Chapter 14
My arms hurt. My head hurt, but most importantly my ego hurt. We had been sparring the last few hours, when Red declared she was pleased with our progress. She and Jeremiah had given us an example of a spar. A very heated example.
It had started out innocent enough, Red had positioned herself across from Jeremiah, and they had begun. I secretly wondered if this was an excuse for her to make him pay for hurting her. I was also ready to see the amazing skills I had heard about in action. Jeremiah smiled predatorily, and stalked toward her. Then it was on.
They fought as if it was a choreographed dance. Fists flew, legs kicked, but they both elegantly side stepped, and twisted away at the right moments. Neither had gotten a hit in, until Red faked him out and kicked him in the side.
"Fighting dirty are we sweetheart?" He asked with a grimace, and then a challenging smirk. They continued with their mock fight, and eventually he caught her around the waist and pulled her close.
"Got ya." He said quietly by her ear. Red shivered, and tried to wiggle away, but Jeremiah wasn't having it. "Nope. I won that match. You'll have to try harder next time." He said smugly.
She sighed in defeat and went limp in his arms. He released her, and then in a flash she had him pinned on the ground.
"Isn't there a rule about waiting until your opponent is completely incapacitated?" She asked equally as smug.
He growled lightly at her, but smirked. "I suppose you're right, there might've been a rule about that."
"You'll have to try harder next time." She mocked him. She then seemed to realize she was still on top of him, and quickly jumped off and offered him a hand. She then turned to us.
"Ok that's all you have to do. Once there is a winner we'll move onto the next set of partners. Ok? Good. Ally you and Snow are partners, Austin you and Jeremiah. Alright Snow, Ally let's go."
I had lost that match, and my match with Red, and the one with Jeremiah. Austin was the only one I hadn't sparred, but Red promised we wouldn't spar, especially since he couldn't stand to put me in danger, even fake controlled danger.
"Ally and Snow try again. Try to exploit the weakness of the other person." Red prompted.
I looked over at Snow, and felt anger course through me. She was talking to Austin of course, heavily flirting. She even did the fake giggle, and hair flip. I was pissed, I was ready. Rosemary's words replayed in my mind. She had said love was the best motivator, but I didn't have love right now, I had anger.
Snow took her place in front of me, and we began circling, waiting for someone to take an opportunity to attack. Snow eventually seemed to find a weak point, and she rushed. Luckily, I remembered to evaluate weakness. I knew she would try to punch first, so I held my arm up to block her swinging arm. It worked.
She stumbled back, clearly surprised. I kicked her side, knocking her down. Snow regained her wits, and was up as quickly as she had fallen. Now she was pissed. This was officially a pissing contest. She went for a kick, but I side stepped and countered with a punch. She barely dodged, and it continued that way for a bit. She got a hit on my side, but it wasn't as hard as it could've been because I had been in the process of moving. I kicked her again, and this time she went down, and stayed down long enough for me to pin her. Which I did successfully.
"Alright, you win!" Snow said angrily.
I smiled brightly. I won? I won! I did it! I won! To say I was thrilled was an understatement.
"Well done." Red smiled at me.
"Brilliant technique." Jeremiah praised. I felt like I was glowing with their compliments. After that Austin sparred with Jeremiah, Austin only narrowly losing, he had proven himself to be a natural. Of course. I couldn't even bring myself to be annoyed. I was too thrilled.
Dinner was another happy affair, with everyone laughing and joking. I had even let go of my anger with Snow, and she had apparently forgiven me as well, because we had a nice discussion about unicorns. Literally. Daniel proved to be an interesting kid. He was witty, and clearly admired the boys, though it was clear to see his favorite was Red. She was taken with him as well, doting on him and teasing him, with all the love of an elderly sister. I realized that must've been how she viewed him, as a little brother. I had never had any siblings, and I had always felt alone. Watching them, it made me a little jealous, in fact watching everyone interact made me jealous.
I shook those thoughts away, and focused instead on the fact that I was a part of this group too. I wasn't lonely anymore. Austin and I made contact, and I blushed when he made eyes at the door. Rosemary suggested that we all go outside for some air, and to continue the evening. She winked at me, and asked Daniel if he had shown Jeremiah his new fort. Daniel led him away eagerly, and Jeremiah had grabbed Red's arm, dragging her along too. Snow had claimed that she was tired, and headed off to bed, while Rosemary decided to clean up, and refused my attempts to help her.
"Go out there and figure out what that boy has to tell you!" She said laughing. I admit I didn't put up much of a fight.
I found Austin sitting by an oak tree. I joined him, and sat down.
"Nice evening." I commented lamely. This caused Austin to laugh, a loud carefree laugh.
"Next thing I know we'll be talking about the weather." He said with a smile.
I rolled my eyes, but he just laughed, and grabbed my hand. I tried not to blush too hard, or noticeably.
"I'm torn." He said with a sad look. "I'm starting to grow found of this place, of everyone here. I don't want to leave it ever. I don't want to go home. And that's what's making me guilty, you know? I'm sitting here basking in the love and friendship of these people, not missing home at all, when I have parents that probably miss me. They might be a wreck, and I have friends that miss me. Friends I kind of miss, but haven't even thought about until now. What kind of person does that make me?" He asked, shoulders slumping.
"A normal one." I responded. "I don't miss home either. I love this place too, but doesn't it feel right here? This is where we belong Austin. This is our destiny. Of course we're going to love the people entwined in our fate. Of course we're going to love the place we are destined to save, why else would we be the saviors? This is all natural. Plus the people here have been better than anyone at home." I trailed off. He sighed, but smiled.
"I suppose you're right." He said, giving me a soft look.
"Of course I am, I'm Ally Dawson. I'm never wrong." He laughed at that, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. We both leaned forward again, when I heard rustling. We both jumped, and then Daniel appeared.
"Hey Austin! Hi Ally!" He said with boundless enthusiasm. I chuckled, though I was annoyed at being interrupted again. He launched into telling Austin all about how Jeremiah approved of his fort, and I had to admit it was endearing watching Austin with the boy. Daniel insisted I see it, since I was the only person whose approval he didn't yet have, and I found myself unable to say no.
He led me through it, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought. It reminded me a lot of my childhood with Austin. In fact, Daniel was just like a young Austin with dark hair. I smiled and told him about my own fort, which thrilled him. He asked me if I would help him update his fort tomorrow, since we were taking a day off from lessons. I agreed, eager to do something fun, and I couldn't resist my inner child. With my promise to join him tomorrow, I made my way to bed, and collapsed on the mattress. I was close to sleep when I heard Snow shift.
I looked over out of habit, and caught her eye. She gave a small smile, and then sat up.
"Ally, can I ask you a question?" She said, reminding me of our conversation with her a few days ago.
"Of course." I answered. The quicker we talked the sooner I could sleep.
"Will you be honest?" She said.
"Yes." I answered, almost annoyed. Why wouldn't I be honest?
"Do you know what the full prophecy says?" She asked me. I was confused. That was a yes or no question, what motive would I have to lie about that?
"Yes, I believe so." I answered.
"So you know you're supposed to die?" She whispered as if it was something horrible. I suppose it was, I know it kept me up at night.
"Yes. I know I'm supposed to die. Is there a reason you're asking me this?" I asked trying to sound kind.
"I just…. I know this is going to sound weird, but I consider you a friend now, and I don't really want to lose any friends. I know I will, but you're an awfully important one, for many reasons. I was thinking about the prophecy, and I remembered that line, but I also know that prophecies often mean one thing but say another. So, I have some advice, and a possible solution to our problems. We should visit a seer. There is only one good one, and I am a personal friend of his. I could take you to him. He can give us some information. I was thinking about mentioning to the Circle at our meeting tomorrow, but only if you're up for it." She finished. I was touched. She viewed me as a friend, and she was worried about me? That was so…. sweet.
"That sounds wonderful Snow. Truly. That is very thoughtful. I would be very grateful if you took me." I said.
She smiled, and stretched. "Good. We'll arrange it tomorrow. I doubt they would say no." I shifted trying to get comfortable, but felt as if there was more to say.
"Snow?" I asked.
"Hmm?" She mumbled sleepily.
"For the record, I consider you a friend as well." I said.
She smiled, and then rolled over on her bed. "Night."
"Night."
Helping Daniel with his fort was a blessing. I relished every moment of being around him. He was a really bright kid, and was so full of energy and happiness. We moved around some of the items he had inside, and I managed to help him build a makeshift shelf out of some branches we found. The only injury I obtained were some minor scrapes on my hands, due to one tree fighting with me on letting a branch go. Daniel thought this was hilarious.
Daniel proved to be good company as well. I told him stories about Austin and I as kids, and he told me some stories in return. I had a lot of fun getting to know him. He told me about how when he got old enough he wanted to join the war. He also told me that if the war was over, he wanted to become an explorer. I told him that was a wonderful idea. After a few hours of fort work, we ran out of remodeling projects, and decided to play some games instead. I taught him hopscotch, which he absolutely loved, and I taught him Tic Tac Toe, which became his favorite. We played several rounds of both, and even a few rounds of the games that he played regularly.
It was late afternoon, when Rosemary came to find Daniel. She told him his tutor was here, and he regretfully left. I promised him I would hang out with him on my next day off. That seemed to please him, because he ran off toward the house with a giant smile on his face.
"Thank you." Rosemary said. I could hear the sincerity in her tone.
"For what?" I asked confusedly.
"For being his friend. He doesn't open up to many people, and it does wonders for him to have someone to talk to, and indulge him. I try, but I'm so often busy." She said.
"Rosemary, he's a great kid. If anything, he was indulging me. I had more fun this afternoon than I have in a long time." I told her with complete honesty.
We walked arm and arm to her house, and she informed me that the Circle meeting would take place in a couple of minutes. I nodded, and went to the wash room to freshen up. When I was finished, members were arriving. I could hear their voices floating up the stairs. One voice stood out, and I recognized it as the voice of the man named Dallas. I blushed when I thought about him, and how he had kissed my hand. I hadn't given it a second thought until now.
I hurried down the steps, while trying to maintain elegance. I'm sure I looked ridiculous. As I came to the end of the steps, I looked up, only to catch the eyes of the guy in question. He smiled and winked at me, before continuing on his way down to the meeting room. I felt my cheeks heat up, despite struggling to push it down. Rosemary smiled at me, but her eyes were confused.
"Just go right on down." She said. "We're only waiting on a couple of others. Everyone will be socializing." She said kindly. I groaned.
"Can't I just stay up here." I complained. She laughed, but shook her head.
"Sorry, but I think socializing will do you good. Maybe you could strike up a conversation with Dallas." She gave me a sly wink, and nudged me down the steps before I could protest what she was insinuating. I walked down the steps slowly. Trying to put off socializing as long as possible. I tried to tell myself to stop being a coward, but my pace continued. When I got to the room, many heads turned in my direction. As someone who has always hated attention, I blushed and stumbled a bit on my way over to Red.
She was conversing with Dez and Trish. I let out a small sigh of relief. These were people I probably wouldn't make a fool of myself in front of. All three greeted me and expanded their small group so I could join, but turned back to their conversation. I didn't really pay attention to what they were saying, and instead wondered where Jeremiah was. It was rare to see him away from Red, even for a brief period of time. I spotted him talking to two members, who I think were introduced to me as Nick and Ben.
I turned back to focus on the conversation at hand, when Rosemary appeared with Margaret, who I assume was the last person. Everyone gathered around the table, and took seats. I found Austin quickly, and sat next to him, needing a friend. He smiled, and squeezed my hand under the table. I was acutely aware that he didn't let it go.
Rosemary started the meeting, with a perkiness I had come to accept as just a part of her personality. She introduced Jeremiah and Snow as new members, and Austin and I as our respective titles. She announced our successful journey, and then turned over the meeting to Margaret. Margaret stood gracefully, and smiled.
"Good evening everyone." She started, as everyone replied. "I'm glad to see you all here. Now we have very important business here tonight. We have new members." She said, eyes sparkling. "Tonight we must accept Austin and Ally as members of the Circle. All those in favor say 'Aye'." Everyone said Aye. "All opposed say 'Nay'." No one said Nay. Margaret smiled. "Good." She then turned to us. "Do you Austin and Ally accept your fate, and in turn join us with full allegiance? If so please say 'Aye'." We said Aye. "Do you pledge yourselves to the causes of light, justice, and a new hope for the realm of Grimm?" We said Aye. "Then I officially induct you as members of the Circle. Please hold out your right wrists."
We complied with her request, and she grabbed mine first. She put her hand around my wrist, and I experienced a small stinging sensation, until she pulled away. In place of her hand was a small symbol, almost like a tattoo. I looked at it in wonder. "The Circle's coat of arms." She said as she pulled her hand away from Austin's wrist. "You are now official members." Everyone clapped and a few people hollered.
Margaret moved back to her place, and motioned for us to have a seat. "Is there any more business to attend to?" She asked.
"Yes." Snow said standing up. All eyes were on her. Margaret nodded at her, signifying she should proceed. "Well, I've been formulating an idea the past couple of days, in regard to the prophecy. I am a personal friend of the Seer. I can take Ally to him, and we could find out information, in direct regard to the prophecy." She said, only fidgeting slightly.
"Are you requesting permission to go on a quest?" Margaret asked. Snow nodded. "And the details of this quest would be?"
"It would be Ally and I alone, ma'am. The Seer doesn't often take to strangers. He would help me out if requested, but I don't think he would be as willing if more people were there but us." Snow said.
An Elder man spoke up. "You want to take the Chosen One alone on a quest? With no protection?" He sounded confused and a bit angered.
"We would be safe. As I said, it's our best shot at discovering information. It would take only a full day, give or take. We would not be stopping for the night." She added.
"Members, please dismiss while the Elders decide." Margaret said. We all got up to leave, not one person disobeyed her. As we shuffled outside, Snow was asked to stay.
Once outside the door was closed.
"Is she crazy?" Red ranted. "You all have barely learned anything about self defense. Anything could happen. This is awfully suspicious." She shook her head. Jeremiah patted her shoulder.
"I don't like this at all. I'm supposed to protect you at all times. We aren't supposed to be separated." Austin said. His expression was terrifying, if I was honest. Moments later we were beckoned in.
"It has been decided by the Elders that the Chosen One and Snow will complete this quest. This decision is not up for debate. Is there anymore items of business?" Margaret asked. "No? Then you are all dismissed." Everyone shuffled out quietly. I was told to stay behind. Snow and I were told that we would be debriefing with the Elders before we left, and that we would be leaving tomorrow at midnight. We both nodded, and then were dismissed.
I was going on another quest. With no protection, and no clue what I was doing. I would also find out my fate. I would find out if I was meant to literally die. I was doomed.
A/N: Another update! Next chapter we will meet the Seer. I was going to hold off on introducing him until Part 2, but an opportunity presented itself and I couldn't resist. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and the story so far. As always let me know if anything is inconsistent or you have questions/suggestions. Love you guys! Reviews mean the world!