Mike AZ 2 here, I'll be switching between characters a bit in this chapter. You might already know the drill, but thoughts are ', " represents spoken dialogue, while _ indicates a switch in point of view or lapse in time.
This chapter is mostly talking, and it's going to get a little sad. Maybe I should change one of the genres.
Disclaimer: The Dragon Quest series is developed by Squaresoft Enix.
Chapter XVIII:The Secret of Wormwood Creek
Sasha and Conrad bade farewell to their comrades before boarding the Pride of Bloomingdale once more. The Ranger turned to his companion"Hey, Sasha. Would you mind seeing your dad again? I reckon it's been a while since we saw the old guy."
The Paladin thought for a moment before shaking her head"I think he'll understand if I don't come back to Porth Lleffan for a while longer. Besides, something tells me we have not yet found out what was the cause of the mysteryious earthquake from some time ago. Earthquakes aren't common, it's as though some powerful force had struck."
"Then what should our destination be? Straight to Stornway?" inquired Conrad.
Sasha nodded"Yes, and fortunately, we don't need everyone else's help to pilot the ship. Conrad, take the helm, I'll keep an eye on our surroundings."
Conrad took the helm and the two sailed in the direction of Stornway. The Ranger sighed as he piloted the Pride of Bloomingdale"Think we'll see everyone else again? Assuming your hunch is correct, of course."
The Paladin sighed"I only hope my intuition proves wrong. I don't know if Arianna will be allowed to return, but Trent, Raymond and Alicia should be back in Stornway soon."
Arianna, Trent, Raymond and Alicia boarded the Starflight Express and were ready to make for the Observatory. Stella nodded as the Celestrian informed the tiny fairy of their destination"Okay, then. Let's head on back to the Observatory!"
As the Starflight Express began to fly upward, Trent addressed Arianna"It's been quite the adventure, huh?"
"Yes, I could not have recovered the Fyggs without you. Trent, remember when you said you liked me?" inquired the Celestrian.
Trent nodded"Yes, what about it?"
Arianna replied"I will now tell you what I think. You'll always be my friend, even if I cannot visit Stornway very often once I resume my duties at Angel Falls. In fact, someday I may travel to the Realm of the Almighty."
"What will happen there?" inquired the Gladiator.
"I don't know, only that the Starflight Express was believed to be the means for my people to reach salvation. Whether or not we can still see visit each other, I hope you never forget me" said Arianna.
"I'll never forget our adventures" smiled Trent.
Arianna and her group relaxed in the Starflight Express, until a familiar sight to the Celestrian's eyes met them. The door at the front left side of the Starflight Express opened, and a bald headed man with wings and halo in clothes similar to Arianna's Celestrian attire entered the train.
The younger Celestrian greeted him"Master Aquila."
"Huh? How come I can't see him, I know that the train's door couldn't have opened on it's own" frowned Trent.
Alicia sighed"I don't know, but now it seems we're in the prescence of the old Guardian of Angel Falls. Arianna's words cannot be false, even though we cannot see the guardian."
Aquila seemed to almost ignore the mortals accompanying his apprentice as he spoke"You recovered the Seven sacred Fyggs, then?"
"Yes, Master" said Arianna, removing the Fyggs from her bag to show them to the older Celestrian.
Aquila spoke"You did well, I can see that you have even teamed up with some of the Protectorate's Adventurers. Arianna, I must now request that you turn the Fyggs over to me."
The younger Celestrian respectfully handed the seven fruits to her teacher, who then said"Your mission is over, then. I cannot expect you to understand if I do this, but it must be done."
Arianna's eyes widened as Aquila brandished his sword upon depositing the Fyggs into his pocket. Trent was shocked as he heard the sound of a sword being drawn, Alicia could see that he was driven by something. The younger Celestrian exclaimed"Master? What are you doing?"
"I cannot expect you to understand, nor can I expect you to forgive me" replied Aquila.
The female Warrior considered her options'I don't understand what's going on, but if he will not tell me and is going to attack, I must do something. But what? Apprentice Celestrians can't act against Superior Celestrians, I must grin and bear it, not to mention hope Trent doesn't try anything. Master Aquila is a Master Swordsman, my companions won't be able to defeat him'.
Aquila nodded"I understand your hesitance to act, you cannot defeat me because Celestrians are unable to act against a superior. An unknown forces stops you in your tracks if you try to draw your blade against a higher ranked Celestrian."
The younger Celestrian bit down on her tongue to keep from saying something she will regret, instead she attempted to cast a spell, only to become frozen in place. The elder man brought his sword downward, only to be intercepted by Trent"How about picking on something that can fight back?"
Aquila knocked the Gladiator back, Raymond cast a spell at the unseen target. The senior Celestrian dodged before charging forward and knocking the Mage back. Trent scowled"How can this be?"
"It's foolish to attack something you cannot see, but I commend your efforts. Fear not, I will not kill any of you, but this I must do!" Aquila cast a spell which blasted Alicia out of the opening of a second door, sending the Priestess falling into the ocean.
"Alicia!" Raymond jumped into the ocean after her, leaving Trent and Arianna to fend for themselves. Arianna stood in front of Trent to defend her companion, only to be struck by Aquila's blade. The blow left the younger Celestrian on her back in pain, the Gladiator stood up one more time.
Aquila slashed horizontally at Trent, knocking him down before the Gladiator could raise his sword to defend himself, despite the impossible odds. As the older Celestrian took off with the Fyggs, Trent glimsped a black and yellow dragon flying nearby just before Arianna fell backwards from the dragon's attack.
Trent rushed to try to save Arianna, only to be knocked out of the train by another blast. The two heroes fell from the Express, while Aquila spoke with a bird-like being on the back of the black dragon. Stella, who had been watching, flew down to find Trent and Arianna, only to find the younger Celestrian injured. Trent had gotten a scrape on his knee as he landed.
Meanwhile, Conrad and Sasha docked at a beach north of Stornway and were on their way to the castle town. Conrad stopped as he saw two familiar figures approaching the town slowly. Sasha rushed over to them, astonished by what she saw. It was Alicia and Raymond, their clothes were dripping wet.
"What happened?" inquired Sasha.
Alicia sighed"We were attacked, the Starflight Express was assaulted on the way to the Observatory. I don't know what happened to Trent and Arianna, but somehow we managed to swim back here after I fell from the train, it's as though shadows from the past are encroaching upon the world."
"Let's get back to the inn" said Conrad.
The four returned to the Castle Town and went to the Quester's Rest. Erinn was surprised as she saw them"Did something happen? Where are Trent and Arianna?"
"We got separated, now we need a room for tonight" sighed Raymond.
Erinn was surprised"I see, I pray they'll be safe as well. I'll have fresh outfits delivered to your room for you, your clothes look awfully wet."
Alicia and Raymond thanked the innkeeper before heading upstairs. Conrad addressed Sasha"While we're waiting, what do you think about checking on our guests in the suites upstairs?"
"That's fine with me, it's best to do nothing until we can ready ourselves for departure once more" replied the Paladin.
The two went to the elevator leading to the suites and went in. They were in for a surprise as they entered the hallway of the upper floors of the inn, three people were conversing in one of the rooms when Conrad and Sasha entered it. One of the three was a blond young woman"Ah, I had forseen this day. Where is Arianna? I desired to speak with her" spoke the figure.
Sasha replied"I do not know, but they were ambushed by mysterious forces."
The woman frowned"I see, well, there is not much to be done at present but pray for their safety. My name is Milly, I am a fortune teller."
Another young woman with reddish hair and a man with silver addressed the two"I'm Jessica Albert, and this is Angelo. We came to this realm through what the entity that brought up here called a Rapportal."
The Ranger responded"Nice to meet your aquaintance, I am Conrad, my companion here is Sasha. We heard a little bit about Rapportals, is there anything else to know about them?"
Milly replied"The mysterious portals are forbidden to some extent, yet the Celestrian who calls herself Pavo dares to open them. That is all I know."
"Do you know something about the mysterious forces that Sasha and Alicia sensed?" inquired Conrad.
The blond Fortune Teller replied"Even I cannot sense everything, but a shadow from this world's past has indeed resurfaced. I don't know the cause, we are not supposed to interfere with each other too much. Rapportals can be dangerous if misued, according to what Pavo said."
"How can you see a Celestrian if you're just a mortal?" inquired Sasha.
Milly replied"Let's not trouble ourselves too much, just know that I heard her speak through a portal once and was invited to this inn."
Conrad and Sasha glanced at each other, surprised to hear even more about the Rapportals.
Elsewhere, Trent had carried Arianna to a nearby village when the Celestrian collapsed from her injuries. It wasn't long however before fatigue started catching up with the swordsman, shortly upon Arianna's collapse. Just before Trent collapsed, he'd heard a voice coming from the village.
A few hours passed before the young Celestrian woke up to find herself inside a house in someone's bed. Beside her was a dark haired young man, Trent was standing next to the bedroom door. The man addressed Arianna"Are you awake?"
"Yes, but where am I?" gasped the Celestrian.
The young man replied"You're in Wormwood Creek, the villagers here are not very friendly to outsiders. My name is Wallace, by the way."
Arianna responded"I'm Arianna, my companion's name is Trent. Thank you for helping us."
"It was no problem, two people helped me bring the two of you to my house to recover. They'd left shortly afterwards though" sighed Wallace.
"Is Wormwood Creek truly so inhospitable?" frowned Trent.
Wallace paled"Yeah, my uncle dosen't like outsiders, everyone is afraid of the dark dragon, which they saw earlier."
Arianna stood up"Well, if you don't mind, Trent and I are going to check things out and get our bearings."
"Okay, but my uncle wanted a word with you two at the church as soon as you recovered" frowned Wallace.
"We'll keep that in mind" said the swordsman.
As Trent and Arianna left, Stella caught up to the pair"About time you're a awake, was that bald guy really your teacher, Arianna? He sure didn't set a flapping good example if he was."
Arianna sighed"I wonder about that, myself. For now, let's go see what the mayor of this vilage wants."
Trent, Arianna, Wallace and Stella headed from the house to the church, ignoring the looks of fear and suspicion in the eyes of the villagers they happened to pass by. When the group entered the chapel, they were greeted by more villagers. Among them was an older man who looked similar to Wallace. Trent addressed him"Greetings, mayor, what can we do for you?"
The older man replied gruffly"I am Mayor Stan Doffish of Wormwood Creek, outsiders aren't welcome here. I can't say I approve of my nephew, Wally's actions with you, some of the townsfolk say that they saw a massive black dragon earlier."
"We happened to run into that same monster, sir" piped Trent.
Mayor Doffish raised his eyebrows"Truly? I don't suppose you expect me to believe you ran into that beast and survived, do you?"
Arianna interjected"I know it's tough to believe, but I only speak the truth. Mayor, Trent and I will try to find a way to defeat the dragon, I am not asking for your belief. I only ask that you trust us."
The mayor sighed"This is all too far-fetched, we'll have to assume you're in league with it."
"What? You lousy, biased scumbag-"
"Trent, that's enough. If mere words cannot sway Mayor Stan, we must show him some action" said Arianna, cutting off the Gladiator's rant.
Mayor Stan Doffish shook his head"I'm going to ask you to leave the village as soon as you can, regardless if you're affiliated with that monstrosity or not."
"Uncle!" griped Wallace.
The mayor raised a hand to silence his nephew"I couldn't have been more disappointed with you, Wally. My decision is final!"
Trent and Arianna left the chapel, thoughts of the monster that now threatened the Protectorate hung in their minds. Wallace caught up with the two"So now what?"
Arianna replied"I appreciate you trying to intervene on our behalf, Wallace. Trent and I will go head northward, there is much of this area that I need to explore."
The pair bade Wallace a solem farewell before heading northward, out of the village. Trent sighed as he addressed the Celestrian"Sorry I lost my cool back there."
"Don't worry about it, we have bigger things to worry about as of now. We cannot wait for the others to find us, we have to find a way to save the world from the Black Dragon" replied Arianna.
As the two of them traveled, they reached the entrance to a secret cavern. In the cave, Arianna caught sight of another familiar figure. It was the ghost of a young woman with blond hair and a cloak she'd seen in Dourbridge. Seeing the newcomers, the ghost inquired"You're really a Celestrian, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am Arianna. I saw you in Dourbridge" replied the Celestrian.
The spirit woman was surprised"I see, then can you do me a favor? I'm looking for someone, but can't quite remember who. There is a treasure I left in Wormwood Creek when I was alive called the Serene Beeds near the statue of the guardian."
"What is the guardian's name?" inquired Arianna.
"His name was Corvus, but that's all I really remember" sighed the woman.
Trent and Arianna headed back towards Wormwood Creek. Trent addressed his companion"Did you know Corvus if he was a guardian?"
The Celestrian shook her head slightly"I do not know much about Corvus, either. I only know that he mysteriously disappeared, my people called his tale the Tragedy of Corvus. Columbus and Master Aquila knew him the most, but even they know nothing about the Guardian of Wormwood Creek's fate."
Back in Stornway, Alicia and Raymond changed into dry outfits before going to the suites where Conrad and Sasha had gone to meet the newest guests. When they entered the suite, Alicia heard a voice talking"The Rapportals may be forbidden, but they are the only key linking this world to others."
"I still don't understand, Milly" frowned Conrad.
The white haired Templar shrugged"Ah, let's not get too bummed out about all this. This inn isn't half bad, the girl downstairs, Patty was it? She's kinda hot."
"Are we interrupting something?" interjected Alicia.
The blond Fortune Teller addressed the Priestess"Not at all, we were just visiting and getting to know each other. I am Milly, my companions are Jessica and Angelo."
Angelo grinned at Alicia as she introduced herself"Hey, you're looking good. I guess I lucked out since the inn has some fine ladies working here."
"Pig, you're the worst" sighed Jessica, glaring at Angelo.
The Priestess interjected"It is not too much trouble, I see that you met two of our companions. Two more of our group are missing, but that's a personal problem. How is your stay at the Quester's Rest so far?"
Jessica replied"It's a fine inn, a far cry from the one in my hometown in fact. If Pavo had not invited me, and if Erinn's anonymous part-time employee hadn't asked her to help, we might not have known about the famous Quester's Rest Inn. Do you mean to say she's missing?"
Conrad shrugged"Well, kinda, but Arianna could be fine. She and Trent are probably out somewhere."
Sasha interjected"Not to be impatient or anything, but we should really get going, soon. I intend to investigate the cause of the strange earthquake that happened some time ago, quakes rarely ever happen in this world."
"Sounds like your world is in a crises, anything we can do to help?" inquired the Templar.
Raymond replied"No, it wouldn't be right to involve guests into dangerous situations. I doubt that you can render too much aid without crossing the line any more then you have."
Milly nodded"That is true, we can only do so much. Raymond, Alicia, Conrad, Sasha, what do you plan to do from here?"
"We'll spend more time recovering and look for our comrades some other time" replied the male Mage.
Trent and Arianna returned to Wormwood Creek to find a busted statue, Wallace was standing nearby when he saw them"Hey, what's up?"
"We heard about a mythical necklace hiddin in your village" replied Arianna.
Wallace was astonished"You know about the legends of Wyrmwood? The statue supposedly looked like a mysterious otherworldly being. It was broken, the peopple didn't want to remember anything about the statue."
Trent spotted a sparkling objected near the foot of the statue and grabbed it"Thanks for the info, is there anything else you can tell us? There's another town on this continent, right?"
Wallace replied"Yeah, but the bridge is out. You need a special treasure to access it, it is supposedly called the Wyrmlight Bow. Not much is known about it, really."
"We'll keep an eye out for it, is there any idea where the Wyrmlight Bow is hidden?" inquired the Celestrian.
"No one really knows, but north west of here is a sealed cave called the Bowhole" sighed Wallace.
Trent and Arianna thanked Wallace one more time before heading back to the grotto where the ghost waited. Upon seeing the Serene Beads presented to her, the ghost was surprsied"Wait a minute, I remember everything now. The man I am searching for is indeed Corvus, the Guardian of Wormwood Creek."
"What more can you tell us about him? Are you acquaintances?" inquired Arianna.
The ghost woman's eyes filled with sorrow are she replied"Yes, my name was Serena. It's a sad story, but I first met my old village's guardian three centuries ago."
"What is the story?" asked Trent, who couldn't see the ghost.
Serena replied"Corvus had first turned up in the village long ago. He had fallen from the sky, I took care of Corvus until he woke. Ever since that day, I had fallen for him."
"What happened after that?" frowned Arianna.
Serena continued"He had defended me and the village from a group of soldiers from the Gittish Empire, a Gittish General had demanded the I marry him. Though Corvus defeated most of the soldiers, the general retreated, that was when something went wrong. Corvus wanted to defeat the empire to protect me and my village, but my father grew very worried and sent me and Corvus to a cave with a potion that I didn't know was special sleeping medicine."
Flashback
Three hundred years in the past, the young Celestrian Corvus held off a group of imperial soldiers from the Gittish Empire. During his stay in Wormwood Creek, Corvus met a young woman called Serena, who had cared for him when he woke in her house after he'd fell from the sky.
Not long after defeating some Gittish Soldiers which harassed Serena and the villagers. The Gittish General at the time demanded that he'd marry Serena before he left, but was thwarted by Corvus's magic.
Shortly after the Gittish General fled, Corvus was determined to protect Wormwood Creek from another imperial invasion. Serena, however, was concerned that her village's guardian may not be able to withstand a full scale attack by the evil Gittish Empire.
Serena's father addressed his daughter"Here, take this medicine with you, his wounds are not yet fully healed. Go to the nearby cave and wait."
Trusting the man's words, Corvus and Serena ran to a cave. Serena addressed her friend, proffering the medicine"Here, take this, maybe it will help you heal."
Corvus nodded, taking the potion from Serena and drank it. unbeknownst to the two, it was really a special sleeping potion. The moment the Guardian of Wormwood Creek drank the cool liquid, he collapsed onto the ground, unconcious.
"Heh, looks like things worked out for us" sneered a voice as another group of Gittish Soldiers entered the cave with Serena's father and the Gittish general.
"F-father? Why are you doing this? How could you trade in our guardian?" gasped Serena.
"Forgive me, but this is for the best" sighed the man.
Serena was shocked as she watched Corvus being snared by the empire and rushed at the soldiers. The general who had thought to marry Serena stabbed her.
Serena's dying moments were as follows as she blacked out'I am sorry, everyone. Corvus, even if I die, I promise that I'll find you'.
Flashback Ends
Trent stood in surprise and shock as Serena concluded her tale. Arianna solemly spoke"That's terrible, but I think he could still be alive."
Serena nodded"Yes, but I am having no luck finding Corvus so far. I have to tell Corvus what really happened that day."
Trent turned towards the exit of the cave"Well, that bit of history was interesting, but we have to head for the Bowhole now."
"The Bowhole? It's sealed by a spell used by my people, I can break the seal if you let me come with you" interjected Serena.
"Gladly, now let's hurry on. The sooner we can move, the better" sighed The Celestrian.
The four began the long trek north west, Trent and Arianna kept on their guard in case monsters tried to attack them. A few hours passed when they came to a cave, Trent and Arianna entered to find a barrier blocking the way. Serena spoke"I can open the seal, you can proceed from there."
"Thank you, I hope you find him" replied Arianna.
Serena nodded before casting a spell at a nearby wall, which parted as though it were entirely made of magic. Trent gasped"Amazing."
The pair bade farewell to Serena as they entered the Bowhole, it was a large cavern with pathways surrounded by water. Trent sighed"So where do you think we can find the Wyrmlight Bow?"
"It's probably at the lowest level of this place" sighed Arianna as they walked. They treaded three floors down until they came accross a metallic slime and a Python Priest.
"It's a Liquid Metal Slime, no one has ever been able to slay one!" gasped Trent.
Arianna nodded"I'll try to get him while you deal with Python Priest."
The Liquid Metal Slime tossed a fireball before rushing around like a speedy ant. Trent brought his sword down on Python Priest while Arianna chased the metal monster. Eventually, the Celestrian brought it down with a lucky Metal Slash. Trent sighed as he shealthed his own blade"That was luck."
"Yeah, I needed a litte luck myself. Now let's get going and find the Wyrmlight Bow" said Arianna.
Four floors later, the two found their way to what looked like a dead end. A pedestal stood which read: 'The path of light in this arrow is sealed, Cradled here 'til a chosen one be revealed. Let fly this bolt o'er the Wyrmward wide, As the way unfolds, boldly onward stride'.
Curious to see a strange statue on top of the pedestal, Trent prodded it with his sword. A voice rang out"So, you've come for the Wyrmlight Bow, have you?"
"Who is that?" cried Trent as a blue and yellow dragon-like monster appeared from the statue.
The Creature snarled as it brandished a large club"I am Gadrongo! Now, I must test your strength in battle."
"Don't get cocky on me, Falcon Slash!"
Trent's blow reflected off it's shield. Arianna slashed at Gadrongo with Dragon Slash, only to be countered by a smash attack from the monster's club. Trent stabbed Gadrongo, only to be nearly burnt by a fire breath. Arianna healed herself and her ally while Trent hit Gadrongo with Dragon Slash, which it blocked with it's shield before throwing another fire breath.
"Wait a minute. Trent, I know how to defeat this guy, follow my pattern and strike the monster with an attack of your own" insrtucted Arianna.
"You got it" nodded the Gladiator.
"Ha! Useless! You're no match for me!" growled Gadrongo, throwing another fire breath at the pair.
Arianna ducked under the searing flame before slashing upward, giving Trent the opprotunity to strike at Gadrongo's unprotected body. The monster staggered back before clumsily swinging it's weapon at Trent, who cut the club in half before attacking with another Dragon Slash. Gadrongo countered with an Ice breath before being slashed from the side by the Celestrian.
"You annoy me" growled Gadrongo, throwing another firey breath at Trent and Arianna. The Celestrian jumped over the flame and swung her sword down, which is met by Gadrongo's shield before it was stabbed by Trent. Arianna kicked of the monster's shield as it reared back in pain.
Desparate, Gadrongo reared back for a final fire breath attack. Trent and Arianna both performed a Dragon Slash before the Celestrian powered up farther to unleash her final technique: A golden wave of raw magical energy which spewed from Arianna's blade as she swung horizontally. The magical energy was so potent, that it slammed Gadrongo into the wall. Trent put it out of it's misery with a blow to the neck.
Defeated, the monster's soul seeped back into the statue as the body of Gadrongo faded. In it's place, a golden bow and an arrow appeared out of nowhere, Trent stood forward to claim his and Arianna's prize.
"That should be it, the legendary Wyrmlight Bow" smiled the Gladiator.
Arianna nodded"Let's zoom on out and head for a dead end west of Wormwood Creek."
It was later in the evening when Alicia and her group retired for the night. Raymond spoke"Are you worried about your brother?"
The Priestess sighed"A little, but something tells me he's okay. I said a little prayer for him and Arianna to the Almighty, still I am concerned."
Raymond smiled as he approached Alicia, kissing her a bit on the forehead"Everything's going to be fine."
"I hope you're right" sighed the Priestess.
Conrad and Sasha were resting nearby, the Paladin spoke"Sometime tomorrow we should try to find Trent and Arianna."
"Yeah, this whole mess is getting to me as well" sighed the Ranger.
"Well, good night. We'll decide what to do tomorrow" said Sasha.
Raymond, who was watching nearb, said"Hey, do you think our guests will still want to help?"
Sasha shook her head"We don't know, but it's better not to get them too involved in whatever is happening out there."
"Well, good night everyone" said Raymond.
The four dozed off, preparing for whatever they might soon encounter.
Earlier that afternoon, Trent and Arianna had retireved the legendary Wyrmlight Bow and were headed for the dead end where there ought to have been a bridge. Arianna took the Wyrmlight Bow, aimed it at the opposite pit and fired. Before the pair's eyes, a magic bridge flowed out from where the arrow was shot as the magic item vanished.
Not too far, Wallace and another villager from Wormwood Creek rushed to tell the mayor, who accompanied them to Trent and Arianna's location with a few more villagers. The mayor was astonished"Hey, did you do this?"
"Yes, the ancient legend we uncovered was true, mayor" replied Arianna.
Wallace grinned"Well, the way to Upover is open now."
The mayor sighed"Well, the famed Hero of the Heavens is said to reside somewhere in Upover, maybe you can defeat the Black Dragon after all."
"What's Upover?" inquired Trent.
"It's a town to the west of here" responded Wallace.
"Mayor, we appreciae your support" said Arianna.
Mayor Stan shook his head"Not at all, I should be thanking you, and I apologize for my behavior earlier. My people and I were so caught up in hating outsiders after that incident years ago, we were blind to the rest of the world."
Trent sighed"You know, I'm getting a bit tired. Would it be all right if Arianna and I spend the night at your village's inn before crossing to Upover?"
"Not at all, you may stay the first night free at our inn as a sign of our apology. I wish you good luck on your quest" said Mayor Stan.
As the mayor and his ilk walked back to the village, Trent and Arianna went on ahead with a Zoom Spell. The sun was beginning to set as they arrived at the inn and spoke to the Innkeeper. The Innkeeper spoke"We heard from the Mayor, our town will do it's best from now on to get along with everyone, especially foreigners."
"We didn't do a thing, but we welcome everyone's change of heart" smiled Arianna.
The pair bought a small pasta dinner and ate before retiring to the room for the night. Trent sighed"So what were we talking about when we spoke of our feelings?"
"We should take our words back, we got backstabbed after all. I do not understand Master Aquila's reasons for doing what he did, I will report this to Apus Major when next I can return to the Observatory" frowned Arianna.
Trent sighed"I wonder about all that myself, but do you reckon there is some connection to the attack and Corvus's disappearence?"
Arianna responded as she relaxed in her bed"Maybe, but that might not even be the case. I will ask Aquila if we run into him again, but Apus Major needs to know what he did. Even if we can recieve the aid of the ancient hero which we just heard of, this evil we're up against may not be so easy to defeat."
"True, we'd have to go back for the others. But, no sweat, right? Nothing can stand in our way" smirked Trent.
"We'll see, now let's try to get some sleep" sighed Arianna.
The Gladiator gazed at the Celestrian as she lay in her bed. Trent smiled before sleeping in his own bed, the two drifted off as they made ready for the trip to Upover.
Not my best chapter, I'll admit that, but it is one of the longest. Oh, and I think I owe some explanations to those of you not in the know. At the later areas/story arcs of DQIX, it's not a smart move to use a party of less then three or four characters, not that I ever tried that in an actual playthrough. I probably could've used a different chapter title, that that was the best I could do.
I know I added more past DQ game characters then planned, but I just thought to add them in for the heck of it. Oh, and I hope I didn't make Aquila OOC. As for the flashback, sorry if that part was a bit too quick. I'm not very good with flashbacks. The guest characters will only be around for the next chapter or the one after. My other two OCs will come into play eventually, they're not permanant anyway.
Please feel free to review.