ZOMG MapleStory fic? Anyway, this fic is also known as: DAT MAPLESTORY FIC. XD. Or what happens when a Gurren Lagann and MapleStory fan tries to somewhat combine them! Ahaha... not really.

Akito: Seriously man?

Evan: Oh damn, he's here too?

Mercedes: ...

Akito: Holy crap, you've terrified her enough she's silent for once?

Aran: ...This troubles me.

Shut up, all of you! Before I go all MOAR DAKKA on all of you. With my manly machineguns of manliness!

Akito: Says the one who plays as the Mercedes class as a guy. Seriously, dude, you call yourself a man?

It's elves and fantasy. Besides, they've got MOAR DAKKA which puts them in my good books. Anyway, I don't own MapleStory, but I do own my characters.

Oh, Akito is also going to be the Pirate Hero. I'm not sure if his official story has been released, so I'm making my own. Originally he was just going to be a Badass Normal, but to complete the hero stuff, why not? He doesn't start off with his Pirate Stuff for a while though. It might be a few chapters or so before he actually does get his Pirate things. He's using a different weapon that might go under a Warrior class, but it's special. Trust me.

Also, we'll be following Mercedes' storyline with a few extra parts here and there. It will also kinda be changed, so if they aren't the same, sorry about that.

Disclaimer: I don't own MapleStory.

And, another thing: I started this rewrite because of the first review it got! It was quite eye opening and I looked at this fic and almost cried since I compared it to my other fic-in-progess (check profile), The Return, and the difference in quality is very sad... The Return was a story I'm writing the focuses a lot on character interactions, and while it's really good so far, this one was kinda... eh. Yeah. You get the idea. (Note, The Return is down for planning since I wasn't pleased with it)

Warning: You will either love or hate all the new things that I put in. Trust me, I've gotten mixed feedback from my beta readers...

"Alright guys, I know what to do." A man with spiky black hair combed back said, his tattered brown cape flowing, lightning illuminating his shining silver armor. He surveyed the scene. The castle was a heap of rubble. Dead trees went on for miles, and rocks were all that was left other than castle remnants and dead mass.

"We can't do much," a young woman with her long blonde hair, commented. She shivered as the cold wind blew, as she was dressed rather lightly in her pure white clothing.

"The Black Mage's got a shield that we can't get through, how are we gonna do anything?" a thinly white haired man, clad in black, gold trimmed armor, asked, sighing as he heaved his golden polearm, forced to watch as the Black Mage gathered more and more energy. The letter sent by the Commander of the Black Mage's forces had warned them about it. It was a shame they arrived too late, since the barrier had reformed.

"Even Alfrien can't get enough energy to break through it." Freed grumbled, his dark green coat being blown in the wind.

"None of my skills will get through it either." Phantom nodded his head, buttoning his white coat together, "So, how are you going to do it, Cid?"

"That's 'Thunder God Cid' to you," he chuckled, "Hey, Freed. Take my cloak and drill spear." he handed said items to him, "Put them near that river I loved back home... Aniki."

"...Very well." he put the two items into his magical-seemingly-infinite-space bag, "But still, Cid... what ARE you going to do?"

Cid smirked as he heaved his cannon in right hand and his left hand cackled with electricity as a shark's shape began to form.

"Well, I've left instructions for anyone else who wants to wield a cannon as a weapon, hidden, of course, as I AM a Pirate, and we do hide our treasure... and I also left the art of using my electricity based attacks in a book and gave it to Aria... which she'll pass on to the next Empress." he sighed, "So my legacies of the weapons I used will not be forgotten. And that drill spear... perhaps another will find it and realize what it can do... if he has the potential!"

"And how will we know of this... potential?" Mercedes, the young blonde woman, asked.

"He'll have eyes of the spiral... like me." Cid's eyes glowed with the familiar pattern, "As for the Black Mage..."

Cid focused all of his magical power into three electric sharks that began to circle him as he lifted his cannon into the air, creating a massive drill.

"Guys... this'll probably kill me... once I break his shield... kill or seal him. I don't care. Just get him out of this world..." Cid said in a rarely heard solemn voice, "I don't want his darkness as a part of this amazing world we call home."

"But, Cid!" they all cried out.

"Don't try to talk me out of it... I know what must be done." he sighed, "So long, my friends... Freed, Merc, Phantom... and Aran. Thinking back... maybe we were all just travelers on the road of time... heading towards the future we create together... It was all the coincidences, the inevitabilities, the ways the dice rolled, which created our chance encounters that allowed us to meet one another and everyone else along our journey, which in turn created out powerful bonds we drew strength upon to get this far. Ha! Life sure is one hell of a thing, isn't it?"

The other heroes were silent, swallowing every word he said made them unable to speak.

"Maybe now, your own TRUE adventures are just starting. After all, we all just started out as adventurers with our own tricks and trades, here and there. And look where that got us..." Cid smiled, "The Warrior, Magician, Bowman, Thief... and Pirate Heroes... as an example for others everywhere. Don't worry! I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of you in your futures! Farewell... allies, comrades... friends."

"Cid! Don't go!" Mercedes ran towards him, but a barrier blocked her, "C-cid...?"

"I'm sorry Merc..." he felt a tear drip down his cheek as he pulled her in for one last embrace, "I'm afraid this is goodbye."

"Cid... no..." she forced out between sobs, sinking to her knees as the Phantom and Aran rushed to her side to help her up.

"BLACK MAGE! YOU SHALL HARM THIS WORLD NO LONGER!" Cid roared over the whipping winds. The winds also suddenly stopped, as if they feared what 'Thunder God Cid' could do.

"IMPUDENT MAPLEER! HOW DARE YOU STAND UP TO ME... Ha! What am I afraid of? I have a shield you can't break! Just try to stop me!" The Black Mage cackled as his black cloak covered all but his glowing red eyes.

"Very well then. Challenge accepted." Cid raised his drill high into the air an channeled even more magic power into it, increasing its size along with the size of the sharks and now electricity sparked all over the drill.

And his final worlds would be ones that would inspire hope in those with good in their hearts and fear into those whose lives were corrupt with darkness as he poured every ounce of his life energy and magic energy into his attack. As he felt the last bit of life leave him to put power in this drill that would be not a representation of his soul, but his actual soul manifested into its true physical form. It would be what saved Maple World, if his friends could do it... but he didn't have to worry about that, after all, he had belief in his friends that they could beat the Black Mage. After all, they made it this far, didn't they?

Here I go. It ends here.

"GIGA... ELECTRIC DRILL... BREAKER!"

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN I'M ONLY LEVEL TEN?"

A young boy woke from his sleep as an ear piercing scream. Rolling around in his hammock, he found his way.

"Fuck!" he sneered as he fell onto the ground, "Guh..."

The young boy, Akito Lieri, shook his head as to wake himself up. He also grabbed his drill spear that was leaning on the tree. He had an ingenious system that if one of the pigs, as rowdy and rebellious as they were getting, tried to somehow steal his spear, it would shake his hammock enough to wake him up. Being a light sleeper was always a good thing.

Akito sighed as he checked his supplies. Two apples and a bottle of water. It would last him today if he was careful with consumption.

Stupid dad, won't let me go out there and become an adventurer like grandaddy. The only reason I even remain here is Evan. I owe him... once I get him to grow a backbone, then I can leave... Akito grumbled as he removed his clothing, consisting of a black sweater, white shirt with a flaming skull with traingular sunglasses, black jeans, and brown leather boots made for hiking. His dad had kicked him out of the house when he didn't do farm work, instead, Akito read books and drew. Despite his mom's protests, he left the house, but still resided on the land nearby simply because if his mom needed something, he'd be there for her. Unless his dad was part of the request, of course.

His brother was no help either, as he had given into hunger and lack of shelter. He came back to the farm and begged for forgiveness for wanting to go out into the world and explore, then swore he'd stay on the farm. Akito on the other hand, simply yelled, "TRAITOR!" when that happened.

Diving into the river, Akito ran his hands through his sleek silvery hair. He shivered as the cold liquid ran down his face, and wiped the water out of his eyes, staring at his reflection. His dark blue eyes had a odd spiral pattern in them, which was something no one else had. Akito found it cool. Others found it weird, and avoided him.

After five minutes, he got out and grabbed his towel which he kept in a small backpack along with several other essentials. Once he was dry, he slipped back into his clothes. Slinging his drill spear over his shoulder with the strap he had attached to it, he began walking towards Evan's household.

"O-oh, h-hey, Aniki..." Evan stammered, getting up from his seat on a tree stump.

"Hey bro, you look different..." Akito titled his head. Evan was wearing his black sneakers, light blue jeans, navy blue shirt, and red sweater, and something else.

"O-oh..." Evan's interest in the ground and the tip of his shoes suddenly skyrocketed as he broke eye contact with Akito.

"Evan, don't start every sentence with 'Oh'," Akito shook his head, "You gotta be different sometimes."

"R-right!" he nodded, "I-I got the hat from Victoria..." he blushed, removing the said hat and holding it in front of him, his bushy brown hair springing out.

"Aha! I told you she liked you!"

"Aniki!" his blush became even deeper.

Finally... Akito smiled, I KNEW that with all that niceness, er... also submissiveness? would be charming to a few girls.

While Akito wasn't exactly the smartest person, he had read enough books that the library in Henesys had to learn basic psychology and the signs of attraction. After all, Evan's birthday wasn't for another six months and she had gotten him a gift now? There weren't any holidays that Akito knew about that were around now.

He also smiled for another reason. Evan usually denied gifts, as he usually said that he wasn't really worthy of it. The boy had a bit of a self-confidence problem, and Akito stuck around him because he owed Evan for something, and decided to fix that confidence problem to pay him back.

"Anyway, who's your little friend?" Akito pointed at the small flying lizard near Evan's head.

"O-oh... you noticed him."

"Iiiiiiii~iiii'm Mir!" it cheered, "I'm a dragon!"

For some reason, Akito seemed to believe it. He shrugged, trusting the Evan knew what he was doing. After all, a farm kid would know how to take care of animals... right? There was another part of his mind that was telling him a different version of him wouldn't believe it.

Akito merely brushed the thought aside, blaming it on old apples.

"I already tried feeding it several things. It seems to like milk." Evan nodded vigorously, "It keeps saying we should go adventuring..."

"Then let's go!" Akito's eyes widened.

"W-wha? A-aniki! Y-you really w-wanna go?"

"Yeah! I've waited a long time for this! I didn't want to leave you behind, little bro." he ruffled Evan's hair, since Akito was a few inches taller than him, "Besides, it wouldn't be an adventure without those I care about!"

"Y-yeah!" Evan smiled, "I'll go tell mom! I know she'll let me!"

"What about Victoria?" Akito asked with an innocent look on his face, holding back a smirk.

"O-oh... right... she'll be worried for me... I don't want to make her sad..."

"I knew it." he smirked.

"What? Akito!"

"Ahahaha!" Akito laughed as he waved his hand, "Go on Evan, go ask them."

Evan came back a little while later with his brown backpack, whistling a tune that Akito found very comforting.

"So, what can Mir do?" Akito asked, looking over the hills they'd have to traverse before they reached Henesys.

"He can shoot magic bolts, and apparently he has this thing called 'Skill Points' that I can attribute towards his various sklls... the only other thing I can put them into is this thing that pretty much increases my powers." Evan said quickly.

"Wow! That's awesome." Akito twirled his spear, "I think you're gonna much cooler than your drill spear swinging brother!"

"N-no, I could never surpass you." Evan reassured his spiritual brother.

"Evan!" a female voice that sounded distressed called out. The voice belonged to Victoria, who was dressed in a light yellow dress with her short light blue hair blowing in the wind as she ran.

"V-victoria?" Evan stammered as Victoria ran up to him and hugged him, holding him tightly.

"You... you aren't really leaving... are you?" she asked him with wide, teary eyes.

"..." Evan couldn't bring himself to tell her the painful news.

Akito held back a sigh. This was one part of Evan he both liked and hated. He couldn't bring himself to hurt others in anyway. While it made him nice... it caused... misunderstandings.

"Y-you're seriously..." she gasped, letting go of him, "Evan!"

"I-I'm sorry... Victoria..."

"N-no... I should be sorry... I shouldn't have come here and make you feel guilty right before you left..." she sobbed.

"V-victoria..." Evan held her close, "I'm going to make a promise, okay?"

Akito smiled widely, Finally... he's taking charge of something. Looks like I'm starting to get to him.

"Y-yes...?" she stared right into Evan's bright green eyes as his looked into her sky blue eyes.

"I promise you this: I'm going to go on this adventure and come back alive so I can tell you all about it." he said with an unbelievable amount of confidence.

"Y-you will?" she stammered.

"Yes, I will, Victoria." he smiled, showing teeth, "Now, I gotta get started so I'll have something to tell you!"

Akito stood off to the side, grinning as he left the two to make their promise.

So, the kind, loveable young man and the roguish, rebellious young man go on an adventure? he chuckled inwardly, This is bound to be a fun experience.

Dreams of mine, PREPARE TO BE REALIZED!

They marched on through the hilly plains, stopping to take a small break whenever their legs got tired.

"Wow, this is a lot harder than I've read about!" Akito chuckled as he lay down.

"Phew," Evan wiped his forehead, "H-how far have we gone?"

"I think we're halfway to Henseys." Akito opened up his map, "Yeah, we are."

A branch snapped.

"What the hell is there?" Akito sprang to his feet, drill spear in hand, in a combat stance.

"I-i didn't hear a-anything..." Evan said, starting to get a little scared.

"Don't worry, Master! We'll work together!" Mir cheered.

"R-right!" Evan nodded, getting a boost of confidence.

"Show yourself!" Akito roared at the empty air.

His eyes widened as he saw rows upon rows of mushrooms walk up to them, all glaring at him.

"Oh. Shit." he growled, "Leave us alone."

"Akito!" Evan whispered, "T-these a-are those o-orange mushrooms that those posters warned up about!"

"Well alright then." Akito smiled, "I don't care about that! You may scare others, but you don't scare me! Have at you!"

He charged forward, stabbing multiple mushrooms on his death charge. As some tried to sneak attack him, he spun around, using the tip of the spear like the tip of a sword in order to cut them. He hadn't really learned to use the spear, but something in him just knew how to swing, stab, and whatnot with his spear.

Another jumped at him, but Akito merely punched him aside. When did I get so strong with my fists?

"Fool!" the mushrooms yelled, all piling on top of eachother, "Behold our might!"

"Did the reports say anything about this?" Akito hissed, backing away cautiously.

"N-no..." Evan stammered, stepping back.

"You shall no longer trespass into our domain!"

"Damn. Mushrooms becoming a giant entity combined. Guess you learn something new everyday." Akito shrugged, readying for a tough battle.

[Music: Gattai Nante Kuso Karae]

While he couldn't see it, the spiral pattern in his eyes started glowing from the center with a bright green as his drill began to spin, filling the air with a distinct Whiiiiiir-ing sound.

"A-akito! Your drill!" Evan pointed, mouth agape.

"Wow... that's cool." Akito said, trying to mask his shock rather well, "Well, I guess if it isn't your domain, it's not trespassing."

"What are you getting at?" the mushroom group, which Akito quickly mentally labeled it as 'Legion', asked.

"Well, if you're dead," his eyes flashed as the spiral pattern fully glowed, "It isn't your domain!"

Charging forward, Akito roared as Legion shot a mushroom stream at him, "COME AND GET IT!"

Legion's several pairs of eyes widened as Akito drilled through it.

"You won't end my dreams! I'll drill and bash through anything that dares to get in the way of my dreams!" he screamed. "And it's just starting to all come together!"

Legion growled, "Then come and fight for that dream!"

Akito twirled his spinning drill spear, blocking a double stream shot, causing Legion to begin rapid firing smaller mushrooms at him. Slicing and cutting through the multiple mushrooms at him, with Evan cleaning up any stragglers with some help from Mir, he slowly advanced towards Legion.

"Gah! Take this! Mega Mushroom Cannon!" Akito looked as Legion fired multiple mushrooms in all directions.

Quickly looking at the trees, he bounced off of them, dodging the flying mushrooms as they soared towards him.

"Finishing Strike!" Akito yelled as he tried to plunge the spear into Legion's face, "Tch!"

"HA!" Legion laughed as he blocked his drill with two hands, "It appears I-"

BWOOSH

A fireball shot into one of Legion's hands, causing him to stagger.

"Akito!" Evan yelled, "I got some new ability of some sorts, I'll help you!"

"Shoot it into the drill!" he smirked.

"Let's do this!" they said together as a fire ball hit the drill, causing the drill to ignite while still spinning. Legion was unable to take it anymore, and had his face drilled in by the fire drill.

As the rest of the drill tore through Legion, Akito watched as all the smaller mushrooms died. He gripped his arm in pain, though it wasn't much, it still hurt enough that he'd need some ice or a potion. There wasn't any blood though, and for that he was thankful.

"Um... Akito?" Evan tapped his pointer fingers together in what Akito thought might've been fear.

"Yes?" he tilted his head.

"I think we may have a-annoyed the r-rest of t-the population of Orange Mushrooms..." he looked around in paranoia, hearing more leaves rustling.

"Weeeeee~eeeel, FUCK." he grumbled, "Let's get to Henesys then."

Evening

"Screw off, mushrooms!" Akito hissed as he stabbed another Orange Mushroom with his drill, "You know, is it just me, or does my bag have infinite space or something?" he hissed as he leaned on his spear for some rest.

"I know, and then instant we touch something an enemy drops after it's killed and somehow just... disappears, it turns into sparkles and flies into our bag, and when we need something, it just comes out right away!" Evan sighed.

"Haaaahaaaa...haaaahaaaa... MAN! I so know what Gramps felt after his first foray into the world!" Akito cheered. "He left a book, a travel journal of sorts behind when he left for good after coming home for once. And DAMN, was he great. This... is the most GLORIOUS DAY OF MY LIFE!"

Akito and Evan locked eyes before exploding into laughter.

"But... I'm really tired." Evan yawned, "Hey! I can see Henesys!"

Akito's breath was taken, as it always was whenever he came, at the innovation and advancement of the town. The buildings with lighting and electricity, the paved streets and paths, the market place lined with vendors, the smells of different foods and-

Akito froze as he heard a bow's string be released. Rapidly.

"Evan. On me. Stay close. I hear fighting," Akito whispered as he ducked into the shadows, all of his fatigue replaced by worry for not only himself and Evan, but whoever might be under attack.

As the duo slowly made their way through the streets, Akito's eyes and ears open for the source of the combatants, it became apparent to him it must be some sort of assassin. Who else would be attacking at night time, or near night time, for that matter. The sun began to set faster, and the darkness soon became an irritant to Akito as he searched for the attacker.

"Ack!" the young woman grunted as she leapt over her attacker, but slightly mis-stepped, forcing her to roll, "It's not over."

"Of course. I'm looking forward to drawing out this battle." the black-hooded man smiled from underneath his hood.

"Damn you." she snarled, firing her dual bowguns at him.

"Too easy." he smirked, dodging.

Damn it, Akito grumbled mentally, It's too dark here. I can't see shit.

"Evan, can Mir hear anything?"

"I'm not sure, Aniki. Mir?"

"I can only hear fighting, Master!" Mir smiled. Akito smiled inwardly too. Having something call Evan 'Master' must've been a nice boost to his self esteem, and Akito knew he'd need quite a lot, "But I can't tell where it's coming from... I'm sorry..."

"N-no! It's fine, Mir! At least we know we're not wrong about this."

It was nearly pitch black at this point, causing Akito to swear under his breath as they continued their search. He usually loved the size of the town, but at this point, he was wishing it was a whole lot smaller. And now that the normally orange roofs were made black with the lack of moonlight on the night of the new moon, and now, as Akito looked back on it, poorly arranged streetlights, it was even harder to see.

Maybe I should concentrate on hearing... he closed his eyes, Heighten other sense while blocking out others...

As he focused, the audible Clang! of a metal clash seemed to get louder and also revealed its location. Just a bit northeast of his position too, and they were getting close.

"Evan, let's go." Akito broke out into a sprint, his feet ignoring the sores of travel and now their clashing against the rough stones of the path. Dust flew up behind him as he ran through the poorly illuminated streets, his eyes now just beginning to come into focus in the deep darkness. He stopped just before the corner and peered around it.

Gotcha. It's always the black-hooded man. Akito smirked, readying his spear.

"So, you've declined over the years, haven't you- OOF!" the man in black grunted as Akito swung his spear into the man's skull CRACK!, "Hey, can't you- AGH!" Akito kicked the man in the face as he turned around, somehow making him disappear.

"Did I just break the laws of physics? Oh, right! Miss, are you alright-Oh crap!" Akito dodged the two arrows shot in his direction, "What gives? I was trying to save you!"

"Aniki! I saw someone attack you and- Don't shoot me!" Evan suddenly fell to his knees and put his hands up. He read a few of the books Akito had read and learned a few tricks from them as well, such as the 'standard' surrendering position.

"Yeah! Don't shoot Master!" Mir flew in behind Evan, wings flapping slowly, as he landed on Evan's head.

A dragon? Is this boy... the young woman with blonde hair thought, I should ask... ah, I know!

"Let me see your hand." she said sternly.

"Wha-" Evan was yanked forward, and saw his glowing hand again.

"So you are the new Dragon Master." It was more of a statement than a question, "Who is that?"

"He's my friend, Akito Lieri, an adventurer, who's with me." Evan explained, and Akito made a mental note to buy a notepad to mark the number of times Evan had showed some backbone on this adventure. He had a feeling he'd run out of paper. Or pen ink. Whichever came first, really.

"What type of adventurer?" she asked, eyeing his drill spear curiously. She had seen a few Spearmen and their high tiers, but their spears looked a lot... well, more suited for combat. This boy, or young man's spear looked more like a digging tool rather than a combat weapon.

"What's your name?" Akito asked, brushing off her question as he got up, "You know mine, it would be best if I knew yours." He knew he didn't really fall under the 'Adventurer' category. He was technically under the column of 'Beginner', as he hadn't visited a job trainer. He wasn't really planning on it anyways. All he wanted to do was explore the world.

"I am Mercedes." she said, "Queen of the Elves." She knew it would be safe to tell the new Dragon Master, and his friend didn't really show any signs of hostility.

"Elves?" Evan asked.

"Elves... were you not the race that faced the Black Mage seventy five years ago?"

"How do you know that?" Mercedes hissed at Akito.

"I read it in a really, really old book!" he raised his hands defensively, "Look, that's actually pretty cool. But who was the strange man?"

"Your Highness!" another person who looked similar to Mercedes burst out of the building, "I heard fighting and-"

"I dealt with it. This young man," she gestured at Akito, "assisted me. I have also found the next Dragon Master."

"Oh! Okay, I was worried for you!"

"It is fine, Athena." Mercedes smiled, She worries too much.

"Well, it was nice meeting you," Akito nodded, "I suppose we should be on our way to the inn, right Evan?"

"No. You will stay here. That man got away, and he will recognize you. We are not sure if any other agents are nearby, so you will be at danger." Mercedes said sternly.

"Er, who was that man anyway?" Akito wondered, looking around in paranoia.

"An agent of the Black Wings. They seek to possibly unseal the Black Mage." she explained, "I am working also to stop them."

"Holy..." Evan gasped.

"That's insane." Akito said in a completely emotionally devoid voice, "I can't even bear to think about how it would be if he did come back..."

"Athena, is there spare space in the Bowman Academy?" Mercedes decided to move on past the subject as she turned to her friend.

"Yes, your Highness." Athena bowed.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that? Just call me Mercedes," she turned towards the two boys, "Same goes for you two. I'm heading inside."

"I'm sorry if Mercedes comes off as cold," Athena said as soon she was out of earshot, "She's a very determined person... and her goals... I don't think I can tell you them now."

"It's no problem, Ms. Athena." Evan smiled, "I'm sure she has her reasons."

"So, whaddaya think of Mercedes?" Evan asked Akito as he set his backpack down.

"She's... a strong person. But her determination is both a strength and weakness."

"How so?"

"Strong determination is a good thing, you know that. Too much though... and you lose track of the collateral. What happens along the way. People with too much determination forget that ends don't always justify the means."

"Right..."

"Well, good night, Evan."

"Night, Aniki." Evan pulled his sheets up and fell asleep. Akito on the other hand waited until he heard snoring before he opened up a notebook he had brought along and began writing in it.

Day One:

Today, we ventured past the farms and into the world. We took out 'Legion' which was made from many Orange Mushrooms combining. Physics was broken in multiple ways today, such as Evan's infinite space bag and the fact I managed to kick a man maybe into another dimension. Gah! Can't figure it out. Mercedes was eyeing me suspiciously, but I suppose that's fine since I'm no hero. Evan's also seemingly going to be a Dragon Master. That's awesome. Mah little bro's finally growing up... *sniff*... Okay, am I really writing actions like in a script on this entry? Man, this is gonna be a LONG journey. Note to self, buy more notebooks for entry keeping. Also buy note pad for tallying times when Evan shows some backbone.

Another note to self: Buy craploads of pens. I have a feeling I'll run out of ink before paper... where have I heard that one before?

Mercedes sighed as she lay down on her bed.

Damnit, she cursed mentally, I HATE this! Not only did I nearly lose, but that young man... Akito, was it? Yes, Akito, had to save me. I have to become stronger... for the sake of the Elves!

She froze as she heard his voice again.

"...strong person." Were they talking about her? "...both strength and weakness."

"How..."

"...mination," Damn these remotely thick walls! "is a good thing. Too much... you lose track of... collateral... too much... mination... that ends don't always justify... means..."
WHAT? she held back the urge to go over there and strangle him. Then she felt disgusted at herself for feeling such as way. A Queen should be poised and collected, not someone who went into a murderous rampage from a few words. But still, how DARE he say she didn't know ends don't justify the means! She would have to question him tomorrow.

Morning

Mercedes stretched as she descended down the stairs, dressed in her normal white combat dress, and surveyed the scene. Evan seemed to be chatting it up with Athena, who was giggling and blushing. It partially scared her, since she had never seen Athena like that. It was very out of character for her... she'd probably ask her about it later.

"Cid?" she called out as she saw the familiar hairstyle sticking out from the cover of the book, "No, wait... it's not Cid..." she held back a few tears. It was very easy for her to move on back then, with the whole sealing of the village and whatnot to take her mind off of Cid.

Walking over to Evan and Athena, who quickly tried to bury herself in papers as she stealthily gestured at Mercedes, and quickly turned up the lighting so she could give an excuse for her blush. Mercedes smirked at her friend's behavior, and made a mental note to tease her mercilessly after this.

Meanwhile, Akito merely blinked as he watched the scene unfold. Then he turned his gaze back to his book.

"So, Athena, Evan. What were you guys talking about?" she flashed a smile that Evan returned, completely oblivious to what was going on. Athena tried to bury herself more into her work, "I mean, Athena, I haven't seen you as much as giggle as much as you did when Evan was talking to you. Also, Evan, did you know how old Athena is?"

"Actually, she just finished explaining that as well," he nodded, "But she does look quite young for her age... and she doesn't laugh that often? Huh, it's usually those who laugh a lot that tend to look younger when they reach the higher numbers. You must take really good care of yourself, miss Athena." he smiled.

Akito bit his tongue so he wouldn't snicker at how oblivious Evan was and how his words could be seen as 'flirty'. In a sense, anyways. While Akito did in fact know what love was, it was more on an intellectual sense. Anything that had to do with love and crushes was labeled under 'Psychology' to him. He didn't really know love in his life anyways.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone for now." she smiled, and turned towards Akito.

He was mumbling something as he took a pencil and wrote something in the book.

"Akito." Mercedes said in a sickeningly sweet voice, hands in front of her.

"Yes, Mercedes?" he said, putting his book and pencil down on the coffee table.

"May I speak to you outside?" her smile rivaled the Cheshire Cat.

"Uh-" he paused, not feeling comfortable with that smile on her face.

"That wasn't an actual question." she grabbed him his shirt and dragged him out.

"She's... not going to harm him, is she?" Evan asked nervously.

"I don't think Mercedes would do that." Athena noted, getting back to paperwork.

(Outside)

"I heard a very interesting thing through the wall yesterday." Mercedes hissed.

"Oh? Whoops, I talk too loud, eh?" Akito chuckled, "So, what did you hear?"

"Something about me not knowing ends don't always justify the means." she crossed her arms. He's not even denying it.

"Oh, that. I didn't say that. I said that people with too much determination don't remember that. I never said you didn't." he shrugged, "I didn't mean for you to overhear it... No hard feelings?"

"Are you suggesting I have too much determination for my own good?" she cut to the chase.

"Not yet. But it would be wise to watch where you step. Take too many small steps off the path and its equal to taking a giant leap."

He is an interesting person, Mercedes mused to herself, "Where are you two heading?"

"To be honest, we have no clue. We were just going to go around the world." Akito shrugged, "I think our thing was 'At crossroads, flip a coin. Heads left, tail right'."

"I have a proposal." she quickly tried to look into his eyes to find the spiral pattern that Cid had talked about... but he had already turned away to get Evan.

"Are you sure this is the way to Elluel?" Evan looked at the map over Mercedes' shoulder again, "I think-"

"YES! For the millionth time, YES! I know where we are going!" Mercedes snapped, He's pretty young for an adventurer though... And I can't let them know I'm actually lost!

I think she's lost. Akito mentally grumbled, before sighing, "...Sure." It's not like there's any point arguing with her.

"See, Evan? Akito agrees with me. Now, was it right or left...?" she wondered out loud before holding her hands in place before they went to her mouth to let her secret out.

Akito sighed again as she went left, "We could've flipped a coin."

"Yeah, like we originally planned." Evan shrugged, "Hey, we didn't see Horny Mushrooms here, originally."

"Whelp, looks like we've got another battle-"

DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA!

"WHAT THE SPIRAL?" Akito gasped at the arrows that had found themselves in the Mushroom's eyes, and said mushrooms were now bleeding out.

"There." Mercedes smirked at the boys' reactions. Boys, so easy to impress. Then again he did say the same thing as Cid when he first saw me with my dual bowguns... And Freed actually fainted.

"Wow, that thing shot fast!" Evan and Mir gasped.

"Huh, I want to check the schematics on that thing. Automatic weapons, those haven't been seen in ages, let alone an automatic bowgun..." Akito mused to himself. He thought he had seen the most up to date technology at this point... but a bowgun that fired THAT quickly? He had to make a conscious effort not to faint.

"Let's keep going." Mercedes nodded at them, snapping her fingers in front of Akito so he would come back out of his catatonic state of shock.

"Right." Akito started walking again, shaking his head to refresh himself, "So, what are you doing exactly?"

Damnit! I forgot to check his eyes! Mercedes quickly scolded herself, Gah! I need to make it so I don't look suspicious... but I noticed his dark blue eyes... they're so much like-

"Hey, Mercedes? You're zoning out again..." Evan said, concern in his voice.

"Well to answer your question Akito, I'm trying to unfreeze the Elves, so we have to go back to check on them." she didn't miss a beat coming back from her journey into her mind.

"Didn't Ms. Pierce offer to teleport us back?" Akito tilted his head in curousity.

"But we have to train on the way back!" Mercedes snapped, "Now, this looks like the way..." Please don't notice that this is the way that we went before...

Didn't I make a mark here? Exactly two inches down from the third branch off the ground... yeah... Yup, she's totally lost, in denial about it, and we're going in circles. Brilliant. Akito sighed, masking it as just being tired, "Hey, Mercedes, why don't we take a break?"

"Fine... but just this once." she huffed.

"Oh man..." Evan groaned as he keeled over from exhaustion, "Finally... my legs were giving out."

"Lucky you, I picked up some supplies and got my backpack enchanted so now it has infinite space like yours as well." Akito chuckled, "Here. Cheese, your favorite."

"Cheddar? You know me too well."

"So, what's your two's story?" Mercedes asked as she sat down.

"Well, Evan's a very good friend of mine," Akito smiled as he leaned back on a tree, "He's a farm kid. Almost like me. I got kicked off, er ran off of mine because I wanted to pursue my dreams, but my old man wouldn't have it." he shook his head, "So I learned to live off the land. Any place I knew wasn't taken became a home for me. Sure, I'd come home to wish mom a happy birthday, with weeks worth of supplies used up to bake a cake. Uri's my brother who's a prick that gave into hunger and betrayed me. So he's essentially a weenie with no backbone because he's afraid that everything he wants will be taken away from him." Akito shrugged, "I think I'll let Evan tell his story now."

"Uh... I was a farm boy... then I went to rescue a piglet, but there was a hole that I fell into and found this weird foggy forest that had this HUGE onyx black dragon! And then it said something, but I don't remember because I was freaking out, and then when I came out back on top of the hill... I had this weird egg in my hand. A little later after putting it in an incubator, Mir came out. We've been together ever since. Then I met up with Aniki, Mir wanted to go on an adventure, and Aniki too, since he had been waiting for me to want to go."

"He was waiting for you to want to go?"

"I wouldn't leave Evan, my spiritual little brother, all alone, Mercedes." Akito sighed, "Besides, I figured I'd let Evan make his own choice on wanting to go before I did. That reminds me... Evan, you should keep a journal log like me, so you can tell Victoria all about your adventures when we finish exploring the world."

"Who's Victoria?" Mercedes inquired, "Oh, thank you, Cid- Er, Akito."

"Victoria's Evan's going-to-be girlfriend. They just realized their feelings when Evan wanted to go... But they did make a promise to meet up again. More importantly, why'd you call me Cid?"

"He was... an old friend who you reminded me of, both in appearance and personality. You'll have to forgive me if I accidently call you that." she quickly said, remembering not to add she loved him.

"I see. So he's like me, huh?" he used his drill spear to help himself up, "Wonder if he had a drill spear as well? Ah well, no time for that! Let's keep going on be lost!"

"Yup!" she forced a smile.

"Aha!" Akito pointed an accusational finger at her, "So you admit we're lost!"

"W-what?" she stammered, while still glaring at him.

"Aniki... that wasn't nice to trick her."

"Yes. It wasn't that nice." a slightly deeper voice came.

"Holy crap!" Akito spun around... to find a bigger and more mature Mir, "Did you just change appearance... or grow up a bit?"

"I believe so." Mir nodded, "I believe it has to do with our growth over time. I guess the change was very minor, because we didn't notice that until now!"

"Right..." Akito nodded, deciding not to pay much attention to it, but noting how his speech was slowly changing "Well, let's go!"

Several hours of wandering later, and the sun was full overhead as the trio went on. Akito had managed to talk Mercedes into breaks every two hours, which seemed reasonable enough.

From beaches to dark forests, Mercedes led them on, saying, "I know where I'm going!" if Akito ever raised any objections.

Soon they found themselves at a ancient temple looking area. Rock walls lined the area with vines and various mosses growing everywhere. Golems with red glowing eyes patrolled the area, as if there was something there to protect. Akito scanned the location, noting each and every rock that made up each golem. He took a quick look at his drill and smiled. After all, what was a drill meant to do to rocks...

Mercedes saw Akito smile, and it made her nervous. It wasn't a smile you like to see. It was smile people tend to run the fuck away from.

The group made their way past the golems, sneak attacking them as they went along the most deserted paths, unsure of how strong they were.

"Ahhhh!" Evan dived out of the way along with Mir as a Rock Golem lunged at him from behind, their only blind spot, "Eat fire!"

Damn! Should've had one of us checking behind! Akito grumbled mentally before readying his drill spear.

"Eat this!" Mercedes began rapid firing on the golem.

"WAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!" Akito roared as he rushed the golem.

"Agh! That idiot!" Mercedes snapped at him as he leapt forward at the attacking golem.

"Hyah!" Akito smashed the drill which magically spun into its chest, driving it in slowly, eliciting a roar of pain.

"Is he... killing it?" Evan motioned for Mir to stop shooting fireballs, as Mercedes stopped her fire.

"WAHAHAHAHA!" Akito let out a hearty laugh as he stood upon its rocky remains, "Now THAT is what I'm living for!"

"Wow. Just... wow." Evan gasped, "Well, I don't think this is the right way..."

"...Yes. I think I was wrong." Mercedes slipped in, hoping they wouldn't notice her confession, the bland ground suddenly catching her attention.

"Yeah, let's go-"

"WOARGH!"

"Akito..." Mercedes said nervously, looking around and seeing they were surrounded by golems of several ages, as they were multiple shades of grey along with various amounts of eyes, "I think you may have managed to aggravate the ENTIRE population of golems here... So if these things don't kill you... I will."

SHCK! Shck! Shck!

"What was that?" Akito asked, resting his drill spear on his shoulder, "I have a bad feeling about this."

"Oh," Mercedes took out a notepad and put a tally mark in it.

"Huh?" Evan tilted his head in curiousity, "Is that penguins riding on surfboards of ice coming over the mountaing over there?"

Akito nodded, "Well, this got a whole lot more interesting."

"So, what's with the tally mark, Merc?" Mir asked.

"Merc?" she lifted an eyebrow.

"It's a cute nickname!" he grinned.

She couldn't help but indulge the small baby dragon, so she played along, "Okay. Anyway, this is the... seven hundredth and fifty eighth time King Pepe has tried to invade the Mushking Kingdom. Surprising, the last four hundred and eight times were sucessful, but a rebellion managed to rise back up."

"Damn," Akito let out a whistle, "So, are we going to do anything about it?"

"His troops are battle hardened. We are merely beginning to gain our skills. We shouldn't interfere unless we regain- Excuse me." she paused as a letter materialized in her hand, "Ah, Athena Pierce would to talk to me about Mushking Kingdom, after all, I did gain another set of abilities. So did you, Evan."

"Yeah..." he pointed at Akito, "So, Akito, what are you gonna do about-"

BWOOOOSH!

"Oh, he's flooding the valley with water. He's done that the past... seventy two times. Always works." Mercedes observed, "Well, we aren't getting there without a ship."

"Simple. Who has a ship?" Akito rolled his eyes. How hard could this be?

"Pirates. But they aren't exactly big on just lending out ships." Mercedes would carry on, but something seemed to flash in Akito's eyes. Something she did not like one bit at all.

"Simple." he nodded, "We steal one." How did she know?

"But it's heavily guarded there! I've seen Nautilus Harbor before!"

"Simple. We sneak past all the guards."

"Do you have any idea how difficult that is?" Mercedes wasn't sure whether she was jealous of his carefree attitude or relieved she was a hell of a lot smarter than he was.

"Simple. I don't." Akito shrugged, "But I say we do this. After all, we're gonna help those guys! We gotta find a way to help them!"

"Hey, isn't that water heading our way?" Mir asked, tilting his head at the incoming water was it crashed and loomed closer with every wave, knocking over trees and swiping away the mushrooms that were unfortunate enough (which meant pretty much every mushroom) that got in the way of the waves.

"R-run!" Mercedes stammered, despite being frozen in place from shock.

"Can we even do so?" Akito looked around at the surrounding golems that were still glaring at them, or at least he thought they were glaring at him, "Oh hey, I forgot to mention to you guys," he smirked at the golems, "Did you know that water tends to erode stone?"

The golems immediately scattered upon Akito jerking a thumb towards the rushing water. Laughing as the golems ran (rather slowly anyways), he motioned for Evan and Mercedes to start climbing the temple pyramid as fast as they could. It was about four stories high, and Akito made solid progress as he skittered up, seeing potential climbing spots very quickly. Mentally cursing as he saw Mercedes grab a vine then suddenly be at the top of it the next second in a flash of yellow green light. He nearly lost focus as he saw Evan running up some stairs he had failed to see.

Damn you life, why must you be so annoying at times? Akito grumbled as he began to climb faster as the crashing of waves became louder. Well, looks after this we'll be grabbing our ship. I should probably write this is my journal and OH CRAP WATER'S GETTING CLOSER!

As he reached the top, he surveyed the scene. The water only came up to the second level, and the closest land point wasn't terribly far away. The only problem would be if they knew how to swim.

"U-uh... I'm not sure if this is a good time..." Mercedes stammered, "B-but I'm kinda a-afraid of getting i-in the water..."

"Really?" Akito asked in a completely innocent tone, "Or is it the fact you're wearing all white clothing that is rather see through when wet and- OW! The hell, Mercedes?"

"Pervert! Idiot! Pervert!"

"You already said that! Besides, I'm just pointing out a BASIC FACT! There's nothing perverted about that... but you thought there was! That makes you the pervert!" he pointed an accusatory finger at her.

"E-excuse me?" she gasped, her hands suddenly flew over her mouth, "H-how dare you!"

Evan sighed as he watched the two bicker. This was going to be a long journey, wasn't it? At least he'd have plenty to tell Victoria... if their arguing didn't take up most of it.

And so it begins...

So, yeah. Whoope. Pirate Hero Akito/Idiot Hero Akito. For all his smarts he can be pretty dumb.

Anyway, send some feedback, reviews, and tell me what needs work on.

Sorry if the story felt kinda rushed, but I didn't want to have Evan and Akito running around on the farm for too long. And Mercedes sucks at reading maps. It's a joke between my friends that that's why she has that teleport skill.

And when Akito says, "Simple!", imagine Excalibur from Soul Eater saying, "Fools!"

Also, if you're wondering HOW they got to 30 so fast... Mercedes led them on for several hours, that's more than enough for them to get to level 30. So yeah.

Next time, we find out if the group will succeed!

Next time...

"Heeee~eeeey..." A voice called.

"Who's there?" the red haired pirate instructor clenched her hand cannon tightly.

"I kinda... oh I dunno, need to borrow the ship?"

"Like hell you will! Show yourself!"

"Okay! WHEEE~EEEEE!" A boy with a drill spear burst from the ceiling, "Well, I'm riiii~iiiight here!