Suikoden 3: Heiwa Chapters
Chapter 1: Jowy's Downfall
The game had finally come to an end. Highland was defeated; the Blight family's rule had come to an end. And now the unified state of Heiwa was formed 3 months ago. A stable government now defends against such lands as Harmonia; which had sided itself with Highland in the past. Or Toran, President Lepant gave the impression that he was almost wary when signing the agreement of allies.
The trophy could be put on either the clever Shu's shelf, or the teenaged leader of the army.
But Jowy Atreides couldn't have predicted this. Not even the late Luca Blight.
A lone figure stood at a door that "Employees ONLY." He carefully knocked at the wooden surface, it echoed to his ears. All that could be seen was a long and pale blond ponytail streaming down his back.
"Come in." a rough voice resonded on the otherside of the door.
Inside was a area that resembled a stock room. All the shippings came here first, as Mr. Keito had the sign the papers first. There was a huge opening at the back the size of a garage used for carriages and carts.
"My shifts over, Sir." His voice was gentle but with a certain pubescent male tone.
Mr. Keito turned around, he had a roughly shaven face, dirty work overalls. "Then let me get you your salary for the week" he replied. He led the mysterious stranger out of the stock room.
The man pulled a pen out of his pocket, and a cheque from a nearby counter. He quickly scribbled something before sticking it out to the young man to show it to him.
"150 potch! What kind of SHIT are you handing me?!" He yelled, his voice audible through the entire shop this time.
The man put a finger to his lips, "SSH! Keep your voice down!" he warned in a gruff manner. "You've been late 3 times this week alone!"
The boy's mouth twisted into a taunt wire. There was nothing he could say to that.
"It better not happen again or-"
"I'll be fired." He said quietly finishing Mr. Keito's sentence. He had better to just comply, instead of making a scene. No, he wouldn't allow that to happen.
"Don't be late anymore, son. I'm just handing you a word of advice."
"I won't..Sir." he said. A pale hand snaked out and took the piece of paper, surrendering to Mr. Keito's warning without further protest. He sighed heavily and walked out, silently deciding whether to damn his employer or his late habits.
The sky was partially cloudy with bits of sunshine peeking out here and there. A crisp fall wind greeted him as he exited the shop. He pulled his hat low over his face. No one knew him now, and he intended to keep it that way. To think, if anyone were to discover that..no, it just could not happen!
Kyaro hasn't changed.he thought as his eyes travelled the surroundings. It was the kind of village that war couldn't change. He had betrayed Kyaro as a City State spy. And then turned around and backstabbed the State with the help of Kage. And even after then, he disappeared as his kingdom crumbled before him.
He kicked at a pile of dead leaves. The worst was running out on Hiro, and leaving him with unanswered questions. Hiro and Nanami just happened to come in exactly after he had murdered Anabelle. There was no denying it, he was holding the blood-spattered knife for proof. But at least Kyaro knew none of that.
Children were playing in the cobblestone streets, a few of them he recognized. He tilted his hat up slightly so he could look at them, how many of them had brothers in the Unicorn Brigade? He could see the now abandoned Kyaro Highland Station past them, and not so fondly remembered his time there. Even the wooden arch to the south was untouched.
He paused where he could see the bronzed gate of the Atreides' Clan. He could see the mansion in the distance. What was Father doing now, long after his traitorous successor was ordered out of the family? Did Rosa ever think of him? His brothers probably had forced the memory of him the day he was taken away by soldiers. At least Marco would not turn into another Jowy. They weren't even related by blood.
Everything's backfired on me. I've lost everything and everyone I ever cared about. He thought bitterly. He clenched his fists inside his sleeves and kept on his way home.
Who was he now?. Not Jowy Atreides, heir to the clan. Nor Jowy Blight, King of Highland. He was just plain old Jowy.
And now Jowy lived in the dojo on the western district of the village. He was the ghost everyone talked about. The "dark shadow" moving around in Genkaku's old house. There was nothing left in this world for him except an empty home and a few memories to hold onto.
The blond stopped and glanced behind to make sure he wasn't being tailed. Then started the thickly forested area to his current residence. Jowy thanked Grandpa for living so huddled away from the rest of Kyaro. Hiro used to say he wished they lived closer to the town, but truthfully Jowy liked it just fine. He would stay out there for as long as possible, to get away from being an heir.
What was Hiro doing now?
The cerulean eyed boy had heard he had become the president of Heiwa. It figured, Jowy supposed. After all, Hiro had led thousands of men and woman alike to victory. His best friend, the shyest and most gentle person he ever knew had developped into the president of an entire country.
All because of that Bright Shield rune.
Ever since the brown haired shounen acquired that rune and himself the Black Sword rune, it seemed they were destined to be enemies. Maybe Jowy's lust for power caused this all, no, he had a desire to help. He wanted a better future, not power. That's why he and Hiro walked down the separate paths in the Sindar shrine.
This was ordained. All of this was charted for the two of us. Jowy declared to himself. That was why he didn't choose the same path as Hiro. The blond boy didn't regret staying loyal to Highland, a kingdom he thought if routed in the right direction would make a change. It gained freedom, only not the way he wanted it.
I guess this is how it's meant to be, Hiro. I'm only sorry we can't go back to the way we were. He removed the hat and shook out his long blond ponytail. There was just enough sunlight for it to gleam. It wasn't a bright day, as gray clouds littered the sky. Autumn was here, yet it was still several months to Winter thankfully.
The path continued, the trees dense on either side. It was horrible coming through here at night he imagined. Luckily he never had to experience that yet.
Jowy smiled to himself, at the very least it was private.
A small clearing was just up ahead, then it would head off into another narrow path before reaching the dojo.
"Somebody help me!!!" a voice called from up ahead. Jowy's head popped up. That sounded like a desperate person too, like as if they were in pain or something.
"Must be from the clearing!" he realized quickly. He started running hastily. His mind quickening with every step. He wasn't familiar with the voice, and in Kyaro, you could recognize everyone and anyone's voice, except if they were a foreigner. He reached the clearing within record time. Jowy was puffing and panting but still his mind was focused on the task at hand.
His sky blue eyes scanned the large area, determination surfacing in them.
"OI! Can anyone hear me?!"
He could see a figure waving in the distance, they were in a sitting position.
"Thataway!" Jowy determined outloud. Who are you anyway? He wondered as he neared them.
"Ohhhhh K'soh.." he heard. A girl with brown hair sat in front of him, she apparently did not see Jowy yet.
"Are..you alright?" Jowy said delicately as he approached.
Her head shot up, "Nani?!!" Hey eyes widened, and then softened a little. "Oh.." She looked no more than 15, with hair that cascaded down to the small of her back. It was russet and had a few tendrils on the right, while her left eye was completely shrouded by a bang.
"Don't worry, I'm here to help you." He said directly and calmly. "What's the." his eyes caught sight of her wrists that were trapped in a rusted iron animal trap. Not clenched onto her wrists luckily but just enough so that she couldn't move.
"Don't budge, any sharp movement could trigger it and it would clamp down on you." Jowy said, looking her straight in the eye. "It would crush the bones in your wrist." He informed her bluntly.
"But I'll get you out, trust me." If Jowy could be sweet to anybody, it was girls and children.
The girl inhaled sharply, but nodded her comprehension quickly. Jowy gave her a half-smile, of encouragement perhaps. Her eyes gave away something that looked like fear, but they were hard to read. They were like amber, a color he had only seen in one Indian summer.
::Crackle::
Jowy whirled around. He had heard the unmistakable splintering of dead leaves under feet. A lone wolf sat there, nobly. Its fur was perfectly gray, and eyes that pierced him into place.
"AWOOO.."
"I thought you would have run away." The girl said, almost amused. The wolf stood there in silence. Jowy looked from it to the tawny-eyed girl. There was almost a staring contest going on, it seemed to him.
"."
"Oh! I was trying to save this animal from this trap, and that's how I wound up here." She explained, seeing Jowy's puzzled expression.
"I see." he said quietly. This girl belonged inside; perhaps as a domestic assistant to her mother. She gave him a feeling of nostalgia, for she was parallel to Jilia.
The beast cocked its head to the side in interest. It regarded the pair with an intensity but authentic curiosity.
Okay, that thing is so going to eat us. Jowy groaned in his head. He wasn't looking forward to being wolf bait. But the girl was still talking to the creature, even if it did appear to comprehend.
"It's not going to hurt us." The lass explained, looking into his eyes.
"Hai." She spoke in a foreign language. She could be trusted to know what she was talking about. The wolf walked away; bored with the scene.
Jowy nodded, and cracked his knuckles, never taking his eyes off the brown- haired girl. She met him with an equally concentrated expression before glancing away again.
I'm not going to hurt you, don't worry. He had only seen eyes like that on Hiro. Deep intense. They were ponds of worry but also of unseen innocence. Hiro had eyes you could lose yourself in, like a pool of mud you would sink in if you stayed there too long. And Jowy could easily see that she too, had not had an easy life.
"Don't move. Whatever you do, don't move." He warned gently, bracing his hands. Jowy grasped the trap firmly. Rust was burning into his flesh but it would have to wait to bother him. His large hands spread out over the snare so it was completely in his grip. His jawline tightened as his teeth clenched.
It would not split apart, even if he was stronger than average of someone his age.
Black Sword, of the rune of Beginning.lend me your strength. He prayed silently. Concentration brewed on his face. The young girl had her eyes closed, and appeared asorbed in focus as well. If he had've known better, he would have believed she was lending him her strength.
"1.2."
I need power!
The aura of the rune enveloped him.
"3!"
A black glow suddenly started to blaze from his hand. It engulfed the snare and fused with it. It broke to pieces.
"I did..it!!" Jowy exclaimed.
She let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. "Thank..you."
Of course it took him a few moments to realize that she was waiting for him to say something. He coughed a few times, and ran a hand through his hair. The long blond strands all perfectly in place.
"It was nothing, ma'am." He winked one crystal blue orb. The girl giggled briefly, and then extended her hand; her nails were black and lengthy.
"They call me Raini." She glanced at him expectantly, as she waited for him to take her hand. He tilted his head to the side somewhat, while capturing her hand with both of his own. Jowy beamed at the blush he received.
Her name, it was the most interesting name he had ever heard, like it had a story behind it that was begging to be told.
"Raini? That's different, huh?" He saw her tilt the corners of her mouth up slightly. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, a light vanilla & almost floral scent wafted to his nose.
Raini appeared, and even behaved different from every other female in Kyaro. Nanami was one of the only exceptions, and possibly Jilia. Hai, the other girls were haughty and to a far extent, condescending. Where are you from? He marveled inside his skull.
"Awoooooo!" The beast howled, quieter than before. It stood up from its position on its hind legs, and approached the pair. The wolf circled the duo numerous times and settled itself at the side of the lass.
"Sugoi, Great job.Shizuka." She murmered in a quiet yet self-assured voice, whilst stroking the animal's head fondly. Her voice took a lower tone.
What?!
"Raini?" Jowy interupted, scuffing the back of his head with his hand.
"Konnichiwa.." She smirked at the beast, and adjusted the red scarf around her neck. The creature had its eyes closed in contentment. It evidently was familiar with Raini. But, how was this possible?
Jowy's eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. "You know this beast?"
The female shifted her attention from the wolf to the young man standing before her. "Sou, it seems to recognize me." She replied nonchalantly. She fingered the collar of her ebony shirt, pulling at the leathery hide. "No matter." She shrugged her shoulders, the beast retreated back into the forest. He assumed it was the last of the being.
"I don't know what I would have done without you..." She said softly, trailing off.
"Jowy." He said simply, with an added chuckle to his voice. The thought about the animal slipped from his focus. She seemed to be opening up slightly and becoming more comfortable.
Raini looked at her feet, and then back at his face. A light flush played across her features.
Jowy smiled, she was shoulder high to him. Girls in Kyaro were much taller. Heck, it took him 15 years to grow to be Nanami's height. Toran perhaps? She wasn't from Highland, at least.
"Jowy ne? Well 'Jowy', I'm honored to meet you." Raini said and punched his shoulder. "I hope that we will meet again, only under different circumstances."
"Different circumstances?"
Suddenly the shorter of the pair yelled a word in an unfamiliar tongue. He assumed it was the same as the native language she was speaking in beforehand. She raised one hand and put the other on her hip.
The boy's eyes widened to saucers. What the hell is she doing?! His mind was racing. All thoughts of her being akin to Jilia were thrown out the window and replaced by a brash swordsman.
"SHIZUKA!" Raini screamed harshly, taking one smooth step away from Jowy. Her mouth leered at him. The frightened little girl had vanished from her persona.
At once, a rustling occurred from the forest nearby. The identical gray wolf manifested itself from the shadows.
"That's.." Jowy mumbled, his gaze darting back from the wolf to Raini.
It casually stalked its way over to her side, and sat down. She whispered something to it's perked ear.
"Meet Shizuka. The most stealthy creature ever to have existed, and the most loyal of any being to ever inhabit the world."
The pale young man blinked, his brain was in every hemisphere. She had been in the hunting snare while now that animal was concurrently obeying her.
"If you know that.."
"Shizuka." She cut him off, and lowered her hand.
Jowy rolled his eyes, "Kuroi, whatever. How on earth did you ever become trapped if you knew that wolf, wouldn't he have stayed away..when you..but." He was confused, he pulled anxiously at his long golden ponytail.
Raini smoothed the down around Shizuka's ears. "Thanks for the opportunity." She spoke very calmly.
"Opportunity?!" Damnit! This was not looking prosperous at all for Jowy.
"To do..this!"
The beast immediately moved into place off to the side.
I've been a victim of a manipulative thief! The realization finally hit him. His soft blue eues widened,this girl had planned this before he arrived at the scene!
Raini raised her left hand. It glowed a teal color and was almost blinding; even in broad daylight. Rays of azure spread around them; almost like a prism.
"Wind Rune! Allow me your strength!" she bellowed. The light crystalized around her and encased her in it. An emblem of three sharply curved thick lines blazed on her hand. Her boy was being slowly raised into the air.
Jowy whirled around and raised his hands warily. His eyes flitted quickly around him.
A gusty sound surrounded them. Leaves from the tree whipped by Jowy as a cold wind circled around him now. It swirled around him over and over. His alert stance was slipping as he could not keep his mind in sync with the wind whipping around him.
"Wind of Sleep!" Raini yelled, her voice becoming hoarse. It echoed the distance between them.
Jowy's eyes started to droop. The chilly wind beating around him developed suddenly mild and had a fresh & sweet smell to it. A lullaby-like melody accompanied the current of air, and he suddenly wanted to sleep.
His blue eyes closed over his pale skin. The last thing he saw was the shining light coming from that rune.
"Hi..ro." he mumbled, his lips numbing as he dropped groggily to his knees. From there, he collapsed onto the soft ground. His breathing came in even; he was in a deep sleep.
Raini lowered her hand. Her imprisonment shattered and the pieces evaporated into the air. She fell harshly from the few feet in the air, and onto her knees as well. She cracked her knuckles, barely panting.
She looked up, Jowy was slumbering several metres in front of her. His blond hair was strewn all around his perfectly. She smiled contently to herself.
"Shizuka." She stood, wiping at her tight black chinos.
The gray beast came into view once more. She patted its head. "Give Beca my best wishes."
The auburn-haired young woman reached into Jowy's pocket. Raini pulled out a few coins before setting it into her own pouch. She placed them carefully in a tiny container attached to Shizuka's concealed leather collar.
"Arigato. She probably is waiting for you on the former Highland/City-State border. "
The beast barked once very gruffly, and stalked off back into the forest.
Raini saluted the sleeping boy, "And thank you." She said smiling.
(To be Continued.)
Chapter 1: Jowy's Downfall
The game had finally come to an end. Highland was defeated; the Blight family's rule had come to an end. And now the unified state of Heiwa was formed 3 months ago. A stable government now defends against such lands as Harmonia; which had sided itself with Highland in the past. Or Toran, President Lepant gave the impression that he was almost wary when signing the agreement of allies.
The trophy could be put on either the clever Shu's shelf, or the teenaged leader of the army.
But Jowy Atreides couldn't have predicted this. Not even the late Luca Blight.
A lone figure stood at a door that "Employees ONLY." He carefully knocked at the wooden surface, it echoed to his ears. All that could be seen was a long and pale blond ponytail streaming down his back.
"Come in." a rough voice resonded on the otherside of the door.
Inside was a area that resembled a stock room. All the shippings came here first, as Mr. Keito had the sign the papers first. There was a huge opening at the back the size of a garage used for carriages and carts.
"My shifts over, Sir." His voice was gentle but with a certain pubescent male tone.
Mr. Keito turned around, he had a roughly shaven face, dirty work overalls. "Then let me get you your salary for the week" he replied. He led the mysterious stranger out of the stock room.
The man pulled a pen out of his pocket, and a cheque from a nearby counter. He quickly scribbled something before sticking it out to the young man to show it to him.
"150 potch! What kind of SHIT are you handing me?!" He yelled, his voice audible through the entire shop this time.
The man put a finger to his lips, "SSH! Keep your voice down!" he warned in a gruff manner. "You've been late 3 times this week alone!"
The boy's mouth twisted into a taunt wire. There was nothing he could say to that.
"It better not happen again or-"
"I'll be fired." He said quietly finishing Mr. Keito's sentence. He had better to just comply, instead of making a scene. No, he wouldn't allow that to happen.
"Don't be late anymore, son. I'm just handing you a word of advice."
"I won't..Sir." he said. A pale hand snaked out and took the piece of paper, surrendering to Mr. Keito's warning without further protest. He sighed heavily and walked out, silently deciding whether to damn his employer or his late habits.
The sky was partially cloudy with bits of sunshine peeking out here and there. A crisp fall wind greeted him as he exited the shop. He pulled his hat low over his face. No one knew him now, and he intended to keep it that way. To think, if anyone were to discover that..no, it just could not happen!
Kyaro hasn't changed.he thought as his eyes travelled the surroundings. It was the kind of village that war couldn't change. He had betrayed Kyaro as a City State spy. And then turned around and backstabbed the State with the help of Kage. And even after then, he disappeared as his kingdom crumbled before him.
He kicked at a pile of dead leaves. The worst was running out on Hiro, and leaving him with unanswered questions. Hiro and Nanami just happened to come in exactly after he had murdered Anabelle. There was no denying it, he was holding the blood-spattered knife for proof. But at least Kyaro knew none of that.
Children were playing in the cobblestone streets, a few of them he recognized. He tilted his hat up slightly so he could look at them, how many of them had brothers in the Unicorn Brigade? He could see the now abandoned Kyaro Highland Station past them, and not so fondly remembered his time there. Even the wooden arch to the south was untouched.
He paused where he could see the bronzed gate of the Atreides' Clan. He could see the mansion in the distance. What was Father doing now, long after his traitorous successor was ordered out of the family? Did Rosa ever think of him? His brothers probably had forced the memory of him the day he was taken away by soldiers. At least Marco would not turn into another Jowy. They weren't even related by blood.
Everything's backfired on me. I've lost everything and everyone I ever cared about. He thought bitterly. He clenched his fists inside his sleeves and kept on his way home.
Who was he now?. Not Jowy Atreides, heir to the clan. Nor Jowy Blight, King of Highland. He was just plain old Jowy.
And now Jowy lived in the dojo on the western district of the village. He was the ghost everyone talked about. The "dark shadow" moving around in Genkaku's old house. There was nothing left in this world for him except an empty home and a few memories to hold onto.
The blond stopped and glanced behind to make sure he wasn't being tailed. Then started the thickly forested area to his current residence. Jowy thanked Grandpa for living so huddled away from the rest of Kyaro. Hiro used to say he wished they lived closer to the town, but truthfully Jowy liked it just fine. He would stay out there for as long as possible, to get away from being an heir.
What was Hiro doing now?
The cerulean eyed boy had heard he had become the president of Heiwa. It figured, Jowy supposed. After all, Hiro had led thousands of men and woman alike to victory. His best friend, the shyest and most gentle person he ever knew had developped into the president of an entire country.
All because of that Bright Shield rune.
Ever since the brown haired shounen acquired that rune and himself the Black Sword rune, it seemed they were destined to be enemies. Maybe Jowy's lust for power caused this all, no, he had a desire to help. He wanted a better future, not power. That's why he and Hiro walked down the separate paths in the Sindar shrine.
This was ordained. All of this was charted for the two of us. Jowy declared to himself. That was why he didn't choose the same path as Hiro. The blond boy didn't regret staying loyal to Highland, a kingdom he thought if routed in the right direction would make a change. It gained freedom, only not the way he wanted it.
I guess this is how it's meant to be, Hiro. I'm only sorry we can't go back to the way we were. He removed the hat and shook out his long blond ponytail. There was just enough sunlight for it to gleam. It wasn't a bright day, as gray clouds littered the sky. Autumn was here, yet it was still several months to Winter thankfully.
The path continued, the trees dense on either side. It was horrible coming through here at night he imagined. Luckily he never had to experience that yet.
Jowy smiled to himself, at the very least it was private.
A small clearing was just up ahead, then it would head off into another narrow path before reaching the dojo.
"Somebody help me!!!" a voice called from up ahead. Jowy's head popped up. That sounded like a desperate person too, like as if they were in pain or something.
"Must be from the clearing!" he realized quickly. He started running hastily. His mind quickening with every step. He wasn't familiar with the voice, and in Kyaro, you could recognize everyone and anyone's voice, except if they were a foreigner. He reached the clearing within record time. Jowy was puffing and panting but still his mind was focused on the task at hand.
His sky blue eyes scanned the large area, determination surfacing in them.
"OI! Can anyone hear me?!"
He could see a figure waving in the distance, they were in a sitting position.
"Thataway!" Jowy determined outloud. Who are you anyway? He wondered as he neared them.
"Ohhhhh K'soh.." he heard. A girl with brown hair sat in front of him, she apparently did not see Jowy yet.
"Are..you alright?" Jowy said delicately as he approached.
Her head shot up, "Nani?!!" Hey eyes widened, and then softened a little. "Oh.." She looked no more than 15, with hair that cascaded down to the small of her back. It was russet and had a few tendrils on the right, while her left eye was completely shrouded by a bang.
"Don't worry, I'm here to help you." He said directly and calmly. "What's the." his eyes caught sight of her wrists that were trapped in a rusted iron animal trap. Not clenched onto her wrists luckily but just enough so that she couldn't move.
"Don't budge, any sharp movement could trigger it and it would clamp down on you." Jowy said, looking her straight in the eye. "It would crush the bones in your wrist." He informed her bluntly.
"But I'll get you out, trust me." If Jowy could be sweet to anybody, it was girls and children.
The girl inhaled sharply, but nodded her comprehension quickly. Jowy gave her a half-smile, of encouragement perhaps. Her eyes gave away something that looked like fear, but they were hard to read. They were like amber, a color he had only seen in one Indian summer.
::Crackle::
Jowy whirled around. He had heard the unmistakable splintering of dead leaves under feet. A lone wolf sat there, nobly. Its fur was perfectly gray, and eyes that pierced him into place.
"AWOOO.."
"I thought you would have run away." The girl said, almost amused. The wolf stood there in silence. Jowy looked from it to the tawny-eyed girl. There was almost a staring contest going on, it seemed to him.
"."
"Oh! I was trying to save this animal from this trap, and that's how I wound up here." She explained, seeing Jowy's puzzled expression.
"I see." he said quietly. This girl belonged inside; perhaps as a domestic assistant to her mother. She gave him a feeling of nostalgia, for she was parallel to Jilia.
The beast cocked its head to the side in interest. It regarded the pair with an intensity but authentic curiosity.
Okay, that thing is so going to eat us. Jowy groaned in his head. He wasn't looking forward to being wolf bait. But the girl was still talking to the creature, even if it did appear to comprehend.
"It's not going to hurt us." The lass explained, looking into his eyes.
"Hai." She spoke in a foreign language. She could be trusted to know what she was talking about. The wolf walked away; bored with the scene.
Jowy nodded, and cracked his knuckles, never taking his eyes off the brown- haired girl. She met him with an equally concentrated expression before glancing away again.
I'm not going to hurt you, don't worry. He had only seen eyes like that on Hiro. Deep intense. They were ponds of worry but also of unseen innocence. Hiro had eyes you could lose yourself in, like a pool of mud you would sink in if you stayed there too long. And Jowy could easily see that she too, had not had an easy life.
"Don't move. Whatever you do, don't move." He warned gently, bracing his hands. Jowy grasped the trap firmly. Rust was burning into his flesh but it would have to wait to bother him. His large hands spread out over the snare so it was completely in his grip. His jawline tightened as his teeth clenched.
It would not split apart, even if he was stronger than average of someone his age.
Black Sword, of the rune of Beginning.lend me your strength. He prayed silently. Concentration brewed on his face. The young girl had her eyes closed, and appeared asorbed in focus as well. If he had've known better, he would have believed she was lending him her strength.
"1.2."
I need power!
The aura of the rune enveloped him.
"3!"
A black glow suddenly started to blaze from his hand. It engulfed the snare and fused with it. It broke to pieces.
"I did..it!!" Jowy exclaimed.
She let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. "Thank..you."
Of course it took him a few moments to realize that she was waiting for him to say something. He coughed a few times, and ran a hand through his hair. The long blond strands all perfectly in place.
"It was nothing, ma'am." He winked one crystal blue orb. The girl giggled briefly, and then extended her hand; her nails were black and lengthy.
"They call me Raini." She glanced at him expectantly, as she waited for him to take her hand. He tilted his head to the side somewhat, while capturing her hand with both of his own. Jowy beamed at the blush he received.
Her name, it was the most interesting name he had ever heard, like it had a story behind it that was begging to be told.
"Raini? That's different, huh?" He saw her tilt the corners of her mouth up slightly. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, a light vanilla & almost floral scent wafted to his nose.
Raini appeared, and even behaved different from every other female in Kyaro. Nanami was one of the only exceptions, and possibly Jilia. Hai, the other girls were haughty and to a far extent, condescending. Where are you from? He marveled inside his skull.
"Awoooooo!" The beast howled, quieter than before. It stood up from its position on its hind legs, and approached the pair. The wolf circled the duo numerous times and settled itself at the side of the lass.
"Sugoi, Great job.Shizuka." She murmered in a quiet yet self-assured voice, whilst stroking the animal's head fondly. Her voice took a lower tone.
What?!
"Raini?" Jowy interupted, scuffing the back of his head with his hand.
"Konnichiwa.." She smirked at the beast, and adjusted the red scarf around her neck. The creature had its eyes closed in contentment. It evidently was familiar with Raini. But, how was this possible?
Jowy's eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. "You know this beast?"
The female shifted her attention from the wolf to the young man standing before her. "Sou, it seems to recognize me." She replied nonchalantly. She fingered the collar of her ebony shirt, pulling at the leathery hide. "No matter." She shrugged her shoulders, the beast retreated back into the forest. He assumed it was the last of the being.
"I don't know what I would have done without you..." She said softly, trailing off.
"Jowy." He said simply, with an added chuckle to his voice. The thought about the animal slipped from his focus. She seemed to be opening up slightly and becoming more comfortable.
Raini looked at her feet, and then back at his face. A light flush played across her features.
Jowy smiled, she was shoulder high to him. Girls in Kyaro were much taller. Heck, it took him 15 years to grow to be Nanami's height. Toran perhaps? She wasn't from Highland, at least.
"Jowy ne? Well 'Jowy', I'm honored to meet you." Raini said and punched his shoulder. "I hope that we will meet again, only under different circumstances."
"Different circumstances?"
Suddenly the shorter of the pair yelled a word in an unfamiliar tongue. He assumed it was the same as the native language she was speaking in beforehand. She raised one hand and put the other on her hip.
The boy's eyes widened to saucers. What the hell is she doing?! His mind was racing. All thoughts of her being akin to Jilia were thrown out the window and replaced by a brash swordsman.
"SHIZUKA!" Raini screamed harshly, taking one smooth step away from Jowy. Her mouth leered at him. The frightened little girl had vanished from her persona.
At once, a rustling occurred from the forest nearby. The identical gray wolf manifested itself from the shadows.
"That's.." Jowy mumbled, his gaze darting back from the wolf to Raini.
It casually stalked its way over to her side, and sat down. She whispered something to it's perked ear.
"Meet Shizuka. The most stealthy creature ever to have existed, and the most loyal of any being to ever inhabit the world."
The pale young man blinked, his brain was in every hemisphere. She had been in the hunting snare while now that animal was concurrently obeying her.
"If you know that.."
"Shizuka." She cut him off, and lowered her hand.
Jowy rolled his eyes, "Kuroi, whatever. How on earth did you ever become trapped if you knew that wolf, wouldn't he have stayed away..when you..but." He was confused, he pulled anxiously at his long golden ponytail.
Raini smoothed the down around Shizuka's ears. "Thanks for the opportunity." She spoke very calmly.
"Opportunity?!" Damnit! This was not looking prosperous at all for Jowy.
"To do..this!"
The beast immediately moved into place off to the side.
I've been a victim of a manipulative thief! The realization finally hit him. His soft blue eues widened,this girl had planned this before he arrived at the scene!
Raini raised her left hand. It glowed a teal color and was almost blinding; even in broad daylight. Rays of azure spread around them; almost like a prism.
"Wind Rune! Allow me your strength!" she bellowed. The light crystalized around her and encased her in it. An emblem of three sharply curved thick lines blazed on her hand. Her boy was being slowly raised into the air.
Jowy whirled around and raised his hands warily. His eyes flitted quickly around him.
A gusty sound surrounded them. Leaves from the tree whipped by Jowy as a cold wind circled around him now. It swirled around him over and over. His alert stance was slipping as he could not keep his mind in sync with the wind whipping around him.
"Wind of Sleep!" Raini yelled, her voice becoming hoarse. It echoed the distance between them.
Jowy's eyes started to droop. The chilly wind beating around him developed suddenly mild and had a fresh & sweet smell to it. A lullaby-like melody accompanied the current of air, and he suddenly wanted to sleep.
His blue eyes closed over his pale skin. The last thing he saw was the shining light coming from that rune.
"Hi..ro." he mumbled, his lips numbing as he dropped groggily to his knees. From there, he collapsed onto the soft ground. His breathing came in even; he was in a deep sleep.
Raini lowered her hand. Her imprisonment shattered and the pieces evaporated into the air. She fell harshly from the few feet in the air, and onto her knees as well. She cracked her knuckles, barely panting.
She looked up, Jowy was slumbering several metres in front of her. His blond hair was strewn all around his perfectly. She smiled contently to herself.
"Shizuka." She stood, wiping at her tight black chinos.
The gray beast came into view once more. She patted its head. "Give Beca my best wishes."
The auburn-haired young woman reached into Jowy's pocket. Raini pulled out a few coins before setting it into her own pouch. She placed them carefully in a tiny container attached to Shizuka's concealed leather collar.
"Arigato. She probably is waiting for you on the former Highland/City-State border. "
The beast barked once very gruffly, and stalked off back into the forest.
Raini saluted the sleeping boy, "And thank you." She said smiling.
(To be Continued.)