Chapter 97, The Game Has Only Begun

"So, you had meeting with the other Fleurs right? What did they say?" Van asked me.

"They aaid they didn't know but wr should be careful and watch our backs." I answered. "It seems that these people have been pulling the stribgs behind our backs for a long time now."

"If so, we're in for a bit of trouble." He answered.

"I think so too. Incase anything happens, return to your original role." I told him.

"You think your Braves won't be able to protect you?" He asked.

"If it someone who could modify the Chimeras and have access to the Seven Gems, I'm worried if they'll be able to defeat them." I answered. "Further more, I have an ability to see the future even if it's only for an instant so I can at least get a sense of danger before it hits."

"Alright then." He answered. "Should I do anything?"

"For now, please watch your back." I told him and he nodded.

He leaves to talk with the others while I sit back down on the beach chair. The ship will hit land tomorrow morning then we'll arrive at the mainland. It's been four days of island hopping.

As I'm bathing in the sunlight, I hear the voices of people happily smiling. Just then, I feel a sudden fluctuation in the Vi in the air. What is happening exactly?

"Everyone, we've arrived at a famous spot in the south." A woman says, she was dressed in a sailors dress so she must be a crewmate. "This is the Glowing Reef, please turn your attention to the water and you'll see that it's glowing."

I turn my attention to the water and it is glowing. From what I can tell, these glowing lighst are emitted by microscopic organisms that react to the Vi in the air. The South has many tourist spots, and is known as the Land of Wonders.

As I'm lying back down on my beach chair, my visions fades and I hear voices. Screas, shrieks, and the unmistakable sound of iron being ripped. I snap awake and I scan the area for whatever may have caused it.

"Arata, is something wrong?" Liam asked.

"I got a vision, be on your guards." I told him.

"What did you see?" Reinhardt asked.

"Only voices." I answered.

"Ahh! Look over there!" I woman screamed and we turned our attention to the western side of the ship to see bubbles rising to the surface.

Then at first one, then two and then seven tentacles emerged from the water. A cracken! I can't beleive I'm seeing one!

"Everyone, please evacuate!" The voice of the captain was heard through the ship's speakers. "Evacuate quickly!"

"Imbracing Seasons, Fifth Form, Inverted Four Seasons!" Lia's fans dance in the air as blades of light dance and shoot towards the Cracken. "What are you doing? We're Braves."

"Ethan and Leon alone can attack." I told them. "Lia back them up. We can't use attacks that directly hurt the enemy, it may damage the reef."

"Okay then." They answered.

"Shield Prison!" Ethan traps the cracken. "Leon!"

"Yeah." Leon answered as he opened a gate. "Send it in."

"Hyaa!" Ethan sends the Cracken into the gate and Leon closes it.

That should deal eith the Cracken, as for the reef it seems undamaged but why was there a Cracken here?

"This is strange. A Cracken is just another name of a giant squid. They live and abound here in south but they hardly ever come to the surface." Will stated. "Though the continents' changes caused them to rise a couple hundred feet from the oceans' depths, they hardly ever come up to surface."

"Could something have caused it to surface?" Angie asked.

"Van, did you erase everyone's memory?" I asked as he retruned.

"Yeah. I did." He answered. "I tampered with them making them think that the Cracken suddenly sank back into the sea after being hit by the ships."

"You had Van tamper their memories? Why?" Alistar asked.

"We better not draw any attention to ourselves once we land on the mainland." I answered. "Ever since we left the North, we've been tailed."

"So that's what's been bugging me." Andrew sighed. "Everyone, stay on high alert."

"Yeah." The others answered.

----

"Master, it seems they've defeated the Cracken with ease." Addy said.

"Hmm... they are quick. Have you found who will be the next stage performer?" I asked them.

"Yes." They answered. "We're simply preparing the stage now."

"Well done." I answered.

"Master, we've prepared you tea." Eddy said as he came in with a tea set. "Do you wish for anything else?"

"No. Not for now." I answered and he nodded and left.

I sip my tea as I look down on the chess board before my eyes. Hmmm... the pieces are nearly all on the board but something is still missing.

"Addy, how are the Chimeras?" I asked.

"They seem to be reforming their ranks." She answered. "They may be able to return to combat soon depending on how fast they can mend their ranks."

"I see." I smiled. "Will the Le Fluer be able to retriev all four essences first or will the Chimeras be able to rebuild their ranks first, I wonder?

Now then, I need to move faster, I can't let the stage go empty now can I? But I'm running out of pawns, perhaps it's time to set the stage for the East as well. The game has only just begun my little flower, won't you entertain me more.

----

"Hyaa!" I slash down without hesitation.

"You're doing great, Saint." Sir. Allen called out to me.

"Thank you very much." I bowed my head.

"How's your training doing?" Lady Astrologia asked.

"I'm somehwat improving." I answered.

"Give it your best." She patted my head.

"I will." I answered.

I have to train or else I'll be a hindrance to Arata. He contacted me a few days ago and said that he's met the Called One who has been entrusted with the role of Watcher. I have to do mg best so that I don't fall behind him.