ClanCrusher: Welcome back to another installment of-

WHAM!

Lloyd: Where the hell have you been?

ClanCrusher (Holding his head): Ow! I've been busy okay? Yeesh, cut a guy a break will ya?

Lloyd: It's been FOUR YEARS! What's wrong with you?

ClanCrusher: Would you believe life-threatening disease?

Lloyd: No.

ClanCrusher: Journey of self-discovery?

Lloyd: Try again.

ClanCrusher: Lot's of rigorous school and education?

Lloyd: Even if that was true, I don't care. There's your laptop. Start writing.

ClanCrusher: Fine.


Off the Coast of Palmacosta

"So Kratos," began Ranma casually as he looked at the approaching shore of Palmacosta. "Desians are basically the most universally hated generic bad guys on the face of Sylvarant, right?"

"Correct."

"And we're cruising towards a town that has been in a constant battle with these Desians for years, right?"

"Indeed."

"So what are the odds that us, in this Desian warship, are going to be on the end of a rather large but comical misunderstanding with the good guys thinking we're the bad guys?"

Kratos sighed as he spotted the shiny armor of several guards lining the docks, weapons at the ready. "I think today is going to be a rather long day."

"And I think it might be just about time to abandon another ship," said Han Duo, coming up from behind. "Ah well, she was good while she lasted."

Ranma sweat dropped. "You haven't even owned her for a day."

"I don't like long drawn out goodbyes," he said in a nostalgic voice. "Staying attached to any girl for too long is bad for your health after all."

WHAP!

Han Duo recoiled from Raine's blow to the back of his skull.

"Ow! Dammit woman I meant the ship! The ship!" he protested while rubbing the back of his head.

"Sure you did," said Raine, unbelieving. "This does cause a few problems though. Hopefully they'll allow us time to explain the situation."

"It's not like we're wearing Desian uniforms or anything," said Lloyd, joining them on the deck.

"You'd be surprised what fear can do to people," responded Kratos, eyes warily scanning the assembled troops. "Makes them jump to conclusions and do stupid things."

"And nothing sets people on edge like Desians," finished Raine.

The air was silent as the ship slowly pulled into the docks. The area was devoid of civilians and the kiosks that usually held shops were closed down. Everything seemed to be awaiting the arrival of the Desian warship.

Everyone followed behind Kratos, weapons ready but not drawn, as the leader of the platoon approached them.

He appraised them carefully. "You don't look like Desians," he said finally.

"We're not," affirmed the mercenary. "We accidentally commandeered this warship when our own ship was wrecked. Feel free to search it if you think it necessary."

The guard nodded and motioned for a couple of his men to board the vessel. Han Duo seemed to be about to protest but was quickly silenced by another smack via Raine's staff. After a couple tense minutes, the guards came back, giving an all clear signal.

"Well then, nothing to be too alarmed about then. Just as long as you're the only one," said the man jokingly. No one laughed. Coughing awkwardly, he regained his official voice. "Welcome to Palmacosta. I'd like to ask you to take that ship away as quickly as possible though. Desians tend to make the locals nervous."

"I'll be heading out as soon as I've resupplied," assured Han Duo.

Raine looked at the ship, and then back at him. "Can you really man that thing by yourself?" she asked skeptically.

"Sure I can. I've sailed much bigger things than her before."

Ranma raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Han Duo snorted. "Ye of little faith. See if I ever give you a ride again."

"Don't do us any favors," the martial artist shot back instantly. "I'd feel safer in a washtub after that ship ride."

Han Duo didn't respond, merely walked back up the gangplank, muttering to himself about uppity kids these days. The head guard gave one final salute before dispersing the other soldiers.

"Huh. Well that went unusually well," said Genis.

"Maybe we'll be able to pass through here without incident," said Lloyd confidently.

"Yeah, and maybe Kratos will actually smile for a change," mumbled Ranma sarcastically.


Palmacosta: Government Building

"Imposters! Seize them!"

"Hey Lloyd? I think this is the part where I say 'I told you so'."

"Oh shut up."

The Book of Regeneration. A record of the location of the seals needing to be released to refill the world with mana. Kept as a closely guarded artifact by the Governor of Palmacosta, and apparently given to the first rag tag group of adventurers claiming that they had the chosen one who was going on the journey of regeneration.

Behind them, a wall of guards had formed between them and the exit, halberds at the ready. Ranma tensed, getting ready for a fight.

"Colette!" barked Kratos suddenly, startling the smaller girl. "Show them your wings."

"Right." Concentrating for a second, her rainbow pattered wings appeared from her back, bathing the room in light.

Governor-general Dorr looked shocked but quickly called off the guards. "I-I apologize," he stuttered out quickly. "I thought the chosen of mana had already presented herself!"

Raine sighed, clearly annoyed. "And I suppose you took them at face value? Did you even think to ask for proof?"

"I-I let my excitement...get the best of me. I really wanted to believe. I offer my deepest apologies." He bowed towards the chosen.

Ranma rubbed his head tiredly. "Imposters huh? Should be easy enough. Just find the people claiming to be us and beat the crap out of them right?"

"It might not be that easy," said Raine doubtfully. "Apparently they were good enough to fool a Governor, so other people might assume that we are the imposters instead."

"Or it could be that this governor is an idiot," said Genis rudely. "Do you use your eyes at all or are they just there for decoration? You humans are-"

WHAP!

The words were barely out of his mouth before Raine's staff came down upon his head, making a loud sound. "And we are guests in this city. Watch your mouth Genis."

Genis looked angry, but didn't respond. Ranma felt a little uncomfortable. A small undercurrent of racism was flowing throughout the room now.

"I don't suppose you know what was in the book?" asked Lloyd hopefully.

"Angelic script," cut in Kratos before Dorr could answer.

"What did the imposters look like?" asked Ranma, trying a new line of questioning.

The governor thought about it for a second. "Well, the fake Chosen one was wearing a light blue wizards hat and cloak. Another had blue hair and a scholarly look about him, and another had spiky brown hair and lots of armor. The last was wearing green pants and a brown vest."

"Well if they're a group of four traveling together then they'll probably stick out easily enough," said Kratos.

"Assuming that none of them can actually read angelic script," mused Raine, "they'll probably want to sell it. Governor Dorr, what would you say the best place to sell antiques around here would be?"

"Hakonesia Peak," said the aged man instantly. "There's an old antique dealer there named Koton. Collects a lot of random things. He's been trying to get the scripture off of me for ages."

"How long ago were they here?" pressed Kratos.

"Not even an hour ago."

"No rest for the weary then," said Ranma sourly. "Oh well. Great town, at least for the whole ten minutes we were here I guess. Time to go save the world again."

"It'd be easier if everyone wasn't conspiring against us though," shot back Genis as they filed out of the building.

The group walked along quietly for a few seconds, no one speaking until Kratos stopped them in front of an item shop.

"We should take a minute to resupply," he said in way of explanation.

Ranma scratched his head. "Aren't we in kind of a hurry?"

"We are. But we are in no hurry to die from being unprepared."

Ranma sighed but conceded the point. Leaving the rest of the party outside, Ranma, Kratos, and Lloyd entered the item shop.

"Oh please! There's no way anyone would sell those to you at a price that low!"

The martial artist surveyed the scene before him. Two uniformed Desians seemed to be arguing with a brown haired girl in a yellow dress.

"You should be thankful that we're even willing to spend money for goods from a rundown shack like this!" Retorted one of the Desians.

"I don't need to hear that from a bunch of filthy Desians! I'm not going to sell one single gel to the likes of you."

"Chocolat, stop!" An older woman had come to stand behind the counter now, seemingly trying to diffuse the situation.

"But mom, these are the same monsters that took Grandma away!"

The first Desian slammed his hand down on the counter, leaning forward threateningly. "You've got some nerve talking to us like that, little girl! You keep that up, and we can't guarantee what'll happen to you or this city!"

Chocolat smirked. "Just try it! As long as Governor-general Dorr is around, we'll never submit to the likes of you!"

"Why you little-"

"Excuse me!" spoke up Ranma suddenly. "Are you guys going to buy something or what? We're kind of in a hurry."

The argument cut off abruptly as everyone turned to see the arrival of the new customers. The Deisans suddenly recoiled back in surprise.

"It's you!" said one.

"The one who escaped from the ranch!" said the other.

"And the one with the special exsphere!" The Desians began reaching for their weapons.

Ranma facepalmed, somewhat exasperated. "Oh right, I'd almost forgotten about that."

"You want to start something here?" asked Lloyd, resting a hand on one of his swords.

The Desians paused for a minute, as if suddenly realizing that they were outnumbered.

"I think you should leave," said Kratos menacingly.

The Desians hurried to put away their weapons and moved towards the door.

One of them turned around at the last minute to speak to Chocolat. "Depending on Lord Magnius' mood, you might or might not get to keep that pretty little head of yo-HURK!"

"I don't think you heard the big intimidating mercenary," said Ranma, gripping the half-elf by the throat and looking him in the eye. "I think he said something about you leaving." Before the Desian could struggle any further, he suddenly found himself flying out the doorway and onto the street. "Man I hate waiting in line."

Chocolat and her mother, simply stared at them for a bit before regaining their composure. "I-I better get to work," said Chocolat finally.

"Take care." Turning towards Kratos, she bowed slightly. "I apologize for what happened. Please, take a look around."

As Kratos began to bargain for their supplies, Ranma casually threaded his way through the products with Lloyd. "There seems to be a lot of racial tension around here," he said carefully.

"It's the same all around," said Lloyd bluntly. "Hatred between humans and half-elves is mutual, believe me."

"Do you hate half-elves?" asked Ranma curiously.

"The Desians killed my mother," he said simply. "I don't know about half-elves, but Desians..." he trailed off. Ranma didn't press him for an answer.

"We're done here. Let's get moving," said Kratos suddenly.


House of Salvation: Midway Between Palmacosta and Hakonesia Peak

Traveling to Hakonesia Peak was almost day long journey if started in the early morning. If timed right, one could usually make it to a House of Salvation conveniently placed halfway between the two destinations around noon. Unfortunately, their journey was ill timed, and the Chosen's party had traveled the last hour through the hottest part of the day.

"We stop for now," said Kratos firmly. "Pushing further will only be detrimental to our progress."

Lloyd slumped over and sighed in relief. "Man, I thought the desert in Triet was hot, but this is just as bad."

Ranma didn't say anything, choosing rather to move towards the shade with Colette as the party threaded throughout the House of Salvation. "He's stopping for me isn't he?" asked Colette as she reached down to pet a dog.

"You and Genis," corrected Ranma. "Don't worry though. It'll get easier. Good thing too, we've still got three more seals to break."

Colette sat back on the grass, allowing the dalmatian to lick at her face while she lathered it with attention. "I hope so."

Ranma sensed her depression. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked gently. "Is it about those imposters?"

"No no, it's just that..." she trailed off for a second. "I know we're stopping because of me and everyone's worried about my health."

"You're not a burden," said Ranma immediately. "You may be klutzy and not as combat oriented as everyone else," Colette's expression fell, "but you're not a burden. Besides, this journey would be so boring without you around to keep our morale up."

Colette didn't respond, but smiled gave the dog one last pat. "This one is definitely a Max."

Ranma sweatdropped. "You just named him?"

"Yep!"

"What if he already has a name?"

"He likes this one better. Don't you Max?" she cooed to the Dog. In response, the dalmatian rolled onto its stomach, begging for pets.

Ranma shook his head. "If you say so. So you're not even a little annoyed by those imposters?"

Colette thought about it for a minute. "Well...I think if we have more Chosen Ones the odds of the world getting saved will go up."

Ranma scratched his head as Colette wandered away. "I don't think it works like that..."


"Hey Lloyd, what's up?"

The red-dressed swordsman jumped at Ranma's unexpected voice. "Sshhh!" he hushed quietly.

"What are you-" Ranma cut himself off as he saw what Lloyd was spying on. A familiar purple-dressed assassin was standing in front of the alter, praying to the statue of Spiritua. Snatches of her prayer could almost be heard.

"...lla will suffer. Please, help me save everyone."

"I've been watching her for a while now," whispered Lloyd conspiratorially. "Colette wanted me to find out- Ranma?" Lloyd turned around only to see Ranma already walking towards the assassin.

"Hey Sheena, what's up?"

The assassin jumped at the sound of his voice before whirling around to face him. "You're alive!" she exclaimed, recognizing him immediately.

The martial artist raised an eyebrow. "I'm alive? I'm surprised you made it out alive after attacking Kratos like that."

"I had help," she mumbled.

"Oh really? How long did you last?" asked Ranma smugly. "I'll give you a thousand gald if you can honestly tell me that you held your own for longer than five minutes."

Sheena blushed but didn't deny it. "Shut up! We're supposed to be enemies remember?"

"Sure, but it's too hot to fight right now. Besides, this is a church. Fighting here has bad karma written all over it. My name is Ranma by the way."

"I know that already! You're spell-warrior nearly deafened me when she shouted it."

"Spell-warrior?" asked Ranma curiously.

"Your staff wielder," she explained.

"I think she's just a mage," he corrected.

"Bullshit! I've never seen a mage hit that hard with a staff."

"She's a teacher too," offered Ranma in way of explanation.

"Oh."

"...So what are you doing here anyways?"

"I was praying that I'd be able to kill you guys! What does it look like I'm doing?"

"But isn't the goddess your praying to the same one who chose Colette to be the chosen in the first place?"

Sheena looked flustered for a second. "You wouldn't understand!"

"Probably not. I'm kinda new to this world."

Sheena's eyes widened. "You mean-"

"Hey Ranma!" Lloyd's voice cut in over their conversation. "Is she fighting us or what?"

Lloyd's hands went to his swords but was stopped by Ranma's voice. "Hey Lloyd, I don't follow the religion here that well but I'm pretty sure that fighting in a temple is a big no no."

Lloyd paused for a moment and considered what he said. "I guess you're right. My name is Lloyd by the way," he offered in way of greeting.

Sheena, who had just been about to draw her own weapons looked a little off balance. "I-idiot! I never asked you your names."

"But we already know yours so it only seems fair," said Ranma reasonably.

"Oh forget it. I've lost my concentration. You'd better be ready next time." Withdrawing a small sphere from her clothes, Sheena threw it on the ground and vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Cough, cough. Oh man that stuff smells bad," said Ranma, waving the air in front of his face. "How do ninjas put up with that crap?"


Hakonesia Peak

It didn't take long to locate Koton's store. After all, it was the only house in the vicinity. Unfortunately, that was the easy part. The hard part was Koton himself.

"If you're looking for road passes to get through Hakonesia peak, it's 100,000,000 gald per person!"

"The hell? What kind of price is that? That's robbery!" Protested Lloyd.

"Shut up boy! I'll have you know that I hate men."

"And I hate old geezers like you," said Ranma sourly. "Fortunately, we're not trying to get through just yet."

"There it is," said Raine, pointing out an old looking book. "Just like Dorr said."

"Well at least he was good for something," mumbled Genis.

"Oh, my beautiful maiden! You have a good eye!" The old man immediately turned away from Ranma to talk to Raine. "This here is something I purchased from the Chosen of Mana. It's a very rare scripture record that contains the Legend of Spiritua! I've been wanting to get my hands on this for ages! I'd just about given up on Dorr ever letting go of it. It was very fortunate that the Chosen herself was willing to part with it!"

"God damn imposters," mumbled Lloyd. "Do they not want the world to be regenerated or something?"

"Would it be okay if we looked at it?" asked Colette innocently.

"You've got to be kidding me! Why should I show it to you people?"

THUNK!

"Because we're trying to save the world," said Ranma as he caught the old man's limp body. Everyone stared at him in shock. "What?"

"That wasn't very professional Ranma," said Raine condescendingly.

"Don't worry, he won't remember a thing. I used to do this to my dad all the time to make him forget his stupid plans," he assured them.

Kratos sighed. "Whatever. Let's just look at it while we have the chance."

Colette approached the book, and began reading. "Raging flames in an ancient city deep within clouds of sand overlook the city, lighting the darkness. Pure, flowing water floating, overflowing, in an isolated land becomes a giant pillar and rains down from the sky. Sublime wind, ancient city, the world's… Enshrined in the center of a giant stone seal lurks evil, impersonating a holy force. Shining…gazing up at the summit of the gods, giving praise to the pillar of the world…from the top of the tower of ancient gods. Two giant… …The rest is too damaged. I can't read it…"

"Well," said Raine, "since we've already released the seal of fire, we can assume that the city deep within clouds of sand refers to the Triet ruins. Assuming that Martel wrote the seals in the order in which she originally released them, then it follows that the water seal would be next."

"Pure, flowing water floating, overflowing in an isolated land becomes a giant pillar and rains down from the sky," repeated Genis to himself. "An isolated land probably refers to an island of some kind. A giant pillar of water is most likely referring to a geyser. So that means-"

"Thoda Geyser," said Ranma and Lloyd in unison.

Genis blinked. "How did you guys know that?"

Raine sighed. "Geography. It was the only lesson they were able to stay awake for while I was teaching," she explained.

"You can't win every battle," said Kratos wisely. "But at least we have a destination now."

"Make sure to copy down what you've read," said Raine to Colette, handing her a piece of paper. "I don't think it'll be good for his health if we knock him unconscious every time we want to read that book."

"I'm telling you it's going to be fine," assured Ranma. "I've done this lots of times."

"That's not exactly encouraging," said Genis.

After transcribing the book, the party left the house, only to be stalled by a crowd of people mingling in front of the shop. "What's wrong?" asked Lloyd to the crowd of people.

One of the women turned to the swordsman, seemingly both excited and horrified to share her gossip. "Oh you don't know?"

"It'd be better if you just stayed here for a while. Avoid Palmacosta at all costs," he cautioned.

"Did something happen?" asked Colette worriedly.

"It seems the Desians are headed for Palmacosta," said another woman. "Plus they say that their leader Magnius is with them."

Ranma tuned out the rest of the crowd as he talked with the other party members. "I thought that the Desians had reached their 'death quota' this year. What's up with the invasion?"

"Magnius has always been a lose cannon," explained Kratos. "Someone human probably slighted him or something."

"You know the guy?" asked Ranma curiously.

"I know of him," he corrected. "Of the Desian ranch leaders, he's probably the closest to insanity."

"We have to go help them," said Lloyd suddenly.

"That wouldn't be recommended," cautioned Raine. "Our goal is to regenerate the world. We don't have time to worry about every single town along the way."

"What good is saving the world if we can't even save the people in front of us?" shouted Lloyd. "They don't have a non-aggression treaty like Iselia. If we just stand by and let this happen, there won't be anything left to regenerate!"

Raine seemed at a loss for words. Colette, on the other hand, was immediately fired up. "Lloyd's right! I won't just stand here and let this happen."

Ranma however, groaned. "Ugh. I guess this means we get to travel all the way back there then."

"It's good training," said Kratos unsympathetically. "We'll have to hurry though. Raine, you ride with Noishe. Lloyd, you carry Genis. Ranma, you carry Colette. If you keep pace with me then we'll make it in time."

"Why don't you have to carry anyone?" asked Ranma skeptically.

"Because I've already completed my training," said Kratos simply. "Enough complaining."

"Ooh a piggyback ride," said Colette excitedly. "I haven't done this in a while."

Ranma couldn't help but groan again as he felt Colette's weight add on to the weight he was already carrying. "These people better be grateful for this," he mumbled quietly.


A/N: Oh man I am so out of practice with this fanfic. I hope you still enjoyed it though. I know the impostors haven't played a big role just yet, but we'll be seeing more of them in the future. Show of hands though, how many people just wanted to deck Koton by the end of the game?