Hey, back with another chapter! This one is around 7,000 words, YES!
Anyway, I'm rushing a bit to get this uploaded, so there's not much to say.
Disclaimer: I have not ownership of this Tales of Xillia you speak of.
This is what I was fearing…
My body refused to move, my train of thought crashed, a terrible knot formed in my throat… No way. There's no way this could be happening already! Exodus isn't mentioned until the second chapter, until Leia's in the party!
"The fact that you're frozen stiff makes me more suspicious. You do know of Exodus." Milla folded her arms, and I could feel her stern gaze on my bare back. "Are you a mem-"
"I'm from a different world called earth with no mana whatsoever, and I know the future!" I blurted out, interrupting the blonde, and standing so fast that I knocked over the stool I was sitting on. Oh, no, I panicked! It just slipped out! Now it's quiet, and my heart's freakin' beating in my ears…
After a few minutes of silence, my tense body seemed to relax a little. I built up the courage to turn and look Milla in those cold, magenta eyes. She was just staring, arms still folded. Her expression was serious, but I could tell those thoughts were swarming in her mind.
With a stern voice, she said, "Is this some kind of story to you?" …Eh? Milla seemed to be giving me a slight death glare. My thoughts slowly came back, and fear turned into… Confusion. "It's impossible to live without mana, and as the Great Spirit Maxwell, I know there's no such thing as a world called Earth. Even more so, it's unattainable for a human to be able to know the future." My shoulders relaxed a little, but then the fear struck in, again. That means she won't trust me no matter what I say. That was the truth, and yet she didn't believe it one bit!
Ugh, no! This is supposed to be where Milla's thoughts of me being part of Exodus dissolve, and realizes that I'm completely innocent! I guess she's just too… Maxwell.
"Now, be serious." She began, and my legs seemed to feel weak. "Are you a member of Exodus? Or are you a victim? If you are a member, I'm sure you're planning to assassinate me."
I shook my head, hesitating on what to say. What should I say? I mean, I mentioned my brother who was killed by a monst- *mental gasp* that's what I can say! I mean, lying further in wouldn't hurt… Right? It's not like she'll believe me with the truth, anyway.
Taking a deep breath, I picked up the stool to make it upright. "I… My brother and I use to be a part of Exodus. Use to." I had to repeat, because I swear she was going to jump up and grab her sword. "We quit because not only did Tim not want me to get hurt, but because we just couldn't build the courage to kill tons of spirits. And… Couldn't kill you, Maxwell." There is some honesty. I don't want to kill spirits, and I'm also sure that I don't want to kill Milla or even the real Maxwell. Seriously, I am not a girl to go killing people. "The brother being eaten by a monster thing was made up… We were actually being chased by a couple members. Tim stayed behind to fend them off while I continued to run. I guess they killed him…"
"And is that where you met Alvin?"
"Well, honestly, it's a big blur." I lied. "One second I was running, and the next I woke up by him."
"…I see." She muttered, putting her hand to her chin in thought. "So Exodus is responsible for your brother's death. Another reason why I must get the Four, finish my mission, and go back to eliminating them." Her magenta eyes softened as she went to go soak in the bathtub. "Maren, thank you. However, I will be keeping a sharp eye on you in case the traitor part is also a lie."
"Believe me," I began, and followed her to the tub. "I won't try to kill you. Promise."
An hour later, Milla and I finally returned to the mayor's house. Jude was talking to the old woman while Alvin seemed to be cooking. Hm… I wonder what his cooking tastes like. Jude is probably better, but I'm sure it's not bad.
The medical student looked over at us with a smile. "Milla, Maren! It's about time you two finish. I guess Alvin and I will go up there after dinner. Is that okay?"
I coughed 'Juvin' into my arm, and only Alvin seemed to look back at me with a curious look. Heh, they'll get it when I build up enough courage and confidence in myself to tell them the truth. Oh gosh, maybe I should go eavesdrop on them while they're in the bathhouse. Not spy. There's a difference. Me no ready to see naked men.
The mayor invited the spirit and I to sit down. Milla had to refuse until she caught a whiff of the food Alvin was making. Of course, I also got a whiff and kind of, uh…
"MY GOSH, SPAGHETTI!"
…Weirded everyone out. Jude did his usual nervous laugh, Milla drooled at the sound of the food, and Alvin chuckled, pouring out the water from the noodles. I began to do my happy dance in my seat – Constantly jumping up and down, side to side slightly in my chair while nodding my head. I love me some spaghetti!
The fellow mercenary served the food, and the three characters would start up conversations with the mayor. I just sat back, pretending to be too interested in my food. I kind of didn't want to talk to the mayor of Hamil knowing what's going to happen the second and third time we visit this town. I also didn't want to join in the conversation in fear that I might let something slip. I just got Milla off my back, but Jude's still on it, and Alvin might be as well. Not sure about him since he hasn't shown any hint. Then again, even Milla didn't show any hint until she brought it up on her own.
Ugh, my paranoid self… Thinking of every possible outcome even when it's not possible. It's a good thing that around this time in the game, Milla doesn't know the Exodus members don't have mana lobes. Otherwise, she would have asked me how I can do spells. I mean, she already knows Exodus is a group of people who slipped through the schism from Elympios…
Man, so many reasons to keep myself secret! Though, from Brittany, Samantha's, and many other fanfic experiences I've read, it'll come out eventually… Maybe I should make a deadline for when I should finally bring it out. I definitely don't want to do it before Leia comes in and leave her in the dust. Maybe I should tell them at Xian Du? No, that's too early. After Elympios is discovered? No, too late. Uh…
"And what about you, young lady?" A raspy voice pulled me from my thoughts, and my brown eyes glanced over to the mayor. Her lazy smile seemed to calm me down a little, but not all the way. I knew her true nature towards us for later in the game.
Eventually, I brought myself to speak. "Uh… What about me?" I asked, looking around the table.
"She's wondering why we're travelling with each other." Jude pointed out, looking down at my plate and knowing I'd get a third helping of dinner.
"Oh, well, I…" I paused, thinking of what to say. Jude probably didn't and doesn't want to mention that we're wanted criminals. "They're my family. Milla's mom, Jude is my brother, and Alvin is dad." A smile crossed my lips as I looked at everyone's expressions. Milla looked like she was about to burst out of her seat, claiming she was the Great Spirit Maxwell. Alvin and Jude? Oh, their expressions were priceless!
"So you're all related? My, how wonderful. You definitely get your looks from your dad." The old woman clasped her hands in front of her, and I think that just made this situation even more funny. Alvin was speechless, I could hear Jude mumbling about Milla and the brunette even being together, and Milla just… Oh yeah, she's going to be jumping out of her seat in any minute. Stealing my friend, Alicia's, joke about everyone in Xillia being a family member is my greatest idea, yet.
It was quiet at the table for an awkward amount of time, and I chose that moment to get up and serve myself a third plate of spaghetti. Milla joined, seeming to actually forget the whole family thing. Kinda upset about that, because I was ready to see her stand from her seat about to lecture, and see Jude grab her by the arm, trying to calm her down.
I would have payed to see that.
Even so, the time came when Jude and Alvin went to do their part of hygiene while Milla and I prepared the one room for bedtime. I forgot that there's only one bed out of the entire room. There's a couch next to the wall, and a table with a chair by the window. I have no idea how we're going to do this.
I took off Alvin's jacket, hanging it on a coat rack on the wall, and sat in the chair to take off my shoes.
"Maren."
"Hm?"
"I am the Great Spirit Maxwell with a mission to protect humans and spirits alike. I have no need for family, so do not think of me in that way."
And there it was.
The sun had completely set, and Milla was meditating in the corner of the room. I had grabbed a book and began to pretend to read. Hey, really, I can't read this writing. It's either based on Korean or Japanese. I can't exactly tell. Korea is the one with the circle obsession, right? Maybe it's Korean…
"You two seemed to have made yourselves comfortable." Jude walked in with Alvin tailing behind. His blue over coat was off with only his white layer on. To be honest, I like him a little more this way-
"Maren, why'd you slap yourself?" Alvin sat in the wooden chair, taking off his boots.
"No reason…" I mumbled, closing the book and standing. "Anyway, uh… I've been wondering a very important situation."
"And that would be?" Milla chose to open her eyes and look over at me. "Oh, welcome back Jude, Alvin." The three of them all had their attention on me, and all it took was me to just point at the one bed in the whole room.
"Oh, heh… That." The medical student scratched his cheek, looking at the options in the room. "Well, no doubt someone's going to have to share the bed, sleep on the couch, and the floor.
"Jude should have the bed." I smiled.
Alvin just scoffed, leaning back in the chair with his arms folded. "So you can have a chance to sleep with him?"
"Ohmigosh, shuddap!" I shouted, face turning beet-red. Jude just looked at the two of us, not even bothering to ask what that meant.
But then he shook his head, looking over at Milla. "I'd feel weird if the guys took the bed. Maybe Maren and Milla should share it. Alvin can have the couch while I sleep on the floor with some camping supplies."
"Whoa, kid. Now I'd be the one feeling weird if an adult made the younger one sleep on the ground. Let's switch." Alvin looked at us, wanting to know how well we agreed. Milla and I nodded after some thought, and Jude nodded a bit hesitantly. So it was decided that Milla and I would share the bed, Jude had the couch, and Alvin settled on the floor. To be honest, if I wasn't here, no one would have had to sleep on the hard ground…
Fog surrounded me. My eyes glanced around the area, landing on a shining white blur behind me.
"It's about time you fall asleep." It said, and I had taken a step back. It's the white blur from before! It sounds so familiar, it's making me angry that I can't point out who or what it is. "You lied, again. Does your world's humans do this daily?"
"What are you talking about? Who are you?" I asked, but regretted it when the blur came closer. It was so bright that it hurt my eyes, and I couldn't focus on anything. It felt like I was slowly losing sight.
"If you had managed to let the pawn of Maxwell know the full truth, I would have no problem with showing myself to you."
"Wh-What..? Are you saying all of the blurs will be clear if I tell Milla the complete truth?"
"No, it cannot just be this… Milla. It must be all the comrades you will meet. I'm sure you know all of them. Even then, it will be only I that will show."
"But what if they think I'm part of Exodus? Or don't believe me? Or think I'm crazy? They'd never talk to me again, and I might never find my way home!"
"Humans tend to complicate everything… You will tell your story at a time when truth is most needed."
"But-" I tried to grab the blur, but it disappeared into the black hole that seemed to surround me. I don't know how to explain it, but I believe I saw a faceless smile in that blur before my dreams started to take over.
The next morning, a gloved hand was violently shaking at my shoulder. I let out a small grunt, pulling the blanket over my head.
"Maren, this isn't the time to sleep." I lazily looked over to see Alvin picking up our supplies. He seemed to be rushing. "The Rashugal soldiers have entered town. Come on, Jude and Milla are waiting at the west exit of Hamil."
I sprung out of bed, quickly getting on my shoes. I regret these actions, but they were needed if I didn't want to risk getting arrested. We ran out of the house, and tried to get to the west side of town without being noticed. Milla and Jude looked over at us, telling us to be quiet before looking around the stoned wall. The two soldiers dressed in red and black uniforms were standing there, attention sharp. How are we going to get passed them? I'm so tired, and my legs ache from getting out of bed so quickly.
Wait.
"E-Excuse me…" A small voice called from behind us, and we each turned. There stood a little, pale blonde girl holding a purple doll. I stared a little at her because one, it was early in the morning so I'm not fully awake, and two, Teepo looks… Cushiony. "Um… What are you doing..?" Oh man, it's so cool to hear Elize's voice in real life, see her impossible to home-make clothes, and-
"We're trying to find a way to get past these soldiers." Milla stepped forward with a rather blunt tone of voice. I heard Jude mutter his line under his breath, seeming to sweat-drop at the spirit's action.
"So, those soldiers… They're in your way?" Oh, sweet! I wanna see Teepo move!
Elize simply looked down at the doll as it was like its eyes just popped open. Jude, Alvin, and I all jumped back. Their reason was because the doll moved. Mine was because, honestly, Teepo's a little creepy looking at first.
The purple doll made its way to the soldiers, seeming to dance around them, knocking their heads.
"What in the world..?" Alvin muttered.
"So… Cool…" I said loud enough for everyone to hear me.
The medical student looked over at Elize with a surprised expression. "How did you do that?" He asked. But right when Elize was about to open her mouth, a familiar voice was heard.
"What's going on over here?" Oh, no. The giant… "Child, you know you're never to leave the shed." Footsteps that seemed liked stops got closer to us, and there stood Jiao. I hid behind Jude, but he sneezed, and I backed up, looking at Alvin. He noticed this, shaking his head with a small grin. Jiao looked over at the exit, grabbing his giant hammer. "Rashugal troops? Curse you! How dare you come here?" The ground shook as he ran towards the guards. Teepo flew back over, following Elize down the road to the main part of Hamil. I almost wanted to keep her from going down there…
The mini earthquakes came back as Jiao ran over. "Where did she go?" He asked, looking down at us.
"Toward the square-"
"-and tell her we said thank you." I interrupted Jude.
"What? I'm sure she would like to hear that, but… No, she mustn't go there! You must be outsiders. You should hurry and leave this village. They don't do well with the likes of you." And the giant was gone.
We stood there for a good, solid minute until Alvin crossed his arms. "I have no idea what just happened, but I ain't complaining. Things just got easier for us. Let's go." No one disagreed, and we began our way quickly out of Hamil. I'm not looking forward to going back through there…
After a few minutes of running, we decided we were far enough, and that Jiao would handle the troops. It would be a while until they started on our trail, again. It actually took a couple miles until the dirt slowly turned into sand, the hills on the sides to turn to solid rock, and the fruit trees to turn to palms. Turning a corner, I stood in amazement at the sight. The blade-like rocks, the slightly pink sand, the reflection in the water… It's so… Beautiful! Sad thing about this is the sand. I'll be forced to do my strategy to keep it out of my shoes – the penguin walk.
We stopped at the entrance, taking in the sight. Alvin made his way to the front and turned to face us, spreading his arms out to his sides.
"Welcome to the Kijara Seafalls! Once we cross, we'll reach Nia Khera, the town of spirits." He said with a lot of enthusiasm. I smiled a little, folding my arms.
"It's beautiful…" Too bad we'll be fighting a demon crab, later. I should probably work on some sword skills.
"Indeed." Milla said, looking up at the rocks next to us. "But we must continue. The Rashugal soldiers may not be following now, but I'm sure they'll find a way to get back on our trail."
"…I hope we didn't make any trouble for those villagers." Jude looked down, holding his wrist as he leaned on one leg. "They were so kind to us, too…"
"What else could we do but run?" Alvin asked, looking at Jude with a soft expression.
"I feel sorry about them, too, but I seriously don't want to be arrested." I pointed out, looking at my feet.
Milla unfolded her arms, looking over at Jude, as well. "The villagers picked the fight, not us."
"How can you just say that?" He blurted. "Maybe they were trying to protect us."
"If you're worried about them, then maybe you should go back." The spirit turned, starting to go away from us. "It was a pleasure to know you, Jude. Thank you for all your help." Aw, don't leave Jude behind. He's supposed to be your boyfriend.
"How can you be so cold..?" Jude asked, looking at her with a surprised expression. I was slightly the same, but I knew she would be acting like this, here. It made me feel guilty know that we were the ones who technically brought the troops to that innocent town.
Milla stopped, turning back towards us. "You'd rather I get emotional? I'm afraid I don't have that luxury. What is it you humans say? I have no time for waxing sentimental."
"Never heard that…" I mumbled, looking away.
Jude was silent, thinking things over. "…Because of your mission."
"Precisely." Milla replied, nodding.
"So you think our emotions would prevent you from doing what you had to do?"
"Can a person still fulfill their duty if they become emotional?" It depends on the duty. I mean, a war where maybe a brother has to kill a brother would probably be a good example. Or the people assigned to behead a villager back in the medieval times.
"Only way to find out is to try and see." Jude straightened his back, but his gaze was only on the water.
The spirit smiled, putting her hand on her hip. "Well then, you should take your own advice." I always loved that part. Jude's always saying wise stuff, and yet he doesn't usually do it, himself. I think Milla is the reason why he decides to be an adult, not his dad. "Just be yourself, and do what you have to do. Maybe then you'll have your answer."
After a few more comments from Jude and Alvin, Alvin wrapping his arm over Jude's shoulder, and a couple more lines, we began to make our way through the Kijara Seafalls. I was correct, I had to do my strategy to keep the sand from getting in my shoes. Those guys are lucky they have boots… I want boots… Boots would be cool… Boots from Dora is a monkey-
"Maren, you know, if you're having trouble, you can go barefoot through here." Alvin looked back at me struggling to tag along.
"But what if I step on something sharp? Or a monster eats my foot from coming out of the sand?"
"You really have a wide imagination, don't you?" Jude looked back, this time.
"Indeed she does." Milla spoke, but still looked ahead. "She told me back at the bath house how she was from a world called Earth that had no mana whatsoever, and knew what was going to happen in the future."
The mercenary whistled, placing his hands behind his head. "Yeah, that's… Pretty far-fetched." Oh no, Milla! Now Alvin's going to be joining Jude with riding on my back!
"That sounds almost crazy enough to be true." The teen laughed, and we all stopped at the bottom of a rock edge. One at a time, we each climbed. Me first since I was the smallest, then Jude, Milla, and Alvin was last. We did it by height… yay… I'm small.
Well, at least she won't mention my made up story until the time comes when everyone needs to know of Exodus. Or, well… I hope she won't mention it until then.
We encountered only a few monsters, but by the fourth, I decided it was useless to keep the sand out of my shoes. I took them off, tying the laces around my belt, and tucking the socks into them. It sucked how Alvin wouldn't let me have his jacket, again. I can't go near Jude until I either get it somehow, or get dressed in new clothes. Maybe in Nia Khera I'll be able to get new ones. I definitely won't get any from Hamil.
A monster approached us, and Alvin immediately linked up with me as Jude and Milla linked with each other. I pulled out my sword and began casting, remembering how these monsters were specifically weak to fire. Alvin charged along with Jude and Milla, doing their thing. I get more and more surprised each time we have a battle that it's usually only two to three monsters. I guess we just don't pose as a threat much here. It is a peaceful area, after all. Maybe these monsters are just naturally mellow. I shot my fire ball, then charged in with a bit of fear. I'm still not use to being close to these things. They're pretty scary, and I can totally see one eating my brains.
Ew, gross picture.
It took a while until we reached one of the high elevation points. I was tempted, too tempted, perhaps. I rushed to the edge over the water, spread my arms and shouted,
"I'm on top of the world!"
"Are you now?" Alvin grinned, climbing the curving blade rock next to me. "Then what does that make me?"
"A man with his head in the clouds." Jude chuckled, covering his mouth slightly as he did.
"Ouch, that burns, kid."
Milla looked at Alvin, then me with confusion clear on her face. "I do not see how either of them are 'on top' of this world. If I had Sylph with me, I could easily fly to the highest elevation in Reize Maxia."
"You know, talking about cookies gets me hungry for lunch." I patted my stomach, turning back towards the main characters.
The medical student scratched his cheek. "I… Don't think we mention anything related to food at all."
"Oh, come on! You're hungry anyway, right?" I countered, putting my hands on my hips.
"Though human food is very delicious, we must continue forward. It would be best for all of our interests if we get there before the sun sets." Milla turned, continuing her way off the elevation, and back on the sand. The three of us sighed, looking at each other with exhaustion before following the blonde.
Of course, I slightly stopped in my tracks, seeing the familiar circle of waterfalls up around the giant, rocky corner. When Jude looked back, tilting his head, I shook my head and smiled, continuing the walk. In the corner of my eye, I saw something blue on the top of the cliff. Jude and Milla began talking about Nia Khera, while my attention was on what was up there. Alvin seemed to notice, as well.
He stretched, faking a yawn, and leaning an arm on the medical student's shoulder. "Let's take five. All those rocks were murder on my feet."
"No kidding…" I mumbled, looking down at my poor, bare ones.
Milla looked at us with a disagreeing expression. "We can rest once we reach Nia Khera." She said sternly, but Alvin didn't give up.
"Oh, come on! What's the rush? Nia Khera isn't going anywhere. Right? Rest a while."
"Oh, uh, okay." Jude smiled, looking at Milla. "Heh, I won't argue with that."
"Sitting!" I shouted with glee and plopped down on the rocks, no hesitation. Milla shook her head, turning, and walking to the waterfall area. Ugh, I don't want to go over there. Milla, just sit, wait a little longer. My feet huuuuurrrrrt…
I leaned back on my hands, looking up at the sky. I could hear Jude and Alvin talking, but it wasn't clear. My vision blurred, and I closed my eyes. My breath began to calm as my feet felt like they were being relieved. It was nice to sit down. I have no idea how long we've been walking in this place. Though, the sky is beginning to turn a little pink. We definitely skipped lunch and breakfast combined… It feels like I'm fasting or something.
I breathed in a deep breath, slowly letting it out. Then, I wasn't happy.
"What's going on over there?!" Jude looked where Milla had gone, and Alvin quickly got up on his feet. "Milla might be in trouble! Let's go!" I groaned slightly, standing slowly, and catching up to the two boys. We ran across the rocks, making it to the giant waterfall area. The water was loud, and the rocks were a little slippery. I didn't like it at all. In the middle of the area was Milla, being bound by a weird kind of red magic. Presa was right next to her, and I swear I could not look away.
A few lines went through one ear, but out the other. I just could not take my attention away from Presa's outfit. It's just… Really showy, and… Blue.
Jude spoke softly to Alvin, and what broke my attention away from the cat woman was Alvin's gun. He shot a boulder on the wall a few times, and it flinched. It definitely caught his girlfriend's attention. She gasped with disbelief before the rock instantly grew tentacles, and whacked her off the bladed rock. Milla fell to the ground, but caught herself, quickly picking up a disk and shoving it into her nature pocket.
"What's that saying?" She ran over, unsheathing her sword. "Out of the frying pan?"
"Never heard that…"
"And into the firefight. Come on, let's clean up this mess!" Alvin pulled out his sword, reloading his gun.
I mumbled my previous line again, before pulling out my sword and casting. Jude equipped his gauntlets, linking with Alvin before charging towards the monster that had landed where Presa use to be. As I was casting, I suddenly felt confident, and looked over at Milla.
Let us do a linked arte.
I nodded as she began casting, herself. Suddenly, instructions started to fill into my mind, and visions of how to do it portrayed. We each shot a fireball, but then turned back to back and casted again.
"Dance like dragons, and damage the foe!" We said in harmony. "Twisting flame!" Two fireballs shot out, but circled around each other, mushing together as if to create a cannon of fire on the enemy. The monster roared in pain.
"Try fire!" Milla shouted, running up to the enemy. I could tell she was going to do flare bomb, and I charged alongside her, blocking a tentacle that tried to hit us. It stung, but that was it. I had a purple force in front of me, and it suddenly wrapped around the foe. I understood, side slashing my sword into the tentacle in front to cut it off. An ear-splitting roar echoed through the dome-like area.
Alvin ran in front, and Jude jumped on top of the beast. The medical student then jumped once more, doing a front flip in the air before coming down at an incredible speed, his heel digging deep into the bullet holes on the rock. The boulder cracked, Jude quickly jumped back down to us, and Alvin shot the throbbing muscle that was now vulnerable.
The monster stopped moving.
"Man, is it good that Milla can bind down the enemy." I smiled, but then looked at my clothes with disgust. "…Another reason to get new clothes." I muttered, trying to wipe off the nasty purple and red liquid.
Then, we turned towards Jude. "So you really saw that monster camouflaged as a boulder? Good eyes, kid." Alvin commented, and I nodded in agreement. I've seen the scene many times before, and I couldn't find it at all. Well… Kinda. I was mostly focused on Presa.
"And did you ever consider what would happen if that monster came after you instead of that woman?" Milla, stop shooting down people's balloons of proudlyness.
"It wouldn't have mattered either way. Alvin still would have gotten into that woman's blind spot." Jude replied, seeming pretty proud of himself, and I did a small round of applause.
I stared at Jude with a smile. He's not faking any emotion, right now. He's being himself, and giving himself credit. It's cute, and I admire him for his bravery. Even if it is just because of Milla for a while. Now if only I could be brave. I know I still hesitate in battle, even in the one we just did. I don't like to get hurt…
"Thank you Jude, Maren. You too, Alvin." Milla put her hand on her hip, looking at each of us with pleasure. Jude held his hands behind his back, swinging side to side a little with embarrassment.
But then his eyes perked, looking over at the water where Presa had fallen. "Hey, where'd that woman go?" He asked.
Alvin just shook his head, shrugging his shoulders. "Hold your horses, mister Honor Student. We're not gonna get anywhere if we spend all day worrying about the bad guys." He led us to the vines on the side, and I looked at it in fear. "Come on, let's get moving."
"No way am I climbing up that!" I shouted, hiding behind Milla. "A vine could snap and we fall to our death!"
"Oh, come on, Princess Daydreams. You always think of the bad outcomes." The brunette looked over, pulling on one of the stems. "They're as sturdy as rope. It takes a lot to break vines that grow like this." I still shook my head, hiding my face in the blonde's hair. He crossed his arms, sighing. "…Fine. I'll stay at the bottom to catch you if you fall."
"But what if-"
"I see no point in stopping here. Let us move forward." Milla interrupted me, grabbing a vine and beginning to climb up. Jude followed shortly after, and Alvin held a hand up as if saying 'ladies first.' I glared slightly, walking over and grabbing a vine. They really did feel sturdy enough.
I pulled myself up, but struggled. Two hands grabbed my waist, lifting me up enough to snag a foot in the plant for support. Nodding a little towards Alvin, I slowly made my way up. Jude and Milla were waiting at the top, and Alvin was waiting at the bottom. My heart was pounding, blood pumping. My hand's grip on the vine was so tight I was sure I was choking the life out of it. I forced my feet into spots of the vines that could support my weight as I pulled closer and closer to the top.
"Maren, not there!" I heard Jude shout as I grabbed a certain vine. It snapped, my body jolted down a little, but my right hand kept hold of another vine, keeping me up. My breath caught in my throat as I looked down at Alvin with wide eyes.
"Don't worry, that was just a dead one!" He shouted up. "Just keep going!"
My breath came out shaky, and I continued up. It felt like a really long time, but I finally made it. Jude helped me onto the rock as I caught my breath – putting a hand over my heart as if to calm it down. The sound of rustling came from the cliff; Alvin was now climbing. I slowly stood, looking to my right, and seeing a wonderful sight in the distance.
Nia Khera, the village of spirits, on a soft, green hill.
()()()()()
And we've reached the end of the dreaded Kijara Seafalls!
So, I hope this one was good. To be honest, I haven't proof read it, yet.
See you in chapter 11! Or on my Facebook page!