The journey to Geffen seemed to drag on and on. Barely able to rest, Myria
was forced to follow Tier through the never ending forests and across the
monster filled land. One particular morning, Myria came across a very
peculiar looking monster. Playing a soft music from it's violin, the
monster hopped across the clearing. Looking down at Tier, Myria crept off
to follow the monster and marveled at its music.
When Tier awoke, he felt something was wrong. His eyes flung open and instantly he saw that Myria was missing. The clearing was empty of any other creature, man or monster. Where could she have gone?
"Myria! Myria, where in the world are you?" Tier shouted.
"Stupid girl. I should have known that girl would go off somewhere. Probably lost by now."
Just as Tier had suspected, Myria was lost. She had followed the Rocker all the way across the clearing and into the forest. Before she knew it though, the Rocker had stopped in its track and a bright light issued forth from the monster. Opening her eyes, Myria was shocked to find at least six Rockers looking at her. Not knowing what to do, Myria crept into a hollow beside the rock and a large tree, trying to hide from all the Rockers.
Tier looked for clues as to where Myria had gone. Looking through the supplies, he packed a large amount of herbs and potions and got his equipments ready, if he was to find Myria, he would have to do it fast or someone else, or something else will.
"Help! Somebody please help!"
Dodging an attack from the Rockers, Myria ran. They were too fast for her though, the back of her shirt was ripped and she was bleeding heavily. The tiny flames that dashed forth from her arms did no harm to the Rockers and instead angered them even more. Desperately trying to trick them into thinking that she had a weapon, Myria reached into her nap sack. Before she can pull out her hands though, a she tripped and fell. The Rockers encircled her and Myria helplessly laid waiting for her death. Suddenly a large lightning bolt struck the lead Rocker. Each one of the Rockers went into a frenzy. In the confusion, Myria felt strong arms wrapped around her and she fell into unconsciousness.
Through her sleepless dreams, she felt a voice calling to her. Unknowingly, she grabbed the arm of Tier in her sleep and dreamt on. Looking down at the red haired girl, Tier could only mumble his discontent. The growing anger within him made him feel too hot. There were some things that were meant to be done, and some things that were just too stupid. Perhaps he should have let the girl die? She was too much of a nuisance. Already he was late behind schedule. Whatever made him agree to take her on? Was it the way her hair reminded him of her?
Closing his eyes, Tier dreamt about another woman. A woman from his past. A woman who had taught him his magic, someone who he cared for and is forever searching to find again. This woman held the key to a part of his memory in which he himself could not remember. There were things to be done, he must find her.
The next morning, Myria opened her eyes and saw that the sun was shining brightly. She sat in the shade looking around. Where was she? Tenderly, Myria felt the wounds on her legs and arms. She gasped when she felt a large bruise that ran from the back of shoulders to the end of her elbow. Standing up, she gingerly ran a finger along her wounds, sizing up the damage done. Realizing that most of the wounds were being treated with certain herbs, she knew that someone had saved her and that someone was most likely Tier. But where did Tier go?
Using the many years of training from their grandmother and Aeron, Myria studied the forest floor. Someone was sitting next to her last night. There were marks indicating that they had gone off towards the west. Studying the marks more closely, Myria began to track the person. Finally, her search led her to the edge of the desert. Staring off in the distance, Myria saw a tiny speck in the horizon. Panicking that she would lose the sight of her savior, Myria began running. She ran with all the speed that she could and hoped to catch up. The mid morning sun shone brightly and soon she began feeling hot. Myria slowed down. This was hopeless; there was no way that she could possibly catch up with the person in this smoldering heat. There must be some shade around.
Suddenly a large PecoPeco started squealing in the distance. What was going on? Looking down, she realized that she had accidentally stepped on an egg. Scared, Myria knew subconsciously that the egg used to belong to the PecoPeco. There was no way that she could back away from the large bird. She was going to die after all. Honking loudly, the PecoPeco flapped its wings and ran after Myria. Heading towards her one time savior, Myria ran for her life. Occasionally looking up, she saw that the person in front of her was heading backwards. Myria thought, 'help was on the way. If only I can run a little faster.'
Her thoughts were interrupted when suddenly she felt the beak rip into her clothes. Myria's left arm felt numb and alarmed, Myria fell to the ground. Before the PecoPeco could strike however, a large fireball flew through the air and surrounded the PecoPeco. Lifting Myria off the ground, Tier sent a couple more fireballs until the PecoPeco lay unconscious on the ground, its feathers mostly burnt away. Picking up what was left of her belongings, Tier led Myria's tired body towards a small palm tree. Sitting under the shade, Tier looked at the girl. Her shirt was in shreds, the knapsack she carried was half torn off her belt and her arms bleeding profusely. Feeling slightly guilty, Tier took off his robe and covered her body. Taking out what was left of his herbs, he crushed it in his mouth and smoldered the paste all over her new wounds. Gasping in pain, Myria tried to fight him off, but she eventually fell against him in utter exhaustion. The pain had subsided but her tired body could no longer take it. She once again fell asleep, holding the sleeves of Tier's robe with a deathly grip.
Night came swiftly and the hot climate changed to one of great cold. Tier looked at the still sleeping Myria. Her wounds were healing quite fast and he estimated that she would come around soon. Wrapped in a blanket, he slowly removed Myria's hands from his arm and rummaged through his bag. He had only a apple, two bottles of milk and a loaf of bread left. There was even less water. Sighing, he went about to looking for any fire wood. It was going to get even colder. Soon, Tier had a fire going and the magical flame licked at the scarce supply of wood but burnt nevertheless. With his magic ebbing, Tier tried to regain his energy and drank some milk. Finally, he couldn't stand watch any longer and fell in a deep sleep. Leaning against a nearby tree, a young man watched in amusement.
The next morning, Myria awoke and was startled to find that the fire was still burning, even without any wood. Looking at the magical fire with curiosity, Myria crawled closer. Feeling the burning heat of the fire on her face was uncomfortable but curiosity took a strong hold of her. Reaching a finger out, she was about to touch the flame when suddenly Tier pushed her aside and glared at her.
Moaning in pain, Myria grabbed her injured arm and looked at Tier in fright.
"What was that for?" she whined.
"That is a magical flame. Where there is magic involved, you do not ever touch the flame unless otherwise told to do so, do you understand?"
"Why the bloody hell not?"
Surprised that Myria had resolved to swearing, Tier sat back down and with a hand wiped it across the fire. Suddenly the fire froze and turned into ice. The ice sent off a large wave of coolness which helped to relieve them of the desert heat.
"Don't you understand? It's the simplest thing. The fire burns and will consume anything that touches it." Looking at Myria sternly he added, "Your hand could have been burnt severely. This ice for instance, is also magical. If you were to touch it, you might have been turned into an ---"
Before he could finish, he realized that Myria was not paying attention but was picking up twigs from a nearby small tree. Annoyed, Tier walked up to her. "Why don't you ever listen? Why aren't you trying to learn?"
Surprised at the anger within his voice, she looked up at him, "I'm just one to listen when I've had breakfast. Anyways, I already know what you're going to say, so you can save your breath."
Unable to take it anymore, Tier brushed off his hands and began to pack up. Leaving her the food rations, Tier started walking away from the camp site.
"Hey Tier! Where are you going?" Alarmed, Myria started to pack up her stuff too.
Looking back, Tier shook his head and said, "You're not coming with me. I'm not going to be walking with you anymore. You have the map, I left you all the food and you have your knowledge. I'm sure you'll do better without me, as I'll do better without you!"
Myria limped after Tier. Her arms hurt, as she tried to carry all her items. The things that were not needed, she left on the ground. Tier was fast, he was strong and rested, while Myria was wounded and still healing. There was no way that she could have followed him. Myria's feet started to slow down and she cursed herself for having been injured. Clinging to a last hope, Myria started lifting her legs and running.
"Tier! Tier! Please don't go. Don't leave me!"
The figure walking away from her did not even look back. Myria's last hopes were dashed as she tripped and fell flat on her face. The sand scrubbed against her already bruised cheek and with the last of her strength, Myria tried to lift herself up. Gasping in pain, she cried out when her arms scraped against the harsh floor. Looking up, she saw that Tier still had not stopped and was walking away faster. Her eyes teared up and she felt a strong feeling of defeat. She issued out a small cry and she dropped her head to the ground. Tears ran from her eyes in torrents while her body shook with each spasm. The pain that she felt no longer mattered to her, she was going to die here and she would never be able to see her parents; never be able to see her brother or fulfill her dreams of becoming a mage. Her grandmother's wishes, her hopes were all dashed. There was no future for her now.
In her depression, Myria felt like she was the tiniest spot of dust amongst the universe's vastness. Her insignificance meant that even if she died, there would be no change. But in all her depressed state, she saw through her moisture filled eyes, the shadow crossing the vast sand. Soon, she felt cloth brush against her body and she saw a hand reach outwards towards her.
"Get up."
Glancing upwards, Myria saw Tier frown at her. Taking her knapsack, he pulled her up. Brushing the sand off herself, Myria started, "Tier...I'm sorry." Wiping the tears from her eyes, she held onto his arm, as if it was enough to protect her.
"I don't want to hear about it. Let's go. It's getting late."
Following Tier, Myria thought about the times when her father and mother would comfort her whenever she cried. She remembered when their family was together and they had the best of times. The man before her didn't show any of that kindness. He deliberately was distant to her and he constantly reminded her that he was doing her a favor. Tier would not show her the kindness that she had expected. She mustn't cry like a child anymore. It was time to appear more grown up. Maybe then, he'll treat her more nicely.
Contemplating on this, Myria walked faster and soon walked side by side with Tier. "Tier..."
"No talking."
"Tier. You can't do this. I can't stand this."
"Then leave!"
This was useless. The man was cold. Yet something about him intrigued her when she first met him. He had a side of him that remained mysterious to her. Believing that she could change the man, Myria decided to deal with Tier in her own way.
That day, they hiked across the desert in silence. Once they meet any Pickys, Myria would be in charge of getting rid of them while, Tier dealt with the more difficult monsters like the PecoPecos. Taking care to not get in the way, Myria did as she was told and followed Tier with a graveness.
As night came, Myria concentrated on igniting a spark. As a novice, she could not do much but her grandmother...her grandmother had taught her before how to open up her heart and allow the magic in. Perhaps she could do it? Myria felt the fire within her start to spark. It swirled within her like a lazy bear just waking up. Her hands trembled with the effort. Suddenly a large flame sprung forth and Myria screamed as her clothes caught on fire.
Tier ran from around the trees and shock filled his face, but after that momentary pause, Tier quickly ran forward and ice shot out of his staff. The fire froze and immediately, the ice melted into water. The two elements merged and Myria was left wet, but safe. Crying, she held onto Tier's hand, thanking him profusely. Shaking her off, he glared at the unfortunate girl.
"How could you be so stupid to play with magic? Do you know that if I hadn't come along, that fire would have consumed you? Magic fires do not stop burning until the magic caster allows it to stop. Do you understand? You would have died!"
"I know now....I do..." cried Myria. She fell to the ground in exhaustion and looked up at Tier. "I'm sorry."
When Tier awoke, he felt something was wrong. His eyes flung open and instantly he saw that Myria was missing. The clearing was empty of any other creature, man or monster. Where could she have gone?
"Myria! Myria, where in the world are you?" Tier shouted.
"Stupid girl. I should have known that girl would go off somewhere. Probably lost by now."
Just as Tier had suspected, Myria was lost. She had followed the Rocker all the way across the clearing and into the forest. Before she knew it though, the Rocker had stopped in its track and a bright light issued forth from the monster. Opening her eyes, Myria was shocked to find at least six Rockers looking at her. Not knowing what to do, Myria crept into a hollow beside the rock and a large tree, trying to hide from all the Rockers.
Tier looked for clues as to where Myria had gone. Looking through the supplies, he packed a large amount of herbs and potions and got his equipments ready, if he was to find Myria, he would have to do it fast or someone else, or something else will.
"Help! Somebody please help!"
Dodging an attack from the Rockers, Myria ran. They were too fast for her though, the back of her shirt was ripped and she was bleeding heavily. The tiny flames that dashed forth from her arms did no harm to the Rockers and instead angered them even more. Desperately trying to trick them into thinking that she had a weapon, Myria reached into her nap sack. Before she can pull out her hands though, a she tripped and fell. The Rockers encircled her and Myria helplessly laid waiting for her death. Suddenly a large lightning bolt struck the lead Rocker. Each one of the Rockers went into a frenzy. In the confusion, Myria felt strong arms wrapped around her and she fell into unconsciousness.
Through her sleepless dreams, she felt a voice calling to her. Unknowingly, she grabbed the arm of Tier in her sleep and dreamt on. Looking down at the red haired girl, Tier could only mumble his discontent. The growing anger within him made him feel too hot. There were some things that were meant to be done, and some things that were just too stupid. Perhaps he should have let the girl die? She was too much of a nuisance. Already he was late behind schedule. Whatever made him agree to take her on? Was it the way her hair reminded him of her?
Closing his eyes, Tier dreamt about another woman. A woman from his past. A woman who had taught him his magic, someone who he cared for and is forever searching to find again. This woman held the key to a part of his memory in which he himself could not remember. There were things to be done, he must find her.
The next morning, Myria opened her eyes and saw that the sun was shining brightly. She sat in the shade looking around. Where was she? Tenderly, Myria felt the wounds on her legs and arms. She gasped when she felt a large bruise that ran from the back of shoulders to the end of her elbow. Standing up, she gingerly ran a finger along her wounds, sizing up the damage done. Realizing that most of the wounds were being treated with certain herbs, she knew that someone had saved her and that someone was most likely Tier. But where did Tier go?
Using the many years of training from their grandmother and Aeron, Myria studied the forest floor. Someone was sitting next to her last night. There were marks indicating that they had gone off towards the west. Studying the marks more closely, Myria began to track the person. Finally, her search led her to the edge of the desert. Staring off in the distance, Myria saw a tiny speck in the horizon. Panicking that she would lose the sight of her savior, Myria began running. She ran with all the speed that she could and hoped to catch up. The mid morning sun shone brightly and soon she began feeling hot. Myria slowed down. This was hopeless; there was no way that she could possibly catch up with the person in this smoldering heat. There must be some shade around.
Suddenly a large PecoPeco started squealing in the distance. What was going on? Looking down, she realized that she had accidentally stepped on an egg. Scared, Myria knew subconsciously that the egg used to belong to the PecoPeco. There was no way that she could back away from the large bird. She was going to die after all. Honking loudly, the PecoPeco flapped its wings and ran after Myria. Heading towards her one time savior, Myria ran for her life. Occasionally looking up, she saw that the person in front of her was heading backwards. Myria thought, 'help was on the way. If only I can run a little faster.'
Her thoughts were interrupted when suddenly she felt the beak rip into her clothes. Myria's left arm felt numb and alarmed, Myria fell to the ground. Before the PecoPeco could strike however, a large fireball flew through the air and surrounded the PecoPeco. Lifting Myria off the ground, Tier sent a couple more fireballs until the PecoPeco lay unconscious on the ground, its feathers mostly burnt away. Picking up what was left of her belongings, Tier led Myria's tired body towards a small palm tree. Sitting under the shade, Tier looked at the girl. Her shirt was in shreds, the knapsack she carried was half torn off her belt and her arms bleeding profusely. Feeling slightly guilty, Tier took off his robe and covered her body. Taking out what was left of his herbs, he crushed it in his mouth and smoldered the paste all over her new wounds. Gasping in pain, Myria tried to fight him off, but she eventually fell against him in utter exhaustion. The pain had subsided but her tired body could no longer take it. She once again fell asleep, holding the sleeves of Tier's robe with a deathly grip.
Night came swiftly and the hot climate changed to one of great cold. Tier looked at the still sleeping Myria. Her wounds were healing quite fast and he estimated that she would come around soon. Wrapped in a blanket, he slowly removed Myria's hands from his arm and rummaged through his bag. He had only a apple, two bottles of milk and a loaf of bread left. There was even less water. Sighing, he went about to looking for any fire wood. It was going to get even colder. Soon, Tier had a fire going and the magical flame licked at the scarce supply of wood but burnt nevertheless. With his magic ebbing, Tier tried to regain his energy and drank some milk. Finally, he couldn't stand watch any longer and fell in a deep sleep. Leaning against a nearby tree, a young man watched in amusement.
The next morning, Myria awoke and was startled to find that the fire was still burning, even without any wood. Looking at the magical fire with curiosity, Myria crawled closer. Feeling the burning heat of the fire on her face was uncomfortable but curiosity took a strong hold of her. Reaching a finger out, she was about to touch the flame when suddenly Tier pushed her aside and glared at her.
Moaning in pain, Myria grabbed her injured arm and looked at Tier in fright.
"What was that for?" she whined.
"That is a magical flame. Where there is magic involved, you do not ever touch the flame unless otherwise told to do so, do you understand?"
"Why the bloody hell not?"
Surprised that Myria had resolved to swearing, Tier sat back down and with a hand wiped it across the fire. Suddenly the fire froze and turned into ice. The ice sent off a large wave of coolness which helped to relieve them of the desert heat.
"Don't you understand? It's the simplest thing. The fire burns and will consume anything that touches it." Looking at Myria sternly he added, "Your hand could have been burnt severely. This ice for instance, is also magical. If you were to touch it, you might have been turned into an ---"
Before he could finish, he realized that Myria was not paying attention but was picking up twigs from a nearby small tree. Annoyed, Tier walked up to her. "Why don't you ever listen? Why aren't you trying to learn?"
Surprised at the anger within his voice, she looked up at him, "I'm just one to listen when I've had breakfast. Anyways, I already know what you're going to say, so you can save your breath."
Unable to take it anymore, Tier brushed off his hands and began to pack up. Leaving her the food rations, Tier started walking away from the camp site.
"Hey Tier! Where are you going?" Alarmed, Myria started to pack up her stuff too.
Looking back, Tier shook his head and said, "You're not coming with me. I'm not going to be walking with you anymore. You have the map, I left you all the food and you have your knowledge. I'm sure you'll do better without me, as I'll do better without you!"
Myria limped after Tier. Her arms hurt, as she tried to carry all her items. The things that were not needed, she left on the ground. Tier was fast, he was strong and rested, while Myria was wounded and still healing. There was no way that she could have followed him. Myria's feet started to slow down and she cursed herself for having been injured. Clinging to a last hope, Myria started lifting her legs and running.
"Tier! Tier! Please don't go. Don't leave me!"
The figure walking away from her did not even look back. Myria's last hopes were dashed as she tripped and fell flat on her face. The sand scrubbed against her already bruised cheek and with the last of her strength, Myria tried to lift herself up. Gasping in pain, she cried out when her arms scraped against the harsh floor. Looking up, she saw that Tier still had not stopped and was walking away faster. Her eyes teared up and she felt a strong feeling of defeat. She issued out a small cry and she dropped her head to the ground. Tears ran from her eyes in torrents while her body shook with each spasm. The pain that she felt no longer mattered to her, she was going to die here and she would never be able to see her parents; never be able to see her brother or fulfill her dreams of becoming a mage. Her grandmother's wishes, her hopes were all dashed. There was no future for her now.
In her depression, Myria felt like she was the tiniest spot of dust amongst the universe's vastness. Her insignificance meant that even if she died, there would be no change. But in all her depressed state, she saw through her moisture filled eyes, the shadow crossing the vast sand. Soon, she felt cloth brush against her body and she saw a hand reach outwards towards her.
"Get up."
Glancing upwards, Myria saw Tier frown at her. Taking her knapsack, he pulled her up. Brushing the sand off herself, Myria started, "Tier...I'm sorry." Wiping the tears from her eyes, she held onto his arm, as if it was enough to protect her.
"I don't want to hear about it. Let's go. It's getting late."
Following Tier, Myria thought about the times when her father and mother would comfort her whenever she cried. She remembered when their family was together and they had the best of times. The man before her didn't show any of that kindness. He deliberately was distant to her and he constantly reminded her that he was doing her a favor. Tier would not show her the kindness that she had expected. She mustn't cry like a child anymore. It was time to appear more grown up. Maybe then, he'll treat her more nicely.
Contemplating on this, Myria walked faster and soon walked side by side with Tier. "Tier..."
"No talking."
"Tier. You can't do this. I can't stand this."
"Then leave!"
This was useless. The man was cold. Yet something about him intrigued her when she first met him. He had a side of him that remained mysterious to her. Believing that she could change the man, Myria decided to deal with Tier in her own way.
That day, they hiked across the desert in silence. Once they meet any Pickys, Myria would be in charge of getting rid of them while, Tier dealt with the more difficult monsters like the PecoPecos. Taking care to not get in the way, Myria did as she was told and followed Tier with a graveness.
As night came, Myria concentrated on igniting a spark. As a novice, she could not do much but her grandmother...her grandmother had taught her before how to open up her heart and allow the magic in. Perhaps she could do it? Myria felt the fire within her start to spark. It swirled within her like a lazy bear just waking up. Her hands trembled with the effort. Suddenly a large flame sprung forth and Myria screamed as her clothes caught on fire.
Tier ran from around the trees and shock filled his face, but after that momentary pause, Tier quickly ran forward and ice shot out of his staff. The fire froze and immediately, the ice melted into water. The two elements merged and Myria was left wet, but safe. Crying, she held onto Tier's hand, thanking him profusely. Shaking her off, he glared at the unfortunate girl.
"How could you be so stupid to play with magic? Do you know that if I hadn't come along, that fire would have consumed you? Magic fires do not stop burning until the magic caster allows it to stop. Do you understand? You would have died!"
"I know now....I do..." cried Myria. She fell to the ground in exhaustion and looked up at Tier. "I'm sorry."