Ok, here's the 3rd chapter, I'm so sorry for the long wait, but so much has gone on, now for those that have been waiting patiently I have changed it up just a bit, I've switched Hikaru's scenes to first person, so if you would like you can go back and re-read the updated first two chapters. I'm sorry for the inconvenience it may cause, but I prefer writing in first. Krystal's scenes are staying as Third, so it's a mix of the two writing styles. Here's hoping I can pull it off. Please I hope you enjoy the updated chapter.
We make it to Lord David's town. The moment we step through those city gates I just gap at the whole place. Everything about this excites me, not only are we allowed in this place, but it also belongs to my not so healthy crush. I just can't get over the fact that I'm admiring everything now in person instead of looking through a screen.
We stop at a giant sword that seems to be embedded into the ground.
"I forget what it's called, but that is located in the center of Athlum", I whisper to Krystal as she, Rush and I stand to admire the thing.
"It's huge", Krystal whispers. After a long while of us looking at the massive sword, we turn and notice that the group have all stopped walking, they are in fact looking in our direction. Rush is the first to move, followed by Krystal and then myself. As we approach them, David's voice invades all my senses, "We can waste no time in sniffing out the rats who kidnapped Irina". He pauses for a brief moment. He turns his attention to the cat man with four arms, "Torgal"?
I watch as Torgal nods head, I frown as David turns and walks off, not bothering to give us a second glance.
"We have prepared a room for you three within the castle", Torgal starts, the little lizard guy turns and follows behind David, "After your journey from Eulam Island you must want to rest and recover from.. Your presumably arduous journey". I know all too well that he was talking to rush that last time. With a sigh, I take my eyes off the cat creature in favour of watching David getting further and further away from me.
"So I just sit on my butt and do nothing? Yeah, right! I'll go find those guys myself"! Rush snaps not too pleased with the situation. I look at him, I can see his rage seeping out. Emma walks over to Torgal and looks at Rush, "Fine, do as you like, but try not to do anything too foolish". I shake my head and turn my attention back toward David who is now even further from us. I watch as he is now closer to the huge fish like creature, who is known as Blocter. The moment David passes him, the creature turns and follows close behind his leader.
"We shouldn't let them have free run of the castle, until we've verified their stories", Emma says looking at Torgal, then looks at us. I watch from the corner of my eye as Krystal narrows her eyes at the woman, then she looks at me and groans. I'm keeping David in my sites till I can no longer see him, I really didn't want to be this far from the man. I jerk as I feel an elbow hit me, putting my hand on my arm, I turn to Krystal fully.
"Ow, what was that for"? I ask.
"I'll get on it", Emma says. I look at her, she had still been talking with Torgal, I then look at Rush.
"Okay, uhh.. I'm going now? Hello"? Rush asks, his arms crossed seeming unimpressed.
"If it's information you seek, there is a certain pub in Virtus Parish you might care to investigate", Torgal says, he turns and begins walking.
"Come to the castle if you need anything of us", Emma says, she was about to turn around when Krystal puts her hand out to her, "Wait", she says.
"Hikaru here is hurt, and well.. Since we don't really know much of who we are, would you help take care of her"? Krystal asks. I watch as she looks at Rush, "If you don't mind, I'd like to stick with you".
"I don't see a problem in that", Rush stats, he had looked at Krystal before she said her last sentence. I look at Krystal now, my eyes wide out of pure shock. After a few minutes I then turn my attention to Emma.
"Sure, whatever", Emma has no protest about it as she turns and begins walking.
"Alright! I'm on it"! Rush enthusiastically retorts with excitement.
"Are you sure about this"? I ask, I had to be sure, so I turn to my friend.
"Just don't you dare say anything", Krystal orders, she's giving me that look, the one that says, 'If you do I'll hurt you'. I nod my head, then smile and hurry to catch up to the others.
"So what do we do first"? Krystal asks as she watches her friend rush to catch up to Emma and Torgal.
"Well, I know we will have to fight some more monsters, so the weapons shop would be a safe bet", Rush says then starts walking toward one of the many booths. Krystal follows close beside him.
"I don't think you two have lost your memories", he then stats. Krystal just looks at him, then down at her feet.
"Don't worry, I'm not like those other guys.. I honestly don't really care. If you and your friend can help me get my sister back, then I'm all for it", he says.
"Hikaru did say that you're a good guy in a strange way", Krystal stats, not meaning to say it out loud.
"Huh"? Rush asks a bit confused.
"Never mind", she says, then shacks her head. The two stop at the weapons shop and look through the stuff the man has. Rush gets a shield, and Krystal gets more arrows for her bow. Thanks to Rush paying for them that is.
"Now to the pub that the cat man was talking about"? Krystal asks.
"Yes", Rush answers. And they walk through the Town square, then into the Parish, and into the pub. Krystal eyes the one bartender, seeing as how he is eyeing them, or more importantly Rush. She narrows her eyes at the man, remembering what Hikaru had said about one of the bartender's a while back. The two then walk over to him.
"Welcome to the Warrior's Honor"! He says in a cheery mannor. Then he looks from Krystal to Rush and says, "He-Ho, you aren't a familiar face. And trust me, I'd remember a... Face like yours", he says.
"You must be new to Athlum, hmm"? He gives a bit of an eye wiggle and adds, "So I want you to know, if you have aaany questions at all, come straight to me. I can give you a.. Personal tour". Krystal groans inwardly and agrees with Hikaru, this guy is rather scary.
"I'm just trying to meet with Dave", Rush answers.
"Whaaat? You're trying to meet with Lord David? Well, he receives visitors in Athlum Castle, that's further into the city", he says.
"That said, it's not like just anyone can walk in and get an audience. Of course for a cutie like you he may make an exception...", the man trails.
"I can imagine what Hikaru's reaction would be if she were hear listening to this", Krystal ponders, then pictures her friend actually jumping over the counter to get to the man, for saying that David would be interested in men. Krystal then looks at Rush and recalls the looks that David had been giving Hikaru, without her knowing.
Rush then walks over to the other bartender and asks about stuff that is going on, news.
"Nothing much has been going on lately", he answers honestly. Then Rush and Krystal walk around the pub asking other people/things questions.
I walk beside Emma, a tad bit on edge, I know this woman doesn't like me, or my friend. We make our way through the city, I know exactly what Emma is like and I don't want to dawdle too long, I just give myself enough time to take in what is around me, then move on to keep up. I then settle for admiring the large sword as we reach the set of steps, that seem to lead right into the large building.
"This is the castle"? I ask, once we approach the large doors.
"Yes", Emma answers. We walk up the steps, then we walk through the massive castle doors. The moment we enter, Emma stops one of the little lizard creatures that is dressed in white.
"I would like to see that this child is taken care of", Emma orders, but it sounds more like she stated it.
"Wait.. Hey", I protest to the child statement. I narrow my eyes the moment Emma doesn't even look at me.
"As you wish, my lady", the creature bows, "Come with me". It turns and begins walking back down the direction it was heading before it was interrupted, I watch as Emma continues into the castle behind Torgal. With a sigh, I turn and follow the creature in white. We walk down many halls, through many doors, before finally coming to a halt in a room that looks much like a hospital.
"Who might you be"? It asks as it rummages through the drawers.
"My name is Hikaru", I answer.
"Your from"? The creature asks.
"A place called Earth", I retort, then gasp and quickly correct myself, "A place that I can't remember the name of". The creature didn't seem to have heard the first answer, but nods and turns around with a bottle of medicine in its hands.
"Pull your shirt sleep up", it says. I listen without hesitation, wincing at the slight pain as I lift my fabric and more so when the creature applies the liquid to my skin.
"What did you do? It isn't broken, but it's pretty darn close"? It asks as it rubs more of the liquid to my arm, with each time it does this, the pain seems to be less and less.
"I fell into a hole", I blankly stat.
"Oh my gosh, I'm glad that you got out of it with just this", the creature stats in shock.
Why the heck would you be glad about that? You don't even know me, I couldn't help but think. After that the creature tried to make conversation with me, I found out it's female, which I can't really tell, amongst other stuff I really didn't care for. I just can't keep my mind off of David.
"So, does David have a girlfriend"? I couldn't help but ask. The creature looks at me for a moment, "It's Lord David, and no he does not.. You're not eligible to even consider it", she says rather snidely.
"I was only asking, you don't have to bite my head off", I retort, I wince as the creature roughly puts my arm in place and roughly puts a sling on it.
"Ow, could you be a bit nicer"? I ask after pulling myself away from her.
"Keep your filthy eyes of the Lord", she says, her eyes narrowed into slits.
"I bet even you can't keep your eyes off of him, so what gives you the right to tell me not to"? I ask, my eyes narrowed at the rude creature. And to think I was liking the thing till this subject came up.
"It's different, you're an outside, I'm not", she grins widely at me.
"An outsider, ha.. More like the difference is your a completely different species than him", I toss out there.
"That doesn't matter here", she says a glint in her eyes.
"Besides, he wouldn't want to go after white trash like yourself", she narrows her eyes, "You albino". My draw drops at the statement, sure I am paler than other human's here, but that was just down right cruel.
"I'm no albino"! I yell after a moment.
"Could of fooled me", the creature tries, she takes a few steps away from me, "I bet when you stand out in the sun too long you'd turn beet red". I was about to open my mouth and yell at her, when suddenly a smooth, accented voice cuts through the room, "That is enough".
"I will not allow my guest to be down talked in this manner", David's authority tone cuts through the air like scissors. The creature looks wide eyed at him, as though she had never heard him snap like that before.
Ha, one for me, none for the thing.
"My-my Lord, please forgive me", she says and bows slightly, "How long had you been standing there"?
"Long enough", David answers, his eyes narrowed at the thing. I try my hardest to hold in the triumphant smile that is threatening to appear.
"I'll be sure to treat her better next time.. Now if you'll excuse me", the creature says and hurries out of the room. I then look at David, my heart thumping loudly in my ear as he looks right back. I watch as his gaze trails down, it lands on the sling.
"Broken"? He asks. For a moment I wasn't sure of what he had been talking about, but quickly shakes myself back to here and now, "No, nearly, but no".
"That's good.. To bad, means you'll have to relax for a few days", he says, then walks a few feet toward me.
"Yeah, I'll be of no use on the field", I say, trying my hardest to keep myself calm. I watch as his eyes scan over me, then they lock on mine.
"You and your friend will have to wear something more appropriate for woman", he says after a long pause. Instantly I have the ability to talk back to him, and only come up with one thing, "I am not going to wear no dresses". David looks at me for a long silent moment, I can't tell if he's composed or fighting himself, the guy has a good grasp over his own reactions to things.
"Come, I'll personally escort you to your room", he says, and turns than starts walking toward the door. Without hesitation I follow close behind him. I have this giddy feeling as we walk into the hall, only for it to disappear the moment I see a guard standing just a few feet away from the door. He follows close behind us as David leads the way to my room. The walk is silent going through many halls, many turns, to me this place is a maze.
"I'll so get lost in this place", I couldn't help but say out loud. I notice the small smile on David's face at my statement, but he doesn't say nothing or even react to my words. Finally, we end up in front of a door, David opens it to reveal a huge room. A huge bed in the center of the room, a dresser on one side and two doors, one located on one side of it, the other located on the other side of it. There is a chair beside the bed, as well as a night stand. It's got one of those fancy dressers with a mirror on it.
"There was once a time when woman would have to wear dresses, but you're in luck.. These times, they don't have to if they don't want to", David says as he stands by the door, his hands behind him as he watches me admire the room.
"That's perfect", I say and make my way into the room, brushing past him and gazing around it once more. He comes in behind me. I turn and face him, instantly my face heat's up as his eyes instantly catches mine in a locked gaze.
"There are clothes in the closet, chose which you'd prefer to wear, I'll wait out in the hall for you", he says, then turns and walks out of the room, closing the door behind him. I sigh and turn, then look at the closed doors, my eyes wide.
"Now this is what good treatment feels like", I say, then grinning. I look at the two door's that are on either side of the dresser, knowing one of the two leads to the closet. It's going to be a fifty, fifty guess so I'll try the one to the right. I walk over it with a bounce in my step, then put my hand on the handle. I hesitate a little not knowing what I'm going to find but open it slowly, peeking in. Eyes wide as I gaze into a huge sparkling clean bathroom. It's got a long sink, many drawers and cupboards, a mirror that lines the length of the sink. The far corner of the room has a glass sliding door that goes into where you can have a shower, and the fancy tub, it looks like it has many features that you wouldn't normally get in a normal house.
"Well, wrong door", I breath as I step out of the room and close the door. I let out another breath, then make my way to the other door. I open it without hesitation and my eyes widen once more. It's a huge walk in closet, filled with many different pieces of woman's clothes. I walk in and notice there is two hidden spots, peeking in, I see one side has shoes, and the other looks to be where you do up your makeup and jewelry.
"This is amazing, he doesn't know me, and he's allowed me to have a room like this, filled with so much", I couldn't help but say, my cheeks feel a bit warm as I turn and look through the clothes. I judge each piece I look at, seeing which one I think might best suit me.
It actually hadn't taken me long to find something I liked, at least that I thought best suits me. I decided on a loose dark T-shirt with amazing black bell bottom pants, a vest similar to the over coat that David has, it's also different colours. With a sigh after looking myself in the mirror, I turn and walk out of the room. I stand briefly in the bedroom, looking over everything else. With a smile I make my way to the door, not wanting to make the man wait any longer, after all I'm sure he's got so much other stuff to look into and deal with. I open up the door and walk out, stopping the moment I feel eyes on me. My smile fades and turns into a frown and I turn.
David eyes me, he's leaning against the wall just beside the door, he smiles. For a brief moment he just looks at me before he turns to the guard, he lifts his hand and waves him off. With the same salute the others had done, putting his hand into a fist and hitting his chest, he turns and walks off.
"I promise you that this information will only be, between you and I", David says as he pushes himself off the wall. He walks over to me and stops just a couple of feet away. I stand there fearing the question he has.
"I must know if you and your friend are of this world", he says, not really asking. I look down with a sigh, I don't know if I really can trust him with this information. My gut is telling me I can, but how much different is he from the game to the man he is right in front of me. If I do tell him, I'm sure Krystal will find out eventually. I shiver some at the thought of what she'll do.
Closing my eyes tightly I sigh, then look back at him, he had been waiting patiently for me to deal with my struggle. Because of that it allows me to just flatly blurt, "You're my absolute favorite character in this place, whatever this place is.. And no, we are not of this place". I take a breather, looking at him, worried about what he's going to say, or even how he's going to take my onslaught of words.
He nods, then turns and begins walking, "Come". Without a second thought and no hesitation, I do just that. Kinda makes me feel like a lost puppy.
"I have my suspicions about Rush, and now I have them about you and your friend", he speaks with that smooth unfaltering tone.
"Is that a bad thing"? I ask.
"That would all depend on your actions", he answers. I stay silent for a long moment before I stop and snap, "I can't take this, I don't want to be one who is watched in this place.. Hell, I would do no harm to you, heck I'd toss myself in front of a weapon that is endangering your life, just to keep you safe.. Sadly, I can't be sure what my actions are going to be as a hole", I breath. I watch as he turns and looks at me, waiting patiently.
"I'm aware that your customs are different then ours, and I'm rather childish at times so I'm sure most would view that as nothing more than a threat", I finish taking a breath and holding it as I await his response.
"I suspected as much, I knew you wouldn't want to do me harm", David says his gaze soft almost caring. I look at him wide eyed, my heart beating a bit faster.
"To be honest with you.. Hikaru, I trust you, but you have to somehow get my generals to trust you", he points out.
"And how am I suppose to do that"? I ask, unsure of the answer myself.
"I can't tell you that, you'll have to figure it out on your own", he answers. With that, he turns and begins walking, I watch him for a short while before sighing and following behind him.
"Please don't tell Krystal I told you", I plead.
"This information is safe, at least for the time being", David reassures me. The walk had gone to being silent, I would think the air would be heavy, in fact it's the opposite, nothing is clashing. I'm highly comfortable with this, I kinda do wonder if he's comfortable with me, I can only assume so since he doesn't seem to be showing any signs of being otherwise. I ball my hands into fists as I feel a slight tightness in my chest at the thought of trusting a man, I'm not really that trusting of men, but this guy, he's different, he appears to really actually care. I feel almost safe with him.
"Lord David", I say after a long moment of just hearing our footfalls echoing back at us. He doesn't say anything, so I continue anyway, I'm sure he's listening to me, "What all did you hear in that room"?
"Nothing too important", he answers. I look at his back, my eyes narrowed, I'm sure he just lied to me about that. Shaking my head, I sigh, then look down.
"That's good", I say, might as well play along. We both walk in pure silence, it still feels like bliss to me, with just a hint of an awkward feel. This silent walk didn't last long as he turns into another room. I stand at the door, wide eyed.
"Oh my gwad, this is the throne room"! I practically squeal my excitement. I recall how it looks in the game, being able to see it in person, well that's another thing altogether. I watch as David walks up the steps to the throne, then sits down. I look at the place once over again, then make my way where the guards are. Torgal and the creature that I can't quite remember the name of, are the only ones standing guard.
"Could I happen to sit right there"? I ask as I point to the top step just beside David's throne.
"I don't see why not", he answers, "By all means, do what you please, as long as it's within reason". I look at him just a tad bit confused, then smile and walk up the steps, I love this, I'm in the game I love so much, walking up to where Lord David is. I sit on the very top step, a bit away from him, yet close enough to him at the same time. The two guards and David all converse, I just focus on the way his voice sounds, it's smooth accent just sending shivers up and down my spin. His calm tone, showing no hint of any kind of emotion as he talks, it's like a dream come true to hear his voice in person.
After a while the room goes dead silent, said for the minor things that can be heard. The guards shifting to stay as comfortable as they can, the small amount of activity going on in the hall outside the door, the sounds of the many activities going on outside. I hadn't known it till this moment, but this room is the only room that actually overlooks the whole city.
"Young master! Rush Sykes, and Krystal Una has arrived", Blocter says as he comes into the room, followed by the two. After a short while Blocter walks over to his spot beside the little strange lizard guy. I raise my head and smile as Krystal looks at me, I frown the moment her face has an odd expression on it as she stairs at me.
"Did ja learn anything about Irina"? Rush asks, coming straight to the point.
"Pagus", David says, looking over at the one standing on the other side of Torgal.
"I am Pagus, one of the Four Generals of Athlum", he introduces himself. So that was his name, I can't believe I forgot what his name was.
"As for Miss Irina, I regret to say that we have yet to uncover any new leads..", he pauses for a brief moment, "Nevertheless. We have learned two interesting facts".
I watch as Rush crosses his arms to listen to what Pagus has to say.
"One, some suspicious types were spotted escorting a young girl to the Gaslin Caves", he continues.
"That's gotta be-", Rush was interrupted, "And the other thing", David's voice cuts him off. I look up at him, wondering if he really did know of this information before now. Pagus turns toward him, "We've also received reports of nocturnal activity near the Robelia Castle ruins".
"The ruins have long been a den for petty thieves. What's to say this is any different"? Torgal asks being skeptical about it.
"Not what, who", Pagus replies, "A trusted source informs me that Athlumian soldiers have been seen leaving the ruins".
"That certainly is interesting", David stats.
"Hey, thanks, Pagus. I'll go check out those two places right away", Rush enthusiastically says, then he turns and starts toward the door.
"Not so fast, Rush. My Generals shall accompany you there", David begins, Rush stops and turns to look at him.
"Maintaining the peace and stability of Athlum is our duty. We cannot stand idly by while she is threatened", David adds.
"What's more, Master Rush is the son of the world-famous Remnant researchers", Torgal says, gaining every ones attention, "Naturally, we will do our utmost to aid such an important family".
"My apologies.. We had your background checked", David had to put out there. I then spot Emma making her way into the room. Without intending to, I scoot a tad bit closer to David, I'm highly uncomfortable with that woman.
"I'm used to it. Having famous parents isn't all bad, you know", Rush says while scratching the back of his head. Then he turns to watch Emma walk up the first set of steps and stops to look over at him. But before that she had narrowed her eyes at me.
"It's all right, Emma. Go ahead", David says, letting her know it's ok to speak.
"But my Lord, what of the other two"? She asks, looking up at him.
"I said it's ok", David says a bit firmer this time.
"Yes, my Lord", she says, though I can tell don't really want to give information in front of the two strangers, which I'm sure she has no intel on at all. In fact the only intel anyone has gotten is the stuff I've explained to David. She takes a few steps closer to him.
"I was able to contact the Academy branch in Celapaleis. I informed them that we would be taking care of Rush", she says.
"You talked to the Academy? That's a relief and a half", Rush stats sounding pleased, "I'd given up trying to get in touch with them. I mean, it's like shouting at a brick wall".
"It is a group prone to secrecy", David points out.
"You're a lifesaver, Emma", Rush says.
"Still, it's uncertain when or if the message will get to the headquarters in Elysion", Emma says, not really paying Rush any mind.
"Of course it will! Come on, my sister was kidnapped. Even the Academy suits wouldn't keep that from mom and dad"! Rush snaps.
"Bear in mind, the Sykes are presently involved in top-level research. It may take some time for them to respond", David adds in, "Until then, I will assist you by any means necessary".
"I'm going to help as well", Krystal chimes in.
"Yes, that way we can keep a close eye on you and Hikaru", David agrees.
"Sounds good to me", Rush says.
"What about Hikaru, I mean she can't help with that sling"? Krystal asks.
"She will be staying here with me till she is well enough to help in the search", David informs her. I look over at him, utter shock plastered on my face.
"Now, onto the matter at hand", he begins, "Many young women have disappeared around the Gaslin Caves. At the same time, a seedy group has been seen around the Robelia Ruins", David explains in a simpler way than what the General's had.
"Which will you investigate first"? He asks.
"The Gaslin Caves", Rush answers.
"Then, you're decided"? David asks.
"Yeah, let's check it out", Rush says with a lot of enthusiasm.
"The caves, then? Go. Blocter will accompany you", David orders.
"Let's do it, Rush", Blocter says just as excited as Rush.
Here is the third chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a message or just favorite/Like it.