Note: Hello! We're going to have a couple of brief chapters before we head off for the next Mana Stone. One issue I have with the story is that there doesn't really seem to be any permanent or long-lasting consequences aside from what happens at the end of the game. I mean, if the world is at war with each other, then there have to be some casualties. At least, in the sense of the Stones needing a sacrifice. And when things get really bad later, you'd best believe that the world would never be the same.
Special thanks to Falchion1984, who I may as well call a co-author by now, as I'd be oblivious to all the flaws previously present.
Thanks, and I hope you enjoy it!
Back in Valsena
Wendy looked forlornly out upon the expansive sea before her, the waves lapping at the golden sand of the shore. The sun had risen, yet there was still no sign of him. She had come out here every day, watching the horizon for any sign that he might return, but there had been nothing.
Her Aunt Stella told her not to go. She'd always been protective of the young girl, especially after Altena's recent attack, but Wendy couldn't help it. She needed to see for herself if he was coming back. Her brother said he would return to her, but how many days ago was that? Wendy was no fool; she could tell that her Aunt Stella was also feeling the effects of her brother's absence. She had been eating and sleeping less and less over the past few days, and even though she told Wendy not to, the little girl caught the blonde woman slipping out to watch the sea for any sign of his return.
Yet, there had been no sign. Both had listened studiously to what news came from abroad, but no ship had docked in either Maia or Beiser for some time, and there was no sign of anyone having landed on that stretch of beach. Perhaps it was to be expected, given the times that they were all living in now. But still, shouldn't there have been some sign? Some hint that somehow, in some way, the wild-haired, hot-tempered young man would return to them?
"Wendy, come back inside." Aunt Stella said, coming towards the child on the shore. "You know you're not supposed to be out here on your own. What if the sea sweeps you up?"
"Then, maybe I will be able to find Duran." She said to herself, having snuck out in her nightgown, the flimsy white dress reaching to her bare ankles and offering scant protection against the predawn chill or the sea breeze. "I could just swim to him and bring him back!"
Stella shook her head. Even now, the girl didn't understand. "Wendy, dear, it may be a long time before Duran comes back."
The brunette didn't like hearing this at all. "But I wanna see him! I wanna see my big brother!" she told her aunt, hints of sobbing creeping into her defiant tone. "I wanna know if he's okay."
Stella sighed. "I do, too," she brought the girl close. "I do too."
She couldn't count how many sleepless nights she'd had since her nephew left for Wendel, and it hadn't gotten any better since he had left her again. Stella wished she could go out and find that young man herself. But that was just wishful thinking. As much as it pained her, the boy's life, as well as his potential fate, was out of her hands.
"Hey," Wendy suddenly spoke up. "What's that?" she pointed out towards the ocean. Stella squinting against the sunlight reflecting off the water before seeing it too. A large, distant shape was steadily approaching the shore, drawing closer and closer.
"Wendy, get back!" Stella commanded, picking the girl up and running up to the firmer ground. But as the form came closer and closer, the woman and girl saw several familiar figures riding atop a giant shell. Including that of the young man, they'd both been hoping to see return home.
"Brother!" Wendy shouted, not even registering that a giant, turtle-like, beaked creature with flippers had just come ashore. Duran hopped down from atop Vuscav's shell, but instead of landing on his feet and striking a dashing pose upon landing, he slipped off and fell face down in the sand. "Brother!'' When he got up, Duran found himself falling back down again, this time as Wendy leaped onto him, heedless of the wet sand sticking to her clothes. She then looked to see the rest of the group clambering their way down from atop Vuscav as well. "You're all here!"
"What happened?" Stella wasted no time asking questions. "Are you all right?" she then groaned. "What am I saying? Of course, you're not! Look at the state of you!" She looked over everyone, seeing that they were battered, exhausted, visibly undernourished and that their clothes were unraveling before her eyes. "Well, I suppose you came at just the right time." She then looked at Riesz. " You're Laurent's Princess, right?"
"I've yet to officially be crowned Queen," Riesz said. "But I am Joster and Minerva's daughter."
Joster and Minerva, that was what the blue-haired woman said they were her country's former rulers. "There's someone here claiming to know you, Your Highness."
Stella's Home
When they all saw the large cart in front of the house, the six companions knew something was up. But none of them were expecting to see just who was the strange figure that had come bearing gifts.
"Did they walk all the way here?" Kevin asked.
"Yes." Stella answered. "They arrived a short while after you left. A few days ago in fact. Though they say that travel restrictions are getting tighter. And with that, fewer and fewer ships have been able to dock."
Stella opened the door to her home, revealing a few amazonian women dressed in armor, and their former captain was with them. It was somewhat embarrassing for her to be seen like this, yet Riesz was glad to see the blue-haired woman. "Alma!" Alma immediately embraced the young queen. "What are you doing here?"
"Given that Valsena is one of the few allies we have, we decided that it'd be best to establish contact with each other." the former captain told the blonde. "And I sort of thought that some extra supplies for you wouldn't hurt." she then chuckled, looking the young woman over. "And seeing you've…had a rough few days, I'd say that the trip here was worth it."
Riesz sensed that these weren't the only reasons Alma was here despite the woman's warm smile.
"Once you all get fitted into some new clothes, you should go see His Majesty. There's much to talk about." Stella told her nephew. Alma then handed everyone a set of new garments. And thankfully enough, they were practically identical to what they'd had on before. "Boys upstairs, girls downstairs. That way, we save time."
No one had a problem with that, the three young men making their way up the stairs while the women stayed. Angela, Riesz, and Charlotte went into the area serving as Stella's bedroom to change. Stella and Alma then exchanged wary glances, the same relieved but sad look on their faces. While they were thankful that their loved ones were safe, they knew that the reunion was temporary.
"Hey! Wendy! Get out of here!" Stella then heard her nephew shout from above.
"This is my room too! I need to get dressed, just like you!"
"Then go downstairs and do it! That's where the girls are!"
"But I've seen you naked before! So what's the big deal?"
"Wendy! Leave your brother alone! You'll just have to wait until he's done." Stella called up.
"Okay." Wendy sighed, defeated. She walked over to see Angela, Riesz, and Charlotte had all changed into their new clothes, the Altenan Princess rather impressed with her garments.
"You'll have to give the tailors of Laurent my thanks," Angela told Riesz, performing a little spin to show off her attire. "It's like I never lost my old clothes!"
"Indeed," Riesz added, adjusting the green and gold pauldron on her right shoulder. "We amazons must have a strong memory and keen eye. We do share the same land with harpies, after all."
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," Charlotte said, then she noticed Wendy studying her. "What?"
"Are you really fifteen years old?" Wendy asked the half-elf.
"Yeah. Why?" Charlotte inquired, curious.
"Wow." Wendy said as she looked the blonde up and down.
"What? Wike what you see?" Charlotte fluffed up her hair. "Weww, of couwse you wouwd. Aftew aww, I AM the 'Beauty of Wendew'."
The brunette girl, who was all too aware that she was around the half-elf's height, shook her head. "Well…" she was unsure of what to say. The hair, maybe. But her physique? Yeah, no thank you. Wendy much preferred a future where she would end up looking like the other two girls her brother had met. She'd never find a husband if she was cursed to remain the size of the half-elf.
"Okay, NOW you can go up." Wendy suddenly heard her brother's voice as he, Hawkeye, and Kevin had come down. Sticking her tongue out at him, and with him promptly reciprocating, the girl ran upstairs. But despite the shenanigans, both Duran and Wendy had no ill intent. If anything, they were both grateful that they had the chance to quarrel again. Both siblings were all aware that either of them could easily have lost the other in these troubled times. "How has His Majesty been?" Duran asked his aunt.
"He's recovered from the previous siege on the castle," Stella answered. "But I fear things are out of his hands now." her expression grew grim. "There's been some…developments."
Duran was confused. And worried. "What kind of developments?"
"His Majesty will explain." his aunt told him. "But hurry," she said. She then brought him close, whispering to him, and in a way, Faerie as well. "There might not be as much time as we thought."
The Castle
"It's good to see you again, Your Majesty." Duran greeted, kneeling out of respect. Riesz yanked Hawkeye to his knees as she too bowed. Everyone knelt before the king, but after a few moments, Angela rose.
"Well? What's up?" she asked. Even if she might've appeared informal, Angela was genuinely curious about what was going on.
Richard looked at the magician. Even if she was completely different, personality-wise, there was still much of her mother's resolve in her. Alma recognized it too, seeing much of Valda in the young woman. "There have been some…happenings as of late." the ruler of Valsena told the six youths. "Since you departed, tremors have been felt all over the country. Even more distant cities such as Maia and Beiser are feeling the effects."
"If I may, Majesty," Riesz suddenly spoke up. "I've been meaning to alert you of a large amount of illegal activity in Beiser. Particularly the Night Market."
Richard nodded. "Well, if it's any consolation when our troops went to assist the people of the two cities, we found some interesting things in Beiser. Of which we are putting a stop to," he explained. "Granted, the Night Market itself belongs to the city, so it would normally be beyond our power to dissolve or even regulate it." He then looked at Riesz, his gaze hardening. "But human trafficking will NOT be tolerated. Not as long as I sit on this throne and draw breath. Either it ceases, and ongoing supervision from Valsena and Maia is maintained to ensure it stays that way, or Beiser can weather these troubled days alone. I doubt they'll find that to be a difficult decision."
Riesz was greatly relieved upon hearing this. "Thank you, Your Highness. As…" she paused. She knew that she would have to get comfortable saying such things, but it didn't make it any more difficult. "As Queen of Laurent, I shall see to it that our country repays its debt to you and your people." she thanked, kneeling before the king again. "Though, I suppose you're tired of hearing me talk," she said, rising. Even if her face was smooth and calm, Hawkeye could tell the very title of "Queen" still didn't sit right with her. "What of these tremors that you spoke of?"
"Yes," Richard nodded, continuing where he left off. "The land has begun to shake and split. The dwarves have been forced to migrate from their homes due to their tunnels collapsing. Further, a multitude of dangerous creatures has now begun to roost there."
Duran and Angela looked at each other, both equally concerned about the plight of the dwarves. "I doubt that's all." the Princess then said.
"Unfortunately, no. It's not." Richard confirmed. He looked at Alma, then back to the youths. The two older, seasoned soldiers knew that the ones before them were even younger than either of the veterans had been when they'd entered the Peddan War.
"My Queen," Alma began, addressing Riesz. As painful as it still was, the young woman would have to accept the title eventually. "I regret to inform you that since your departure, the Stone, or rather, the Beast inside, is getting more and more active."
"What?" Riesz questioned.
"There are fierce, violent winds that have been blowing through our country," Alma told her. "Not even the harpies come out much anymore. The animals hide away in whatever shelter they can find, and," she then pulled Riesz to the side. "And some say that the Egg has begun to stir."
"The Egg?!" Riesz whispered. "What's its condition?"
"I can't say for sure." the blue-haired amazon admitted. "The harpies are being extra protective of the pathway to the nest. It's as if they're willing to kill anyone who dares try to approach it," she explained. "None of our troops have been able to access the pathway without risking their wrath."
"And what of Harcypete?" the young blonde queen inquired of her former captain.
"Hm? What of her?" Alma was confused. "Why do you ask?"
"I…suppose you could say I am curious," Riesz confessed. "Our last battle was rather fierce, and we dealt each other many wounds."
Alma was surprised. Her Queen was concerned about a creature that had tormented their people for years? "I haven't seen her myself, but others have reported sighting her." the blue-haired amazon told Riesz. "But she's mainly kept to herself. We'll need to find a way to access the way to the nest soon, otherwise-"
Suddenly, the doors to the throne room were swung open, two soldiers carrying someone by the arms. "Sire!" one of the soldiers called out to his king. "We have apprehended a spy from Altena!"
"We caught him sneaking around the castle, looking for a way in." the other soldier added.
"I'm not a spy!" the restrained man shouted. "I need to see His Highness! Something terrible's happened!"
"Do you think we're stupid?" one of the soldiers asked. "We've dealt with you dirty mages long enough. Any Altenan scum to set foot in this kingdom is to be taken in for questioning."
Before the other soldier could add anything, he was interrupted. "What do you think you're doing?! Let him go!" Angela commanded, marching her way over to the three.
"And who are you?" one of the soldiers asked.
"I just so happen to be Altenan, thank you," Angela told them. "And more importantly, I am its Crown Princess, and soon to be the greatest magic-user in the world." she was exaggerating, but she had to make herself look intimidating. "And you're currently roughing up a good friend of mine, something that I don't care for at all."
The two soldiers regarded her with mingled perplexity and suspicion for a long moment, then turned to King Richard, wondering what his decision would be. "Release him," he ordered. "He claims to have news to tell me, so I shall listen."
The two soldiers were shocked. "But Sire-"
"Release him," Richard repeated, not raising his voice, but the sternness in it made the two armored men think of their own fathers. A nurturing figure, but one that wasn't afraid to show his dominance when it was necessary.
The young man was released, Angela kneeling to his level. "Victor!" she cried out. "Are you okay? What are you doing here? Did these guys rough you up badly?" she asked, helping the blonde young man up.
"I'm fine," Victor told her. "I'm just glad that you're safe." he then embraced her, the violet-haired Princess shocked at his sudden display of affection.
Everyone could see that Duran wasn't particularly fond of this stranger being so close to Angela. Charlotte giggled. "Jeawous?"
"No!" Duran hissed.
"Oh yes, he is," Faerie said, emerging for a moment. "Intensely so."
"Shut up!" he couldn't contain himself anymore. He walked up to the two Altenans. "Ahem!" he cleared his throat, getting both their attention. "So, if you're not a spy, what are you doing here?"
"Yes, that's right!" Victor cried out, going over to Richard. "Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that one of the Stones has been activated."
Angela grew pale, a terrible realization dawning on her. She had managed to escape from Altena before her moth…before Valda and Koren could sacrifice her to the Stone but, if the Stone had been activated, then someone else had died in her place. The entire room went deathly silent. "One of the Beasts has been fed," Richard said grimly, unable to process it at first. But he quickly snapped out of his shock and went back to the matter at hand. "Are you certain of this?"
Victor nodded. "I wish I was lying to you, King Richard." The mage bit his lip. "And, should you doubt me," Victor pulled out a letter from the sack he had on him. "I bring you a testimony from one of the Kingdom's most trusted and respected mages."
While none of the others knew who this respected person might be, Angela immediately knew of whom Victor was speaking. "If I may," Richard asked. Victor granted him silent permission to read the letter. "I send this to you, great King of Valsena." Richard began reading.
I regret to inform you that our country and your former ally, Altena, are preparing to attack you yet again. And this time, they will stop at nothing to acquire the Stone, as well as a sacrifice to unleash its power.
Not a word was spoken as King Richard continued to read the letter.
Unfortunately, to activate the Stone residing in our own country, the Queen and our Crimson Wizard, Koren, have chosen Her Highness' own daughter as an offering to the Benevodon.
A few gasps came from some of the soldiers present in the room. Was this the same woman that their king had praised and, according to some, thought of endlessly? How could someone who was Richard's ally in the Peddan War even consider such a heinous course of action? And with her own child, no less?
When I had discovered this, I had planned to get her out of the kingdom and request you take her under your protection. But, unfortunately, it seems that it's too late for that. She is out of the Queen and Koren's hands, but I doubt that they will abandon the search for her so easily. If not for an offering, then they surely desire her for some other purpose. Though I do not know exactly what that is.
Duran glanced over at Angela, who had seemingly found the floor quite fascinating. Being reminded of what had gotten her in this whole fiasco didn't exactly lift her spirits. The fact that a mother would do such a thing to her child disgusted him still; but now, Duran found himself growing angry, both from the vile act itself and how these people hurt Angela. They had dared to try and harm "her." The thought of anyone laying his hands on her, let alone Koren…the very possibility made him seethe!
I am sending one of my students to you with this message to prevent further loss of life. I pray this reaches you, and I give you my regards and hopes.
May the Goddess protect her Champion.
With that, the letter ended. Richard stared at the piece of paper, then at its deliverer. "I felt it before the ship left Alrant; everyone felt a sudden wave, a force rip through the land," Victor told the king. "And when it ceased, everyone felt a strange and terrible presence in the air. Something not of this world. The wind had gotten colder, and the snow fell more heavily. Altena's borders are blanketed with ice, and fires are doing nothing to warm us." he said. "And if it is this bad there, I hate to think of how the other countries are doing."
Hawkeye grimaced. "Trust me; there's been plenty of pain and suffering to go around." No one said anything, but everyone unanimously agreed with his statement.
"I would like to discuss this more with you in private, if I may be so bold to ask, Majesty."
"Of course," Richard told Victor. "There's no time to waste." the king then rose from his throne. "Please excuse us." Then he politely beckoned to Alma, the woman nodding in agreement and joining Richard and Victor.
"Wait." Victor suddenly spoke before turning to Angela. "I almost forgot." he then approached her, pulling out another letter.
"What's this?" the Princess questioned.
"It's for you," he told her. "Jose said that this is for your eyes alone." he then pulled out four books, handing them to her.
"And these are?" Angela asked, having never seen these books before. And she had gone through nearly every book in the castle's library.
"Jose managed to get these from your mother's personal library," Victor explained. Angela immediately took one of the books, about to open it. "But," Victor spoke up again. "He requested that you read the letter first before you read them."
"Why?" Angela questioned. "Did…something happen?" Victor didn't answer her. "Something did, didn't it? What was it? Is the old man okay?" But he still didn't answer her.
Angela gave the book back to Victor and took the letter, but she didn't open it right away. In truth, she was afraid to. Something had occurred while she was gone, something terrible. And she was beginning to realize just what had indeed happened.
"Angela?" Duran saw the young woman beginning to tremble.
"I…I need to go somewhere quiet." The Princess then turned her attention to Richard. "I won't intrude on your meeting, but do you have a place where I can read this in private?"
"Certainly." King Richard told her.
Angela then went with him, Alma, and Victor, clutching the letter close to her chest. The five others were left in the throne room, pondering just what was in that other letter. Suddenly, Duran felt himself being pulled to the side; his aunt had been the one to do so. "There is something that I need to show you as well."
The young man was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Stella looked at the other four youths, then back to her nephew. "You can come if you wish, but I would like to borrow my nephew for a short time."
What was going on now? What did his aunt need to show him? Duran pondered these questions, but he obeyed his aunt and followed her out of the throne room.
"Perhaps it'd be best that we split up." Riesz suggested. "You two go with Duran," she told Hawkeye and Kevin. "Charlotte and I shall stay here in case Angela becomes a little…volatile."
No one needed another hint as to what the blonde was talking about. Hawkeye and Kevin followed Duran while Riesz and Charlotte stayed behind. They sensed that whatever the contents of that letter were, Angela would not be taking it well.
Stella's Home
When his aunt had led him to her room, he was unsure what she was doing. And when she brought out a small chest, he was even more confused. "I didn't think I would have to give you these so early in your life," Stella told her nephew. "But it seems that your fate has been taken out of my hands."
She then set the chest on the bed and opened it, revealing its contents to Duran. Four medals meant to be pinned onto a person's clothing, all of them lying on a red cushion placed in the chest. They ranged in color from silver to gold to green and finally violet. "What are these?" Duran questioned his aunt.
"These belonged to your father," Stella explained. "He acquired them when he and King Richard went out to slay the Dragon Lord."
Faerie then emerged. "These…" she fluttered towards the medals. "I can feel it! I can feel the Mana energy radiating off them!" She then turned to Stella. "Where did his father get these?"
"I don't know for sure," Stella admitted. "I don't know where Loki and Richard's quest took them, but these are from all parts of the world, each presented to him in gratitude for, and as proof of, his brave deeds wherever he went."
Duran was left speechless, his eyes gazing down at the priceless treasures. "And…why are you showing me these?"
"Why do you think?" his aunt told him. "I'm giving them to you."
The young soldier stepped back. "Auntie," he said, utterly shocked that she was presenting him with such things. "I…I can't." he shook his head. "These are too precious just to give them away."
"I'm not just giving them away," Stella countered. "I'm entrusting them to you."
"Auntie, I can't take these." her nephew argued. "I…I don't think-"
"That you're worthy?" Stella interrupted. Given the look on her nephew's face, she saw she had guessed correctly. "Duran, I wouldn't be giving these medals to you unless I thought you had proven yourself. I trust no one else BUT you to take them."
She held the chest out for him to take. They both stood there until, ultimately, Duran accepted it. Forcing his trembling hands to hold the chest steady, he stared down at its contents; despite its light weight, he felt as if he were carrying a boulder in his hands.
"Don't think you're too different, hun," Lumina spoke up, manifesting himself. "Many of those who wielded the Sword felt just like you do at this very moment."
"They had feared death," Shade added as he appeared as well. "For the safety of their companions, their ability to fight and protect,"
"And, they also questioned their self-worth more than a couple of times." Gnome said, having popped out of the ether and landed on Stella's bed.
"It is natural." Sylphid agreed as he too manifested. "Joster and Minverva too doubted that they were worthy to rule Laurent. As does their daughter at this moment."
Yes, that was right. Riesz had the burden of "Queen" placed on her shoulders before this quest had even started, and long before her time. Several of his companions had faced loss as well. And he had started his journey to Wendel because of wounded pride. Suffice to say, Duran found himself wracked with shame.
"The start of your journey was just as valid as the others," Faerie assured him. "There's no need to feel guilty. You've been chosen for a reason."
Duran sighed. "And I still don't know why."
"The monster your father fought was an enemy to the rest of the world when he served Pedda," Stella told her nephew. "And there was one that lived his entire life as a slave to the Valdole Empire, forced to fight dangerous beasts, just for the "entertainment" of others."
"There's no such thing as status in times like these, and it doesn't matter where your roots come from either," Lumina told Duran. "To Her, any man or woman She deems worthy can wield the Sword."
The young, wild-haired soldier looked down at the medals again, then back to his aunt. "All right," he said, agreeing to accept the medals. "But I don't know how dad used them."
"Don't worry about that," Stella told him.
"Yeah, we're here!" Gnome piped up. Duran's aunt stepped back a bit, still shocked at the sudden appearance of the spirits and wondering if the Earth Elemental might crack his head on her ceiling if he kept up that bouncing.
"Oh, yeah. We've also got some…tag-alongs." Duran told Stella.
""Tag-alongs"? Is that all we are to you?" Gnome questioned, irately tapping his foot.
"Kidding! Kidding!"
Unnoticed amidst the banter, Stella had spent a long moment gawking at the bizarre argument her nephew was having with…well, four of the eight spirits that manifested Mana itself. She had read about the Elementals, as many had, but she never would've guessed she'd see them. More to the point, she never would have imagined they could have personalities and dispositions that were, for lack of a better term, so human. And, as for seeing them give her uncertain nephew a pep talk?
Not in a million years.
Still, after she'd managed to regain her equilibrium, she noticed the easy and frank manner that Duran spoke with them, almost as he did with his other friends. And, even better, the Elementals themselves were as much an argument for Duran to take the tags as were any words the Spirits might've offered.
Well, after all I've seen, this shouldn't be too shocking. Stella thought. "That's right. You also have these Spirits with you, direct connections to Mana itself. If anyone can put these to good use, it would be you. Loki would want you to have them."
Duran was unsure how to process his aunt's words. Hell, he still couldn't believe she was giving him such valuable treasures! He would take them, yes, though he was still somewhat doubtful. "I still don't know if I can make use of these as he did."
"You will, and you'll find your own way of doing it," Stella told him. "Because, like it or not, you're not your father." She then cupped his cheek. "You are Duran. And Duran is his own, unique warrior."
Duran stood there, shocked at his aunt's words. He was still unsure, and perhaps he would continue to be for some time. Yet ultimately, it would've been an insult not to accept the medals. This was no longer just about avenging himself against Koren; this was about the fate of the entire world.
"If you're worried about being alone, there's no need." a voice suddenly spoke, Duran seeing Hawkeye and Kevin standing by the door. They had elected to stay outside while Stella spoke with her nephew, yet the thief couldn't help but "check in" on their conversation, much to Kevin's disapproval. Still, he agreed with the Nevarlan native on this.
"Yeah," Kevin added. "We're here for you too."
Duran looked down at the floor, finding a wave of emotions overtaking him. He hid his face away from the thief and beastman, Stella being the only one to see tears roll down his cheeks.
"Are you okay?" Kevin asked, concerned.
"Y-Yeah," Duran said. "I'm fine." he wiped away any lingering moisture from his eyes, then turned back to his companions. "But we probably need to get back to the castle." and while he didn't say it, he wasn't just motivated by wishing to speak to King Richard.
He was worried about Angela.
The Castle
"They're right in here." a brunette maid told Duran. "Though I warn you, I don't know what her emotional state is at the moment."
Duran, Hawkeye, and Kevin had returned to the castle and requested to be shown where Angela had decided to read the ominous letter. "I'll be careful," Duran told the woman. "Thanks, Beatrice."
The maid curtsied and went on her way. Duran slowly cracked open the door to see the Princess sitting at a table with her head pillowed against her arms. Duran had not seen Angela break down often, but knew she tended to hold in her feelings unless something truly terrible had happened. Riesz and Charlotte were present; the amazon had a grim look on her face while Charlotte stood by Angela and petted her hair.
Duran felt his jaw tighten as he feared his earlier supposition was on the mark.
All three noticed the boys coming in, but Angela didn't react to their arrival. Duran approached Riesz. "How is she?" he asked.
Riesz shook her head. "A needless tragedy has taken place," she told the soldier. "I don't think she's quite ready to-"
"Go on, Riesz." Angela then said. "Show it to them."
Charlotte stopped her petting. "Awe you suwe?"
Angela was silent for a moment. "It's too late to do anything now. It doesn't matter."
"Too late for what?" Kevin whispered, Hawkeye shushing him.
Having received Angela's permission, Riesz handed the second letter Victor delivered to Duran. He accepted it grimly while Hawkeye and Kevin gathered around to view its contents. It didn't take long for them to realize what "tragedy" had taken place, as well as why Angela was so distraught about it.
"Jose…" she stammered, feeling tears coming to her eyes again. "Jose…" she then rose from her chair and walked to the doorway. "We're going to Altena. Now."
Note: I put in some references to Final Fantasy Adventure/Sword of Mana, as in this fic, Belladonna took the form and name of her grandmother, Isabella. And also, Falchion1984 suggested a scenario that I'm going to put in the next chapter. Seeing as the gang's been traveling without a bed or even proper clothes, I think they deserve a bit of downtime. Also will have some Duran x Angela material in the next one, and maybe some Hawkeye x Riesz.
Special thanks to Falchion1984 for the editing and suggestions! I hope to see you all later!
