In the city of Prontera, the capital of Rune Midgard, business was as usual. Merchants bustled in the streets, forking over their precious items for wads of zeny, greedily stuffing them into their pockets.
Dancers and Bards performed magically, whether it be on the street sides to those of the public just happening to pass by, some stopping and swaying gently to the beat of a slow tune, or hip hopping their way along the cobbles to a fast jig. The other musicians were busily tuning their instruments and voices, preparing for their performances whether hours until their shows, or mere minutes.
Crusaders and Knights, and those of the higher classes to these as well, patrolled their way through the castle, guards posted at the entrance of the castle and bridge leading into to His Majesty's home. Others helped struggling Novices along, obviously supervising the youngsters in their first days and weeks of training, and seeing them through into their first class.
Yes, Prontera was as always; busy, busy, busy.
And things were no different at the Mary Gale Orphanage. Nor were they any different, for a particular Archer girl, who would soon play a colossal role in the Kingdom. But for now, she was just Chayce Adalwolfa.
An orphan since the day she was born, found on the wet streets one stormy day in mid-winter outside the Archer guild in Archer Village, she had done nothing wrong to deserve the life she now lead. But then again, neither had any of the others. They were orphans; those without a mother or father to care for them, nor an aunt, an uncle, or any other relative to look after their needs.
It was seven in the morning; however, the orphans had been up from at least five or so, scurrying through the unclean hallways and to the filthy bathrooms to quickly bathe and dress, and then scuttle into their lines to await the day's 'activities' from the overseers.
The current line ranged from twelve to fourteen-year-olds, though the overseer was at least twice that age, a slim, petite woman with striking indigo curls that fell to her shoulders, as she twirled one with her index finger as she surveyed her group.
Chayce was among the group, clad in her faded pink Archer's uniform sporting dark red boots with salmon straps, matching toe socks reaching up to her mid-thigh, a white belt secured tightly around her waist, battered and tattered yet still useable. Her hair was quite out of the ordinary, a light grey, with one side held in a ponytail that laid flat on her small shoulders with a red ribbon, the other of the ribbon pair fixed at her temple on the right side of her face. A pair of Angel Wings on a pink headband occasionally twittered or swayed in the drafts, causing others and herself to shiver. However, the overseer did not care.
"Today, kiddies, we've got something new for all of ya." Amberlyn Malory scarcely glanced up, instead keeping her gaze to the lock of hair tangled with her index and middle fingers of her left hand. "His Majesty has called a weapon inspection, to test for accuracy and strength and stuff, for the Archer class. So basically, the Archer classes here will be moving targets for Hunters that His Majesty has chosen from his ranks in his royal army. Maybe even a Sniper or two just to get things going. You never know with that King, do you?"
The Archers all exchanged pained glances with one another; Hunters and Snipers were much out of their league, and no matter how agile they were, chances were slim that they would successfully dodge an incoming arrow. The other classes sighed in pure relief: at least they wouldn't be the ones being tested upon.
"The rest of you will be with me, as we're taking a…field trip, something along the lines of that, out into the wilderness, where you will be tested on Wolves. Just ordinary wolves. Nothing to get scared about: unless you're cornered," she sneered. "And then, you're pretty much in your own world of hell."
A fourteen-year-old girl raised her hand, waving it swiftly in the air and bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"What, Adalwolfa?" the overseer asked, disgusted with the girl's over joyous moods. Wasn't she the least bit terrified, like her fellow Archers? Apparently not. "What's your question? And you'd better be glad I'm allowing you one. Most never get the chance."
"Will they be using their wolves, too?" Chayce inquired excitedly. "You know, also for the shooting practice-"
"Hunters and Snipers don't use wolves, you idiot. They use falcons." Amberlyn wrinkled her nose in distaste. "That's just some stupid rumor that they do. Not one Hunter or Sniper has been able to tame a wild wolf and trained them to do all the things the falcons do."
"But why not?"
"That's enough out of you! Not another question! You'd better be grateful I let you ask one!"
"Oh, yep, thanks Amberlyn!"
"It's Overseer Malory to you, Adalwolfa. Now, Archers, head over to the arena; they'll be here any minute, just ready to see their pathetic targets shake in their boots." With a maniacal laugh, she beckoned the others to follow, as she trotted towards the exit of the small room, tossing her head.
"And those who don't participate in the 'archery classes' will be severely punished."
…
"Hah, just watch them tremble!" boasted one Hunter, quickly prying an arrow from his quiver and having it ready to fire in only a second or two, one eye closed in concentration and aiming as the Archers began to scatter. "Just like Desert Wolf Pups." Releasing the tension in his knocked arrow, he let it fly, aiming for a newly graduated Archer head-on.
However, another slammed into his, causing both to slide against the hard packed dirt flooring, the Oridecon arrow that had been drawn smashing the cocky Hunter's silver one to bits, as the superior glowed faintly.
"Who the hell-"
"They did not tell us to make any attacks, you idiot," murmured a higher ranking female Sniper, her lavender falcon with a gold scarf wrapped around its neck and a golden helmet to match fluttering silently, cocking its head, yellow eyes narrowing as the bird settled on its owner's shoulder, ruffling its feathers in annoyance. "So you had better watch your back, Hunter."
"How did you do that?"
"You're slow; it gave me plenty of time to interrupt your attack. And your falcon is pathetic looking as well. Why is a patch of her feathers missing?" She lifted a black painted fingernail, towards his falcon, a rather dull brown, with a patch of skin visible above her right shoulder. "You should take better care of your partner, Hunter."
"It wasn't my fault that a Matyr managed to leap up and cuff her there!"
"Of course it is. You were not looking out for her. You are her master-"
"Quiet down! And face this way! It's nearly time to begin already!" rang the impatient voice of an overseer, currently behind bullet proof glass, away from the action as he peered through, though using his boom of a tone to nearly shatter the shield and peoples' ear drums. With a flick of her long blonde hair over her shoulder, causing the sideways blue head band that covered her right eye to move just slightly, the sky blue clad Sniper girl turned her head towards the announcer, her falcon mimicking the movements as well. The Hunter did the same as well with a flick of his wrist, the falcon circling before perching onto his outstretched hand.
"All right, the Archers are your moving targets. You may be wondering why we're using actual humans for this experiment. Well," the male began, cracking his knuckles, "we thought it'd be better than actual monsters, since most humans are smarter than your average Poring. Well, we can only hope with these kids, can't we?"
A ring of laughter emitted from all except the Sniper, as her face cringed in pain. However, her spirits somewhat lightened as she spotted a rather peculiar girl bouncing around merrily in the arena (if you could call it that), the arena really only about two stories high and sixty feet long, in the shape of a rectangle. Obviously, Mary Gale needed quite an update.
Possibly why they volunteered their orphans for this challenge; money, the Sniper thought, turning her attention back towards the man outside.
"Now, remember, this is a test, so do your best, all right? His Majesty himself looks over these records to see how well you all are doing, and there may be some demotions and promotions; matters how well you do. Now, let's see some shooting!"
With a wave of his hand as it pressed a large blue button on the outside wall, a loud buzz responded, signaling to begin, as the Archers fanned out, though one seemed rather puzzled, eyeing each Falcon carefully.
There really aren't any wolves! Chayce thought bitterly, rather saddened, oblivious as each Hunter and Sniper raised their bows, aiming for a certain someone. I guess Amberlyn was right! Well, these guys can't do it. But I bet I can!
Looking up with a beam of confidence, it faltered slightly as she spotted a Sniper woman, blonde and blue eyed, raise their bow to her, trembling with tension. Obviously, she was not looking forward to the easy prey either. Like a deer caught in the headlights, Chayce stared on, unblinking, and suddenly, raised both of her arms up in the shape of an ex. She would never be able to dodge; it was a Sniper at the bow. They had fatal accuracy and speed, and so, the only way she could possibly make it was to somehow block. It was a deadly risk, but she had to believe it wasn't impossible.
With a vibrant purple as the weapon began to faintly glow and a face that was quite pretty, though in her current state fighting within herself, she looked away with a wince, letting the Oridecon arrow cut the thick air due to screams and moans of injured victims and disappointed shooters. The falcon did the same, even shading its head with a raised wing, noticing its master's hesitance and distaste.
No one was quite sure how it happened, but one thing was certain; Chayce Adalwolfa lived, and without a scratch…not now, anyway. Witnesses reported having seen a faint glow of a bluish white tinge, and then watching as the offensive arrow blew to smithereens.
And they watched as the test was stopped, as two Paladins were sent in to fetch the girl, and watched as she was dragged through the arena and shoved heavily up the stairs and to the punishment room, bolting and locking the door.
Landing heavily on her side, Chayce Adalwolfa remained there, not from fear of moving incase she further disturbed the pain; but to hum a happy tune, keeping the notes high and cheery even as Amberlyn Malory made her appearance.
However, she could have well been invisible to the teenager, who did nothing to acknowledge her presence. But as she calmly sat up, she let out a yelp and fell to her side again, as the Game Master clothed overseer slashed her upper arm with a Jeweled Sword, the edge now having a few drops of her blood slightly coating its shining surface.
"Hey, you got my lovely sword bloody," she gasped, wiping the blood off with a cloth, before her lips curled into a sickening smirk as Chayce stared up, wide-eyed as she attempted to slide back.
"Too bad it's only going to get bloodier. Then again, it's what you get for bringing a weapon into the arena, when you knew it wasn't allowed."
…
Opening her eyes with a flutter, the Archer girl moaned as her mind and body regained consciousness, with a gasp turning onto her side to observe where she was now through clouded grey eyes. Immediately, through half opened eyes, the scenery of her small cot and room poured through, taking in the dark red bedded sheets, the exact colour of blood, incase wounds created pools of blood that they took no notice of. Incase of Priests and High Priests from the army looking in for health regulations, the bed clothes were that shade to disguise any blood, and it also happened to be one of His Majesty's royal colours.
A cracked mirror hung crooked on a rusted nail, as Chayce stood shakily, clutching her side and with one hand against the wall for support, peered cautiously into the mirror.
She surveyed the mess of bruises and cuts that ran along her bare legs and arms, and easily saw the scar running across her neck, that had somehow not lead to her death. With a groan, she paused and turned, though gave a merry spring in her step and took a few paces towards the window, rubbing her fist against the glass to glance through.
Noticing it was about nine or so due to the position of the stars in the sky and the light filled bars and some private homes still awake, she sighed; she had slept through the entire day, then. Her stomach growling, Chayce looked out into her room; it was barely large enough to fit her single bed, which her feet hung off of now, causing her to have to roll into a ball, with broken springs well hidden beneath the bedspread.
Even if the color was the shade of crimson, if you concentrated hard enough, the blotches of dried blood were quite easy to see, Chayce noticed with a wrinkle of her nose. However, the girl cringed, as the movement had caused her face to stretch slightly, the scars running along her cheeks spreading apart and cracking the thin scabs that had begun to cover them.
It was then that she remembered the mysterious Sniper. If she thought hard enough, she could remember the light and feminine voice of the woman; she had to be around twenty, very young for a rebirth class. Most didn't rebirth until their late twenties or so, and Snipers went through intense classes and tests, making the process only that much more difficult. Then again, that was why she had always wanted to become a Hunter; dancers, she had to admit, were more for show than attack abilities.
Besides, they were more to use Whips than Bows, something she was completely and utterly useless with. A Whip just wasn't a Bow. Then again, many Archers were more skilled with a Bow than a Whip, except one; Alexalyn Jaade, the glossy blonde with the large, deep, green eyes that you could possibly lose yourself in. Most of the boys, she had noticed, were quite nervous around her. Possibly because she was so attractive, or rather that she carried a long and trailing fifteen-foot whip of emerald hue instead of a Bow that they were accustomed to. No wonder her last name was Jaade.
Alexalyn and Chayce were pretty close friends; actually, best friends, really, since Alexalyn had come along. But she hadn't been at the arena, the Archer had realized, and immediately wondered why. The Dancer bound girl was rather sickly, but Priests had said she was up and on her feet yesterday. What could be wrong with her now?
Remembering her own wounds, she gritted her teeth together like coarse sand, and dropped onto her knees with a yelp, reaching her arm under the mattress for the White Potion she always had, just incase one of these things happened, which was usually at least four times a week. And the fact that her zeny was continuously dropping didn't make matters any better. With a sigh, Chayce's hand felt the bottle, and she retrieved it, uncorking the potion and putting it to her lips, draining half of it quickly before popping the cork back in and returning it to its rightful spot. With a light green glow, she stood easily, facing the mirror once more, but moaned; those scars weren't going away.
Remember, happy face! Putting on a smile, and humming a sweet tune, Chayce peered through her small door, with a window only a few inches high and wide. Noticing no overseers on patrol, she slipped out, stealthily pressing her back to the corridor walls and moving quickly around the corner towards Alexalyn's room: if you could call it one to begin with.
Compared to the other rooms, Alexalyn's was rather cheery, as she had managed to collect things after the fire had burnt down her home when she was ten, five years ago, in Morroc (caused by a Wizard using Fire Wall on a very windy day), her parents trapped inside, and therefore have a few homey things hanging from the walls, such as a poster of a chibi Dancer twirling with a white and green strand of ribbon, her mouth open to emit a giggle if the poster could talk, blonde hair streaming out behind her.
The most Chayce noticed was the dark green eyes, that were much like Alexalyn's. No wonder she had chosen this particular one over dozens of others; it looked like an older version of her, four years from now.
The other Archer barely noticed as Chayce quietly peeked in, sliding between the door and its frame and closing it softly as to not arouse overseers on patrol for sneaky orphans like herself.
"Alexalyn?" she asked cheerily, though keeping her merry voice low to not draw attention from outside. "Are you awake?"
"C-Chayce? Is that…you?" Her head turned in the soft of her pillow, beginning to slowly stir as she turned onto her side painfully, to face Chayce. She smiled, reaching meekly towards her Poring Hat on the small bedside table beside her, dyed a light green to mimic that of a Poporing. "I-It is you."
"Hiya! Anywho, why weren't you at the arena today? We had that thing with the Snipers and the Hunters. Bows and all, they tried shooting at everyone, and something really weird happened when this Sniper lady tried to shoot me." She sighed in awe. "They're just so…wonderful."
Blinking, Alexalyn's smile spread. "You do love Hunter class, don't you?"
"Yeps!"
Letting a giggle pass her lips, the girl averted her eyes for a moment, having been able to sit up as of now, pressing the Poporing hat down over her blonde locks with her palm before cringing once and falling with agony back onto the sheets, rolling into a small ball.
"Alexalyn? What's wrong?" Chayce inquired urgently, having noticed her recoil.
"…I-I don't want to worry you, and you shouldn't be. It's just a little cold. Nothing to be afraid of."
"Then why didn't they send you down?"
"…One of the Priests who come from the clinic, who checks up on me daily, is friends with me. She just tells them there's something seriously wrong, and they believe her. Besides," she sighed, "I'm much too weak to go dodging arrows. All the others are quick enough. But, I'm going Dancer. So I'm not as agile. I don't want to die, when I'm so close to becoming a Dancer and somehow finding my way out of here, without any of the overseers knowing.
"You know that when you become sixteen, they release you for a short period of time to go onto the second job class, and then you come back?"
"Sure. But what I'm wondering about is why the people just don't escape then. They could just run away."
"It's not that easy, Chayce. They've got eyes and ears all around the cities. Stalkers. Don't ever trust them. They're really heartless, you know. Make friends with you, only to betray you and backstab you; literally."
"I'll take that advice, Alexalyn. But what about you going Dancer?"
"…Well…I wanted to go as a Hunter to dodge them."
"WHAT? Are you serious!"
"Keep your voice down. And yes, I am serious. What's the point of becoming a Dancer only to be forced back here? They have all my records on file; they'll be looking for a Dancer with my description. A Hunter will have a higher chance to dodge them. They'll never know. Besides, do you know what they do with Dancers here?"
Chayce shook her head in reply.
"…Well, they…umm…use them."
"Oh, you mean…?"
"Yes."
"That's really gross. But maybe it's a good thing!"
"How could becoming a prostitute be a good thing, Chayce? You're optimistic, I'll give you that." She chuckled lightly, but even this small vocal motion caused her to wince. "Besides, I've made up my mind. Tomorrow, I'm going."
"But you're only my age!"
"…I'm afraid not. Tomorrow is my sixteenth birthday. I've been fooling the overseers and others. I look much younger than I actually am, due to vitamins and light anorexia." At Chayce's nervous reaction, she sighed. "Not serious. I only go as far as to attain your body looks. Then I keep eating. When I gain more weight than I should, I resort back to it."
"…I'm going with you!"
Now it was Alexalyn's turn. "WHAT?"
"I said I'm coming with you!"
"That's nonsense; keep quiet. You'll bring every overseer in our area coming over here. That will get us both whipped and punished, which I see you already got earlier."
"Look, if we don't leave, we'll die, you know that. With the punishments, they're way over the tops. It's not discipline; it's more like torture. Already it feels like my bones and organs are cracking and breaking. And as you get older, the torture gets worse. They'll start bringing in Sages and Wizards, and then they'll use Thunderstorm on you and burn you with their Fire Wall, and trap you inside-…Sorry, I forgot."
"It's all right, Chayce. Everyone tends to forget my story, anyway." With a hopeful look towards the door, she looked back towards the younger Archer. "So, you're positive you want to come?"
Chayce nodded.
"Are you sure? If we get caught, we'll be skinned alive."
"We'll die anyway, so I don't see much of a choice!" she grinned, giving a happy bounce. "So, let's give it a shot! I've even got a plan!"
"Let's just hope it works; if it doesn't, we're in trouble.
"I wish I didn't have to endanger you, but it doesn't seem I have much of a choice. Even if I somehow managed to ditch you, you'd come after me. That's what makes you my best friend, I guess."