Chapter 1: A New World
"Wait-What?!" Shinji gasped.
Shinji stared dumbfounded in front of him, as light, color, noise, and all-around life sprung forth. Rubbing his eyes to block out the sudden adjustment of brightness, he immediately felt a sense of anxiety. He felt like he had been kicked to the stomach as he found himself in the middle of a town square. A town square with living, breathing people. And animals. And... animal people? Snapping up, Shinji had just one thought. I must not run away. Over and over again, its repeated.
I must not run away,Imustnotrunaway,IMUSTNOTRUNAWAY. He screamed in his mind as he covered his head and ran to be someplace alone. That someplace a nearby dank alley, so as to sulk and... and just think. Making a ruckus as he dove into the alley, he left many commoners confused and worried. Worried, because no child should have their face screwed into so much pain and hurt. Knocking into a somewhat sturdy person and falling to his knees near the entrance of the alley, Shinji pulled at his hair and screamed apologies while searching for someplace quiet within the alley with a panicked zeal.
"Hey, watch I-", The thuggish man was about to yell. Instead, the man now could not speak as he looked into the young boy's eyes and saw a look only the truly desperate held. The type of look of a man who had lost it all. Two men beside him bumped his shoulders to catch his attention.
"Look at this easy-pickins', should we grab em'," said an extremely short young man with a brown-bowl haircut next to the delinquent man with white hair. Another chimed in, this man being the tallest and meanest looking of the three.
"I don't know... this shrimp don' look like he got much... not to mention all the gazers right now." The big man propped a thumb pointing behind them, back to the town square. The white-haired delinquent snapped his mouth with his pierced tongue hanging out.
"Na, we don't do that to the absolute low... with this much heat around anyways... C'mon let's ditch this dreg." Deciding to head out the white-haired man took a soft, almost appraising look at the young lad.
"Hmph. None of our business anyways. Live strong, boyo!", with a chorus of 'Live Strong' from the others, the man left with his small group, leaving behind a confused and pain-stricken Shinji.
Not even registering the danger that almost befell him, the pilot continued forward before plopping down on some steps at the end of the alley. Face in his hands, elbows on his knees, Shinji felt himself in a more comfortable and familiar position. Sniffling he wiped at his tearful eyes, and reached into his pocket and pulled out a reassuring device. In his hand was his mother's SDAT. Looking as new as if it had never seen wear and tear. His overwhelming situation had pulled from himself a promise to never shrink out of reality and don the music player to escape ever again. At this point however, Shinji felt he could forgive himself this one time. With slight relief he began to plug in the earpieces.
As if the world itself was against him, the SDAT was snatched from his hands. By a smaller, more feminine hand. Going very fast. And away from him. Blank wet eyes stared at where his would-be salvation was supposed to be. Glancing robotically to the edge of the alley, he saw a cute blond girl running with his SDAT player. Almost like a gymnastic Olympian, she scaled up the wall with unnatural speed and grace. Once at the top, she paused while sticking out her tongue at Shinji. Shinji took in her looks with an eerie calmness. She was as tall as him, he guessed. Her striking red eyes and short blonde hair made her appear impish. Her clothing clung to her slim body with little to no coverage besides a black strip of a shirt, and black tights going only half-way for one leg for her pants. She wore a sleeveless brown vest with an overly large red scarf trailing behind her. Then she spoke, when his eyes caught hers.
"Like stealn' candy from a literal baby!", the kleptomaniac mocked smugly. Shinji's eyes about to burst with waterworks paused the girl.
"...Eh if ya want it back, ya gotta come trade for it! I'll least tell ya it's the slum's now!" the girl proclaimed pridefully. Shinji had no words, having long since been running on auto-pilot. His silent treatment throwing the girl off somewhat.
"Who knows I might be generous, since your cute!" She blurted out. Blinking she paused. Blush appeared on her face. Seems it was accidental.
"I..I..I'm just pulln' your leg! I didn't mean that!" She shouted as she covered her face and ran towards what Shinji presumed the slums were. That seemed to pull Shinji from the land of nowhere.
"He- Hey! Wa-Wait!", He screamed desperately while jumping up. His hand reaching out for the thief. The assailant did not stop; and in fact, ran in more of a hurry. His hand dropped. He was silent. He was empty. His breathing started to hyper-ventilate. Falling again to his knees with his palms on the ground, he started to feel dizzy. That's when from the opposite side of the alley a voice the sound of silver bells rang to his ears.
"Hey thief! Don't move!", an otherworldly beauty shouted. Her perfect hand lifted into the air, palm up. She had striking amethyst irises with soft lavender, almost white, pupils. Her silk-like hair painted silver. She wore an elegant white dress with purple highlights, with matching stockings reaching to mid-thigh also with white boots. Her sleeves floated down towards the ground bearing a sigil of a hawk. She was one of, if not the, most beautiful people he had ever seen. Then he realized she was not human by her pointy ears. Even in this confusion he had the decency to blush.
"Wha-what?!" Shinji sputtered and tumbled backwards from her sheer beauty. And sharp demand.
"I SAID don't move!", the girl puffed her cheeks, a ball of ice appearing above her hand in the air. Shinji was by this point flabbergasted. And mentally exhausted. He promptly fainted from sensory overexposure. This was just not his day.
…
"-see this is why you don't rush things 'Lia. He doesn't even look the type to do it either. Not to mention his current emotional state...", a soft reprimanding voice spoke above Shinji's waking consciousness. He felt like his head was on a soft, furry cloud. His tired eyes slowly shuttered open. The first thing to grab his attention was the roof of the sealed alley.
...Another unfamiliar ceiling... He thought. Foggily stirring his brain, the second thing he noticed was an alien-like face moving close to his. Way too close.
"AHHH!", he screamed, back-pedaling from the being. It was a bipedal cat as tall, if not taller than he was. Its face scrunched into a falsetto of hurt.
"I'm not that ugly!...Am I?", asked the talking cat, somewhere between seriousness and jokingly. But now that the boy was awake, the cat shifted its attention to him.
"Now that you're awake, we can finally ask you some questions!", said the cat as it clapped its paws together. Shinji stared owlishly at the talking cat. There were no breaks on the train of life today.
Sighing, Shinji decided that enough was enough. He raised his hand to stop the thing from speaking. As he gathered himself, he noticed the pretty girl from earlier. She seemed to be thoroughly admonished, and was embarrassed about her earlier behavior. Scrunching his eyes tight, he rubbed his temples. First breath in. Now different world. Must not run away. Must not- breath out. Hurt, confusion, suffering, and every conceivable emotion that was negative clutched his chest. Later. Second, mother's SDAT. Sadness with a dash of determination engulfed him. Now. Opening his eyes, he noticed the cat looked somewhat worried, while the girl was now pouting at the silent treatment.
The grey cat/person/thing spoke up worryingly, "Hey, are you alright?"
"...O-ok... I'm ok-kk.", he replied hesitantly. The cat seemed to think different of it, but nodded none the less. "Sorry... about f-fainting... It seems you stayed when... you could've left...", Shinji shakily said. The girl raised her head, eyes fierce.
"Don't get any ideas! The only reason we stayed is because we have some questions to ask you. If it weren't for that, I would have left you behind. I mean it.", to which she continued strongly, "The reason I had Puck serve as a pillow until now...was all for me. So, you're going to have to make it up to us by answering our questions, ok.", she said as she took a side glance to Shinji who was disheartened at the words even though he knew they did not match her actions. It almost as if she was trying to defend herself. She then took a look at the cat, whose expression seemed to make her blanche. Huffing out, she started again.
"...I'm sorry for startling you. I was in a hurry trying to catch a thief. She stole something important from me and I want to get it back quickly...", she paused. "I wanted to know if you know anything... Did you see anyone running through here?", she continued.
Although overwhelmed, Shinji would at least try to help her. He was in the same boat. It seemed like the right thing to do, even if she was somewhat rude. But, she did apologize.
"...Ye-yeah... this gir-girl ran through here and took something of mine too-too." He stuttered. The young woman looked at the cat who nodded. The cat then stood up startling Shinji.
"Yeah 'Lia, he's telling the truth. Nothing devilish there..." the cat started to shrink until it was the size of the Lia girl's hand. Shinji looked transfixed at the cat as it floated up next to the girl. Was that magic...?... Duh, talking cat... Shinji thought. Shaking his head, he started to pick himself up, physically and emotionally. If these strange people were not hostile, he could relax somewhat. Although the female's beauty made him feel awkward somewhat. Audacious and pretty. Something he was familiar with at least.
"Do you know what she looked like?", the cat continued. To which the Third Child nodded. "Good! That means you can help us find her!", the girl was about to object when the cat continued. "We can help each other, since you were stolen from too.", the girl deflated crossing her arms.
Seeing the logic in that, the shy boy nodded his head. Patting himself down, he slowly stood up. Embarrassed for his earlier dizzy-spell, he mumbled.
"Ikar-Ikari, Shinji is my name... Last name fir-first...", he looked to the side. The cat hummed in approval.
"The name's Puck! And this here is my daughter 'Lia!", he said proudly, arms crossed. Shinji blanked. He could not keep it in.
"...She'll turn into a... cat like you...?", he asked without reservation. Both 'Lia and Puck heard the innocence in his question. 'Lia giggled. Puck laughed hard as Shinji flushed.
"No... Puck is the one who raised me, silly.", she giggled. Shinji blushed harder, scratching the back of his head. 'Lia paused her introduction, but shook her head in silent realization. "But you can call me Emilia.", putting her hand in front of her, Shinji got the hint. Smiling shyly, he shook her hand. Her velvet soft hand. He blushed again and let go quickly. Emilia rose an eyebrow.
"Also, Puck is a great spirit. Not a cat. Have you ever seen magic before?", she grinned. Shinji shook his head. Emilia nodded in understanding, before noticing his attire. "Also, you wear strange clothes. Where are you from?"
Upon asking, Shinji stopped smiling as a depressive aura wrapped his being. "...I'm from far away... I doubt you would know of it.", he said. Emilia childishly misunderstood.
"Ah. You won't tell me.", she seemed to sadden as she touched the tip of her right ear. The boy had seemed like a kind person to her.
"No, you misunderstand, it's just that it doesn't exi-exist anymore.", Shinji blurted. Puck did a spit-take, while the girl quickly apologized.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to pry like that!", Emilia said in a hurry, while Shinji sulked.
"Don't worry about it...", he tried to soothe her. "It's been so-some time..." Puck stared at the boy interested, while Emilia seemed somewhat disheartened. She spoke up.
"I...I guess we have that in common...", She tried to appease him. He looked up at her in understanding and nodded his head sadly.
"I... I suppose we can tal-talk about it later if you ever want, but we should focus on finding our stuff first.", he changed subject, slowly losing his stutter," I think the girl will be in the slums. She said something about trading back for it", Shinji continued. He did not want to be stuck in the alley all day. Closing his eyes, he focused for a brief moment.Pull.
It was in an instant. Puck's hair stood on end. Unadulteratedpower. Somehow it did not alert Emilia or any of the others around them. What was THAT?... Better keep with 'Lia today. I bet even Betty felt that. Puck thought focusing on Shinji. He could only sense his emotional range. Puck narrowed his eyes, while Shinji opened his own.
"Alright... I think I know where she might be..." Shinji muttered aloud.
Emilia raised an eyebrow. "How?" She asked. Puck watched as Shinji's face cast downwards.
"I... I'm not comfortable about it. So-Sorry." He bowed. Emilia huffed.
"Fine." She crossed her arms. Shinji discouragely led them out to the town square, away from the alley's dead-end. Shaking out of the bombshell of what has happened to him so far, he and the other two left from the town square. Looking around, Shinji was met with medieval architecture. There were shops, people, carriages drove by giant lizards. Truly, a fantasy world in his opinion. Drowning in the sights, he almost missed what Emilia stated.
"Trade-back?", she referenced from earlier. "Those items belong to us. We should be given it back.", said Emilia with a fierce glare. Shinji looked at her and remembered her ability to create ice, along with the thief's unnatural agility. He never liked violence. He shook his head.
"No need for any trouble to break out. I can get them back easily.", Shinji shook his head somewhat despondingly. "Some people live by the skin of their teeth in situations like that. They are also more likely to attack if cornered.", he said his thoughts aloud. Memories flashed through his mind. Shaking his head, he looked back at the other two. "Also, I don't think there needs to be any force added to it."
Emilia huffed, while Puck nodded with look of approval. Puck then grinned.
"You know, for as young and as short as you are, you sure do sound mature", Puck chuckled. Shinji grimaced, but made no comment. He was only a few inches shorter than Emilia. Damn curse. He thought demoralized.
Emilia was about to say something when the sound of a child crying reached their ears. Shinji would have left well enough alone, more worried about his mother's music player, but Emilia did not. Glancing at where Emilia walked to, he followed her and Puck. She was a kind person, but not very honest Shinji assumed. She waited, with Puck, on him to wake up, and lied about her feelings, before trying to reassure him. Unlike me. Very different. I'm a terrible person after all. Not even a person, really. A monster. He contemplated depreciatingly. Puck glanced back. Puck did a cute wave and smile, which brightened Shinji a small amount. Catching up to Emilia, they all turned a corner.
A small child sat around some barrels, next to a wall of a building. She seemed to have lost her mother. Walking up and crouching down Emilia tried to cheer the child up, but fumbled. Terribly, if the child's louder crying said anything. Sighing Shinji looked at the green haired child. She was a very cute child, but she obviously needed her parents still. Coming closer and catching all three of their attention, Shinji showed his hands in front of himself. Catching the child off guard from the approach, Shinji put his right hand behind his head. When he pulled his hand back, he had a chocolate bar in his hands. Puck's fur fluffed again. The child was amazed at the trick. It was a snickers bar. Honestly, it was the first thing he thought of. Just looking at it the others could tell it was a treat. The child drooled with stars in her eyes. Emilia was confused. Puck was wary. A person with red hair glanced in their direction, attention alerted.
"Here try some of this. It'll make you feel better.", Shinji cringed. He was terrible socially. The girl slowly took the treat and ate it. Her eyes lit up as she started to devour it. While waiting for the child to finish, Emilia spoke.
"...Shinji you said you've never seen magic...?", Emilia asked. Shinji shook his head.
"...That was not magic, Emilia... I just did a slight of hand trick", he lied. Puck glanced warily at the boy. Looking at the small girl, Shinji spoke to her to cover up his half-truth.
"Do you need help finding your parents? We can help.", he gave a shy boyish grin. The child nodded her head entirely focused on her treat. "Alright take my hand.", he reached out. The little girl did so absentmindedly. Taking her hand, he said, "By the way, I'm Shinji, and those two are Emilia and Puck. What's yours?"
"Plum.", she replied in-between enjoying the treat. Even, Emilia was now looking at it enviously. Chuckling nervously, Shinji led them to the marketplace. Emilia was now very curious.
"Shinji. How do you know where to go?", she asked. Shinji turned to her as he walked hand in hand with the child. They were very close now to the girl's parents.
"I can sense her parents near-by.", he replied. He saw some questioning looks so he answered with a sigh. "As long as I have interacted directly or indirectly with a person, place, or thing, I can find them. Now, what that means for Plum...", here he rocked Plum's hand, causing the girl to giggle. "Is that I can feel their signature through her." Puck's eyes turned to saucers, while Emilia gasped. Plum had stars in her eyes.
"Ho-How did you do that? Do-do you have a Blessing?", Emilia asked. Puck interrupted. He floated in front of Shinji's face.
"Woah-Woah. You sure you are talking right there. That's quite powerful... and you seem kind of weak-looking," Puck said glancing into Shinji's eyes.
Shinji tilted his head away from Puck's outburst. Demurely, he scratched the back of his head. "I'm just built different.", he looked at the ground in shame. Puck was suspicious. Whatever Shinji was, it was definitely not human. Puck was not sure if Shinji's intentions to help were all or not. But he could not do anything or else it would bring Emilia to harm. He would assess Shinji later, when there were less people and less Emilia around. Something was fishy.
Emilia was worried about Puck's sudden tenseness, but so far, she did take note that Shinji was very timid. He did not seem like the type to misuse that ability.
"You don't have to tell us everything. We just met after all.", She gave Shinji the benefit of the doubt. Shinji gave a small shy smile and thanked her.
"Sorry... I've just met you is all. I'd like to know you more together as well," Shinji uncharacteristically said. Realizing what he said, "OF-OF COURSE, IF THAT'S FI-FINE WITH YOU! I DID NOT MEAN TO BE SO BO-BOLD!", he stuttered. Emilia giggled, while Puck backed off some, settling on Emilia's head. Plum's eyes brightened as she saw her father's stand.
"Daddy!", she hollered as she let go of Shinji's hand and ran towards her father.
"Plum! Where have you been! Your mother has been searching all over for you!", the giant bear of a man said. He was muscled and had green hair with scars on his face. He was a shop owner by the looks of it, selling from a fruit stand. Shinji and Emilia stood there awkwardly as the man hugged his daughter. Plum started to giggle as she was lifted unto his shoulder.
Patting her father she said," These three found me! Shinji," she pointed at the boy," gave me this!" She raised the half-eaten chocolate into the air. The man's eyes widened at the chocolate.
"Thank you for finding my daugher! I'm Kadomon Risch! I'm so sorry, sir! That chocolate must have been expensive! We rarely get it cheap in these parts! If you need anything, anything at all feel free to ask!", the man bowed his head. Shinji waived his arms.
"No, there's no need for that. I'm just glad to have helped, honestly it was Emilia that wanted to help the most when she saw Plum crying. So, you should thank her." He said pointing at a now embarrassed girl. Kadomon turned to thank her, when he noticed her appearance. He tensed for a moment, then slowly relaxed.
"...Well I'll be... a half-elf with silver hair helped us out...", he said somewhat neutrally, scratching his chin. Emilia turned her head in shame. "I guess I owe you my thanks then.", here he took out his hand towards Emilia, who brightened considerably. She shook his hand.
"Tha-thank you! I-I couldn't have done it without Shinji, though", she said shyly. Kadomon chuckled.
"Yeah, no doubt about that. I used to tell Plum the story of the witch for bedtime. You should never judge a book by their cover, isn't that right Plum!" he said light-heartedly to his now giggling daughter. Emilia's expression doubled in joy. Puck nodded his head satisfied, while Shinji stared confused.
"Witch? You have Witches here?", he questioned. Kadomon gained a slight frown and grunted, while Emilia looked dumbfounded.
"You been living under a rock? The Witch of Envy, who destroyed half the world was a silver-haired half-elf. Also, I don't know 'bout no other Witches.", Kadomon explained, disgruntled about the change in conversation. Emilia was gaping along with Puck. He doesn't know of the Witch?!
Catching the seriousness of the topic, Shinji looked sheepish. "Sorry, but I'm not from around here. I come from far away, so I don't know much of any of your customs. I'm sorry if I've offended any of you in any way. I don't even know where here is?", he apologized. Kadomon barked a laugh.
"You must be from a different planet, not knowing that! This is the Kingdom of Lugnica, and you're in the capital Lugnica", he laughed, somewhat flabbergasted. Shinji nervously chuckled. Puck raised an eyebrow as Emilia gained hope in her eyes.
"You must be really hopeless! Anyways," Kadomon continued unabashedly," if you ever need anything just ask. I'll do my best to help anyone who I owe a favor." Here he hugged his daughter lovingly. Shinji nodded and was about to leave, before Emilia asked a question to gather information.
"Actually, do you know about any blonde thieves hiding out in the slums? She stole something precious from Shinji and I", she asked. Kadomon hummed.
"Yeah, you're most likely, talking about Felt. She's pretty infamous 'round here. If she stole something from you, it's gotta be at Old Man Rom's loot house." He proceeded to give directions to the loot house. "Anyway, if you two ever come back, I'll be here selling my appas!" he waved good bye as the others had turned to leave.
"Goodbye!", all three said at once. Plum waved enthusiastically, eating the rest of her chocolate.
"Well, that was very nice of you, Emilia. Honestly, I don't have that kind of kindness in me.", Shinji said. Emilia sputtered.
"It's not like-like I wanted to do so! It was just on our way, and a service to the locals! You dunderhead!", She pouted. Looking at her embarrassment, Shinji grinned shyly.
"Who says dunderhead anymore?", he teased innocently. Emilia really was bringing out some positive emotions in him. They walked towards the slums in comfortable silence. Puck still silent, but content in the atmosphere.
The change from the city to the slums was very noticeable to Shinji's eyes. Everywhere he looked there seemed to be disrepair and people in need. He could not help but think back to how Emilia helped Plum. He could do it. If he really wanted, he could save these people. But it was not something that would just go away. Poverty, unfortunately was a necessity of society. You could always lessen it, but never get rid of it. Feeling blue, he changed thoughts. This world wasn't all that different to his own. Sure, it had fantasy elements, but people were people. That would never change.
They had an hour before sunset to look for Felt in the slums. At least they had not been looking for hours in the wrong places. Shinji perked his head up. Something was watching them. Something with malevolence. Eyeing his surroundings, the child-soldier in Shinji was kicking up. It was waiting. Although, its presence shifted away ahead to their destination. He would not mention it. Earlier he had felt someone following them from curiosity. It still was, but it was innocent in nature. This was different. He would just continue to his destination. Looking back to the other two, Shinji got their attention.
"So, I know she stole from the both of us, but I'll go ahead and speak to Felt at the loot house. I think, I think it will be better if I scope it out first. If I need you, I'll get your attention." Emilia frowned, as Puck agreed.
"It's better if you are my precious daughter's meat shield", Puck nodded his head. Shinji looked at the ground as Emilia thumped Puck's head. Otherwise, Emilia did not say anything against it. It was Shinji's idea to try and negotiate the items back.
"...Well, just a question, but what exactly did Felt steal from you?", asked Shinji.
Grimacing, Emilia replied," She stole a very important insignia, it is blue with a gold encrusted dragon symbol and has a red jewel in the middle... It means a lot to me.". It was a half-truth. Humming, Shinji nodded while fingering his two pendants on his own necklace. He had been very careful since being summoned. But there had been a few times he slipped. Looking up in front of him, his connection to Felt was very close. There was a rundown building with lamps on through what little light the boards on the window covered. The evil presence from earlier had entered a few minutes ago. They had barely missed sight of them.
"Well, time to get the items back... wait here.", Shinji said. Emilia nodded as Shinji walked up to the door. He could hear some muffling behind it, but decided to be straight-forward. Looking at the door, he knocked. There was some grumbling, as something heavy approached the door.
"To the giant rats...?" A rumbling mountain questioned. Shinji froze. A passcode?! He thought.
"...Umm... I uh... I'm here to trade... and uh... I'm not... I wasn't told there was a passcode..." Shinji stumbled through.
There was a grunt before the voice muffled saying, " ...see this is... we don't... Alright give me a min'." The door was unlocked and opened impudently.
A giant of a man greeted Shinji, as he fully took in the man's presence. The old man was definitely over 6 ft! Hulking as he was, he was also hunched over staring at the suddenly very small and intimidated Shinji. He was dark-skinned and heavily muscled, with bushy white eyebrows. "Well out with it boy, We're in the mid'le of a deal." huffed the exasperated man.
Shinji snapped out of his shaken state, and began to explain why he was there, lest the big guy take offence. "Ye-yeah, I was looking to-to trade for a missing jeweled insignia, and-and my S- music box." he bowed.
Grumbling, the man barked, " No bowin' 'ere. I'm just Old man Rom. Stand tall," Shinji zipped straight," also, you're just in time to barter for th' pendant. Do know someone else also wants it, tho. Although, don' know bout no music box...," he scratched his bald head. He stepped to the side ushering the somewhat frightened boy. Stepping into the building, Shinji saw a bar and some tables strung about the place. Along the walls there were various items. Swords, spears, necklaces, and so on. However, as soon as he made an appearance in the entrance a voice erupted from an occupied table.
"Yo-You!", shouted a blushing Felt. She was pointing towards Shinji and nervously twitching. Shinji scratched the back of his head.
The man beside him looked down at the boy. "You know Felt?", he questioned. Shinji nodded his head sheepishly.
"She stole my music box...", he mumbled. Rom gave a gruff humph.
"Know yer' not leavin' with it, 'less you give something for it.", he crossed his arms. "Felt ain't the type for giving something back."
Shinji nodded his head and stepped further inside, as another voice made itself known. It was seductive in nature, full of sultriness.
"Ara ara, look at this cute little thing...," a beauty of a woman said. "...Why I could just eat you up..." Shinji blushed as soon as he noticed her fully, after facing away from a floundering Felt. Shinji was surprised he missed this woman. She could give Misato a run for her money, and then some! Sitting at the table, opposite of where Felt stood was this woman that radiated sex appeal. She had flowing black hair braided on the left, with dark, almost black, purple eyes with a beauty mark underneath her left eye. Her provocative black dress was strapless and exposed her cleavage and flaunted her midriff. She wore a dark feather collard coat atop it. She had a pair of black high-heels along with brown tights going all the way up as shown from the slits of her dress. Her black elbow-lengthed gloves were currently supporting her face; upon which sat a seductive smile.
Shooting the woman a glare, Felt spoke up. "Hey! We were in the middle of a deal. We can talk about that cut- boy! Boy! We can speak about him after!", her face enflamed more. Shinji not catching the slip. The woman giggled, while the giant man did a double-take.
"Giggle... I suppose we should. Now as promised 10 holy gold coins.", the woman covered her grin as she pulled out a small bag of coins onto the table. Shinji noticed that besides the gold coins was a badge. It's elegant design withstanding, he could feel... something... something... was watching him through it. The red jewel blinked briefly, as if in acknowledgement. Shaking his head, he strode forward.
"...Um actually... I'd like to bargain for that as well...," here Shinji pointed to the insignia, surprising Felt. The attractive lady raised an eyebrow. Felt gaining a glint in her eye spoke up.
"Hmph! Well you are going to have to beat her for it! What do you offer in exchange?", Felt crossed her arms smugly, whilst the woman frowned. Shini had never bargained before. His mind blanked.
"...Um... what do you want?", he questioned stupefying the entire group.
"Wh-what do you mean?! Do you have anything that can beat that?!", questioned a dumbfounded Felt. Old man Rom and the woman were intrigued.
"I... I don't know how much ten holy coins are worth, but I can definitely give you anything you want if it's in my power...", Shinji scratched his head demurely. Felt was not impressed or pleased with this line of conversing. The adults were now very curious.
"FINE! I want a crown full of jewels right no-," Felt sarcastically said but was interrupted.
Thud.
Everyone looked at the table. Next to the badge was a beautiful crown. It was a royal purple velvet crown with white fur along the bottom with black spots. It had thousands of finely cut diamonds along its gold, silver, and platinum frame. Pearls, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies helped it stand out. It was topped with a cross monde. Its mere presence spoke of history and importance. To Felt, the woman, and Rom it was worth more holy coins than they could count. To Shinji, it was the most expensive crown his world had ever produced. It was the first Memory that popped up in his head about crowns.
Gulping, Felt sat down slowly. The woman constantly looked back and forth between it and Shinji, while the man felt a chill go down his back. Shinji grimaced. Maybe too much. Stupidstupidstupid... He covered his face.
"...Wher.. where did you get this...? Where did it come fr-from?", Felt asked as if all the air left her. Shinji shifted on his feet.
"...Um... that should be enough... right?", he questioned. Felt snapped her face to him. She had a thought.
"...NO! I... I want a...a necklace of diamonds too!", she shouted. Stunned, Shinji spoke.
"...Pardon?" Felt felt a stir of determination rise within her as she continued. The woman and Rom were staring directly at Shinji now.
"Yes! Give me a diamond neckless, with a jewel encrusted specter..., and the finest chocolate in the world!", She demanded. She had so many things she wanted. She could not help herself. She wanted to see if he could do it. Shinji realized he had messed up very badly. Sighing he looked Felt in the eyes. She had a fierce gaze. She reminded him of someone he held close. Screw it. He thought.
Thud.
All of the occupants looked in the middle of the table. There was a jeweled necklace and specter in the middle. Along with chocolate on the table. Felt sluggishly tore off a piece of chocolate, and put it into her mouth. It was the single most delicious thing that she had ever had. Her blank eyes searched his.
"What...are you?", she questioned softly. Shinji shifted on his feet.
"My name is Shinji. I... am human.", he said with a frown. Real believable Shinji.
Rom and Felt glared at him with suspicion. The woman stood suddenly, her eyes no longer on the insignia. Her mission had been to steal the badge no matter the cost, and to kill the boy who would want it, along with any witnesses. Instead, however her priorities had shifted. The boy was worth more alive. Mother would most definitely want him. She thought. Battle maniac she may be, stupid she was not. Yes, her mother would definitely benefit with a new pet.
Her sudden movement garnered everyone's attention. With a sultry smirk she said, "...Well... I think you can keep the badge Shinji. I know when I'm out matched... However, I must apologize. You see... Theres been a little incident that I must now... contain..." She said as she pulled out a black kukri blade. Everyone was alarmed by the sudden change. Felt and Rom jumped towards the door as Shinji gaped at the weapon. The woman teleported behind Shinji holding him close to her, with her kukri aimed at his stomach. She made Shinji and herself face the door.
Gulping down a suddenly dry throat, Shinji spoke to the woman, frozen in place," No need for violence Miss-"
"Elsa Grainhiert, the Bowel Hunter." She shifted his head between her breasts. Both Rom and Felt paled in realization. Shinji paled at the knife at his gut. "And you... are right for now..." she purred in his right ear," however... I need you to come with me..." Shinji just nodded his head slowly.
"He-hey! Wait a minute! He's MINE!", shouted a voice from the side. That voice belonged to an angry Felt. Just before he could retort however, the door busted in as three ice spears shot into it. An angry half-elf walked in with ice hovering her right hand.
"Let go of him!", Emilia screamed. She and Puck had waited for a while, until Puck asked to spy in on them from a boarded window. She had seen how Shinji was at the table full of items when the woman stood up and took hold of him. She and Puck could not hear what was said, but had seen the threating situation and took action.
Reaching her face down towards Shinji, Elsa nibbled his ear." I've taken quite a liking to him, I don't think I will." She grinned. Shinji was mortified. Emilia and Felt were angry, and Rom had grabbed his club. Puck glared from above Emilia. He had felt some power come earlier, but trusted Shinji to handle it. Now, however, he believed he should have acted sooner.
Elsa was juggling possibilities. She could potentially run off with him now, but she would have to be fast. Before she made another thought however, another voice made an announcement.
"Ah... I seem to have stumbled into quite the event... And to think today was my off day." A handsome red-headed man walked into the storehouse behind Emilia, who hopped to the right. He wore a regal uniform, white coat and white pants. His shirt black, along with black boots. They were finely made, and highly decorative. His white gloves were resting upon his hip. An elegant sword holstered his right side. All-in-all he fit a white-knight to a tee. Emilia caught his face and smiled in relief.
"I've never been happier to see you, Reinhard van Astrea," she announced proudly. Rom stood on guard next to Felt. Felt was still glaring at Elsa, but gave a cursory glance to Reinhard. Reinhard smiled ruefully. Shinji did not make a peep for fear of gutting. Elsa stopped grinning. Obviously, with the sword saint here along with the half-elf and great spirit, there was no way to leave with the boy now.
"Ahhh...seems I might not be able to leave with you now Shinji... but maybe it's better this way. Mother always was rough with her toys...", she kissed his pale white cheek. Everyone froze. Silence descended as a rip and squelch went throughout the room.
Shinji looked down as a cut tore his stomach open. Emilia gaped, covering her mouth. Felt paled. Rom grimaced. Puck snarled. Reinhard glared. Elsa grinned, before she took notice of something. Her kukri was covered in... orange liquid?
Staring down at Shinji, who was in shock, Elsa saw no guts falling out. Confused, she reached her hand into his wound and felt... nothing but more thick liquid. Shinji gasped in pain as she did so. She pulled her hand out.
It...it was beautiful. It's smell, texture, and color. Taking her hand to her mouth she tasted it. It...It made her feel a thousand times better!? Energy shook through her. She was vibrating?! A moan, the likes of which she had never had before, shook the storehouse. Everyone was in shock. More so when Shinji's empty stomach closed itself. The excess... blood having seeped back into him.
The woman breathed heavily into his ear. Her face flush with lust. She looked as if she had found the light. He could heal from that?! He was worth more than all the holy coins in the world. Worth more than her fear of Mother!
Shinji almost fell from the pain but was caught in Elsa's trembling grip. He felt ill. He groaned. "YoU..you are mine...now." Her eyes focused onto his. Their hollowness scaring Shinji more than her knife ever could.
"yoU! YOU BEAST!", Emilia screamed at Elsa, ice crawling across the floor. No one deserved that, Shinji's unnaturalness aside, and she needed to save him. Looking at a grim-faced Puck, she said. "We need to save him."
"We will." responded a determined Reinhard. A still silent and pale Felt glanced up uncertainly at Rom.
"We need to let them handle it. We would get in th' way.", Rom gently coaxed Felt out of the way. With them out of the way, Reinhard looked at the spirit user.
"I'll go from behind. You need to trap Elsa so I can get the boy out of the way." He spoke seriously. Puck and Emilia nodded. Reinhard grabbed a short sword from the left wall that was near him. He proceeded to turn around and swung the sword testing its balance. Air ruffled Elsa and Shinji's hair from the swing. Ice was still slowly creeping towards Elsa and Shinji.
Elsa was awoken from her trance as Reinhard appeared behind her. It was near instant. He was not holding back. With the energy provided from Shinji's blood, she clashed with the sword using her own blade. Normally, she would have to dodge someone like Reinhard. But now she could stand toe-to-toe and hold her ground, whilst still over a weak Shinji. As long as he did not pull out his true blade, Reinhard is going to be in for a rough fight.
Narrowing his eyes, Reinhard began to strike faster. Each strike sounding loud whistling into sonic-like air waves. The sword met kukri, each meeting a loud wail. Such a hammering could put down most foes immediately, but unfortunately not a powered-up Elsa. She kept one hand holding Shinji, keeping her from wielding both of her kukris. She could not let Shinji go, no matter what.
Elsa's flushed face was in a constant wave of pleasure as she kept up with the Reinhard van Astrea. She had never had such fun. Her state of unawareness towards Emilia and Puck had cost her, however. The ice on the ground shot up Elsa's right foot, the spirit adding power to Emilia's ice. The brief moment was all Reinhard needed to grab the boy and toss him towards Puck and Emilia.
"NO!", shouted Elsa as she rushed after Shinji, ripping the bottom of her sole from her heel as she dashed after him. The speed surprising Reinhard as he leapt to keep up.
Here a mistake was made, though. Elsa was not used to her newfound speed. In the brief instant that she had dashed forward, her damaged foot slipped on the ice. It would embarrass any master of combat like Elsa to admit to such a mistake. Unfortunately, what that caused was for her to skate on her right foot, kukri arm out-stretched towards Shinji. Directly at his heart.
Crack
The last thing Shinji saw as his back was flying towards the door was Elsa's horrified face, as a scream pierced his ears. His own.