Next chapter~ I plan to leave the sad stuff out for a while, and bring back some light hearted humour. I felt I showed enough of Tina's secrets for now, and I'm excited to bring back the fun! Who better than Rita?! I'm also planning to divert from the script more, just so you guys know! Thank you to AnimeGmr101 for your arte idea's! I plan to use many of them in the future! (I apologize for my long Hiatus, I had some family problems, and truthfully forgot about this story for a bit.)
I chuckled as I watched the others investigate Rita's house, before looking down at Repede, whom let out an annoyed whimper.
"Oh hush Repede. This is a good lesson for them! Hopefully, I can use this to pound a lesson or two through Yuri's impossibly thick skull!" I tease, and Repede gives a disbelieving huff. It was surprisingly easy to understand Repede, and while none of the others seemed to think much of it, it was a huge stress reliever for me, and I definitely dealt with my troubles when I had such a good listener, then again, it was also great for my most recent plan...I grin widely as I watch Yuri's annoyed expression. While Yuri was often one of the voices of reason in the group, he had his moments of stupidity, this being one of them.
"Found Mordio yet?" I chirp from my spot on the floor. Yuri gave me a scowl, and I chuckle. The weight of earlier had lifted off of my shoulders after my mess of a break down, and myself and Yuri well...we're closer? I don't know, our trust in each other raised a lot, but there was something else there, and it was warm... Estelle sits down beside me in a somewhat frustrated huff, with a pout on her face that has me chuckling lightly. I turn my attention back to the piles of books, sighing in disappointment. The ability to read had always been a proud skill of mine, myself helping to teach many of the younger children in the orphanage. Sadly, while I was fluent with my verbal Japanese, it would be too difficult reading any form of book, as I struggled with even Karol's simple entries in his Monster book
"Tina?" Estelle asks questionably tilting her head like a curious cat. I scratch the back of my head sheepishly. Estelle gives me an impatient look, but I simply shake my head.
"I'll tell you later." I reassure her. To learn how to read is something I definitely need to learn as soon as possible, and who better but our own personal bookworm? She's the least likely to question me too much anyways. I'm quite rudely brought out of my thoughts by a burst of smoke.
"It seems we found her~" I sing out in a teasing tone. Karol screams, falling onto his back at the sight of the short hooded figure.
"Omigosh…." He whimpers...well, at least he didn't scramble behind Yur- oh, there he goes...I'll need to help him improve on that.
"...shut up…" The figure growls, and I sigh tiredly, casually standing up from my place on the floor. Red glows around the figure, and I rush slightly to Karol's frozen self, grabbing onto his collar, and moving him out of the way of the fireball at the last second, leaving him with no injuries other than singed eyebrows and his severely damaged courage.
"Thieves…." The mage growls, and I groan as I let go of Karol. While Rita is one of my favorite characters, her personality when we first meet her, from what little I remember, is much to be desired. Then again, we DID break into her house…The hood falls and I sigh as I see a very...angry and adorable face.
"A girl?!" Estelle exclaims.
This is gonna take a while... I walk up to Yuri, who has his sword drawn by the young mage's neck.
"Hey let's chill, pointing your weapon at her isn't gonna make this go any faster, neither will accusations." Yuri gives me a pointed glare, and I raise an eyebrow challengingly. He sighs, sheathing his sword once again.
"Make what go any faster?! You're in my house, robbing my stuff!"
"We're here chasing after a blastia thief." I state, noting in annoyance the fact that I was only taller than her by a few inches.
"So? What does that have to do with me?!" I sigh heavily. I had forgotten the most horrid thing of all time….adolescent teens.
"The person we are chasing after went under the name 'Mordio'. Though, this Mordio happened to be male." I let my annoyance seep into my voice. With teenagers, you either slap them over the heads with the rules, or wallow in misery at their dramatic tomfoolery. She snorts.
"So you break into my house, and point weapons at my face?!" Dear god… force a grin Tina, nice and slow.
"Pretty much!" I grin widely, though I can feel my eyebrow twitching. I notice Repede whimper and Karol cower behind him...am I scaring them or something? Repede warily walks towards Yuri, who, now that I look at it, is standing to the side nervously. Did I do something wrong?
"Hey dog! Stay back you...you dog!" I snort quietly as Rita backs away, obviously scared of our canine companion.
"And you, hand him over!" I give Karol a flat look, and he nervously looks between the two of us.
"W-what?!" He whimpers.
"The blastia! Hand him over!" Rita barks. Fortunately for Karol, good ol' naive Estelle is here to save the day. I smirk as Rita turns mildly flustered at Estelle's borderline-extreme politeness.
"So, a blastia thief by my name? That's it?!" Rita drones. I sigh as Yuri finally jumps back into the conversation.
"They also wore a cape like that, and was short." Repede snorts, and I send him a look, causing him to snuff lightly and lay down quietly. Can't have him revealing Yuri's stupidity before he learns his lesson now can we? Rita sighs in annoyance.
"I told you, I have no idea what you're…" A look of mild realization appears across her face. "Oh..I hadn't thought of that…" She mumbled, just loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room.
"Follow me." She says, walking to the door. She huffs when Yuri just stands there stubbornly.
"We're not done here." Yuri says, his voice laced in annoyance.
"Look, there have been rumors of thieves in the Shaikos Ruins." Rita states, her voice getting more and more frustrated. Estelle walks up beside me, tilting her head in question.
"Are you sure?" She says, her voice deeply curious.
"It came from an Imperial knight who asked me for help, it should be trustworthy." Rita says casually. I notice Estelle and Yuri whispering behind me….hmm…
"Hey, remember what that guy at the front said about someone vandalizing the ruins?" Karol whispers. I shrug, after all, I was laughing at Wonderchef at that point.
"Which means the blastia thief could be there, I don't think Rita did this." I murmur quietly. Yuri raises an eyebrow at me, and I bite my lip harshly, turning my head away. Shit! I'm not supposed to know her name! She hasn't introduced herself yet! Shit shit shit!
"Hmm...maybe." Yuri mumbles, his eyes not leaving me, and I curse inwardly once again. I screwed up dammit!
"Done talking?" Rita drawls, her cloak now discarded, revealing her interesting choice in outfit. She walks towards the door, causing Yuri to give a reluctant sigh.
"All right, but don't even think of making a break for it." He warns.
"Or I'll send Repede after you!" I tease, holding in a giggle when Rita tenses.
"Oh yeah, I haven't told you my name. My name is Rita. Rita Mordio." She says, as she walks out of the door. I rush after her, avoiding the eyes boring into my back. I hear Yuri and Estelle whispering again, and I fight down a sudden rush of tightness in my chest. What is wrong with my today? I mean, nothing has changed between Yuri and I...right?
"Up to you, but I would follow your friends' actions here, and come with me, unless you rather I call the guards?"
Finally, after some more arguing, we finally manage to leave the dark city, with me swiftly avoiding conversation with Yuri.
Skit: Rita
Karol: Rita's a little scary huh?
Estelle: Really?
Yuri : She's about what I'd expect. Seems like she's in a crappy mood too.
Tina: Oh really. We only broke into her house, looked through her stuff, placed a sword against her neck, and accused her of thievery!
Yuri: I'm not going to be on my best behavior when dealing with a core thief.
Estelle: Yuri!
Tina: Don't blame you. Although, the weapon pointing was a little uncalled for.
Karol: What will you do if you're wrong about her Yuri?
Yuri: If I'm wrong, I'll apologize.
Tina: Works every time!
Rita: You better remember that when the time comes!
Tina: Yes yes child.
Rita: I'm not a child!
Karol: You were listening?!
Rita: I just happened to overhear. So, you think I'm scary do you?
Yuri: Watch it Karol, she's definitely the type to hold a grudge.
Tina: Yeah, better watch your back!
Karol: H-hey! D-don't scare me like that!
End of Skit
I nervously walk up to Estelle quietly. I don't want to lie, but how do I tell her?
"U-um….Estelle?" I ask her hesitantly.
" Yes Tina?" She asks, smiling politely at me.
"Could you….could you teach me to read?" I force out, feeling my cheeks light up in mild embarrassment. Rita, who was walking behind us, widens her eyes in surprise.
"You don't know how?" Rita asks loudly, causing Yuri and Karol to join the conversation. I curse inwardly, feeling my cheeks get hotter.
"Don't know what?" Karol asks curiously.
"Tina can't read." Estelle answers, and I hang my head, biting my lip. I mean, won't they find it stupid how I can't even read?! Even if it is just due to a language barrier...
"How?" Yuri asks, his tone curious.
"W-well, at the orphanage, those who could read were always working to get money...and the only teacher we had, one of the matrons, was murdered. I can read some stuff though! Like most of Karol's writings!" I say quietly. I wasn't lying about the working, or the murder, but I didn't mention that I was one of the children who could read fluently.
"Really? Well, I can help as well, in fact I'll give you your first lesson at dinner." Yuri says, a sly glint in his eye. Dammit Yuri! He's cornered, me, and I have no way out of this one.
"Alright! I'll take the next lesson!" Estelle says cheerfully. Karol jumps up with a cheer.
"I'll help with Estelle!" Rita doesn't offer me help, and I truthfully don't expect her to, but she is giving me a...curious look. Repede brushes up against me, giving my knuckles a lick.
" Are you going to help me Repede?" I tease lightly. He lightly nips my hand with a playful growl, causing me to giggle.
Skit: Call me Estelle
Rita: Your name is Estellise right?
Estelle: Yes, but that is kind of long to say, please call me Estelle.
Rita: You look like some sort of fancy noble Estellise, why hang out with that jerk?
Tina: He is a bit of a jerk, but his collar bones are sexy enough.
Estelle: Tina!
Yuri: Glad you think that way Tina.
Tina: Part of my charm!
Estelle: Well...I think Yuri is a good person…
Tina: Damn Yuri, you're raking in the compliments today!
Estelle: And please Rita, call me Estelle.
Rita: Alright, Estellise.
Tina: She's tough nut to crack…
End of skit
Personally, dinner came too quickly for my tastes. I sat quietly at the fire, this time drawing a picture of Karol being chased by Rita, one of the many times. Yuri sits beside me, looking over my shoulder lazily.
"You're good at drawing." He murmurs, his hair tickles my neck, causing me to shiver slightly.
"T-thanks." I mumbled softly. I turn to a new page, looking up at Yuri expectantly. He raises an eyebrow at me.
"How?" He asks, leaning forward. Why is my heart like this?! Dammit Tina calm down!
" Rita Mordio is quite the famous name. Flaunting such a name in such an obvious act of thievery is either extreme stupidity, or framing." Yuri scowls.
"Do you know if she stole it?" He asks. I frown, I might as well teach him his lesson now.
" I knew beforehand that it wasn't her. After all, if you would have only asked our furry friend to sniff the house for familiar scents…" I say quietly, fiddling with my pencil. I don't dare to look up at Yuri, who hasn't said a word. Did I come off too harsh? Is he angry with me for not telling him?
" Dammit." Yuri huffs, giving a small chuckle. " I really should have thought of that…" I look up at him before poking him lightly.
"Yes you should have mister blockhead!" I tease. Yuri snorts, smirking down at me, and I quickly turn away, trying to hide my blush. I mean, Yuri, with the light of the campfire licking at his face and….GAH! No! Stop! Bad Tina! Calm down….ok I'm good. "Hey." I call out quietly.
"Yeah?" He asks.
"Don't tell Rita." He opens his mouth to argue but I cut him off. "The actual thief might be inside the ruins, and we need someone who knows the basic layout." I tell him. He nods slowly, obviously thinking through the idea in his head. I tap him on the temple with my pencil lightly, causing him to glance down at me.
"You going to teach me or what?" I tease. he snorts, grabbing the pencil and starts to teach me the letters in their alphabet.
The next morning has me frowning at the fields. My connection with Kris is weakening. I can feel it...but why? I've stopped even considering blocking him off, in fear that I won't be in contact with him again but...it's like he doesn't even notice! The day we spent in Aspio, I never felt anything from him at all!
"Tina?" I jump out of my thoughts abruptly. I turn around to face Karol, a hand over my heart.
"Startled me there!" I exclaim. He gives an amused smile.
"Don't worry! I'll try not to scare you too often!" He says sheepishly. I give him a smirk.
"Better not, I don't want to die from a heart attack now do I?" I ruffle his hair, and he blushes brightly. Truthfully, now that I've put some thought into it, Karol reminds me of the younger kids of the orphanage, the ones who had yet to be broken or to hide behind masks of whatever they could find.
"...Tina?" I snap out of my musings, patting Karol on the head once more, ignoring his concerned gaze.
"Let's go, don't want to get left behind now do we?" I coax, and he nods.
Skit: Dog Language
Estelle: Repede's getting really good at handling items, don't you think?
Rita: Yeah. But I don't wanna eat any gels that've been in a dogs mouth!
Repede: Woof!
Tina: You tell her Repede!
Yuri: He said, "Come on don't be like that. If things get bad take it!"
Rita: That's one big mouth he's - Wait a minute...Did he really say that? All I heard him do was bark.
Yuri: Stick around long enough and you'll learn to understand him, just like Tina. Right, Repede?
Repede: WOOF!
Yuri: Huh, is that so…
Rita: …..
Tina: Aww I love you too Repede!
Estelle: You look a little jealous, Rita.
Rita; N-no way!
Tina: She's just upset Repede didn't compliment her!
Rita: AM NOT!
End of Skit
"Whoa! This is so cool!" I exclaim, examining the fallen stone. I had never seen any kind of ruins before, they were amazing!
"These are the Shaikos Ruins." Rita introduces flatly though her eyes dance in what is most likely the contained urge to investigate every nook and cranny of the place for the fiftieth time.
"there doesn't look to be any imperial knights around." Estelle muses, and I sigh. If I only had a shot glass… Repede gives a huff, walking forwards and sniffing at the ground, where multiple scuffs and boot marks are visible.
"These footprints are still fresh!" Karol mumbles. I nod in agreement.
"A lot of them too, I doubt just a simple group of researchers." Rita gives me a curt nod.
"Which means it's either the knights, the thieves, or both." I shrug.
"Matters on the intelligence of the thieves. A proper thief wouldn't use the front entrance." Estelle is giving me a curious look, which I proceed to ignore.
"Hey, over here, hurry up." I look up to see Rita urging us to follow her. Yuri gives a flat look, opening his mouth for a sarcastic comment. I raise my hand, giving Yuri's hair a threatening tug.
"Hey love birds! Hurry up!" I groan, just when I try being nice… I look at Yuri, who is smirking, before huffing and following Rita, ignoring my hot cheeks. I only wander off a few times, each time coming back with a useful item, a life bottle here, some magic lens there. It takes a bit of wandering and backtracking, but eventually we are beside a..familiar statue. I glance down at the edges of the lady statue, confirming my distant memory. Yep, gotta move it.
"I hope news of the Underground hasn't gone out…" Rita say worriedly, and I drag myself out of my musings.
"Underground?" Estelle questions. Rita nods in response, suspicion slowly forming in her mind.
"Recently an entrance was found Underground into the ruins, only a handful of mages should know about it."
"Which makes it easier for a thief to go unnoticed, fewer eyes." Yuri throws in. I nod in agreement, leaning against the statue.
"Should you be telling us this?" Karol asks, and Rita sighs.
"Well I have to clear my name somehow don't I?" She drawls.
"Speaking of super secret entrances…" I drawl, nodding my head towards, the scuffs and scratches on the stone. Rita walks over to investigate.
"I wouldn't have minded thieves after we finished the excavation, but who knows what type of damage might be done." She mumbles worriedly.
"Let's get this moved then huh?" Karol says, rushing to the opposite side to push it. I raise my eyebrow, walking behind him. I watch him struggle a bit, before settling beside him, forearm firm against the surprisingly cold stone. Yuri comes in beside me, doing the same.
"Come on, put your shoulder into it." He urges our youngest companion. I grunt, pushing forwards and keeping my feet firm on the ground. The statue moves forwards steadily.
"Urgh…" Karol groans.
"Come...on." I growl in annoyance as it gets stuck.
"Just...a little more." Yuri grits out, and finally, the stone has moved away, revealing the dark abyss below.
"Karol are you okay?" Estelle asks, obviously concerned by the boy's deep breathing. I roll my shoulder, removing the ache from it with relative ease.
"S-sure, that was a cinch." Karol gasps out. I giggle lightly, and Yuri snorts behind me.
"Okay, here we go." Rita says, marching downwards. I wince, dark, damp enclosed spaces underground? I mean, I was mildly uncomfortable in Aspio but this.
"You okay?" Yuri asks, I snap out of my nervous daze, noticing the others staring at me. I hold back a cringe.
"Y-yeah." I inwardly curse my sudden stutter. "Let's get going."
Kris sends me a faint wave of comfort, and I manage to smile. I'm not alone...at least, not yet.
I'm so excited~ I got some idea's~ Anyways, i enjoyed writing this chapter, and I hope you enjoyed reading it! feel free to PM me or send a review of arte idea's, changes you might want in the story line, or any constructive criticism. Please though, do not honor me with your words of wisdom in the form of Flames, they will not be welcome.
Thank you again for reading.
From: Dragon S.W.K.