[Fanfiction] Voyage Into Darkness

The evening bells were chiming over the City of Knowledge as the sun set turned the glistening canal water red. Through the crowded streets of merchants and tourists walked a tired trio guiding a horse.

"We've been walking all day." Ningan moaned, as he carried his crimson cloak around him like a cape. "We didn't even stop for lunch."

"That's because we had that delicious Tracsusian breakfast in that cafe this morning." Lamatte licked his lips at the memory. "Besides, we don't want to be late for the party."

"I can't wait!" Oneiro smiled. She wore a lilac cape, but in her bag, she kept a dress of the same colour which she hoped to change into.

"Well you let Oneiro take us through shop after shop until we found the right outfit!" Ningan sneered. "Why couldn't we just stop for some food?"

"I'm sorry if I bored you." she said apologetically. "It's just that this is the first party I've ever been to. I want to look my best."

"And you will." Lamatte winked. "What are you going to wear, Ningan?"

Ningan looked down at his own dark ninja uniform which he hid beneath his cloak. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Nothing." Lamatte sighed. "I'm planning on wearing my gold tunic, You remember; the one I wore at the Lakeside Lodge."

"How do you know we're even invited to this 'party'?"

"Since I was a finalist for the Derresse Annual Adventure Tour, my invitation is automatic. Though I'm sure I'll be allowed to bring a few friends."

"And what are you going to do with Aurarius?" Ningan asked, gesturing to the horse which walked beside them. "If it wasn't for that horse, we could have rented a canal boat."

"Where I go, he goes." Lamatte snapped, and stroked the horse's mane. "I'll leave him in the stables. That's where I'm getting changed."

The twilight has descended and the city was gradually adjusting to the sombre silence the setting sun brought. The group turned into the main street, which had a wide canal running straight through it, scattered with boats. At the end of the street was a grand bridge with lampposts standing tall at either side, which were ignited one by one.

Beyond the bridge was an even grander building of sea blue. It was as wide as the canal itself and had windows shaped like the portholes of a ship. It was only when they neared the marvellous mansion that they realised that it was in fact a ship, swaying with the swell of the canal.

"This is it!" Lamatte said in awe. "The Mermaid Crown Hotel."

"So this is the party venue?" Oneiro gasped. She had never seen anything so incredible.

"Now what are you going to do about that horse?" Ningan grinned.

Lamatte turned his gaze to his loyal steed. Aurarius gazed back solemnly. "I guess we'll have to leave you on the shore..."

"Not so fast!"

All three turned to see a rather plump man riding a horse. He was dressed in the finest pale blue and was beaming boastfully.

"Who are you?" Ningan sneered.

"My name is Julius the fifth, of the Pasto family." he declared. "It's good to see an old friend again."

Julius held out his hand to Lamatte in reunion. Lamatte was delighted to meet one of the other contestants whom he had not seen since the tournament, and suddenly felt more comfortable.

"Like I was about to say, you are permitted to guide your steeds aboard the ship. They have their own accommodation and can be collected when the ship has docked. I was just about to Vinia there myself."

Vinia, his horse, was a silver spotted Walkaloosa who didn't show much interest in other horses. Aurarius glanced up but Vinia turned her head away.

"I see you've brought company." Julius scanned the faces of the Sheikah. "Could I have an introduction?"

"Oh, sure," Lamatte said, quickly remembering his manners. "This is Oneiro, and this is Ningan."

"It's a pleasure to meet both of you!" Julius said cheerfully.

"Haven't you brought anyone?" Lamatte asked, trying not to sound impolite.

"Ah, my companion is already waiting inside." he grinned. "Would you mind leading me on board?"

Lamatte nodded, and quickly mounted Aurarius. Together, the party crossed a wooden drawbridge which led into the grand hotel. Ningan and Oneiro were leading in front, followed by the men on horseback. They were met with a sign nailed to the wall, indicating in two separate directions of the corridor.

"The stables are to the left." Julius explained.

"Why don't you two go and find the host?" Lamatte asked. "His name is Ricco. He's the owner of the hotel."

Julius and Lamatte steered their steeds to the left, leaving Ningan and Oneiro to turn right, down the brazier-lit corridor. At the end of the corridor was a door, painted a royal blue. Ningan turned the handle and headed boldly inside, followed shortly by Oneiro.

They were the first to step onto the royal red carpet which covered the reception area. A young woman with sea green hair sat at the desk, glancing through the pages of a magazine. When the pair approached her, she quickly retained her professional attitude.

"Good evening, and welcome to the Mermaid Crown Hotel." she smiled, welcoming them. "Can I ask for the name of your reservation?"

"We're here for the party." Ningan said bluntly. "We're arriving here with Lamatte, one of the finalists for the Derresse Annual Adventure Tour."

"Ah, yes, his name is on the guest list." she said swiftly, pointing to the page of the reservation log. "However, I must ask the host if we are permitted to cater for extra guests."

The girl disappeared beyond a blue veil, leaving Ningan and Oneiro waiting in the reception.

"I don't see what the problem is." he frowned. "Everybody was bound to bring a partner. I bet it's just because we're not dressed for the occasion..."

"That reminds me: I need to change into my dress! " gasped Oneiro. "Do you think they'll let me use one of the guestrooms?"

Ningan sighed despairingly. "I don't even think they'll let us through the doors."

Aurarius and Vinia trotted elegantly into the basement of the ship, which had been converted conveniently into stables for the guests. Already, other horses were stood in separate compartments, some of which were recognisable.

"That's Sanctus!" cried Lamatte suddenly, spotting the yellow Walkaloosa. "Does that mean that Jerry and Bella are here?"

"Indeed they are." nodded Julius, leaving Vinia in the stable beside Sanctus. "Anyone who made it to the finish line will be here tonight."

"Oh no...does that include Stephano and Newton?"

"Yes. But I thought you befriended them."

"Sort of." admitted Lamatte. "But I just can't stand their competitive attitude."

"Well, there's nothing to compete for here." Julius chuckled. "Unless that includes a partner."

"Well I have two, so that's nothing to worry about." Lamatte laughed.

"So which one will you be dancing with at the ball?" Julius raised an eyebrow.

Lamatte's jaw dropped. "There's going to be a ball?"

"I believe it was stated in the invitation." Julius nodded.

"Oh no!" Lamatte cried. "I'll have to warn Ningan and Oneiro!"

Ningan and Oneiro had resorted to sitting on the comfy red sofa provided beside the reception desk. They were beginning to get impatient when the girl with the green hair suddenly appeared, looking flustered.

"The Boss says that you need to hurry." she panted. "He's reserved a dressing room for you each."

"But I don't have an outfit." Ningan told her.

Instinctively, she dived behind the desk and pulled out a leather bag. "This was left behind by one of the guests. You can use it for tonight; but remember to hand it in before you leave."

She threw the bag at him and then pointed to the door on the left. Oneiro thanked the receptionist and dragged Ningan through the door to the dressing room. It was then that Lamatte and Julius arrived through the opposite door. When he noticed the receptionist, he quickly recovered his breath.

"Hello there, I'm Lamatte, one of the finalists for the Derresse Annual Adventure Tour. This is Julius; he's a guest too."

She dragged her varnished fingernail down the reservation log. "Yes, you're both on the list. Do you have any accomplices?"

"They're inside." Julius smiled. "Is there anywhere we can get changed into our outfits?"

"The Dressing Rooms are through there." she smiled. Lamatte and Julius thanked her before wandering through the door on the left.

The ballroom was a grand, decorative dance hall, with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a stage beside the window, where the orchestra would play. Gradually, crowds were filling the royal blue carpet, with their partners by their side.

One man was standing by the staircase alone, sipping on a goblet of wine. He had shiny blonde hair and wore a plain cyan tunic. Although he didn't have a partner, he was content simply watching the guests enjoy themselves in his family home.

His aqua blue eyes turned to the doors of the dressing rooms, where two men had just emerged: one dressed in a pale blue gown, which was too small for him, the other in a golden tunic. The smaller, rounder of the two was scanning the room for a face. He called out to a pair standing nearby: "Bella!"

Running over to greet them, he held his arms open to hug a woman with blonde hair. She looked a little surprised, but at the same time delighted to see him.

"Julius! I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Hello, Julius." said the man beside her. "I see you've brought Lamatte with you."

The taller man in the golden tunic joined the group. "It's great to see you two." His eyes were still daring around the room. "I don't suppose you've seen a man and a woman around?"

"There are lots of couples here, Lamatte." Bella giggled. "Including me and Julius."

"What? You two are together?"

"Well, sort of..." Julius mumbled. "We've been writing to each other ever since the tournament. I'm so glad we've finally found each other again."

"What about you Jerry?"

The man wearing a brown hat which overshadowed his face was Bella's brother. "Oh, I don't plan on dancing tonight." he said modestly.

"Neither do I." Lamatte sighed. "I don't have a partner anyway."

"I'm sure you'll find someone." said Bella sympathetically. "You're a handsome guy."

"That's enough flirting, Bella." Julius warned her with a grin. "The ball is about to begin."

Suddenly, the dressing room door opened again. All eyes from the group turned to see, including the man with the cyan tunic. A man and a woman emerged simultaneously. She wore an elegant lilac dress with a silver crescent-shaped necklace, and earrings to match. He, on the other hand, wore a plain black tunic, with a black cape draped over his shoulders, which reached to the floor.

"I told you to hurry up!" the girl hissed. "We need to find Lamatte!"

"This tunic is too tight!" he grumbled, and began to shuffle the belt around his waist.

The man sipping on his wine stopped as he recognised the male in the black cape. The tall man in the golden tunic also recognised them.

"Ningan! Oneiro!" he called. "I'm over here!"

Oneiro's eyes followed the voice and she smiled and waved to Lamatte across the dance floor. Ningan also glanced across, looking less than amused, when he paused at the sight of the cyan tunic. Before any of them could move, the deep slur of a double bass sounded, which was the cue for the ball to begin.

"What's going on?" Ningan cried. "Why is everyone moving about?"

"Ningan, I think it's a dance..." Oneiro murmured anxiously. "Quick, take my hand."

"What?!"

"Just take it!"

It was Oneiro who led Ningan across the royal blue carpet to the centre of the dance hall. Lamatte watched hopelessly as everybody around him split into pairs. As the piano chords began to play, the guests began to sway with the music. Ningan and Oneiro copied, a little out of time. Occasionally, they bumped into another pair, who snarled and glared at them before moving on.

“Ningan, hands on my hip, now.”

“Oneiro, what are you doing?” he growled. “We can’t dance, so what’s the point in trying?”

But Oneiro was determined, and placed her hands firmly around his neck. Feeling threatened, he attempted to push her off, but instead managed to hold her over the floor. The man with the blonde hair was still watching, admiring their progress, when he removed a Pictograph Box from his pocket. In a frenzy, they spun each other round, colliding with other couples. But rather than the previous looks of hatred, they received bewildered gazes and open mouths.

Lamatte felt almost embarrassed at the performance and tried to divert his gaze, only to find that the entire audience was staring at them. To their relief the song finished on a high violin note, and the pair immediately let go of each other.

“Never again!” Ningan said firmly, and strolled over to meet Lamatte. Oneiro tried to hide her smile before following him.

Lamatte felt almost embarrassed at the performance and tried to divert his gaze, only to find that the entire audience was staring at them. To their relief the song finished on a high violin note, and the pair immediately let go of each other.

“Never again!” Ningan said firmly, and strolled over to meet Lamatte. Oneiro tried to hide her smile before following him.

“Why didn’t you tell me it was a ball?!” Ningan hissed when he reached Lamatte.

“Trust me, I didn’t know!” Lamatte said guiltily. “If I had, I wouldn’t have brought you!”

Their argument was suddenly interrupted by a greeting hand. They both looked up to see the man with shiny blonde hair and a cyan tunic. “Wickson?!”

“Hey, Lamatte. Hi Ningan.” he spoke separately to each of them.

“Wait...you two know each other?” Ningan frowned.

“Yes, sort of...” Lamatte said. “We met at the Carnival of Time in Termina. Wickson helped me through some tough times. What are you doing here anyway?”

“This is my home!” Wickson laughed. “My father is the owner of this hotel. That's why I gave you that Resort Card."

Lamatte fumbled through his pockets and retrieved the glossy red card. "Yes, you did say your parents owned a chain of hotels. So where did you meet Ningan?"

“This is my home!” Wickson laughed. “My father is the owner of this hotel. That's why I gave you that Resort Card."

Lamatte fumbled through his pockets and retrieved the glossy red card. "Yes, you did say your parents owned a chain of hotels. So where did you meet Ningan?"

“In the Milk Bar in Clock Town. Just opposite the Stock Pot Inn where we were staying." Wickson answered and turned to Ningan. "You were supposed to meet us at the Carnival...why didn't you turn up?"

“I’m sorry...things happened.” he sighed, and glanced upwards at Oneiro. "Do you mind if we talk for a minute...in private."

“Of course.” Wickson smiled, before Ningan dragged him up the staircase to the second floor. Lamatte and Oneiro were left standing awkwardly amongst the crowd, until the chime of a glass brought silence to the room. Upon the stage, Ricco himself stood, accompanied by his wife, an old, yet glamorous looking diva.

“Thank you, thank you all, for attending tonight!” he beamed. “I hope you all feel welcome in my summer home! The voyage will begin shortly, and we won’t be docking until morning!"

There were whispers of excitement and wonder between the guests as they anticipated the all-night party.

“Now, the reason I have held this ball is to commemorate the finalists of the Derresse Annual Adventure Tour held six months ago. It is a time to reflect upon that tournament, and to catch up with old friends. With that said, food and drink are being served at the bar to your right, while there are plenty of rooms upstairs for you to spend the night. Enjoy!”

The crowd applauded the host and hostess as they departed from the stage.

"Well, it looks like we're staying here for the night." Lamatte told Oneiro. "Do you want me to book us a room?"

"I'll book my own, thanks." she said, gratefully.

"If you insist. But they'll charge you without a Resort Card." he warned her, flashing the discount card. "I'm going to reception to book a room for two. Do you think Ningan will mind?"

"He'll be fine."

Lamatte strolled through the door back towards the reception. Oneiro looked around for somebody to talk to, and realised that everybody had dispersed. Instead, she decided to quench her thirst in the bar.

Wickson and Ningan found themselves in a narrow corridor, which greatly contrasted to the spacious rooms on the lower floor. The corridor was lined with many doors, all numbered. Ningan checked that there was nobody in sight before forcing Wickson against the wall aggressively, which startled him.

"Look, I don't know why I confessed my whole life to you...I probably hoped I would never see you again." he muttered coldly. "But now that I know you and Lamatte are 'best buddies', I need you to keep your mouth shut."

"I don't understand..." Wickson said rather fearfully. "What aren't I meant to have said?"

"I told you all about the Sheikah Tribe of Hyrule." Ningan reminded him. "I told you about how I was on a mission, and how I had been concealing my identity for years. Lamatte doesn't' know any of this, and he never will. Do you promise me you'll never tell him about any of this?"

Wickson nodded his head. "Good. Ningan smiled and relaxed his grip on the cyan tunic. "Now that you're here, I may as well tell you the whole truth. That night I got tipsy in the bar and walked home alone...I was arrested. I arrested by Divinites and taken to the Oblim Prison."

"Why did they arrest you?"

"That's an even longer story. Anyway, I got out, and I fled Oblim with Oneiro."

"Oneiro? Is she your partner?"

"No, we're not together!" Ningan snapped. "But she is one of my family. The Sheikah. Lamatte doesn't know this either. I told him she was an oracle who was directing me back to Hyrule. He believed me."

"I promise I won't tell." Wickson said honestly. "But what you must know is that Lamatte told me his own secrets, about his own personal life. I promise not to betray either of you."

Ningan smiled and rubbed his hair affectionately. "You're a good man, Wickson. Let me buy you a drink."

Downstairs, Lamatte was waiting at the reception desk in his golden tunic. The girl with the green hair was flicking through the reservation log when a shadow loomed over them. He turned to find Stephano, the glossy-haired, self-obsessed son of Ricco, sporting his glittering red waistcoat. Beside him stood Newton, in a plain white tunic, whom he treated as a personal slave. Lamatte‘s heart sank.

“Hey, Lamatte! Long time, no see! I'm glad you could make it!” He gripped Lamatte's palm firmly and shook it. "Where's your partner?"

"I don't have one." he said a little bitterly. "I see yours in beside you as usual."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Stephano chortled. "Newton is just a friend, as you know. No, my girlfriend is at the bar getting drinks. You might have heard of her..."

"Oh really?" Lamatte said uninterested. "Is she a celebrity?"

"Only Tracsus's top model!" he boasted. "The beautifully glamorous Lady Davina!"

"Did you say Davina?" Lamatte said with sudden surprise.

"Yes!" Stephano huffed, looking rather offended. "Anybody who's anybody knows Lady Davina!"

"Oh, it's just that I used to know someone called Davina..."

"Well I doubt you know any top models!" he cackled. "I'm planning on proposing to her tonight. My father will be so proud!"

"Stephano, I'm just going to the toilet." Newton said bashfully, before hurrying out of the door. The receptionist handed Lamatte his room key and he quickly followed, eager to avoid Stephano's ego.

Ningan and Wickson arrived at the bar where Oneiro was waiting. She waved to them and invited them to the table, where a collection of confectionary was laid out.

"Hello there." Wickson said brightly, taking her hand. "My name's Wickson. You must be the lovely Oneiro."

Oneiro nodded, and smiled with delight with the celebrity treatment. Ningan, on the other hand, found himself choosing selectively between a variety of cakes. Oneiro began dipping strawberries delicately into a chocolate fountain and observing the guests. Julius was stood at the bar with a blonde woman in a clementine dress on his arm. They appeared to be chatting to another woman who was holding two drinks in her hands.

"That's my brother's girlfriend." Wickson whispered in her ear. "She's the city's top model."

The woman smiled politely before leaving the conversation and strolling towards the door to the ballroom. Suddenly, a man in a white tunic burst into the room and knocked the goblets right of her hands and all over her dress.

“Newton, you idiot!!!” she barked at the man. “Do you realise how much this dress cost?”

“Yes, Lady Davina, I’m sorry.”

Newton quickly hurried straight towards the toilet door, leaving the woman in a state of frustration. Ningan suddenly spun round at the sound of the name. “Davina!”

The woman looked up and gasped. “Ningan? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing!” he smirked. “I happen to be here with Lamatte. Where’s Edgar?”

“I don’t know!” Davina snapped, rubbing the wine stain on her dress. “Can we talk about this somewhere else? I need to clean this up.”

Davina was a member of the Resistance of Hyrule, as was Ningan. After events had took an unfortunate turn, they decided to disband. They hadn’t seen each other since.

“Here, where my cape.” Ningan said, offering the black cloak to her. She smiled gratefully and wrapped it around her shoulders. Davina glanced at the pair behind him and then did a double-take in order to admire Oneiro’s outfit. “And who might you be?”

“I’m Oneiro.” she introduced herself yet again. “I travel with Ningan.”

“So did I, once.” Davina sighed. “Trust me, it never ends well.”

“Excuse me!” Ningan hissed. “Now are we going to sit down or what?”

At that moment, a man with glossy brown hair and a ruby waistcoat entered the room. “Baby! There you are! What happened to getting those drinks? And what’s with the new getup?”

“Your clumsy oaf of a friend split wine all over my dress.” Davina said sulkily. “You’ll have to buy me a new one.”

“Okay, baby, I’ll make him pay for it!” Stephano said apologetically. Suddenly, he spotted Wickson and his innocent expression turned into a snarl. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here, remember?” Wickson groaned. “As much as you hate me, we’re part of the same family.”

“Well you didn’t have to bring your lowlife friends.” he smirked at Ningan’s tunic and Oneiro’s dress. “Honey, I don’t want you speaking to these people.”

“You can’t tell me what to do!” Davina snapped. “Besides, they’re my friends too. Now I’m going to the bathroom. I can’t deal with this stress.”

She stormed across the bar, her cape billowing behind her, and straight through the toilet doors with Stephano chasing behind. “Wait! Baby, I’m sorry!” He turned back, defeated and gave his brother a cold stare. “This is your fault. Why did you have to come?”

“Oh shut up Stephano.” Wickson groaned. “Go and find your girlfriend before she escapes.”

“Oh, and where’s your girlfriend? Aren‘t you single?” Stephano laughed coldly. “That’s a surprise! For such an amazing journalist, I thought you would have been able to pick up an actress or two!”

“Right, I’ve had enough of your attitude.” Ningan growled, and smacked Stephano’s smug face in one swift blow. Wickson and Oneiro were left gobsmacked, while Stephano looked appalled.

“So you want a fight? I’ll give you a fight!” He lunged across the table, but Wickson grabbed his shoulders to pull him back.

Oneiro pulled Ningan away from the table before he could retaliate. “Let’s go somewhere else. We can come back later.”

She dragged Ningan away from the scene as Stephano pulled himself from his brother’s grip. “I’ll get my own back...and you won’t be there to stop me!”

Lamatte was standing in the ballroom, scanning the faces of the guests, when a scarlet feather caught his eye. Ruby, the girl he had once liked, was standing in a full red gown and a scarlet feather in her jet black hair. Her boyfriend, the one she had abandoned him for, stood in an orange tunic coloured like flames going up his tall body, all the way to his beard.

“Oh, hi there Lamatte.” she smiled sweetly. “Tyger, this is Lamatte. You remember him from the tournament, don’t you?”

Tyger nodded obediently and offered his hand. Lamatte shook it without a word.

“I’m so glad you could make it.” Ruby continued. “Have you found yourself a partner yet?”

Lamatte’s cheeks burned red at the awkward question. “Erm, no, not yet.”

“Oh...well, there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

She bid him farewell and took Tyger on her arm up the grand staircase. Lamatte suddenly felt more alone than ever.

At that moment there was a terrifying shriek which rang through the ship. The crowd stopped and turned to the staircase, where the diva in the royal blue dress; Ricco's wife, was stood with her hands on either cheek. Ricco squeezed through the crowd and ran to tend to her.

"Bianca, my darling!" he cried. "Whatever is the matter?"

"My tiara!" she wailed. "Someone's stolen my tiara!"

Ricco turned to the audience, and scanned the face of every bewildered guest. "Somebody on this ship has stolen from my wife. I would like whoever it is to own up immediately, before I take matters further."

The crowd was stunned into silence. Eyes glanced swiftly from face to face with suspicion, but nobody dared accuse.

Ricco sighed. "I'm very disappointed. If somebody could just surrender themselves, then we could continue the ceremony..."

Then, a dazzling waistcoat appeared beside the host, followed by a cyan tunic. Stephano saw his mother's teared face. "Mother? What happened?"

"Somebody has stolen her priceless tiara." Ricco told his sons. "Fortunately, since nobody can leave this ship until dawn, we will catch the culprit."

Then, they heard gentle footsteps descend the staircase. Every face turned to see Ningan and Oneiro appear behind the family. They halted when they saw the crowd before them.

"Well, well, well," sniffed Stephano. "and why are you two so late to hear the news?"

"What news?" Oneiro asked.

"My mother's tiara has been stolen." explained Wickson. "So far, nobody will own up."

"Wait. Are you trying to accuse us of stealing it?" Ningan said defensively.

"Well, who knows where you've been for the last few minutes?" Stephano smirked.

"You can't go accusing us yet!" Oneiro said fiercely. "Not while there are people still unaccounted for!"

"Yeah! Davina isn't here." Ningan pointed out. "And neither's Newton."

"Well I demand that my wife receives her tiara before midnight!" Ricco said firmly. "If it is still missing by dawn, I will call the police!"

The crowd gradually began discussing what had just happened as Ricco and his wife ascended the stairs once more. Oneiro quickly chased them before Ningan could object.

Stephano approached him with a smug grin on his face. "I know why you took it. You wanted to try and attack me by stealing from my family. Why don't you just confess?"

"Oh shut up Stephano." Ningan groaned. "What would I want with a piece of jewellery?"

"I knew you were a thief as soon as I saw you." he said, shaking his head. "And as for slapping me over the face, well, that's no way for a gentleman to behave..."

"Cut it out, Stephano." Wickson warned him. "Right now, you should be looking for your girlfriend."

"Are you trying to say that she stole the tiara?" Stephano looked appalled.

Lamatte quickly ascended the stairs and pushed through the bickering brothers to find Ningan. "Where have you been all this time?"

"I went to the bar." Ningan said truthfully. "What about you?"

"I booked a room for two. Oneiro said she would book her own...you don't mind sharing, do you?"

"Not at all." Ningan said offhandedly, as he gazed up the staircase. "I wonder where Oneiro's gone..."

Ricco was carrying his wife by her frail arm, and she was still in a state of shock. They ascended the stairs together, when he heard the sound of following footsteps. Reluctantly, Ricco turned around to find the young woman in the lilac dress behind them.

"Excuse me, Sir." she said politely. "My name's Oneiro. I was just wondering if could speak to your wife?"

"Her name's Bianca." he said grumpily. "She's still in distress."

"I was hoping I could help find the culprit." Oneiro pressed on. "I was wondering...where was the tiara taken from?"

Ricco was still wary of Oneiro's motives, and looked to his wife. Bianca turned around, still clutching her husband's arm, and saw Oneiro's dazzling dress. "It was taken from my bedroom." she explained. "On the top floor, beside the Captain's Quarters."

Oneiro pondered over this information. "Surely that suggests that whoever took your tiara must have had access to your room...have you given anybody the keys?"

"No!" Ricco hissed. "Only me and my family are permitted into our bedroom! I keep the keys with me at all times!" He presented her with a ring of brass keys as proof.

"Was there any evidence of trespassing?" Oneiro asked. "Any clues to who the culprit might be?"

"Nothing." Bianca sighed. "Honey, I need to lie down."

"Of course, darling." Ricco glared at Oneiro. "You heard her. Go and return to the party. If you discover who took my wife's tiara, do not hesitate to visit me. Our bedroom is on the top floor."

Ricco and his wife continued to ascend the staircase to the luxurious quarters above them. Oneiro continued to count possible suspects as she descended back down to the ballroom, when she ran into Davina. She had since abandoned Ningan's black cape, and was wearing a magenta dress to replace her previously stained one.

"Oh. Hello, Davina." Oneiro piped. "Have you heard the news? Bianca's tiara has been stolen."

"Bianca? As in, Stephano mum?" she said in disbelief. "That's terrible..."

"They're waiting for the thief to come clean, and until then, they're quarantining everyone on board the ship."

"But have a fashion shoot tomorrow! My career is on the line!" Davina cried, and started to panic. "I need to tell Stephano!"

She hurried up the staircase, clutching the sides of her dress which trailed behind her. Oneiro returned to the ballroom where she found Lamatte and Ningan, both looking anxious.

"Where have you been?" Ningan asked with concern.

"I went to talk to Bianca." she explained. "She said that the tiara was kept in her bedroom, which only her family have access too."

"So you're saying one of her own family stole it?" Lamatte frowned.

"Not exactly. Somebody could have stolen the keys from her, or one of her children. We'll need to speak to Wickson and Stephano. Where are they now?"

"Wickson went to the bar." said Lamatte quickly. "And Stephano said he was searching for the tiara."

"What about the others? Davina and Newton?" Ningan asked. "Nobody's seen them since the theft."

"We didn't know where most people were during the theft." Oneiro sighed. "What we need is a list of suspects. Then, we can decide if they're innocent or not."

"The guest list." Lamatte said to everyone's surprise. "Everyone who was invited to the party will be on there."

"Great idea, Lamatte!" cried Oneiro. "Let's ask the receptionist if we can take a look."

Ningan watched her run towards the door and glanced at Lamatte. "Not a bad idea. But since when did she become Miss Detective?"

The receptionist sat at her desk, flicking through the pages of the same magazine. She was just about to yawn when Oneiro burst through the doors.

"Excuse me, Madam, how can I help you?"

"Have you not heard about the tiara?" Oneiro panted. "Bianca's tiara has been stolen from her bedroom."

"The Boss's wife?" the girl gasped. "Who stole it?"

"Well if I knew that, I wouldn't be here." she explained. "Could I please borrow the guest list to check the possible suspects?"

"Um...sure." The receptionist handed Oneiro the reservation log over the desk. Oneiro scrolled down the page, scanning the names of each guest. She noticed that some were arranged in pairs, according to who was supposed to be attending with who. Some were left without pairs too.

Stephano & Davina
Julius & Bella
Ruby & Tyger
Newton
Lamatte
Jerry
Wickson
Ningan & Oneiro

She paused at the two names scribbled at the bottom of the page, then handed the list back looking rather bashful.

"I hope you find out who took it." the receptionist said with sympathy. "That tiara was forged from the purest platinum. It's the most valuable treasure in Tracsus." She gazed dreamily at the ceiling, as though imagining claiming the accessory for her own.

Oneiro left the reception, with a list of suspects in her head. However, she didn't have any clues, and since the tiara was so valuable, everybody had a motive to steal it. It was just a question of who had an alibi...

Lamatte and Ningan were waiting for her outside. "I've got the list!" she called. "Well, I can remember it. But we're not closer to discovering the identity of the thief."

"Why are you so eager to catch them?" Ningan asked, suspiciously.

"I suppose it gives me something to do...since you wouldn't dance with me again." she winked. "I'd rather be doing something useful than getting drunk in the bar."

"Well that's what like to do at parties." Ningan chuckled.

"I would be happy to dance with you, Oneiro." Lamatte said, voluntarily, but Oneiro simply laughed. "I was only joking Lamatte. Anyway, we need to find the culprit before dawn. Otherwise, the police get involved..."

She looked to Ningan, and he finally understood. If the police got involved, they would examine everyone's criminals records. It would only be a matter of time before they discovered that Ningan was an escaped convict, and he would be sent straight back to the cells.

"I'll go and find Wickson." he said, looking lively, and dashed off to the bar. Oneiro turned to Lamatte. "I'll interview Julius, Bella and Newton. You go and find Ruby, Tyger and Jerry."

Before he could object, she immersed herself in the crowd and began to quiz the suspects. Lamatte glanced over at Ruby and Tyger, dreading the thought of talking to them once more.

Julius and Bella were still stood listening to the rhythm of the orchestra when Oneiro approached them. She smiled and introduced herself, before complimenting Bella's dress.

"Thank you!" Bella grinned as though it were the first compliment she had ever received. "Those are lovely earrings you have there too!"

"Thanks." Oneiro said quickly, before cutting to the point. "Actually, I came to ask you some questions...about the theft.

"You're interviewing us?" Julius said, rather offended.

"I'm not accusing anyone!" she told him. "I was just wondering where you were at the time."

"Julius and I were right here the whole time." Bella said. "Just listening to the music and talking about things."

"Where were you and Ningan before the theft?" Julius asked with suspicion.

"Ningan had just hit Stephano across the face." Oneiro explained bluntly. "I took him to the deck above to cool down."

"He hit Stephano?" Bella said admirably. "Well good on him! That cheating rat deserves everything he gets!"

Oneiro raised an eyebrow at the remark, but ended her interview. "Do you know where Newton might be?"

"If you mean Stephano's right hand man, then I'm guessing he'll be following his master." Julius sniffed.

Oneiro thanked the couple for their time and went to find her next suspect, while ticking off the names from the list in her head.

Ningan found Wickson in the bar, sitting at a table with a wooden box.

"A Pictograph Box?" Ningan marvelled at the device, and took it upon himself to pick it up and examine it. "Why do you have one of these?"

"I'm a journalist, remember? I was hoping to take some pictures for the party, but it seems I'll be taking pictures of suspects instead."

"Talking of which, Oneiro says I'm supposed to interview you. But I know you wouldn't steal from your own mother."

"Who says?" Wickson frowned. "I know it's unlikely, but I could have a certain motive for stealing it."

"No, you're too goody-goody to commit any crime." Ningan laughed, and placed the Pictograph Box back on the table. "So what are you going to do for the rest of the night?"

"What I was planning on doing; getting drunk alone." he said sorrowfully.

"Don't be so miserable! You can still take pictures!" Ningan picked up the Pictograph Box once again and observed each button with puzzlement.

"You've never used one before, have you?" Wickson sighed, and took it from Ningan's grip. "This is how you use it."

There was a sudden flash and Ningan's eyes were blurred. "This is why I never have pictures taken of me." he scowled.

Lamatte was determined to find Jerry before he was forced to talk to Ruby and Tyger. After searching the bottom floor of the ship, he decided to check the upper floor. That was when he spotted Jerry through the window, standing alone on the deck.

As quietly as he could, Lamatte opened the door and joined Jerry as he leant on the handrail, looking out to sea. From here, they could see the coast of Tracsus, fading on the horizon as the ship ventured further and further away.

"Hey Lamatte." Jerry smiled when he saw the golden tunic. "I had a feeling someone would come and find me. It wasn't such a good hiding place, was it?"

"I guess you came here to get away from the chaos downstairs?"

"Not exactly. I just came here to be alone. It sounds strange considering I don't have a partner with me anyway, but I just needed some air."

"Actually, I'm here to ask you something..." Lamatte said awkwardly. "It's about the tiara..."

"You want to know where I was at the time of the theft?" Jerry laughed. "I was up here. Alone. Near the scene of the crime. Of course, it seems obvious that everyone would blame me, so I decided to stay up here. But you know I didn't steal it, don't you Lamatte?"

"I guess so..." Lamatte said uncertainly.

"Yeah, what do I want with material goods anyway?" he sighed. "I have my charms and my horse. I don't need much else."

"Not even a partner?"

"No, I believe I was supposed to be alone." Jerry said with acceptance. "I'm used to being with my sister a lot, but I realise that she wants to go her own way now." There was a short silence as Jerry listened to the gentle sea breeze. "What about you, Lamatte? Do you want to be alone?"

"No, of course not." he replied, slightly blushing.

"You know, when I first met you, I thought you were married with that ring on your finger. Then I saw that you had the eye for that Ruby girl. Not any more though, right?"

"No, she has a boyfriend." Lamatte admitted. "I'm just going to wait until I find someone."

"Really?" Jerry said with a tone of surprise. "I would have thought you had already found someone."

Lamatte looked dazed at Jerry's words, and tried to figure out a meaning, when he looked to the ring on his finger...only to find that it had vanished. "My ring...it's gone! Jerry, it's gone!"

Jerry suddenly spun round and saw Lamatte's distress. "Then you know what this means: there's a jewellery thief on board. Lamatte, you need to warn Ricco."

"Come with me." Lamatte said. "To prove you're innocent."

"I think I will." Jerry said, with a shiver. "It's rather cold out here. Like someone died here."

Jerry and Lamatte hurried up the stairs to the very top floor of the ship, where Ricco's quarters were situated.

Oneiro was searching the entire ship for Newton, but with no luck. It was as though he had gone to the toilet and gotten stuck. She laughed at the thought as she returned to the ballroom, only to find everyone gathered around the stage. Oneiro squeezed through the crowd and saw Ricco and Bianca looking very grave.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very sorry to announce that another item has been stolen from one of our guests. A diamond ring. As if a tiara was not enough, it seems that the thief has struck again. I will ask once more whether somebody in this room would like to own up to their crimes."

He waited, clutching his wife by her fragile hand. The crowd waited. Nothing. Just a cold silence. He sighed heavily. "Then I will have no option but to summon the police once we dock at the harbour."

Suddenly, the doors flung open and two men entered the room; one in black and one in cyan.

"Sorry about that." Ningan said cheerfully. "What have we missed?"

"Another item has been stolen." Stephano snarled. "And I think we all know who's to blame."

"No, Ningan did not steal anything!" Wickson exclaimed, and advanced towards his brother. "He was with me, in the bar, the whole time. So why don't you take a closer look? Maybe to Newton, perhaps?"

"Did somebody say my name?"

As if from nowhere, Newton appeared in the midst of the crowd. He strolled freely towards Stephano's side and smiled innocently.

"I can assure you, I have been here, in the ballroom, during both thefts. All this time, I have not seen a tiara, nor diamond ring."

"A ring?" Ningan frowned, and gazed across the room. Lamatte was standing beside Jerry looking unnerved, but his eyes were cold and bitter. "Someone stole Lamatte's ring?"

"Oh, don't act oblivious." Stephano sneered. "You had the opportunity and you took it. As for your alibi...well, he's less than reliable." He smirked slyly at his brother.

"I would never, ever steal from my closest friend," Ningan assured him with disgust. "And as for your friend: everybody here knows just what he's capable of. Or did you just forget how he betrayed you back in that tournament?"

Stephano was stunned and Newton looked much less confident.

"Yes, I know all about that." Ningan laughed. "Do you know why? Because Lamatte told me. That's what friends do. They tell each other things. So tell the truth, Newton. Where have you been?"

Newton looked about shiftily. "Alright, I'll admit it. I've been tending to my horse, Fulgaria. I kept it a secret because Fulgaria's...pregnant."

Stephano stepped forward immediately. "You see! He's innocent! So take your pathetic accusations and your shabby tunic and throw yourself overboard!"

Ningan shook his head. "I know what you're all about. I hope Davina sees it too...before she makes the wrong decision."

With those words, he dashed across the ballroom, followed by the eyes of the audience, straight to the door which led to the changing rooms, where he could be alone. Ricco led his wife back upstairs with a look of disappointment in his two sons. Lamatte did not move. But Oneiro began to put the pieces together.

On the second floor corridor, Davina was experiencing a rather painful headache. She eventually inserted the key into the lock and forced the door open so that she could relax in her room. She kicked her heels off and scurried to pick them up and place them in a shoebox on her bed. Once the lid was on, Davina strolled over to the wardrobe and opened the doors to be met with a wall of overpriced dresses.

She bent down to slide the shoebox onto the stack, when she found a black cape instead. Of course, she knew it was the cape that she had swapped for her new dress, but how had it ended up in her wardrobe?

Curiously, she lifted it off and noticed a shimmering glow in the darkness of her wardrobe. Upon closer inspection, Davina realised what she had found, and quickly threw the black cape over the terrible object.

Now she was panicking, hyperventilating. Why was it in there? What if somebody found it? What if Stephano found it? Would he abandon her? Would he tell the police? Would she leave this ship a lonely convicted criminal with her career completely destroyed?

The consequences were too horrific to imagine, so she slammed the doors of her wardrobe and lay down on the bed, hoping to bury herself beneath the sheets and forget about what a terrible party it had been...

The orchestra were still playing their pieces, despite all that had happened. They knew the duty that they served to Ricco, and they would continue their performance until midnight, which was fast approaching.

Lamatte sat on the corner of the stage, looking gloomy and devastated, alone and depressed. Nobody had dared to approach him, but he glared coldly at anyone who glanced his way. When he found out who the thief was, they were as good as dead...

He was jolted back from his dark intentions when a hand was placed on his shoulder. Lamatte spun round, ready to attack, when he saw Ningan's red eyes. He had exchanged the black tunic for his regular indigo ninja outfit, and he looked distressed.

"Lamatte, I need to talk to you." he murmured urgently. "In private."

Lamatte groaned, and dipped into his pocket to retrieve the room key he had rented. "Go upstairs to room 16, I'll be there soon."

"No, I need you to come now."

Ningan snatched the keys and then pulled Lamatte up from the stage, before dragging him up the staircase to the corridor of numbers. As he unlocked the door, Lamatte did nothing to protest and was forced inside.

The door was slammed shut and Ningan began to pant heavily. "Something else has been stolen."

"What? Another piece of jewellery?"

"No, something much worse." he sighed. "The poison."

"What poison?!"

"The poison I've been keeping in my bag this whole time!" Ningan hissed. "Do you realise what this means?" From Lamatte's confounded expression, it was obvious that he didn't. "There's going to be a murder!"

"How do you know for sure?" Lamatte asked, but he realised that he was now testing Ningan's patience.

"When I went to get changed, I opened my satchel and noticed that the bottle was missing. Lamatte, what are we going to do?"

"We should tell Ricco and Bianca." he said instantly, but Ningan shook his head.

"No! Do you realise how much the whole ship suspects me as being a criminal? If anybody finds out I brought poison on board, they'll arrest me for sure! You can't let anybody know. Not even Oneiro."

Lamatte saw the desperation in his eyes and realised that he could not betray his best friend. "Okay then. There's only one other option: we catch the criminal in the act."

"For all we know, the entire confectionery table could be soaked in poison!" Ningan cried. "Somebody's going to die, and it's all my fault!"

"Calm down!" Lamatte said firmly, gripping Ningan's shoulders. "We will find them! I know who can help us!"

Oneiro was attempting to track all the guests at once. Jerry stood by and watched Bella and Julius dance gracefully to the serenade of the orchestra, alongside Ruby and Tyger. Newton was firmly stuck to Stephano's side, until they suddenly diverted in different directions. As she went to follow Newton, she bumped straight into Wickson.

"Are you any closer to finding who the thief is?" he asked. She shook her head is dismay, but Wickson still restrained her. "And what about Ningan? Is he okay?"

"I don't know, Wickson." Oneiro smiled as politely as she could. "Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"-You're the only hope that my parents have." he pressed on. "And now Lamatte needs you too. Please tell me that you're not wasting their time."

"Of course not!" she snapped, offended. "I still need more evidence before I go accusing anyone. I need more time, and more space, so I would appreciate it if you left me alone!"

On the lower floor, Oneiro and Wickson were stilled arguing when Stephano came stomping down the staircase. All eyes turned to stare as he climbed up onto the stage, stopping the orchestra abruptly, holding a black cape.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" he cried. "Look what I have found!"

With the audience captured by his announcement, Stephano unravelled the mysterious cloak to unveil a sparkling silvery tiara. All mouths fell open, just as Ricco and Bianca made their entrance. His mother's eyes fell upon the lost treasure. "My tiara!"

She trotted across the ballroom to collect it from her son, followed by her husband.

"Stephano? Wherever did you find it?"

"Of all the places," he laughed somewhat sarcastically, then paused for effect. "Ningan's room."

The crowd showed no surprise or shock, but Wickson stepped forward, outraged. "That is a lie. How would you get into his room anyway?"

"With these." Stephano grinned, jingling a ring of brass keys. "You should know that these keys allow anyone to access any room on the ship."

"So you were invading his room?" Bella frowned.

Stephano stopped and looked baffled at the accusation. "Of course not...I was just suspicious. But look! It's Ningan's cape!"

He presented the cape to the crowd, who recognised it immediately. Wickson stopped in horror as the evidence mounted up. Ricco snatched the cape and examined it with dismay.

"Actually, it's mine."

All eyes turned to the staircase, where Davina was stood in an elegant cream coloured gown. She quickly approached Ricco and held her hand out to collect the cape from him.

"No...this cape definitely belongs to Ningan." Ricco insisted.

"It did," she admitted. "Until he lent it to me. Newton spilled wine on my dress, so he gave me this cape to cover the stain. So I went upstairs to change, and I left the cape in our bedroom."

"So how did the tiara end up inside the cape?" Bianca asked.

"I think your son knows the answer to that." Oneiro said. "You see, ever since he and Ningan had that fight in the bar, Stephano had the perfect motive. He wanted to frame Ningan for a crime he didn't commit. Using those very same keys, he burgled your bedroom, stole the tiara and waited for you to notice it had gone before blaming Ningan."

"That's a lie!" Stephano boomed. "You're just trying to protect him!"

"You know it's true." she smiled, and continued to tell the story. "When the investigation started, you realised that you had to hide the tiara and return it when the time was right. So you found Davina's cape, wrapped it around the tiara and brought it downstairs to show everyone. It's lucky that Davina was here to clear things up, otherwise you would have successfully framed Ningan for a crime he did not commit."

The guests, who had listened to the story, looked to Stephano for another reaction. Wickson was impressed with Oneiro's detection skills, and smirked smugly at his brother. Ricco turned on his son.

"Stephano...why? Why would you steal from your own mother?"

"I...it's true!" he wailed. "I needed to teach Ningan his place, and get him off this ship! He doesn't belong here, Dad! And neither does she!" He pointed an accusing finger at Oneiro. "They're both poor impostors! Please make them leave!"

Ricco looked upon him in disgust. "You are no son of mine. You are just a greedy, selfish thief. Ningan and Oneiro are welcome to stay here as long as they want. But I want you gone by morning."

At that moment, Ningan and Lamatte appeared on the grand staircase, just in time to witness Stephano's tears drip from his sorrowful eyes. He pushed past his parents and sprinted past the pair, to retreat to his bedroom. Ningan and Lamatte looked to one another and quickly went to join Oneiro.

"What just happened? Was Stephano the thief all along?"

Oneiro explained her story once again to the astounded pair when Ricco and Bianca suddenly interrupted. "I am so grateful for your support." he said, gratified. "Without you, I would not have seen what a lying rascal my son was, and you would have ended up in a cell!"

"Yes, thank you for returning my tiara." Bianca said, with the familiar joyful grin reappearing on her wrinkled face. "I also advise you to go and collect your ring from him."

"I will." Lamatte growled, and went to march upstairs before Ningan could object. Wickson then joined the group, and congratulated Oneiro. "You were excellent! I'm so glad that my parents have finally seen his true colours!"

"Thank you." she said, blushing, when she stopped. "Where's Newton?"

"What does it matter?" Wickson laughed. "He wasn't the thief!"

"I'm just surprised that he wasn't there to support Stephano..." Oneiro sighed.

Upstairs, Stephano wailed and sobbed in his bedroom. Davina's clothes lay strewn about on the carpet, and he wiped his tears on the sheets. Suddenly, there was an aggressive thud on the door.Stephano jumped up and scowled at it: "Leave me alone!"

"I want my ring back!" Lamatte yelled.

"I don't have it!"

The door flew open, and Stephano leapt backwards onto the bed in fright. Lamatte kicked it and stormed into the bedroom, grabbing him by the wrists: "Don't play games with me, Stephano. I want my ring back, and I want it now."

"I told you, I haven't got it!" he cried, trembling.

Lamatte let go of him and began to scavenge through the wardrobe in search of the treasure. "Come on, where have you hidden it? In a shoe?"

"Lamatte, I don't have it!" Stephano insisted. A fist suddenly sprang up and punched him across the face. He fell back onto the bed with blood seeping out his nose.

"I know what you did to Ningan." Lamatte hissed. "You stole from your own mother just to frame him. Then you stole from me just for extra measure."

"Lamatte, I swear." he murmured, then sighed with exhaustion. Lamatte slammed the door behind him as he contemplated Stephano's reliability. What if he was telling the truth? Who had taken his ring?

Ningan was the first to see Lamatte on the stairs. He stopped sipping his wine and crept up the grand staircase to see him. "Lamatte? What's the matter?"

"I can't find my ring." he growled. "Stephano says he didn't steal it."

"Well he must be lying!" Ningan insisted. "You know what he's like!"

"I'm not sure." Lamatte sighed. "I don't think he would steal my ring..."

"Don't be stupid! That scumbag would do anything to cause chaos and suffering!"

Lamatte stopped and stared at the goblet in Ningan's hand. "How much have you had to drink?"

"Enough to enjoy myself."

"Please don't drink any more."

"Don't tell me what to do!" Ningan snarled. "I'm allowed to have a drink once in a while!"

"Ningan, I know you're addicted." Lamatte sighed. "Please, just go to bed."

Ningan laughed hysterically and whispered in a callous voice. "And you would know all about addictions, wouldn't you? You and your gambling! If there was a casino right here-"

"Go to bed!" Lamatte roared.

Ningan surrendered to his temper and let go of the goblet, letting the wine spill down the staircase. "Fine. Sorry, daddy, I won't be naughty again."

He staggered up the stairs and Lamatte picked up the goblet to return it to the bar. The ballroom was practically empty. All the guests had retreated to their bedrooms except for Julius and Bella, who were still waltzing across the royal blue carpet to the last symphony of the orchestra.

In the bar, however, Oneiro and Davina were still active, and conversing at a table in the corner. They called Lamatte over to join them, before seeing how distressed his was.

"What's the matter?" Davina asked. "Did Stephano not give you that ring?"

"Stephano doesn't have the ring." Lamatte groaned. "I don't know what to do."

"Let's think about this logically." Oneiro said, leaning forward. "You didn't take the ring off while you were here, did you? Well whoever stole it must have shook your hand in order to pull it off."

"I shook Stephano's hand..." Lamatte pondered. "I shook everyone's hand when I arrived."

"Well this is going to be a difficult case..."