Here we go again! Chapter 9 is here to pick up where that cliffhanger left ya!
Review Responses:
CrescentMoonAngel56 - Hehe... I was kinda hoping the chapter title do that... Sorry! Ah, I'm glad you liked the Mischievous little Cupids skit, I wasn't sure about it till I saw your review. Just shows that sometimes those two CAN get along... Thanks for reviewing so much!
Mist-To-Gun: Thanks so very much for your support! I dunno if I can make every chapter end in a cliffhanger but I'll make the ones that do really good! Heh, Dayren and Rita do switch from loathing each other to getting along enough to embarrass poor Estelle. They're confusing, right?
This chapter will get happier and sillier... So, without further ado, let's begin...
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Chapter 9: Dayren's eccentric antics...
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"Who... Who are you?"
"...Dayrellan."
"Oh... The Duke's son?"
"...Yeah."
"Um... It's nice to meet you. My name is Estellise."
"...It's... Nice to meet you too."
...e
"Dayrellan! Where are you! I've been looking for an hour now!"
"Ha! Why would I tell you! That goes against the aim of Hide and seek, silly!"
"Aha, there you are!"
"Oh no! ...But you still have to catch me!"
"T-That's not fair!"
"Hahaha!"
"Hehehe!"
...se
"Hey... Estellise"
"Huh? Oh... Y-Yes, Dayrellan?
"W-What do you th-think of... me?"
"Uh... Well... You're an... Amazing friend... Who I..."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Don't want to lose..."
"Heh... I promise that I'll never leave your side, ok?"
"Ehehe... Ok"
...lise
"Where is Dayrellan? Why wasn't he at his parent's funeral?"
"Estellise... Dayrellan is... Missing."
"What!? No... He... You'll find him right!?"
"Yes, he'll return home soon"
...tellise
"The Duke of Zaphias is dead."
"Because I... I saw him die."
...Estellise!
"Dayrellan!"
Estelle awoke with a start. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at Rita next to her. She sighed in relief when saw she hadn't woken her up with her cry. She stepped out of her tent and saw that it was still very dark. The fire was dying and next to it, the young twin-swordsman was staring into it. She had wanted to speak to him earlier but couldn't seem to manage to do so. The teen's expression was blank and didn't hear Estelle approach. He jumped when she tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up at her in surprise but his face slowly fell and wore a guilty expression.
"...Estelle. I thought you were asleep." He said slowly. The princess sat next to him and looking into the fire.
"I... Couldn't sleep. If I try then... I just remember." She said sadly. Dayren just looked more guiltily.
"I'm sorry Estelle... I..." She started but she shook her head.
"Dayren, it's ok... There's nothing for you to apologise for." She turned to him with a small, sad smile. The teen couldn't look her in the eye for more than a second.
"Could you tell me how... he..." She trailed off. But Dayren got what she meant and nodded.
"It was maybe a month and a bit after it was announced he was missing. I was travelling alone to Halure from Deidon Hold to see if I could help people when I saw someone on the road. I rushed to their side and saw that they were covered in blood. He was a boy my age but you couldn't tell because of the state he was in. My healing Artes weren't that strong at the time so I tried to get him to Halure but... he was too weak." Dayren fidgeted uncomfortably.
"In his final minutes, he talked to me about his life. I was shocked to find out that he was the missing Duke... He... found it funny how our ages and names were so similar. He talked a little about you actually... He regretted not telling you many things... And not saying goodbye." Dayren had to stop to fight back a sob. Estelle was already sobbing away into her hands. Repede had awoken and was silently watching. Dayren attempted to cleared his throat and continued.
"It was then I vowed to atone for my sin and to make sure that no-one suffers the same fate as him. I-I'm so sorry Estellise. I tried... But...". A hand on his shoulder stopped him. He jumped for the second time that day and looked up to see Yuri looking down at him. On his other side, Rita was comforting Estelle, who was calming down.
"Hey, you don't have to blame yourself for that. I'm sure you did everything you could to try to save him." Yuri said calmly.
"Besides, I'm sure Estelle doesn't think any less of you than before... And neither do we." He continued. Rita looked up and gave a quick nod before returning her attention to Estelle. Dayren looked back at Yuri with a small grateful smile.
"Thank you... I really mean it." He replied. Estelle had calmed down enough to talk and turned to him.
"Dayren... I don't blame you for anything. Rather, I'd like to thank you for being there for him when it happened. I can take comfort in knowing that he didn't die alone." She said a little raspy. Dayren nodded and stood up.
"I'm gunna go sleep now...Our metal friend over there will keep watch." He said looking over at the Murder standing off to the side.
"G'Night." He muttered over his shoulder and went into the guy's tent. The group stared after him.
"It's amazing how strong he is... To have lived with the weight of someone's death since the age of 10ish." Yuri commented. The girls nodded behind him. Slowly, they each made their way to their tents.
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Morning soon came and Yuri sat up with a groan. Looking to his right, the male teen was once again no-where to be found. He sighed and decided to search alone, knowing what Rita's reaction to being woken up early again. Luckily, Repede too was awake so the two of them went looking for Dayren. After a minute or two, they saw a lot of monsters in the distance. He turned away to avoid getting involved when a lightning bolt came down within the mob of monsters. He ran over to help, sword drawn.
"Sword Rain!" Came the voice of Dayren from the middle of the pack.
"Azure Storm!"
"WOOWOOF!" Both of their attacks made an opening for them to rush to Dayren. He looked at them with mild surprise.
"Oh, good morning." He said casually before attacking another monster.
"You really have a habit for getting into trouble, you know?" Yuri sighed.
"This? Nah, this is just a little training." The teen replied shrugging it off.
"A little?" Yuri said disbelievingly.
"Care to tell me why?"
"Hmm... Sure. I'm, trying to do that Overlimit thing. I've... only managed it once." Dayren said suddenly sad.
"Is that right? Then why don't I teach you?" Yuri offered.
"Oh, really? Hey thanks Yuri... Ouch! First aid." Dayren replied (getting bitten in the process).
"It'll have to be next time though. We're running out of monsters here." Yuri said finishing a monster off. Repede barked as he finished the penultimate enemy.
"Oh... Alrighty. Axe Smash!" And the battle was over. After resting or a minute or two, they started to walk back. As they arrived back at their camp, Yuri turned to the young teen.
"How come you wake up so early?" He asked curiously.
"I either train like you saw just now, or I meditate to improve my magic." Dayren explained proudly. 'I see, Rita was right about the meditating... Maybe he could get her to meditate a few times so she wouldn't be so hot-headed all the time.'. Yuri thought to himself.
"So why do you need to train? You seem quite capable already." Yuri asked. The teen hesitated for a second and he sobered a bit.
"There's... something I need to do. And I need to be stronger than I am now." He answered somewhat vaguely. Yuri dropped the subject knowing he probably wouldn't get more out of the boy... Yet.
"Well, I still don't mind training with you. I can't afford to let my sword skills get rusty." Yuri said with a small smirk. Dayren nodded back with a similar smirk. It was then, Estelle came out of the girls' tent looking bothered. Her eyes were still red from her crying but before the boys could ask, she spoke.
"Yuri, I can't get Rita to wake up. She just rolls over and falls asleep again." Dayren's eyes lit up at this with a mischievous glint. The other two knew this wasn't going to end well.
"Alright... Leave it to me." He said gleefully. And he walked into his tent first. A few seconds later he came out with a water bottle. Yuri sighed.
"Oh, this isn't good..." He muttered and Estelle nodded. Dayren smiled sweetly at them before entering the tent. They waited a few more seconds...
"AAAAAHHH! DAYREN! I'LL BLOODY KILL YOU!" I'm sure you can guess who that was. Said male teen ran out of the tent laughing hysterically, followed by a furious (and drenched) Rita. Estelle watched the scene with conflicting feelings, a mix of concern for Dayren's health and amusement. Yuri's face never left his hand. Somehow, there were off again within five minutes or so.
Skit: As bad as each other
Rita: ...
Dayren: ...
Yuri: They haven't spoken or argued for a while now... It's almost scary.
Estelle: Well it wasn't a nice thing that Dayren did.
Rita: Exactly!
Dayren: Hey! I was just getting revenge for everything you've done to me!
Yuri: I think you just set them off Estelle...
Estelle: Oh dear...
Rita: Whadda you mean, 'everything I've done'?
Dayren: You always hit me, call me names and burn me with fire balls!
Rita: That's because you tease me, annoy me and... are an idiot!
Dayren: What kinda reasoning is that?
Rita: Shut up you damn jerk!
Dayren: Violent witch!
(Yuri and Estelle pull them away from each other)
Yuri: Hey! That's enough outta you two!
Estelle: Indeed! You two are both as bad as each other!
Rita&Dayren: What!
Yuri: Now both of you stop it and apologise.
Rita&Dayren: ...
Repede: *Grr*
Dayren: ...! Ok, ok... Rita... I'm very sorry about my actions earlier.
Rita: ...Yeah... Me too... I'm sorry.
Estelle: Phew... That's better.
Yuri: You know what they say... You argue the most with the people you love.
Rita&Dayren: ...!
(Both storm off blushing)
Estelle: Then why don't we argue, Yuri...?
Yuri: What do you mean?
Estelle: Ah! Nothing!
"So why are we in Halure, Yuri?" Dayren asked as they entered the City of Blossoms.
"We're gunna check on Flynn, right?" Estelle asked and Yuri nodded. Dayren was confused but followed regardless. He was looking around at the pink petals falling delicately to the ground. 'I'll never get tired of seeing such a beautiful sight...' They made their way to Estelle's house. Inside, they found the place was deserted.
"Huh? Where have they gone?" Estelle asked curiously. As if to answer that, a blond figure came out of the kitchen.
"Ah, I'm glad all of you have returned!" Flynn said happily.
"Why are you standing already? Your gunna open your wounds again!" Yuri scolded.
"Don't worry Yuri. I may bot be fit to fight yet but I can still cook!" Flynn replied happily. The Group suddenly became still. Dayren, completely oblivious, cheered and sat at the table.
"What's on the menu, sir?" He asked innocently. Flynn turned to the unfamiliar teen and smiled.
"Sandwiches and Pasta Salad!" He chirped, mirroring the boy's enthusiasm. Dayren nodded while reaching out for a sandwich.
"Wait, Dayren! No!" Yuri tried but it was too late, Dayren had taken a bite. The next few seconds were tense. Suddenly, Dayren's face went bright red.
"Owowowow! Spicy!" He said failing around. The group looked on in pity. But what happened next shocked them.
"It's... Delicious!" Dayren cried and ate the rest of the sandwich. Flynn beamed at the compliment.
"W-What!? Flynn, what did you put in them?" Yuri asked severely confused.
"Egg and Wasabi!" Flynn replied, still beaming. The group sighed.
"Now... The Pasta Salad." Dayren said, having finished all the sandwiches. Yuri curiously looked at said salad retreated a bit.
"Uh, Flynn... Why is the salad... Brown?" Yuri asked cautiously.
"Its Ham, Pasta, Lettuce, Cucumber with Chocolate sauce!" Flynn replied, eagerly awaiting Dayren's response. The response was... Dayren eating every bit of it.
"Ugh... How can you eat that?" Rita said disgusted. Luckily Flynn didn't seem to understand what she meant.
"When you live like I do, any home-cooked meal is a gourmet feast." Dayren replied. Rita looked surprised and didn't respond.
"Seconds!" Dayren cheered. Flynn's smile faded and he looked apologetic.
"Sorry... That's all I made." He said. Dayren actually looked disappointed at this.
"Aww... Okay! Thanks for the food sir!" He said smiling.
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Dayren got the Title: Unfussy Eater
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"Your very welcome... Uh..." Flynn said, realising he didn't know the boy's name.
"Dayren. Dayren Vyce." The teen introduced while making his way over to the fridge and taking out a carton.
"Nice to meet you, Dayren. My name is Flynn, Commandant of the Imperial Knights." Flynn introduced with a salute.
"I see, nice to meet you too, Mister Commandant." Dayren replied, pouring a glass of orange juice.
"Heh, you're the second person to call me that in the past couple of days..." Flynn smiled.
"Oh? Who was the first?" The teen asked after taking a sip of his drink.
"The Duchess' sister, no less." The Commandant replied. Then, there was a smashing sound. The glass cup had slipped through Dayren's fingers. His face had gone very pale and he stared at the blond man in fearful shock. Everyone looked at him with concern and in some cases, suspicion.
"Something wrong, Dayren?" Yuri asked with narrow eyes. The boy shock his head at started cleaning up the mess.
"N-No, I'm fine. How were the Duchess and her sister doing?" He asked trying to seem less interested than he was.
"They were very well... Do you know them personally?" Flynn asked confused.
"No... Not directly... Well, I'm glad they're ok..." Dayren had nearly finished clearing up...
"...I'm sure he'd be glad to know that." The teen mumbled, but only Estelle and Yuri seemed to hear it. 'Right... He still feels guilty for that... Even when he's not at fault.' Yuri thought. Flynn then turned to Yuri.
"Speaking of the sisters, you may be wondering where they are. They went on ahead to continue their search led by Sodia. I was hoping you'd come by so I could join you. Would that be ok?" Flynn asked.
"Yeah sure, no problem Flynn..." Yuri said. The Commandant smiled and picked up his stuff.
"Um, Flynn... About the sister's search... The-" Estelle started but was cut off.
"Alright! Let's move out!" Dayren said, back to his usual ways. Flynn nodded and followed after. The rest of the group hesitated before also leaving.
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
Flynn has joined the Party as a Guest
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
Skit: Dayren vs. Rita Finale
Dayren: Nngh!
Rita: Rggh!
(Yuri enters)
Yuri: Huh? Why are you two staring so lovingly into each other's eyes?
Rita&Dayren: WHAT!?
(Both teens move away from each other slightly)
Dayren: That's not it at all!
(Flynn and Estelle enter)
Rita: W-We are trying to see who is taller.
Dayren: Which is obviously me!
Rita: Oh don't be stupid! Your hair doesn't count towards your height, Idiot!
Flynn: What is going on with them, Lady Estellise?
Estelle: Oh... Those two are always arguing and yelling at each other... Until they go bright red in the face and storm off... I wish they would get along.
Flynn: I see... Princess, I don't think you need to worry about them not getting along
Estelle: Huh?
Yuri: Alright, lemme be the judge.
(Yuri moves around them, examining)
Yuri: Yeah... Sorry Rita but he's obviously taller.
Rita: What!?
Dayren: Alright!
Yuri: Rita... You've grown a bit... So now your about 5 ft, maybe? He's about... 5 ft. 5?
Dayren: About that... I think.
Rita: Noooo! How could I lose to this Idiot?
Estelle: Most men are typically taller than women, Rita.
Flynn: Besides, look at it this way Rita...
Yuri: When you hug, you will fit more snugly in his arms!
Rita&Dayren: WHAT!?
Yuri&Flynn: Hahaha
Estelle: You two are mean...
Crossing over Ehmead Hill ended without incident and soon they arrived in Nor Harbour. They didn't have to fight much and the Murder guarded Flynn from monsters since he was still wounded. Upon arriving, they noticed that it was evening and the streets were clear.
"Sorry I can't be of much use to you now... I appreciate your help." Flynn said, frowning.
"Oh don't worry about it Flynn. Just get some rest and let your wounds heal, ok?" Estelle said.
"Yeah besides, if you were to fight, you'd just get in the way." Rita said casually. Yuri turned to her and lightly hit her on the head.
"No Yuri, she speaks the truth. I promise to make it up to you however. Now, should we get rooms at the inn? I will gladly pay for both." Flynn offered.
"Sure, it can be the first step to you paying us back." Yuri said.
"Yuri! We can't-" Estelle tried to protest.
"Heh, polite as ever Yuri. One day, that mouth of yours will get you in trouble" Flynn joked.
"Ha... Maybe. So it seems the sisters aren't here." Yuri said looking around.
"I would guess that they have already gotten on a boat and are in Capua Torim by now" Flynn noted.
"Oh dear... We missed them... I think it's too late to charter a boat today too." Estelle said looking up at the evening sky.
"Hey, where is the Idiot?" Rita asked looking around. Everyone did so too and saw Dayren staring at some paint cans, deep in thought.
"Dayren! Don't wander off alone!" Estelle called. At this, the boy turned. On his face was his infamous Grin of Mischief.
"Oh great... What's he planning now?" Rita said exasperated. The male teen walked over to Estelle and literally dragged her off to the paint cans. After a quick conversation, they both started grinning.
"Wait... Now Estelle is in on it?" Yuri asked surprised. Dayren and Estelle walked off into town, followed by the Murder.
Ehehe... What's he planning? Ah, you'll have to wait until next time!
Sorry guys... This chapter is out late, by like a day or something... I had a small case of writer's block... but now it's all good!
Not much story progress to be honest... Just Dayren being... Dayren. What will he do next? I doubt even he knows... See ya next time!
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Title: Unfussy Eater
To someone like him, every meal is a rare delicacy. He may well be the only person to ever survive Flynn's cooking and enjoy it. Surely there is something even he doesn't like?