Okay and he is my next attempt at a multi chapter story! I'm not really sure how I got this idea but I did...so please bear with me on this one. Hope you enjoy and don't find it too bad :)


Ch 1

"Ugh, what was that?" I muttered after the ground shaking had stopped. "You alright Arme?" I asked, looking at said mage that I had been holding in my arms in an attempt to protect her from the onslaught of books that had been falling from their shelves.

"I think so..." There came a sharp gasp from the mage. "What happened here?!"

It was then that I finally took note of the state of the Castle Library. It was a surprising sight indeed; everything in the room seemed to have been thrown into a state of decay, the once upright and proud standing bookshelves now seeming as if a single touch would turn them to dust. The books themselves were nowhere to be seen, not a single trace left of their existence. There were large cracks in the walls, some wide enough that sunlight could be seen shining through them. I stood up, helping Arme up as well.

"I would like to know what happened myself." I said in response to Arme's question. How could a ground shake like that have caused the library to look like it had aged several hundred years? It didn't make much sense. I shook my head. "C'mon, let's go and see if the others know what's happened."

Arme nodded and I took her hand, leading her through the rubble that was once the library towards the exit, every step sending fresh clouds of dust into the air. The doors were just like the bookshelves; decayed and barely hanging onto the hinges, looking as if at any moment they would crash to the ground. And fall they did, as soon as I tried to open one of them. At least we could exit now, anyways.

The hallway out from the library wasn't in much better shape then where we had last been, except here there were a few unfamiliar additions. There were several white, circular shaped objects lining both sides of the wall, all connected by some sort of strange black rope type thing.

"Why don't we split up and see if we can find the others." I suggested. If we could find them, then perhaps we could get some answers.

"Right. I'll check the lower levels, you want to check the above ones?" Arme asked.

"Let's met back here then once we're done then, alright?"

"Got it!"

And with that the both of us parted ways to search the castle. As I traveled through the upper levels, nothing much seemed to be different then how it was downstairs, everything in that same state of constant ruin. Through a window I saw the village not too far off, looking like it always had, large and bustling with plenty of people, business seemingly doing well. I nodded to myself as I passed. Well, at least something was still norma-wait...

I backed back up to the window, to take a second look at the village. It wasn't normal at all-the buildings were all taller, and built of strange material. The roads were no longer that of dirt, but instead made of a strange, smooth black something or other. I shook my head. That could be worried about later. For now, I just had to find one of the other members of the chase and see if they knew what was going on.

But the castle was strangely empty; not a single trace that anyone had lived here for years could be found. All the rooms were barren, except for the bed that was in the same shape as the bookshelves had been, the blankets now almost non-existent, and the mattress seeming like it wasn't too far behind. Had everyone just up and desert the castle, neglecting to tell Arme and myself about it? I sighed, leaving what used to be Jin's room, and continuing down the hallway, the entrance to my own room approaching.

Stepping into my room, it was just like everywhere else, despite the fact that I had been here earlier this morning. Seeing my other weapons no where in sight, I because a bit curious. I kneeled down and pulled up the floorboard near the bed to get to the place I usually hid some spare daggers. I frowned when I didn't see them there, so I shifted through the cob webs half-hoping they were hidden but also half suspecting that they just plain weren't there. My suspicion turned out to be correct, and I placed the floorboard back in it's place, annoyed. No one but myself knew of that hiding place; and least so I thought. Someone, or something must've found out about it somehow. I sighed again, laying on the floor and closing my eyes. What could have happened to this place? It just didn't make sense the state it was in now. No simple ground quake could've caused something to have aged so rapidly; get a bit beat up sure, but not certainty not age. Nor could it've caused the village to have changed so much, almost seeming like an entirely new place.

"Lass! Help me!" It wasn't until I heard Arme's panicked shout did I realize that I had actually been dozing off. "LASS!" Wasting no more time, I bolted up right and back downstairs towards the sounds of the mage's cries, which seemed to be getting more despite with each call.

At the top of the stairs I could see a rather burly man with extremely short dark hair, a deep tan and wearing strange clothes rather roughly trying to drag Arme off. He was holding both her writs in her hands seemingly rather tightly despite the mage's protest. At this, I narrowed my eyes, the grip on my Nodachi growing tighter. I backed up a bit, then took a running start before jumping down the the stairs, clearing them in one leap and landing not too far from the man. Before the man was able to realized what was going on, I was behind him, the blade of my weapon pressed against the front of the man's neck.

"You'll let her go if you value your life." I said in low, menacing tone.

"And why should I, punk? You two aren't even supposed to be here in the first place. I'll take this girl and you with me to the police where you will be properly dealt with." The man said in a gruff voice. He didn't even seem remotely scared. "And you don't scare me with that fake toy sword or yours."

"I don't think you're in a place to be making demands here." I said, pushing my blade into the man's neck just enough to draw a little blood. "As you can see, this is not just some 'toy sword'." I pressed a little harder. "And I am not afraid to use it if I have to."

Now that there was actual blood drawn, and easily, the man seemed to be getting a little nervous now. "Why would you kill an innocent person? I'm just doing my job keeping trespassers away."

"We are not trespassers. This is our home, after all. It is you who is the trespasser here." I corrected him. Really, what could he be thinking, accusing us of trespass? Really, the nerve of some people... "Now I'm not in the mood to argue, so you will let her go before you find yourself minus one head. And I assure you, this is no empty threat; I've done it to other and will not hesitate to do it again if the need arises." At that, Arme was finally released. "Now, you will be on your way and you better hope to never cross my path again. Because if you do you better run the opposite way as fast as you possibly can." With that said, I finally removed my blade from the man's neck, but kept it out of it's sheath just in case he tried to do anything funny. But it turned out to be unnecessary as the man bolted away from us. As soon as the man was out of eyesight, I turned to Arme, finally sheathing my Nodachi. "Are you alright, Arme?" I asked.

"I think so, just a bit spooked is all. I mean, that man came out of practically no where! One second I was checking the kitchen for anyone, the next he had grabbed a hold of me and was dragging me towards the front doors." She explained.

"Well, it's good that you called for me when you did, or I might not have gotten here in time." I said. It really wasn't a pleasant thought; if that had happened, then I would've had to try and figure out this crazy, mixed up world by myself, and try and figure out where she had disappeared to. I decided to change the topic rather then dwell on those unpleasant thoughts. "So, did you find anyone?"

Arme shook her head. "I didn't see anyone, not even a trace. Everything is in ruins. It's like no one has lived here for who knows how long." She pouted a bit. "And I don't like it."

I put a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be alright, I'm sure we'll figure this out soon enough."

But soon didn't seem to be happening as time went by. The castle was completely deserted, and some odd modifications to certain places seemed to have been made. Like the front doors and main gate; the doors were still there looking in a slightly better condition then the library's had been, but perhaps that was because the front doors were being supported by a strange type of metal that was also holding the doors open. The gates were different entirely; now they were seemingly made of another strange metal. There was also a strange building made of the same type of material the village's buildings had been, only this building wasn't very big, and resting to the side of the front of the castle, just a little bit in front of it. There was something written on the front of the building in big bold letters, but neither Arme or I were able to read it. But that was the least of our worries; night was approaching fast, along with a chill in the air. The day may have been warm, but the night sure wasn't going to be. It never had, and probably never will.

"Tomorrow we should go explore the village." I suggested as Arme and I were sitting on the floor, in the library as it was seemingly the warmest part of the castle. We were huddled into a corer, that we had cleared of debris, leaning against the wall. "Perhaps there we can can find some answers."

"Mmm." Was the only answer I received. Looking down, I found that Arme already had her eyes closed, seeming ready for sleep. She was curled up into me, her head resting on my chest. I smiled slightly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer trying to give her as much warmth as possible. Neither of us were dressed very warmly, as my Striker outfit and her Battle Mage's were for anything but cold weather.

Loud voices and footsteps turned out to the alarm clock for the following morning. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking to get used to the bright light. I raised my head slowly from where it had been resting on Arme's (and yes, my neck was incredibly stiff by the way) trying to decern who the voices belonged to. But it wasn't anyone I knew, and they were all of varying ages and genders. Male, female, old, young, crying...none of this seemed like it would bode well for myself and Arme. I turned to the mage, shaking her lightly to try and wake her up. "C'mon Arme, it's time to get up, we have to get moving." The voices were getting closer, and I didn't quite feel like dealing with them should they find us. It took a few tries, but I finally get the sleepy mage awake enough to comply to moving into a better hiding spot behind one of the taller of the fallen bookshelves. A few minutes later a group of at least ten people arrived, all wearing strange clothes like the man from yesterday had.

"Wow, folks it looks like you get a treat today; this room's door seems to have fallen, allowing better access into the room, which appears to have once been a sort of library." An older women said, wearing the strangest outfit of the lot. She also seemed to be the one leading the group. "Please be careful as we want to preserve this place as best we can for others to come and enjoy." She didn't say anything for a few minutes as the ones of the group began milling around. "In it's time, this could've been quite the grand library from it's size." She finally said. "One would almost dare to say it could've been the greatest in it's prime days."

After awhile, the group left and once their voices were out of earshot, the castle was silent once again. I looked down at Arme, who had been leaning against me, to find her asleep once more. I sighed and shook her. After a few attempts she finally stirred, looking up at me. "What is it?" She asked, a sleepy/confused look on her face.

I looked away, trying to keep the blush from staining my cheeks. Man, she looked too cute like that..."Er...we should get going to the village. To see if we can find some answers about what going on."

"Mmm...how early is it?" She asked, yawning.

"Well judging from where the sun is, I'd say it's at least some where around noon." I responded.

Arme yawned and stood up, stretching. "Alright, alright I'm up." She said. "Ohhh I'm so stiff! Tonight we have to find some place better then a corner to sleep!"

I laughed a bit, standing up myself. "Agreed." I was a stiff myself, and although I had enjoyed Arme's touch a proper bed would be nice.

"Alright then let's-"

"Wait," I said cutting the mage off, "do you hear that?" I asked, hearing loud voices approaching once again, even though they sounded different then last time.

Arme listened for a moment before nodding. "Who are they?"

I shook my head. "I dunno." But further conversation was interrupted as another group came through the door, this time the leader seeming to a man although the patterns of his clothes we like the woman's, the only difference being his were made for a male. He did the same basic speech as the woman had, and letting the people wander a bit. I was starting to think this would be a regular occurrence during the day, and thus sneaking out won't be the easiest. So I formed a plan. "Hey, Arme. Why don't we join that group so there won't be any problems leaving the castle?" I suggested.

"Alright." She agreed. So with that we eased ourselves into looking like we were part of the group. After a few minutes the man called that it was time to leave, and leave we did, following right behind at the back of group. Once outside the castle, more people could be seen milling about.

"Lass, look." Arme said, pointing to the building that was near the castle. "People keep coming out of it carrying bags." And so they were. Every so often varying amounts of people would walk out through the doors, with bags in their hands. A few even came out with their noses buried in some type of book. "C'mon, let's go check it out!" Arme said, taking my hand and dragging me towards the doors of the building.

Inside, multiple shelves, tables and displays were set up. There was a counter in the shape of a circle with someone standing behind it in the middle of the room, dressed similar to the woman and the man from the groups earlier. Every so often someone would go up to the counter with some sort of item in their hand, and either exchange strange coins, paper, or even an odd looking flat plastic looking thing. After the exchange would take place, the item would be place in a bag and then handed back to the person who had brought it to the counter. Perhaps they were buying the item? Well that seemed logical enough.

"Hey Lass come look at this!" At Arme's call, I looked away from the counter to where the mage's voice was coming from. She was off to the right a bit, standing in front of one of the tables and holding up what looked to be a small model of how the castle should look, standing tall and proud, not forlorn and decayed. I went over to the mage and stood next to her, taking the offered model from her and examining it closer and noting that there were a handful more copies of the model on the table. The model was rather detailed, and was almost exactly the way the castle looked yesterday before the quake hit, except for a few minor things like the color being slightly off in some places. "So what do you make of it?" She asked.

"I'm not really sure, to tell the truth. After all, why would this place have such a model for the castle?" I asked, turning said model over in my hands. The bottom of it was completely flat, with a small rectangular paper stuck to it that had a strange symbol placed in front of numbers on it. "Twenty-nine dot ninety-nine?" I muttered, confused.

"Ahhh you have good taste young man! That there is a genuine replica of the castle here in it's prime days!" A man said from behind us and clapping a hand on my shoulder. I looked behind to see that he was rather tall, and wearing the same clothes that the other three had. He looked between the two of us. "So, young man, taking your little sister out on a trip then? How nice of you."

"She's not my sister." I corrected him. That was certainty a first...no one before had ever assumed Arme my sister just by looking at us.

The man looked rather surprised. "Oh really? I could've sworn she was with how short she is."

"I'm not that young! I'm fifteen! And the name it Arme not 'she'!" Arme protested.

"Ahh sorry then, miss." The man turned to looked back at me. "So if she's not your sister, is she your girlfriend then?" He shook his head before speaking again, not allowing me to answer. "No matter, a pretty girl always deserves gifts and you should observe that!" He turned to another table. "Now look at this!" He picked up one of the objects, a small, clear round glass type orb looking thing. It in could be seen a smaller version of the castle model surrounded by white. He shook it and white small white things flew around the inside. "You can make it snow at the castle!" Ugh, snow. I hated the stuff, especially after our venture to that frozen heck hole the Alter of Judgment or whatever the others had called it. If it hadn't been for Arme and her fire magic, I'm sure I would've become a Popsicle for those snow tigers to gnaw on.

But said mage certainly seemed to be interested in the item. She took the orb from the man's hands and shook it a few times herself. "Hey Lass isn't this so amazing, you can actually make it snow at the castle!" She said enthusiastically.

I sighed. "Yes, very impressive, especially since it brings back certain frost bitten memories." I muttered darkly.

Arme laughed. "Oh shush you. You just don't have any appreciation for snow."

"Well maybe I would if it didn't seem like I've just barely thawed from that miserable place."

Arme shook her head. "Well you might not like it, but I do." She said, shaking the orb again.

"And it's only fifteen ninety nine." The man said, making his presence know once again. Not like the information he gave made much sense. Fifteen ninety nine what?

"I would like to get it..." Arme said, looking at me.

"Great! Then will it be the snow globe or would you like to browse some more?" The man asked, but I ignored him for the moment.

"Arme, what did you do with your own money?" I asked the mage.

"I spent it all on books and some other supplies!"

I sighed. I really should've known that would be that answer. After all, it would be just like her to do that sort of thing. I looked at the man. "Just that, we really should be heading off."

"Perfect!" The man said cheerfully, taking the so called 'snow globe' from Arme's hands. "Just follow me to counter and well get this paid for!" He led us over to the counter, where he typed something into a strange shaped machine made of metal. "That'll be sixteen forty five." He said. Wait...hadn't he just said it was fifteen...? I shook my head and reached into a pocket, pulling out a single gold piece.

"Will this do?" I asked, holding it up for the man to see.

The man's eyes lit up strangely. "Yes, yes, of course that will suffice!" He said a little too enthusiastically, reaching out and taking the gold piece from me. Placed the bag with the globe on the counter without taking his eyes from the gold. He was starting to act a bit creepy...hadn't he ever seen a gold piece before?

"C'mon Arme, let's get out of here." I muttered to the mage, handing her the bag. She nodded and we left. "What was up with that guy anyways? He acted like he had never seen a gold piece before." I said once we were out.

"Ya, he was starting to give me the creeps. Although before he did seem nice enough, besides the part where he implied I was little."

"I guess...he was actually starting to get on my nerves a little what with that fake seeming happy attitude of his."

"What makes you think it was fake?" Arme asked as we approached the village, which wasn't too far off.

I shook my head. "I dunno, there was just something about him that just seemed rather fake."

"Well...whoa what happened here?!" Arme exclaimed as we entered the village.

It seemed a lot bigger then it had when I had been looking through the window of the castle, the buildings seeming taller and wider. Not to mention there were more metal contraptions going up and down the road with people inside them.

"I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to." I replied to her question. I think Arme said something more, but I was distracted from it as my sixth sense was telling me that something dangerous was approaching, and approaching fast. More in particular, approaching Arme. "Move!" I yelled, roughly pushing her aside, causing both of us to fall to the ground. It was as we were falling I felt a terrible pain in my side, and breathing was becoming a steadily harder task to perform. I put a hand to my side, only to find that blood was flowing freely from the small circular wound I know had.

"Lass!" Arme cried next to me, moving over so she could help sit up. I grit my teeth as the pain spiked with the movement. "What happened? Where did that wound come from?"

"I...I don't know." I managed out, a hand clasped to my side though it did little to stop the bleeding, the red fluid seeping through my fingers.

"This should help." Arme said, holding her staff to prepare a spell. "Cure!" But nothing happened, the blood kept flowing. The mage frowned. "CURE!" Still nothing. "I don't understand, why isn't my magic working?" She asked frantically.

"Arme..." I muttered, trying to keep my eyes from closing. I was suddenly so tired...it didn't help that black was beginning to cloud my vision.

"Don't fall asleep Lass!" Arme rummaged in her pockets, pulling out a medium sized potion. "Here, drink this. If I can't get my magic to work we'll have to use something else." She uncorked the bottle then placed the opening of the bottle to my lips, and helping me to drink it. The potion went down my throat easily, leaving behind a warm feeling like it always did. But it didn't entirely stop the bleeding, only serving to slow the flow a bit.

"What happened here?" A familiar voice said from somewhere to my left. Managing to look over I spotted what seemed to be Ronan, wearing strange clothes like the rest of the people here, looking worried. I think Arme said something, but I couldn't be sure as it was then that darkness decided to completely take over the world.


And there we have it, chapter one. Any guesses as to what's happened yet? ;P

-Xire