Third pov
Three men sat on an old rusty wood table silently drinking mugs of golden ale chattering amongst themselves.
"The raid yesterday was a waste. We didn't get to keep anything again cause of those stupid magic knights."
A red burly bearded man said to another brunnete lad which raised his glass and drank the ale straight down his throat as a reply.
"No matter, because of my efforts we still have that noble looking brat. We may have lost the other goods on the cart but that brat could probably get us a pretty penny."
A bald man said whilst gazing at them bemusedly with his scarred eye and pointed nose.
"You could say that again but oddly enough there doesn't seem to be search parties for that brat at all. It's hard to set a ransom when no one seems to be looking."
The bearded man replied.
"It's been a week... where's my money*hic*"
The now drunken lad on their table said while gazing at his now empty cup of ale.
"Hahaha, you're a big lightweight aren't ya lad?"
The red head man chuckled whilst the other men beside him only replied with laughter.
The men then called for the waitress ordering more ale as their other friends came into the tavern.
"Where'd ya put the brat?"
The bald man said to one the men that just entered.
"She's in the back of the caravan. I doubt anyone will find her. I did put the caravan with a silence spell just in case."
Was then replied by one the men.
"Good, we better not lose a't one. She be our only ticket for the goods we lost last time."
The burly red head chimed in. All of the men then began seating themselves in the tavern planning to drink themselves off for the night.
Nora pov
I woke up greeted by darkness. How long has it been?
I feel like crap...
It's been hard to stay conscious. This body's too weak and with a situation like this I don't think it would be far fetched that I die just from the stress of it.
Dammit...
Hasn't Nanny Ania atleast asked other non idiot magic knights to save my butt already.
At this point I might even hope the Silva jerks save me already...
I don't think this body could hold much longer...
Argh...
I struggled against the rough and tight restraints.
Great now I'm bored too...
'lone child '
What's with that?
It almost as if...
The way they spoke about...
It was like they didn't know I existed at all.
All of a sudden I heard the sound of a hand knocking on the wood.
Listening carefully I was relieved at familiar light knocks rather than the strong ones those burly men do.
Knocks light enough only a child could make. I wouldn't make a mistake-
"You alright, Nora-san? I got a bit of food. Sorry since it's not much."
-Rudy.
I gave a slight smile as much as I can muster.
"No, it's fine. Really, thank you."
I replied as I instinctively tried to pull at my hand to reach out but then I realized-
Oh right, those jerks tied me up.
"Hey, I kinda um...Mind h-helping me?"
I said although a bit embarrassed.
He looked at the tavern and seeing none of the bandit men slowly pulled out a dark rough looking rye bread.
I found it a bit difficult at first but it was better than nothing.
I couldn't stand the food the people here eat so this kid made sure to give somewhat more mild ones.
I gazed again akwardly at the young boy with messy earth brown hair and innocent grey eyes.
"Rudy, I'm sorry but I'm kinda tied up? I might need a little help?"
I said softly a pink subtle stain on my face out of embarrassment.
"Ah-...oh well sure! We gotta be quick though...you know that they- oh right"
He replied softly but after realizing he was wasting too much time awkwardly lifted the bread to my face.
Albeit reluctantly I took my bite slowly quickening my pace. If the bandits see us, Rudy will probably get in trouble and I on the other hand would go hungry.
Although Rudy is an orphan child that works for them he's a good guy. Too bad I currently can't do much about his situation or rather our tight situation.
That me, Rika Holly, would have begged to adopt such a sweet boy.
I can just imagine it. The sight of an old black haired woman with her fully grown daughter basically begging to adopt him.
I've always wanted such a cute little brother who's a lot like a sweetheart like him.
Hah...
Too bad that's practically impossible now..
Whilst thinking I felt a quick little warm hand on my shoulder.
"I'm really sorry. Though I think you'll be fine. They won't do anything to you if they still want their money. Your family will probably send a search party sooner or later."
He gazed at me with slight sad warm doe grey eyed gaze while chuckling.
I in turn replied with a small smile nodding. Yet, at that moment a grave thought then came to me.
"Then what of you? What do you plan to do?"
I gazed at him my lilac eyes grave and serious.
"How sweet Nora-san... don't worry as long as I lay low nothing will happen or atleast atmost I'll be fine...and then when I get enough money I'll leave this town to start a new life..."
Rudy said a grin still plastered on his face though I guess he can't help the uncertainty in his deep grey eyes.
"Then I hope both of that will soon happen to us... though I'm grateful really. ..but. aren't you well...scared? I mean of what they'll do to you if they find you doing something like this. You've done me a lot of little favors too!"
I said as I felt a few worries of mine slip through.
Poor thing...even if I've just been here probably a week atmost. I knew it well. Those men could be pretty rough. Not even sensible enough to take it easy on a child like Rudy.
It wasn't too rare for me to see the kid with heavy bruises here and there.
He gets punished often with little things just like being a second late. Sometimes they just take their anger out on him.
Really how can they treat such a poor orphan sweetheart like this?
Even so, Rudy often helped me a lot. He brings me more food, gets me stuff and overall atleast tries to make me little more comfortable here despite himself.
Perhaps...I fail to understand fully just why yet I'm really grateful that atleast he's here...
We've grown to be friends during the time here.
All of a sudden I heard a light and gleeful yet hushed laughter. Rudy covered his gleefully giggling voice with his hand
" Aww you're just too adorable... You're worrying about me as if I'm not older than you. Honestly...let this onii-chan handle himself and you little one should worry about yourself."
He said as he began to slowly peek at the tavern as he hid the remaining bread on his pocket.
"We should hurry on now... they'll probably send one of them to check on you soon. I better lock it again. Sorry...but can you manage that just for a bit? I know it gives you chills but well..."
His voice said slightly bitter eyes with pity as he held the door with his little hands.
Ah...my claustrophobia...
Hah...to think I've come to tell him more about myself than my own "current" family or perhaps can I even call them so?
That thought was honestly pretty bitter though...
"Yeah...no worries..."
I said despite the slight shiver on my back.
The little boy then nodded as he quickly shut the door.
Okay...maybe honestly not...
I felt myself slowly hyperventilating.
Images flashed in my mind again. I felt the searing yet subtle flames on my skin.
I gazed at my hands but there was nothing there. Nonetheless they trembled.
Shards of the past so faraway began to pierce through me yet never truly to form the whole picture.
It was agony...
In the darkness I searched around for my relief. My hands feeling the cold and rough hardwood floor.
Where is it...?
It has to be somewhere...
I mumbled in the pitch black.
Suddenly I felt a soft comforting texture touch my hands.
There it is.
Subtle relief poured through me like a gentle rain.
I can't make it out in sight in the darkness but from the touch of my hands I knew what it was.
Further on the pitch black I saw a tiny ray of light from a hole in the hardwood.
Frantically I crawled to it. My hands still clenched strongly on the soft texture I was holding.
I sat down heaving at the corner near the tiny light even more relief pouring through as I wiped away the sweatdrop on my forehead.
Raising my hand to the light I saw the familiar figure it held.
I was glad I kept it close...
In the barely seen light a reddish brown sparrow plush gazed in its warm doe eyes held by my stiff trembling hand.
I held it closer to me.
I'm really glad I didn't let go of it in the commotion if I did then maybe I'd just go mad by now.
Even just a week in pitch black could drive one insane. How much longer could I last?
Noelle-nee...
Nanny Ania...
I wonder if they were safe...
Though I remember Noelle safe in the arms of that stupid crimson lion, what about Nanny Ania?
'She's just a nanny. We would've killed her sooner or later-'
The bandit's words that day echoed in my mind. Worrying uncertainty filled my thoughts as I drifted to tired slumber in the darkness.
Meanwhile...
Rudy pov
"-GAHH!"
I felt a strong nudge to my side suddenly.
"Oi brat, tell the bar lass to get me anoter' cup!"
A man with messy brown hair and an obviously drunk flush faced reeking of alcohol said.
"QUICKLY!"
"A-ah...um yes!!
I ran as fast as I could after being too scared to be punished. Answering to his loud voice. I'm much too tired to be pushed around by them today but honestly the best I can do is just try to avoid punishment.
Whilst scurrying in the tavern looking for the bar lassy, I noticed a man enter the tavern.
Finding the bar lady and asking for the drunken cup for the brown haired bandit, I couldn't help but gaze at the new arrival while waiting.
Outside the tavern door I noticed the man smiling at a little figure.
The little one giggled at the man's warm hands that cradled him unlike the rough harshness I've known. He did so very softly and gently.
His warm hands wrapped the little figure of the child.
How could he be so gentle... That little tyke's so small too...
Thoughts filled my blank mind.
They look so happy...
"Papa! Papa!"
I heard a jingling little bell voice from the little boy.
Oh, so that's his father...hah..
The man cooed in a warm voice with eyes like a comforting campfire in the cold night. Even going so far to softly nudge his nose on the other's small and pink one.
Hmmm...how heartwarming...
Father...
It's been awhile since I've thought about it. I don't even remember his face anymore.
It's just been me and myself since the start since I could think.
I used to have dreams of them but as time passes I start to forget.
Even if I dream of them it's just a blurry far past I can't even remember.
Now, it'd be like watching blots moving around. I'd hardly call it a memory.
I became an orphan even younger than the tyke earlier.
I gaze at the father and son pair again...
...
Lucky tyke...
My eyes gazed straight at them not even blinking. Blind to my own subtle jealousy.
I've honestly been over it for awhile. No use hoping for something like that. I'm no idiot.
One the first things you learn as an orphan...
The dead don't come back. Better not wish for it 'either...
"Hey kid!"
I followed the sound realizing that the bar lady was already waiting for me to get the cup.
An embarrassed harsh feeling I then felt.
"S-sorry!"
I said out loud startled then grabbed it quickly and scurried off.
I really shouldn't be off guard...
Hah...now that was embarrassing.
I nearly dropped on my butt right there.
"OI,LAD' WHERE'S MY CUP??!"
A loud voice shook the ground.
GAHH-...I did it again...
OH RIGHT!
I ran as fast as a horse. I'd rather not get into trouble.
Later...
I sighed a breath of relief sitting at the tavern's corners.
They're drunk as pigs. That should atleast give me enough time to take a breather till they get up.
"-AAHHHHHHH GET AWAY FROM ME!"
A voice shreaked in the crowd.
Oh, what now. Can't they just be quiet? I wanna take a nap.
Looking to the crowd I found a man holding a distressed looking lassy tight to the wrist.
Her eyes watered and shook in great fear.
My eyes then wandered to see a beat up man beside the crowd.
A black eye with swollen red cheeks. Took a brawl you can't swallow huh?
Suddenly, something grabbed my hand so reflexively I swatted it away.
"Onii-chan! Please help!"
Said a tiny little desperate voice.
Gazing down I found little tyke with bawling eyes red rimmed as he pleaded to me.
Oddly enough the tyke was familiar.
Ah...
Looking at the tyke and the beat up man from earlier...
I realized that they were the father and son I looked at while grabbing the cup of ale from the bar lass.
Short story I guess the distressed damsel's his mother then his Pops must have been either very drunk or stupid to brawl with bandits.
'Huh, drunk bandits are still bandits. It isn't the first time they wrecked the tavern.'
The little hands clenched my hand tighter in desperation.
Looking around at the crowd, they all seem to be amused or too drunk to the dumps to care.
Must've swatted the little one away when he tried to ask for the help.
The tyke started bawling but the crowd could still care less.
Honestly...I would've just off and ran away right there to get my nap but...
Hah... I used to bawl lots too but that just got me kicked out of that shabby orphanage.
The lesson I learned that day then reminisced in my head...
"Don't bawl. There's nothing either you or I could do about it. It's just making you pathetic."
I said monotonely as the scene from that day replayed.
Left out by myself on the streets, I bawled my eyes out for days. I begged passersbys to just help me even with a penny.
Not matter how hard I tried...
Nothing.
Till the end I was desperate.
The tyke infront me bawled even harder.
"Y-you're s-o mean, o-nii-chan!..."
"SO M-MWEAN!!!"
He shouted angrily at my face.
"And yet here we are. Is there nothing else you could do but bawl you eyes out? Look they still don't care."
I said nonchalantly as I shrugged my hands pointing to the insensitive amused crowd. I took a cracker from my pocket offering one then to the tyke.
"Just wait it out. Here take it. I don't have much. I don't often share but hey maybe it's my nice day."
I said nudging the crumbly old cracker.
"I DON'T NEED IT!! PLEASE HELP HER! YOU'RE A BAD GUY ONII-CHAN!"
Hah...this little-!
The tyke threw off my whimsical good will throwing away the cracker on my hand.
I honestly would have whammed his head by now. I was saving that for later and I was trying to be nice for once.
I'm dirt poor you brat!
I took a sigh instead.
I'm too tired to be dealing with this.
" Let's be real here. I can't do anything about it. Even if I could do what you want and beat up those guys, I still wouldn't. Guess why, you brat?"
"Cause' you're a howribble person, onii-chan!"
I tried to reason but the silly brat answered with no hesitation. Really.. he's starting to get on my nerves.
"Maybe. I'm not dumb enough to get beat up for something I can't help with but if I did have the power to do so, I still wouldn't. Because then you wouldn't be talking to me. I would have been the farthest person here if I had that choice!"
Oh...good he's not pure stupid. His bawls started to soften a little though he's still glaring at me.
"P-please! They don't wanna help her I've tried! Please onii-chan!-"
"Just quiet out you brat and wait in the corner"
I said after he tried to plead again.
Can you blame me?
Even if he paid me bucks, what would I do? Maybe if he did have a few bucks, the drunks would have helped already but me? I'd be the last choice here.
Oh... great he's started bawling again. My ears are starting to ring so loud.
"COWARD! ONII-CHAN'S- AH COWARD "
The little boy yelled out in hoarse loud sobs.
Can't just quiet down already.
I stood from my chair. I'm not getting paid for this. This is just wasting time. I then remembered the scene of my younger self and the senile old beggar who stole my moldy bread I was given on whim.
The wrinkled dirty green eyes gazed at me with a mocking advice I still remembered so clearly.
Whilst walking away, I gave the brat one last gaze as I said...
"I could guess you're travellers (likely fugitives) huh? My parents were too. Didn't end so well. Welcome to this slummy village. If things go south, you'd be like me! Word of advice-...
In my memory the old beggar gazed at me with green eyes. I began to bawl just like any naive child. I clawed at his dirty rags. I felt so hoarse and tired. My stomach burning. In the end, despite my efforts he might be old but against a child it was like swatting a fly.
He kicked me off my burning stomach turning to churning wildly.
I watched as he walked away. My eyes started to feel heavy and lifeless.
With my remaining strength I shouted in hoarse voice.
"...You're a horrible person old man."
He gazed at me silently suddenly with an arrogant grin.
"Welp, this old man's gotta eat too brat."
He said. The rain started to pour gaining momentum through time.
I watched the scene back then not knowing a cruel moment I would never forget was to happen.
With a few harsh breaths that I felt leaving me I told him then.
"Then...I'm glad that you could get to eat atleast, mister..."
He tutted as he looked at me coldly. His footsteps started to walk away again but...
Before leaving me to die, he mockingly took a bite of the bread as he said..
" Don't smile brat."
I heard a deep woeful melancholy in his old voice.
The old beggar's voice echoing in my mind I looked at the pathetic bawling tyke infront my eyes saying in the same woeful melancholy..
" Why should I? Only fools would sacrifice themselves for others."
'-Only fools would sacrifice themselves for others.'
" Don't expect anyone to save you."
'-Don't expect anyone to save you.'
'-Especially in this world. We who barely have magic are just mutts.'
"And to survive we have to know one thing. Dogs must only fight for their own stomachs. That's how it is."
'-And to survive we have to know one thing. Dogs must only fight for their own stomachs. That's how it is.'
Halting for a bit I gazed at the burly bandits and the crowd that only stand amused as they watched the wailing damsel.
All of them ignorant to cries of people pleading help. The drunks only ever satisfy themselves.
Why? Because that is the world at the very bottom. There's nothing to share when you have nothing but need as it only fades to greed. Every scrap you get is just for yourself if you still foolishly try to hope to live.
"No matter how cruel.the pathetic ones don't have a choice but to just weep. So don't be pathetic."
'-No matter how cruel.the pathetic ones don't have a choice but to just weep. So don't be the pathetic one.'
I looked the younger grey eyes with my own without blinking. The younger's eyes were wide as a slight shiver was seen running through him.
That should do the trick. He might be a foolish child but there is some hope for him yet.
"-No magic knight-san told me it's because you have nothing... you understand the most. You're a big stupid coward onii-chan!"
The little one glared at me fiercely as he spoke with subtle found resolve.
"Magic knight? In this town that's a pure joke. Don't be stupid."
I replied. The village of Flanders is atmost a slum. One where mutts like us are. Who barely have magic.
Magic knight? Nobles like those guys wouldn't even want to breathe the air here.
It's like saying a devil sits and drinks wine with you. They're from a completely different world. Those at the top don't care about the those at the bottom.
"It's true!"
The tyke shouted again. His glare's getting on my nerves. Why do I even bother?
"Don't look at me like that brat. If you really want someone to save her.Do it yourself. Don't go demanding some bystander..."
After saying that, I thought of something funny?
"Doesn't that make you the coward, you little hypocrite?"
I said as I decided to leave him to his own choice. He doesn't stupid look enough to go straight there anyway.
Oh...boy was I wrong.
Yet at the same time...
That moment unknowingly to me was the start of my boring miserable life coming to an end...
Hah.. literally..
I never told anyone but I never really regretted it..