I Came, I Saw, I Conquered
by Corycian Muse
Bah, this chapter has taken absolutely ages, I'm so ashamed. I
completely went off track half way through, and couldn't get back into
it, and so on and so forth.
I really wish I could do a map for this, because I can see it in my
head, but I have to incorporate it into the writing, which can be hard.
Anyway, the Proxian part is out eastwards, into an expanse of sea
between two continents (though the Proxians come from the north-east),
and the Mia part where they're travelling north, is north of the
village (which is on the coast of the continent) up along the
coastline. Bah, I'm rambling, dammit.
S.P.Q.T: Whenever I do finish this story, I'll go back through it and correct all the mistakes and badly written sentences etc., don't worry. Yeah, I'm enjoying doing Feizhi - she's going to be good fun. I've got her whole part sorted out too (evil laugh). Mia too, one of my favourite characters., though I think that last part of the previous chapter was just slightly OOC. From now on, it will get significantly... darker? I think that's the word I'm looking for. I hope it turns out well. Thanks for the review!
Xanda: Thank you so much! I try my best (sometimes). And I'm also really glad you like the constant character change thing - it's good to know it's interesting, and not annoying or whatever. You can never tell when you're the one writing it (lol). Still, thank you for the review! (Good ol' English buddy)
Meneil: I know exactly what you mean with the Felix thing, lol. I was actually thinking about that part, thinking how hard it would be to write. Still, thank goodness for Garet (see this chapter, heh). Thanks for the review!
SpasticDjinn: Meh, I love coffee too. Thankfully it doesn't affect me like it would you O.O; (scary thought). Where's my djinni? I've had no mail today! Thank you for the pros, as always, and thank you for the score, as always. Hurry up with Garet Potter (and the Golden Boys, come to think of it), and thank yoooou for your review!
MoR: I know! Poor Mia - what happened to her? And yup, I'm liking Feizhi as well. She really doesn't have that much of a character in the game, apart from having a crush on poor Isaac. lol! ; I can't believe I made that mistake in the summary! It really didn't make much sense before. It might have been ten chapters, but at least you did notice it at all! Still, I've changed it all together now - because we're onto the second half of the story... hmm... Thanks so much for the review!
windshipper: Fortunately, it's quite difficult to throw it off a cliff (for me anyway. Some people might be able to do it O.O;). Still, thank you for the useless review.
eli: Wow, you're excitable! lol. Well, here's the next chapter; hope you like it. Thanks for the review!
Please Read, Review, and Enjoy! ... ... ...
Chapter Eleven: Ripples
"Tell me… tell me what it is like where you come from."
Piers played with the shell in his hand. He turned it over so the sun caught its pearly surface. "Lemuria," he said quietly. "It is an island nation, dependant entirely upon itself. It is said that it came out of the sea, lifted by the god's hand, and from its fertile soils a pure race was created." He laughed dryly. "But I'd be surprised if that was actually true. There are much more valid reasons for why that is."
"There are?" Mia asked, slightly awed. "What are they?"
Piers looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well," he began. "All land is created by the forces beneath our feet. Right now it is at work below us," he said, patting the sand beside him. "Our race is pure, because no others have ever been able to set foot on our land in all the history of our island, and conquer it. The shores are embraced by torrential and dangerous seas. Sailing into them would be a death sentence."
Mia pursed her lips. Gracefully, she got to her feet and walked out ahead of them. The wind that skimmed over the ocean blew her whipping her back, and her light, silky dress swirled around her. The low waves played around her feet.
She turned slightly, and Piers watched with interest. "Then I don't understand how you managed to leave Lemuria," she said in her gentle voice. "And were you sent, or did you come of your own accord?"
Piers sighed, leaning back on his hands. "I was able to leave because of something you have yet to understand. Something that is the reason for all that has happened, and all that will happen," he said, then grinned lopsidedly. "I know that doesn't make much sense, but you'll have to believe me."
Mia gazed at him, gazed into his rich, golden eyes. "Tell me," she said again, smiling. "Tell me about Lemuria." She loved the sound of his voice; it was like a feather up her spine, soft and teasing.
Piers laughed, and got to his feet. "There are columns -"
"Columns?" Mia questioned.
"Yes, columns," Piers said, moving his hands animatedly. "Great pillars reaching up into the sky, and blooming climbers over their white surfaces. There are cobbled roads and white-washed houses with soft blue and pink flowers below their windows."
Mia bit her lip. "It sounds so beautiful," she murmured.
"It is," Piers answered, joy dripping from his words as if he were speaking of a forgotten memory. He moved closer to the water, closer to Mia. "And there is a town square with luscious green trees that dapple the ground as the sun shines, and in the centre there is the magnificent fountain. It's huge," he said, spreading his arms wide, "With a great stone dragon leaning over the water."
Mia smiled at his enthusiasm. "You really love it, don't you," she said. "But you left, to come here and help us." Without realising what she was doing, she touched his arm gently. "I don't understand you," she murmured softly.
Piers' face fell. Solemnly, he looked away, and Mia brought her hand back quickly. "I'm sorry," she said, embarrassed.
"No," Piers shook his head, glancing at her before looking at the foamy waves again. "No, it's not you," he said. The guilt spread through his veins. It was something that Mia would inevitably discover.
He turned to face her, and stepped forward.
And he embraced her, if only to say sorry, if only to let her now that he did care. If only for the fact, that one day, he would have to leave.
Mia slowly wrapped her arms around him and the wind washed over them, binding something that could not be seen…
"There are others on these shores," Alex murmured, staring into water.
There was a soft growl next to him. "And how do you know this? Or is it another part of your plan?"
Alex looked up sharply. "No plans," he said, tinged with anger. "But do you doubt the fact, Saturos, that someone would inevitably come after Jenna? Or, is your relationship with Menardi blinding you?"
Saturos took in a hiss of air, hunching his shoulders. "You are in no position to talk to me like that," he said dangerously.
"I was merely trying to give you some advice," Alex shrugged. "Tomorrow we'll be heading for the temples; we have Jenna roaming free in the camps -"
"She's being carefully watched," Saturos snapped.
"And whose idea was it for her to be free from bonds in the first place?" Alex continued. "Menardi, of course; your late lover. And now, our very enemy is close at hand -"
"And tell me this, Alex," Saturos snarled. "Why was taking a girl by the name of Jenna necessary in the first place? You have got plans of your own, and I will not be a part of it! You are working for me!"
"The reason we took Jenna was simple," Alex answered calmly. "By taking her, we've created a rift between them."
"Between who?"
"Between Jenna's brother and… and Mia, and the very two people who are on this island at the moment, as well as keeping Feizhi away from us – she was only ever out for herself." He closed his eyes for a moment.
Saturos sat in silence, eyes narrowed as he assessed Alex's words. "How do you know there are people here?" he asked slowly.
Alex's clear eyes opened, and met Saturos'. "There are ripples in the water," he said.
Jenna was leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "How long am I going to be here?" she asked darkly. "How long are you going to keep me… hostage?"
"It's not up to me – I do not command this fleet," Menardi answered.
Jenna sighed sadly. "I… miss them!" she suddenly burst out, and immediately buried her face in her hands, embarrassed. "Did Isaac even see me go? Oh…" Damn you Isaac! Everything's gone wrong… everything… everything…
Menardi bit her lip hard. What could she say? How about, It's all Saturos' fault – he wants to take the Kaze Amulet from this island so he can unlock Terra Umbrarum. Or she could say, I love Saturos, I love him so much, but he has become deluded and aimless, and is acting by Alex's word – but still, I love Saturos… Menardi could not help herself, and she laughed mirthlessly. "Look," she began, as Jenna watched her with a questioning look on her face. "I'm sorry about all of this, and we can both only hope you see you're friends again -"
"What do you mean by that?" Jenna interrupted. "Are you saying there's a chance I might not go back?" She suddenly got to her feet, irritated. "Why am I even here anyway? What is it that I'm useful for, huh? Tell me that!"
Menardi opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Truly, what could she say? Again, she was stuck, and helpless. "I don't know," she said finally, looking away, her expression slightly angry.
Somewhere behind her, a twig snapped in the darkness, and footsteps followed. Saturos stepped into the firelight, and surveyed them both. He had not taken the Proxian metal plate from his chest, and a sheath was still strapped to his hip. However, his expression was weary.
He turned to Menardi who was openly ignoring him. "Where's Karst?" he demanded.
"Why?" Menardi asked sharply.
"I have something for her to do," Saturos answered, indifferent to her tone. "I want her and Agatio to break off from the fleet with a small battalion and sail north-west. There may be others who have discovered of… the alchemy." He cast a wary glance at Jenna.
"I already know," she answered, reading his behaviour. "Alex told me enough."
"Right," Saturos grunted, turning away from her again. "There is a possibility of another clan wanting to unseal Terra Umbrarum, and as Puelle said, we cannot allow it to be unlocked."
"I think I understand more about Puelle's actions than you, Saturos," Menardi said coldly. "If I remember correctly it was me he came to first. Still, you like to take control, so we'll all follow under you and make a mess of things – why not?" She scowled.
Saturos said nothing. He did not even send her a glare. Jenna watched them both with a mutual interest, twisting a twig in the ashes.
"Where is your sister?" Saturos asked again quietly.
Menardi took in a heavy breath. "Karst is over by the eastern beaches," she said. "Probably having a brawl with one of the drunkards you brought along. Happy?"
"Exceedingly," Saturos snarled, and he left, leaving only the tense, heavy air.
Alex rested back against a tree.
Saturos had heeded his words, comprehended them. Now, he had sent out scouts to search the island, and to keep watch.
Piers had followed the Proxians – and no doubt, Isaac, as well - so discovering where the ancient Mustapha Temples were. He wondered if the Lemurian would take things into his own hands now he knew where the key was held. After all, he knew more about Terra Umbrarum than he gave off, Alex knew.
Alex knew, because he remembered the worn books and maps the old hag had kept in her dusty bookcase. Some might say it was bad luck that he discovered the library that day. Others would think differently.
Still, Alex sighed. It appears that I am coming off the antagonist in all of this. How unfortunate.
Smiling grimly, he closed his eyes.
Silently, Piers threw another piece of firewood into the dancing flames. It burst to life momentarily, flickering and spitting out ashes, before it calmed down under the stars.
Tomorrow morning the Proxians would almost certainly head out for the inscribed temples. Somehow, he would have to get in and take what he had come here for, and then head back to the village. But, he had to help Isaac as well. They had to get Jenna out of the Proxian camp.
And it would be tonight.
"We should put out the fire," Isaac murmured, picking up an old, damp blanket they had taken from the ship. "They could see us, and we'll be leaving soon."
"Right," Piers answered distantly.
Isaac threw the blanket over the flames, and it immediately died away. Once he lifted the old thing from the fireplace, smoke rose up strangely into the night sky. "I hope they don't see that," he muttered tensely.
Tonight he would see Jenna again.
Perhaps he could make amends…
Isaac suddenly became rigid. Piers too, froze where he was sitting. Their eyes met.
In a graceful movement, Piers crouched onto his haunches, and twisted, ducking as an arrow shot over his head. Bracing his legs, he leapt forward, as Isaac swerved behind him, drawing his sword.
There was a panicked yell, then a muffled silence.
Piers lazily held the curved blade to the Proxian's neck, keeping him to the ground with his weight on him. Without a word, Isaac moved swiftly into the surrounding foliage in search of other scouts.
"So they have an idea we're here, hmm?" Piers commented. "I suppose it was inevitable, seeing as Alex is with you, and he's bonded with water."
"What do you mean?" the Proxian breathed, flashing his blood-red eyes.
"Oh! You're going to break in to the sacred temples, and you have no idea why!" Suddenly Piers leaned forward. "Or is your leader keeping something from you? Which is it?"
The Proxian merely gritted his teeth, eyes wide.
Isaac was suddenly back, by Piers' side. "No one else," he said quietly, looking sidelong at the Proxian. "What are we going to do now? We can't release him – he'll go back to their camp with information of who and where we are."
Piers said nothing. Gently, he pressed the dull knife closer the Proxian's skin, who immediately started to whimper. "You think I wanted to come here?" he asked, his fingers curling up into fists by his side. "I do what I'm told, while Saturos relaxes by a warm fire all evening!"
"Why did you take Jenna?" Piers asked, his expression soft, but his voice, edged.
The Proxian was tinged with anger. "How am I supposed to know!" he spat out.
"Tell us." Gentle pressure on the blade.
Whimpering again, the Proxian screwed his crimson eyes. "I don't know," he said, slightly desperate. "Nothing Saturos does is clear anymore. He always ends up doing what that stranger tells him to do. It makes no sense."
Isaac suddenly leaned forward. "Who is he? The stranger?" he asked quickly, and the Proxian glanced at him as if he hadn't seen him before.
"Calls himself Alex," he answered darkly, and Piers and Isaac exchanged a look. The Proxian glared back up at them. "Is there anything else you want to know?"
Piers was thoughtful for a moment, but he arched an eyebrow at Isaac who was next to him.
"They – you have a hostage," Isaac murmured, frowning. "Her name is Jenna. Where is she?"
For the first time, the Proxian smiled, coldly. His eyes were narrowed slits. "So that's why you followed us," he said carefully. Suspicion played across Piers' face, and for a second he pressed the knife harder into the Proxian's neck to remind him he was there. A trickle of blood oozed from the skin, and the Proxian hissed in pain.
"I don't want to harm you," Piers said in his soft voice. "However, if you do not cooperate…" he left it hanging there. The Proxian watched him with wary eyes.
"Fine," he said at last. "Fine. You want the girl? I'll show you where the girl is."
"Thank you," Piers answered.
Isaac sheathed his sword.
Night slowly crept over the land. The branches merged with the dark horizon, while the West was painted with orange and gold. The faint moon above them was past its full. Every night it had lost a part of itself, until one night there would be only a curving slither of light, and the next there would be no moon at all.
Shadows formed over the rough ground, and for that reason alone, Sheba found herself tripping. On tree roots, rocks, a rise in the ground. She cursed, her foot throbbing. Looking ahead, she could just make out the blurry shape of Mia… or was it Feizhi?
Well, it certainly wasn't Felix, because she hadn't seen him for the last hour. Who could know what he was up to, but it was getting annoying – walking a blind trail.
Huffing, Sheba hitched the heavy baggage on her back, and leapt across a narrow ditch, unsurprisingly stumbling when she reached the other side. Damn, we better make camp for the night soon, Sheba thought, disgruntled. This is getting ridiculous.
Huffing again, she continued on her way.
Leaves rustled.
The wind?
No. Sheba could not sense it. She knew the wind.
Her heart started to thump, making it difficult to listen. Straining her ears, Sheba paused, and looked back the way she had come. Black shadows flitted across the ground, and the dark of night swirled through the trees. She could see nothing.
Oh – she swore mentally, biting her lip. Had it just been her mind playing tricks on her?
It was no good standing frozen. Willing her feet to move, Sheba continued onwards, knowing full well she was left behind from the others, and dangerously vulnerable. She quickened her pace.
Soft footfalls on fallen leaves.
This time it was no mind trick. For one second, Sheba stopped stiffly, but the sound continued behind her, like a ghost, following her steps.
Gasping, she jerked forward, scraping her arm on a branch. The bag slung over her back was slowing her; it had made things difficult from the moment they had set out. Still, with a handicap like that, Sheba was fast.
She pranced across more tree roots, breathing heavily, and managed one glance over her shoulder.
Nothing.
She could see no one.
Eyes wide and mouth open, Sheba breathed heavily. Her chest rose, and fell. Turning, she looked ahead of her, and could only just make out Mia's (or Feizhi's) figure in the falling darkness. She rolled her eyes. So much for all the running she'd just done – she hadn't caught up at all. In fact, it seemed she was getting more and more behind.
And why was she afraid to call out?
Still breathing deeply, heart pounding, Sheba started to walk again, trudging onwards, completely fed-up, and extremely unsettled. Someone had been following her, she knew. So… where were they now?
A hand abruptly touched her shoulder.
Yelling out in surprise, Sheba swung her arm out. The person grunted, and she jumped back, twisting around to see who it was, while holding her small staff up in defense.
The person was bent over, clutching their stomach. Frowning, Sheba lowered the staff slowly, peering through the darkness. Was that… red hair?
"Garet?" she asked, her face contorting in bewilderment. He raised a hand to give her a small wave. Obviously she had winded him worse than she previously thought. "What the hell are you doing here? You scared the hell out of me!" she said, flustered.
"Ivan…" Garet mumbled, carefully standing up straight. "He – told me it was best… that I should come. He said… he saw – trouble, ahead."
"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
"I don't know!" Garet moaned. "Where are the others? Why are you still traveling at night? I was expecting to come across your camp way back there, and when I couldn't find it was getting a bit worried…"
Sheba made a disapproving noise. "How am I supposed to know? I've been left behind, and they don't seem to have even noticed yet. How kind of them," she said sourly.
Garet frowned. "Oh," he said.
Sheba was still watching him sidelong. "Well," she said at last, stepping away. "If you're coming with us, we better hurry and catch up with them, or we'll be completely lost." Her mind was suddenly in other places. Ivan had talked to her alone, before they had left the village, and what he had said, along with Garet's appearance, was starting to disturb her.
She grabbed hold of Garet's arm, and pulled him forward. "Come on," she said, beginning to walk away. "I do not feel like staying in these forests throughout the night, only to constantly bump into trees and other unworldly things."
"Well at least you'd have me," Garet shrugged, just behind her.
Sheba's expression was dark. "That certainly wouldn't make things better," she mumbled.
Umm, yeah, shorter chapter there. Sorry, but I don't want to go too far reasons of my own... (grumbling) stupid interlude chapter thingys...
Please Review! Clicky - clicky!