Party Girlz
"Now this is the worst pickle I've ever been in," muttered Jessica, "I find myself in Jolly Roger and I forgot to bring some cash. Man, and I went through all of the trouble to get some snacks for the trip." After the girl had left home, she began to manipulate the winds to cross the gap that separated Doria from the rest of the continent. Then, she went to the closest city in order to look for information. The girl was angry with herself for not asking more questions of her mother before leaving. Where did she and Elliot grow up? If they moved away, what city did they live in after that? Where was the Leyline Observatory?
She went into the saloon to think; despite not having any cash. It wasn't that soon after that a young woman of about twenty four came over to sit by her. She had long light brown hair and dark brown eyes. A red sundress was her outfit of choice with black high heeled shoes on her feet. Black leather cuffs adorned her wrists and upper legs, as well as a similar choker. A rifle was strapped on her back. She stood at a remarkable six foot three and seemed quite muscular. Not that she wasn't still pretty.
"Hey, kid. I can tell you need some help. No cash? Well today is your lucky day. I am Laura Hammilin; a Drifter. If you need a guide out here in the Wastelands I'm your girl. So kid, what's your name and where are you headed for?" She then took a swig out of the beer bottle she took with her.
Jessica replied, "Jessica Enduro. I'm looking for my long lost father and brother. Our family was split in two following an accident. I wasn't even born when it happened so I don't know them. All I have to go on is the names Elliot and Jet, as well as a place called the Leyline Observatory; dad's workplace."
Laura sipped her beer. "Well, I have heard the name Elliot Enduro before. It was about ten and a half years ago. My father went to Humphrey's Peak to see a friend. There, he found a man by that name packing up his belongings and selling his house. Dad was looking at it out of curiosity and heard that the reason he was leaving was that his job caused him to move. His mother was the only one who really lived there at that time; he was living in a laboratory. And she was going to leave for a retirement home."
"Humphrey's Peak," muttered Jessica, "I can head there to get my first lead. Perhaps someone who knew them will be able to lead me to the retirement home where his mother was living. Then, I can find out where the new job is located. Finally, I'll head there and be reunited with my father and brother."
"Hold your horses young one. First of all, it isn't really good to go dashing out headlong into the Wastelands. You don't look to be the type who gets out much and are probably real inexperienced. I told you I'd be your guide and I will. But first, we have to make one quick stop before leaving," Laura stated.
Jessica asked, "Where's that? I do appreciate the offer, but I really need to figure this out. I said before that I never knew them. Well, I might have to gather a lot of information on their appearances as well as friends if I'm to find them when I get there. However, I'm not the type who waits around for long."
Laura finished her beer. "Patience is a virtue my child. Well, we're going to head to Baskar. I was asked to come by the High Priestess. Some monster has appeared in a cave near the village. She sent a messenger to this town looking for an able bodied Drifter and he chose me for the mission. We can get a little cash for this; that way we can have the money needed to hitch a ride to East Highlands."
"I guess I see your point," Jessica admitted, "I won't get anywhere if I don't have the money to travel. Ok then, let's get going to Baskar! That monster isn't going to last a second against Dragonflare and I." She pulled the sword from its sheath and held it out. Laura wondered why she wasn't using an ARM in combat like practically everyone else. Also, how could she hold that gigantic weapon anyway?
S...S
"Man this place smells. It's worse than the herbal remedies that my friend's mom always uses on us. She's the local physician for our village and she works in herbalistic medicine. All natural things that they work their tails off to grow in the planet's current state," Jessica informed her new friend in the cave.
Laura agreed, "You're right. It is stinky and gross. The monster must be one big son of a gun to let off this much of a stench." The two were sloshing through the shallow river that had formed in the depths of the cave. It was pretty barren in comparison to most underground water sources. Maybe because Baskar itself lay in one of the healthier areas. There was more water to go around above it.
Suddenly, they heard a low roar. A humongous shadow began approaching them. Both women readied their weapons. It would definitely be a big one. This would earn them a mint. It could probably take them to Humphrey's Peak and back at least ten times. Jessica's eyes went wide. Now she could find the information needed to locate her father and brother. She would have to ditch Laura if she found out that her father named his son for himself; being as the mention of the name Jet needed to be given since she was uncertain. Oh well, it wasn't like she had need of a mentor the whole way. Just a small start in the Wastelands was good enough for her. Her whole body began to tingle with excitement.
At that moment, a strange golden creature jumped out and pounced on Jessica. It began licking her face. When her eyes came into focus after the shock, she saw a baby tiger. But not just any tiger; a Golden Tiger. The two legendary tigers were the Gold and Silver varieties. The Silver were all known for their ferocity and violent nature. However, in contrast, the Golden ones were as tame as any housecat.
Laura's eyes began to bug out. "This was the monster! It looks more like somebody's missing pet cat. Actually, somebody's missing giant pet cat is more like it. How can we get any reward with this thing? I would feel too guilty to kill it and if we take it back alive nobody is going to believe us at all. So what now? Do you want to return to Jolly Roger to look for some other assignment? With the cash on me now, I can only take us as far as Claiborne. Then we'd either have to get a job and take the train again, or walk to Humphrey's Peak. We'd have to cross a chasm, underground canal, and lots of sand."
"We can take her back with us," Jessica informed Laura, "My mother told me about this creature once before. A Golden Tiger is a friendly beast that loves to play. The scared people probably mistook it for another monster. But the High Priestess should know of Golden Tigers; they are a legendary beast."
"Nothing to lose I guess. And everything to gain. Alright, we're headed for Baskar," said Laura. With that, the two girls and the tiger began to head out of the cave. The creature, dubbed Frisky by Jessica, was constantly at the teen's side rubbing against it. She didn't mind at all; Jessica loved animals.
Teefa's Last Words...
I love tigers. You may remember the Silver Tiger from (Not) Home For the Holidays. I just wanted to make a cute pet for Jessica. Just wait till they get to Baskar. We'll meet some more characters there. Oh, and like the touch with elemental manipulation? It's part of the skills learned over the centuries by the Dorian people. Just created for kicks. Besides, it's a part of the funeral incident.