Wew, sorry for the wait. I had just finished my exam about a week ago and I had hard time to continue the story since it's stray from the real story.
Thanks for following it. Enjoy!
When Something Isn't as You Expected
~Troubles Come~
One time in a laboratory, three people were discussing about a letter sent to them.
"I received a letter from our men. He said Fon Master Ion knows about our plan."
"Really? *sigh* that's why I tell you to be careful from the very start. Does it say other news?"
"Well, he wrote that the Fon Master wants us to go there and meet him."
"Huh?! What does he want? I don't suggest it…"
"So do I. What do you think, Khuraku? We must not let our project stopped, but if we ignore him we-"
"We'll go…" Khuraku cut his comrade's sentence.
"Don't you think it will be dangerous?"
"No… of course not… We are invited by Fon Master Ion. I want to know what he's thinking."
"It's up to you. When are we going?"
"Tomorrow is the best. Prepare what you need, Qion, and you too, Enist," he ordered.
"How can I refuse…" Enist sighed.
.:+:.
About two weeks passed since the meeting of the two. Luke was adapting himself to the manor. Everything went smooth. Luke was really slow in learning something, but he showed enthusiasm. And today was the second time for Luke to watch Gailardia's sword training. Pere was his opponent. Luke was impressed by Gailardia's agility; furthermore he was more impressed by Pere who always dodged the attacks. Luke could see it… Gailardia was doing his best to at least throw Pere's sword away. However, this time was also the same like the last. Pere got a chance and he threw Gailardia's sword to the air then caught it, pointing it to Gailardia.
"You lose, boy."
Gailardia let out a big, long sigh and sat because of tiredness. "Again…? Where did I go wrong…?"
"You are still too confident with your agility. You let yourself open too much that the opponent might see it and he will use it to defeat you," Pere said.
"That again? I'm repeating my mistakes?" He looked disappointed.
"That's what I see," Pere returned the sword to Gailardia, "Learn your mistakes, correct it and improve your skill, 'kay?" Pere left him at the yard. Gailardia stared at him until he entered the manor, "You don't have to tell me that every time, old man…"
Gai stood up, relaxed his joints and looked at Luke. "Luke, come here," he said.
Luke walked to Gailardia. "Hey, do you want to try sword?"
"Eh?"
"Don't worry, it's not real. Just a wooden sword," He gave one to Luke. Luke held it with his two hands. "Now try to swing it," Gailardia said with a smile. With that, Luke tried to swing it. Up, down, right, left. He did it again and again. Gailardia thought for a while, "Luke, try to swing it with one of your hands. The right one must give you an easier swing." So Luke followed it. However, it was worse. Luke couldn't swing it properly like before. "Well, usually the right one… try it on your left." Luke changed his hand.
Now, Luke's form was better than the previous two. For a child who had never used or learnt sword, it was good by using his left hand. "Hee… a left-handed person, huh?"
Gailardia played with him until afternoon. He also taught Luke the basic of swordsmanship. "On the next practice, I'll teach you something new, okay?" Gailardia took the sword from Luke's hand. "Let's get inside. It's getting dark."
That night passed as what usual nights would be. A plan about the next day had been arranged, involving Luke and Gailardia. It was just a usual walk to the crowded districts in the capital. Just right after the dinner, Gailardia started a conversation with Luke, "Hey, about this afternoon, the sword training, have you ever held a sword before?"
Luke shook his head, "No. that was the first time."
"Really?" Gailardia said in mistrust tone, "Even though you're not from here?"
Luke stared at Gailardia. He wasn't quite understood the sentence and from his looks, Gailardia could guess it. "I mean, if you are not from here, then you are from another town. You know that the distance between towns is… quite far and there are monsters everywhere in the field. If you have never held a sword before… how could you defense yourself from them?" Gailardia explained it slowly.
It was long, but Luke caught what he meant. Luke didn't answer it immediately, he looked around instead. After a while, he shook his head and replied he didn't know. Gailardia sighed, didn't know what to say anymore. He let it go that night and told Luke to go to sleep. "Good night, Luke. Have a nice dream."
.:+:.
As the sun rose on the next morning, at the dock a ship arrived from Daath. Just a few people got off the ship. Near the dock, the Fon Master, along with his loyal guardian, was waiting for people he invited. Those people came out the last.
"Welcome to Grand Chokmah," said Ion.
The three of them bowed and then one of them named Enist walked forward and asked Ion, "Fon Master, I apologize for being rude, but what do you want from us? Why did you call us here?" Actually, there were lots more questions in his head. Ion smiled and replied, "Please be patient. It's not good to talk outside. Let's go to the inn, I'll book rooms for you three. Come on." Ion started to walk followed by Arietta. The three were still confused, especially Enist since he was the only one who mind to go to Grand Chokmah. However, he put that aside and they followed Ion to the inn.
Ion knew them. Their names, their job, even their plan. He called them so he could help them with their plan. Ion told them that he already met their test subject. So to put it in the nut shell, Ion wanted them to continue their work in a place prepared by him. For everything they did, Ion would defend them from punishment. Khuraku who was somewhat a leader for the three agreed with Ion.
Ion told them that their test subject was being taken by someone in that town. They couldn't take him and bring him to continue their experiment unless he was outside. So the plan would begin whenever Luke went out from the manor.
.:+:.
In the same morning about seven to eight, Luke, along with Gailardia and the maids again, was preparing to go for a walk. Once they were ready, they went. First was to the shops where the maids bought live stocks. Gailardia came along to learn more and improve his socializing. Luke… was just wanted to be together with Gailardia. But this time, Luke wanted to wander by himself. "Gai," he called, "Can I go somewhere else?"
Gailardia thought about it for a while. It was risky for him to go alone in this large city. But, oh well… he might have something he wanted to see. "Sure. But don't go too far, okay? And about midday I'll wait you at the dock. There we'll meet then we go home. Don't forget that."
"Right!"
"Ah, please wait a minute, Master Luke," a maid stopped him. Luke approached the maid. "Give me your hand," she said so Luke stretched his hand. "This is just a little gald. I thought you may need it," she said as she gave him some gald. "Now, please be careful. We'll be waiting too." The maid smiled kindly to Luke. It made him way happier.
So Luke went out from this shop and went somewhere. Meanwhile Gailardia and the maids finished their shopping and might go to another. Luke walked to the shop where Gailardia once bought gels. As he went in, outside the shop were the scientists from Daath. They couldn't believe what they saw. A red hair kid resembled the figure of their test subject. "Hey, do you see that?" asked Qion to his two friends. "Yeah I saw it. But I'm not sure he's him. It's just in a blink of an eye," said Enist. "Then just wait for him to go out and we can reassure it," Qion said.
Inside the shop, Luke bought some gels. The clerk recognized him immediately. After some talks, Luke went out and ahead to the dock to wait for Gailardia. On another side, the scientist followed him. Enist was sure he was him. They went back to the inn to meet with Ion.
"Ooh… how fortunate. Then let's go. We'll use ships to go to the laboratory I prepared. We're lucky he stops there now," Ion said.
They went to the dock. There, Ion was the one who asked Luke to join them for a while. Luke resisted though, saying that he was waiting for Gailardia. He had promised him to meet there. However, Ion used other strong words to gain his trust. In the end, Luke agreed to go. Khuraku was amazed by Ion's skill. Well… he'd be grateful to Ion since he could continue his project. All he wanted was just completing his project… none other than that. A ship was readied just for Ion and his companies. The destination was… of course, a land with a laboratory.
Now minutes after that event, Gailardia was going to the dock to meet Luke. By the time he arrived, he didn't see Luke anywhere. He thought that Luke maybe still wandering somewhere so he waited. Ten minutes passed, Gailardia was still thinking positively. Twenty minutes passed… he became slightly worried. About thirty minutes passed and still no sign from Luke made Gailardia decided to look for him. He even asked passerby but no one saw him. He checked every store there and finally got one which Luke visited, the item shop. The clerk said that Luke was there and bought gels. After that he went out.
Gailardia was really, really worried. He couldn't think clearly. He thanked the clerk and continued his search. He ran from the inn which lied at the entrance of the city until the castle, but still no Luke. He returned to the dock and saw a soldier there, 'Why don't I ask him in the first place,' He thought. Gailardia approached the man and asked, "Excuse me, did you see a kid with short red hair, about this height wandering around here?"
"A red haired kid? Yes, I saw him," he replied.
A slight relief was shown. Finally there was someone who saw him, "Do you know where he's going? I promised to meet him here."
"Hmm, about an hour ago when he stood alone, he was approached by some men wearing white. Also if I remember correctly, the Fon Master also with them along with his guardian. The kid went with them a ship but I don't know where they were going."
A bad feeling struck Gailardia's mind. The anxiety he was feeling was way greater than he had felt before. Was it the real Luke? The question appeared in Gailardia's mind continuously. Or maybe he was another kid with the same red hair…? He doubted the second question since it was rare to have such red hair. "Thank you, sir. Umm, can you please inform me if the ship came back? I have an important talk with the kid."
"Alright. When the ship came back, I'll send one of my friends to go to your house. Where is it?"
"I'm count Gardios. My manor should be known."
"Oh.. Ah… forgive my rudeness, sir. I'll inform you when the time comes."
"Yeah… right…" Gailardia said.
On the way home, he still didn't give up the possibility that that kid was not Luke. Luke had already gone home and now he was waiting for him in the manor. He grasped that hope even the possibility was just 1%. His legs walked unwillingly throughout the way. It felt heavy… like something bad would happen.
Arriving home, the gate was opened by maids. In the living room, he could see Pere was slurping a cup of tea. He looked around… Luke was not there. Gailardia still hoped that maybe Luke was in his bedroom. He walked in, wanting to ask Pere where Luke was. However, he was late…
"Master Gailardia, where's Master Luke? Didn't you pick him?" Pere asked.
Blue eyes widened. Guy didn't believe what he heard just now. His heart beat became faster. "What… what did you just say?"
Pere perplexed, "Isn't Master Luke with you?"
"Pere… Luke hasn't gone home yet?" Gailardia asked.
"Huh? Nope. I think you were together with him," Pere said. "Why do you ask that? Don't tell me…" Pere's face showed shock. Pere stood up and approached Gailardia then tapped his hands to Gailardia's shoulders, "What happened, Gailardia?"
"Luke… I told him to meet me at the dock in the midday… I couldn't find him. I heard that a red haired kid was taken by some men. The Fon Master also go with them… I… I don't want to believe that…" Gailardia said anxiously.
"Have you searched?"
"Of course!"
The loud voice filled the room. Gailardia showed his feeling. He was scared of what would happen to Luke. Recalling that Luke was bleeding and his simple clothes was torn here and there when he found him. Those men… were they the ones who caused it? Everything flowed to his mind. Everything… the negative ones were the most. It continued until finally Pere woke him, "Gailardia, calm down!"
Gailardia snapped out of it. In front of his eyes were Pere's. Pere sighed and told him to calm down and think clearly. If he didn't, the next event would get even worse. All they had to do was to search him once again and ask for help. It was still about three in the afternoon, they should have enough time. So after everything was decided, the two spread around the city.
While searching, Gailardia thought of someone who could be a help. He remembered that the Emperor had ever offered him if he needed help. Gailardia immediately ran to the castle. In front of it, he was asked by the soldier he whether he needed something. "I… I need to meet with His Majesty. I have something to ask," he gasped.
"I apologize, but His Majesty is holding a meeting for strengthening our defense. I can't allow you to enter until they're finish," said the soldier.
"Please, this is urgent! I have to meet him right now!" Gailardia used a little louder voice.
"I'm sorry but I can't. You may enter later."
With great disappointment, Gailardia walked away from the castle and started to run again. In just seconds, the doors opened, revealing a man with Malkuth uniform. He asked the soldier, "What happened just now? I heard voices."
"Ah, Colonel, the meeting has finished? Ah, I mean, I'm sorry. There was a blond haired child asking an audience with Emperor Peony. Because you are holding a meeting with His Majesty, I didn't allow him to enter."
"Blond? A child? That's rare… If you see him again, allow him to enter. It's not common for kids to ask and audience with His Majesty. He must be someone important and close to His Majesty," he said. The soldier followed the order.
At the same time, Gailardia and Pere were still attempting to search. When the dusk came, Pere gave up for the day and went home. In the other hand, Gailardia was still trying although he walked not instead of run. He was already tired. "Where are you Luke…? Where can I find you?"
The more he thought, the more he regretted his act that morning. To let Luke wandered by himself. If only he had forbid him… Gailardia slapped his cheeks lightly and cheered himself not to give up until the very end. The darkness started to be an obstacle for Gailardia. He considered if he wanted to go to the castle again, but he let it this time. He didn't want to interrupt Peony.
He stopped in the middle of the bridge and gazed at the sea. The moon shone. Its reflection was reflected on the sea. When he looked up to see the moon, a figure passed in front of him. It passed too fast and it was just like wind. He rubbed his eye. There was nothing. Gailardia really hoped for Luke's safety. Also the ship that carried him away didn't return for the day. He sighed and was about to walk home when he heard things.
"Hey! Don't go home just yet!"
Gailardia turned his body quickly to see who it was. There was no one behind him, so were his surroundings. Imagination maybe? He didn't think of it so deep that he continued to walk.
"Argh! Hear me, you brat! Are you giving up on Luke?!"
The voice seemed angry. It got louder and louder. For sure, Gailardia was frightened. He heard it said Luke but he thought that was mishearing. "What…? Luke…? What is that?"
"Don't hold me, Gnome. I'll send him to save Luke now! I can't stand seeing him like this."
When the voice disappeared, strong wind blew. However, there was something odd about this wind. The wind gathered around Gailardia then it brought him to the sky. Gailardia was in panic. He was flying through the sky as the wind blew.
"Now, he may be some of help. It's better than doing nothing."
"But, Sylph, I just want to warn you… aren't your control of wind will weaken when you angry."
"Gnome is right. Are you sure he will be alright? I'm sure he will arrive at the correct place, but…."
"Oops, just remembered. Sorry."
"Now let's go back to his side."
.:+:.
In an island, a laboratory was hidden far in an enormous cave that was dug under the ground. There almost all instruments were complete. The three scientists were amazed by this preparation. Well, maybe this was what you expected from the supreme leader of Daath. Luke was lying in a bed, unconscious. It seemed that they anesthetized him. While conducting the machines, they heard a sound. A sound made by something that struck hard to a rock.
"Arietta, check it" Ion ordered.
"Y-Yes!" Arietta hopped on her Liger and ran to the entrance. There she saw not thing but a person, "Eh… He is…"
For about a minute or so, Arietta came back. "Have you discovered what happened?" Ion asked.
Arietta got down from her Liger and said, "A… Um… Master Ion… I found this at the entrance…" Her liger lowered its body then it pulled a person from its back using its teeth. Ion was surprised to see who it was. The person was unconscious; his head was injured a little, blond mix with red blood. "Well, well… what we have here…"
Khuraku, Enist and Qion were curious so they went to Ion's place. Enist was shocked about someone else who knew that place. The island was far from Grand Chokmah, and it was just a small island. There were other islands nearby. Putting that aside, Khuraku asked Ion who he was.
"He is count Gardios. He is the one who took Luke and live together with him. Maybe he was here to take Luke back. I have no idea how he can be here in the first place," Ion explained.
"He is unconscious now, but when he wakes up, we can be in trouble. Let's just heal his wound and put him somewhere. That way he won't interfere," said Qion.
"That's the best way now," Enist said. He asked Arietta for help to heal the wound and her Liger to move him to a 'cell'.
As they moved Gailardia, Khuraku stared at him, "What a crazy guy… to think that someone wants to care a test subject like him."
Any reviews are accepted. Feel free to review. I may need one :DD
