___________________________
What They Call 'Destiny'
Chapter III: When Life Becomes a Lie
___________________________
It was not until the next morning that I realized my hair was still down. I must have left my ribbons up in the
cavern. As I exited my tent I saw him near the shore of the small lake. He had taken his over-coat off and was
scrubbing his hair with the water. I approached him slowly, some beads of water ran down his muscular back,
sparkling in the early morning light. I held a hand up to my collar bone and cleared my throat. "Guile?" He could
not hear me over the falls ... "Guile!"
His head shot up to look at me. "Ah!" He lost his balance and toppled into the shallow water. Obviously, he was
not hurt, for as soon as the splash subsided, which had also soaked my clothes, he began to laugh, I giggled
behind a fist.
"Good morning to you too, Steena."
I offered him a hand out of the water, timidly. "If you pull me in, that will be the end of you," I challenged,
surprising even myself.
He took it thankfully and only lifted himself up, not daring to take me on. "Don't worry. I'll get you only when you
least expect it." Guile stepped out from the water and took off his boots, which were also wet.
"I am sorry for taking you by surprise like that," I apologized, feeling guilty for getting his clothes wet, yet on
the other hand, enjoying every moment of it.
He waved his hand to brush off my comment. "It's good to start the day off laughing," he said matter-of-factly,
sitting down upon the ground at my feet and gathering all of his hair, preparing to braid it again. It reminded me
of my purpose. "What can I do for you at this early hour?"
"Oh. Well yesterday, in the cavern, I believe that I misplaced my hair ties, some long red ribbons to be specific.
Did you happe to see them?" I asked, bending down to look him in the eyes - or rather - mask.
"Red ribbons?" he thought a moment. "No, I can't say that I recall. But," he added quickly, "I do believe that
I can still help you."
I arched an eyebrow as Guile dropped his long lavender hair mid-braid. He cupped his hands together, then
faced his palms to his view and the back of his hands to mine and squeezed both of his index and thumbs
together, pulling them slowly apart. A handful of maroon ribbons were being pulled to about the same legnth
that my red ones were, then he let them go at one end, and handed the pile to me. "Will this do?"
"Amazing ... " I said, my eyes wide as I took them greatfully. "How did you do that?"
"Ah, a magician can never reveal his secrets," he added, waving his index finger, then turned his attention
back to his braiding.
I titlted my head as I often saw him do, and smiled slightly. "I thought that you said there was not going to be
any 'BS' between us."
Guile chuckled. "It must have slipped my mind on how sharp you are. Perhaps I shall tell you tonight. Like you
said yesterday, we've a long day ahead of us. I may need to keep you on edge before you lose intrest in our
new-found friendship."
Friendship ... No, this did not feel like a friendship.
"All right, I shall hold you to that," I said slyly, sitting down across from him and gathering my own hair. As we
both 'worked' we heard some others awaken. Some came by to say their good mornings, others, not morning
people, slpashed their faces with the cold water.
Guile was done his braid long before I was. He did not rise from our spot though, he just reached for his dry
coat - since he had not been wearing it when he fell in - and his boots which had also soaked up some heat
from the sun. I was still perfecting my hair though. One loop, then another, then a knot, then wrap that remainder
of the ribbon down until it ran out. That served better to keep it all gathered together instead of flying about.
The spare ones, I tied at the end for decoration.
When I was done, I placed it upon my high collar at the back of my shirt and rose. Guile did as well. By now
everyone had risen and we were al preparing to head into the Sea of Eden in Another World. Some of the group
was whispering about how we would finally find Kid once more. I think that also helped in renewing Serge's
hope as we all packed up our things and piled into the boat once more. However we first had to head to 'Home
World.' We all ran to that familiar shore, and the trip was the same as last time. The dizziness, etc. However
I kept it well hidden, for I was prepared for it.
Our craft in this world was left just outside Arni Village and we all piled into it. Guile and I sat next to one
another this time, so I was happy for the lack of space.
We headed into the ruins of the Dead Sea, and through the distortion. The trip through this was no better
then back at the beach the first time I had experienced it. The lavender-haired magician asked if I was all right
when I became somewhat lightheaded again and closed my eyes briefly.
"Yes, I'm fine," I said softly, with a smile. Good sign, he was worried for my health. I could still not fully
understand why my heart decided it was a good sign though ...
There were three islands in this new area. Each of them giving different types of spiritual energy, I felt.
Although in the middle of the Sea was a grand waterfall. We landed upon the first island, and only Serge ran
up the steps. Yet as he was up there, a voice played inside my head. I was certain that Serge must have heard
it from where he was as well.
'Clotho, spinning the thread of life ... '
The young man from Arni returned without a word, which was usual, and we set for the next island. The same
thing occured, yet a different message and voice.
'Lachesis, measuring the thread of life ... '
And finally, the last island. This time, our fearless leader thought it best to bring along Glenn and Norris, and
the pair followed without a question.
'Atropos, cutting the thread of life ... '
This time the three voices, fused together, decided upon testing Serge, and I felt their battle beginning.
I looked up at Guile whom looked up the stairs. "They are fighting."
I nodded, and also looked at the top of the stairs, we could see nothing and barely hear anything. "You can
feel it as well?"
He nodded, and silence befell everyone as we awaited our comrades to return.
---
The ground beneath us had begun to shake. Some of us remainders held on to the boat, all we needed now was
for it to float away. I looked in the direction of the waterfall and saw that it was the reason the ground shook.
"The waterfall is lowering!" I pointed towards it.
Guile was at my side. "There is a city atop it!"
Serge, Glenn and Norris appeared that moment. They looked tired, but they were obviously triumphant. We said
nothing more and loaded onto the boat, heading for the mysterious city. As we forced the craft upon the shore
and secured it, Serge decided to take Grobyc and Leah with him to first check out the building, to see if it was
safe enough for us all to enter.
I knew they were fighing again. I felt Serge scream in his mind, and in turn, mine. I was certain that Guile knew
what was going on as well, yet neither of us said a word.
Grobyc came back to the rest of us, whom were all waiting anxiously around the door.
"It-is-all right-with-the-Serge-if-you-all-come-inside-now-but-do-not-go-far-the-Serge-says." With that, the
cyborg escaped from our view, no doubt to return to Serge and Leah.
I sighed and crossed my arms, entering the large structure as my sword clinged at my side. There were shadows
walking about as it if was a normal day at work for them. They did not pay attention to me, or acknowledge me in
any fashion. I walked down the long hallway, my flat-heeled sandals making hardly a sound. This place was too
eerie.
Before me was an elevating platform, yet it looked much more complicated. It made me wonder just -what- ... or
rather, -when- this place was. I shook my head and made a turn left, dazzled by the diagrams floating in mid-air.
As I went through an open door, I heard subtle sounds of water and stepped out further.
I was outside, at some docks. There was a solitary shadow standing upon one of the platforms. I wanted to keep
my distance though, sensing the emotions of a spirit that was unknown to me was too powerful and frightening of
an experience. Instead I chose to sit down upon the lower platform and hung my legs over atop of the water.
My sword clinged upon the metal dock.
As I looked up, I could not see the moon. It made me feel more distraught. It was dark out here, yet before we
had entered the city it was morning and bright. I did not hear footsteps approaching, nor sense another person,
so when I heard the words, "So this is where you escaped to." I nearly jumped out of my skin. In fact, I nearly
fell into the dark waters below, if a strong hand had not grasped my shoulder in time.
I turned around quickly, "Guile!"
"I almost had my revenge there, unintentionally," he said with a chuckle, then seated himself down, his staff
hovering slowly to the ground. "Why stay by yourself in a creepy place like this, friend?"
I looked down and focused upon my feet, so he could not see me blush. He had most likely seen enough fo that
to last him a lifetime. "I was just trying to make some sense of this place ... It radiates a strange aura, something
I have never felt before."
"Agreed," I heard his voice from behind me. He obviously had some empathic qualities to him. Then I heard
running footsteps, and soon Serge, Grobyc and Leah all ran to the higher platform to talk to the lost soul.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself not to hear him, and covered my ears until I felt the three familiar
presences leave. When I finally opened my eyes again, the soul was also gone. "Did they say anything?" I asked
softly.
"No," Guile replied. "They looked very pre-occupied. Serge's eyes were troubled."
"I do not like this place," I concluded, standing up. My magician companion did likewise.
"Let us leave. We are not needed, Serge will come through," he added with a nod as we both walked out of the
building.
I was surprised to see a large group from our party standing outside, or piling onto the boat. It seemed as if
everyone was here, except the fighting three of course.
"We're, like, heading back to Fargo's ship, okay?" Marcy said. "You two can either, like, stay here or, like, come
back. But you hafta decide soon, 'cause, like, this boat's gotta get back for Serge."
I nodded, and took a seat, greatful as we all distanced ourselves from the island. Although the pathway was not
opened when we first arrived, we were able to leave through Death's Door, and Norris steered us all towards the
S.S. Invincible.
---
All the others gathered down below to await our ringleader's return, yet I stood on the deck, not many of Fargo's
deckhands lingered anyway. I watched the water far below, it was calm which I took as a good omen. Serge must
be going through a merciless battle this moment, although from this distance I could not tell for certain.
It was at that moment that the calm water began to form tiny ripples - soon becoming larger and larger. My heart
began to pound, I looked up to the western sky, there were figures in the distance flying. How many?
Four ... five ... six, I counted. "The six Dragon Gods!" I exclaimed aloud.
My yelling, most likely along with the rumble and now audible cries from the approaching dragons, drew a crowd
from below. I was too fixated upon the figures to know precisely who had come up, yet as I ran to the helm of the
Invincible, I knew that Guile had ran with me and now stood at my side.
I could make then out clearly now, those six holy creatures. Just as the Green Dragon swung down upon the Sky
Dragon's neck, and started to bite it as rose colored ribbon-like things emerged from the wound and ensnared the
Green Dragon.
"What-What is happening!?" I cried, grasping tightly onto the side of the ship so hard, I heard a crack of some bones.
The dragons continued to proceed like this, until finally the Black Dragon fused with the rest. I did not notice I was
crying until a tear fell onto my aching right wrist - the one that had cracked. I could not say another word, I could
not stand there any longer and watch the horrible-looking creature. So I feld down the stairs and into one of the
rooms upon the vessle, where no one else was.
I was so distraught, I had not even noticed Guile was holding my left hand upon the deck as my beliefs came
crashing down ... Nor heard him desperately call my name as I ran from the scene.
---
Sitting, my knees huddled close, my well of tears run dry, I could hear the group talking in the next room. Serge and
his chosen two had returned, bearing news of Kid who was now safely at Hermit's Hideaway. Also of Terra Tower,
which Sky Dragon Isle had miraculiously floated up into the sky to become. And finally, talk of how we were pawns ...
all along, being used by the Dragon Gods, who were onyl now in ther original state - as one.
How could I take on the title of a Shrine Madien? All I had ever believed in was a lie! A bloody lie! I blessed by the
six Dragon Gods, I worshipped them, prayed to them ... I think that the worst part of all of this, is that on her dying
day, Mistress Direa had told me never to lose faith in the Dragon Gods - And that is exactly what I had done. I felt
another rush of sobs come on, just as the door opened, allowing light to creep in and take away the darkness I had
surrounded myself with.
"Steena?" Leah's voice was soft, which was unusual. "Come-um, please? We all go to camp now. No one want to stay
on the ship. Okay-um? Steena?" she asked again as I took a few moments to reply.
With great effort, I rose slowly to my feet, grinding my eyes with my fists as a four-year-old would have done.
I nodded glumly, fixating my gaze only to the ground beneath, not even looking up to see that we were the only ones
in the boat Norris who steered, Leah and I. I guessed that everyone else was taken before and they felt sorry enough
for me to travel with few ...
When we reached the selected camp area, there was already a fire blazing. Many sat around it, saying hardly a word,
yet they all seemed to pique intrest as I shuffled my feet along and sat down. I felt their eyes on me, and on
eachother, wondering what they could say in my presence. Yet silence ruled.
My eyes began to well up with tears again as I reached behind me and unfastened my high collar, to show my Shrine
status. Without a second thought, I threw it into the fire and stood up, running off into the forest so I did not have to
see it burn, and they did not have to see me break down.
Sitting, I leaned against a large tree and looked up at the sky as some of my last tears dried in the cool breeze.
Attempting to change my position slightly with my arms, the moment I put pressure on my right arm, the memory
of yhe crack in my wrist came in a tidal wave over me.
I let slip a cry of anguish, then lifted my poor wrist up to see it in the faint light. I was bruised, swollen. More then
likely a fantastic sprain. I closed my eyes and thought of all the pain worse then physical. If only I had my elements,
I could take down the swelling and bruising and wrap it - yet I left the camp to suddenly to worry about it.
"Let me?" came a soft voice looming above. I opened my eyes and looked up to see Guile, whom bent down to my
height. "You really did a number on that wrist of yours," he spoke slowly, some concern evident.
"Why did you come here?" I was greatful he had, truthfully ...
Guile smiled sheepishly. "I came to tell you how I did that ribbon trick."
That actually made me smile, which reminded me of crying again and unforunately the latter took hold of me as my
body shook uncontrollably with the sobs I tried to repress.
Although almost instantly, Guile was sittign close beside me, his arms wrapped around me as he drew me closer
to his chest. I did not know how long I cried into his shoulder, yet it did not seem long enough. Unbeknownst to me
at the time, he had used one of his braces around my wrist for me.
That is not what caught me off guard though. For after my wave of sadness passed for a little while and my tears
subsided, he kept his arms around me. Until of course, he took one of his hands to lift my chin up, and leaned down
to softly meet my lips with his.
What They Call 'Destiny'
Chapter III: When Life Becomes a Lie
___________________________
It was not until the next morning that I realized my hair was still down. I must have left my ribbons up in the
cavern. As I exited my tent I saw him near the shore of the small lake. He had taken his over-coat off and was
scrubbing his hair with the water. I approached him slowly, some beads of water ran down his muscular back,
sparkling in the early morning light. I held a hand up to my collar bone and cleared my throat. "Guile?" He could
not hear me over the falls ... "Guile!"
His head shot up to look at me. "Ah!" He lost his balance and toppled into the shallow water. Obviously, he was
not hurt, for as soon as the splash subsided, which had also soaked my clothes, he began to laugh, I giggled
behind a fist.
"Good morning to you too, Steena."
I offered him a hand out of the water, timidly. "If you pull me in, that will be the end of you," I challenged,
surprising even myself.
He took it thankfully and only lifted himself up, not daring to take me on. "Don't worry. I'll get you only when you
least expect it." Guile stepped out from the water and took off his boots, which were also wet.
"I am sorry for taking you by surprise like that," I apologized, feeling guilty for getting his clothes wet, yet on
the other hand, enjoying every moment of it.
He waved his hand to brush off my comment. "It's good to start the day off laughing," he said matter-of-factly,
sitting down upon the ground at my feet and gathering all of his hair, preparing to braid it again. It reminded me
of my purpose. "What can I do for you at this early hour?"
"Oh. Well yesterday, in the cavern, I believe that I misplaced my hair ties, some long red ribbons to be specific.
Did you happe to see them?" I asked, bending down to look him in the eyes - or rather - mask.
"Red ribbons?" he thought a moment. "No, I can't say that I recall. But," he added quickly, "I do believe that
I can still help you."
I arched an eyebrow as Guile dropped his long lavender hair mid-braid. He cupped his hands together, then
faced his palms to his view and the back of his hands to mine and squeezed both of his index and thumbs
together, pulling them slowly apart. A handful of maroon ribbons were being pulled to about the same legnth
that my red ones were, then he let them go at one end, and handed the pile to me. "Will this do?"
"Amazing ... " I said, my eyes wide as I took them greatfully. "How did you do that?"
"Ah, a magician can never reveal his secrets," he added, waving his index finger, then turned his attention
back to his braiding.
I titlted my head as I often saw him do, and smiled slightly. "I thought that you said there was not going to be
any 'BS' between us."
Guile chuckled. "It must have slipped my mind on how sharp you are. Perhaps I shall tell you tonight. Like you
said yesterday, we've a long day ahead of us. I may need to keep you on edge before you lose intrest in our
new-found friendship."
Friendship ... No, this did not feel like a friendship.
"All right, I shall hold you to that," I said slyly, sitting down across from him and gathering my own hair. As we
both 'worked' we heard some others awaken. Some came by to say their good mornings, others, not morning
people, slpashed their faces with the cold water.
Guile was done his braid long before I was. He did not rise from our spot though, he just reached for his dry
coat - since he had not been wearing it when he fell in - and his boots which had also soaked up some heat
from the sun. I was still perfecting my hair though. One loop, then another, then a knot, then wrap that remainder
of the ribbon down until it ran out. That served better to keep it all gathered together instead of flying about.
The spare ones, I tied at the end for decoration.
When I was done, I placed it upon my high collar at the back of my shirt and rose. Guile did as well. By now
everyone had risen and we were al preparing to head into the Sea of Eden in Another World. Some of the group
was whispering about how we would finally find Kid once more. I think that also helped in renewing Serge's
hope as we all packed up our things and piled into the boat once more. However we first had to head to 'Home
World.' We all ran to that familiar shore, and the trip was the same as last time. The dizziness, etc. However
I kept it well hidden, for I was prepared for it.
Our craft in this world was left just outside Arni Village and we all piled into it. Guile and I sat next to one
another this time, so I was happy for the lack of space.
We headed into the ruins of the Dead Sea, and through the distortion. The trip through this was no better
then back at the beach the first time I had experienced it. The lavender-haired magician asked if I was all right
when I became somewhat lightheaded again and closed my eyes briefly.
"Yes, I'm fine," I said softly, with a smile. Good sign, he was worried for my health. I could still not fully
understand why my heart decided it was a good sign though ...
There were three islands in this new area. Each of them giving different types of spiritual energy, I felt.
Although in the middle of the Sea was a grand waterfall. We landed upon the first island, and only Serge ran
up the steps. Yet as he was up there, a voice played inside my head. I was certain that Serge must have heard
it from where he was as well.
'Clotho, spinning the thread of life ... '
The young man from Arni returned without a word, which was usual, and we set for the next island. The same
thing occured, yet a different message and voice.
'Lachesis, measuring the thread of life ... '
And finally, the last island. This time, our fearless leader thought it best to bring along Glenn and Norris, and
the pair followed without a question.
'Atropos, cutting the thread of life ... '
This time the three voices, fused together, decided upon testing Serge, and I felt their battle beginning.
I looked up at Guile whom looked up the stairs. "They are fighting."
I nodded, and also looked at the top of the stairs, we could see nothing and barely hear anything. "You can
feel it as well?"
He nodded, and silence befell everyone as we awaited our comrades to return.
---
The ground beneath us had begun to shake. Some of us remainders held on to the boat, all we needed now was
for it to float away. I looked in the direction of the waterfall and saw that it was the reason the ground shook.
"The waterfall is lowering!" I pointed towards it.
Guile was at my side. "There is a city atop it!"
Serge, Glenn and Norris appeared that moment. They looked tired, but they were obviously triumphant. We said
nothing more and loaded onto the boat, heading for the mysterious city. As we forced the craft upon the shore
and secured it, Serge decided to take Grobyc and Leah with him to first check out the building, to see if it was
safe enough for us all to enter.
I knew they were fighing again. I felt Serge scream in his mind, and in turn, mine. I was certain that Guile knew
what was going on as well, yet neither of us said a word.
Grobyc came back to the rest of us, whom were all waiting anxiously around the door.
"It-is-all right-with-the-Serge-if-you-all-come-inside-now-but-do-not-go-far-the-Serge-says." With that, the
cyborg escaped from our view, no doubt to return to Serge and Leah.
I sighed and crossed my arms, entering the large structure as my sword clinged at my side. There were shadows
walking about as it if was a normal day at work for them. They did not pay attention to me, or acknowledge me in
any fashion. I walked down the long hallway, my flat-heeled sandals making hardly a sound. This place was too
eerie.
Before me was an elevating platform, yet it looked much more complicated. It made me wonder just -what- ... or
rather, -when- this place was. I shook my head and made a turn left, dazzled by the diagrams floating in mid-air.
As I went through an open door, I heard subtle sounds of water and stepped out further.
I was outside, at some docks. There was a solitary shadow standing upon one of the platforms. I wanted to keep
my distance though, sensing the emotions of a spirit that was unknown to me was too powerful and frightening of
an experience. Instead I chose to sit down upon the lower platform and hung my legs over atop of the water.
My sword clinged upon the metal dock.
As I looked up, I could not see the moon. It made me feel more distraught. It was dark out here, yet before we
had entered the city it was morning and bright. I did not hear footsteps approaching, nor sense another person,
so when I heard the words, "So this is where you escaped to." I nearly jumped out of my skin. In fact, I nearly
fell into the dark waters below, if a strong hand had not grasped my shoulder in time.
I turned around quickly, "Guile!"
"I almost had my revenge there, unintentionally," he said with a chuckle, then seated himself down, his staff
hovering slowly to the ground. "Why stay by yourself in a creepy place like this, friend?"
I looked down and focused upon my feet, so he could not see me blush. He had most likely seen enough fo that
to last him a lifetime. "I was just trying to make some sense of this place ... It radiates a strange aura, something
I have never felt before."
"Agreed," I heard his voice from behind me. He obviously had some empathic qualities to him. Then I heard
running footsteps, and soon Serge, Grobyc and Leah all ran to the higher platform to talk to the lost soul.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself not to hear him, and covered my ears until I felt the three familiar
presences leave. When I finally opened my eyes again, the soul was also gone. "Did they say anything?" I asked
softly.
"No," Guile replied. "They looked very pre-occupied. Serge's eyes were troubled."
"I do not like this place," I concluded, standing up. My magician companion did likewise.
"Let us leave. We are not needed, Serge will come through," he added with a nod as we both walked out of the
building.
I was surprised to see a large group from our party standing outside, or piling onto the boat. It seemed as if
everyone was here, except the fighting three of course.
"We're, like, heading back to Fargo's ship, okay?" Marcy said. "You two can either, like, stay here or, like, come
back. But you hafta decide soon, 'cause, like, this boat's gotta get back for Serge."
I nodded, and took a seat, greatful as we all distanced ourselves from the island. Although the pathway was not
opened when we first arrived, we were able to leave through Death's Door, and Norris steered us all towards the
S.S. Invincible.
---
All the others gathered down below to await our ringleader's return, yet I stood on the deck, not many of Fargo's
deckhands lingered anyway. I watched the water far below, it was calm which I took as a good omen. Serge must
be going through a merciless battle this moment, although from this distance I could not tell for certain.
It was at that moment that the calm water began to form tiny ripples - soon becoming larger and larger. My heart
began to pound, I looked up to the western sky, there were figures in the distance flying. How many?
Four ... five ... six, I counted. "The six Dragon Gods!" I exclaimed aloud.
My yelling, most likely along with the rumble and now audible cries from the approaching dragons, drew a crowd
from below. I was too fixated upon the figures to know precisely who had come up, yet as I ran to the helm of the
Invincible, I knew that Guile had ran with me and now stood at my side.
I could make then out clearly now, those six holy creatures. Just as the Green Dragon swung down upon the Sky
Dragon's neck, and started to bite it as rose colored ribbon-like things emerged from the wound and ensnared the
Green Dragon.
"What-What is happening!?" I cried, grasping tightly onto the side of the ship so hard, I heard a crack of some bones.
The dragons continued to proceed like this, until finally the Black Dragon fused with the rest. I did not notice I was
crying until a tear fell onto my aching right wrist - the one that had cracked. I could not say another word, I could
not stand there any longer and watch the horrible-looking creature. So I feld down the stairs and into one of the
rooms upon the vessle, where no one else was.
I was so distraught, I had not even noticed Guile was holding my left hand upon the deck as my beliefs came
crashing down ... Nor heard him desperately call my name as I ran from the scene.
---
Sitting, my knees huddled close, my well of tears run dry, I could hear the group talking in the next room. Serge and
his chosen two had returned, bearing news of Kid who was now safely at Hermit's Hideaway. Also of Terra Tower,
which Sky Dragon Isle had miraculiously floated up into the sky to become. And finally, talk of how we were pawns ...
all along, being used by the Dragon Gods, who were onyl now in ther original state - as one.
How could I take on the title of a Shrine Madien? All I had ever believed in was a lie! A bloody lie! I blessed by the
six Dragon Gods, I worshipped them, prayed to them ... I think that the worst part of all of this, is that on her dying
day, Mistress Direa had told me never to lose faith in the Dragon Gods - And that is exactly what I had done. I felt
another rush of sobs come on, just as the door opened, allowing light to creep in and take away the darkness I had
surrounded myself with.
"Steena?" Leah's voice was soft, which was unusual. "Come-um, please? We all go to camp now. No one want to stay
on the ship. Okay-um? Steena?" she asked again as I took a few moments to reply.
With great effort, I rose slowly to my feet, grinding my eyes with my fists as a four-year-old would have done.
I nodded glumly, fixating my gaze only to the ground beneath, not even looking up to see that we were the only ones
in the boat Norris who steered, Leah and I. I guessed that everyone else was taken before and they felt sorry enough
for me to travel with few ...
When we reached the selected camp area, there was already a fire blazing. Many sat around it, saying hardly a word,
yet they all seemed to pique intrest as I shuffled my feet along and sat down. I felt their eyes on me, and on
eachother, wondering what they could say in my presence. Yet silence ruled.
My eyes began to well up with tears again as I reached behind me and unfastened my high collar, to show my Shrine
status. Without a second thought, I threw it into the fire and stood up, running off into the forest so I did not have to
see it burn, and they did not have to see me break down.
Sitting, I leaned against a large tree and looked up at the sky as some of my last tears dried in the cool breeze.
Attempting to change my position slightly with my arms, the moment I put pressure on my right arm, the memory
of yhe crack in my wrist came in a tidal wave over me.
I let slip a cry of anguish, then lifted my poor wrist up to see it in the faint light. I was bruised, swollen. More then
likely a fantastic sprain. I closed my eyes and thought of all the pain worse then physical. If only I had my elements,
I could take down the swelling and bruising and wrap it - yet I left the camp to suddenly to worry about it.
"Let me?" came a soft voice looming above. I opened my eyes and looked up to see Guile, whom bent down to my
height. "You really did a number on that wrist of yours," he spoke slowly, some concern evident.
"Why did you come here?" I was greatful he had, truthfully ...
Guile smiled sheepishly. "I came to tell you how I did that ribbon trick."
That actually made me smile, which reminded me of crying again and unforunately the latter took hold of me as my
body shook uncontrollably with the sobs I tried to repress.
Although almost instantly, Guile was sittign close beside me, his arms wrapped around me as he drew me closer
to his chest. I did not know how long I cried into his shoulder, yet it did not seem long enough. Unbeknownst to me
at the time, he had used one of his braces around my wrist for me.
That is not what caught me off guard though. For after my wave of sadness passed for a little while and my tears
subsided, he kept his arms around me. Until of course, he took one of his hands to lift my chin up, and leaned down
to softly meet my lips with his.