Hey guys! I had quite the stressful week... Assessments. One of which my class has to repeat. Only for me to screw up AGAIN... Sigh...
So why is this chapter so late? Because today (October 25th) is MY BIRTHDAY! So I wanted to release this long-awaited chapter in honour of it. People really seem curious about how Raven and Dayren may know each other...
Well, let's find out...
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Chapter 13: On the road again
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"Wha-?" Was all Raven could manage to say. The rest of the group was equally shocked.
"Dayren... Do you know Ra- this man here?" Estelle asked. Dayren shot her an unbelieving look.
"Well d'uh! He's Captain Schwann! The coolest, most AWESOME swordsman I know!" Dayren said excitedly.
"Oh, no offence Yuri and Flynn." He added with an apologetic look to the two of them. Raven seemed to have regained his wits and puffed out his chest.
"Hmph! Hear that kids? That there's proof you should respect me more!" He declared.
"We respect you enough Old Man." Yuri commented. But Raven was too distracted by Dayren frantically shaking his hand.
"Oh my geee! It's really Schwann! It's nice to... Meet you..." Dayren said, the smallest hint of sadness creeping into his voice. However, only Raven seemed to notice.
"...Yeah. Likewise, Dayren..." Raven replied and finally reclaimed his hand.
"But the name is Raven. That name is from a forgotten past." Dayren seemed to think about this for a few seconds before responding.
"Sorry but you'll always be Captain Schwann to me!" Dayren said with a warm smile. Raven shock his head but returned the smile.
"Heh... Whatever you say, kid. But I ain't a Captain no more." Dayren's eyes grew wide for a second in surprise.
"Hm? You're going to let him call you that?" Rita asked confused.
"I doubt I'd be able ta stop him." Raven shrugged.
"Well now that introductions are done, I suggest we discuss our plan of action for tomorrow." Flynn said. But before they could, a loud rumbling was heard from Dayren's direction.
"...Ehehe... I guess I haven't eaten in a while." Dayren said going quite red, something the group had never seen before.
"Hehehe... Come on Dayren, let's get you some food." Estelle giggled and Dayren's stomach rumbled in agreement. The group laughed as they went to their table to eat.
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
Dayren and Raven have joined the party
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
After dinner (which did include sweet and salty curry. Flynn made it while Raven was working on another dish. No need to say who was the only one to like it) the group made their way to bed. However, on the boys' side, they didn't have enough beds. Raven offered to go to the girls' room but upon seeing the shocked expression on Dayren's face, he hastily withdrew that. In the end, Dayren offered his bed to Raven since he'd gotten enough sleep and said that he need to check Miss Murder anyway. So, the night ended peacefully.
Yuri awoke to find only him and Raven in the room, the latter still fast asleep. He entered the dining area to see Flynn and Estelle drinking tea at a table. When he asked if any of them had seen Dayren, they suggested the storage hut next to the Inn. Yuri soon found said hut and noted how old and in need of repair it was. Inside, he was unsurprised to find Dayren slouched over his machine ally snoring quietly.
"Hey, this isn't the best place to sleep you know." Yuri said whist shaking Dayren awake. The boy opened his eyes and looked around. It took him a couple of seconds to register Yuri's face.
"Whazzat? Oh... Yuri." Dayren said and wiped some drool from his mouth.
"Come on, its time for our training. So get your butt in gear and let's go." Yuri said with a smirk.
"Uh... Yessir" Dayren slurred and slowly followed after Yuri. Once they both had eaten, they were about to make their way out-of-town with their weapons, when Rita unexpectedly woke up. Dayren insisted that she came along. She eventually gave in and they made their way out-of-town.
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
As it turned out, Dayren had asked Rita to come along to make a deal. He'd teach her more advanced Lightning spells in return for her teaching him some magic she knew. They discussed it on their way back to the Inn and poor Yuri felt a bit left out. When they returned, Raven was also up and so they could affirm their next course of action.
"The Don is waitin' ta speak with ya in Dahngrest." Raven reminded them.
"And the Duchess is waiting for us in Heliord." Flynn added.
"Well Heliord is on the way to Dahngrest so we'll have to go there first either way." Rita pointed out.
"Rita is right. The sooner we talk to Tillya and Kara, the better." Estelle said.
"Well, that's that sorted. We'd best start moving. Heliord will be about a day's walk from here, thanks to some people in our group who moan for a break every ten minutes." Yuri said glancing briefly at Raven. The latter looked around feigning innocence. Estelle turned to Dayren, whom had been unusually quiet.
"Dayren, are you quite alright?" she asked. The boy looked up at her with one eyebrow raised slightly.
"Of course, I was just thinking about our next destination." He replied.
"Oh, I see..." Estelle said quietly.
"Heh, you really do worry too much, Estellise." Dayren smiled. Estelle didn't respond but just stared at the boy. Dayren noticed and seemed unnerved. The sound of Flynn's voice caught both of their attention.
"Alright, we should be off. The Duchess awaits our presence in Heliord." He announced and they made their way to the door.
"Does he have to say it all fancy-like?" Raven asked.
"That's Flynn for you... The same as ever." Yuri said with a half-shrug. With that, they all left and were on their way.
X-X-X-XX-X-X-X
But of course, their journey wasn't without many monster fights. But the battles seemed to come one after another unrelentingly. The group was slowly tiring.
"What the hell is with all these monsters?" Rita called over to the group.
"There sure is a lot of them... Can we really beat them all?" Estelle said, healing a wound on Dayren's arm.
"Ah... Ol'Raven is getting' too old fer this..." Raven groaned and shot a barrage of arrows at a monster behind Yuri.
"Oh don't say that Schwann! You're still in your prime and kicking butt!" Dayren cheered as he finished a monster off.
"He is?" Rita asked shocked.
"I am?" Raven asked.
"Of course, he's Raven the Great! Or Sir Schwann the Great." Dayren said.
"Aww, isn't that cute Old Man? You have your first ever fan." Yuri said in a slightly mocking tone.
"I guess I am still in my prime, eh? Yeah! I'm the best!" Raven cheered happily. But his celebrations were cut short.
"Raven, please remember that we are still currently in the middle of combat." Flynn reminded. The Old Man suddenly realised and used Cyan Instant on the monsters that had surrounded him. Eventually, the numbers started to thin and the group could make some actual progress. The group caught up with what Raven had been up to before dividing into several separate conversations. Estelle was caught up to Yuri who was leading the group with Repede.
"Hello Yuri, are you okay?" She asked smiling. The dark-haired man glimpsed at her briefly before nodding. Estelle's smile wavered slightly at this but took it in her stride.
"So Raven and Dayren really seem to get on." Estelle said trying to make conversation.
"Yeah, it's surprising how much Dayren looks up to him." Yuri replied smiling slightly.
"I think it's cute. And it seems Raven really enjoys Dayren's company too." Estelle happily said.
"Yeah, just our luck... Our newest trouble-maker practically best friends with our biggest one already." Yuri sighed.
"That's true... I hope Raven doesn't corrupt him too much." Estelle said worried.
"That's a scary thought... One Old Man is bad enough but two..." Yuri trailed off.
"Well, I think it's better they are getting along instead of them not getting along." Estelle pointed out.
"Yeah, that's true." Yuri agreed. His face suddenly changed to one of thought.
"But something bothers me in how they got along so quickly. I think they have met before." Yuri said quieter.
"...Couldn't it be possible that some people just get on unconditionally?" Estelle suggested timidly. But the look Yuri gave her said that he wasn't buying it.
"...Ok, I too had a feeling that they had. But for all we know, it may have been that Schwann saved him and that's why he looks up to that side of Raven so much." Estelle said.
"Maybe." Was all Yuri said. They walked in silence for a minute. All they heard was Dayren and Raven's laughter, Rita's shouting and Flynn trying to keep order a short ways behind them.
"There's something that's been bothering you, hasn't there?" Yuri said suddenly.
"Huh?" Estelle said looking up at his concerned-filled eyes.
"I can see it. Something is really troubling you." Yuri continued.
"Yes, there is" Estelle admitted.
"Just do what you need to do." Yuri said. Despite it's cryptic meaning, Estelle seemed to get it and nodded as if affirming something. Yuri smiled at the determined face she was displaying and they walked in silence for a minute or two again. By now, the sun had set and the first stars were coming out.
"The night sky looks so beautiful." Estelle commented idly.
"Yeah. Throughout our journey last year, there has been many beautiful things I've never seen before." Yuri said.
"I agree, places like the desert and Mt. Temza were truly amazing sights." Estelle said wistfully.
"You know, places aren't the only things that can be beautiful, Estelle." Yuri said vaguely. Estelle looked up at his face to see him looking ahead with a pensive expression. The way he'd said it like he was implying something had made her heart beat faster. But before she could ask Yuri what he meant, they were interrupted.
"Hey... Kid. When're we gunna stop fer the night? My legs are killin' me here." Raven moaned.
"As long as they kill you after we get to where we'll camp today. We're behind where we should be due to all that battling earlier." Yuri said, slightly irritated.
"Aww..." Raven groaned and fell back in line with the others. Yuri rubbed his temples and Estelle sighed.
(A/N: Throughout this bit of journeying, there would have been several skits. But I didn't wanna break up the story bits so I'll put them all here. Enjoy!)
Skit: We are the most...
Raven: Ahaha! Hey kid, we destroyed those monsters!
Dayren: Hell yeah we did! No-one can stand up to our teamwork!
Raven: Because we are...
Dayren: The most...
Raven: Amazing...
Dayren: Awesome...
Raven: Undeniably handsome...
Dayren: And absolutely indestructible...
Rita: Idiots.
Dayren&Raven: YEAH! ...Hey!
Estelle: Rita... I was looking forward to what they were going to say.
Rita: Huh?
Flynn: Yes, it seemed that they were building up to a big finish.
Yuri: Rita, just let them have their fun now until they tire themselves out and are quiet quicker.
Repede: *WOOF*
Rita: What? Even the dog...? Ok, ok. Finish your stupid thing...
Estelle: After three! One, two, three!
(Simultaneously)
Raven: Sexy devils!
Dayren: Beasts!
Everyone: ...
Skit: Like they'd never been apart
Raven: You look well, Genius Mage.
Rita: And you still look as shifty as the last time I saw you.
Raven: Ah, I see your tongue is as sharp as before too.
Rita: Hmph. I'm trying to read this book an you're annoying me. Go away.
Raven: You should really sort out that attitude or no boy'll ever fall fer ya.
Rita: And why should I care about that!?
Raven: Oh come on. Even you will fall in love one day.
Rita: All I need is my research. I don't have time for trivial things like changing my attitude for anyone.
Raven: Hmm... Now that I think about it, yer attitude ain't scared off young Dayren yet. Ya may have a chance after all.
Rita: What? I do NOT care about that Idiot!
(Dayren appears)
Dayren: You call?
Rita: NO! Go away!
Dayren: ...Ouch, that was mean.
(Dayren leaves)
Raven: ...On second thought, she will scare him off at this rate.
Rita: Shut up and die!
(Casts Fireball)
(Explosion)
Raven: Uwwaaaaaaahhh!
Skit: Dayren's Hero
Dayren: Schwann? Why do you not use a sword?
Raven: Cause I live my life as Raven. Like I said, that's a name from a forgotten past.
Dayren: ...
Raven: What's wrong kid?
Dayren: I really can't see you as being anyone else. You'll always be Schwann... My Hero.
Schwann: ...I see. Don't you worry about it, Dayren.
Dayren: Huh?
Schwann: Just because I no longer use a sword or use that name any more, it doesn't mean you also have to change yourself.
Dayren: ...Schwann.
Schwann: Just keep true to who you are. In the meantime, I'll try to be a Hero you can always look up to.
Dayren: ...Mmm... *Sniff*
Schwann: Hey, no need for tears. Save them for helping you get through a tough time.
Dayren: *Sniff* Y-yeah, your right. It's just... You already are a Hero I can always look up to.
Schwann: ...
Dayren: (Clears throat) Oh, the reason I asked earlier was because I was hoping you might teach me an Arte or two of yours.
Schwann: Sure, I'd be happy to.
Dayren: Thanks Schwann. Your the best.
Schwann: Kid... You really think too highly of me.
Dayren: Hehehe...
After walking for another hour, the group were close enough to easily get to Heliord the next day. Raven was overjoyed at the idea of being able to rest and was jumping for joy. Yuri then commented on how he did still have plenty of energy and all his moaning was over nothing. Raven quickly shut up. Yuri finally thought they could have some diner and enjoy some peace and quiet finally. The first half was right. It turned out it was Dayren and Rita's turn to cook, which could only lead to one thing.
"Rita... For the last time, light the damn fire!" Dayren said clearly irritated.
"Oh I'll light something alright." Rita growled. She powered up a Fireball at shot it at Dayren. He dodged it and looked at her disbelieving.
"Are you CRAZY!?" He yelled. Yuri decided to step in before it escalated.
"What the hell are you two fighting about now?" He asked angrily.
"She wants to be lazy and use tinned food when we have perfectly usable, FRESH ingredients which will be way more healthy." Dayren explained.
"If you hadn't noticed, we are travelling. So we can't always have five-star meals, Idiot." Rita retorted.
"I know that a damn well better than you'll ever know!" Dayren growled and Rita's face softened.
"It's because we are travelling that we need to eat healthily so we'll have more energy when we need to defend ourselves" Dayren explained, also calming down.
"So you two, stop arguing over stupid things and work together for once..." Yuri ordered. Both teens looked apologetic and nodded. They then got to work on dinner.
"So do you know any good recipes, Dayren?" Rita asked. Dayren was very quiet for a few seconds.
"...I... Uh... Only know a few basic ones. I lived off simple foods like bread and fruit and water." He admitted. Yuri facepalmed. Luckily Rita kept calm and offered to try to teach Dayren some recipes for when he next had to cook. The rest of the group was slightly praying that Dayren was a quick learner.
There ya go guys, done at last. Dayren and Raven's relationship will sure as heck be fun to write, especially for some ideas that I have.
Please don't hate me for uploading late on purpose (Puppy dog eyes). Next week I have a holiday from school so I will update more to make up for it. Also, I will release the weekly scheduled weekend chapter too so I'll see ya in a couple if days!
DeMerio, out!