A Dark and stormy night is just what this day needs. A car goes up a winding road to a medieval castle with towering spires. The car soon reaches its destination and out of the car comes a man that looks like he hasn't slept in weeks. Dressed in a stained lab coat, ruffled undershirt, ragged slacks, and an old paperboy's hat. He walks up to the giant oak doors and uses the giant door knockers to bang on the door letting the noise reverberate for a few seconds. After a few more seconds, someone opens the door, this person is wearing a black robe with the hood over his bald head, the an has pale white skin, dark brown eyes, and the most eye catching thing about him is the giant hump on his back.
"Back again, sir" The robed man asks. The ragged man storms past him and goes past all the expensive artwork and furniture to go to the stairs that lead to the basement, the robed man following after him.
"It is the perfect time, Igor, I'm going to do it this time I'm certain" The man says as he reaches the basement, in it are a plethora of machine that no ordinary man could tell the difference, but he was no ordinary man, and these machines would see that he accomplish his goal.
"That's what you said the last 20 times. Why can't you just leave it be" Igor asks the man. the man whirls to face Igor eye to eye.
"Because, Igor, I've had a revelation" The man whispers.
"Revelation, sir" Igor asks confused.
"Blood" the man says lowly.
"Do you want to make sense anytime this century, sir"
"I said BLOOD, Igor, BLOOD. That is the missing ingredient in all of this" The man yells then gesture to all of the machines, "It's so obvious, I can't believe I didn't see it before"
"Who's, or what's blood, and how much" Igor asks excitedly, finally some progress.
"Who else, but mine. It would't even be that much, just a cut in the hand and a few drops of blood is all it would take" The man says as he reaches into id pocket and pulls out a pocket knife and put it to his palm, but before he could cut himself, a hand reached out and stopped him, the man glares at Igor, "What. Are you. Doing"
"Sir...why are you still doing this" Igor asks somberly.
"What"
"I asked why are you still doing this, what have we to gain. Many before you have tried and failed"
"And I will not be one of those who have failed. I will not go quietly into the night, I will not vanish without a fight, I'm going to live on in the history books as the man who did not quit and as the one who succeeded, not just for me, but for everyone who believes in people, believes in me. I will spill my blood for those that i want to see smile" The man monologues, then slits his palm, "Begin the procedure"
"Yes, sir" Igor says as he wipes his eyes to rid the tears in his eyes. And so the procedure went according to plan, as if they'd done this hundreds of times(which is a big possibility) and everything is going optimally. Soon The man reaches the end of the sequence and spots the liquid solution that has appeared at the end. He then puts his wounded palm over the liquid and the blood drips down into the puddle. After five drops the Liquid then starts to shine brighter than the sun, blinding the two men momentarily, then the solution dims to a tolerable level, and as the men look back they see it.
"S-sir, you've done it. You've actually done it" Igor says flabbergasted.
"No Igor," The man then walks to the glowing substance, then reaches out to hold it, at first it seemed too hot to touch, yet soon the metal was just a warm feeling, the man then turns to Igor, "We've done it"
"What shall we call it, sir" Igor asks as he takes the finished substance from the man.
"We shall call it...Dragon age:Displacement" A name truly befitting the complete solution.
"Congratulations, sir...now what"
"Now," The man then looks to his first attempt at this procedure, it had such promise, now it's been labeled a failure. What if this solution could help it. he then looked at the machines around him, could he recreate this from scratch once more, "now, we get to work"
Chapter 9: Gallant
Dear god. I can't believe this is happening. I mean it was bound to happen sooner or later but...I just didn't think it'd be this soon. Regret is filling me up. Why? Why does this need to happen. I take a deep breath and put the quill on the paper.
Dear Diary,
No, no, no. If I'm doing this, then I'm going to use something more manly.
Dear Diary, Dear Journal,
I am writing this as I think it is the only way I can put my thoughts down without sounding completely insane to those around me. As such it has been about 4 weeks since I first got here and man, things are VASTLY different than earth. Of course there's the whole technological difference, but there's so much more than that. Such as the fact that humans are not the only race in this place, though they are the most numerous, no, there are also elves, like Solas and Nidia, dwarves, like Vivica and Varric, both of which are normal in a fantasy like world with magic and shit, right? Well then you have these guys called the Qunari of whom I've yet to see or even meet one. Apparently they're beasts of men with grey skin and horns. HORNS! How crazy is that?! Well after learning about that, Cadash made me read some books, which gets in the thing that we all speak and write in English, but I don't want to get into that, and I've read that there are more than a few countries in this world, like Ferelden, where I currently am, is the youngest country so far, Orlais is the superpower and is currently in a civil war for something or other, I didn't really pay attention to that, Rivain is like a nice Vacation spot and home to a lot of sea faring folk. Antiva is basically a rich mans Mecca, run by the rich for the rich. Though Red did tell me their leather is outstanding, especially the boots. Then you have Nivarra, which is Cassie's homeland. I kinda dozed off on that page so I don't know much about it.
I guess I should get the others quickly as I'm about to head on out for a mission, more on that later though. Let's see, Anderfels, home of these Grey Wardens guys. The Free Marches, three city states, also Varric's homeland. Then Par Vollen, the home of the qunari guys. Then there's the Tevinter Imperium and boy howdy these guys are something. These guys have slavery, use blood magic ( which is kinda like voodoo or something. Either way it's bad.) are arrogant as hell, at least that's what I've been told, and that their ancestors were the ones that started the blights that happen every once in a long while. So yeah, these guys are not fun.
Still, I have to admit that for all the difficulties I have in adjusting to this VASTLY different world, there is still fun to be had. The people here are very interesting. Like Adan, the guy who kept me and Cadash alive during our three day sleep, he's cool, though he would give Oscar the grouch a run for his money. The Tavern owner, Flissa, is a nice woman, though she can barely look me in the eye she's so nervous. Though her food is pretty good, even though I don't really know what goes in it. They also have a bard, though I haven't actually learned her name, I should probably do that. Seggrit is the local merchant where you can buy some extra weapons or armor, though they all look really low quality and he has the most fake smile I've ever seen. I try to stay away from him. Next is Threnn, the quartermaster, and boy is she blunt, she confused me with some snot nosed errand boy the first time we met, and Cadash with a Lyrium dealer. So not the best of impressions, but she makes up for her manners with...conviction? Leliana doesn't really like her because of her views on this Logain guy, whom I haven't read about yet. Last, but certainly not least, is Harrit the blacksmith. He's the coolest one, he's very into his work. The first time we met was with Cullen and Vivi. We were there so that I could get actual armor and not be on the front lines in jeans and a hoodie. After taking my measurements, I decided to be friendly and ask him some questions about himself, and the dude is pretty nice. He's really into his work, if the total one-sided conversation we had is any indication. He said that Vivi and mine armors should be ready in... well about now actually, huh, should probably check on that.
"Sezar, you in here" I hear someone ask as I they open the door.
"Yeah, what's up" I say to the perso-Vivi.
"We are needed in the war room. We are going to be discuss the details of our first mission as the Inquisition. So...Let's go do this thang, bro" she says thug-like. I bust out laughing, seriously, ever since she has seen some of my memories she thinks she has to talk like the 'normal' people do. I keep telling her that that is not the case, though she just ignores me. Whatever, it's always good for a laugh at least.
My laugh dies down and I'm catching my breath, "Ah, that'll never get old, but seriously you don't have to talk to me like that, you don't see me speak dwarven to you"
"Do you know any" she ask.
"Not the point. Anyway, let me finish this up real fast then I'll be good" I say to her as I turn back to the leather-bound book.
"What are you working on"
I try to cover my journal with my arm, "N-nothing important" I say.
"Come on, what is it" she insists as she tries to grab it out from under me.
"I told you, nothing" I say loudly as I try to wrestle. This went back and forth for a couple of seconds before she finally yanked it from my hand and kept me back with one of her arms while holding it open with the other. She then looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"A diary" she asks. I finally yanked it back from her.
"It's not a diary, it's a journal" I say offended.
"The difference being" she asks lightheartedly.
"The difference being, shut up" I say quickly, "What'd you come here for anyway"
"Oh, right, I came to get you for the briefing of our first outing" She says.
"Now" I ask
"Yes, now. Or do you need to finish your diary, should I get you a doll to go with that by the way" she quips.
"Eat a dick"
She laughs and pats my back, "Come on, everyone's already there"
"Really? Then why wasn't I told earlier" I question.
"No one knew where you were"
"They didn't check the place I'm sleeping" I ask deadpan.
"I did"
"But, why didn't- y'know what? Never mind. Let's just go" I say as I close my journal and put it back on the desk. I then follow her out the door. We walk together in silence as there is hustling and bustling as I spot some soldiers fully decked out in gear leave the gates on horseback, they also seem to have all the races, bar qunari, represented. They seem to be lead by a dwarf with short blonde hair, though I couldn't really tell. As we are on the slope of the hill of the chantry I suddenly hear shouting and yelling come from ahead of us. Vivi and I start jogging to see what the commotion is all about. When we get into eyesight I see a couple of guys who are in each other's faces, looking like they would start brawling at the slightest provocation.
"You'd be wise to walk away, chantry dog" One of them says. He is wearing a robe and has a staff on his back, though it doesn't look like he'll use it over his fist.
"You'd be wise to shut your mouth, demon bait" the other one says. He is wearing armor that has an emblem of a sword with flames coming off of it in the center of his breast-plate. So a mage and templar are fighting...again.
"Says the people who murdered the Devine and everyone who wanted peace" he says and steps closer to him.
"YOU DARE BLAME THE TEMPLARS!? THE FAULT IS ON THE MAGES, YOU ONLY WANT DEATH FOR ALL THOSE WHO WHERE BORN WITHOUT YOUR CURSE" the other one shouts and he reels back his arm to make a hook, only to be stopped by a hand in the inner elbow. I see that during the verbal bashing Vivi had decided to intervene and when the Templar was looking at the female dwarf keeping his arm still the mage reared his arm back and was about to nail the templar in the face, that is he would have if I didn't catch the punch in my palm and then twisted the arm behind his back and held it there. The templar wrestled his arm free from Vivi's grasp and was about to rush at the ,age in my hands, only Vivica put her foot behind his and pushed him, causing him to fall on his ass. He then glared at Cadash who stands stone faced.
"Stay down" she commands.
"Who do you think you are, dwarf" he says.
"Your superior" a British male voice says to our side. I look and see that the Chantry door is open and standing there is Cullen with his arms crossed and a look of a parent who caught his child in the cookie jar.
The Templar immediately gets up and salutes him.
"Commander Cullen, sir"
"What's the meaning of this" he ask
"It's nothing, sir"
"Please, you accused the mages of killing the Devine" the Mage still in my grasp says.
"And you did the noble thing" Vivi asks rhetorically.
Cullen looks at the both of them, then back to me.
"Sezar, release him"
"Huh? Oh, yeah" I say as I let go of the dude's arm. He then rubbed it for a while.
"I'll deal with the both of you later, for now you can start by running around the lake until it thaws" Cullen orders.
"But sir-" they both start.
"Did I stutter? Get going, and if I hear one more accusation about the Devine's death, I'll make it so what I just said is like a morning jog" he says lowly.
"Y-yes, sir" they say meekly and start jogging away from us.
"I said run, not stroll" Cullen yells. This puts a bit of a kick in their step as they quickly disappear from our eyesight.
"Damn" I say.
"It needed to be done, they will set an example" Cullen says quietly.
"Of what" Vivi asks.
"That no matter who or what we were, we are now the Inquisition" He says proudly.
"Wow...how long did it take you to come up with that" I ask jokingly.
"Longer than I'll admit" he says honestly.
"Yeah...so about the mission briefing" Vivica says to get us back on track.
"Ah, yes. Apologies, I got sidetracked there for a moment, if you'll follow me" Cullen says and walks into the Chantry. I follow and I look behind me to see Vivi is following as well.
We soon reach the war room, which is the room where we met everyone, except now there's a map of Orlais and Ferelden on the table. Everyone is here, Cassie, Red, and Josephine are there and look at us when we arrive.
"There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten yourself eaten by a bear" Cassie says sarcastically.
"I was in my house, far from any bears" I say
"Don't speak too soon, stranger things have happened" she says cryptically.
"Right thanks for that, now I'll have to sleep with one eye open. Besides that, what are we here for"
"I'm glad you asked, we have some good news" Josephine says excitedly
"Indeed, I am happy to report that the recruitment went extremely well and we have enough to actually be a threat. Though we could always use more help and equipment" Cullen says.
"That's good" Vivi says.
"We also have some local nobles already taking notice of us and have asked if they can do anything to help, I'll deal with the specifics, I just thought that you'd like to know" Josephine reports.
"The Templars and Mages have also been notified of our intentions to keep the peace. So far none have replied" Red says.
"Thanks for the updates, but we still haven't gotten to the point of this meeting" I say.
"Right, onto that then. As we know the Chantry will not give us any support in this endeavor"
"Because they don't like me, I think it's the hat" I say jokingly.
"Yes, you're headgear is what makes you a heretic in their eyes, not the magical mark on your hand" Red says seriously.
"Ever heard of a joke" I ask her
"Ever hear of being funny" she retorts. Jeez, she is still hostile, huh. Just because she doesn't totally believe my made up background, doesn't mean she can be a bit of a jerk.
I was about to reply when Vivica cut me off "We know this already, continue please" she says and shoots me a look that says to shut up.
"Quite, well it turns out that not all Chantry folk share the sentiments of one Chancellor Roderick" Josephine continues
"Really" I ask.
"Yes, one Mother Giselle has agreed to speak with us on the subject of getting more Chantry support"
"Well that's great, when is she getting here" I ask.
"That's the problem, the woman is currently in the Hinterlands taking care of the wounded of both sides of the war, and she is adamant about staying there" Cullen says.
"Wait, so what we go there and escort her out or something"
"Partially correct, you will go there and confer with her, after that...well you'll have to improvise based on what she told you" Leliana says.
"Now that's a plan I can get behind, when do we leave" I say as I clap my hands.
"We will depart tomorrow morning, Leliana has already sent scouts ahead to secure a camp and locate Mother Giselle" Cassie says. Oh, so those are the guys that just left. I wonder if I'll see them there.
"Hopefully they'll report back to me by nightfall" said redhead replies.
"So, tomorrow we're gonna head on out to the Hinterlands, find this Mother Giselle person and talk to her, then wing it from there. Sounds like a plan" I say as I put my hands behind my back.
"Not the best though" Vivi says.
"Well what'cha gonna-" I start but the sound of the door opens cuts me off. We all turn to the door and spot Harrit standing there awkwardly.
"What is it Harrit" Cullen asks him.
"Uh, apologies for coming in unannounced but I wanted to personally inform the heralds that their armor is ready" He explains. Oh, cool looks like I don't need to find him after all.
"Well the good news just keeps on rolling in" I say happily.
"We were finished here anyways, go ahead and try out your new equipment" Cassandra says. Yay, time to look bad ass.
"Agreed, meeting adjourned," Vivi says than turn to the blacksmith, "lead the way"
"Of course your worships" he says ah he bows and we all funnel out of the room. This is gonna be so cool, I get my own armor! I wonder what it looks like? Is it gonna be platemail, kinda like Cullen's...nah, I wouldn't be able to move around a lot in something like that, and since I don't use a shield I need all the speed I can get. Leather armor then, like Red? Maybe, but I still want some protection in case I do get hit. Somewhere in between sounds good. Oh what about- I get knock out of my thoughts by walking into Vivica from behind. She looks back at me and shoots me an annoyed look.
"Sorry" I say meekly. Turns out I don't have to speculate any longer as we have arrived at the blacksmith's workshop.
"The armors are ready for you to put on. If you require assistance you need but ask" Herrit says while bowing.
"Yeah, I'm gonna need help" I say, might as well ask for help than embarrass myself later.
"Of course, first you..." He then told me step by step how to put on my new armor. It's actually pretty simple and I'm positive I can do it myself next time. After about 20 minutes of me trying to figure out how to put on my protection, and giving Cadash her privacy, we were both decked out in full armor. Hers was a type of silver scale type, leather gloves, leather pants with metal plates strapped to her thighs and shins, her shoes are also metal. There are decorative belts and a beige fur neck, thing, That is supposed to keep her warm, I guess.
"You look good, really bad ass" I say to her and give her a thumbs up.
"Thanks, you too, really different from the things you were wearing at the temple. Though do you have to have that hat, it's not exactly practical battle wear" she says and gestures to the hat on my head. I grip it and push it further on my head.
"Of course I do, it's special to me. Plus if I get shot in the head with an arrow or something, I don't think a helmet would save me" I explain. I then turn to the resident blacksmith, "where is a mirror, I want to see what I look like"
"Of course, it's just over there" he says and points to a corner of the workshop. I nod and head over there. I look at myself and whistle. I look good. Harrit put some serious work into this. I have brown leather armor all over my torso and arms. Above that however is a metal breastplate and some metal arm guards. My pants are made of the same leather of the top and above that is some metal shin and thigh guards. It finishes off with leather boots that have steel toes, nice.
"Hey, what is this stuff made out of anyways"
"Silverite your worship. I also took the liberty of sharpening your sword" he said and snapped his fingers, almost instantly the sword was given to him by a worker. He then presented it to me. What I noticed is that they got a new sheath for it, it was a red colored wood with some golden vine like markings all over it. I take it with a nod and unsheathe the sword. It's a lot more shiny that's for sure. I give it a few practice swings to see if the weight changed at all. Nope, all good. I rest the flat side on my shoulder and look back at the mirror. I look awesome!
"So what do you think," I ask the room in a cocky voice, "Roguishly handsome or handsomely rouge-ish"
"Oh yes, you look truly gallant" Vivi says sarcastically.
"Sarcasm doesn't suit you" I say and look back at the mirror one more time...gallant huh?
I bet you don't even know what that means, do you?
I do to!
Really?
Yeah...no.
"Sezar? Are you alright" I hear Cullen ask me.
"What? Oh, uh, yeah, yeah I'm good" I mumble.
"Are you sure? You're tearing up" Vivi says concerned. What?! I touch my eyes and see the start of tears about to flow down.
I quickly wipe my eyes and let a little empty laugh,"I'm good, it's just dust or something"
"But"Cullen started. But I cut him off, "I said I'm alright" I say a little more forcefully and judging by the surprised look on everyone's face I guess it was a lot more forcefully, I sigh,"Sorry, I just...I'm gonna walk around for a bit" I say and ignore whatever they said afterwards and head of in some direction, I don't really care which.
Well somehow I ended up next to a tree overlooking the frozen lake, I even see the two jerks that were about to fight still running around, looking worse for wear to say the least. I sit down next to the tree and look up to the sky. Where did those memories come from. Well, obviously from my mind, but why did they come up? I thought I was over that. Well whatever, maybe some shuteye will do...me...some. Out like a light.
"Beware beast! For I have come to be your DOOM" I shout and wave the mighty Excalibur in a figure eight to try to intimidate the mighty dragon. The Dragon roars in defiance and I ready myself for what certain to be the fight of my life, "for good of all, you must per-"
"What are you doing" a voice suddenly asks and startles me so much I accidentally stepped on my towel-I mean cape- and fall flat on my face. Oww, I reach up and push my helmet up to see who interrupted my fight. I look to my...right and see a girl about my age standing there, hands behind her back and looking at me with wide eye curiosity. I quickly get up and get a good look at her. Light skin, skinny, dirty blonde hair tied back into a short ponytail, she was wearing a purple long sleeve shirt, some blue denim jeans, and some sort of weird hat that looks like an old paperboy's, plus it looks way too big on her. Though the thing that immediately took my attention were her eyes, one was green and the other was blue.
"Hey, what's the big idea" I ask angrily.
"What are you doing" She asks as if she didn't see me face plant.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm a gallant knight fighting a mighty dragon to bring peace to this land" I say as I point to the terrifying bea-
"That's a dog with plastic horns and paper wings, plus you're wearing a bucket and a towel. And that is a stick" She says as she points to all the offending objects.
I look around and to see the German Shepard dragon is currently yawning. Then he proceeds to clean himself.
"Russ...that's nasty, and it's called imagination...what's your name anyways" I ask.
"Sarah Fitsherberg" she says as she extends her hand.
"Sezar. Sezar Trevino. S-E-Z-A-R and Sezar was his name-oh. Gallant knight of King...Charles. Charley to his friends. Chuck to family" I joke, though she doesn't even chuckle. She narrows her eyes and puts her hand on her hips.
"I bet you don't even know what Gallant means, do you" She asks.
"Of course I do" I say defensively.
"Really" she presses as she leans forward, her multi colored eyes staring into mine.
"Yeah" I say. Those eyes are seeing right into my soul I swear. "...no"
"That's what I thought" She says with a smug smile.
"Well I know it's a good thing. Why else would those fairy tales talk about gallant knights and fair maidens"
"Do you know-"
"Pretty ladies. Yeah I know that much" I say bitingly.
"Hey, don't get so upset. I apologize" she said as she looked down to her feet and looks like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Dang it.
"Nah, nah I'm sorry. I still need to work on my anger. Then again I am ten, so..."
"It's okay. I've never been good at talking to people, let alone strangers"
"Then what-"
"I was walking around and I just saw you and..." She trails off.
"And..."
"I don't know, you look like you were having fun, I just thought you'd-that I'd- that-" she stutters.
I raise my hand to stop her, "hey it's, uh fine," hey wait, "hey, you can be the fair maiden I'm supposed to rescue," I say as I pick up my stick, "come on" then I start running back to my starting spo-
"I don't wanna" she says so suddenly that I nearly trip from my momentum from my sudden stop. I then turn to her with an eyebrow raised.
"What" I ask confused.
"I don't want to be the fair maiden you rescue" she says as she crosses her arms.
"But you just said that you wanted to play" I say to her.
"Well maidens don't do anything except sit around" she says bitterly.
"Well...yeah, you got a point" I relent. We then stand there awkwardly for a second, "So what now"
She puts a hand under her chin and mulls over the situation. Her eyes then go past me towards a stick lying on the ground. She then walked passed me to pick it up and turned to look at me. She then raised the stick above her head in a dramatic fashion, "I'll be your partner in questing" she says excitedly.
"Hey...yeah! That'd be awesome" I shout with glee.
Thus began the adventures of T&F adventure co. Together we have slain everything from zombies to dragons, all in time for dinner. And as we grew older we grew closer. We went to the same school, had the same friends, we were basically inseparable. What I love most about her is her ability to see almost anything in a positive light. That's just how she is. All life is precious in her eyes. Though I'm not that optimistic I certainly value her friendship. She has certainly save me, whether it be from doing something stupid or just being alone, and I couldn't ask for a better friend. Though as she and I grow older I can't help but notice how beautiful she's gotten over the years. It certainly was a shocker for me when she agreed to go to prom with me...PROM! Jeez, my poor heart when she agreed. As I stand in front on the mirror, fixing my hair I just can't wait for tonight. We agreed that we'd would meet at the school gym, just to add to the surprise of seeing each other. I quickly add add a tulips to my pocket, her favorite, and get the keys to my car. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it. I'm there at the school before I knew it and I'm pacing back and forth for a few minutes.
A few more minutes.
More minutes.
Half an hour.
Hour.
I look at my watch and sigh. Where is she? She's usually never late to anything. Even if she is its only by a few minutes. Did she stand me up? But why? She looked so happy when I asked. Was that just an act to not hurt my feelings. Soon confusion turned to sadness. I though she liked me. After all we've been through. Who am I kidding, what was the chances someone like me could be with someone like her. None that's what. Sadness turns to anger. Wait no, I'm awesome, the problem is her. Who does she think she is, standing me up like this. All our- or rather my- friends all saw me out here alone and are either laughing at or pitying me. Who needs her anyways, I'll just go in there and have a great time! Yeah that's what-
The ringtone of my phone interrupts my thoughts and I quickly answer without even looking at the caller I.D.
"Hello" I grunted.
"Hello, is this Mr. Sezar Trevino" a female voice asks, mispronouncing my name.
"Yeah, what's going on"
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but a Sarah Fitsherberg has been in a fatal car accident. She's currently in the ICU, but-"
"Where"
"I'm sor-"
"Where!? What hospital" I scream.
"Covenant hospital on-"
"I know where" I say and hang up and hop in my car as fast as I could and floor it.
I get to the hospital in just a few minutes, speeding all the way. I bust through the doors and find the front desk.
"Where's the ICU" I ask the clerk frantically.
"Down the hall and to the left" the man said without batting an eye, must be used to this. I run in the direction he said and am tying to find her name. No, no, no, no, Yes there. I quickly open the door and...oh god. There she is. Wearing nothing but a hospital gown and her hat. She is hooked up to some machines that are probably the only thing keeping her alive. By her bedside are her parents. Oh god, I can't look at them.
"Sezar? I'm happy you're here" I hear her say.
"I-I came as soon as I heard w-what happened"
"A drunk driver ran a stop sign. Cliche as hell right" She says lowly and starts to chuckle, she then turns to her parents, "mom, dad, can you please give us some alone time" Mr. Fitsherberg looked like he was going to protest, but the hand on his shoulder from his wife stopped him.
"Of course angel, we'll be right outside" she says somberly. They exit and soon it's just me and...her. I go sit by her bed and we just look at each other.
"Hey" she says
"Hey" I say.
"Come here often" she asks sarcastically.
"How can you joke at a time like this" I ask her as tears threaten to fall.
She just shrugs, "what else should I do. Be sad or angry. Nah, I'm dying and that's that. No need to add more stress"
"But...I just can't help but feel like this is my fault" I whisper.
"What" she screeched then groaned in pain.
"I mean, what if we went together, or walked or...if I hadn't asked you out" I say somberly. The weak punch to my shoulder shakes me out of my daze.
"Don't you dare blame yourself for this" she says sternly.
"But-" she puts a finger to my lips.
"Shush, don't talk like that. I'm proud to say that I was the date of one Sezar Trevino" she says then coughs, "I just wish you could've seen me dance. My cabbage patch has gotten legendary"
I let out a dry chuckle, "I bet its got nothing on my monkey"
she chuckles once more, "You'd be surprised" then silence permeates in the room. She then lets out a low hum.
"What is it" I ask.
"I'm just thinking about my life, regrets and all that" she says lowly.
"and..." I trail off, then am totally surprised when her lips met mine in a quick and totally awkward kiss. She then lay back down and smiled at me.
"And I would't have changed a thing" she says sincerely.
"R-really" I ask she then surprises me once more as she puts her hat on my head. Crap...I'm crying now aren't I.
"Really" She says as she smiles the brightest smile I've ever seen.
"Hey...I-I" DAMN IT MAN JUST SAY IT, "I love you"
"I know, love you too" she says as she caresses my face, suddenly the bleeps from the machine gets slower and slower. This is really it isn't it. OH WAIT, I quickly reach into my pocket and pull out the tulips, though they current events haven't exactly been kind to them as only two pedals remain, "Oh...my...favorite"
"Sorry they're messed up" I say as the tears are waterfalling out my eyes.
she looks at me with a raised eyebrow, "Are you...kidding? They're...perfect" she said as she took a deep sniff of them and lets out a long breath, the bleeps soon become even slower and her eyes start closing, "Stay...strong...my gallant...knight".
Those were her last words.
That was her last smile.
That was the last of Sarah.
A few days later and I'm here about to talk in my best friend and love's funeral. To say that I've been depressed would be a huge understatement, I've barely slept, eaten, or talked to anyone since her passing.
"And now Sarah's best friend will now give the eulogy" the priest says before giving the floor to me. I get up and as I stand in front of everyone I see know how many lives she touched, from he family to our friends, not a single eye was dry, except mine, I've already spent my tears.
I take a deep breath and start, "Gallant-adjective: of a person or their behavior, brave; heroic. As a child with a towel for a cape, bucket for a helm, and a stick as a blade, I once believed that I was these things. Then I met Sarah. We became friends almost instantly, and together we went on a plethora of adventures, from stopping the dread wizard Poncupus from unleashing Ragnarok, or saving the king from a plot to destroy the kingdom. However the real adventure was growing up. Soon we were conquering homework instead of undead. However the thing that remained a constant was her smile. A smile that could light up a moonless night. That brought a smile to my eye. No matter the obstacle she would smile and remind me that no matter how bad things got, tomorrow was a new day, that with the rising sun comes a clean slate. If that's not brave, I don't know what is," i then turn to the open casket that shows her with her arms crossed and her smile still on her face, "Sarah, I-I miss you, and i'll always miss you, but i will stay strong for you, and i'll keep smiling for you. Goodbye...my fair maiden"
"YO" A sudden voice yells in my ear.
I scream and stand up with my blade out, "What's that, who's there" i ask quickly
"Woa there, it's just me" A very familiar voice says and I turn to see Vivi standing their in her relax wear and hair down, wait why- its night. When did it turn to night, "So this is where you've been sleeping by this tree"
now that she mentions my sleeping arrangement my back suddenly starts aching, "Ow, how long was I out"
"THREE WEEKS" she yells.
"WHAT"
she laughs, "Nah I'm just kidding, you've only been gone a couple of hours, though you should get to an actual bed, I hear they're softer than trees"
"yeah..whatever" I say sadly.
"Hey, what's wrong" Vivi asks sympathetically.
"Nothing...I'm gonna go to bed" I say to her as i walk past her. Pleasant dreams are going to happen I'm sure.
Today is the day I actually help out around here. I wake up and head towards the font gate, decked out in all my gear. Last night did not really give me a whole lot of sleep. hopefully today will be better. I spot the rest of my party, consisting of Vivi, Cassie, Varric, and Sully.
"Hey, guys you ready to head out" I ask as Cassie tosses me a traveling pack.
"Yes, come we must hurry, according to the scout's report they have been in almost constant combat with both sides of the conflict and are taking some casualties. Our first duty should be to reinforce the scout's camp and receive a full report from Lead scout Harding" Cassie reports.
I sling on my pack and nearly topple over from the combined weight of the pack and my armor.
"You alright, kid" Varric asks jovially.
"Yeah, yeah just adjusting to the weight" I say as I get a wide stance that makes me look a little ridiculous, hence the snickers from the dwarves of the group, "C'mon, we got a mother to talk to" I say as I exit the town, the others following suit, "By the way, how long until we reach the hinterlands"
Solas hummed, "Well, with the current weather and barring running into anything, bandits or otherwise...I would estimate about...tomorrow afternoon"
I let out a heavy sigh, "Well, here's hoping"
The way over was shorter than we expected, and nothing much happened. We reached the scout's camp in the late morning of the next day. Along the trail though I spotted a lot of corpses, all with different kinds of fatal wounds, from sword stabs and slashes, to frozen and burnt bodies bodies, not a pretty sight. Soon we see a couple of people wearing inquisition armor and they spot us. We met in the middle and exchanged pleasantries, and asked for a full report on what's been going on, and they said to talk to this lead scout Harding, bringing us to where we are, in a camp of friendlies waiting for this guy to show up and give us the down low.
I turn to Cassie,"So who is this Harding guy anyway"
"She is a fine soldier and scout we recruited on our first outing to the hinterlands. We were unused to the terrain, then she came along with a map one day, the next she brought her bow and said a guide was better than a map any day. She has been exemplary from then on and has earned her title as lead scout...though I will admit she can be quite-"
"Maker's breath, you really are the heralds" an excited voice says and interrupts Cassie, I turn to the voice-.
No.
NO.
NO WAY.
"S-Sarah"
...Hi...how's it going?
it's me...
And I have good news!
I'M BACK BABY! And I am not going away anytime soon...also HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY STORY...kinda...I had no internet yesterday so...let's pretend this went up on time. Also, in case the author's note in the beginning was hard to get, I am going to revive my first story Brave New World, a Sword Art-Online fanfic that is filled with OC's, If that's your thing than feel free to check it out, and I'm going to start a new story that's...a surprise. Keep on the lookout for it.
Anyways, that about does it for this chapter, see you guys in the next one!
P.S.
A review would be lovely to show that you guys still care.
P.P.S
also have you guys seen Steven Universe? I wasn't expecting much, but damn is it good.
P.P.P.S
...much love.
