Chapter Three
Dearest log,
Things are going both good and bad for us. We are all happy to celebrate Gort's promotion, but his excessive drinking is starting not only to bother me, but most everyone else as well. I really wish he'd lay off that stuff, but he won't listen to a word I say. It's so frustrating! I shouldn't't worry about him so much I suppose, but I can't help since he is part of the team. Only I am worried that he is influencing my old buddy Lowe with his behavior. Gort is so cruel Lowe, and I fear Lowe will do anything to gain his respect. Ahh well, I just know everything will turn out in the end. But then again I find myself wandering, what is the end? Where does our seemingly never-ending journey end? I wish I could find all the answers I seek; yet I feel every day that passes I grow more and more confused. I was so scared when Lowe was injured last battle. I fear he is not up to level with the rest of the group. I don't want to leave him behind, but I realize that soon I will have to for fear of his life. I know he himself would not mind much if he were left alone with Nova, but the others would find that decision just another way to criticize me. I wish they could just accept my leadership as it is! Especially Gort, I can tell by the look in his eye that he is conniving for my position as leader. He seems to think that just because he is older, and yes, more experienced that he can boss us all around. You know, if he wasn't so good at doing his job as a warrior, soon to be a gladiator I would send him packing! And of course I still have my ever- lasting problems with Mae, sometimes I wish I'd never met her. And then again, I wonder how I could ever live without her. She is my first love after all, and in a way it seems she may be my last. I know I should move on, and see what others are like, but I am afraid no one would want me. Although, I have noticed Anri looking my way every once in a while… But I can't do it dearest log, I just can't. If any one breaks off our relationship I know it will be her, I am just waiting for the day she will break my heart into a million pieces. Maybe it will be for the better. I pain for Hans, if only Tao would just make up her mind on which one she wants! Ken or Hans. I mourn for his loss as well as mine. Things here in Bustoke are rather quiet, after our promotion party tomorrow night we have to venture into a cave and look for the moonstone, and to let the men of Bustoke free. There is supposedly a great werewolf warrior made insane by the Runefaust hordes. The alchemist told me he could make me a special medicine made with the moonstone for him, unfortunately we will have to trek underground into the quarry. I new member joined our group, her name is Diane and she is an archer, I have a great deal to say about her as well, but alas, the time grows late and sleep is essential, so dearest log I bid you good night.
Dirk set down the log and tried to sleep on his pallet, but sleep, unlike he expected, did not come easily. Through his head ran the events of the day, and he had a bad feeling, a terrible premonition that something very very bad was going to happen at Gort's promotion party the next day. He just knew it, and that feeling alone was enough to keep him tossing and turning until dawn.
"Hey! I'll have another pitcher of ale if ya'll don't mind Amon…." Gort slurred his words drunkenly. It was about 10:30 at night, and the promotion party was well underway.
"Don't you think you've had enough by now Gort? Three pitchers should be enough for three men, and that's being generous!" Amon scolded.
"Hey, don't ya start telling me what to do birdie…. It's my party and I'll drink if I want to, drink if I want to…ya ain't my ma." Gort slurred his words even more, Amon reluctantly handed him another pitcher of ale, and he drank it in about 30 seconds. Even Hans, who was oblivious to almost everyone and everything turned to stare at him.
Dirk immediately strode over to Gort.
"Gort I think you better slow down. I know it's your party and that you like a few drinks, but you have all night don't you think you should pace yourself?" Dirk said, trying not to push anything. From the look on Gort's face Dirk immediately regretted his actions. Gort grew angry, and Dirk drew back in fear as the alcoholically altered beast attacked. Gort thrusted a surprised and frightened Dirk onto the dirty headquarters floor and knocked him into the ground, raining blows down on his unprotected face. Dirk tried to fight him off, but Gort's drunkenness and greater mass forced him to relent to his brutal attack.
"What are u doing! Gort stop that!" Luke said disgustedly, prying Gort off of Dirk who had a black eye and a bleeding lip to show for his efforts to help his "old buddy" Gort. Luke and Arthur pulled a disgruntled Gort into one of the offices at headquarters, and leaned against the door to keep him trapped until he calmed down.
"Dirk are you ok? Here, let me help you up" Anri reached for his hand and pulled his almost entire mass up, showing amazing strength for some one so petite. Dirk looked over to see what Mae's reaction to his ordeal was, he saw her laughing at him with Gong, no sign of sympathy showed in her expression.
"Oh look at him," Mae intoned sweetly wrapping her arm around Gongs mighty frame, "I guess some of are just weak, to weak to fight of an old drunken man," she said eyeing Dirk "I know you would have been strong enough Gong, I do so admire a man with strength." She said eyeing him obviously. Dirk grimaced. He wandered if she meant it or if she was only trying to make him jealous. Bitterly he guessed the latter. That's when he looked up and saw Anri was still staring at him contently, trying to read his expression, which he realized was a frown, he pulled a goofy grin and spoke to her.
"Ya I'm fine, I probably don't look that way though!"
"Well here, come into the wash room and I'll fix you up nice and dandy" Anri took his hand and led him through the crowd, much to Dirks surprise Mae was frowning disapprovingly. Well two can play this game Dirk thought to himself. He followed the petite young women with the hair so blond it looked silver, noticing her beauty more than he had ever before.
"There we are, wow, he really beat on you didn't he!" Anri gasped as she got a good look at Dirks face in the light. He had a black eye, his left cheek was badly bruised, and his lip was swelling up horrendously.
"Is it really that bad?" Dirk asked worried that what he considered to be his "good looks" would be ruined forever.
"Here look for yourself," Anri handed him a small mirror she kept in her pocket. Unwillingly he grasped it, and forced himself to take a look, he saw to his relief that she was being overly dramatic and the wounds would heal quite nicely.
Anri wet a white face cloth and gently she washed his face, the water stung Dirks skin, but he kept his pain to himself. Anri began to talk soothingly.
"Don't worry about him Dirk, that Gort can take care of him self, don't bother to help him anymore, the only way he can be helped is if he decides to help himself. So just worry about your self, and the rest of the shining force, he'll be all right, you just wait and see." Anri continued to caress his face, and Dirk suspected that she had already done the job of cleaning him, but made no move to stop her.
"Anri, how old are you?" Dirk asked out of the blue. Anri looked puzzled at this remark, and answered,
"21, why?"
"Oh so you're not, you're not really much older than I am." Dirk said disappointed. "I wanted to see if you would have remembered my parents at all."
"Why, I do remember them, your mother was a wonderful women, she would sometimes take care of me when I was sick, I remember once when I was 5 she came and cared an ailment a forgot about until now. She was so brave; she used all of her strength casting that spell to keep you alive, knowing all along she wouldn't't make it, but that her tiny son would. I guess if we have nothing else in common, we do share one thing, we are both orphans." Anri said detached, obviously thinking of her beloved father who fell under the vile Kane's wrath. Dirk hesitated, and wondered if now was the right moment to proceed, he decided it wasn't, not when he had just brought back her grief.
Instead he spoke of meaningless things, and tried to console the pretty girl, so different than Mae. While Mae was cruel and indecisive, Anri was kind and loyal. Where Mae was vain, Anri was modest. And although Mae was beautiful, it became clear to Dirk as he looked into Anri's sky blue eyes that she was beautiful both inside and out. Dirk wondered why, why was he still with Mae, the women who had laughed at him when he fell hurt, when he could be with the women who had helped him when he was down, Anri? Suddenly he felt woozy, and then everything went black.
"D-d-d-dirk, w-w-wake up!" Came Lowe's stuttering voice. Dirk struggled to open his eyes, above him he say Lowe, Khris, Anri and Nova hovering over him.
"What h-happened?" Dirk asked hesitantly, did he really want to know the truth? Suppose he was paralyzed? "What are you all looking at me for?"
"Gort must have given you a concussion when he pushed you to the ground, you've been knocked out for at least 2 hrs, it's 12:30 now." Khris intoned softly, bandaging his head with a clean strip of linen.
"I'll be fine it doesn't hurt at all." Dirk stated curtly.
"I'm sure you'll recover in due time," Nova said not believing for one minute that dirk was feeling fine, "But next time just leave Gort alone, he can take care of himself"
"Don't worry about it" Dirk sneered, "I won't be helping that lout ever again," he said with a harsh tone in his voice. Then he turned and walked out not looking at the other patrons of the room.
Anri was the first to break the silence that had fallen
"What's wrong with him?" she asked, hurt by his rude behavior
"I'm sure he's just upset, head injuries sometimes give people mood swings, he'll be fine in a few days" Nova soothed. Anri sighed frustrated.
"I sure hope your right"
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While all this had been going on the rest of the members of the force had continued on with the party. Tao and Ken exchanged a look across the room. Then she turned to Hans
"I'll be right back, I'm just going to go get some more....ummm........jelly from the pantry"
"But we have lots, right here" Hans held up a jar, full almost to the top with it's jiggly content
"Right....but Luke's table doesn't have very much at all"
"It looks like they do to me.....but go ahead"
She left the table and walked back into the kitchen, Hans sighing in resignation, why wasn't she ever happy when she was with him? He looked into his glass and took a long swig, almost finishing it...
Meanwhile Ken quietly got up and trotted over to where Luke was sitting at the bar
"Uhh.....Luke, can I talk to you for a minute good buddy?"
"Sure thing Ken, what can I do for you?"
"Well I need you to watch the kitchen door for me"
"You're guarding the kitchen door? Why?"
"No, not like that...I need you to make sure nobody.....interrupts"
"oooo I get it" Luke winked "who is it? Anri? you dog......"
"Ummm.....not quite"
"Well come on, I'm not gonna help you if you don't tell me"
"it's umm....it's well.....its'...."
"spit it out boy!"
Ken dropped his voice into a whisper "Tao"
Luke's eyes went wide "I dunno good buddy, you're getting yourself into a sticky situation. If Hans ever......"
"That's what I need you for, to keep watch. Look Hans has had a few drinks so he shouldn't notice anything too much, just keep a low profile and steer him away, or anyone else for that matter. Please?"
"Fine......but you owe me"
"Thanks good buddy!!!! your the best!!!" he slapped Luke on the back and pushed open the door.
Hans had finished off his mug of ale, and a few more after that when he began to wonder about Tao. Where is she? Maybe a rune knight wandered into the kitchen and grabbed her...yes...that must be it...otherwise why would she be gone for so long? He slowly grabbed his quiver and stumbled his way over to the door, which was being blocked my Luke
"I'm sorry Hans, but you can't go in there"
"Whaddya mean? My Taos in there with a Rune Knight!!!! Listen!!" he clamped a narrow hand over Luke's mouth "I can hear hooves!!!! Lemme in!!!" he drew his bow with all grandeur and tried to drunkenly push his way past his full-bodied counter part
"Now Hans, why don't I get you another drink to settle your nerves? You're starting to hear things"
"I'm not hearing anything!! Are you deaf?! Now let me by!!!!"
"Hans, just relax, there's no one in there. I take back that offer for a drink, you've already had one too many now why don't you just go back and lay down...."
"I said" Hans aimed his bow at Luke, all seriousness in his eyes "Let.....Me.......By......"
Luke, eyes wide raised his hands and reluctantly stepped aside. Hans, using the door as a shield, bow and arrow at the ready, slowly turned the knob. He almost fired a shot at what he saw; Ken and Tao were wrapped up in each other's arms necking like two teenagers. His jaw went slack, his mouth groping at words
"Tao.........how......how could you??"
"HANS!!!!" she recoiled from Ken "it's not what you think!"
"Don't bother trying to lie to me, I've seen enough" he drew his bow, sights dead on Ken "Some friend you turned out to be......" he released the arrow between his fingers, it flew straight and true...........................
But Ken dodged with lightening speed at the last minute the arrow glancing harmlessly off his shoulder plate, Tao stepping in between them
"Hans!!! Try and control yourself! Let's talk about this!" Hans looked past Tao into the eyes of Ken
"Next time I won't miss old buddy" he sneered the last words, giving a look of all seriousness. Then turning to Luke he placed a hand on the shorter mans shoulder "You better watch yourself too pal...." then he flashed them a sneer and removed his hat in a mock respectful gesture "until we meet again" then turned on his heel and left.
Reeling in emotion from the past few minute's events, Tao stumbled from Ken's firm hold into the main hall, where everyone looked shocked. They know, she thought embarrassed. But it appeared the crowd's attention was not on her but rather on an enraged Gort who was chopping his way through the wall! Tao shrank back in fear of the obviously insane man. What would he do to them in his state? He had almost made his way through the wall, and soon he would be upon them! And then what? They could all be bludgeoned to death! Wait, I could try and cast that new sleep spell I've been trying to learn. Even if it doesn't work out, at least it's a try!
Tao moved her hands in the motions she had learned from a book, she concentrated with all her mind, and a smoky haze suddenly escaped into the room. Just before she fell down exhausted, she smiled to see that Gort was slumped on the ground sleeping like a little baby. Her spell had worked, at least sort of!
Ken, who had stayed back from the main room, embarrassed by what he had done. Therefore the sleeping "mist" had passed him over luckily enough. He wondered what he should do. As he was busy pondering Arthur came through the front door, a look of surprise covered his face.
"What's going on? I go outside for 5 minutes, and when I come back everybody is sleeping!" He stared incredulously at Ken, looking to him for an answer.
"Well old buddy," Ken began, "The old timer, Gort, he was in some sort of drunken rage as you know, and he started chopping his way out of that room we had him in. He was scaring everyone so much that Tao decided to try a spell she wasn't ready for I reckon, she wanted to put a sleep spell just on him, but it ended up putting everyone to sleep! And that's the story."
"Gee, I didn't think he had that much spunk in him!" Arthur exclaimed. "Are we the only people left awake?"
"I dunno," Ken answered looking around the room, "I think so, but I didn't do an exact count."
"Well, I guess it's all up to us to do it." Arthur sighed resignedly.
"Do what?" Ken replied confused.
"Take Gort down to the creek to sober him up, what did you think?" Arthur said shaking his head.
"Why would we take him to the creek? I've never heard of anything like that before, are u fooling me old buddy?" Ken questioned, not sure what to believe.
"Never heard of that trick before! Can't believe it, but than again you didn't grow up in a place where drunks are the highest per capita! He looks like a pretty heavy one, that one, but you're a strong old chap aren't you Ken" Arthur mused, staring at Ken in a way that made him uncomfortable.
"Err, strong enough I suppose, Let's get it over with" Ken motioned Arthur forward towards Gort's heavy form. Arthur swooped smoothly and lifted Gort onto Kens back, showing strength Ken didn't know he possessed. Despite his surprise, Ken was angry however.
"Why do I have to carry him!"? Ken exclaimed, "It was your idea remember!"
"Why, old buddy, one of us has too, and I'll carry him on the way back, I promise." Arthur declared smoothly. Ken thought he was a little too smooth; he didn't like Arthur one bit.
"Fine, just don't go breaking you're promises new buddy, don't burn your bridges before your first month with us is over." Ken warned, and with that the conversation stopped, and they walked towards the creek in silence.
The night was quiet, peaceful despite all the reckless adventures of the party. There was no moon, and the stars shone brightly against the pitch-black sky, their illumination was breathtaking, so was the heaviness of Gort on Ken's back.
"(Puff) (puff) Are we almost there yet?" Ken asked breathlessly.
"Almost, Just around the next bend, hang in there old buddy." Arthur said mildly, but Ken swore he sensed a certain mocking tone in his voice. Wearily Ken drudged on, hoping his "old buddy" Arthur was telling the truth.
He wasn't, telling the truth that is, it must have been another whole kilometer before they reached Arthur's "creek" Ken thought furiously. This was no time for jokes.
"Good! Here we are, down with him now." Arthur said lightheartedly.
"Ya, well, at least I don't have to carry him back!" Ken said joyously, happy to rid himself of Gort's burden, and even happier yet that Arthur was the one to take him the long journey back, or at least what seems to be a long journey.
Arthur dragged Gort to the waterline, and motioned for Ken to come over and help him. Reluctantly Ken moved forward. Arthur dragged Gort into the water feet first, it looked deeper than Ken had expected. Then Arthur shrieked!
"HELP EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! SOMETHING HAS MY LEG!!! KEN PULL ME OUT!!!"
"Oh my goodness!!!" Ken panicked, and reached frantically for Arthur's hand. But before he could pull him out, Arthur pulled him in!
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!" Ken screamed. As he struggled above the water, (he never was much of a swimmer) Ken opened his eyes to see Arthur laughing hysterically. Ken boiled in rage, what was Arthur thinking!
"What are you doing? Who do you think you are! Mister Jokes or something! Well I'll tell you something Arthur, I don't like you, and nobody else does either!" Ken spewed angrily. Arthur stared at him, truly surprised; this wasn't the reaction he had anticipated!
"What's with you tonight? I'm just trying to have a little fun, you're taking everything too seriously." Arthur said gently, his flaxen hair shining in the starlight. Ken brow furrowed and he looked as though he was about to attack Arthur with words, but then his look softened, and he thought for a moment. Maybe Arthur is right, he hasn't really done anything out of the ordinary, nothing that I wouldn't pull on someone myself, now that I think about it. I must just be upset about the whole Tao Hans thing, and that's why I can't take a joke. And I don't think he met any harm, I should be thankful he's here. He could be a pretty good guy.
"I'm sorry, I just haven't been myself tonight. Did you hear about what happened?
"No, unless you're talking about the Gort think, speaking of Gort, maybe we should take him out of the water now." Arthur said straining his voice to sound lighthearted, but the undertones of it seemed dark. Ken forced a laugh, and said,
"I guess so, he is looking pretty water logged!" They dragged Gort from the water and laid him to rest on the grass, amazingly he was still sleeping soundly!
"Let's go back in the water, it was nice there, we can talk for a while if you want Ken, I think you need someone to talk to. Arthur said in a concerned matter.
"Well, I feel really ashamed, I don't know what you'll think of me after you hear what I did, but I guess everyone will find out anyways, so you might as well find out from me." Ken sighed, and forced himself to go on, "I dunno if you know about it, but I really like Tao, and she was well, involved with Hans, as you probably know. But, she liked me more than him anyways. So she agreed to meet me tonight in the pantry. I got Luke to guard the door in case Hans came. But Luke couldn't keep Hans from coming in, and he caught us, and he went crazy! He tried to shoot me with his arrows, but I moved just in time, and then he left, and I don't think he's coming back." Ken choked back a tear; he never thought he was that kind of person.
"Wellllllll…." Arthur breathed in slowly, digesting all he'd heard. "That was probably a mistake, but don't worry about it, Han's will get over it, he knew it was coming, and if he doesn't come back, well, we can only hope he's getting along happily somewhere else. Is Tao angry with you too?"
"I don't know, I didn't have a chance to talk to her about it. She was casting that sleep spell right after our incident. I hope not, everyone is going to be mad at me once they find out. I couldn't make it without any support." Ken sighed; it felt good to tell someone about his problems. Arthur looked at Ken reassuringly.
"Well, don't worry, I'm on your side." Arthur patted him on the back. Ken emerged from the water and shivered from the cool air. Arthur followed him. Ken lifted Gort with considerable struggle and hoisted him onto Arthur's back, the two trotted back to HQ, and between them there was an unspoken truce, and a new friendship.
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Dearest log,
I see that is how Dirk used to address this log of events, for the record this is now Lowe writing, since Dirk was changed by that nasty bang on the head he neglected his log, recognizing it's historical value, Anri and myself decided to salvage it and continue his writings, until he becomes well enough to resume them. That is, if he gets better. Reading through what he has written, I have noticed that he likes to add his own personal touch, his feeling so to say, and I will try to do the same, for it definitely adds to the "feel" of the events recorded thus far. Although I have to say Dirk, I don't exactly appreciate that comment about how sneaky and gossipy I am, ah well, perhaps it's all true. About a 2 weeks has past since the infamous promotion party, and there are many events to record, starting with the morning after: Everyone but Ken and Arthur was very drowsy, being made that way by Tao's sleep spell. Dirk wasted no time in showing everyone his new image, he ordered everyone to run 15 miles before breakfast. Nobody was going to do it until Dirk pulled his blade on Mae, the first one to object, that's when we realized he meant business! After that strenuous exercise, we had to do more training; in fact, we had not a minute to ourselves the whole day until late that night! And that's when the talk of where Hans was began. (Dirk and Gort had disappeared for some late night boozing at this time) Eventually the story of Tao's infidelity to Han's was revealed to the force, not that it was really a shock to anyone, and they had all seen it coming for a long time they said. Most of em were supportive of Tao, and Ken, Luke was the only one who found himself friendless, he being the betrayer of both Ken and Hans' confidences. I have only counted the days from when Hans disappeared, dreading the day he returns to carry out his threats of revenge on Ken, and Luke as it seems. Mae has been in a huff ever since Dirk dropped her, and she hasn't found anyone new, yet. Dirk, yes Dirk, he is causing more troubles in the force than we ever had before, with his newfound ideals of training and labor. He has turned everyone in the force against him, excepting Anri, Gort, and myself. Gort because now him and Dirk are two of the same kind, Anri because she holds love for him, and myself because I stand true in my faith he will return to his normal self again. True, we've become a better army physically, but we have lost so much faith in our leader, that it hardly seems worth it. The only one of us who is bold enough to speak out against him is hardy Diane, who is incidentally, the only one of us Dirk seems to respect at all. Dirk has lost all respect for almost every thing these days, including Diane's most strongly pushed article, women's liberation. I think Dirk discriminates against the ladies of our force just to spite her really, and boy, does she burn up! They have so many heated arguments; it's amazing that our weapons don't melt! Golly, I wish for just one day of peace! Dirk has also, as I mentioned, become somewhat of a drunk, after his new mentor Gort. It's ironic that Dirk, who was so against Gort's excessive drinking before, has become his new bar buddy. Ah well, everything will turn out fine soon enough, I hold true to my prayers, and that, oh log, is all I can do.
Lowe hid the log in his satchel, and rested his head on it; I wonder what will happen tomorrow? He wondered sleepily, but before the possibilities started rolling through his head he was fast asleep.
"WAKE UP!!! ALL OF YOU USELESS SLOBS WAKE UP!!!" Came Dirk's booming wakeup call, it was 5:30, and most of the shining force had only a few hours of rest to their name. Sleepily they arose, knowing that hesitance would only cause them more problems, only Mae wasn't up by 5:35.
"Yur lil whore isn't up yet," Gort spoke to Dirk, "Betta go git er."
"MAE!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Dirk screamed at the top of his lungs, and angry and frustrated Mae rose from her bedding.
"You listen to me Dirk, and you listen good, I'm tired of the way you've been treating us lately, you think you can walk all over us, but I tell you it's no good. We need our rest if you expect us to fight at all! These early mornings have got to end, or at least dismiss us earlier than 11 o'clock, so we have time to retire at a descent hour!" Mae spoke defiantly, the rest of the force gaped at her in awe, what would happen!
Dirk scowled at Mae impatiently, damn women, always wanting more than they deserve, especially that one…
"You get what you deserve! If you didn't fail so often during training, perhaps you would have more time to your self. How do you expect to win against Runefaust if you fight the way you do now?" Dirk retorted angrily. Mae spat back her words quickly and venomously.
"How hypocritical you are! You yourself are worse than some of the Runefaust minions! You drink, your disagreeable, and your violent. I don't even want to look at you anymore, to think I once loved you."
"You never loved me! You only used me like you use all men, and don't try to argue it, just for your defiance and slothfulness, all the female members will take over all the maintenance duties from the male members for the next week." Dirk spewed cruelly, his hotheaded temper getting the best of him again, as it had many times since he "changed". Diane who had been listening tight lipped through out the whole argument, jumped in to defend herself and her gender.
"What are you talking about? That is so unfair, you are punishing us unjustly. When someone does something wrong they deserve to be reprimanded themselves, their mistake shouldn't be pinned on others just because they share something as simple as gender with the perpetrator!" She spoke hotly, simmering with anger at a man who in her opinion didn't deserve to lead such great talent as was found in the "shining force". As far as she was concerned as long as he was with them, the force wasn't really shiny at all, but tarnished by poor leadership and bad habits. Dirk, who was obviously impatient with dealing with Mae already, was unhappy with the points Diane brought up.
"You women are all alike, I might as well punish you all, since you're all in on it together, I just know it." Dirk swayed slightly from side to side as he spoke, he's probably getting drunk already, Diane thought to herself disgustedly.
" Unjustified suspicions, they mean nothing. And besides what exists in your mind, none of the other females but Mae did anything wrong, we were all up on time. We deserve nothing but fair treatment with the males. And if you aren't prepared to give us that, you will meet more trouble than you ever anticipated." Diane shot back coolly, the other members looked at her with awe and respect, admiring the levelheaded way she was handling Dirk.
"Aww, what could a bunch of girls do to me?" Dirk laughed off Diane's threats, which wasn't really a wise thing to do.
"A lot more than you reckon buddy, don't underestimate me, or the others. You'll see soon enough the power of people when convinced to revolt from the control of an oppressive leader like your self. Watch your self." With that Diane stalked off, heading towards Nova's room at HQ, she had a few words to exchange with him. Dirk was laughing at her, he was the only one, the others were all solemn, never doubting her promises for a second, they had all thought of revolt these past few days, but nobody had had the strength to put it in words like Diane did. They all admired her for that. Nobody spoke to Dirk like that, nobody. Excepting maybe Mae, but still, that was more for her own selfish purposes than for everyone's good. Dirk was still chuckling to himself, rather insanely really, and he left them all to talk amongst themselves while he went to go fetch the breakfast from Nova.
"Wow! Diane really showed him didn't she fellows!" Tao said wide-eyed. Ken answered her,
"She sure did, ya know, I've been thinking…" He trailed off.
"About what old buddy?" Arthur prompted him.
"I've been thinking that maybe it's time the shining force got a new leader." Ken mused.
"Ya know, maybe you're right, but who would it be?" Balbaroy joined their conversation, something he didn't usually do, he was usually found talking only to his wife Amon. Ken, who was struck by the fact the large birdman was talking to him, struggled for words.
"W-well, I-I'm not sure who really, maybe well, what about Nova?" Ken finished weakly. Arthur pondered that for a moment, but before he had a chance to speak Tao offered her opinion.
"No sillies, Nova couldn't do it, he is too old for battling remember? A leader needs to instruct us off and on the field, I think it should be you Ken. No really, your well liked, you know your strategy well, and you have no "terrible" habits, and plus, anyone is better than "he" is." Tao slapped Ken playfully on the back and she winked at him. He was taken aback, embarrassed by her lavish review of him. Arthur seemed to like the suggestion,
"Let's hear it for Ken as leader!" He shouted, cheers of approval chimed through the hall. Lowe approached the subject gently.
"L-l-let's not be t-t-too hasty, D-d-dirk will c-c-come around s-s-soon enough. J-j-just give him t-t-time."
"But it could take years!" Someone yelled out.
"N-n-no, I have a f-f-feeling that h-he will b-b-be b-back to normal very s-s-s-soon." Lowe said assuredly. The crowd wasn't convinced however; Arthur struck a bargain with Lowe.
"Well, we'll give him another month, no more, no less, and if he hasn't come around by then Ken will be our new leader." Lowe considered this carefully, and then decided that it was a feasible enough plan and made this proposition.
"Alright, I-If Dirk has not improved any i-i-in one months t-t-time, Ken will become our f-f-fearless leader, a-all if f-f-favor say a-aye," A loud almost unanimous cry or "AYE!" Filled the air, Lowe continued in the customary way, "All opposed say nay!"
"Nay." Came Gort's booming voice from the corner, Lowe trembled, but continued as confidently as he could.
"Well s-s-since only one p-p-party is opposed, the suggestion will p-p-p-pass." Lowe stuttered. Cheers went throughout the group, Ken blushed, and this wasn't exactly how he imagined everything to work out! Ken noticed that Gort was sneaking silently away from them; no doubt he's going to go find Dirk and tell him the new developments Ken thought grimly. Oh well, let him tell him everything, what can he do anyways? Ken smiled to himself and turned his attention to Tao.
"Tao, do you really think I'd be a good leader?" He asked her thoughtfully.
"Of course I do, would I lie to you honey?" She smiled prettily; Ken thought he saw honesty in her eyes so he let the matter drop. He wanted to kiss her, to tell her he loved her, but he couldn't, in fact whenever their eyes met all he could feel was guilt, guilt for destroying Hans. In a way he wondered if it would be better if I hadn't meddled with things like this. If I can't make good decisions now, why would I if I were the leader? Oh, I hope Dirk turns back to normal, I couldn't take the responsibility! I just know I couldn't. Ken though dismally, he saw everyone was still merry, talking about how things will be in a month, and then Dirk came back, his arms were full of fruit and bread for their breakfasts. He looked red with anger.
"KEN!!! I NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU!" Dirk bellowed, his voice reverberated throughout the entire room; Ken cringed and walked over to Dirk meekly. Dirk's dirty face was twisted with jealousy and anger; Ken remembered how he used to think Dirk was handsome, now he thought he was down right ugly! He pulled Ken viciously away from the group and began to spoke in a strained whisper.
"What's going on, Gort tells me that you've been wanting my leadership!"
"W-well, there was talk that we should have a new leader, and someone volunteered me, and we decided that if you didn't turn back to normal in a month I-I-I would take the job." Ken cringed; he wondered how Dirk would react to his band turning on him. Dirks face contorted in pain. Ken almost felt a touch of pity for him, if he didn't deserve what he got so much. The Dirk straightened up and strode proudly to the center of the room, showing confidence Ken was amazed he had. He looked around the room for a moment, and everyone anticipated a screaming fest on Dirks part, instead he spoke calmly and charismatically.
"It appears that you have tired of my leadership, but I ask you, where would you be without me? Not far, remember, we all have to work hard if we are to defeat Runefaust, that's why we train day and night," Dirk rambled on and on giving what he considered to be a "inspirational" speech. Ken had to admit the "new" Dirk could be charming when he wanted to, he wondered if the shining force would pick up the lies he was telling, or if they would reject them and still want him as leader. Finally Dirks smooth talk was over and he stopped and turned to Ken.
"And, because our old buddy Ken wanted to destroy the force from the inside out, he will join the females on maintenance duty." Everyone started chuckling at the last turn of events. Ken's mind was reeling, had he missed something? I mean really, destroying the force from the inside out? Had he turned them all against him? Ken blushed and mumbled a feeble "yes sir" Satisfied that he had made a wrong right, Dirk strutted out of the room. Ken walked over to the fruit basket, as he chewed his apple, he thought to himself, today is going to be a loooooonnnnnngggggggggg day!
The last few days have been very hectic, but we made our way through them. I am particularly tired, because I've been on maintenance duty, but otherwise I'm fine. Or, at least my physical self is fine. I am mentally exhausted however, dealing with Dirk is very trying. I try to be patient, I try to remember what he was like before…but I fear he will never be the same again (oh, and by the way this is Anri) We are shocked at a turn of events, Dirk has decided that we are now working for profit only, not just for the cause of good, and light. It's a wonder his rule has not been "overruled" yet. Diane is another problem, I mean, I'm all for her cause and all, but she only gets us in trouble with Dirk. Oh, and of course there is Gort, he is drinking more than ever now! What's worse is Dirk has joined him, of course he isn't quite at Gort's level yet, but he's getting there. I think Gort is only being friends with Dirk to gain his role as commander, I wish I could warn Dirk, but he gives me no regard, ever. It breaks my heart, I did sort of have a little girls crush on him before he changed, maybe that's why I have so much faith he will change, when everyone but Lowe has given up hope. Oh and of course Mae is acting up again, she doesn't take Dirk's rejection very well, I mean he was so infatuated with her, and then in less than 5 minutes he wasn't remotely interested! Oh log, life is so confusing! Hans hasn't returned, Luke is very jumpy lately, he's worried about when Hans does come back, after betraying Hans and all, he doesn't want to face him. I guess things will be ok, we are going to get the moonstone from the quarry tomorrow, and with any luck we will be able to make some luner dew to cure a wolfman named Zylo from his madness, perhaps we will have a new member soon enough! Well, since we have that battle tomorrow, I should probably go now, write you soon.
Anri tucked the log away into her cloak and snuck into the sleeping quarters, they were supposed to be retired by now. Tao was waiting alone for her.
"Anri," Tao whispered, her eyes haunted by something. "I think I'm going crazy!" Her small frame quivered with fear, Anri reached forward to comfort her, but Tao jumped back from her embrace. "Don't touch me! It could be contagious." Tao's eyes grew wide with fear. Anri smiled and reassured her gently.
"Don't worry about it, I'm it isn't, if you truly are plagued with a disease of the mind, then I don't have to worry, it generally isn't contagous. So come, tell me why you think you're going mad?" Tao hesitated, then came closer to Anri.
"Let's go somewhere…more private, the pantry perhaps, that's where it all began after all." She walked depressedly towards the pantry, Anri began to piece things together. She must be feeling guilty Anri rationalized, that's it. She followed the twists and turns of headquarters in the dark shadows of the night. Anri shivered, she felt a presence in the air, as if she and Tao were not truly alone in the corridors. She swallowed and took a deep breath, telling herself it was only the spooky atmosphere that made her feel this way, of course, that was the reason. She shrugged of the feeling and was surprised to discover they had reached the pantries heavy wood door. Tao sat down on a crate of apples and rearranged her skirts, Anri sat down across from her on a crate of oranges. Tao turned to Anri and spoke quietly.
"It's like this, ever since that night, the night of the promotion party, I've been hearing voices." She started shaking with grieve. Anri reached out to comfort her.
"Please continue, don't worry so much, I can only help you, mages honor!" Anri forced a weak smile. Tao pursed her lips and continued.
"Well, I'll be trying to go to sleep, and then i hear him, I hear Hans! Like he's right there in the room next to me, and things are like they were before, before...you know." She broke off and waited for Anri's response, eager to know if her friend thought she was crazy or not. Anri looked away thoughtfully for a moment then turned back to Tao.
"When you hear, these, these voices, is it aloud? Or is it inside your head?"
"It's aloud, but quiet enough that no one else will hear unless they are awake too."
"I see, I don't think this is all inside your head at all, but first, where does the voice seem to come from?"
"It feels like it's coming from below me at times, and other times from above, it depends on the night, but it never moves around on one occasion." Tao was beginning to calm down, she settled back on her crate. Anri mused over the information carefully; she wasn't the type who jumped to conclusions. She paused and then spoke again.
"I don't think you are imagining it, I think," she hesitated then went on, "that it is really Hans who is speaking to you."
"Thank goodness you don't think I'm loony! But why is he doing this do u suppose?" Tao questioned, obviously relieved.
"Hmm, it seems questionable that he is in his right mind, he's probably trying to scare you, or else he is trying to be near you. I don't know, he could also be trying to make you feel guilty."
"He doesn't need to make me feel that way, I do that myself." Tao responded glumly. Her pink hair fell over her eyes as she started to weep with regret, Anri felt terrible for her.
"Come, you need your rest, don't worry, maybe the voices will go away! And if they don't, just try to ignore them, you need to get on with your life, even if Hans can't."
Anri led Tao back to the sleeping quarters and they both drifted off in to detached,worried slumber.
(2 weeks later)
"So, if we want to defeat the laser eye, we are going to use extensive strategy." Dirk began the conversation, the Shining Force was discussing battle plans around the large bonfire.
"Ya! We need to send one or two decoys to bring the enemy down, the laser eye doesn't distinguish between Runefaust and "they enemy". Therefore we can use the laser eye's power to our advantage." Gort contributed some of his wide military knowledge with abnormal soberness for him.
"That's a great idea! But who will it be? I wouldn't want to stand face to face with the laser eye, if someone couldn't get back in time……." Ken asked nervously, he didn't like to see his old buddies used as bait. The faces of the rest of the group fell slightly, each considering the dire consequence of using this plan. Dirk broke the silence.
"Lowe, you will do it. Honestly, you aren't much help to us anyways, at least you can do this job." Lowe shifted uncomfortably, even though he knew he wasn't of much use anymore, he still didn't like to hear it said. Lowe screamed inside at the danger of his task, and luckily for him, Ken came to his aid.
"C'mon Dirk, don't send Lowe, he isn't fast enough to escape when the laser eye starts to fire. I'll do it, send me!" Dirk's face remained hardened, unchanged in the crackling fire light.
"No, we need you to lead the attack on the silver knights, Lowe will do it. There is nothing more to discuss, let's move on to the defensive lineup." Lowe didn't appreciate Dirk's coldness towards him, but he reminded himself that Dirk wasn't the person he used to be.
Then Lowe's ears sharpened, he heard a rustling in the bushes!
"There's something in the b-b-b-b-b-bushes!" Lowe said, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Shut up Lowe, we're trying to figure out how we will survive the battle tomorrow, keep your stupid observations to your self" Gort replied harshly, no body really wanted to hear Lowe at this time.
"B-b-b-but you guys, there's something in the b-b-b-b-bushes!!!" Lowe was almost screaming in terror now. Ken sighed,
"Fine old buddy, I'll go check it out if it makes you feel better." Ken rose stiffly and approached the tree line, suddenly, a stealthy figure emerged from the shadows! It was Hans!
"Nice, to see you again old buddy, have you missed me?" Han's sneered, his evil twisted grin gave Ken the beejeebers. Ken backed away nervously.
"What's the matter old buddy, are you scared? Well this time I won't miss!" Hans drew back his arrow, and pointed it directly at Ken's heart, Ken gasped in shock.
"We'll see who has the last laugh, HA HA HA HA!" Hans cackled, his features contorted in the fire-light. Ken's heart stopped, what could he do? The others gaped in shock, unmoving they watched the scene of revenge unfold. Just as Hans was about to force the steel elven arrow into Kens heart, Tao jumped up, and her hands began to move through the pattern of some spell. Seconds later, Hans collapsed in a deep, unnatural sleep. Ken exhaled slowly, recovering from his near escape from death.
What will happen? Will the shining force let Hans back into their forces? Will they survive the laser eye? Will Dirk ever turn back to his true self? Will they ever complete their quest? Find out in chapter 4, coming soon.