Mike AZ 2 here, I decided I should extend this story beyond the main plotline of Dragon Quest IX. This chapter is mainly an intermission, but includes a bit of action at the end.
Again, there will be some jumping between characters. There will also be some lapses in time.
Disclaimer: Dragon Quest is created and copyrighed by Square.
Chapter XXV: Life Goes On
The following morning, Trent and Arianna woke and bought some turnips with which they made some soup. As they sat at one of the tables, Alicia and Raymond joined them. The female Sage smiled"Good morning."
"It sure is, how are things?" inquired Arianna.
The female Sage smiled more"Raymond proposed to me last night, and we're planning to marry in a couple of months."
"Congratulations" acknowledged the violet-haired warrior.
As the four ate their breakfast which consisted of soup, they exited the Abbey. Trent breathed in the fresh air"Man, sure feels good to be alive after all that. Hopefully the world will be at peace forever."
"I would like to think so, myself. Now that my mission is done, my duty as a Guardian comes next" said Arianna.
Trent thought for a moment before inquiring"Since we completed our quest, does this mean we'll be disbanded?"
Arianna wondered over to a nearby tree and pondered. Trent, Alicia and Raymond followed, the male Sage smirked"You look like something's caught your eye."
Arianna pondered for a bit more before addressing her companions"The responsibility given to me by Celestria as the only Guardian of the Protectorate is a great honor, but I can only do so much. I won't disband our team. Let's head to the Quester's Rest and see if Erinn needs help, we're a bit short on money."
"Now you mention it, I need to pay Sellma the full price of the Celestial Lance. I'm glad I didn't lose it, or who knows what might happen" shrugged Trent.
"Then to Stornway it is" said Raymond.
The four linked hands, just before Arianna cast Zoom to teleport her team to Stornway. When they got to the inn, Erinn greeted them"Hey there, how are things going for you guys?"
Trent squared his shoulders"Everything's fine, though it's kind of a long story. How's business?"
"Our previous guests just left, but business is doing great" smiled the Innkeeper.
Arianna addressed the older woman"We're looking for some odd jobs to do while we're resting. My team is pretty low on funds at the moment, and Trent needs to pay Sellma the rest of the money for his new lance."
"Hm, now you mention it, I may need a little help with cooking and cleaning. The Quester's Rest is getting more popular these days, and I'm sure guests would appreciate not just having a place to sleep, but some breakfast, lunch or dinnner as well" said Erinn, thoughtfully.
Arianna nodded"I'll get cleaning, then. Trent, think you can help Erinn with cooking?"
"No problem" nodded the blond Gladiator.
Raymond and Alicia went into the parlor to relax while their two teammates began their part-time work. Trent was a novice when it came to cooking, but followed the recipes that Erinn gave him for the part-time job as best he could.
Conrad and Sasha had sailed all day and night as they headed for Porth Lleffan, the pair took a turn at night so that one and the other could get some sleep in two hour intervals.
The voyage lasted for the better part of the morning before they returned. The Ranger addressed the Paladin"Must be nice to get back home, eh?"
"Yeah, now let's dock the ship at the eastern coast of Newid and head south to the port from there" nodded Sasha.
The two maneuvered around the island and docked the ship, heading south towards Porth Leffan as soon as they docked. As they entered the town, they met with Jona"Hey there, how are you doing?"
"It's been a long time, Jona, we're doing fairly well. What about you?" inquired the Paladin.
Jona smiled"Great, everyone's gotten used to fishing on their own. How's everyone else on your group?"
"They're probably a little busy, I don't know when I'll go meet up with them again" replied Sasha.
"I see, well could you tell Arianna I said hi when you see her?" inquired Jona.
The Paladin nodded"Of course."
Sasha and Conrad headed towards the inn, where they met up with the elder Martial Artist, Johansan. The man smiled"Welcome back, Sasha. How was your journey?"
"It went fairly well, we split up from the others for the time being so we could relax" replied Sasha.
The older martial artist was pleasently surprised"Truly? It is good to have you back, Sasha. Would you care to tell me all about your journey?"
"Certainly, master" nodded Sasha.
As the Paladin explained her journey to the elder man, Jona suddenly approached"Um, excuse me, but I just remembered. I had a strange dream last night, something about the real Lleviathan still living."
"What? Truly?" inquired Johansan.
Jona nodded"Yes, and I need Arianna to help me with this."
Conrad shrugged"Sounds fishy to me, but what do you think Sasha?"
"I do not know, but we could send a carrier pigeon to the Quester's Rest and hope someone will find Arianna for us and explain the dream" shrugged the Paladin.
Conrad nodded"I'll take care of that."
Arianna and her group finished their part-time work, earning some money in the process. Erinn smiled at the team"Thanks for helping me, you can do it again any time."
"We'll keep it in mind" nodded Trent, heading behind the counter to give Sellma some of the money he owed.
The violet haired warrior inspected the room she'd cleaned to make sure she didn't miss a spot before going to the parlor. Raymond sat at a table, reading a book.
"How's Alicia?" inquired the warrior.
Raymond replied"She went to bed early, these last few days were sure busy for all of us. Have you heard from Conrad or Sasha yet?"
Arianna shook her head"They probably headed elsewhere, and I don't blame them. Here's a portion of the money I earned today, I earned about thirty."
The male Sage accepted twenty gold from his leader"Thanks a bunch."
"You should consider working part-time as well, just a thought" shrugged Arianna, walking out of the parlor.
Trent met the violet-haired warrior outside"Hey, I was just thinking. Do you think we could take a trip to Angel Falls? I haven't been there before."
"I will accept your invitation" nodded Arianna.
The pair left a note for Raymond and Alicia before departing the inn. They linked hands just before the male Gladiator hurled a Chimera Wing into the sky, effectively teleporting them to their destination.
Angel Falls is as tranquil as always when the couple entered. Arianna breathed in the fresh air before addressing her date"We should head for the inn."
When Trent and Arianna entered the inn, they met a dark haired young man and an older man there. Ivor was surprised"Arianna? Is that you?"
"Of course, how are things?" responded the violet haired warrior.
Ivor shrugged"Well-"
The old man grunted and gave Ivor a look. Ivor snapped to attention and went to the nearby room"Oh, okay, I'll get the rooms ready."
Arianna addressed the old man"How are you?"
The old man smiled as he responded"Oh, how are things, Arianna? I'm feeling quite well, I bet you're surprised to see how well I've been keeping young Ivor in line. He's turned out to be quite the work-horse, how's Erinn?"
"Same as ever" nodded Arianna.
Ivor returned to the counter"Sorry about this, will you two be staying the night?"
Arianna nodded and put down some gold"Yes, it's getting a little late anyway. How are your father and sister?"
Ivor replied"My pops has stopped nagging me, but sis has started to hate me for some reason. Well, enjoy your stay."
As Trent and Arianna turned in for the night, the Gladiator sighed"So what do you have in mind for tomorrow?"
The violet haired woman replied"Since I'm now guardian of our whole world, I'm going to want to check up on the other towns to see how everyone's doing."
"Sounds great, guess I'll get to sleep now" shrugged Trent.
The pair drifted off to sleep in preparation for the new day. As the night went by however, there was a knock on the door. Trent was fast asleep, while Arianna was woken promptly by the noise and walked to the exit. Arianna was surprised to see Raymond standing there"What is it? It's the middle of the night."
Raymond sheepishly replied"Sorry, but I recieved a carrier message not long after you left, it's from Sasha. I came here by Chimera Wing so I could tell you and Trent about the message."
"What message is it?" inquired Arianna.
The Mage reached into his pocket and handed her a note. The Celestrian read the contents'How are things? Sorry I didn't meet you wherever you are. Conrad and I are currently in Porth Lleffan, we met with Jona and Master Johansan. It's not urgent, but can you come, Arianna? We learned earlier today that ther's still a Lleviathan living in the sea near the port-Sasha'
Arianna inspected the note a bit more before turning her attention back to Raymond"When do you wish us to be there?"
"Well, like Sasha said in her message, it's nothing to be worried about. We can teleport to Porth Lleffan in the morning, right?" chirped Raymond.
The violet haired warrior nodded"Okay, but go back to Stornway and try to get a bit more sleep."
At dawn, Trent and Arianna got up and had breakfast with Ivor and Erinn's grandfather. Ivor spoke up"How was your sleep?"
"Pretty well, I just hope the commotion last night didn't wake you" replied Arianna.
Ivor shrugged"I was pretty freaked out myself, but it was all cool."
"You continuing your adventures, Arianna?" inquired the older man.
The violet-haired warrior nodded"Yes, and it was nice to see you two again."
Trent and Arianna bade farewell to Ivor and the old man, and set off back to Stornway. Trent piped up"So what happened?"
"Raymond paid me a visit last night, I was given a note sent by carrier pigeon from Sasha. We have to be at Porth Lleffan" replied Arianna.
The two reached the Quester's Rest and met with Alicia and Raymond. The female sage spoke"Good morning."
"Same to you, Raymond shouldn't have to had wake me up in the middle of the night though" sighed the violet-haired warrior.
"Sorry about that, I just didn't want to forget about the message" shrugged the male sage.
Trent squared his shoulders"Well, we know what to do if there really is a Leviathan."
The four headed outside the inn and joined hands. Arianna focused on what magic power she still had after becoming mortal and cast Zoom. The spell landed the group a short distance from Porth Lleffan. Conrad rushed out to meet them"How's everything?"
"Great, now what exactly are we doing?" inquired Trent.
The Ranger replied"Jona had some kind of dream and wants to talk to Arianna about it."
"Okay, lead the way" said the violet haired warrior.
The five entered the port and found Jona, Sasha and Johansan waiting for them. The Paladin spoke"It's been a couple days, you look well Arianna."
"Same to you" acknowledged the warrior.
Jona proceeded to explain the situation"I had some kind of dream the other night, it's as though some kind of force is calling us. It seems that the real Lleviathan is alive."
"How do we encounter it?" inquired Trent.
Jona hesitated, then replied"I heard of someone who actually summoned a Lleviathan before I did. But that person is dead, so I don't know how to summon the creature."
"She's right" said a voice, as the ghostly spirit of Florianna appeared.
"Mother? I can't see you" gasped Arianna.
The ghostly Celestrian replied"That dosen't mean I can't talk to you telepathetically, there is a spirit which appears at night which can tell you more about the mystery."
"How can you still be here, anyway?" whispered the younger purple haired woman.
Florianna replied"I am able to cross the barrier between the living and the dead somewhat in this form. Celestria has allowed me to do this much so I could still watch over you in spirit form. I can't stay here for long, just believe what I say, I am transplanting my thoughts directly into your brain."
Arianna thought over what the telepathetic voice in her head spoke of and murmered"I know what I must do now. We'll stay in the inn until evening, I'll see if I can find the spirit I was just informed of."
"Now you're talking, let's get to the bottom of this mystery" said Sasha.
Later that evening, Arianna and Sasha headed out of the inn to find the mysterious figure who had previously summoned a Lleviathan before Jona had. Cite the fact that the Lleviathan Jona summoned last time was in fact her father Dylan, who was transformed by a fygg.
"I can't feel the presense of any ghosts" whispered Arianna.
"Must be the result of you becoming Mortal, huh?" said Sasha.
The violet haired warrior nodded as they walked on. Florianna's voice again entered Arianna's head"The ghost is near the east part of the beach of Porth Lleffan, I will be your eyes."
"Are all deceased Celestrians capable of this?" inquired Sasha.
The violet haired warrior replied"No, neither my father or Aquila can do what my mother is doing now. Then again, she is Apus Major's daughter and a vassal of Celestria."
A flash of light shone from the sky, as though guiding the two to their destination. As they got there, Arianna saw through Florianna's spirit's eyes the spirit of an old woman. The woman was surprised"Hm?"
"Are you the one who could summon the actual Lleviathan?" inquired Arianna.
"Yes, but why do you ask?" demanded the older girl.
Florianna interjected"Arianna and her group are attempting to solve the mystery of the real Lleviathan, they wish to know how to summon one."
The old woman's ghost blinked in surprise"Hmph, all right, I'll explain. The Lleviathan can only be summoned at the cape outside the topmost floors of Twyll Caverns, and certain acessories must be worn by it's summoner: A Watermaul Wand, A Flowing Dress and a Silver Shield. Also, the summoner must recite a special incantation."
Sasha was astonished by what she was hearing"That sounds unbelievable, but we'll give that a try."
"Exactly, we'll let Jona know in the morning. Let's head back to the inn" said Arianna.
The violet haired warrior thanked the ghost before she and Sasha headed back to the inn. Florianna's voice addressed her daughter"It was the duty of all Celestrians to guard the Protectorate, but now that falls to you. I must now return to the stars, I wish you the best. I never intended you to shoulder the burden of the whole Protectorate."
As Florianna's presense instantly vanished, Sasha blinked"Okay, this mission is offically wierding me out."
The following day, Arianna and her group went to Jona's house to inform her of what they learned. The girl was surprised"So we must return to the cape where you freed my father."
"Yes, but we need the Watermaul Wand, a Silver Shield and a Flowing Dress" nodded Trent.
"I took the liberty of buying Chimera Wings, certain shops in certain towns may have the items we require" said the Paladin.
"Let's look everywhere we can and meet back here" nodded Arianna.
Jona nodded"I don't mind waiting, will you come with me to the caves after that?"
"Yes, we don't know of this Lleviathan is hostile or not" said the violet haired warrior.
As each of her allies zoomed to some of the other towns with the Chimera Wings' magic, Arianna herself teleported to Stornway. As she entered the local weapon/armor shop, one of the shopkeepers addressed her"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I need a Silver Shield" replied Arianna.
"That costs a lot, seventy five hundred gold in fact" said the shopkeeper.
The violet haired warrior reached into her pocket and put down some gold"Will this be enoujgh?"
"Close enough, it's all yours, just don't tell my wife" said the man.
Arianna thanked the shopkeeper and zoomed back to Porth Lleffan, Trent and his group met up with the Celestrian-turned-Mortal. The violet haired warrior inquired"How did it go?"
"Turns out Wormwood Creek had the Flowing Dress, which I bought. Trent found the Watermaul Wand at Gleeba" responded Alicia.
Arianna nodded"Great, let's let Jona know."
The six went to Jona's house, where she greeted them"How did it go?"
"We got the items we needed" responded Conrad.
Jona grinned"Great, let's get to it."
"I shall also assist on this venture" came a voice as Sasha's father approached.
Arianna smiled"Let's go, then."
The group entered Twyll Cave and made their way to the top. The monsters posed no threat, as Arianna's group had gotten far more powerful then when they previously visited.
When they got to the cliff, Arianna handed Jona the items they were required to have. Trent spoke up"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, and let's not dwell too much on the possibilities" said Arianna.
Jona stepped forward a bit and closed her eyes in prayer as she began to recite the spell needed to summon Lleviathan. As soon as the incantation was finished, a familiar, yet different red and blue creature emerged from the depths of the sea.
"look out!" called Conrad. Jona ran back towards her friends as the Lleviathan unleashed a Tsunami.
Johansan shielded Jona, while Trent and Arianna charged at the monster with their blades. The Lleviathan knocked them back with a spin attack, while Raymond cast Kaboom on it.
Lleviathan retaliated with another Tsuname and spin attack, which struck the group so hard that Alicia had to heal them. Conrad fired an arrow, which barely missed Lleviathan. Sasha jabbed at the monster with her lance, only to be met by a blow from it's tail.
Trent slashed the Lleviathan on it's thigh, while Arianna attacked with Falcon Slash. Lleviathan unleashed another Tidal Wave, which Alicia countered with Multi-Heal. The monster wasn't finished yet however, and launched another Tidal Wave.
"Ka-Boom!" Raymond's spell blasted the Lleviathan, causing it to bellow in pain. Trent seized the opprotunity to stab the monster with his lance, which Lleviathan countered with a spin attack. Conrad shot it with an arrow while it was distracted. The injured Llevathan unleashed another Tidal Wave, prompting Alicia to heal her allies again.
"That's it, let's give it all we got" said Arianna.
The Warrior and the Gladiator attacked Lleviathan simutaniously with their weapons, while Raymond shot it with another Ka-Boom. Conrad loaded another arrow and shot the monster between the eyes. The monster collapsed from it's injuries.
"We won" gasped Raymond.
"Wait a minute, look" whispered Alicia.
The injured Lleviathan woke up a few seconds later and spoke, much to Arianna's surprise"Were you the ones who stopped me? Sorry I acted that way just now, I must've hit my head."
Alicia healed the injured sea creature"How can you talk, anyway?"
Lleviathan responded"I don't really remember, but anyway, does this yellowish fruit belong to you?"
With that, a familiar looking fruit appeared before them. Arianna retrieved the item and said"Thank you."
"No problem, I'll just be minding my own business from now on. Farewell" said the Lleviathan, diving back under the sea.
Jona was surprised at the sight"Could this be...?"
"Yes, it is a Fygg. But what was it doing here?" whispered Arianna.
Johansan smiled"Well, it is good that you are all safe, let us head back to town."
As the group proceeded to depart, Jona addressed the violet-haired warrior"Um, do you have a wish in mind? I heard the legends, and I think it's only right that you have it."
"I take it you can regain your Celestrian powers, Arianna?" inquired Sasha.
The violet haired warrior just glanced at the Fygg in wonder, when she felt her head seemingly jerk to the side a little"I think I know who just did that."
"Really?" whispered Alicia.
"What is it?" inquired Johansan.
Trent turned to the old Martial Artist"Could you and Jona head on back to the port without us? We'll see you again some time."
"Very well. Oh, and Sasha? I could never be more proud of you, even though you've undertaken the path of the Paladin" whispered Johansan.
"Thank you, father" said Sasha.
As Jona and Johansan left, the violet-haired warrior took a deep breath and moved the fygg to her mouth. Upon eating the fruit, a familiar sight materialized before her eyes, once gain the eyes of a Celestrian. It was a familiar blond fairy with a pink dress and a flower in her hair"Stella?"
"You bet'cha. Not long after you left, I followed you and loverboy around, even though I couldn't see you. I even saw you take on that flapping Lleviathan" grinned Stella, cheekily.
Trent was equally astounded to hear the fairy's voice"Nice to see you're still the same as ever."
The violet haired Celestrian addressed Stella"By the way, where's the Starflight Express?"
Stella grinned"It's at the blue tree on Newid."
"So Arianna, what's next?" inquired Trent.
Arianna replied"Let's get back to the Starflight Express, but first we should rest back at Porth Lleffan. This whole mystery was somewhat tiring."
With that, the group headed back down towards Porth Lleffan.
Sorry for the wait, and sorry if I wasn't being to accurate here, even I get writer's block. I know I went and brought back two of the OCs for this chapter, but how would the hero be able to speak to that old woman's ghost as a mortal?
Anyway, I may alter between the grottos and the bonus characters, since the quests required to gain Erinn and Aquila as playable characters are tied to two of the grottos. I hope I didn't spoil too much info about the post-game content. I don't think I'll bother including the legacy bosses.
Please feel free to review.