Another Day and another chapter, this one pretty much follows up to the end of Dragon Quest IX's main story. As for the post-story stuff, I may end up covering them in this fic, but I'll see.
Oh, and I thouht I'd eventually do a major Dragon Quest crossover for a potential sequel once I get this and some post-main story chapters done. But I have some other incomplete fics on my profile that I have to finish, so feel free to check those out.
I also recommend my completed Kingdom Hearts/Dissidia Final Fantasy crossover, Kingdom Hearts Dissidia, and my Final Fantasy Tactis A2 fic: The Dark Grimoire. My Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles fic Echoes of the Past doesn't have as much feedback, I may have to do a remake.
I may also post a Rune Factory fic and a Final Fantasy XIII fic, but I'll see. Halloween Witch, Sailor Astralight, U.K Owen, I appreciate your reviews for the chapters up to the last three or four chapters, and I do apologize for having kept you all waiting. I know I should be saving these shout-outs until the very last chapter, but I just felt like saying it right now.
Disclaimer: Dragon Quest IX is the property of Square Enix.
Chapter XXIV: The Starry Skies
Trent and his group rushed down to the middle floors of the Realm of the Mighty. While back near the top floor, Florianna and her group were resting up from their skirmish with Corvus's monsters.
"Think they'll be okay?" said Lester.
"You know as I do that we'd just be a liability against Corvus, all I can do is believe in my daughter and her friends" sighed the older Celestrian in their group.
"Well, I'm going to ensure that Trent and Alicia are okay. I have their parents' memory to consider" said Astrid as she started to walk out of the room.
Florianna sighed"Just can't hold still, huh? All right, but Lester and I will follow and keep a safe distance from wherever Corvus might be right now."
Lester shook his head"I guess you've never been the think before you act type. Well, let's follow them then."
"Lester, Astrid, I can't just order you two to stop. I'm coming if that's what you want" said Florianna, exasperatedly.
The center platforms and chambers of the Realm of the Mighty were devoid of monsters, save for the occasional troll or slime knight. Arianna's group foought past them and tracked Corvus to a large plateau near the large round substance in the middle. What surprised Arianna was a red magic orb covering the body of her adversary.
"Time to end this for good" said Trent.
"Yow!" exclaimed Conrad, spotting a familiar black dragon with a yellow underside appearing. The dragon fired a tongue of flame at the heroes, which Alicia reversed with multi-heal.
Arianna drew her sword"Black Dragon Barbarus, you shall not slither away this time."
Barbarus fired an ice breath at the warrior, who dodged while Raymond hit the dragon with Ka-Crackle. Barbarus retaliated with another fire breath, which was countered by an arrow to the head by Conrad.
Alicia kept her allies on their toes as they fought the black dragon. The dragon attempted to swipe the female Sage with it's claws, which she dodged. Trent took his sword and slashed at the monster's foot. The enraged dragon shot a tongue of flame at the Gladiator, when Arianna attacked it with Falcon Slash. Barbarus shot a ice breath at the heroes, which Alicia healed with another Multi-Heal.
Conrad shot another arrow at Barbarus's head, which pierced the area between it's eyes. Barbarus howled with rage and swiped at the Ranger. Conrad grunted in pain as he felt the dragon's claw scratch his body. Sasha cast heal on her friend, while Raymond cast another spell on the dark dragon.
"We can't waste our energies on this guy for much longer" breathed Trent.
"I agree. Raymond, you're with me. Trent, Conrad, Arianna, try to distract the dragon, Raymond and I have enough power to destroy it" said Alicia.
The two Sages lined up and focused tremendous magic energy into their bodies. Trent, Conrad and Arianna kept Barbarus busy while Raymond and Alicia started to power up for their most powerful spell yet.
Raymond quipped before casting his part of the super spell"Good night, sweet prince. Ka-BOOM!"
Alicia repeated her boyfriend's spell, and the resulting magical explosion pierced Barbarus's thick hide. The dragon writhed in pain from the spell for a split moment before Conrad finished it with an arrow to the heart.
"Let's hope Barbarus stays down this time" breathed Trent.
The group took another moment to heal before approaching the red orb. The being within lay curled into a ball as it seemed to await the right time to strike, the aura Arianna felt could only have belonged to one man. Cite the fact that that the man was a Celestrian.
Arianna took a step closer and spoke to it"Corvus, so this is the form you now take?"
"Indeed, my powers have increased six-fold. Now, it is time, I will show you a taste of my new power. You'll be the first to taste my wrath, and then the Protectorate will follow you into the void" snarled the voice of the being within the red orb.
With that, before Arianna's eyes, the ground seemed to shake for a moment as the red orb exploded and the monster within flew up into the air. The monster was a medium-sized demon with green skin, horns on it's head and a pair of wings with an eye shaped symbol on each one.
"You don't scare us, even a little bit!" shouted Trent, shealthing his sword and brandishing his new lance.
The Celestrian-turned-Demon breathed a yellowish breath spell on the heroes, paralyzing them in place. Trent scowled"You're a coward, Corvus."
"Save your breath, for I send you all to your doom!" bellowed Corvus, striking Arianna with a spell from his gleaming eyes and exhaling a chilling breath on the heroes. Trent knew his father would want him to meet his end well, so he closed his eyes and awaited the unwelcome end.
Suddenly, another spell freed the heroes from their paralysis and an insulation spell covered Arianna and her group. Astrid and her team had arrived, the Elementalist smirked"That was a close one. Trent, everyone, now is your chance."
Alicia healed her team with Multi-Heal, just as Corvus irratably launched a spell that disabled the protective barrier on the heroes. Trent slashed at the monstetr, who dodged and was intercepted by Ka-Boom. Conrad attempted to fire an arrow at Corvus, but the demon paralyzed him with another yellowish breath.
While Alicia cast Squelch on the Ranger, Trent attempted to double slash Corvus with a Falcon Slash from his sword, while Arianna unleashed Gigaslash. Corvus was thrown backwards by the assault, but the demon quickly recovered and unleashed a powerful Magic Burst before meditating. Alicia rushed to cast another Multi-Heal, when she was intercepted by a swipe of the transformed Corvus's claw.
"Ka-Boom!" Raymond's spell blasted Corvus, who retaliated with a Firey Breath and a powerful beam attack from his wings. The two sages were barely able to keep up with the vast magical damage dealt to their teammates, while Trent and Arianna attacked Corvus with their weapons.
"Insulate!" Florianna had cast another protective spell on Arianna, when Corvus shot her with a Paralyze Breath. Arianna double slashed Corvus, only to be on the recieving end of a sky drop attack from the demon.
"Are you okay?" said Alicia, casting heal on the injured older Celestrian.
"I'll be okay, mothers are tough" whispered Florianna.
Corvus shot another chilly breath at the heroes, and unleashed a powerful Magic Burst. Raymond hastily cast Omni-heal on his allies, while Trent jabbed at the corrupted Celestrian with a series of jabs from his new lance. Corvus dodged and countered with a Flaming Breath.
Nearby, Arianna stood up and rushed to Florianna's side"Sure you can fight?"
"Celestrians cannot act against superiors, but that does not mean I can't support you with my white magic" replied the older violet haired warrior, casting a protective barrier on Arianna.
Conrad shot an arrow at Corvus, while Sasha set aside her lance and attacked the demon with a series of combos from her fists. Corvus paralyzed her in retaliation, when Raymond blasted the demon with another Ka-Boom spell.
Arianna cast another Gigaslash technique on Corvus, when the Celestrian-turned-Demon dodged and unleashed another Magic Burst. Raymond cast another Omni-Heal to counter the attack, while Trent plunged his new lance into Corvus.
"He's weakening, we should combine our powers, gang" said Arianna.
"Do not underestimate me" growled Corvus, taking the lance out and tossing it aside before unleashing Chilly Breath. Florianna's spell reduced the attack's potency, while Alicia cast a Magic Barrier on her allies.
Just as Corvus unleashed another Disruptive Wave, Raymond and Alicia dual cast Ka-Boom. Trent and Arianna simultaneously cast Gigaslash, while Conrad shot another arrow at the demon.
The Celestrian-turned-Demon appeared to be dying at first, but healed himself with Meditate to Arianna's surprise. Trent sighed as he pulled out his sword"You've got to be kidding."
"Gigaslash!" Arianna unleashed another wave of energy, which Corvus countered with Chilly Breath and sky dropped Trent. Alicia healed her teammates, while Raymond threw another Ka-Boom spell at Corvus. Corvus healed himself with Meditate and Pray before unleashing a final Magic Burst.
"Omni-Heal!" Raymond desparately healed his allies, while Trent charged desparately at Corvus with his sword. The evil Celestrian dodged and attempted a sky drop slam attack to find himself skewered by Trent's miracle sword.
"Ka-Boom!" Raymond and Alicia cast their strongest spell at the monster once more, while Trent struck the demon with Falcon Slash. Conrad fired another arrow, which Corvus dodged and countered with Sky Drop. Trent turned to where the monster was about to rise into the air again and stabbed it.
Corvus survived the attack and flew back up"Is this the best you can do? All too easy. Now, you shall all be destroyed, along with the rest of the Protectorate."
Trent and Arianna stood in front of their comrades as Corvus prepared to cast one more spell at the heroes. The Gladiator had nearly despaired at Corvus's seemingly invincibility'Despite our efforts, we have failed. What's going to happen next?'
Arianna put a hand on the Gladiator's shoulder for a few seconds before prepping a Gigaslash in a final attempt to destroy the monstrosity. The blast barely penetrated Corvus, who lashed out with a fatal Terrible Lightning spell. Florianna, Lester and Astrid rushed forward to intercept the blow, which brought all three to their knees.
Trent stood his ground once more, focusing his energy into his sword. Corvus unleashed Bolts From the Blue, which Arianna shielded the Gladiator from. Seeing the now mortal Clestrian collapse to her knees in exhaustian, Trent unleashed most of the energy in his body against the evil Corvus.
Surprised, Corvus attempted to counter with a chilly breath, which evaporated from the might of the powered-up Gigaslash as the energy slammed into the demon. Alicia healed her injured allies while Raymond cast Ka-Boom at Corvus one more time for good measure.
Battered, but not defeated, Corvus attempted a final Magic Burst, when a voice called out"Wait! I've finally found you."
Trent and his group watched in surprise as a ball of light collided softly into Corvus, which turned out to be Serena's ghost. A flood of memories seeped into the former Guardian of Wormwood Creeck's mind as he mind connected to Serena"What are you doing here?"
The ghost simply relayed the events of her former life to Corvus who's body glowed in a flash of light and returned to his original shape of a blond man with a pair of wings on his back.
"I see it now" whispered Corvus.
Serena smiled at the former Guardian of Wormwood Creek"I just had to find you and apologize for what's happened all these years ago, and to tell you what really happened, which I did. Now, it is done, will you join me?"
Corvus nodded, then turned to address Arianna and her group"I owe you my thanks, Aquila had trained a worthy apprentice."
"Y-yes, but he's gone" whispered Arianna.
Corvus responded"Even if that is the case, I can rest now. All my hatred towards the Protectorate is for naught. Serena, let us depart."
Serena smiled as she nodded, and the reunited couple held on to each other as they began their ascent into the stars. Arianna watched as Corvus and Serena vanished, together at last. Serena spoke one more time to Trent and his group"You have our graditude."
Suddenly, the area around the heroes began to transform. Sasha grimaced"If we do not make it back, this could be bad."
A wave of energy appeared in front of the team, halting the flow of time as Celestria apppeared before Arianna"You have done the world a great service, this place will soon return to it's original state, and the Observatory is no longer needed."
"What will happen to the other Celestrian?" inquired Arianna.
Celestria replied"It is their time to ascend into the stars from which they were created, the Observatory shall fade away. Arianna, you have a different fate awaiting you. You will now serve as the sole guardian of the Protectorate."
"I am honored, my lady. But I couldn't have saved the world without my friends" said Arianna.
Celestria nodded"You are not alone, that is true."
Even as they spoke, a rush of stars began flowing into the skies. Trent addressed Arianna"What now?"
"We can return to the Starflight Express with the Evac spell, it is our quickest way out" replied the Warrior.
Lester glanced at Astrid before addressing Celestria"What of me and Florianna?"
Celestria smiled at Lester in amusement"You two will now join the other Celestrians in the starry heavens above for now, your 'transgression' was of no consequence."
Florianna glanced at her body to find herself fading, Astrid was astonished"What about me?"
"Come with me, Astrid" whispered Lester, offering his hand.
The Elementalist hesitated before taking the man's hand in hers, turning to address Trent"I knew I was living on borrowed time, which was the best thing Lester could do for me. I was not wholly spared the Contagion's curse, I was given a small gift of temporary life."
Trent nodded hesitantly"Then I guess Alicia and I are the last in our bloodline. Tell our parents we said hi."
"I will, and I'm sorry to keep that detail from you" smiled Astrid, as her body started to fade along with Lester's.
Florianna addressed Trent and Arianna as her body started to fade"My time has also come to an end. I'm sorry I hadn't been much of a parent to you, Arianna. Trent, what exactly are your feelings for her?"
The Gladiator blushed"I-I liked Arianna since we met in Stornway. I don't think I will leave her side."
"It seems a bit too soon to say, but you have my blessings" whispered Florianna, turning to hug Arianna. The Celestrian-turned-mortal hugged her back for a brief moment.
Celestria addressed Trent"By the way, did you lose this?"
Trent flushed as the Goddess proffered him the lance he'd nearly lost"Yes, thanks my lady."
Trent, Arianna, Sasha, Conrad, Raymond and Alicia used Evac to return to the Starflight Express, just as the bodies of their three allies vanished into the stars. Astrid's ghost left her body as she let go of the spell Lester had given her to prolong her life.
At the Starflight Express, the six returned to meet Stella and Sterling. The Captain of the Express inquired"I take it our job is done here, then?"
"Yes, now we need to return to the Protectorate" nodded Arianna.
Conrad interjected with the violet haired warrior"Sasha and I need to retrieve the Pride of Bloomingdale, if you know what I mean."
"No problem, but we shouldn't be in this train for too long. The Fygg is beginning to take full effect on me, soon I won't be able to see it anymore" whispered Arianna.
Stella flew the Starflight Express away from the fading Realm of the Mighty and down towards the Protectorate. Sasha, Conrad, Raymond and Alicia glanced at the skies outside the windows of the Starflight Express, as a rush of stars ascended into it. The train flew over the various villages below.
"Hey, I think I see my stop" said Conrad, spotting the Pride of Bloomingdale docked near the chipped mountainside. The Express hovered just above the ship, so Conrad and Sasha could land safely below.
Conrad turned to address Arianna"See you later, I guess."
"Have a safe voyage" nodded the violet-haired warrior.
Sasha and Conrad disembarked onto the ship, while the others continued on in the Starflight Express. The Ranger sighed"Well, now we can relax, what do you think? Want me to plan our destination?"
"My thought exactly, but we should clean up first. The deck looks filthy" said Sasha, wrinkling her nose.
Conrad shrugged"Whatever you say."
The village of Angel Falls prospered as it always did, save for the inn which was degrading from neglect by the Mayor's son, who had quickly lost interest in running it in Erinn's stead. The Mayor's son was loafing with his friends when a ticked off old man greeted them.
The Mayor of Angel Falls's son winced a bit as the man berated him for his poor management of the local inn. One of the boy's friends shrugged'Busted.'
Coffinwell recovered swiftly since the Contagion was sealed once more. Catrrhina's husband Phelgming lived up to his promise to be more of a part of the village's community.
Unseen by the town, the ghost of Phlegming's late wife watched over her husband. Even after Arianna had fufilled her last request, Catrrhina could not help but worry about Phlegming.
Swinedimples Academy retained it's reputation, as the students went about their studies. One of the former troublemakers worked hard to eventually become Head Boy. Even though Sternivus had found peace, he still kept watch over the school.
The kingdom of Gleeba had also improved due to Valuptua's change of heard, once she realized that people did care about her, as did her pet lizard, Drak. She used her money for the good of the kingdom, and allowed her subjects to visit her and Drak.
After spending hours srubbing the decks of the Pride of Bloomingdale and making sure the interior was clean, Conrad and Sasha set sail in the ship. Conrad sighed"Shouldn't we return the ship to Bloomingdale?"
Sasha shook her head"The townspeople will be expecting Marian Bloome's return, which is all but unlikely. What's more, it may eventually become apparent to them that something has indeed happened to her."
"I see your point, so where to?" inquired the Ranger.
The Paladin replied"Take us to Porth Lleffan, I need to see how my master and Jona are doing. It's quite a ways, but I will keep watch while you pilot the ship."
"All right, let's do it" grinned Conrad.
As the pair headed south-west, Conrad addressed Sasha one more time"I imagine that Raymond and Alicia will eventually get hitched, and Trent's going to be with his new girlfriend. What do you say about a date?"
"Cheeky, what makes you think you've won my heart yet?" responded Sasha, amusement showing in her eyes.
"Just wondering, I wanted to get to know you better" shrugged Conrad.
The Starflight Express landed a short distance from Alltrades Abbey, just as Sterling and Stella seemingly began to fade in front Arianna and the remainder of the group.
As the four disembarked, Stella glanced at Arianna sadly"So now what? Arianna will not be able to see us anymore, fatguts."
"There's nothing we can do about that, we have to say good-bye to them" said Sterling.
Stella wailed"That's not fair! Why does this have to be the case?"
Arianna sighed"I am happy for your aid, Stella, but please don't throw a tantrum."
Sterling addressed Arianna"Stella's still just a kid, you know. Take care, Arianna."
"Farewell" whispered the violet haired Warrior, as Stella and Sterling proceeded to take off in the Express. Within seconds, the flash of yellow seemed to blend into the skies as Arianna's vision changed.
Trent took Arianna's hand in his"Now that our quest is over, is there a chance we could go for a walk?"
"I will take up your offer, I'm a bit too tired to use Zoom to return us to Stornway, anyway" nodded Arianna.
"It's a date, then?" inquired the Gladiator, grinning.
Arianna flushed"You shouldn't tease me like that, but I will accept either way. We'd best rest up in the inn at the abbey first, though."
As the pair turned to head for Alltrates Abbey, Aisha addressed Raymond"So what was that about? Your detour to the item shop earlier today, I mean."
Raymond took out the ring he'd bought before replying to the female Sage"I know we've only been dating a year before our journey began, but I was wondering. Will you marry me?"
Aisha blushed for a moment, then tenderly took the ring from her boyfriend's hand"I'd like that, but we will have to do a lot to be ready. Stornway would be the best place for it."
"I was thinking that, myself. So maybe in a couple weeks, then?" inquired the male Sage.
Aisha nodded, then the pair embraced each other and kissed briefly.
In Alltrades Abbey, Arianna and Trent paid for a room for the night at the inn downstairs before settling into one of the rooms. The former Celestrian addressed the Gladiator"The sunset at Porth Lleffan would certainly be a beautiful spot for an actual date, don't you think?"
"Yeah, that was what I was thinking. But I figure there are other areas of interest besides that" flushed Trent.
Arianna put a hand in his"I am unfamiliar with all of the customs on the Protectorate. Even though I was born to Lady Florianna, there was never a formal event for my parents' union from what I heard. Marriage was not exactly a Celestrian Custom, at least it was not entirely the same there."
Trent smiled at his new girlfriend"Well, I've never seen a wedding before, either. We'd probably experience that, eventually, sorry if I sound too forward."
"Just be careful you don't think too far ahead. Even though I'm mortal now, we'll have to see. Good night, Trent" sighed Arianna.
As the pair went to bed for the night, they were unaware that while their quest to save the Protectorate was over, another mysterious event was soon to take place. Off the coast of Newid Island, a Fygg had mysteriously appeared and landed in the sea.
Okay, the main story portion is done. I tried my best to add some fluff at the end. As for the chapter title, I had a hard time settling with a name for that.
Oh, and I had thought about whether or not all of my OCs should make it to the end, I decided that it was right that only the six protagonists should. I'm not usually one for killing, but this setup follows the storyline most accurately.
Considering how much bonus content there is, I may as well cover a few of those at best. That's even more spoilers for those who haven't cleared the main story yet.
Please feel free to review.