"Have you seen this elf before?" asked the young elf. Her one purple
eye blinked with curiousity, and her dark green hair fell over the other
eye. The kobold she was talking to, looked at the picture that the female
elf held in front of him and shook his head. The elf sighed, but thanked
the kobold for his help anyway. She put the picture into her bag and walked
out of the small, but cozy inn and into the forest maze. She stopped near a
large tree and leaned against it's trunk. She reached one slender arm into
her bag and pulled the picture out. In the picture was an elf with light
green hair that fell over one of his eyes. The other eye was a reddish-
brown. "Rubi...," sighed the elf, "where have you gone?" She put her head
back against the trunk of the tree and stared up at the darkening sky.
"This has to be the way!! If it isn't, then there isn't a way through this stupid forest!!!" an angry voice broke the elf's thoughts. She climbed silently up into the tree branches and pulled out her bow. Quickly, she got an arrow ready to fly in case these strangers meant harm to the elves or kobolds. When they came into view, the elf saw that they were three humans; two males and one female. The leader, who was a male that looked almost like a bear, was marching forward. The second male wore blue. He had a blue bandana and a blue cape. The female had reddish hair, and looked like the leader type. Something about her was oddly familar...but what?
"Hey, Viktor? I don't think we should be traveling through here. Maybe we should've just waited for an elf to show up." said the male wearing blue. The bear like man, Viktor, stopped and turned to face the blue boy. "What are you saying, Flik?", he almost yelled, "It might have been years before an elf decided to come through! We needed to get through now!" "Viktor's right, Flik," said the female. Flik sighed but couldn't think of anything to come back with. "Come on buddy! We're already this far. We might as well as keep on going." said Viktor.
"What are you planning to do in this part of the Empire???" asked the elf as she jumped down from her perch on the branch. Her landing was perfect, and her arrow never left the man called Viktor. The three humans stared, dumbfounded, for a minute. Finally the female slowly stepped forward, breaking the silence. "We have come to talk with the kobolds and the elves. We need to forge an allilance with them." "Odessa? Should we be telling her this?" asked the blue boy, called Flik. "Of course we should! She's an elf!!" said the bear man, Viktor. The elf wasn't listening. She had heard that name before; Odessa.
"You wouldn't happen to be Odessa Silverburg, would you?" asked the female elf, interupting Flik and Viktor's arguement. "Why yes I would." replied the female human. "If you've heard of Odessa, here, then the others elves must know who she is, right?" asked Viktor. "Yes...," said the elf, "but I wouldn't go to the Village of the Elves if I were you." "Why is that?" questioned Flik. The elf looked at them, reluctant to say anymore, but continued anyway. "The elves speak badly of all humans, especially those who defy the Empire. They've heard of you, Odessa, and they don't want anything to do with you. They've even banished two elves who wanted to become rebels." stated the elf. "Who were the elves?" asked Viktor. "One of the elves, Rubi, has been missing for about three years. I've been trying to track him down." said the female elf. "What about the other one?" Odessa questioned, pushing for more information.
The elf pointed her bow into a mass of tree's and let her arrow fly. A moment later, a mage kobold stumbled out and fell over. "Spy..." muttered the elf before continuing to fill Odessa in. "The other elf, that was banished is called Ryka Tamiya. She wasn't banished right away, though." the elf continued, knowing more about Ryka than Rubi. "What happened to this Ryka?" asked Flik. "She was considered just a follower of Rubi, always taking his side. After a while, the elfen council thought that Rubi was forcing Ryka to take his side. So they banished Rubi for two crimes; wanting to join the rebels, and posessing another elf using magic. Even though they didn't have any proof that Rubi had posessed Ryka, he still left. Soon after Rubi left, the elves, again, began to hold meetings about how to resist being attacked by the rebels. During the second meeting, Ryka stood up. The entire council was silent when she did so. After a minute of this silence, Ryka began to speak of all the reasons why the elves should join forces with the rebels. That's when the council had realized that Rubi was guilty of only one the crimes they had banished him for. Two days after that meeting, Ryka was no longer allowed into the village of the elves." ended the elf.
"That story has been spread through the empire for about three years now..." stated Flik. "And Rubi has been missing for three years." said Viktor. "Most elves don't leave the village unless they were banished. But you claim to be tracking down Rubi, so you couldn't possibly be Ryka, could you?" questioned Odessa. The elf put her bow away, and pulled a card out of her bag. She took two steps toward Odessa and handed her the card. Odessa took it and read it outloud. " 'Name: Ryka Tamiya, age: 140 years old, gender: female, position: head archer'. Then I was right." said Odessa, handing the card back to the elf. "Correct. I am Ryka." confirmed the elf, putting the card away.
The silence between the three humans and elf lasted for several moments. Finally Odessa spoke. "If you wanted the elves to become rebels, then would you consider joining the Liberation Army?" the female's voice had a touch of force in it. Ryka eyed the human for a moment before answering, "I'll join under one condition." "And what's that?" asked Flik. "That while this war is going, that I can continue my search for Rubi." stated the elf. "What?!" exclaimed Viktor. "Viktor please," Odessa began, turning toward Viktor, "let her continue if she wants." Odessa turned to back to the elf in front of her, "That won't be a problem." Ryka nodded, "Then I'll be happy to join the Liberation Army." Flik sighed before slipping in another comment. "I hope that this war ends soon..." "Don't worry, buddy! This war'll be over before ya know it!!" Viktor jumped in, attempting to cheer up his friend. Again, Flik sighed.
Odessa, Flik, and Viktor followed Ryka through the forest to the Kobold village. The humans stayed at the inn, but Ryka went outside. Viktor had said that tomorrow they would try to form an allilance between the kobolds and Liberation Army. Ryka looked up at the night, feeling something wrong. Am I being watched? she thought, Or am I just being paranoid? The feeling grew stronger. Someone was behind her. Slowly she reached for her dagger, but before she could get it a loud voice called her name. Ryka turned toward the direction she felt the presence coming from. The feeling slowly faded away. Viktor calling her, brought her back to the world around her. Quickly she went to see what all the yelling was about.
"You humans hurt kobolds!!" shouted an angry kobold. Viktor, and Flik stood in front of the inn, swords out and ready. Odessa stood behind them. Rika knew a few of the kobolds who were ready to kill Odessa, and the males. "But we didn't do anything!!" yelled Flik. "Viktor! Flik! Please don't hurt them!" pleaded Odessa. "Stupid humans!!" yelled a kobold, "Kuromimi not forgive!!!" "Black Ears, stop!" Ryka stepped in. The kobold turned to face the elf. "What elf doing here?" questioned the kobold, anger still gleaming in his eyes. "Don't try and stall by asking stupid questions!" Ryka raised her voice, "What have these humans done to hurt the Kobolds??" Kuromimi, also called Black Ears, eyed Ryka. His pointed ears suddenly shot up. They were straight. The other kobolds had grown quiet. Their ears were also straight up. Ryka's own ears heard the noise. The kobolds began to back away, most turning and running. Ryka turned to face the terrifying noise. It sounded like an army was headed toward them.
"Odessa!! Flik!! Viktor!!" yelled Ryka, running toward them. "What's going on?!?!" asked Viktor as the elf approached them. "No time for questions! We've gotta get out of here!!! Follow me!!!" Ryka almost screamed to be heard above the increasing noise. The three humans began to follow Rika. The elf ran out of the Kobold Village and straight out into the open field. When Odessa, Flik, and Viktor had finally caught up to her, they refused to move without knowing what was going on. "There's no time to explain!!" Ryka stated, "I'll tell you when we reach a safer place!!" So again the humans followed the elf until she stopped in a secret forest passage.
"Wha-t....the....hell....was...th-at...?" panted Viktor. "It can't be...it's way too soon!" stated Ryka. Odessa, who finally caught her breath, asked, "What exactly is going on?" "Don't tell you that you didn't know?!" Ryka's jaw dropped. "What's was that??" Flik questioned, sounding a bit annoyed by their elfen friend. "Kwanda and his army," Ryka said, "but they weren't expected this soon." "I thought Kwanda wasn't going to show up for another two months!" Viktor exclaimed. "Then they must be planning something." Odessa broke in. "I think we should get out of here." Ryka said calmly. "I wanna see what Kwanda's up to. I vote to stay." replied Viktor. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I also think we should stay." Flik sided. "No. It's too dangerous. We should get out of this region." Ryka opposed. "I don't know why you're acting like the leader suddenly, but I don't like it!!" Viktor began to reprimand, "And if you keeping acting like this then I'll have to-" "Viktor stop." Odessa interrupted him. "Odessa...?" Flik questioned, his face softening. "I think we should listen to Ryka." Odessa continued, "I know someplace we can go that'll be safe. Ryka?" "Yes?" Ryka asked, a bit surprized that Odessa took her side. "Can you get us to Seika from here?" Odessa questioned. "Yeah, but it'll be a long walk, and there are lots of monsters along the way." Ryka replied looking out at the field.
Five days later, Ryka, Odessa, Flik, and Viktor had finally made their way to Seika. There they stayed at an inn for the night.
"I just don't understand why they came so early!!" Viktor exclaimed, frustrated. "Viktor, please calm down," Odessa said," None of us know why Kwanda's army arrived so early." "What would make them move so quickly?" questioned Flik. "The only way they could've gotten there so fast is if they didn't stop. Even then they would have to run." Ryka commented, mostly to herself. "When did they leave Greminster?" Odessa asked. "A week and three days ago." Ryka replied. "What!?!" Viktor exploded. "Kwanda and the Emperor are planning something..." Ryka stated calmly. "How can you be so damn calm at a time like this!?!?!" Viktor asked, almost screaming. "Viktor! Keep quiet!" hissed Flik. "At times like this we need patience, and we need to be calm. Please try to posess these things, Viktor." Odessa commented. "Damn it." mumbled Viktor. "Ryka, you seem to very good with handling yourself." Odessa continued, not seeming to hear Viktor's comment. Ryka nodded. "Then would you be willing to become one the Liberation council members?" Odessa questioned, getting right to the point. "I've pledged loyalty to the Liberation Army. Of course I would, Lady Odessa." Ryka accorded Odessa with respect for the first time. "Good! We'll head north in the morning." Odessa said, dismissing everyone for the night.
Ryka woke in the middle of the night. "Rubi..." the elf breathed his name as though it were forbidden to say. The female elf slipped outside for some air. She spotted a small pond in the northwest part of Seika. Ryka walked toward it and sat down. She slpashed some of the freezing water onto her face. Again, someone was watching her. That feeling swept down her spine, then slowly crawled back up. Was someone following them? Ryka spun around to see if anyone was there. Not a soul in sight. "Something's not right here..." Ryka whispered to herself. Something moved. Ryka grabbed her dagger and chased the moving shadow. Her chase brought her back inside the darkened inn and back to her room. No! It's going for Odessa!! Ryka thought, scurrying after the quick-moving shadow. The figure stood just inches away from where Odessa was sleeping in her bed. Ryka jumped and kicked the figure in their side. They howled in pain and fell to the floor. Odessa shot upright upon hearing the scream of pain from Ryka as the shadow punch the elf in the stomach. Ryka took her dagger and put it to the shadow's throat. Odessa lit a candle so that she could see who the figure was. Viktor and Flik, who had also heard Ryka scream, burst through the door. Even in pain from the punch, Ryka got up, still holding the dagger to the figure's throat. "Who are you?!?" questioned an angry Flik. He had his sword drawn, and was ready to kill. "Must....de-stroy....Lib-er-a- tion....Arm-y...." breathed the shadow. The mask was pulled off and the person tied up. It was a male spy sent by Kwanda, to see what the Liberation Army was up too.
"He followed us from the secret forest path, through the forest passage, through the field, here to Seika?!?!" questioned Viktor. "No," Ryka stated, "he had been following us since that night of the Kobold Village inccident." "But how do you know?" Odessa asked. "Because you're a spy, right?" Flik grabbed his sheath ready to pull out his sword and fight. "No. I could sense him...but I didn't know it would be a spy." Ryka answered. "If he had been following us all that time, then why didn't he attack untill now?" Odessa asked. "Because I wasn't asleep. If I had been, then he would've." replied Ryka. "But you weren't asleep tonight either when he came." argued Flik. "He attacked tonight because he didn't know that I was an elf. He thought that I wouldn't be able to catch him if he got to the inn first." explained Ryka. "Well, now that the spy's gone, we can get some sleep." Viktor said. Flik and Viktor went to the boys room, and Odessa and Ryka were already in their room. As the sun began to rise, Ryka fell asleep.
"Ryka..?" a soft voice called, "Ryka?" Ryka sat up. She wasn't in the inn any longer. The elf found herself in what looked like a starless night. She was wearing a long, silk black dress. Ryka took a step forward. Her shoe clicked against an invisible floor. "Ryka??" the voice called again. The elf looked around trying to see who was calling her. "Ryka??" the voice came from behind her, and it grew a little louder. She spun around and gasped. "R-Rubi?!?" her voice quivered. The male elf looked back at her, smiling. Ryka stood paralized. Rubi took a step forward. "Ryka...where have you been?" the male elf's voice echoed, "I've been looking for you." Ryka fell to knee's. Rubi walked up to the female elf, and kneeled beside her. Ryka looked at him, "Rubi, I-" she was cut short as he pressed his lips against hers. Ryka felt herself melting. Then she felt Rubi wrapping his arms around her...
"Hey Ryka!!!" a loud, rough voice called, "Wake up!!!" Ryka sat up, only to find Viktor standing next to her bed. "Morning?" Ryka questioned, looking out the window with a dazed look in her eyes. "Yeah. Odessa and Flik are waiting outside." answered the bear like man. Ryka got grabbed her bag and headed outside with Viktor.
"I'm sorry to have to ask this, but could you all wait here a moment. I have to do something quick." Odessa requested as soon as Ryka and Viktor appeared. Rika, and Viktor nodded, but Flik raised an objection. "What if there's another spy? I'm not letting you go by yourself." he argued. "Flik, let her go." said Viktor. "It'll only be a moment...I promise." Odessa replied before leaving.
Five minutes later, Odessa came back to her waiting friends. "Now can we head north?" questioned Flik. "Yes, we can go now." Odessa replied.
At the northern border, the four Liberation council memebers stopped. "We need to make up some fake names." Viktor stated. "I'll be Mina." Odessa said. "I'll be Scheliemrinhembac the III." Viktor grinned. "You don't look like a Mina." Flik observed. "Hey! Why don't we call you Bluto!" Ryka laughed at Flik. "Yeah! I like that!" Viktor joined in, "Good one, Ryka!" "Anyway...I'll be...Eilie." thought Ryka. "Okay! So we all have names?" Odessa asked. "Yeah," Viktor answered, "Mina, Scheliemrinhembac the III, Bluto, and Eilie." "Hey!! I never argreed to be called Bluto!" Flik raised his voice. Ryka and Odessa had already started up to the gate-keeper. "It's too late to change it, buddy." Viktor grinned. Flik, and Viktor started after the two girls.
"Who are you people, and what are your reasons for passing?" one of the gate-keepers asked. "I'm Mina, and our reason for passing is to see our family in Gregminster." Odessa stated. "Who are these other people?" questioned the other gate-keeper. "I'm Scheliemrinhembac the III. And this is Bluto and Eilie." Viktor spoke for them. Ryka nodded. Flik just stood there, pouting. "But what about this elf? You can't be related to these humans, right?" the first gate-keeper asked, eyeing Ryka. "She's just my body-guard." answered Odessa. Rika nodded slightly. "Can she not talk? Do you have to talk for her?" the gate-keeper persisted. "Actually she's mute. She can't speak." Odessa convincingly lied. "Oh....is that right?" he asked, looking at the other gate-keeper. "Well...okay then. You all may pass." the first gate-keeper moved aside for them. The three humans, and elf quickly walked pass the gate-keepers.
When they saw the next town, they headed toward it. "Where are we going?" Ryka questioned, knowing that Odessa had lied about going to Gregeminster. "This town up ahead." Odessa answered. Soon they had arrived in the town, which was called Lenankamp. As they entered Ryka noticed that a lot of the people were staring at her. Not at her human companions, but directly at her. Problably because I'm an elf, Ryka thought. Odessa lead them straight to the inn. The inn-keeper seemed to know who she, Flik, and Viktor were. He lead them to a room that housed four large beds and a huge clock. Odessa moved the clock aside, only to reveal a hidden staircase. The three humans and elf quietly crept down the stairs. Quickly, the four reached the bottom. At the bottom, Ryka found three rather large rooms. Odessa, Flik and Viktor had entered the second one. Ryka followed.
"Who is this, Lady Odessa?" asked a young man with black hair and bright green eyes. "This is our new council member, Ryka Tamiya." Odessa replied, beckoning Ryka to move farther in. Ryka took three quick steps into the dimly lit room. "Ryka," Odessa continued, "this is Kojai." Ryka bowed slightly. There was another man who wore a lot of armor and a yellow cape. "That's Sir Humphrey." said Flik, seeing her eyeing the silent man. The five humans stood around a wooden table; Humphrey and Kojai on one side, Flik and Viktor on the other, with Odessa at the head. "Ryka?" Odessa questioned seeing her hesitation. "C'mon now!" Viktor jumped in, "Don't be afraid!" "I'm not afraid." Ryka stated. The tension in her voice surprized Odessa, Flik, and Viktor. "Ryka? Is there something wrong?" Odessa asked. Something's not right here..., the elf pondered. Ryka caught the young man called Kojai staring at her. There's something funny about this guy...I'll have to keep an eye on him, Ryka thought. "It's nothing.." reassured the female elf, glaring at Kojai. He quickly looked away.
"Lady Odessa!! Lady Odessa!!" called an urgent voice. A male came running into the room and handed Odessa a note. She quickly read it, and the color drained from her face. "What is it!?! What's wrong?!? Odessa!?" Flik asked, obviously worried. Odessa let the letter slip from her hands. Ryka caught it and read it outloud. " 'Kwanda's army settled southeast from the Village of the Elves.' " was all Ryka was able to read before being interupted. "WHAT!?!" Viktor and Flik both exclaimed. "Sir Flik...Sir Viktor...please let Ryka finish." Sir Humphrey finally spoke. " 'They have sent small guard troops to the kobold district, the elfen district, the dwarf district, the dwarves valt, and the forest trail. No one can get in or out.' " Rika continued, before being interupted again. "Why would they do that?" questioned Flik. "Maybe if you two would let me finish, we could find out." Ryka answered. Flik closed his mouth and nodded. " 'Kwanda is trying to force the dwarves, kobolds, and elves to fight in his army. Please help us!' " finished Ryka. "WHAT!?!?!" Viktor almost shouted. "V- Viktor...please keep quiet." Odessa stuttered. "We can't possibly help them." Kojai stated. "Our army is still way to small. We can't even help one of those races." Odessa said sadly. "N-no...." Ryka whispered at first. "Ryka..." Viktor replied, actually hearing the elf. The bear man turned toward Flik, Odessa, Kojai, and Humphrey. "There's nothing we can do??" he questioned with a hint of concern in his voice. Odessa shook her head.
Later that evening, Ryka was sitting outside of town. She heard footsteps coming toward her, but didn't look up. "Hey, Ryka?" a rough voice asked. "What?" questioned the elf coldly. "Are you gonna go and try and save the elves?" the voice asked, with a certain gentleness. "I want to..." the elf looked up at Viktor. "What's holding you back??" he questioned, sitting next to the female elf. "I don't want to abandon the Liberation Army." she answered. "Don't worry about that! I'll even go with you, if ya want!" he volunteered. "But what about Odessa, and the others?" Ryka said, not quite sure if she wanted to just leave without them knowing. "Don't worry!!" Viktor exclaimed. "Viktor...calm down." Ryka stated. "What's the matter?" Viktor questioned. "It's not like we'll be able to do anything by going back. We'll be too late anyway." Ryka reasoned. Viktor sighed, realizing that his elfen friend was right. He sat down beside her. The two stared out at the field in silence for a couple moments. Finally they heard voices calling for them.
"Ryka!! Viktor!!" Flik called from inside Lenankamp. Viktor got up, then helped Ryka to her feet. "We had better go." Viktor said, leading the way back to the inn. Ryka followed. "There you two are!" panted Flik as he jogged up to them. "Where were you guys?" Odessa asked following Flik. "Yeah, where were you two?" smirked Flik, elbowing Viktor. "We were outside of town, talking." Viktor responded, jabbing blue boy hard in his side. "Oh really??" Flik gasped in pain. "Don't even think that, Bluto." Ryka glared at Flik. Odessa just sighed.
Back at the hideout under the inn, Kojai and Humphrey were waiting for the four Liberation council members. "Well, we had better figure what we're gonna do about this situation," Kojai began. "But what?" asked Flik, rubbing his sore side. "Nothing." All eyes turned toward Ryka. "What are you talking about?!?" Viktor yelled, not believing her words. "We can't do anything about it..." Ryka stated coldly, refusing to look at anyone. "But what about your people?? If we don't do something then-" "She's right." Viktor was cut off by Humphrey. "But!!" Viktor whined. "Damn it, Viktor!!!" Ryka yelled, looking at him with tears streaming down her face, "I do want to save them, but there's nothing we can do!!!!" Everyone fell silent. "Excuse me..." Ryka said, slipping pass everyone. She walked up the stairs, out of the inn, and out of town.
Ryka found a small clump of trees and decided to stay there for the night. She sat down and buried her head in her hands. "Damn..." the elf whispered to herself, pain darkening her thoughts.
"Viktor?" Flik asked as his friend entered the room and slumped in a chair. "Nope..." Viktor answered sadly. Flik sat up, "She's not back yet?" "No." Viktor responded. "I'm sorry, man." Flik said. The two sat in silence for a moment. "I'm gonna go find her." Viktor stated, standing up and grabbing his sword. "I'll go with you." Flik stood. "No," Viktor shook his head, "I'm the one who chased her away. Now I have to find her and bring her back." "Viktor?" Flik questioned. "Yeah?" Viktor turned around. "It's nothing..." Flik trailed off. Viktor shrugged, then turned to leave.
Ryka's ears perked up. Something was coming. The elf stood up, dagger in hand. She turned around only to come face to face with a group of monsters. Ryka got ready to defend herself. The Rocs went for the elf first. "BAKA!!!" yelled Ryka knowing that she was already losing badly. Finally, after a series of unsucessful thrusts of her dagger, Ryka was able to slash and paralaze one of her enemies. It fell helplessly to the ground. A little later, after receiving fifteen scratches, and two gashes, the elf was able to kill the second Roc. Then before she could escape, the other monsters tackled her from behind, causing the dagger to fly out of Ryka's reach. Not long afterwards, the elf was comsumed by darkness.
"Ryka!! ....Ryka!!" Viktor called, not sure of where he might find his elfen friend He saw a small swarm of monsters attacking something in the distance. Figuring it problably wasn't Ryka, he turned the other way and continued calling her name. "RYKA!!! Dammit...where could she have gone?" Viktor questioned himself. Suddenly, the monsters that were attacking in the distance began to make so much noise that Viktor got annoyed quickly. He ran toward them and scared them all off. When they had dispursed, Viktor was surprized to see Ryka lying there, half dead. "RYKA!!!" he screamed. Ryka didn't respond. Her scratches from before had been turned into small gashes. Most of her visible skin was torn and bleeding. Viktor carefully pick up the elf and quickly carried her back to Lenakamp.
When Viktor entered the inn, Flik was waiting for him. "Omygod!!" Flik exclaimed when he saw Ryka. The blue boy went to wake Odessa. Viktor carried his female friend into his room and lay her on his bed. "Dammit! If she looses anymore blood, then... NO!! RYKA!! You have to pull through!!!" Viktor yelled. "What's going on?!?" asked Odessa as Flik rushed her into the room. "That's what's going on!!!" screeched Flik, pointing at the unconsicous elf. "Go get a doctor now! Viktor get me as many bandages as you can find!! Hurry!!!" Odessa directed seeing Ryka and not wasting any time.
"Unnnnnngh......" was all the elf could manage to say. Ryka slowly opened her eyes. Odessa was standing over her. "Hold still...." Odessa commanded. Ryka winced in pain, as Odessa finished tying the last two bandages on. Then Odessa opened the door and let Viktor, Flik, Kojai, and Humphrey in. "Ryka!! Thank God!!!" Viktor blurted when he saw that the elf was awake. Flik just smiled. Humphrey showed no emotion, and Kojai just turned away. "What happened to you??" Viktor asked the question on everyone's mind. Ryka opened her mouth to speak, but she ended up coughing up blood instead. The elf quickly moved her arm to wipe it away. "Ryka..?" Viktor questioned gently. She looked up at him before blacking out.
Again the elf woke up, but no one was there to greet her. Ryka sat up, trying to remember what exactly had happened. Odessa had recieved that letter, Ryka had read it aloud, Viktor made a big fuss over it, then she got angry and ran out. Everything after that seemed blurred.
The elf looked around, only to find that she was in Flik and Viktor's room. A knock at the door made Ryka jump. "Who is it?"she asked, quietly. The door opened and there stood Viktor. "Are you feeling any better?" he questioned. Ryka nodded. "That's good. Now what exactly happened to you?" the bear man pushed for more information. "I was attacked by a swarm of monsters." Ryka answered. "I don't get it." Viktor commented, seeing that his friend wasn't lying. "Get what?" Ryka stated confused. "You can catch a spy, fight it, win, and then slit it's throat, but you can't fight off a swarm of monsters." Viktor shook his head. "I was fighting off two Roc's, then the rest came up and started attacking me." Ryka explained. Viktor shrugged. "You don't believe me, do you?" Ryka questioned. "Not really...but if it is true, then someone must have trained those monsters." Viktor said. "Well, they were unusally strong for those types...but who would do that?" Ryka asked, visibly confused. "I don't know, but it sounds like someone knows we're here, and they want us out." Viktor stated. "Kojai!" Ryka exclaimed. "What?!" Viktor aksed. "Kojai! He's a spy!! If anyone trained those monsters, it was problably him or he had someone do it for him!!" Ryka explained, excited that she figured him out. "Ryka?" Viktor questioned. "What?" Ryka looked up at her male friend. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Viktor finished. "Trust me Viktor! He's a spy!!" Ryka stated again. "I think you need some more rest," Viktor said with a sketical look plastered on his face. Then the bear man left without another word.
Ryka tried to go sleep, but her thoughts kept her awake. Between all that had happened that night, Ryka felt lost. "Why won't he believe me...?" Ryka wondered outloud. Viktor just leaving like that baffled the elf. If Kojai isn't a spy then I'm not former head acher for the Village of the Elves! thought Ryka. After an hour and a half of debating with herself, Ryka drifted off to sleep.
"Ryka..?" a soft voice called, "Ryka?" Ryka sat up. She wasn't in the inn again. The elf found herself in the starless night too. Everything was the same as before. Ryka took a step forward. Her shoe clicked against an invisible floor. "Ryka??" the voice called again. The elf looked around trying to see who was calling her, even though she already knew. "Ryka??" the voice came from behind her, and it grew a little louder. She spun around and couldn't help but gasped again. "Rubi..." her voice stated clearly this time. The male elf looked back at her, smiling. Ryka stood paralized...why, she didn't know. Rubi took a step forward. "Ryka...where have you been?" the male elf's voice echoed, "I've been looking for you." Ryka looked at him, "Rubi, I-" she was cut short as he pressed his lips against hers. Then she felt Rubi wrapping his arms around her. This time, the dream didn't end at that point, as Ryka had expected. Instead she could feel Rubi's strong arms wrapped around her. Ryka pulled away from the male elf, "I'm sorry, but I can't do this." "Why..." Rubi whispered, "what's wrong?" "This is just a dream..." Ryka stated sadly. "That maybe true, but I'm real." Rubi replied. The female elf look at Rubi, completely confused by what he meant. He could see this and began explain, but Ryka wasn't able to hear it.
Ryka was woken with a sudden jolt. She sat up, ready to slap whoever it was. In front of stood Flik and Viktor, looking at her furiously. "You lied to us! You lied to me!!" Viktor shouted angrily. "What are you talking about?" Ryka questioned, not understanding their anger toward her. "You God- damn spy!!" Flik yelled drawing his sword. He swung at Ryka, but the elf was too fast for him. She just up and ran toward the door. "Coward!! Get back here!!!" Flik and Viktor called after her as she bolted out the door. Ryka ran and bumped into Odessa, who had heard the two males yelling. "Ryka!? What's going on??" questioned the leader. "Viktor and Flik think I'm spy." Ryka panted. "What?!?" Odessa exclaimed. Just then Flik and Viktor came out, rushing straight toward Ryka. Odessa jumped in front of the elf, sheilding her from the two furious men. "What reason do you have to believe that Ryka is a spy?" questioned the leader. "Because Kojai saw her talking to the Imperials!! Now move!!" Viktor yelled. "What?!" Ryka screeched in surprized. "Odessa move!!" Flik pleaded in fury. Odessa refused to budge. "Something's not right here." she stated. "Flik and Viktor looked from her to Ryka and back. "Let's go talk to Kojai." Odessa inquired.
The three humans and the elf walked silently down the hall. Odessa stood between Ryka and Viktor. Flik was next to Viktor. The two males kept glaring at the elf.
They arrived Kojai's room and knocked. Kojai opened the door not even enough to see into the room. "What? Why did you bring that spy here?" he asked. "I'll be the one asking questions here!" Odessa stated, "Now open the door." Kojai obediently did as he was told. Viktor, Flik, Odessa, and Ryka stepped into the room. Odessa closed the door and took a seat in an empty chair. Flik sat down on the edge of one of the two beds. Kojai sat on the bed across from Flik. Viktor and Ryka remained standing. "You claim that Ryka is a spy, right Kojai?" Odessa questioned. "She was talking the Imperials!!" shouted Kojai. "There's no need for shouting, spy." Ryka commented calmly. Kojai shot the elf a warning look. Ryka returned it causing the old man to avert his eyes.
Then, without warning, Kojai pulled out a knife and charge at Ryka. The elf moved out of the way. Flik jumped in front of Odessa and drew his sword. Viktor tried to get between Ryka and Kojai, but he wasn't too sucessful. Kojai just kept going after the elf. At one point, Ryka pulled out her own dagger, that Viktor had brought back for her. She managed fend off the black haired man a couple times, but had to run most of the time. The two dashed around trying to good shot at the other. Ryka thought she had the advantage because of her speed, but was wrong. Kojai was able to trick the elf and stabbed her upper right arm, disabling it. Ryka dropped her dagger, holding her arm in pain.
Kojai was about to finish off the female, but Viktor grabbed his wrist. The young man dropped the bloody knife. Ryka fell back against the wall and slid down to the floor. "Ryka!" Odessa cried as pushed past Flik to get to the injured elf. Viktor stopped the leader, still holding Kojai's wrist. The green eyed man tried to wrestle free, but was easily over powered by the bear man. "Viktor! What are you doing?! She's hurt!!!" Odessa exclaimed, shocked that Viktor had stopped her. Flik didn't quite understand either. Ryka looked at her wound. Blood dripped down her arm and onto the floor. "Get out of here." Viktor commanded as calmly as possible. Ryka struggled to get up, and somehow managed to. She walked slowly out of the room, but on her way, she stopped. "Thank you...Viktor." the elf said. She then left.
"Viktor! Why did you do that?!" questioned Odessa, angry at the bear man. "Because that's what was best for her. She knew it, too." Viktor answered. He let go of Kojai's wrist. "Why did you pull out that knife?" Flik asked, blocking the only exit in the room. Kojai glanced at all of them, unable to think of anything but the truth. "Well?" Flik questioned. The three young members glared at the young man. "Because I'm not going to have some stupid elf join our group." he answered, realizing that he would be found out soon enough. "Ryka was right then...you must be a spy..." Viktor's jaw dropped. Flik, Odessa, and Viktor stood dumbfounded, unable to move. Kojai took this opportunity to make his get away. He bolted for the door, then immediately stopped. Viktor finally snapped out his trance, and looked only to see a familar dagger being held up to Kojai's neck. "Ryka?" the bear man question. Sure enough, the elf stepped into view. The dagger was in her left hand, which was covered with dried blood. The wound on her upper arm was still bleeding. By this time, Flik and Odessa had come back to their senses.
"Step back into the room." commanded the elf. Kojai reluctantly did so. "Flik, Viktor...take over for me." Ryka said. Viktor unsheath his sword, as Flik, too. Ryka let her dagger drop from her blood stained hand. "I'll go get some more bandages!" Odessa ran off. Flik conered Kojai and held the Odessa+ up to the young man's neck. Ryka began to feel faint. Viktor saw the elf's already pale face, lose even more color. Before Rika fell, Viktor caught her. "God damn spy..." Ryka coughed. Odessa came back with a few more bandages. She wrapped them around the open wound. "You need to stop getting into fights." Viktor stated. Ryka slightly smiled.
"This has to be the way!! If it isn't, then there isn't a way through this stupid forest!!!" an angry voice broke the elf's thoughts. She climbed silently up into the tree branches and pulled out her bow. Quickly, she got an arrow ready to fly in case these strangers meant harm to the elves or kobolds. When they came into view, the elf saw that they were three humans; two males and one female. The leader, who was a male that looked almost like a bear, was marching forward. The second male wore blue. He had a blue bandana and a blue cape. The female had reddish hair, and looked like the leader type. Something about her was oddly familar...but what?
"Hey, Viktor? I don't think we should be traveling through here. Maybe we should've just waited for an elf to show up." said the male wearing blue. The bear like man, Viktor, stopped and turned to face the blue boy. "What are you saying, Flik?", he almost yelled, "It might have been years before an elf decided to come through! We needed to get through now!" "Viktor's right, Flik," said the female. Flik sighed but couldn't think of anything to come back with. "Come on buddy! We're already this far. We might as well as keep on going." said Viktor.
"What are you planning to do in this part of the Empire???" asked the elf as she jumped down from her perch on the branch. Her landing was perfect, and her arrow never left the man called Viktor. The three humans stared, dumbfounded, for a minute. Finally the female slowly stepped forward, breaking the silence. "We have come to talk with the kobolds and the elves. We need to forge an allilance with them." "Odessa? Should we be telling her this?" asked the blue boy, called Flik. "Of course we should! She's an elf!!" said the bear man, Viktor. The elf wasn't listening. She had heard that name before; Odessa.
"You wouldn't happen to be Odessa Silverburg, would you?" asked the female elf, interupting Flik and Viktor's arguement. "Why yes I would." replied the female human. "If you've heard of Odessa, here, then the others elves must know who she is, right?" asked Viktor. "Yes...," said the elf, "but I wouldn't go to the Village of the Elves if I were you." "Why is that?" questioned Flik. The elf looked at them, reluctant to say anymore, but continued anyway. "The elves speak badly of all humans, especially those who defy the Empire. They've heard of you, Odessa, and they don't want anything to do with you. They've even banished two elves who wanted to become rebels." stated the elf. "Who were the elves?" asked Viktor. "One of the elves, Rubi, has been missing for about three years. I've been trying to track him down." said the female elf. "What about the other one?" Odessa questioned, pushing for more information.
The elf pointed her bow into a mass of tree's and let her arrow fly. A moment later, a mage kobold stumbled out and fell over. "Spy..." muttered the elf before continuing to fill Odessa in. "The other elf, that was banished is called Ryka Tamiya. She wasn't banished right away, though." the elf continued, knowing more about Ryka than Rubi. "What happened to this Ryka?" asked Flik. "She was considered just a follower of Rubi, always taking his side. After a while, the elfen council thought that Rubi was forcing Ryka to take his side. So they banished Rubi for two crimes; wanting to join the rebels, and posessing another elf using magic. Even though they didn't have any proof that Rubi had posessed Ryka, he still left. Soon after Rubi left, the elves, again, began to hold meetings about how to resist being attacked by the rebels. During the second meeting, Ryka stood up. The entire council was silent when she did so. After a minute of this silence, Ryka began to speak of all the reasons why the elves should join forces with the rebels. That's when the council had realized that Rubi was guilty of only one the crimes they had banished him for. Two days after that meeting, Ryka was no longer allowed into the village of the elves." ended the elf.
"That story has been spread through the empire for about three years now..." stated Flik. "And Rubi has been missing for three years." said Viktor. "Most elves don't leave the village unless they were banished. But you claim to be tracking down Rubi, so you couldn't possibly be Ryka, could you?" questioned Odessa. The elf put her bow away, and pulled a card out of her bag. She took two steps toward Odessa and handed her the card. Odessa took it and read it outloud. " 'Name: Ryka Tamiya, age: 140 years old, gender: female, position: head archer'. Then I was right." said Odessa, handing the card back to the elf. "Correct. I am Ryka." confirmed the elf, putting the card away.
The silence between the three humans and elf lasted for several moments. Finally Odessa spoke. "If you wanted the elves to become rebels, then would you consider joining the Liberation Army?" the female's voice had a touch of force in it. Ryka eyed the human for a moment before answering, "I'll join under one condition." "And what's that?" asked Flik. "That while this war is going, that I can continue my search for Rubi." stated the elf. "What?!" exclaimed Viktor. "Viktor please," Odessa began, turning toward Viktor, "let her continue if she wants." Odessa turned to back to the elf in front of her, "That won't be a problem." Ryka nodded, "Then I'll be happy to join the Liberation Army." Flik sighed before slipping in another comment. "I hope that this war ends soon..." "Don't worry, buddy! This war'll be over before ya know it!!" Viktor jumped in, attempting to cheer up his friend. Again, Flik sighed.
Odessa, Flik, and Viktor followed Ryka through the forest to the Kobold village. The humans stayed at the inn, but Ryka went outside. Viktor had said that tomorrow they would try to form an allilance between the kobolds and Liberation Army. Ryka looked up at the night, feeling something wrong. Am I being watched? she thought, Or am I just being paranoid? The feeling grew stronger. Someone was behind her. Slowly she reached for her dagger, but before she could get it a loud voice called her name. Ryka turned toward the direction she felt the presence coming from. The feeling slowly faded away. Viktor calling her, brought her back to the world around her. Quickly she went to see what all the yelling was about.
"You humans hurt kobolds!!" shouted an angry kobold. Viktor, and Flik stood in front of the inn, swords out and ready. Odessa stood behind them. Rika knew a few of the kobolds who were ready to kill Odessa, and the males. "But we didn't do anything!!" yelled Flik. "Viktor! Flik! Please don't hurt them!" pleaded Odessa. "Stupid humans!!" yelled a kobold, "Kuromimi not forgive!!!" "Black Ears, stop!" Ryka stepped in. The kobold turned to face the elf. "What elf doing here?" questioned the kobold, anger still gleaming in his eyes. "Don't try and stall by asking stupid questions!" Ryka raised her voice, "What have these humans done to hurt the Kobolds??" Kuromimi, also called Black Ears, eyed Ryka. His pointed ears suddenly shot up. They were straight. The other kobolds had grown quiet. Their ears were also straight up. Ryka's own ears heard the noise. The kobolds began to back away, most turning and running. Ryka turned to face the terrifying noise. It sounded like an army was headed toward them.
"Odessa!! Flik!! Viktor!!" yelled Ryka, running toward them. "What's going on?!?!" asked Viktor as the elf approached them. "No time for questions! We've gotta get out of here!!! Follow me!!!" Ryka almost screamed to be heard above the increasing noise. The three humans began to follow Rika. The elf ran out of the Kobold Village and straight out into the open field. When Odessa, Flik, and Viktor had finally caught up to her, they refused to move without knowing what was going on. "There's no time to explain!!" Ryka stated, "I'll tell you when we reach a safer place!!" So again the humans followed the elf until she stopped in a secret forest passage.
"Wha-t....the....hell....was...th-at...?" panted Viktor. "It can't be...it's way too soon!" stated Ryka. Odessa, who finally caught her breath, asked, "What exactly is going on?" "Don't tell you that you didn't know?!" Ryka's jaw dropped. "What's was that??" Flik questioned, sounding a bit annoyed by their elfen friend. "Kwanda and his army," Ryka said, "but they weren't expected this soon." "I thought Kwanda wasn't going to show up for another two months!" Viktor exclaimed. "Then they must be planning something." Odessa broke in. "I think we should get out of here." Ryka said calmly. "I wanna see what Kwanda's up to. I vote to stay." replied Viktor. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I also think we should stay." Flik sided. "No. It's too dangerous. We should get out of this region." Ryka opposed. "I don't know why you're acting like the leader suddenly, but I don't like it!!" Viktor began to reprimand, "And if you keeping acting like this then I'll have to-" "Viktor stop." Odessa interrupted him. "Odessa...?" Flik questioned, his face softening. "I think we should listen to Ryka." Odessa continued, "I know someplace we can go that'll be safe. Ryka?" "Yes?" Ryka asked, a bit surprized that Odessa took her side. "Can you get us to Seika from here?" Odessa questioned. "Yeah, but it'll be a long walk, and there are lots of monsters along the way." Ryka replied looking out at the field.
Five days later, Ryka, Odessa, Flik, and Viktor had finally made their way to Seika. There they stayed at an inn for the night.
"I just don't understand why they came so early!!" Viktor exclaimed, frustrated. "Viktor, please calm down," Odessa said," None of us know why Kwanda's army arrived so early." "What would make them move so quickly?" questioned Flik. "The only way they could've gotten there so fast is if they didn't stop. Even then they would have to run." Ryka commented, mostly to herself. "When did they leave Greminster?" Odessa asked. "A week and three days ago." Ryka replied. "What!?!" Viktor exploded. "Kwanda and the Emperor are planning something..." Ryka stated calmly. "How can you be so damn calm at a time like this!?!?!" Viktor asked, almost screaming. "Viktor! Keep quiet!" hissed Flik. "At times like this we need patience, and we need to be calm. Please try to posess these things, Viktor." Odessa commented. "Damn it." mumbled Viktor. "Ryka, you seem to very good with handling yourself." Odessa continued, not seeming to hear Viktor's comment. Ryka nodded. "Then would you be willing to become one the Liberation council members?" Odessa questioned, getting right to the point. "I've pledged loyalty to the Liberation Army. Of course I would, Lady Odessa." Ryka accorded Odessa with respect for the first time. "Good! We'll head north in the morning." Odessa said, dismissing everyone for the night.
Ryka woke in the middle of the night. "Rubi..." the elf breathed his name as though it were forbidden to say. The female elf slipped outside for some air. She spotted a small pond in the northwest part of Seika. Ryka walked toward it and sat down. She slpashed some of the freezing water onto her face. Again, someone was watching her. That feeling swept down her spine, then slowly crawled back up. Was someone following them? Ryka spun around to see if anyone was there. Not a soul in sight. "Something's not right here..." Ryka whispered to herself. Something moved. Ryka grabbed her dagger and chased the moving shadow. Her chase brought her back inside the darkened inn and back to her room. No! It's going for Odessa!! Ryka thought, scurrying after the quick-moving shadow. The figure stood just inches away from where Odessa was sleeping in her bed. Ryka jumped and kicked the figure in their side. They howled in pain and fell to the floor. Odessa shot upright upon hearing the scream of pain from Ryka as the shadow punch the elf in the stomach. Ryka took her dagger and put it to the shadow's throat. Odessa lit a candle so that she could see who the figure was. Viktor and Flik, who had also heard Ryka scream, burst through the door. Even in pain from the punch, Ryka got up, still holding the dagger to the figure's throat. "Who are you?!?" questioned an angry Flik. He had his sword drawn, and was ready to kill. "Must....de-stroy....Lib-er-a- tion....Arm-y...." breathed the shadow. The mask was pulled off and the person tied up. It was a male spy sent by Kwanda, to see what the Liberation Army was up too.
"He followed us from the secret forest path, through the forest passage, through the field, here to Seika?!?!" questioned Viktor. "No," Ryka stated, "he had been following us since that night of the Kobold Village inccident." "But how do you know?" Odessa asked. "Because you're a spy, right?" Flik grabbed his sheath ready to pull out his sword and fight. "No. I could sense him...but I didn't know it would be a spy." Ryka answered. "If he had been following us all that time, then why didn't he attack untill now?" Odessa asked. "Because I wasn't asleep. If I had been, then he would've." replied Ryka. "But you weren't asleep tonight either when he came." argued Flik. "He attacked tonight because he didn't know that I was an elf. He thought that I wouldn't be able to catch him if he got to the inn first." explained Ryka. "Well, now that the spy's gone, we can get some sleep." Viktor said. Flik and Viktor went to the boys room, and Odessa and Ryka were already in their room. As the sun began to rise, Ryka fell asleep.
"Ryka..?" a soft voice called, "Ryka?" Ryka sat up. She wasn't in the inn any longer. The elf found herself in what looked like a starless night. She was wearing a long, silk black dress. Ryka took a step forward. Her shoe clicked against an invisible floor. "Ryka??" the voice called again. The elf looked around trying to see who was calling her. "Ryka??" the voice came from behind her, and it grew a little louder. She spun around and gasped. "R-Rubi?!?" her voice quivered. The male elf looked back at her, smiling. Ryka stood paralized. Rubi took a step forward. "Ryka...where have you been?" the male elf's voice echoed, "I've been looking for you." Ryka fell to knee's. Rubi walked up to the female elf, and kneeled beside her. Ryka looked at him, "Rubi, I-" she was cut short as he pressed his lips against hers. Ryka felt herself melting. Then she felt Rubi wrapping his arms around her...
"Hey Ryka!!!" a loud, rough voice called, "Wake up!!!" Ryka sat up, only to find Viktor standing next to her bed. "Morning?" Ryka questioned, looking out the window with a dazed look in her eyes. "Yeah. Odessa and Flik are waiting outside." answered the bear like man. Ryka got grabbed her bag and headed outside with Viktor.
"I'm sorry to have to ask this, but could you all wait here a moment. I have to do something quick." Odessa requested as soon as Ryka and Viktor appeared. Rika, and Viktor nodded, but Flik raised an objection. "What if there's another spy? I'm not letting you go by yourself." he argued. "Flik, let her go." said Viktor. "It'll only be a moment...I promise." Odessa replied before leaving.
Five minutes later, Odessa came back to her waiting friends. "Now can we head north?" questioned Flik. "Yes, we can go now." Odessa replied.
At the northern border, the four Liberation council memebers stopped. "We need to make up some fake names." Viktor stated. "I'll be Mina." Odessa said. "I'll be Scheliemrinhembac the III." Viktor grinned. "You don't look like a Mina." Flik observed. "Hey! Why don't we call you Bluto!" Ryka laughed at Flik. "Yeah! I like that!" Viktor joined in, "Good one, Ryka!" "Anyway...I'll be...Eilie." thought Ryka. "Okay! So we all have names?" Odessa asked. "Yeah," Viktor answered, "Mina, Scheliemrinhembac the III, Bluto, and Eilie." "Hey!! I never argreed to be called Bluto!" Flik raised his voice. Ryka and Odessa had already started up to the gate-keeper. "It's too late to change it, buddy." Viktor grinned. Flik, and Viktor started after the two girls.
"Who are you people, and what are your reasons for passing?" one of the gate-keepers asked. "I'm Mina, and our reason for passing is to see our family in Gregminster." Odessa stated. "Who are these other people?" questioned the other gate-keeper. "I'm Scheliemrinhembac the III. And this is Bluto and Eilie." Viktor spoke for them. Ryka nodded. Flik just stood there, pouting. "But what about this elf? You can't be related to these humans, right?" the first gate-keeper asked, eyeing Ryka. "She's just my body-guard." answered Odessa. Rika nodded slightly. "Can she not talk? Do you have to talk for her?" the gate-keeper persisted. "Actually she's mute. She can't speak." Odessa convincingly lied. "Oh....is that right?" he asked, looking at the other gate-keeper. "Well...okay then. You all may pass." the first gate-keeper moved aside for them. The three humans, and elf quickly walked pass the gate-keepers.
When they saw the next town, they headed toward it. "Where are we going?" Ryka questioned, knowing that Odessa had lied about going to Gregeminster. "This town up ahead." Odessa answered. Soon they had arrived in the town, which was called Lenankamp. As they entered Ryka noticed that a lot of the people were staring at her. Not at her human companions, but directly at her. Problably because I'm an elf, Ryka thought. Odessa lead them straight to the inn. The inn-keeper seemed to know who she, Flik, and Viktor were. He lead them to a room that housed four large beds and a huge clock. Odessa moved the clock aside, only to reveal a hidden staircase. The three humans and elf quietly crept down the stairs. Quickly, the four reached the bottom. At the bottom, Ryka found three rather large rooms. Odessa, Flik and Viktor had entered the second one. Ryka followed.
"Who is this, Lady Odessa?" asked a young man with black hair and bright green eyes. "This is our new council member, Ryka Tamiya." Odessa replied, beckoning Ryka to move farther in. Ryka took three quick steps into the dimly lit room. "Ryka," Odessa continued, "this is Kojai." Ryka bowed slightly. There was another man who wore a lot of armor and a yellow cape. "That's Sir Humphrey." said Flik, seeing her eyeing the silent man. The five humans stood around a wooden table; Humphrey and Kojai on one side, Flik and Viktor on the other, with Odessa at the head. "Ryka?" Odessa questioned seeing her hesitation. "C'mon now!" Viktor jumped in, "Don't be afraid!" "I'm not afraid." Ryka stated. The tension in her voice surprized Odessa, Flik, and Viktor. "Ryka? Is there something wrong?" Odessa asked. Something's not right here..., the elf pondered. Ryka caught the young man called Kojai staring at her. There's something funny about this guy...I'll have to keep an eye on him, Ryka thought. "It's nothing.." reassured the female elf, glaring at Kojai. He quickly looked away.
"Lady Odessa!! Lady Odessa!!" called an urgent voice. A male came running into the room and handed Odessa a note. She quickly read it, and the color drained from her face. "What is it!?! What's wrong?!? Odessa!?" Flik asked, obviously worried. Odessa let the letter slip from her hands. Ryka caught it and read it outloud. " 'Kwanda's army settled southeast from the Village of the Elves.' " was all Ryka was able to read before being interupted. "WHAT!?!" Viktor and Flik both exclaimed. "Sir Flik...Sir Viktor...please let Ryka finish." Sir Humphrey finally spoke. " 'They have sent small guard troops to the kobold district, the elfen district, the dwarf district, the dwarves valt, and the forest trail. No one can get in or out.' " Rika continued, before being interupted again. "Why would they do that?" questioned Flik. "Maybe if you two would let me finish, we could find out." Ryka answered. Flik closed his mouth and nodded. " 'Kwanda is trying to force the dwarves, kobolds, and elves to fight in his army. Please help us!' " finished Ryka. "WHAT!?!?!" Viktor almost shouted. "V- Viktor...please keep quiet." Odessa stuttered. "We can't possibly help them." Kojai stated. "Our army is still way to small. We can't even help one of those races." Odessa said sadly. "N-no...." Ryka whispered at first. "Ryka..." Viktor replied, actually hearing the elf. The bear man turned toward Flik, Odessa, Kojai, and Humphrey. "There's nothing we can do??" he questioned with a hint of concern in his voice. Odessa shook her head.
Later that evening, Ryka was sitting outside of town. She heard footsteps coming toward her, but didn't look up. "Hey, Ryka?" a rough voice asked. "What?" questioned the elf coldly. "Are you gonna go and try and save the elves?" the voice asked, with a certain gentleness. "I want to..." the elf looked up at Viktor. "What's holding you back??" he questioned, sitting next to the female elf. "I don't want to abandon the Liberation Army." she answered. "Don't worry about that! I'll even go with you, if ya want!" he volunteered. "But what about Odessa, and the others?" Ryka said, not quite sure if she wanted to just leave without them knowing. "Don't worry!!" Viktor exclaimed. "Viktor...calm down." Ryka stated. "What's the matter?" Viktor questioned. "It's not like we'll be able to do anything by going back. We'll be too late anyway." Ryka reasoned. Viktor sighed, realizing that his elfen friend was right. He sat down beside her. The two stared out at the field in silence for a couple moments. Finally they heard voices calling for them.
"Ryka!! Viktor!!" Flik called from inside Lenankamp. Viktor got up, then helped Ryka to her feet. "We had better go." Viktor said, leading the way back to the inn. Ryka followed. "There you two are!" panted Flik as he jogged up to them. "Where were you guys?" Odessa asked following Flik. "Yeah, where were you two?" smirked Flik, elbowing Viktor. "We were outside of town, talking." Viktor responded, jabbing blue boy hard in his side. "Oh really??" Flik gasped in pain. "Don't even think that, Bluto." Ryka glared at Flik. Odessa just sighed.
Back at the hideout under the inn, Kojai and Humphrey were waiting for the four Liberation council members. "Well, we had better figure what we're gonna do about this situation," Kojai began. "But what?" asked Flik, rubbing his sore side. "Nothing." All eyes turned toward Ryka. "What are you talking about?!?" Viktor yelled, not believing her words. "We can't do anything about it..." Ryka stated coldly, refusing to look at anyone. "But what about your people?? If we don't do something then-" "She's right." Viktor was cut off by Humphrey. "But!!" Viktor whined. "Damn it, Viktor!!!" Ryka yelled, looking at him with tears streaming down her face, "I do want to save them, but there's nothing we can do!!!!" Everyone fell silent. "Excuse me..." Ryka said, slipping pass everyone. She walked up the stairs, out of the inn, and out of town.
Ryka found a small clump of trees and decided to stay there for the night. She sat down and buried her head in her hands. "Damn..." the elf whispered to herself, pain darkening her thoughts.
"Viktor?" Flik asked as his friend entered the room and slumped in a chair. "Nope..." Viktor answered sadly. Flik sat up, "She's not back yet?" "No." Viktor responded. "I'm sorry, man." Flik said. The two sat in silence for a moment. "I'm gonna go find her." Viktor stated, standing up and grabbing his sword. "I'll go with you." Flik stood. "No," Viktor shook his head, "I'm the one who chased her away. Now I have to find her and bring her back." "Viktor?" Flik questioned. "Yeah?" Viktor turned around. "It's nothing..." Flik trailed off. Viktor shrugged, then turned to leave.
Ryka's ears perked up. Something was coming. The elf stood up, dagger in hand. She turned around only to come face to face with a group of monsters. Ryka got ready to defend herself. The Rocs went for the elf first. "BAKA!!!" yelled Ryka knowing that she was already losing badly. Finally, after a series of unsucessful thrusts of her dagger, Ryka was able to slash and paralaze one of her enemies. It fell helplessly to the ground. A little later, after receiving fifteen scratches, and two gashes, the elf was able to kill the second Roc. Then before she could escape, the other monsters tackled her from behind, causing the dagger to fly out of Ryka's reach. Not long afterwards, the elf was comsumed by darkness.
"Ryka!! ....Ryka!!" Viktor called, not sure of where he might find his elfen friend He saw a small swarm of monsters attacking something in the distance. Figuring it problably wasn't Ryka, he turned the other way and continued calling her name. "RYKA!!! Dammit...where could she have gone?" Viktor questioned himself. Suddenly, the monsters that were attacking in the distance began to make so much noise that Viktor got annoyed quickly. He ran toward them and scared them all off. When they had dispursed, Viktor was surprized to see Ryka lying there, half dead. "RYKA!!!" he screamed. Ryka didn't respond. Her scratches from before had been turned into small gashes. Most of her visible skin was torn and bleeding. Viktor carefully pick up the elf and quickly carried her back to Lenakamp.
When Viktor entered the inn, Flik was waiting for him. "Omygod!!" Flik exclaimed when he saw Ryka. The blue boy went to wake Odessa. Viktor carried his female friend into his room and lay her on his bed. "Dammit! If she looses anymore blood, then... NO!! RYKA!! You have to pull through!!!" Viktor yelled. "What's going on?!?" asked Odessa as Flik rushed her into the room. "That's what's going on!!!" screeched Flik, pointing at the unconsicous elf. "Go get a doctor now! Viktor get me as many bandages as you can find!! Hurry!!!" Odessa directed seeing Ryka and not wasting any time.
"Unnnnnngh......" was all the elf could manage to say. Ryka slowly opened her eyes. Odessa was standing over her. "Hold still...." Odessa commanded. Ryka winced in pain, as Odessa finished tying the last two bandages on. Then Odessa opened the door and let Viktor, Flik, Kojai, and Humphrey in. "Ryka!! Thank God!!!" Viktor blurted when he saw that the elf was awake. Flik just smiled. Humphrey showed no emotion, and Kojai just turned away. "What happened to you??" Viktor asked the question on everyone's mind. Ryka opened her mouth to speak, but she ended up coughing up blood instead. The elf quickly moved her arm to wipe it away. "Ryka..?" Viktor questioned gently. She looked up at him before blacking out.
Again the elf woke up, but no one was there to greet her. Ryka sat up, trying to remember what exactly had happened. Odessa had recieved that letter, Ryka had read it aloud, Viktor made a big fuss over it, then she got angry and ran out. Everything after that seemed blurred.
The elf looked around, only to find that she was in Flik and Viktor's room. A knock at the door made Ryka jump. "Who is it?"she asked, quietly. The door opened and there stood Viktor. "Are you feeling any better?" he questioned. Ryka nodded. "That's good. Now what exactly happened to you?" the bear man pushed for more information. "I was attacked by a swarm of monsters." Ryka answered. "I don't get it." Viktor commented, seeing that his friend wasn't lying. "Get what?" Ryka stated confused. "You can catch a spy, fight it, win, and then slit it's throat, but you can't fight off a swarm of monsters." Viktor shook his head. "I was fighting off two Roc's, then the rest came up and started attacking me." Ryka explained. Viktor shrugged. "You don't believe me, do you?" Ryka questioned. "Not really...but if it is true, then someone must have trained those monsters." Viktor said. "Well, they were unusally strong for those types...but who would do that?" Ryka asked, visibly confused. "I don't know, but it sounds like someone knows we're here, and they want us out." Viktor stated. "Kojai!" Ryka exclaimed. "What?!" Viktor aksed. "Kojai! He's a spy!! If anyone trained those monsters, it was problably him or he had someone do it for him!!" Ryka explained, excited that she figured him out. "Ryka?" Viktor questioned. "What?" Ryka looked up at her male friend. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Viktor finished. "Trust me Viktor! He's a spy!!" Ryka stated again. "I think you need some more rest," Viktor said with a sketical look plastered on his face. Then the bear man left without another word.
Ryka tried to go sleep, but her thoughts kept her awake. Between all that had happened that night, Ryka felt lost. "Why won't he believe me...?" Ryka wondered outloud. Viktor just leaving like that baffled the elf. If Kojai isn't a spy then I'm not former head acher for the Village of the Elves! thought Ryka. After an hour and a half of debating with herself, Ryka drifted off to sleep.
"Ryka..?" a soft voice called, "Ryka?" Ryka sat up. She wasn't in the inn again. The elf found herself in the starless night too. Everything was the same as before. Ryka took a step forward. Her shoe clicked against an invisible floor. "Ryka??" the voice called again. The elf looked around trying to see who was calling her, even though she already knew. "Ryka??" the voice came from behind her, and it grew a little louder. She spun around and couldn't help but gasped again. "Rubi..." her voice stated clearly this time. The male elf looked back at her, smiling. Ryka stood paralized...why, she didn't know. Rubi took a step forward. "Ryka...where have you been?" the male elf's voice echoed, "I've been looking for you." Ryka looked at him, "Rubi, I-" she was cut short as he pressed his lips against hers. Then she felt Rubi wrapping his arms around her. This time, the dream didn't end at that point, as Ryka had expected. Instead she could feel Rubi's strong arms wrapped around her. Ryka pulled away from the male elf, "I'm sorry, but I can't do this." "Why..." Rubi whispered, "what's wrong?" "This is just a dream..." Ryka stated sadly. "That maybe true, but I'm real." Rubi replied. The female elf look at Rubi, completely confused by what he meant. He could see this and began explain, but Ryka wasn't able to hear it.
Ryka was woken with a sudden jolt. She sat up, ready to slap whoever it was. In front of stood Flik and Viktor, looking at her furiously. "You lied to us! You lied to me!!" Viktor shouted angrily. "What are you talking about?" Ryka questioned, not understanding their anger toward her. "You God- damn spy!!" Flik yelled drawing his sword. He swung at Ryka, but the elf was too fast for him. She just up and ran toward the door. "Coward!! Get back here!!!" Flik and Viktor called after her as she bolted out the door. Ryka ran and bumped into Odessa, who had heard the two males yelling. "Ryka!? What's going on??" questioned the leader. "Viktor and Flik think I'm spy." Ryka panted. "What?!?" Odessa exclaimed. Just then Flik and Viktor came out, rushing straight toward Ryka. Odessa jumped in front of the elf, sheilding her from the two furious men. "What reason do you have to believe that Ryka is a spy?" questioned the leader. "Because Kojai saw her talking to the Imperials!! Now move!!" Viktor yelled. "What?!" Ryka screeched in surprized. "Odessa move!!" Flik pleaded in fury. Odessa refused to budge. "Something's not right here." she stated. "Flik and Viktor looked from her to Ryka and back. "Let's go talk to Kojai." Odessa inquired.
The three humans and the elf walked silently down the hall. Odessa stood between Ryka and Viktor. Flik was next to Viktor. The two males kept glaring at the elf.
They arrived Kojai's room and knocked. Kojai opened the door not even enough to see into the room. "What? Why did you bring that spy here?" he asked. "I'll be the one asking questions here!" Odessa stated, "Now open the door." Kojai obediently did as he was told. Viktor, Flik, Odessa, and Ryka stepped into the room. Odessa closed the door and took a seat in an empty chair. Flik sat down on the edge of one of the two beds. Kojai sat on the bed across from Flik. Viktor and Ryka remained standing. "You claim that Ryka is a spy, right Kojai?" Odessa questioned. "She was talking the Imperials!!" shouted Kojai. "There's no need for shouting, spy." Ryka commented calmly. Kojai shot the elf a warning look. Ryka returned it causing the old man to avert his eyes.
Then, without warning, Kojai pulled out a knife and charge at Ryka. The elf moved out of the way. Flik jumped in front of Odessa and drew his sword. Viktor tried to get between Ryka and Kojai, but he wasn't too sucessful. Kojai just kept going after the elf. At one point, Ryka pulled out her own dagger, that Viktor had brought back for her. She managed fend off the black haired man a couple times, but had to run most of the time. The two dashed around trying to good shot at the other. Ryka thought she had the advantage because of her speed, but was wrong. Kojai was able to trick the elf and stabbed her upper right arm, disabling it. Ryka dropped her dagger, holding her arm in pain.
Kojai was about to finish off the female, but Viktor grabbed his wrist. The young man dropped the bloody knife. Ryka fell back against the wall and slid down to the floor. "Ryka!" Odessa cried as pushed past Flik to get to the injured elf. Viktor stopped the leader, still holding Kojai's wrist. The green eyed man tried to wrestle free, but was easily over powered by the bear man. "Viktor! What are you doing?! She's hurt!!!" Odessa exclaimed, shocked that Viktor had stopped her. Flik didn't quite understand either. Ryka looked at her wound. Blood dripped down her arm and onto the floor. "Get out of here." Viktor commanded as calmly as possible. Ryka struggled to get up, and somehow managed to. She walked slowly out of the room, but on her way, she stopped. "Thank you...Viktor." the elf said. She then left.
"Viktor! Why did you do that?!" questioned Odessa, angry at the bear man. "Because that's what was best for her. She knew it, too." Viktor answered. He let go of Kojai's wrist. "Why did you pull out that knife?" Flik asked, blocking the only exit in the room. Kojai glanced at all of them, unable to think of anything but the truth. "Well?" Flik questioned. The three young members glared at the young man. "Because I'm not going to have some stupid elf join our group." he answered, realizing that he would be found out soon enough. "Ryka was right then...you must be a spy..." Viktor's jaw dropped. Flik, Odessa, and Viktor stood dumbfounded, unable to move. Kojai took this opportunity to make his get away. He bolted for the door, then immediately stopped. Viktor finally snapped out his trance, and looked only to see a familar dagger being held up to Kojai's neck. "Ryka?" the bear man question. Sure enough, the elf stepped into view. The dagger was in her left hand, which was covered with dried blood. The wound on her upper arm was still bleeding. By this time, Flik and Odessa had come back to their senses.
"Step back into the room." commanded the elf. Kojai reluctantly did so. "Flik, Viktor...take over for me." Ryka said. Viktor unsheath his sword, as Flik, too. Ryka let her dagger drop from her blood stained hand. "I'll go get some more bandages!" Odessa ran off. Flik conered Kojai and held the Odessa+ up to the young man's neck. Ryka began to feel faint. Viktor saw the elf's already pale face, lose even more color. Before Rika fell, Viktor caught her. "God damn spy..." Ryka coughed. Odessa came back with a few more bandages. She wrapped them around the open wound. "You need to stop getting into fights." Viktor stated. Ryka slightly smiled.