Chapter 2: Tavern Mayhem
Darkness.
"."
It's nightime.
"Ughhh"
It's time to wake up.
"Raini?"
Jowy.
He opened his eyes slowly, each moment revealed a millimetre of twin azure orbs. Jowy had returned to consciousness, and was alone. "Damnit." He muttered quietly, cursing the girl who had stolen his money.
This would only happen to me, he growled silently. Not only had he had his salary chopped this week, but now that little bit that he had was taken from him. Now Jowy was already out of sorts, and this just made it worse. He laughed bitterly, "And now THIS happens."
The boy carefully propped himself up, his mind still hazy from sleep. Jowy groaned and looked around himself. The woods were shadowy and sinister eyes peered out from the inside. If anything, I should get out of here. Jowy thought to himself. He was going to have to go back to town anyway. Maybe his employer would take pity on him and give him more money to hold over until the next time he was paid.
The blond quickly hurried down the path out of the woods. Jowy was damn cautious not to spend another minute unaccompanied out here.
*** Jowy exhaled, the nights weren't too chilly yet; since it was still Autumn. He could still remember sitting on his front veranda on nights like these, and just looking and listening. Since the mansion was in the Northern part of town, and on a hill, he could have a view of the entire village. It was best, when in the fall the huge Harvest moon would be sitting proudly in the ebony sky. "But that was when I was an Atreides." He reflected sadly. Still, Kyaro was reasonably calm at night, not at all like Muse. The humble nature of the town made it that way, he supposed, except for one certain store at the farther end of town; the East side.
This had the possibility to be worse than the woods. The shop was turned into a tavern at night. And Jowy had let that slip his mind. He stood outside the building, and could hear the clamor from within. The swinging doors also provided a partial view of the ruckus happening inside.
Oh, of course it would be the same owner, but it was a different place now. Not one for someone his age, "I can only imagine what sort of people are in there.." he cringed, thinking of all the drunks and showgirls that could inside.
But money was more important. Actually, lack of money was more important. "This is it," he said outloud, glancing about him. "Here goes."
He pushed open the painted red doors. The music and belching of the tavern came to his ears.
"Hey Loree, don't be stingy, Giv'me more beer!!!" He heard an obviously intoxicated voice yell out. A man with a roughly shaven face sat at a table shaking an empty mug.
Jowy continued walking and saw the person the drunkard was talking to.
A young woman who looked 18, balancing a tray with drinks on one hand turned around abruptly and shook her head. "No you Greek fool, you had enough. Go on home to your wife!" As she turned back around, he could see she had different tints of blond in her hair, which was pulled back tightly into a ponytail.
The former king of Highland thanked God for not letting this people notice him as he made his way through the crowded tavern. Nobody seemed aware of his presence in general. This was a good thing, he supposed. His only problem now was finding where his employer was.
"Shit.." the blonde muttered underneath his breath. Jowy glnced around anxiously, as if almost hoping someone would come and direct him.
"You're a young one, what can I do ya for?" a soft voice asked behind him.
He jumped and whirled around suddenly so suddenly the girl nearly fell back with her tray. "Hey, I was only trying to help.." her voice descended into almost a gentle whine. "Sorry," Jowy replied equally kind. His eyes travelled into hers, as they were the most intricate shade of gray-blue he had ever seen, and the dark makeup around her eyes brought them out even more.
He took a deep breath and deduced she would help him. "I'm looking for Mr. Keito.he's my e-"
"Employer." She interrupted. "I got ya." She said with an appealing smile. Hey eyes were locked on him constantly, freezing him into place. He nodded in response. "Hey, Rena, do you know where the boss is?" she shouted to a doorway nearby.
"He's in here." A rather jaded voice replied. "Give us a few minutes." The person left before the blond boy had a chance to regard them.
"Business." Loree stated tossing her hand.
Make this quick.Jowy whispered impatiently. The less time he spent in there, the better.
"Well, I got orders," Loree said, pulling on the skirt she wore. "And the boys over there look like big spenders, so I think I can get a few big tips from'em" she signaled to a group of men who were all cheering loudly. "See you."
"The less time, the better.." Jowy reiterated to himself, he grabbed a nearby chair and sat down at an vacanted table. He sighed, he just wanted to get in and out of here. Now he was delayed. Now Jowy had grown up in a wealthy family, and was more or less sheltered against the violent and filthy lifestyle. Yet even with the brutality he saw during the previous year, he still didn't like it.
What would Hiro do in this situation? He wondered, his chin resting in his palm. Nanami would probably march right up there before Hiro had a chance to stop her, or make Jowy do it.
But only if it were the way it used to be. He knew it could never be like that now. Nanami was dead. She had died protecting himself and her brother from Gerudo. The damn arrow had pierced the flesh almost through to the other side. Jowy had asked to send a messenger to bring his condolences,, but of course Leon Silverburg denied the request.
"There is no room for human emotion in war. It's a sad and unnecessary thing."
Jowy snorted bitterly at the remembrance.
Nanami was like an older sister. A friend. Someone whom he loved dearly.
Love.
Jowy married Jilia just to destory Luca Blight. Seed and Culgan knew it, and Leon knew it. Jilia was aware of that also. He never wedded her for love, they both knew it. But was Jilia that determined to make things better she would sacrifice her brother's life and her own future?
I'm a monster.
He was disgusted with himself, he frowned. There was nothing he could do now to bring back Nanami. And even if Hiro was willing to, their friendship would never be the same. Friends were different from allies; and enemies were different from battle opponents.
He would give anything for those days around this time of year when the Kyaro Autumn Festival was happening. Lanterns all hanging from the homes.
Jowy, Hiro, and Nanami.. I'd trade anything just for-
"Here here!!" A voice shouted, breaking Jowy's thoughts. He glowered, his thin blond brows furrowing. Whoever it was, there was more than 1, he could tell by the incessant laughing.
"Innkeeper! Drinks on me! I've got the cash!" another equally loud voice yelled.
Who the hell could be that noisy, even at a tavern? Viktor wasn't that loud, even when he went on one of little rambles about Flik's tactics. Jowy turned slowly, his shoulders shaking from his twitching.
About 3 people were congregated around a table approximately 10 feet away. The first one he saw was a blond girl, with spiky chopped hair. She had her arms folded across her chest, and inclined backwards in the short backed chair. The next person over was another female, except this one was had much darker skin, and wild and untamed dark curls framed her face. She seemed to nod and smile as the voice continued and continued to speak about something or other.
"Lor-EEEEE!!" the girl across the table from the pair shouted loudly, waving her arms wildly as she attempted to get the attention of the waitress. Jowy could not see her clearly enough as she had her back turned to him.
"Too young, sorry girls." The familiar voice responded from across the room calmly.
"You're so loud!" the coiled-haired girl chortled, clouting the other girl on her shoulder playfully. The duo began to argue with random lighthearted punches and hair-pulls.
They were attracting the attention of several patrons around, but all were too drunk to do anything about it.
The girl in black unexpectedly stopped chattering for a moment to pause and look about her. She turned completely around in the chair, and met face to face with Jowy.
"KUSO!!!!" She cursed too loudly. Her hands immediately flew to her mouth.
That girl! She's HERE?
Jowy all too soon realized he was face to face with his thief. Raini started breathing heavily. "You're the one that stole my money!" The blond yelled, standing up and storming towards her. She inclined backwards towards the table slightly, her hands gripping the edge of it.
"First rule of conning is NOT to get caught, Raini." The darkskinned one said calmly walking near her friend. The short-haired one shook her head but never moved.
Jowy stopped dead in his tracks about 10 cm. directly in front of the almost cowering female and crossed his arms.
"Hold it, lets do some negotiating here kids."
"You're not helping me much, Kurisu." Raini shot a look at her friend. Her voice was unlike when he first met her. Her manner was brash and rather bold for a girl of such young age.
Jowy eyed the two of them, Kurisu looked like she had a lot of negotiating and stategy skills.
"I'm doing more than Shinasan over there." The other blond perked up and smirked. Shinasan didn't say a word.
"A silent tongue means a smart head. The situation will be resolved if you calm down."
"No deals. I want my money." Jowy said with no intention of compromising. "I want the potch that was in my wallet returned NOW." He loomed over dangerously close to Raini; his face nearing hers.
Kurisu sighed and plopped down in a nearby chair.
"How about this, I give you your money and we don't tell anyone that I'm a lying conniving bandit?" Raini stammered, her voice rising nervously.
"Money first." Jowy could live with that. I wasn't really all that anxious to ask Mr. Keito anyway. He thought to himself. His face was inches apart from hers, and he could see the color returning to her face a bit.
Raini scrambled around Jowy and pulled a leather wallet from her pocket, she threw it back at him and frowned. "There. Hope you're satisfied." She huffed loudly and walked away heavily.
Jowy breathed a sigh of relief and winked at Kurisu. "See, I was able to get it back without your help." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest in response. He supposed she didn't like it when she was wrong.
"I'll be going now, thank you very much." The young boy said putting the crumpled hat on his head. Guess I should give Loree a tip, for at least trying to help me. He supposed. Jowy casually opened the brown leather wallet, but was furious to find nothing but black material on the inside.
"Nani?! She tricked me, AGAIN!"
"That's what you get." Shinasan said, in a sneering tone. Kurisu laughed loudly behind him.
How could he have let this happen once more? Jowy should have known better. His logic must have gone when he thought he could live a normal life here in Kyaro without any troubles.
His hands began to shake.
I expected soldiers, not little thiefs! He thought as he started stomping off in the direction the brown haired girl went.
"Raini!" he screamed, his voice screaming bloody murder. Patrons looked up, but did nothing.
A giggle from up ahead was heard. "GET BACK HERE!" He growled, his pitch hightening. Jowy ducked and dodged his way around tables and chairs until he reached the swinging doors which were still in motion from the previous person.
The night air blew gently. A slight gust of wind ripped up at his clothes. But the girl appeared long gone with his money.
"Damn you!" he yelled, clenching his fists tightly and kicking at the dirt. "Damn you bitch!!" His breath showed in the chilly night air. Old man Winter was approaching. But the cold could not affect him now.
Things couldn't possible get worse at this point. Was "God"[1] trying to punish him for his actions of the past. Jowy was really getting pissed about no matter how hard he tried, nothing seemed to go right for him.
::CRASH::
A loud clatter of metal could be heard off to the side of the structure as something fell and crash-impacted with the ground.
"Oh damn you to Hell.." a voice hissed quietly, but he heard what they said.
Got you. His mind was racing and his heart was pounding, yet he smirked uncontrollably. Jowy peered about him and walked slowly, taking huge steps closer towards where he heard the noise from.
" Sugoi! What luck, it didn't break!"
He rounded the corner carefully and quietly. Knowing that stealth was the best method in attacking your enemy from behind.
::TAP TAP::
The side of the wall was shadowed greatly, but a figure was outlined in the darkness. Their back was turned away from him and their shoulders hunched, yet it could be seen that they wore a long ebony coat.
"Yes, hold on, I'm busy.." they said, holding a finger up.
::TAP TAP::
They spun around angrily, eyebrows furrowed. "I said."
"Hello." Jowy said soundly with a knowing tone. He had caught her AGAIN, and this time she couldn't weasel her way out of the situation.
Raini'e eyes bulged, and she stepped backwards quickly. "Damnit, I thought I wasn't followed this far!" Jowy followed her steps, determined not to let her escape this time. She started to panic slightly, her breath coming in short.
He wasn't going to hurt her, although it was obvious that was what she thinking. Jowy had a rule never to hit a woman, no matter how furious he would get.
Rainy kept retreating rearward, slowly and apprehensively until her leg hooked something and she plummeted backwards; landing viciously on a pile of empty cardboard boxes.
What she had caught her leg on was a large mirror that had a fancy but also somewhat mysterious border around it. It came crashing down onto the soil and shattered into pieces around their feet. The sound of the glass splintering echoed in the side alley.
Jowy winced just watching. Never had he met someone so clumsy, although it was partially his fault. "Are you..alright?" he said softly, extending a hand. He was slightly amused, but would not say so. Even if she DID steal from him. The blond extended a hand to the female, whose cheek was cut from a shard of glass that had collided with her flesh.
"Daijouba." She replied flatly.
He frowned. "I don't understand what that means."
"It means 'fine'." She retorted bitterly and closed her eyes. A simple drop of blood slid down her face. She wiped at it with the back of her hand, flinching a little.
Jowy shook his head, and sighed. "All right then, if you say so." Raini stood, brushing debris off her long, button-up coat. She looked up at the Kyaro night sky, her brows puckered. Jowy looked at her, and then at the heavens above.
The luminous moon was out at this time, it shone down on them both. The light shone perfectly on her hair. He pulled his ponytail over his shoulder. His own hair appeared pallid from the white glow.
Jowy was speechless during this time. Although no matter how much he wanted to demand for his money back, he could not bring himself to ruin such a peaceful moment. She continued to gaze at the stars, with an almost childlike awe. Not the brash individual who stole from him before, but, her now. This moment in time seemed innocent, perhaps.
He looked to the skies, once more..
Orion.Aquila.Canis Major.
He could pick them all out. Marcel's library was endless with books of the world, and out of this world. The stars directly above him lay in a milky way. Each glittered brightly, and were dancing, almost.
"Look! There!" Raini exclaimed, pulling his face to look where her finger was pointing.
"Huh?"
A single shooting star danced quickly across the sky. It seemed to leave almost a trail of sparkly dust as went.
"Wow.." he breathed.
The girl turned towards him. "Did you make a wish?" she inquired softly.
"Nah, I don't believe in wishes," Jowy replied, almost sadly, "Not anymore." He added. Not since I left my friends behind. He said silently.
"The stars are not yet fading out."
"Hmmm? Raini?"
"I mean, you still have time."
Jowy tilted his head to the side, in query. Why did she seem to care so much whether or not he believed in wishes?
"Raini." he began, a nervous tone in his voice."why are you.."
She put a finger to his lips, "Shhhusshhh! Someone's coming!"
"What?!" he exclaimed in a stage whisper. He hadn't heard anything.
Then he heard it, the footsteps. They were coming at a rapid pace, and there were hushed whispers along with it, they weren't all that far way either.
Ohhhh this is so not good.Jowy thought to himself, pushing back against the side. Raini stood in place, eyeing the direction that the sounds came from. Remains of glass were scattered at her feet.
"They're coming, at least try to hide!" the fair-haired male said in a half panic, half fuming manner. Trepidation was building up inside him.
"Will you be quiet, there's no point in running. We'll just calmly explain the situation to them." Raini shushed him. She didn't budge, he was tempted to throw her behind a few of the cartons.
"We're in an alley, all alone, with broken merchandise, I think they'll be suspicious."
She turned towards him, and pointed a finger at the boy. "Will you shut up! If you hadn't have found me this wouldn't have happened!"
So much for a peaceful moment.
"We wouldn't be having this discussion if you hadn't have stolen my money!" Jowy yelled, his voice straught with frustration. She was back to her old self.
"Well if that's how you feel, why don't you leave." She retorted bitterly. The girl turned her back angrily, hair flying behind her.
"Uhhhh! You're giving me a headache!!!" Jowy slumped headfirst into the wall.
"And you're under military arrest." A new voice cut in.
Raini and Jowy both spun around in one swift motion. All resentment toward each other faded with the arrival of immense panic.
No running.
No hiding.
This had all the possibilities of serious trouble.
(To be Continued.)
[1] - I was inspired by the quote: "What is God in these times of war?" I believe it was SI, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Darkness.
"."
It's nightime.
"Ughhh"
It's time to wake up.
"Raini?"
Jowy.
He opened his eyes slowly, each moment revealed a millimetre of twin azure orbs. Jowy had returned to consciousness, and was alone. "Damnit." He muttered quietly, cursing the girl who had stolen his money.
This would only happen to me, he growled silently. Not only had he had his salary chopped this week, but now that little bit that he had was taken from him. Now Jowy was already out of sorts, and this just made it worse. He laughed bitterly, "And now THIS happens."
The boy carefully propped himself up, his mind still hazy from sleep. Jowy groaned and looked around himself. The woods were shadowy and sinister eyes peered out from the inside. If anything, I should get out of here. Jowy thought to himself. He was going to have to go back to town anyway. Maybe his employer would take pity on him and give him more money to hold over until the next time he was paid.
The blond quickly hurried down the path out of the woods. Jowy was damn cautious not to spend another minute unaccompanied out here.
*** Jowy exhaled, the nights weren't too chilly yet; since it was still Autumn. He could still remember sitting on his front veranda on nights like these, and just looking and listening. Since the mansion was in the Northern part of town, and on a hill, he could have a view of the entire village. It was best, when in the fall the huge Harvest moon would be sitting proudly in the ebony sky. "But that was when I was an Atreides." He reflected sadly. Still, Kyaro was reasonably calm at night, not at all like Muse. The humble nature of the town made it that way, he supposed, except for one certain store at the farther end of town; the East side.
This had the possibility to be worse than the woods. The shop was turned into a tavern at night. And Jowy had let that slip his mind. He stood outside the building, and could hear the clamor from within. The swinging doors also provided a partial view of the ruckus happening inside.
Oh, of course it would be the same owner, but it was a different place now. Not one for someone his age, "I can only imagine what sort of people are in there.." he cringed, thinking of all the drunks and showgirls that could inside.
But money was more important. Actually, lack of money was more important. "This is it," he said outloud, glancing about him. "Here goes."
He pushed open the painted red doors. The music and belching of the tavern came to his ears.
"Hey Loree, don't be stingy, Giv'me more beer!!!" He heard an obviously intoxicated voice yell out. A man with a roughly shaven face sat at a table shaking an empty mug.
Jowy continued walking and saw the person the drunkard was talking to.
A young woman who looked 18, balancing a tray with drinks on one hand turned around abruptly and shook her head. "No you Greek fool, you had enough. Go on home to your wife!" As she turned back around, he could see she had different tints of blond in her hair, which was pulled back tightly into a ponytail.
The former king of Highland thanked God for not letting this people notice him as he made his way through the crowded tavern. Nobody seemed aware of his presence in general. This was a good thing, he supposed. His only problem now was finding where his employer was.
"Shit.." the blonde muttered underneath his breath. Jowy glnced around anxiously, as if almost hoping someone would come and direct him.
"You're a young one, what can I do ya for?" a soft voice asked behind him.
He jumped and whirled around suddenly so suddenly the girl nearly fell back with her tray. "Hey, I was only trying to help.." her voice descended into almost a gentle whine. "Sorry," Jowy replied equally kind. His eyes travelled into hers, as they were the most intricate shade of gray-blue he had ever seen, and the dark makeup around her eyes brought them out even more.
He took a deep breath and deduced she would help him. "I'm looking for Mr. Keito.he's my e-"
"Employer." She interrupted. "I got ya." She said with an appealing smile. Hey eyes were locked on him constantly, freezing him into place. He nodded in response. "Hey, Rena, do you know where the boss is?" she shouted to a doorway nearby.
"He's in here." A rather jaded voice replied. "Give us a few minutes." The person left before the blond boy had a chance to regard them.
"Business." Loree stated tossing her hand.
Make this quick.Jowy whispered impatiently. The less time he spent in there, the better.
"Well, I got orders," Loree said, pulling on the skirt she wore. "And the boys over there look like big spenders, so I think I can get a few big tips from'em" she signaled to a group of men who were all cheering loudly. "See you."
"The less time, the better.." Jowy reiterated to himself, he grabbed a nearby chair and sat down at an vacanted table. He sighed, he just wanted to get in and out of here. Now he was delayed. Now Jowy had grown up in a wealthy family, and was more or less sheltered against the violent and filthy lifestyle. Yet even with the brutality he saw during the previous year, he still didn't like it.
What would Hiro do in this situation? He wondered, his chin resting in his palm. Nanami would probably march right up there before Hiro had a chance to stop her, or make Jowy do it.
But only if it were the way it used to be. He knew it could never be like that now. Nanami was dead. She had died protecting himself and her brother from Gerudo. The damn arrow had pierced the flesh almost through to the other side. Jowy had asked to send a messenger to bring his condolences,, but of course Leon Silverburg denied the request.
"There is no room for human emotion in war. It's a sad and unnecessary thing."
Jowy snorted bitterly at the remembrance.
Nanami was like an older sister. A friend. Someone whom he loved dearly.
Love.
Jowy married Jilia just to destory Luca Blight. Seed and Culgan knew it, and Leon knew it. Jilia was aware of that also. He never wedded her for love, they both knew it. But was Jilia that determined to make things better she would sacrifice her brother's life and her own future?
I'm a monster.
He was disgusted with himself, he frowned. There was nothing he could do now to bring back Nanami. And even if Hiro was willing to, their friendship would never be the same. Friends were different from allies; and enemies were different from battle opponents.
He would give anything for those days around this time of year when the Kyaro Autumn Festival was happening. Lanterns all hanging from the homes.
Jowy, Hiro, and Nanami.. I'd trade anything just for-
"Here here!!" A voice shouted, breaking Jowy's thoughts. He glowered, his thin blond brows furrowing. Whoever it was, there was more than 1, he could tell by the incessant laughing.
"Innkeeper! Drinks on me! I've got the cash!" another equally loud voice yelled.
Who the hell could be that noisy, even at a tavern? Viktor wasn't that loud, even when he went on one of little rambles about Flik's tactics. Jowy turned slowly, his shoulders shaking from his twitching.
About 3 people were congregated around a table approximately 10 feet away. The first one he saw was a blond girl, with spiky chopped hair. She had her arms folded across her chest, and inclined backwards in the short backed chair. The next person over was another female, except this one was had much darker skin, and wild and untamed dark curls framed her face. She seemed to nod and smile as the voice continued and continued to speak about something or other.
"Lor-EEEEE!!" the girl across the table from the pair shouted loudly, waving her arms wildly as she attempted to get the attention of the waitress. Jowy could not see her clearly enough as she had her back turned to him.
"Too young, sorry girls." The familiar voice responded from across the room calmly.
"You're so loud!" the coiled-haired girl chortled, clouting the other girl on her shoulder playfully. The duo began to argue with random lighthearted punches and hair-pulls.
They were attracting the attention of several patrons around, but all were too drunk to do anything about it.
The girl in black unexpectedly stopped chattering for a moment to pause and look about her. She turned completely around in the chair, and met face to face with Jowy.
"KUSO!!!!" She cursed too loudly. Her hands immediately flew to her mouth.
That girl! She's HERE?
Jowy all too soon realized he was face to face with his thief. Raini started breathing heavily. "You're the one that stole my money!" The blond yelled, standing up and storming towards her. She inclined backwards towards the table slightly, her hands gripping the edge of it.
"First rule of conning is NOT to get caught, Raini." The darkskinned one said calmly walking near her friend. The short-haired one shook her head but never moved.
Jowy stopped dead in his tracks about 10 cm. directly in front of the almost cowering female and crossed his arms.
"Hold it, lets do some negotiating here kids."
"You're not helping me much, Kurisu." Raini shot a look at her friend. Her voice was unlike when he first met her. Her manner was brash and rather bold for a girl of such young age.
Jowy eyed the two of them, Kurisu looked like she had a lot of negotiating and stategy skills.
"I'm doing more than Shinasan over there." The other blond perked up and smirked. Shinasan didn't say a word.
"A silent tongue means a smart head. The situation will be resolved if you calm down."
"No deals. I want my money." Jowy said with no intention of compromising. "I want the potch that was in my wallet returned NOW." He loomed over dangerously close to Raini; his face nearing hers.
Kurisu sighed and plopped down in a nearby chair.
"How about this, I give you your money and we don't tell anyone that I'm a lying conniving bandit?" Raini stammered, her voice rising nervously.
"Money first." Jowy could live with that. I wasn't really all that anxious to ask Mr. Keito anyway. He thought to himself. His face was inches apart from hers, and he could see the color returning to her face a bit.
Raini scrambled around Jowy and pulled a leather wallet from her pocket, she threw it back at him and frowned. "There. Hope you're satisfied." She huffed loudly and walked away heavily.
Jowy breathed a sigh of relief and winked at Kurisu. "See, I was able to get it back without your help." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest in response. He supposed she didn't like it when she was wrong.
"I'll be going now, thank you very much." The young boy said putting the crumpled hat on his head. Guess I should give Loree a tip, for at least trying to help me. He supposed. Jowy casually opened the brown leather wallet, but was furious to find nothing but black material on the inside.
"Nani?! She tricked me, AGAIN!"
"That's what you get." Shinasan said, in a sneering tone. Kurisu laughed loudly behind him.
How could he have let this happen once more? Jowy should have known better. His logic must have gone when he thought he could live a normal life here in Kyaro without any troubles.
His hands began to shake.
I expected soldiers, not little thiefs! He thought as he started stomping off in the direction the brown haired girl went.
"Raini!" he screamed, his voice screaming bloody murder. Patrons looked up, but did nothing.
A giggle from up ahead was heard. "GET BACK HERE!" He growled, his pitch hightening. Jowy ducked and dodged his way around tables and chairs until he reached the swinging doors which were still in motion from the previous person.
The night air blew gently. A slight gust of wind ripped up at his clothes. But the girl appeared long gone with his money.
"Damn you!" he yelled, clenching his fists tightly and kicking at the dirt. "Damn you bitch!!" His breath showed in the chilly night air. Old man Winter was approaching. But the cold could not affect him now.
Things couldn't possible get worse at this point. Was "God"[1] trying to punish him for his actions of the past. Jowy was really getting pissed about no matter how hard he tried, nothing seemed to go right for him.
::CRASH::
A loud clatter of metal could be heard off to the side of the structure as something fell and crash-impacted with the ground.
"Oh damn you to Hell.." a voice hissed quietly, but he heard what they said.
Got you. His mind was racing and his heart was pounding, yet he smirked uncontrollably. Jowy peered about him and walked slowly, taking huge steps closer towards where he heard the noise from.
" Sugoi! What luck, it didn't break!"
He rounded the corner carefully and quietly. Knowing that stealth was the best method in attacking your enemy from behind.
::TAP TAP::
The side of the wall was shadowed greatly, but a figure was outlined in the darkness. Their back was turned away from him and their shoulders hunched, yet it could be seen that they wore a long ebony coat.
"Yes, hold on, I'm busy.." they said, holding a finger up.
::TAP TAP::
They spun around angrily, eyebrows furrowed. "I said."
"Hello." Jowy said soundly with a knowing tone. He had caught her AGAIN, and this time she couldn't weasel her way out of the situation.
Raini'e eyes bulged, and she stepped backwards quickly. "Damnit, I thought I wasn't followed this far!" Jowy followed her steps, determined not to let her escape this time. She started to panic slightly, her breath coming in short.
He wasn't going to hurt her, although it was obvious that was what she thinking. Jowy had a rule never to hit a woman, no matter how furious he would get.
Rainy kept retreating rearward, slowly and apprehensively until her leg hooked something and she plummeted backwards; landing viciously on a pile of empty cardboard boxes.
What she had caught her leg on was a large mirror that had a fancy but also somewhat mysterious border around it. It came crashing down onto the soil and shattered into pieces around their feet. The sound of the glass splintering echoed in the side alley.
Jowy winced just watching. Never had he met someone so clumsy, although it was partially his fault. "Are you..alright?" he said softly, extending a hand. He was slightly amused, but would not say so. Even if she DID steal from him. The blond extended a hand to the female, whose cheek was cut from a shard of glass that had collided with her flesh.
"Daijouba." She replied flatly.
He frowned. "I don't understand what that means."
"It means 'fine'." She retorted bitterly and closed her eyes. A simple drop of blood slid down her face. She wiped at it with the back of her hand, flinching a little.
Jowy shook his head, and sighed. "All right then, if you say so." Raini stood, brushing debris off her long, button-up coat. She looked up at the Kyaro night sky, her brows puckered. Jowy looked at her, and then at the heavens above.
The luminous moon was out at this time, it shone down on them both. The light shone perfectly on her hair. He pulled his ponytail over his shoulder. His own hair appeared pallid from the white glow.
Jowy was speechless during this time. Although no matter how much he wanted to demand for his money back, he could not bring himself to ruin such a peaceful moment. She continued to gaze at the stars, with an almost childlike awe. Not the brash individual who stole from him before, but, her now. This moment in time seemed innocent, perhaps.
He looked to the skies, once more..
Orion.Aquila.Canis Major.
He could pick them all out. Marcel's library was endless with books of the world, and out of this world. The stars directly above him lay in a milky way. Each glittered brightly, and were dancing, almost.
"Look! There!" Raini exclaimed, pulling his face to look where her finger was pointing.
"Huh?"
A single shooting star danced quickly across the sky. It seemed to leave almost a trail of sparkly dust as went.
"Wow.." he breathed.
The girl turned towards him. "Did you make a wish?" she inquired softly.
"Nah, I don't believe in wishes," Jowy replied, almost sadly, "Not anymore." He added. Not since I left my friends behind. He said silently.
"The stars are not yet fading out."
"Hmmm? Raini?"
"I mean, you still have time."
Jowy tilted his head to the side, in query. Why did she seem to care so much whether or not he believed in wishes?
"Raini." he began, a nervous tone in his voice."why are you.."
She put a finger to his lips, "Shhhusshhh! Someone's coming!"
"What?!" he exclaimed in a stage whisper. He hadn't heard anything.
Then he heard it, the footsteps. They were coming at a rapid pace, and there were hushed whispers along with it, they weren't all that far way either.
Ohhhh this is so not good.Jowy thought to himself, pushing back against the side. Raini stood in place, eyeing the direction that the sounds came from. Remains of glass were scattered at her feet.
"They're coming, at least try to hide!" the fair-haired male said in a half panic, half fuming manner. Trepidation was building up inside him.
"Will you be quiet, there's no point in running. We'll just calmly explain the situation to them." Raini shushed him. She didn't budge, he was tempted to throw her behind a few of the cartons.
"We're in an alley, all alone, with broken merchandise, I think they'll be suspicious."
She turned towards him, and pointed a finger at the boy. "Will you shut up! If you hadn't have found me this wouldn't have happened!"
So much for a peaceful moment.
"We wouldn't be having this discussion if you hadn't have stolen my money!" Jowy yelled, his voice straught with frustration. She was back to her old self.
"Well if that's how you feel, why don't you leave." She retorted bitterly. The girl turned her back angrily, hair flying behind her.
"Uhhhh! You're giving me a headache!!!" Jowy slumped headfirst into the wall.
"And you're under military arrest." A new voice cut in.
Raini and Jowy both spun around in one swift motion. All resentment toward each other faded with the arrival of immense panic.
No running.
No hiding.
This had all the possibilities of serious trouble.
(To be Continued.)
[1] - I was inspired by the quote: "What is God in these times of war?" I believe it was SI, but correct me if I'm wrong.
