Chapter CCXI: Patience is a Virtue ~Dakota

Dakota looked at Brian, who looked right back. A raised eyebrow on the part of the Yoshi showed he wasn't going to be the first to break the silence.

"So was everything in Syoro von Kippo's Light and Metaphor the truth?" If he couldn't talk to Dyluck himself, a family member was the next best.

"Well I haven't read all of it, but Lich doesn't have any reason to lie," Brian replied.

"And why would you claim that?"

"Because he's a good guy." Brian's resolve hardened slightly.

"So you've known him all your life?"

"No, but for a good part of it. And we only recently learned we were related."

An interesting point to say the least. It wasn't just defending a family member. Dakota made a note of it in his notebook.

"Why can't you people just leave Lich alone?” Brian asked. “He didn't do anything wrong."

"Which is precisely the reason I can't," Dakota said with a smile. "There's no doubt he has a connection with the Mana Sword, whether or not he was the one who actually took it. One way or another I'm going to report on what happened, and Syoro von Kippo seems the best way to achieve that end."

Brian looked at the human sceptically. Dakota mentally shrugged. He wasn't here to convince anyone of anything. It would just be easier on him if everyone didn't consider him the bad guy. Dyluck seemed to have a good collection of people around him who trusted him. His family had always been upstanding citizens, all incidents with racists aside. But that's not enough to prove anything. Just look at what his brother has done…

"If you'll excuse me. Nature calls."

Dakota ducked out of the room, making his way to the stairs. He could hear Dyluck talking to his family, explaining a good many things that quickly caught Dakota's attention and had him scribbling away almost faster than he was able.

"Aggli’s prophecies." The young man whispered to himself. "I'm going to have to look into this a bit."

"Good night, Dy."

Dakota dove back into the shadows as Lich and his companion came up the stairs. He managed to remain unnoticed as they moved into one of the rooms. He started to follow, but realized he had pushed his luck enough already tonight. If Dyluck were to catch him eavesdropping, he'd never gain anyone's trust.

Dakota skipped down the stairs. "Pardon me. I was wondering if I could obtain a room for the night."

He paid the fee up front and was soon heading toward his room, key in hand. He had to get plenty of rest if he were going to wake up early enough to make sure Dyluck didn't try and slip out without his knowledge.

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Dakota was eating breakfast, chatting politely with Kara and a sky blue Yoshi named Sapphire. They were both very friendly; of course he had neglected to mention his reason for being here. It was too early in the morning to deal with bad vibes. Besides, the breakfast Kara had made was divine and he was presently singing its praises.

Dyluck and Brian came down the stairs, chatting to each other in Yoshian. He could tell the subject matter was somewhat serious.

"Good morning." He said cheerily, smiling at the less than thrilled looks he got from both Yoshies.

“What are your plans for the day?” Kara asked as she served them breakfast.

Brian sat down next to Sapphire, giving her a quick kiss.

"We have to track down one of our 'companions'," Dyluck said.

"If he hasn't already destroyed the town and set off for the next one yet," Brian added.

"Destroyed?" Dakota asked.

Dyluck waved his hand. "Nothing to worry about. I'm sure everything is fine."

<><><>

The town was still in one piece, but the townspeople seemed less than their normal chipper selves. Dakota had tried to get a little more information about this 'companion' for which they were looking, but all he could make sense of was something about an egg. and weird looking glasses.

That was until the person appeared, walking down the street toward them.

"So um, how do we catch him?" Dyluck asked Brian.

"Hey, if I knew that, he would've stayed in the closet."

"Excuse me good sir," Dakota walked forward toward the oddly shaped creature. "Would you happen to know how we could capture you?"

"Why, yes I do."

Dakota nodded. So it was possible at least. As far as he knew, Dyluck and his other companions wanted this 'man' back alive. While that cut down on the possibilities, it did not dampen his…oh right.

The reporter thanked him quickly, and moved back to where Dyluck stood. He was curious as to see how the Yoshi would handle this.