Another day and another chapter. Sorry in advance if I make the chapter below seem a bit too eerie, but there is a touch of mystery in this chapter. This chapter may be considered supernatural due to content. Just so that you know, there is a small part of this chapter that I don't think is for younger readers who might get nightmares. I might be exaggerating, but better safe then sorry.
I'm thinking about adding two more OCs, but they won't be part of the same group as the primary OC protagonists. They're minor characters, so they won't be around as much in this fic. I may or may not have hinted at another past DQ game character appearing briefly, but I'll see.
Disclaimer: DQIX is the product of Squaresoft.
Chapter XVII: Swinedimples Academy Ghost Story
Arianna and her group remained in Batsureg the following night to fully recuperate from their injuries from their fight with Larstastnaras's Fygg powered form. They managed to recover the sixth Fygg, while Batzorig was made Chieftain in Training, though his father was more ashamed for falling for Larstastnaras's trap then anything.
The six had spent a little more coin to stay the night after watching the sunset for a bit. Arianna had to struggle to contain a blush from Trent's affectionate hug, Trent also felt embarrased after they spent a bit of time watching the sunset.
That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Sasha addressed"Arianna, I think it's time Conrad and I switched Vocations. I can probably still retain my abilities as a martial artist, even if I become a Paladin."
"Newid Island is south west of here, but I agree that we can use some more powerful Vocations" replied the Celestrian.
"Raymond and I may not be ready to become sages yet. But Sasha, would you mind if I taught you some basic healing spells for the Paladin Vocation?" piped the Priestess.
The Martial Artist shook her head"not at all, but I do not know who I could practice the spells on. Restoractive magic requires the prescence of a real injury to work properly."
Trent shrugged"Well, no harm in changing Vocations if needed. Why not, Arianna?"
Arianna nodded"That shouldn't be a problem, but we should use Zoom to return to Alltrades Abbey and come back the same way. That way we'll have time to make our way to Swinedimples Academy via Urdus Marshland and Snowberia."
Alicia smiled"Well, that settles it. We'll depart in the morning."
The group slept until a little past dawn and went to the Chieftain's Tent to speak to Batzorig and his father one more time. The Celestrian addressed the new Chieftain in Training"Batzorig, I thought that a proper good-bye would suffice, since I don't know when I'll be able to visit here again."
"You're always welcome in Batsureg, Arianna. I will never forget you and your companions' courage" smiled Batzorig.
"How are Khoonbish and Larstastnaras?" inquired Sasha.
The new Chieftain replied"They are doing all right. Anyway, I wish you luck on your travels."
"Our prayers will be with you" spoke Batkhann.
"Thanks" smiled Raymond.
Arianna nodded, then she and her group departed Batsureg using the Zoom spell as soon as they were outside the village. The monsters of Newid Island proved to be nothing when encountered, as though they were little more then misquitos to the seasoned Adventurers. The majority of the monsters on Newid were smart to not bother engaging the heroes.
Sasha addressed Conrad"I thought the Ranger Vocation would suit you. So I had bought you a set of arrows and a bow before we left Gleeba."
Conrad was surprised when the Martial Artist handed him a bow and arrows wrapped in leather, the thief spoke"Thanks, but what a about you? Don't you need a different weapon for the Paladin Vocation?"
Sasha nodded"It is true that most weapons are not cross-compatible between Vocations, as is the case with spells. Don't worry about me, I got myself a basic lance, the lance is a preferred weapon among Paladins."
Conrad was surprised"Well, I guess I could ditch my dagger if I need to. Hey, Sash, you actually know anything about Swinedimples Academy?"
"I don't really know that much about it, other then it's founder Sir Sternivus Swinedimples. He built his school on Snowberia, the cheap land prices didn't hurt" replied the Martial Artist.
"Who's the lover boy now, Conrad?" remarked Trent from his station.
Conrad shook his head, pretending not to hear the Gladiator. Sasha was flabbergasted, but ignored the comment thrown at her and the Thief.
The rest of the trip to the Abbey was uneventful. Alltrades Abbey had changed little since the return of it's Abbott, the six approached the Abbott. who greeed them"Ah, welcome back. What can I do for you?"
The Martial Artist replied"I wish to change my Vocation."
Abbott Jack nodded and said"Very well, What trade have you decided to follow?"
"I wish to become a Paladin" replied Sasha.
Conrad addressed the Abbott"If you don't mind, I want to be a Ranger."
Abbott Jack nodded"Very well, close your eyes. Oh Almighty, please guide Conrad and Sasha as they tread towards new paths in life!"
A warm light enveloped the two. Conrad felt strength and speed coursing through his body, Sasha felt a tingle as she felt a sacred power rushing into her. As the warm glow faded, Conrad breathed"I feel stronger."
"Anyone else need to change their Vocation?" inquired the Abbott.
Arianna shook her head"No, we're fine".
"Then may the Almighty watch over you" said Abbott Jack.
Arianna and her group left the abbey once more, zoomed back to Batsureg, and headed south east towards Snowberria. Alicia sighed as they trekked through the swampy region"I don't mean to seem vain, but we should buy some new shoes at this rate. All this walking must be wearing them out."
"You're not kidding, but who are we to complain? A little mud never hurt anyone" smirked Raymond.
Upon their arrival at Snowberia, the group braced themselves for the sudden change of weather and scenery. The seemingly barren land was full of snow as far as the eye could see. Alicia was impressed"It's so prettty, I've never seen so much snow in my entire life."
"You've never seen snow before, either? I heard about it, but I never thought I'd see it up close. Well, let's get moving everyone" said the Celestrian.
As they trudged through the snowy wasteland, they were soon beset upon by a monster called the Tearwolf, and some bluish Shivery Shrubbery monsters. Trent drew his blade"Block our paths will you? We'll see about that!"
"Boom!" Raymond's spell wiped out most of their opponents. Trent challenged the Tearwolf, which turned out to be a formidable opponent with it's claws. Conrad seized the opprotunity to try out his new Vocation and shot an arrow at Tearwolf from the side. The monster howled, distracted long enough for Trent to stab it.
Alicia made sure her brother and Conrad weren't badly hurt. Arianna sighed"You know, Trent, challenging monsters on one's own can be suicidal."
"I know, but I want to improve myself" sighed the Gladiator.
"There is a fine line between pure recklessnes and valor, we were just about ready to charge in" sighed Alicia. The Martial Artist turned Paladin focused her energy as she'd seen the Priestess do, casting a small heal spell on Trent.
Alicia smiled"Looks like you're getting the hang of it."
Sasha flushed"Yeah, well, my magic isn't as good as yours. I only know how to cast a basic cure spell because I've seen you do it."
"Well, Paladins aren't as powerful as Priests, Sages or Gladiators in any specific area as I understand it" said the Celestrian.
The group pressed on, defeating two more Tearwolf monsters that dared to stand in their way. Trent sighed as he shealthed his sword after slaying another Tearwolf"Were there any monsters here before? I can't imagine a village, much less a school being built in remote locations like this."
"Probably not, the world's full of mysteries" replied Arianna.
The team marched deeper into the Snowberia wasteland while vigil for more monster attacks. The blizzard slowed their pace a little, but the heroes preservered. Upon taking a break to have lunch, which they made from some more vegetables and bread bought in Batsureg, Alicia sighed as she briefly layed in the snow"Snowberia is such a pretty place, cite the monster infestation."
"You're telling me" shrugged Raymond, biting into his sandwhich.
As they finished, Sasha spoke up"Swinedimples Academy has a policy about not allowing just anyone into the school grounds. We'll have to think of a way to get in without causing a commotion."
Arianna shrugged"That might be difficult. I'll try to think of something on our way there."
The heroes finished their lunch and started on their way again. Sasha counted the coins left in her bag"We're getting a bit tight on funds, again. Maybe we can find part-time jobs at the academy if we have the time."
They marched through the snow, until they arived at the gates of what looked like a training ground, the heroes couldn't see much past the gate. What caught Arianna's attention was an elderly man in purple and blue clothes, wearing a pair of glasses standing in front of the gate. The Celestrian addressed him"Excuse me, sir."
"Hm? Oh, welcome, I was waiting. Might you be the Inspector I hired?" inquired the old man.
Arianna was startled at the question"No, not really. My companions and I were merely passing through, is there a problem?"
The man seemed to persist"Ah, you can't fool me, I know an expert sleuth when I see one. Come on in, there is something I must talk to you and your eh, associates about in my office."
Arianna and her group followed the old man on to the square past the gate, which had shops near the entrance and a large building to the far north. To the east was another building, Sasha recognized the place from what her father told her when she was younger. They entered the northern-most building and headed to a small room to the south west.
The room had a rectangular desk and a few chairs inside. Sasha inquired"If you don't mind, sir, can you tell us your name?"
The old man started"Oh, pardon me, I am the Headmaster of Swinedimples academy. What might your names be?"
The violet haired warrior introduced herself and her companions"I'm Arianna. My companions are Trent, Conrad, Alicia, Raymond and Sasha, can we help you with something?"
The Headmaster replied"Yes, yes, I was just getting to that. In the past two days, two of the academy's students went missing. If this keeps up, the academy's reputation will be brought into question. That's where you come in, Arianna, you and your associates must find clues as to what happened to the missing kids."
"You can count on us, Headmaster, we'll do our best to find them, what do they look like?" inquired Sasha.
The Headmaster replied"I can't really say, but I am grateful for your help. If you find anything, be sure to report to me. I have a few spare Swinedimples Academy student uniforms in the dresser, the students won't tell an adult anything. But maybe they'll open up if they think you're fellow students."
Arianna nodded as she and her group were handed some red jackets with white shirts and ties. Trent spoke up"Can you provide us with an idea of where to start looking?"
The elderly man replied"No, but you can ask the students and staff regarding possible rumors. There are spare rooms at the Dorm south east of the main building, if you need to rest anytime during your investigation."
Arianna and her group left the Headmaster's office after putting on the red jackets. Trent sighed"That old man must be senile if he thinks we're an Inspection team."
"Careful what you say, Trent. Dad always told us to respect your elders, now let's gets moving" reprimanded Alicia.
The Celestrian spoke up"Okay, let's split up and meet at the Dormitory later. I sensed something supernatural at the grave east of the building for a second, but we need to gather information. Conrad, Sasha, you two are the eldest in our party, try to find some odd jobs if you want."
Trent nodded"Let's move!"
As the group split up, Arianna explored the west hallway of the academy's main building. As she exited after talking to one of the staff, she saw someone performing mustic in the western part of the courtyard. Curious, the Celestrian approached the source of the music. A man with dark blue hair was playing a harp, watching him was a woman no older then thirty six.
The music stopped as the man stood up. The two turned to see the younger woman standing there. The older girl, who had light brown hair, addressed Arianna"You heard us play, didn't you?"
"Yes, but I actually wanted to ask you about something. The Headmaster told me about the students who went missing, do you know anything about that?" inquired the younger woman.
The man shook his head"No, but we asked the Headmaster if we could help. He told us not to worry because he had hired an investigator, that's you isn't it?"
The Celestrian glanced around before replying"Not really, but I took on the mystery anyway. I'm Arianna, by the way. Do I know you?"
The blue haired man started before replying"Now that I have a good look on your face, you kind of look like someone I know. My name is Lester, my companion's name is Astrid, I am working and studying a bit at the academy as a musician during my search for my little sister, she's missing, too. Astrid is working here as a teacher, I'm studying under her."
"Really? I'm sorry to hear that" said Arianna.
Astrid smiled"Don't trouble yourself, Arianna. Anyway, if you go to the dormitory, there are some other students and a staff member you could ask about the missing students. One of the students is a rascal named Fred, try not to let him bother you too much when you meet him."
Arianna thanked the two, and towards the Dorm. As soon as she was out of earshot, Astrid addressed Lester"Didn't the young woman seem familiar to you?"
Lester frowned"Arianna's face was familiar, not many people looked a bit like her. What of your family?"
The woman sighed"I wonder about that, myself. Even if I return to my hometown, I don't know if they're alive."
The younger man pondered a bit before saying"I'm going to keep an eye on things during my patrol. I have to resume my rounds as a Prefect."
"My class starts in five minutes, see you later" said Susan.
Arianna had entered the dormitory and went upstairs. When she got to one of the rooms, the Celestrian heard voices"Have you heard? Someone disappeared last night. W-what if it's a ghost?"
"Don't be silly, there's no such thing as ghosts" scoffed another voice.
The Celestrian entered the room to find three teenage boys arguing with each other. She figured they were students, judging from their uniforms. The non-superstitious boy insisted"Come on, ghosts are just a bunch of baloney."
His other friend responded with a trace of fear"But that guy didn't show up at all, today. The rumors about the ghost has to be true."
The other boy shook his head, and the three exited the room. Arianna frowned'I'll just have to follow them, maybe they know something'. As she began to follow, Trent entered the room.
The Celestrian inquired"Did you find anything?"
"No, did you?" replied Trent.
Arianna shrugged"Well, I heard some Swinedimples students talking about a ghost. We should go find them and ask about the rumors."
"Okay" nodded the Gladiator.
The minute the two left, a ghostly figure materialized for a moment before vanishing, as though it were controlled by a powerful force. Arianna was too caught up to notice it's prescence.
Outside, Raymond and Alicia had spoken with most of the students in the main building before returning outside. The priestess spoke with her boyfriend"Well, all we got so far are rumors. Should we regroup with the others?"
"Nah, but look!" cried Raymond.
Alicia glimpsed a trio of boys hanging out west of the main building and frowned'From what we've learned about the school schedule, class is in session. What are these three doing?'
The Mage and the Priestess rushed over to where the boys were around the same time Trent and Arianna caught up. The non-superstitious boy addressed them"Who the heck are you? My name is Fred, are you here to report us for being tardy and skipping class?"
"No, that's not what I'm here to do. I'm investigating a series of disappearences in this academy, I happened to overhear you talk about a ghost. Do you know anything about that?" inquired the Warrior.
Fred scoffed"Ghosts don't exist. But I heard some rubbish about someone touching a statue on the head last night and being snatched up by a ghost."
"But it's true" insisted one of the other two boys.
Trent interjected"I don't care really who's right or not. I want to know more about this ghost rumor."
Fred sighed as another kid in his gang explained the possible reason for the disappearences of some of their fellow students. Arianna spoke as soon as he was finished"I would say that this would be beyond the understanding of a regular Inspector. Fred, I know this all sounds impossible, but do you have any suggestions?"
The boy replied, albiet skeptically"Well, the scaredy-cat to my right is convinced about that so-called ghost rumor. Tell you what: Let's meet up at the third floor by the statue tonight, we'll find out if the rumor is true or not. The tower is guarded by Prefects in the day."
"Fine by us" shrugged Trent.
The six looked around the academy some more until they met with a young girl glancing at a statue just ahead. Trent inquired"Is something wrong here?"
The girl sighed"I placed a yellow fruit on Sir Sternivus's grave yesterday, but when I came back it was gone."
"I see, thank you for the information" said Arianna.
The girl inquired"Are you a detective?"
The Celestrian replied"Not really, but we're helping the Headmaster with the mystery anyway. We'll find the missing kids."
"Good luck" smiled the girl.
Arianna and her group returned to the dormitory and headed to the empty room they borrowed. Trent took note of the grave, which bore the name of the academy's founder. The Celestrian spoke"Something tells me this will be quite a night, let's take a nap."
"Okay" nodded Alicia.
As the sun set into the evening, Arianna, Trent, Alicia and Raymond woke up from taking a short nap and headed downstairs. Sasha stood in front of a Cafeteria staff member, recieving a small sum of money. Trent interjeced"Sasha, what's up? Where's Conrad?"
The Paladin turned around after thanking the staff member"I asked if I could work here in the kitchen area of the Dorm building, and they let me. I recieved my pay just now, Conrad spent the rest of the day looking around for possible evil thieves or kidnappers lurking in the shadows that have to be stopped."
Trent spoke"We have to go to the third floor of the main building, there is some talk about a ghost that appears at night."
"We have a lead on this case, then? Let's go" said Sasha.
The five hurried towards the main building, Conrad was standing there watching. The male brunette spoke"So what's up? I've been waiting for an hour after scouring the grounds."
"A ghost is supposedly lurking at the third floor of the main school, come with us" whispered Arianna.
The group went upstairs in the main building, trekked up another set of stairs and found their way to the terrace where the statue supposedly is. Standing not too far away was Lester, Arianna was surprised"What are you doing here?"
"Believe it or not, I heard rumors of a ghost up here, you're a Celestrian aren't you?" smirked the older man.
Arianna's eyes widened'How does this man know my secret? My wings and halo are lost, so it shouldn't be possible to tell.'
Lester put a hand on her shoulder as though reading her mind"Don't sweat the details, let's just say that garment showing beneath your jacket is not from anywhere else. Besides... well, I have a secret of my own."
"I see, where's Astrid?" inquired the Celestrian.
"I'm right here" said the other woman, approaching.
"Hey, how did you all beat me here?" said another voice as Fred showed up.
"Well, the statue is here" said Arianna.
Lester frowned"Sure you want to do this? If the rumors are accurate, one of us will get taken."
Fred scoffed before walking up to the statue and touching it's forehead. A few seconds passed before Fred smirked"Told you so, there is no such thing as a ghost."
"I GOT YOOOOOU! You nooo gooood monster!" said a spookey voice, Arianna gasped as she saw a ghostly man appear and posess Fred. The boy was forced to jump from the roof, saying in a monotone"I am a no good monster, I am a disgrace to Swinedimples. I must learn my lesson."
"That has to be the founder of Swinedimples Academy, judging from where they're going" said Lester.
Arianna and her group rushed down from the tower after the posessed boy. They came to Sternivus's grave, which Fred was forced to shove aside. Trent paled as he saw where the 'ghost' took the boy"There he goes."
"We can still save him, let's move. If that 'ghost' which Arianna is Sir Sternivus Swinedimple, I don't think he'll do anything drastic. Still, we musn't take chances if we are to solve the mystery" said Sasha.
The staircase beneath the grave led to a dark, damp chamber. Sasha looked around, seeing cobwebs and abandoned rooms about the underground area. Trent inquired"How does it look?"
"It's the old school, apparently it was used during Sir Sternivus's lifetime before an improved version of the academy was built. My father told me about that" said the Paladin.
Just then, Lester and Astrid caught up. Astrid spoke"I never knew about all this."
Arianna inquired"Astrid, who are you really? This isn't in the teaching job discription, is it? I figured that you and Lester might want to stay out of it."
Astrid sighed"You got me, I'm not really a Professor. I'll explain later, but first we have a student to rescue, right?"
"Right" nodded Trent.
The group trudged deep into the Old School, a poison pond lay here and there near their path. Trent sighed"I don't like the looks of this creepy place."
"I don't either, but let's keep going" interjected Astrid.
The heroes and their two allies went even farther into the strange ruins, until they were beset upon by some Wight Priests, Raving Reapers and a Sootheslime. Raymond readied his magic"Boom!"
The resulting blast knocked down the Sootheslime and two Raving Reapers. Trent dodged a scythe as one of the remaining Raving Reapers slashed at him and thrusted his blade into it. The remaining monsters were eliminated by Arianna, Alicia and Conrad. Trent sighed as he put his sword away"Since when were there monsters in these parts?"
"I don't know, but we have to hurry and confront the ghost and save Fred" said Arianna.
The team verged deeper into the old school, until they came to a room on the bottomost floor. Arianna stopped just outside one of the old classrooms when she heard some voices coming from within. Trent glanced in the general direction of the door"Do you have a hunch?"
"Yes" said Arianna, striding towards the door.
Alicia piped up"Do you have a plan?"
The Celestrian turned around to address her companions"Yes, It sounds like Sternivus's ghost might be lurking in this room, my Celestrian intuition states that a Fygg might be responsible for it all. A little girl told me that she'd left a yellow fruit in front of Sternivus Swinedimple's grave. I'm going in to ask him about the Fygg and the missing kids, though somehow I don't think Sir Sternivus is in any condition to talk. If something bad happens, I will need backup."
"Then we'll wait just outside, what trouble could a ghost be? All you have to do is send him into the afterlife, right?" said Alicia.
Arianna shook her head"It may not be that simple, Celestrians normally help solve a spirit's problems so that the ghost can find peace. Lester, you wait with Astrid while the rest of us fight if the ghost turns out to be hostile due to the Fygg's influence."
"What's a Fygg?" inquired Astrid.
Trent interjected"It's a magic fruit that grants wishes to whoever eats it, but no one has had their wish granted the way they had in mind so far. Arianna, good luck, we'll be right behind you."
The Celestrian took a deep breath before striding into the room. The ghostly man standing in front of a blackboard in an abandoned classroom. In front of the man's spirit were at least four rows of desks. The ones sitting at random areas of them was much to Arianna's surprise, several kids were sitting in select chairs. Among them was Fred, who gasped"Arianna? Get away from here or you'll get stuck, too!"
"What do you mean?" said Arianna.
Fred sighed"The moment I got dragged in here, that old man has been 'teaching' me and the other kidnapped kids nonestop. We can't leave our desks, and he is not giving us any breaks."
Before the Celestrian could respond, the ghost of Sternivus Swinedimple addressed her"Hmph! You're late, is this what passes for Swinedimples Academy students nowadays? Well, why don't you take a seat?"
Arianna strode up to the ghost, stopping right in front"I'm afraid I cannot, I have some questions for you. However honorable your intentions might be, don't you think you're overdoing it?"
Sternivus's ghost seemed enraged as it enveloped into a bright glow, Arianna had to shield her eyes from that. When the glow subsided, she was met with an unpleasent sight, standing in the ghost's place was a horrific demon with a yellowish face and a red and yellow body. His nose and small wings were reddish, as well. The monster snarled"You dare talk back like that? You must know your place, now prepare for a painful lesson! Fear the Dreadmaster!"
The demon took up a wand in it's hand and cast a Crackle spell at the Celestrian. Arianna drew her own blade as she dodged, and charged at the monster. The Dreadmaster swung it's' tome, which Arianna dodged before striking back with a Double Slash. Three of the captive students closed their eyes while Fred watched with a mixture of awe and fear as the Celestrian and the Dreadmaster fought.
"SIZZLE!" a fireball hit the Dreadmaster square in the eyes, the annoyed demon threw a Zammle spell at the newcomer. The Mage Raymond had entered the fray with Alicia and Trent, the Gladiator thrust his blade at the massive monster while the Priestess healed her allies. The Dreadmaster cast another Zammle at the group.
"Multi-heal!" Alicia countered with her best healing spell while Raymond hit the demon with another fireball. An arrow struck the Dreadmaster straight on as Conrad and Sasha entered the battle, Trent slashed the monster, only for it to retaliate with Zammle. Alicia cast another Multi-Heal while Trent double slashed the Dreadmaster.
Conrad fired another arrow, which was promptly blocked with the tome. Alicia kept her allies on their feet while Raymond cast his spell and Trent and Arianna attacked the monster with their weapons. The infuriated demon cast Crackle, which was remedied with another Multi-Heal.
"The Semester's over for you, Sternivus!" said a voice as Lester and Astrid entered the room. The Dreadmaster indignantly cast Zammle, which Lester mysteriously blocked with a spell.
Trent slashed the Dreadmaster with a Double Slash before turning to the pair"It's too dangerous for you to get involed!"
"I am more then what I seem, just drag that thing down!" said the older man, throwing a Magic Barier spell on the heroes.
The Dreadmaster's eyes seemed to widen in surprise as Crackle was sudenly rendered ineffective and cast Zammle. Alicia cast another multi-heal on her allies while Raymond blasted the demon with Boom. Trent and Arianna got into a stance and launched a potent X-Strike at their adversary.
The Dreadmaster cast a final Zammle spell before suddenly being shot by another arrow from Conrad. Trent charged and ran the Dreadmaster through his his blade.
The monster began to wail upon recieving the fatal blow"Nooooo! W-what would become of Swinedimples Academy's reputation without me?"
A bright glow enveloped the room once again. The entire group, combatants and onlookers alike, shielded their eyes as the light shone until it began to dissipate. When it was over, Sternivus Swinedimple had reverted back into his ghostly form, while a familiar yellow fruit appeared in the middle of the room.
The spirit seemed confused as he looked around, dazed"What's happened here? What are you all doing here?"
"You've come to your senses? You were being controlled by the Fygg's power, and kept those students hostage" said Sasha.
Sternivus seemed shocked"Ah, yes, I really caused you all trouble. I wasn't all too aware of what was happening since I got ahold of that strange fruit."
Fred jeered"Well, you might have thought of that you dumb ghost!"
Sternivus spoke"I am truly sorry for all this, I was really conerned with the school's reputation and the way students were acting these days. I wanted to help you kids get your act together, but I seemed to have gone overboard. I can rest now, seeing that you all were shaping up to be really rough diamonds. Arianna, Trent, I commend you for coming to the aid of your fellow scholars."
"It was an honor to meet you, Sir Sternivus, even though you are dead" said Sasha.
The ghost smiled"Everyone, I am proud to see how intellegent you are. I bid you all good-bye, you're free to go."
As Sternivus faded into the afterlife, one of the captive children, a girl flushed"Did you hear that? He called us rough diamonds, we gotta work harder to be 'smooth diamonds'".
Fred, who is freed from Sternivus's ghost's spell with the other hostages, approached Arianna"I guess I should thank you for helping us."
"It was our job, all that detective work was just a small thing compared to my real profession" said the Celestrian.
Trent picked up the Fygg and handed it to Arianna"That's all there is to it, then".
Arianna nodded"We should see the kids back to the academy and let the headmaster know we saved them."
"Hey, has anyone seen Lester and Astrid? They just left" piped Conrad.
Arianna shrugged"I'm sure they are fellow adventurers, but anymore then six people would slow us down. Let's go."
The heroes escorted Fred and the other formerly missing kids back to the school before going to the Headmaster's office to report their findings after resting at the dorm. The old man was delighted to see them"How did the investigation go? Miss Astrid told me you found the missing students."
Arianna replied"Believe it or not, they were kidnapped. The culprit was the ghost of Sir Sternivus Swinedimple, the founder of the academy, as strange as this may sounds. He wanted to help out, but instead he was driven out of his mind, they were held in the underground Old School."
The Headmaster thought for a moment, then said"Hm, that certainly explains it all. I suppose that things had gotten a bit out of control under my headship, which could've caused Sir Sternivus to rise from his grave. From now on, I will guide the academy and it's students with a firmer hand. Thank you for your hard work."
Trent shrugged"Yeah, it was no problem. By the way, have you seen Lester and Astrid? I didn't appreciate that they left without saying good-bye."
The Headmaster replied"Ah, now that you mention it, they left you a note here. I will now pay you for solving the mystery, this academy is in your debt."
While Arianna put the coins the Headmaster paid her in her inventory bag, Trent read the note, which said:
'Forgive us for leaving so suddenly, but we have our own agenda as you have yours. Arianna, I believe our paths will cross again, there was much I wanted to tell you. But next time we meet, I'll talk to you about it, good luck on your travels-Lester'.
"So they left the academy?" wondered Alicia.
"Not quite" said a voice as Astrid entered the room, handing a letter of resignation to the Headmaster.
Trent addressed the woman"You know, I can't help but think I've known you for a very long time. It sounds wierd, I know, but I felt like we were a team at some point."
"If you say so, farewell my friends" said Astrid before leaving.
The Headmaster addressed Arianna"Are you leaving as well?"
"Yes, I must now go home" replied the Celestrian.
The Headmaster nodded"You are welcome to attend lessons with the younger pupils or help us out again anytime. Good-bye."
As Arianna and her group left the academy, they saw a silly sight. A pair of security guards were confronting another man"You have to leave now, the mystery has been solved."
"W-what's the meaning of this? I was called by the headmaster!" proested the man as he was thrown out.
"I feel bad for him, we could've worked together if we waited until he showed up. That man must have been the real Inspector" frowned Sasha.
Trent shook his head"Maybe we should just zoom out of here."
"Let's just go back to the ship" said Arianna.
A better part of the morning was spent returning to the Pride of Bloomingdale. Trent caught sight of another, smaller vessel treading the sea towards an unknown destination. Arianna put a hand on his shoulder"Is something bothering you?"
The Gladiator shrugged"Not really, but Lester seemed to know you."
"I will report this to Apus Major, I suspected that he was no common mortal" said Arianna.
The group sailed all the way to Newid Island, thoughts of the mysterious pair hung in Trent and Arianna's minds until they returned to where their search for the Fyggs began. Trent addressed the Celestrian"If it's no trouble, Arianna. Alicia, Raymond and I will need transport back to Stornway. Are you heading back to the Observatory?"
"Yes, and what about Conrad and Sasha?" inquired the Celestrian.
"We'll sail the seas and probably go to Stornway to pick up supplies while we're at it" said Conrad.
Arianna nodded, then she and three of her teammates headed to the blue tree to where the Starflight Express just docked and was waiting for them. The mystery at Swinedimples Academy was solved, and all seven Fyggs were recovered. But unknown to any of the heroes, a greater battle for the fate of their world was soon to begin.
Finally got this chapter up and ready to go. I know I've been doing a few cliffhangers here and there, but I might stop doing that at some point. The two new OCs will be further explained in another chapter, just not the next one or possibly the one after that. Oh, and forgive me if my grammer slipped, I just thought the ghost's words should be a bit spooky.
I may have exaggerated in my author notes, but I just thought the Dreadmaster and Larstastnaras were two of the ugliest bosses in Sentinels of the Starry Skies, not that I let characer appearences bother me when I played through. I don't get nightmares very easily, I just hope I didn't offend anyone. If I did, I apologize.
If I wasn't clear enough, those two OCs will just be guest/minor characters. I will introduce another past Dragon Quest game character sometime, but they'll only be starred temporarily. Lester and Astrid will only be temporarily starred in a couple chapters as well, anymore then six permenant characters is a bad idea. There are only twelve Vocations after all, though I guess Erinn, Patty, Sellma and Aquila's addition post-game would sound hypocritical on my part.
Please feel free to review.