Just a little filler episode to wind down after a major battle. I'm actually planning on stopping my habit of writing ahead, just so I can try and take advantage of some of the constructive criticism I've received. Once I get caught up, I'll try and flesh out George's personality a little more. There is a major character point I did hit on when I heard that bit of criticism.

"I think half the kingdom saw that light," Boullope noted. He and Barbro had spotted the flash of light that indicated the magic well in the Forest Temple had reactivated. "Stagnox is dead then," Barbro said, "I had higher hopes for a prime example of the lizardmen's physical superiority. Or perhaps... He was simply overwhelmed." "And Kaire has been slain as well," Boullope said, "But that's of lesser concern. With your Stand's power, my prince, we no longer need her ability."

"Speaking of that," Barbro said, "Perhaps you should unleash a certain ability your Stand possesses, Boullope. With the Spirit Tracks returning, trains will start running again. Whoever defeated Stagnox is likely riding on such a train." He grinned. "But ordinary trains cannot stand up to your power. Our plans are not stymied just yet." Boullope smirked. "Yes... I believe a few terrors on the tracks should drive the point home. That our organization will not tolerate usage of those tracks, unless we permit them."

Gazef got a pleasant surprise when he noticed Brain sitting in a local tavern. "Hey," Brain said, "It's been a while." "I thought you joined a bandit troupe hoping to get more chances to fight." "Ah, it wasn't all it was cracked up to be," Brain explained, "Plus, just the other night I ran into a powerful vampire. She was crazy strong too. The only reason I even drew blood was because of my Stand's power. She left off the fight to deal with another issue, but suggested I stop trying to get strong by preying on those weaker than me."

Gazef chuckled. "It's strange times when monsters make sense. Then perhaps you'd be willing to offer some assistance. I don't know if you've heard this, but Princess Starlight is working to restore the Spirit Tracks." "Yeah, I saw a massive flash of energy travel along the familiar tracks as I entered the kingdom," Brain noted, "I heard some scuttlebutt about a collective intending on uniting the realm under their own terms, and needed the Spirit Tracks out of the way to enforce that."

"They'll find themselves hard pressed to enforce their will," Gazef said with a smirk, "Starlight has surrounded herself with powerful allies. And one of them even awoke the legendary train, obtaining a Stand called Ticket to Ride. I saw it happen with my own two eyes. As we continue on this endeavor, an extra blade would be appreciated, especially if it has a Stand behind it. You're probably one of the strongest men in the realm, and by now criminal elements may be at work to consolidate their holdings."

Brain considered it. "Why not? Being a bandit did nothing to improve my skills. Defending the kingdom can't do any worse. But from the sounds of it, there's some powerful political games being played even as we speak, and that concerns me." Gazef nodded. "No doubt. Even Starlight has her own reasons for needing the Spirit Tracks restored. But at the same time, she has not only the kingdom's best interest in mind, but the whole realm's."

Momonga had returned to the ancient tomb, which the clan had come to call Nazarick. "How are our goals proceeding?," he asked of Demiurge, the loyal demon who served the tomb and its masters. "Lord Herohero is looking into the matter of a group called Eight Fingers that operate within the Re-Estize Kingdom," Demiurge noted, "Lord Ulbert is aiding him. Lord Takemikazuchi is making ready to enter negotiation with the lizardmen tribes. With any luck we can get them united in time for the Spirit Tracks to reach them."

"The Ancient One said his power was to unite," Momonga noted, "But from the way he described his power, it's clear he cannot do so on his own, and must rely on the power and influence of others to spread that power. Knowing this, forces that desire to see the realm united once more will be working towards that. But what of the faction that had the Spirit Tracks erased?" "We're still investigating," Demiurge admitted, "Whoever they are, they likely have either great authority or great power. Likely both."

"And what of our protectorate in Carne Village?," Momonga asked. "That young alchemist convinced his grandmother to join him, having her business sold to our holdings," Demiurge replied, "The research Nfirea can accomplish is definitely worth the investment. We have Lupisregina Beta looking over the village. The goblins that were summoned have increased the defense of the town and begun training able-bodied members of the community to defend themselves, in the event of further attacks."

Momonga nodded. 'It feels strange, being in a position of power like this. I'm glad I have friends to share it with. This would likely be a trial on my own. In the meantime, I wonder how George and his group are handling things. We caught our mutual enemies off-guard this time, but we won't be so lucky now that one of the wells is restored.' "This journey has only begun," he noted, "And when the dust settles, the realm will be born anew. I look forward to seeing what sort of world gets created."

Hekkeran grimaced as he blasted another dark train. "They showed up out of nowhere. Guess we pissed off the one behind the demon train." "At least we're finally back at the tower," Starlight said, "Now we can continued our course." Inside, the Ancient One awaited them. "I sensed what had happened through the tracks. It seems someone had linked their life-force to the magic well, sealing it off. That's powerful, ancient magic. Not easy to come by."

"That explains why the well opened when Stagnox was killed," George noted, "And there's likely other such guardians working for whoever attacked the tower." The Ancient One nodded. "No doubt. But with part of the tower restored, I can begin to expand the Spirit Tracks further than before. Before long they will cover the entire realm once again. The next set of tracks should reach into the mountainous regions to the north." Starlight nodded. "Let's get moving. The sooner the tracks are complete, the better for everyone." She was followed by George, Gyro, and a group of other adventurers.