Disclaimer-Sup guys, I do not own the Summon Night series, if I did this would be a game by now.
The End of the Age of Swords
Chapter 2: Forging Friendships
It was the morning after all the commotion from the day before. Like Ryuk had promised, Alice was getting a newer wardrobe. They were in the towns small thrift store. While Alice was in the changing room, Ryuk waited stood up front and leisurely chatted with the shop keeper. She was an older woman and a little on the plump side, wearing a large yellow sundress that by no means complimented her figure. Yet just as the old man who ran the inn, seemed very kind and amiable despite their outward appearance.
"I'm ready!" Alice exclaimed from the changing room. This causing the shop keeper and Ryuk to stop and wait for the reveal. The curtain separating the changing area from the rest of the store was pulled aside as Alice stepped over and presented herself. She smiled but had a deep blush on her face, fidgeting nervously as they looked her over.
Her clothes had been greatly enhanced from the rags she used to wear. She wore a simple black skirt that hugged her legs closely and ended right above her knees. The white t-shirt she found, while fitting well, seemed to be a little small for her, halting right above the skirt. Pulled over the shirt was a small tan hooded sweatshirt, the buttons missing, she wore it as she would a jacket. It was by no means new and because of which had lost both it's sleeves, turning it into mostly a vest. And on her feet, two old but still sturdy looking sandals.
Crossing his arms, Ryuk smiled. Seeming glad she found something she liked. A few seconds later, he arched an eye brow. "Those colors..." He mumbled, looking himself over. Leaving his long coat back at the inn, he was just in his casual attire. He had brown boots that were covered in dirt and sand from use. Tan cargo pants which had signs of damage from the environment from the bottom and slowly riding up. Lastly, a simple black t-shirt covered his back and was tucked in neatly. An outline of a small flame stitched in red over where his heart was. Sewn in a while ago by a grateful member of the townsfolk.
Realizing what he meant, Alice's blush returned as she looked down in embarrassment. "W-Well, since we're going to be a team from now on, I thought maybe we should dress similarly. Or something like that." Watching her, Ryuk had to look away and cover his mouth with his hand to conceal an amused grin. Held back snickers eventually came forth which caused Alice to blush deeper as she stepped closer. "Hey! D-Don't make fun of me! I'm new to this kind of thing!"
_O_o_O_
Making it back to the inn, the two walked over to Tyson who was back behind the bar. He was cleaning a glass when he noticed them. "There you are Ryuk. Jin's waiting for you downstairs."
Confused, Alice turned to Ryuk. "Why would he want to meet with you in the basement?"
He stared at her as he grew a smile. "Oh that's right. You haven't seen it yet, have you?"
When her puzzled stare continued Ryuk gave her a quick pat on the back and motioned for her to follow. Tyson lifted up a part of the bar allowing the two in behind. Alice followed as he walked to a back door in the corner of the first floor tavern. Walking inside, he held the door open for Alice and shared quick glance with Tyson before closing it.
The two were now alone in a small and cluttered store room. Light being let in from the gaps between the planks of wood on the wall. The faint natural light exposed dozens of crates and a large refrigerator that looked far past it's prime, nested in the corner.
Alice gave her new master a skeptical look as Ryuk faked a confused expression. "Huh? Oh, we must've went into the wrong room. Okay, we'll leave in a minute. But first..." Smirking he pointed over at the fridge. "...you mind getting me something to drink?"
Complying, but still somewhat lost she walked over to the fridge. Grabbing the handle and opening it up, her eyes widened as she gasped. Rather than shelves, expected to be stuffed with assorted supplies of food and water, was a staircase that went down quite away. A dark tunnel heading steadily down.
Ryuk walked up next to her, Alice gaping at him. "W-What is this?"
Smirking, he held his arms wide as he explained. "Well you see Alice, these are stairs. They're used to ascend or descend varied distances." He declared sarcasticly as he began playing with his hair.
"You know what I meant!" Alice shouted with a pout and light blush. This causing Ryuk to laugh again.
He quickly regained his composure and stood back up straight and held his shoulders back. "Right, right. Sorry." His apology seemed to lack true sincerity since he didn't address her and began down the stairs halfway through. Either way, Alice easily disregarded it and followed after him.
The small tunnel downstairs was cramped and poorly lit. A couple dozen steps down, the two found a door. Before Alice could even begin to inspect it, Ryuk grabbed the door knob and thrust it open, presenting the room it guarded.
The staircase continued down and turned sharply to the right corner before letting down to the base of the floor. The room was large and spacious. Counter clock-wise from the stairs were crates no doubt full of supplies in the corner. Several used bull's-eye targets were hung on the wall next to it. A sparring mat and a couple training dummies in the next corner. Opposite of the doorway was a computer terminal with a large assortment of different sized cables coming out of it. After that, a huge furnace built into the wall that took up the entire corner and then some. Across from it on the wall was a small dining table that had been converted to a work bench. Anya, currently playing with a piece of her rifle as Zigbur buzzed around her.
In the last corner was the cooking area. A stove, several cabinets, and another fridge. Presumable, this one not leading off to a secret room. Across from the kitchenware was a counter that had two stools on the opposite side near the entrance stairs. In the center of all of this, a musty beat up couch that's back was to the stairs. Loud snoring already giving away what slept behind it.
Alice stood in mild astonishment as her master walked past her. Deciding to let her take in the room, he turned his sights to Anya. Rather than walking down the rest of the stairs he grabbed the railing and vaulted over it landing easily. Walking over to the tiny mechanist, he cleared his throat to gain her attention. "Morning. What'cha up to?"
As he greeted her with a wide smile it seemed to have the adverse affect on her. "Go away please. I'm very busy." She said callously without any concern for him at all.
"That was rude." Ryuk commented crossing his arms. "And also, no." Examining her more closely, he realized she was still wearing the cloak from yesterday and had two deep bags under her eyes. He groaned and grew a disappointed frown. "Don't tell me you stayed up all night again working on that thing."
Turning around she shot him a sluggish but annoyed stare. "I don't have the energy for you right now. Just leave me alone." Reaching for her wrench, Ryuk quickly swiped it and held it over head. "Give that back!" Being a few years older and having the height advantage that came with it, Anya was helpless.
Childish bickering quickly ensued that became louder and louder. Still a little unused to everyone, Alice wasn't too sure how to approach this and just remained on the side watching the two. Eventually, the commotion woke Jin up. He sat upright and scratched the side of his face with a yawn.
Looking over at the two, Jin rubbed his face to wake up. "Now now children, quiet down, would ya? Daddy just woke up."
Stopping at once, the idea itself clearly appalling. They both turned to him with an identical unamused look. "You're not my father." Both replied coldly in unison.
Slightly depressed by the cold reaction he just received, Jin turned away. Reaching into his cloak pocket, he pulled out a chunk of summonite. Holding it over his head, he laid back more comfortably in the couch. It lit up and a fantastic ball of light entered the room. "Hey Sophie, come on down, would ya?"
The light faded just as fast as Jin killed the mood and Sophia appeared on the counter in the back of the room. She was sitting down and combing her long hair. Her cloak not yet dawned, reveled an elegant long sleeveless dark green dress that was split at the sides of the legs to allow easy movement. The color complimenting her similar but lighter shaded hair as well as the brown high-heels that seemed to be made of straps. "Huh? Jin, I was just-" She stopped when she got a good look at her master. "Did you just wake up? It's almost noon, isn't it?" She asked somewhat disappointingly.
Looking over at her, Jin smiled. "You mean it 'aint noon yet? Good, that means I can still get a little shut eye. As he collapsed back onto the couch, Sophia just sighed and let him be for the time being, going back to brushing her long hair.
Ryuk still watching his craft master bum around, Anya jumped up and grabbed her wrench back. "Anyway..." She put the tool away in her cloak before turning back to the older man. "...you can't go back to sleep Jin. We're on scouting patrol this morning, remember?"
Letting out a deep breath, Jin rolled over. "Oh. I-I mean- Ow, ow." He started clenching his gut as he gave them his back. "I 'aint feeling too good all a' sudden."
Rolling his eyes, Ryuk turned back to Anya. "Scouting again, huh? And I guess we have you to thank for that. You volunteered us, didn't you?"
She stuck her nose up at him, ignoring the size difference and turned away. "There have been reports of a Deigleya facility under construction in the forests to the south about sixty miles from here. No other craftknights were close enough. So of course I volunteered us."
Alice drooped her head. "S-S-Sixty miles away. W-We're not walking there are we?" She asked in a pleading tone. The thought itself making her feet feel sore.
Smiling, Ryuk shook his head. "Don't worry, we'll be there in a flash." Alice was awaiting for him to explain, but he never did.
Anya, turning back to the workbench, pulled over the base of her rifle. Unscrewing the scope, she put it in her coat and turned back to the young craftknight. "I'm only taking this. That's because this is only a surveillance mission, right Ryuk?" She narrowed her eyes staring up at him.
Looking away, Ryuk grew a weak smile. "Are you implying that I'm a troublemaker? You have no faith in me at all, do you?" Scowling, Anya shook her head.
Rolling over onto his back, Jin stared up at the ceiling. "Anyone else really hot. I feel like... like I'm in a sauna."
Thinking he was still trying to fake an illness, Ryuk crossed his arms. "You're hot, huh?" He rolled his eyes again. "I wonder why that could be? You're only wearing three layers of clothing and we're surrounded by desert. It's a real mystery, ain't it?"
As Ryuk continued to mock his master, Anya walked over to the computer terminal. Grabbing a loose cable, she called over Zigbur. Attaching the cable to a port in the back, the little mechanoid flinched. Turning back to the console, she pulled up a map and started inputting data. After a few seconds she stopped and her mechanoid let out a few beeps. She detached the cable and turned back to the other. "Ready when you are." She announced. Yawning at the end, clearly not unfazed from her late night project.
Clapping his hands loudly near Jin, Ryuk started gesturing for him to get up. "C'mon ya sloth. We have work to do." A smile on his face as he disturbed his master from his rest. Walking over to Anya, Alice followed him.
Slowly sitting up, Jin coughed as he rose up to a stand. "No one's buyin' it Jin." Ryuk commented, getting a small laugh from his recent guardian beast.
Staggering a few steps, he started swaying side to side. His demeanor gaining some concern from his partner. She got up off the counter and left her brush as she flew over to him from across the room. Just as his apprentice was about to crack another joke, he suddenly fell forward flat onto his stomach in a loud thud.
"Oh geez!" Ryuk shouted quickly running over to him. Sophia having a similar reaction. Anya stood back, not much concern on her face, she allowed the others to work without crowding him. This didn't occur to Alice as she followed closely behind Ryuk in worry. Bumping into him as he rolled his master right side up. "Sophia, what's wrong with him?"
Placing her hand over his forehead she gasped lightly, looking over to Ryuk. "He has a fever and he's fainted." Glancing over to Anya, she forced a smile for them. "I'm sure he'll be fine. I'll look after him. You all leave. Head to the forest and do your mission. Just be careful."
"You sure about this? What about medicine? Does he need anyth-" Ryuk started only to have Sophia raise her hand and shush his lips close by putting a finger up to his mouth.
"Ryuk, you know he has more than enough lying around here." Her smile seeming more genuine. "Now go!"
Looking Jin over once more, he nodded and stood up. "Alright. Let's get going Anya. Alice."
"A-Are you sure?" Alice asked, her first instinct to tug on Ryuk's arm, but she restrained herself. "What if something happens to him? We're going so far away and all." Worry written all over her face.
Shrugging his shoulders, Ryuk joined Anya by the computer and motioned for Alice to come over. "It's fine. Sophia's looking after him. And besides, if anything happens, we'll be right back in a flash."
Still confused, Alice joined them. "Right back?"
Anya turned to Zigbur and flipped a switch on his back. "Activating translational shift." She then started a countdown. "Commencing in 3.. 2..."
Alice seemed timid as Ryuk gabbed her forearm and pulled her in closer to the other. "Get in closer, you don't want anything important left behind, do ya?"
Before Alice could ask anything else, Zigbur lit up in a bright hue. An orb of light surrounded them just as Sophia when she was summoned. When the light faded moments later, there was no trace of any of them.
A few seconds past and Sophia looked down at her master with an unamused look on her face. "They're gone you faker."
His eyes popping back open, he sat back up with ease. Standing up, he dusted himself off then plopped himself back on the couch. "Thanks for covering me with the whole phony fever bit. You're a real doll."
Narrowing her brow, she floated upright and crossed her arms, looking down at a him. "You'd better have a good reason for this. If you're just slacking off I'll have to give you a real beating, you know that?" She finished by catching a punch into her palm.
Jin grew a sad smile on his face. Lifting his left hand onto his lap, he started playing with a gold ring on his ring finger. "Dunno if it's a good reason, but I just can't do it today. Don't feel like doin' anything 'spose."
Cocking her head, Sophia realized what he was doing and retracted herself. "Now I get it. Today is your anniversary, isn't it." The air had become more somber. Her fiery attitude faded away as she left Jin alone. She floated over by the counter and picked her brush back up. She bit her lip and looked away. "I'll let it slide this time. Just don't you dare make a habit out of this, you understand?"
Still smiling sadly to himself, Jin gave her a small wave before lying back down.
_O_o_O_
"What do you mean important?" Alice asked but stopped as she looked around. The group was suddenly transported to the top of a ridge overlooking a giant forest that stretched out for miles. Dropping her first question, she walked away from the others and took a few steps closer to the edge. Looking down at the immense forest, she grew a wide smile. "This is incredible! How did we? Are we? Did we just travel so far in seconds?"
With Alice still feverishly firing out questions, Ryuk crossed his arms and smiled. "Well, in that order, Zigbur, he transported us, and yes." A smirk of superiority present on his face.
"This is amazing!" Alice shouted, looking around their new surroundings. "How is this possible?"
Anya turned away after glancing at Zigbur. "I wouldn't know exactly. Zigbur was built by Orin. His circuitry based off of a mechanoid he studied when he was younger."
Smiling, Ryuk looked over at the two. "How'd you find that guy again? You said you fixed him up in some old tool shed and he's been following you around ever since? Is that right?"
Leaving Ryuk behind, Anya walked over to the edge of the ridge and pulled out her scope. Kneeling down, she looked through it then pointed at a small spec a ways off. "That's it over there. Darn, the reports were outdated. The facilities been completed already."
Being ignored so easily, Ryuk couldn't help but sigh to himself. Putting his hands on his holster, he realized he'd left one of his revolvers back at the base. At the same time, he also realized he left his duster. Shrugging it off, he shook his head and joined the others by the cliff. "Well, it seems you have things under control. Let's go Alice."
As Alice tilted her head, Anya turned around and shot another glare. "You're leaving me behind, again, aren't you?" She said in a bothered tone.
Ryuk fanned her off and turned to Alice. "How else am I gonna find more materials for crafting? Alice needs the practice anyway."
Sighing, she decided not to start another argument. She called Zigbur over and pulled out a side compartment in his chest chassis. The compartment holding several small radios, she grabbed one and threw it over her shoulder. Ryuk caught it and stuffed it in his pocket.
"We're leaving?" Alice asked.
Nodding, Ryuk pointed to a small pathway on the side of the ridge that seemed to lead down to the forest below. "Yup. Oh, do your feet still hurt?"
Blushing, Alice held her hands in front of her. "Huh? No, nothing like that."
Cupping his chin he looked her over. "Alice, can't you float like Sophia can? "
Looking down, she started fidgeting. "Well, I can float a little. I'm just really bad at it." When she saw that Ryuk was still examining her, she blushed. "What?"
He shook his head. "Sorry. It's just, I still can't get over the fact that you're a summon creature Alice." He admitted with a smile. "You can't be a beast. Are you from Silturn or Sapureth? Are you an angel or a devil?"
His question seemed to be troubling as she looked down and away. "Well, um..."
"The only devil around here is you Ryuk." Anya said coldly. Back to scoping out the facility.
"Ha ha." Ryuk faked a laugh as he looked away. Turning back, he saw Alice was the one now staring at him.
She locked eyes with him. "What does she mean by that?"
Looking away again, Ryuk cleared his throat. "Oh that... uh..." She only seemed more curious as he avoided answering right away. "Well Alice, a devil is..." He began, attempting to change the question.
Alice pouted immediately. "That's not what I meant!" She shouted stomping one of her feet.
Done listening to their discussion, Anya turned back around. "If you're leaving, go already and let me work!"
Realizing she was a disturbance, Alice bowed and apologized. Ryuk just smiled and turning to the pathway he spotted earlier. "Right, let's go Alice!" He took off and Alice almost tripped running after him. Letting out an annoyed huff, Anya went back to work.
_O_o_O_
Luckily, the pathway did indeed lead to the forest entrance. Looking around, Ryuk scoped it out for any strays or wild animals. As Alice walked beside him, he turned to her. "I'll show you the basics of crafting when we get back. Right now let's just stay focused and look for any usable materials."
Nodding, Alice gulped nervously. "O-Okay."
Spotting a clearing a ways off into the forest, he motioned for Alice to follow and they went off.
As they approached, Ryuk turned around, walking backward so he could face her. "So, Alice, you never told me. Where are you from?" He asked, a bright smile on his face, as if this were a leisurely stroll in the park.
Rubbing her arm, her expression became more hallow. Noticing this, Ryuk stopped. Caught in a daze, Alice didn't notice and bumped into his chest. Embarrassed again, she bowed and apologized. Laughing lightly to himself, he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her up. Once standing, he relaxed his shoulder so that it was equal with her's, if not higher by only a few inches. Still holding onto her with his arm straight, he pointed it out to her. "You see this? It's leveled. That means were the same height. So don't look up to me so much. We're equals, got that?"
Though he wore a reassuring smile, Alice was still weary. "But I'm..." When she found it hard to speak again, Ryuk shook his head.
"It's okay." She looked at him as he grew a warm smile. "You don't have to tell me. We all have our secrets..." He glanced away for a brief moment before returning. "...my self included. Do you understand?"
Slowly smiling back, she nodded. "Right!"
He tilted his head as he eyed her one more time. "You sure? Everything okay? No more worries?"
She laughed. "Yeah, I'm- oh!" He arched an eyebrow at her. "It's just, what about your master? Is he gonna be okay?"
Genuinely surprised at first, Ryuk smiled to himself. "To so easily change from self pity to worrying about someone you barely know." She looked at him quizzically and he fanned her off. "Don't worry, don't worry. Just thinkin' out loud." He rested his hands on his waist. "As for Jin. It is inconvenient and bad luck. Him out of all of us gets sick. Ironic."
"What do you mean by that?" She asked.
At first he was unsure why she was confused but then remembered how recent she was to the team. "That's right, you don't know. Jin's a doctor."
Alice's eyes widened. "Really? He's a craftknight and a doctor. How old is Jin?"
Ryuk couldn't help but laugh at her response. "Pretty old. But really, he's just a doctor in name only." Still seeming confused, he went on. "Well, he doesn't talk much about his past, but from his tall tails he's so fond of telling, he studied both at the same time. I'm not sure how much of this is true, but apparently, he never actually wanted to be a craftknight. His father made him join a guild though when he was young to carry on the family tradition. While there, in his free time, he'd go visit the local doctor. Chat 'em up and then ask if he could borrow a few of his books."
Seeming really impressed, Alice smiled. "Wow, craftknights are really something else. He's doctor. Anya's really smart and outspoken, and you seem as though you can handle anything."
Bowing at first in appreciation of her words, Ryuk turned back around and began heading for the clearing again. "Please, you're too kind. But for the record, Anya isn't really a craftknight. She's just related to a strong family of them."
Reaching the clearing, Ryuk smirked, his hunch being right. They crouched down as not to be spotted right away. On the other side of the clearing was a small pack of wolves. Half a dozen of the animals were sniffing around the clearing, attempting to track prey or look for other food. Behind them was a monstrous behemoth. A fierce looking wolf that must have been ten times the size of the others.
Standing up, Ryuk drew his revolver and spun it around his finger. "Alright Alice, it's time for our first real battle together." Getting up hesitantly at first and still a little unsure, she nodded.
Ryuk marched out into the clearing, Alice trailing behind. The wolves all took notice and most of them started growling. One howling in the back as the pack inched closer one paw at a time. While his guardian beast was looking scared, he showed no sign of concern. His eyes watched all of them carefully as he showed a worry free smile on his face. Looking up, his eyes locked with the mighty giant wolf in the back, and neither looked away.
Holding his revolver behind him, he held it in front of Alice. "Enchant it, like last time. Well take the big guy out in one blow then deal with the little ones." His voice was confident which calmed Alice down a bit.
Following her instructions, she held her hands over the firearm and doused it in a red light. A few seconds later, Alice nodded. "Okay, it's ready!"
Pulling it out in front of him, he cocked the hammer above the handle and spun the cylinder with his other hand. Eyes still locked with gigantic beast. It reared it's fangs, reading itself to pounce. Just as it leaped up, Ryuk pulled the trigger. A massive ball of fire was shot ahead that collided with the wolf in mid-air. It's entire body was set ablaze and knocked back to where it jumped from. Collapsing heavily, it laid still on the ground, the body still burning.
Whistling to himself, Ryuk examined the revolver, strings of steam pouring out of it's barrel and chamber. "Nice one Alice. Now we'll take care of the small fries." The normal sized wolves all began backing off.
Aiming his gun at the closest one, he pulled the trigger. Doing so, the barrel fell off and the chamber spun out onto the ground beside it. This leaving just the handle and body. Gaping at his disheveled firearm the wolves seemed to take notice of his change in attitude and began creeping closer again.
Looking behind him, he saw Alice was just as confused as he was. "Alice, what did you...?" Turning back around, he reached for his second gun to grasp at nothing. Remembering he left it behind, he drew his sword. A wolf lunged and Ryuk slashed it away, drawing blood from a deep cut and knocking it away. "Stay close to me!" He ordered, backing up.
"M-Master!" Alice called out. He looked behind him again to see some of the wolves had ran behind them, boxing them in the clearing.
Two wolves dashed ahead once he glanced behind him. Focusing in front of him, he slashed another of the beasts away then blocked a bite by shoving the side of the blade in the wolves' mouth. While contained, he kicked it away and off his blade. Glancing down at it, he noticed a small crack just above the handle.
Before anything could be done, he heard Alice yelp as she tugged on the back of his shirt. Hurrying back around, he pulled her behind him again. One of the remaining wolves ran forward opening it's maw wide as it went for Ryuk's legs. Jumping aside, he stabbed down. He purged his sword into it's chest and it let out a weak whine before collapsing.
Pulling out his sword, it snapped near the handle. Breaking off so close to the blade guard, it couldn't even be used as a knife. "Well, this is inconvenient." He spoke with little concern.
With one wolf left, Alice ran behind her new master once again. Trembling, she shakily grabbed his left arm. "How can you be so calm? What are you gonna do now?"
Ryuk laughed as he discarded his broken sword onto the ground. "It's a shame. I really liked that sword. Guess I should've taken better care of it." He shrugged his shoulders and reached behind him. Grabbing his smithing hammer that was rested and looped by his belt. Twirling in his hands he gripped it firmly. "No big deal. Now we just do things the old fashioned way." He announced with a smirk.
Shaking her head, Alice let him go and backed up. "A-Are you crazy? That's just a smithing hammer, isn't it?"
The wolf gave a howl before starting a mad dash toward him. Gritting his teeth, Ryuk held his ground in front on her, strengthening his stance.
Worried, but unable to do a thing, Alice dropped onto her knees. Small tears streaming down her face. "Master, stop! It's too dangerous to just use a hammer!"
The wild animal fast on the approach, Ryuk wore a confident smirk. "This isn't just a hammer you know. They say a hammer doesn't forge just weapons. It can also forge..." Alice looked up at him. The wolf close enough, it lunged at him, it's mouth wide with sharp and drool coated fangs. "...A MAN!" Ryuk roared, performing an upward swing with all his might and knocking the savage animal backward into the air after, a direct hit with it's jaw.
Her tears stopping, Alice stayed looking up at Ryuk. Her eyes filled with admiration as he smiled down at her and gave a comforting thumbs up. She was amazed. Even after everything went wrong, even when everything seemed hopeless, this man, her master, took all of the day's hardships with a smile on his face.
_O_o_O_
Anya was just finishing up her surveillance. As she spotted an unusual looking truck enter the compound, a beeping came from Zigbur. Groaning, she put down the scope and grabbed the radio he was holding out for her. She sighed before pressing down the button on it's side. "What is it Ryuk? Is something wrong?"
There was a bit of a pause before a static sound buzzed for a second. "Something wrong? No not really. I mean, it could've been wrong. But me and Alice took care of it." While his voice was somewhat distorted through the radio, his cocky attitude was still clear as day. "Alright, long story short. We were jumped by wolves."
Becoming agape, Anya was for a moment at a loss for words. "But master, you were the one who att-" Alice voiced in from the background. "Shh! She doesn't need to know that. Just be quiet."
Massaging her temple, she pressed down on the radio again. "If you just came here to gloat I'm hanging up."
Quickly responding this time, Ryuk answered. "Hey now! Don't be so cold! Listen, my weapons broke so we'll be heading back. You almost done up there?"
Shaking her head, Anya gripped the radio tighter as she held it closer. "Your weapons are broken? And you're still just walking around down there?" She shouted, a mix of anger and slight worry in her voice.
The radio was silent for a moment again. "Don't worry."
For an instant, she could literally feel one of her eyebrows twitch in annoyance. "You were just attacked by wolves!" She screamed.
With low nervous laughter being heard she could hear some faint whispering between the two. "Now don't worry. You might find it hard to believe, but in actually, I was the one who started the fight with those wolves."
Fuming, she slowly pressed down on the radio and brought it up to her mouth a small pause so that Ryuk would be listening carefully. "Ryuk, get back here right now!" She shouted at the top of her lungs. Listening carefully, she could hear the sound of a low thud and scattering within the static. Ryuk most likely dropping the radio onto the ground before picking it back up. Sighing, she turned off the radio and handed it back to Zigbur who put it back in in his chest compartment.
Sitting off on the edge of the cliff, she lifted her legs up and held them against her chest. She stayed focused on the entrance of the forest beneath her waiting for the slightest sign of the young craftknight. "Idiot."
_O_o_O_
Gently rubbing the side of his head, Ryuk tossed the radio to Alice. Groaning he couldn't help but smirk at the ear piercing orders he was just given. "I really shouldn't mess with her when she hasn't gotten her sleep. I'll have to make a note of that." Turning around, he saw Alice just smiling at him. "What's up with you?"
Smiling brightly at him, she blushed slightly. "You were... so cool back there master!" She chimed.
Ryuk turned away and sunk his shoulders. Starting to walk back to the forest entrance, he shook his head. "H-Hardly, that was the most embarrassing thing I've ever said. And I said it so proudly too. I think the Old Man's rubbing off on me." A slight embarrassed blush present on his face.
Just before leaving the clearing, he stopped abruptly and turned back around at the monstrous wolf from earlier. A smirk creeping across his lips. Alice stared at him confused as he changed direction, heading over to it.
_O_o_O_
As Anya continued to wait on the ridge, she eventually heard some footsteps coming up. Turning to the path where the two split up earlier, Alice poked her head out first. Ryuk came after, a fang half the size of him tucked under his arm.
Anya couldn't take her eyes off the fang as the group joined back up. Her face seeming to turn a shade paler. "I-Is that from one of the wolves that attacked you?"
Smiling proudly he tossed it up into the air and caught it in both hands "You bet! I can't wait to turn this thing into a new sword. I think I'll call it, The Fenrir."
Sticking her nose back up, she turned away and went over to Zigbur. "It's a good thing that wolf didn't eat you..." Ryuk opened his mouth about to jokingly tease her. "...he'd probably end up sick." Ryuk shut his mouth and remained quiet at this.
Zigbur floated in between everyone and Anya flipped the switch on his back. "Activating return translational shift. Commencing in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1."
_O_o_O_
Returning to base in a flash of light. The group turning to the kitchen in the back frying something up while whistling a cheery tune.
Smirking to himself, Ryuk laid the fang over by the furnace and walked over to his master, his hands in his pockets. "You're not even gonna try to play coy about this, are ya?" Still smirking, he shook his head.
Smiling back, Jin shrugged his shoulders. "Hm? I don't know what you're talking about?" Looking over his student, he noticed both of his firearms missing. "What happened to your guns? Did ya lose 'em?"
Shaking his head, Ryuk held up one hand. "Not at all." He reached into his front right pocket and pulled out the barrel. "Here's the barrel..." In his left pocket held the revolver chamber. "...and here's the chamber..." He then started checking his back pockets. "..the handles around here somewhere. Oh here it is." Pulling out the grip he plopped the pieces onto the counter.
Sighing, Jin turned away from the stove fully. Turning it off to prevent any unintentional fires. He picked up one of the pieces and began inspecting it. "How'd ya pull this off?"
Looking away a bit, he turned to Alice who walked over with him. "I'm not really sure myself. Alice enchanted it like before then the whole thing fell apart. It's a good thing I took out the big one first our else we'd've been in trouble."
As he said this, Anya glanced over and shot a look before going over to the her work bench. Picking up right where she left off.
Eying the barrel, he smirked, picking up the chamber for confirmation. The smirk faded as he examined both in each hand. "That is unfortunate."
While Alice became concerned, Ryuk straightened up. "From the looks of things, this gun has degraded from overuse. Is this the same gun Alice enchanted when you first met her?" Thinking for a second, Ryuk nodded. "Though I've yet to see it first hand, I can only presume that her enchantments are so powerful that your weapon can't withstand it. Maybe in time you'll be able to craft a weapon able to handle two or three. But as for now..."
Taking the barrel back, Ryuk looked inside it then showed it to Alice. She gasped looking inside. The inside that should have been narrow and straight was withered and warped. "It's fine." Ryuk commented reassuring her. "We need to practice crafting together anyway."
Standing up from her workbench, Anya took her cloak off and brushed off her dress underneath. She wore a white one piece that ended at her knees. It had light green frills at the bottom and ends of her short sleeves as well as one right below her chest and waist. The small leather boots she wore with her worn cloak didn't stick out before but now seemed out of place on her girlish attire. "If you're done acting so out of character, you can forge later." She said taking a few steps toward the stairs. "I'm borrowing you for the afternoon, remember? You promised the other day."
Thinking back for a moment he snapped his fingers. "Right. We need to go shopping. A restock from the stores around town." Laying the piece of his gun back on the counter, he put his hands in his pockets. "Alright. C'mon Alice."
Stopping, she turned around on the stairs. "Huh? Why are you bringing her?"
Arching an eyebrow, he glanced at Alice as they walked over to the stairs. "Why not? You did just ask me because you needed an extra set of hands, didn't you?"
Looking down, she cupped her chin in her hand. "That's right. That makes sense considering what I told you."
Stopping, he tilted his head to the side as his expression dropped. "Eh?"
Shaking her head, Anya started going back up the stairs. "Fine. She can come I suppose."
Ryuk and Alice following behind her, Alice looked over at him. "Did I do something wrong?"
Shaking his head, Ryuk flashed a smile. "Of course not. Don't worry about nothing." Staring back ahead the three started heading up the stairs. "What's up with her?" He began under his breath. "She only acts this way when she's planning something."
"-yeah I'll have to do my best!" Alice exclaimed beside him.
Snapping back from thought, he looked over at her. "Huh? You were saying something?"
She didn't seem to hear him however as she ran up over to Anya. Smiling down at her. "You look cute this morning. I like your dress."
Somewhat flustered, unused to compliments, she looked away. "T-This? It's just my everyday outfit." A small blush on her cheeks, she picked up her pace. "But, thank you."
_O_o_O_
Making it to the general store, the three stood inside by the front doors. Picking a piece of scrap paper from her pocket, Anya moved toward the counter. "Stay here. I'll call for you when I need you."
Alice trying to make more of a good impression, quickly nodded. "Sure!"
Ryuk stood up straight by gave a goofy salute. "Yes ma'am!" Groaning lightly, Anya ignored him and walked over to the counter across the store.
While Alice waited feverishly to be of assistance, Ryuk narrowed his eyes as he watched their small comrade. "I wonder what she's planning?"
Confused, Alice turned to him. "Hm? What do you mean?"
He smirked putting his hands on his hips. His eyes still following her. "She's hands down the worst liar on the team. Her tells are completely obvious. That thinking out loud thing was the first clue."
Alice gave him a skeptical look. "Do you always examine your friends so closely?"
Smirking, Ryuk leaned over to her. "Don't let my cool facade fool you. I'm actually an evil genius." He joked earning a few laughs.
"Hurry up over here, will you?" Anya complained. Several boxes already piled up at the front desk.
Blushing, Alice ran up to the counter. "Right! Sorry!" Ryuk in contrast walking over with his hands now in his pockets.
Struggling with one of the packages, Ryuk grabbed it easily and held them under his left arm along with the other.
Disappointed with herself, Alice sunk her head. "I'm useless, aren't I?"
He laughed softly at her reaction. "Hey now, don't be so hard on yourself. Besides, I train every morning. You could start joining me if you like."
Perking up at this, Alice raised her head back up. "Yeah!"
Seeming somewhat annoyed, Anya started heading out of the store. "Come on, we still have two more shops to head to."
_O_o_O_
Arriving at the next store, Anya pulled out some scrap paper like before. Rather than going up alone like earlier, she handed it to Alice. "Take this. If you can't carry anything then go up and ask for everything on this list. Do something productive." She ordered out in a stern tone.
Caught off guard, Alice quickly took the slip and hurried over across the shop. "R-R-Right!" Almost tripping as she went.
Once Alice was out of ear-shot, Ryuk glanced down at Anya. "Hey, aren't you being a little hard on her?"
Sticking her nose up again, she turned away. "Hmph. It's not my fault if she's even more useless than her master."
Sighed, Ryuk looked over at Alice. "I still don't understand why you're so angry. She hasn't even done anything wrong yet."
Anya's eyes widened as she turned back to Ryuk furiously. "Hasn't done anything wrong?" She repeated in shock. "Because of her you almost died today and I was-" She became silent and turned away again, beat red.
Watching her, Ryuk turned his head fully toward her. "You were worried about me?" When she continued to give him her back, he smirked and turned back to watch over Alice. "Ha ha ha. Now who's acting out of character? Y'know, for someone so smart, mixing up those two emotions like that is pretty childish. Don't you think?"
Rather than answering him, Anya ran over to the front desk to help Alice who was struggling with the new packages. "Here, let me help you with that."
Even with their combined effort, they weren't able to lift the large box for so long and both began squirming. Alice looked over the younger girl at Ryuk. "Uh oh! Ah! M-Master!" Smiling to himself at the scene, he shook his head, walking over to lend a hand.
_O_o_O_
They had made it to the last of the store. Anya already up at the front desk, Ryuk and Alice waited by the door again. Noticing only one small box was given for pickup, he smirked. "Hey, hold these for me, would ya?" He asked dropping the packages he was holding into Alice's hands all of a sudden, moving up to the front.
Swaying back and forth, unable to properly hold them, she cried out weakly. "W-Wait."
Making his way next to Anya he crossed his arms. "Need anymore help?"
Surprised, she looked up at him. "Huh? Oh, no. This package is much lighter. It shouldn't be a problem."
Smirking to himself again, he reached around her and snagged the container. "Well then, you won't mind me helping you out."
Bothered, she tried grabbing it only for it to be held over head. Mimicking their performance from the morning, she jumped up trying to reach it but with no anvil. "Hey! Ryuk! Give it back!"
The shop keeper, an elderly looking woman, cackled warmly at the scene. "Oh my. You two remind me of my brother and me when we were young."
Blushing again, Anya stopped and turned away. "No, we're not siblings."
Still in a cheerful mood the shop keeper shook her head. "Well you don't need to be related by blood to act like a family.
The older woman's words seemed to strike a cord with Anya. She stayed still somewhat dazed as Ryuk walked back over to Alice. Still swaying back and forth, she almost fell when Ryuk caught her shoulder just in time. With only one hand, he lifted up her entire stack and then replaced it with Anya's light package. Walking over to the door, he turned back around to show his usual smile. "Alright, this should be everything, right?"
Shaking her head at first to get back into focus, she nodded. Joining them at the door before making their way back tot he inn.
_O_o_O_
Heading back underground, Anya led the way down the stairs with the crafting pair right behind. Entering the room, they found it to be just as they left minus one Jin and Sophia, who they passed on their way, in the tavern. "Just put everything underneath the stairs." She ordered reaching the bottom and heading back over to her work bench.
Dropping his tower of crates down Alice placed her's beside him. He dusted his hands off. Crossing his arms he stood up tall. "Well, okay Alice, now it's time to start crafting. We might have to bug Jin for supplies though." He said, somewhat disgruntled at the end.
"Top crate." Anya announced sitting down at the work bench.
Puzzled, Ryuk opened up the first crate to find an assortment of miscellaneous weapon parts. Still giving them her back, Anya started tinkering with her sniper. Picking up the wrench from this morning. "I picked some materials out while we were shopping. I figured it would be a hassle to go gather supplies with just that smithing hammer."
Alice checked out the box while Ryuk turned to Anya from across the room. A smug smile on his face and he crossed his arms. "Thanks a lot..." His smile growing into a grin. "...little sister."
Caught off guard, she accidentally flung a piece of her gun across the room. She turned around with a frustrated look on her face as well as an embarrassed blush.
Holding his sides, Ryuk started a minor laughing fit. "Ha ha ha! What a reaction!"
Her blush growing only deeper by the second, she tossed her wrench across the room in hopes of hitting him. "I'm never helping you out again!"
_O_o_O_
Spending a majority of the remainder of the day explaining the basics of smithing and weapon types, Alice was exhausted by all the intricacies. Letting her go off to their room to get some early shut eye. The two of them now alone. Ryuk now sprawled out on the couch. Anya still at her work bench.
"If I could just get this part to function properly..." Anya muttered to herself, gaining Ryuk's attention.
He smirked, resting his eyes and putting his feet up on one of the arm rests. "And you say I'm stubborn."
Laying her head on her arms, she decided to take a little break, resting her eyes as well. "Hold that silver tongue of yours. Don't even think of comparing me to you." It sounded strong at first by became tired half way through.
Ryuk couldn't help but grow a smirk at her phrasing. Still resting her head, Anya spoke up again. "Why are you pretending to be this way. Acting like a caring or sometimes aloof older brother?"
Chuckling to himself, Ryuk shrugged his shoulders. "You don't like it? I didn't think you thought much of it." He said in a somewhat narcissistic tone.
He could tell she was pouting despite hiding her face and facing away. "I was talking about the way you act with Alice. It'll only be harder once she sees the real you. This mask'll just make things more difficult in the end."
"You're real talkative despite having sleep deprivation. Y'know that?" The sound of growing annoyance in his voice. "Don't think I'll hold back now that Alice's away. You wanna have a battle of words with me? Fine. For starters, how does staying up for two days straight to fiddle with that rifle not sound stubborn? Huh?" After a few seconds to which he assumed she was gathering her thoughts, there was nothing but silence.
Getting up off the couch, he walked over to the bench. Looking down at her, his suspicions were verified. She had fallen asleep. "My little sister is such a hypocrite, isn't she?" He joked out loud to no one. He shook his head, a smile appearing on his face as he watched over her. Picking up her discarded cloak, he laid it over her shoulders like a blanket and gently rustled her hair before leaving.
_O_o_O_
Entering his room he found it almost pitch black. Kicking off his boots, he plopped down in his bed and stared up at the ceiling. Unusual for him, he wore an expressionless look. Perhaps thinking back on the events of the day. "Alice, you awake?"
Shifting being heard, Alice's eyes blinked back open. "Yeah, why?"
Keeping his stoic face as he stared up, Ryuk turned to her. "You worked hard today. Good work."
Smiling at her master's praise, she nodded. Ryuk grew a small smirk and closed his eyes. "You must be exhausted from today." She nodded again, still in a pleasant mood. His smirk growing wider as he laid more comfortably. "I see. That must be why you mistook my bed for yours."
Her eye's shooting open, she saw Ryuk's face right next to hers. Shrieking in embarrassment, she crawled over him and fell over onto the floor. Scurrying across the wooden planks, she crawled into her bed and buried her head in her covers. "G-Good night."
In a fair mood, the young budding knight nodded and closed his eyes. "Good night Alice."
Authors Notes:
You know, I originally planed for this to be a 14 chapter story. But considering how dead Summon Night is right now... I think I'll shorten it to 6 or 7. I'll leave it open ended in case I do decide to continue it someday.
By the way, I revised the first chapter after a few people commented it's structure. Give it re-read if ya got the time.
Small Character Analysis:
Ryuk -
Ryuk is what happens when I decide to make a character completely different from the typical SN protagonist. Rather than being an air-head or kind of a goof a klutz, Ryuk is a suave, considerate, intelligent, and skilled individual. But since perfect characters are boring, his flaws will be made more apparent in later chapters.
Anya -
Made out to be a built upon version of Tatiana from SN2. I never liked her. She wasn't relative to the plot and wasn't interesting. She also lacked a lot of character development and depth. Anya is still the little sister but unlike Tatiana will have actually development as depicted in this chapter. Never having a close family, spending time with Ryuk has started to affect her. While originally seeming cold and prude, she seems to have forged a bond or friendship.
See you later and as always, Read, Review, and Enjoy!
- TEAS Chapter 3, A Thinking Man's Soldier -
Both Alice and Ryuk taking cover behind the cliff. On the other side, two Deigleya officers were hassling an old man.
"P-Please. I'm sorry I was just looking for a lost memento of mine. I didn't mean to trespass. I swear it!" He was on his knees. His hands clasped together in apology. The guards patience running thin, one reached for his rifle. "N-No please! Please! Oh Parista, holy spirit of the sword! Show your mercy onto me!"
Alice blinked, turning to her master. "Who is Parista?"
Narrowing his eyes, Ryuk stood up to get a better look of things."I've read he's an ancient god. Said to be the protector of all craftknights."
Things looking grim, he took a step closer and Alice stood up. " Master? What are you doing?" She shouted in a whisper.
Reaching for his sword, he grew a smirk. "Isn't it obvious? Divine intervention."
