Chapter 4. Tinker the Great

Since the drakes fled at the fall of their comrade, it was easier to follow Kenshin since now he wasn't in a hurry. He still hadn't explained what had happened or how we knew each other. Still, I wondered where he was taking me, but I kept myself quiet.

"Endiel" Kenshin said.
"What?"
"That was his name, the one who saved you. He was your guardian as a child, which is probably why he didn't hurt you".
"I don't remember him".
"You're not supposed to. Hell I'm shocked you remember me".
"I only remembered your name".
"Good 'cause that's all you need to know for now".
"Where are we going?"
"To see the great Tinky Winky".
"Tinky Winky?"
"Tinker, but I call him Tinky Winky".
"Is he related to Tinker Bell?"
Kenshin burst out laughing. "Tinker Bell! Oh my god, I'm gonna use that!"
"But is he?"
"Nah, I think he wishes though".
"Who is he then?"
"He's a magic user, Caster in this world as they're called".
"Kinda like in the book Beautiful Creatures?"
"Yeah, nice to know you've read some stuff".

I continued to follow Kenshin in silence. H seemed nice enough but something told me to keep on my guard. It was probably just the aftermath of the drake attack. We stopped first at a small camp site. The tent was a strange mix of black and green. In front of it was a makeshift fire pit lined with stones. Around the tent were various weapons.

I watched as Kenshin picked up a small hunting knife, a few more arrows and some throwing daggers. He looked down at the hunting knife somewhat thoughtfully.

"Hey" he said, "catch!"

He threw over the hunting knife, still in its sheath thankfully, and I caught it almost too easily. Where had I learned to catch it? I didn't get it. But still, regardless, I was proud of myself. I smiled lightly and I had a feeling Kenshin was too. Suddenly, in a flash he was on his feet, another knife in his hand, about to strike. In a swift motion that only felt like a blur to me, I pulled out my own knife and used to it to block his strike before it could hit me. I was surprised at my own strength as I pushed him away, almost knocking him over. The assassin managed to keep his footing but I thought quick. Dropping low, I kicked out one of my legs and knocked him off his feet. I was on him before he could get up again, my knife on his throat.

"As always" he said, "amazing reflexes".
"You were testing me" it was a statement rather than a question.
"Sure was. You can let me up now".

I got up, but stayed on my guard. All this time he'd been careful to keep his hood up, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was hiding.

"You can take that off you know" I said, "There's no enemies nearby".
"No…but it might scare you. But use that only when you need to. You're no good to us dead".
"Somehow I doubt I'm any good to you guys period" I replied.
"Look, I wish I could tell you all that's happened and why you don't remember this place entirely, but it's not really my place to tell you, even if I did know all the details. Tats has his secrets and things he wouldn't even tell me" he said, and I swear he mumbled something along the lines of: "especially not me".
"So he'll tell me?" I asked, disregarding it.
"When we find and free him, I'm pretty sure he'll tell you all you need to know".
"Free?"
"Again, long story. But c'mon let's find Tinker Bell".
"Tinker Bell?" another voice behind us asked.

I turned and there he was. He was young for a Caster, looking about maybe sixteen. His hair was blonde, but very light with tinges of blue on the ends. His eyes matched the electric blue strands that framed his face. He wore not the usual robes of a Caster, but some kind of steel battle armor. It looked old, but in very good condition with all things considered.

"Is that what they're calling me now?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Hey it was her idea!" Kenshin pointed at me.
"I was joking!"
"Who's your friend?" Tinker kept his eyes on Kenshin.
"Well you're not gonna believe this but…this is Sonja Travis".
"Sonja…wait, our Sonja?"
"Well who else could know about this place?"
"But Tats told us she was dead".
"Well obviously he lied".
Tinker gazed at me. "Sonja…do you remember me?"
I shook my head, much to his disappointment. "I'm sorry, but I don't".
"I was your tutor. I taught you magic when you were little".
"Tinker! You're not supposed to tell her!" Kenshin said through gritted teeth.
"Well, she needs her memories back. It's the only way we're gonna beat the Queen".
"Who is that?" I asked, "There wasn't a queen here last I remembered".
"Well at least she remembers some things" Tinker noted, "it was after you "died" apparently. But still, that brings up so many questions".
"Questions?" I wondered.
"Why would Tats lie about your death? How'd he swipe your memory? All these and more…and unfortunately he's not here to answer".
"Where is he?" I inquired, "I think he's the one who called me back here".
Kenshin looked at Tinker. "You think Tats has a plan?"
The Caster sighed. "You know him, he's always got a plan for something or other rolling around in his head. But if he planned this, he's had quite some years to do it".
"Where is he?" I asked again.
"Captured. Imprisoned by the Obsidian Queen, and rendered powerless to stop her" Tinker finally answered.
"The Obsidian Queen…Did she do all this?! Did she destroy this place?!"
"Destroyed?!" Kenshin let out a sad laugh, "More like she massacred it! After she overthrew Tats, she went in and ruined all his lands and enslaved his follower. Tinker and I were lucky to get away".
"What about Endiel?" I asked.
Tinker looked shocked. "You remember that monster?!"
"He saved her from a drake not too long ago. She didn't remember him".
"Anyway…we know what needs to be done. We need to get Tats out of the Queen's city" Tinker started pacing.
"And how do we do that?" Kenshin asked, "She's got Six under her control too"

I didn't know who that was either. I stayed quiet but intrigued.

"Sixth Dimention might be a great illusionist, but you've got Tinker the Great on your side. And we've also got Sonja. If we can get her to remember her magic-"
"Which will take time, Tinker. Time's not a luxury we have".
"Well, then we'll use what we've got".
"Wait" I interrupted, "You guys haven't told me all that's happened here. Not all the details".
"Something tells me we're not supposed to give you all the details. All we can tell you is Tats was overthrown by a virus that mutated into a being that calls itself the Obsidian Queen" Tinker said.
"We need to save Tats, but we can't do it alone" Kenshin added, "You in or out, kid?"

Was that really a question? I was already here so what choice did I have? I nodded.

"Count me in".