A/N: So, this is my first ever fic. Ever! I'm not that great of a writer and whatnot but I hope you look passed that and like the story. I'd also like to say to anyone that had took the time to read this that I accept any and all reviews, whether it be criticism or simply a comment that you like/dislike the story or want me to change something. Oh, and I'd also like to say my favorite fanfic author is Nuclear Eggs. That boy/girl has got it down. And for those of you haven't read his/her stories you shouldn't waste your time on mine and go read his/hers (I don't know what gender you are, please excuse me calling you he/she. I think you are very pretty/handsome and I'm a forever fan of your manly/womanly way of expressing your stories.) I swear to god I don't mean any offense! Okay, without further ado, (and if Nuclear Eggs could comment) I present to you "Open My World".
Open My World: Curiousity Killed The Cat
1
The air was crisp with the impending winter as flakes of snow tumbled from the sky and bit through the heavy layered coats of people crowding the marketsquare. Small, trivial banter was traded between the townsfolk, even some loud boisterous laughing could be heard from the more disorderly gentlemen arriving from a nearby pub, consisting of an inn for any travellers waiting for the ice to let up. The clamerous hooves beneath the carriage set an easy rhythm in her mind as she gazed out passed the surrounding populace of their designated stop and into the sky, frowning slightly at the fruitless attempt as it was currently obscured in grey clouds which reminded her of the city below them. The faces of everyone identical to the stone that constructed the roads they walked on.
The stallions halted, their whinnies roaring over the bustle announcing their arrival and compelling the pink haired girl to cease her observation through the back of the carriage. She tugged her brown cap lower, it masked what it could of her face while her pink hair had been neatly tucked into her hat as well. Managing to produce a nod in return for the farewell of the coachman, she secured her first step out of the transport, gracefully landing onto the brick of the marketplace. She chanced glancing out from under the brim of her hat to see two uniformed men point a subtle finger in her direction. They seemed to be on duty looking out for suspicious folk, more accurately, Luka. She unconsciously lowered her brow, she would have preferred her presence to have remained unknown for longer than what it had in her previous borough, but it seemed however, that Kagamine was tired of cat and mouse and were mounting their next plan of advance, closing the walls around her. Her dry lips pulled into a haughty smirk, she rather enjoyed this game.
Weaving the rest of the way through the crowds, she successfully drew up deeper into the city streets, hearing her pursuers feet clack against the frigid stone. Picking up the pace, the older girl trailed into a more poverty ridden district that homed the scum this city and it's owner beat down upon. She could literally smell the pungent aroma of sewers and alcohol that wafted through the shambles of buildings, the houses and establishments this section of the city had to offer became progressively poorer and decimated. The streets were vacated, the ones who were fortunate enough to at least possess a measly abode were wholed up from the weather. A couple homeless collasped upon the cobblestone of the roads, suffering within in the cool temperatures. She spared them a pitying glance, proceeding to redirtect her attention to the men honing in on her. Kagamine was getting lazy it seemed, those two brats could learn a lesson or two from Kamui. She became all too aware of the cold steel of her rapier pressed uncomfortably against her side. These were adequete conditions, two authorities venturing into a nest that filled from floor to ceiling with murderers and thieves, marauders and bandits, no one would know. Another block furthur and the girl turned sharply into a damp and musty alley, vanishing from the armed men's sight. They hesitated, one taking lead in haste calling after the suspect.
"Hey! Stop there!" He barked before he tore through the gravel, rounding the corner. His eyes immediately cast right and left, looking for the pinkette, but instead found a deserted and dungy alleyway. Both men were surprised to see it was a dead end, impossible for her to have elluded them or hid. Luka grasped the hilt of her blade readily, merely looking at them through her eyes, the eyes of an expert at swordplay, she could count nearly fifty different weak spots in there defences. Scoffing silently, she slackened the grip on her sword, they were nothing more than trained dogs following the whims of a master and as such she didn't feel she should spend the effort. They scanned around again with bewildered demeanours, unable to detect the faint click which echoed as the pathway closed, a secret passage shrouded within the shadows that was accessible only by few. The girl listened for their fading footsteps to completely subside, she should not have come here it seems. Her move was easily anticipated, but she had no other options. She shrank against the wall slightly, she had escaped into the routes that travelled throughout the city under every nook and crook of roads and buildings, granting quick and simple access to anywhere the one following these tunnels needed to go.
She let out a breath, doffing her cap and letting her pink tresses casade down her shoulders and back as she tucked it into the niche of her black weather beaten cloak. She drew up her rough cowl then daring to plunge herself into the dark maze residing under the city. You had to be fairly familiar with this small pocket of the city, a lost wanderer that might stumble into this hidden web would have no way of finding ones way out without a guide. This only served further assurance that the hideout remained a secret. This place was dubbed the name, "Scale Hide Burrow", it operated as a black market and nearly anything else a criminal could want. Gambling, prostitution, selling and purchasing contraband and of course this was just a simple place to indulge in liquior or narcotics.
Following her instincts alone, she was able to navigate herself though the shadowy labyrinth. The most simple of things that most would deem trivial she payed a focused mind to, the sudden gust of chill that brought about a repugnant odor, the mere rise in temprature, the most subtle sounds, she was able to conjure a map within in her mind. A right, a left, she was getting closer. Forward, turn, the noise of discourse flitted passed her ears and the stench of brandy was more prominent than that of the sewers. Her destination entered her perception as she crept down a particular corridor. A single door, it's hinges rusted and the wood of it water-worn and beaten, a brass knocker fastened to the front with a large peep hole above it. Her gloved hand seized the copper of the lions head and battered it against the wooden portal. Patiently waiting, she tugged the hem of her mantle becoming more wary, her worries of Kagamine being somehow present here were dismissed quickly as she knew that they made little friends with that of the meager. But, it was likely Kamui would have watch-dogs situated even here in this underworld. Only cut-throats and other outlaws had this hideout available to them and Kamui wasn't one to be known for having the cleanest of hands.
She didn't wait long until a burly man slid open the iron covering the peep-hole, a scar crossing his left eye and a beard hanging from his round face.
He then recited in a hard voice, "Fallen from heaven and scour the light,"
"When only within dark he may enter." Luka replied in a low voice. The hatch closed before the man heaved the heavy door open, revealing the dim den within. Lanterns, candles and the like illuminated what it could of the vast chamber. A bar counter sported a couple fallen men who had abused their liquior while others were placing wages on a brawl in a far away corner. Blood streaked the floor, some of it fresh enough to deduce it had happened merely hours before and from the wooden tables littered around, glares aimed at her as she entered, most sizing her up, judging if she be a reasonable fighter, some were even a tad irritated by the fact she was hiding her face and it struck a few people with curiousity. She ignored them and lowered her head further as her blue orbs scoured the remaining members of the pub, resisting the urge to grimace she noted with uncertainty a far off cage. She took several strides to cover half the distance put between her and the bloodied confines, plopping herself down in a stool before the bartender. Her earlier observation was correct being that it truly was a cage. And inside was a beaten and bruised bundle of flesh that whimpered slightly as a whip lashed out at it. The screams were ones that were produced from a girl's lips, her scarred body beginning to turn pale even under the orange light of the torches encircling their main attraction. Others laughed and threw things as they spurred the man on to whip her again and again. They called vulgur trivials, eyeing the naked form up and down.
Luka watched for all of a mintue before turning away in disgust. She was no stranger to these types of activities - not that she's ever done it, but she's seen it countless times where people were sold as slaves that suffered under the abuse and oppression of an owner. But this was different, nearly everyone here were taking part in their crude games. As the bar man set down an overflowing tankard of ale, Luka quickly grasped it, putting the warm mug to her lips and indulging in a large gulp of the cheap gold fluid. She flinched slightly when she heard another gut-wrenching wail emerging from the chamber. The bartender noticed her unease and leaned over so he could be heard.
"Something bothering ye?" Said the man gruffly with an accusing edge.
"Curiousity" The pinkette replied shortly.
He glared at her, tightening the grip on his ragged dish cloth, "Curiousity killed the cat,"
"I'm no cat," Said Luka with a grin appearing on her pink lips.
"Don't mean ye can't be killed,"
"And are you going to try and prove that?" She asked with a bit of daring, it must have been the effect of the alcohol.
Leaning back barely, the man kept close as he asked again, "What're ye so curious 'bout?"
Luka sensed that he had ignored her rather sharp tongue and was now willing to accept what she had to say, "What is that girl doing in that cage?" She questioned seriously leaning in as she kept her voice low.
"Oh, the lass with teal tails." he remarked with a sudden understanding. "She be sold to a man hidin' out somewhere in 'ere"
The pinkette looked around briefly once again, there was no one who indicated that they might have possession over her. Someone that young would be sold for a handsome price, surely nothing any of these cut-throats could afford.
"Since when has she been here?" asked Luka.
"No more 'an a couple hours before." He informed, glancing back at the teal haired girl.
"Where is her owner?"
The main sighed a tired breath, taking the empty glass from the girl and wiping it clean. "Couldn't tell ye, hadn't seen 'em since he put her in that cage."
"So he just let everyone do what they like with her?" Luka asked incredulously.
"Yes," The man said, regret seeping into his voice, "They were jus' goin' to pass her around and have their way wit' her, but she had fought them off. So they decided caging her up was for the best."
"You sound as if you feel sorry for her." Luka said to the man, wondering why a criminal like him should care.
"Aye lass, even I can't ignore the fact she is no older than a child. She don't deserve it."
Luka bit her lip. He was right. She didn't look that much younger than Luka and even Luka was hardly a woman yet. She was merely a girl and if anything, if she were placed in that slave's position, she would want help. That girl was probably, looking around fruitlessly as she saw the same faces with the same intent to harm her. But, Luka was nothing like any of these people, if she could, she would swoop in and save her, but she had problems of her own to deal with. She tugged her hood lower at the thought. If anyone were to know Luka Megurine was in Kagamine borders, she'd be captured and put to death. Luka frowned and unconsciously rubbed the flesh of her neck with her hand, the place they would chop off her head as everyone watched. She gulped, there was no way she was going to let them have the satisfaction of seeing the great Megurine fall. Not ever. She clenched her teeth and with a braced step she hauled her dejected body from the wooden perch and attempted to cross through the horde surrounding the teal girl. She resigned to glance once more at the girl, only to find the same teal orbs that were squeezed shut, open and meeting her gaze.
Blood trickled down over one eye, impairing her sight, but the girl knew it was definately the hooded stranger who had entered not too long ago. For some reason, seeing this person's face granted her a sliver of hope. Those sapphire pools held something in them that told her that - like herself, she wasn't meant to be there. They held eachother's stare for what seemed like hours in waiting, Luka felt guilt brew in the pit of her stomache. She had to go! If she stayed there... If she intervened, it would mean the chopping block. Luka steeled herself to look away and continue, she needed to escape.
The slave looked on as the pinkette disappeared into the crowd, leaving her. That was it, the tealette finally broke, she shrank into the hollow confines and collasped into herself. Was this it? Was no one going to help her? Was she going to die? For nothing!? The leather of the whip slashed her side again, engraving another horrible wound upon her fragile skin. She couldn't summon up the strength to even scream out again. Tightening her grip onto the leather bound book within her grasp, she curled up in the cell. The core of an apple was flung at her, meeting her straight in the face, bringing in another chorus of laughter. She wanted so much for them to grow tired of her, she wanted to rest, she wanted to be home again. She should have never ventured on this rewardless journey in search of mere tales. The book in her arms is what had provoked her to find more, more outside of what she knew and to explore new lands. A fool's dream it was, these things were nothing but savages that brought about destruction.
The uproarous laughter and unrestrained euphemisms continued echoeing thoughout the hideout. As she pushed her way toward the cage, the noise began to become a series of curses at the sudden distruption of their entertainment. Luka undid the latch of the metal bars encasing the teal girl before reaching out toward her. The man with the whip, seemingly leader of the pack of wolves suddenly called out loud alerting everyone else who was inside Scale Hide Burrow.
"Oi, You! Wha' do you think ye're doin' wit' our slave!?" Luka ignored him as she made the first contact ever with the small bundle. Her gloved hands startled the girl who whirled around quickly, preparing to tear those hands away until she recognized those oceans of deep-blue staring back at her. She had a second to take in what showed of Luka's face before it was revealed to everyone by the man who had mercilessly whipped her. He had got fed up with being ignored and had quickly tore off the cowl concealing Luka's unmistakable features. Pink hair cascaded down her back as an expression of suprise and fear contorted her face. She suddenly stopped her advance for the slave when everyone quieted down and stared at her astonishedly, even the fellows brawling had turned around in bewilderment at the quick silence that enveloped the stone chamber. Luka frowned at this misfortunate turn of events. It was when she was halfway out the door that she had stopped for no apparent reason, other than the fact she had stopped hearing those cries from the prisnor. She at first thought she had inexplicably died, but as she turned around, she could see the form was still shivering against the iron bars. It was as if the very the thought of that girl being dead plucked something within Luka's heart and churned in her gut and the next thing she knew she had unwittingly leapt back into the mass of marauders and had tried to make off with their prize. That may have been the most stupid thing she had ever done in her entire life. Luka thought that she could blame the alcohol later and right now was no time to berate herself for her stupidity. The bartender was wrong, it wasn't curiousity that killed the cat, it was idiocy.
Luka proceeded to take the girl into her arms, holding her as a groom would hold his newly wed or a prince whisking away his princess. She turned back around to face the impending doom she had inadvertantly set for herself. The leader of the pack looked at her for another second before he broke out into hysterical laughter, inspiring everyone else to do the same.
It was a few minutes until the bandit calmed down enough to speak coherently, "Well looky 'ere gentlemen! It's her, it's really her!" He exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at the pinkette. "Whad' an idiot to come o' here of ol' places!"
Luka looked back indignantly, passed the obtrusive finger and glared at the man, "What are you talking about?"
He howled again, his grin even wider, placing both hands on his hips heartily. "Don't ye realize da' three kingdoms 're after yer hide?"
"You have no such allegiance to the kingdoms" said Luka quickly. "You have no reason to turn me in."
"Spoils is a good e'nuff reason to me! And da' bounty on yer head is a handsome one indeed" The thief spat. Luka scowled, even their hatred of the nobles wasn't enough to warrant off their love for wealth. She opened her mouth to reply, to buy herself time to think but a smooth male voice rose over the crowd, causing everyone to become silent.
The man approached her confidently, with a leap in his step, unable to completely mask his joy at his convenience. The men surrounding Luka and her package moved timidly from his way as he came face to face with the pinkette, several mercenaries at his back acting as guard dogs. He smiled smugly at Luka, brushing away his long purple hair from his eyes.
"Well, well, well, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing your beautiful face." Said the man charmingly which only made Luka want to wipe that grin off his face.
"Oh, lord Kamui," She said with much feigned pleasantness. "I thought that that repugnant odor was from the sewers, but it was you all this time." A few snickers escaped the people surrounding them at his expense and her turned to them with a heated glare whilst ordering them to remain silent.
"Shut up!" he said to one of his subordinates. He turned to the other girl again, a glower replacing his confident smirk. "You haven't lost your charm, Luka" He stated sarcastically, "I'll spare you the pleasantries, but before we continue, I would like my property back."
The pinkette followed his gaze, glancing down to the girl snuggling against her chest in an effort to remain warm in the frigid conditions. She narrowed her brow lower which gave birth to a new smile on Gakupo's lips. Luka tightened her grip.
"You did this?" Her eyes lit up into a brighter blue as she pierced him with a firey gaze. It made sense now, mere criminals may not have the wealth to purchase such "quality goods", but Kamui was a prince, a young king and had more than enough to pay for a simple slave, he had hundreds under his influence already.
"Why, yes. In fact I did. I was going to keep her to myself," he said slowly "But, everyone should know the pleasure of a 'tight' whore" Everyone laughed a long with him, waiting for a response of the pinkette, though it didn't come.
Luka would'nt let it show on her face, not for his satisfaction, but on the inside she was aflame with anger consuming her rational thought. He was baiting her, but she didn't care she would be a fish on hook if she could have a chance at ripping him apart. Before she could draw her blade and make due with him, a sudden scream wailed over the room and jerked her from her thoughts. The door was beaten down by military dressed royaly in the kagamine colours and adorning their gold emblem which became painted in red from the blood they spilled as they killed everyone within Scale Hide Burrow. Captain of the squadron marched through as everyone immersed themselves in battle against the many bandits and guards. The clash of steals and battle cries resonated against the walls and more fresh crimson was smeared on the floor. Gakupo's guards fought off anyone attempting to attack their lord as the prince hid behind them. Kamui looked over to the leader of the raid noticing it was the famed sword of Kagamine, Sonika. Her long green tresses tied in a high ponytail, her bangs slightly obscuring her green orbs. She seemed to notice him too as she approached, drawing her sword indicating she wanted to engage in battle with the young king. Against his guards, he pushed his way through to encounter the girl who dared interrupt his capture. He looked at her, her face was completely expressionless, akin to a doll or puppet as she followed the pull of her strings that Kagamine navigated for she was famous for her stoic dispostion even when taking a life. Raising her sword, she pointed it's sharp edge at him, earning a more mild look to cross his face.
"What are you doing here in our territory, Kamui?" She asked with detest, like the name left a bad taste in her mouth.
"How dare you!" Shouted Gakupo as he readied his sword. "I was the one who trapped her, you have no-"
"And both Lords Kagamine thank you for your effort. But, I will warn you only once, run now and I may let you escape with your life, so long as you promise to never enter our borders again." She stated with the same amount of disinterest, as if the line was rehearsed. The prince ignored her, believing she was implying that he had no chance to fight her off. He was a king! He left destruction in his path, no one who crossed him lived, and definately not those little brats!
He quickly charged at her in a fit of rage.
A tantrum fit for a queen, Sonika thought. Before he sould even bring his sword down to cleave her in two, Sonika had manouevered her blade in a swift movement, slashing him down his face. He stared wide eyed as blood spurted from his wound and his body fell to the ground with a thud. His blood had managed to spray onto her face, though she ignored it as she looked on his fallen, lifeless corpse expressionlessly.
"A king may cowar in his throne, in battle he is completely useless." She muttered into the noise of the chamber. Her green orbs glanced up and pierced that of sapphire that gazed at her with an astonished stare. The pinkette was fighting off one of her many knights with a single arm as the other was occupied with cradling a teal bundle.
Luka had looked up from her current battle in time to see Kamui struck down within the mass of other soldiers. She saw Sonika's agile movements, a single swipe of her blade had rendered the king lifeless and bloodied on the floor. Now she knew how she had earned her title as Sword of Kagamine. However, as those green eyes met hers, Luka was able to identify a weakness, a fragility that would mean she was no match for her.
It wasn't until Sonika began approaching that she realized she had this girl with her. There was no way she cold fight off all of them with the slave in her arms, she had no way to escape. But, if she left her here- No! Luka thought quickly, dismissing the thought of ever leaving her to die. She couldn't do that! The girl she held was so young, so innocent, she didn't deserve this. As Sonika strode closer with slow steps, Luka kicked her opponent over in mid swing and he toppled over easily. She doged a swipe from a second soldier behind her, thrusting her blade into his chest. The other guards were too occupied with the other thieves and mercenaries to pay her much mind as the greenette approached in more of a haste. Luka began to panick, she would surely perish at the end of Sonika's blade, she had no way to fight her with one of her arms burdened and her movements slow and uncordinated due to the extra weight. She looked around for an escape, anything that would get her and her companion out of there. There was nothing. Giving up scanning around for another route around this, Luka met Sonika's gaze resolutely.
She may be able to defeat her yet, Luka thought reassuringly. Just as the Sword of Kagamine heaved her blade above her head to deliver a swift finisher, she was all at once caught off guard and tackled to the ground by a large man, the same one who had been working the bar. The captain's blade was knocked from her grasp, lost within the crowd and her arms were pinned behind her by her much bigger opponent.
"Hurry lass! The entrance is empty! Go!" Sonika threatened to escape his grip as she writhed within his grapple. Luka looked at him dumbly before processing what he had said and taking off for the sole door leading into Scale Hide Burrow. She had sheathed her sword and held the smaller girl more securely with both arms as she bounded through the crowd, narrowly avoiding other members of the attack. She leapt over the door that had been knocked down by the soldiers and quickly worked her mind to navigate through the maze once again. The screams of the dieing echoeing behind her as she made her final dash out of the dangerous labyrinth with her new companion in her embrace.