, all made in black steel, with a long, black cape chained to his back. His left arm was equipped with a kite shield bearing the San d'Orian emblem, and his right with a one-handed, menacing looking black saber. The doors shut themselves behind him, and he then spoke.

"Hello, Master Dakan."

The Paladin was stricken with paralysis as he stood toward his former student. Somehow, he knew that he had no intention of helping them. His eyes mere slits, he spoke. "This is how you greet your Master? With sword in hand?"

Jaques laughed. "Master? You are no master. You are nothing more than a damned hypocrite, and a deceitful liar!"

"Hold your tongue!" Yelled Dakan. "You do not know of what you speak of, child!"
"I am not a CHILD!"

The room shook.

"Rini, Silver Tear." Dakan said, turning his head slightly behind himself to see them from the corner of his eye. "Take your positions. And Emira," he ordered, while her ears perked at the mention of her name. "accompany them."

She seemed disappointed and aggravated. "But, Lieutenant Hicks said to-"

"Do as I say!" He demanded. She gave him the finger, mumbled a few choice words under her breath, and exited along with Rini and Silver. Once again, Dakan turned his attention back to his former student, hate and disappointment both evident in his expression. "Have you so easily been manipulated, Jaques? Have I not taught you not to ignore filth and lies, and to keep your thoughts pure and focused?"

"You, of all people, should speak of lies, my former master." He replied, pointing his sword toward him from across the room. "How could you execute your own father! You are a monster! And you tried to raise me to be just the same as you!" He caught himself in his own anger. "But, it is beyond words. You and I are no longer the same. I am no longer under your manipulative spell."

Dakan knew he was beyond reach at this point. He cleared his throat. "So, is that how it is now?"

"Yes, it is, master." The was a silence as they both stared each other down. Finally, Jaques twirled his blade and assumed a defensive stance. "A fight to the death."

Such was the path of the soldier. There were no exceptions; an enemy was an enemy, and the enemy must be annihilated. No longer were there a pupil and master, but instead, on the battlefield, were a soldier of San d'Oria, and another of Bastok. Dakan nodded and drew his own sword, his face emotionless and focused.

"To the death, my pupil. To the death."

----

Ephraim looked toward the pearl in her hand. "And now to serve what this vile country deserves." She smiled sinisterly. As she began to walk out of the King's main chambers, and into the grand hall, a sudden stroke of genius hit her. "I could take the country into my own possession, and as it's leader, use the soldiers here to conquer the other nations . . ." She smiled to herself. "Brilliant. Then, not only will I have the army of the abyss under my control, but the Elvaans as well."

A small figure caught her attention. The impish like individual walked slowly into the huge hall. He said nothing as he stared toward her.

"And who might you be?" She asked, smiling, twirling the scythe to remove excess blood from its blade with a quick twist of the arm.

"Hicks, of Bastok." He replied, drawing his blade and holding it outward to the right, pointing the blade forward. His facial expression never changed.

She laughed aloud. "Is this some kind of joke?" With incredible speed, the Taru advanced upon her, attempting an uppercut slice, which was easily deflected with a downward thrust of her scythe. Her attitude of this Hicks suddenly became much more serious. Hicks leapt back and remained stationary, locked in a defensive stance. "Hicks, is it? Well, Hicks, that was quite an impressive move you just displayed there. For that, I will make sure your death is quick and painless." Finishing her speech, she lunged forward, sweeping the scythe in his direction. He leapt to the left, and then forward, and slashed toward her side. She pivoted to her right and caught his weapon, both blades singing loudly throughout the hall. Like clockwork, they began a martial dance, their blades clanging together several times, each with a piercing sound of pounding metal. Finally, she reared back her scythe and delivered a hard kick to the Samurai's stomach, knocking him back several feet. He let out a quiet moan of pain, and landed on his feet. He glared at her momentarily, and went in for a second attack. As he did, she swung the scythe in a full on attack, which met his own blade and once again sent him flying. Hicks breathed heavily, continuing to hold his blade out defensively. "It's useless." She told him, lowering her scythe. "You see, I have a natural advantage that no moral warrior without the influence I possess could possibly overthrow. You are, however, an extremely talented warrior."

Hicks let out a massive war cry as he raced towards her once again, this time leaping upward upon her horizontal slash. He leapt over her, landed behind, and struck for her lower back. She arched the scythe over her right shoulder, allowing the scythe to take the heavy hit. They stood there, sword locked, Hicks straining heavily to keep the scythe down. As she transformed, the wave of power sent him flying back against the hard stone wall. Having the wind blown out of him from the massive blow, he fell to the floor, and quickly got to his knees, panting.

She turned around, her long, black feathered wings outstretched and her fangs visible. Her completely white eyes gazed towards him. "Give up. I grow tired of playing with you." She said as she let go of the scythe, allowing it to float in midair beside her. Throwing her right arm behind her, she said a quick chant, then thrust it forward, shouting, "Flare!"

From underneath Hicks appeared a similar glyph to the one he had encountered outside the citadel. Wasting no time, he leapt high into the air, flipping, as a similar transformation took place. He came back down upon Ephraim, his now menacing, twisted katana a few feet ahead of him sword locked with her similar scythe. Ephraim's eyes grew wide with surprise.

His hair was as white as her own, now let down and over his face. Fangs protruded from his mouth, and his eyes were as white as snow. Protruding from his back were two pairs of demonic, dragon like wings that were currently outstretched. They both stood there, sword locked. Ephraim smiled. "Amazing . . ." She stated, with a satisfied smile. "A fellow master of the Dark Arts!" She drew back her scythe, which hovered once again beside her, while the newly transformed Hicks slowly hovered to the ground, floating a few feet from it. His katana, now twice the height of himself, hovered horizontally before him, ready and eager to attack.

"This, my friend, is what I have been waiting for! Let us fight!"