Note: I've been going over the Author's Notes, and I'll admit that I had a different idea of how this story would go compared to how it's going now. Nothing too drastic, yet plans sort of changed, and elements were added, so those don't exactly matter anymore. I can go back and edit the A/Ns if you want me to, yet I also kind of think that it's a good way of seeing how things have changed since they started. I just want this to be an overall good product.

Special thanks to Falchion1984 for pointing out the corrections I need to make and for providing me with some ideas! Thanks to each of my reviewers, and I hope you enjoy it!

Catching Up Part 4

He passed by the cells, eyes looking at the occupants inside. "C'mon, can't you negotiate something?" one of the Nevarlan assassins trapped behind bars asked the purple-furred cat, looking down and lowering his ears.

"Sorry. But I can't do anything for mew." Niccolo sighed. "Like it or not, we're still technically prisoners."

It wasn't as if he hadn't tried. Ever since Belladonna had left and essentially abandoned her men, the cat had tried to plead to the amazons that, with her influence gone, the men they had jailed were no threat to them. Still, they didn't budge, apparently deciding to keep the others imprisoned until further notice. And who knew when that would be.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps and looked behind him to see a blue-haired young woman with her hair done in low pigtails. He had seen this person before; wasn't she the niece of the former captain? Eliza, something, right? "Oh, hey there." she greeted the cat. "I didn't think anyone else would be here."

"Oh, yeah." Niccolo rubbed the back of his head nervously. Eliza was put off by how, for once, the colossal sack was not on the cat's back. "Just saying hi to some friends."

"Hey, you." one of the assassins called out, urging Eliza to come near them. "Come here." the amazon didn't move, cursing that she didn't bring any back up with her. At least she had the sense to bring her spear. She knew her aunt would probably not be pleased she had come alone. This Belladonna and her goons were gone, yet these individuals were still regarded as unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Not to mention how, after retaking the citadel, the cells were packed full of them. "Look, I don't know you, but you look like a nice girl." the man said.

"Me?" Eliza rubbed the back of her head. "Well, I like to think so…."

"So, can't you do something about us being here?" he asked.

Eliza sighed. "I'm sorry, but I can't," she answered. "Auntie's in charge when our Queen is away, so what she says goes."

"If she's your aunt, then can't you talk to her?" another asked. "We're not slaves to that witch's magic anymore. We promise."

Eliza looked down at Niccolo, the cat looking at her with pleading eyes. Damn, he looked adorable right now, she thought. She had to wrench her eyes away lest she gave in and tried to unlock the doors then and there. Just how could something be that cute!? Still, she stayed strong and shook her head. "I'm not going to risk her wrath in letting you out." the amazon said. "But...I can tell her how you guys are doing, seeing as you WERE technically pawns for that witch. So...I guess I can try and talk to her." The Nevarlans looked at each other, relieved that they had some chance now. "But don't count on it." Eliza clarified. She sighed again when she saw disappointment on their faces. "Look, I'm sorry. But I'm just doing my job. I can't step out of line regarding something important like this."

She then went to the meeting room in the hidden base, Niccolo following her. The cat saw the young woman leaning on the large table, elbows propped up and holding her head in her hands. Perhaps he would be stepping out of line, given that he was the only one that was allowed to walk freely (they said it was because he wasn't a danger, yet he had a suspicion that it was because many of the women found him too cute). Still, he felt horrible about leaving his friends imprisoned. Both sides of the argument about whether to keep them imprisoned made sense, but still, a reasonable degree of loyalty influenced his judgment. Was Niccolo being too optimistic? Perhaps, but still, images of Hawkeye being imprisoned unjustly assaulted his mind. To simply leave the others just didn't feel right.

It seemed that something was bothering the young woman, her face contorted in worry. "What's up?" Niccolo asked Eliza, who was surprised that he had followed her.

Still, she answered. "Just thinking."

"About?"

Eliza sighed. "It...it's about Auntie," she confessed. "Ever since that Belladonna left, she's been acting a little...weird."

"Weird how?" Niccolo asked, tilting his head.

"It's kinda hard to say, but…." Eliza paused, not entirely believing such a thing herself. "She seems worried about something."

Gusthall

"Look," Gertrude said, gesturing to the spot in particular. She then reached out to touch it, surprised that, despite the time passed, red liquid still stained her fingers. "It's still fresh."

"Gertrude!" another amazon hissed, scolding the woman for her insensitivity.

And indeed, upon seeing her former captain's features, she immediately regretted speaking aloud. "Sorry, Alma."

"You're only saying what you see." the blue-haired woman answered. "It's not as if it can just be put out of sight and out of mind either."

Indeed, as much as she hated looking at it, Alma knew well that the blood wouldn't dry. Not entirely anyway.

"What's causing it to remain fresh, though?" one of the women with her asked. This seemed to create even more discomfort for the former captain. "Oh, I'm sorry." she apologized. "But...I don't entirely understand."

"Neither do I," Alma confessed. "And if it weren't in front of me, I wouldn't believe it either."

She had no intention of coming back here at first, yet it was not long after the citadel calmed down from the celebration that she saw a distant shape flying near the area where Sylphid's resting place was. Taking a spear (and disobeying one of her standing orders of never going alone), Alma went to the partially destroyed Gusthall and saw Harcypete standing by the Mana Stone. The bird-woman appeared to simply stare at it, studying it as if contemplating something. Alma made her way behind a fallen statue, her curiosity piqued, for, if but for a moment, she saw something fall over the harpy's face that didn't resemble bloodlust or malice.

It almost resembled guilt.

Alma had heard the details regarding her Queen's (Goddess, it felt strange to refer to little Riesz in such a way) battle with the head harpy, yet even if one of Harcypete's own came and rescued her, what reason would the bird-woman come back here for? And why did she look upon the Stone with such shame? Alma approached closer; Harcypete reached out and touched the spot where the amazon had hit her head. The harpy lightly traced her claw over the golden eyes widening as red seeped onto the black talons. Alma too was shocked, and it was at that moment that Harcypete turned her back and saw the amazon.

The standoff between the two was tense, neither taking their eyes on the other, yet Harcypete only turned away, not even bothering with the woman. She spread her wings and flew off, leaving Alma alone. And that was when she had first discovered that the blood, her blood, was still wet on the Stone's surface.

Unknownst to the former captain or those with her, her niece and a particular purple cat were hiding behind the same destroyed stone head she had previously hidden. "What does that mean, mew?" Niccolo asked. Eliza only shook her head, having no idea either. But whatever it was, it didn't mean anything good.

"Well, what do we do?" one of the amazons with Alma asked. "Can't we just, well, remove it?"

Alma then pulled out a handkerchief, the fabric brown and rust-colored. "I have tried, yet even after I wiped and scrubbed for who knows how long, the spot still refused to dry." She reached out and touched it, her blood on her hand.

Gertrude looked at her. "You know why that is, don't you, Alma?" she questioned.

Alma didn't answer at first, but ultimately, she spoke. "My travels and participation in the Peddan War have shown me wonders and terrors I would never wish on anyone. But, it's true what they say, ignorance IS bliss."

One of the younger women wasn't satisfied with this answer and approached the Stone herself. She touched the spot and, too, found it on her fingers. "Well," she began. "Why just your blood? Does it matter who's blood is on it?" she then stared at her spear. "I mean, what if I or someone else happened to get their blood on-"

"No!" Alma grabbed and disarmed her, holding her tightly by the shoulders. "Don't you dare get your blood on that Stone! Not even by accident!"

"Whoa, Alma! What's with you?!" Gertrude questioned, pulling her former captain and her fellow soldier apart.

"I..I'm sorry, Ellen…." Alma sighed. "I think...I think we need to keep this place guarded. There's no longer any protection to keep the Stone safe from outside."

"Oh, well…" Gertrude thought for a moment. "Just say the word, and it'll be done. Captain." she then winked.

Alma chuckled, funny, all things considering. But, despite finding humor in being referred to by her former position, the stain of red was still in the corner of her eye.

The discussion of how to protect the Gusthall got underway, Eliza and Niccolo listening in on every word. Yet as they were trying to do that, both of them agreed that there were things Alma was not telling anyone else. Yet what?

Niccolo then noticed Eliza looking at him. "What?"

The young woman bit her lip. Goddess, she couldn't believe that she was even asking this. "How good are you at picking locks?"

The cat shifted. "Pretty good. Why?"

Eliza steeled herself. If they were caught doing this, she couldn't think about that now. And if she was caught...then fine. She'd be caught. And she'd explain that it was for her aunt. And even more, while she couldn't entirely understand why she felt this way, Eliza thought that this would potentially save her aunt's life.

Mintas

She stirred from underneath the animal hide that served as her blanket, turning over again when she heard the voice. "Come," it said. "Come."

Anati huffed and rose, rubbing her eyes. "Again?" she sleepily asked aloud.

"You must come." the voice commanded. "It is through you that the little Prince will be able to save this land."

Ultimately, the beastwoman exited her home, careful not to rouse Coco. This wasn't the first meeting she had with the disembodied voice, the first instance having been after her and Coco's discovery in the deeper, darker places of the already dark Duskmoon Forest. She was to come alone without Coco and essentially wander around aimlessly until the source of the voice found her.

And after a good while of trekking through the deep foliage and avoiding the wildlife, Anati had found an old woman standing behind her and acting as if she had always been there, waiting for her.

An old human woman.


Covered in the thick foliage, a pair of dark, hungry eyes watched the beastwoman and cloaked human. Contrary to popular belief, not every soul is the same. Each had a distinctive taste, and from that taste, he could tell everything about an individual with the flick of his tongue. Their memories, their experiences, their happiest and saddest times...and the fear they had when his eyes bore into theirs, the gleam of his sickle reflecting off of them before he swung down. And these two would already be delectable additions to his gathering of 'friends' that resided with him. In him.

The blue-haired beastwoman, he had seen before, right after he had told that little Prince how he could bring his little puppy back to life. The jester giggled. The moment he laid eyes on that little Prince (Kevin, Calvin, Kenny, whatever his name was), Goremand knew that his soul would be delectable. Perhaps almost as sweet as that little blonde girl was, even if he just managed to get a tiny lick. Sweet as sugar, oooh! It was almost too much to bear!

But he had to restrain himself. Like it or not, the Master HAD ordered him to be discrete, and, as tempting as it was, he couldn't afford to take the souls of these two, at least not yet. No, if his instincts were right, he would need them to find it.

The tower.


Antai walked beside the aged human, short and hunched over, a white veil over gray hair pulled back in a long braid, and wearing robes of white that trailed down to the ground. The old woman's skin was wrinkled yet soft to the touch, using the younger, stronger beastwoman for support as they walked. And while she had no idea what it was for, one of the things Anati noticed immediately was a white ring painted on the woman's forehead.

"So...where is it, exactly?" the beastwoman asked. It hadn't been too long ago that she and Coco followed a peculiar light going through the forest, leading to them coming across this old human. And since then, while Anati still didn't entirely understand it, she had seemingly garnered the woman's attention, not the 'kill her to conceal our existence' kind. Even if her people far surpassed humans in strength, she needed no reminders of how the supposedly weaker creatures kept her people in cages and treated them like animals. And while nothing had happened yet, mainly thanks to this older woman, Anati still couldn't help but be cautious.

The old woman looked on in the distance as if she could see something her companion could not. "It shall come soon," she said calmly. "Depending on whether or not Luna accepts my request."

"Request?" Anati asked.

"To bring the tower to us." the woman answered. "And I do hope she does so quickly. She is a fickle thing."

And while she still didn't entirely understand, Anati had also hoped for the same thing. If not to just rid herself of the feeling that the both of them were being watched. Or, more likely, hunted.


So, the old bag was searching for Luna. Or at least wishing to hear a response from her, whatever that would be. Goremand continued to observe the two, all the while trying to maintain self-control. Ooohhh, but they looked so good!

Aside from 'allying' themselves with Gauser and the beastmen and gaining access to the Mana Holyland, the Master put a good deal of emphasis on finding the Elemental of the Moon. Of course, all the others mattered too, yet this one, in particular, was of immense importance mainly because it was nigh impossible to find her.

Goremand wasn't what he would consider old (give another millennia or two before he'd even think he was getting up in the years). Yet, he had only scant knowledge about the Mana Spirit in comparison to his Master. But, he had traveled the world during the Peddan War and heard many things. Though there was no proof of this, Luna was said to have been born because, according to legend, the sun had been formed (or rather, reformed), yet there was no light for when it grew dark. Thus, the Goddess took some of Lumina's light and Shade's darkness and cloaked the light in heavy shadows. The light shone through, though not enough to overpower the dark of night. A lesser light had been created, that light being Luna.

Though that was just one origin story that the Spirit had, all of them had varying stories about how they were supposedly created and by what means. Yet one thing was for sure: each of them held a piece of the Goddess. And through them, their respective element's Stone would be found. The Stones and the Benevodons were connected to the Goddess, and harnessing both sources of power would make the jester and his Master unstoppable! All the souls in the world would be his to devour!

So he had to keep this hiding-out act for a little longer until he could determine where Luna would show herself. Or, perhaps, to whom she would show herself. And then, possibly, that would lead them to the Stone too.


"So, why are you and the rest of your kind hiding out?" Anati asked the older woman. "No offense, but a place like this isn't exactly…friendly to humans."

The elderly human chuckled. "And your kind has always underestimated us," she said. "We had resided in Duskmoon long before the beastmen migrated to this realm. We have always been accustomed to the harsh wilderness of this country before it was officially called Ferolia." She sighed. "Then again, it was perhaps inevitable that our tribes would contact each other. And even more, that there would be conflict."

"Well, just so you know, I don't have a problem with humans overall," Anati said, not exactly feeling proud of the two race's history. "But still...with how things are now, why in the world would you stay? I mean, all things considered."

"Because we have a purpose for being here." the old woman said. "And while the Prince is the one that shall put things right, you are going to need Luna's protection."

Anati was confused. "Protection? From what?"

The older woman stopped. "Because we are currently being followed."

The beastwoman's eyes widened, whirling around to see whoever was supposedly stalking them.

Goremand slunk back further. "Damn you, old wench."

The older woman shook her head. "We've been followed since you first came out here," she explained. "He will come as long as the Tower remains out of his grasp."

"The Tower?"

"The Tower right here."

Anati was about to ask just what the older woman was talking about, yet as she parted the next bit of thick brush, she stopped, completely astonished at what was before them. A monumental stone structure stood nestled between the sea of trees as if it had always been there. Yet Anati refused to believe it. There was no way that she wouldn't have seen such a thing in the distance! Moreover, it was taller than the already towering, thickened trees around them!

"It seems that Luna has given her answer." the old woman said. "It's good for you, seeing you've been in danger longer than you've realized."

"L-Look, who are you? Really?" Anati asked, feeling quite overwhelmed.

"My name is Helene if it means so much to you." the woman casually answered. She then separated from Anati and touched the doors of the tower. They opened, and Goremand was about to spring forward, but Helene shot forth a beam in the jester's direction, keeping him from coming out. "And our stalker won't be able to follow us inside. Luna chooses who is allowed to come into her resting place."

Helene stepped inside, urging Anati to follow. Slowly but steadily, she approached, seeing a small, floating form inside the darkened space that resided inside. "Who is…" she could say no more as a force took hold of her and dragged her through the doors, then they shut tight.

Then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

Wendel

Crossing a little barrier's no problem for a koropokkur! Domperi proudly thought, yet he could afford to pat himself on the back later. Right now, he had business to attend to and with a very crucial person.

Climbing up the wall and ducking in through the window, the koropokkur elder made his way down the halls, careful to avoid tramping feet and being seen. It was believed that it would simply cause problems if his race were known to exist, so it was koropokkur nature to stay hidden from the sight of humans. It was only due to recent events that they had even come out of the shadows. True, this led to several children hounding them to grant wishes, yet Domperi ultimately would have assisted in taking Jadd back either way. Perhaps this was a sign that the shadows were no longer needed anymore.

Domperi finally reached where he wanted to go, pushing open the door and seeing the sight of a weary, weak older man lying in bed, a wet cloth on his forehead. The nun tending to him had stepped out for a moment, needing to change the water again as it had grown lukewarm. From what Domperi could tell, the older man had been suffering for some time. And indeed, he could tell he was running a fever from the beads of sweat that trailed down his forehead. Still, this was crucial; he had to talk to him.

The older man shifted and slowly opened his eyes, sensing he wasn't alone. Then, looking to his right, he saw he was correct, the koropokkur standing beside his shoulder. "O-Oh." the Priest of Light weakly said. "Hello, old friend."

"Old?!" Domperi crossed his arms. "Look who's talking! I haven't gained a single wrinkle since a century ago! On the other hand, you humans wither and dry up at around fifty!" the two looked at each other in silence before the Priest's lips began to curl. Then he began to chuckle. Domperi then finally dropped the act and joined in. "Well, you were already an old raisin, even when you were around five."

To think it had been that long, the Priest thought. "Still…" he sighed. "I know you didn't come just to visit an old man. But tell me, please." he coughed. "Is she all right?"

Domperi nodded. "Your granddaughter's fine. She went off with that beastman and met some other players in this conflict. But, hey, I even saw her helping out in retaking Jadd!"

Despite his frail condition, the older man nearly shot right up. "Charlotte?! She had…" he was in an emotional whirlwind, puzzled on whether to feel pride or terror at his dear granddaughter even involved in such a thing. Still, ultimately, he reminded himself that, like it or not, it couldn't be helped now.

"If anything, she's better off wherever she is than here." the koropokkur said. "Things are happing down in town." he continued, voice growing grim. "They're happening all over."

"What is happening outside Wendel?" the Priest questioned. "There is a force that is continually putting pressure on the barrier I created." his features grew forlorn. "It is the Benevodon, isn't it?"

"Can't think of what else it would be," Domperi confessed. "The beastmen that haven't found a way to leave have disappeared. At least, that's what I thought at first."

"What do you mean?" the Priest asked.

"My friends and I have been snooping around and found that the beastmen haven't left entirely. They've been going to the Cascade Cavern, very deep into it."

"What for?" the Priest was confused.

"They're digging," Domperi answered. "They're digging out the rubble blocking the way to the Stone. The way that was cut off due to that earthquake courtesy of that oversized crab." the koropokkur's lips tightened. "They're not in their right minds. They're little more than zombies. If the Benevodon can do this, even when it's STILL trapped, I hate to think of what the others are acting like elsewhere."

The old human shook his head. But, indeed, what was happening elsewhere? What did his dear Charlotte have to face? "Has this...influence reached Jadd?"

"Not exactly," Domperi confirmed. "But some people are saying they're hearing things at night," he explained. "Something was telling them to go to the cavern, to 'make the way to the temple.' No one knows what it's about, but I've already taken a trip up there to see for myself."

The Priest of Light's eyes widened. "You went up to the Shimmering Ruins?"

The head koropokkur nodded. "There are cracks in the Stone's surface," he said. "I think the Benevodon summoned that crab to go and perhaps at least get rid of Lumina. And now it's trying to get people to dig the way out."

"But for what reason?" the old human pondered aloud. The koropokkur grimaced, the Priest also realizing, with horror, what this most likely meant.

"It's clearing the way to its church," Domperi answered. "It's readying itself to be worshiped again."

Nevarl Fortress

"...and there was this one time where a brand new dress got splattered by wine because Hawkeye and Eagle thought it'd be hilarious to try and spook me!" Jessica huffed, crossing her arms. "That was one of my favorites too. Of course, I got my revenge when my father dealt with them."

"Well...you got in trouble too, right?" Elliot asked.

"Oh, definitely," Jessica confirmed. "Father wasn't too happy I was trying to sneak myself a glass, but I think that the boys told him about how they were teasing me because I was trying to act 'grown up' and got me less of a punishment." she paused. "I sort of wish they hadn't." she'd trade in everything she had, clothes, jewelry, perfumes, everything if things could return to how they were.

"Sounds like you were teased a lot," Elliot noted.

"Yeah, I guess I was," Jessica admitted. "But it wasn't bad or anything. It was just boys being boys, I guess. And I was the little sister that always wanted to tag along in their games."

It was still surreal to her, even if she had accepted it. Her brother, her big brother, dead. And Hawkeye, dearest Hawkeye, had abandoned him. True, logically, she didn't know any better, yet what if Hawkeye took it like that? When she had heard of his escape, even with Eagle's death on her mind, the young woman found herself overcome with relief. It was the first indication that something was wrong. And her instincts were correct when Bill and Ben couldn't remove the choker from her neck. So now here she was, thrust into this jail cell with her father but a short distance nearby.

Just then, she heard a cell being opened. She saw Belladonna enter the cell beside hers, her father being led out. The poor man could barely stand, weakly hobbling his way over to the witch. Jessica rose and was about to demand that she release her father, yet a look from the woman made her keep quiet, the woman's eyes glowing yellow to emphasize her point further.

Seeing this made Belladonna smile. "Good girl," she said. "It takes a bit, yet it seems that your daughter is the more disciplined of your children," Flamekhan said nothing; the old man was utterly worn down and devoid of energy. He gave his daughter a slight glance, eyes weary yet still remorseful.

"I'm sorry." he mouthed. But then, he was dragged away.

Jessica slumped over. There was nothing she could do unless her shapely arms suddenly grew enough muscles to pry loose the bars. And, even if that did happen, the damned jewelry she had around her neck would seal her fate long before she could save her father. But, then, she heard Elliot approach her and nervously shift. It was clear he was unsure of what to do, too, as even if he wanted to, he did not believe he could comfort her in any way.

Poor boy. Jessica shook her head and coughed. "Ahem! Well," she began. "What about you?" she asked.

"What?" Elliot was confused.

"How have your sister or friends driven you crazy?" she asked. "In a good way, though." Even if they far from felt like a 'good thing' at the time, she'd trade them a hundred times over for her present reality.

"Oh. Well," Elliot bit his lip. "I...kinda don't have a lot of friends."

"What? I find that a little hard to believe." Jessica responded, trying to be encouraging.

"It's not like they hate me or anything." Elliot clarified. "Though I think it's only because of Riesz that no one picks on me. But I don't get invited to play in many games."

"Why not?"

"Almost everyone wants to spar or fight, and I'm…." Elliot hugged himself, feeling entirely worthless at the moment. "I'm just...no good. At anything."

Jessica was silent for a moment, unsure of whether or not to continue prying. Still, perhaps it was just to make herself feel better too, yet she wanted to hear the boy's grievances, seeing as he had listened to hers. "Why do you say that?"

"Because it's true." the boy stated. "I can't use a spear, sword, ax, shield, anything," he confessed. "I can't fight, I'm not strong, I've always been skinny and weak," he paused. "Alma said it was a miracle I even survived being born," Jessica said nothing; the boy had gotten started, and soon, he released everything that bothered him. Every training session, feeling less than he should be, and incidents where he was shown he was nothing but a vulnerable, pathetic child.

And still, Jessica didn't interrupt.


"Tell me, damn you!" Belladonna groaned, turning away from Flamekhan, who was essentially little more than a vegetable at the moment. The Mavole's persuasive tactics had failed. Thus, she tried to pry back layers of the man's mind. Still, she found that either he was putting up a fight still or that, perhaps, he didn't have what she was looking for. But how could that be? There was no one else that could have such knowledge! And if he didn't, then he at least had SOME piece of information that would lead to it! "Where is the Fire Stone?!"

Flamekhan weakly looked up from his place against the wall, mind scrambled and head feeling as if it had just taken a sledgehammer. "...I told you." he coughed. "I was not the one to relocate it."

"But you KNOW who did," Belladonna said. "And I'm sure you have a few theories on where I can find out."

"You've taken my son AND made me believe the man who may as well have been a second son to me was his killer! You betrayed me, made a fool of me, and brought disgrace upon the once noble Nevarlan Thieves Guild! What else could you possibly take from me?!"

Belladonna smirked. "You've been disgraced long before that," she said. "Oddly enough, it's not by some code of honor but your conscience."

"Don't you dare speak her name-"

"If not for that youth from Pedda, you would've had no problem taking her out, right? Your precious code of honor, your devotion to Olbex, all of it came before her, didn't it?" Flamekhan's mouth ran dry, unable to contradict the woman's words. "And even when he was born...you couldn't even be honest, could you? Honest to any of your fellow men, your children…oh, excuse me. Child. Which reminds me." she gently took the old man by the chin. "Should you not loosen your tongue, I can guarantee that she will serve me in releasing that Stone's power."

Despite how sapped he was of strength, Flamekhan shot forward, grabbing Belladonna by the shoulders. "Don't you dare!" he bellowed. "Don't you lay your hands on Jessica, you witch!"

"Oh no, not me." the red-haired woman shook her head. "I have no interest in her. But my...associate, well, he's had his eye on your precious desert rose for some time. I've bribed him with the other women here, yet unfortunately, he's a bit hard to rein in. Should he somehow find a way into her cell when no one is there...who knows what could happen?"

The aged, bearded man grabbed a sword from the wall. "I shall cut him and YOU through!" he lunged forward, only to find his sword caught by the woman's hand. A hand that had seemingly grown in size, fingers lengthening, and nails were growing as if they were claws. "W-What in the Goddess' name?"

Despite the blood, Belladonna still held the sword, seizing the older man by the throat and lifting him off the ground. "Your son's blood was good, yet his little friend...the little bird...I'm preparing something grand for him."

"Don't...hurt him." Flamekhan strained. "Or Jessica. And...and that boy."

"Oh, you don't need to worry about him." Belladonna chuckled. "No, my Majesty has specifically selected him."

"For what?" the old man questioned, Belladonna finally dropping him, her hand reverting to its former, more human shape.

"For the Majesty's re-emergence into the world. Or rather, the new world he shall create. A world for my kind and those further down below." she then knelt to his level. "Hawkeye is mine to do with what I choose, yet the Benevodon won't respond unless blood is drawn. And frankly, since that boy belongs to the Majesty, that leaves very few options. So, if you wish for Jessica NOT to end up as that necessary sacrifice, you WILL tell me where I can at least find a clue to where the Stone is."

Flamekhan looked down at the ground, cursing the woman with every demonic abomination she allowed to walk through the halls and take over. He was powerless; the great Flamekhan brought him down to his knees. And all of it was due to his ignorance and stupidity.

"I won't extend the offer twice." Belladonna snarled, the low rumbling in her throat almost sounding like that of a feral, large predator. Almost feline. "Tell me."


"...and I'm not allowed to have sweets after a specific time because sis said my teeth would rot, and...well...she just puts a lot on me!" Elliot cried out. Afterward, he took in some heavy breaths, feeling a great deal of weight off his shoulders. In some bizarre way, he was glad he was in a place where he could express himself like this, he just wished it was under better circumstances. "Your brother...he sounds...sounded fun." the boy said.

"And your sister isn't?" Jessica asked.

Elliot shook his head. Hurt as it may, he had to be honest. "No." he sighed. "But...it's not like she's mean or anything. She doesn't insult or tell me I'm bad. But...it's always about how I can improve." Whether it was improving his posture, stance, how to fold, how to make up his bed, how to address a commanding officer (ironically enough, he was his sister), or how to essentially do anything, it was always met with a need for improvement. "And I know she just wants me to be a good Prince...but…." Elliot began to sniff. "But I just can't seem to do anything right."

Jessica wasn't entirely familiar with Elliot's sister, this 'Riesz' figure, yet from what she had heard, she felt she could at least make a decent enough judgment of her. "I don't think she would want you to feel that way about yourself."

"But I do!" Elliot answered. "I'm a wimp. Even kids younger than me can beat me up if they wanted to!" he kicked at the ground, stubbing his toe as he accidentally kicked at a stone. He winced in pain yet tried to keep his tears in. "I know dad wanted me and sis to rule Laurent together...but I'm glad she'll be the one to be Queen. Because I'm not that good of a Prince."

Jessica lifted herself and went over to the boy. "Well...I don't think that-"

"Sorry, but...you don't know," he said. "You don't know what it's like being in a place like Laurent. Or having everybody looking down on you. Especially your sister."

"I'm sure she doesn't."

"...even if she doesn't, it doesn't matter." Elliot huddled himself up in the corner. "Because...even if she comes looking for me...it's my fault all of this happened anyway. I let that witch's forces in and let people get hurt. She hates me. She has to."

Jessica was about to retort how that wasn't true, yet ultimately, the boy only flinched at her touch. She didn't mean to seem selfish, yet she could relate to the grip of self-loathing he felt. She, too, had most likely severed a relationship with one she loved. And even if Hawkeye forgave her, that didn't mean that she meant anything to him. Anything special.

What could've perhaps been was that lost to her now? Was it ever there to begin with?

She heard Elliot whimper, his small body shaking as he tried to keep his sobs down. The blue-haired young woman slowly approached him and knelt to his level, gently rubbing his back as he released his emotions. She didn't say a word, only stayed by his side and listened to him should he feel like talking again.


Belladonna saw the sight and huffed. If it weren't for both of them being necessary for her further plans, she would've done away with both of the prisoners long ago. Especially the little Princess. Sure, she was tolerable at first, but when she saw how much she pined and childishly longed for her brother's dearest friend, Belladonna grew to hate her most of all. Every time she looked at her, it stirred up uncomfortable possibilities and notions in her mind. Fearful things that she didn't wish to consider.

No. She wasn't like Jessica, the woman thought. She wasn't like her. She had a direct connection with her Majesty. He valued her; he had her in his company for ages. And even more, unlike the silly little girl, Belladonna had the privilege and honor of being her love's rescuer.

She wrenched her mind away from thinking about Jessica, having more important matters to tend to. Flamekhan had finally relented and gave her at least a sliver of information she could use. Another short-term use Jessica provided, yet her usefulness was coming to an end.

She could only hope Malocchio didn't come back early from his trip out to sea. True, she had said it was to search for the Fire Stone outside of Nevarl, but it was mainly because he was growing increasingly impatient with what he wished to do with Flamekhan's daughter. Belladonna would have cared less, but until further notice, Jessica would not be harmed. She was still working out the details, yet she had an ideal candidate for a sacrifice.

And the little Princess would be just what she needed to bring him back home.

Note: Next up is Beuca Island! Things will play a little differently, yet overall, the general premise of what happens when the gang gets to the island is the same.

I hope I'm not taking too long a break between chapters, as I want to write both efficiently and where things aren't overly complicated. I remember something my 8th-grade Health teacher said. He followed the philosophy of K.I.S.S. Keep It, Super Simple. And while I think you should expand on some things, ultimately, it's essential to keep the overall tone and feel of what you're writing about. I hope I've done that with this fic.

Thank you so much for the support, and I hope to see you all later!