Well, Here's chapter two part A for your reading pleasure. I hope. I fiddled with this so much, I'm kind of nervous that I botched the characters. As usual, it would be greatly appreciated if all of you would tell me what I need to work on. I've been told I'm wordy and all around lame before, so you don't really have to worry about destroying me; depressing me yes, destroying me no. Besides, my proofreader seems to hate this story. But, oh, I'll fix that. I'll eventually learn what it takes to write something well. Then we'll see. Yes, she will like this story one day. That I swear. Hmm, that was kind of creepy. Anyway, hope you enjoy the first half. If you don't, tell me why. I'll post the second half tomorrow, for my own reading pleasure. By the way, I do not own Threads of Fate. I wish I did. If that were the case, then the game would have sequels, lots of them.
Also, I dedicate this chapter to Lady of the Blue Moon, Vickie, and Nanakii. Thank you all so much for the encouraging words. They meant a lot to this struggling author in training. I hope this chapter is worthy of the dedication. If not, I'll personally kick myself. Ok, I've rambled enough.
A Fight, a meal…Pain was the first thing my mind registered as I impacted the floor. I grabbed for my head in order to ease the pain and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. My sheets were pooled on the floor, giving a slight cushion to my back. I couldn't remember my dream, but I knew it far to well. It was the same dream that had plagued me for three years. It had filled me with terror, and yet reminded me of my goal. In a twisted sense, it gave me hope.
I rose from my place on the hard floor, and tried to purge my thoughts of screams and death. I reached for my leggings and my shorts. I pulled them up, instantly feeling a bit more relaxed now that I was more properly clothed. For some reason, I've always felt vulnerable with out all of my clothing on. I think it's because of what I am.
I moved over to the drawer. Reaching out, I grabbed the pitcher and poured some of the cool water into the basin and the rest into my glass. The dry, weak feeling in my mouth and on my teeth, that came from a night of breathing through my mouth, was driving me nuts and only a few gulps of water could alleviate me of the annoyance.
I had already drunk the water by the time I was ready to tame my wild hair. Placing my hands into the water of the basin. I splashed some on my face and hair. When my hair was properly wet, I swept my hands over the top of my head. I brought my hands together near the base of my neck. I encircled the remaining hair with the thumb and forefinger of my left hand and reached for the bit of twine I used to tie my ponytail. I had had many years of practice, so tying the bit of thread was no problem. I smirked as I remembered the first few times I tried. I ended up with the ponytail either off center or simply goofy looking. I'm sure I would have looked like an idiot if Claire hadn't been there for me.
I looked at myself in the mirror and scowled at the little blue jewel that mocked me from my forehead. I quickly finished dressing so that I would not have to see the accursed gem that reminded me that I was not human. But even when covered, I could feel it. Or more precisely, I could feel through it. It was horribly unnerving. I had tried to tell myself that the gem meant nothing, but that fact, that one simply fact, crushed any chances of me believing my own lies.
My stomach growled as I made my way out of my room. Breakfast was beginning to sound like the best idea I'd had in years. However, my journey was impeded by a sound reverberating in the adjacent room. I knew it was wrong, but I carefully pushed the all ready cracked door open just enough for me to get a clear view. The sight that greeted me was one for the ages. My breath caught in my throat. A foot laid on the pillow while the other hung off the far side of the bed. Red hair and sheets melded into one, as they lay draped from the bed. Mint's mouth hung open slightly and, a small snore would escape her mouth from time to time.
I thanked the heavens that she was properly dressed, but I still felt the heat beginning to rise to my cheeks as I found myself beginning to stare. I couldn't help it. I was never really acquainted with that sort of thing when I lived with Clair. Of course, if I had been, then I might be searching for Claire more vehemently. I've always wondered what a kiss felt like. I wondered if Mint… I shook my head to clear it of improper thoughts and quickly left the scene of my transgression. All, I wanted to do was eat and start my day. And forget Mint's perfect form.
The mid-morning sun blinded me as I stepped outside. Raising my hand to block the sun, I scanned the town trying to locate the blacksmith. The shop wasn't far from me, but a few people standing in front of its sign had blocked it from my view. I quickly made my way through the small crowd that was going about their everyday business.
I entered the shop and was greeted by the smell of molten metal and herbs. I never did find out why there was the smell of herbs in that building, but it was never the less soothing. A stocky, brown haired man leaned on the counter. He had a bored look in his eyes, and I immediately found myself wondering how much work he got in a town this size.
"If you're looking for a weapon or a piece of armor, I'm afraid I'm out of stock," the man said while waving his hand at me. His eyes had yet to open. "Come back in a couple of days."
I reached up and scratched the back of my head. "I'm not here for armor," I said. Truth was I never wore anything heavier than leather. I valued my speed and I was not about to compromise it. "I was hoping you could sharpen my blade."
A smile graced the man's features, which caused a twinkle to appear in his now open chestnut colored eyes. "I've finally got some work," he nearly shouted, causing me to jump back in surprise. I guessed he hadn't had any work in a long time. He motioned for me to give him my weapon. I lifted the Arc Edge off my back and placed it on the counter in front of him. The man ran his fingertips down my weapon. I didn't like the way he felt my weapon. Actually I didn't like letting much of anybody touch it, but this was a necessity.
"It's an amazing bit of craftsmanship," he stated. He then threw a smirk in my direction. "It's a good thing you brought this to me. I don't think it would've lasted much longer in your care."
I couldn't help but be slightly offended by that. I narrowed my eyes at him, prompting a laugh and an apology. He hoisted the weapon off the counter top, only to place it back down quickly. He ran his thumb across his nose before walking into the back room. I reached over and lifted the weapon. Strange, it seemed light to me.
"Your weapon weighs a good deal my friend. I'd say between three or four stone," he told me as he returned to the room, carrying a vial of orange liquid and a yellow hunk of something. That information shocked me. I knew from talking to farmers just how heavy that was, but I shouldn't be able to lift that so easily. Right?
He placed the yellow square on the counter and downed the drink. His head gave an involuntary jerk. "Yeeegh, that potion is wretched," he stated as he tossed the vial to the side. It hit the ground and rolled. I wondered why he needed the potion. He must have noted the confusion in my eyes because he told me that the potion increased his strength and the square was a bit of wax that when heated over a fire would restore durability to most weapons.
I watched in awe as he went through the process of heating and cooling my weapon, smoothing out the nicks in my blade. It took him close to two hours to finish working on the weapon. Of course the awe wore off with time and was replaced by a growing impatience. I was wasting daylight. Time I could be using tracking down a lead on Claire. Finally, he turned and tossed the weapon to me. I threw my hand out and caught the handle, before lifting it over my shoulder and placing it back into its holster. The man smiled.
"Now normally I wouldn't do this, but seeing as how you helped Klaus the other day, I'll give you this fix for free," he waved his hand at me as I tried to protest. "You just make sure you come to me for all of your weapon needs, ye hear?"
I nodded to the man and made my way out of the door, praising my good fortune. I wondered briefly if Mint had woken up yet, but quickly banished the thought. I didn't need any distractions when I could be close to my objective, and Mint's form would probably distract a blind man. I decided now was as good a time as any to head for the Doc's. However, I was distracted by a barking sound that seemed to emanate from through the back alley. I wondered why there'd be a dog in the alley.
At the end of the dark alley, I was met with a small, tranquil meadow. The soft sound of lapping water filled air, which had been warmed by the soft light of the sun. It was a perfect location to train or just relax. My nose detected the scent of smoke, turning my head in its direction I noticed a rather large, redheaded man seated on a rock next to a small crackling fire. Even from this distance, I could tell he was eating. I didn't care about what it was.
I approached slowly, wondering who would choose to live in a meadow next to a bunch of strange, red… junk. He was dressed oddly too. He wore a pair of black slacks, a baggy sleeved purple shirt that just barely covered his pecks, and a black fedora. He obviously wanted to stand out as much as I wanted to fade into the crowed, but gauging by the muscles in his grossly unhidden stomach, he could easily destroy me. Best not to provoke him.
"Hey, boy," The man called out. He hadn't lifted his head from his bowl and I doubted he would. "You here to challenge me?" Challenge? I had no clue as to what he was talking about, or even who he was.
"Who are you…" my voice had trailed off. I really didn't feel comfortable talking to this guy. His voice had a threatening tone to it, and I found myself wishing he'd look up at me. The emotions displayed in the eyes always helped to show what someone is planning. I could feel my arms tremble slightly.
"Sure you wanna know?" His voice had grown softer. It was now almost a whisper. I felt sure that he was trying to psych me out. "Alright, I'll tell ya," his voice had grown cold. I steeled my nerve, determined not to let any of the growing unease show in my eyes.
He stood slowly, his eyes never leaving the ground. "I'm a weapon maker, a vagrant, and a swordsman," a lighter tint had entered his voice as he spoke each of his titles
"I'm Rod the Blade Star!" He looked up at me suddenly, his hand clenched in a display of power and a smile on his lips. A small, black and tan, patchwork dog bound up and leaned against his leg. "That's my best pall, Johnny Wolf," he said as he bent down to stroke the dog's ears. The dog lapped at his hands as it bound around. I smiled. I liked dogs.
I felt the unease leave me at the sight of the friendly pooch, after all, only a kind person could have a kind pet. But, I was now left with only confusion. He seemed friendly now. I wondered why he acted so hostile at first. "So… you're a swordsman that makes weapons?" I felt kind of stupid as the words left my mouth. I always did after repeating exactly what someone had just said.
Rod placed a hand on his hip and gestured to the side with the other as he said, "Yeah. The best way for me to test my artwork is for me to use it."
A wistful look entered his eyes. He brought his hand back to his side before pointing it directly at me. "Nothing beats using my artwork against a great rival in combat. Gets my heart warm, know what I'm saying?"
He gave me a look that said he knew I understood. Truth was I had no idea what he was talking about. The only thing that ever excited me was the prospect of getting Claire back. Since he obviously expected something out of me, I did the only thing I could in this situation. I stared blankly at him.
"How about it boy?" he asked, his voice become more light and giddy with each passing word. "You care to fight me?"
"What?" I asked. I was shocked. Why would he want to fight someone as pathetic as me? His gaze moved from my eyes to my shoulder. The Arc Edge?
"Your weapon caught my eye," he told me as his pointed in the general direction of my blade. "My weapon versus your weapon," his voice and actions became more dramatic as he continued on. "My heart versus yours."
I couldn't help it. His energy was beginning to seep into me and I felt alive. I wanted to fight. I wanted to prove that I could do it. "Let's do it. Or is that thing on your back just an ornament?" His words were like a slap in the face. The Arc Edge was my weapon, my heart, my livelihood, and he had the audacity to insult it? There was no question in my mind. I would fight.
"Ok. I'll fight you," I nearly shouted, taking an unconscious step forward and bringing my hand up in a fist. I must have looked really stupid. He had an amused look on his face. He'd hit a nerve, and he knew it. I needed to calm down. Problem was, this emotion was new to me. I wasn't ready to relinquish it yet.
"Before we fight, tell me your name," he said. That amused look still held strong. I wanted to wipe it off his face with my blade. It hit me then. I'd never actually had the urge to fight. I always just did.
"Rue," I said as I reached back and griped the handle of the Arc Edge. Its handle felt stronger. The blacksmith had done a good job. I wondered how long it would last until it needed to be fixed again.
"Ok, Rue, lets see if you got some heart," he stated. I could feel the determination radiating off of him. He turned and began to walk towards a chest located in the far corner of the meadow. However, he stopped suddenly. I became antsy at his sudden stop. What was it that made him freeze up? He turned around and rubbed the back of his forehead.
"Oh, I forgot. I need you to pay up before we fight. One hundred gold." I was shocked. Somewhere inside myself, I think I found that funny, Hilarious actually, but that thought would only hit me latter, in the dead of night
"What? Why do I have to pay you?" I asked. It wasn't that I didn't have the money, and I still planed to fight him. I just needed to know why. The why was something I often found important, but I rarely ever felt truly compelled to flat out ask someone.
"That's my rule," he stated in a way that made it feel like I should have known. I felt my confidence begin to ebb away slightly. He had rules to this. I knew that couldn't be a good sign.
"Hey," he called out. "If you win, I'll pay you a thousand gold. The money just makes things more interesting." His words had mirrored my thoughts. I could use the money. With that kind of cash, I could probably hire a tailor to properly fix the holes in my clothes. I had been wearing these clothes for three years. I was actually surprised they still held together. It was a testament to Claire's skill at weaving.
"So, you up for it?" he asked. He looked hopeful. I stared at him for a moment before I reached into my money pouch and fished out a platinum coin. I smirked. This coin was rare and larger then the normal coin and worth one hundred times as much as a simple gold piece. Made transactions easier and my moneybag lighter. I got this from the man at the blacksmith shop when I sold him my pelts. Suddenly, I was glad I had sold the monster pelts earlier. I flipped the coin to him.
"Ok. Here's the hundred gold," I said. I felt every bit as excited as he looked. Maybe emotions are contagious. I decided to hang around Elena more. Maybe I'd pick up some tips on being happy. I could defiantly use them.
"Alright. Let's get it on!" Rod shouted as he reached into the trunk. Slowly he pulled out two swords. He positioned himself about fifteen paces from me and reversed his grip on the blades. It wasn't a very fearsome stance, but I figured he knew what he was doing.
"Rue, Check out my new weapons," He told me. The handle was black, and the blades were a polished silver. However, there were some wisps of a darker and lighter metal, which told me that the metal used was an alloy. There was no way for me to know how durable the blade was without testing it. But, to make the Alloy for the weapons meant that Rod was an accomplished weapon maker. So, I'd be safer to assume that they're stronger then the average blade.
"It's called the Silver Breeze," Rod told me after I had had enough time to gawk at the weapon. The wind had kicked up and caused his hair to whip and jerk. I wondered if he had anything to do with that. The thought, although implausible, seemed to fit with his personality.
"Wow," I exclaimed. "What a weapon." I was positively giddy at the prospect of being the first to challenge these blades. I pulled the Arc Edge from its sling and readied myself for combat.
"Alright, Rue. Don't disappoint me," Rod shouted as he dashed at me.
I had very little time to react. He dashed to the side and struck with the arm closest to me. I quickly brought the Arc Edge up to block and vaulted over his weapon and out of his reach. I had felt his other shoulder move and knew he had chosen to chase his first blow with a stronger one.
I landed at his side and attacked with a downward slice. Rod leapt backwards but I used my weapon as a vault and pushed into a kick. I felt my foot impact something solid. Immediately, I pushed back to gain some air and flipped backwards. I landed on the balls of my feet just in time to put up a weak block. Rod's blow knocked my weapon to the side and left me wide open.
I felt the movement of air and was able to twist my body so that Rod's stab sailed between my arm and side. I spun on one foot and brought the back of my hand around to connect with his face. Rod rolled with the blow and was back on his feet in an instant. We rushed towards each other.
I reversed the grip of the Arc Edge quickly, and swung it in an upward direction. Rod's sword came at a downward slant. Our weapons collided and stuck. Rod pushed, trying to force me down. I shifted the angle of my weapon and felt his slide. I heard it click in place and knew he had slipped into one of the slots in my weapon. I placed my free hand on the Arc Edge's shaft and twisted. Using my hand as leverage, I was able to apply more force. Rod's grip never faltered. One of the Silver Breezes, however, did. A shattering noise greeted my ears, and I knew this battle was over.
Rod spun and brought the handle of the sword down upon the side of my head. I stumbled; dazed. Moments later, I felt something strike my weapon, ripping it from my hand. When my vision cleared, I knew what had happened. I had lost. Rod stood, smiling, with the point of the remaining blade leveled at my throat. I heard the Arc Edge crash to the ground.
The sun had finally risen high enough in the sky for its light to reach the fountain in the center of town. I sighed. The fountain was cool and served as a decent place for me to lick the wounds of my last defeat. I felt dumb, and the worst thing was that I should have expected that move. I know how to fight. It's the only thing I have any talent at. I leaned back and placed my hands on the edge of the stone. The water grazed the tips of my fingers as I hung them down. I closed my eyes and allowed the warmth of the sun and the chill of the stone under me to mix and sooth my aches.
"Drake says hello," a voice said into my ear, startling me. The warmth that I had felt left immediately as I plunged into the cold waters of the fountain. Actually cold doesn't do justice to the lack of heat the water provided. I was surprised I didn't freeze on the spot.
I remained in the water for a few moments, cursing myself for being inattentive of my surroundings. I lifted my head from the depths of the pool and looked at my foe. I sighed as I watched Elena bite back her laughter. It's times like this I wished I'd never left my cabin.
"I'm sorry Rue," she managed to squeak out through her clenched teeth and laughter. "Are you ok?"
I'm waist deep in water during early spring. The water is frigid and everyone in town is probably laughing at me. What do you think? That was what I wanted to say, but I didn't. Elena was a nice girl and didn't deserve any of my sarcasm.
"I'm fine," I said as I stood up from my friend. The fountain and I were becoming fast friends, what with how often I seemed to visit it. I glanced up to see Elena looking at me with an expression that said she didn't believe me. "What did you want?"
"Dad said he would like to speak to you," she told me as she turned and began to walk back to her home. "Come on."
It was a short walk to Klaus' house. So, there I stood, dripping water in the kitchen, as the sweet smells of Mira's cooking wafted through the air towards me. The plop as water hit floor mixed with the sounds of cooking to create a truly unique music, one that could only be provided by a home. This place brought a sense of nostalgia to me that I didn't expect. I was reminded of the time when I fell into the river while hunting. Of course, that was also in the early spring. Claire had chewed me out severely for worrying her. I really miss her sometimes.
I looked around the doc's house. Mira stood a few feet away on a raised platform that separated the kitchen from the rest of the main room. At the end of the room was a hallway. I could see part of a door, but nothing else. Near the side of the room, under a window with pleated drapes, was a table. It was set for dinner and did little to drive off my desire help Claire. It did quite the opposite. I was suddenly burning to leave with the next lead.
"Rue?" I heard Mira shout as she turned to face me. There was a look of shock and horror on her face. I knew I should have wandered around until I dried off. Now, I was being a burden again; first Claire, now Klaus' family. "What on earth are you doing? You'll catch your death in those. Go change into some of Klaus's clothing"
I tried to protest. Someone else's clothes were far too personal for me. But Mira would have none of it, and I soon found myself rummaging around through the cloths in Klaus' closet. I instantly began to wonder how many pairs of camo pants could one man own. The closet wasn't big, but it was walk-in, and connected to a warmly furnished bedroom which was what had been located behind the door. I pulled some camo pants and a blue shirt from their places in the closet and walked back into the bedroom.
I placed the clothes on the blue comforter, which was spread across the rather large bed. I disrobed quickly. Moments later I was dressed. Prefect, I'm Klaus. I had to say, I didn't exactly feel comfortable with the whole thing, but I was dry. Mostly. I hung my damp and tattered clothing on a small bar that hung outside the window, before making my way into the kitchen.
"Ahh, Rue. Just in time," I heard Klaus' ever-happy voice ring out from his place at the head of the table. The whole family was gathered around the table, on which was an obscene amount of food. Carved meats, rolls, potatoes, and even a couple casseroles covered every available space, except for that which was taken up by four plates. At last count, there were only three members of Klaus' family. So that meant…
"What are you waiting for? Have a seat," Klaus told me. I did as I was told, but it still felt weird. I technically haven't eaten a home cooked meal in three years. All of the food smelled delicious and I soon found myself no longer caring that I had planned on my first real meal to be with Claire. I loaded my plate full of roasts and turkey, some scalloped potatoes, and some green bean casserole. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. Mira could cook. Not quite as good as Claire's, but still.
No one talked as we sat there and savored the delicious food. The rolls were buttery and soft and practically melted on my tongue. In fact, all of the food was so juicy or flavorful that I didn't even need my drink of warm tea to wash it down. When I had finished, I eased farther back into my chair. It felt good to be this full. I'd forgotten how good it felt to eat with friends. I'd eaten like this once before I left on this quest. It was with a treasure hunter in the town near our cabin. He'd given me my first lead.
"Oh yes," Klaus said, pulling me out of my food induced trance. "I skimmed through some of those books we brought back yesterday."
"Find anything?" I asked. I could barely contain my excitement. Three years and I might have finally found a lead, a true lead.
"I've found a few leads," He said. Now, I truly was ecstatic. I was finally going to be able to save Claire.
"That's great," I said, excitement was coursing through my veins and pouring out of me with every word I spoke.
"However," He began.
"However," I repeated. I could physically feel my mood come crashing down on top of me, the weight of the situation, once again, fully upon me.
"It would seem that the seal protecting the relic was too powerful for the magician to break with his own power," he told me. I felt a little sick.
"So, even if we found it…" I couldn't bear to finish that thought.
"Not to worry, Rue," Klaus said. He had leaned back in his chair slightly. "I read that the magician believed that the Grand Magician Elroy had developed a way to break the seal."
"So all we have to do is find out where his Atelier is, and we can enter?" I asked. Hope was once again beginning to build up inside me.
"It's in the underground ruins," He told me. His smile was even broader then before.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I nearly shouted. My pulse was racing. I felt trapped. I had to move. "I'm so close. There's no time for me to just sit around. Um, sorry," I told Mira after realizing my statement may have been insulting.
"It's ok," She said. I realized as I looked around the room that everyone else seemed to share my enthusiasm. Elena, whom had started gathering the dishes, was bouncing up and down excitedly. Mira and Klaus were simply beaming at me.
"Don't I need a key to get into the Atelier?" I asked. Despite the mutual feelings of excitement, I was getting more and more impatient with how slow the conversation was progressing.
"I gave it to Mint." His statement hung in the air for a moment. I know it sounds cliché, but I really had no idea how to handle that piece of information. My enthusiasm for the situation had been utterly ripped from me.
"What?" I asked, the words tumbled out as sort of a burp: sudden, quick, and compressed. He'd given the key that opened the Atelier to Mint? But, what if she won't help me? What if she takes whatever's found there for herself? What if I can't save Claire? "When did she leave?"
"Two hours ago," Mira answered in place of Klaus, who had suddenly disappeared.
"If I hurry I can catch her," I said as I rose and made my way to the door. I had to move. I didn't really trust Mint. Heck, I didn't even really know her.
"It's half a days walk by foot," Klaus said as he came back into the kitchen carrying my now drier clothing. He was still favoring his twisted ankle. "They'll be dry by the time you need them."
It didn't matter, at this point I'd run there naked, but I took my clothes and put them into my pouch. I reached for the Arc Edge, which rested where I'd left it, next to the door. I began to open the door while mumbling thanks, when I felt a hand upon my shoulder. I jumped slightly.
"The underground ruins are full of monsters," Klaus said, his expression was grave. It unnerved me. "Make sure you protect Mint."
An image of a falling body suddenly surged into my mind. Pain seared my breast. "I'll never let anything happen to her," I said. My voice was steeled and determined. I'll never let anyone I know die. Never again.
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Well, that felt lame. I wonder if I'm just being hard on myself or if it truly sucked. Ah, well, there's only one way I can ever find out. I hope all of you that read will help me. I'd forever be in your debt.