She stared ahead, the wall before her unmoving even after endless hours under her emotionless glare. She hadn't expected any different but this was the only thing she could do to pass the time. That was how she initially lost track of time, of everything.
Even in the near sightless darkness of the cell, she could make out the bricks patterning out before her. She'd been down here for ages and she knew every crack and crevice by heart but that didn't stop her from continuing to trace it over and over again.
She didn't dare move a muscle, eyes fixed blankly ahead. She'd lost motivation of any kind long ago, and even if she could miraculously escape, she didn't have the energy to fight. Maybe she was doomed to die.
Once upon a time she used to be one of the strongest warriors across the entire country and not a thing could stand in her way. Now she was reduced to nothing more than a lowly captive, even forbidden to see the light of day.
She leaned back slightly, resting her head on the wall as she exhaled a breath, watching the wall in front of her, tracing the ever familiar molding. She was once proud; a land too far to reach; a time too distant to remember.
The snapping of a tree trunk echoed throughout the forest. She looked upon it with satisfaction as it slammed to the forest floor, before turning and punching another tree with a few quick jabs, falling it as well.
After losing to Leina, even if it had been for her benefit, she sought to train. Day in, day out, she had never stopped, resting only when her body refused to continue and collapsed from exhaustion. Even then, she got up as soon as she was able and was back on track.
Weeks flew by under this harsh schedule she had subjected herself to but she convinced herself it was for the better. She could feel her already extremely toned muscles hardening further, becoming nearly indestructible.
But of course, with training this rigorous, she had an appetite to suit. She still hadn't gotten the money she needed to support the war orphans and there was no way she was going to use what little money they had to feed her silly cause.
So she did what she did best, sneaking into cities and stealing what food she could find and what gold was hers for the taking. After all, winners take all.
There were several times when she had been busted for this petty act and guards had been called to her attention. Of course, this only gave her better training. She'd taken on some of the best soldiers and warriors around, defeating them all with simple ease
She smirked, bags slung over her shoulder as she looked down upon the slew of unconscious bodies riddling the ground from her rooftop. This was just too easy.
She whipped around, kicking right through the trunk of a giant willow like it had been nothing more than tissue paper. She withdrew her foot and punched it, sending it toppling with a loud thud.
She had chosen a place she though no one would ever hear here thus never find her. I mean, who was even going to look? It's not like she told them where she was going, anyways. She wouldn't return until she was at her strongest, ready to take down even the largest army of warriors.
Another change to her training was the discarding of her beloved weapon. Not that she had particularly wanted to part with the deadly piece of iron, but because of her wicked training, she eventually had 'outgrown' it when she accidentally bent it against a particular rock outcrop she attempted to smash. From then on, she continued to use only her hands. Of course, knuckle guards came in handy after she was left bleeding on several occasions.
Now, the only place for her to go was up.
Several more trees fell as she released more of her pent up rage upon them. She stood in a defensive crouch, trying to catch her breath from all the exertion. It really did feel good.
"I think your the last person I'd expect to see tearing up the forest... or maybe the first."
That voice. There was no way in hell she would ever forget it. That was the voice that had talked her down from the horrible mind control she had been cursed with, saving her from a lifetime of slavery. That was something she would always remember.
She stood upright, not facing her new company as she closed her eyes and smirked, "And you're the last person I would've expected to see so far out here, away from Gainos."
"You know as well as I do that I was only there to prove myself. No reason in staying in a position I was fleeing from weeks before," the voice carried nonchalance as if releasing common knowledge.
She snorted, "Real smart move, My Queen. Just leave the throne to someone who wants it but doesn't deserve it."
"She was built to be a leader. There is no one else I'd rather leave in charge," the reply was stubborn.
She rolled her eyes and faced her opponent, agitated, "I'll make you eat those words when the entire country is in turmoil."
"Who else was I going to leave in charge, Risty? She already had the training to take the position straight away."
She frowned slightly, "You could've chosen me."
The woman opposite her quirked a brow, "You were long gone before the celebration even started. You didn't even stick around long enough for that."
She knew her adversary had a point, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "Well, someone's gotta be ready for when the world goes to hell."
"And it looks like your prepared to take on an army."
Risty shrugged, watching her carefully, "I do what I must."
Her opponent only nodded, as they held each others gaze. Risty was the first to break the eye contact, sighing, "Why are you here, Leina? A little far off the beaten path, isn't it?"
The blond woman gave a small smile, "Someone's gotta keep you outa trouble."
The crimson haired woman gave her a skeptical look, irritated, "You came all this way to find me? I'm sure there's a million better things you could be doing."
"Probably, but I still owe you for helping me."
Risty blushed slightly. She figured the debt was paid off and she wasn't used to people finding her just to repay a debt. Usually they were searching for her for the opposite reason, "You freed me from the mind control, remember? Fair is fair."
"I thought you could use a little more," she reached behind her slightly, producing a large red pouch, "Here. I thought you could use this."
She held out her hand eagerly, waiting for the woman across from her to take it. With hesitation, she took the offered bag, feeling the heavy weight in her palm. She carefully looked in, seeing more gold pieces than she knew what to do with, along with expensive pieces of jewelry and other priceless objects.
She looked up, wide eyed, "You're just giving this this to me? What are you going to feed yourself with?" She knew Leina wasn't a fan of stealing.
There was a hint of a smile on the other woman's face, "I saved some for myself. The rest was extra I knew you would put to good use."
Risty looked down at the riches in her hand, knowing how correct that was. She wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when it would help her so much more.
She looked back up, "How long do you plan to stick around for?"
Leina scratched the back of her head, slightly embarrassed, "Actually, I'm just passing though."
A crimson eyebrow quirked. That wasn't the story she heard minutes ago, "I thought you came looking for me."
She gave a small smile, a little ashamed, "I was passing through the forest and I heard very destructive noises so I came to take a look. Low and behold, I find you."
"And you're just heading thought the thickest part instead of the path because?"
She seemed to regain some of her composure, "I don't want to be recognized. Plus, it's the best way to head south without being detected."
There seemed to be much that needed explaining, even if all she wanted to do was run off with the gold to those in need.
The sun was slowly setting, leaving the sky in shades of range and yellow, making everything look unrealisticly like a dream. She sighed, deciding she had enough training for the day and wondering if what she was about to do was the right thing. Although the woman's ignorance irritated her beyond belief, her heart was in the right place.
"Let's set up camp. It seems we have some catching up to do."
Well, that took a while to update... For no particular reason. Thank you to my one reviewer Lallen! You made me want to update this all the more! That's all I ask for in the end! Virtual cookies for you. Until I finish a million other things, hope you enjoy!