Note: First off, Merry early Christmas!

This mainly serves as an exposition chapter, yet it is necessary, so I hope it isn't too dull for you.

There's some info on the Benevodons, yet why they were sealed up instead of outright being destroyed will be covered much later, as it ties into their relationship with the Mana Goddess and the Elementals themselves.

I've also found some streams of Heroes of Mana, so I've been watching and doing some research on that as well. Although some details in that game don't entirely match up with Trials of Mana (if Angela's the oldest, how can Hawkeye be born before her?), I'll try to make the details mesh as best I can. Also, there's an interesting tidbit involving the Benevodons in that game that I'll touch on as well.

Also, thank you to TheEmeraldMage, yet I didn't write the descriptions of the classes themselves, as they come from the official game.

And as for the Samosa blossoms, I know in the game that it says spores, but spores only come off from fungi, while flowering plants distribute themselves through pollen.

I'm not that good with A/Ns, yet I like to leave them to clarify some things if I'm not clear. That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Siege on Laurent

His amber eyes began slowly opening, the image of a young, blonde girl meeting him. "Kevin?" Charlotte asked, smiling at the now awakened beastman.

He immediately noted her features: worn down and tired, striking against her usually youthful face. Her attire was also different, yet before he could acknowledge it, it faded away from her person, her regular clothing once again on her body. Then she slumped over onto Duran's chest, the knight catching her. "Charlotte?!" the beastman lifted himself and went over to the young girl (even if she was just as old as he was). "Charlotte, you ok?"

"Y-Yeah." the blonde sighed sleepily. "I'm just wown out."

"She's been busy giving everyone treatment." someone spoke up, Kevin looking to see Alma up and about. "You had yourself a few cracked ribs, young man. The lucky thing was that this girl's intuition is so good. Otherwise, we'd have a problem."

Indeed, while unconscious, there were brief periods where he nearly slipped out, and during that, he swore he could feel something inside being mended. "It's not weawwy that," Charlotte explained, wanting nothing more than to sleep right now. "I've sowt of aways had a way of, weww, 'sensing' things."

These thoughts and ponderings went with her as Charlotte finally succumbed to exhaustion, her blue eyes closing as she fell asleep in the Valsenan soldier's arms. "Charlotte?!" Kevin called out, yet to his relief, it seemed that the girl had just fallen asleep. His golden eyes fell on her, specifically her clothing. "What she was wearing a minute ago...what was that?"

"Yeah, about that," Duran answered. "I don't entirely understand it either, but," his eyes fell on the Mana Stone. "It's all due to that thing there."

Kevin's mind scrambled together memories before he was knocked out, specifically where Harcypete had thrust Riesz against its surface, and it seemed to have some sort of reaction on them.

"So that would explain Riesz's little 'costume change' up there." Hawkeye then said the amazon in question slumped up against him. She still attempted to stand on her own, yet despite being healed, she was still rather tired. The thief then noticed the looks on the others' faces. "Have you all…?"

Angela nodded. "That knight...helped, I guess?" she shrugged, the actions of that knight more than strange to everyone still. "Well, whatever. Duran got himself some of whatever that Stone's giving off, and Charlotte and I helped ourselves to some." the sorceress explained. "Course, these guys here," the Elementals popped out on cue. Only two of them. "Uh, where's the other guy?"

"Oh! Yes, excuse me!" mists swirled around and formed into Sylphid. "So sorry. Keep forgetting that you can't naturally sense me." he then looked to Hawkeye, Riesz, and Kevin. "But yes." he then gestured to the Mana Stone of Wind. "This Stone here has granted four of you the ability to use raw Mana energy."

"Mana...energy?" Kevin was puzzled. "What does that mean?"

"Basically what it sounds like, hun," Lumina answered. "You've access to abilities and powers courtesy of the Goddess' essence itself!"

"But also that of the Benevodon inside," Gnome added, tone grimmer.

"So...that means it's bad, right?" Kevin asked.

"Well...kinda yes, kinda no," Lumina said.

"Kinda?" Hawkeye raised a brow. "Doesn't sound like you're exactly sure."

"Well...that's 'cause it's not necessarily good OR bad. Sorta." The Light Elemental shifted his eyes.

"But…" Gnome interjected. "Seeing how things are going...it may be just what you need from here on in."

"What do you mean?" Riesz asked, stumbling, yet she still managed to finally stand without support.

Sylphid then floated up closer to the thief and beastman. "This is neither the place nor time. You all need time to recover, especially her." he gestured to Charlotte. "Yet before we leave for the young Queen's base," Hawkeye could've sworn that he saw the amazon flinch at that, Alma looking sympathetically at her. "I suggest you two place your hands upon the Stone."

Hawkeye and Kevin were surprised upon hearing this, looking to each other, the others, and then the Stone itself. They looked back to the others as if seeking reassurance, yet everyone had the same unsure expression. "I'll admit it. What I could do...I can make a lot of use of." Duran said.

"My magic…" Angela stared at her wand. "It was incredible."

"And without it, I doubt she would be able to heal me or any of you," Alma answered, gesturing to the unconscious Charlotte.

"The decision is yours, though," Sylphid told them. "For indeed, there are just as many dangers as rewards."

Both thief and beastman prince pondered the Spirits' and everyone else's words, their eyes falling upon the massive, triangularly shaped rock. Indeed, the offer was tempting, Hawkeye seeing firsthand what the Stone's power had given both Harcypete and Riesz. Yet Kevin's attention was drawn towards the warnings the Spirits had given them. Just what sort of risks were there? It must've been dire if representatives of the elements felt the need to tell them of it. Nonetheless, both young men found their eyes unable to escape the Stone. The reasons they were here now, as well as why they had started the journey to Wendel, came to their minds.

Jessica…

Karl…

With that, there was no more hesitation. Both placed their hands on the Stone's surface, wincing in pain as the energy transferred into them, their bodies consumed with surges of electricity before finally being released from its grasp. They both looked at the palms of the hands they used to touch the Stone, not noticing any burns or marks, yet there was a distinct feeling of a force of sorts that had just entered them. An alien and fearful yet also desirable presence that now dwelt within the deepest parts of them. It wasn't needed right now, but when the time came, they knew it would be called upon if required.

And indeed, both found themselves thinking such a time would be soon.

Amazon Base

Duran listened intently to the conversation; everyone gathered around and took in all that had occurred.

"So, you were attacked by this Crimson Wizard and this strange knight?" one of the women asked, Riesz nodding in response.

"As well as Harcypete. It seems that a temporary alliance was formed between the three." Riesz theorized. "Yet, I arranged this meeting to deliver some...interesting news."

The other amazons were puzzled, even more so when the Elementals emerged from seemingly nowhere, Sylphid having joined Lumina and Gnome. Faerie, too emerged from her host to join them. "That's right." Sylphid began. "It seems that Harcypete isn't the only one that has received power from the Stone."

The amazons were shocked by this. "You mean…" they all looked at the four young people (Charlotte currently resting in a bed with Kevin watching over her), most of the eyes centered on their leader.

"Yes," Alma spoke up. "They have been granted new abilities via the power of Mana itself."

"And that's not all," Lumina added. "These guys have gotten a boost of sorts. Thanks to the Stone...and that mean ol' Benevodon inside, they can tap into raw Mana and become even stronger."

"Strong enough to fight off those good-for-nothing brutes and that ugly bird!" Gnome cheered, flexing one of his tiny arms, a surprisingly impressive muscle presented. How was that even possible when his arms typically looked like twigs? "And to get Sylphid out of a jam!" He slapped the Wind Elemental's back so hard the blue-skinned Spirit's face planted down on the table. "Oh, sorry, buddy."

Sylphid got up and dusted himself off, conjuring some pink clouds for him to float on. Though it was mainly for aesthetic reasons, he liked appearing mystical and otherworldly. Admittedly, it was somewhat vain, but he enjoyed the look it gave him. At least he didn't bathe himself in blinding spectrums like Lumina. "Yes," he said, folding his arms. "These humans have tapped into the Stone's power, as well as the Benevodon's."

"Wait a minute," Angela then spoke up. "You keep saying that this...boost is from both the Stone and Benevodon. What's that even mean?"

"Yeah...this is where it kinda gets complicated, hun," Lumina said. "When the Goddess sealed those nasty guys, their prisons were created using her essence, which is raw Mana energy," he explained.

"Yet, as the Stones are what keeps the Benevodons in check, and because they've been in there for so long, the energy that you received is also somewhat theirs. So, essentially, you got two halves of the same source." Gnome added.

"In short, you have gained both light and dark uses of Mana." Sylphid finished.

Everyone absorbed and pondered what had just been relayed to them. The other amazons were mainly amazed that they had three Elementals in their presence, as well as one Faerie, who seemed to be taking in everything the Spirits were saying.

"It...it's kinda like what Jose said," Angela said. "Magic in itself is a manipulation of Mana, and Mana resides in all forms of life...yet it is a neutral source, able to be utilized for both good and evil. Is that it?"

"I...suppose so," Faerie answered. "Honestly, this is as much news to me as it is to you."

"But that's a good thing!" Duran then proclaimed. "If we've gotten access to such power, then we'll be able to better prepare for what's ahead and get to the Mana Sword faster!"

"Now, hold on a minute there, son!" Gnome cried out. "Don't get ahead of yourself! There are some things that you need to account for!"

"That's right," Sylphid added. "Do you remember how Charlotte collapsed?" the four nodded, still concerned about the girl's current condition. "Don't worry, she's fine. Her life force is strong still, yet yours may not be if you use this 'boost' too much."

Before anyone could ask why Lumina interjected. "Mana is the source of all life, and you all have just gotten a healthy dose of extra." the Light Elemental explained. "Yet as you tap into that, its use can steadily drain your Mana, which, in turn, means it drains your life." The air in the room grew cold suddenly. "I don't like it personally, yet I also admit that you probably won't get much further without it. Yet you need to be careful. Using it too much could damage you greatly." Lumina then paused. "It could even kill you."

Everyone went silent, many eyes wide, and a few mouths hung agape at the startling revelation. "Wh-What?" Duran stammered, completely astonished at what he had just heard.

"Kill them?" Faerie said aloud, just as surprised as her host. "Kill them?!"

"B-But don't worry!" Lumina then said. "Everything's gonna be fine!"

"Fine?!" Angela yelled, slamming her hands on the table. "You just said that this could kill us, but then you say it's all going to be fine?!"

"And it will be!" the Elemental reassured. "We're with you, hun!"

"Yeah!" Gnome added. "We'll be here to keep you kids in check!"

"It's not the first time." Everyone suddenly turned to Alma, Riesz looking at her, shocked. "During the Peddan War, it was not only the Elementals that were used to beat back enemy forces."

"Alma…" Riesz spoke, unbelieving what she was hearing. "You...you mean…" her former captain nodded.

"Simply put, what's done is done." Sylphid sighed. "The only direction to go is forward." he then centered his eyes on Riesz. "Which brings us to how you plan to take back your kingdom."

Elsewhere

Finally, at long last, she began to stir, much to his relief. The blonde girl gave a light moan before she opened her blue eyes, seeing the tan-skinned beastman looking down at her. "K-Kevin?" she asked, hoisting herself to a sitting position.

"You ok?" Kevin asked, more or less thankful that she was up.

"I think so," Charlotte said, wincing at an ache that had begun to plague her shoulder. She then felt Kevin's calloused yet gentle hand place itself on her shoulder and gently knead and massage the sore spot, careful not to put too much pressure. "Oooh…" she moaned. Goddess, that hit the spot. She had no intention of telling anyone about how good the beastman was at this. This was her treat and hers alone.

"Anything broke on you?" the beastman asked, Charlotte having to bring herself out of her relaxed stupor to answer his question.

"No. I'm good." the blonde girl said.

"I've gotta say, though," Kevin added. "Did you know I had a few cracked ribs?" Charlotte nodded, not even paying attention. "How'd you know that?" seeing that she was suddenly contemplating something, he ceased rubbing, allowing the girl to think of what she was going to say.

"Weww...the twuth is, I kinda awways sowta knew stuff wike that."

"What do you mean?"

Charlotte averted her eyes for a moment. "It...it started when I was vewy young. Awound five...maybe six. Anyway, I wemember one time I found a cocoon...or was it a cwysalis? Which one do buttewfwies come out of again?" she put a finger to her chin, pondering. "Weww, guess it doesn't mattew. Point is, I could 'feew' something inside. I could tell...see that the cattipiwwew was changing." she remembered that event well, as well as how shocked and in awe she was when she finally saw the tiny insect emerge from its containment. "It was mainwy smaww things like that at fiwst. And it was just once in a whiwe." she continued. "But as I got owdew, I guess it got stwongew, whatevew it is. I wemembew one time in pawticulaw…."


A Year Earlier

Temple of Light

"So, your sister is pregnant?" Charlotte heard her grandfather ask, a man that had traveled from Maia nodding in response.

"Yes." the man answered. "I heard that merely your word can guarantee a safe and healthy birth."

"Make no mistake, I am not a god." her grandfather clarified. "And whatever gifts I have received come from the Goddess Herself. Yet, though her, I can bless the child."

Charlotte hadn't even intended to stay around; she was just passing through to see what Mick was up to as she was bored. Yet when she saw the man, for some reason, she immediately sensed that something was...off about him. She could see it: some strange, pulsating mass had formed in his stomach. What it was, she didn't know, but whatever it was, she could tell that it didn't belong there. Yet why wasn't her grandfather saying anything?

"Thank you, your Eminence." the man thanked. "That is all I ask of you." he began to turn away, yet he was stopped by the old man's hand coming to his shoulder.

"Hold on." her grandfather said. "Before you leave, I wish to give you something." The two then went away from the altar to a backroom, Charlotte pursuing them and hiding behind a corner. Soon, both the Priest and man came out with a small bag of what appeared to be various herbs and leaves. "Take these with warm water every morning and every evening."

"And...what will that do?" the man questioned.

Her grandfather's features grew solemn. "Only time will tell. Yet you are welcome to come and receive more whenever you see fit."

The man was thankful, yet nonetheless, disturbed. "I...I don't know what to say. Th-Thank you. I'll tell my sister about the baby."

"And this." her grandfather urged. "Your family must know. So do not feel that you need to keep this a secret."

"...yes. Of course. Thank you again, your Eminence." with that, the man left her grandfather's side and exited the temple.

Charlotte was pondering whether or not she could say something and reveal herself, yet before she could do anything, "What was that about?" Heath beat her to it.

The young priest made his way over to her grandfather, confused about what had just happened. The Priest of Light's face was downcast. "There is terrible cancer eating away at that man's organ."

Heath's eyes widened at this news. "Wh-What?! And you just let me go on his merry way?!"

"No, not at all." her grandfather shook his head. "I provided him with medical herbs that will quell the disease. However,"

"However?"

"However, it shall eventually come back. He shall depend on the herbs for the rest of his life, assuming that he lives much longer." the old answered, greatly saddened.

"Then...then why not be rid of it entirely?" Heath asked. "Your Eminence...with all due respect, surely you can rid him of such an ailment altogether, can't you?"

Her grandfather shook his head. "I am a man of healing, yes. But it is not my right to go against the will of the Goddess. She sets when everyone will leave this world and return to Her."

Then, Charlotte witnessed something that she wouldn't have ever believed had she not seen it happen right before her. She saw the young man argue with her grandfather. "Forgive me, but that makes no sense, your Eminence." Charlotte had to swallow down the gasp that dared to try and exit her throat. "If our power comes from the Goddess Herself, and she is the mother of all healing, then should we not be allowed, if not outright obligated, to heal and cleanse all ailments and diseases from those we can?"

Her grandfather shook his head again. "Heath, I do not question your devotion or charitable spirit. Indeed, you are a fine young man, and you speak from a good place," he explained. "Yet you must also remember that we are emissaries of Her Worship. We are not the ones that can decide when death comes. We can only serve to spread Her message and ease the pain of the afflicted as best we can."

"If we wish to ease the pain, then shouldn't we eliminate it?" Heath argued. "And if we do not have such power, then should we not strengthen ourselves?"

"Heath-"

"And even more, should not the Goddess wish us to do so? If she is the source of all life, why would she not wish for us to preserve it if we can?"

"Heath, please understand-"

"No, I understand. I understand entirely." the young man was getting frustrated. "There are limits to how much we can do. Not ordained by the Goddess, but by human laws."

Her grandfather shook his head. "No, that's not it. We must simply-"

"Please, your Eminence. I believe that enough has been said." with that, Heath went off, brow furrowed and fists clenched, very much unlike his usual demeanor, Charlotte observed.

Her grandfather gave a low, heavy sigh, clearly shocked that he had potentially caused something of a rift between himself and the young man. Yet something he said caught his granddaughter's attention. "So much like Belgar…" he sighed. Yet instead of being disappointed, Charlotte noticed that, while saddened, her grandfather's voice almost sounded grim. Dare she say, afraid.


"So, what happened then?" Kevin questioned, truly invested.

"Not too much," Charlotte admitted. "Nothing weawwy came of it. Heath was sowta wecwusive for a few days, but things went back to nowmaw. At weast, I think they did. If anything was wwong, I didn't know." Charlotte had mused over this for some time, yet whenever she questioned Heath or her grandfather about it, they simply told her not to worry and, albeit gently, that it was ultimately not her business. Yet she noticed how Heath spent much more time in the study, reading book upon book of various healing methods and how to channel one's inner power, something that her grandfather seemed somewhat concerned over. Yet it appeared that she wouldn't know anything about Heath's abduction for some time.

Yet still, one question lingered in her mind ever since then: just who was this 'Belgar'?

"Is there...anything else?" Kevin asked, sensing that this wasn't all the girl kept to herself.

Charlotte was silent for a moment, yet ultimately, she relented. "Yeah." she nodded. "After that...that's when the dweams stawted."

"Dreams?"

Charlotte nodded. "Again, wike with 'seeing' stuff, it was just smaww at fiwst. Wike how, tomorwwow, we'we having stew for dinnew. Ow that thewe's some extwa cake left. But as I got owdew, they became more...specific, I guess you couwd say." she then grew quiet for a bit. "I don't choose when they happen. They seem just to come and go. But...there awe a few I've had mowe often watewy." she continued, closing her eyes, images of the two she was speaking of coming to her mind. "A man and woman. He's so handsome and she's so beautifuw. I don't even know theiw names, but I know who they awe." she gripped the sheets, her fists trembling. "They...they'we twying to teww me something. I don't know what...but…"

"Ah, good." they both heard a male voice say, turning to see Hawkeye and the other three that had gone to the meeting approaching them. "The little miss up?"

"That had bettew be a good 'wittwe' mistew." Charlotte warned, though there was a good amount of playfulness in her voice. Hawkeye seemed to sense this, replying with a grin.

"What did they say in there?" Kevin questioned.

"We plan to go through with Domperi's strategy," Riesz said. "Of course, now seeing that we have Sylphid at our side now, we, or rather," she gestured to Angela. "Angela here can conjure up a whirlwind carrying the pollen of the flowers to cover the citadel. Isn't that right?" Angela didn't answer. "...isn't that right?"

"Oh! Uh...y-yeah. Sure." Angela answered.

"And seeing as you are well-rested and healed, I thought that perhaps we should get started as soon as possible."

The magician's eyes widened. "W-What?" she stammered.

"The retaking of Laurent is imperative, and seeing as there are now forces from outside Nevarl as well, now would be the most opportune time to act." the amazon answered. "Unless you are still injured from-"

"No, no, I'm fine." Angela interrupted. "I...I can do it. Yeah, sure. Anytime! Anytime…"

Later

"Anytime…" why did she have to say that?

"Come now," Sylphid said reassuringly. "You can do it."

Angela bit her lip, yet nonetheless, tried again. She spun around, the sensation of wind nipping at her bare legs able to be felt, yet she got no further than that. Immediately, the wind died, leaving her only with the night breeze. She released an exhausted groan and fell to the bed of flowers below. She had been at this for hours on end, yet nothing. Not ONE ounce of progress. She had been able to channel and transform into her Mysticist form, yet it seemed to do her little good. She tried every position and every stance she could think of. And seeing as the wind swirled and traveled, she found a spinning motion the most appropriate.

You cannot simply rely on making poses to channel your energy. she heard Jose's lecturing voice in her head.

Then tell me, oh wise one. Angela responded in turn, clearly reaching her breaking point. 'What do you suggest?'

Have you been reading up on your Elemental studies?

Angela fumed. Of course, I have! she shouted. I don't lollygag all day, contrary to what you or Victor may believe! But, I'm telling you, something… she remembered pausing, her breath hitching. There's something...wrong with me.

Jose sighed. 'You are being ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with you, Princess. Let's try again.'

And she tried. Again, and again, and again, and again. She tried, tested, and tried until she could take it no more and rushed out of the study, near tears. And frankly, she found herself near that point right now. Then, finally, her new form dissipated, leaving her in regular clothing, her hands clutching her wand so hard that her knuckles turned white underneath her gloves.

"Oh, come now," Sylphid said, floating close to her. "Don't cry."

Angela gritted her teeth. No, she wouldn't. She couldn't give up now. Yet this entire operation was counting on this one crucial factor. She was to create a whirlwind channeling Sylphid that would bring the pollen from the blossoms to shower over the citadel. Yet how could she do that if she couldn't even make a simple air swirl? "Why can't you just do it?" she asked the Wind Elemental.

Sylphid sighed. "Due to Mana's depletion, we are weaker than before. Thus, our powers are greatly reduced unless we are channeled, merging our Mana force with that of the one using our power."

"Some help, huh?" Angela muttered, burying her face in her knees that had been brought to her chest.

From a short distance away, Charlotte watched, finally having had enough, and went up to the violet-haired Princess. "Uh, hey thewe." she greeted, though Angela didn't respond. "You ok?"

"Peachy." Angela moaned.

Ok, maybe she shouldn't have approached the Princess. Still, even if it was self-motivation, she couldn't stand the discomfort of the situation any longer, so she went to see if she could try and remedy it, even if just by a little. "Hey, y'know, I can do magic stuff too." the blonde girl said. "Maybe, y'know, I couwd sowta hewp out?"

Sylphid sadly shook his head. "Not possible." he sighed. "While yes, you can all channel our power, that doesn't mean that all abilities are equal. Let us take you, for example." he gestured to the blonde. "You are more in tune with the magic that heals and supports, while she is more in tune with the magic that is offensive. Thus, only through her may I be able to create what we need for this mission." Charlotte was greatly disappointed. True, she had been able to channel some of Lumina's skills and some of her power before she even came to meet the Light Elemental, yet to hear some things were beyond her wasn't exactly news she wanted to hear. Sylphid went to Angela's side. "Come now. Try again."

"What for?" Angela replied, despondent.

"Doesn't the fact that everyone's counting on you matter?" a voice suddenly said. Angela, Charlotte, and Sylphid turned to see Duran standing outside the field, entering and drawing close to the Princess.

At the Border of the Citadel

What was keeping them? Riesz reminded herself to remain patient, as this whole operation was dependent on the very aspect of waiting for the opportune moment to strike. They had come to the border, hidden behind the towers, stones, and shadows of the caves at nightfall under cover of darkness, yet by the rate this was going, it would soon be dawn before they would even get a footstep closer or even later. Riesz was about to send Eliza to see what was going on with Angela, yet Duran had volunteered; Faerie muttering something to him that he seemed to react significantly to, and she noticed his cheeks were somewhat flushed.

"You think he'll be all right on his own?" Eliza questioned her captain.

"He's more than skilled enough with a blade. He can take care of himself." Riesz answered blue eyes focused on the gate of the citadel and the two ninjas standing guard.

"Um, I don't mean to say she can't," Kevin spoke up. "But do you think Angela can pull it off?"

Riesz remained silent. "She'll have to." she simply said, the grip on her spear tightening the longer she stared at the two guards. "This entire operation hinges on her success."

Hawkeye noticed the aggression in her eyes and found himself growing concerned. "But...when she does," not 'if,' when, as he wasn't willing to think of the other possibility. "We won't have to attack anyone. The pollen will only knock them out."

Riesz nodded. "The ones outside the citadel will be incapacitated, yes," she told the thief, knowing well why he was asking her this. "Yet those inside will have to be dealt with. I'm sorry, but it's inevitable."

"...I understand," Hawkeye answered, not happy with this news, yet nonetheless, he suspected it would be the case somewhere down the line.

"But," Riesz spoke up again. "We are looking to take back the citadel. We are not looking to slaughter anyone inside mindlessly. I would prefer to keep the insides at least decently clean, all things considered."

The thief's spirits perked up at this, though he was still somewhat unsure. He needed some humor to at least lighten the mood for himself. "Isabella's a witch, but she's a classy witch. I would trust that she's kept the place relatively good-looking." Thankfully, this seemed to gain a smile from the amazon, though it didn't last long.

"She, on the other hand…." Riesz's voice grew serious. "I don't believe I have it in me to show her mercy."

She noticed Hawkeye stiffen at that, though he put on quite a poker face. Yet she could sense his apprehension at her declaration. Despite himself, he knew well that this would eventually come. That witch would subsequently have to be faced. He could only hope that, by some grace of the Goddess Herself, he could keep his promise to Jessica and the amazon he now stood with.

Samosa Field

"What the…" Angela got up. "What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be with Riesz and the others?" then, her shock was replaced with irritation and shame while she did her best to conceal it. "Or am I not moving fast enough for you?"

"Well, it's about that," Duran answered, drawing closer.

"Well...well, you can just tell her that these things don't happen in the blink of an eye!" Angela huffed. "Besides, Sylphid just got out of being in whatever that dark barrier thing was! Maybe he's just a little weak or out of practice!"

"We cannot get out of practice," Sylphid said. "It is through your and my combined Mana energy that we-"

"I know, I know!" the Princess shot back. "I know all that elemental crap! But, just…" she groaned, throwing her wand to the ground. "Just give me a few minutes, ok!?" she turned away from the Wind Elemental, Charlotte wincing at how uncomfortable the situation had just gotten.

She looked at Duran, silently urging him to do something, the soldier in question feeling somewhat awkward at the moment.

"He's worried about her." he remembered Faerie telling Riesz and the others before he went, the young man reminding her to stay out of his head. Yet now, seeing how the young woman slumped to the ground, hugging herself with her head hanging downward...he was lost as to what to do.

"Well?" Faerie whispered. "Go on! Say something!"

"Like what?" he whispered, the winged woman having popped out of his ear again.

"I don't know!" she replied. "But you've gotta do something! Otherwise, nothing's going to be going anywhere!" She observed Angela's condition a bit more. "Besides, she's not looking too well…" she could sense her host's tension and anxiousness as to what exactly to say or do. "Just...go talk. Nothing too big. Just a few words are all you'll need. And besides...it wasn't as if I lied back there. You DID come here because you were worried about her."

Duran rubbed the back of his head, then slowly approached the violet-haired Princess. His throat, he spoke. "Angela?" he asked, only to receive no answer. "Hey, you all right?" again, he received no response at first. Yet after a few long moments of silence, he got something, albeit it was barely above a whisper. "What was that?"

"...I just don't know what I'm doing wrong." the Princess said, wishing nothing more than for Gnome to open a fissure up in the ground to swallow her up. "It...it just never stops."

Duran was puzzled. "What do you mean-"

"I DO care, you know." she interrupted.

"What?"

"I said I do care," Angela repeated. "No matter what Jose or Victor think, I do." she continued. "I study, I practice, every day. Sometimes for hours," she explained. "And no one seems to see that. They all just think I'm some slouch or spoiled pretty girl who doesn't care about anything. Mother thinks I'm useless, and it wouldn't surprise me if she saw fit to make HIM heir instead of me. Every time I see her, she just stares past me like I'm not even there." she began to tremble. "And Koren...he's never said anything, but this whole thing just proves what I already knew. He's always looked down on me. Whenever we passed or even briefly talked, his tone was always arrogant and superior sounding. As if he were subtly trying to beat it into my head that…" she released a strained whimper. "That neither he, mother, or anyone else would see me as anything but a useless, spoiled girl who dressed like some cheap whore."

Despite her attempts to keep quiet, Duran could hear that she was crying. "Go on." Faerie urged. "Go on!" the soldier moved forward towards the weeping Princess, unsure what to say.

True, while he couldn't strictly relate to her plight, the ways of the blade had come naturally to him; he knew well what inadequacy and the destruction of one's self-image felt like. And to hear how that damned wizard treated her and how that wicked Queen treated her daughter just made his blood boil. How could a supposed 'Queen of Reason' see to make her flesh and blood feel such a way? Screw the aspect that Angela was the heir; the fact that she was the Queen's child should've been enough justification for at least SOME form of love! And even more, she was the Queen's ONLY child, making it even viler in Duran's eyes! Yet now wasn't the time for anger, as much as he wished to find that wizard and slice his head off. He needed to be a rock for this young woman to lean on, not just out of some need for retaking a kingdom. Yet what to say to her?

Kneeling, Duran pondered for a moment yet found a decent enough place to start. At least, he hoped so. "Well...I don't know much about magic, but...it's not all just about form."

Angela groaned. "I heard it enough from Jose; I don't need to hear it from you."

Duran sighed. "No, you probably don't. But," he reached out for her wand, picking it up. "I think I might know where you're falling short." He drew out his blade, the sound gaining Angela's attention. "When you were able to cast the other spells, what was different then compared to now?"

Angela was puzzled. Just what was he getting at? "I...don't get what you're saying. If you mean why they somehow just 'worked,' it's because they just…' worked.'"

"No, it was because you treated the magic, and in turn, your wand, as part of yourself," Duran answered.

"What do you mean?" Angela questioned.

"Well...think of it like this." He held out his sword. He didn't mean to make it sound like this was all about him, but he found that there was no better example than what King Richard had given him long ago. "My sword is a tool, a weapon, and, as it's been shown, my lifeline." he then jabbed it forward. "But I can't look at it as just a tool." He slashed forward. "I must look at it as a part of me. And an extension of not only my arm," he jumped ahead and performed a horizontal slash. "My power," he served another. "My spirit," and another. "My drive," and another. "And," he leaped and slashed downward, several flowers being cut from their stems and several petals flying in the air. "The very essence of what I am."

Despite having seen him use his blade several times, it was only now that she realized she had the chance to watch him without any danger to worry about. And indeed, she was in awe. Regardless of the damage and subsequent carnage that such a weapon could do, he moved with it with grace and agility that she was half convinced that he was dancing with it rather than swinging wildly. It was...surprisingly beautiful. "Wow…" she found herself saying, eyes wide as she watched the swordsman.

"And it doesn't have to be a sword." Duran put his sword back in its sheath and took Angela's wand. "It can be anything." he then performed the same actions with the curved wood as he did with his sword. "It doesn't matter what it is. It could be Hawkeye with his daggers, Kevin with his fists, Riesz with her spear," he then looked to the shorter, technically teenage girl not too far away. "Or Charlotte with her mace. Assuming that she doesn't bonk her head."

"Hey!" Charlotte shouted, puffing out her cheeks and folding her arms. That got Angela to giggle.

"But the fact remains the same. It doesn't matter what it is." Duran then handed the wand back to the Princess. "Technique can only get you so far. It's what that wand and your magic are to you that will allow you to use it."

Angela looked down at her wand, then at the soldier who handed it to her. She then looked to Sylphid and the other Elementals that had emerged. "...all right," she said, preparing herself. Then, taking a long, heavy breath, she concentrated, remembering Duran's words. But, despite her efforts, she still found herself unable to conjure any whirlwind.

Suddenly, she was aware that a pair of hands had been placed on her own, their calloused texture contrasting wildly with the silky material of her gloves. It seemed that Duran, too, realized just how close the two were to each other, yet he tried to maintain that this was strictly professional.

'You'd be lying if you said you didn't like the feeling of her hands.' Faerie said to him.

'Shut up.'

Though either of them could peek into Angela's, they would've discovered that, despite the rough texture, she found the firmness and warmth of the soldier's palms somewhat reassuring. Concentrating again, Angela repeated Duran's words in her mind. "An extension of me...the very essence of what I am," she said softly, tightening her grip around her wand. "An extension of me…" slowly yet steadily, everyone was aware that a slight breeze had begun to form underneath them. "The very essence of what I am…." Slowly stepping away, Sylphid entered where Duran left off, drawing closer to the magician and feeling the connection between himself and the human's energy. "Extension…" Angela repeated. "Essence…" light overtook her body as she transformed into the Mysticist, Sylphid feeling the powerful addition of extra Mana being delivered to their growing link. "Extension…essence…" she continued to say this mantra as she and Sylphid worked their collective magic, the winds growing stronger and stronger. "Extension...and essence!"

She and Sylphid then spun around, caught up in a massive whirlwind that carried seemingly hundreds of petals, misty pollen nearly engulfing the two before; at the end of the spins, Angela thrust her wand. In contrast, Sylphid moved his arms upward, the tornado lifting itself off of the ground and flying off in the direction that led to the gates of Laurent.

Laurent Gates

Dull, glazed-over eyes surveyed the grounds, several other of their fellow agents in and outside the citadel, watching for any sign of any presence, familiar or otherwise. According to word from Mistress Isabella, via reports from Bill and Ben, there had been theories of the amazons plotting to take back the citadel, though how they were going to accomplish this remained a mystery. Also, there was talk of a sorcerer and mysterious dark knight prowling around the area. Again, what they were here for was unknown, yet if they were after the Mana Stone, their forces would have to be organized straight away to secure it.

There was also talk of how those that had tried to trail the amazons to their reportedly secret base never came back. Several wished to go out and search for them, yet Isabella forbade it. In her words, "They knew the risks. Even if they fell prey to the womans' spears, it's no excuse to go and put the forces we have stationed here at risk."

Thus, they stayed put, watching over the outer and inner regions of the overtaken grounds. Isabella's word was law, the ultimate law, the only law.

From the highest point, Bill and Ben looked out, keenly observing for signs of any approaching forces. "Do you think he'll come?" Bill questioned.

"Who?" asked Ben.

"The knight, or even the sorcerer." Bill clarified.

"Oh." his twin answered. "Well...whether they come or not, they shall have an entire platoon to get through if they even wish to reach the Mistress."

"And us," Bill added. He then went silent, Ben sensing something was amiss with his brother. Yet before he could ask, Bill spoke again. "Do you think he's still alive?"

"Who?" Ben asked, yet then realized who he was speaking of. Hawkeye wasn't found in his cell and neither in Diin or Sirhtan. And while the Mistress was able to 'convince' Niccolo to reveal just how and when he escaped, it was too late. He had long since left the country entirely. "He will be found," Ben assured his brother. "And when he is, the Mistress will have her way with him." Or maybe, he would join them and serve the Majesty as well. After all, they were enlightened about how the Majesty would make their world a better place. Not just for them but the world as a whole. And all opposition would be disposed of, whether friend or foe.

Friend...or foe. Friend...foe...Hawkeye. Was he a...friend?

"Brother?" Bill noticed his twin clutching his head, releasing a low, pained moan as if he were experiencing a rather intense migraine. "Ben, what is it?" he placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, Ben still clutching his temple as if it were about to burst. "Brother?!"

"H-Hawkeye…" he stammered. "Jessica...she's…"

"Ben?! Ben, what's wrong?!"

"We...we're…"

"Ben?!"

Just as soon as it had begun, it ended. The pounding and splitting pain ended, a smooth bliss coming over his mind like a thickened veil. Had he been of a sounder mind, the ninja would've recognized said veil as unnatural and alien, yet he and Bill were too deep in their Mistress' control, Ben's mind going right back to the state Isabella had left it in. "It...it's nothing," Ben told Bill. "Everything's fine," he said, voice near-emotionless.

"...but that isn't," Bill said, gesturing to something coming their way.

What appeared to be a shower of petals and heavy, thickened pollen came upon the entire grounds of the citadel and rained down, covering every inch that the cloud could. The guards outside on patrol were both shocked and confused about what was going on, yet their bewilderment didn't last long as soon, a wave of drowsiness overcame them. Bill and Ben noted that this sudden sensation was also overcoming them, the former of the two realized what was happening. Despite the haze coming over him, he found a nearby window that they could duck into, dragging the far more tired Ben with him and essentially crashing through, the sound of broken glass echoing throughout the darkened hallway of one of the upper floors.

"Mmm..wh-what?" Ben murmured, just about to fall asleep like many of his other fellow Nevarlan agents outside. "What...just happened?"

"Don't...don't know," Bill admitted, shaking his head and giving himself a few slaps to try to drive off the sleepy feeling that still plagued his body. "Yet Mistress Belladonna must be informed of this."

Outside, none of the others were so lucky. Instead, many slumped over and fell to the effects of the pollen raining down upon the grounds, and those that realized what was happening and attempted to flee didn't get far before they succumbed. Soon, all of the exteriors of the citadel were filled with incapacitated and slumbering guards, the area completely open for the taking.

Now was the time to act.

Note: Running 17 pages long, and while I don't want things to be too short, I think I should keep things to around a 20 pages maximum (not unlike my previous days, ugh). Anyway, next up is the infiltration of the citadel itself and then the subsequent battles within it.

Please review and leave your input, as it greatly helps!

Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!