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Disclaimer - Skies of Arcadia is copyright Sega and Overworks. I don't own these characters, places etc. Please don't sue me, if you do you'll be disappointed because I have no money anyway.

This is my first fic, I've been humouring the idea of writing one for some time. I finally thought Ahh what the hell what have I got to lose. Comments, suggestions etc are appreciated, send 'em to adamcannon@ic24.net.

Wrath of a god
by A. Cannon (no pun intended ;)

Chapter 2 - Sara's Star

Lightning struck in the distance, illuminating the scorched earth of the Valuan Wastelands. Craters lined the area stretching out into the distance until they were swallowed up by the perpetual darkness beyond. The storms were one constant that the people of Valua could depend on. For hundreds of years the dark clouds overhead had hung constantly, lit only by the lightning the flared up every few seconds. As far as the people were aware, sunlight had never touched this place. Though regardless of the constant rumble of thunder and lightning, rain also never fell. None of this however, registered to the people living underground throughout the great continent. The deep caves of the Mar of Tartas was a quite a contrast to that of the surface. Large yellow crystals that covered the walls of the caves gave of their own light that illuminated the caves as if it were constantly morning. It was here, deep underground, not on the surface, that life flourished.

In the very centre of the Maw of Tartas was a large city. Larger even than the Valua of old. Buildings had been constructed everywhere there was space, some stacked on top of the other. There was no discernible pattern to the way the buildings were scattered, except that they seemed to be clustered around a large tower. The tower was constructed so that it reached completely from the floor to the roof of the caves, stretching almost three hundred meters straight up. Around the tower stood six pillars, each a different colour to represent the different moons. These pillars stretched only a quarter of the distance of the tower ending at a sharp point. It was to this tower that the people came to worship twice a day, to worship their god that they thought to be the savour of mankind.

Only a select few were allowed inside the tower however, the few that had been selected personally by their god. They called these people Acolytes. Only ten Acolytes had been chosen to serve the god, the rest of the people served the gods will through the Acolytes. Each night, just after the sun had set, the Acolytes would gather together and climb the many hundreds of steps. It was not known what happened at the peak of the tower once the Acolytes arrived, they never spoke of the events that took place. This night however was different, this night they had been told that their god would speak with the people.

As the ten Acolytes made their way to the foot of the tower a strange silence drifted over the people. The people parted as the Acolytes approached but still not a sound could be heard except for the sound of the acolytes black booted feet on the floor. The acolytes were dressed all in black. Their faces were covered by hoods attached to a dark cloak that billowed out behind them as they walked. The hoods were pulled tightly about their head that veiled their faces in total blackness. Each carried a large rod coloured a deep black. The opening that the people had created for the acolytes slowly closed back in as they finally completed their journey to the foot of the tower. They stood waiting then for several minutes, the silence so thick around them it seemed that they could be wrapped up in it like a blanket. A loud sound of stone grating on stone finally pierced the silence as the two great doors of the tower swung slowly outwards. The Acolytes entered the tower and the two doors once more swung closed, but still not once person dared speak up.

Inside the tower was strangely empty, only a large spiral staircase constructed entirely out of the same stone as the tower could be seen ascending to the very peak of the tower. Again the Acolytes made their long trek up the spiral staircase to where their god would await their arrival. After several long minutes they finally arrived at the top of tower. In front of them stood another door, made of stone and plain in construction. The door opened outwards in front of the ten that stood there. The next room beyond was flooded in a bright white light. In the centre of the room stood a large silver sphere, it was from this large sphere the bright light was being emitted. The ten Acolytes upon entering the room formed a complete circle around the sphere. It was then that silence was broken by a load disembodied voice, seeming to come from everywhere.

"MY ACOLYTES," spoke the voice "IT WILL SOON BE TIME FOR MY RE-BIRTH. ONCE I HAVE A VESSEL TO CARRY ME THE TIME FOR THESE PATHETIC PEOPLE OF THE SIX MOONS WILL BE AT HAND. I WILL BRING ORDER TO THIS MISERABLE WORLD, EVERYONE WILL BOW DOWN TO ME AS THEIR GOD."

"Yes my lord Zelos" called all the acolytes.

"YOU KNOW THE ONE I NEED, WHEN DAWN APPROACHES YOU WILL LEAVE AND BRING ME BACK MY VESSEL. SO HAVE I SPOKEN, SO WILL IT BE DONE."

"Yes my lord Zelos," they spoke once more.

"I WILL SPEAK TO MY PEOPLE NOW, THEY MUST KNOW THAT MY GLORIUS RE-BIRTH IS AT HAND."

The crowd of people outside the tower still stood waiting in silence, not one had dared to speak. Their waiting was finally over however. From high up at the top of the tower white light flared so bright that people had to look away. The same disembodied voice spoke once more, "MY PEOPLE, YOU CAME TO ME IN SEARCH OF SALVATION," shouted the voice "I TELL YOU NOW THAT YOUR SALVATION WILL SOON COME TO PASS. ONE HUNDRED OF YOU WILL TRAVEL WITH TWO OF MY ACOLYTES, YOU WILL BRING TO ME MY VESSEL, WHO EXISTS ON A SMALL ISLAND. ONCE MY VESSEL IS BROUGHT TO ME YOUR SALVATION WILL BE AT HAND. ONCE MY POWER IS ABSOLUTE THEN NO MORE SHALL THE PEOPLE OF THIS LAND BE FORCED TO FIGHT IN PETTY WARS, EVERYONE WILL WORSHIP ME. THOSE WHO REFUSE WILL SUFFER MY WRATH. A NEW DAWN APPROACHES, A NEW DAY NEARS. YOU HAVE ALL SEEN THIS GLORIOUS FUTURE, SOON THAT FUTURE WILL COME TO PASS.

That night the people existing in the Maw of Tartas bowed down before their god. Some wept openly at the proclamation, cries of joy brought about by their prayers being answered. The one hundred people chosen to go with the acolytes to retrieve the vessel were picked the next hour. Two large ships were already being made ready to set sail in the morning. Only the Acolytes knew of the destination, a small crescent moon shaped island.

It was midnight when the Delphinus finally arrived at Crescent Isle. Across the sky hundreds of pinpricks of light could be seen against the vast expanse of space. The full red moon lit the Island up in a faint twilight as the giant ship pulled slowly behind the Island. As the Delphinus moved closer, the rear of the Island opened up into a large cave. Moore stood at the foot of the now open entrance waving two glowing sticks about in patterns that were used to guide the ship into the opening. He wore a baggy blue and white striped top and black trousers and boots. His bearded face, hidden slightly by the shadow of the caves, was covered in several large scars obtained from earlier skirmishes. His arms continued to wave about in different patterns as the Delphinus finally made her slow entrance.

He guided her straight ahead to a large dock made specifically for the ship, where she finally stopped completely. The sound of the large engines slowly died away as she came to a complete stop, her journey completed. The cave that the ship now rested in was quite large. At either side of the Delphinus were two large cranes which was used for the repairs and maintenance of the large cannons. The Moonstone Cannon in particular needed to be completely overhauled when it was used. The heat from the powerful blast would cause the barrel to start to melt after repeated use, a problem which, as of yet, nobody had been able to completely sort out. Directly on the right side of the Delphinus lay the Delphinus Two. It was a sailing ship of exactly the same model that Vyse's dad used to use before he retired as Captain of the Blue Rogues. The hull of this ship was painted the same shades of blue as the Delphinus. The Delphinus Two was primarily used to defend Crescent Island. Although it had nowhere near the brute strength of the Delphinus it could be launched in minutes, rather than the hours it took to prepare the Delphinus. It was a tuff little ship and easily the more manoeuvrable of the two, capable of running rings around the slower Delphinus. Across from the Delphinus on the main platform running the entire length of the cave stood several wooden buildings that were used to store the tools and spares for the maintenance of the Delphinus. Steps ran along the side of one of the buildings to the main walkway suspended above the dry dock. The exit from the caves to the outside of Crescent Isle was at the far end of the walkway.

The steps were raised into place in anticipation of the crew members ready to crawl into their beds from the late arrival. The door on the deck of the ship swung open. The crew members pilled out, yawns echoing as they clambered down the steps heading towards their beds and bunks. The last out were Vyse, Aika and Fina, followed closely behind by Hob and Comar. Hob was currently relaying the accounts of his piloting skills to his friend Comar, the short battle now greatly exaggerated. His friend had had no idea what had been going on due to the fact that he was stuck in the engine room.

"..wasn't that right Captain Vyse?" he finished finally as they made their way down the steps.

"Yeah, you did good kid. Be sure to turn up bright and early next time we take her out. I expect you back behind the wheel."

"Really?" he asked, excitement plain on his face.

"Absolutely, how do you expect to make a good Helmsman if you don't practise. Now go 'an get some sleep, its gonna be a long day tomorrow."

"Thanks Captain, g'nite Captain, Miss Aika, Miss Fina."

"Good night Hob, Comar," shouted Aika as the two ran off.

"Hehe," laughed Vyse "We were never that young."

"No Vyse," said Aika grinning "we were younger."

Darkness confronted Fina wherever she looked. The darkness was absolute, nothing at all could be seen, it was as if she existed in a world in total limbo. Nothing existed here, not sound or light, just the darkness. Yet she was aware of someone or something watching her, "Who's there" she tried to call out, though no sound escaped her lips. The darkness began to break slightly, a faint light could be seen ahead. She tried to walk to towards the light but her body failed to respond, instead she found the light had began to advance slowly towards her. A grey mist swept across her vision, wiping out the glow of the light ahead.

She was still aware of the presence watching her, it seemed closer now. She knew it was something evil, that she should run from it as fast as possible through the blackness behind her, but she was routed to the spot by some invisible force. She was unable to move, to even lift a hand to defend herself from whatever it was that approached her. The grey mist seemed to coalesce, forming an outline of something in front of her. The outline resembled human in form though nothing could be seen of it save for the grey mist it was made of. Then the faint light that had vanished behind the mist moments earlier appeared again behind the grey figure. It flashed brightly, brighter even than the sun as Fina's vision was clouded by an immense bright light. She closed her eyes tightly against it.

The light disappeared as quickly as it had come. Fina her opened her eyes and found that she was no longer in the black void. She stood on the edge of a large cliff suspended high in the air under a blanket of thick grey clouds. The cliff edge disappeared directly in front of her into oblivion. She stepped back quickly, startled for an instant as she realized she could move once more. Then she froze, the presence she felt earlier was still here. She could feel it creeping up behind her now. She wheeled about, determined finally to face whatever it was that tormented her. What she saw caused her to freeze once more in horror.

It isn't possible, she thought to herself he's dead, I saw him die. It was Ramirez that stood before her. Once her childhood friend, now the person who had tried to save the world by killing the people that lived on it. He looked the same as he did on that fateful day on Soltis. His face was contorted in an expression of hatred as he looked upon her. In his hand he held the large silver sword that never left his side. No longer was he the same person she grown up with. His eyes had a look of insanity about them. She was terrified of this person he had become, she wanted to run but where would she run to, behind her lay nothing but a drop into nothingness.

Then he steeped towards her, the look of insane hatred never leaving his face. Fina backed away as came forward, knowing it was pointless but wanting desperately to get away. Finally she came upon the precipice, her boots sending loose stone chippings tumbling down into the void. Still Ramirez came forward until finally stopping just a few feet away. He stood facing her, then a grin slowly crossed his face, he knew he had her trapped. His right arm raised carrying with it the large silver sword until it was poised above him. She knew in that short instant before his sword strike was to come that she would die. The instant passed, the sword swept downward as the blow that would end her existence finally came.

"Nooooo!" she yelled, sitting bolt upright in her bed. Her breathing came in short gasps, her heart rate beating so hard it felt like it would burst from her breast. She realised then she had been dreaming the same terrible dream that had been plaguing her every night for the past few weeks. The tears came then as they had every night that the dream had come. She cried silently, wrapping her arms around her legs pulled tightly against her as she buried her head in her arms and knees.

Vyse stared up at the dark ceiling attempting to get to sleep. He had been trying in vain ever since he had gone to bed. After two hours of constant shuffling around in bed he had finally succeeded in something, the blankets were now carelessly thrown to the floor. Vyse had decided to stave off insanity the only way he knew how, he had been counting the grain in the wood. He had thought that maybe the monotonousness of the activity would put him to sleep eventually, that was two hours ago. Two thousand seventy three, two thousand seventy four.

A fluttering of wings caught his attention as an old owl decided to perch on his windowsill. The awl was framed by the light of the red moon as it stood considering him. A short moment passed as the two locked eyes. The owl emitted a quick hoot and decided to take flight once more in search of pry. Vyse turned back to his ceiling to continue his count once more, two thousand..., he stopped abruptly. O great, just great he thought that stupid owl made me loss count.

He turned and grabbed the small mechanical golden pocket watch his dad have given him for his birthday several years ago. Upon flipping open the cover he strained his eyes, attempting to read the time that the small hands would reveal. Five minutes past four he finally managed to work out, it would be sunrise in a couple of hours. He put his watch back on the side and lay down once more, contemplating weather to began counting the wood grain once moor.

He lay there for several minutes, his mind working back to the days of his childhood. When he was young his dad would take him outside on warm nights like this one. They would climb the long ladders to Lookout Island where they would lie down next to each other staring up at the sky. It was this way that his dad would teach him all the stars and constellations of the night sky. "A good Captain must know the stars," his dad had told him "as long you have the sun and the stars to guide you through the sky you'll never be lost." The memory faded and Vyse found himself still staring at the wooden ceiling. Its been a long time since me and dad last did that, he thought to himself. He lay there a short moment, finally he had decided he'd had enough of staring at that same ceiling. He got up, dressed quickly and walked outside into the warm night air.

As was usual with Crescent Isle the nights were always surprisingly warm, thanks the red moon. Usually on a full moon like this one the air would be hot and muggy, but the cool breeze of this particular night, blown over from Valua had the effect of making the air cooler and more comfortable. It was this breeze that blew Vyse's hair around as he stood leaning on the wooden railings in front of him. He looked around over the area, Crescent Island had grown larger since the short war with Admiral Galcian had been won. Two more stone buildings had sprung up, the one on the right of the kitchen and dinning room was two stories high. This was an inn of sorts used for when people came to stop by the island, either to trade or as a stop point on their way to Valua.

The other building that had been constructed, another two story building, was used for the two families that now lived here. They had come with their husbands who now served on the Delphinus. A wooden staircase was attached along the side of the building to enable access to and from the second story. On the small crescent shaped mountain that the island had received its name from, carved into the mountain itself was another five rooms. These were at the same level as the meeting room reached by the same lift. These five rooms ran along the edge of the small mountain. They housed the people that worked and lived on the Island, and the crew that served onboard the two ships. The place certainly had grown, in fact another building was going to be needed soon. He was going to have to talk to Kirala, the resident builder, about that, though she was currently in the late planning stages of a new port for the Island.

Vyse decided to go over to his favourite spot on the Island. Up on top of the small hill from which the flagpole rested. It afforded the best view, totally unobstructed. He made his way down the steps in the centre of the building he stood on, and carried on along the side. A small pond lay directly in front of him, the moon causing the small ripples to appear to glow a orangey-red. Faint stars reflected on its surface. A relief had been carved into the rock that rose up from the waters at the end of the pond. It was carved into a very lifelike appearance of Vyse, Aika and Fina, underneath them lay a carving of the Delphinus. Izmael had carved it, saying that what the three had achieved should have something that would last longer than memory. The old man could be very poetic when he wanted to be. It was the last thing that he had done before he left for Value to help with the construction if I don't go they'll never finish, he had told them.

He started climbing the small hill that went along the outer edge of the Island. He stopped half way up realizing that he wasn't the only person who had decided to get up early. Someone else was sat down on the spot Vyse was heading for, he couldn't make out who it was from the darkness of the night. He resumed his walk at least I'll have some company, he thought. The dark figure slowly emerged from the darkness as he got closer. It was definitely a woman, it looked as if she had come straight from bed. She wore a flowing white nightdress which was blown slightly by the breeze. Her shoulder length blond hair hung haphazardly about her. He realized then who it was.

"Fina?" he called, he was wondering what she could be doing out here by herself. She looked about startled for instant that someone else was there.

"Vyse," came her soft reply, so quiet that for instant Vyse wasn't sure he had heard her. She turned back then away from him, staring out at the dark expanse that stretched before her. She was obviously upset about something Vyse thought, but he wasn't sure about what he should do. Should he turn away? Perhaps she wanted to be left alone, but she had given him no sign of that. She hadn't given him any sign that she wanted some company either, but his friend was obviously troubled and if he could help her in anyway then he would do what ever he could. He walked slowly over to her, she made no move to indicate him to leave so he sat down by her. Several minutes passed with neither of them saying anything. Finally Vyse spoke, breaking the silence.

"You ok?" he asked looking her way. Again she didn't reply, her gaze remained fixed on some point in the distant horizon. A faint glimmer caught his attention, shining a faint red as it reflected the light of the moon. It proceeded to roll down her check until it reached the end of her face. It stayed there for several moments until gravity finally caused it plummet to the ground. She was crying he realized. Vyse was worried about her now, he had known Fina almost six years and in that time she had never been one to get upset easily.

"Fina?" he asked once more, not really knowing what else to say. He did get a reply this time however.

"Vyse... I..." her voice broke, the tears she had been desperately trying to ward of came, and she cried once more. Vyse waited no time then, he went over to her and wrapped his arms protectively around her. She excepted the embrace without a moments hesitation as she cried upon his shoulder.

They stayed like that for several minutes, until Fina had finally calmed down enough to talk. She told him of the dream that she had been having, of the way it made her feel as she looked into those two cold eyes that burned into her soul. Of the fear that it caused when Ramirez's sword stood poised above her ready to strike.

"It scares me," she said quietly "it scares me to sleep at night because I know the dream will come again. Every night it happened the same way." She stopped considering what else to say. "What do you think it all means?" she asked him "dreams are supposed to mean something right?"

He stared into her emerald green eyes, wishing he had the answers for her but knowing he did not. "I don't know," he said finally, he thought of something then, something that his dad had taught him "but I might be able to help you sleep better."

"How," she asked, her eyes still glistening with the tears she had shed.

"Something my dad taught me years ago when I was kid. You see that star over there?" he asked, raising his arm to point at a distant point of light in the blackness above.

"Which one?"

"That blue one over there, by that small cluster of three."

"Yes," she said "I see it."

"People call it Sara's star. There's an old legend that goes with it. Sara was said to be able to miraculously heal wounds of not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. Some people hailed her as a gift from the gods, others thought she was a witch, brought by demons. Unfortunately the people who feared her outnumbered the rest. They killed her husband saying that they had cleansed his spirits of evil. Sara just barely escaped with her life and the life her new born child. Years passed and Sara was assumed dead since she wasn't seen again. Twenty years later a being, born from the demon world appeared. It poisoned people's souls by entering their dreams, causing them to live in a world of nightmares created by their own minds.

"Eventually most of the village slept in this world of nightmares, all except one man. His name was Arwen, it was he who was responsible for aiding Sara and her child to escape. He went to her, knowing that her healing may be able to help the village. At first she was reluctant to go back but was persuaded by her daughter. The three went back together to try and heal the village. Her healing worked, and the nightmares of the people were ended.

"The demon was none to happy about this turn of events. It came at them attempting to kill the one that could heal the people. Sara fought back, as its magic had no effect on her. She killed it, but not before it managed to fatally wound her. The people were scared that without Sara the demon would come back to haunt their dreams once more. She smiled at them and pointed to a distant star Look for me there, she told them, whenever nightmares plague you again look for me there and I shall aid you. After that she died, however whenever the people were plagued by nightmares again they would look to Sara's Star and ask for her help. She would wash away the nightmares that plagued them."

Vyse finished his tale and for several moments it quiet once more as the two gazed upon Sara's Star. Fina spoke after a while "that was beautiful," she said softly "and sad as well." She looked over to Vyse after a moment "does it work?" she asked him.

"Well it used to work for me when I was young," he replied grinning slightly "give it a try."

"I'll feel silly," she told him.

"So, who's going to know?"

"Okay okay," she said giggling slightly "but if Aika hears about this I'll never hear the end of it." Her gaze turned once more towards the distant blue star. "What do I say?" she whispered.

"Just ask for her help, ask her to let you dream in peace."

Fina studied the star a moment longer "this is silly," she said "its not going to work."

"How will you know unless you try?"

Another moment passed as Fina considered what to say, finally she spoke "Sara... " she stopped and looked to Vyse, he just nodded slightly telling her to go on. "Sara," she started once more "I ask you to watch over my dreams and rid them of nightmares that have me plagued me... please," she ended so quietly that Vyse had hard time working out what that last word had been.

Again silence clouded the two, Fina's eyes stayed on the star in front of her. Almost unconsciously as if it was the most natural thing to do Vyse's arm came up to rap around her. She didn't try to shrug it off, instead she leaned into him resting her head on his shoulder. "Feel better," Vyse asked her.

"Yes... thank you."

"What are friends for," he replied.

"Did your father teach you any more legends about the stars," she asked after a while.

He laughed to himself "only about a hundred of 'em. A good Captain has to know the stars, but dad felt it important to know the legends and myths about them as well. He taught them to me years ago up on Lookout Isle, on nights just like this one."

"Could you teach me?" she asked. In the distance a shooting star sped across the night sky to be quickly burnt out.

"What would you like to know?" asked Vyse.

"Everything."

"That might take a while."

"I don't care, I want to know."

The two were up together until shortly after sunrise. Vyse recounted to her a couple of the legends and tales that his father had told him, before the sun finally arrived in its glories displays of oranges and reds. He promised that he would tell Fina everything he knew about the stars, that they would come to this same spot whenever they were able to.

Fina had agreed, by much persuasion on Vyse's part to try and get some sleep, she was still worried that the dream would still plague her. Vyse promised Fina that he would make sure that nobody disturbed her through the day, and told her not to worry about the mornings activity. So now here they were outside Fina's room. Vyse was leaning casually on the wooden railings behind him while Fina was standing in the open door way.

"Vyse, what you did for me today..." started Fina.

"I didn't do anything special," interrupted Vyse.

Fina smiled at him "you did more than you realise. You've always been there for me. It... it means a lot to me, thank you."

"Don't mention it," he replied.

She walked to him took his hands and kissed him lightly. She let his hands go, her cheeks blushing slightly by what she had just done. Vyse was a little surprised, he didn't no what to say. A faint smile crept across his features, and Fina smiled to. Finally he regained his voice "Pleasant dreams."

"We'll see," she said before disappearing into her room, the small smile still on her face. The door closed softly after her and Vyse was on his own once more.

Vyse stood there a moment longer, still staring at the now closed door. "Captain," called someone from behind him. He turned around and saw the three triplet sisters wave to him. They were on their way to the kitchen to cook up the mornings breakfast. He waved back and decided to follow them and get some breakfast. His stomach let an audible growl in agreement.

BANG!, CRASH! "OUCH, MY FOOT!"

Fina was finally forced awake by the shouting from outside. For the first time in weeks she had slept soundlessly. Her dreams this time, now distant memories that she could be barely recall, had been untroubled. It appeared that there may be something to Sara's Star after all. Or perhaps it had simply been the talk with Vyse that vanished the dream. Of course just because she had simply slept peacefully one time didn't mean that the dream wouldn't come back again, but for once she didn't care. She let audible yawn escape her, and squinted slightly in the stream of sunlight filtering through the window to land on her face.

"YOU'VE PROBABLY CRIPPLED ME FOR LIFE!" The same voice that had woken her up said. It sounded like Aika's voice. She forced herself up to sitting position, leaning on her arms, and looked around the room. It was a just a single bedroom with barely enough room to do anything else besides sleep and get changed, but it had been Fina's home for more than five years now. She wondered briefly were Cupil was. He wasn't anywhere to be seen, evidently he must of gotten tired waiting for her to wake up. She got up out of bed and wondered over to the window that looked out at Crescent Isle.

The sun was at its peek above the sky, it must be about midday. She looked about the Island to see if she could see any sign of Cupil. The place was a bustle of activity, the supplies that had been collected the previous day at Nasr were being transferred and stored in various places. Fina found herself feeling slightly guilty for not helping out earlier, but maybe it wasn't to late to help out. She was about turn around and get changed when she caught sight of Aika. She was hopping about trying to chase after some guy who Fina couldn't quite see. Thanks to her new limp she was failing miserably. A broken box lay forgotten behind her, its contents of orange fruit, now with an easy exit, lay on the floor about it. She caught sight of the figure fleeing now, it was Gilder. What's he doing here, she thought. It had been at least three months since Gilder was last here. She couldn't see Cupil anywhere, chances are he was with Vyse.

She walked over to the small wardrobe, picked some clothes and proceeded to get changed. After a quick wash she fixed up her hair which was a complete mess from last night, and then proceeded to go outside. It was another hot day on Crescent Isle, white fluffy clouds flew through the blue sky covering the sun up for brief periods of shade. She spotted Aika almost straight away sitting on one the benches at the back. Aika spotted Fina at the same time and beckoned her over with quick wave of her hand.

"Glad to see your finally up," Aika said "Vyse said you wasn't feeling to good last night. You okay now?" she asked, slight concern evident in her voice.

"I'm much better now thank you," she took a seat next to Aika. "I haven’t felt this good in months." She turned towards her friend "what’s Gilder doing here?"

"You mean besides injuring me, probably hiding from Clara again."

Fina let out a small laugh, "I saw you chasing after him, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine now. But he wont be once I get my hands on him." A grin spread across her face "how'd you like to help me with that."

"What do I have to do?" she asked, the same grin appearing on her face.

"Follow me."

High up on the highest point of Crescent Isle a small lookout post had been constructed. It was a small platform help up by four wooden poles at each corner that were driven into the mountain. A ladder ran down from the centre and disappeared inside the mountain. No matter what time of day it was the lookout was always occupied, this time by Brier. He was a tall man of average build in his late thirties. He had a scruffy appearance, dressed in an old stained vest and a pair of black shorts with several tears. His sunburnt face had a unkempt black beard with slight wisps of grey running through. His head was completely bold, he had decided to shave it all off several years ago. He was sitting on an old wooden chair, with one leg was slightly shorter than the rest, that had been provided shortly after the lookout was first built after several complaints. His legs were propped up on the railings around the lookout and his face was buried in an old book.

A faint hum could be heard in the background, growing steadily in pitch. He contained to read his book, totally oblivious to the growing sound. Several minutes passed, a flock of birds appeared overhead and Brier looked up for moment. It was then that he became aware of the sound growing in the distance. He got up out the chair and looked around, trying to locate its source. Towards the north he found them, two ships in the distance. He picked up a small extendable telescope that he had with him and extended it to its full length. Peering through the small circle he saw them. Two large battleships of the old Valuan design. These type of ships hadn't been seen since the war, when almost the entire Valuan armada had been wiped out. The markings were different though, the typical Valuan designs didn't grace either of the ships. Instead they were painted completely black, a five sided star with a circle at its centre graced the hull of the ships of both sides. The same symbol hung on a flag flapping in the wind, positioned above the ship. They certainly weren't sent by Valua. They were getting close, in under ten minutes they would be on top of the Island. He had to warn the Captain about this. Snapping the telescope shut he proceeded to run down the ladder, disappearing into the mountain.

Gilder was unaware of the two stalking him as he made his way across the walkway above the two ships, his large red coat billowing out behind him. There was very little light underground, hardly enough to see the two figures who crept in the shadows behind him. He stopped for a moment hearing something from behind. Unconsciously he pushed his glasses up with his finger.

"Who’s there?" he called. Silence answered him back from the shadows. He took a hesitant step forward then stopped as someone yelled, "GET HIM!!. Two of the shadows broke apart and came towards him. Gilder didn't have time to move as he was suddenly barraged from two fronts by a horde of soggy wet sponges. Valiantly he fended of the assault, picking up the sponges at his feet and flinging them back at his attackers. But it was no use, surprised, out numbered and outgunned he quickly found himself loosing ground to the two. Then just as quickly as it started it stopped as someone was caught in the crossfire.

"Hey," called the lookout Brier. Aika and Fina were in fits of laughter once they finally saw completely the defeated Gilder. His now soaking wet coat clung to him, the water dripping off forming a small puddle around him. The scene held no amusement for Brier who was removing the soggy sponge from his bold head. "Where's the captain!" he yelled.

"Down there, why what’s wrong?" asked Gilder seeing the man distressed about something. Brier took off, throwing himself at the large pole that stretched down to the floor below and sliding down just as quick. The three stood there on the raised platform watching the lookout run off.

"What was that all about?" asked Aika.

The wet Gilder regarded her and shrugged "Lets go an' find out," he told them. They followed the same way Brier had gone, though with a little less enthusiasm. Maybe the guys just had a little to much caffeine, he thought. They came upon him as he was attempting to tell Vyse what it was that had him so worked up, although he was so out of breath that they were having a hard time trying to figure out exactly what it was he was saying.

"Ships..." he said "coming... strange... not... soon...."

"What?" asked a puzzled Vyse. "Calm down and then tell us."

"No time... come... outside... see...," he beckoned them on as he ran back the way he came, and disappeared up the stairs. The rest following behind, wondering what it was that had the guy so worked up. He took them to the flagpole upon the small hill above the pond. He extended the telescope that he still had with him and handed it to Vyse. He raised his hand towards two dots on the horizon. "There," he said.

Vyse looked through, seeing finally what'd had the guy so frantic. "Who the hell are they?"

"Who?" asked Gilder.

Vyse handed the telescope to Gilder. He looked through for a few moments then handed it Aika. "Anyone you know?" asked Vyse.

"I've never seen them before, not the ships, but I have seen the markings."

"The last time I was up at Valua it had been painted on a wall there. A five sided star with a circle in the middle. From what I heard while I was there it was the symbol of some kind of cult or something. Nobody knows anything about them, except the symbol that's been cropping up all over Valua."

"Doesn't sound like anyone I want walking around here alone. Lets take the Delphinus Two and have a word with them, see what they want," said Vyse. "Thanks for the info Brier. Since you and Fina are a little wet, and I don’t even want to know what you've been doing, you can stay and dry yourself off. You can come with me Aika since you seem to be the only one dry." He turned around towards the small settlement spying the person he needed to come with him "Ray!" he shouted down towards his chief engineer.

A burly figure in his late thirties answered him "Yes Captain!" he shouted up.

"We need to take the Delphinus Two, I need you there, now!"

"Aye aye Captain!"

The now dried up Fina watched on the hill as the Delphinus Two took off towards the two approaching ship, its large sails were unfurled and the ship sped up. The two black metal ships were a lot closer now, they could see them quite clearly without the aid of the telescope. Another ten minutes and they would be on top of the Island. Gilder stood on her right side, his long red coat had been left off to dry. On her left Cupil floated by her, her left hand unconsciously rubbing the silver blobs head.

"What do you suppose they're doing here?" she asked him.

"I don't know, nobody knows anything them." Several minutes passed in silence as the two watched the ships. The large blue sails of the Delphinus Two beating with the wind that pushed it along.

"Where's Clara," asked Fina breaking the quiet.

"With any luck she should be somewhere in Valua by now, along with the Claudia. I wish I could see her face she finds out I'm not on it." A mischievous grin came to his face as he laughed to himself.

"Do you love her?"

"What?" he asked the bluntness of the question startling him for a moment. He was caught of guard, nobody had asked him that question before. He hadn't even asked it of himself. Did he love her? There had been a point in his life where there was no doubt in his mind that he did. Perhaps that’s why he was always running from her, because he did still love her. The thought worried him, he had never once in his life been tied down by a single women. Before Clara he had been the type that had a new women almost every other day, and now... Now since he started running he found it difficult to be with any other woman. Deep in his mind he knew that if she caught him again that he wouldn't be able to leave her. His life as it had been would be over, and that thought scared him more than facing death ever could. He knew there would be a day eventually when she would catch him, but he was going to make sure that it wasn't for long time yet.

"I said do you love her?" Fina asked once more.

"Well... I guess..." he started to say when he was interrupted by a loud boom. He looked over towards where the sound came from. A small portion of the hull of Delphinus Two was smoking where a cannon had just hit it. Another loud blast rang out as the second ship fired towards the Delphinus. The blue ship turned sharply to right to avoid the hit and fired with its own cannons the sound ringing out with a force that dulled all other. The closest black ship jerked slightly as the force of the cannon impacted sharply against its metal hull. The same black ship turned to its left to chase the Delphinus Two, the other one continued unchallenged towards the Island. The bottom hull of the second black vessel opened up. From out of the opening several small boats came out, each carrying ten people.

Gilder turned around to face the people behind who were staring at the battle playing out in front of them. "Anyone who can't fight get underground, everyone else grab a weapon!" The people ran from their positions, a few headed for the entrance to the caves, the others ran to get their weapons. He turned to Fina, "you to Fina, get underground."

She faced him with a look of defiance "I can take care of myself."

"Okay," he said, knowing that an argument would be waste time with her "but I want you to stay close to me." She nodded an affirmative and the two ran down the hill to join the rest of the men and women. All together there was little under thirty people who stood defiantly towards the seven small dark boats heading towards them. Each carried either the sharp curved edge of the cutlass or a pistil.

"Cupil," spoke Fina to her round companion floating at her side "I need a sword." The small blob nodded once before stretching out into a long curved blade. Cupil morphed into a blade sharper than any forged of metal. He floated before her until she took the silver hilt in her hands. "Thank you my friend," she said.

"Do you know how to use that?" asked Gilder surprise showing in his voice.

"Yes," she said "I do now, Vyse has been teaching me. You'll be surprised how much you can learn in five years," she swung the curved sword around slightly for effect then smiled slightly as she saw the look of surprise on her friends face. Vyse had been teaching her to use the sword for number of years at her insistence. She had gotten to be okay with the weapon, hardly an expert, but she could best most of the people on the Island at the very least.

The seven small boats landed and the people got out. Each was dressed the same, all in black with the red five pointed star at their left breast, all carried a sword at their side. Only two figures looked different, they were cloaked and cowled from head to foot in black. Their faces hidden behind a shroud of shadow. Both carried a large rod coloured as black as night itself. The two figures stepped forward from the crowd and all sound ceased. One of the figures lifted a gnarled hand and pointed towards the group. It spoke to them in a voice like death itself "Give us the Silvite," it commanded.

Gilder looked to Fina, her face had gone a pale white. He stepped forward then, his face a mask of confidence and looked behind the strange group in front of him. The Delphinus Two was still engaged in battle, it had taken a lot of damage but not enough to cripple it. One of the black ships had taken to much damage to continue its assault alone but the other one had joined in upon dropping off its crew. "I have no idea what your talking about," he spoke to them finally. "Whoever you are I suggest you leave this Island now."

The black figure regarded him for a moment than spoke again. It raised its hand once more, then pointed it directly towards Fina. "her," it spoke "give us the Silvite."

"And if we refuse?"

"Then you all shall die."

"What do you want with her?"

"Our reason are our own."

He took another look towards the battle raging across the sky. The Delphinus Two was still holding its own but was beginning to slow down slightly under the damage. The Delphinus Two was attempting to get back to the Island to aid its people somehow but was constantly blocked by the two black ships. It looked like they were going to be on their own on this for a while. He turned and walked back to the people waiting silently behind him, Fina was visibly shaken by what had just taken place and Gilder couldn't blame her. What did these people want with her? "Fina," he asked her quietly, "what do they want with you?"

"I don't know?" she replied, "but if it will stop anyone getting hurt then..."

"Don't even finish that sentence Fina," interrupted Gilder, "there isn't any way I'm letting them take you without a fight."

"This isn't your home Gilder, and it isn't your fight. The decision isn't yours to make."

"Fine, then I'll ask the people here what to do. Are you going to let them take her or stand up and fight!? This may not be my home but were all Blue Rogues, and Blue Rogues defend their people to the last! What do you say, do we fight?" The Island was sounded by a roar of affirmatives.

Gilder turned back to Fina "Looks like the decisions been made Fina." Then turning back to the two black figures he shouted "You'll have to get past us first!" he raised his pistil for effect.

The black figure that had spoken raised its black rod high. The rod was then infused with the powers of the moon of fire as the rod turned from its black to glow a blood red. Fire exploded from its tips as the figure yelled, "Bring us the Silvite, kill all who get in your way!" The fire disappeared as the rod changed back to its dark black. The people who stood behind them yellow as they charged forward, swords held high.

The first fifteen died before they even reached the crowd below as their pistils cleaved through them. Still they came on to clash sword against sword. The two black figures stood atop the hill watching as their people were slaughtered like cattle. They had more numbers, but the pirates of the island were far more skilled with the sword.

Gilder stood by Fina, he's pistil, now worthless at close range combat, was exchanged for a cutlass he had picked up from one of the fallen foes. He blocked and parried blow after blow, counter attacking, then defending once more.

Still the black figures watched the battle raging below. Finally the one that had remained quiet griped its rod with both hands, holding it forth before him. The usual deep black of the rod was wiped away as it was infused with the power of the blue moon. The black figure swung the rod outward pointing it towards Fina and Gilder.

The two still thought on as more black clothed men came at them. Fina swung the blade that was Cupil with an expertise that she never had when she first encountered the Blue Rogues. She hated killing but she had no choice. The black figures seemed to have no regard for their own life. Then suddenly she found that something was wrong. The world before her blurred and her eye lids became heavy. She knew what was happening, she had felt this feeling before, someone was trying to cast Slipara on her. Through half closed eyes she could see the magic affecting Gilder as well as Blue streamers of energy flew around the two. She fought against the magic, she had beaten this spell many times before but somehow this spell was a lot more powerful than it should be. Gilder had already collapsed against the floor. She fought the magic as hard as she could, why was it not working. Finally she saw the reason why, she saw the dark figure facing towards her with his rod, shining a bright blue, extended. It was the last image she saw as finally, the powerful sleep spell worked its effect upon her and her entire world was covered in the same darkness the figure before her was clothed in.

Cupil could feel the grip of his friend loosen. He could do nothing as Fina's grip disappeared completely and she collapsed on the floor before him. He floated above her still in the shape of a curved sword. He tried to defend his friend as the people in black closed in. Lacking Fina's finesse he waved frantically about in an effort to keep them away. One of the people finally swatted him away with a flick of his sword, sending the poor Cupil across the Island. He landed against a building and found himself impaled in the wall, unable to move he could do nothing except watch as the black figures carried off Fina and Gilder.

They retreated quickly to their boats carrying the unconscious Fina and Gilder with them. The few that remained climbed quickly onboard as the Blue Rogues chased them attempting to get to Fina and Gilder. It was no use, they took off quickly towards their ship leaving the people with no means to chase them. Several people fired their pistils towards them but none hit.

The same opening that had allowed them to exit the large black ship opened up once more in anticipation of their arrival. The cannons still fired every few seconds at the Delphinus Two as it circled around for another pass. The other more damaged ship intercepted the Delphinus Two to buy the second ship the time it needed to pick up the small boats. The ship turned around and proceeded to quickly retreat, It's prize obtained.

The damaged ship couldn't stand against the barrage of cannon fire from the Delphinus Two for very long. Finally after several more minutes a cannon shell impacted against the engines. Having nothing to hold it in the air it fell towards the white clouds below, towards the crushing pressure of deep sky.

Vyse believing the battle to be won turned the Delphinus Two back towards Crescent Isle. The ship was in no way able to give chase, its once perfect blue hull was now covered in large holes showing the inside of the ship. Most of the sails were ripped and torn by cannon shells that had crashed through them. The ship limped back home. Vyse had no idea what had been the reason for the unprovoked attack. He had tried desperately to get back to Crescent Isle once he realized that they had sent landing parties, but had been stopped at every turn by the two black ships. He was just glad that his people had driven them off. He had no idea that the people dressed in black had achieved what they came here to do.

Authors comments

And so ends another chapter, what does this mysteries cult have in store for Fina? I know, nah nah *sticks tongue out childishly*. You'll just have to find out in the next chapter.

I'd like to apologise for lack of creativity in regards the name for the Delphinus Two. I was racking my brain for weeks trying to come up with something better but I kept coming up empty.