Chapter 2: A Strange Girl

Multiple thoughts were running through my head. At first, I thought she was just a hallucination 'cause I was still just waking up. But that thought vanished quickly.

"Okay, hold up," I said. "First, who are you? Second, why ask these random questions out of the blue? Third, why do you have that demonic aura?"

"Fair enough," she answered. "I will answer your questions, but it is more polite that you answer mine first. To your first question, I am a Construct. My name is Kara. To the second, it is my wish to understand what drives people to their actions. And to the third, this aura is caused by exposure to the demon army that is sweeping across the continent, of which I am second-in-command."

She spoke slowly, as if she were in a trance. But what the hell was a Construct?

"A Construct is a being created by alchemy. It is a being similar to a doll or puppet, except that Constructs have free will to do as they wish. However, creating one is extremely dangerous. The backlash of a failed reaction can kill the person who attempts it. I serve the demon army out of gratitude for my master," she explained, answering my unspoken question. "However, because we are not naturally born, we Constructs have little understanding of human emotion."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but that's pretty hypocritical," I said to her. "You want to understand humans better, but you're going and killing every human you see."

"Understand that it is not my wish to kill humans. On the contrary, I do not take pleasure in the slaughter of human beings," she said back. "But I go where my master goes. He commands the army. I follow him. Now, I have explained who I am. Now who are you? And why are you who you are?"

"Fine, if I have to," I said, still tired. "I'm Elsword. I'm what's known as a Rune Slayer, a warrior skilled in both swordsmanship and magic. And you asked why I do what I do? I want to find my sister."

"What do you mean?" she asked inquisitively. I could have sworn her voice changed slightly. "Please explain."

"When I was young, my sister taught me how to use a sword to defend myself. She taught me everything I know. But then she disappeared without a trace. She left on a mission, but she didn't tell anyone where she was going. After a few years, she didn't return and was presumed dead. But I know she's alive. And I'm going to find her."

"So that is your reason. I heard you earlier, when you talked about 'Rena.' Who is she?" she asked curiously.

Crap! I said too much! She's with the demons! Why am I spilling my guts out to her?!

"You have nothing to fear," she said. "I ask you these things out of my own will, not that of my master."

There she goes again! It's like she's reading my mind!

"The look on your face asks if I can read your mind. Do not worry; I am incapable of that."

Great. Now she has a sense of humor. Who was this girl?

Then I remembered the time.

"Hey, listen, I really need to get back. I've been gone all day, and they're bound to notice something's wrong if I'm not back soon," I explained hurriedly.

"I see," she said dejectedly. "I am sorry for holding you up."

Great. Now I feel bad. But maybe there was an answer. The question was whether I (or we, in this case) could pull it off.

"Maybe I have an answer. How well can you hide that aura?" I asked her.

"I could sense how strong you were when I first saw you, but you failed to notice me," she said. "I am somewhat proficient at concealing my aura. It is something my master taught me. But my skill is still incomplete."

When she tried, I couldn't detect her at all. So hiding from humans won't be a problem. But there's still one little obstacle.

"Okay, so hiding from the others won't be a problem. You want to continue talking? Then do what I say. Follow behind me, and stay out of sight. I'll talk to them and explain what happened to me, but I won't mention you. Meanwhile, you'll wait on the roof for my cue later, when everyone's asleep. Can you do that? But there's still one major problem," I told her. "One of my friends is contracted with a High Devil. There's a chance you'll be discovered. They're not as stupid they look. Do you still want to risk it?"

"Yes. I want to understand you. I can look at you as someone I can trust. And in spite of the short time we have known each other, I consider you a friend."

I was taken aback when she said this. Even though she's with the demons, she still wants to know me? But there's one question that's bugging me. Who is her master? She said that someone created her. But who? But I put that aside.

"Well, we should get going. Remember what I told you. Stay out of sight, and wait for my signal. We'll continue later."

"I got it," she said. "Don't worry, they won't notice a thing."

She started talking more like a normal person. I wondered if I was having this effect on her. Nah, not possible.

The only thing on my mind as I was walking back was what would happen to me. I really didn't want to go back. I've been gone all day. What would they think? I didn't want to think about what Rena would do to me. I was not looking forward to that. Maybe she really would serve my head on a platter.

Crap, crap, crap! It won't be so bad for me. I can tell the truth, and then I'll be clear, hopefully. But Kara. . .She's another story. I don't want her to get hurt... Wait, did I just think that? What is wrong with me? I just met this girl, and I'm already like this.

I was unsure of why I was acting the way I was. Maybe it was because I thought she deserved a chance to live like a human. Maybe it was because she reminds me of myself when I was younger. I felt lost without my sister. I relied on her guidance. She helped me become who I am. I feel that Kara is the same as me. But whatever the reason, I found myself. . .drawn to her. Maybe I was even starting to. . . No, don't think like that! She's supposed to be the enemy. Why am I starting to fall in love with the enemy?

End of Chapter 2


Here's my take. A Construct is as Kara explained it. They are beings created through Alchemy. As these beings interact with humans and other beings, they pick up on their behavior and nature. This isn't explained 'til later, so I thought I'd do this now to prevent future confusion.