Okay, sorry if that last chapter turned out badly due to lack of action or anything, this one will have more action then last time. I don't remember too well the actual dialogue for the Batsureg Fygg segment, but I mostly use my own words anyway and remember the DQIX game's events for the most part. Also, please excuse any OOCness.
I did some editing, sorry about the last minute change.
Just a reminder: spoken word is ", ' indicates thoughts, and _ is a change in point of view or lapse in time.
Disclaimer: DQIX was developed by Squaresoft.
Chapter XVI: The Witch of the Plains
The six heroes woke up the following day, bought and ate a quick breakfast of fresh vegetables made into a salad and some fish. Sasha sat in thought as they ate"The journey is nearly over with but two Fyggs remaining." Raymond shrugged as he took a large bite of his fishstick.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting a bit tired of camp-fire food" said Conrad.
"Are you trying to tell us that salads and other quick dishes don't cut it? I can't cook, but even if I knew how to, this quest is urgent enough that we can't get too sidetracked" sighed Arianna.
Alicia piped up after taking a bite of her salad snd swallowing"I always envisioned Celestrians as perfect beings. Not that I mean any offense, just that stories always make them sound invincible and awesome."
Arianna suppressed a laugh at that"My people are hardly that different, but cooking is optional for the most part where I live. Celestrians are warriors and healers. They, which includes me, don't require the exact same nourishment as mortals."
"Interesting, so how is it possible to go without food?" wondered Sasha.
The Celestrian replied"The magic in my fellow Celestrians and my bodies fuels us with the energy we require to perform our duties as Guardians. True, we have regular fruits, vegetables and bread where we came from, but Celestrians only need to eat enough to remain energized. Don't aske me anything else, it's just the way the Almighty created us."
The group headed out of the Inn towards the Chieftain's house after finishing their breakfast and paying the innkeeper. Trent could not help but wonder as they walked"What sort of monster do you reckon they're having trouble with?"
Arianna briefly shook her head"I don't know, that's why we're going to talk to the chieftain. While we're at it, I'm going to ask around about the Fygg."
The group was permitted to enter the chieftain's hut by the guard. Inside, a dark haired man sat on his throne-like seat, next to him was a strange woman with dark hair and a purple veil covering part of her face. While she appeared to be human, Arianna could not help but sense a strange aura emitting from the woman.
The man greeted the group "Welcome to Batsureg, travellers. I am Batkhann, the Chieftain of this humble village".
The Celestrian spoke respectfully"I'm Arianna. My companions and I are looking for a yellow fruit called a Fygg. Have you seen anything like that?"
The Chieftan replied"No, I'm afraid I haven't."
The woman at Batkhann's started at Arianna's inquiry. Batkhann adressed her"Did they offend you in some way, Sarantsatsral?"
"No, merely surprised me, Chief Batkhann" said the woman.
Trent got right to his point"Sir, we heard of a monster attacking the village lately. Is there anything we can do to help?"
Batkhann sighed"That is but one of my troubles, but this need not concern you. If you wish it, we can help you locate the fruit you're looking for."
"We are grateful, sir" said Sasha.
Just then, another young man in his late teens with dark hair the same as his father's entered the tent. The guard whom Arianna spoke with last night accompanied him and alerted the Chief"We have trouble, a beast is approaching the village!"
Batkhann quickly addressed the young dark haired man"This is your chance, Batzorig. You must help defend the village and me."
"I-I can't do it" hesitated the Chieftain's son.
Batkhann sighed heavily before turning his attention back to Arianna"Forgive me, but can you help us drive away the monster?"
Arianna nodded"Leave it to me, sir. Trent, Alicia, I might need help with this."
"No problem" said the Gladiator.
Arianna, Trent and Alicia rushed outside to find the villagers facing a brown, ape-like creature rushing into their village on all fours. The villagers attempted to block the creature, but it evaded them. Alicia was shocked'This is the monster attacking the plains? It's nothing but a mere Badboon. Trent, Arianna and I can take it'.
The Badboon charged forward until it seemed to stop where Arianna, Trent and Alicia arood. The Celestrian and the Gladiator were poised to draw their blades, which seemed to prompt the Badboon into retreating out of Batsureg. As the creature retreated, Trent shook his head'What a coward'.
"Let's report back, we'll deal with that thing later" said Alicia.
The three flocked back into the Chieftain's Tent and explained what had happened. Batkhann was impressed"So you drove away the beast, I am grateful for your intervention. It seemed to be after me."
Batzorig addressed Arianna"Sorry I couldn't be of help, I was frightened."
Sarantsatsral interjected"You have no need to be ashamed, Batzorig. Our friends have taken care of things for the time being."
"I-I appreciate your kind words, Sarantsatsral" said the younger man.
Batkhann spoke"Now we have pressing matters to attend, that beast will likely return. Batzorig, to show you have what it takes to be Chief, you must hunt the beast."
"I cannot, father" replied Batzorig, fear evident in his voice.
"If you cannot prove yourself, what will become of Batsureg due to your cowardice? Arianna, I must ask that you aid Batzorig. With your help he could surely defeat the monster" said Batkhann.
Batzorig persisted"I cannot hunt it. Arianna, is that right? I don't want to burden you."
Trent face-palmed, not believing what he heard. Batkhann sighed as he addressed the guard"Escort Batzorig to the Hunter's Yurts to prepare. The fate of Batsureg lies upon him."
The guard nodded, while the Chieftain's son looked horrified"But dad-"
"Please do not try my patience any more, it's time you learned your place, Bazorig" sighed the older man.
As Batzorig was taken against his will, Arianna addressed the chief"We can still help, regardless if he wants us to or not. If we can help Batzorig, can you help us find the Fygg?"
"Of course, the Hunter's Yurts is north of here. Good luck, Arianna, sorry you had to see this. Batzorig, I'm afraid to admit, has little to no courage" said the Chieftain.
"It's no trouble. We'll do our best to aid your son" said Arianna.
Arianna and her group left Batsureg after stocking up on supplies. Trent bought a new Valkyrie Sword for himself, while Arianna purchased some armor. As they marched north, Arianna spoke with her companions"There is something wrong with the whole situation, everything is just odd."
"What do you mean?" inquired Aisha.
The Celestrian replied"I sensed a strange aura from not just the Chieftain's advisor, but the Badboon and Batzorig as well. I have my sucspicions, but it is far too soon to tell for certain. There seemed to be no malice in the Badboon, and I can see it in Batzorig's eyes that there is something more to this drama."
The six arrived at a small camp, where they caught sight of the Badboon. Batzorig seemed to be talking to it"Now what do I do? Now father really thinks I'm a coward, let's go back to my mom's grave."
Arianna and her group followed Batzorig and the Badboon north, until they met up within a small cave with a gravestone nearby. The Badboon spotted the six and alerted Batsureg, who was astonished"What do you want?"
Arianna approached the man"There was really something wrong with all this, huh?"
Batzorig was surprised"Yeah, everyone thinks the Badboon is after my dad. But Khoonbish here is my friend, Arianna. Do you truly think he's after my father's life?"
The Celestrian shook her head a bit as she smiled"The Badboon didn't hurt anyone, but I can see why people were afraid when it tried to approach your father's tent. Would you mind telling me how you bonded with him? Ordinairy people can't tame monsters, nor are monsters normally that docile. Call it intuition, but there is something more to all this. Would you care to tell me everything?"
Batzorig hesitantly nodded"My mom and I found him injured on the plains and nursed him to health, I named the Badboon Khoonbish. My own cowardice is nothing but a ruse, the true enemy is Sarantsatsral, my father's advisor. She arrived at the village not that long ago."
"Sarantsatsral seemed like a good person to me, was there something wrong with her?" inquired Alicia.
The chief's son replied"When Sarantsatsral first showed up, my insticts told me that something was not right with her. She's really a demoness in disguise, Khoonbish and I had been trying to expose Sarantsatsral and defeat her. I only know because I accidently caught her talking to herself when she first showed up".
Arianna nodded"I thought there was something wierd about Sarantsatsral's aura, but I needed to know more about what was going on. You may be doing the right thing, but you can't exactly solve the basic problem the way you were. Why didn't you tell your father? He was disappointed in your supposed cowardice."
"He wouldn't believe me" replied Batzorig.
"Arianna, is that your name?" said a voice, drawing the Celestrian's attention to her left. The ghost of a middle-aged woman had appeared, standing above her gravestone.
The Celestrian was surprised"Who are you?"
The woman replied"My name was Baryaama, I was Batzorig's mother."
Arianna inquired"How did you know my name? More importantly, can you tell us how to expose Sarantsatsral? Assuming she really is the demon Batzorig says she is."
Baryaama explained"I was watching the events unfold from beyond the grave, Batsureg is indeed in trouble. The witch Sarantsatsral is a powerful demoness trying to take over the plains. But there is nothing I can do to alert my husband due to my death, the witch is using him."
Trent was still shocked by what he was hearing, Alicia and Raymond just stood there with Sasha and Conrad. Batzorig could not help but address Arianna"Is there something wrong?"
"Your mother's ghost is here, but she is invisible to the mortal eye" said Arianna.
Baryaama interjected"There's a way to expose Sarantsatsral before things get out of hand. In the ruins of the Village of Gerzuun north east of here lies the Bodura Grass which houses the power to reveal one's true form, it is where I was born and lived until Gerzuun fell to powerful monsters. One more thing you must know is her true name, which is the opposite of what she calls herself."
Arianna nodded, thanking the spirit before addressing Batzorig"Your mother's spirit spoke to me, Batzorig. The ruins of Gurzunn has the Bodura Grass, which can reveal Sarantsatsral's true form. My companions and I can defeat the demoness, but we'll need help if I don't want to cause a commotion."
"I don't understand everything, but Khoonbish and I will follow you. Gerzuun is where we're headed, right?" inquired the Batsureg Chieftain's son.
Trent sighed"No offense, but shouldn't you go home? I doubt that a Badboon would be much protection".
"Let's just take them along, we'll only arouse suspicion of someone catches all of us with a Badboon. Let's all get the Bodura Grass so we can expose Sarantsatsral" said Arianna.
The group traveled north east. The wilderness before them was damp, but not so much as the Urdus Marshland. Alicia bit down on her lip a bit to keep from complaining, Conrad and Sasha held their noses for a bit in the moss of the foul-smelling region. Arianna was indifferent, while Trent interacted with Batzorig and Khoonbish.
The trek lasted until they found what looked like a cave, Trent was a bit shocked"Dosen't that look a bit small to be a village?"
"Things aren't always what they seem, now let's go in and find the Bodura Grass" replied Arianna.
The interior of the cave consisted of several platforms, and a ramp heading to higher areas. Arianna could tell this was formerly a village from the rubble in the general vicinity. Alicia said a silent prayer for the sake of those who had died within this very village, Trent sighed"I guess this is a den of beasts, now."
"Right, let's stay together. Conrad, Alicia, you two stay close behind us with Batzorig and Khoonbish. There is no telling what we'll run into" said Arianna.
The group trotted onward, until they were beset upon by some totem poll like monsters. Trent sighed"We don't have time for those freaky-tikis." At this, the tiki monsters threw a spell, knockng Trent back. Arianna cut one down while Sasha smashed the other. Arianna sighed as she cast heal on Trent"Let's move on."
The group's progress was proving to be even more fraught with danger as they ascended the ramp leading to the ruined village's upper levels. Several armored monsters and a giant troll attacked. Alicia glared at Trent"You jinxed us, didn't you?"
"Hey, nothing I can't handle. KA-BOOM!" Raymond's spell decimated the monsters somewhat, but the troll and two Infernal armors remained. The troll tried to club Trent, but he dodged while Arianna stabbed the monster. Sasha smashed on Infernal Armor with her battle stave, while Trent dueled the other. Seeing his chance, Raymond froze the Infernal Armor in it's place with Crack, giving Trent the opprotunity to finish it off.
"I don't think the jinx is over" sighed Conrad. Arianna rolled her eyes, but signaled her group to continue. Three more Tiki monsters were encountered, which were promptly blasted by Raymond's spells.
The rest of the climb was smooth sailing, but Sasha caught wind of a strange sound and turned. Conrad glanced back at her"What's wrong?"
"The rest of the monsters are preparing to overtake us. I estimate that there are more Infernal Armors, Trolls and Cheeky Tikis" said the Martial Artist. The rest of the group turned, and sure enough there was a small horde of monsters heading towards them. In front of them was a powerful sorcerer, Arianna guessed that it was the leader of the monster horde that attacked Gerzuun decades ago.
"Monsters aren't that intellegent, is Sarantsatsral onto us?" groaned Raymond. Khoonbish let out an indignant snort at the comment.
"I don't think she'd want to risk arousing suspicion" said Batzorig.
Sasha frowned"What if it IS Sarantsatsral?"
Trent scanned the inconing horde"The Sorcerer is probably the leader. If we defeat the leader, the rest of the Monster Horde shouldn't be too organized. Conrad, take Batzorig and Khoonbish with you to the passage up ahead while the rest of us put those jokers in their place."
Batzorig was about to protest"I can fight, so can Khoonbish!"
"Sorry, but respectable future chieftains don't go getting killed for no good reason" said Raymond cheekily, before casting Bang on the monster horde. Trent and Arianna stepped in front of the mage, protecting their comrade. Conrad signaled Khoonbish and Batzorig to follow him into the room up ahead.
As two Infernal Armors reached the group, Trent and Arianna cut through them. Raymond cast another spell at the monster horde, eliminating the Cheeky Tikis and two Infernal Armors. Raymond barely dodged as a Infernal Armor reached him and slashed, Sasha bashesd it into the wall with a strong Knuckle Sandwhich. The remaining Freaky Tikis began to cast their spells, only to be blasted by Bang.
"Foiled!" smirked Raymond, while Trent and Arianna fought even more Infernal Armors. Sasha was face to face against the Sorcerer, which cast a powerful spell at her. Trent knocked her out of the way, only to get burnt. While Alicia healed her brother, Arianna tapped into her inner power and decimated the Sorcerer with a Falcon Slash.
With the sorcerer down, the remaining monsters scattered, losing their formation. Trent, Arianna and Raymond dispatched them promptly, the Mage grinned"Nothing stands against us."
"Let's move on, Conrad is waiting for us" said Arianna.
The group reunited in a small chamber, where some grass grew with white pollen coming out. Trent let out a sigh"Looks like this is the place."
Arianna picked some of the grass, handing it to Batzorig as she did"We got the grass, now we need a plan to force the truth out of Sarantsatsral."
"Leave that to me, you guys helped me out a great deal" said Batzorig.
"We're all fighting for the same thing at present, my companions and I need to rest before we confront Sarantsatsral. In the meantime, what will you do?" said Arianna.
Batzorig replied"I will convert this Bodura Grass into a powder like substance, I will proceed with our strategy."
The group evacuated Gerzuun, parting with Batzorig and Khoonbish at the Hunters' Yurts. Arianna said good-bye before warping to Stornway with her team. Upon their return to the Quester's Rest, Erinn greeted the Celestrian"How are you? It's been a while."
"Erinn, I have no intention of holding you up, will you let us stay until evening?" inquired Arianna.
The innkeeper smiled"No problem. As before, I'll give you a special staff rate, speaking of which: We have more visitors in the suites upstairs if you'd like to meet them."
"Maybe next time, how long are they staying?" inquired Arianna, putting down a few coins.
"A few days, at the most. The guests in question are in no hurry, have a nice rest" replied Erinn.
In the rooms upstairs, the group put their stuff down before tending to any injuries they might have overlooked. Raymond headed downstairs with Alicia to pick up a part-time job, while Trent gazed out the window. Arianna approached the Gladiator"Thinking about something?"
Trent sighed"I'm just a bit tired, how powerful do you think is Sarantsatsral?"
"I don't know enough about her, she seemed decent enough, but I imagine that most children on the Protectorate read stories that had witches just pretending to be kind, but are really evil and or cannibalistic. But Trent, we really need to relax, let's take nap" said the Celestrian.
Sasha gazed at the pair from her and Conrad's part of the room"They must be in their own little world."
Conrad shrugged"What can I say? Reckon they'll get together?"
"That seems unlikely, but my intuition may be completely wrong. Their chemistry is not completely one-sided, but who knows what will happen in the future?" sighed the Martial Artist.
"Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, when we get the last two Fyggs and Arianna's finished her mission, want to go out with me?" inquired Conrad.
Sasha shrugged"Let's play that one by ear, Arianna had a feeling that some greater evil is at work. But I've had enough of this dark talk, let's get some rest."
Later that day, Arianna and her group gathered at the gate to Stornway and zoomed back to Batsureg. By the time they got there, Trent noticed Khoonbish and Batzorig, watching them were the villagers. Batkhann and Sarantsatsral were among them as Batzorig and Khoonbish appeared to fight.
The crowed seemed to watch with anticipation, unaware that it was a mock fight. Batzorig held a blade in his hands as Khoonbish deliberately missed with a punch. Batzorig appeared to knock him down, poised to deliver the final blow. As Batkhann urged Batzorig on, the younger man did something the villagers and his father didn't expect. Khoonbish lay still, closing it's eyes while Batzorig pulled out a powdery substance, his eye focued on Sarantsatsral.
As soon as the Advisor let her guard down, Batzorig tossed some powder at Sarantsatsral, signaling Khoonbish"NOW!"
The Badboon lunged at Sarantsatsral, throwing a punch. The so-called Advisor was surprised by both actions and began to writhe from the powder. One of the villagers gasped as Sarantsatsral appeared to transform"What did you do?"
"What's the meaning of this?" demanded Batkhann.
Batzorig addressed the people and his father"Sarantsatsral is not what she seemed. The woman before you is but the guise of a demon, she is the true villain of the plains." Arianna, Trent, Conrad, Sasha, Raymond and Alicia gathered in front of Batzorig, just as Sarantsatsral was forced out of her human form to reveal the demoness within.
Much to Alicia and Sasha's disgust, Sarantsatsral transformed into a figure with light and dark pink skin, a reptile-like face, her garments green and black. Trent drew his sword"The jig is up, Sarantsatsral!"
The monster hissed"So, you figured me out. I was about to use to take over the plains, but now you will pay for ruining my plans. Prepare to face the wrath of Larstastnaras!"
Khoonbish lunged at the monster, only to be knocked back with magic. As Alicia tended to the injured Badboon, Raymond cast a Kacrack spell on the witch. Larstastnaras shrugged it off with an evil cackle before casting Boom. Conrad and Sasha dodged, while Trent slashed at Larstastnaras's thigh, only to be blinded by a major Dazzle Spell.
"Blast! I can't see a thing!" groaned Conrad. Alicia quickly remedied the effects, while Raymond tried Kasizzle. Larstastnaras snarled as she countered with Boom"Your puny spells are useless against me!"
"Multi-Heal!" Alicia had cast a poweful healing spell on her allies, while Trent launched a Dragon Slash. The demon knocked him back with her stave, while Sasha multi-punched her. Larstastnaras cast another Boom spell before connecting with another Dazzle, Raymond channeled his energy before launching a more powerful spell"Ka-BOOM!"
Larstastnaras staggered, while Trent launched Falcon Slash on her. The witch persisted with another Boom, which Alicia kept up with using Multi-Heal. Conrad groaned as he stood up from the recent blast"She's too powerful."
Raymond focused more power into his spells, unleashing a new one"Magic Barrier!"
A protective field surrounded the heroes while Alicia cast another Multi-Heal. Sasha decked Larstastnaras with a Knucke-Sandwhich only to be blasted backwards. Arianna and her allies regrouped, the Celestrian addressed the team"We'll have to combine our power to defeat her, cast another Ka-Boom spell Raymond. Trent and I will end this while she's staggered."
"I can still hear you!" growled Larstastnaras, casting Boom. The energy of the Magic Barrier spell absorbed most of the impact, just as Raymond shot his strongest spell at Larstastnaras. The demon desparately cast another Boom, which Trent and Arianna dodged before swinging down their swords. The monster was staggered by the attack, enabling Trent to deliver the final blow by vertically slashing upwards.
Raw power seeped from the wound caused by Trent's blade, Larstastnaras writhed once again. Within moments, she was covered by a bright glow, the heroes and the poeple watching the battle covered their eyes. When the glow subsided, a tiny Slugger remained where the ugly form of the witch stood.
"Party's over, Larstastnaras" said Trent.
The creature squeasked"I-I'm sory. Please, forgive me!"
Batzorig approached Larstastnaras"Such heinous acts cannot be easily forgiven. However, I will not take your life."
The Slugger continued to plead"I know I've caused so much trouble, it just gets lonely sometimes out there. I had no idea that fruit I ate was so powerful."
Arianna responded"So long as you've learned your lesson, we have no further reason to fight. Batzorig, I don't know about you, but I'm willing to accept her apology."
Batzorig nodded, just as Khoonbish approached the Slugger. Larstastnaras was surprised"You want me to go with you?" The Badboon seemed to smile at her with sympathy.
Aisha grinned"Looks like someone's got a new friend."
Batzorig addressed the two monsters"You're both leaving? Khoonbish, I'll miss you. See you around." After saying good bye, Larstastnaras and Khoonbish departed the village.
Batkhann spoke to his son"I am sorry, my heart didn't recognize Sarantsatsral as a beast. As of today, you shall be the new Chieftain in Training."
"Dad" gasped Batzorig.
As father and son hugged, Arianna had picked up a yellow fruit that materialized"Six Fyggs have now been recovered. Sasha, the last place left to look on this continent is Swinedimples Academy, right?"
"Indeed, our quest for the Fyggs is just about over" nodded the Martial Artist.
"You're leaving, too? You guys are the heroes" said Batzorig.
Alicia smiled"Yeah, but we'll visit sometime if possible."
Arianna turned to look at the sunset. Swinedimples Academy is the last on this continent, and one more Fygg was to be located. Trent put an arm around her as he glanced at the setting sun with her. The Celestrian did not resist, but seemed to relax as they glanced at the sun. Alicia and Raymond finished tending to their injuries, while Conrad and Sasha stood together as well.
Sorry for the wait, but this chapter is now ready and ends in a cliffhanger. Next time I take longer then a week or two, you can go ahead and chew me out through PM. Again, sorry if I made some of the minor characters OOC.
Please feel free to review.