Unto Another World
Written by Becki
(C) Namco
.....another vocabulary quiz ; More 'a' words ..;
erm.. short chapter.. My eyes hurt .o;
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4. Trials
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There were distant footsteps in the background. Footsteps that were so light and subtle that they could be altogether unnoticed. It was a dim morning, one of those mornings where the fog seemed to shroud the mountains in strong affection, where the soft rains were hushed and the sky was a bleak gray. A still night had anteceded this still morning. However, the mist was settling over the forests and it was not so dreary as one would think. Somewhere in this expanse, chattering of birds conversing noisily with each other could be heard, and the dew glistened like jewels on the emerald leaves.
The footsteps pounded faster and faster as they drew closer and closer. A shadow slid through the ashen birch trees in sharp ascension, gently falling to the ground as its owner sped through the forest. With a rush, the person fled from the edge of the forest with leaves fanning behind her and spinning away to the ground. She was running through a clearing where a vast lake and river were stored, growing closer to the water's edge without even the smallest hesitation.
Releasing a small breath, she bounded up over the edge of the lake and landed on a path of logs that seemed unnatural and a work of man. The logs were rounded and slippery, she soon found out with the algae and slimy moss that covered it. Instantly her reflexes caught her and she had soon recovered from her flinch. She continued in her ascent.
Regaining her former speed, she pounded across the logs in this long river bed, her steps evenly timed and weight in a balanced distribution. The logs made hardly a splash or ripple as she sprinted across them with the air of formality and confidence. Her gaze darted to and fro, observing the surroundings as she ran across the river on floating wood, noting the other figure that was bounding through the tall grass at the side of the waters. They were so fast that the eye could only catch a small glimpse, and the only clue that they had been there was the blades of grass whipping in the motion's wind.
Finally she focused her attention back to what was before her, and caught the sight of a small isle embedded in between the two shores. The path of logs ended here, and without hesitation she stepped into the water. It was shallow, the water came only to her ankles. She found herself on shore of the isle. Instantly she sprung forward, producing three cards from her hands. She gracefully pulled her hand back and tossed the cards towards the tree at the edge of the isle.
The cards were not ordinary it seemed, and were carefully aimed. When they hit the bark, they stuck there as if they were daggers. In reply, a red clothed figure stepped from behind the tree, his face masked. The card-wielding fighter stood in a loose yet prepared stance, unfolding more cards like fans in both of her hands.
The red-clad warrior released a fighter's cry and jumped up, tossing a single dagger at the female opponent. She hopped to the side accurately avoiding the weapon and returned his attack with two more cards from her deck. He guarded against them by giving a crescent cleave with his blade, and the cards fell in four pieces to the ground.
They were close in hand-to-hand combat. She threw another pair of cards in an ellipse towards her opponent, which neatly missed and returned to her other hand guided by some unknown force. He had jumped backward and flipped back over to his feet. She aggressively pursued his small retreat, cards in hand. At the last minute as she was approaching, he ducked low and swung around horizontally with his feet stretched out in a circular kick.
She had not expected this sudden recovery, and was unguarded by the blow. With a surprised cry she fell back and hit the ground before having time to recover.
The red warrior threw his dagger at her head without wasting any time. The point landed just two inches away from her neck.
"Kuchinawa!" She said crossly and sat up, holding her forehead to stop the jarring dizziness. "Stop fooling!" The other stood back and crossed his arms, his eyes mischievous.
"You've improved, Sheena, but still not enough to defeat me." He said, his voice muffled. She gave a sour face and slowly stood up, retrieving the cards that had scattered to the ground.
"There's no need for you to be cocky." She returned, but in a friendly way. She brushed her fingers through her dark hair, her eyes narrow and piercing through the morning's indolence. "I'll defeat you one of these days." She added, and looked to her friend. Kuchinawa was in a pensive silence, and there was a dim light in his eyes that disturbed her. That unknown antipathized expression..
Sheena shuddered and called him.
"Kuchinawa?" She said hesitantly, and he looked up at her without a word. She frowned and he merely took the dagger from the ground and brushed it off, turning away from her.
"We should return home." He said in a monotonous voice. She looked down and stared abstractedly at her cards.
"....Sure..."
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"He's really beginning to frighten me.. I can't explain it but.." Sheena was sitting under the shade of a tree at the edge of the creek, watching Orochi's training routine. She observed how quick his motions were, how subtle his thrusts and movements were made. He peered at her, his face masked like Kuchinawa's, his eyes vague.
"That's different." He said, raising an eyebrow at her. She blinked and tilted her head with a mischievous smile.
"What is?"
"Sheena Fujibayashi, I believe that is the first time I have ever heard any type of confession of fear from you." He said, breaking off from his short pause and returning to his posture and training.
"Wh-what?" She said suddenly, blinking again. Absentmindedly she stared into the blue sky and leaned back on her palms. "Well.. so what..?" She asked, not wanting any blundering on her part.
"This is my brother we're talking about." Her friend answered calmly. "He's always serious with his training. It is the.."
"Ninja way." She finished curtly. "Huh. It seems to be his aphorism now. I'm starting to wonder if he has any other ways." She said bluntly, distaste clear on her face. Orochi sheathed his blade and looked to her seriously.
"Do you disapprove?"
"Ah-- no, I never said that." She said quickly. "It's just that being a warrior is his life now. When we were training together earlier on the Isle of Decision, I noticed.. how different he was.. And now that he's beginning to be so popular in Mizuho.. It's.. just.. strange.. I guess. It's not like how it used to be.."
"You've changed too, you realize." The sudden change backfired to her and she gave a weak laugh before answer.
"Ha... what do you mean?"
"You seem to be more sure of yourself." He replied, and then more hesitantly. "You've given up on your lessons and started training with the warriors.. That cannot be forgotten.."
"It wasn't for me anyways." She said coldly. Suddenly, he laughed and she looked up, shocked, wondering if her loose tongue had once again said something foolish.
"That's for sure. There's that certain fire in your eyes when you train with us. I remember five years ago when you first started to fight with us, you never wanted us to be easy on you just because you were a girl. It's hard to imagine that you were once the student sitting in that damp basement studying old books all day."
"Oh, be quiet." She ordered, but couldn't help but laugh herself. She knew she had changed. Many acknowledged her as a woman now, and it was almost strange. Sheena was no longer the scrawny mischievous girl anymore, she had a serious reputation for being unfeminine, which seemed ironic to most. For she had acquired a very feminine figure and a mysterious beauty since those childish days.
Sheena rested her chin on her palm and remarked thoughtfully. "Mizuho hasn't yet embraced the scholar-like customs of the outsiders, why should I? Besides, if I had returned to the Elemental Research Laboratory, I'd be studying and scrutinizing every detail of the Fundamentals of Mana. But still.. I wonder how everything is in Meltokio.."
"If you're wondering so much, why don't you come with us?"
Sheena started at the new voice, and they both simultaneously turned to see Tiga standing on the
bridge that spanned across the lively, flowing creek.
"Come..?" She repeated blankly, and Tiga gave his gentle grin.
"We're going to stop by Sybak and Meltokio today. I think you've worked and trained hard enough to come with us this time." Sheena looked to Orochi, and slowly stood up.
"Er.. why not..?" She said, but with a pause. "When will we leave?"
"When you're ready." He answered, and gave a nod.
"Right. I'll be out soon then."
"Very well." Tiga went off and Sheena brushed the dust from her hands.
To Meltokio.. Sheena was sure many things had happened since then.. She had not stepped foot into the capital since the lesson she had before the attempted pact-making.. almost six years. But Mizuho's information network kept to date every happening in the city, so she knew she wouldn't be surprised by anything.
"I should return to train." Orochi's voice broke through her thoughts, and she frowned.
"Aren't you coming..?" She asked, her hand gesturing to him. He shook his head and turned away.
"No, there is still much to do. But relax, Sheena. You shouldn't carry so much anxiety with you." He advised, and she twisted a strand of hair away from her eyes.
"..about Kuchinawa..?"
"About anything that gives you unnecessary apprehension."
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Unnecessary apprehension. Ha.
There was already anxiety the instant she set foot in Sybak. She had been wrong; the changes had surprised her. She recalled that there was an academy being constructed in this studious city, and it was now complete. Scholars bustled around with scrolls and white surcoats. When their group from Mizuho entered the town, they split up immediately for their research. Sheena had been given permission to wander as she pleased and study the people and actions around her.
"You never know what you might learn." Tiga instructed her before they parted. "Oh! Our Information Network has told us that the Chosen himself is studying at the academy at this time. This is a good chance to understand the customs and theories of Regeneration."
Sheena cared very little about the Regeneration of Mana. She preferred that only those who were interested should dabble on about it. Ever since giving up on her Lessons, she found that she had an unusual love for combat and action. It was as if being a fighter was truly what she meant to be. She could never be a scholar, and never wanted to be. This was her aspiration. It suited her well.
But when she looked about the cobblestone streets of Sybak, she already felt the tension of eyes around her. She was clearly different, her eyes darker and narrower, her clothes more loose and differently styled. And they knew. She was certain that they knew because of the inferior glances they gave in her direction.
But in her self-respect she ignored them as best she could and moved on.
Elation made itself clear as she studied the classical architecture of the buildings, the people and their reactions. She noticed how different their accent was from hers, wondering how she failed to perceive it when she was younger.
Innocence. She thought as a slight hint of sadness creased her brow. As a child she had not noticed how terrible the discrimination was.
Finally she found her curiosity lulling her towards the Academy. According to what she had heard, it was the top school in Tethe'alla. And it actually impressed her. Sheena remembered how small and cramped the basement of the Research Laboratory was, and this new Academy was extremely large..
There was a noisy commotion at the entrance to the Academy when she approached. Cautiously she stepped closer to observe the situation. Men in gold and teal armor clambered in a half circle, their large spears held in both of their hands in a threatening stance. They seemed to be surrounding something, or rather, someone, but she was unable to see who it was. Careful to be subtle, she gave an askance in their direction. One of the men dressed in armor raised his voice and spoke to the figure in the center.
"You are hereby arrested by the Papal Guard on the charge of theft and artifice. As one of the half-elven race, you have no right to speak."
Something hit her nerve, and she crept closer. The accused half-elf protested against this indictment.
"But-!" The voice was quick and begging, but it was quickly cut off. One of the Papal Guards snatched up the poor figure, and Sheena finally caught a glance at the misfortunate accused.
A young girl with pale lilac hair. She wore a patched lab coat far to large for her, her fingers did not even meet the sleeve's cuffs. She looked at the verge of tears, her eyes desperate as she was being forced to stand up. Sheena also noticed the slightly pointed ears behind the layers of light hair.
The half-elf girl winced as they shoved her forward and forced her hands back . She whimpered and sobbed quietly as they tied her hands with rough, apathetic hands.
"It seems cowardly to tie the hands of a girl." Sheena said out loud within their hearing range before she could stop herself. She placed a card and pressed it into the air and spun it with her fingers. The card remained floating in the air even after she took away her hand, and it spun without any outside contact. An amusing trick. Her eyes went from the suspended spinning card to the group of soldiers and the girl.
"....Hm." The Papal Knight closest to her surveyed her through his masked helm, and turned to his comrades. "Mizuho." He muttered, and the others seemed to nod in agreement. Sheena frowned, and snatched the card from the air angrily.
"What is the only thing you know besides discrimination? You are arresting this girl without arraigning her or-"
"Silence, girl. This is on order of the King and Pope of Tethe'alla. Aside!" The man answered. The arrested child barely even looked up at Sheena, and sniffed slowly. Sheena was surprised and her despondence.
Without another word, she stepped towards the girl to examine her further. The child's face was that of complete innocence, and she tried not to look up. A knight came forward with threatening steps, but one of the others stopped him. Suddenly Sheena glared up, refusing to assimilate to their ways.
"This girl is innocent. How can she be charged on theft? Half-elves are not permitted to even leave their basements of study." Sheena hardly knew why she was so strong about this. Normally she would have backed down earlier, but something about this unfairness bothered her.
"Enough! Leave now or face the consequences!"
She stood in front of the half-elf with her arms out in a gesture of protection.
"Consequences? Is the King barbaric as to arrest children?" As soon as these words buoyed from her tongue, she knew she should have been more careful. Without further warning, the Knight at her right lashed out with his hand and caught her full on the cheek. She was thrown towards the building with the force, and her hand came down to balance herself from the fall, but someone caught it.
This person was holding her arms and shoulders securely. She felt her head fall back on that someone, and her instincts told her to quickly get up and away, but surprise froze her. Sheena heard a voice with a drawl speak over her.
"Now, what have we here?"