Eureka! I got it!

Chapter VI: The Gathering

"Upon the pathway to sucess one will face many hardships...

Though Hardwork and dilligence is said to prevail,

There are dark alleys lurking in this path ahead.

One must often work with the aid of others.

Accept the hand that is offered to you.

Together, one will find that sucess is not hard to achieve.

And Together, one can find that challenges are now a thing of the past."

-An Excerpt from the Inventor's Handbook Volume 2

Disclaimer: I do Not Own Star Ocean, this also concludes the fact that I do not own Mackwell as well...

Act I: The Journey of the Perverted Troll

A poem created by yours truly. XD


There once was an elderly man named Gossam,

He was a man of many winters... scratch that, he was just plain wrinkled and old

Anyway, This man had a dream, A yearning for a young woman's bossom and bottom

For an elderly man such as he, this was a dream much bold.

He lacked Wisdom, Knowledge and Experience, all three

Thus he was a mockery to elders, everyone can clearly see.

What he made up for these fine bundles of quality,

This old man had too much experience for his age of lechery...

With a dirty smile, wrinkled old skin and small patches of grey hair,

This man was hated more than the father of Claire.

O Gossam, O Gossam when will you learn?

Your idiotic crave for women will just leave you burned.

Gossam, O Gossam when can you see?

We, women don't want you or your foolish stupidity!

Traveling from place to place,

Thus this is Gossam and his poor, poor case.

Gifted to be born in a world with women galore,

A shame, Gossam was an old man no one can adore.

For many years, an Ultimate goal in his mind he had,

Too bad people still think he's crazy, foolish or just plain mad.

His goal, to make potions of Love, Beauty and Youth

Too bad, it worked on neither Miss Sarah, Young Beth or Lady Ruth

They could only tell this man the cold, harsh truth,

"You're disgusting! Now get away from me you old Coot!"

With a Wave of a hand, broom and a purse... Gossam was out in the dust with a swift kick of a boot.

So much to yearn...

Too little he can earn...

O Gossam, O Gossam when will you learn?

Your idiotic crave for women will just leave you burned.

Gossam, O Gossam when can you see?

We, women don't want you or your foolish stupidity!

Gossam traveled the world abound,

Tirelessly chasing fine, young women around.

Sadly, all women ran away in fright just by the mere sound.

After many days of traveling, on the road of his journey...

With a stroke of luck he appeared before the Trading town of Peterny.

With Oppurtunities scattered on every corner

A new town with its share of fine young women on every inch and border.

Upon a small alley, with shops surround

The Guild of Inventors is what he found.

They offered a job to keep him from starving from food and hunger

Also to keep his dirty hands away from Miss Welch's plunder.

So here he is now, Sir Gossam the dirty old man

Just the mere sound of his voice, the women all ran,

No one really knows what dirty thoughts flows in this man's mind

A feat and desire, we don't ever want to discover and find.

O Gossam, O Gossam when will you learn?

Your idiotic crave for women will just leave you burned.

Gossam, O Gossam when can you see?

We, women don't want you or your foolish stupidity!

Kicked out and transfered from workshop to workshop,

A Bad Habit in which everyone wished he could drop.

One in which, Hitting on Miss Stanice was a big mistake,

Smashing him with a hammer was an easy task for shy Lias to take.

Beaten, Broken and Blown to smithereens,

To keep him away from women in any necessary means.

As you can see, this one man paid the toll,

Ultimately, he never learned he was nothing but a perverted old troll.

And this was the price, this one man had to pay...

I guess he'll just have to try another day.

Whether he accomplished his dreams is a big mystery...

But one things for sure, this dirty old man went down in Elicoor History.

-Fin-

Act II: Enter Nel Zelpher, Crimson Blade Extroadinaire

Mackwell Silently trudged his way across the vast field of Palmira plains. The Warm summer wind blew past him. On his right side was Crimson Blade, Nel Zelpher. The two were making their way towards Arias to gather more information from Nel's best friend Claire Lasbard. Mackwell rarely left the Sacred City of Aquios unless he was required to transfer Workshops, even then it was rare. He was always working in either the workshop in Peterny or Aquios. Not only was it closer to home, but he disliked traveling too far away from the library, and his pet cats. Speaking of which, he left his cats in the care of Miss Leila. She volunteered for the job, even when Mackwell offered to pay for her services she declined. So here he was now, traveling to the Water front City of Arias accompanied by Nel Zelpher of Aquaria.

They were both surprised. Nel was surprised that Mackwell even spoken to her. She always saw him as the reserved, quiet type. For a long time she believed he was just a self-absorbed, independent man who was always on the rush... yet here he was, walking her to Arias. Nel found him to be a bag of surprises, not only was his intelligence and information a great deal of help on her investigation, He was alot more polite then she thought. What stunned her the most was when he revealed that he was searching for Misty Lear. His story was quite shocking and in Nel's point of view quite intriguing. An added bonus to her surprise was Mackwell's performance in battle. Surprisingly, this alchemist could hold his ground in battle.

Mackwell refuses to fight hand-to-hand combat. It was, to him, considered barbaric yet he was well equipped with an arsenal of tools. He was a brilliant tactician who calculated each battle and situation with great percision. Often times he helped Nel take down enemies quicker and more easily by his knowledge of the enemies and the exact moments to strike. Strangely enough, Nel was supposed to be the battle genius in the group... therefore, Mackwell proved to be no burden. He also possessed some Runology skills. While in Peterny he purchased and created numerous things that would accompany him. In his bag he had medical equipment (he proved to be quite the doctor), Corrosive chemicals, Explosive chemicals, Acidic chemicals, Poisonous Chemicals, Stun Chemicals, Homunculi of various elements and also the biggest necessity, food. Mackwell sure was prepared for anything.

Mackwell was surprised by Nel Zelpher as well. Seeing as that he had minimal contact with women he found the Crimson blade's company not only helpful, but enjoyable as well. She was intelligent, bright and possessed a serious demeanor. He also found that Nel was a brilliant tactician on her own as well, never before has he seen a woman fight so gracefully and powerfully before. She planned battles as well and was incredibly experienced. Nel was dilligent and hardworking just as he was. Mackwell found that her reason for this investigation was also alarming. It seemed her greatest rival, Albel Nox handed this job to her personally. He disapproved missions as this and made a bet with Nel... As of now, Mackwell had no idea what the bet was.

Anyway, let's backtrack to when Mackwell asked for Nel Zelpher's assistance.

"You said you wanted to help on my Investigation?" Nel Zelpher paused, "Whatever for?"

Mackwell stood before Nel Zelpher. They were in the Palace of Aquios, Nel was just about to inform the latest update to her majesty the Queen. After their brief conversation Mackwell just had to intervene... the matter was urgent. This may be the last chance he would be able to speak to Nel before time would run out... The Alchemist mustered all of his nerve, courage and guts. This was his chance... don't lose it now. The moment was right but... he had his doubts. Afterall, he was in the presence of her Majesty the Queen and... the loudmouth fool, Lassele. Mackwell had no problem speaking in front of the Queen. She was calm, wise and very grand... whereas Magistrate Lassele was just a fool. Well, this was no time for Mackwell to lose his cool...

"Miss Zelpher, I wish to assist you on this mission..." Mackwell replied as calmly as possible. "The reasons... are of my own."

"You want to assist me?" Nel asked.

"Is there a problem?" Mackwell asked.

"Well, this is a first." Nel crossed her arms, "What gives you the idea that I needed assistance... Sir, Mackwell..."

"Yes, do tell." Lassele replied coldly, "We are all interested."

"Lassele!" The Queen ushered her assistant silent.

"You dare barge into the Sacred throne room in demand for our services?" Lassele barked, "What treachery is this?"

"I never said I desired any of your service..." Mackwell sighed, "I only want to help..."

"Your reasons?" Lassele asked. "We wish to know."

"Lassele! Hold your tongue!" The Queen demanded. From her throne up high she watched Mackwell and Nel, "Well Lady Nel, what do you think of this matter? You did say that you required more assistance on this mission, it just so happens Mackwell seems to want to help."

"Why do you want to help us, Mackwell?" Nel repeated curiously.

Mackwell obviously didn't like the tone of her voice, "From the looks of it, you aren't in such a great situation yourself... so maybe I should merely lend my aid?" Mackwell walked forward before the queen and her annoying assistant, Lassele. "I think it would be beneficial for us both, also, I may have some information that may be of importance to you."

"I'm listening..." Nel replied.

"I promise I won't get in your way..." Mackwell replied.

"I never said you would..." Nel answered. "I'm just curious Mackwell... why do you want my help now?"

"I believe you are the only person who could help me." Mackwell replied. "I hear you are quite skillfull... It just so happens our paths cross."

Nel paused. She often saw this Alchemist frequently. He was the one who was always working, always too busy for everyone else. If anything... this was the first time Nel and Mackwell actually spoke to each other. It was a very strange feeling... kind of like speaking to a shadow that you know exists... yet you never really got to know them. But staring into Mackwell's cold, serious eyes... she could tell something was troubling him greatly. Nel paused for a few seconds. She knew Mackwell was intelligent... a bit stiff but he was skilled at well... research and stuff... he may prove useful. She wasn't 100 percent sure though... he may slow her down. I mean... an Alchemist? What is he going to do? Read her a bedtime story on Chemistry and Quantum physics and create minerals on their journey? But then again... she did respect the Science...

"I think It's a splendid Idea." A voice replied.

"Professor Elena..." Nel looked up in surprise. The Runologist expert smiled as she walked towards them.

"Elena, what are you doing here?" the Queen asked curiously.

"I only dropped down to say my hello's... but my, I would have never thought I'd see you here Mackwell, dear."

Elena looked up at Mackwell. She had a gentle smile upon her face. Excited almost, to see her prized pupil in front of her. Mackwell blankly stared back, he severed all ties with this woman... Elena, still the carefree genius was standing before him. Mackwell clutched the book tighter in his grip. Of all the people... He really didn't want to see this woman ever again. He could still remember when he stormed out of her Lab and demanded he would quit... even though it was in the middle of a big project. The Thunder Arrow was only halfway complete yet, Mackwell couldn't take it anymore. This woman! This woman had the nerve to fool around during a war! It was Intolerable! Completely Unnacceptable! He hated such carefree attitudes, such blissful thinking during times of terror and strife! He envied and hated it! Even now... he could only hate.

"Hello Elena..." Mackwell replied coldly. "Pleasant surprise meeting you here..."

"As am I, my dear!" Elena smiled. "My, you've grown!"

"Still treating me like a child...?" Mackwell was slowly losing his cool around this woman.

"Mackwell, dear." Elena shook her head, "You'll always be my star pupil..."

"Hmph, I doubt that..." Mackwell replied. a small smile appeared on his lips.

"I always looked highly on you, Mackwell... you are quite the little genius." Elena walked up to Mackwell. She ushered him quiet with a friendly pat on the back. "So where have you been lately Mackwell?"

"Around." Mackwell replied coolly.

"Nel, I think you should bring Mackwell with you." Elena replied with a chuckle, "He may act like an old man but I assure you he'll be no burden."

"I'm sure he won't..." Nel replied with a smile. "Are you sure you wish to come, Sir Mackwell?"

"It's just 'Mackwell'..." Mackwell replied. "There is no 'Sir' in my name."

"Sorry. Well then Mackwell, I don't mind if you wish to help." Nel continued, "If you really wish to help, then by all means..."

And Professor Elena was right, Mackwell wasn't a burden at all. Quite the opposite actually, he was very useful. He never hesitated to help Nel, when she was injured he automatically casted a quick Runology spell before she even noticed she was injured at all. Though he ranged in mainly recovery, strengthen and status inflicting spells, Mackwell used them wisely. In return, Nel quickly dispatched her enemies and fought her way through anyone who got in her way. It was pretty obvious that both of them had a strong motivation to accomplish this mission. Mackwell had his obligations to return Misty Lear safely, and Nel had the sole determination to prove to Albel Nox that she was no mere 'maggot', 'fool', 'worm' or any other vile creature he looked down on.

Nel found that it was sweet of Mackwell to help Misty Lear. His story intrigued her much, as did the small competition between Albel and Nel intrigue Mackwell.

"Mackwell, behind you!" Nel warned.

A Massive Horned Turtle was charging at Mackwell from behind. The alchemist quickly dodged it aside and drew out an explosive chemical and blasted the massive brute into submission. Mackwell quickly brushed the dust and ash off his cloak and moved forward.

"Your mind seems to be elsewhere." Nel asked with slight concern.

"It seems that way." Mackwell replied.

"Arias should be just around the corner." Nel looked around the currenly, empty Palmira plains. "We can gather information, equipment and rest there."

"Information?" Mackwell asked.

"Claire's been on the look out recently, she might hold some useful information." Nel answered.

"We should go to Airglyph after..." Mackwell muttered, "It's a high probability that our culprit hides there."

"What makes you so certain?" Nel asked.

"According to the data in the article, a higher percentage of the women captured originated in that region." Mackwell replied.

"That may be true... but still, we can't be so certain." Nel took down another Horned Turtle with ease, "Maybe it was a false lead."

"I doubt it..." Mackwell walked onward. "10 from Airyglyph, 7 from Kirlsa... It's highly unlikely they would ignore the women closer to their location... Also..."

"Also?" Nel crossed her arms with a small smile on her face, "Is there more you wish to share, Oh wise Mackwell?"

"Yes, actually." Mackwell bore a serious expression. "I doubt my suitors would hide Miss Lear somewhere close by..."

"Oh?" Nel quickly jabbed another enemy that stood in her way.

"They know I don't like to travel." Mackwell quickly tossed a small vial of Acid at a scorpion, "Pretty obvious they would hide her as far away as possible."

Nel gave a small chuckle, "Of course, I would never doubt your logic."

Mackwell gave a small smile, "Oh? but I thought you just did, Miss Zelpher."

Act III: Trouble in Arias

Adray the... Manly... Father-in-Law...

The Waterfront City of Arias. A city of much tragedy. Compared to Aquios and Peterny, Arias was in poor condition due to war. Luckily Claire has put alot of effort on rebuilding the once prosperous City back to its former glory. The Reconstruction project was slow... but it was getting better. Mackwell walked through the Small Town. In his eyes Arias was Grey and quite dull. He followed Nel to a large manor in the Center of the Town, the manor was quite large. A small meeting was underway as this woman named 'Claire', informed them on the current situation. It seemed that recently a mysterious Wagon passes by Arias three times a day. It is claimed that it was a type of Alcohol Delivery service.

"Did you check the cargo?" Nel asked.

"Yes, we operate a thorough search on all transportation vehicles..." Claire replied.

"Was there anything suspicious?" Nel asked.

"There was quite a number of large barrels. We're guessing it was filled with beer..." Claire answered.

"Or women..." Mackwell interrupted from the other end of the table. "It can be assumed that women are able to fit in them as well...?"

"That is a possibility, yes..." Claire replied.

Claire Lasbard was the head of the Activity in the Waterfront City of Arias. She had flowing silver hair and was quite a beauty. Claire was also very dilligent and intelligent... Mackwell found her and the rest of these women to be quite impressive. The only strange thing was Claire's father... The man keeps eyeing him carefully. The huge Muscular Aquarian was a legendary warrior, Mackwell knew this well... the only thing is... He keeps following Mackwell wherever he goes. I mean... Mackwell was use to women stalking him but now men were too? The thought kind of scared him... Luckily he wasn't invited to the meeting, Claire made sure of this personally.

"Hmm..." Mackwell ran his hand over his long earring as his mind began to furiously work.

"Nel, who is this man?" Claire asked.

"Oh, this is Mackwell..." Nel introduced the Alchemist, "He's an Inventor and also an Alchemist..."

"Mackwell?" Claire looked up, "You mean that student of Professor Elena?"

"The one and only." Nel said with a small grin. "He proved to be... well beneficial to this investigation."

"I see..." Claire slowly shook her head, "According to the information, The Cargo shipment would be arriving at noon today. Should we take action then?"

"I'll see to it." Mackwell quickly gathered his books and got up.

"By yourself?" Nel asked.

"It would be less suspicious with not as many people." Mackwell replied. "Besides, I want to see this with my own eyes."

"Isn't it too dangerous?" Nel asked.

"Yes, maybe you would atleast want to bring one of us with you?" Claire suggested.

"I'll be fine." Mackwell quickly left for the door. The moment he turned the knob a large man fell ontop of him. It was Adray! The Father of Claire lost his balance and fell ontop of Mackwell. Mackwell toppled on the floor and Adray jumped on his prey. There was much struggling. The Tall, muscular and dark skinned Adray was also the proud father of Claire. Everything about this man... was strangely manly. He had manly muscles, a Manly smile, Manly strength and yeah... well you get the point. The Big dude is Manly and now with his 100 percent Manliness was Wrestling the Alchemist in the middle of the floor... manly-like. Nel and Claire blankly stared as the two men were wrestling on the floor.

"What the...?" Mackwell attempted to tumble out of the big man's grip. "Let me go! Release me this instant!"

"What's your name, young one?" Adray asked ignoring Mackwell's command.

"It's Mackwell! Now Let go!" Mackwell yelled.

"Hey I like ya, Mackwell. Smart, Bold and you're also good looking too! How about you and my daughter get... you know?" Adray asked, laughing and holding the Struggling Alchemist down.

"I don't know what your talking about!" Mackwell snapped his head was between Adray's arms in a headlock.

"Come on, You two would be perfect for each other!" Adray laughed.

"Get off of me!" Mackwell yelled.

"Father..." Claire groaned, her father was enough of a headache for one day.

"All you have to say is, 'yes I'll be happy to marry your beautiful daughter, Claire.' Adray laughed, "Come on! It's easy!"

"No way! I have enough on my mind!" Mackwell rammed as much body force towards the big man. Adray only grunted and now had the Alchemist in his mighty (and manly) Bear like Arms.

"Come on! Say it... You'll feel so much better afterwards!" Adray replied with a booming voice. "I need a son-in-law and a couple o' Grandkids! I'm sure you can give me some of those, eh?"

"What are you talking about?" Mackwell couldn't move at all.

"Come on, Kid... Just say it loud and clear, 'I love you Claire and I'd be happy to bear you and your father some pups!"

"I REFUSE!" Mackwell snapped. "That sounded so wrong! Also, I have no interest in your daughter or your grandkids! I don't even know you!"

Adray smacked his head with his left arm and held back the struggling Alchemist with the other. "Of couse, The Name's Adray! So now that you know my name, how about that proposal?"

"Dad..." Claire groaned. "Can you give it up already? Just for today?"

"Shh, quiet now, Claire." Adray replied, "Can't you see your daddy is busy at the moment? I caught a fiery one! I ain't letting it get away!"

"What am I? Some kind of fish? Release me this instant!" Mackwell snapped.

"We're busy, Father! This is an important matter! It's for my work!"

"Daddy's busy too, Honey!" Adray replied with a large smile. "Daddy's job is to get you a nice husband."

"I CAN GET A HUSBAND ON MY OWN!" Claire yelled. "NOW STOP IT, RIGHT NOW AND LET THE POOR MAN GO!"

"Claire!" Adray replied with (manly) tears in his eyes, "But all you care about is work, work and more work! You need a man in your life! And this one is not only good looking, energetic and feisty but he's Single too! Aren't ya, lad?"

"A little help?" Mackwell asked Nel.

"Sorry, Mackwell..." Nel replied sipping a cup of tea with Tynave and Farleen. "I take care of bandits, monsters, demons, dragons, soldiers, Killer robots, Mutants and Savage beasts."

"Your point?" Mackwell asked.

"The point is Mackwell..." Nel gave a small smile, "I have no problem killing those things."

"But I am being attacked by a savage beast... also a barbarian..." Mackwell replied.

"Nope sorry..." Nel replied, "I don't kill fools or father-in-laws."

"He's not my father-in-law." Mackwell replied. "And will you get off of me, already?"

"Never! Not until you propose to my daughter, here and now!" Adray said hugging Mackwell tightly in his manly grip. Mackwell felt as if every bone in his body was slowly being crushed. Mackwell was also losing oxygen... and any feeling from the shoulders down. The world was slowly getting dizzy... and painful too.

Mackwell had only one solution left, sadly he seems to be depending on this alot lately.

"I'm..." Mackwell gasped, "Already... Engaged... to... someone else!"

"REALLY?" Adray quickly let go, "So you AREN'T SINGLE? Aww man..." Adray snapped his finger in disappointment, "And to think I was this close to getting me some nice grandkids..."

"Need... air." Mackwell began to breathe in as much oxygen. Slowly but steadily the brain fluids in his head were slowly flowing again.

"Hey wait..." Adray eyed him suspiciously, "You ain't lying are ya? Are you really engaged?"

"Yes..." Mackwell stood up, his hair was a total mess and his clothes were extremely messy. He brushed the dust off his cloak swiftly.

"Who?" Adray asked standing over Mackwell. Mackwell came face-to-face with this man's massive (and manly) chest. "You better not be lying, now..."

"Err... She's not here right now... but... Misty Lear."

"REALLY NOW?" Adray began to laugh, "Now ain't that cute! Well I wish you luck on your wedding! So when you two getting hitched? I'll so be there!"

"Umm..." Mackwell looked around nervously. He looked at Nel worriedly. She only shook her head, Sorry Mackwell... you got yourself in this mess. Mackwell had one last option.

"Well..." He then pointed outside the window, "LOOK! It's a BACHELOR!"

"WHERE?" Adray asked Bolting at the window. "I Don't see him!"

"Farewell!" Mackwell quickly reached into his cloak and pulled out a Smoke Screen chemical. He quickly dropped it on the floor as the smoke filled the room. Mackwell bolted out of the Manor and left in heartbeat, Nel also followed. Tynave and Farleen coughed as they waved the smoke away.

"There's no bachelor out there!" Adray looked around the room. Mackwell and Nel was gone.

"Look Dad," Claire sighed, "You scared him away."

"Don't cry, Claire." Adray pet his daughter in the head, "Daddy'll find you a nice man."

"FATHER, WILL YOU STOP IT ALREADY?" With a swift kick Claire kicked Adray out of the room.

"Nice thinking, Mackwell." Nel replied.

"Hmph, we got lucky..." Mackwell pushed back his messy hair. "What a pain... now we're late."

"Not on time anymore?" Nel asked.

"..." Mackwell remained silent.

"So are you and Misty Lear really engaged?" Nel asked.

"No..." Mackwell replied. "But... I think I found something more frightening than Mad Suitors and Late Schedules."

"And what's that?" Nel asked.

"Father-in-Laws..." Mackwell replied with a small smile.

Author's Note:

Just one more week and then i have no more SAT classes. I can't wait!

What sucks is that I have SAT class on Halloween... what's worse? It's a Practice test so I have to stay for 4 Hours.

From 6:00 to 10:00! THAT'S SO NOT FAIR! Now I can't Go get Candy! WHAT A CRAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Anyway, So this story is going to be longer... (sigh) Which is a good thing... but my brain fluids want to just spurt out! (EWWW)

Oh well, you guys REALLY have to Read the Next chapter, I won't give you the WHOLE secret but I'll show you guys some interesting clues!

Clue 1: Lias, Gusto and Stanice appear once more

Clue 2: Crossdressing!

Clue 3: No Manly FATHER-IN-LAWS!

Man... I must have said the word: Manly like 50 times... I like Adray though. He is one cool old man. XD

I hope you guys liked my poem in the beginning. XD It was some randomness for ya!