A/N: Ah man, spring break is turning out to be hectic as well. Went to two doctors in two days and it's been raining on and off. Is this England? England without the awesome. All the rain and none of the class. But we were able to go to the oriental store which we haven't done in a while...ah milk mochi and green tea mochi. I still have some school work that I'm procrastinating on...

God, has it really been over a month since I was able to work on this? I still wish FF wouldn't fudge with my spacing (but I'm honestly too lazy to go through 6-odd thousand words to fix it)

Master Sword True Owner: Mui is indeed the name of the continent, haha I have a doodle of the map on my deviantART. Mui is the name of the main continent, the Sister Continent is just that...Sister Continent, same with the Southern Island. Some of the name are Latin...which is a dead language and it really doesn't matter how you pronounce them-however, some names are Hawaiian (like the -lani names) and some are French. Pretty much, just have fun messing with the words but Galatea would be Gal-ah-t-eh-ah. The only towns that really matter in the end will be Aolani, Nox, Lunaeve and Faolan because that's where the kids will be most focused on.

Roksu: I rushed at bit with the last chapter, probably why they kept bouncing around. I'm no good at bargaining so...I opted to leave that bit out haha. Ah, is it too cliche? Well, I've been working up to that moment for a while. Well, mutt may not have such a negative connotation in Japan or maybe they didn't like the idea of sticking Jasmine and Robin together either but they had to do it in an attempt to quell the Robin/Ivan stories. Yeah, how's that going for you, Camelot?

Read, enjoy and review.

Chapter 16:

The silence that follows her words rings painfully in my ears. A cold sickness grips me and I feel dizzy, as if the ground lurched and was jerked from beneath my feet. I stagger back until I find a tree, leaning against it.

This must be a mistake—some sort of cruel joke. I didn't come here for this. I didn't meet her just for this. If the others find out…will they throw me away and tell me to go home? What about Robin? What will he say? I can imagine the look of hurt in his eyes—the betrayal.

I feel a tearing ache in my heart and barely blink as Cyprien whispers my name, reaching out and resting a hand on my shoulder. I jerk away more violently than I mean to, mirroring her startled expression before turning away with a twinge of guilt. "I-it's a lie, it has to be. There's no way that man could be my father. Toviel's my father and he…found me and raised me, nothing else matters."

"If you continue down this path, with those men—you're going to face the Emperor and you'll need to know what he is to you. Deep down you feel what I tell you is true, no matter how much you hate it, and you can't bury those feelings. When you saw him, you sensed the familiarity even if you couldn't figure it out." Again, she reaches out slowly, as if to calm a wild animal and sweeps my bangs from my eyes, letting her hand linger on my cheek. It's warm and comforting but it still leaves me uneasy. "I'm sorry to lay this burden on you, knowing your own fear will keep you from speaking but now, you're the only one who can save him from the path he's wandering."

A surge of unfamiliar anger rushes through me and I struggle to keep it in check, clenching my hands into fists at my side, "What…if I don't want him to be saved? He took Sheba because he wanted me…and because of that, the people who raised me were hurt…my father, the man I knew as my father…he's dead and I couldn't do a thing to save him. Why should I help that man?"

She cups my cheek with one hand, clasping the back of my neck and drawing me forward, "I don't want you to be bitter, that isn't why I told you. No, he isn't blameless in this but he isn't in control of his actions either. He at least deserves to know what's been happening, what he's done—even if it destroys him."

Tears burn my eyes and I try to push her hand away, "Why do you care so much? He's hurt so many…"

She turns away slowly, tilting her head back and looking towards the sky, "I had a dream about him…I didn't see his face…but I heard his voice. I knew it…so well. It belongs to the man I traveled across the ocean with—he's the only connection I have left to where I come from." She looks back to me, smiling bitterly, "I suppose…my reasons for wanting you to help him…are selfish."

I rake my fingers through my hair, "So he's probably someone special to you. I suppose…we owe it to you, to try to save him, just long enough for you to be able to speak with him." I shake my head slowly, "I never expected this…but I guess, nothing's been what I expected. Once this is over…"

She hugs me suddenly, "Since you arrived, my memories have been coming back. You and Sheba were so small back then…on that ship." Tears roll down her cheeks, landing heavy on my shoulder as she strokes my hair, "You've gotten so handsome…just like your father. I…I knew your mother, you have her eyes—those eyes, they're said to be a gift from the Muses. I wish I'd been there when you were growing up. You're so polite and well-mannered…and your voice has matured along with you…Sheba, can she sing as well?"

I try to reign in my emotions as my head spins with the sudden flood of information. She knew my mother? She saw us when we were infants…who is she? She said knew. Does that mean my mother is…?

"She…never enjoyed it as much as I do…she prefers to dance." I smile faintly, remembering the moonlit festivals—Sheba dancing around the bonfire, keeping in perfect step with the beat of the drums. She was happiest then. Cyprien pulls away slowly, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with her sleeve.

"I see, that's probably for the best. If the Emperor were to get his hands on someone who was gifted with song…" She shakes her head slowly, "You'll find out soon enough. You're so strong, I know you'll bring Sheba home safely. If…it wouldn't be too much trouble, do you think you could return here with her? I'd like to see how much she's grown. I promise not to say anything to her about the Emperor."

There's something about her, a strange familiarity and a connection I hadn't felt before. Her eyes really are a mirror of my own—maybe my mother's sister but I can't ask, part of me doesn't want to know anything else. I nod slowly, "I'll come back…once I save her, so you can get to know both of us and see just how much we've changed."

She kisses my forehead, "I know you will, Ivan, I know you will."

I look away, "Tell me…about the Emperor—what sort of man he was before this, if you can remember." She blinks, a look of wonder coming over her as she smiles, her eyes growing warm.

"We came from a continent to the far north, our beliefs are different from those of Mui, but there are tales of similar Gods and Goddesses. His name is Selwyn, he was a noble man and king of the largest kingdom there; he would travel across the countryside to make sure everyone was taken care of. He would always smile…but the happiest moment of his life was when you were born. He rushed into the room to see you and your mother…there was a look of wonder in his eyes when he first laid eyes on you." She glances at me, "He would have announced your birth to all the kingdoms if he could—his darling little boy, the only boy born with the eyes of a Songstress."

"Songstress?" The way she said it made it seem important. Something so special it needed to be protected—guarded like a precious secret.

"Back home…women born with the gift of song—the ability to control things with their voice…they are recognized by the temples and kingdoms as Songstresses. They're rare, children of the Muses…revered as highly as royalty and as pure as any priestess. Your mother was a Songstress…and it would seem that you inherited her powers." She shakes her head slowly, "In all of history…you're the only boy to be born with the voice of a Songstress. Your mother would be so proud…that you took after her."

"What happened to her?"

She shakes her head slowly, "I don't know for sure. She may very well be at the palace waiting for your safe return or…" She sighs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"D-don't worry about it. Is…there anything else you can tell me?" She blinks, smiling softly and nodding, sitting at the edge of the pond and dipping her feet into the water. A slender white fish swims close, nipping at the bottom of her foot before darting away. I step closer, sinking onto the ground next to her and leaning back on my hands, looking up at the constellations.

"From what I can remember, our continent is beautiful. Fields of fragrant tall grass that swayed in the breeze…a cobbled path ran through it, leading from kingdom to kingdom. The temples were grand, built atop hills and surrounded by beautiful flowering trees—Songstresses would often go on personal quests, visiting each and learning from their peers to grow." She smoothes her robes carefully, "They're so rare that each kingdom has one Songstress, most of the time they remain in temples, giving hope to their people. During times of war, the Songstresses are a kingdom's strongest asset—they stand at the frontlines, singing to give the soldiers strength."

"It sounds like a lot is expected of them…"

She laughs, "It isn't like that at all…many of them see it as an honor to mean so much to their kingdom—to be a source of hope the people around them. The Goddesses gifted them with the ability to do so much for the world, to see the world the way no one else can."

"Is it normal for a king to marry a Songstress? You said they were seen as pure as a priestess…I didn't think they were allowed to wed."

"They aren't bound by normal laws, with few exceptions they're allowed to do as they please and so long as they don't intend to marry someone convicted of a crime, their marriage will be recognized by the king. Besides, no one wants to alienate the Songstresses—if they start giving them restrictions, the Songstresses may refuse to sing for them."

"If we hadn't left…what would our life be like? If I'm the first boy with the voice of a Songstress…what would they expect of me? Would I be the first Bard?" I chafe my arms as the air takes on a sudden chill. Bard…like Robin. I bite back a smile at the thought.

She rests her hand on my head, "I can't say for sure…there are superstitious people there—they could take your birth as a bad omen…I'm sure Selwyn would have kept your powers a well guarded secret."

"Then it would be no different from living here…not being able to sing because of the law against music." I shake my head. "So he used to be a good man…how can you tell he would have protected me? He barely knew me before…"

"Because he's your father…didn't Toviel protect you? It's just what a father does, it doesn't matter how long he was with you—he's your father, Ivan. I know you hate him for what he's done…but he was a great man and he did love you and your sister. He was fierce during battle, few wished to face him—he would stand barely with his men to make sure they returned safely. When he returned…he was timid—as if ashamed of what he'd done." She lifts her head, "It's gotten so late…you should get to bed."

"I wish I could stay, talk with you more. I feel like there's more to say." I try to convince her—to convince myself, but I'm tired and I've already heard so much. My head feels heavy with new information. She rubs my back, humming softly.

"You must go, they're going to need you, your sister needs you. We'll be together again before you know it and then we'll have time to spare. Just come back safe." She smiles, "Maybe I can meet Robin next time as well."

I rub the back of my neck, smiling softly, "I'd like that a lot."

"It's freezing!" I crouch in the shelter of a crate, huddled under one of Garcia's heavy winter coats. I shiver, teeth chattering. The sky overhead is a somber grey, thick with puffy storm clouds ready to burst with snow. Picard smiles warmly, passing a steaming mug to me.

"This will warm you up." He glances over his shoulder, Garcia shivering as he steers the ship. Picard slips off his scarf, wrapping it around the younger man's neck. "Just think, the sooner we retrieve the instruments, the sooner we can return to Faolan where it's nice and warm."

"And then stop the Emperor."

I feel a guilty twinge. I haven't told them about the Emperor—Selwyn. They don't need to know, not yet at least. I don't even know how to begin to tell them. How will it change things even if they know? He's still hurting people and we need to stop him.

From out of the haze, a little village appears. Smoke trails from the chimneys, floating up to join the dark clouds. There isn't a person in sight, every window lit with a warm glow, shadows passing before them on occasion. Everyone's hiding out from the oncoming storm.

The ship creeps towards the docks, Ace standing on the rail with rope in hand, leaping over the edge and swinging onto the dock, tethering the ship. He gives the rope a tug, the men lowering the plank and we hurry down, thick white snow crunching underfoot. I gasp as I sink knee deep into the snow, some sneaking into my boot and a shock of cold shoots through my body. Garcia grabs me around the middle, throwing me over his shoulder. "The snow gets deeper; we don't need you getting swallowed up."

Picard laughs softly, resting his hands on my cheeks before pulling my goggles down, the fur lining surrounding the lenses. His gloves are warm and soft as he rubs my cheeks again, trying to keep my face warm. "We'll rest at the inn and look for the entrance to the underground forest after we've warmed up."

"And the crew? What will they do?"

He chuckles, "They'll finish with the ship and probably head over to the pub. Calais is rather small but it's winter all year round—there's not much for the villagers to do except drink and sleep. They make sure their pub is fully stocked."

Picard steps in front of Garcia, opening a door. He sets me down on a plush carpet in a warm entryway, brushing the snow from his coat. "If I never see snow again, I'll be content." He saunters over to the innkeeper as Picard steers me over to the fireplace, sinking onto the couch gratefully.

"This place reminds me a bit of home. Xiu is a little bigger and busier but it has the same feel." He smiles, "I'll take you there one day, I think you'd like it."

"I hope it's not as cold there…"

Picard laughs, ruffling my hair and leaning back, "No, it's not quite as cold there, but it's not as warm as central Mui."

"Of course not, it's like a heat sink. Tuari plains used to be a desert." The brunette returns, dangling two keys in front of Picard. He tosses one to me once Picard takes his before dropping onto the couch next to him, "Not many customers so the owner gave us the best rooms. We might as well spend the night and look for that forest in the morning; I won't feel like doing much in this weather."

Picard smiles and plays with Garcia's ponytail, "It'll be even colder in the morning."

Garcia growls, "I know but the sooner we get that instrument, the sooner we can go home and back to the warm." He stretches; finally standing and popping his back with a loud crack that made the innkeeper throw a dirty look. "Well, let's turn in then. I'm looking forward to a fresh bed."

Picard stands, letting down his hair, "As am I, hopefully there won't be icicles on the ship in the morning." He pauses, "Won't you come to bed, Ivan?"

I smile sheepishly as Garcia wraps an arm around Picard's middle, lazily fingering a bronze eyelet on his vest. There's not much privacy on the ship, I'm sure they're glad to be in a room tonight. "I'll be up soon; I'd like to sit by the fire a little longer."

He hesitates, a question lingering on his lips for a moment but he doesn't let it pass, shaking his head. "Don't say up too late, we'll need to get an early start in the morning." He smiles, letting Garcia lead him up the stairs. I hold the key up to the light and it glints gently as it twists one way and the next.

Sheba's my sister. My little sister. It must be some twist of fate that we grew up in the same village. Maybe it was by the will of the Goddesses that we found each other. I laugh softly. It sounds insane even in my own head, to believe in Goddesses I barely know.

Then…the Emperor is our father. He kidnapped his daughter…but he wanted me. Why? There's nothing special about me. There's nothing different about Sheba. What could he possibly want with either of us?

Is it because of this voice of the Songstress business? But there's no way he could know.

Dropping the key onto my lap, I push my fingers through my hair. Can I really keep this to myself? Even if I tell someone, it wouldn't change what that man's done and I don't want them to go easy on him just because he's my father. If he is possessed…he may not be aware of what he's doing…what happens when he comes to? Will the guilt drive him insane? Cyprien said he felt guilty for fighting in wars…this would kill him.

Somehow that's not what I want. It just doesn't seem right.

There's a gentle tap on my shoulder and I tilt my head back to find the innkeeper standing there—she's an unassuming old woman, her hair gathered back into a neat bun. She smiles warmly. "I'll be closing up for the night, it's late. Why don't you head up?"

"Ah, yes, thanks Miss."

She laughs cheerfully, "I haven't been called miss in such a long time." She smiles more, "You're a sweet boy." I blush, hurrying up to the room.

Embers glow in the fireplace near the bed, the room closed off to keep the warm air bottled tight. I kick off my boots, crossing the room and flopping face first onto the bed, bouncing a little before sinking into the thick sheets. I roll over, freeing Robin's watch from my vest and tracing the engraving until my eyes grow heavy.

The curtains fly open, pale sunlight pouring into the room. I throw my arm over my eyes, rolling to put my back to the window. I hear Picard laugh behind me, shaking my shoulder gently and rolling me onto my back. "Ivan, you have to get up. Garcia's found the entrance. We'll eat before we leave."

I sit up reluctantly, dragging my feet as I head downstairs, Garcia sitting by a large fireplace in the dining room and drinking from a steaming mug. He salutes playfully, "About time, kid."

He ruffles my hair as I sink into the chair across from him, the innkeeper coming over and setting down a plate of hot food, smiling. "I'm glad someone so young is traveling with the Underground and doing some good for the continent…but do you really think it's safe to take him into the catacombs?" She pauses, "Of course that handsome young man was here just the other day to visit the catacombs as well. He didn't give his name and he didn't stay long…he seemed rather lonely actually." She turns away, going on about how she wished her daughter was still living in the village so she could have met and married the dashing young gentleman.

Picard smiles, "It sounds more like she wants that lonely young traveler for herself." I squeak around the mouthful of biscuits and gravy and he laughs softly, "Eat up; you're going to need your strength."

The winds from last night have died down, the air a bit warmer—at least for Picard. I shiver; my teeth chattering violently again as I try to stay close to the two, hoping for some shelter from the wind. A snow fox peeps from its burrow, nose sniffing the air at our approach, quickly diving back down as we near. "Are all the guardians wolves?"

"Yes…of course, they take their appearance from their surroundings to blend in better. Desert wolves, mountain wolves, plains wolves and forest wolves. There are even rumors of wolves in the ocean, but we've never seen them." He smiles, "Sometimes, they seem like simple beats…but they truly are closest to the Goddesses. They will only speak with those who they deem worthy of their voice."

We stop at the edge of a frozen river, "We have to head down from here to reach the entrance."

"Are you sure it's safe? Dad warned me to never step on ice unless I was absolutely—"

"You're light as a feather, poppet, no need to worry." Garcia shoves me square in the back, sending me tumbling forward. My boots hit the ice and I feel my balance shift violently. I spin my arms, trying to keep from hitting the ice too hard. It's not enough. My feet slip out from under me and I fall back, still sliding on my bottom.

It's like a shock of ice zipping up my spine.

Picard stifles a laugh, stepping out onto the ice, his heels clicking like metal on marble. He slides over gracefully, extending his hand and pulling me to my feet. "We should have bought you some ice boots." I slip just standing there, grasping at his arms. He lowers his voice, smiling, "Garcia doesn't have any either." As he finishes, Garcia slides across the ice, bumping into us. Picard barely moves, his boots managing to grip the ice. "How did you find the entrance?"

"I stumbled upon it." He admits grudgingly. He pulls his goggles down over his eyes and pushes off Picard, sliding up the river. Picard chuckles softly, turning me around and giving me a gentle push. I slip along the ice after Garcia.

Once I find some balance, it's easy going but Garcia suddenly drops into a hole at the center of the river and I fall back in surprise, spinning around and heading backwards. Picard's nearby, skating along the ice, a comforting look in his eyes before I fall through the ice.

"…is it? The crystal forest Lady Cyprien saw in her vision. Ah, Ivan's coming to." A chilled drop of water hits my forehead and I jerk up, looking around as my head sways. Frozen mud clings to my hands, numbing my fingers. Dirt streaks across Picard's cheek and clothes. He crouches down, lifting my bangs and checking my forehead, smiling once he's satisfied. "Take a look." I peer over his shoulder, unable to hold back a gasp.

Trees—glowing white trees spread out across the field. The branches are bare, thin arms and fingers stretching out and up, reaching towards the faintest sunlight that may reach the catacombs. Delicate leaves decorate the muddy ground, glinting in the light from the trees but giving off none of their own.

Every tree is impressive but one tree stands out. At the very end of the trail stands a wide trunk, the branches growing high above the others.

"It's…amazing…" I stand, turning on the spot and looking around the cavern. Those translucent trees surround us, but none more impressive than the one at the end of the path. "That one must be the tree keeping the instrument." I start forward but Garcia holds out his arm.

"Not so fast. We're not alone." He reaches over his shoulder, grasping at thin air and cursing softly, "My guitar…"

"Why didn't you bring that lute?"

Picard shakes his head, "Not just anyone can play the Muses instruments. Robin said that those who are capable would feel drawn to the instrument—that it would call to them. We're waiting to get back to Underground so we can find someone to play it." He steps forward, standing next to Garcia, "I sense it too…Cyprien said that tree was alive…could they all be alive?"

"A forest of living trees…? You've been reading strange books again haven't you, Picard?"

"Hush." Garcia smiles and leads the way forward cautiously.

The trees really are clear, a faint white haze surrounding them but I can see straight through them, strange veins growing up from the roots to the branches. The branches and trunks seem to give off the gentle glow that lights the cavern. The fallen leaf-shaped crystals rustle softly underfoot like normal leaves. I kneel, picking one up and holding it to the branches' light. Thin veins travel along the leaf, spreading out.

I pop open Robin's pocket watch and set it inside carefully, shutting it and hurrying after Picard and Garcia. As I pass a tree, a soft sound hits the air, almost like a note from Robin's violin. I whirl around, expecting to find him standing there, violin tucked under his chin and smiling as he draws the bow across the strings.

The path is empty, leaving only the echo of the note.

"Ivan?" Picard stops, turning to me.

"Did you hear that?" My heart is racing—wanting him to be here, wishing it wasn't just my imagination playing tricks on me. Why would I hear his violin now?

He glances through the trees, cupping his hand behind his ear and shutting his eyes. "I don't hear anything." He shakes his head, "What was it?"

"I…I must have been hearing things." Garcia raises an eyebrow but continues down the path, stopping once we're in front of the last tree. It's wide—about the width of twenty smaller trees and three times as tall. Its branches spread well past its width and unlike the younger trees, aren't bare. They rustle as if moved by a stray breeze and small orbs of light drift down. "What are those? Seeds?"

"Maybe…that must be how the smaller trees got here…" Picard pulls a glass bottle from his pouch, quickly uncorking it and holding it out, catching some orbs. "Mary would love to grow one of these back home."

Children. A deep voice booms, echoing in my heart and making my legs shake. Warriors of the Muses Gift…welcome to my garden.

"T-the tree…it really is alive…"

That booming voice laughs, the leaves rustling again. Not since the four Muses have I had so much contact with Little Ones. Not more than two days ago, a young man came—and on an old violin, he played beautiful music for my sons and daughters. Sarah would have been proud to know her beloved children have such passion.

"S-someone came before us?" I spin around, looking to Garcia and Picard, searching their faces. The brunette balls his hands into fists, the leather squeaking against itself. He grits his teeth, trying to keep his anger in check.

Picard's golden eyes search the younger man's face before he rounds on the tree, "We came searching for the instrument created for the Heavenly Muse—we were told you guarded it."

Yes, for fifteen years I have protected it. That man implored me…he told me of the Emperor and what he's been put through because of that man—what all the Goddesses children have been through. I've been asleep since Sarah gave me the Heavenly instrument…things have become so much worse. I wish there had been more I could do but he said the instrument would be more than enough. He's far from here now.

Garcia curses, turning away and biting his thumb, "We're too late…but how could anyone know about the instrument here? We needed the help of a seer…"

"Did the man give you his name? Can you tell us what he looked like?" The tree is silent except for a gentle hum and then the leaves rustle.

No, he never said. I cannot see the way you children see. His footsteps belonged to a young man, the timber of his voice…someone strong and in control of their thoughts and emotions. The violin he played was worn and cherished—it was no ordinary violin.

"Could it have been Robin?" I turn to them as Picard shares a glance with Garcia.

Garcia turns away, starting to pace as he rubbed at his chin, "He would have gotten word to us…unless…"

"Unless?"

Picard shifts, "If he ran into trouble on the way back home…he wouldn't have time to send a letter. That's if it was indeed Robin."

"Who else would have a violin but Robin? That means that something happened to him, right? We have to do something!"

"Ivan…"

I press my hand to my mouth, my heart pounding in my ears. "I'm sorry, I…"

Picard shakes his head, resting his hand on my hair, "I know, you're a bit stressed out. We've been traveling so much…you haven't had time to rest properly. Let's go back to the inn…and we'll contact Alex. We'll figure out what to do from there." He clasps the back of my neck, giving me a gentle shake.

Children of the Goddesses…don't lose yourselves in the heat of battle, it's close at hand. A note plays, echoing through the trees until a song is born.

It's beautiful. I close my eyes, pressing my hand to my chest. It almost feels as if Robin is standing next to me. It's soothing, my worries melting away slowly.

Garcia curses, stepping over after speaking with the innkeeper for a long moment. "A note arrived from Alex while we were out. He heard we were headed here so…" He shakes his head, "It was Robin who found the instrument. They want us to return to Faolan as quickly as possible." He crumples the note and tosses it into the flames. They jump a bit, enveloping the paper and swallowing it whole. "Wasted trip." He drops into an armchair, propping his heels on the coffee table.

Picard sighs, "Then Robin must have searched around until he found a lead and came here soon after Galatea. Why wouldn't he have told us?"

Garcia waved his hand, "He probably heard the rumors after he left and was in a rush to get here that he didn't have time. At least he's back in Faolan, we don't have to worry about him falling prey to that tree."

"He seemed nice."

"It could have been an act."

"I doubt he would deceive…he's just a tree."

"An act, if he can feel the continent, then he'll know deception well enough. He's ancient enough to know how to lie to some human children easily."

"How impossibly poetic…" Picard chuckles.

"Um…shouldn't we think about heading back?"

Picard sighs softly, smiling, "Yes, hopefully the east port is open, and then it won't be that far to Faolan."

After checking out and saying farewell to the innkeeper, we head back to the ship and board with the crew. They're more than ready to leave this snowy town behind. "We'll head for Lapis…they wouldn't want to keep their port closed for long, that's our best bet." Garcia turns as Picard climbs the gangway.

"I sent a message to Alex; it should arrive before we do. I told him about the instrument we lost…" He shakes his head, "At least we lost them on the job. He shouldn't be too cross."

"Yeah, well, I have a feeling we'll be beating a hasty retreat before long." He grips the helm, turning to his men and shouting a command, "Raise anchor!"

I climb up to the crow's nest once the ship is sailing through the still waters. Ilias leans against the mast, arms folded across his chest, squinting at the horizon as the icy wind blows his hair about wildly. He finally notices me, glancing over and giving a salute, "Hey, poppet, what's up?"

"Just thought you could use some company," I rest my hands on the railing, looking towards Mui. A haze blankets the land, the visibility poor—I can barely see a mile around the ship. It's a wonder we don't crash into the rocks but I suppose that's what Ilias is here for. He chuckles, leaning forward and telling me about the first time he joined the crew.

I start to nod off as the air grows warm, the sun sinking down below the distant waves. Ilias shakes me, grinning toothily. "You should head down; you might roll out the nest if you fall asleep here. Capt'n won't be please with me if I let that happen."

"S-sorry…"

Returning to the deck, there's the immediate sense of quickened pace, the adrenaline thick in the air as Ace shouts orders to the men, Garcia relaxed at the helm. Picard's nowhere to be found, most likely below deck. Before I can head down to find him however, Garcia waves me over.

"We'll reach Lapis tomorrow night…if you can manage, I'd like to press on soon from there, soon as we dock. The men already have their orders, long as they keep out of trouble, they'll be fine."

"Travel at night?"

"We'd reach the plains around noon the next day, maybe later. I'd like to return to Faolan as quickly as possible. We have the Lute with us and with the Emperor's mercenaries nearby; I'd just rather get it underground as soon as possible. It needs an owner." He smirks suddenly, "Besides, I'm sure you're anxious to see Robin, you've been especially quiet since we decided to head back."

"I hadn't really noticed…" It's not like that, Garcia, but I can't let you know. He lays his hand on my head.

"I'm sure you'd rather talk with Picard or Robin but…I'm here too. We've been through quite a bit, you and me. Though, it's not over yet." He grins, ruffling my hair, "You look tired. Go get some rest. Try to sleep during the day so you get used to it before we make port."

"Aye, Captain."

"Ha. I knew we'd make a pirate of you, you'll be missing the sea soon enough."

Lapis. Ace said the founder had fallen in love with a mermaid with eyes as blue as a polished lapis lazuli stone and a voice that drove sailors to their deaths. That's what everyone says anyway, whether it's true or not is another story. He said he's been sailing for more years than he can count and he's never met a mermaid, not yet at least.

Even at night the port is bustling, street lamps lit with a dim orange glow that pours out onto the uneven cobbled streets. The pungent smell of rotting fish and spoiled cabbage mixes with the salty air. Pubs full of swearing sailors line the port like a thick wall, the men rushing through their work in hopes of getting drunk as fast as they can.

There's a certain charm to it—as if the town is making its own music. The ships creak gently as they're rocked by the waves. I follow Picard down the gangway and into the crowd, Garcia lingering behind to give some final instructions to the men. The Lute rests casually on his back like his guitar once did. He seems more at ease with it on—happier maybe.

I turn back to Picard slowly, "Should we rent a cart?"

He smiles softly, shaking his head. "We can't take the cart through the plains and it would be too much trouble having the men bring it back for us. We're close enough that it won't take long to get there on foot."

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end—the sense of someone approaching. But from where? I glance over my shoulder—a young man opens the door to a pub, smoke pouring out bit it follows as he enters. I look the other way spotting two men as they step into the shadows of an alley—some shady business transaction or a secret rendezvous.

What is this feeling?

"Ivan? Did you see something?" Garcia joins us, already looking queasy on land. He rests his hand on Picard's shoulder and presses a hand to his mouth, eyeing a nearby bar.

Maybe it's the smell of rotting fish.

"No…sorry. I just thought I saw someone I knew." I smile quickly, following to the gate, the uncomfortable feeling of eyes following me still lingering at the edge of my mind. I run to keep up with them, fighting the urge to clutch at the edge of Picard's shirt.

The flowery plain. I didn't think I could miss it so much. The fragrance is strong, mingling with the fresh scent of rain. I start to run but a strong arm yanks me back and down. I hit the ground hard, petals and seeds floating into the air. "What are you doing?" I hiss, trying to lift my head but Garcia pushes me back down, keeping me pinned.

"Shh. Mercenaries. They must be looking for the entrance." He glares down towards basin. I try to look but the flowers block my view, catching shadowy figures shifting between the steams.

"They've never gotten this close before…something must have happened. We have to stop them before they get to the entrance." Picard leans forward, crouching next to Garcia below the line of flowers, squinting against the sunlight.

Garcia unfastens his guns, passing one to Picard. "We'll take them by surprise and drive them away. They're still searching so they can't have found it yet." He turns to me, "Once they spot us, head for the entrance. Make sure no one sees you." He stands, running down the field.

Picard brushes my shoulder. "Relax and clear your mind, you'll be fine." He stands, running down the field after Garcia. Not even a minute later, gunshots ring out, followed by a startled cry and angry shouts. I push off the ground, heading for the center of the plains.

Where's the entrance? I stumbled upon it by accident the first time. There aren't any visible markers—just a sea of wild flowers. How could any of them remember where it is?

I barely register the buzz as something whips through the air before it knocks into the back of my head, the world going black for a moment as I hit the ground. The pain is the only thing that brings me around.

My vision comes back slowly and a scuffed boot nudges my shoulder, rolling me onto my back. A dark figure leans over me, blocking out the sun. Gerald! But why…? A wave of nausea hits me, almost as hard as whatever knocked me in the head.

"Un…what hit me?"

"That would be me." Jasmine steps over holding a baton in her hand. "I didn't think you would return so soon but I'll just say the Goddesses were on my side. Now we don't have to hunt you down, you saved us a lot of trouble. Since Robin came back, all he does is go on and on about you. You don't deserve his attention. I've been with him longer; I've done so much for him and the Underground! I'll take you out of the picture once and for all."

I flinch as she raises the baton into the air. Gerald catches the weapon, pulling it free. "Jasmine! We have orders! The Emperor wants anyone suspicious taken back alive—if you kill him, he's not going to go easy on you." She whips around.

"He's just going to deal with him on his own, send him to the dungeons or have him hanged—this way I can have my revenge! I'll just tell him it was an unforeseeable accident."

"Listen to yourself, Jasmine, this is insane. He's just a kid. He doesn't have anything to do with Robin—anything to do with the Underground. He doesn't even know what's going on."

"Fool! He seduced him with a song, I'm sure of it!"

"But…"

A growl. My heart jumps at the familiar sound—an unearthly rumble that shakes you to the core and stays with you.

They both fall silent, turning. Between them I can see the wolves, pale white tinted pink, violet and yellow—delicate petals and blossoms clinging to their fur. Their eyes are glowing ambers—burning like the dying embers of a fire. The nearest one hunches down, bearing his teeth, ears flat. Gerald holds out his arm, stepping in front of Jasmine. At least he would protect her.

"T-the Guardians…"

I gasp as one leaps into the air, flying at Gerald and sinking his teeth into his outstretched arm. A hand darts out, covering my eyes in the same instance, jerking me back and down. I hear Jasmine scream, the sound fading away as I fall.

I break free, whirling around, my heart pounding. "Jasmine and Gerald! The wolves will—"

Robin.

There's a small bandage across his cheek and one wrapping around his neck, a weary look in his eyes. He tries to smile but it doesn't quite work. He looks away slowly, the weary look shifting to something like sorrow. "They betrayed us. They lead the Emperor's men here. The wolves are here to protect us for anyone that would mean harm and that's just what they will do, as they have always done."

-Continued in the Seventeenth Chapter of the Book of Mui-

I don't know if I'm completely satisfied with the chapter but...it had to come out eventually. Couple of more chapters to the end? Maybe four. Have I said that before? Three or four more. Alex needs some face time. I've been neglecting him a lot lately. Well maybe if he didn't sleep with random women he would be more popular. Ah but this chapter took a couple of rewrites before I was kind of happy with it. Someone beat Robin up...

Anyway, please enjoy and until next time... (I hope it won't take as long).