Author's Note 1: Sorry for the late update. As you probably figured, there has been something wrong with the connection to the server when I tried to Log In. This chapter was supposed to be added to the story 3 days ago. But enough about that. Anyways, there's nothing much going on in this chapter, but there still are some funny parts. So without further to do, I give you Chapter 9.
Part 9.1: Inventing Credentials
After hiking through the Palmira Plains, the group made it to the Trading Town of Peterny. Unlike Arias, this place was still in one piece. Filled with joy and fun, it was hard to believe that there was a war going on outside the city's walls. "So this is Peterny," Cliff said.
"This town has a totally different feel to it from Arias," Fayt said.
"It's as if no one's aware of the current threat," Cyrus said.
"Yes, that's because this town is closer to the sacred royal city of Aquios. Plus it borders on the Republic of Sanmite, and is therefore a center of commerce," Nel explained.
"That would explain a lot."
"Makes sense. No wonder it's so lively," Cliff said.
"I have to attend to some business," Nel said. "You can do what you will until I get back. We'll meet… We'll meet in the central plaza. Go to the plaza when you're ready."
"Okay."
"Got it."
"Crystal." The group spread out through the bustling town. Cyrus went to the west part, the shopping area; to buy new equipment for the group, including an all-new Bastard Sword, Cyrus' favorite weapon right next to the Bazooka. Across the street, Cyrus saw a small shop. He knew that it was the Craftman's Guild.
"Hmm... I wonder," he pondered. He walked across the road and went inside the store. As soon as he entered, he found the place was nearly empty. He walked up the stairs and saw a young girl laid on the desk. Cyrus inched up to her real carefully. He was only inches away when he saw her stirring. She raised her head and yawned. The girl looked like she was 19 or in her early 20's, her hair in two pony tails. She wore a strange attire that Cyrus never seen in his world; sorta like a mix between a dress and a jacket. She also held a stick with a glove on the end of it. "Hey," Cyrus said, hoping to start a conversation with the woman. "Let me guess, a slapstick?"
"Hmm... Oh this? Thanks. You're one of the first people toknow what this thing is!" the woman said. The woman got up from her desk and walked over to Cyrus.
"Really? I mean it's so obvious! Oh, by the way, I'm Cyrus Splicer."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Welch Vineyard. So, are you here to invent?"
"Invent?" Cyrus scratched his head in confusion.
"That's right. This is the Craftman's Guild of Peterny. Here, I work as a liaison for all inventors, the Guild Master's secretary, and this Guild's receptionist."
"That's pretty cool, even if it is a little hard!"
"That's true, and the salary isn't that great ,ether. You know at one time, there were many people that signed as inventors by the thousands, but now, you can see that business in this field isn't particularly booming. This sorta gives me lots of time on my hands. "
"How times change, eh." Cyrus turned his attention on something behind the table. There was a tail wagging like crazy. Cyrus signaled a hush sign to Welch. He moved closer and closer to the unknown form until... he snagged the tail with his left hand and put his right hand on the grip (the handle) of his sword. He raised the creature up and saw that the tail was connected to what appeared to be a child.
"Hey, what's wrong with you!" the squirming humanoid yelled. "Let me go!" Cyrus, confused and tired of hearing the yelling and nearly getting hit by flailing limbs, put the boy down.
"Not you again," Welch yelled, changing her voice from sweet and melodious, to nasty and terrifying.
"Hey ya, wench," the young boy said, "still as ugly as always."
"You little brat, I'll throw you out like I did before, except a few yards farther."
"Come and try." The two started running around the room, the young boy being chased by Welch. She caught up to him and grabbed his tail. The kid kept running and realized that he wasn't going anywhere. He slowly looked back and saw a pissed off looking Welch, holding him back. The kid knew that he was in trouble. Welch pulled him back, held him by the waist, walked to the doorway and literally kicked him out the door.
"And stay out you little runt!" She slammed the door and saw Cyrus staring in fear.
"Good god!" he thought. "Don't wanna catch her on a bad day!"
Welch quickly regained her composure and walked back toward Cyrus. "Well Cyrus, are you ready to register?" she asked in her soft tone.
"W-well... yeah, okay miss," he replied, still pretty nervous.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to get the Guild Master." She left the room and went to upstairs.
"And to think that I thought she was a nice woman," he thought. Cyrus went to a chair and sat waiting for Welch to return. In a few minutes, she came back with a short old man.
"So, you're the one that wants to be an inventor," he said.
"Pretty much, sir," Cyrus said, getting off his chair.
"That's wonderful news! This corporation is powered by the government. We hand out patent to anyone that wishes to be an inventor; all in the name of the advancement of this civilization."
"We're top ranked amongst the industry. Well, partially because our competitorshave gone bankrupt," Welch said.
"We allow our clients to have a sense of vision. Speaking of which, Welch, please give that to him." Welch walked over to Cyrus and handed him a small device that had a screen.
"Cool, a compact communicator!"Cyrus said. "It even has its own monitor!"
"Exactly," said the Guild Master. "With that device, you can contact us anytime, anywhere."
"You can find out what new products hit store shelves and also search patent registration reports. You can even file patents on inventions with that as well," Welch added.
"Very nice..." Cyrus casually said.
"You can also work on inventions in any workshop at any area," the Guild Master said. "You can also add more areas of expertise to the shop if you want to, but that's coming out of your own pocket."
"Hmm... I see."
"You know, there's a workshop here in Peterny that's right across the street," Welch said. "Unfortunately, that place is a mess. You might want to expand it's facilities." Welch looked down at the Guild Master. The old man saw her jerking her head toward Cyrus. The Guild Master looked back at Cyrus and took a bag out of his pocket.
"Alright. Since you're new to the business, here's some seed money to start you off."
"Thank you, sir," Cyrus said.
"You can only invent inside a workshop," Welch said. "Again, if you want to use the one here in Peterny, you need to add some more fields of expertise. With different kinds of areas, you can make all kinds of things."
"And remember," the Guild Master said, "after you invent an item, use that communicator and report it to us."
"Okay," Cyrus said. "Work in it, expand it, create it, call itand patent it. Got it covered."
"If you work hard, you might be a world renowned before you know it. Known far and wide."
"Hey, with style like mine and brains like this, I can do this thingeasily."
"Now that's what I like to hear!" Welch said. "Alright, I'll take you to the workshop. Follow me, please."
"Roger, roger."Cyrus and Welch walked to the small workshop across the path. Inside, Cyrus saw papers thrown all over the place. The place was a total pigsty. "So this is what it looks like."
"Well Cyrus, if you want to invent something, all you have to do is start filling out the documents on the front desk here. So, do you have any questions?"
"Nah, I'm cool."
"Excellent. And just as a reminder, use that seed money to expand the facilities, otherwise you won't be able to create anything."
"Alright. Thank you." Welch left the workshop and went back to the inventor's guild. Cyrus stood near the desk to look at the papers. "Alright, I could add a blacksmith department to this place," he thought, "or start a synthesizing facility. I guess I could think about it later. For now, I'm gonna go to the Central Plaza." Cyrus left the building and headed back to the center of town.
Part 9.2: Inner Thoughts
As he was making his way to the church, Cyrus spotted Fayt talking to a young girl. "What? Sophia? Oh wait. I forgot, that's Ameena. Man, she almost looks just like her. If she was healthier, she'd be an exact twin! Well, more or less." Cyrus walked over to the two and pulled up a chair, making sure he didn't break the conversation. Cliff and Nel were also watching Fayt and Ameena.
"A good luck charm?" Fayt asked as Ameena held up a flower.
"Yes, it's been a local tradition for generations," Ameena replied. "It's called the 'Maiden of Irisa.' It's a flower that represents Irisa, the goddess of the moon and the wind. They say that if you carry this flower, Irisa will use her powers to keep you safe during your journeys."
"Wow… That's amazing."
"I carried it with me when I came back home from Airyglyph."
"I can't take something so precious from you!"
"Don't worry. I don't need it anymore." Ameena gave Fayt the Maiden of Irisa.
"Thank you, Ameena. I'll take very good care of it."
"Please do."
Fayt and Ameena started to giggle, until Cliff broke up the little meeting. "Hey, whatcha up to?" he asked.
"Oh, it's you guys!" Fayt said in a shocked tone. He knew he wasn't in a good spot right now.
"Well," Cyrus said, "it looks like the young Fayt's having some fun!"
"Wha– No I'm not!"
"Hitting on the ladies?" Cliff asked.
"N-no! Ah, umm… She just looked like someone I know. And, well…"
"Come on, you can come up with a smoother line than that! I'll teach you a few for next time."
"I told you I'm not hitting on her!" Fayt snapped.
"Hey, hey, simmer down! Can't you take a joke? Look, if you don't wanna get teased a little, then don't play lovey-dovey while you wait around for us, got it?"
"Who's playing lovey-dovey?"
"Alright children, settle down," Cyrus said.
"Anyways..." Nel started.
"What?" Fayt said, still a little ticked.
"Aren't you going to introduce her?"
"Oh, yes. This is Ameena. She sells flowers in this town."
"Hi, I-I'm Ameena," she said, stuttering.
"Ameena, these three are the people I'm traveling with: Cyrus, Cliff, and Nel."
"Ameena, what a nice name. Nice to meet you. I'm Cliff Fittir. Guess you could say I'm this kid's bodyguard."
"Yo, I'm Cyrus Splicer."
"Nel Zelpher."
"Nice to meet you," Ameena said.
Nel then noticed the flower that Fayt held in his hand. "That's a rare flower you're holding. Where did you get that?" she asked.
"Oh, this? Ameena gave it to me," Fayt said.
"Huh? A rare flower?" Cliff asked.
"It's the Maiden of Irisa. The current war has pretty much devastated the lands where it grows, so it's hard flower to find these days," Nel explained. "In the stories of Apris, it represents the goddess Irisa. These days it's used as a good luck charm for travellers. It's much the same as Palmira's Wishing Charm, or Wreath of Erinia, which we use to pray for victory in battle."
"That's pretty cool," Cyrus said.
"You sure you want to give him something so valuable?" Cliff asked Ameena.
"Yes, I don't need it anymore," Ameena said. Then, she noticed that it was time for her to make her leave. "I'm sorry, but I need to get back to work…"
"Oh..." Fayt said.
"Please excuse me. It was fun talking to you. Have a safe journey to Aquios."
"Thanks, Ameena, these are tough times… Take care of yourself!"
"Thank you."
"I'm sure you'll meet your friend again. I believe it."
"May the grace of Apris be with you! Goodbye, then…" Ameena left and returned to selling flowers. In the distance the group still heard her continuous coughs.
"Oh man," Cyrus thought, "I sorta feel bad for her. And I rarely feel remorse for anyone, especially a game character. Go figure."
"Hey, is she sick or something?" Cliff asked. "She sure was coughing a lot."
"Uh, yeah," Fayt said. "She said she had a cold."
"Right..."
"All right you two, let's not talk out here," Nel said. "Let's get to the inn."
"Good idea."
"Peterny has two inns, but there're some issues with the one on the east side, so we'll use the one on the west."
"Issues?" Cyrus said.
"It's a cheap inn that's also a tavern. Put bluntly, it's got a lot of questionable patrons. This may be Aquaria, but we want to avoid any unnecessary trouble."
"All right. Let's use the one on the west side," Fayt said. The group proceeds to the inn.
When they entered, Cyrus leaned up against the front desk to ask the receptionist for rooms. "Hi, how you doin'. Say, my friends and I need to borrow a few rooms. Is that okay with you guys?"
"This inn is reservations-only," the female clerk said. "If you would like to stay here, the earliest available room won't be for another six months." Then, she noticed a certain Aquarian captain that was accompanying them. "Oh… It's Lady Nel! W-will you be staying with us?"
"Yes. Will that be a problem, miss?" Nel said.
"No, there's no problem at all. We'll prepare rooms for you at once." The woman quickly left her post to report to another employee to retrieve their rooms. Later on, the receptionist returned to her desk and reported to the group. "There are two rooms that will be ready in a few hours. Have a pleasant stay."
Nel nodded and returned the group. "Okay, we're checked in. Our rooms are open. I'm going to visit a subordinate who is stationed in this town. Feel free to walk around, but whatever you do, stay out of trouble!"
"All right…don't worry so much," Cliff reassured. "I don't know about them, but do you really think I'd cause trouble?"
"Hey... Hey, why are you worried about me?" Fayt said.
"Let's not start on who causes probs," Cyrus said.
"I'm just saying what I think," Nel nonchalantly said. "This town is lively with commerce— and that has attracted more than its share of shady characters. Guys like you are easy to pick fights with."
"If that happens, then I'll just give as good as I get," Cliff said. "No worries."
"That's what I'm worried about."
"Ah, right."
Nel let out a small sigh. "Okay, I'm off. I'll be back by nightfall." After that comment, she left the inn to get to business.
"I think I'll hang out at the local tavern," Cliff said. "You go amuse yourself."
"I think I will," Fayt said.
"Yeah, later guys," Cyrus said. The group left the building. Cyrus returned to the Palmira Fields and started his training. "Man," he thought as he slashed at a horned tortoise, "I can't believe the power I have." Suddenly, sword wielding lizard ran from behind and tried to slash, but Cyrus moved out of the way. "It seems my skills are improving." Then he slashed at the reptilian opponent and it disappeared. "Not only am I able to use the elements of shadows and flames, but I'm also able to copy abilities." He ignited a flame in his palm and placed it to the Bastard Sword he used. He started the attack, Blazing Sword. "But now, after I defeated Sir Shelby," Cyrus started charging at a Tarantula, "ye ol' sociopath, Albel Nox, now wants to face me." He sliced down at the spider and it ripped into a half. He then turned his attention on a scorpion ready to use Electro Stinger, but Cyrus blocked the electric stream. He cut the stinger off, jumped and stabbed down at the opponent. The arachnid squirmed for a few seconds, then its functions ceased. "I'll be ready for him. I don't care how strong he is, he won't get the best of me." After a few hours of fighting, Cyrus left the field and headed back to Peterny. "Hmm... It's getting late. Better check if the rooms are ready." With that thought, Cyrus casually walked to the inn, both tails of his long coat rustling in the breeze.
Cyrus entered the inn and walked to the end of the hall where Nel stood. "Have you finished exploring?" Nel asked.
"Yeah," Cyrus said. "I'm pretty bushed after all the training I've had. I figured enough is enough, I'll just call it a day."
"I see. Well then, you should rest up. I know you must be tired, but we'll be heading out to Aquios tomorrow morning as planned."
"Understood. So, where do I sleep."
"We checked out two rooms earlier, since those were the only ones available. Cliff volunteered to share a room with Fayt."
"Alright, so that meanswe'llbe sharingone. I'm down." Later on in the room, the two slept in two separate beds. Cyrus had his earplugs in his ears as he always did. He recharged his batteries with the portable recharger he kept in his pocket, be he couldn't get to sleep. For some time, Cyrus has just been looking at the ceiling, thinking. "Oh man, I wonder what's happening back at home?" he thought.
"Can't get any sleep?" a voice said. Cyrus turned to his left side. It was Nel who was sitting on her bed.
"Nope. It seems that I've had a lot on my mind, lately."
"Really?"
Cyrus nodded. "Ever sense I came here, I was wondering what's been happening back in my own... home."
"You miss Greeton, don't you?"
"Greeton... Yeah, you could say that."
"I'm sorry to say it, Cyrus, but we can't reminisce about old times. We must move on and face the event that are happening now."
"Yeah, about the war. Don't worry, I'll leaveout participationto Fayt."
The room was quiet again, then Nel thought it was time to change the subject. "I always wondered..."
"Yeah..."
"That item that you always have in your ears. What is it?"
"You mean this?" Cyrus held up his MP3 Player. "It's a MP3 Player." Nel looked at him in a whimsical state. "It's what you use to listen to music."
"You mean there are musicians in there?"
"No, not quite. You see, every song is called a track. The device can sort the songsby author, album or you can make your own playlist."
"Uh... Playlist?"
"Oh, that's a group of songs that you like to listen to. See, you press the buttons that look like arrows to go up and down the list. Then you pick the songs you like to hear by pressing the one with the word 'Program.' Still follow?" Nel nodded. "Alright now that you're done, all you have to do is press the button with the arrow pointing right."
"Interesting contraption," Nel said intrigued.
"I'll tell you what, I'll let you listen for tonight."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Since you're a beginner, I'll hook you up with some orchestrated ambience."
"Alright." Cyrus started to scroll down the list for some songs. The new playlist consisted of songs from games such as the "Jurassic Park" genre, "Panzer Dragoon Orta," and of course, "Star Ocean: Till the End of Time." "Here," Cyrus said as he handed the MP3 Player to Nel. "Now, the small bar on the side controls how loud you want the music to be."
"Thank you."
"Oh, don't thank me. All I did was quench your thirst for knowledge." Cyrus thought about what he just said and realized how corny that sounded. "Well, good night."
"Good night." As Cyrus turned over and, Nel inserted the plugs into her ears, closed her eyes and went to sleep.