Chapter 7: The Marshes' Monster

 

*Trevour, Nathan, Luna and Destiny slept around the burning firewood, ignoring the rising sun.*

 

Trevour: "Hermm.." *He slowly stretched his arms over his head, naturally making a moan of relief.*

 

Champion: "Oh, you're awake." *She spoke in a high pitch of tone and stood in the clearing, staring up at the clouds.*

 

Trevour: "Heh heh, sure am, miss." *He casually stood up, adjusting the armour he slept on.*

 

*Trevour looked to his side, noticing Luna and Nathan cuddling each other in a comfortable appearing manner.*

 

Destiny: "Yue, yue-ue-ue-ue-ue." *She slept in a ball in the middle of Luna and Nathan, purring in a snore-like manner.*

 

Trevour: *He looked back to the champion, watching her stare into the sky.* "What are you doing, miss?"

 

Champion: "Just admiring what isn't there."

 

Trevour: "Sorry, miss?" *He hobbled up to the champion and looked up, staring into the sky.* "..."

 

Champion: "What do you think?"

 

Trevour: "It's just the sky..." *He shook his head.* "It's not my thing."

 

Champion: "Oh my, that's understandable."

 

Trevour: "It's nice and early. We should be at Silver Wind Island before lunch."

 

Champion: *She smiled with her eyes closed.* "I'll probably take my leave half way through, if not, just at Silver Wind Island."

 

Trevour: "Sounds like a fair organised ordeal."

 

Champion: "What about Luna, Nathan and Destiny?"

 

Trevour: "Their destiny?"

 

Champion: "No, the new addition to our team."

 

Trevour: "Oh, the Scoldrant! My bad, heh heh." *He awkwardly chuckled and turned around, facing the sleeping triplets.*

 

Champion: (This won't end well-) *She thought to herself in an innocent-like manner and casually hobbled to the side.*

 

Trevour: *He clapped several times with an upbeat attitude.* "Let's go, Luna, Nathan and Destiny-"

 

Nathan: "Quiet." *He mumbled under his breath, as if he couldn't be bothered moving.*

 

Trevour: "Heh heh, let's go, guys!-"

 

Luna: "I'll shit in your face if you don't shut up." *She grunted with her eyes shut.*

 

Trevour: "Just a sturdy push, and you'll be halfway to Silver-"

 

*Nathan's sheathed sword hit Trevour on the forehead, causing him to stagger backwards in shock.*

 

Trevour: *He rubbed his forehead in shock.* "Come on, everyone! We need to get up-"

 

*Trevour watched a small rock spiral towards his head, causing him to sway his hand, bursting the rock into dirt.*

 

Trevour: *He awkwardly chuckled with his eyes closed.* "You don't have any more projectiles-"

 

*Destiny was thrown into Trevour's head, causing her to suddenly wake up.*

 

Destiny: "Yeup?!" *She unintentionally scratched Trevour across the face in fright.*

 

Trevour: "Wha-?!"

 

Luna: "Aha-" *She smirked with her eyes closed, slowly lowering the arm she used to throw Destiny.*

 

Trevour: "You villain! Using your poor own Scoldrant as a throwing weapon!" *He stamped his foot forward and pouted, causing Nathan to smirk.* "N-Not you too, sir?!"

 

Champion: "Now that that little scene has finished, maybe we should leave some time soon?" *She hobbled behind Trevour, holding Nathan's sword in one hand and Destiny in the other.*

 

Trevour: "I-I'm trying, miss."

 

----------

 

*Lezard, Rachael and Karol slowly staggered out of the Spacial Funnel, stretching half-asleep as if they just woke up.*

 

Rachael: *She crossed her arms and stretched them in an athletic-like manner.* "Good morning."

 

Millard: *He squatted in the middle of the courtyard with his back facing the party.* "Good evening, my delicious children."

 

Karol: *He sniffed several times.* "Yhummy, what's that smell?"

 

Lezard: "It appears father monster is cooking us some succulent delicious eggs." *He giggled, shaking his bottom in excitement.*

 

Karol: "I-I'm weally hungi."

 

Rachael: "Hungi? Naww, that's cute."

 

Karol: "Nee hee."

 

Millard: "Got me some scrambled eggs in tha barbi." *He purposely spoke in a foreign accent, causing Rachael to chuckle.*

 

Rachael: "Hehe, nice accent!"

 

Millard: "Thankies."

 

Lezard: *He flared his nose and sniffed the air, causing him to spiral like a ballerina.* "This smell, rouses the senses, bwarharh."

 

Rachael: "Where's Twortz?"

 

Millard: "She's over there-" *He pointed to a bush, drawing the party's attention towards it.*

 

Lezard: "And father monster drew our attention to some sort of-" *He leant forward, squinting his eyes in disgust.* "A creature lurking in the bushes?"

 

Rachael: "Oh man..." *She pulled an awkward face, watching Twortz snore, tangled up in bamboo vine-like bushes.*

 

Karol: "Sh-She's even skcawier!"

 

Lezard: "Her hair looks like the vines out of a sea serpent's crack!-"

 

Millard: *He hissed in Twortz's general direction.* "I got a startle myself, I hobbled out, minding my own business and I noticed that-" *He waved his finger around Twortz's general direction.* "Scenario-"

 

Rachael: *She silently stared at Twortz, as if she was embarrassed for her.* "..."

 

Millard: "I was like, jinkies! This place didn't have a scarecrow last night!"

 

Karol: "Nee hee."

 

Rachael: "Hehe-" *She covered her mouth, as if she knew she shouldn't be laughing at that.*

 

Millard: "My little monster. Could you please wake her up? She had a big night."

 

Lezard: "Okies!" *He giggled and saluted with three fingers, emphasising his loyalty.*

 

Millard: "Millard is sad, Razzymotto-"

 

Lezard: "It's actually Razzypoo, gosh!"

 

Rachael: "Hehe, I'd prefer Razzymotto over Razzypoo-"

 

Lezard: *He gasped loudly while walking up to Twortz.* "I thought we were friends!"

 

Millard: "Yum yums is up!" *He giggled and raised the frying pan in accomplishment, revealing a full pan of scrambled egg.*

 

Karol: "Wow!" *He quickly trotted up to Millard, staring at the eggs with a widening smile.*

 

Millard: "Ah, back away, little one. This is for all of us! Not just you."

 

Karol: "S-Sowwy." *He looked away and pouted.*

 

Millard: "My old bones-" *He spoke with a smile, placing one hand on his chest.* "Who can stay cranky at a face like that."

 

Karol: "Nee hee."

 

Rachael: (How long has he been here by himself?) *She watched Karol receive an egg sandwich from Millard, observing his excitement.* (It looks like he hasn't had a decent meal in years-)

 

Karol: (It's been a few days.. I was getting vewy bored of eating cold dry brwead-) *He thought in happiness, while enthusiastically eating the egg sandwich.*

 

Lezard: "..." *He stood on the spot and stared at Twortz, watching her sleep face-first in the dirt with her bottom sticking up in the air, supported by the bamboo-like vines.* "Twortz, get up."

 

Twortz: "Would you like a large?!" *She woke up with a loud snort.*

 

Lezard: "No thankies." *He turned around without saying anything else and hobbled away.*

 

Twortz: *She sighed in exhaustion and slowly removed the vines which were tangled around her wrists.* (Without any immediate experience, the strings, the chords, the musical talent, it all came to me like instinct.)

 

*Twortz stood up and brushed excess vegetation off her body, causing her to notice faint red lines where the tattoo-like glyphs were.*

 

Twortz: *She stepped out of the bushes and slowly waddled towards the party, gently rubbing one of the faint lines on her hand.* (How unprofessional of me-. To be seen in such a state.)

 

Millard: "And for my growing boy-" *He handed Lezard a sandwich, causing him to giggle.*

 

Lezard: "Looks poopy, but smells yummy."

 

Millard: "And for the sensational lady-" *He raised his arm, presenting a sandwich to Rachael.*

 

Rachael: *She shook her head with a smile.* "No thanks, I'm not hungry."

 

Millard: "Oh?"

 

Twortz: *She waddled next to Rachael and noticed the sandwich, causing Millard to present it towards her instead.* "Much appreciated."

 

Rachael: "I don't remember falling asleep, what else did I miss last night?"

 

Lezard: "Well, I slain a few dragons, rescued the damsel in distress and saved the world."

 

Rachael: "Hehe-"

 

Twortz: "Ahem. By what Millard stated last night, Silver Wind Island is the place to go for answers."

 

Millard: "Indeed."

 

Twortz: "You mentioned something about a teleportation glyph?"

 

Karol: "..." *He silently listened to the party, while eating the sandwich with both hands.*

 

Millard: "I thought after having a nice morning meal, we could embark on our adventure."

 

Rachael: "And this is the biggest city?"

 

Millard: "Yes-" *He looked at Lezard, catching his attention.* "Maybe you should escort these children in the city?"

 

Lezard: "But, what about our hunt for mother monster-?"

 

Millard: *He shook his head.* "I'll let you know as soon as I find anything else out."

 

Lezard: "Does that mean we've lost her?"

 

Millard: "Yes.."

 

Lezard: "But we were so close."

 

Millard: "I know.."

 

Karol: "I-If she's the Konsultant, why don't you go to Sowwowpwax?"

 

Twortz: "The child has a valid point."

 

Millard: "I tried it once.. Even these old bones have trouble handling her and additional high-ranking captains at once.."

 

Lezard: (Mum..)

 

Twortz: *She finished the sandwich, causing her to brush her hands together in a professional-like manner.* "I am ready to leave effective immediately."

 

Millard: *He slowly stood up and swayed his hand, causing a wave of red flames to burn everything off the frying pan clean.* "This will be a delicious treat to use in the future."

 

*Millard spoke with a giggle and spun the frying pan over his shoulder, causing it to warp into nothing.*

 

Rachael: "Wow." *She leant forward, observing the area around Millard's back.* "It's gone!"

 

Millard: "Bahahaha, yes it is, little one."

 

Rachael: "Where did it go?"

 

Lezard: "Nobody knows, dun dun duun." *He spoke mysteriously in a sarcastic-like manner.*

 

Millard: "Baha, just an Astragon pocket."

 

Rachael: "Who needs bags if you can do that!"

 

Millard: "True, true. But the average person can only focus-hold on one item."

 

Twortz: "..." *She had images of concealing her violin from the night before.*

 

Rachael: "Focus hold?"

 

Millard: "Just a term I like to use to describe the ability to store one's weapon."

 

Rachael: *She smiled.* "That's still amazing."

 

Millard: "Aww, stop. You're making these old bones blush."

 

Karol: "Nee hee." *He giggled at Millard.*

 

Rachael: "I was wondering-" *She looked at Karol, catching his attention.* "Karol."

 

Karol: "Y-Yhes?"

 

Rachael: "Would you like to join us?"

 

Karol: "J-Join you?" *He leant back slightly startled at the idea.*

 

Twortz: "Excuse me?" *She spoke in a disapproving-like manner.*

 

Lezard: "Ooo, plot twist!"

 

Karol: "W-Why?"

 

Rachael: "It was something I noticed last night."

 

Karol: "Lhast nyght?"

 

Rachael: *She shook her head as if it didn't matter.* "It's better than being alone here-"

 

Twortz: "You must understand the responsibilities it takes to look after a child."

 

Rachael: "And leaving a child by himself is okay with you?"

 

Twortz: *She paused, as if she didn't know what to say.* "I don't-"

 

Karol: *He slowly shook his head.* "I dhon't know any of yoohs."

 

Rachael: "Really?" *She sounded unconvinced.*

 

Millard: (This could work out better than I planned. The child's food supply will run out in a few weeks, who knows what will happen to the youngster by then-)

 

Rachael: "What if those bad people come back for you?"

 

Millard: "Indeed. I might not be around to fend them off next time."

 

Karol: "..."

 

Lezard: "What do you say, kiddo? Wanna become team bestie?"

 

Millard: "Ooo, pick me, pick me!" *He giggled and waved his hand in the air above him.*

 

Twortz: (Seriously, why do they talk like that? Can't they just speak normally for once?)

 

Karol: "No.. My home is here."

 

Rachael: "Home..."

 

Karol: (She sounds sad-) *He intensely stared at Rachael, triggering a flashback.*

 

----------

 

Twortz: *She yawned, as she struggled to stay alert.* "I will listen to as much as I can, but I'm quite tired."

 

Karol: "..." (I feel comfortable with these people..)

 

Rachael: "This feels so odd.. We currently don't have a home."

 

Karol: *He discreetly stared at Rachael with a dropping jaw.* (She doesn't have a home?)

 

Millard: "My condolences, little monster."

 

Twortz: "If joining the warriors isn't an option, where is Silver Wind Island?"

 

Karol: "Isn't that citee all the way up at the other end of the continent?"

 

----------

 

Lezard: "Despite what's better for our little hero, we can't force him to come."

 

Twortz: "Exactly."

 

Rachael: "..."

 

Millard: (If he declines the offer, I'll just focus on what I was going to do-)

 

Rachael: (I was hoping he'd accept my request.)

 

Millard: *He looked at Karol, deep in thought.* (I'll periodically bring the child year's worth of food supplies.. I can't help but feel responsible for what my love did to his city.)

 

Karol: *He looked down, ignoring the crumbs which were left on the sides of his mouth.* (I want to stay here, just in case evewyone walks back into the city-)

 

Rachael: *She sighed, nodding her head in understanding.* "Okay. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Karol."

 

Twortz: "You weren't that bad for a child." *She looked away, speaking in a professional-like manner.*

 

Lezard: "Too bad, we could've been hide and seek buddies."

 

Millard: "Keep safe, little one."

 

Karol: "F-Fanks.." *He unintentionally pouted.*

 

Twortz: "We must move on." *She coughed and purposely spoke to Millard, as if she knew he was the acting party leader.*

 

Millard: "Of course." *He glanced at each party member and faced the city's entrance.* "Let's go."

 

Karol: *He waved with a saddened smile, watching the party walk away from him.* (I want to go.. But-.) *He glanced over his shoulder, observing the city's ruins.*

 

----------

 

*Nathan, Luna, Destiny, Trevour and the champion stretched in different positions, as if they were just waking up.*

 

Trevour: *He gently touched a cat-like scratch on his face, before glancing at Nathan.* "How are you feeling?"

 

Nathan: "A little better."

 

Champion: "Oh my, that's great."

 

Destiny: "Yeup." *She meowed in agreement, comfortably sitting in Luna's arms.*

 

Luna: *She rubbed Destiny with her thumbs, causing her to purr.* "Are we goin' or wat?" *She grunted in an annoyed-like manner.*

 

Trevour: "Of course, madam." *He started to hobble down the naturally made path between the two different forests.* "Just head up North until we reach the ocean, then move a little West until we reach the island."

 

Luna: *She started to follow Trevour, guided by Destiny's black and white, sketch-like vision.* (My perception is a little off due to following her eyesight.. But, it's great to see again, aye.)

 

Champion: *She hobbled to each side, focusing her attention to Nathan.* "What do you remember?"

 

Nathan: *He looked to his side, staring at the champion's enormous hunchback.* "Where I'm from.. Scoldrants and their Users."

 

Trevour: "Excellent, sir!"

 

Nathan: "And-" *He adjusted the sword on his back and walked ahead of the party, causing Trevour to look confused.*

 

Trevour: "Don't travel too fast, sir, it could get temperamental further ahead-"

 

Nathan: *He smirked with confidence.* "Now I know my way around these woods."

 

Trevour: "Sir?"

 

Champion: "He's a Scoldrant User, their instinctive abilities allows them to have inbuilt maps in their navigational skills." *She hobbled past Trevour, as she slowly followed Nathan.*

 

Luna: *She looked to her side, watching the champion hobble to each side with every step.* "Aye? They've got an automatic GPS system or somethin'?"

 

Champion: "Umm..?" *She sounded confused.*

 

Trevour: *He hobbled by the champion's side.* "I'm a little confused too."

 

Nathan: "Haha. It differs with every Scoldrant User, some have the ability to never forget the terrain once they've stepped foot in the area, others can communicate with the environment."

 

Luna: "Talkin' to plants, that could be some trippy shit, if you know what I mean."

 

Trevour: "What about you, sir?"

 

Nathan: "I'm just good with the terrain."

 

Luna: "Pssht, lame."

 

Nathan: I'm not a Scoldrant User."

 

Destiny: "Yeup."

 

Nathan: "You're probably classed as one now."

 

Luna: "Aye?"

 

Champion: "Oh, that's right! You're Soul Linked now."

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She purred in agreement.*

 

Luna: "We're just that awesome." *She spoke with confidence, pretending to be cool.*

 

Nathan: "But, there's something you should know.."

 

Trevour: (His tone, it doesn't sound good-)

 

Luna: "Yea, wat?"

 

Nathan: "Whatever happens to either one of you, will happen to the other."

 

Luna: "Huh?" *She grunted with her mouth open.*

 

Nathan: "Something as powerful as a Soul Link would have its drawbacks."

 

Luna: "That kinda didn't answer my question, aye."

 

Nathan: *He sighed.* "If one of you gets hurt, so will the other."

 

Luna: "Oh, that doesn't sound bad."

 

Destiny: "Yeup!"

 

Trevour: *He looked up, as if he was thinking about it.* "What would happen if one of them were to receive a life threatening wound?"

 

Nathan: *He smirked in a serious-like manner, as if he wanted that question to be answered.* "Then the other will die too."

 

----------

 

Lezard: "So, our heroes walk outside the city and gather around father monster, watching him pull out a small grey stone with purple writing on it-"

 

Twortz: "Please, do whatever you do to activate those stones." *She spoke in an annoyed-like manner, as if she was tired of Lezard's immaturity.*

 

Millard: "Of course."

 

Rachael: *She looked over her shoulder, staring at the distant ruins in a saddened manner.* (I'm not sure if it's because he saved me, but I felt like I had a connection with Karol.. Good luck with all your future endeavours-)

 

Millard: *He closed his eyes and tightened his grip around the stone, causing it to glow purple.* "Okies-"

 

*Millard dropped the stone, causing an expanding purple glyph to draw itself underneath the party's feet.*

 

Rachael: *She looked down, staring at the glyph in amazement.* (I wonder how long it will take until the wow factor will go away-)

 

Lezard: *He noticed Rachael's face.* "Wait until we get to Silver Wind Island, it'll be amazing." *He giggled, wiggling his bottom to each side.*

 

Millard: "I personally think Surpreon is the better city."

 

Lezard: "Surpreon? Eww, why, father monster?"

 

Millard: "Silver Wind Island is too busy for these old bones. Maybe in my younger days, I would've enjoyed being rubbed against by many randoms and having the loud sounds of sizzle and chatter coming in from every direction."

 

Twortz: "What?"

 

Millard: "It's very busy for my liking."

 

Twortz: *She face palmed.* (Why doesn't he just say so? His whole sentence was grammatically flawed, it was too hard to understand what he was trying to say.)

 

Millard: "We will have a little walk ahead of us before reaching the actual city."

 

Lezard: "Why?"

 

Millard: "Just the limitation of that little bugger-" *He looked down to the stone, watching the glyphic markings on it fade away into the glyph.*

 

Twortz: *She watched the glyph glow a constant brightness, causing her to smile.* "It's ready?" *She glanced at Millard, as if she was unsure.*

 

Millard: "Yes!"

 

Rachael: "Hehe, you're getting the hang of this, Twortz."

 

Twortz: (You have no idea.) "..."

 

Millard: "Shall we have a countdown?"

 

Twortz: "No."

 

Lezard: "Yes!-"

 

?????: "Wait!" *A young boy's yell caused the party to turn around.*

 

Rachael: "Karol?"

 

Karol: "W-Wayt for me!" *He squealed and suddenly tripped on his own foot, causing him to land face-first into the ground.*

 

Twortz: (Please don't tell me the child is going to join us-)

 

Karol: "I-I'm coming to jhoin yooh!"

 

Rachael: (Awesome!-)

 

Lezard: "Yay!"

 

Twortz: "Looks like you'll have someone your own age to talk to."

 

Millard: "Oooo." *He spoke in suspense, glancing at Lezard.*

 

Lezard: "You're just jealous of our friendship." *He looked away, pretending not to care.*

 

Twortz: "In some states, that little friendship could be illegal."

 

Lezard: "Lezard sighed and continued to ignore Twortz."

 

Twortz: "Are you serious?" *She spoke with a stern voice, glaring at Lezard.*

 

Rachael: *She ran up to Karol and bent down, helping him back onto his feet.* "You okay?"

 

Karol: "Yep!"

 

Rachael: "Let's go." *She spoke with a smile and started to jog back to the glyph.*

 

Millard: "Quickly, little ones! It's about to transfer us-"

 

Lezard: *He reached out and grabbed onto Rachael and Karol's hands, quickly pulling them onto the glyph.* "Phew-"

 

Twortz: *She watched the air blur and swirl around them.* (The area swirls on the borders of this glyph? So, if I've been educated correctly, this is Astragons at work..)

 

Rachael: "What changed your mind?"

 

Karol: "Uhm.. Just what you said before."

 

Rachael: "Oh?" *She sounded happy, but didn't care for the reason.*

 

Millard: "Welcome to the party, Karol."

 

Karol: "Nee hee, fanks!"

 

Lezard: "Onward to Silver Wind Island." *He stamped forward and pointed into a direction, watching colours swirl around the glyph.*

 

Rachael: (It's amazing..) *She watched the wall of colours continue to swirl, making it not possible to see through the glyph.* (It's like we're in a car, how the sounds are moving outside-)

 

*Rachael took a step forward and reached towards the edge of the glyph, readying to touch the warping area behind her.*

 

Lezard: "You shouldn't do that."

 

Rachael: *She withdrew her hand and stepped to the side, glancing at Lezard.* "Why?"

 

Millard: "Unless you're very skilled, the implications of prematurely stepping off a teleportation glyph while it's still active is far too dangerous."

 

Lezard: "Yuppers." *He enthusiastically nodded his head.*

 

Millard: "I've had captain classed warriors come back with missing arms, or worse."

 

Rachael: "Worse?"

 

Millard: "They prematurely teleported through or into a solid object."

 

Karol: "H-Holy Neurons!" *He squealed in fear.*

 

Rachael: "So, it's like stepping out of a moving vehicle.. Got it." *She whispered to herself, purposely stepping closer to the middle of the glyph.*

 

----------

 

*Nathan and Trevour led the party down the enclosed grassy pathway, listening to the different sorts of leaves bristling in the wind.*

 

Nathan: *He suddenly stepped on mud, causing him to look down.* "What is-?"

 

Trevour: "Sir?" *He stopped, causing his armour to stop rattling.* "Oh?"

 

Luna: "Wat's the holdup? Sore legs, ya big girls?"

 

Champion: "Oh my, nobody is large in this party." *She spoke in a high innocent-like tone of voice.*

 

Luna: "That's not wat I meant, aye."

 

Champion: *She watched Nathan and Trevour bend down to inspect the mud, causing her to tilt her head in curiosity.* "What's wrong?"

 

Nathan: "This mud, it shouldn't be here."

 

Trevour: *He looked down and twiddled his fingers, causing the mud to slowly swirl to his command.* (It moves like baking mix-)

 

Nathan: "We're far from any desert and The Swirling Marshes is quite far away."

 

Trevour: "This mud has come from a creature."

 

Luna: "Aye? How can ya tell?"

 

Trevour: "I only need to pour my Astragons in this mud for it to move."

 

Luna: "Wat does that mean?" *She frowned.*

 

Trevour: "It means, it already has Neurons in there."

 

Champion: "Like Scoldrant droppings?"

 

Trevour: "Close." *He stood up straight and faced the way he was walking.* "We should go."

 

Nathan: *He rubbed a speck of mud in between his fingers.* (There aren't any Scoldrants that live around here that produces mud like this..)

 

Trevour: (Whatever left behind this trail-) *He noticed snail-like smears of mud trail further into the forest.* (It must be powerful-)

 

Luna: *She listened to creaking branches in the distance, causing her to shiver.* (What is this feeling? Am I scared? Pssht! I haven't been scared like this in ages..)

 

Nathan: *He nodded his head and stood up, wiping the mud off his fingers.* "No more breaks."

 

Luna: "Pssht, wateva." *She grunted and rudely followed Trevour.*

 

Nathan: "What did I say?" *He grunted with a frown.*

 

Champion: "Oh my. It appears she doesn't like being told what to do." *She smiled in an innocent-like manner and started to hobble after Trevour and Luna.*

 

Nathan: *He silently frowned at Luna's back with a confused smirk.* "Whatever."

 

----------

 

*A flash of purple light caused the surrounding insects to temporarily become quiet.*

 

Millard: "End of the line." *He stepped off the fading glyph and leant to the side, stretching his lower back.*

 

Lezard: *He spun around, noticing he stood in a small clearing with large trees swaying in a cool breeze.* "We're near an ocean, you can smell the salt in the air."

 

Karol: *He adjusted his dancer-like clothes, observing his surroundings.* (I have no idea where I am.)

 

Millard: "If you can smell the ocean, we can't be far from Silver Wind Island."

 

Twortz: (Finally.)

 

Rachael: "Can everyone use those teleportation glyphs?"

 

Lezard: "Nope. Teleportation glyphs are very hard to utilise let alone being able to actually use one."

 

Millard: "Only people close to Grey and Season would be lucky enough to use such devices."

 

Twortz: "Devices like the stone you used before?"

 

Millard: "Yes."

 

Rachael: "So, using Rostical is rare, then using a teleportation glyph would be even rarer?"

 

Millard: "That's exactly right."

 

Karol: *He nodded his head.* "Only the stwongest dancers can use tele-port-.. Glyffs. Not many people can use them."

 

Lezard: *He licked his finger and pointed it up into the air.* "Okies, this way everyone."

 

Millard: "Splendid." *He giggled and adjusted the cone-shaped hat on his head.* "And we embark on another adventure!"

 

Lezard: "When will you be leaving, father monster?"

 

Millard: "Well, I was thinking in the next four seconds?"

 

Lezard: "Okies." *He smiled with a mixture of emotion, as if he didn't want him to leave.*

 

Twortz: "You're leaving us?"

 

Millard: "Oh? Am I not allowed to?" *He stopped, looking at Twortz in a worried-like manner.*

 

Twortz: "No, but your assistance has been proven to be quite helpful."

 

Millard: "Naww, but, I've got my own little adventure to embark on." *He spoke with a smile and held out another grey stone with purple markings on it.*

 

Rachael: *She formed fists, as if she was unintentionally stretching them.* (Hanging out with Millard, the reality of all this supposed rarity won't really hit us until he's gone.)

 

Twortz: (He might act childish like Lezard, but at least he answers majority of my questions-)

 

Lezard: "Oh, father monster-" *He placed the back of his hand on his forehead, dramatising the situation.* "Please contact me as soon as you find mother monster's whereabouts!"

 

Millard: "Of course, my little monster." *He stepped forward and hugged Lezard, intentionally dropping the stone on the ground, causing a purple glyph to spiral behind him.*

 

Lezard: "It's been fun travelling with you.. I won't be too long." *He whispered in Millard's ear.*

 

Millard: "No. Enjoy yourself. Let me find your mother's next hideout and I'll let you know as soon as possible."

 

Lezard: "How long will that take?"

 

Millard: "How many years it took until we finally had a lead regarding her attack on The Ruins of Estel?"

 

Lezard: "But-"

 

Millard: "I also have to find out why the Consultants are investigating The Unknown Territories."

 

Lezard: "..."

 

Millard: "You've seemed to have made friends, get to know them a little better-"

 

Lezard: "I don't want friends, I want my parents back-"

 

Millard: "Quiet, my little monster." *He spoke with a smile and stepped back, glancing at Rachael.*

 

Rachael: *She smiled and placed her hand out for a handshake.* "It was great to meet you, Millard."

 

Millard: "Ooo, so touching, bahahaha!" *He hobbled to the side and placed both hands around Rachael's.* "These old bones can't wait to see you again."

 

Rachael: "Hehe."

 

Twortz: "It's been a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." *She slightly bowed in a respectful manner.*

 

Millard: "Ooo, too serious!" *He giggled and tapped Twortz's shoulder, causing her to look uncomfortable.*

 

Karol: "And me?"

 

Millard: "And who could forget the leader of this party?"

 

Karol: "W-Who-?"

 

Millard: "You." *He smiled and placed his hand on Karol's head.* "Don't play up on Razzymotto here, she's doing a lot by taking you under her wing."

 

Karol: "R-Right!" *He pouted with a frown of determination.*

 

Millard: "Well then-" *He turned around and hobbled to the glowing glyph, causing him to disappear in a flash of purple light.* "Until next time, children!" *His voice echoed in the fading light.*

 

Lezard: *He waved his arm over his shoulder.* "Okies!"

 

Karol: "I liked him." *He smiled at Lezard.*

 

Lezard: "Me too." *He giggled at Karol.*

 

Twortz: "Now that you've finished, could we get to Silver Wind Island now?"

 

Lezard: "Of course-"

 

*A deep gargling moan echoed in the distance, catching the party's attention.*

 

Lezard: "Jinkies!-"

 

Karol: "Holy Neurons!" *He squealed, quickly hiding behind Rachael.*

 

Lezard: "It's in the opposite way of where we're going-"

 

Rachael: "Let's go!" *She frowned and suddenly ran towards the sounds of the roar.*

 

Lezard: "No, the other way!-"

 

Karol: "Where is she going?"

 

Twortz: (How foolish-) *She glanced at Lezard.* "Let's continue to Silver Wind Island."

 

Lezard: "What about Razzypoo-?"

 

Twortz: "She wants to make rash decisions like that, then let her. We shouldn't have to sacrifice our own safety-"

 

Karol: *He frowned and puffed out his chest, trying to hide his obvious fear.* "Waichael!" *He squealed and started to run after her, causing Twortz to grunt with widening eyes.*

 

Twortz: "What are you-?"

 

Lezard: "If it's an enemy, they'll need my help." *He started to run after Rachael and Karol, causing Twortz to face palm.*

 

Twortz: (If only I knew where to go-) *She sighed and quickly waddled after the party.*

 

----------

 

*A deep gargling moan caught Nathan and Destiny's attention.*

 

Nathan: "Did any of you hear that?"

 

Trevour: "No, sir?"

 

Luna: "Me neither, aye." *She grunted.*

 

Champion: "Oh my, I didn't hear anything either, Nathan."

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She hissed, causing Luna to look down in confusion.*

 

Luna: "Wat is it?"

 

Trevour: "What's wrong with Destiny?"

 

Luna: (That scared feelin' I experienced before, it wasn't mine, it was hers!-)

 

Nathan: *He frowned and looked ahead, noticing more mud on the ground.* (Whatever it is, it's in the direction we're heading-)

 

Luna: "I think we gotta turn back-" *She struggled to contain Destiny in her arms.*

 

Champion: "We will simply do what we did before. Weaken it to an extent and flee."

 

Nathan: (That way it won't get hurt-) *He nodded his head and started to run down the path, purposely stepping into the mud.* "Alright-"

 

Luna: "Sorry, we gotta get through there." *She whispered to Destiny in concern.*

 

Destiny: "Yueee-hhst." *She hissed in understanding.*

 

Champion: *She hobbled past Luna and Trevour, making her way towards Nathan.* (He's quick-)

 

Trevour: "Madam?" *He spoke to Luna, implying for her to start running.*

 

Luna: "Yea, yea-"

 

Nathan: "Ah?!" *He ran into a clearing and looked up in shock, staring at an enormous mud-like Scoldrant.*

 

Champion: "What's the-?" *She paused and stepped back in shock, staring at the mud monster with widening eyes* "Oh my! It's very strong!"

 

Nathan: "It's the Swirling Marshes' Guardian!"

 

Champion: "How is that possible? We're very far away from The Swirling Marshes!"

 

Guardian: *It noticed Nathan and the champion, causing it to slowly swirl its upper body, allowing it to face them without moving its base.* "Gloar!"

 

*Luna and Trevour ran into the clearing, instantly noticing the Guardian.*

 

Luna: "Holy shit bitch!-, dude!"

 

Trevour: "L-Looks like we found ourselves in a temperamental situation here!"

 

Guardian: "What causes the marshes to become corrupt? Why do I feel corrupted?"

 

Trevour: "I-It talks!-"

 

Luna: "So-?!"

 

Trevour: "It means it's a Guardian!"

 

Nathan: *He quickly grabbed onto his sword and pulled forward, standing in a battle-ready pose.* "Still up to the challenge, champion?"

 

Champion: *A blue glyph shined underneath her.* "Of course."

 

Trevour: "I'll have to be sturdy with my movements!" *He staggered into mid-range and bent his knees, tightening his body for a sturdier stance.*

 

Nathan: (Now that my head isn't cloudy, I should be able to fight reasonably well-)

 

Guardian: "You humans, are you the cause of such corruption?"

 

Luna: "Wat the hell is that thing talkin' about?"

 

Nathan: "The yellow-eyed disease-"

 

Guardian: "It hurts!-"

 

Luna: *She spread her arms, causing Destiny to hop onto her shoulder.* "OK, asshat-"

 

*Luna reached over her shoulder and grabbed the bow which hung off a container, filled with arrows.*

 

Luna: *She reached over her shoulder again and picked out a single arrow, queuing her to stand in a battle-ready pose.* "Ready when you are."

 

Nathan: "Don't be stupid! You're blind with bare minimal eyesight, you can't possible expect to-"

 

Luna: *She ignored Nathan and pulled the string back, aiming the bow in Nathan's general direction.* (How can I be blind but still have eyesight? Dumbass-)

 

Nathan: "Don't be stupid!-"

 

Luna: "Hah-" *She released the string and the arrow pierced right past Nathan, hitting the Guardian right on the forehead.* "Aha-" *She smiled and picked out another arrow.*

 

Trevour: "Wow-"

 

Luna: "Right on target-"

 

Guardian: "Useless means by a useless race-" *Its mud swirled down its face, causing the arrow to fade into its body.*

 

Luna: (Damn-)

 

Champion: *She gasped, alerting the party.* "Its Neurons just boosted! It's ready to attack!-"

 

Guardian: "My head! It hurts!-" *Its arm suddenly extended and slammed onto the ground.*

 

Nathan: *He looked to the side, noticing the arm suddenly extend past the party.* "It's going to sweep!-"

 

Guardian: "Rolling Mudslide." *It swayed its arm, causing a mud-like wave to crash across the party.*

 

Nathan: "Air Slash." *He quickly sliced the sword towards, slashing a visible air wave towards the arm.*

 

Trevour: "DUST STORM" *He suddenly punched above him, causing a swirling dirt cloud to explode around him.*

 

Champion: "Luna!-" *She quickly hobbled closer to Luna in desperation, ignoring a white glyph which materialised under her feet.*

 

Luna: "Shit, I don't know any-"

 

Champion: "MYSTIC SHIELD" *She swayed her arms, causing a bubble-like swirl of light to spiral around them.*

 

Luna: "Quickly!-"

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She hissed in fear.*

 

Champion: *She listened to the bubble-like shield solidify into glass, causing the Guardian's arm to smash into and past shield.* "Close-"

 

Luna: *She watched the arm continue to rumble behind the shield, knocking down some trees.* (Crap!-)

 

Nathan: *He ignored the mud which splattered past his shoes.* "Hmph-" *He charged towards the Guardian, raising his sword in determination.*

 

Champion: *She lowered her arms, causing the shield to shatter away.* "At this present point in time, I won't be able to cast Rostical while raising the shield without revealing my presence."

 

Luna: "Fine by me!-" *She quickly focused back to the Guardian, pulling the string to her bow.* (I didn't spend years learning Archery for nothing!-)

 

Nathan: "Double Slash." *He quickly sliced the sword across, causing a string of mud to burst off the Guardian.*

 

Guardian: "How dare you!-" *It raised its other arm and flicked it like a whip towards Nathan.*

 

Nathan: "Harh!" *He leant to the side and slashed upwards in a fluid-like manner, slicing off the Guardian's fingers.*

 

Trevour: (For a Guardian.. The rumours.. It's rather weak-) *He dropped to his knees and punched the ground, causing a brown glyph to zigzag under his feet.* "SWIRLING SANDPIT"

 

Guardian: *Another arm suddenly shot out of its belly, punching towards Nathan's ribs.* "A weak spot!-"

 

Nathan: *He looked to the side, grunting with widening eyes.* (I won't be able to dodge!-)

 

*An arrow suddenly shot into the Guardian's arm, distorting the mud around its fingers, causing it to miss Nathan.*

 

Luna: "Aha-" *She smirked, taking another arrow from the container.*

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She purred in accomplishment, as if she was helping Luna strike her targets.*

 

Nathan: (Wow, she's not bad-) *He jabbed forward, ignoring a shade of blue his body glowed.* "Raining Fury."

 

*Nathan raised the sword against his cheek and jabbed the sword like a missile, causing small holes to burst in the Guardian's stomach.*

 

Guardian: *It noticed sand swirl around its side, causing it to lean at an angle.*

 

Champion: "ICICLE EDGE"

 

Guardian: "Rotten Slab." *It swayed its arm, causing a stream of thick brown mud to whip in the air, smashing the forming ice spears.*

 

Champion: *She watched ice rain on the ground in failure.* "Oh my?"

 

Luna: "Harh!" *She released the string, shooting an arrow into the Guardian's beady black eye.*

 

Guardian: "How dare you-"

 

Luna: "Yea, ya already said that aye." *She smirked, grabbing another arrow from the container.* (I've got about twelve arrows remaining. The only thing I disliked about guns and bows-)

 

Champion: *She cupped her hands and focused on the guardian, watching a small spiralling red glyph materialise in front of her fingers.* "FLAME BOLT"

 

Nathan: *He sighed and evasively stepped back, watching the holes in the Guardian's stomach fill itself with more mud.* "It regenerates fast!-"

 

Trevour: *He watched the Guardian's body pump the quicksand he created, causing its body to grow.* "M-My Rostical! It's using the sand to its advantage!-"

 

Nathan: "How is its body growing-?"

 

*A mud made arm suddenly shot up from the ground and punched Nathan off his feet, blasting him back across the ground.*

 

Trevour: "Sir!-" *He shouted in worry and quickly punched the ground, causing a swirl of sand to erupt before Nathan hit the ground.* "DUST STORM"

 

Nathan: *He slid on the soft sand, causing him to grunt in appreciation.* (Crap-)

 

Champion: *She pushed forward, shooting five fireballs at the Guardian.* "Please repent."

 

Guardian: "ROCK PILLAR"

 

*A large wall of mud erupted in front of it and quickly hardened into rock, causing the fireballs to explode upon impact.*

 

Champion: "Oh my, it also knows Rostical-"

 

Guardian: "Blinding dust, rain down-" *It punched the rock wall in front of it and shattered it to pieces.*

 

Champion: "MYSTIC SHIELD" *She screamed with an echoing voice, causing a bubble-like shield to solidify into glass around her and Luna.*

 

Guardian: "ROCK SLIDE" *It pushed forward, blasting the airborne pebbles at the party.*

 

Trevour: "Prepare for some turbulence!-" *He quickly turned around and ducked down, covering his head.*

 

Nathan: *He quickly raised the sword, readying himself.* "Harh!" *He sliced to the side, cutting a pebble away.*

 

*Luna, Destiny and the champion watched small dents crack in the shield, as the pebbles violently shot past them.*

 

Champion: *She frowned with a twitching eye.* (If this keeps up, I may need to use Mystic Shield's incantation!-)

 

Guardian: "You will suffer a Guardian's fury!-"

 

Nathan: *He quickly tilted the sword to each side, blocking the pebbles.* (This is hurting my wrist-) *He thought with gritted teeth and watched small sparks flash off his sword, followed by a mild vibration in the sword.*

 

Trevour: *Rocks slash across his back armour, causing sparks to splinter past his head.* "Everyone holding up?!"

 

Nathan: *He slashed away the remaining pebbles, causing him to quickly swap hands.* "Don't talk!-. Focus on yourself!"

 

Guardian: "Ougi."

 

Nathan: "Shit!-"

 

Trevour: "O-Oh no!"

 

Champion: *She lowered her arms, causing the shield to shatter away.* "Neurons draw, Astragons repel, MYSTIC SHIELD"

 

*A bright silver shield instantly raised around each party member.*

 

Champion: *She leant forward and panted with a loss of breath, as if she was just working out.* (That took a lot of Neurons out of me-)

 

Luna: "Wat is its Owgee?!"

 

Champion: "Everyone's Ougi can be different-"

 

Guardian: "Tangrowth Dirtcloud Talons." *It roared with an echoing gargle and looked up, causing vine-like streams of mud arms to erupt all around the party.*

 

Trevour: *A stream of mud arm erupted inside the shield, violently punching him across the face.* "Argh!-"

 

Champion: "Trevour!-"

 

Nathan: *He watched arms spiral around the shield, cracking it from every angle.* "Champion, release my shield!"

 

Champion: *She twitched one of her fingers, causing his shield to shatter away.* "Do what you're best at!-"

 

Nathan: "Grr-" *He rolled to the side, closely avoiding a stream of arms.*

 

Guardian: "You will not succeed in any more corruption!-"

 

Luna: *She shot an arrow, causing it to quickly spiral back after hitting the shield.* "Shit-" *She awkwardly stepped to the side, watching the arrow's sketch-like animation spiral past her.*

 

Champion: "I've raised a shield around you!"

 

Luna: (I can't see the shield.. I can hear somethin', but I don't know what's wat, aye.)

 

Trevour: "That hurt-" *The mud arm spiralled back and grabbed him around the throat.* "DUST-"

 

Guardian: "Gnoal!" *It swayed back, causing the arm which grabbed Trevour to pull forward, smashing him through the shield.*

 

Trevour: *He tumbled across the ground, watching glass-like aura shatter around him.* "Ouch-"

 

Luna: "How do you add Newrongs?! Do I even have any?!"

 

Champion: "You have to if you've Soul Linked with a Scoldrant."

 

Nathan: *He held the sword with both hands and faced Trevour.* "Air Slash." *He slashed the air upwards, slicing a visible air slash directly towards Trevour.*

 

Trevour: *He noticed the air slash, causing him to hobble forward, allowing the air slash to slice off the Guardian's arm which held him by the throat.* "Ah!-, much appreciated, sir-"

 

Nathan: "We're completely out of our league! If I knew it was a Guardian, I would've risked going through The Twilight Forest!-"

 

Trevour: *He glanced at the mud arms, noticing they momentarily paused.* (Neurons gathered in its arms-?)

 

Guardian: "Granite Prison." *Its words caused all the arms to suddenly collide around each party member, causing pulses of mud to explode around them.*

 

Nathan: "Ah-" *He dropped to his knees, as mud slopped off him.* "Its Ougi had a second affect?!"

 

Trevour: *He stood up, flicking the mud off his shoulders.* (With my natural affinity, I'm more resilient to ground-based attacks-)

 

Luna: (The shield shattered almost instantly-) *She coughed, wheezing for air.*

 

Destiny: "Yeup-" *She growled in pain, as mud stuck on to her fur like glue.*

 

Champion: "Oh my-" *She slowly stood up, glancing at each party member.*

 

?????: "What's happening here?!" *A woman ran out of the bushes and stepped in mud, causing it to slop around her shoes.*

 

Luna: "A-Aye-?" *She looked up, staring at the woman in confusion.* "Rachael? Rachael Taylor?!"

 

Rachael: *She looked at Luna, gasping in shock.* "Luna?!"

 

Luna: "The fuck are you doin' here?!" *She spoke with a growing smirk.*

 

Nathan: "Rachael?"

 

Guardian: "You will not corrupt me any further!-"

 

Rachael: "Holy shit!-" *She stepped back, staring at the Guardian in fear.*

 

Lezard: "Razzypoo, what's going-? Holy fish-cakes and call me jinkies!" *He hobbled behind Rachael, instantly squealing at the Guardian.*

 

Nathan: "Whoever you are, it uses mud!"

 

Lezard: "So, this isn't an adult party of some sort?" *He scanned across the mud covered area.*

 

Champion: "Mud is accessible to Rostical Users that have both ground and water affinities. Or, if either one of those affinities is mastered-"

 

Guardian: "Rotten Slab." *It swayed its arm, causing a stream of thick brown mud to whip in the air towards Rachael and Lezard.*

 

Rachael: "Tssk-" *She stood in a battle-ready pose and punched to the side, causing a rock pillar to erupt in front of the stream of mud.*

 

Luna: "Whoa! You're a Rostickal User?!"

 

Rachael: *She smirked and started to run towards the Guardian.* "Lezard, heal Luna's friends!"

 

Lezard: "Okies!"

 

Champion: (Did she say heal?)

 

Lezard: "Quick healing shot, HEALING IMPLOSION" *He focused his attention to Luna and swayed his arms, causing light to glow in her wounds, queuing it to start rapidly healing.*

 

Luna: "This wind? It's warm, aye?"

 

Trevour: (She can't see the light?)

 

Champion: (I don't!-. Radiatons?!)

 

Rachael: "Hah!" *She punched towards the Guardian, erupting a rock pillar in the direction of her punch.*

 

Guardian: *It watched mud spiral around the tip of the rock pillar which jabbed into its chest.* "Useless!"

 

Rachael: *She continued to move around the Guardian, keeping her fists close to her face.* "Rock Pillar-"

 

Guardian: "Rotten Slab." *It swayed its arm, causing it to string towards Rachael.*

 

Luna: "Harh!" *She shot an arrow into its arm, causing its aim to distort.*

 

Rachael: "Nice!-" *She cartwheeled to the side, watching the arm sway above her.*

 

Karol: *He stepped into the clearing and slipped on the mud, falling face-first into the ground.* "Owch!"

 

Lezard: "Quick healing shot-" *He focused his attention to the champion.* "HEALING IMPLOSION"

 

Champion: *She watched light glow in her visible wounds, queuing it to start rapidly healing.* "Oh my, thank you."

 

Lezard: *He focused his attention to Trevour.* "Quick healing-"

 

Trevour: "Please, focus your attention to the guy with the sword!"

 

Lezard: *He nodded his head, focusing on Nathan.* (I don't see any visible wounds-) "Where are you hurt, mister scary man?!"

 

Nathan: (Mister what-?!)

 

Lezard: "Well-?!"

 

Nathan: "My wrist and ribcage-"

 

Lezard: "Quick internal light, INVOKING AURA"

 

*A swirl of warm light flashed around Nathan's chest and wrist, healing his wounds.*

 

Nathan: "W-Wow?" *He spoke on his breath in amazement, staring at the white light in a memorised-like manner.*

 

Lezard: "Phew-" *He took a deep breath, glancing at Trevour.* "And mister chunky face, you're up next!"

 

Champion: *She stood up and watched a green glyph form circles underneath her.* (I will try every element I have and see if I get a reaction!)

 

Karol: "I-I kan halp!" *He squealed and stood up, catching Nathan's attention.*

 

Nathan: "Why on The Astral Plains is a child here?!"

 

Karol: *He started to dance, causing the mud to pulse away from him.* (I can do this!)

 

Rachael: "Don't underestimate him!" *She punched upwards, causing a sheet of rock to erupt in front of her, blocking a stream of mud.*

 

Twortz: *She waddled into the clearing and noticed the Guardian.* (That Scoldrant. I get a different vibe from it-)

 

Nathan: *He stood up straight, raising the sword in determination.* "Air Slash." *He slashed downwards, slicing an air slash towards the Guardian.*

 

Guardian: "My head.. It's hot.. I can't-" *Its black beady eyes suddenly widened into eerie yellow coloured oval eyes.*

 

Nathan: "No!" *He grunted in disbelief and watched the air slash hit the Guardian, causing its mud to warp.*

 

Trevour: (Nathan's attack did nothing!)

 

Nathan: "Its eyes!-" *He looked back to the party.* "All of its attributes will be increased!-"

 

Karol: *He swayed in a dancer-like manner and kicked the ground, causing an expanding orange glyph to form around his foot.* "Power Up."

 

Guardian: "You pests-" *An arrow shot into its head, causing a pulse of mud to explode around the arrow.*

 

Luna: "Wow, that felt like it had force in it!-" *She looked down, noticing she stood on the orange glyph.*

 

Twortz: *She casually raised over her shoulder and pulled forward, causing sparks to spiral around her violin.* "Hahackee." *She cackled to herself, as if she was excited to try out her violin.*

 

Karol: *He continued to dance with a struggling squirm.* (There's currently six people on the glyph, my power will be reduced-)

 

Champion: (This is a Power Up glyph..) *She hobbled backwards, purposely stepping off the glyph.*

 

Karol: *He looked at the champion and waved his arms, motioning to stand back on the glyph.* (It won't work-)

 

Champion: *She shook her head with a smile, as if she knew she didn't need it.* (I don't use its effects as I'm a Rostical User-)

 

Karol: *He looked away in understanding, sighing in relief.* (That's a little better. I don't have to focus on that many people-)

 

Nathan: *He ignored the orange glyph and ran towards the Guardian, purposely hopping over piles of mud which scattered the clearing.* "Double Slash."

 

*Nathan ran into striking distance and slashed across the Guardian, causing a sudden burst of mud to flick in a slash-line.*

 

Guardian: "Your power-?!"

 

Nathan: *He looked surprised and spun in the motion of his strike allowing him to slash downwards, causing the mud on the ground to burst away from his sword.* (What-?!)

 

Rachael: "Nice!" *She smirked at Nathan and raised her leg, readying herself.* "Piercing Land."

 

*Rachael kicked the ground, causing two dagger shaped rocks to erupt into the air.*

 

Rachael: *She caught the daggers in each hand and suddenly sprinted towards the Guardian, instantly slashing the daggers in a combo-like manner.* "Harh!"

 

Guardian: "Mud Avalanche." *It swayed its arm into the air, causing a volcanic-like spurt of mud to string above the party.*

 

Champion: "Oh my!-" *She quickly faced the gathering mud with urgency, causing a blue glyph to draw itself under her feet.* "Icy swirls call down upon me, frigid skies grant me power-"

 

Nathan: *He watched the strings of mud merge together, forming a sheet of mud above them, causing the area to darken.* (Its Ougi is mud from the air?)

 

Luna: *She looked up and pulled the string back with squinted eyes, causing Destiny's eyes to flash purple.* "I see!-"

 

*Luna released the string and shot the arrow above her towards the mud, causing a large pulse-like burst of mud to blow away.*

 

Champion: "ICICLE EDGE" *She swayed her arms down, blasting thick ice spears towards the Guardian from the sky.*

 

Guardian: "Mud Shot." *It shot out three bullet-sized pebbles towards the ice spears, instantly shattering them in mid-air.*

 

Trevour: *He looked up and looked at the sheet of mud, noticing a massive hole form above him from where Luna shot her arrow.* (If the Guardian's mud were to fall, it would've crushed me!-) "Much appreciated, madam!-"

 

*Trevour suddenly hopped forward and punched both arms into the air, causing a swirling vortex of dirt to erupt into the Guardian's stomach.*

 

Trevour: "DUST STORM"

 

Guardian: "Yes!" *It gargled a moan, as its body grew in size from Trevour's dirt.*

 

Nathan: "It absorbs your attack remember?!"

 

Trevour: *He frowned in a helpless-like manner, causing him to hobble back.* "My bad, sir-"

 

Rachael: "If you use sand, why don't you use it as a defensive technique instead of an offensive?!" *She shouted at Trevour, while punching slash-like attacks on the Guardian's stomach.*

 

Trevour: "Offensive?"

 

Rachael: "Use the dirt or sand as a shield-"

 

Guardian: "Dirtcloud Talons." *It scratched the air, causing scratch-like streams of mud to slash towards Rachael.*

 

Trevour: "Miss-?!"

 

Rachael: *She smirked and quickly punched the ground, causing a large sheet of rock to erupt in front of her.* "Rock Pillar."

 

Trevour: *He watched strings of mud splatter past Rachael's pillar in realisation.* (I see-)

 

Rachael: "Heh-" *She cartwheeled to the side and started to back flip, watching strings of mud sway under and above her.*

 

Karol: *He skipped on each foot and spun around, keeping the orange glyph activated across the clearing.* (I have to keep going.. I'm an Upper, sun of the stronghest dancer!)

 

Twortz: *She placed her hand on the end of the violin and clipped out a dagger, queuing her to place the violin on her shoulder.* (I will aim to become stronger...)

 

*Twortz glared at Rachael, watching her slash incoming mud strings with her daggers.*

 

Twortz: (I will become stronger than her.)

 

Guardian: "Mud Shot." *It gargled a roar and suddenly shot out two bullet-sized pebbles, shooting one through Nathan's arm.*

 

Nathan: "Argh!-"

 

Trevour: "Sir!-"

 

Luna: (Nathan!-)

 

Destiny: "Yeup?!"

 

Lezard: "Jinkies!-"

 

Nathan: "Forget about me! Just take it down-"

 

Lezard: "Quick healing shot, HEALING IMPLOSION! Quick internal light, INVOKING AURA"

 

*A swirl of warm light flashed around Nathan's left shoulder, slowly healing his wounds.*

 

Nathan: *Flickering light glowed in the wound, queuing it to start rapidly healing.* (This warm light is completely healing a bed ridden wound!-)

 

Lezard: *He panted and leant forward.* (I'm running low of Neurons..)

 

Luna: *She released the string, causing a small burst of mud to blow on the Guardian's shoulder.* (No matter how hard I try, these arrows seem to be getting weaker and weaker, aye!)

 

Champion: *She looked at Luna, causing her to gasp in amazement.* "You've got powers too-?"

 

Luna: "Wat are ya talkin' about?!" *She grunted and released the string to her bow, blasting another chunk off the Guardian's shoulder.*

 

Guardian: *Mud continuously filled the areas it received damage.* "Why must you struggle?"

 

Nathan: "Air Slash."

 

Luna: "Harh!" *She screamed and released the string, causing an arrow-like pulse to collide into Nathan's air slash, causing a massive burst of mud to explode the Guardian's arm off.*

 

Guardian: "Gnoarl!?" *It watched its arm fall on to the ground, causing its shape to loosen and liquefy into a puddle of mud.*

 

Twortz: "Sonic Rush." *She swayed the violin across, blasting a scattered shock wave directly into the Guardian, bursting half of its side away.*

 

Nathan: *His hair swayed back in the direction of Twortz's shock wave.* (Whoa-?!)

 

Twortz: "Sonic Roar." *She screamed out an echoing vortex, suddenly blasting into the Guardian's chest, blowing a large hole in it.*

 

Champion: "Oh my, whoever that was, is very powerful."

 

Guardian: "Mud Shot." *It suddenly shot out five bullet-sized pebbles, shooting them all towards Twortz.*

 

Twortz: "Oh-?!" *She gasped with widening eyes.*

 

Trevour: "DUST STORM" *He punched his fists together, blasting a swirling vortex of dirt in front of Twortz.*

 

*The pebbles shot into the swirling dirt, causing them to pop out of the other side.*

 

Twortz: *She looked down, staring at the pebbles in shock.* (The dirt acted as a cushion-) "Much appreciated whoever you are."

 

Trevour: *He nodded his head in acknowledgement.* "We're not out of this yet, lady."

 

Guardian: "Gnarrrrroolllll!" *Its eyes shined an eerie yellow colour, causing mud to string up from the ground, slowly restoring its body.*

 

Luna: "No... This is bullshit.." *She spoke with lowering morale, slightly tilting the bow downwards.*

 

Twortz: "If only I had something to increase my speed-" *She whispered under her breath and started to play the violin, causing its sounds to echo across the battlefield.*

 

Karol: (Something to boost her speed?)

 

Rachael: *She double kicked the Guardian and jumped up, side kicking it across the side of its face.* (Tssk!)

 

*Rachael's foot started to sink into the Guardian's face, causing her to frown.*

 

Rachael: (The resistance on its body, it feels like I'm running on thick sand!-) *She pushed her feet into the Guardian's face, allowing her to spiral back.*

 

Trevour: (Wow, she moves like a skilled warrior!-)

 

Karol: "Sacred dance, Speed Up." *He tap-danced on the spot and waved his hands towards Twortz, causing a grey sigil-like glyph to form under her feet.*

 

Twortz: (This feeling.. I feel like I weigh nothing!-) *She jumped forward, blasting across the clearing at incredible speeds.*

 

*Squish-like cracking sounds echoed from Twortz's ankles, causing her to hiss in pain.*

 

Lezard: (Those sounds, sounds like a muscle being ripped-)

 

Twortz: *She awkwardly stopped in front of the Guardian and placed the violin in between her legs.* "Sacred scores, Sonic Pulsar."

 

*Twortz formed a triangle with her fingers and breathed into it, blasting a vortex of sound into the Guardian.*

 

Guardian: "Ah-?!" *Its body warped from the inside.*

 

Luna: (Its body looks like a bag of popcorn popping-)

 

Guardian: "Gnoallll!" *It burped out a different coloured mud and focused, causing its body to stabilise.*

 

Twortz: *She lowered her arms.* (Nothing-?)

 

Nathan: "It keeps recovering!" *He grunted with the sword pointing at the Guardian.*

 

Twortz: *She skilfully grabbed the tip of the violin and flicked it into the air, catching it in one hand.* "Sonic Rush."

 

*Twortz waved the violin, blowing a scattered shock wave into the Guardian's face, blowing a side of its cheek away.*

 

Twortz: "Hahahckee!"

 

Rachael: *She staggered back with her fists raised to her face, watching the Guardian heal itself.* (Dammit.)

 

Guardian: "A Score User, Remenistal User, Elementalist, Scoldrant User, Radiaton wielder and a dancer, this is a dangerous party-"

 

Trevour: "Don't forget Nathan!" *He shouted and frowned with determination, failing to notice a stream of blood which ran down his face.*

 

Guardian: "Ground, move to my body, move with my Astragons, quake and crack, open the natural gates of might's minerals, iron, copper, erode into my body and form the courage that rumbles in my heart-"

 

*Green swirls of dust ringed around the Guardian's body, slowly crystallising on to its outer mud layer.*

 

Twortz: (What a long incantation!-) *She started to play the violin, causing visible sound strings to swirl around her.*

 

Guardian: "PANTOTHENATE ARMOUR" *Its roar echoed in a different tone, as a green crystal-like armour covered its entire body.*

 

Nathan: *He jumped over an arm-shaped clump of mud and ran into striking distance, raising the sword.* "Double Slash."

 

Rachael: "Rock Pillar." *She punched towards the green-plated Guardian and a rock pillar shot up, shattering away from the Guardian.* (Crud-)

 

Trevour: "..." *He stood on the spot, looking at each party member in a defensive-like manner.*

 

Karol: *He continued to tap-dance, allowing Twortz to move at incredible speeds.* (I'm sckared.)

 

Luna: "Harh!" *She released the string to her bow, blasting another arrow at the Guardian.*

 

Champion: *She watched a blast of wind flick off the Guardian like an arrow.* (No effect-)

 

Rachael: *She listened to the violin sounds, drawing her attention to Twortz.* (A violin? When did she-?)

 

Twortz: "Hiyah!" *She swayed forward, blasting the sound strings towards the Guardian.*

 

Guardian: *The sound strings hit the armour, causing a foil-like warping sound to be heard.* "Gnoael."

 

Nathan: "It's no use!-"

 

Guardian: "My head!-" *It quickly flicked its arm and punched Rachael back towards Luna and the champion.*

 

Karol: "Waichael!-" *He squealed and stopped dancing, causing the sigil-like glyph to fade from under Twortz.*

 

Guardian: *It focused on Twortz and straightened an arm towards her, forming a fist.* "Die!"

 

Rachael: *She tumbled across the ground, kicking mud into the air.* (That hurt!-)

 

Lezard: "Quick healing shot, HEALING IMPLOSION" *He swayed his arms around Rachael, queuing her wounds to rapidly heal.*

 

Rachael: "Thanks, Lezard." *She moaned and shook her head, rolling to one side.*

 

Nathan: "Get out of the way!" *He shouted at Twortz in an urgent-like manner, as if he knew the next attack was going to be a critical.*

 

Twortz: "Sphere of Might." *She jumped on the spot and a visible sphere-like shock wave expanded from her feet.*

 

Guardian: "STEELIGHT RETENTION" *It punched forward and its arm snapped off, firing itself towards Twortz like a missile.*

 

Rachael: "Twortz!"

 

Twortz: "..." *She watched the missile-like arm hit the edge of her sphere shock wave, causing it to misfire to the side.*

 

Trevour: *He watched the arm spiral in the air and hit the ground, before tumbling into the bush.* (It sounds heavy!-)

 

Twortz: *She squinted her eyes, pretending not to be exhausted.* (That attack may have missed me, but, its power... I've underestimated it-)

 

Guardian: "You will not break through my defences!" *It gargled a roar and watched a mud-like arm swirl out of its armour, restoring its lost arm.*

 

Champion: "Oh my, it's too strong!"

 

Trevour: (Pantothenate Armour..) "In order to shatter its armour, there needs to be a simultaneous attack from its front and back."

 

Nathan: "How do you know-?"

 

Trevour: "Trust me, sir!"

 

Rachael: *She looked at Nathan and nodded her head, as if she could trust him.* "I don't know who you are, but he's an awesome ground Rostical User."

 

Nathan: *He looked at the Guardian and hesitated.* "Once we break its armour, we'll need to strike it right in the middle of its chest!"

 

Luna: "Nah, it's head, aye!"

 

Nathan: "No, its chest is its weak spot!"

 

Luna: "So why haven't we bloody done that already then?!"

 

Twortz: "You may not have noticed, but all of its movements have been defensive." *She paused and placed the dagger on the strings, readying to play her violin.*

 

Nathan: (That's right..) *He thought in surprise.*

 

Luna: "Twotters?!"

 

Twortz: "I can handle the back side, someone handle the front."

 

Lezard: "Jinkies! We'll need something strong!"

 

Rachael: *She had a flashback of Luna and Nathan's combination attack.* "Luna, Nathan, combine your attacks!"

 

Lezard: (Loona?)

 

Nathan: *He recalled his air slash combining with Luna's air arrow.* (Our attacks did work, but I didn't know Luna knew any-)

 

Champion: "I recommend you use the incantation to your attack if you know it, Luna."

 

Luna: "Aye?"

 

Champion: "Your Azure Burst."

 

Luna: "I don't got no Azhure Burst, aye?!"

 

Champion: "Oh? Then what are you firing?"

 

Luna: *She looked towards her hand, noticing there was nothing in her fingers.* "There's nothin'?" (I thought I felt an arrow-?)

 

*Luna lowered the bow and released the string, causing a small burst of mud to blast in the bow's direction.*

 

Luna: "Holy shit-?!"

 

Champion: (She is not aware of her power?)

 

Luna: *She looked confused and shook her head, dropping to her knees.* (Everything with this retarded vision is so disorientatin', aye.)

 

Champion: *She glanced at the Guardian, as if she knew Luna couldn't help.* "I have wind-based Rostical!"

 

Rachael: "That should work-"

 

Guardian: "Stop talking!" *It leant back and spat a ball of black sludge towards the champion.*

 

Trevour: "Miss!-" *He punched the ground, causing a swirl of sand to tilt the champion's angle.* "SWIRLING SANDPIT"

 

Champion: "Oh my-" *She watched the black sludge sway past her, smearing itself on the tree behind her.*

 

*The tree started to turn brown around the sludge, causing the champion to gasp in astonishment.*

 

Champion: (It's sapping the Neurons-)

 

Twortz: *She started to play the violin, catching Rachael's attention.* (Ever since I understood the concept of Neurons and Astragons, everything just seems so natural to me-)

 

Rachael: "Twortz, I thought you were going to attack it from be-?"

 

Twortz: *She enthusiastically played the violin, causing strings of visible sound to blast towards the Guardian.* (Now, manipulate it with Astragons! The same way I did to Millard's flames!-)

 

Nathan: *He watched the strings closely miss the Guardian, causing him to grunt in disgust.* (She missed, what a foolish person-)

 

Twortz: "Hahahackee!" *She watched the sound strings sway around the Guardian, violently hitting into its back, causing echoing violin chords to be heard.*

 

Trevour: (Still not strong enough-)

 

Rachael: "Karol, help her out!"

 

Karol: "O-Oh 'kay!" *He tapped the ground and started to dance, causing an orange glyph to spiral underneath Twortz.*

 

Twortz: *She noticed a sudden thickness to her sound strings, causing the Guardian to respond to them in a negative manner.*

 

Karol: "Power Up."

 

Rachael: "Alright, guy with the sword and lady over there!" *She glanced behind her, shouting at the champion.*

 

Champion: "Oh my, that's me!" *She hobbled out of the sandpit, focusing her attention to Rachael.*

 

Nathan: "..."

 

Rachael: "Use your fully strengthened attacks on the front!" *She shouted, listening to rock crack behind the Guardian.*

 

Luna: (What the fuck? Now I'm hearin' violins?) *She closed her eyes in disorientation, as if she didn't know what was happening.*

 

Champion: "O-Oh my!-" *She whimpered and hobbled to the side, dropping down to one knee.* (My Neurons?!)

 

Luna: (Aye?) *She looked up, staring at the champion in confusion.* (Wat's wrong with her?)

 

Champion: *She looked to her side, noticing a smear of black sludge on her arm.* "Oh no, the plan?"

 

Destiny: "Yeu, yeu, yeup!" *She meowed to Luna, as if she was telling her to get up.*

 

Luna: *She frowned in disorientation and slowly stood up, raising the bow to her face.* (As if I'm one of them weak assed characters, aye!)

 

Destiny: "Yeu, yeu!"

 

Trevour: *He quickly hobbled up to the champion and placed his hands over the sludge, causing it to dry out.* "There, miss-" *He brushed the dried sludge off with ease.*

 

Champion: "Thank you." *She looked at her arm, noticing a red mark where the sludge was.*

 

Lezard: "My very hunchbacked friend!"

 

Champion: "Oh my? Yes?!"

 

Lezard: "Quick internal light, INVOKING AURA" *He giggled in exhaustion, collapsing onto his side.*

 

*A swirl of warm light flashed around the champion's arm, very slowly healing her wounds.*

 

Champion: "Thank you, Radiaton User."

 

Luna: *She puffed out her chest and stood in a battle-ready pose, pulling on the string with uncertainty.* (I've been firin' off fake arrows..? If it was working before..)

 

Nathan: *He slowly inhaled and relaxed himself, as his entire body glowed a shade of blue.* "Number twenty nine, Air Slash."

 

*Nathan raised the sword and swayed to the side, slicing a visible air slash towards the Guardian.*

 

Luna: "Take this, dipshit!" *She screamed and released the string, shooting an arrow-like blast into Nathan's air slash.*

 

Twortz: (Come on!) *She started to play the violin at a professional level, causing Karol to squeal with each dance step.*

 

Karol: (Her power increased and it's hard to keep up!) *He waited for his arms to sway over his head, allowing him to quickly wipe the sweat off his face without losing dancing movement.*

 

Rachael: *She watched the air slash and air shot merge into one, before violently bursting through the Guardian's armour.* "Yes!-"

 

Twortz: "Yeeharh!" *She leant forward and watched the musical strings violently shatter the Guardian's back armour.*

 

Rachael: "Double yes!"

 

Nathan: "Now, for its weakness!"

 

Karol: "Ah-" *He squealed and collapsed in a spiral manner, causing the orange glyph under Twortz to shatter away.*

 

Twortz: *She took deep breaths, lowering the dagger and violin.* (I'm very tired-)

 

Rachael: "What are we going to do?"

 

Luna: "We don't have a super strong Rostickal attack, aye?"

 

Nathan: "Chur.." *He grunted in agreement.*

 

Guardian: "Now it is my turn to attack!-"

 

Champion: *She faced the Guardian and cupped her hands, forming a circle with her fingers.* "Defensive winds, swirl and soar, offensive gusts, grand rifts blow throughout my spirit-"

 

*The champion looked down, watching a green glyph form itself on the ground.*

 

Rachael: *She looked over her shoulder, noticing glyphic-like symbols materialise in the air around the champion.* "What are they?"

 

Trevour: "How-How temperamental..." *He spoke in shock.*

 

Rachael: "What is it?"

 

Trevour: "..."

 

Rachael: "Dude, what is it?"

 

Trevour: "Grand Rostical.."

 

Rachael: (Grand Rostical?!)

 

Champion: "Tunnel its power through the almighty clouds and pierce anything that stands in its way-" *She shouted with an echoing voice, causing the symbols and glyph to glow brighter.*

 

Lezard: "And as the champion steals the spotlight, the delicious party couldn't help but notice the glyphs spiral around her, they also made a chime-like noise-"

 

Champion: "DIVINE TORNADO" *She focused, causing the entire area to turn into darkness.*

 

Luna: "W-Wat the-?" *She looked around only seeing pitch black.* "What's happenin'? Has somethin' happened to my vision?!"

 

Rachael: "Why is it all dark?"

 

Twortz: "I can't see-?" *She spoke with a trembling voice and started to play the violin out of fear, randomly shooting strings of sound into the darkness.*

 

Nathan: "Settle down your large friend! She's wasting her Neurons!"

 

Twortz: "It's black! We're trapped!-"

 

Rachael: "Twortz!" *She blindly grabbed Twortz's arm, as she could not see her hand.*

 

Twortz: "H-Huh?" *She looked surprised and stopped playing the violin.*

 

Rachael: "It's alright-"

 

Twortz: "You're a fake-" *She ripped her hand out of Rachael's grip even though she couldn't see her.*

 

Rachael: "Hey?"

 

Twortz: "It's nothing.."

 

Champion: "Begone." *She watched a powerful tornado tightly swirl around the Guardian, bursting the ground around it.*

 

Karol: (Th-That powa!-) *He squealed in thought, watching the nearby mud on the ground suck into the swirling vortex.*

 

Nathan: (This is Rostical..) *He stepped back, keeping a safe distance to the growing tornado.*

 

Destiny: "Y-Yeu.."

 

Champion: *She turned around and waved her arm, causing the wind to die down and the area to revert back to normal.*

 

Luna: *She blinked several times.* (I can see again.)

 

Trevour: "Where did it go?" *He looked to where the Guardian was, staring at vacant space in confusion.*

 

Trevour: "Did you defeat it, miss?"

 

Twortz: "I-I don't believe it.." *She looked up with a dropping jaw.*

 

Rachael: "What-?" *She looked up and noticed a small shadow in the sky.* "Is that-?"

 

Trevour: (With the density of the Guardian's mud.. An impact from that height should-) "Unless you want to be covered in mud, get out of the way!"

 

Champion: *She took a deep breath and stared in front with double vision.* (That took more out of me than anticipated-) *She started to hobble out of the clearing, covering one eye in exhaustion.*

 

Lezard: "Every monster for themselves!" *He giggled in exhaustion and started to hobble out of the clearing.*

 

Nathan: "Tssk-" *He suddenly jumped to the side and ran out of the clearing, keeping his focus in the sky.*

 

Rachael: "Twortz-"

 

Twortz: "I'll be there shortly-"

 

Karol: "Warh-?!" *He squealed and quickly stood up, running towards Nathan.* "Oof-" *He tripped on his own foot, causing Trevour to catch him.*

 

Trevour: "Watch your step, little meister."

 

Karol: "Nee hee, fanks-"

 

Destiny: "Yeup!-"

 

Luna: "Ah-?" *She snapped out of her daze and noticed only Rachael and Twortz standing in the clearing.* "Where did everyone go?"

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She hopped on Luna's shoulder and intensely stared at Nathan in the bushes, drawing Luna's attention towards him.*

 

Luna: "Wha-?"

 

Destiny: "Yeup?!"

 

Luna: "Ah, OK?" *She grunted in confusion and started to run towards Nathan, causing Destiny to purr, as if Luna was doing the right thing.*

 

Rachael: "Twortz? We gotta go now-"

 

Twortz: "That power.." *She observed the swirls of mud left by the wind.* "It wasn't as strong as Millard, but-.." (I've still got a long way to go.)

 

Guardian: "Gnaorl..." *It gargled a moan of defeat and crashed into the ground, exploding into a pulse of mud.*

 

Rachael: "Ah!-. Rock Pillar." *She punched her arm upwards, causing a pillar of rock to erupt up in front of her and Twortz.*

 

Twortz: *She watched mud pulse on each side.* "Excuse me?" *She snapped out of her confusion and looked at Rachael.*

 

Rachael: "Let's go?" *She nodded her head with a smile and swayed her fist downwards, causing the pillar to burst back into the ground.*

 

Twortz: "You appear to be getting better at your fantasy based abilities."

 

Rachael: "Me? Look at you! Where did you get that violin?"

 

Twortz: "I'll tell you on the way, but it seems we've got several introductions to do." *She spoke in a professional-like manner and placed the violin over her shoulder, causing it to turn invisible.*

 

Rachael: "You've even got that ability Millard used?!"

 

Twortz: "..." *She cupped her hands behind her back and started to walk towards the cluttering party in the forest, smiling at Rachael in response.*

 

Rachael: "Yeah, Luna's here too?" *She sounded unsure.*

 

Twortz: (How intriguing? She wasn't even on the roof when we suddenly got transported here.)

 

----------

 

*Blake walked across a stone room, deep inside Sorrowprax, placing both hands around an armour-like helmet.*

 

Blake: *He reached up, gently placing the helmet over his head.* (As leader of The Black Brigade, I don't often get the sexy duties of hunting people down, but...)

 

*Blake placed his hand on a glyph on the wall, causing thick metal doors to slide open.*

 

Blake: (If I can't like go myself, then..)

 

*Blake hissed with a chuckle and started to walk down a stone corridor, listening to warrior-like grunts in the background.*

 

Blake: (Zazark.. He's like a mixture between me and Tara.. He'll get the job done, fufufufu.)

 

----------

 

*A dark figure sped through a forest, causing the branches to violently sway behind it.*

 

Zazark: *He ran through the bright forest at blinding speeds, watching the area blur past him.* (Despite Tara's seal, people were able to defeat her without major injury.. I can't wait to find them.)

 

*Zazark smirked in thought and looked over his shoulder, watching his straight black, porcupine-like hair sway in one cluster behind him.*

 

Zazark: (Report's log says, they're heading in this direction-) *He grunted in determination and swayed to each side, skilfully dodging tree-like blurs.*

 

----------

 

*Lezard, Karol, Nathan, Luna, Destiny, Trevour and the champion gathered in another clearing just outside the forest.*

 

Champion: (We made it out.) *She placed her hands on her knees, as if the weight of her hunchback was causing her grief.*

 

Karol: *He slowly walked towards a ledge and noticed a massive drop, leading to a magnificent ocean.* (There's no sand.. It's just a cliff.)

 

Luna: *She smelt salt in the cool breeze, as she listened to the waves crash in the distance.* (It went all black and I couldn't see anythin'..) *She recalled the time the champion used her Grand Rostical.*

 

Nathan: *He wiped the sword on his leg, trying to get any mud remains off.* (This disease even affects Guardian's now? What's next? The Consultants themselves?)

 

Lezard: *He heard bristling noises, causing him to turn around.* "Flaming fish-cakes! The mud Guardian is back!" *He squealed, causing Karol to squeal in response.*

 

Nathan: *He turned around and sighed, watching Lezard eagerly point at Twortz.* "..."

 

Lezard: "Oh, it's just you. Was hard to tell-" *He watched Rachael and Twortz walk out of the forest.*

 

Twortz: "Your humour is impeccable." *She spoke in a condescending manner, flicking clumps of mud off her arm.*

 

Trevour: "The situation was a little unyielding to us, wasn't it? Heh heh."

 

Twortz: "A warrior? Aren't you meant to be bad?" *She placed her hand over her shoulder, readying to release her weapon.*

 

Lezard: "I know!-" *He sounded cautious.*

 

Trevour: "I-I am, but I mean no harm." *He raised his hands, symbolising his honesty.*

 

Lezard: "What a plot twist! Ooo." *He sarcastically wiggled his bottom to each side.*

 

Luna: "Who the fuck's this retard?" *She hissed in disgust at Lezard.*

 

Lezard: "Oh...?"

 

Rachael: "He's cool."

 

Luna: "Aha, doesn't look like it."

 

Champion: "Oh my-" *She hobbled forward, glancing at Rachael, Twortz and Lezard.* "I go by the name champion. What are your names? I must personally thank you for your efforts back there."

 

Rachael: "That Grand Rostical.. You're really strong."

 

Champion: "Oh my, me? I just know a few Rostical here and there." *She spoke in a high innocent-like tone, smiling with her eyes closed.*

 

Nathan: "..."

 

Lezard: "Well, I'm Lezard, you may call me your majesty."

 

Luna: "Wut?" *She spoke in an unimpressed-like manner, causing Rachael to smile.*

 

Rachael: "Luna-" *She walked up to Luna and gave her a hug.*

 

Luna: "Gah, get it off me!"

 

Rachael: "Hehe, how are you here?"

 

Twortz: "Indeed. How exactly are you here if you were not present in my store?" (Does this mean people from other places in Dee Highs were transported too-?)

 

Luna: "Nah, you left the back door open, aye."

 

Twortz: "So, you trespassed?!"

 

Luna: "Ye." *She spoke as if she didn't care.*

 

Nathan: "Just reminding everyone, we still have to go to Silver Wind Island."

 

Lezard: "Ooo!-" *He giggled in a sarcastic-like manner, glancing at Nathan.* "That's where our delicious adventure is currently taking us!"

 

Luna: "Seriously?"

 

*A ray of light blasted down from the sky, landing in a forest in the very far distance.*

 

Lezard: "What was that?"

 

Rachael: "A shooting star?"

 

Champion: "It's been great meeting you all."

 

Lezard: "But we didn't even get to introduce our-?!"

 

Rachael: "My name is Rachael, but you can call me Rach."

 

Twortz: "I am Twortz, a pleasure." *She slightly bowed in a professional-like manner.*

 

Nathan: "Nathan."

 

Luna: "Luna." *She grunted and pretended to be Nathan, causing Karol to giggle.*

 

Karol: "I'm Karol, with a kay."

 

Luna: "Naww-"

 

Trevour: "Trevour, also a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

 

Champion: *She smiled at Karol, Rachael, Lezard and Twortz before turning around.* "I will definitely see you again, my friends."

 

Lezard: "I hardly know you, but I'll miss you forever!" *He pretended to speak from his heart, as he waved his hands over his head.*

 

Champion: (Until next time-) *She smiled and stepped into a hidden Spacial Funnel, causing her body to warp and disappear before the party's eyes.*

 

Trevour: (There was a Spacial Funnel right there?)

 

Luna: "Where did ya find this one?" *She snarled at Lezard, rolling her eyes.*

 

Nathan: "Talk and walk." *He mumbled and started to walk along the cliff, purposely avoiding the forest.*

 

Lezard: "How old are you, little one?"

 

Karol: "Uhm-, this many!" *He straightened his arms at Lezard, holding up seven fingers.*

 

Lezard: "Seven, jinkies."

 

Luna: "Wat are ya doin' with a child, Rachael?"

 

Twortz: "Do not get me started."

 

Trevour: *He looked at Twortz, observing the area around her back.* "I couldn't help but notice, madam?"

 

Twortz: *She looked at Trevour and frowned, as if she was insulted he forgot her name.* "Twortz-"

 

Trevour: "Oh, I remember that, heh heh. It's just what I call people-"

 

Twortz: "Perhaps start with their name? That's why we have names, no?"

 

Trevour: "Ah, yes, you're right, madam-"

 

Twortz: "Excuse me?"

 

Trevour: "I mean, Twortz."

 

Twortz: *She followed Nathan, cupping her hands behind her back.* "Where are we going?"

 

Nathan: *He placed his hands on his head and focused his attention ahead.* "We just follow this ridge West and we'll eventually get there."

 

Trevour: (I never got to ask my question-) *He quickly hobbled up to Twortz, looking at her in curiosity.* "Your musical instrument, it's a very unique weapon."

 

Twortz: "Indeed." *She spoke with closure, as if she ended the conversation.*

 

Trevour: "Heh heh.. I better leave you to it then." *He awkwardly chuckled and focused his attention to Lezard and Karol.*

 

Twortz: *She glanced at Trevour, observing his armour.* "You're a warrior-"

 

Trevour: "I used to be." *He hobbled by Twortz's side, ignoring his rattling armour.*

 

Twortz: "Were you a captain?"

 

Trevour: "Me? Oh no, heh heh. Captains usually wear platinum armour, not black or grey."

 

Twortz: "How do you become a captain?"

 

Trevour: "By rising up the ranks."

 

Twortz: "What if someone was really powerful, would they take over another captain?"

 

Trevour: "What do you mean?"

 

Twortz: "Well, bumping them out of captain ranking."

 

Trevour: "That's not possible."

 

Twortz: "That's it? Not possible at all?"

 

Trevour: "Well-" *He looked up in thought.* "Perhaps if the Consultant issued some sort of ranking change, it just doesn't happen."

 

Twortz: "So, the person just sits at vice captain level?"

 

Trevour: *He paused and tilted his head to the side.* "Well.."

 

Twortz: "Well, what?"

 

Trevour: "You could always challenge a captain."

 

Twortz: "And take their ranking?"

 

Trevour: "In a sense."

 

Twortz: "I'm not a person that likes to talk around the bush. Tell me straight up please."

 

Trevour: "Well, if you fight a captain to the death, you'll take their ranking that way."

 

Twortz: "I see."

 

Trevour: "Why? What is with these unusual questions? Are you planning to fight a captain?"

 

Twortz: "Hahackee, no. I was curious."

 

Trevour: "Heh heh, that's good. You'd need to be way stronger than you are now to even fight in a captain levelled battle."

 

Twortz: "I see." *She fake smiled, causing Trevour to chuckle more comfortably.*

 

Luna: *She walked closer to Rachael.* "So, got any burgers for me? I'm starvin', aye."

 

Rachael: "Hehe, no I-" *She gasped, staring at Luna's eyes.* "W-What happened?"

 

Luna: "Ah, I fought a few dragons and this was the scar left behind." *She sniffed her finger, pretending to be cool.*

 

Rachael: "Dragons? You mean Scoldrants?"

 

Destiny: "Yeup!" *She hopped on top of Luna's head, catching Rachael's attention.*

 

Rachael: "How can you see? Are your wounds just worse than they appear?"

 

Luna: "Ya don't even care about Destiny?"

 

Destiny: "Yeup?" *Her fur drooped, implying she was feeling down.*

 

Rachael: "Well.. I'm currently more concerned about your eyes."

 

Luna: "Aha, thanks, I'm blushin'."

 

Rachael: "So, about your eyes.."

 

Luna: "You mentioned Scoldrant.. Guess you're up to date with things in this world too, aye?"

 

Rachael: "Yeah, seems so."

 

Luna: "And I got attacked by some warrior slut, and yea.."

 

Rachael: "And-?"

 

Luna: "I can see through Destiny's eyes."

 

Rachael: "Destiny? Is that the Scoldrant's name?"

 

Luna: "Yea."

 

Rachael: *She looked at Karol and Lezard's back.* "Lezard-"

 

Lezard: "Hello, Razzypoo."

 

Rachael: "Could you please heal Luna's eyes?"

 

Lezard: "I'll be happy to, after a quick rest." *He pouted in an apologetic-like manner.*

 

Luna: "How can that gay guy heal?"

 

Rachael: "Luna-"

 

Lezard: "Happy? Yeah, I'm happy, bwarharh." *He chuckled at Luna, oblivious to her ill-mannered question.*

 

Nathan: *He walked into a dirt clearing and stopped, staring at an island out in the ocean.* "..."

 

Twortz: "Why have you stopped here?"

 

Trevour: "Sir?"

 

Nathan: "We're here." *He stared at the island, watching waves violently crash around it.*

 

*Lezard, Karol, Rachael, Luna and Destiny stood around Nathan, staring at the island in confusion.*

 

Luna: "Pssht! It's just an island?"

 

Destiny: "Yeu..?"

 

Twortz: "This hardly looks like a city to me."

 

Rachael: "The biggest city in the world couldn't possibly fit on that island."

 

Karol: "Spaycial Funnel?"

 

Lezard: "Correct, my little one."

 

Nathan: "There's a problem.."

 

Trevour: "A problem, sir?"

 

Nathan: "I don't have my entry's pass.."

 

Rachael: "What's that?"

 

Trevour: "It's an item that activates the Silver Triplets."

 

Luna: "Aye?"

 

Trevour: "They're the city's ultimate defence."

 

*A metallic-like object drifted in the air, catching the party's attention.*

 

Lezard: (Speaking of the devil.) *He giggled to himself in thought.*

 

Luna: "A floatin' piece of metal?"

 

Rachael: "That's what you don't see in this world! Litter!"

 

Twortz: "Indeed. It's much cleaner here-"

 

Nathan: "World?"

 

Rachael: *She looked at Nathan.* "I mean-"

 

Luna: "It's kool. We all know we're not from around here, aye?"

 

Twortz: (That is such a Lighten thing to do. Too bad if that was meant to be a secret-)

 

Lezard: "Ooo, my delicious strangers."

 

Twortz: "I highly advise you to not eagerly give away such information, Luna."

 

Luna: "But you lot seemed all friendly and stuff, I just thought-"

 

Twortz: *She shook her head, causing Luna to stop talking.* (I'm tired of these repetitive conversations. They can discuss them when I'm not here.)

 

Luna: (Bitch.)

 

Destiny: "Yeup."

 

Twortz: *She focused her attention back to the metallic object.* "What actually is that?"

 

Trevour: "A Silver Triplet."

 

Rachael: "Besides its colour, why is it called that?"

 

Lezard: "That's because-"

 

*The Silver Triplet tilted its angle and reflected the sun's light, causing a blinding light to shine in the party's faces.*

 

Rachael: "Bright!-" *She squinted her eyes and looked away.*

 

Trevour: *He covered his face, patiently waiting for something to happen.* "Almost-"

 

*The Silver Triplet continued its slow spiral and tilted angle again, causing the light to shine on the ocean.*

 

Karol: "W-Wow-" *He blinked and rubbed his eyes like a child.*

 

Nathan: "They're called Triplets because they have the ability to reflect any type of Astragons."

 

Trevour: "Which from a distance, gives the illusion there's more than one."

 

Twortz: "But that was light, not Astragons."

 

Lezard: "Astragons and Neurons flow through any and everything in this world, including light itself."

 

Twortz: "So, you could manipulate light?"

 

Lezard: "I suppose.. Only to an extent of course-"

 

Trevour: "It's thanks to those Rosterology items, we've been unable to take over Silver Wind Island."

 

Twortz: "Rosterology items?"

 

Trevour: "They are Rostical based devices."

 

Twortz: *She had a flashback of the door spiralling open in front of her.* (So, is that what they call technology over here?)

 

Rachael: "When you say, unable to take over. You mean, the warriors?"

 

Trevour: "Yes, madam."

 

Nathan: "But Silver Triplets aren't Rosterology items."

 

Trevour: "They're not, sir?"

 

Nathan: "They're Ancioldrants."

 

Luna: "Wow, more new stuff to wrap your head around, aye." *She grunted in frustration.*

 

Rachael: "Hehe, you're better than Lance.. He'd just blatantly ignore stuff that's vital to know."

 

Luna: "Aha, true. You know him quite well?"

 

Rachael: "Because of Ashton."

 

Luna: "Ah-"

 

Twortz: (Ignore stuff that's vital? The irony..) "What are Ancioldrants?"

 

Nathan: (I must've forgotten what they were for a moment-) *He rubbed his head in disorientation.* "They're Scoldrants that come from ancient times."

 

Luna: "Am I the only one picturin' mummies in pyramids?"

 

Nathan: "Or, it's the highest level a Scoldrant can reach."

 

Trevour: "The highest level?" *He pointed over his shoulder.* "We just fought a Guardian-"

 

Nathan: *He shook his head in response.* "Ancioldrants are higher ranked."

 

Trevour: "Even the Guardians themselves?"

 

Nathan: *He nodded his head.* "Even the Guardians themselves."

 

Trevour: "Unfathomable."

 

Luna: "More like, bullshit."

 

Twortz: (So, there're creatures even stronger than the one we just fought?) *She intensely stared at the ground.* (We almost died back there..)

 

Rachael: *She nodded her head to the island.* "What's the deal with the island?"

 

Nathan: *He shook his head in defeat.* "We could wait until-"

 

Lezard: "Luckily for everyone, Lezard once again saves the day, bwarharh." *He hobbled up to Nathan and slowly raised his hand, revealing a silver pearl.*

 

Nathan: "Don't tell me, that's-?"

 

Lezard: "A key to enter the island?" *He watched the island warp in response and a tornado-like swirl of Silver Triplets formed around the island.*

 

Trevour: "Wow-"

 

Luna: "There's like, hundreds of 'em!"

 

Destiny: "Yeu, yeup."

 

Karol: "H-How did they shuddenly uppear?"

 

Rachael: "A Spacial Funnel?"

 

Lezard: "Maybe closer to a Reality Marble?"

 

Twortz: "You sound unsure."

 

Lezard: "Holy fish-cakes, I don't know the answer to everything."

 

Luna: *She chuckled at the Silver Triplets.* "That's a kool defence as it is."

 

Trevour: "The Silver Triplets?"

 

Luna: "Nah, having the image of a boring island. Nobody would have two thoughts of inspectin' it."

 

Nathan: "Yeah."

 

Karol: (I've never been this far out from the citee before.. I'm so eggsited!) *He smiled in thought and staggered closer to Rachael for comfort.*

 

Lezard: *He concentrated, causing silver glyphs to spiral around the pearl.* (Here's the tricky bit, trying to stabilise the Astragons-)

 

*A transparent blue aura path suddenly shot from the island and connected into cliff in front of the party, effectively creating a bridge from one to the other.*

 

Lezard: *He smiled and lowered his arm, hobbling towards the edge of the cliff.* "Off we go, children."

 

Luna: "Ahh.. That won't hold all of us, would it?"

 

Lezard: "Sure it will!" *He purposely took a large step onto the path and looked down, watching the waves crash underneath.*

 

Trevour: "How riveting." *He spoke with excitement, eagerly walking towards Lezard.*

 

Luna: "Why you so excited?"

 

Trevour: "I've never been into the actual city."

 

Luna: "Aye?"

 

Trevour: "It's because-" *He looked down, staring at his armour.* "Us warriors are not allowed to enter the city."

 

Twortz: "Never?"

 

Trevour: "Only under certain circumstances."

 

Nathan: *He walked down the aura made path and stopped, glancing behind him at the party.* "Quit your dawdling."

 

Luna: "Quit ya dawdlin'." *She grunted like an idiot.*

 

Nathan: "Mature.." *He grumbled under his breath and continued to follow Lezard down the path.*

 

Karol: *He stopped at the cliff and looked down, causing him to squirm back in fear.* "I-I kan't-"

 

Rachael: *She watched Karol stagger back into her arms, causing her to place her hands on his shoulders.* "It's fine. You can hold my hand if you want?"

 

Karol: "N-No, I dohn't want!-" *He paused in mid-sentence.*

 

Twortz: *She watched Lezard, Nathan and Trevour walk down the path towards the swirling tornado of Silver Triplets.* "Then leave the child here and be on our way."

 

Luna: "Aha, wut?" *She chuckled with a serious question.*

 

Karol: "Weave me?"

 

Twortz: "..." *She stepped over the ledge and hesitantly placed her foot on the aura, as if she was inspecting its integrity.* (It feels like concrete.)

 

Karol: *He pouted his lips, frowning at Twortz.* "...-"

 

Rachael: "I can stay here with you, Karol."

 

Karol: "Y-Yoo dohn't have-"

 

Rachael: "You're my responsibility. I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable with-"

 

Luna: "Ya know, he's a kid, aye, not some noble prince.." *She grunted on her breath and awkwardly walked towards the aura path, suddenly stopping in shock.*

 

Rachael: (She does have a point. Maybe if I encourage him-)

 

Karol: "I whant to go-" *He quickly held Rachael's hand and walked towards the path, noticing Luna standing in the way.*

 

Rachael: "Luna?"

 

Luna: "..."

 

Rachael: "Do you need help?"

 

Luna: "Nah-" *She sniffed and pretended to be cool, taking a large step forward.* "Wha-?!"

 

Destiny: "Yeup?!" *She quickly hopped off Luna's shoulder.*

 

Karol: "Loonarh?!" *He squealed in fright.*

 

Rachael: "Rock Pillar." *She let go of Karol's hand and jumped forward, punching upwards in an arch-like manner.*

 

*A rock pillar suddenly shot out of the cliff and caught Luna, as she stepped off the cliff instead of on the aura path.*

 

Rachael: "Phew..."

 

Luna: *She gasped in terror, placing all fours of the pillar Rachael created.* "I-I fucking missed?"

 

Rachael: "It doesn't make you any weaker to ask for help." *She spoke in a mature manner and walked over to the ledge, dropping to her knees.*

 

Destiny: "Yeu..." *She meowed, as if she was concerned.*

 

Rachael: *She tapped Luna's shoulder which caught her attention.* "And watch your language." *She pulled Luna back up onto the land and stood up straight.*

 

Karol: (She's amazing.. She whon't let anyfing bad happen to me.)

 

Luna: "My eyes.." *She observed the aura path, only seeing two faint lines from her sketch-like vision.* "I don't think I should cross this path by myself, aye."

 

Rachael: "Alright, you two."

 

Destiny: "Yeup." *She hopped back onto Luna's shoulder.*

 

Rachael: "You three, let's go." *She looked down the aura path, noticing the party clutter at the silver tornado.* "They're already there."

 

Luna: "Glad to see you got my back, aye." *She hissed at Destiny, causing her to purr in a sorrowful-like manner.*

 

Twortz: *She looked up, listening to the swirling motion the Silver Triplets made.* "What happens next?"

 

Trevour: *He took several steps closer to the Silver Triplets, alerting Lezard.* "Wow-"

 

Lezard: "Be careful, tinamotto!"

 

Twortz: (Tinamotto?)

 

Trevour: "W-What is it, sir?"

 

Lezard: "They've been cases of the wind blowing the Silver Triplets the wrong way, effectively slicing travellers off the path."

 

Trevour: "Roger!" *He spoke in understanding, carefully shuffling back.*

 

Nathan: (The highly condensed Astragons around them create an invisible blade-)

 

Lezard: "It's Lezard Esteed, allow me to enter!" *His voice caused the wind to noticeably change direction.*

 

Twortz: "Who are you talking to-?"

 

Nathan: *He watched the Silver Triplets move on their own accord, revealing a door sized entrance.* "It's just a stone wall?"

 

Lezard: "It's similar to Surpreon, if anyone's been there." *He giggled and stepped through the stone wall, causing it to ripple like water around him.*

 

Twortz: *He discreetly grunted with widening eyes.* (He walked through a solid wall?!)

 

Rachael: "Did he just-?" *She spoke in shock, as she stopped behind Twortz with Karol, Luna and Destiny.*

 

Twortz: "Indeed." *She prematurely answered Rachael's question, knowing what it would be.*

 

Nathan: *He placed one hand on the sword and adjusted it, ensuring it was in its sheathe correctly.* "It'll be busy in there, so don't make a fuss." *He mumbled and took a deep breath, before walking into the stone wall.*

 

Trevour: "Alright, I'll see you all on the other side, heh heh." *He chuckled and hobbled forward, causing the sounds of his rattling armour to fade with his image.*

 

Twortz: "We might finally get answers."

 

Luna: "'Bout findin' a way home?"

 

Rachael: "That's exactly right."

 

Luna: "Kool." *She spoke with growing hope, causing Destiny to purr in happiness.*

 

Karol: "So, you're from their werld tooh?"

 

Luna: "Obvi."

 

Twortz: "Enough chitchat." *She waddled forward and stepped through the solid wall, causing the rest of the party to follow.*

 

Rachael: (Here goes nothing-) *She nervously thought to herself and stepped forward, watching a bright light flash in her face.*