Part One: The Everlasting Gaze
Chapter One: Depressing Haze
Two mysterious people wandered through the streets of the Tajima Village. They were looking for a glimpse of the girl whose life would change forever. The unlit gas lamps whose shadows cast upon the doorsteps, swayed with the light wind. It stirred the brittle leaves of the elderberry bushes, a healing berry. The sounds of mothers voices, ushering their children into the fire lit homes, that gave off warmth, were slowly being muffled by the light rain. Most working men gathered at the Catamount Tavern, where the days work would be discussed over a bubbling warm glass of Honey Trickle.
The dark character who had stopped and leaned against the grand maple, sighed in annoyance. "Mystie, why are we here again?" Cloud exhaled watching his breath travel out in front of him. Mystie, wearing a dark cloak who happened to be pacing, stopped and looked up at Cloud. "What do you mean, why are we here? We are here to find the girl who Rayne and Striker think is 'the one' whatever that means." She pulled a loose indigo colored thread from her cloaks left side, as she awaited her partners respond.
"I know why we are here. But I just don't understand, well, why we are here." Mystie was baffled. "Well Cloud I really don't understand what you are trying to say."
"Never mind."
They headed for the Tajima Port where Mystie was pretty sure the girl was located. The imprints left behind from their shoes were slowly being filled up by rain, turning the remains into thickening mud. Mystie glanced left and right, looking for the Tajima Port sign. "This town is so unfamiliar to me." she moaned. "Cloud could you ask for directions?"
He scowled at her and shook his head. "Unlike you I know where I am going." He skimmed the street signs then pointed south. "That way." He ran his fingers through his greasy blonde hair as he quickened his pace. "Cloud…I'm not sure-"
"Shove it. Go your own way if you don't believe me."
"But-" She stopped and figured it was no use. She was oh-too-familiar with this behavior. Wiping the rain from her forehead she unwillingly followed him, still wishing they had asked for directions. Cloud trudged on, until they hit the southern forest. "Um, I think we may have passed it up a few paces back." Mystie said displeased.
"Ok, if your so smart, why don't you lead me to the docks then?" he snapped. Turning quickly on her heal, she spotted a man limping down the dirt road. She sped towards the local and asked where the docks were located. He was an old man with a cane too long for his slouch, and a white beard that hung across his chest. He mumbled something, nodding northwest. She thanked him, skipping joyfully to Cloud regardless of the rain, a smirk on her face. She turned, heading to the port. The whole way there, Cloud glowered at the back of her head.
The pier reeked of fish. Mystie's eyes wandered about, while her fingers clamped her nose to keep out the stench of slowly rotting fish. "I'll go this way, and you go that way." she said in a nasally voice. Cloud nodded, going in the direction she had set for him. Her shoes squeaked against the wood as she advanced forward. Many fishermen paced the docks back and forth, looking for any wandering buyers. A gruff man with a shaggy beard wearing a lemon yellow rain suit spotted Mystie and strolled up to her and said with pure confidence, "Hello young miss. You look in need of a fish. Why you would not be here, wandering the docks, if it weren't for your craving for a freshly caught snelt or columbine? Why, would you be interested in purchasing-"
"No thank you." she said distractedly. Stepping sideways, trying to get around the oversized man, he quickly blocked her step and once again tried to sell her something that was of no use to her. "Please miss. You must have not heard me the first time. These delectable fish, are fresh and might I add, cheap." There was now a desperation in his sonorous voice. Mystie looked up at him and as politely as she could repeated herself. "No thank you. I have come here in a search for someone not something." She gave him a pitiful smile, stepping to the side once more. It was sad how the people of that village struggled to survive. In desperation, he blocked her and in quick action grabbed her by the front of her cloak and lifted.
"You don't understand. My family is starved and all the money I make comes from selling these dreadful fish. Please. I beg of you. Please buy one."
"Let me go! Cloud! Help!" Mystie struggled to be free of his tightening grip. The rain came down harder and in the darkening background, thunder clouds came into view. "I do not wish to do this." The man mumbled sorrowfully. He reached inside and snatched 35 jin from inside her belts right pouch. Pocketing the money, he threw her down and turned, ready to run, but was stopped. She heard Cloud's voice murmur, "Drop it." The man dropped the stolen currency, and began to whimper. "Please, I beg of you. Spare my life."
"Shut up, I'm not going to hurt you….yet." Cloud pressed the tip of his oversized sword into the robbers neck, creating a light stream of cherry blood. "What is your name?"
"My name sir? My name is-" The man shoved the sword away with great force and began to sprint to the northern forest. He was pretty quick considering his size. "HEY! Get back here." Cloud was right behind him, gaining speed. The two disappeared into the forest with only a few cracking branches to acknowledge their disappearance.
Mystie, still on her knees, coughed rubbing her neck. "Are you all right?" A tall man nearing 46, with graying hair loomed over her, right arm extended. In his left hand he carried a worn lance. She took his hand and answered, "Just fine. Thank you." He helped pull her up. "Let me apologize for some of the people in this town. It is a difficult time."
"It's really fine." The rain came down harder as the storm ranged closer, threatening with distant flashes.
The man looked at Mystie. "I don't think we've met before." he whispered gently.
"I am a visitor and new to this town." She giggled.
"A visitor? Very strange to have one of those here in Tajima. Not the biggest tourist spot. Would you mind coming with me to get acquainted? I promise I will not rob you." She giggled again and nodded, figuring she was overdue for a break from her search.
Turning back toward the edge of the village, he briskly walked into the local pub. Mystie trailed behind him rubbing her neck for the last time. Sitting down at the table, closest to the back of the bar, where their words would not be in earshot to those drowning their sorrows. He set his lance against the wall, leaning it so it was not to fall. She sat across from him drying her sopping face with the table napkin. He began the conversation with the four most simplest words. "So, who are you?"
She hesitated at first, wondering if her name should be said aloud to a man who she knew nothing about. Interrupting her thoughts he added, "I'm sorry. My name is Cid." She thought it would be impolite to not give him her name. "I am Mystie, traveler and stranger to this town." The man smiled. His ebony hair had a 'silver lining' of grey. And his broad shoulders made him look bigger than he was. "What brings you to this town Mystie?" His voice was husky, but his eyes were soft.
"I am in search of someone. A girl."
"Family?"
"Not exactly."
"Ah…Excuse me...Sir?" The bartender met eyes with Cid from across the enormous bar. "What can I get 'cha?" His hand worked fast with the towel, cleaning a filthy mug.
"Two honey trickles."
"Coming up." The bartender turned, filling two clean mugs with a light foamy liquid. "I'm not thirsty, thanks." Mystie said kindly.
"Nonsense. You've been through a bit of on ordeal. This will help you a bit." She shrugged it off, pulling her cloak around her more tightly.
"So. Who is this person you're looking for?"
She paused than replied, "Aeris Lenabourgh."
He did not answer. She thought that he wasn't even breathing until he muttered, "What business do you have with her?"
"It's private business, really. Sorry." She cocked her head and looked at him. Cid's tone had changed entirely.
A waitress glided over to their table, gently setting down the two drinks. "15 jin." she stated holding out her hand, waiting for the money to be placed in her palm. Cid dug in the pocket of his jacket, mumbling in a low voice. He grasped a minority of coins and dropped them into the waitresses hand.
"Keep the change." She turned back to the bar and continued serving drinks. Cid pulled the glass to his lips and slowly drank the sweet liquid. Mystie soon joined him, only taking a single sip before placing the mug back on the table. "If you do not know where I can find her, then I best be off. Thank you Cid. And it was nice to have met you." She slowly stood up and stretched. He abruptly put down the glass and quickly stated as she turned to leave, "You'll find her over at the Crow. She works there as a waitress. It's over in dock three. "
She gradually turned to him. "Thank you again."
Without realizing it, she left the tavern more quickly than intended. Reaching the outside, she drew her cloak around her more so tightly. The rain came down more violently, soaking her veil. People on the dock were scarce, except for the stray fisherman who were still storing their catch in crates. She quickly headed to dock three, squinting through the intense rain and wind. Wondering whether Cloud had finished harassing the man who attempted to burgle her, she found the eatery, stumbling inside. People who were dining paid no attention to the drenched girl who had loudly entered.
More excited now, she swiftly walked to the front desk, calmly requesting, "I was wondering if I could speak to one of your waitresses, Aeris." The man glanced at her rudely stating, "Aeris is serving costumers at the moment. Why not come back some other day, and not waste my time?"
She became upset, disliking the rude man. Even so, she asked him as nicely as she was willing to, "Is there any possible way I can speak to her?"
"I'll tell you what." he sighed now daring to look at her, "When I become 20 jin richer, I'll retrieve her for you." The man smirked as if his joke was even remotely funny then looked back down at his list. She usually didn't give into people like this, but in desperation, reached into her pocket and pulled out all the money she had left and counted it. 16 jin. Throwing it down on the desk she growled, "It's all I've got." The man fingered with the money and sighed.
"One moment." He walked deeper into the room and came back with a girl within minutes. "Ms. Lenabourgh, this…girl is here to see you."
Mystie's heart began to race. This was her. This was the girl. Her deep brown hair was tied up with a sleek, dark, violet ribbon. And her confused vibrant green eyes stared into Mystie's. Clearing her throat she asked, "Do I know you?"
"Actually I was wondering if you and I could go somewhere and get acquainted. You see I'm-"
"She will be not going anywhere, her shift is not nearly over." The man behind the counter who had been eavesdropping, cut in. Before anyone could say another word the diner's main doors swung open, revealing a dark figure and a chilling breeze. It was an extremely drenched Cloud. "Here Mystie. Your money. I managed a few extra." he grumbled. Stepping forward, he removed his gloves. "Cloud, this is Aeris." Mystie said in excitement.
"Good. You found her. Now lets go."
"Um, excuse me? I don't know what's going on let alone, who you are." Aeris said nervously.
"My apologizes. I am Mystie, and this is my friend Cloud. An-" Once again, her introduction was cut short as the man angrily said, "She is not going anywhere so move along and get out of my pub. And if you are to return, I will have you sent to an underground chamber." Cloud with his short fuse looked him in the eye and said, "Oh really?" In one quick motion, he whipped out his oversized sword from its holdings on his back and held it up to the man's neck. Cloud was more than annoyed and tired at that moment and wouldn't put up with any lip given by any person. Aeris gasped and dropped the glass plate she was holding. It shattered as Mystie softly spoke the words, "Cloud…Don't be an idiot. Put that away. The last thing we need is to be thrown underground." The man began to shed a few tears of horror as the restaurant fell silent. A hushed whisper could be heard from the few people dining. Aeris suddenly turned on her heel and swiftly fled out the back door.
Fighting the temptation to give the man a scar, he withdrew his sword and quickly followed Mystie who had shouted, "Wait!" Out the back door, the three of them flew with Aeris in the lead. She snatched her bow from the wall of the diner and flung a sack of arrows over her shoulder in mid run. The storm was hitting its hardest with pounding rain, furious winds, and clashing thunder clouds.
"Wait! Come back! It's all just a misunderstanding." Mystie shouted. "Nice going Cloud." They quickened their pace, but Aeris had already disappeared into the Northern forest. Cloud and Mystie entered the forest, slowing down their pace. "You had to go and scare her half to death, didn't you?" She glared at Cloud, ignoring his attempt to explain his anger towards the desk clerk. "Aeris? Ms. Aeris, please listen. We have been sent here to find you. I apologize for my companion's actions. You see-"
"I know who you are so get the hell outta this town and never return! You're not the first who's tried to take people from this town and recruit them into Valcovians. If you don't leave now, I will kill you both." She couldn't be seen, but her voice could be heard.
"Yeah. Right." Cloud laughed. He pulled out his sword, trying to provoke her.
"Cloud no! Put it back." Trying to guide his hand, still clutching the weapon, she attempted to put the sword back. He pushed her back saying. "No. She thinks she can kill me? Let her prove herself. Come on! Give me your best!"
"We are supposed to be on the same side here. Don't frighten her off!" Mystie became worried. "Shut up." Cloud turned, looking for Aeris. "Show your face." Coming deep from inside the forest, zipped an arrow. It flew past Cloud's left shoulder, hitting a tree instead. "Is that the best you've got?" Lifting his sword, he wheeled it around in a circle chopping the very same tree. It leaned to the side, but removing the weapon it fell, creating a loud crash. "STOP IT!!!" screamed Mystie.
"She wants to play, so we'll play…Ugh!" While talking to Mystie, Aeris had shot a stream of arrows. This time they hit center of his left shoulder and upper chest.
Velvet blood oozed from the fresh wound. He struggled with the weapon, eventually dropping it. He fell to his knees into the mud, created by the storm. Fallen twigs from trees poked at his knees. He ran his fingers over the blood. Mystie kneeled next to him, trying to help with the wound. "Gerr off!" he grumbled in pain.
"But..." she started. "Aeris please listen. We know people who knew your parents. Tera and Thar. We have been sent here for you, requesting your services. You've got to believe us." A figure emerged from the shadows.
"You knew my parents?"
Cloud awakened to the conversation of Mystie and the girl who had injured him. Noticing his awakened eyes, Aeris softly smiled saying, "I'm sorry about that back there. There's these groups of Valcove Knights that had been showing up around here lately. They had freely recruited many people into their war parties in the fight against the Kooluk Nation."
"And you thought that we were some of the knights?"
"You never know…" she mumbled.
He sat up, feeling his wound. It had been padded with elderberry leaves and wrapped with old mahogany colored cloth. "What the hell happened? Why was I sleeping?" Mystie glided over to him. Aeris stood from a distance watching.
"We figured you passed out because your body was in shock. She nearly missed your heart, any closer and you would have been dead. Aeris helped me bring you to her lodge to inspect your wound. I explained to her about us needing her for the fight against Jhaku..."
He glared at Aeris mumbling, "You call that a fair fight? You cowered in the shadows."
She looked offended. "Cowered? You had yourself out in the open, giving me a clear shot. You're lucky I didn't kill you."
"Like you could kill me. It took you a few times to actually hit me. Sure you got close to my heart, but did the arrow actually hit it? No. You cowered. Why didn't you just kill me like you said you would? You're weak, and have bad aim." She clenched her fists threatening to finish him off when Mystie interrupted.
"Stop it. Both of you. Now Cloud, you should get more rest. The three of us set out in the morning."
"What do you mean the three of us?"
"Aeris has agreed to help us. She's giving up her life here to help save Djose, like many other people…hopefully…And perhaps she will even help us find the Light bearer. We are gonna need some food, so I'll be back." Without letting anyone comment, she took the pouch she found on Cloud containing a fair amount of jin, and headed out into the storm.
Releasing her anger, Aeris struggled to apologize to Cloud. "I am sorry for injuring you….Cloud."
"You call this an injury? Tch."
"You passed out!" She wanted to be given more credit for her archery than he was giving her.
"No. I fell into shock that you would cower when trying to prove yourself." His lips were pulled into a smirk, words cutting her like a knife.
"COWER! I kept myself hidden from view. Unlike you who made yourself an open target." She walked over to the water basin and started to rinse of the blood soaked arrow to keep her hands from strangling him.
"What are you doing?"
"Washing the blood I took from you down into the underground."
"You took no blood from me."
"YES I DID AND I'LL DO IT AGAIN!" Anger swelled through her. She dropped the stained arrow into the basin, and advanced towards him. Cloud smirked. "Temper temper." He reached out for his sword but winced in pain. Just seeing him struggling for his sword, made her laugh. "Admit it! I hurt you. N-" Waiting for him to interrupt, he just sat there, grabbing his shoulder. His hand trembled as the crimson blood trickled down his arm once more. She walked over to him reaching for the wound to help. "Here."
"Leave me alone. I can care for myself." He pulled away from her arm's reach, fiddling with the wrapping.
"Put your pride aside and let me help." Aeris soothingly grabbed his blood drenched hand and removed it from the wound. Applying pressure to the wound, she reached for some more elderberry leaves and berries. She squeezed the juices of the berries onto the wound. Cloud jerked his arm but allowed her to continue. He gazed at her as she placed two fresh jade leaves to the wound and said softly, "Hold this here for a second." She stood up and rinsed the cloth out that was holding the herb to the gash. While ringing out the excess water Cloud mumbled, "Thank you." Aeris simply smiled. She walked back over to him and tied the cloth around the herb. She sat there with her hand still on his shoulder. "Why have you decided to join us?" Cloud asked breaking the silence that surrounded them. She removed her hand from him and reached for her arrows to sharpen them and slowly answered, "To avenge my parents."
Before she could finish, the door of the lodge flew open revealing Mystie who looked terrified. Trembling in her drenched indigo cloak, she uttered the words, "Change of plans. We need to leave now."