Another day and another chapter. You may already know the drill by now, but thoughts are represented by ', " indicates spoken dialogue and _ indicates a change in character point of view and/or lapse in time. Oh, and I did a little bit of editing at the last minute.

Disclaimer: Squaresoft created DQIX and owns the copyright to the series in general.

Chapter XV: Intermission and the Trek to Batsureg

The following day found the heroes exploring the town, taking in the scenery. The overall mood of the townspeople was happier, as Queen Voluptua turned over a new leaf and started using her taxes for the good of the citizens of Gleeba. What was more, the formerly private bath chamber became the public women's bath chamber.

As Trent cleaned his blade from yesterday's battle before putting it down, he thought of the events that took him and his friends on their journey thus far'These past few days had been constant battles and walking, but who am I to complain? I have to keep in shape somehow'.

Conrad rested on the bed nearby in the men's room of the inn. Sasha, after meditating a bit in the room where she and the other two female members of the group stayed, went to explore the kingdom some more. As Sasha ventured towards Mirage Mahal for another visit, she thought'Arianna and the others aren't bad at all. It's a shame we seldom have time to get to know each other during our journey'.

Arianna went over to the item shop where Alicia was buying stronger healing herbs and selling a couple lesser medicinal herbs"How's the day off, so far?"

"Pretty good, I took the opprotunity to stock up on some more supplies, what about you?" inquired the Priestess.

The Celestrian replied"I've been a little busy myself just checking on things to make sure nothing is out of place."

Alicia smiled as she pocked her purchase"Everything's fine, the people of Gleeba are happier since their queen had a change of heart."

Arianna sighed"Yeah, that was all and good. But it seems that she may not have changed if it weren't for the incident with Drak and the Fygg."

"So what of the earthquake you had at the Observatory? That's not very common, is it?" inquired the Priestess.

The Celestrian replied"It's never happened before, especially not anywhere near the beginning of the legacy of the Celestrians. That dosen't mean much, but I would think that a force somewhere on this planet is responsible for it."

Alicia shrugged"Well, no point dwelling too much on it I suppose. Shall we head back to the inn?"

Arianna nodded"Yeah, we should depart as early as humanly possible, we don't know where the next town is exactly."

At Mirage Mahal, Sasha paid Queen Voluptua a quick visit before visiting the palace's terrace once again. The Martial Artist breathed in the fresh clean air as she looked around, when she spotted someone standing across from her. It was a woman with dark brown hair dressed in a Paladin's uniform.

The person spoke"Hey, can I help you?"

"No, but who are you?" inquired Sasha.

The woman replied"My name is Brunhild, a traveling Paladin. I just got here this morning, you're Master Johansan's daughter, aren't you?"

Sasha replied"Yes, I'm not surprised if you heard of my father, he's one of the greatest Martial Artists the world over. Not that I intend to brag about my family, of course."

"I hope you don't think of me as rude, but I have heard a little about a small group of travelers who'd done some incredible things. There are very few Paladins in the world, so I was hoping to share my skills with someone" said Brunhild.

"Well, the world has been at peace until some time ago. Paladins just haven't been on high demand, lately" said the Martial Artist.

Brunhild inquired"Oh, and where's the rest of your party? You were traveling with them, weren't you?"

"They're at the inn, but how did you know of us?" said Sasha.

"I travel a lot, as a result I hear strange and/or wonderful things. I heard of your group's exploits in not just Stornway, but Alltrades Abbey and recently Gleeba. I wish to speak to your leader" said Brunhild.

"I'll go get the others" said Sasha.

"I'll wait right here for you" said the Paladin.

The Martial Artist left the palace and went to the inn to find her companions. Conrad, who just woke up from his nap inquired"What's up?"

Sasha replied"There's a Paladin visiting Mirage Mahal, she wishes to speak to you, Arianna."

Arianna raised an eyebrow"I hadn't realized how popular was seem to be getting with our actions. Take us to her, there is something I should say as well."

The six returned to Mirage Mahal's terrace, stopping in the throne room to pay their respect to Queen Voluptua, who was surprsied to hear of another mysterious visitor to Gleeba"Well, I don't really care what she does as long as it dosen't negatively affect the country. Tell this Brunhild that she'd best conduct herself admirably, I'd hate to cause anymore unecessary pain then I already had."

"We'll keep it in mind, your highness" replied Trent.

Arianna and her group continued on back to the terrace where Brunhild waited. The Martial Artist addressed her"The queen was surprised to hear of you, have you met her?"

"No, I thought it best to move undercover. I thought she'd be traumitized by whatever happened yesterday" said Brunhild.

"Nah, she took it in stride. That silly lizard didn't realize that there were others that cared about his mistress anymore then she did. Anyway, what did you need to talk about?" inquired Raymond.

Brunhild replied"The Paladin vocation is not an easy one to master. I thought I'd help you, should you decide to undertake the path of the Paladin."

The Martial Artist was taken aback"I never considered becoming a Paladin, my father stuck to the way of the Martial Artist throughout his time. If it would help my allies, I'd like to learn the way of the Paladin."

"Hey, you know, there were monsters running around these days. How'd you get around, Brunhild?" inquired Trent.

The traveling Paladin replied"I had my own boat, but it was destroyed by monsters as soon as I reached Gleeba. Sasha, will you consider my offer and study the way of the Paladin?"

The Martial Artist nodded"Very well, we'll accept your help. Arianna, what do you think?"

"The Paladin Vocation is best for one of us to take on, yesterday's battle was somewhat embarrassing" said the violet haired Warrior.

Brunhild smiled"Okay, now here's what I have to say. Paladins protect their allies through various abilities, and can use some of the basic support spells which Priests also employ. Paladins have their own spells, too, but a Paladin's healing abilities are not quite as powerful as a Priest's."

Arianna thought for a moment, then spoke"Since Sasha is adament about her current Vocation, and Abbott Jack of Alltrades suggested that I could move into the Paladin Vocation, that path is what I'll consider undertaking."

"I appreciate it, Arianna. But I rather would not let my pride get in the way" interjected Sasha.

The violet haired Warrior responded"It's all right, I can take the Paladin Vocation at some point. Anyway, thank you for your tips Brunhild. But why are you so interested in us?"

The female Paladin shrugged"No reason, really. I just thought I'd share some of my knowledge and skills of the Paladin Vocation. I don't know the reason for your travels, but I wish you good luck in your quest. Maybe when we meet again sometime, I can help you get in some practice as a Paladin."

"Sure about this? Those guys don't look like much" interjected a voice as a yellow being appeared.

Brunhild glanced at the spirit"Please, that's enough, Willow."

"What is that?" inquired Trent.

The Paladin replied"This is my sprit guide, Willow. A spirit guide often accompanies a Paladin for a time while he or she hones their skill. Perhaps when one of you so chooses to, a Spirit guide will appear to whoever becomes a Paladin like myself. Now, just because I shared my knowledge dosen't mean there will be some competition, I aim to become a top Paladin."

Alicia addressed the traveling Paladin"Aren't you going to come with us, Brunhild?"

Brunhild shook her head"I must contribute in helping to keep the peace in Gleeba. That's how I can best serve the world at this time. Your mission may be different then mine, but our paths may cross again."

"Very well, good-bye. Oh, and Queen Voluptua told me to tell you to best conduct yourself, I don't know what she'll do otherwise" said Arianna.

The Paladin shrugged"I'll do my best. Good luck to you all."

Arianna and her group returned to the inn, when Conrad spoke up"I just realized, I might be better off with a different Vocation myself. Maybe I can become a Ranger, my usefulness as a Thief is dwindling somewhat."

Sasha responded"I'd like to keep up with my training as a Martial Artist, but perhaps I can master a greater variety of abilities if I become a Paladin. Abilities are cross-compatible between vocations, am I wrong?"

"Yeah, but I hear that for some strange reason, the person who changes his or her vocation forgets certain spells until they switch back to the corresponding job" said Conrad.

"All right guys, let's rest up and head for Illugazar Plains in the morning. Sasha, are there any villages there?" inquired the Celestrian.

Sasha replied"There is a nomadic style village called Batsureg. The village is listed on my map."

"How'd you come across the map, anyway?" inquired Conrad.

The Martial Artist replied"It was entrusted to me by my father, did I not tell you? Complete world maps like this are rare these days, the monster population was beginning to get out of hand. So very few people travel the world due to slight monster infestations."

"You really know a lot, kinda impressive for a Martial Artist" remarked Conrad.

Sasha struggled to contain a slight blush as she replied"My father taught me many things, but I also used to hear stories from my mother. Her time with me and Master Johansan was short, she disappeared one day."

The Thief shrugged"Well, sorry to hear about that."

"It's fine, I know things will turn out right in the end" said the Martial Artist.

As the six went to their respective beds in the inn, Alicia addressed Sasha"So how are you getting along with Conrad?"

"Whatever happened with our fathers had nothing to do with us, that much I know. Are you implying something?" inquired the Martial Artist.

"The chemistry between our group is amazing. It kind of feels like we can take on anything, what do you think of Conrad?" persisted Alicia.

Sasha shrugged"He's okay, but what brought this on?"

"Let's just get to bed" said Alicia.

The heroes departed the inn the following day and returned to the Pride of Bloomingdale. After they changed back into their previous garments, Trent addressed Sasha"What's our course this time?"

"The cloest we can get to Batzsureg from the sea would be the Urdus Marshland, which is south of the Iluugazar Plains. The time it would take to reach Batsureg is half a day at best, north east of Urdus Marshland is Snowberia where Swinedimples Academy is located" said the Martial Artist.

"Swinedimples Academy is probably closer then Batsureg" said Conrad.

"Not exactly, the name Snowberia isn't just for show. It's a somewhat treacherous snowland, the founder of Swinedimples built it there supposedly to toughen up potential students" said Sasha, shaking her head.

"Let's head for Batsureg first" said Arianna.

The group sailed north west from Djust Desert Island. Trent took his spot at the Helm while Conrad kept a lookout from the Starboard side of the ship. Raymond addressed Alicia as they relaxed below the deck"Since there are two more Fyggs to recover. what would you think about going out sometime after the mission?"

"Yeah, it's been a few days. But our quest for the Fyggs is just about over, two to go" said Alicia.

While Raymond and Alicia were talking, Sasha remained with Conrad and stood by his side"Alicia asked me what I thought of you, but what do you think of me?"

The Thief replied"Well, what can I say? There was bad blood between our fathers, but I admit that you're a cute and decent girl."

The Martial Artist blushed"I am not used to being complimented so directly, but thank you."

"I'm just saying the truth, that's all" shrugged Conrad.

The group sailed the Pride of Bloomingdale northwest until they came to a large brown and green landmass. Conrad addressed Sasha"Do you reckon this is the place?"

"Urdus Marshland, the swampland which leads to Snowberia and Iluugazar. According to my map, it's right here" said the Martial Artist.

"What next, Arianna? Should we split up?" inquired Trent.

The Celestrian shook her head"No, we'd best stay together. Monsters are even more likely to attack smaller groups, we would just get picked off one by one in this wilderness. Now let's head on over to Batsureg."

The six docked their boat at the nearest beach, and began to proceed north west. The trek through the marshland was slightly damp, but they pressed on. It didn't hurt that their shoes were slightly wet from the swamp.

"Sheesh, this is kind of gross" remarked Alicia.

"At least I could simply fly over it if I still had wings, but no there is no use crying over spilled milk" responded Arianna.

The group eventually found their way to a vast, open grassland with an open view of the clear sky and semi-surrounded by mountains. Alicia was breathtaken"Isn't this place beautiful?"

"Yeah, pretty isn't it?" remarked Raymond.

"Anyone else get their shoes dirty?" inquired Sasha.

The Celestrian interjected"That swamp water was not that dirty, just damp. We'll have to cross it one more time to reach Snowberia and Swinedimples Academy after we check Batsureg, so let's just try to grin and bear it."

The sun was close to setting when the heroes came to a small village in the middle of the plains. Upon entering, they saw a few buildings scattered, and a small cave to the south west.

"So now what?" said Conrad.

"Let's talk to the local villagers and go to the inn for the night" replied Arianna.

Since nightfall was approaching, one of the few people outside was a guard in front of what looked like the village leader's house. Arianna addressed the guard"Excuse me, but can you tell us where we can find a yellow fruit with a green top on it?"

The man blinked"No one in this village has seen anything like that, outsider. Perhaps you could come back in the morning and talk to Chief Batkhann about it, he might know more then I".

"Pardon me, but I noticed that there was quite a bit of security around here, is there anything wrong in this village?" piped Trent.

The guard sighed"Nothing, save for rumors of a beast attacking this village recently."

"Can you direct us to the inn?" inquired Arianna.

The man replied"Didn't you see the sign on one of the the building near the entrance? A weapon shop is located near it."

"Thank you, sir" said Trent.

The six went to the inn. The innkeeper, a woman, noticed Arianna"Oh, welcome travelers. What brings you to this inn at this late hour?"

"We're staying the night" replied the violet haired Warrior, putting down thirty two gold pieces from her pocket.

The Innkeeper accepted the cash, saying"There's a room for the guys and one for girls, have a nice stay."

Trent sighed as they went towards their assigned room"Think we'll win favor with the locals if we deal with the mystery monster?"

"Batsureg is a peaceful village, so it actually sounds pretty far-fetched" muttered Conrad.

"We can't be too careful, but we should talk to the chief tomorrow" said Arianna.

"Good night everyone" said Sasha, walking into one of the inn's bedrooms.

Raymond snuck a kiss to Alicia's cheek, the Priestess blushed"I wasn't in the mood, but thanks for that."

The mage smiled, then walked into the room beside the one Sasha went into. The Thief commented"That mage is too forward, would ya' think?"

Alicia shook her head"I don't mind, Raymond is my boyfriend after all. But Conrad, how are you getting along with Sasha?"

Conrad shrugged"I never thought much about love, but I suppose she's my type."

"I heard that" spoke said Martial Artist from the doorway to the girls' room, though she was secretly blushing a little bit.

Arianna shrugged"Well, let's get some sleep."

"Good night" said Trent, smiling at the Celestrian.

As Arianna joined Sasha and Alicia in the girls' room, she felt a warm sensation'What's this? I haven't felt this warm on the inside before. Could I possibly be falling for Trent? Oh, snap out of it Arianna, you have a mission to complete. There's just no time for love, or is there?' Suppressing the warring emotions in her heart and brain, the Celestrian went to bed.

I hope this little filler wasn't too boring. I thought I would cover the Iluugazar segment in two chapters to stretch out this fic a bit more. I realize that this chapter is shorter then my previous one, but this is the best I can probably do. I also apologize if the chapter title seems lame, my creativity sometimes runs dry.

As for the scene I added regarding Brunhild and the Paladin vocation, that was just a small extra that I added on a whim. I know what I said about there not being much fluff for the next few chapters, but it seemed only fair to do a bit more character development.

Please feel free to review.