Wheels of Fate, BoF II novelization.
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Summary: Novelization of Breath of Fire II: Shimei no Ko (The Destined Child). Some events altered. Strong language will be in play.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters; they belong to Capcom, as the game does. I own nothing, hear ye, lawyers. But that doesn't gets you the permission to publish this as a book without the proper written and legally signed consent of whoever holds the copyright.
I had updated "Chapter 02, Follow the Pink Piglet" about a couple weeks ago I think; it is the revised version.
For those who wonder... I haven't decided yet about the romance; but the probability points higher towards the trio: Katt-Ryu-Nina, with Nina*Katt included.
Chapter 08: School of Magical Arts.
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"Hey Ryu!" Katt was really impressed at the densely populated bookshelves. "Look at all those books!"
"I see you Katt, just don't burn them by experimenting magic firsthand, ok?" Ryu smiled at her.
"Party-pooper." Katt sighed, making Ryu laugh a bit.
"Nah, I'm realistic." He smirked, remembering Bosch calling him the same way before this madness began.
"You're no fun. I'll just read and ignore you, blue-boy." Katt said while reading a spell-book. By the corner of his eye, Ryu saw the title. It said 'Elemental Magic Channeling'. He heard her groan. "This is too hard. But I'll master it." Then she took the book and hid it in her pouch.
'I'll just look for something useful here.' Ryu thought, looking the shelf he was in, and found something that clicked his attention. "Restorative Magic in full," He took it out.
Then he and Katt went towards the exit, but were stopped by a librarian.
"Young ones, may I ask where are you two going with the books you took out from the shelves 3A and 8D?"
Katt looked at her and spoke. "Aren't they just free?"
"I'm afraid not miss; spell-books are quite hard to make because they must be made with ink and parchment, and handwritten. Magic is stored in them, and only with parchment you can allow that."
Ryu sighed. 'So much for self-learning,' then he saw Katt struggling not to pummel the librarian. "Well, just inquiring but... how much do they cost for purchase?"
"I doubt you could pay them, but anyway, the one the miss has costs 800z and the other 700z"
Katt now was with her mouth wide-open. "That's a rip-off! Too friggin' expensive,"
"Calm down Katt," Ryu glared at her for a brief instant, and then "Ms, I apologize for the outburst of my friend here."
'Damn it. Blue boy had just now that evil-white-eyed look for an instant. Truly unnerving,' Katt sighed.
"No problem. I think the same about them, but I'm a bit more polite to put it in words."
"No need to fight over money, ok?" Ryu said, sighing. "Then 1500z it is, right? Would it be alright If I made you a Bank credit note for the amount?" He took out his seal and a piece of parchment from his knapsack, while Katt was wide-eyed and her mouth agape.
'Handsome and fully loaded; Wait! He's just a friend...'
"Seriously? Ok. Make it for the 'NewHaven Magic Academy'."
Ryu then made the note as asked, for the amount and to that name. The librarian smiled at them. "Thank you very much."
"To you for your understanding as well; changing subject, are there any classes to attend?"
"Yes, in the second floor, go the west wing and look for class 1A. That's a seminar for basic multiple purpose magic channeling. It should start in five minutes, so you have time; since you have already bought a couple spell-books you will be able to attend for free."
Katt now smiled, all possible hatred vanished from her face. She put a sincere baby-kitten face and said "Thank you very much, Ms."
Ryu now sighed. 'What a temper has this kitty-Katt. Well, now I hope she isn't so grumpy... for a while.'
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The seminar was about to finish in a few minutes. After all the practicing Ryu started feeling a bit exhausted; but he was now able to channel better his healing magic, and maybe it would allow him to learn quicker the next step. Katt was full of energy, she seemed tireless; that made Ryu sigh.
It did not seem that the class would last any longer. The magic instructor in the front could be considered an attractive woman, as the fawning expressions of the male students in the first, second and third rows could attest to.
Ryu was not really interested in that; he knew that he needed a good chance to practice his healing magic, so he was making the most of it. Katt as a companion proved helpful for experimentation, for her punches were quite strong and left bruises that had to be healed. 'Why me? I'm no sand bag.'
At his other side was a girl with almond shaped violet eyes and long dark hair. It wasn't possible to tell if it was black or a very dark shade of blue. She had a bored expression on her face, and from time to time glanced towards Ryu with sparkling interest in her eyes, as the class continued onwards.
"To replenish your magical energy, the best is to have always a good night's sleep. But in case of emergency, you may use either a Wisdom Seed, or a Wisdom Fruit. The first can be found in your local supply market; the latest are quite hard to find around, so consider one of those as a prized treasure."
"Miss, if I may be allowed, there is another way, but not for the faint of heart," Ryu said while raising his hand. "According to Daiye's Fishing Compendium, page 63, the raw meat of minnow fish, has the same effect as a wisdom seed."
"Yes, I forgot about that way. Well, keep in mind that both minnows and the wisdom seeds can cause a bit of a stomach ache."
All students nodded, some with grossed expressions. The lady teacher continued her class.
"Well, in case of a dire emergency there is a last-resort choice; it is based on passing your power to another person, via a magical transfer; you may do it with a spell if you are experienced enough, or using the mouth-to-mouth method to transfer it. Should you use this last, remember not to overdo it, because you may end up giving too much energy." She stated, Ryu could say almost in a smirk.
Some of the students lifted their hands and were starting a ruckus where voices could be heard asking "Teacher, demonstrate on me, please!"
Ryu sighed. 'Man... Why everyone has to fawn around? Whatever.'
Katt looked at Ryu now and saw him a bit weary. 'Well, here goes nothing. Let's try this mouth-to-mouth method.' She giggled and then she whispered in his ear. "Ryu, consider this as a starting payment for that magic book, ok?"
Ryu faced her, puzzled. 'What the...' he was thinking, but his thoughts were clouded. Katt leaped and kissed him dead center on his lips, while putting her hands behind his neck to deepen the embrace. She savored his lips softly for a brief instant, and then forced his mouth open using her tongue to tease him for a few seconds, then ended the kiss, leaving Ryu in a mix of baffled, blushed and embarrassed.
Katt then nuzzled her nose towards his and whispered. "There may be more in the future... just behave well and no panty-thieving again." then she giggled, While Ryu seemed as if he had been stunned in place, without any chance to react.
Then the violet eyed girl turned towards them, shot a freezing glare to Katt, and said for only the two of them to hear.
"Little Kitty. That was a nice teasing kiss to this rather cute boy, but you did not transfer the least bit of magical energy to him. Here, a professional will show you how to do the latest properly."
Then the female took Ryu out of her embrace and neared her lips dangerously close to Ryu's. Sparkles appeared, and then a blue aura surrounded her and started flowing towards Ryu, through his lips.
'Hey! I'm not some kind of practice doll.' Ryu thought, not being able to move; and somehow the energy that came from the girl was invigorating him again, and allowing his thoughts to come clear again.
Katt was fuming inwardly, as just one glance of the violet-eyed girl left her as tame as a little kitty; she was fearsome and mysterious to put it in words. No one had made her be afraid... but Ryu.
"Now that your magical energy is recovered, I'm going to ask for my payment, blue-boy." then, the girl leaned against him, took one of his hand and placed it dangerously close to one of her breasts and kissed him rather passionately. This made Ryu go rigid, feeling as if a current of energy flowed through his body.
"My!" she whispered. "You're quite wet behind the ears when it comes to kissing. I'll be glad to give you private lessons in another instance." Then she made Ryu's hand to move towards her exposed leg below the short skirt she wore, making him redden even more. After that, she stood and left Ryu baffled, and Katt between a strange mixture of fear and hissing with rage.
'What a slut!' Katt thought. 'And Ryu did nothing to resist...' Then she just glared chillingly enough at Ryu to make him shudder a couple of times and then gulp.
'Hell hath known no fury...' Then, Ryu sighed.
"Let's just go for this winged girl." She grumbled. Then she grabbed his arm, holding it in a rather strong grip that made Ryu wince. She stood and started dragging him effortlessly, while stomping so hard that the floor creaked, making the rest of the class look at them with surprise, with some of them possibly thinking 'Do not mess with an angry woran.'
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Once Katt and Ryu were in the corridor, they saw the figure of the black winged woman going towards a hall that was in the opposite area of the floor, they exchanged glances and nodded. The lady entered through the door, but didn't bother to lock it. They followed her, but stood outside of the room, peeking in the inside.
The girl was sitting on a chair, her head looking down as if showing humility, while facing towards an old man with glasses dressed in a magician's garb, having around his late fifties or sixties. The man irradiated both knowledge and wisdom, but also an air of sternness. Then she did the last thing Ryu and Katt would have expected; she gulped, and hard.
'Hey... What could be so serious that it would make a powerful lady wince like this?' Ryu thought.
"Master Yoji, I came to apologize." she said, with resignated tone.
"Explain further please, Nina."
"I made a misuse of my magic outside the designated areas for practicing inside the school."
"I knew already. That magic aura and way of channeling is already your trademark." he said this with a way that was meant both as a reproach and a compliment. "Why did you resort to it?"
"Since two weeks ago I have been harassed by some hoodlums that belong to a gang of crooks who call themselves the Joker's Gang. First it was with very badly written letters, then in person. They want me to join their ranks to commit their evil deeds. I'm simply against it; Magic is something to protect, not to get the most out of it; also as a means, not something to achieve for itself."
"I see. Please, continue."
'So it's belief, philosophy and education. Magic is not meant to be misused. Wise teachings, if you ask me. And now this lady Nina, by what it seems has been drilled a firm belief in them.'
"Just a while ago I was coming back from the house of my aunt, when I entered and closed the gates behind me and three of the thugs came and asked me yet again to go with them. But they were going to use force if necessary, for their weapons were drawn. And they used rather crude language to make their point known, so I used a controlled Simoon spell to give them a warning shot."
"That accounts for the first burst, and the charred gates of the academy."
"They did not seem fazed by that and charged, so I used a Wind Blast. And yet again, to expel them from this town,"
"I see Nina, those were the second and third surges; now comes my verdict." he said sternly.
"Yes, master." she sighed.
"You used your magic for self-defense, in a dire situation. Since you were provoked, it does not make for a fault according to the rules of the Academy. As heartless as it might sound, it does not matter if the offenders are dead or alive, but the important thing is that you are alive and well." The old man was now smiling.
"Master..." she seemed surprised and relieved.
"Yes child, go free. Your action is not deserving of punishment, or extra homework this time."
Katt and Ryu exchanged glances and whispered.
"Should we offer to help?" asked Katt.
"Yes, the Jokers are a serious problem." Ryu nodded. They were about to enter, when someone who moved truly fast got past through them, and entered. They flanked him, but could not cut his escape route.
The man said then. "You're right, Ranger Bateson. The band of my master is quite a force to be reckoned with." It was a figure clad in a black garb, his face covered with a black scarf and a headband with some decorations; he seemed to have concealed weapons. In his other hand, he had a cloak rolled into a ball.
'I swear that I have heard that voice somewhere.' Ryu thought.
He continued speaking. "Now, princess Nina; in the name of my boss the Joker, I come with an offer you will be finding quite hard to refuse." this last phrase he said it with a mocking tone.
"For the last time, I won't be having anything with scum like your band. Simoon." she spat in an irate tone, and then hurled a sphere of flames and wind towards the man. He did not move until the last instant, when he drew a dagger and used it to parry the spell, and it vanished in thin air when making contact. Then he sheathed the knife again.
"A runic-magic-quenching dagger!" the old man exclaimed.
"Magic is useless against those weapons." Nina sighed.
"Yes. I insist that I come in terms of peace; regretfully the lowlier goons cannot grasp this concept, so they got what they deserved. In the other hand, I have to defend myself from harm. Well, the princess here would find these two tokens quite interesting." Then the man took out a couple of objects and threw them towards Nina, who did catch them swiftly. She seemed both startled and sad.
Ryu and Katt glanced at the objects and saw a collar with some sort of emblem, and a signet ring. Ryu saw the collar and gasped. 'It's Suzie's collar!'
"What did you do with her?"
"Ah... the boys roasted her, and left the owner to starve for a while, so she could eat a little bit of her own dear Suzie." the man snickered.
Both Katt and Ryu gasped, while Nina seethed.
"I'm not talking about that accursed pig. Where is my sister?"
The man continued. "My boss is keeping your little sister Mina as a hostage."
Ryu now was seething with controlled rage.
"What about the man?" Nina asked angrily.
"The message I came to deliver is simple: If you come with me, Shadow, Their lives will be guaranteed. Though I cannot say if anything more than that," Ryu swore that the one called Shadow was smirking under the mask. "I'd like to ask you to come peacefully and willingly; not angry as well, although your natural beauty gets accentuated when you are irate."
Nina glared at him, then just sighed, and went towards him. She looked around and met Katt's big green eyes, and afterward met Ryu's gaze; she was pleading for help, even if she wasn't saying it.
'I can't do a thing right now. We'll have to track them later.' Ryu sighed.
Shadow extended his hand and Nina took it. Then he swiftly took out a Smoke Bomb and dropped it, making everyone in the room cough because of the heavy smoke that also did not allow them to see from some instants.
Master Yoji used his magic to take the smoke away through one of the windows, but Shadow and Nina where nowhere in sight. But where they stood, the cloak was lying on the floor, unfolded, and had something that looked like a large scroll. Ryu went to inspect it, and gasped.
"Look! It's a map of the location of the hideout! It's on Mt. Rokko, on the southernmost abandoned silver mining shaft, one called the 'Argentum Knight'. So they've got a month old blade-spider as a pet-guardian between a trap-zone. The kind of monsters that inhabit the mine shafts, and how do they keep them away from certain areas, it shows the treasury vault as well. We're going for them."
The old master Yoji coughed and then spoke. "Pardon me young one. If I recall correctly that man addressed you as a Ranger?"
"Yes, I'm Ryu Bateson, full-fledged Ranger since one week ago."
"Then I guess I can hire you directly to rescue Nina as soon as possible."
"I was going there, but if you feel the need to pay a reward, just help our Guild with some magic training."
"A nice bargain young man, I'll consider it. I just need to say that her powers should not be used for evil purposes."
"Then it's settled." Katt chided with an evil-like smile. "Time to kick some backsides! Let's rock Ryu!" They left the academy and the town, and went running towards the Mount Rokko, six hours away at their traveling speed, including going uphill towards a plateau.
"Katt, there is something else."
"Yeah Ryu?"
"The map had something written on its back. They've changed and given their souls for power; they no longer are human, don't hesitate if you have to kill because they won't stop if asked for mercy."
"Free for all then?"
"Almost like the Arena." Ryu winked at Katt, making her giggle. "But without a certain wild-girl trying to... turn me into a castrati singer."
Katt laughed. "Well, after our crash-course on magic, I don't think I'd want to do that... I'll have to think on what that whore said." She snarled and her fur was bristled when she said this.
Ryu sighed; he knew she was speaking about the violet eyed girl.
"Whatever Katt. Just know that you have quite a kiss capable of knocking out anyone. And that yours felt much better, because I consider you... a friend... a really good one." Ryu blushed after saying this, and kept running.
'My!' Katt blushed and followed suit, her anger quenched for the time being.
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Having faded the after effect of the Warp spell used by Shadow, Nina went walking side by side with him. She saw Mt. Rokko at half an hour of walking distance. He was awkwardly silent, and saw his face.... she felt... regrets emanating from him.
"Mister Shadow..."
"Just Shadow," He answered in a dry tone. "What do you want, miss Nina?"
"You were quite the mocking one there, but here you are awfully silent."
He didn't answer, and sighed.
'I'll try another approach, then. Let's attempt probing his thoughts.'
Nina stopped for a moment, and let her eyes glow with magical power, and then she focused it in a telepathy spell.
~Very good Nina. I was expecting you to do that.~
~You can talk telepathically?~ Nina was surprised. ~Why won't you speak a thing?~
~Yes I can, only if addressed though, my magic is limited. I wasn't speaking loudly because The Joker is currently using a scrying spell on me to monitor my task.~
~So, he can't see nor hear what we speak mind to mind. Why then this kidnapping? Are my sister and my uncle alright then?~
~Yes, the boss knows that Mina is valuable on her own, after all she is the heir to the throne of Wyndia, and he is obsessed with earning power; but for your uncle... Lord Davan Skye, fortunately I was able to save him and I'm keeping him away from the hideout. Unfortunately I was not able to save the other members of the elite guard. ~
~I see... Was it quick at least?~
Shadow did not reply, just turned his face away.
~My... boss is merciless. He has been since some time ago. I can't tell you more, because it's too barbaric even for an assassin like me. Rest assured that Lord Davan is alive, though.~
~One old saying goes that you can't trust a thief.~
He smirked. ~Well, it is your only choice now; you may take it or leave it.~
She sighed. ~Tell me the truth about Suzie. It was my beloved sister's dear pet.~
~It's grim.~
~It doesn't matter.~
~It does, for it was inhuman and beastly. The boss ate it raw, freshly slain and still screaming.~ He sighed and asked. ~Did you know that pigs scream for several minutes after being killed?~
Nina was horrified. 'How could be someone that cruel?'
~And then he made her eat a piece of roasted wild pork, telling her that it was a piece of her dear pet, after letting her starve for hours.~
~That's.... inhuman, sadistic, evil.~
~He wanted to see her break... he did... and she ate the piece after all, but her cries somehow moved my heart. I had only thought that princesses were usually pampered helpless girls, and could not care less. Mina lost something really important that day.~
~I see...~ Nina sighed. She knew what she had lost; a part Mina's happiness since her exile.
~I have had my doubts since years ago about this kind of life... but it's all what I got. Something needs to change first, but I can't tell what it is. That's what motivated me to save Lord Davan. I arrived just in time to get rid of my once companions, and freeing him...~ he looked away.
Nina was crying, her tears flowing through her face as she walked. ~... Continue... Please. ~
~I took him away to somewhere near; curiously enough, for some unknown reason the gang won't go near there. Then the boss found out that some of his crooks were dead, and started suspecting everyone, including even me... the second in command on the band. Well, enough chit-chat for now. You must know that I'll hand you over to the guards at the entrance, but will not go in. After he sees you arrive, he will dismiss me and stop the scrying.~
~Why?~
~Because he is overconfident as well, so he'll dismiss his doubts, And I'll be free to go and tend Lord Davan's wounds... he was grievously tortured.~
~How barbaric...~ Nina sobbed.
~I agree; other thing you need to know princess Nina, is that though I may be bringing you with time, it is quite possible that the Boss will see you in a few hours, keeping you away from your sister.~
~Why is that?~
~Either he is taking a nap, or is with some of his... mistresses for a time being.~ He now seemed enraged.
~Would you care to explain that?~
~Again, it's a rather grim tale. Kidnapped women are kept in the hideout until he has his way with them, finally he... disposes of them.~
~That's....~
~I agree, you don't need to say it.~ his eyes flashed with anger and sadness for an instant.
~Were you personally affected as well?~
~You're observant, Princess Nina. I'm not ready to speak about that subject though, and I don't think I shall ever be...~
~I apologize. And one last question. Why do you refer us by nobility titles if you are a bandit and supposedly despise us?~
~Because my grudge is not against you. You are innocents drawn into this by something greater.~ Then he laughed openly. ~Although our little princess Mina knows quite a share of rather colorful words, to say it politely; obscene profanities would be a more accurate approach but it still remains a rather soft way to put it. Most of my fellow bandits put priceless baffled faces, while the rest agreed that they would have her commanding a Pirate Ship.~
Nina didn't know if being sad or laugh. Anyway she giggled, because he was right about Mina. ~Granted, she's a handful. When she to ascends to the throne, woe to any adviser who dares to cross her.~
~She seriously needed a reality check. It is a shame that it came this way. Whatever, enough bantering for now; just let's keep going towards the hideout. One last thing.~
~What is it, shadowy thief?~ she asked with a grin, trying to make him smile; she didn't know if he did because of his mask, but him raising an eyebrow, as if amused would be a good indicative.
~Heh. So you have a sense of humor as well; that's good, for a smile suits you better than being scorned. Trust me that you'll not be alone out there; If you are truly observant... You should have noticed that I left my cloak with something useful inside it, back at the academy.~ his eyes showed that he was grinning.
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Sunset, couple clicks of Mt. Rokko; NewHaven Sector.
Katt and Ryu were now having a cold meal; beef jerky, water, some apples and a couple fishes that Ryu had. In their terms it was a frugal meal, but they needed to eat something. Once they finished, they started running again towards the hideout, using the map they found; so far so good, but there was always the need for caution.
"Katt, would you do as bait for the one in the entrance? Usually these bandits are in need of some loving." Ryu asked, saying it rather seriously.
"You say it as if I were a cheap slut." she snickered.
Ryu sighed. "I didn't say that. Just flirt with him and when he falls for it..."
She smiled "I get it. WHACK!, right?" she smirked.
"Yeah, I'll be right behind you." Ryu smiled.
Ryu stayed at a distance, as he saw Katt striding in a way that would've broken the iron will of an ascetic, towards the lone bandit guarding the entrance to the cave. 'Damn... were she to walk towards me that way, I'm surely going to be even more baffled than Bosch when he saw Mina.' Ryu thought while smirking; he then walked stealthily sneaking behind a rock, ready to pounce on the thief should it be needed.
"Hey! What are you doing here? This is off-limits!" shouted the brigand.
Katt feigned a pout. "Oh! I'm sorry; I was just taking a shortcut from Colossea towards NewHaven, but it seems that I got lost... would you be so nice to point me towards NewHaven?"
The hoodlum smirked. "Interesting, yes I could... but it isn't for free you know."
Katt purred, "How about if we barter with the oldest payment existing on the world?" Then she walked dangerously close towards him, closer than arm's length.
"Ehhh..." The man put a lustful face that almost made Katt scowl visibly, but she was able to keep feigning this behavior. Katt just giggled and continued her charade.
"My... It seems that big boy down there needs some loving, and badly." She winked at him.
"You're right kitten, just wait until you see him." he smirked.
"Oh thanks," she smiled, and then she changed her expression, showing her rage while shouting at him. "But you don't need to!" Then, with lightning-quick reflexes she hit him with a strong knee-hit in his crotch. The man fell to the ground wincing in pain at first and knocked out when he hit his head on the rocky surface.
Ryu saw this and winced inwardly. 'Note to self. Don't anger that defenseless kitty at that distance.'
Then she made a thumbs-up and Ryu came out from his hiding spot.
"Looks like this one ain't moving for a while." Katt giggled. "Maybe I went too soft on him."
Ryu smirked. "Yeah right, and you ain't a bottomless pit when it comes to food."
"Meanie!" She mock-glared at him.
"Let's just go; it's time to perform a rescue operation," Ryu said, drew his blessed knives, and entered the cave, waiting for Katt to follow. She had her battle-staff ready as of now.
She walked over the head of the unconscious man cracking his jaw with her strength. Ryu winced.
"Why did you do that?"
"That way he will think it twice before assaulting a defenseless traveler asking for directions." she giggled.
"You're truly mean." Ryu pouted.
"Nah, I just watch for my fellow ladies. Since most aren't as strong, somehow I feel forced to even the odds, pruning the bad men."
"I'll keep it in mind," Ryu sighed, while Katt giggled.
'You ain't a bad one... in fact, you're one of the good ones... damn good. Hey... I didn't notice his butt until now. Pretty one,' Since Ryu was in the lead, he couldn't see her mischievous grin.
The cave had a mix of torches and some of those stones lighted by very basic magic, so the environment was quite lit.
They advanced through the hideout meeting little resistance, with the exception of some overeager thugs that made both Ryu and Katt startle. Their eyes looked like lost at first, and then they transformed into infinite pools of black and attacked to kill. The dual-daggers that Ryu used for hurting the goons, their wounds ignited in white flames, as the blood on the blades. Shortly after dying, they turned to dust, as if they were monsters.
"That's weird." Katt looked surprised.
"Yeah, maybe it has to do something with... demons?" Ryu wondered.
"Damn. Could be another one here?"
"Maybe, that would explain it. Let's hurry."
They arrived to a zone where some thugs were guarding a portcullis, they made short work of them, and before flipping the switch, Ryu whispered at Katt.
"Beyond these comes the part with the Blade Spider. According to the map, everything has gone as it is written. So I would be careful about that poisonous bugger beyond."
"What is one of those?"
"In adult size, they would make Rand look small; but a one month old baby, should be about the size of a boar and more ferocious than a Bilbull," Ryu stated, making Katt shudder. "Besides, their poison is quite strong; normal antidotes would slow it down but not remove it. Fortunately thanks to the firewater your people make, I have a couple of home-made Cure-All vials."
"Won't ask what they are if they work," Katt smirked.
"Don't worry, just mashed salmon guts and the booze. I can't guarantee its taste though. Here, have one just in case." Ryu smirked as he handed her one of the flasks along with some normal antidotes.
"Well... at least is fish," Katt seemed relieved.
"I guess that I don't need to tell why those spideys are called that way."
"You better... first time I heard of them." Katt pouted, making Ryu sigh.
"Each leg segment has the same length of a short sword, looks like some sort of cleaver, and is as sharp as a double-edged blade. Since it's yet a toddler, we should be able to smash it; their skin looks like metallic plates overlapped, and when the bug is an adult, it is as tough as hardened steel, fortunately with some gaps; but their leg segments are as large as a great-sword."
"How do you know so much?" Katt asked curiosity in her eyes.
"Tales from my mentors; they've seen quite their share of the world."
"Well, we haven't those kind of monsters in my... homeland, but others equally nastier."
"I'd bet on that. Now, be sure to drink the elixir when we're done with it if you got poisoned, else save it. So we've got to press a switch; the spider is inside a cave and it bites when someone tries to press the switch."
"Nasty way to get rid of intruders, if you ask me,"
"Yeah; we'll have to thank that black-suited guy."
"Why? He took Nina away."
"Seems like he left this on purpose; Also, I'm sure I have heard his voice once long ago, but I can't put my finger when though. I'm sure he's a double-dealing weasel. Let's go. When I ask you to press the switch, just hit with your staff, and feign that you were bitten, so we can get in after they find the hard way they were fooled."
They finally stopped whispering and lowered the switch. The portcullis opened, allowing them to pass; they were walking, but almost stumbled on some sort of invisible rope, making it be cut in two. The gate behind them closed again. Both Katt and Ryu groaned. From beyond the cave a voice came.
"So, you are newbies in here?"
They walked towards the source, and saw another portcullis, and behind it four bandits, the voice belonged to one of them.
"Yeah, we've been hired recently." Ryu said.
"Then you need to speak with the boss."
"Yeah, just let us go through."
"No can do. You've gotta use the switch on your side."
Ryu held Katt from her wrist for a moment. "And where is that?"
"To your right there is a hole; inside it it is the switch."
Ryu went out of sight of the thug and made a gesture to Katt; she nodded, and used her staff to flip the door open, while feigning being poisoned. The portcullis was now cleared, on both sides.
"Damn It! What do you have there?" she mocked being bitten. "It bit hard!"
"You fell for it!" the five thugs shouted as one, and came in view. One spoke thereafter. "It's our pet for unwanted intruders. Anyone in the gang knows that." And they charged towards Ryu.
"We already knew. So you fell for us!" Ryu smirked at them, his blades ready for a fight.
Katt took out her staff from the hole, jumping to hit some thugs. She did not realize that once her staff was out, the spider came out from the hole; nor did Ryu. Their attention was fully on the thugs.
The spider chose to jump towards Katt's back and in midair spitted a thorn dripped in poison towards her.
Ryu by his side, had already slashed open the throat of one thug, and wounded another in a knee, letting him fall to the ground and finishing him with a stab in his heart.
Katt felt the needle get incrusted in her left arm, rendering it immobile for the moment and making her wince; now she could only use her right arm, so she resorted to slashing the thug in front of her, effectively scarring his face and leaving his neck open for breaking; she took the chance and snapped it.
Ryu went for the other two, while shouting at Katt. "Use a normal antidote, now." Katt complied and gulped one of the normal-antidotes, while using her staff to deflect new thorns from the spider.
The thugs did not last long, fortunately; Ryu did made short work of them, just receiving a couple scratches and some bruises; after all, it seemed that the Mithril mail he was wearing was very good.
Now for the spider; Katt was trying to get closer to it, so she could hit it. But the bugger was quick. Ryu was now going around, trying to encircle it; cornered it wouldn't be easy. The woran was feeling every moment more tired, the poison of the blade spider could be either necrotic, or a powerful sleep-inducer depending purely on luck. The sleep-inducers were the least frequent though.
Katt as able to hit once in its head, making it yelp in pain. Ryu lunged towards it stabbing its abdomen with both blades and ripping it open. The spider screamed in pain as Katt now used her staff to sever its head since it was just flailing its legs around. The bug stopped moving after that.
Ryu quickly went towards Katt and with one swift move took out the long needle, making Katt yelp in pain.
"Careful! That hurt."
"Sorry, but that pain'll keep you awake." Then he took out the elixir that Katt had in a belt pouch, opened it and grinned. "Now drink up. Every single drop," Katt put a really nasty face; the vial had a really disgusting smell. "Don't put that face. You don't want to be a sleepy'n' floppy cute kitty, right? Besides you got lucky; usually they are the necrotic variety, this was one who only sends you to lala-land."
Katt's face went pale for a moment, and then she felt relieved. She gulped and drank the entire home made Cure-All. She grimaced in disgust, but did not spit it. Immediately, the drowsiness was cast away.
"Hey, good to see you in the world of the living," Ryu grinned. "As some smart little guy said: What doesn't kill you... doesn't kill you!"
"Who was that? Big guy? I'm so gonna pummel him when I see his large ass." Katt smirked, but winced when trying to move her arm.
"Lemme see that." Ryu went towards her, and started muttering something under his breath, while putting his hand over the perforation in her arm; it was still bleeding. He gathered more magical energy and then released it, in a 'Heal' spell, soothing her pain and recreating the torn skin and flesh, just leaving a barely noticeable scar.
"I'm sorry Katt, I left a scar; I'm not that good with these magic stuff, you know."
"It doesn't matter. It does not hurt anymore, that's enough for me. Thank you blue-boy," Katt smiled, and then gave him a short peck in his lips. "Maybe more would come later," She teased, and giggled as Ryu was baffled for a brief instant. Then he blushed and recomposed himself.
"Can you stand?"
"Yes, let's go."
"Let me do something first. You don't need to watch if you don't want to. Although you are used to hunting and living outdoors... it's no different than gutting fresh game." Ryu sighed, taking a little empty metallic box that could be sealed. "But at the same time, it's way nastier." He smirked.
Katt grimaced again, she knew what he meant. Ripping open and dissecting the corpse of the spider to look for something. She quickly turned around and she started hearing how Ryu was tearing apart the bug, maybe in little cubes.
"Here they are!" Ryu exclaimed, happily. "The poison glands; I know the right person who would want this, and maybe pay a pricely sum. But since I owe her..."
Katt smirked. "Admit it blue-boy. You're a goody two-shoes deep in your heart. Even if you're a failed panty thief," She giggled madly as she punched him playfully.
Ryu groaned. 'I'm going to be teased until I'm as old, wrinkly and crotchety as the Chief; and maybe even after I'm dead.' Finally he sighed, and both continued their quest.
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They made their way through a new species of blood-sucking leeches, floating flame-like specters that were easily slain by the blessed blade, some of the 'possessed' hoodlums; finally there were some undead rotting corpses that Ryu remembered being called ghouls. In the way they found another blessed mithril blade, as the one he already had. There was also some cash was available for the taking in the clothes that the possessed thieves left after they were consumed.
After climbing some stairs carved in the rock, Katt and Ryu arrived to a part where was another bandit bored out of his mind doing guard duty, but he seemed more interested in hearing other thing, for he was not facing at them. Katt, stealthily walked behind him, and snapped his neck, leaving his head at an unnatural angle. Then she silently dragged out of sight the corpse.
Now they had a vantage point to look all what was going to unfold.
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Tell me Deis. Is the boy up to your expectations? Ladon smirked as he asked that question.
Mmm... He needs more training on kissing, and I know the best drill sergeant for that. Me.
I don't doubt it. But you shouldn't get so overeager.
You are right... I still have that 'pending business'. Deis sighed deeply.
Well, in time it may come to be solved. Ladon grinned.
You think so?
Who knows?
YOU know! Don't play stupid. Deis groaned.
Well, I'm not saying; remember that you can't tell future events to a denizen of any mortal realm. Rules that you must follow since you are living there for the time being.
The same ones that put you in that bind with my sister, Ladon.
Yes, the very same seraphic laws.
Now let's do something more interesting; let's enjoy the second encounter of this boy. Bring the pop-corn and booze, ol'guy.
Look who's talkin' ol'hag. Sweet or salty?
Sweet, with a chocolate fondue, and a flask of nutella, some apple-pie as dessert would do nicely.
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End Chapter 08.
Author's Notes:
- Yes, the character known as Shadow is inspired on Shadow of FFVI. Why did I include a character based on him? All will be revealed later. But if you want a sneak-peek... wanted to develop the story a bit further, so I need that character :)
- Deis has quite the craving for sweets… and young dragons :)
- Ladon and Deis tease themselves with their age.... measured in aeons :D
Special Thanks:
- Ryusui, for his Retranslation.
- Lady 'Kestre Wynde' from ; your proof-reading has helped me to understand about English language and improving the quality of my writing. Thank you very much.