Chapter 2; In Which Henry and Ruby Banter in a Balloon
It couldn't possibly be true. I, Henry Smith, the most boring man in England, was following some strange woman through London, trying not to lose her as I desperately scrambled after her through the maze of cobblestone. Every time she made a sharp turn, every time she suddenly veered to the left or right, I noticed that we passed less and less people. We were deep into the smoky gut of the city, delving into the deep, dark places where nobody dared venture. Just as I thought about turning back, Ruby grabbed my wrist and shoved me forward. We were standing before a large, abandoned warehouse. My stomach dropped, and for some odd reason my insides were churning with anticipation. Perhaps it was my thirst for adventure finally begging me to quench it after all these years. She slipped into the warehouse and I followed her.
To say my heart practically leapt out of my chest would be an understatement. There, taking up almost all of the space of the interior was a massive hot air balloon. It was fully inflated, Ruby had wasted no time. The balloon was held down with several ropes acting as chains, attaching it to the ground as if it were some ferocious beast that needed to be restrained. Ruby, that bold little thing, she crawled into the basket and gestured to me to do the same. I paused to look behind me, as if someone was watching. I tumbled awkwardly into the basket, and gave Ruby a questioning look.
"Where on Earth did you get this balloon? Did you steal it? I'll have you know, I refuse to assist a thief." I said. She looked at me with utter surprise written on her face.
"Who do you take me for? I own this vehicle." she said.
"For what possible reason could you need a hot air balloon?" I asked.
"For what possible reason could you need that foul attitude?" she retorted. Touché. Ruby ignored me soon after and began to untie the ropes and drop the sand bags that held the balloon against the ground. The basket jerked, throwing me against the edge much to my discomfort. I looked up and my eyes widened to see the roof of the warehouse opening up, allowing bright rays of sun in. The balloon slowly ascended, free of the chains that had kept it from flying for God only knows how long. In a matter of mere minutes I was looking down at my city, admiring the buildings as much as I could, since the smog was obscuring my vision. My eyes were fixated on the city below while Ruby's were glued upwards. It really is amazing how all it takes is a couple hundred feet above the ground to send a surge of power down your spine. I smiled for the first time in ages. For once, I felt at peace.
Of course, Ruby refused to let my happiness live.
"Did you really think I was a thief?" Ruby asked, a bit of hurt in her voice. I couldn't help but groan internally, but I couldn't make that obvious to her, because that would be impolite.
"...I didn't mean to offend you, but normally rich adventurers own things like this, I just found it odd that a person like you would own a vehicle like this."
"A person like me?"
"You know...a…"
"A girl?"
"Now hold on, I never…" Ruby wasted no time interrupted me.
"I beg of you, Henry, don't place a label on me. I am not some thief, nor am I some ragamuffin, nor am I just some girl. I am Ruby, and that is the only thing you're to call me. The only person who can burden me with a label is myself." I sighed in relief when she was finally finished. I rubbed my temples, exasperated.
"Well then, Ruby, would you be so kind as to address me as Mr. Smith?"
"I don't believe in last names. Hell, I barely believe in first names."
"Then what do you believe in?"
"I believe in steam."
I couldn't hold back a disdainful snort.
"How's that working out for you? Your steam powered city is falling, if I remember your little pleas correctly."
"Steam is not the reason behind its downfall."
"Oh? Then why is this city falling?" She sighed and looked away, tilting her head up to look at the sky again. And for some reason, the words she uttered stuck with me, still echo in my head now.
"Let's just say, Henry, that one should never play with the dead."