Reunion of Souls
Chapter 4
By
Ted Atreides
Welcome back, sorry about the VERY long time since I last put in an update, since then lotta new boring stuff you really shouldn't care too much about, just takes up a lot of time. Anyways as the last story leaves off, McDohl, Kilik, Pahn, Cleo and Gremio have all gathered together in a long journey to find a secret that can revive Ted. The group has most of their preparations done now it's time to let the quest begin.
*********************************************************************************
In the middle of the alley, near the outskirts of the city. "Well now, I suppose we woudn't want to bring too much unwanted attention our absence from town, so I suppose we should do our main shopping in another town" Cleo spoke.
"Yea, I guess I agree with Cleo, this town hasn't really let McDohl or anyone involved in the Liberation Army, out of the public eye since Barbarosa's death" Pahn agreed.
"But then where could we go?" McDohl asked. The party paused and thought of towns that had proved helpful through their extensive tool selections and items. "Perhaps I have an idea, Young Master" Gremio broke the silence.
"Really? Where do you suggest Gremio?" McDohl questioned. Gremio smiled and looked at McDohl. "Well my thoughts are of a fairly laid out route, perhaps we could go to the village of Banner in the South, use the ferry boat to take us up to Radat Town" Gremio explained.
"I see, under the cover of Rokaku Forest, and the small fishing town, we can pass easily without being detected!" Pahn said. "What grand deduction, where did you find your first clue?" Cleo smirked.
"I got that all on my own, without your sassy mouth" Pahn rebuttled.
"Actually while we're going that direction I'd like to stop off in North Window Castle, I need some information" McDohl declared. "Right then we've got a few days of traveling to get past us, so we should leave immediatly" Kilik proclaimed.
The five walked to the rear gates of the town, snuck past the guards and through the secret forest path behind the city where under twilight skies, they disappeared through the misty woods.
"In about 20 minutes we should pass near the entrance of the Rokaku Ninja's village" Kilik stated. "You sure know an awful lot for someone who lives so far away from here." Cleo remarked. "Trust me, when you live as a vagabond for 300+ years, you kind of get a feel for your world and the area's you call home" he calmly replied. The group traveled for a while longer where the familiar parting of trees made its way into view.
"I believe this is it" Mcdohl stated. When approaching the entrance a quick rush of wind sped through the area and a figure was standing in front of them.
"I've made arrangements for an escort of sorts" Kilik said turning around. As he said this the figure emerged from the shadowed entrance. "I'm sure you all remember Kasumi" Kilik smiled.
"Wow it's been quite awhile hasn't it McDohl?" Kasumi smiled. The group greeted their older aquantance. "I thought she would know the quickest routes to the new land and she was more than happy to help out you McDohl" Kilik snickered.
"Hey now.."McDohl blushed. "How wonderful, young master has a crush" Gremio smiled.
"Enough of that nonsence Gremio" Cleo scolded with a slight laugh to her voice. As the party found there new escort to be an old friend they realized that it was getting close to lunch time. "Why don't you all stay in the village for the day? There is a mist covering the path we must take, but it should be clear by mid morning tomorrow" Kasumi stated.
"Well if it's not going to put you at to much of an inconvienance..." McDohl scratched his nose.
"No, trust me it would be an honor if you grace the village with your presence" Kasumi smiled. The eyes of Cleo, Pahn and Gremio and narrowed with a smirk. "Yes, I agree we should stay the night" Kilik agreed.
The party wandered into the village and found a house with an elder woman stirring a pot of stew inside. "Kasumi dear, is that you?" the woman asked. "Yes Grandmother, I've returned" Kasumi said. "Oh, and I see you've brought some company for lunch?" Obaa-san smiled. "Ah, well yes if it isn't too much trouble I'd like them to stay the night as my guests." Kasumi asked. "Well now, I suppose it couldn't hurt to tend the wonderful master McDohl of Gregminster eh?" Obaa-San chuckled.
"Well young master, you're reputation proceeds you." Gremio stated. "Yeah either that or it's the only thing Kasumi talks about all day" Cleo smirked.
"Hey can the stand up comedy act you two" Pahn bellowed. "Maybe young master would like to have some pride left to go on this journey with" he continued.
"So sorry!" Gremio and Cleo turned opposite ways and coughed. "The stew is just about at boil, please won't you all have a seat, and I'll prepare the dishes. "Domo Obaa-San!" Kasumi bowed humbled.
Later after eating the party strolled through the town making a sort of free day of it all, before the real task at hand would begin. "Well it's pretty close to dusk now, we should all return to my home to sleep, we must be up at first light to ready ourselves, if we are to get through the woods before the mists roll back in" Kasumi announced.
That night as everyone slept, McDohl was roused from his sleep by a breeze through the window. "mmm...hmm...huh? McDohl awoke slowly rubbing his eyes. He stood up and trekked to the door and stepped outside where he stretched his arms wide, taking in the bright moonlight casting his glow all through the quiet village. "McDohl, you're awake?" A small voice spoke to him. "Say what? Who's there?" McDohl asked semi-shocked. "Up here!" he voice said. McDohl looked to the roof of the house and there sat Kasumi gazing into the night sky. "Isn't it beautiful tonight? All the stars are shining...just like those long nights on the front lines, back then..."she said mellowed.
"Yeah it sure is nice out" McDohl replied as he turned to stare out into space again. "Tell me, you're purpose in this adventure my lord" Kasumi asked. "There must be some truly meaningful purpose in where you're going from here" she continued. ".....I owe a friend a favor..." he replied. "One that I must hold to, no matter what" he finished. "...I see, must be quite a person for you to go so far" She stated. "That he is, Kasumi, that he is" Mcdohl returned.
"Well it's getting a bit cold out, perhaps you should return to your tatami?" She remarked. "Yeah I suppose you're right another day ahead of us right?" He laughed. Kasumi just nodded. "Well then are you coming along now?" McDohl asked her. "No not just yet I have some things to do before I go to sleep. You go ahead my lord" she smiled. "Well ok, but don't be out too late, or you won't have any energy for tomorrow." Mcdohl said as he walked back inside. "Don't worry I'll be fine" Kasumi finished.
The next morning the team packed there things and left the village on there way for the woods again. Following the path we're walking now we should arrive in Banner Town in roughly 3 hours." Kilik proclaimed. "From there we'll take the ferry north and ride the current into the next town" he finished.
A bit later the team found themselves in a small clearing in the middle of the tree's. "Funny this area has a different feel to it.."Gremio stated. "He's right I feel it to" Pahn agreed. As they all wondered about this strange sensation, Soul Eater flashed to life. "What?" McDohl wondered. "Everyone to the ready!!" Cleo yelled. Just then a team of theives leaped from the tree's with their swords held high. "Get set everyone, Kilik you make yourself scarce, we'll handle this!" Gremio implied. "Right, I understand..." Kilik agreed and ran for cover. The theives charged them and began a merciless assault of the team.
"Pahn behind you!" Cleo screamed. Pahn didn't even glance behind him as he backfisted his assailant. "Please...these losers pose no threat to us." Pahn sighed. McDohl drew his staff to the attack and spun it between his fingers effortlessly as he rushed his opponent. "A present for you!" McDohl hollered. His staff came crashing down in an array of furious swipes. "AAHH!!" he cried as he struck his adversary down. "Man these guys aren't playing around!" One of the theives said. "Yea let's split and head back to master Daos's place!" Another agreed as they vanished back into the tree's.
"What was that all about?" Cleo wondered. "Whose Daos?" Pahn asked. "I'm not completely certain, but he could be the tyrant who lives in South Window..." Gremio explained. "The Tyrant of South Window?" McDohl asked. "Yes, he's been known to be a shrewed gambler and very talkative...especially when it comes to how rich he is." he continued. "Well if this is true then I wonder what his motive for highering a band of low life scum to steal from people is." McDohl pondered. "Good question, they must be after something more than just money, yes definatly more than that" Gremio asured the group.
"Well now that the excitement is over only a few more minutes to the edge of the woods and into the town. But we had better hurry the mists are already rolling in" Kilik stated. "Yes, let's go" Gremio agreed. Moments later the edge came into sight and the group found themselves in the town of Banner. "Our next step is to higher a ferryman to transport us north".Kilik instructed. "Alright then let's head to the pier" Cleo spoke.
"So you guys wanna rent a boat huh?" The ferryman asked. "Yes, sir. We must get north so we can travel to South Window" Kilik stated. "Well that far huh? I suppose I can help you out but it's not gonna be cheap!" I have many errands to run and going that way ain't in my route" The jerk stated. "Well if it's a problem then we can just go ask someone else" Pahn grunted. "Don't bother Pal, I'm the only boat runnin this dock right now, or you could wait three days for the next available boat." The ferryman spat.
"Three days!? That's much too long to wait for a new one" Gremio said somewhat shocked. "Fine! Then how much is this joy ride gonna cost us?" McDohl asked. "Well you seem like feisty ones, so I think i can be talk down to 500 bits." He smiled greedily. "Grrr...I cannot believe this, back when we were first at war with the Scarlet Moon Empire, ferries were next to nothing for cost!" Pahn said angrily. "Woah did you folks say the Scarlet Moon Empire?" The ferryman choked. "Yea that's right, you just so happen to be talkin to the bunch that saved sorry punks like you from being controlled by Windy!" Pahn told his story. "Wow think of the business I could attract if people knew I was given rides to the hero's of the liberation army! Fantastic!" The boatsman said excitedly.
"There you see you just have to know how to work em!" Pahn smirked. "Wow you sure know your strories well Pahn" Cleo said impressed. "Well then for you wonderful people who saved many, I can see my way to..." he paused. "yes, yes we know you'd love to give us rides for free" Pahn shrugged. "Well no, actually I am going to give you, 10 bits off!" He smiled. "WHAT!!!!???" Pahn glowed red in fury. "See how generous I am? Golly I am so damn nice!" He went on gloating.
"Wow this boat is huge yea, so does anyone know how to pilot this thing?" Kilik asked. "Well if a certain oxe-head hadn't beaten the tar our of the ferryman we might have someone!" Clero glared. "What? He annoyed me...like you weren't planning to do that to Clero!" Pahn argued. "What do you mean!?" Cleo growled. "You think i didn't see you're hand resting on the hilt of your sword?" Pahn sighed. Cleo sort of hung her head. "Shut up already..." Cleo walked away embarressed.
"Well everyone set sail! The next phase in our adventure is about to begin!" Kilik announced happily. "Right! Let's get going!" McDohl said with a ace of determination.
As the boat set sail for up north, a mysterious Figure was floating high above the seen watching it all. "heh heh heh, PERFECT...they are finally coming to me!" The figure told himself. "This will be my greatest revenge ever, hohohoho!" the figure laughed. "This time, there is no Barbarosa to drag me down!" the figure casted it's eery dark aura around. "NOT THIS TIME!! AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAA!!!" The figure laughed fading into nothingness.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 4
By
Ted Atreides
Welcome back, sorry about the VERY long time since I last put in an update, since then lotta new boring stuff you really shouldn't care too much about, just takes up a lot of time. Anyways as the last story leaves off, McDohl, Kilik, Pahn, Cleo and Gremio have all gathered together in a long journey to find a secret that can revive Ted. The group has most of their preparations done now it's time to let the quest begin.
*********************************************************************************
In the middle of the alley, near the outskirts of the city. "Well now, I suppose we woudn't want to bring too much unwanted attention our absence from town, so I suppose we should do our main shopping in another town" Cleo spoke.
"Yea, I guess I agree with Cleo, this town hasn't really let McDohl or anyone involved in the Liberation Army, out of the public eye since Barbarosa's death" Pahn agreed.
"But then where could we go?" McDohl asked. The party paused and thought of towns that had proved helpful through their extensive tool selections and items. "Perhaps I have an idea, Young Master" Gremio broke the silence.
"Really? Where do you suggest Gremio?" McDohl questioned. Gremio smiled and looked at McDohl. "Well my thoughts are of a fairly laid out route, perhaps we could go to the village of Banner in the South, use the ferry boat to take us up to Radat Town" Gremio explained.
"I see, under the cover of Rokaku Forest, and the small fishing town, we can pass easily without being detected!" Pahn said. "What grand deduction, where did you find your first clue?" Cleo smirked.
"I got that all on my own, without your sassy mouth" Pahn rebuttled.
"Actually while we're going that direction I'd like to stop off in North Window Castle, I need some information" McDohl declared. "Right then we've got a few days of traveling to get past us, so we should leave immediatly" Kilik proclaimed.
The five walked to the rear gates of the town, snuck past the guards and through the secret forest path behind the city where under twilight skies, they disappeared through the misty woods.
"In about 20 minutes we should pass near the entrance of the Rokaku Ninja's village" Kilik stated. "You sure know an awful lot for someone who lives so far away from here." Cleo remarked. "Trust me, when you live as a vagabond for 300+ years, you kind of get a feel for your world and the area's you call home" he calmly replied. The group traveled for a while longer where the familiar parting of trees made its way into view.
"I believe this is it" Mcdohl stated. When approaching the entrance a quick rush of wind sped through the area and a figure was standing in front of them.
"I've made arrangements for an escort of sorts" Kilik said turning around. As he said this the figure emerged from the shadowed entrance. "I'm sure you all remember Kasumi" Kilik smiled.
"Wow it's been quite awhile hasn't it McDohl?" Kasumi smiled. The group greeted their older aquantance. "I thought she would know the quickest routes to the new land and she was more than happy to help out you McDohl" Kilik snickered.
"Hey now.."McDohl blushed. "How wonderful, young master has a crush" Gremio smiled.
"Enough of that nonsence Gremio" Cleo scolded with a slight laugh to her voice. As the party found there new escort to be an old friend they realized that it was getting close to lunch time. "Why don't you all stay in the village for the day? There is a mist covering the path we must take, but it should be clear by mid morning tomorrow" Kasumi stated.
"Well if it's not going to put you at to much of an inconvienance..." McDohl scratched his nose.
"No, trust me it would be an honor if you grace the village with your presence" Kasumi smiled. The eyes of Cleo, Pahn and Gremio and narrowed with a smirk. "Yes, I agree we should stay the night" Kilik agreed.
The party wandered into the village and found a house with an elder woman stirring a pot of stew inside. "Kasumi dear, is that you?" the woman asked. "Yes Grandmother, I've returned" Kasumi said. "Oh, and I see you've brought some company for lunch?" Obaa-san smiled. "Ah, well yes if it isn't too much trouble I'd like them to stay the night as my guests." Kasumi asked. "Well now, I suppose it couldn't hurt to tend the wonderful master McDohl of Gregminster eh?" Obaa-San chuckled.
"Well young master, you're reputation proceeds you." Gremio stated. "Yeah either that or it's the only thing Kasumi talks about all day" Cleo smirked.
"Hey can the stand up comedy act you two" Pahn bellowed. "Maybe young master would like to have some pride left to go on this journey with" he continued.
"So sorry!" Gremio and Cleo turned opposite ways and coughed. "The stew is just about at boil, please won't you all have a seat, and I'll prepare the dishes. "Domo Obaa-San!" Kasumi bowed humbled.
Later after eating the party strolled through the town making a sort of free day of it all, before the real task at hand would begin. "Well it's pretty close to dusk now, we should all return to my home to sleep, we must be up at first light to ready ourselves, if we are to get through the woods before the mists roll back in" Kasumi announced.
That night as everyone slept, McDohl was roused from his sleep by a breeze through the window. "mmm...hmm...huh? McDohl awoke slowly rubbing his eyes. He stood up and trekked to the door and stepped outside where he stretched his arms wide, taking in the bright moonlight casting his glow all through the quiet village. "McDohl, you're awake?" A small voice spoke to him. "Say what? Who's there?" McDohl asked semi-shocked. "Up here!" he voice said. McDohl looked to the roof of the house and there sat Kasumi gazing into the night sky. "Isn't it beautiful tonight? All the stars are shining...just like those long nights on the front lines, back then..."she said mellowed.
"Yeah it sure is nice out" McDohl replied as he turned to stare out into space again. "Tell me, you're purpose in this adventure my lord" Kasumi asked. "There must be some truly meaningful purpose in where you're going from here" she continued. ".....I owe a friend a favor..." he replied. "One that I must hold to, no matter what" he finished. "...I see, must be quite a person for you to go so far" She stated. "That he is, Kasumi, that he is" Mcdohl returned.
"Well it's getting a bit cold out, perhaps you should return to your tatami?" She remarked. "Yeah I suppose you're right another day ahead of us right?" He laughed. Kasumi just nodded. "Well then are you coming along now?" McDohl asked her. "No not just yet I have some things to do before I go to sleep. You go ahead my lord" she smiled. "Well ok, but don't be out too late, or you won't have any energy for tomorrow." Mcdohl said as he walked back inside. "Don't worry I'll be fine" Kasumi finished.
The next morning the team packed there things and left the village on there way for the woods again. Following the path we're walking now we should arrive in Banner Town in roughly 3 hours." Kilik proclaimed. "From there we'll take the ferry north and ride the current into the next town" he finished.
A bit later the team found themselves in a small clearing in the middle of the tree's. "Funny this area has a different feel to it.."Gremio stated. "He's right I feel it to" Pahn agreed. As they all wondered about this strange sensation, Soul Eater flashed to life. "What?" McDohl wondered. "Everyone to the ready!!" Cleo yelled. Just then a team of theives leaped from the tree's with their swords held high. "Get set everyone, Kilik you make yourself scarce, we'll handle this!" Gremio implied. "Right, I understand..." Kilik agreed and ran for cover. The theives charged them and began a merciless assault of the team.
"Pahn behind you!" Cleo screamed. Pahn didn't even glance behind him as he backfisted his assailant. "Please...these losers pose no threat to us." Pahn sighed. McDohl drew his staff to the attack and spun it between his fingers effortlessly as he rushed his opponent. "A present for you!" McDohl hollered. His staff came crashing down in an array of furious swipes. "AAHH!!" he cried as he struck his adversary down. "Man these guys aren't playing around!" One of the theives said. "Yea let's split and head back to master Daos's place!" Another agreed as they vanished back into the tree's.
"What was that all about?" Cleo wondered. "Whose Daos?" Pahn asked. "I'm not completely certain, but he could be the tyrant who lives in South Window..." Gremio explained. "The Tyrant of South Window?" McDohl asked. "Yes, he's been known to be a shrewed gambler and very talkative...especially when it comes to how rich he is." he continued. "Well if this is true then I wonder what his motive for highering a band of low life scum to steal from people is." McDohl pondered. "Good question, they must be after something more than just money, yes definatly more than that" Gremio asured the group.
"Well now that the excitement is over only a few more minutes to the edge of the woods and into the town. But we had better hurry the mists are already rolling in" Kilik stated. "Yes, let's go" Gremio agreed. Moments later the edge came into sight and the group found themselves in the town of Banner. "Our next step is to higher a ferryman to transport us north".Kilik instructed. "Alright then let's head to the pier" Cleo spoke.
"So you guys wanna rent a boat huh?" The ferryman asked. "Yes, sir. We must get north so we can travel to South Window" Kilik stated. "Well that far huh? I suppose I can help you out but it's not gonna be cheap!" I have many errands to run and going that way ain't in my route" The jerk stated. "Well if it's a problem then we can just go ask someone else" Pahn grunted. "Don't bother Pal, I'm the only boat runnin this dock right now, or you could wait three days for the next available boat." The ferryman spat.
"Three days!? That's much too long to wait for a new one" Gremio said somewhat shocked. "Fine! Then how much is this joy ride gonna cost us?" McDohl asked. "Well you seem like feisty ones, so I think i can be talk down to 500 bits." He smiled greedily. "Grrr...I cannot believe this, back when we were first at war with the Scarlet Moon Empire, ferries were next to nothing for cost!" Pahn said angrily. "Woah did you folks say the Scarlet Moon Empire?" The ferryman choked. "Yea that's right, you just so happen to be talkin to the bunch that saved sorry punks like you from being controlled by Windy!" Pahn told his story. "Wow think of the business I could attract if people knew I was given rides to the hero's of the liberation army! Fantastic!" The boatsman said excitedly.
"There you see you just have to know how to work em!" Pahn smirked. "Wow you sure know your strories well Pahn" Cleo said impressed. "Well then for you wonderful people who saved many, I can see my way to..." he paused. "yes, yes we know you'd love to give us rides for free" Pahn shrugged. "Well no, actually I am going to give you, 10 bits off!" He smiled. "WHAT!!!!???" Pahn glowed red in fury. "See how generous I am? Golly I am so damn nice!" He went on gloating.
"Wow this boat is huge yea, so does anyone know how to pilot this thing?" Kilik asked. "Well if a certain oxe-head hadn't beaten the tar our of the ferryman we might have someone!" Clero glared. "What? He annoyed me...like you weren't planning to do that to Clero!" Pahn argued. "What do you mean!?" Cleo growled. "You think i didn't see you're hand resting on the hilt of your sword?" Pahn sighed. Cleo sort of hung her head. "Shut up already..." Cleo walked away embarressed.
"Well everyone set sail! The next phase in our adventure is about to begin!" Kilik announced happily. "Right! Let's get going!" McDohl said with a ace of determination.
As the boat set sail for up north, a mysterious Figure was floating high above the seen watching it all. "heh heh heh, PERFECT...they are finally coming to me!" The figure told himself. "This will be my greatest revenge ever, hohohoho!" the figure laughed. "This time, there is no Barbarosa to drag me down!" the figure casted it's eery dark aura around. "NOT THIS TIME!! AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAA!!!" The figure laughed fading into nothingness.
To Be Continued...