In Scarletwood, our heroes catch up with Edeline at the stables. She was preparing her new horse, given to her by the Mayor, along with the other troops of this town's army. "Hey!" waves Adie. Edeline turns to look and her jaw drops, seeing her friends standing there, smiling and waving. "What are you doing here?" she frowns, rushing over to the group.

Faeda: "We're here to help!" (^_-)
Galen: "Yeah... you didn't think we'd let you have all the fun, did you?"
o(^_-)O
Adie: "We should stick together, no matter what!" (^_^)V
Edeline: "Are you crazy?! What about finding the Golden Soul?! Faeda has a mission to do!!!" W('O')W
Oar: "That's the same thing I said..." (-_-)
Faeda: "This is more important, Edeline... Queen Raypera had told me, in Ivy Castle, that my friends 'are important, along this difficult journey.' And without you guys, I will surely fail. So... I need you all. And I won't just walk away, leaving my friends to face trouble alone." (^_^)
Edeline: "...Faeda..." (-_-)
Galen: "Don't worry! If things get too dangerous, Oar will take Faeda and Vi to safety, so they may finish the mission." (;^_^)

Edeline sighs, "Looks like you've thought this through." "Uh-huh." nods Adie, "So you can't get rid of us!" "This will be dangerous." warns Edeline. "Hey," waves Faeda, "My own journey has been dangerous, so what's to be afraid of?" "You don't understand." Edeline says, "Yes, our journey for the Key and shards have been perilous. But this time, we will be facing a force that's more heartless and harmful than any monster or beast. The possibly of death, for all of us, is very likely." "I'm in." says Oar, quickly.
Adie bops him in the head, with her staff. "Ow!" he yells, holding his head. "Be suicidal on your own time!" she growls, "Right now, we need to stay positive and aim to survive!" Oar broods. "Yeah," nods Galen, "I'm sure we'll win! I can feel it!" "Yeah," nods Adie, "Be more like Galen, Oar!" "Fine," sighs Oar and starts flinging his arms around, in mocked anger, "I AM ANGRY! ANGRY! ANGRY!" Faeda and Vi snicker. Edeline laughs, while Galen slowly turns red. "Not like that!" frowns Adie, hands on her hips, "I didn't mean to be the 'angry Galen'!"

Galen: "What do you mean?!! I DON'T ACT LIKE THAT!!!" W('O')W
Edeline: "You're doing it now..." (>_>)
Galen: "SHUT UP, EDELINE!!!" W('O')W
Oar: "Hmm... I just assumed you meant all of Galen." (-_-)
Adie: "No... I meant to be more peppy and less broody, for now. It will help the morale!" (^o^)
Faeda: "I don't know... Oar's impression of Galen did boost my spirits a bit." (;^_^)
Galen: "SHUT UP, FAEDA!!!" W('O')W
Vi: "Actually, I thought Oar's impression was kinda accurate." (^_-)
Galen: "SHUT UP, VI!!!" W('O')W
Edeline: "Oh, boy... are you going to just stand there and yell at each person to shut up?" (<_<)
Oar: "SHUT UP, EDELINE!" W('O')W
Galen: (o_o)
Oar: "Ha! Beat you to it." (^_^)

Everyone laughs and Galen sulks. One of Scarletwood's men, approach the group, not wanting to interrupt. "Yes?" nods Edeline. "Are you ready, ma'am?" he asks her. "Just about," she says, "It seems as if we have five more allies to this battle. I must help them load weapons." "Okay, ma'am." bows the man, "But please hurry. We must leave soon, if we are to reach the fort in time." "Yes." agrees Edeline, turning back to her friends.
"What?" frowns Adie, "The battle isn't here?" "No," waves Edeline, "The battle will take place on Quibble Coast. We are to ride to Quibble Fort, to meet with General Lu and the rest of our allies, for battle details. We only have a short while, before we leave, so I'll explain more while helping you guys with weapons." The stores of Scarletwood are donating weapons and supplies for this grand cause. Edeline quickly took her friends from shop to shop, speaking the secret password for the clerks, and getting them all the necessary items they may need.
Oar gained new and better arrows for his bow, Faeda gained several healing potions, Adie gained a new spell staff, Vi gained a brand new violin to help with her songs, and Galen got better boots to help with balance and speed. They all gained protective armor and protective charms for the battle field. After loading their horses with the new items and food, everyone headed for Quibble Fort. Adie and Oar together on a horse, Vi and Faeda on one, and Galen free to finally ride alone. Edeline kept the horse given to her.

Galen: "So... who's this General Lu?" (o_O)
Edeline: "He is the General, in charge of running this whole operation, he's from Ivy Castle." (-_-)
Faeda: "Wow, that was very nice of Queen Raypera! General Lu is an legend! There are great stories about him, in Ivy Castle." (^_^)
Edeline: "Yeah, I never heard of him, but he seems to be doing a good job." (-_-)
Adie: "So, what are we doing to do, once we reach this fort?" (O_o)
Edeline: "We're going to meet up with the other allies and hear the orders of General Lu. That's all I know." (-_-)
Galen: "Edeline?" (<_<)
Edeline: "Yes?" (>_>)
Galen: "Are you feeling okay?" (<_<)
Edeline: "I'm fine, Galen." (*^_^*)
Galen: "Hmm... I was just asking. You don't seem like yourself." (-_-)

"Well," nods Edeline, "We are going into battle, with Zev's army. The thought of facing the people who've cause so much pain, makes me both eager and anxious. And maybe... a little afraid. But, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. It must be much worse for you, Galen." Galen looks towards the ground, "I rather not talk about it." Faeda and Vi give each other confusing looks. Adie and Oar just stare. "I'm going to make it right." says Edeline, determine, "I'm going to destroy Zev's army completely. And then someday, I'll destroy Zev, himself! Then Zev and his hoard can never hurt anyone again."
"Edeline." says Galen, in a small and worried voice. "Come on!" she smiles, "We should move faster, don't want to be late!" She rides off ahead, leaving her friends worried, as Scarletwood's men ride faster to keep up. "Well," says Oar, "I guess that's what we're mainly here for. To be there for Edeline. So, I don't think we should be too worried." "Yeah." nods Galen, "...Let's catch up, we're lagging behind." Our heroes ride full speed towards Quibble Coast and by nightfall they reach the fort.

Edeline: "It doesn't looks like we've missed the battle." (>_>)
???: "Of course not. You are early." (-_-)
Galen: "Who the hell is that?!" (u_u)
???: "Forgive me... I am Assistant Henry. It's my job to show all allies to their tents. The briefing by General Lu will be early dawn and the battle should start by noon." (-_-)
Faeda: *looks around* (>_>)
Adie: "???" (<_<)
Edeline: "Um... Thank you, Assistant Henry." (>_>)
Assistant Henry: "Oh, no, please... Thank you !" (^_^)
Vi: (o_O)
Galen: "Grrr!" *looks all over the place* (u_u)
Edeline: "Um... Assistant Henry?" (<_<)
Oar: (-_-)
Assistant Henry: "Yes, ma'am?" (^_^)
Edeline: "Where are you?" (o_O)

Apparently, no one could see Assistant Henry, only hear his voice. And this annoyed Henry, as if it's been happening to him all day. He growls, "Down here!" Everyone looks towards the ground... nothing. "No!" he yells, "To your left." They look left spotting the vast number of tents in a row. "No," he growls, frustrated, "MY left! On the barrel!" They look to their right and down. On top of a barrel lid, stood a very tiny man, about the size of Galen's fist.
"Eeek!" shrieks Adie, "What is it?!" "I'm a elf." frowns the man, "Do you have a problem with that, ma'am?" "N-no." frowns Adie, grasping Oar's arm. Faeda and Vi giggle. Galen and Edeline give each other annoyed looks. "Good," nods Henry, taking out a tiny clipboard, "You will be assigned to tent Number Fifteen, Sixteen, and Seventeen. Just look for the numbers on the side of the tents. And you can put your horses in the stables." "Thank you." bows Edeline and they ride towards the stables. Once there, they begin unpacking a few items and tying the horses.

Adie: "Eep!" (o_o)
Oar: "What?" (-_-)
Adie: "Oh, I thought I saw another elf." *shudders* (o_o)
Edeline: "You're afraid of elves?" (o_O)
Adie: (;^_^)
Vi: "Hey! I'm Elven... are you afraid of me too, Adie?" (O_o)
Adie: "No way! You're much different than a small, bug-like, kinda creature." (;^_^)
Vi: "Yes, but my people were derived from the smaller elves. We are relatives to each other." (-_-)
Adie: "Well... until you shrink to tiny size, I won't fear you, Vi." (;^_^)
Vi: "Hmm..." (-_-)
Galen: "Gee, you're weird, Adie. Why would you be afraid of an elf?" (u_u)
Adie: "There's lots of reasons! Like... they're so small, you wouldn't notice if they climbed onto you, while you were sleeping, and pinched your nose shut!" (o_o)
Galen: "WHAT? That doesn't make any sense! Why would an elf do that?!" (;u_u)
Adie: "Or they could wait in your shoe! And when you decide to put them on, they will bite you!" (o_o)
Faeda: *giggles* (;^_^)
Oar: "That's really ridiculous..." (-_-)
Adie: "OR they could wait until you leave your seat! And then replace it with a tiny chair! When you go to sit down, you'll fall flat on your face!" (o_o)
Edeline: "Um... why wouldn't you look, before you sat?" (o_O)

"Gibberish." says Oar, Galen nodded in agreement. "It's all true!" insists Adie, "It could happen and you couldn't do anything because they're so small! And- Eeep!" "What is it now?" frowns Oar. "Oh, nothing." blushes Adie, "I thought it was an Elf... but it was only a huge greasy rat." "WHAT?" frowns Faeda and Vi. On the window sill, a huge black rat peered at everyone with red glowing eyes! "Wait a minute." whimpers Adie, "A rat?!" Faeda, Vi, and Adie burst from the stables, shrieking! Oar, Galen, and Edeline stay behind, confused.
"I wonder what's with them." frowns Galen. "It's just a rat." shrugs Edeline. "I don't think many girls like rats." nods Oar. "Weird." says Edeline and Galen. That night the girls slept in one tent, the guys in another, and the Scarletwood allies in one. Everyone was too anxious to sleep, but by midnight, the whole camp was silent and peaceful. By morning, everyone are called from their tents, by the fanfare of grand horns. "What's going on?" Adie yawned, making her way towards Oar and Vi.

Oar: "It looks like General Lu have just arrived." (-_-)
Vi: "Along with more allies. Around thirty of Ivy Castle's guards. And I spotted a group of Elven bards too." (^_^)
Adie: "Cool! Looks like this battle will be won easily." (^_^)V
Galen: "Well, easy or not, I'm up for the challenge! Today's a new day for all Serenity!" o(^_-)O
Faeda: (^_^)
Adie: "Morning, Galen and Faeda!" (^o^)
Faeda: "Morning." (^_^)
Galen: "Hey, where's Edeline?" (>_>)
Oar: "She's not in her tent... seems she's been awake since dawn." (-_-)
Galen: "Hmm..." (-_-)
Edeline: "HEY! Sleepy-heads! Over here!" (^o^)

Edeline waves to her friends, in the growing crowd, as General makes his way towards the middle of the camp. The General gives off an vibe of great importance, dressed within impressive blue steel armor, his emerald eyes sparkle in the rising sun. He raises his hand to speak and instantly the crowd is silent, waiting with anticipation on what the legendary General was going to say. "Thank you all for coming here today." he begins, "Many may know who I am, but for those who don't, I am General Lu of the Ivy Castle Guards. Through this whole battle, I will be the commanding officer not only for Ivy Castle's men, but for each of you here. I hope we have an understanding of this." The crowd murmurs in agreement, except Galen who is annoyed with the idea of someone telling him what to do.
Lu continues, "Our many sources have learned that one of Zev's war-ships is headed towards the shores of Quibble Coast. On-board, there is one of Zev's Lieutenants and vast number of soldiers. If we win this battle, Zev's man-power will be destroyed, by sixty-four percent! That is, if we destroy every soldier and Lieutenant of his, as possible. This will cause victory to sway closer to Serenity, over the final battle with Zev. Yes. This will not be the last battle, but will open the door to the final battle with Zev. For the loss of his army, will most likely send Zev into a rage for revenge and he will come out of hiding. This means -maybe not now or well after this battle-, Zev will come for each of your lives. Your homelands and loved ones will be in danger. But take heed, I do plan to win the final battle too and plans are already in motion for that battle."
Everyone in the crowd starts to chatter at once. Faeda and Vi give each other nervous glances, Adie shudders, Oar and Galen exchange looks, and Edeline is still determine. "Please," continues Lu, "Understand me. I would never dream of asking you to put your lives, homelands, and families in risk, so casually. If this is too much to ask, you may leave now. No one will look upon you any less. And I personally will understand and respect your decision." The crowd is looking at each other, but no one leaves, everyone is determine to defeat Zev. "Good." nods General Lu, "I am pleased. The war-ship will land within four hours. Please head for your tents, the stables, and get what you need for battle. Today is a new day for Serenity!" The crowd cheers. "Hey!" frowns Galen, "I said that first!"

Adie: "Okay... so it's starting... We can do this... Can we do this?!" (o_o)
Oar: "Relax. You're a powerful, skillful, Mage. Remember?" (-_-)
Adie: "Yeah... that's right. You're right, Oar." (;^_^)
Galen: "Everything is going to be okay! We're on the job, after all!" (^_-)
Faeda: "Yes! Let's go get 'em!" (^o^)
Vi: (^_^)
Edeline: "We should go get ready. Everyone is crowding the stables." (;^_^)
Galen: "Well, my shoes are in the tent." (^_^)
Faeda: "My potions are in the stables. I'll go along with you, Edeline." (^_^)
General Lu: "You there! Koian!" (o_O)

Our group turns towards General Lu, Edeline blushes. "Y-Yes." she answers. "Are you the one," he asks, "That Mayor Morrain mentioned, with the special friends?" "Yes." she nods. "I see..." he says, looking towards Faeda, "Is it wise for an seer to be apart of this battle? Especially one that is chosen for Serenity's survival?" "Oh," nods Faeda, "I will still continue my quest and save Serenity from darkness. But first, I must help my friends." "Interesting." says General Lu, in deep thought, "But in any case, it could prove fatal to us all, if the seer was harmed or killed, unable to complete her quest."
"I will not leave my friends behind." says Faeda, firmly. "I tried to stop them, sir." shrugs Edeline, "But they're just too stuborn." "They obviously care for you much." he says, "It's very noble. But, I have a responsibility to all of Serenity, not just Ivy Castle. I can't allow the seer to be in harm's way." Galen steps forward, "We'll protect her." "I sure you will." nods Lu, "But in any case, I'd think it would be better if you six stayed close to me. That way, if anything should go wrong, I can do my best to keep the flames from you."

Edeline: "That's..." (o_o)
Faeda: "Very generous of you! We accept." (^_^)
General Lu: "Good. If anything were to happen to the seer and her friends, Queen Raypera would have my head!" (;^_^)
Galen: "Now that's settled, let get our weapons." (-_-)
Edeline: "...Thank you, General Lu." (*_*)
General Lu: "You are most welcomed." (^_^)
Vi: (>_>)
Faeda: (<_<)
Adie: (o_o)
Galen: "What's with all the weird looks?" (o_O)
Oar: "Let's go..." (-_-)

Our heroes equip themselves and join General Lu, on the cliffs of Quibble Coast. Vi, Adie, and Faeda whisper among each other. "Edeline and General Lu?" whispers Adie. "So, it wasn't just me!" gasps Faeda, "I thought that 'thank you' was a little too friendly." "Poor Galen." whispers Vi. "Nah," waves Adie, "I doubt that idiot realizes that Edeline has a thing for him... or had." The girls snicker. "Hey!" frowns Galen, "Stop that whispering, ladies! Be sharp and pay attention! This is serious!" "Yes, sir!" mocked the girls.
General Lu chuckles. "It's okay, Galen." he nods, "The battle hasn't started yet. And it's best if everyone relaxes a bit. The battle ahead will be rough. I'm pretty sure I will lose several troops. But if we face it with only anxiety in our hearts, we'll surely fail." "He's such a poet." whispers Vi. "I know." nods Faeda, "No wonder Edeline is falling for him." "He's more suave than Galen, that's for sure!" nods Adie.

Galen: "Grr! My ears are burning! Someone talking about me!" W('O')W
Faeda: *whistling innocently* (-_-)
Galen: (o_O)
Adie: "Eh, heh..." (;^_^)
Galen: (>_>)
Vi: (;^_^)
Galen: (;u_u)
Edeline: "Why do you say such things, General Lu? You never lose more than three men, in a battle." (^_^)
General Lu: "One is too many. I'm no hero, despite the stories. Just ask the families of the men I've lost." (-_-)
Edeline: "If I may be blunt, sir... The only battle, where no one dies, is a battle that isn't fought. With all war, people die and every soldier knows and understands those risks." (u_u)
General Lu: "I guess..." (-_-)
Edeline: But we fight anyway, for our liberties and to protect our loved ones." (u_u)
General Lu: "True..." (-_-)

Edeline continues, "And if you have the gift to bring back nine-hundred out of nine-hundred and three... Well, I think that makes you an hero. Just ask the nine-hundred that made it back." General Lu thought for a moment. "You have an interesting outlook on things." he says, "It's refreshing to be around someone with such a youthful spirit." Edeline blushes, Vi and Faeda exchange worried looks. "Yeah, yeah..." frowns Galen, "Enough with the philosophy. Hey, General, what are we suppose to do now?"
"We are to wait here," he answers, "In these bushes, armed and ready for the surprise attack. All along this beach, there are thick trees and brush. Everyone will be hiding in wait, until I give the signal, the sound of the battle horn. Then we will move in and take down as many as possible." "Sounds like a good plan." nods Galen. "Sir," huffs a Ivy Castle Guard, "We see them on the horizon!" "Right," nods General Lu, "Get everyone into position." "Looks like this is it." Edeline says to her friends. "Ready, everyone?" asks Oar. "Ready." gulps Adie. "May the Guardians be with us." sighs Lu.
A war-ship, with Zev's arcane signal on it's side, docks on the shores of Quibble Coast. A young woman, wearing a bright red bow in her long dark hair, steps down from the boat. Along with several soldiers in uniforms, much like Star's. "Hmm..." says the woman, looking around at the surrounding brush, "Something's not right here..."