[Viper Manor, Alternate World]

Norris nodded to the young man, "I suppose you are right, after all anything is possible. Though 'dark and horrific' I am sure partially describe Sir Lynx and his plans for them to a tee." He turned leaving the elevator right behind the fiery blonde girl known only as 'Kid'. His guns ready and in hand, "Leena, I suppose I'll have to teach you on the field..."

[Viper Manor, Alternate World]

Kid proceeds down the hallway towards General Viper's office. She looks out of the corner of her eye to see how far behind the rest of the group is. Reaching foward, she turns the knob...

[S.S. Zelbess, Home World]

Janice hops down the steps in front of Fargo's cabin door, satisfied with the task ahead. "I'll catch that blondie at his game. No one tries to pull one over on me. Hmph." She proceeds down the hallway and into another area. She stops suddenly as she catches a glimpse of the visiting human group and she quickly hops out of their view.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Steena meandered along the dockside, eyes cast into the bright blue depths. Small fish swum lazily, darting in and out of the odd sea- creatures attached to the wooden platform's underside. Small waves lapped against the dock, creating a soothing rhythm, but she could see farther out that the waves were higher, though nowhere near dangerous.

It had been hours since she'd left the cool interior of her tent, and the sun felt good against the paleness of her skin. Unlike much of Guldove's populace, she didn't spend most of her time outside, and as such had whiter skin than most of the other denziens.

She knelt and dipped a hand into the water, startling a small, unintersting fish, and sending him flying under the dock. She let out a startled laugh, and raised her eyes to see some of the surfers coming in. Apparently the surf had calmed down enough that they were no longer interested.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Doc slowly drifted up to the docks, hopping up as he proped his board, out of the water. Taking it under his right arm as he scoured the decks, mainly seeing the many workers loading and unloading the boats, until he spotted the High preistess-in-training...Steena, aside from Orhla, Steena was another of his friends since childhood. "Steena..." he spoke out loud, "...what's up?" He managed a friendly smile, still relaxed from his liberating surf.

Lindon:
[Guldove, Alternate World]

Lindon looked out from the window. The shrine maiden had left the seclusion of the shrine to the Dragon Gods. "Does she suspect something?" Lindon asked himself.

Like Steena, Lindon was pale from lack of exposure to the sun. However, while Steena engrossed herself in her duties as a Shrine Maiden, Lindon was busy studying tactical deployment of the Dragoons throughout history as well as maintaining his alibi. The story of his coming to Guldove was that he was fleeing from his abusive parents in Termina, while in truth, his mission from General Viper himself was to stop people from trying to find out what happened to the Dragon's Tear. Lindon only knew that Viper got it for the cat-man Lynx. The reason was unknown. The dragoons were acting a little odd, and Lindon was suspicious, but he wouldn't betray his comrades.

"I better go see what she is up to." Lindon picked up his staff. Despite the weapon's simple appearence, Lindon was a master with it. He could fend off Karsh in a straight fight, and he was able to beat two high-ranking Dragoons simultaenously.

Lindon stepped out into the glare of daylight. He inhaled the sea breeze, with it's scent laden with salt and fish. He took a leisurely pace toward the pier. Acting as if surprised, he walked over. "Miss Steena? Hello there. Hey Doc, how was your surf?"

[S.S. Zelbess, Home World]

Zappa was bored, but more frustrated than bored. That Porre lad was perfectly willing to bide his own time, but it wasn't he who was truly anxious to get somewhere. There was nothing to cure his frustration, but he figured he may as well do something about his boredom.

Which was why he was wandering the halls of the S.S. Zelbess, scanning for any excuse whatsoever to divert himself from that pesky boredom which afflicted him. After all, he was apparently going to be here for some time, unless he found that stupid mage, or sage, or whatever, so he might as well amuse himself.

After some time of wandering, he stumped into a room crowded with people. Not where he wanted to be. He grunted. "Stupid, stupid..." he muttered to himself as he turned to leave.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Steena raised herself to her full height to inspect Doc, hands clasped politely in front of her. She started to open her mouth in a warm reply when the second gentleman, Lindon, approached and made his own welcome. A half smile flitted at the corners of her lips, but never fully claimed a place. "Good afternoon to both of you. Yes, Doc, how was the surf? It's a beautiful day."

She tilted her head back to expose her face and neck to the sun's gentle rays. It had been so long since she'd been out for any amount of time that it almost felt unnatural, despite the fact that she'd grown up in the same climate. 'I've got to start getting out more,' she mused, though knew it was almost impossible with her duties as Shrine Maiden.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Doc managed a grin, "Pretty good, you should come out some time, I'll teach you how to ride the waves, Steena." he spoke relaxed for the first time in months, he seemed free of the meloncholy that his own failures as a healer had brought him...there was even a small hint of flirtation in his voice as he had spoken to her. Turning to Lindon he nodded, "You too Lindon, I mean, you didn't come all the way here just to sit inside, right?" He looked between them as his inward thoughts drifted around their recent theft.

Lindon:
[Guldove, Alternate World]

Lindon was silent for a while, playing the part. "I know you're right, and I should listen to you, but things are a bit more complicated than me just staying inside all day long. It's just...well, you know my story." Lindon acted uncomfortable, trying to skirt around the issue without being rude. "Well, maybe if I get a little more confidence to stand out in the sun and face the day, I'll take you up on that offer." Lindon put the right amount of quiver in his voice, like he wanted to change the subject. "What brings you out of the Shrine, Miss Steena?"

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Steena laughed softly at Doc's offer, and shook her head kindly. "Oh, I don't think I could learn. I've lived here my whole life, if I haven't learned by now, I don't think there's much of a chance you could teach me. You know the old saying, 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.'"

She listened to Lindon's shaky answer to the same offer with slight amusement, then half turned to look back at the Shrine. "A small excursion seemed appropriate for such a beautiful day. I hadn't planned on staying out long, but I suppose a few moments chatting with two such charming gentlemen won't hinder my duties too much."

[Guldove, Alternate World]

"Not old...and definately not a dog...doesn't apply to you Steena." He replied as his smile took hold. Nodding to Lindon, "Whenever you'r ready, dude...I know how it is." Stepping closer to Steena he asked quietly, "Any word on those theives? We're goin after the tear eventually, right?" Hoping some word had popped up about the matter.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

A faint blush rose in her cheeks, along the bridge of her nose, and across the crest of her ears. "You're sweet," she murmered, as he talked to Lindon.

She shook her head at his whispered comments, "No, no sign at all. It's as if it simply got up and walked away. My greatest wish is to track it down, but I'm afraid I don't know where to start."

Lindon:
[Guldove, Alternate World]

Lindon's ears perked up at the mention of the theft. "Well, Miss Steena and good Doctor, I've been doing some research when I've been locked up in my quarters. I figure I've got to start being helpful. I've narrowed down the location of the Tear." Lindon could easily give them a false location. It was fun to complete his duty.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

"I say Acacia would be a good bet, plenty of places to hide it...who knows, maybe Korcha's found out something." He continued speaking to Steena, a light grin taking the corners of his lips at her compliment, "I try..." he managed to mutter softly in response before Lindon chimed in. Doc turned face a look of interest taking hold, "So where've you narrowed it down to, Lindon?" he awaited his answer.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Steena leaned around Doc a little bit to glance at Lindon, eyes a bit wide at the mention of a possible location. "If you've found anything out it is imperitive that you tell me at once. The sooner I can return the Dragon Tear to it's home here, the better things will be for everyone." Her hand reahced out to squeeze Doc's wrist with the rising hope of finding the Tear.

Lindon:
[Guldove, Alternate World]

Something stirred within Lindon. What were those dragoons up to? They were acting so funny. Even Karsh, who was pretty no-nonsense. Maybe he could investigate the Dragoons. Riddel would want that, and Glenn would probably want that as well. "Well, in some time, we know it'll be in Fort Dragonia. That's the only reason someone would take the Dragon's Tear. But who would have it now? I've narrowed it down to the central island, and there's only one orginization powerful enough to profit any from going to Fort Dragonia, and that is the Acacian Dragoons."

One part of Lindon was yelling at him for betraying his comrades, but the one part wanted to find out what General Viper and the cat-man were up to. "So, barring circumstances like theft, the Dragoons have the Dragon's Tear. What their purpose will be, I have no idea. The General probably wants the power of the Fort to heighten the Dragoon's advantage against the Porre military, I guess. Admirable, if misguided.

However, it's the whispers of a strange guest in the manor that put me on edge. That is all I know." In truth, it really was. He wanted to find out what was going on as much as they did. "Much as I don't want to go back to Termina and the central island, I've got no choice. We'll need the knowledge I have of that area. Just tell me when you want to go. We are searching for it, right?" Lindon smiled a little. He had been pushing off his impulses to hit on Steena like Doc was doing, and he could tell it was starting to show. At least he kept it strictly professional.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Doc nodded, the idea of returning the Tear calmed him somewhat, it had been so long since he'd traveled to the main island...or his childhood home, and since he had traveled away from the memories that held him to Guldove. "Then let's go..." a twinge of nostalgia taking hold as the entire scenario reminded him of an incident involving himself, Orhla and Steena when they were no older than Korcha.

He smiled to Steena, "You might wanna go tell the priestess you'll be gone for a while." he noted, knowing how restricted Steena's days had grown since she became the apprentice to the elderly Shamaness of the village.

[Guldove, Alternate World]

Steena felt the faint stirrings of excitement starting in her stomach, causing it to clench in anticipation. She had worked hard to supress her wanderlust for the last few years, and just the thought of even a minor adventure to bring the Dragon Tear back to it's home held the promise of excitement she would likely never see again.

"Yes, I'll have to tell her," she murmered, half-turning to glance back at the path that had brought her here. "I'm sure she will have little problem with me going in search of the Dragon Tear."

Hadn't the Priestess been hinting at such actions from the start? She, of course, was far too old to make the trek herself, so shouldn't the duty fall to Steena?

"Let me go speak with her, and I will return to the both of you soon." She turned on her heal and briskly walked back towards the temple. It took very littel convincing to get the Priestess to allow such an excursion, though she did caution Steena against travelling with two men.

She returned to the two aforementioned males within a half hour, back and head held high. "I have permission," she murmered, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling up inside of her.

Lindon:
[World Map, Alternate World]

Doc, Steena, and Lindon climbed onto a small boat. Lindon had brought his staff with him. All three took turns rowing the boat, shifting off at no set interval. Lindon started to act nervous when they began to approach the mainland.

"Do we need to stop in Termina first?" he asked the Guldovan group. "I'm pretty sure I don't need to worry, but it's just that I don't want to take chances, especially when I'm with you guys. Don't want to endanger you two," he said with an almost imperceptable wink at Steena. He was starting to get his sense of humor back, if at a slightly inappropriate moment.

[World Map, Alternate World]

Doc's sense of nostalgia grew all the more as he took the Oars. "I say we leave the boat in Arni, south of here. I have some old friends who could watch it while we're there." He smiled looking to Steena, "Man, this reminds me of when we were kids...remember when we snuck off to the volcano." He smiled as the thought flitted about his mind.

======Flashback======
"Don't worry Steena...I promise we'll make it back before anyone even notices we're gone. We gotta see this for ourselves, right?" the youthful blonde boy prodded as he sat in the boat, trying to keep his voice down, coaxing the hesitant young girl to partake in the adventure. No older than 14 he waited patiently for his other accomplice to return. "Please...? Orhla and I'd really like you to come along with us." None of them were compleately used to living in Guldove, their families having moved them in search of work. He extended his hand, "I promise you'll be safe..." a genuine warm smile taking hold on his face as he awaited her answer.

[World Map, Alternate World]

Steena gazed over the side of the boat, arms somewhat soar from her turn at rowing the small vessel. She dipped her fingers into the water speading by, and couldn't help but smile a little at the memories that Doc brought to the surface. "I remember, you -made- me go."

======Flashback======
"I don't know," Steena looked down into the rickety row-boat and wrinkled her nose up, "It doesn't look safe, and I don't want to get in trouble," but the boy's gentle prodding eventually won her over and she took his hand, crawling into the boat across from him.

"If we get in trouble, I'm going to tell everyone that you and Orhla kidnapped me," she muttered sourly in his direction, though it was rather obvious that she was excited at this new prospect for adventure in the way she sat and almost seemed to be bouncing in place.

This preteen Steena was gawky, and hadn't filled out her form yet. She was convinced that she was going to grow up ugly, though everyone assured her that she'd be beautiful in no time (she didn't believe them). As they awaited Orhla, she thought of how jealous she was of the girl's cutesy looks, and she grimaced when she heard the other female making her way towards the raft and its occupants.

"Hurry up," she called, without looking up, "I want to get this over as soon as possible."

[World Map, Alternate World]

Doc chuckled as he continued his strokes, "So you're saying you WEREN'T excited we took you along...? I still find it hard to believe you and Orhla actually get along now. You reminded me of such a rich kid...heh." He couldn't help but laugh at how much things had changed since then.

======Flashback======
"Touch-eee..." the young girl retorted as she hopped into the boat causing it to quake, Doc steadying it. He tomboy-ish manurisms showing in her grace. "Alright let's hurry, my dad won't really miss the boat for at LEAST a few hours." she announced as she helped Doc shove off. "Ed, I can't believe you forgot to tell her to wear stuff that won't hurt getting dirty." she frowned at the young blonde boy's oversight.

"Hey, couldn't be helped...Orhla, besides I don't think she has any cloths like that." he frowned at the tone she'd used with his real name. Taking hold of the oars as he began to move the small vessel towards the jungle strewn beach at the base of their local volcano. "Well we're off to find us a REAL monster...maybe we'll even find some blood rubies." he proclaimed hopfully, knowing how impressive they would be should he find some for the girls.

Lindon:
[World Map, Alternate World]

Lindon was a little saddened, because he felt he was missing out on a few things. However, he had flashbacks of his own.

======Flashback======
Young Lindon stood with Karsh and Dario outside the blacksmith's shop in Termina. Lindon and Karsh were having a fun sparring match, while Dario was standing confindentally off to the side, already calling the winner of the round. Karsh went up, and Lindon caught the axe under the blade, at the top of the shaft. The block put Karsh in an awkward position, but it also was difficult for Lindon to remove his staff. The rules were no punching or kicking.

"How'd we get into this one? Dario, it looks like you'll have to take both of us on." All three shared a laugh at that. Dario was the best out of the three, but he was nowhere near the level of competence to take own two like Karsh and Lindon. Despite their young age, they had been training to be members of the Acacian Dragoons since they could walk.

"Hi boys," came a sweet voice. All three turned. It was Lady Riddel. Lindon felt his heart skip a beat. Riddel was so attractive, with her blue hair, beautiful skin, and slim body.

He shook himself to his senses. "Oh, hi Miss Riddel," Lindon popped up, "What do we owe the honor?" Riddel smiled, as everyone did when they talked to Lindon. He was so quick with his words.
======End Flashback======

Lindon stopped himself from thinking too deeply. It was tough, but he had to keep his mind clear if he was going to pull this off. He was investigating the most powerful group in El Nido, after all. Even if it was his own...

[World Map, Alternate World]

She lifted a hand to wave the thought aside, "We were children. . ." she sniffed a little, "And I did not act like a rich kid, you're just remembering me wrong."

======Flashback======
Steena clung to the sides of the boat, any color draining from her face to make her look more pale than usual. "Be careful, will you? I'd rather not end up -in- the water. And what's the matter with these clothes?" The color returned, brightening her cheeks. What was it about those two that made her feel so foolish? 'I knew this was a mistake, I should have stayed indoors,' she thought.

"Monster?" she squeeked, "Niether of you said anything about monsters! I don't know why I let you two dupe me into these terrible trips." She sunk down into the bottom of the boat, making herself as small as you should.