Tales of a Dreamer: The Beads of Light

"Ohhh..." Hikari stumbled, surprised by the powerful attack. She shook her head and pointed her wand at the creature again, shooting another beam of mana at it. After the enemy was downed, she took a few steps into the space in order to protect herself from other attackers. She would have to wait this battle out now.

Hikari attacks Creeper! 6 Int DMG!

Hikari moves to I-9


Sekai frowned, sensing a disturbance in the air near Hikari. Something had happened to her, and it wasn't good. But there was no need to worry about it now, there were other matters to attend to. She turned around and slammed her fists into the enemy.

Sekai uses First Encounter on Hell! 5 hits! 6 Atk DMG each hit!

Tutorial I~I: The Meeting
Battle Number: 00A
Battle Objectives: Defeat All Enemies!
Special Requirements: None
Atmosphere: Heavy Rain; Darkness (Water +30%; Fire -30%; -10% Accuracy)
Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6C10bgZKw&feature=related


(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) ( ) (S) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) (H) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) (I) (M) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) (R) ( ) (A) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (M) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

~Calculation Phase V~

Rai's attack misses!

Amaya's attack misses!

Myth takes 2 DMG! QUICK!!

Shadow takes 2 DMG! QUICK!!

Mia's attack misses!

Myth takes 4 DMG! (Melody)

Sekai's first hit misses...

Sekai's second hit misses...

Sekai's third hit connects!

Hell takes 3 DMG!

Sekai's fourth hit connects!

Hell takes 3 DMG!

Sekai's fifth hit misses...

Hikari's attack connects!

Creeper takes 5 DMG!

Creeper KO!

~Enemy Phase V~

Shadow uses Mandrake!

Sekai is hit! 4 DMG! (INT)

Mia is hit! 4 DMG! (INT)

Hell attacks Sekai! 5 DMG! (ATK)

Myth attacks Mia! 5 DMG! (ATK)



(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) ( ) (S) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) (H) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) (I) (M) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) (R) ( ) (A) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (M) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Hikari (Dreamer Lvl 1) *CRITICAL*
HP: 4/15
MP: 12/30
ATK: 0
DEF: 3
INT: 6
SPR: 4
Move: 3
Evade: 5%

Sekai (Fighter Lvl 1)
HP: 17/25
MP: 0/15
ATK: 6
DEF: 5
INT: 0
SPR: 3
Move: 4
Evade: 10%

Melody (Psychic Lvl 1)
HP: 9/10
MP: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Evade: 5%

Mia (Dimensionalist Lvl 1)
HP: 17/25
MP: 5/15
Atk: 5
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Move: 3
Evade: 7%

Amaya (Snow Woman Lvl 1)
HP: 9/10
MP: 6/30
ATK: 4
DEF: 3
INT: 5
SPR: 4
Move: 3
Evade: 5%

Rai (Noble Knight Lvl 1) *ATK BOOST -1-*
HP: 22/25
MP: 9/15
ATK: 6----9
DEF: 4
INT: 1
SPR: 3
Move: 4
Evade: 10%


Shadow (Shadow Creature Lvl 1)
HP: 12/20
MP: 5/25
Atk: 5
Def: 3
Int: 3
Spr: 2
Move: 3
Evade: 40%

Myth (Shadow Creature Lvl 1)
HP: 10/20
MP: 5/25
Atk: 5
Def: 3
Int: 3
Spr: 2
Move: 3
Evade: 40%

Spoiler:

Hell (Shadow Creature Lvl 1)
HP: 8/20
MP: 0/25
Atk: 5
Def: 3
Int: 3
Spr: 2
Move: 3
Evade: 40%

Spoiler:

(r) - Rock
Trigger Command: Throw it! (4 cell range)

(t) - Wet Tree (Resist Fire)
HP: 25
Def: 20
Spr: 2

~Player Phase VI~

Hikari watched as the others continued to take out the opposition. The shadow creature's numbers were lessening slowly, but surely.

Hikari waits


Sekai looked down at the creature in front of her again, frowning at it. She lifted her leg, throwing it up into the air, then landed two solid punches on it's gut.

Sekai attacks Hell! 2 hits! 6 Atk DMG each hit!

Tutorial I~I: The Meeting
Battle Number: 00A
Battle Objectives: Defeat All Enemies!
Special Requirements: None
Atmosphere: Heavy Rain; Darkness (Water +30%; Fire -30%; -10% Accuracy)
Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6C10bgZKw&feature=related


(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) (I) (S) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) (H) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) ( ) (M) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) (R) (M) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

~Calculation Phase VI~

Myth takes 6 DMG! (Rai)

Myth takes 5 DMG! (Amaya)

Myth takes 2 DMG! QUICK!!

Myth KO!

Shadow takes 2 DMG! QUICK!!

Mia's attack misses!

Shadow takes 4 DMG! (Melody)

Shadow is in Critical condition!

Sekai's first hit misses...

Sekai's second hit connects!

Hell takes 3 DMG!

Hell is in Critical condition!

~Enemy Phase VI~

Shadow uses Final Judgement: Encroaching Darkness on Mia! 10 Piercing Atk Dark DMG!

Shadow suffers from Exhaustion! Stats are halved! Movement is reduced! Evade is reduced!

Hell uses Final Judgement: Encroaching Darkness on Sekai! 10 Piercing Atk Dark DMG!

Hell suffers from Exhaustion! Stats are halved! Movement is reduced! Evade is reduced!


(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) (I) (S) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) (H) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) (R) (M) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Hikari (Dreamer Lvl 1) *CRITICAL*
HP: 4/15
MP: 12/30
ATK: 0
DEF: 3
INT: 6
SPR: 4
Move: 3
Evade: 5%

Sekai (Fighter Lvl 1)
HP: 7/25
MP: 0/15
ATK: 6
DEF: 5
INT: 0
SPR: 3
Move: 4
Evade: 10%

Melody (Psychic Lvl 1)
HP: 9/10
MP: 14/30
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Evade: 5%

Mia (Dimensionalist Lvl 1)
HP: 7/25
MP: 5/15
Atk: 5
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Move: 3
Evade: 7%

Amaya (Snow Woman Lvl 1)
HP: 9/10
MP: 6/30
ATK: 4
DEF: 3
INT: 5
SPR: 4
Move: 3
Evade: 5%

Rai (Noble Knight Lvl 1) *ATK BOOST -1-*
HP: 22/25
MP: 9/15
ATK: 6----9
DEF: 4
INT: 1
SPR: 3
Move: 4
Evade: 10%


Shadow (Shadow Creature Lvl 1) *CRITICAL**EXHAUSTION*
HP: 4/20
MP: 5/25
Atk: 5----2
Def: 3----1
Int: 3----1
Spr: 2----1
Move: 3----1
Evade: 40%----0%

Spoiler:

Hell (Shadow Creature Lvl 1) *CRITICAL**EXHAUSTION*
HP: 5/20
MP: 0/25
Atk: 5----2
Def: 3----1
Int: 3----1
Spr: 2----1
Move: 3----1
Evade: 40%----0%

Spoiler:

(r) - Rock
Trigger Command: Throw it! (4 cell range)

(t) - Wet Tree (Resist Fire)
HP: 25
Def: 20
Spr: 2

~Player Phase VII~[/quote]

Hikari waits


Sekai paused, then she looked back at Rai, "These creatures only appear in the dark, so you won't be getting much practice on them. Besides, it's better to stay far away from them, we're lucky that only the runts of the shadow creature family attacked us."

Sekai waits

Tutorial I~I: The Meeting
Battle Number: 00A
Battle Objectives: Defeat All Enemies!
Special Requirements: None
Atmosphere: Heavy Rain; Darkness (Water +30%; Fire -30%; -10% Accuracy)
Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6C10bgZKw&feature=related


(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) (I) (S) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) (H) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) ( ) (R) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) ( ) (M) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

~Calculation Phase VII~

Hell takes 5 DMG! (Rai)

Hell PERFECT KILL!

Melody's attack has no target...

Shadow takes 3 DMG! (Amaya)

Shadow takes 8 DMG! (Mia)

Shadow KO!


(t) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) (t) (r) ( ) A
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
(t) (t) (I) ( ) ( ) (t) ( ) (r) ( ) D
( ) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) (t) (t) E
( ) ( ) ( ) (R) (t) (t) (t) ( ) (t) F
( ) (t) ( ) ( ) (M) ( ) (r) (t) (t) G
(t) ( ) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) (t) (t) H
( ) (r) ( ) ( ) ( ) (r) ( ) ( ) (H) I
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated.

Tutorial I~I: The Meeting
Battle Number: 00A
Battle Objectives: Defeat All Enemies!
Special Requirements: None
Atmosphere: Heavy Rain; Darkness (Water +30%; Fire -30%; -10% Accuracy)
Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6C10bgZKw&feature=related

Tutorial I~I: Completed!

Rewards:

Experience:
+3 - Shadow Creature Lvl 1 KO (3)
+4 - Shadow Creature Lvl 1 Perfect Kill (2)
+1 - No items used
+2 - No Final Judgements used
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - Completed before Player Phase X

Total Experience: 14

Hikari: Lvl 1 Dreamer
0/10----14/10
Hikari...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Hikari: Lvl 2 Dreamer
Progress: 4/10

Sekai: Lvl 1 Fighter
0/10----14/10
Sekai...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Sekai: Lvl 2 Fighter
Progress: 4/10

Melody: Lvl 1 Psychic
0/10----14/10
Melody...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Melody: Lvl 2 Psychic
Progress: 4/10

Mia: Lvl 1 Dimensionalist
0/10----14/10
Mia...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Mia: Lvl 2 Dimensionalist
Progress: 4/10

Amaya: Lvl 1 Snow Woman
0/10----14/10
Amaya...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Amaya: Lvl 2 Snow Woman
Progress: 4/10

Amaya's Crystal Ice gains 14 EXP as well!
Crystal Ice Levels up!
1 Stat Point Obtained.
Crystal Ice Progress: 4/10

Rai: Lvl 1 Noble Knight
0/10----14/10
Rai...LEVEL UP!
3 Stat Points Obtained!
1 Skill Point Obtained!
Rai: Lvl 2 Noble Knight
Progress: 4/10


50 Gold Found!


Update your profiles please. =3

As the last shadow creature disappeared in a puff of black smoke, the rain grew steadily heavier, the lightning flashing down more frequently now. Sekai hurried over to Hikari and supported her with her own body. Hikari had taken sustained quite an injury, but she would live. For now, they needed to find shelter.

"Come with us," Hikari told the four other girls, motioning towards the Capital City with her head. "I'm sure we can find a place to take shelter there."

"The only problem is that we have to introduce ourselves to the king before doing anything in the city, which includes booking a spot in the inn there." Sekai grimaced, already beginning to head over to the city walls.

Melody shook her bracelet as a sort of thank you before turning her attention to the others. The rain was getting worse. "Well, it's not like we'll be able to travel uninhibited now," she said with a smile and a shrug of her shoulders. "Might as well follow and get some shelter. Come on, dear Mia." Melody gestured for the young girl to follow her as she began heading for the city, though not very quickly; it was hard to run in a kimono for her.

Mia kept her pace even with Melody's even though she could have easily made it into the city in seconds. As much as she disliked Melody, Mia tended to keep a protective eye on her all the time. Besides, in combat, Melody was a good asset to have around.

"That would be rather difficult at the moment!" Hikari replied, she had regained the ability to travel alone, and she and Sekai were running side-by-side. Sekai could have easily outpaced Hikari, but she didn't, just in case something else happened.

The odd group of females travelled all the way over to the city gates, where two guards were standing, as if waiting for them. They didn't appear to be very happy, standing out in the heavy rain. Regardless, they opened the gate for the group.

One of the guards looked at Hikari, and a flash of surprise stuck his visage. "Oh, welcome back, Lady Hikari." He said politely. The guard seemed to ignore Sekai, however, as the group made their way in. Sekai glared back at the guard, but soon returned her look to the inside of the walls.

As soon as they had entered the city, the group noticed that the rain had stopped falling. But it was strange, the streets were completely dry. The questions that were no doubt arising in their minds were soon answered. Atop the walls all around the city were groups of sorcerers, their arms clasped together. A large barrier had been erected to protect the city from the rain and lightning. It was quite an odd sight to see rain falling from above, but not feeling it.

"The castle is the big 'un over there." Sekai grunted, pointing to the largest building at the far end of the city. "We should hurry. The sorcerers are known to take breaks every once in awhile."

Melody kept running as fast as she could, though that still seemed to be a bit slow. The rain was already soaking through her kimono, so it was a relief when the group made it past the gates and into the actual city where sorcerer's were preventing the rain from touching them and anyone else within the city. "Phew....I guess...to the castle...," she managed between labored breaths. "Running...isn't my favorite thing to do," she added and chuckled nervously. However, she didn't want to be outside when the sorcerer's took their break, so she found the determination to push onward.

If she could, Mia would have just used her dimensional travel capabilities to warp them all to their destination, but the dimension she used rejected everyone but her. It was as unique to her as her skin or eyes; it was a part of her. Thus, she just put up with Melody's slow speed, even if it meant getting wet herself. When they made it into the city, she looked around to get a feel of the place before realizing that everyone was moving towards the castle. She caught up to Melody in seconds and then maintained the same pace once again.

The group finally entered the castle, relishing in the warmth of the large building. There were guards everywhere, which was to be expected of the king's castle. There were two guards standing by a large double door, which was currently closed. They had expressions of strained tension upon their faces, and hardly noticed the group approaching them.

When the guards did notice them, their eyes immediately shot over to Hikari. They both bowed slightly to her, saying, "Welcome back, Lady Hikari. We hope your journey here was safe."

"We had a little trouble with the shadow beasts, but otherwise yes, it was fine." Hikari said dismissively, seeming as if the attention got on her nerves. "We've come to present ourselves to the king, as it is customary here."

"Er..." The guards looked at each other, still grimacing. One of them turned back towards Hikari, and muttered, "Her Highness, Megaera is already inside."

"What?" Sekai almost shouted, stunning the guards slightly. "What's that witch doing here!?" She growled threateningly, as if daring the guards to ignore her.

"The...the usual..." The guard replied. "I guess you can go ahead inside, since it is you, Lady Hikari."

"R-Right..." Hikari swallowed the knot in her throat and moved forward, opening the double doors and leading the group inside.

"...and you will do well to remember that, Clonius." A feminine voice reached their ears as the doors opened. Upon further inspection, the group found a tall woman wearing a sparkling green dress. She had long, silver hair, and her back was turned towards the group. The woman didn't seem to notice the group yet.

Sitting upon the throne with an expression of strained patience and nervousness, sat no other than King Clonius XIV. He wore a fabulous robe made from the furs of many animals, and a red-and-gold crown sat atop his aged face. Although he was still quite young, he had the look of an old man. He didn't notice the group either. A short-looking boy stood next to the king, looking rather mad at the woman in front of him.

"How dare you address the king in such a manner, foul woman!" The boy shouted, and had started to move forward, but was stopped by the king's outstretched hand.

"Forgive him, Megaera, he knows not what you are." The king said urgently, trying to quell the woman's obvious rage. Her hair had started to change colors, but soon returned to the original silver.

"Well, well, looks like we have a newcomer to the king's personal guard." The woman, Megaera, said tauntingly. "Clonius, how about I take this insolent fool off your hands? I may forgive him if he becomes my slave for oh, let's say 10 years."

"What!?" The boy seemed outraged, still ignorant to the woman's status. "I'll never become your slave, witch!"

A loud BANG echoed through the halls as the boy was sent flying into the wall. Megaera's hand was outstretched towards him, a simple index finger pointed at him. The group couldn't see Megaera's face, but it was surely showing something of irritation.

"Listen you little infant," Megaera hissed, her voice booming through the hall, "If you don't want to spend the rest of your miserable life as a rat, I suggest you show me proper respect!" Another loud BANG echoed through the hall, and a long metal chain had attached itself to the boy's head. "You should know something about you 'great' king. He isn't even worthy enough to kiss my feet."

Megaera clapped her hands together, and immediately two very strange looking beasts appeared on either side of the boy. They looked similar to goats, only they stood upright and had red eyes. They also wore matching black suits. Megaera nodded at them, and they disappeared with the boy. She saw the look of discomfort upon Clonius' face and smiled, "They're rather stupid, but very loyal. Demon goats are excellent servants, unlike the mortal scum you manage to find. Oh, hello Hikari, Sekai. Welcome back." Megaera suddenly spoke to both Hikari and Sekai, although she still had not looked at them.

"Lady Megaera," Hikari mumbled out of respect, "may I ask what you're doing here?"

"The usual. Your father here refuses to tell me why he hasn't repaid his debt to me yet." Megaera turned around, looking at the group of misfits in front of her. "Well, well, I see you found some friends."

"Not really, we only just met." Sekai explained, then continued on to tell her about the shadow creatures.

"I see, so they are returning. That stupid geezer Fraise should have banished them completely." Megaera seemed to show no respect for the man that had saved the world at one time. She also seemed to know more about him than anyone else, seeing as how the man is dead now. "Fearing for his own life, he simply sealed them away along with his friend, the God known as Jakkeaus of Shadow. What a fool." Megaera looked at the others in turn.

"Melody, Mia, Rai, and Amaya, is it?" Megaera didn't seem to direct the question to them, "You'd all be better off sticking to Hikari. She'll need the protection. Ah..." Megaera seemed to notice the confused looks upon the four she had named. This was to be expected, they never gave their names to the woman in the first place. "I haven't introduced myself." Megaera seemed to think that this would explain everything.

"My name is Megaera," She said, bowing low, "Also known as the Goddess of Vengeance."

"Wow, Mia! A goddess!" Melody exclaimed, and bowed in return. The castle had been very pleasing--a perfect shelter from the rain. It was strange that the guards had been so apprehensive, but after seeing the goddess's powers, it was no wonder why. Melody certainly wasn't expecting to encounter a goddess today, so it struck her as a big surprise. "The pleasure is ours, Lady Megaera," she said with a smile, straightening back up. "Mia, show your respect to the lady goddess."

Mia was a little reluctant, but obeyed Melody, giving a short bow. "My ally seems quite taken with you. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you," she stated indifferently. What was a goddess doing in the castle? And what debt did the king have to pay back to her? And what was with this Hikari? Daughter of the king? That explained quite a bit concerning the reactions of the guards and such. There was a lot going on here, so they would just have to sit back and let the information come to them.

Megaera seemed content with the replies she received. She turned towards the king, who had decided to stand up. "I'm going back to my city." She said, "But don't think I won't be watching you, Clonius. One more slip-up and it'll be your head that rolls." Megaera turned back to Hikari with a rather pleasant smile, "Hikari, don't forget your destiny." With a flash of bright red light, Megaera disappeared.

The king stepped down from his royal throne, his arms outstretched towards Hikari. "Let us forget the unpleasant memory Megaera left behind and move on to the most important topic. Hikari, welcome back my daughter."

"Third in line to the throne, Princess Hikari Kizuna." Hikari announced formally, "I have come only to present myself to the king, as it is custom."

"Second in line to the throne, Princess Sekai Kizuna." Sekai interjected before the king could say anything. She was glaring at the man now, "I have relinquished this title because the so-called 'King of Ermith' is an unworthy pig who discriminates against even his own daughter." Sekai turned her back to the king, folding her arms over her chest. Hikari looked rather troubled by this.

The king didn't seem to pay any heed to Sekai's words. His attention was on Hikari alone. "You have returned," He said, "and yet you do not wish to stay?"

"I'm afraid not. We just need shelter for the night before heading out again. You know what I have to do, father." Hikari replied in a strained voice.

"Hikari, you will pay no heed to my request? You will forget your duties as an heir to the throne?"

"If the role of princess means that I have to marry some nobody for the simple benefits of two already friendly nations, then I renounce my title as well." Hikari said flatly.

"You have not even met him, and yet you still refuse?" The king sighed heavily, "Will you not, at least, give him a chance to stand up for himself?"

"I'm finished listening to you father," Hikari said, "We really need to get going."

"Then will you listen to me?" Another voice had appeared behind them. Hikari and Sekai looked at the source to see no other than their older brother. A 23-year-old man with jet black hair, blazing blue eyes, and an even taller figure than the king stood by the double doors. He looked over at the king, "I received word that Megaera had come, but it seems that I am too late."

"She just left." The king said dismissively. "But Hikari has returned to us."

"And Sekai as well," the man said, giving a smile towards Sekai, who smiled back.

"Brother Sigma!" Hikari said in surprise, "I thought you were in Jesu?"

"I have returned to this city in order to meet Megaera. It seems that I am too late for that, but I am greeted with a very special surprise indeed. Hikari, I must ask, why do you refuse to marry?" Sigma asked.

"You know what my destiny is, Sigma, so why should I marry?"

"Your destiny has nothing to do with this. Sure, you are to bring peace to the world, but whoever said that you are not allowed to do anything else?"

"Wouldn't marriage interfere-"

"Marriage would only bring happiness to the people. Think of it as another way to make the citizens of Ermith and Sar'tu happy." Sigma interrupted Hikari, surprising her. He was never this motivated to speak before. "Live your life to the fullest, while you still can, right?"

"I...I guess."

"And who are they? Friends of yours?" Sigma now looked at the rest of the group.

"Not really, we only just met them today." Sekai said, "We were all headed to the same place, so we came together. It's safer that way."

"I see," Sigma nodded, then directed his attention to the four others, "Well met, I am Sigma Kizuna, first in line to the throne. It is a pleasure to meet you, friends of Sekai and Hikari."

So, it was that sort of turn out. Mia gazed at the man who had presented himself to be the prince, first in line for the throne. She didn't waste a word on him; he was just some stranger to her, anyway. However, it was interesting hearing about all of the destiny talk going around concerning Hikari. What destiny was it exactly?

Melody waved at Sigman. "Pleased to meet you, Prince Sigma. I'm Melody." She then pointed a finger at Mia. "And this is my best pal, Mia. You'll have to forgive the little dear; she's a bit shy around strangers," she explained with a mischievous grin which caused Mia to shoot her a death glare.

"Sorry you guys," Hikari said to the other four. "We've kept you here long enough, you can leave if you wish. The king has seen you, so it should be fine for you to stay at the inn." Hikari turned back to her brother, after the others had left. "If I am to marry, then I wish to see the man first before making my final decision." Hikari said firmly.

"Rightly so, you shall meet him when he arrives tomorrow." Sigma replied, "But for now, why don't you get some rest? Your room is where it's always been, I expect. Would I be correct, father?"

"Of course." The king said, nodding his head.

Sigma turned to Sekai, "I doubt your room is still inta-"

"That's okay, I didn't want to stay here anyway." Sekai said promptly, interrupting her brother a little hesitantly. "It's not you Sigma, it's that fat old pig there."

"Honestly Sekai," Sigma sighed, "Learn to treat your elders with some respect, even if you do hate them."

"Sekai..." Hikari seemed to want Sekai to stay by the look on her face. Sekai merely shook her head.

"Don't worry Hikari, you have nothing to fear while Sigma is here. Give me a break, would you?" Sekai shrugged, turning towards the door, "I'll get friendly with those other people we met for the both of us, okay?" And with that, Sekai departed for the inn where the others were staying.

Mia gladly took ahold of one of Melody's kimono sleeves and dragged her out of the castle. This was too much excitement for that woman. I wish she'd wipe that damn stupid grin off her face, she thought as they made it out of the castle and into the streets. Melody just let Mia guide the way, a cheery smile upon her face. Mia's own visage remained indifferent as she sought out the inn and found it with ease. She entered the lobby with Melody in tow.

"Now, Mia. Though we were dismissed, you didn't have to be so rude now, dear," Melody reprimanded her softly. "Besides, it isn't every day that you have the opportunity to get acquainted to a deity and the royal family." Her eyes filled with whimsy as she reminisced about what had happened only minutes ago.

"You're not my mother," Mia spat at her. "No one can replace her..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze turned towards the ceiling.

Melody looked a bit hurt, but an understanding filled her eyes. She remained silent for a few minutes. "Of course. Well, we're here now. Safe at the inn. Shall we book a room? The others should be right behind us..."

Melody turned to see the two girls who happened not to be of royal blood. "Well, speak of the devil, Mia. Here they are," she said cheerily and bowed her head slightly. "My name is Melody Deremer." She was waiting for Mia to introduce herself, but she didn't know why. After a few moments of silence, Melody sighed. "And this is Mia Thorne, one of my best pals." She put an arm around Mia and pulled her close.

"We're not best pals. We're just allies in battle. Otherwise...," her voice trailed off again.

"Don't mind her; she's just a little shy," Melody explained in a teasing tone, releasing Mia from her grasp. "It's nice to meet the two of you. You seem to be quite the interesting pair of people." She recollected the battle they had fought in together, their skills flashing through her mind. They were quite impressive

"I thought I'd find you all here," Sekai said, walking through the open door rather casually. The innkeeper looked up at Sekai, nodded at her politely, then returned to his paperwork. Sekai chose not to respond. "I'm sorry about the delay you guys had with the pig." Sekai barely sounded sorry at all, in fact, her voice was full of disdain, obviously because she had mentioned the king. "Hikari also sends her apologies and gratitude for helping us out with those shadow creatures from before.

"I never properly introduced myself to you, did I?" Sekai crossed her arms over her chest, "Sekai Kizuna. I am a princess, as you heard, but I gave up the title. Even if I still had it I would prefer you all just call me Sekai.

"You all look like foreigners. If there is anything you want to know about Capital City or Ermith, feel free to ask me about it."