Chapter 2
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Ten Years Later
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Rien had established something of a life for himself. He had become a thief, a rogue, a scoundrel who picked the pockets of any passerby. He enjoyed it quite a lot too. Rien had been toughened up by the streets; he had met many different characters (not all of them friendly) though there was only one he treated like a true friend.
He had gone back to the slave's place, like he'd promised himself. When he got there however, no one was left. The place had been deserted and Rien had been more then a bit disappointed. He had moved on though, and now was making his way up the ladder as a fairly well known thief. It wasn't enough for Rien though, as he didn't even have a clan to call his own.
He had joined clans before, but never felt like he truly belonged in them. He had heard legends, however, of a clan he wanted to belong too. It wasn't easy to get into this clan. This one was different; the name was whispered on the streets for fear of being heard. The very name of it was legend.
The Eclipsed. The clan where if you got in, you'd never get out. If you did get in, you'd never need to get out though. They took care of everything for you. In there you were living the easy life. Also, missions that no one would dare list at a pub where open there. It was the perfect place for a thief like Rien. Only the most elite thieves, ninjas and assassins were found there. To get in, well… Even Rien didn't know that much.
"Hahahaha, brother!" Allie cried out and jumped onto him from behind. Rien fake collapsed from the weight, sending them both tumbling down into the street laughing. An angry moogle shook her fist at them when they got in her way.
"Stupid children," The moogle muttered and wandered off. Allie, her good mood not damaged in the slightest, looked up and smiled at Rien.
Allie was all that Rien had, she had taught him everything he knew even though she was a year younger then him. She had dirty blond hair as well as a face that was always messy from hanging around in alleyways and such. She was not quite as tall as Rien and came up to about his nose. He still remembered the first time she found him, alone and scared in an alley of Cyril. As much as Rien hated to admit it, she was an even better thief then him, although he could best her at fights with daggers.
"What?" She asked, curiously as Rien stared at her. "Nothing, just reminiscing." He grinned at her and she laughed. "Oh c'mon big bro, let's go find someone to steal from!" She grinned wickedly. "I'm sorry Allie, but I'll take you up on that some other time, I've got stuff to do." Her expression changed from that of amusement to one of concern. "You're not trying to find out about that guild again, are you?" "It doesn't matter." "Yes Rien, it does. I've been around here longer then you; I've heard the rumors and seen people disappear. Once they let you in, you never leave. I've lost friends before to that place. I don't want to lose you too…" Rien scoffed at this. "Please Al; you know how careful I am."
"Oh really, well what about that time we went to steal that diamond from Ankra the old hag and you almost got us caught because you couldn't wait the two seconds for her to leave for the hanging, even when you know she watches all those dreadful things." "Yeah well, you never know who else could have been watching that house. It's was just waiting to be robbed. And we did get out alive didn't we." Allie laughed, "All right, all right, you can twist it whatever way you want, I don't care. You just be careful though, okay there." She waggled her finger mockingly at him. "I don't want you getting hurt."
Rien watched her stroll away, stopping to steal from an unattended fruit stand and chewing on her new prize as she looked for trouble. Rien turned away. He had work to do.
Rien's hunt for the Eclipsed had only begun recently and he had searched many of the other towns as well as his home town for some clue as to where to look for this clan. More of a guild then a clan really, He thought. His search had taken him to all matter of places, but he still had no luck. Rien had paced himself though, so he wouldn't worry Allie. Tonight he was headed to one of the darkest sides of his home town Cyril, into the slums. He was headed for the Shadowsong Tavern. It was filled with a number of fellow thieves and Rien thought it a perfect chance for him to obtain some information.
As Rien entered all the pubs patrons glanced up and there was a moment of silence before he was recognized as a thief, after which all the groups continued their chatter. Most who operated by the law were unwelcome in the Shadowsong and knew well enough to stay away from it. Rien noticed a friend of his sipping his drink near the corner.
"Hello Isaac." Rien whispered quietly to the nu mou. Isaac looked upwards then went back to sipping his drink. "I know what you're looking for old friend. And, in fact, so do they. Which means that you might just get what you desire." Rien started but Isaac interrupted him. "Don't be so anxious, they like patience in their members. Now where was I? Ah, yes. You want to join them. Have you thought this through?" Rien nodded. "That's good. I'd try to convince you not too, but I know you when you have something on your mind. Persistence, that's a good quality too…" Isaac faded off but before Rien could say something he started again. "Well, they'll come to get you now that you've talked to me. I'll tell them you're interested. It's not going to be easy though. You should know that. But persistence, patience, skill… you may have what it takes."
Rien decided to leave nu mou. Isaac could get quite thoughtful at times and turn these opinions into lectures. He was a good friend though, loyal and true. Rien didn't like the look on his face. It was a pained look. Rien left though, before he could deter him from his route. Isaac was a very persuasive person at times.
Isaac knew Rien would persist until he talked to the Eclipsed. He knew he would just have to give in anyway. But that didn't stop the feeling of dread from washing over him when Rien entered the bar. He knew what was to come and he couldn't help but feel that he was selling his friends soul to the devil. He knew that Rien could see the worried look but didn't care. He also couldn't accept the fact that he had just killed his friend.
