Mike AZ 2 here, just two more chapters and the main story arc is finished. Oh, and as a reminder, " indicates spoken dialogue, ' represents thoughts, and _ is change in point of view, or lapse in time.
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to the Dragon Quest series. That is Squaresoft's work.
Chapter XXIII: The Distorted Realm
Trent and Arianna filled their allies on what they uncovered at Gittingham Palace. When they returned to the Starflight Express, Lester inquired"Did anything happen?"
"Yes, and it isn't too good. The Gittish Empire was not the sole force behind this madness" said Alicia, still in disbelief over Corvus's betrayal.
"All this time, our true opponent was the Guardian of Wormwood Creek. Arianna, do you have a plan?" said Sasha.
Arianna shook her head"I could not overpower Corvus, our best option for now is to return to the Observatory. We'll let Apus Major know about Corvus's madness, although I cannot entirely blame him. I can't see how anyone would stay sane in such captivity."
Trent addressed Sterling"We've decided, we must go back to the Observatory."
"I hear you. Stella, we're taking off" said the older man.
The Starflight Express flew upward and higher until they reached the uppermost platform of their destination. Trent, who was polishing his blade, said"I just had a thought, what if there is nothing to be done?"
"I do not know, but we have to find a way to stop Corvus" sighed Arianna.
The moment the group reached Apus's room, Florianna greeted them"How did it go?"
"It was a near disaster" sighed Arianna.
"What has happened?" inquired Apus, approaching the group.
Arianna replied as best she could"My companions I located Corvus in the bowels of Gittingham Palace, but something was wrong. The Guardian of Wormwood Creek has lost himself in his madness, and was the one responsible for the light storm which breached the Observatory."
Florianna put a hand on the violet-haired warrior's shoulder"I thought as much, even as I did my best to help Aquila save him. If Corvus has lost himself in hatred, I fear he may be beyond salvation."
Alicia continued"Arianna found that Corvus has targeted the Almighty, and is headed for his realm. As impossible as this may sound, he intends to steal the Almighty's powers and destroy us all."
Apus shook his head sadly"Unfortunate. But alas, if Corvus has by now gained the powers of the Almighty, even I cannot outrank him. There is nothing to be done."
"So we should just lay down and give up? We can't let Corvus do this to the world, Stornway and Gleeba are surely in danger now" protested Trent.
"Calm down, Trent. If even Apus Major is unable to help, I must go pray" sighed Arianna, walking out of the room.
Trent and Alicia glanced at each other. Florianna shook her head sadly"What good is standing by and doing nothing? I'm going outside for some fresh air. Lester, will you join me?"
"Of course" nodded the other man.
Outside, on the uppermost platform, Arianna approached the Yagdrasil Tree one more time and knelt before it. As the Celestrian prayed for the better part of an hour, the rest of the group caught up, accompanied by Florianna. Conrad spoke"Hey, what's up?"
"Don't bother her, she's in the middle of prayer right now" whispered Florianna.
Another minute passed until the voice of Celestria echoed in Arianna's mind"I have heard everything."
Another familiar voice spoke with the Yagdrasil"Celestria, long have you tended to the Protectorate and gathered unto you the sacred Fyggs. Now, you must reveal yourself."
Within moments, the Yagdrasil Tree glowed, even as Arianna stood up and stepped backwards. A dazling light shone at the Yagdrasil Tree, and when it dissapated, a woman with blond hair with a green tiara wrapped around her head stood in it's place. The woman's clothes were pink and white.
"Lady Celestria, I presume?" whispered Alicia.
The older blond woman nodded"Yes, I am the embodiment of that which looked after the Protectorate for so many years, the Celestrians were descended from myself. It is I, Celestria, daughter of Zenus."
"So you were the female voice I heard in a vision" whispered Arianna.
Celestria nodded"Yes. You see, my father lost faith in the Protectorate's inhabitants and tried to destroy it. I intervened, and transformed into Yagdrasil until such time it was proven the mortals still have goodness in their hearts."
"That sounds absurd. Surely the Almighty would never do anything like that" sighed Alicia.
Trent shook his head"Well, guess there is less we kow about him then we thought."
Celestria addressed Arianna"Under these circumstances, it would likely be impossible to stop Corvus. However, just think of the people down on the Protectorate. So many more tragedies would've happened then those you have prevented were it not for you and your companions' intervention."
"What's that got to do what we must now do?" inquired Sasha.
Celestria replied"It is now their turn to help, there is still a chance that the Protectorate can be saved. Arianna, watch closely and open your ears to the sound of prayers, an eighth fygg will be created to use in the upcoming battle."
The young Celestrian closed her eyes, as she found herself surrounded by a glowing light. Trent, Alicia, Sasha, Conrad and Raymond were astonished to see a familiar golden fruit come into view from thin air within moments.
Amazed, but surprised at the same time, Arianna collected the fruit. Celestria continued to instruct Arianna"Celestrians cannot act against superiors, but this can be overcome by the power of the fygg. Arianna, you must become mortal."
"W-what? I mean no disrespect, but that would mean she can't see me or Lady Florianna again" protested Lester.
Celestria shot an annoyed glance at him"Perhaps you'd like to take her place."
"Lady Celestria is right, I would only be a hinderance if we come across Corvus and I am unable to act. Trent, our quest is nearly over, all that's left is to travel back to the Realm of the Almighty and do what needs to be done" said the purple haired Warrior.
"We will do what we can, for Stornway and Gleeba, the surviving kingdoms on the Protectorate" said Trent.
Arianna surveyed her clothes and her companions' slight battle injuries"Actually, we can all use a break right now. Trent, we will take a 24 hour intermission. Enjoy your break everyone, because we won't get another one until after the final battle."
"All right, let's all get some rest" said Alicia.
The six heroes returned to the Starflight Express. Sterling addressed the Celestrian"So what's the plan?"
Arianna replied"Celestria has given me a Fygg, which I can use to turn myself mortal when we are ready. For now, could you drop us off at Stornway? We'll meet up at Newid Island."
"Heh, that's what I call a plan. All right, let's move out, I just won't take us to the Realm of the Almighty until you're ready" responded Sterling. Though Arianna and Sterling were the only ones who can see her, Stella had a slight morbid look on her face.
The six heroes landed at Stornway, splitting up once they were inside the town. Trent and Arianna entered the Quester's Rest, where Erinn greeted them"Hi, is everything?"
"We've been a little busy, I couldn't visit very often" said Arianna, putting down some coins for staying the night.
Trent went over to talk to Sellma"Hey, I'm still thinking about buying that lance. Any chance you could tone down the price a bit?"
The blond saleswoman blinked"Oh? Sorry, I don't usually make deals with cheapskates. But pray tell, how much cash have you got on you right now?"
Conrad put down a mini-medal and some gold"How about this?"
Sellma inspected the payment about that Conrad gave her before replying"I suppose I could lower the price for you. I won't charge you the full price this time, but I have to make a living too, you know."
The Saleswoman then took the Celestial Lance out of her sack and handed it to Trent"Take good care of it."
"I'll do my best" shrugged the Gladiator.
Trent, Arianna, Sasha and Conrad retired to the suites for the night after buying some soup for dinner.
At Stornway's item shop, the mage Raymond browsed their selection. The woman behind the counter inquired"Can I help you with something?"
Raymond flushed, then replied"Yeah, do you sell rings in this store?"
"You bet. But why do you ask?" inquired the Shopkeeer.
The Mage flushed before turning his gaze to a selection of fancy rings with a jewel on each one. After a few minutes, the mage pointed to a silver band with a emerald on the top"I'd like to buy this."
"Excellent choice, sir. That will be five hundred gold" nodded the Shopkeeper.
Raymond paid the woman, recieved the ring from her and left the shop. The Priestess met with him outside"Do you mind telling me what the meaning of this is?"
"It's kind of a secret, I'll tell you some other time. Want to walk around the town for a bit?" flushed the Mage.
Alicia nodded"I'd like that, I just bought some fresh herbs."
Trent and Arianna were making ready to rest in their shared room at the inn. The Gladiator inquired"Hey, when this is all over, do you have anything in mind?"
The female warrior replied"The Fygg may be our ticket to saving the world, but it's unlikely I'll be able to live in the Observatory anymore once I become a Mortal. Trent, what about you?"
The Gladiator flushed"I don't know, but there is something else that's on my mind. Arianna, I only wish I could wish my feelings away, but I can't. I just can't seem to help what I feel, even through all our travels together."
"The human heart is so complicated, but Celestrians are hardly any different in that category. Trent, we wouldn't have been meant for each other if not for Corvus. That's pretty ironic, don't you think?" sighed Arianna.
"So you like me?" inquired the Gladiator.
"Trent, what does your heart tell you? Our partnership will yet endure, but do not let this think that I have not returned your feelings. But now is not really a good time to talk about love" sighed the Celestrian.
Trent walked over to Arianna's bed and tenderly ran a hand through her hair"I just can't really help it unless we're in the middle of the action somewhere. You're the prettiest girl on the Protectorate."
Arianna shoved Trent's hand away"Stop it, you're making me blush, that was just real smug of you. At any rate, we best rest while we can. Corvus won't wait forever."
"Yeah, and this time we'll put him in his place, good night" said Trent.
The pair drifted off to sleep in their beds, oblivious to Florianna and Apus Major watching them, invisible to mortal eyes. The older Celestrian woman sighed"There's just not one man I would've thought was good enough for her, either on the Protectorate or the Observatory."
Apus chuckled"I thought the same about you and Harkin, Florianna."
Florianna sighed"Well, they come pretty close. Apus, I heard Lady Celestria speak with Arianna, and wish to accompany her on her group's last mission in the starry skies."
The elderly Celestrian replied"The choice is up to you and Arianna. As I fear, however, the chances of stopping Corvus are very slim."
"I know, but there is always a chance" sighed Florianna.
The following day, the six heroes had a rousing breakfast in the parlor before heading to Newid Island. Alicia addressed Arianna"Mind if we make a quick stop to Alltrades Abbey?"
"We should go prepared, I won't stop you" nodded the Celestrian.
Trent, Conrad, Sasha, Arianna, Alicia and Raymond entered the abbey and approached Abbott Jack. The old man addressed them"Yes? What can I do for you?"
Alicia respectfully replied"I wish to become a sage, Raymond and I uncovered the secrets at Gittingham Palace."
Jack of Alltrades was surprised"Truly? Well, let's try it then. But if the Almighty dosen't deem you worthy, that would mean you still have much to learn."
Trent, Conrad, Arianna and Alicia stood back, whle the two mages stood before the old man. Abbott Jack spoke"Oh Benevolent Almighty, I beseech thee guide Alicia and Raymond on their new paths in life."
Celestria heard the Abbott, and decided to humor him some more since her father was inactive. A warm glow surrounded Alicia and Raymond, as vast magical energy entered their bodies. When the glow subsided, the Priestess and Mage felt the powers of the Sage course throughout their bodies.
"How does it feel?" inquired Conrad.
Alicia sighed"I expected no less, I can use stronger healing magic now."
Raymond breathed"My magic potency has doubled, but I felt a bit of a tingle for a moment."
"Ah, yes, that can happen when one employs one of the most powerful vocations known to man. Everyone, I bid you good luck" said Abbott Jack.
Arianna and her group thanked the abbott and returned to the Starflight Express. Arianna addressed Stella"I need to make one more stop at the Observatory before going after Corvus."
Stella nodded"Sure thing, but why the flap must you become a mortal?"
"Celestrians can't act against superiors. Surely everyone living in the Starry Skies know that?" remarked Raymond.
The train flew and landed on the highest platform on the Observatory. When the group exited the train to take one last look at the sight, Florianna, Lester and Astrid approached them.
"What's up?" inquired Trent.
Florianna replied"Apus Major reluctantly gave us permission to join you for this flight. I cannot assist you directly in the final battle, as I can assume what Lady Celestria's plan is. Arianna, since I couldn't really give you the care I owed you as a parent, let's go together this time."
Arianna took a deep breath, then nodded"Yes, but I fear this will be the last time I can see you again. The fygg's power may allow me to combat Corvus, but you know as I do that Mortals are normally unable to see Celestrians."
Florianna smiled"I'll always be in your heart, now let's go to the Realm of the Almighty."
"Right, we're joining forces for at least this one last battle" said Lester.
The two groups entered the Starflight Express together. Arianna reached into her pack and pulled out the golden fruit, Stella was astonished"Why?"
"It must be done if Arianna is to fight beside her companions and save the world" said Florianna.
The violet haired Celestrian glanced around, then said"Actually, I could share the Fygg with you and Lester, mother. The fruit's power should be able to transform all three of us."
The older female Celestrian shook her head"It is your destiny, though I am loathe to relinquish you after nigh a decade apart. Now, if you are ready, let us make ready for the upcoming confrontation."
Arianna nodded understandingly, took another deep breath, and bit into the Fygg. Stella watched with sadness in her eyes as the young Celestrian consumed the last of the golden fruit. The fairy timidly inquired"Can you hear me?"
The Celestrian nodded. Sterling spoke"Well, for now it seems that you can, since you replied."
"So maybe your wish didn't come true" piped Stella.
"These things take time, good wishes are not something that should be rushed" said Florianna.
Trent glanced at Arianna, who glanced back. The pair gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, before the violet haired warrior addressed Stella and Sterling"We're prepared to head for the Realm of the Almighty."
"Got'cha" nodded Stella, activating the Starflight Express. As the train took off, Alicia and Raymond took another look at the sky. Trent stood at Arianna's side as the Starflight Express flew on towards it's destination.
As they gpt close to the Realm of the Almighty, the place had begun to transform before the heroes' eyes. The landscape seemed to have grown beneath the Palace of the Almighty, and a large tree-like base now bore it. The rest of the platforms had turned dark purple and pink.
"Ugh, I gotta say that I find his taste in evil fortresses flapping disturbing" sighed Stella.
Florianna reached into her bag and handed a pristine sword to Arianna"Your powers are weakening somewhat now that you're becoming Mortal. This Miracle Sword restores vitality to those who wield it, will serve you well. I ask that you relinquish the Dragon Sword."
Arianna nodded, and the two swapped blades.
Trent stepped ahead of the group to get a better look at the tower that was the Realm of the Almighty"Looks freaky to me. That tree-like tower's got some kind of clock in the middle."
"All right team, let's move out" said Arianna.
Florianna nodded as herself, Astrid and Lester stood in a line next to Arianna's group"Lead the way."
The Realm of the Mighty was a maze of caverns and platforms, which the two groups carefully navigated. As they climbed to the third floor and a massive chamber, Arianna saw a familiar face waiting for them. It was Goreham-Hogg.
"Heh, I've just been waiting for you. Now I'll crush you all!" chortled Goreham-Hogg as several monsters called Belisha Beacons.
"Boom!" Raymond's spell wiped out most of the monsters. A remaining Belisha Beacon cast bounce on itself and Goreham-Hogg. Conrad shot it down, while Trent engaged the hogg. Goreham swung it's mace at Trent, who dodged and coolly speared the Triumgorate Lieutenant with his new lance.
As Goreham-Hogg's body vanished, Florianna shook her head"Corvus must have really lost himself in hatred to do such a thing."
"No kidding" sighed Sasha.
The team continued climbing until they ran into Hootingham-Gore. The bird-like Lieutenant cast whirlwind at the heroes. Alicia blocked the spell with a magic barrier, while Raymond countered with Boom.
Hootingham-Gore countered with another powerful wind spell before being stabbed in the back by Florianna. The blow fell the bird-like Lieutenant, again releasing the sprit of the human being he once was.
Alicia sighed as she healed her comrades with Multi-Heal"Why does it have to be so hard to get to Corvus?"
"I don't know, but we have to keep moving" said Arianna.
The climb to the top floor proved more of a challenge as the heroes ran into a vast monster horde consisting of some Great Trolls, Night Knights, and Cureslimes.
"Bang!" Raymond's spell took the horde off guard, knocking down the Cureslimes. The Night Knights charged, only to be intercepted by Trent, Arianna and Sasha.
Florianna dodged as a Great Troll swung it's club at her, striking back with a thrust while she was at it. The monster staggered back, and was finished off by an arrow from Conrad's bow.
Two more of the giant monsters were wiped out by Lester and Astrid. Trent blocked and parried the Night Knight's blows before finishing him off with a Falcon Slash.
Arianna and Sasha toyed with their opponents before dispatching them with equal ease. Trent shrugged"Reckon this is all Corvus can conjure?"
"I don't think it's over yet" said Raymond, blasing aside more Cureslimes and two Night Knights with his magic.
The top floor of the Realm of the Mighty revealed a view of the palace itself, the sky above was blazing with a purple color. Trent drew his sword"This is it."
As they got closer. the heroes ran into the last member of the Triumgorate. Goresby-Purrvis was scowling in front of the entrance to the palace. Trent was astonished"Are you Corvus's lapdog now?"
Purrvis hissed"I serve none but the house of Gitt, to say I serve another is an insult."
"Why don't you help us defeat Corvus, then?" said Arianna.
Goresby-Purrvis shook his head"As there is no head of House Gitt alive at present, and I vowed to serve none but the Gittish Empire, I am up for a re-match against you."
With that, the feline-like Triumgorate Leiutenant drew his own blade and swung it at Trent. The Gladiator parried the blow and countered with a lunge. Goresby-Purrvis dodged and swung his sword so rapidly that Trent was hard-pressed to block all of the other swordsman's attacks.
Seeing the Gladiator get a blow to the chest, Arianna and Conrad darted forward. Purrvis dodged as Arianna thrusted at him with her sword and was nicked by an arrow to the shoulder.
The furious feline-like Lieutenant thrusted his blade at Arianna, who dodged while Alicia healed Trent. Sasha struck at Purrvis with her lance, but the feline swordsman blocked the blow and stabbed at the Paladin.
Conrad knocked Sasha out of the way while Trent slashed at Purrvis. Goresby countered with a thrust to Trent's shoulder, and was blasted back by a Zammel spell from Raymond.
Goresby-Purrvis lunged one last time at Trent, who parried the attack and struck a blow to the Triumgorate lieutenant's neck. The fallen monster fell once and for all, vanishing into thin air.
Florianna turned around, catching Conrad's curiosity"What's up?"
"I sense the remaining monster horde charging to our location, Corvus must have set a trap for us. I wondered why this was so easy" sighed the older purple-haired Celestrian.
"We'll drive them back" said Trent.
Florianna shook her head"No, Corvus is up ahead, we need not clear all of the monsters from the defiled realm. I would be helpless before Corvus anyhow, it pained me to see a fellow Celestrian sink so low."
Lester stood by Florianna's side"Count me in, we'll keep the monster horde occupied."
"I'm in too, we'll each do our part" said Astrid, facing the not-so-distant gap leading back to the lower floors.
"But why would Corvus set so many monsters against us?" frowned Alicia.
"To limit how many of us go against him" said Trent, understanding the simplicity of the tactic.
Conrad and Sasha stood together with Florianna's group. The Ranger grinned at Trent"Give Corvus one for me, will ya'?"
Even as they spoke, a mass of Night Knights, Trolls, Cureslimes and Belisha Beacons slowly advanced onto their location. Florianna glanced at her daughter"Be careful."
"We'll be fine" said Arianna.
As Florianna, Lester, Astrid, Conrad and Sasha went down to intercept the last of the monsters in the tainted realm, the rest of the group advanced into the Palace of the Mighty. The place hadn't changed since their last visit.
"Corvus is likely at the second floor" said Arianna, rushing up the stairs with Trent, Alicia and Raymond following.
Florianna's group headed down until they reached the area where Goreham-Hogg was defeated a second time, where they encountered the monsters that the oldest Celestrian in the group sensed.
"Are you sure this will work?" paled Conrad.
"It's too late to chicken out, all we can do is buy Arianna some time" replied the Paladin.
As the first wave of Night Knights appeared, Florianna and Lester charged into the mass. Conrad, Astrid and Sasha began to follow, when two Cureslimes and a Great Troll got in their way.
Conrad jumped backwards and shot at the Great Troll, which countered with a massive swipe of it's club. Astrid and Sasha took out the Cureslimes while Conrad shot another arrow at his opponent.
The Great Troll, annoyed at the assault, struck at the Ranger. Conrad dodged, while Astrid struck down the monster. Conrad nodded his thanks as the three joined Lester and Florianna in fighting off the Night Knights.
Arianna's group arrived at the former throne room of King Zenus to find the corrupted Celestrian waiting for them. Corvus blinked"Hmph, so you think you can challenge me now?"
Trent nodded"Your twisted scheme is over, we'll strike you down in the name of Stornway, Gleeba and every free city in the Protectorate."
"Well, well, you talk big. I'll give you that, but I'm afraid you cannot best me no matter how many times you try" snarled Corvus, standing up from where he was sitting on the throne.
"Ka-Boom!" Raymond cast a vastly more powerful spell at the evil man. Corvus dodged and countered with a multi-thunder attack. Alicia quickly cast multi-heal on her allies, while Trent and Arianna charged at Corvus.
The former Guardian of Wormwood Creek teleported out of the way and cast a Boom spell on the four heroes, burning them them. Alicia countered with another Multi-Heal, while Arianna unleashed Gigaslash on Corvus, knocking him backwards.
Surprised, Corvus focused his power and launched another thunder spell. Alicia healed her allies again, provoking Corvus to swinging his blade at the female Sage. Raymond pushed her out of the way, only to be nicked in the thigh.
While Alicia healed the male Sage, Raymond cast a powerful Ka-Boom at their adversary. Corvus survived the blast and cast another spell at the group. Trent stabbed at the monster, only to have him dodge and cast a Crack spell at the Gladiator.
Arianna seized the opprotunity and took hold of her blade. The violet-haired warrior charged at Corvus while the former Guardian of Wormwood Creek was distacted casting another deadly spell on the other three heroes. Arianna caught Corvus off guard by running her sword through"It's over."
The surprised, corrupt Celestrian had staggered backwards before speaking"How could I have lost? Celestrians cannot act against superiors."
"Sucks for you, Arianna consumed a Fygg and turned herself Mortal" said Trent.
Corvus stepped back"So that's how it is. Well, you have not defeated me yet. Just as you have shed your Celestrian form, girl, I shall shed mine and I will destroy you all!"
With that, Corvus vanished, leaving no trace of his presence in the tainted palace. Arianna asessed the condition of her allies before speaking"I have a bad feeling about this."
"What does he mean by having another form of his own?" said Alicia.
"I don't know, but we have to go after him" said Trent.
In the lower floors, Florianna's group struggled against the monster horde which now surrounded them. The Cureslimes were taken out, but the Night Knights and the Boss Trolls proved more formidable.
Conrad sat exhausted as he and Sasha destroyed two more Night Knights"There's too many of them."
"We can't give up" said Lester, casting a spell to re-energize his weary allies.
Sasha speared two more trolls, while Florianna duked it out with three more Night Knights. Conrad shot one monster down, while Astrid took down another.
"Ka-BOOM!" A spell wiped out the rest of the monsters. Arianna and the rest of her group had begun to rush after Corvus and saw how badly the battle was progressing.
"Nice assist" sighed Conrad.
"My pleasure" grinned Raymond.
Florianna sat on the ground"I appreciate the help, I really need to think about whether to retire or not."
Arianna glanced at the stairs leading down from the room"We're not done yet, Corvus is still alive."
Conrad went to her side"We'll help you with this one."
"As shall I" spoke Sasha.
Alicia healed her companions' injuries"The final showdown is at hand. Any time you are ready, gang."
Trent nodded, and started to head down. Florianna addressed Arianna"I will stay here with Lester and Astrid, the rest of you should be able to take it from here."
"What about you?" said Arianna, seeing a bruise on the older woman's shoulder.
"This is nothing, just be careful" whispered Florianna.
As Arianna, Trent, Conrad, Raymond, Sasha and Alicia left the room, Lester addressed Florianna"So now what?"
Florianna replied"All I can do is believe in them. But we can watch from wherever they're headed, my Celestrian power should give us a mirror image of what's happening."
"I can't say whether or not I can stay still, but I will abide by this choice" said Astrid.
Okay, this chapter is up and running. The next chapter may be shorter then this. Oh, and sorry if I wasn't too acurrate.
Please feel free to review.