Chapter 2: Mistakes and Roadblocks
CInder Fall
Cinder was not quite sure when, but at some point she had left the old, nearly unnoticeable store. The helm was donned upon her head, quite unusual as almost no one she knew had ever worn any sort of head protection. She leapt across rooftops, using their close proximity as a way to get around the large city mostly undetected. Just before she arrived at the bullhead docks, she dropped to the ground in a small alley. Inside was a small bag, with her uniform folded up inside it. It would not due to be so conspicuous, after all.
She slipped on the Haven uniform over the pitch black clothing she already had on, making sure that no one would notice her while doing so. While she did so, the helm, that vessel for the being, was also doffed and placed into the now empty bag. Slipping the straps over her shoulder, she calmly walked towards the bullhead, already planning out how her new knowledge may help her with her goals. One thing she didn't count on, however, was how the knowledge she had gained left her along with the helm she had taken off. Yes, her body was still overproducing Aura and yes, she still had the power to use the technique, but somehow not being in contact with the helmet made her unable to remember quite how to do it, despite still knowing its name.
She pondered this, even as she stepped onto the bullhead and it took off, right on time as usual. There were a few other students around, and even one of the substitute teachers. All of the others were either yawning or nodding off, but she was fully alert, trying to figure out the mystery that had presented itself to her. Her hand reached into the bag, touching the helm once again. As her fingers slipped on the cold metal surface, the knowledge that she was seeking flowed back into her. So it requires touch to be usable, at least in its full capacity. Good to note.
She still felt the presence in her head, assuming it to the be the being. And, well, if she couldn't figure out what was going on, then perhaps the other could. Spirit? Are you there? She concentrated on those words, as if trying to send them to another place despite being in her head.
A response floated back, almost as if they were waiting for a call. It is quite unbefitting that one tempest should quitely call to another. Trepidation is not something that is found in the raging winds, and so it also should not be found in you or I. Once again, the firm, but distorted voice rang out in her head. While the chastisement was most certainly not nice or gentle, it was not meant in ill will, that much she could understand. And so, she responded in kind.
Perhaps you should forgive me for not understanding something I had never encountered. You yourself are quite odd, and I never would expect something like you to even exist normally. She spoke candidly, and with confidence, knowing that that was what was necessary at the time. Perhaps I would be more confident in speaking if I knew who I was speaking to? She left it as a question, but normally she would demand such a thing. When a spirit gives you power, it is not the most prudent thing to anger it.
And as usual, the response came quite quickly, although this one most certainly seemed like more of a rebuke. If you do not already know my name, then you have not proven yourself worthy of it. My name carries great power, enough to annihilate entire armies and raze whole cities. It would not due to one unproven to make my power their own. Our own bond is only at its weakest, for you have not even learned who I am. Their tone was that of slight annoyance, as though it was obvious to them that this was the case. Cinder found herself quite irritated at this, but restrained herself for the time being.
Her hand left the helm, and the presence retreated, connection severed. They were almost back at Beacon now, and she wanted to maintain her composure. It wouldn't do to ruin her reputation, after bullhead came to a stop, allowing its passengers onto the floating island. She stepped off, the various people around hr doing the same. She began to walk towards her room, her casual gait ensuring that she would not be found suspicious.
?
She was not at all sure what to make of her new host. Despite being a patient soul, the spirit had been waiting for centuries. When one has been abandoned for so long, it is quite difficult to find the time to wait, especially when such a perfect and unique host appears. In fact, if she were being honest, she may have been too hasty in releasing and granting even a small portion of her power. Quite an embarrassing thing, to be sure, but not something that couldn't be fixed, normally…
She was quite puzzled when it came to her host, to be honest. They seemed to be someone with a strong reason to fight, and to beat those evil ones who hold power in this world. At the same time, however, she also breaks every rule that one such as this spirit is bound to follow. Even beyond that, however, was the fact that she could not recall her power. She recognized it after the fact, but after granting even a little power, a connection was established to it. Due to her own state, all she can do is withhold her power, as even rescinding it is beyond her.
She could not disconnect from her vessel either, as connected as she was. Normally, by disconnecting from a host, one could break the ropes of power that were being drained from the, but in this case her vessel was not allowing her. It is quite disturbing, being forced to be a backseat driver in all this. Unable to help as she was, it was as though she were never found at all. Her own host was someone who, while they may be fighting to destroy those who are evil, it is only a means to an end. With power being the only thing that they desire, it will inevitably lead to innocent blood being spilled.
Then, the warrior spirit paused. It felt others out there. Others like it, that someone its wielder did not sense. Perhaps warriors in this world can only sense those spirits that they can bond with? A notion for another time. The largest problem was that it sensed many more than would be normally found at one point. She even felt one similar to herself, standing out even further in the crowd. This place is quite crowded, she realized. Many spirits and many hosts, all in one place. Perhaps it will be elaborated upon later?
A/N
I wasn't sure when I was going to continue this, and I might go and combine this chapter and the last, just to give it a little more sense in the story, but I'll wait a week or so for that, at least. Thanks to those of you who read, and especially to those of you who reviewed. Have a good day!
Guest Responses
Guest: Thank you for pointing that out, as I didn't realize that until then. Somehow, I had the impression that she was kinda like Salter (Am I the only one who calls her that?), but I guess not. I'll do my best to work with that in the future.
Giuseppe: I'm sorry, but even with Google Translate helping me my Spanish is terrible. You read this, so I'm near certain you understand English (no offense, but I've read stories piece by piece through a translator before). I'll do you a favor and try not to offend you by murdering your language. To clarify, I do not have a specific limit in mind, but for Cinder at least she will be stuck in a rut with her abilities for quite a while. It is hard for a Chaotic Evil to prove that they deserve the power of a Lawful Good, after all. Thanks for the response and advice!
CaptainBorisson: Thank you very much for the generous review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter just as much as the last.
