Today was a SNOW DAY! So, I've decided to finally start this fic. I've been planning it for quite a while, believe me. ^_^;
Lull: Too long. This is your first multi-chaptered story in what, four months?
...Something like that, yeah. Anyway, I first got this idea from the Ice Princess (of Incrediblecuznz), who suggested a fic about Ivan's childhood... Thanks for that! ^_^ I wanted to take it a little bit farther. So, this starts way back before Kalay is even founded, and before Master Hammet was entrusted with Ivan.
Lull: This'll probably contain spoilers, too, although you likely won't understand them if you haven't played GS2.
Yeah, please don't get mad at me for spoiling it... we warned you. ^_^
I'm improvising on quite a few things, since the game is very vague on Ivan's (and Hammet's) past. This is mostly based on the story Lady Layana tells the party in Kalay, and the Contigo section of TLA. I don't remember that too clearly, so bear with me on Contigo details. Feel free to correct me if you think you spot a significant mistake.
Oh, and a plug! I put out another one-shot a while back. "To Be Loved": songficcy; Ivan and Hama in Contigo. Yeah, typical me. ^_^ Only four reviews, though, so go read if you've got some time on your hands!
Anywho, on to the story! This is just the prologue; don't expect it to be too long.
Prologue: Mortal Danger
Hammet stared blankly at the canvas ceiling of his tent, a grim expression on his features. He let out a sigh and turned over, trying to ignore the dampness that seeped into his blankets. If he didn't sleep now, he wouldn't be alert in the morning; if he wasn't alert in the morning, who knew what could befall him in this treacherous land. He was still young; he didn't wish to die miles from his homeland. He pushed some brown hair out of his face and thought of home.
His thoughts turned to his wife, Layana. As his success as a merchant had dwindled, he had decided to leave Angara to search for a new source of business. Layana hadn't wanted him to go, but he had not had any other choice. Hammet's sources in Angara and Gondowan were becoming less profitable; Lalivero was growing tired of northern goods, and the Valeans seldom opened their gates, suspicious of all outsiders. Hammet frowned, pulling his blankets tighter around his shoulders. He had always thought something was strange about that town.
Of course, this place was even stranger. He had traveled very far southwest, and had not yet come across any civilization, much less a possible source of business.
Despite his exhaustion from traveling all day, Hammet still could not get to sleep. He could not help but worry about what he would encounter the next day. He had been safe so far, but had fled from monsters several times in the past few days. Maybe he should have taken Bunza up on his offer to come along. He may have been Hammet's disciple, but he knew a thing or two about swords. Still, Hammet felt this was something he needed to do alone. If he was going to become a successful merchant, he couldn't always rely on others.
A sound outside the tent caught Hammet's attention. He froze, panic creeping into the back of his throat. It was probably just the wind, he told himself.
A long, low growl quickly disproved that theory.
Swallowing hard, Hammet reached for the tent flap and peeked outside.
Several glowing pairs of eyes stared back at him. Despite the darkness, he could make out large, menacing silhouettes shifting against the sky. Another growl emitted from close by, and warm, rancid breath rolled across his face.
His knowledge in business wouldn't be helping him here.
Hammet pulled back into the tent and closed his eyes, trying to breathe. A loud ripping sound brought him back to reality. A monster glared at him through the large tear in the side of his tent.
Crying out, he stumbled backward and practically dove out of his tent, into the trees. He ran blindly, panic fueling his muscles. More ripping and crunching sounds rang out from behind him as his tent was destroyed, then the flutter of wings and the crashing of huge feet against earth, growing closer by the second. Hammet threw a glance over his shoulder to see at least four huge creatures advancing on him.
Moonlight shone down on him suddenly as he reached a break in the trees. Stumbling into the center of the small clearing, he stopped in his tracks when he spotted three warriors, two males and one female, standing at the edge of the trees across from him. Their clothes were strange, brightly colored and finely decorated. The one in front, seemingly the leader, had blond hair and piercing violet eyes.
Hammet hesitated. Were these people friends, or enemies?
The leader's eyes widened in shock when he caught sight of Hammet. He suddenly charged forward, staff held out in front of him. Hammet gasped, thinking he was being attacked, but was stunned when the man's weapon met the claws of a monster behind him.
"Stay back!" The leader yelled, as the others surged forward to join him. Hammet did as he was told, watching the battle in shocked silence. He drew his breath in sharply as violet light flashed in the air, and the winds whipped violently around the clearing. The monsters shrieked in agony.
What happened next seemed to take only a split-second. A winged monster suddenly struck out at the other man, knocking his weapon aside and throwing him to the ground. Hammet backed up, but the monster rushed forward and slashed at him with its claws. He felt a sudden impact with the back of his head, and was suddenly in the grass, looking up at the treetops. Everything was strangely blurry.
The triumphant cries of the monster, agonized voices of the warriors, and deafening sounds of battle faded as the scene around him went black.
So? You like? Review with comments, suggestions, corrections, rants... just review! ^_^ I'll try to keep the updates coming... but please, go easy on the pizza deliveries and angry mobs during this ficcy. ^^;;;