Chapter One

Witchcraft


Sparrow had originally thought she would be greeted by the warm sunlight shining down upon the gypsy camp as she materialized a foot before the bridge. Rather, the sky was dark, stormy looking. What caught her eye, however, were the gates leading into the gypsy camp. They were struck down into pieces, scattered across the ground and burnt like the grass. A scream activated her legs, and Sparrow charged into the camp, daichi withdrawn.

Fog pooled on the ground, and in the center of the camp, she saw the figure. It was hooded, hands clasped, much like a banshee. But the banshees could only be found in Wraithmarsh, and had Sparrow not known that, the evident fact that the thing wasn't floating would have been a dead giveaway. Out of pure habit, Sparrow put herself into a block stance, waiting for it to have the first move. When it didn't budge, Sparrow eased herself a little, just a little. Then it turned to face her, and her sword shot right back up, rough hands gripping the hilt so hard that her knuckles were close to white.

Sparrow dove towards the being, but as if she had accidentally triggered her time control ability, everything slowed around her, blurred almost, and froze. She became paralyzed on the spot, one foot lifted off the ground, blade raised. The woman pulled her hood down to reveal blanched, shoulder-length hair and wrinkly face. The skin on her cheekbones were sagging a little. Hello, Sparrow... a voice entered her mind. The present of someone else inside her head was all too familiar, if not calming. I am Theodosia. A witch. I seek your assistance. Sparrow really had no choice other than to listen to Theodosia. Even the witch's name... Theodosia, Theresa? It was an unneeded shove towards memory lane. Will you help me? Simply relax, good Hero, and think of your answer.

Sparrow tried to relax, but that was easier said than done. Yes.

Good, I thank you kindly. Please, follow me. As Theodosia walked past, Sparrow felt the magic release her and she plummeted to the ground, landing in the fog and sitting on her knees as Theodosia sauntered on. Her saunter was far too close to Theresa's, and the way her hands were held in front of her... Please, follow me, Theodosia repeated. It is urgent. Sparrow didn't particularly doubt Theodosia's request for help, but she wasn't so sure she should believe it, either. She pushed herself off the ground and followed behind the woman cautiously, meticulous hand on the hilt never ceasing.

Theodosia led her out of the camp, across the bridge, where Sparrow remembered perfectly the day Theresa sent her out into the world. Her first steps off that bridge were her first steps closer, in the immense journey, that she had come to defeating Lucien.

Understand, Hero, that you are bound to help me now.

What am I supposed to do? There was an edge in her voice that declared her impatient. It made Theodosia chuckle. It is not funny. I demand to know what you want of me.

If you are so sure you would like to know, I wish of you to kill someone.

And who is 'someone'? Sparrow seemed a little more patient then, happy to be getting somewhere.

That is not for me to tell. Theodosia stopped where she was walking, and suddenly, Sparrow realized they weren't even remotely close to the gypsy camp any longer.

Then whose is it? Sparrow shot back. Instantly, electrical blue, white, and gold shimmering lights began to surround her in swirls, lifting her off the ground. A moment later, they became black, violet, and silver. Sparrow was thrust to the ground, feeling weak, and before the shadows of unconsciousness consumed her, she lifted her head to peer at the witch.

Theodosia's figure then turned, head tilted, pursed lips angled into a mischevious smile. "Your's."


Yeah, so I understand this isn't the most... Original. I hope it gets better for you guys, but, hey. xD For those of you who have read and reviewed (though I don't know how to /read/ reviews yet... Can't find the cursed link-thing to do so...) thank you greatly. =3 Enjoy!