Retaw- Hi all again! Glad to see everyone's back for another chapter of
Dreams Do Come True! YAY!
All- *grumble*
Retaw- Anywho, so far, I have more reviews then chapters! Which is very good! ^___^ And also so far, no one has flamed me or given me criticism. I am HAPPY! *bounces up and down*
Retaw- Anyway, the song that gave me inspiration for this part of the story was 'One for Sorrow' by 'Steps'. ^^ That's actually the theme song for my tale, if it ever becomes a manga or anime!
Pretty Much All- *snort*
Retaw- *glare* Hey! It could happen! This story really gets into great depth and detail eventually, and it could be a very interesting series! See, it really-
Caitlin- Hey, could you please get on with the story here? I mean, hello! Still drowning!
Retaw- Oh yeah, getting to that now.
~*~*~*~
Livi- Thanks for the review again! ^_^ I'm glad the Yami's confusion of Cami came across smoothly, and not like cheese whiz. ^^; I'll give you one little piece of info, there is a BIG reason why Cami is keeping his past a secret. Hope you update soon! Ja ne!
The Happy Reviewer- ...*sigh*... -_-; I deserved that. But, see? I've updated! YAY! ^^;; Sorry again for the wait, it was all my father's fault! *points accusingly at dad* HIS FAULT I TELL YOU! HIS! AS IN NOT MINE! But, thankies for the long review! I like long reviews, makes me happy! ^___^
KAY! NOW ITS STORY TIME!
-= Bryac =-
I cursed over and over as my hands held the wheel steady. Yukio had gotten us into a position that left the boat and our lives at his own mercy. Lighting almost blinded me as it struck the dark sky, and thunder silenced any screams. I had ordered most of my men to make sure everything was tied down and to do their best to keep the boat from taking in too much water. Damn, what was taking Yoko and Gale so long to get that accursed sail up?
Taking a quick look up at the main sail, I saw Gale trying it tightly and finally managing to get it suspended. Wait, was someone else in there too? Suddenly, Darren gabbed the wheel with me and Cavamick yelled,
"HOLD ON FOR YOUR LIFE!"
I only had a split second to react, but it was just long enough to see the monster wave coming for our boat. It looked almost the size of a Tsunami! If we didn't get the sail completely attached the boat would be smashed! I squeezed the wheel and prayed that Gale could tie the sail before it was too late, and then, I felt the cold water slam onto me like a hammer.
It only lasted a few seconds of holding on, but it was a strong and violent wave that washed some of our supplies away. As soon as the first wave ended, one more came on top of us and almost washed my sword away with us. This one wasn't as strong, but lasted longer then the first. The boat leaned almost completely over to the side, but we survived the blow.
"Is everyone alright!?" I shouted to the men above the thunder. "Has anyone fallen over board!?
"Bryac!" Gale yelled from the crows nest, "Caitlin went overboard!"
"What!?" I exclaimed, instantly seeing red. "WHAT THE HELL IS SHE-"
I didn't even wait for an answer, too angry to speak anymore. Oh, she was going to PAY for this one. I let go of the boat wheel and turned to Darren.
"Take the wheel." I shouted over the rain.
Darren was thoroughly bewildered, but I didn't have time to explain. I gripped my sword and ran right to the edge of the boat, taking a running leap into the water below us, hearing in mid-air cries of confusion from a few of my men as they saw me jump off the boat into the sea. I was able to take a last breath before going under water, and when I felt myself submerged in the water, swam.
The water was so dark I could barley see anything in front of me; current so strong I barely had to swim to go down underwater. I looked frantically around for the girl who had gone under. She was down here somewhere. Her life was in my hands now, and I couldn't afford to let her down. I couldn't give up.
Then like an answer to my determination, a flash of gold was seen.
-= Caitlin =-
Of course, I panicked. The water surrounded me so quickly, and the longer I stayed under the farther down I was sinking. For the first time on the trip, if you could even call it that, I felt stupid. Totally and entirely, stupid. Why did I even bother doing this? My lungs went crazy for air inside of me, and I almost knew I was going to die. There was no way I could come back up!
Bubbles skimmed against my skin and I felt something grab onto my leg. It didn't feel like a hand, but it held me tight enough to create the illusion of being one. The hand was strong, even though it felt like nothing. It grabbed me and pulled me down further, and I couldn't struggle. I didn't have much energy or air left. The hand wrapped itself around me; I could feel nothing.
"This can't be happening..." I thought, "It just can't be...please..."
I felt a strange warmth on my chest that lighted the water enough in front of me that I could watch the last group of bubbles issue from my mouth. My body grew limp.
"Is this...really the end?"
I grew desperate for air, and opened my mouth only to be welcomed by a mouth full of salt water. My vision blurred in the swarm of dark bubbles around me.
"...help...me..."
Miraculously, I felt myself being let go of. A large blur was cutting through the darkness of the hand that grabbed me. A sudden decrease of pressure on me, and I started to float up a little.
"...what...?"
The blur took me hard by the front of my shirt and started to swim to the surface. I saw flashes of light through the dank water, and finally, I felt air on my face.
I could barely think, my mind so bogged with water. I could only cough and gulp the first breath of air that I had drank in who knows how long. My eyes were still sealed shut, and I only heard people calling for me.
"Throw them a rope!" One said. "Get them back onto the boat pronto!"
I was lifted into the air and dropped roughly onto the hard wooden floor. Someone pushed me hard on the chest and I coughed up the last remains of water in me. I was helped into sitting position, and my eyes just enough to see dancing swirls of color in front of me.
"Are you ok?" A voice asked me.
My eyes opened a little more, just to be met with the two ice blue ones in front of me. My voice still wasn't working as I hoped it would, and I could only gape at the person kneeling down next to me. It was Bryac, of all people! Bryac took his cloak off and wrapped it tightly around me so my shivering stopped. I tried to relax as I watched in awe.
Bryac, yee who had been thiest pain in thine neck, was being...gentle.
...scary.
I could see the people around me now, no one seemed to be doing any work. Weren't we in the middle of a storm? That's when I realized. It was raining a little less now, though the lighting and thunder kept going. I looked around a little and saw the see-through bubble like thing around us that was keeping out most of the rain and waves.
'That must be the shielding spell that Yoko finally activated...'
"I said, are you alright?" Bryac said again.
I jumped a little from having my thoughts disturbed, but nodded. My body was still shaking uncontrollably from being denied air for so long. "I...yes...I'm fine."
"Good." He said, getting up off the ground and helping me up as well. HE, helped ME.
...maybe I should almost drown more often.
This just can't be real. I must be dreaming. I didn't know Bryac was capable of being nice to me. There has to be a catch. I had to ask him about it.
"You...you saved me?" I stuttered, teetering on my feet.
"Sure, wasn't that hard." Then he looked straight at me and his gaze abruptly narrowed, as if just remembering something, "What the hell did you think you were doing? Coming out here and acting like you were this top sailor. Look where it ended you! You could have gotten killed!"
"Hey!" I said defensively, "I helped get the sail attached! And I DIDN'T get killed if you DO remember!"
"Yeah, thanks to me!"
"I coulda done it without you!"
"I'd like to see you try!"
"I WOULD IF YOU'D GET YOUR STUPID CLOAK OFF ME! ARE YOU *TRYING* TO GET ME KILLED! I DIDN'T DROWN SO YOU'LL CHOAK ME TO DEATH!"
"IF YOU DON'T WANT IT I'LL TAKE IT BACK!"
"FINE! THEN TAKE IT I DON'T WANT IT!"
"YOU KEEP IT I DON'T NEED IT!"
"I DON'T WANT IT!"
"WELL NEITHER DO I!"
"THEN WHAT'S THE POINT OF OWNING IT YOU BAKA!"
Everyone was just looking between Bryac and me as we argued. They'd look at me, than at him, than at me, and so on and so forth. He really has some nerve, acting all high and mighty like that. I almost died and he was still a jerk!
"THAT'S_ IT!" I yelled, "I AM GOING BACK DOWN STAIRS WITH YUGI AND RYOU!"
"FINE! YOU DO THAT! NOBODY WANTS YOU HERE ANYWAY!"
"OH IS THAT SO? THEN MAYBE I'LL STAY JUST TO ANNOY YOU ALL! YOU...YOU... SEXISTS!"
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?"
"...uh, g-guys?" Cavamick spoke, raising a finger meekly.
"WHAT!?" We both snapped in unison, turning and glaring at the poor boy.
"L-land ho." He mumbled, barely audible.
"What?" Bryac asked, still peeved, but more curious than mad at me.
"We're here." He said a little louder, pointing out on the horizon.
I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was the most breath taking thing I had ever seen. Raising just over the dark murky water, was a huge, Ancient looking town and market perched elegantly on top of endless sandy deserts. It looked like something you'd see in an Arabian Night's story! And even to top it off, because of all the rain, the sky had turned a brilliant pinkish orange color. I could only stand and watch in awe as our boat came even closer to the edge of the desert.
It was, simply amazing! Everyone ran to the edge of the boat and looked over as Gale started to shout that we had reached land. I was glad to see Thina, Yugi, and Ryou come up after hearing all the noise. Yugi and Ryou's expressions matched mine, even though Thina looked like she was still in la- la land.
"Wow!" Yugi said, leaning as far over the boat as he could get without falling.
"My god!" Ryou breathed, "It's like nothing I've ever seen before!"
"I can't wait to explore." I told them, a little quieter so Bryac wouldn't overhear.
"Oh no you don't."
Urg. What is with him! Does he have super hearing powers or something!? I turned around and BOOM! There he was! Like some demented sort of genie!
"And why not?" I asked him; not bothering to hide my still angry feeling's toward him.
"You'll get lost, and someone will just be able to pick you up and take you away." Apparently, he didn't seem to see the need to hide his feelings either.
"Hell if they can pick me up." I told him, "I bite, scratch, kick and have a nasty punch if you make me feel defensive."
"I have to keep an eye on you. Yukio's men will be everywhere and you have nothing to protect yourself with! What happens when someone pulls out a sword?"
I shrugged, "I dunno. Run?"
He grumbled at my answer and glared at me, "You are staying with me. ALL of you."
Yugi and Ryou didn't seem to be as offended by this as I was. That annoyed me even more. Don't ask me why, it just did. Bryac stayed right behind us the entire time we were pulling into the docks, and I couldn't help feeling like my personal space was being violated.
"Bryac?" Darren said suddenly from behind us. "Everyone's ready to get back onto land."
"We're coming." Bryac told him, "Go ahead."
Darren nodded and left us standing there. Now that we were closer to the village like thing, I could see that it was packed! There were people everywhere, and they were all bumping into each other! I couldn't wait to look around, and Mr. Protective won't even find out I'm gone! What Bryac doesn't know can't hurt him, can it?
I continued to plot my escape when Bryac held my shoulder and cleared his throat.
"I know what you're thinking." He informed me. "And I would advise you to not even think about it."
I blinked, and turned around to look at him. "How the heck do you know what I'm thinking about?!"
He smiled. No wait, it was more of an arrogant smirk. Figures, don't it? "After three thousand years, I've become a very good at reading minds by the type of person they are, and their reactions to different things."
"Sounds complicated." I said, "Are you in my head or not?"
Another smirk, but he decided not to answer my question, "You aren't going to be able to get away, so don't even try if you aren't after trouble."
Whoa. Now that earns the award for the freakiest thing ever said to me. He started to walk away, and Ryou and Yugi followed him. I didn't. Bryac noticed, and stopped to look at me.
"Come on." He said firmly, "I'm not in the mood to argue again."
I answered by turning my nose up and looking in the opposite direction. You know, just to bug him. "You can't control me. If you decided to ask nicely, however..."
He grabbed me by my arm, "I don't need to ask. That wasn't a suggestion. You've coming with me weather you like it or not."
"Let GO!"
He pulled harder and started to drag my across the deck. I yanked back, and though my arm started to hurt REALLY bad, I was holding my own on staying put. I wish he would just stop pulling! I HATE HIM! I HATE HIM I HATE HIM I HATE HIM I WISH HE WOULD DIEEEEE!
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!"
"STOP FIGHTING AND COME WITH ME! YOU'RE BEING A PAIN!"
"THEN I'M A PAIN! I DON'T WANT TO GO!"
"COME ON!"
"I DON'T WANT TO!!"
"YOU'RE GONNA DO IT WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!"
"IF I HAVE TO DO IT, I'M NOT GOING MY FIRST TIME WITH YOU!"
"YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE HERE!"
"Am I...interrupting something?"
We both stopped dead, and looked at the person who had spoken. Cavamick looked between the two of us and we all stood still in time for a while. Then, WHAM! Bryac let go of me so fast I lost my balance and fell onto the ground.
"HEY!"
"Soh Bryac, we're still waiting for you."
"I'm coming I'm coming." He said, way more then a little irritated.
"It's just the four of you left, we can't leave until you're on the land with us."
"I understand. Go ahead and take Yugi and Ryou down, I'll be just a few moments longer. I just want to show this...girl something before we leave."
Oh, I do not like the way he said that.
Cavamick left with Yugi and Ryou like he was told, and Bryac gave me the EVILIST look as he approached me. I couldn't help back up a little; afraid of the way he was smiling.
"Caitlin, if I can't trust you to stay with us, than I'll have to take drastic measures."
I mustered up a little prideful courage and was able to straighten up a little on the ground. "What do you mean by that?"
He grinned demonically, and reached at me very slowly. I flinched when he did it at first, because I thought he was just going to put his hand on my breast. WHICH ISN'T A GOOD THING TO BEGIN WITH, but it was WAY better compared to what he was actually doing.
His hand went right through me!
He hand sorta glowed, and he was able to get it INTO my body! The feeling was awful! It felt like someone giving you a shot, minus the needle. You know that pressure that doesn't really hurt, but is really uncomfortable? Okay, now picture getting a shot, THAT WAS SUPER COLD!
I yelped out loud when he did it. And then, he made things even more fun by letting his arm go into me, and then his entire body until he was inside me! I could see, but I couldn't control my body! I was panicking inside of me as my own body just walked calmly down the ramp to shore. Then he let me have my body back, and calmly walked out into the shore like nothing had happened.
"NEVER." I said shakily, "NEVER. EVER. DO THAT. AGAIN!"
He shrugged innocently, mimicking my past gustier to his lecture on being 'picked up and taken away'
"You left me no choice."
"What the heck was that anyway!?"
Bryac shrugged his shoulders innocently, "I may look living, but I'm still dead; and ghosts can easily possess living bodies."
"If you EVER, try that again, I swear Bryac I'm going to perform an exorcist!"
He didn't seem to mind, and strolled right back over to the group of men ahead of us. I scowled at him, but ran to catch up with the group. How I loathe him. And I've only really known him for a day or so.
That baka.
~*~*~ Ryou ~*~*~
It was unbelievable! People of all ages were busily wandering around and hurrying away with all sorts of foreign things. The people all looked and dressed completely differently, and it was impossible to find two that looked remotely similar. There were medieval knights, ancient Greeks, native Americans, and even a few looked like they were from my time period.
I could only gape at the surroundings as we walked, and could only barely keep my eyes on where I was going.
"Swords for sale!" A merchant shouted, looking at the small group of excited children that had gathered to gawk at the weapons displayed on the table, "Open for trade only!"
Absentmindedly, I touched the dagger attached to my belt loop and felt another phase of guilt start to well up. How could I ever get used to doing this? I tried to shrug the thought off my back and continue to stare at the strange bazaar. That's when I realized that most of the merchants were selling weapons.
It's something that most people don't really care about, but I always end up being the exception. I don't like killing or death, and even avoid war movies at the theater though my friends try and persuade me to see them. To find a whole civilization of people that is so wound up in swords and perish, and even the children! It was just heart wrenching! I don't care if the people are already 'dead', that's still no excuse to kill them off just because.
"This is where we're stopping." Darren announced, halting the group in front of an old fashioned looking hotel.
"So this is it?" Bryac asked, taking a good look at the building and arching an eyebrow.
Gale re-read the sign above the doorway, "This is it, Dull Blade Tavern."
"Yukio was rumored to have stayed here with a few people and get them to join him in finding the Destined Three and the other item that we don't know about." Cavamick explained, "It was only supposed to be two days ago, maybe there are still people here who can give us information?"
"Good as hunch as any." Bryac said.
Gale nodded, "Let's just go on in and see what happens."
There were mumbled words of agreement and we all stepped inside. I've never been in a tavern before, and it was quite a surprise what I saw in front of me. There were tables and chairs set up all around for eating and talking at, and there was even a small bar in the back of the room.
There were a large amount of people in the tavern, but not nearly as many as I expected just coming out from a crowded street. Bryac stepped up to the counter to talk to the owner of the tavern, and Darren brushed us over to an empty table.
"Phew," Caitlin said quietly, "This place stinks."
"People bring their animals here every once in a while when they stop. This is where everyone gets the tickets for the donkey stables, so watch your step." Cavamick explained.
We all grimaced at the thought, and I got a feeling that someone was watching me. I turned around and noticed that everyone in the tavern was just silently watching us. They didn't look very happy, and it made me feel very uneasy. As soon as I got a good look at them, though, they turned and looked away so I couldn't see their faces. I nudged Yugi and jerked my head in the direction of a certain table behind us that was watching us very closely.
"What is it?" He asked, after getting the same results in trying to look.
"Those people are making me feel awkward. They keep staring at us for no reason."
"Of course they're staring at you." Yoko said, leaning over and joining in our conversation. "One of them is Yunas. He's our top spy in The Alliance, and I'm pretty sure that he already knows who you are."
"That, and no one wants anything to do with the war." Gale said in response, "They are in denial, and don't want to even look at people who are trying to practically save them!"
"Calm down, Gale." Thina cooed, "They are ignorant fools, we already know that. And there is nothing we can do."
"Alright." Bryac announced, coming over to our table, "I was able to get us a room."
"So I guess this is good-bye?" Darren said, getting up and giving Bryac a firm hand shake and pat on the back.
Bryac nodded, "We'll take over from here, you need to get back to your work."
"Understood." Cavamick said, "Take care, Bryac. We're entrusting you with the lives of the three. Remember to protect them with your ver live, because if they get in the hands of Yukio than the entire civilization will fall apart."
"So no pressure!" Cavamick joked, slinging an arm around Bryac, "We know you can take care of yourself, so we'll see you later, alright?"
"Awww." Yoko whined, "Are you sure you have to leave, and so soon?"
"Yoko," Bryac warned.
"Don't worry, Yoko, we'll be back!" Gale said, ruffling her hair like a big brother would, "You can't get rid of us that easily!"
Bryac rolled his eyes, and Yoko giggled. After all the good-byes were said, but before they left, Cavamick pulled me aside.
"Listen, Ryou, that dagger you have is a good weapon. Take good care of it alright?"
I nodded, and he grinned. That was the last time we'd ever see him,
but I knew none of that then.
Only Thina knew about the harsh future we had ahead of us. The unforgiving paths we'd have to tackle, and the merciless enemies. She'd tell us none of it though, so we had no way of knowing about the terrors that we'd soon have to face in the near future, or the betrayal of a very close friend that would bring about our doom.
No one else knew, so we had no way of preventing it.
That's a good enough reason for regret.
If there is a god, we could use all the help we could get right about now.
~*~*~*~*~
All- *blink* *blink*
Caitlin- Oo Was that your tried attempt at angst?
Retaw: *shrug* I know it was kinda confusing. But I wrote it, thought it sounded cool and both explained and confused the readers. ^_^
Readers- -__-;;
Yugi- ....so how come Thina knew?
Retaw: *glare* You should know by now that I'm not going to tell you! YOU MUST READ! AND REVIEW!
SUNC!
All- *grumble*
Retaw- Anywho, so far, I have more reviews then chapters! Which is very good! ^___^ And also so far, no one has flamed me or given me criticism. I am HAPPY! *bounces up and down*
Retaw- Anyway, the song that gave me inspiration for this part of the story was 'One for Sorrow' by 'Steps'. ^^ That's actually the theme song for my tale, if it ever becomes a manga or anime!
Pretty Much All- *snort*
Retaw- *glare* Hey! It could happen! This story really gets into great depth and detail eventually, and it could be a very interesting series! See, it really-
Caitlin- Hey, could you please get on with the story here? I mean, hello! Still drowning!
Retaw- Oh yeah, getting to that now.
~*~*~*~
Livi- Thanks for the review again! ^_^ I'm glad the Yami's confusion of Cami came across smoothly, and not like cheese whiz. ^^; I'll give you one little piece of info, there is a BIG reason why Cami is keeping his past a secret. Hope you update soon! Ja ne!
The Happy Reviewer- ...*sigh*... -_-; I deserved that. But, see? I've updated! YAY! ^^;; Sorry again for the wait, it was all my father's fault! *points accusingly at dad* HIS FAULT I TELL YOU! HIS! AS IN NOT MINE! But, thankies for the long review! I like long reviews, makes me happy! ^___^
KAY! NOW ITS STORY TIME!
-= Bryac =-
I cursed over and over as my hands held the wheel steady. Yukio had gotten us into a position that left the boat and our lives at his own mercy. Lighting almost blinded me as it struck the dark sky, and thunder silenced any screams. I had ordered most of my men to make sure everything was tied down and to do their best to keep the boat from taking in too much water. Damn, what was taking Yoko and Gale so long to get that accursed sail up?
Taking a quick look up at the main sail, I saw Gale trying it tightly and finally managing to get it suspended. Wait, was someone else in there too? Suddenly, Darren gabbed the wheel with me and Cavamick yelled,
"HOLD ON FOR YOUR LIFE!"
I only had a split second to react, but it was just long enough to see the monster wave coming for our boat. It looked almost the size of a Tsunami! If we didn't get the sail completely attached the boat would be smashed! I squeezed the wheel and prayed that Gale could tie the sail before it was too late, and then, I felt the cold water slam onto me like a hammer.
It only lasted a few seconds of holding on, but it was a strong and violent wave that washed some of our supplies away. As soon as the first wave ended, one more came on top of us and almost washed my sword away with us. This one wasn't as strong, but lasted longer then the first. The boat leaned almost completely over to the side, but we survived the blow.
"Is everyone alright!?" I shouted to the men above the thunder. "Has anyone fallen over board!?
"Bryac!" Gale yelled from the crows nest, "Caitlin went overboard!"
"What!?" I exclaimed, instantly seeing red. "WHAT THE HELL IS SHE-"
I didn't even wait for an answer, too angry to speak anymore. Oh, she was going to PAY for this one. I let go of the boat wheel and turned to Darren.
"Take the wheel." I shouted over the rain.
Darren was thoroughly bewildered, but I didn't have time to explain. I gripped my sword and ran right to the edge of the boat, taking a running leap into the water below us, hearing in mid-air cries of confusion from a few of my men as they saw me jump off the boat into the sea. I was able to take a last breath before going under water, and when I felt myself submerged in the water, swam.
The water was so dark I could barley see anything in front of me; current so strong I barely had to swim to go down underwater. I looked frantically around for the girl who had gone under. She was down here somewhere. Her life was in my hands now, and I couldn't afford to let her down. I couldn't give up.
Then like an answer to my determination, a flash of gold was seen.
-= Caitlin =-
Of course, I panicked. The water surrounded me so quickly, and the longer I stayed under the farther down I was sinking. For the first time on the trip, if you could even call it that, I felt stupid. Totally and entirely, stupid. Why did I even bother doing this? My lungs went crazy for air inside of me, and I almost knew I was going to die. There was no way I could come back up!
Bubbles skimmed against my skin and I felt something grab onto my leg. It didn't feel like a hand, but it held me tight enough to create the illusion of being one. The hand was strong, even though it felt like nothing. It grabbed me and pulled me down further, and I couldn't struggle. I didn't have much energy or air left. The hand wrapped itself around me; I could feel nothing.
"This can't be happening..." I thought, "It just can't be...please..."
I felt a strange warmth on my chest that lighted the water enough in front of me that I could watch the last group of bubbles issue from my mouth. My body grew limp.
"Is this...really the end?"
I grew desperate for air, and opened my mouth only to be welcomed by a mouth full of salt water. My vision blurred in the swarm of dark bubbles around me.
"...help...me..."
Miraculously, I felt myself being let go of. A large blur was cutting through the darkness of the hand that grabbed me. A sudden decrease of pressure on me, and I started to float up a little.
"...what...?"
The blur took me hard by the front of my shirt and started to swim to the surface. I saw flashes of light through the dank water, and finally, I felt air on my face.
I could barely think, my mind so bogged with water. I could only cough and gulp the first breath of air that I had drank in who knows how long. My eyes were still sealed shut, and I only heard people calling for me.
"Throw them a rope!" One said. "Get them back onto the boat pronto!"
I was lifted into the air and dropped roughly onto the hard wooden floor. Someone pushed me hard on the chest and I coughed up the last remains of water in me. I was helped into sitting position, and my eyes just enough to see dancing swirls of color in front of me.
"Are you ok?" A voice asked me.
My eyes opened a little more, just to be met with the two ice blue ones in front of me. My voice still wasn't working as I hoped it would, and I could only gape at the person kneeling down next to me. It was Bryac, of all people! Bryac took his cloak off and wrapped it tightly around me so my shivering stopped. I tried to relax as I watched in awe.
Bryac, yee who had been thiest pain in thine neck, was being...gentle.
...scary.
I could see the people around me now, no one seemed to be doing any work. Weren't we in the middle of a storm? That's when I realized. It was raining a little less now, though the lighting and thunder kept going. I looked around a little and saw the see-through bubble like thing around us that was keeping out most of the rain and waves.
'That must be the shielding spell that Yoko finally activated...'
"I said, are you alright?" Bryac said again.
I jumped a little from having my thoughts disturbed, but nodded. My body was still shaking uncontrollably from being denied air for so long. "I...yes...I'm fine."
"Good." He said, getting up off the ground and helping me up as well. HE, helped ME.
...maybe I should almost drown more often.
This just can't be real. I must be dreaming. I didn't know Bryac was capable of being nice to me. There has to be a catch. I had to ask him about it.
"You...you saved me?" I stuttered, teetering on my feet.
"Sure, wasn't that hard." Then he looked straight at me and his gaze abruptly narrowed, as if just remembering something, "What the hell did you think you were doing? Coming out here and acting like you were this top sailor. Look where it ended you! You could have gotten killed!"
"Hey!" I said defensively, "I helped get the sail attached! And I DIDN'T get killed if you DO remember!"
"Yeah, thanks to me!"
"I coulda done it without you!"
"I'd like to see you try!"
"I WOULD IF YOU'D GET YOUR STUPID CLOAK OFF ME! ARE YOU *TRYING* TO GET ME KILLED! I DIDN'T DROWN SO YOU'LL CHOAK ME TO DEATH!"
"IF YOU DON'T WANT IT I'LL TAKE IT BACK!"
"FINE! THEN TAKE IT I DON'T WANT IT!"
"YOU KEEP IT I DON'T NEED IT!"
"I DON'T WANT IT!"
"WELL NEITHER DO I!"
"THEN WHAT'S THE POINT OF OWNING IT YOU BAKA!"
Everyone was just looking between Bryac and me as we argued. They'd look at me, than at him, than at me, and so on and so forth. He really has some nerve, acting all high and mighty like that. I almost died and he was still a jerk!
"THAT'S_ IT!" I yelled, "I AM GOING BACK DOWN STAIRS WITH YUGI AND RYOU!"
"FINE! YOU DO THAT! NOBODY WANTS YOU HERE ANYWAY!"
"OH IS THAT SO? THEN MAYBE I'LL STAY JUST TO ANNOY YOU ALL! YOU...YOU... SEXISTS!"
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?"
"...uh, g-guys?" Cavamick spoke, raising a finger meekly.
"WHAT!?" We both snapped in unison, turning and glaring at the poor boy.
"L-land ho." He mumbled, barely audible.
"What?" Bryac asked, still peeved, but more curious than mad at me.
"We're here." He said a little louder, pointing out on the horizon.
I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was the most breath taking thing I had ever seen. Raising just over the dark murky water, was a huge, Ancient looking town and market perched elegantly on top of endless sandy deserts. It looked like something you'd see in an Arabian Night's story! And even to top it off, because of all the rain, the sky had turned a brilliant pinkish orange color. I could only stand and watch in awe as our boat came even closer to the edge of the desert.
It was, simply amazing! Everyone ran to the edge of the boat and looked over as Gale started to shout that we had reached land. I was glad to see Thina, Yugi, and Ryou come up after hearing all the noise. Yugi and Ryou's expressions matched mine, even though Thina looked like she was still in la- la land.
"Wow!" Yugi said, leaning as far over the boat as he could get without falling.
"My god!" Ryou breathed, "It's like nothing I've ever seen before!"
"I can't wait to explore." I told them, a little quieter so Bryac wouldn't overhear.
"Oh no you don't."
Urg. What is with him! Does he have super hearing powers or something!? I turned around and BOOM! There he was! Like some demented sort of genie!
"And why not?" I asked him; not bothering to hide my still angry feeling's toward him.
"You'll get lost, and someone will just be able to pick you up and take you away." Apparently, he didn't seem to see the need to hide his feelings either.
"Hell if they can pick me up." I told him, "I bite, scratch, kick and have a nasty punch if you make me feel defensive."
"I have to keep an eye on you. Yukio's men will be everywhere and you have nothing to protect yourself with! What happens when someone pulls out a sword?"
I shrugged, "I dunno. Run?"
He grumbled at my answer and glared at me, "You are staying with me. ALL of you."
Yugi and Ryou didn't seem to be as offended by this as I was. That annoyed me even more. Don't ask me why, it just did. Bryac stayed right behind us the entire time we were pulling into the docks, and I couldn't help feeling like my personal space was being violated.
"Bryac?" Darren said suddenly from behind us. "Everyone's ready to get back onto land."
"We're coming." Bryac told him, "Go ahead."
Darren nodded and left us standing there. Now that we were closer to the village like thing, I could see that it was packed! There were people everywhere, and they were all bumping into each other! I couldn't wait to look around, and Mr. Protective won't even find out I'm gone! What Bryac doesn't know can't hurt him, can it?
I continued to plot my escape when Bryac held my shoulder and cleared his throat.
"I know what you're thinking." He informed me. "And I would advise you to not even think about it."
I blinked, and turned around to look at him. "How the heck do you know what I'm thinking about?!"
He smiled. No wait, it was more of an arrogant smirk. Figures, don't it? "After three thousand years, I've become a very good at reading minds by the type of person they are, and their reactions to different things."
"Sounds complicated." I said, "Are you in my head or not?"
Another smirk, but he decided not to answer my question, "You aren't going to be able to get away, so don't even try if you aren't after trouble."
Whoa. Now that earns the award for the freakiest thing ever said to me. He started to walk away, and Ryou and Yugi followed him. I didn't. Bryac noticed, and stopped to look at me.
"Come on." He said firmly, "I'm not in the mood to argue again."
I answered by turning my nose up and looking in the opposite direction. You know, just to bug him. "You can't control me. If you decided to ask nicely, however..."
He grabbed me by my arm, "I don't need to ask. That wasn't a suggestion. You've coming with me weather you like it or not."
"Let GO!"
He pulled harder and started to drag my across the deck. I yanked back, and though my arm started to hurt REALLY bad, I was holding my own on staying put. I wish he would just stop pulling! I HATE HIM! I HATE HIM I HATE HIM I HATE HIM I WISH HE WOULD DIEEEEE!
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!"
"STOP FIGHTING AND COME WITH ME! YOU'RE BEING A PAIN!"
"THEN I'M A PAIN! I DON'T WANT TO GO!"
"COME ON!"
"I DON'T WANT TO!!"
"YOU'RE GONNA DO IT WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!"
"IF I HAVE TO DO IT, I'M NOT GOING MY FIRST TIME WITH YOU!"
"YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE HERE!"
"Am I...interrupting something?"
We both stopped dead, and looked at the person who had spoken. Cavamick looked between the two of us and we all stood still in time for a while. Then, WHAM! Bryac let go of me so fast I lost my balance and fell onto the ground.
"HEY!"
"Soh Bryac, we're still waiting for you."
"I'm coming I'm coming." He said, way more then a little irritated.
"It's just the four of you left, we can't leave until you're on the land with us."
"I understand. Go ahead and take Yugi and Ryou down, I'll be just a few moments longer. I just want to show this...girl something before we leave."
Oh, I do not like the way he said that.
Cavamick left with Yugi and Ryou like he was told, and Bryac gave me the EVILIST look as he approached me. I couldn't help back up a little; afraid of the way he was smiling.
"Caitlin, if I can't trust you to stay with us, than I'll have to take drastic measures."
I mustered up a little prideful courage and was able to straighten up a little on the ground. "What do you mean by that?"
He grinned demonically, and reached at me very slowly. I flinched when he did it at first, because I thought he was just going to put his hand on my breast. WHICH ISN'T A GOOD THING TO BEGIN WITH, but it was WAY better compared to what he was actually doing.
His hand went right through me!
He hand sorta glowed, and he was able to get it INTO my body! The feeling was awful! It felt like someone giving you a shot, minus the needle. You know that pressure that doesn't really hurt, but is really uncomfortable? Okay, now picture getting a shot, THAT WAS SUPER COLD!
I yelped out loud when he did it. And then, he made things even more fun by letting his arm go into me, and then his entire body until he was inside me! I could see, but I couldn't control my body! I was panicking inside of me as my own body just walked calmly down the ramp to shore. Then he let me have my body back, and calmly walked out into the shore like nothing had happened.
"NEVER." I said shakily, "NEVER. EVER. DO THAT. AGAIN!"
He shrugged innocently, mimicking my past gustier to his lecture on being 'picked up and taken away'
"You left me no choice."
"What the heck was that anyway!?"
Bryac shrugged his shoulders innocently, "I may look living, but I'm still dead; and ghosts can easily possess living bodies."
"If you EVER, try that again, I swear Bryac I'm going to perform an exorcist!"
He didn't seem to mind, and strolled right back over to the group of men ahead of us. I scowled at him, but ran to catch up with the group. How I loathe him. And I've only really known him for a day or so.
That baka.
~*~*~ Ryou ~*~*~
It was unbelievable! People of all ages were busily wandering around and hurrying away with all sorts of foreign things. The people all looked and dressed completely differently, and it was impossible to find two that looked remotely similar. There were medieval knights, ancient Greeks, native Americans, and even a few looked like they were from my time period.
I could only gape at the surroundings as we walked, and could only barely keep my eyes on where I was going.
"Swords for sale!" A merchant shouted, looking at the small group of excited children that had gathered to gawk at the weapons displayed on the table, "Open for trade only!"
Absentmindedly, I touched the dagger attached to my belt loop and felt another phase of guilt start to well up. How could I ever get used to doing this? I tried to shrug the thought off my back and continue to stare at the strange bazaar. That's when I realized that most of the merchants were selling weapons.
It's something that most people don't really care about, but I always end up being the exception. I don't like killing or death, and even avoid war movies at the theater though my friends try and persuade me to see them. To find a whole civilization of people that is so wound up in swords and perish, and even the children! It was just heart wrenching! I don't care if the people are already 'dead', that's still no excuse to kill them off just because.
"This is where we're stopping." Darren announced, halting the group in front of an old fashioned looking hotel.
"So this is it?" Bryac asked, taking a good look at the building and arching an eyebrow.
Gale re-read the sign above the doorway, "This is it, Dull Blade Tavern."
"Yukio was rumored to have stayed here with a few people and get them to join him in finding the Destined Three and the other item that we don't know about." Cavamick explained, "It was only supposed to be two days ago, maybe there are still people here who can give us information?"
"Good as hunch as any." Bryac said.
Gale nodded, "Let's just go on in and see what happens."
There were mumbled words of agreement and we all stepped inside. I've never been in a tavern before, and it was quite a surprise what I saw in front of me. There were tables and chairs set up all around for eating and talking at, and there was even a small bar in the back of the room.
There were a large amount of people in the tavern, but not nearly as many as I expected just coming out from a crowded street. Bryac stepped up to the counter to talk to the owner of the tavern, and Darren brushed us over to an empty table.
"Phew," Caitlin said quietly, "This place stinks."
"People bring their animals here every once in a while when they stop. This is where everyone gets the tickets for the donkey stables, so watch your step." Cavamick explained.
We all grimaced at the thought, and I got a feeling that someone was watching me. I turned around and noticed that everyone in the tavern was just silently watching us. They didn't look very happy, and it made me feel very uneasy. As soon as I got a good look at them, though, they turned and looked away so I couldn't see their faces. I nudged Yugi and jerked my head in the direction of a certain table behind us that was watching us very closely.
"What is it?" He asked, after getting the same results in trying to look.
"Those people are making me feel awkward. They keep staring at us for no reason."
"Of course they're staring at you." Yoko said, leaning over and joining in our conversation. "One of them is Yunas. He's our top spy in The Alliance, and I'm pretty sure that he already knows who you are."
"That, and no one wants anything to do with the war." Gale said in response, "They are in denial, and don't want to even look at people who are trying to practically save them!"
"Calm down, Gale." Thina cooed, "They are ignorant fools, we already know that. And there is nothing we can do."
"Alright." Bryac announced, coming over to our table, "I was able to get us a room."
"So I guess this is good-bye?" Darren said, getting up and giving Bryac a firm hand shake and pat on the back.
Bryac nodded, "We'll take over from here, you need to get back to your work."
"Understood." Cavamick said, "Take care, Bryac. We're entrusting you with the lives of the three. Remember to protect them with your ver live, because if they get in the hands of Yukio than the entire civilization will fall apart."
"So no pressure!" Cavamick joked, slinging an arm around Bryac, "We know you can take care of yourself, so we'll see you later, alright?"
"Awww." Yoko whined, "Are you sure you have to leave, and so soon?"
"Yoko," Bryac warned.
"Don't worry, Yoko, we'll be back!" Gale said, ruffling her hair like a big brother would, "You can't get rid of us that easily!"
Bryac rolled his eyes, and Yoko giggled. After all the good-byes were said, but before they left, Cavamick pulled me aside.
"Listen, Ryou, that dagger you have is a good weapon. Take good care of it alright?"
I nodded, and he grinned. That was the last time we'd ever see him,
but I knew none of that then.
Only Thina knew about the harsh future we had ahead of us. The unforgiving paths we'd have to tackle, and the merciless enemies. She'd tell us none of it though, so we had no way of knowing about the terrors that we'd soon have to face in the near future, or the betrayal of a very close friend that would bring about our doom.
No one else knew, so we had no way of preventing it.
That's a good enough reason for regret.
If there is a god, we could use all the help we could get right about now.
~*~*~*~*~
All- *blink* *blink*
Caitlin- Oo Was that your tried attempt at angst?
Retaw: *shrug* I know it was kinda confusing. But I wrote it, thought it sounded cool and both explained and confused the readers. ^_^
Readers- -__-;;
Yugi- ....so how come Thina knew?
Retaw: *glare* You should know by now that I'm not going to tell you! YOU MUST READ! AND REVIEW!
SUNC!