Virginia glanced around as they entered Baskar

"So this is Gallows' hometown…" she murmured.

"Also known as Baskar Colony," added Clive (the gunman), "where the people believe in the powers that sustain the world, the guardians." Virginia glanced over at Jet, surprised at his lack of reaction.

"You sure don't react much…" she said. Jet glanced away.

"Well," Clive said, "I must go finish my assignment." He turned to Gallows. "Would you mind introducing me to a lady named Halle? She is the one who assigned me the task of delivering the Ark Scepter."

"Who, me?" Gallows asked, pointing at himself in shock. "Introduce you to Granny? I ran away from here three months ago! Everyone thinks I'm dead!"

"B-Brother?" called a young boy, running out from one of the houses. Virginia watched in surprise as Gallows cringed. "You're home! This is like a dream come true! I did not even foresee this in my dream sight! Although Grandmother did say you would be home soon. She was absolutely right!"

"So… He is family?" Clive asked. "As well as Halle?"

"Oh, man…" Gallows clapped a hand to his face.

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"Yes, that's the Ark Scepter all right," Halle nodded in appreciation as Clive handed over the box. "A job well done. Here is your reward, and a little extra--just to show my appreciation. Go on, take it." Virginia raised her eyes as Halle handed over a money bag. Was sure that there was more then a thousand gella. "Looks like I caused you more trouble then you bargained for. Not only did you deliver the Ark Scepter, you also bought home my incompetent grandson."

"Hey," Gallows said startled, "leave me outta this. It was just a coincidence that I cam home."

"Not necessarily," Clive admitted. "She did mention I might also have to deliver a troublesome package. I had no idea that package would be you until now."

"I figured robbers and thugs would jump at the Ark Scepter if I released information about its transport," Halle explained. "And that this boy would go after it, too. I never imagined it would be this easy."

"I should've known…" Gallows scowled in reply. "You and your dirty tricks, Granny. But tell me this… If you just wanted me back here, does that mean I've had the real Ark Scepter all along? And the one we delivered fake?"

"…" Halle just looked at Gallows stunned for a second, before shaking her head.

"I'm back," Shane said as he walked. Virginia raised her eyebrows in surprise. He was holding two more Ark Scepters.

"Oh, you are so pitiful…" Halle said to Gallows. She took a moment to compose herself. "Listen well. The Ark Scepter you took, the one transported by train, and the two over there… All four of them are genuine Ark Scepters. Gallows… Don't tell me you thought there was only one Ark Scepter in this world. Your lack of discipline for your studies is atrocious. I thought I had taught that to you and Shane…" Gallows turned to Shane

"Is that true?" he asked. Shane nodded in reply.

"The Ark Scepter is a staff," Halle explained, "which can transmit and receive willpower. In other words, it is a sacred artifact used to communicate with guardians. There are a total number of four Ark Scepters in this world. They were enshrined at various places that worship guardians, but are gathered here now. The bearer of the Ark Scepter is capable of sensing the presence of the spiritual guardians. Which means he or she is capable of materializing and utilizing the power of guardians in this world. The bearer of the Ark Scepter has the right to use the power of the guardian. But the bearer also has the right to kill the guardian…"

"Huh?" Virginia said, startled.

"Shall we go for a walk?" Halle asked. "I'll continue my story then."

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Virginia glanced around as they entered the cave in the cliff at the back of the village. It was some kind of alter, dedicated to the worship of the guardians of Filgaia. Halle strode up the stairs to the alter, turned and faced them.

"The Ark Scepter made it to the colony safely, away from the hands of villains," Halle started. "Thanks to all of you, that is. But I do have a new mission I would like to ask of you."

"You want us to kill the guardians?" Virginia asked, remembering Halle's earlier comment.

"Not exactly…" Halle replied, and turned to Shane who was standing beside her.

"I have been training hard to become a priest, and in the past year or so…" Shane said. "I developed a special ability where I can foresee future events through my dreams. It is called dream sight. Through this legendary supernatural power, I was forewarned of the following apocalypse. A blue shadow will rise from the ancient dead on our planet, Filgaia. The resurrected blue shadow will wield a sharp, cold sparkle that will eat away the planet. People, animals and other life-forms will be devoured, and eventually Filgaia itself…"

"But there's no absolute proof or evidence to back it up," Virginia said doubtfully. "It's just a…"

"…dream," Gallows interrupted. "But this is my kid brother's dream. Trust me, his dreams always come true."

"Thank you, Brother…" Shane said.

"I call it… the Blue Menace," Halle said. She paused to allow this to sink in, before continuing. "But this threat is not all that the dream speaks. It also tells of how the blue shadow will be defeated."

"The blue shadow shall be expelled by releasing the chains which bind the guardians," Shane explained, "Filgaia will eventually rejuvenate, and a little girl will bring about peace and tranquility…"

"My next mission to you is to release the guardians," Halle stated, interrupting Shane. Virginia gasped, even as Clive spoke up.

"This may be a job for your grandson," he said, "but we're not Baskars." Halle walked down the steps and walked over to stand next to Gallows.

"You can do it," she stated firmly. "When I said that the bearer of the Ark Scepter has the right to kill a guardian, I meant… You must face it in battle. It proved that you are worthy to face these intangible, invisible beings. And by fighting and proving your strength, the guardian will be released from the earth, transferring itself into a medium." Virginia sighed silently with relief, and the frowned.

"What's a medium?" she asked. Halle nodded at Gallows who grudgingly took a square of sliver out of his pocket. It was engrained with a strange symbol, one that made Virginia think of…water?

"This is a medium," Halle explained. "It can be considered a passport that allows mankind to shape this planet and manipulate various powers. But this one here is an imitation, made from Baskar technology by extracting the breath of the planet like water and wind, and refining it. This mission requires you to create a high density, pure medium from the bare bones of the planet's breath, the guardians." She placed her hand over the medium that Gallows was holding out. "Thank you kindly for looking after my incompetent grandson. Please return to the planet." To Virginia's surprise and, from Gallows's reaction, his surprise too, the medium evaporated into light and vanished.

"Why'd you have do that, Granny?" Gallows shouted angrily.

"A pure medium is much more powerful," Halle replied calmly. "All you have to do now is get one… You wield the Ark Scepter, do you not? Prove your strength to the guardian."

"Arghhh…" Gallows groaned.

"Pardon me…" Clive said, "but we are only here because we happened to meat by chance. We are not a team, nor do we have a reason to prove our strength to the guardians. However, you did call this a mission. Would you mind explaining what our reward would be should we accept this assignment?"

"A reward?" Halle frowned, and then her face cleared. "Ah yes, a reward. Your reward will be the mediums, transformed from guardians. Take it."

"Excuse me?" Clive said, looking stunned.

"Wipe that stern look off your face," Halle said, waving a hand dismissively. "Your good looks will go to waste. There are four Ark Scepters, and there are four of you. Each one of you is worthy to face a guardian. What you do with the mediums afterwards is none of my concern."

"Wait just a minute, Granny!" Gallows shouted looking, if Virginia was any judge, even more shocked then before. "Guardians and their mediums are valuable assets to us Baskars! We turn to them for guidance! But you would just give away these mediums to complete strangers? I always thought you were a little slow, but now I just think you're completely senile!"

"My, my…" Halle mused. "Now that's a surprise. I never realized you were so passionate about our old traditions… Perhaps you are more conservative then I thought. Even if we Baskars were to face the guardians and receive their mediums, all we would do is enshrine them at this alter and leave them there. And what good would that do? I believe that entrusting the mediums to Drifters who traverse the vast wasteland is the true meaning behind releasing the guardians. In a sense, it may be a long shot. But I believe this gamble is necessary based on the dream Shane had… I know this sounds like a crazy mission, but please consider…"

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Virginia glanced at the others as they grouped together to decide.

"I'm in…" Gallows stated firmly, "I want my medium back. I can't back down now."

"I am more drawn in by her story then anything else," Clive admitted. "Guardians… The powers that sustain the world… To come into contact with a mysterious entity means…"

"I don't care either way," Jet shrugged. "If we get it, we can always sell it. I'm in if the money's there."

"I… I'm…not sure…" Virginia said hesitantly. She thought for a moment, and came to a decision. "But I do feel excited… It's like an adventure for Drifters. I've always dreamed about that." As they all nodded in agreement, Halle walked over.

"Looks like you've decided," she said.

"We all have our own reasons," Clive explained, "but our goal is the same. The four of us would like to accept the mission to release the guardians."

"You made a wise decision," Halle said gladly. "Not the fact that you accepted the mission, but the fact that all four of you will carry out this mission together. The guardians have sealed their bodies in a distant time, but still exist today in intangible forms. Their strength far exceeds those of humans, so you should all watch out for each other. There is no need to rush. Prepare all you want before you prove your strength to the guardians. It may be wise to brush up your skills and learn more about the guardians here at Baskar. I will now give a brief explanation about the sanctuary from which you must release the guardians. If you need me to go over it again, don't hesitate to ask. The guardians are sealed at the base of the southern foothills. This sealed land became known as the sanctuary, and used as a ground to worship guardians. Do you have any questions? Knowledge is power. Do not forget." Following Gallows, Virginia and the others left for the Fallen Sanctuary.

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"Are you sure this will work Granny? They seem a bit different in person."

"We have no choice, Shane. If your dream-vision was right, they are the ones who will save Filgaia."

"Yes…and the ones who will pave the way for the Dream child to rejuvenate Filgaia… I'm just worried about Brother…"

"I am too… Although I won't admit that to him."

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Virginia glanced around as they climbed the stairs to the top of the Fallen Sanctuary. It had majesty, with eight pillars marking out the points of the compass. It was impressive, but…

"It's different than I imagined," Virginia said slowly. "It's hard to explain, but…"

"You thought it'd be a lot more beautiful and glorious?" Gallows asked. "Does that explain it?"

"With a sanctuary housing guardians, the power that sustains the world," Clive agreed, "you do have certain expectations…"

"Suits me just fine…" Jet said, as he reached the top. "This place is just like Filgaia--empty and barren with only the dry winds blowing through… Is Filgaia the way it is because this is how the guardians are, or is it the other way around? Ah, who cares…" Virginia turned to him, but before she could coment further, glow suddenly emerged from her pocket. Reaching inside, she pulled out the Ark Scepter which was now glowing with a peaceful, white light.

"Huh?" she said, startled, "I think it's trying to tell us something…" The others took out their various Ark Scepters, which were reacting in the same way. They all glanced at Gallows.

"Yo, what do we do?" Jet asked.

"I dunno!" Gallows said defensively. "Don't ask me!"
"Wouldn't you be the one to know?" Clive asked curiously. Gallows scratched his head sheepishly in reply. "We were a little unprepared… We should have enquired as to its proper handling." The glows from the Ark Scepter started to increase in strength, blending together in a single, growing glow.

"Something's beginning to swell up!" Virginia shouted, straining to hold on. "I don't think I can hold it any longer!" She gasped as the glow vanished up into the air. Virginia glanced down, and started when she realized that her Ark Scepter had vanished.

"Wh-Where's the Ark Scepter?" she gasped. There were several other noises of shock as the others realized that their Ark Scepters had also vanished.

"Perhaps this phosphorescence is a ritual meant for the bearer of the Ark Scepter…" Clive suggested.

"Does that mean we've officially been deemed bearers?" Gallows asked, shrugging. As Clive nodded, Virginia suddenly heard a ting noise, In a way that had nothing to do with ears. She gasped as a sharp pain slammed into her head.

"A-A-Ahhhhh…!" Jet screamed in shock. "What was that?"

"Argh, my head!" Gallows complained. "My hangovers were never this bad! Is this a migraine?"

"The pressure inside our heads does indeed feel like one…" Clive agreed. "However, this feels as if…" Virginia dropped her hands to her chest as the pain faded, only to be replaced with a faint voice, too quiet to be heard.

"…someone is calling to us from deep within our hearts… It's soft, but very loud at the same time… If this really is the shrine where the guardians are worshipped, then this voice must be…" She turned, and glanced up at the stone pillars that Virginia now knew were alters. "Let's go…"

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"I am…trapped within the…Sealed Library… Heh heh heh!"

"Oh, shut up Fengalon."

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Virginia breathed in as she reached the alter at the top. They had split up, one to each alter. Virginia glanced around, and then touched the alter. A vision entered her mind...

The ground sends waves of quakes into the distance. You feel a presence bigger and heavier then anything. The power of earth crushes all with its howl. The bearer of the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to Grudeiv!

Virginia looked up, as a massive dinosaur like monster with crystals lining it's back loomed over her and gulped quietly…

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Jet climbed to the top of the steps, and slapped the monolith alter with his palm, and gasped as an image forced it's way into his head…

The swirling blaze coalesces, heralding a new beginning. You feel a presence hotter and more ferocious than anything. The power of fire spreads its crimson wings! The bearer of the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to Moor Gault!

Jet shock his head, and glanced up as a massive bird of flame coalesced into being.

"Ah…" he said slowly…

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Clive examined the stone alter carefully. If he remembered his runes correctly, the runes said that this was the alter of Fengalon, the Guardian of Wind. It seemed that the way to communicate with the guardian was to touch the alter. Clive extended a finger, and touched the end of it to the wall. A vision surged into his mind.

The breeze turns to a blade that cuts away the clouds. You feel a presence sharper and swifter than anything. The power of wind shakes the vast wasteland. The bearer of the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to Fengalon!

Clive glanced up as the clouds opened, and the massive Fengalon appeared over him.

"I hope I haven't bitten off more then I can chew…" he mused as he chambered a round…

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Gallows walked up to the alter to Schturdark, the mighty Guardian of Water. He confidently placed his hand on the alter, and forced himself to relax as he felt the guardian's mind touch his.

The currents flow softly yet, strongly and never stop. You feel a presence kinder and more passionate than anything. The power of water engulfs you in it's grasp. The bearer of the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to Schturdark!

Gallows glanced up as the turtle shape of Schturdark appeared over him, and shared a nod of recognition with him.

"Let's get on with it," he said quietly as he drew his ARM from it's holster.

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Virginia sagged against the wall around the top of the steps to the lower floor. While the battle with Grudeiv wasn't as bad as it could have been, it had been tiring and painful. She glanced up as the other stumbled over. Each of them looked as shell-shocked as she felt, but they all clutched a silver plate engraved with the symbols of the four elemental guardians that they had faced.

"Earth, water, fire and wind," Gallows said, glancing around. "So we got all four mediums from the four great guardians. A medium doesn't exhibit its power just by holding onto it. You have to invoke the medium and become one with the guardian's power." He held up three fingers. "Each of us can invoke up to three mediums. Anything above that will overload our consciousness, and may result in terrible consequences. Once a medium is invoked, you can use Arcana during battle. Arcana is…an extension of the guardians power. Think of it as magic if you will… It can be said that using Arcana is also the key to winning. But one thing you have to watch out for is the enemy's elemental property. The effectiveness of an Arcana attack can differ greatly depending on the enemy's elemental properties." He paused, and rubbed his forehead wearily. "And these mediums in their purest for are said to contain special powers. One of them is to summon. Summoning is basically a Force Ability, and it allows you to materialize the guardian's power with your energy. The destructive power increases as more energy is expanded, and affects multiple targets. A couple of things you have to watch out for… One is that just like Arcana, its effectiveness can vary depending on the target's elemental properties… And two, the number of times it can be used without rest is fairly limited. The biggest drawback, though, is that once you summon, your energy will be depleted. With no spare energy, your options will be limited as energy is also used for Arcana. And you can't ignore how it affects your attack and defensive power, too. This is something you should use strategically."

"Well then…" Clive said tiredly. "Now that it's all over, I suggest we go and see Halle. This was an official mission we undertook. The proper thing to do is to go back and report." Virginia held out Grudeiv's Terra Roar medium. She was still mildly stunned that Grudeiv had accepted her as his bearer.

"I still can't believe that the power that sustains the world is inside this tiny, little plate," she mused, and tucked it away in a pocket. "It's even more unbelievable that it's mine…"

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Janus narrowed his eyes as he watched the Drifters head down into the Fallen Sanctuary. From his perch on top of one of the monoliths, he had had a perfect view of the various battles that had gone on below. (They're more dangerous then I thought…) he mused. (This'll take planning…)

"Hey, Boss!" Dario called from below. "Shouldn't we go after 'em?"

"No," Janus decided, "we'll let them be. But only for the time being…" As he prepared to jump down, Janus saw Romero pointed at the sky.

"B-B-Boss, look…" Romero stammered. Janus glanced up and spotted a bird hovering over them.

"A watchbird, huh…" Janus mused. "Well, we did fail to seize the Ark Scepter. I'll have to deal with the consequences. But sooner or later, I'll have to come through for them, or else they'll have my head for sure…"

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The group had gathered in front of the Baskar Alter with Halle to detail the results of their mission.

"Well done," Halle congratulated, "I knew you could do it." She walked down the steps and held out her hand. "Now, hand me the four mediums." After a moment's hesitation, Virginia handed over her medium, as did Gallows, Jet and Clive.

"Hold up, Granny!" Gallows said suspiciously. "You're not planning to secretly switch those with imitations, are you?" Halle turned to him angrily.

"Bite your tongue!" she shouted. "You think I would stoop that low? That's something you would do! Now, listen to me well! Each of these pure mediums emits a special aura that protects the bearer. It enhances you physical attributes by raising you attack and defense, allowing you to take on powerful monsters. And…" She placed her hand on mediums. They started to glow. Virginia saw Gallows close his eyes and step back through the corner of her eye.

"WHOA!" He shouted. After a moment, he peeked through one of his eyes.

"Quit overreacting all the time," Halle said "Shame on you!" Virginia accepted back the mediums as he stood back up, sheepishly.

"But the mediums…" he gasped.

"Nothing to worry about," Halle replied as Virginia handed the Aqua Wisp medium back to him. "They're right here. I have just awakened the hidden power inside the mediums. Now evoke your medium, and experience the power firsthand."

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"Well…what do we do now?" Virginia asked as they left the village.

"Does anyone have any pressing matters they would like to take care of?" Clive asked. Gallows shrugged.

"We were all out havin' fun releasing the guardians," he replied. "No one has any errands to run."

"And now that we're all done, why don't we just go do our own thing," Jet suggested. (Do our own thing?) Virginia thought, startled.

"I suggest we head down to the bustling port town of Jolly Roger," Clive said, "I'm sure we can obtain some leads about further missions, and means of transportation."

"That's not a bad idea…" admitted Jet. "We'll find our own path from there."

"Well," Gallows started, "we've only known each other for a short while, but we were able to complete all our missions. Let's have our goodbye party there!" (A goodbye party?) Virginia thought, sadly. (Whose? Ours? Oh yeah, it's not like we're a team or anything…)

"It's decided then," Clive stated. "Let us head to Jolly Roger."

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Legal Notes: Wild ARMs 3 and the associated charactersand storybelongs to Media Vision/Contrail. I have no intention of gaining any money from this document.