Another day and another chapter is on. While the OC Martial Artist will come into play this chapter, having additional characters beyond that might be difficult. Thanks again for the reviews.

I can think of lots of ways I can type down a disclaimer, but let's just say that DQIX is created and copyrighted by Squaresoft.

Chapter VII: Alltrades Abbey

The Starflight Express flew down to the Protectorate, the mission of finding the Fyggs and the missing Celestrians hung in Arianna's mind.

Trent, who was polishing his blade while sitting in his seat, could barely control his apprehension of what danger he and his friends may face.

Conrad merely stared into space, pondering who-knows-what.

The train soon began to hover above a continent where they'd never been.

The violet haired teen turned to address Stella"Somethng up?"

"This is as close as we get for now. we'll just have to land you near that blue tree, nearby" replied the fairy.

Arianna nodded, then went to tell Trent.

"So we're on a new continent now?" said the blond swordsman as he stood up.

"Yes" nodded Arianna.

Conrad shrugged"I heard stories of Alltrades Abbey, which lies on this continent. Supposedly, it is a sacred place where one can change one's vocation."

The violet-haired Celestrian shrugged"Well, sacred place or not, we'll need to look everywhere we can for the Fyggs."

The group left the Starflight Express, then proceeded north.

Just south of Alltrades Abbey, Arianna addressed the team"Conrad, Trent, I must return briefly to Stornway to enlist Alicia and Raymond."

"Yeah, but somehow I doubt that sis will believe me" sighed Trent.

"We need all the help we can get. Trent, you can come if you want."

"I will" said the blond.

Conrad shrugged"I'll look for information at the abbey. What do those Fyggs look like, anyway?"

Arianna replied"It's mostly yellow. Kind of ressembles a ripe pear, not that I've had or seen pears before."

The brunette nodded, then went up to the Abbey, while Arianna and Trent remained.

The blond inquired"So how will we return to Stornway? The way we came?"

"No, I know a spell that'll teleport us instantly to places we've previously been."

"Really?" said Trent.

Arianna nodded"Take my hand."

The pair held hands, then zoomed off.

The outside of Alltrades Abbey was nothing spectacular, Conrad deduced as he began talking to some of the people outside.

One of the people waiting outside, a young woman with short black hair and white robes over a black T-shirt and shorts, bound by a black belt addressed him"Not from around here, are you?"

"What gives you that impression?" said Conrad, coolly walking towards the door to the abbey.

The woman, no older then twenty, walked over to the other brunette and turned him around"What's your problem? Is that how you treat a girl where you came from? For your information, well you're kinda shady."

"Well beg your pardon, I'm busy looking for something. I was hoping to get some info, here, but it's not really your business. If you'll excuse me, I need to go in" said the male brunette.

As he arrogantly turned aroumd, Conrad found himself flipped over her shoulder and onto the grassy plain. The onlookers were shocked.

The black haired woman marched towards him"My name is Sasha Anne, daughter of one of the finest martial artists the world over. My family's style of karate is not to be trifled with."

"Call me Conrad" said the brown haired man, getting up and dusting his pants.

Sasha nodded, then spoke"So what is it you needed, if not to change your vocation? Not that I ever would, it'd be an insult to my family's name, we stick to tradition."

Conrad shrugged"It's complicated, but have you ever seen a bright yellow fruit? I know, it sounds kind of silly, but some friends and I are searching for seven."

"What's so complicated about that? What makes a fruit special?" said Sasha.

"I've no clue, either, but it's called a Fygg. As poppycock as it may sound to you, girl" said Conrad.

"Girl? Hmph, you've got a lot of nerve. If you insult me just one more time-" Sasha cracked her knuckles.

Conrad sighed"Well, I must be off. How are you so strong, anyway?"

Sasha replied"Want me to demonstrate? I had been training and studying karate since I was seven. Draw your weapon, knave."

Conrad realized that he'd gotten into a pickle, so he drew his dagger. His opponent took out a wooden battle staff.

The two lunged, Conrad having no intention on killing her, but thought to injure Sasha enough to make the fighter back off.

Meanwhile, in Stornway, Trent addressed Arianna"I don't think they're back yet."

Just then, Raymond and Alicia showed up by Chimera Wing.

"Where have you two been?" said Raymond. Trent went to hug his sister.

Arianna replied"It's a long story, but have you been to Alltrades Abbey before?"

"No, but what brought that on?" inquired the Priestess.

After an hour of explaining, Alicia was astonished"So you're a Celestrian?"

"Yes, and I'm searching for seven fruits called Fyggs. We need to join forces once again, I fear that some dark power is rising somewhere" said Arianna.

Raymond shrugged"Well, Alicia and I just got back from our date. The Innkeeper at Angel Falls seemed to be slacking off, the room was filthy, and almost no food was to be had there."

Arianna face-palmed'Ivor... He can't compete with Erinn as an innkeeper like that.'

"What is it?" said Alicia.

The Celestrian shook her head"Never mind. Now, I need you to come to Alltrades Abbey with me."

"All right, let's go" said the Priestess.

The three held hands, and again Arianna invoked Zoom to transport back.

Conrad and Sasha dueled for a while, and no matter what they did, it seemed like a draw.

"Not bad, but how's this?" Sasha swept Conrad off his feet with a blow from her battle staff. The thief was floored in an instant.

'Sheesh, how did I get myself caught up in this?' sighed Conrad.

The Martial Artist spoke"You lost, but you were better then I expected."

Conrad stood up"Well, you got me. Seriously though, is that how your family settles things?"

"No, but there was some bad blood between him and another man who looked like you. He wouldn't tell me about it, though" sighed Sasha.

Conrad was astonished"What was your dad's name? It kind of rings a bell."

"His name is Johansan. I just call him 'master' for the most part, or dad. He taught me everything I know about karate" said Sasha.

Conrad sighed"My father told me he cheated a man named Johansan out of his money once, but eventually he repented his thieving ways. They haven't been seen for some time, have they?"

The Martial Artist shrugged"Whatever happened with our fathers it clearly has nothing to do with us. As for my own techniques, only those who are pure of heart can learn them."

The brown haired man inquired"Well, I no nothing more about fyggs then you do, but I have to know for my friends' sake."

"I came here to hone my body and spirit recently, so I don't know much about recent events at the abbey. I can help you look" said Sasha.

As the two entered the abbey, they found Arianna and the others at the entrance.

"Conrad, where were you? And who's that?" said Trent.

The black haired woman nodded her head"I am Sasha, dicsiple of Master Johansan."

Alicia was surprised"Really? I heard he is a great martial-artist. How was he?"

"He's retired, but he passed his skills to me" said Sasha.

"I see. Well, name's Alicia" smiled the Preistess.

"I'm Arianna, the younger blond is Trent" spoke the Celestrian.

Sasha nodded"Pleasure. Now, I heard you were looking for a fruit called a 'Fygg'."

Arianna responded"Yes, there are seven of them altogether. They are very powerful, as they are filled with the power to grant wishes, but supposedly they can be dangerous."

"Sounds fascinating, but I wonder" said Sasha.

The Celestrian stood up"Let's split up and meet at the inn after getting as much info as possible."

Another hour passed as the group gathered as much information as possible.

The team was soon tired as they met in the inn. Arianna paid the innkeeper there for a night's stay.

"Arianna, I found some information" said Conrad.

"Really?" said the Celestrian.

Conrad nodded"The Abbey is in decline because their abbot, Jack vanished. According to some of the employees, he had gotten ahold of a strange yellow fruit, the Abbot was quite fascinated. According to the source, the fruit is probably eaten, of perhaps not. Since then, he'd acted strangely, someone saw him go to the tower to the east."

"What tower might that be?" inquired Trent.

Sasha face-palmed"The Tower of Trades! My father spoke of it to me, said that it used to be a place for people to go change their vocation. But the abbey now serves that purpose, due to monster infestations."

"The Abbot, and maybe the Fygg, could still be there" frowned Arianna.

Alicia thought for a moment, then said"Sasha, did your father say anything more about the tower?"

The Martial Artist shrugged"Yes, he told me it was supposedly sealed. But the seal is magicked with a motion sensor, if the correct motion is used, the seal might break."

"How do you know all that?" said Conrad.

"I went there yesterday. I thought I could break in and test my mettle against the monsters that dwell within" said Sasha.

Arianna shrugged"I can break the seal."

"How?" wondered Trent.

The Celestrian replied"I still have some Celestian power left, but it's dwindled somewhat thanks to my losing my wings and halo. Actually, I may know the motion, or pose required to enter the Tower of Trades."

Sasha blinked"So you are one of the ancient guardians I heard about in legend?"

Arianna replied"Yes. In the morning, Trent, Alicia, Conrad, Raymond and I will go to the tower and rescue the Abbott, if he's there."

Sasha spoke up"Will you take me with you? I know I might slow your group down a bit, but safety in numbers is better then dying."

"Seeing your skills, I can speak for you. Arianna, what's the harm?" said Conrad.

The Celestrian pondered for a moment"Diversity is all and good. All right Sasha, you're in."

"I will be my pleasure to serve alongside you" said Sasha.

"Okay, let's get some sleep and make ready to explore the tower, guys" said Arianna.

The six went to sleep, preparing to go find the abbott and retrieve the fruit.

Sorry if I am lacking in too many details, but I think this will suffice. I hope it wasn't too boring.

So far, each dungeon has had it's own chapter to drag out the fic somewhat, but occasionally I may make some exceptions. Beyond post-game, Erinn, Patty, Aquila and Sellma eventually become playable, so maybe I'll squeeze in those characters. Only problem is I don't know how Sellma would fit in storylinewise, besides her post-game quest in-game.

In response to u.k. Owen's review, another fallen Celestrian for this fic might be interesting, but I'd use a Paladin, Gladiator or Ranger class for him/her since it'd be redundant to have two Minstrels. But anymore then six characters would probably not work out. Not that I don't trust anonymous reviews. I have a lot to think about.

Please feel free to review.