The Origins Saga 2 of 6

Even Wilder Arms

Chapter 1

Where Am I Now?

Steve screamed as he tumbled through the swirling vortex of colors. With a bright flash, the vortex ended. The robe Steve wore gave little protection as he skidded to a stop on the hard ground.

He moaned a little as he picked himself up off the dirt. He looked behind him, expecting to see the same stone structure that had been under Vane. All he saw was a large barren plane.

Did I do something wrong? Maybe Damon was wrong and it teleports you somewhere else on Lunar.

What sounded like gas venting, snapped Steve back to reality. He turned around and instinctively drew his sword. A red sphere emitting a yellow gas, floated a few feet from the boy.

"Yeah I definitely don't think I'm home." The creature charged straight for him. Thinking quick, Steve side stepped the monster and slashed with his sword. He drew his dagger, expecting to need more to kill the beast, but instead it fell to the ground, dead. Steve walked over to the fallen monster and looked at it more carefully.

"No way," he said to himself. "A Balloon. I'm on Filgaia." He threw his arms into the air. "Thanks a lot!" he yelled into the sky. He let go a sigh and started walking.

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Marina handed a bag of bread to the boy on the other side of the counter.

"There you go, Tony. Tell Marivel to stop by soon."

"I will Miss Marina. And you tell Ashley that I said hi.'"

Tony left the store and walked down the streets of Meria. As he came to the entrance of the town, he noticed a strange boy standing there.

His hair was short and brown, his eyes looked almost silver, but that wasn't what called attention to him. The thing that was the most noticeable was the peculiar yellow garment he wore.

As Tony approached the boy, he asked, "Dude, why are you wearing a dress?"

"Huh?"

"I said, why are you wearing a dress?'"

"This isn't a dress. It's a sorcerers robe." Tony gave him a strange look. "Look, kid. can you tell me where I am?"

"Sure, dude. This is Meria."

"Meria, huh. Where's the bakery?" Tony pointed to the shop that he had just come out of. "Thanks man."

As the boy ran toward the store, Tony watched him. "That's one strange guy," he said, as he left the town.

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"That's one strange kid," Steve said while running toward the bakery. He quickly found it and went inside.

"Hello. May I help you with something?" said a sweet voice. A brown haired, young woman stood behind the counter.

"I hope so. Are you Marina?"

"Yes," she replied with a confused look.

"Then I have a request that you may not like. I need to talk to Ashley about an adventure. I need his help to find a way home."

"I'm sorry . . . "

"Steve."

"I'm sorry, Steve, but Ashley doesn't go on adventures anymore. And if you don't mind me saying so, taking you home doesn't sound like much of an adventure."

"Trust me, this is more than just a walk to another town."

"Fine. You can speak to him if you want to. Ashley should be home soon. You may wait upstairs, if you like."

"Thank you. I will." With a quick bow of his head, Steve went up to one of the rooms to wait.

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The sun was setting before Steve heard the sound of boots on the stairs. Yeah, soon my butt, he thought. A knock came on the door. Steve knew who it was, but decided to have a little fun with him.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"It's Ashley."

"Who?"

"Ashley."

"Ashley's not here."

"No, I'm Ashley."

"Ashley?"

"Yeah."

"Ashley's not here."

"Are you going to open the door or not?"

"Who is it?"

No answer come from the other side. Steve wiated a moment. Still nothing. He went over and opened the door, only to find Ashley standing by on the the other side.

"Aww. You ruined my fun."

"You wanted to talk to me," he simply stated.

"Yeah," Steve replied. "But still . . . Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about a adventure."

"I'm sorry, but I can't help you. I no longer go on adventures. I've hung up my bayonet cartridges for good." Ashley turned and started to walk away. He stopped short at Steve's next comment.

"But why? I somehow don't think that's you wanted to do?"

Steve couldn't see it, but Ashley's eyes dropped, and his mouth curved into a frown. He sighed.

"It doesn't matter what I want anymore."

"Ashley . . . "

"Look, I don't even know who you are, or why you're here."

"My name is Steve. I'm from another dimension."