Kyoko kicked the barred door. Reina paced back and forth, cursing under her breath.
"This stinks! Why did we come here in the first place!?"
Reina gave Kyoko a sharp glance.
"Because I wanted to. Now we have to find a way out."
Reina hit the wall with her fists.
"Aya! Damn this. There's no windows, no cracks to break through."
Kyoko shook his head. "Use your staff, dummy."
Reina waved her finger. "We can't do that. We'll be caught for sure. We need a quieter solution."
Musuyo sat staring at the ground. The silence was becoming louder, when suddenly small footsteps sounded from close by. A girl walked up, dressed in a dirty blue belly shirt, a short-cropped, brown jacket, and baggy, tan pants, equipped with different odds and ends. One of them was a long, hand-made sword. Her hair was short and amberish.
"I am here to help. I was making my rounds when I heard raucous below me."
Reina nodded. "They shoved us in here against our will."
Her gaze dropped to the floor. "I know all too well."
Reina cocked her head and was about to ask how, but she was interrupted.
"I will tell you later, just follow me."
She drew a long, thick wire and plunged it into the keyhole. The door gave a click and she slid it carefully away. They tiptoed out and followed the mysterious girl into a compartment in the roof. They crawled through metal tunnels inside and she led them out of a tube that stuck out of the factory. They slid down the roof and landed in a soft nettle patch. They scurried to the far side of the factory and ran into the woods beyond. Reina agave a sigh of relief, knowing they were home free.
"Thanks a ton. Do you know anywhere we can stay till dawn?"
The girl shook her head, "You'll have to get out of here. They'll be after you if you don't. I can help if you like."
Reina nodded. "Yes, please. We'll probably need it."
"Well before we go, you'll probably want to know my name."
Kyoko nodded swiftly. Reina cocked her head.
"I'm Fiera. I know you're wondering how I know about the factory. I was prisoner there once. I am the daughter of the man that owns it. I disobeyed him when he asked to kill one of the men that was kept hostage in the cellars. He refused to kill me, since I was his kin, and so he kept me prisoner. I escaped, and became a rogue."
Reina nodded sympathetically. Kyoko shrugged and Musuyo stared at his feet (a.n. retard!). Fiera stood still for a moment longer, and turned on her heel to direct them to complete safety. They followed in a clump, whispering to each other. Reina started a conversation with Fiera, telling her all about herself and her friends. Fiera listened intently as Reina spoke.
Fiera nodded slowly. "So, is one of them together with you?"
Reina slowed her pace and ruffled her brow. "Uh, no. Not at all. Just friends."
Fiera smiled. "I was just wondering. It seemed like Kyoko was close to you, so I was curious."
Reina nodded comprenhensively. "Of course, naturally."
Reina glanced back over her shoulder. She grinned as she saw Musuyo trying to spike a conversation with Kyoko. But she knew all too well that the hostility that Kyoko held toward Musuyo hadn't died away, and she expected that it wouldn't anytime soon.
"So, tell me exactly how you managed to get inside the factory."
Reina sighed and began telling the story of the un-meriful capturing, including how they got into the factory in the first place.
"I see. I was just wondering, you have to be stealthy to get passed those guys. They don't take kindly to strangers."
Reina rolled her eyes. "Well now you tell me."
Fiera pointed across a clearing that headed into a thin patch of trees.
"That's how we'll get to the next village. It's quite small and quiet. You'll be good there for the night."
Reina smiled gratefully and they began over the clearing. The sun beat down on them, and they started to slow down to a snail's pace.
"I'm hungry. We'll never reach it by sundown. And I'm way to hot to carry on."
Fiera shot them a fiery glance. "We can take a short break, but we will travel until we get there. The faster we go, the faster we'll get to the village. Now hurry on up."
Kyoko grunted in dismay, but followed along. Reina slowed down to meet Musuyo, and chatted happily with him to make him feel more included. Kyoko shook his head in disgust.
As they walked, the sun began to set, painting bright colors in the sky before them. Even as it became dark, they kept walking. Fiera let out a large yawn, and Reina rubbed her eyes.
"I need a break."
Reina turned her head to Fiera. "Please? We've walked for so long..."
Fiera shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't allow you. Before you know it, you'll be asleep. I've learned from experience."
Reina sighed, and reluctantly nodded her head. Fiera gave her a sympathetic smile and continued walking. Kyoko sped up and stopped at her side.
"Are you able to go on? Fiera is a bit of the bossy sort, isn't she?"
Reina nudged him gently. "I'll be fine. I understand her reasons. But I swear, when I get to the inn, or the motel, or wherever we're headed, I am slumping on a bed and getting some sleep."
Kyoko grumbled. "Sometimes I think you can't get any nicer."
Reina gave him a challenging gaze. "I'll show you mean."
She skipped back to Fiera's side, leaving Kyoko puzzled.
As dawn approached, Reina could see the top of a temple above another patch of trees. She signed in relief as she realized she'd be able to rest. Kyoko smirked and ran ahead. Musuyo caught up with Reina and Fiera.
"I haven't seen much of you through the trip. How's it going?"
Fiera stuck out a hand at him. He hesitated and shakily accepted it.
"Don't worry. I don't bite."
Reina laughed and watched as Kyoko zig-zagged all over the place. She gasped as he headed into the path of a tree.
"Watch out!"
But her warning was too late. He turned around and crashed face first into the trunk. Reina ran and kneeled by his head.
"Are you OK? That was a big crash you just endured."
Kyoko sat up wearily. "I think I'll be fine... uh, but my head hurts."
Reina saw the forming bump in the middle of his forehead. "Poor thing. Let me help you up."
She held out her hand and Kyoko grabbed it. She pulled him up and helped him steady his balance. She let him go on his own, and he toppled over in the grass.
"Just let them catch up. I'll be good by then."
Reina shook her head, but didn't reply. Soon Fiera and Musuyo got to the tree.
"You alright?"
Fiera eyes glimmered with worry. Musuyo bit his lip.
"Uh...I'll be OK, really. Let's just get going."
He stood up and took a few wobbly steps. His legs buckled and he grasped the tree for support.
"I know this might be risky, but we should just stay here for right now. We can get some sleep too."
Reina sighed, but agreed. A grumble was Kyoko's only reply. Reina lit a small fire to warm them up until the sun was full in the sky. Reina set his head on her lap, and fell asleep against the trunk. Fiera smiled as she watched them sleep. After a time, she yawned and slept herself. Musuyo was the only one awake, watching Kyoko evilly. Reina began to wake up and he pretended to be asleep.
"Are you awake?" she asked, nudging Kyoko's shoulder.
He mumbled and opened his eyes. "Now I am."
She smiled. "Feeling any better?"
Kyoko nodded. "A bit...I've been wondering..."
Reina cocked her head. "What? What is it?"
Kyoko shrugged. "You don't...you don't like Musuyo, do you?"
Reina gave a short giggle. "No, course' not. Why'd you think that...?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Why do you ask?"
Kyoko gave a faint smirk. "N..no reason. It just looked like it...that's all."
Reina kept her eyes narrowed. "You've asked me a similar question before, and I answered no. Why are you persistant to know?"
Kyoko shrugged shyly, and replied, "I'm not persistant. I..."
"You're too protective. There's something wrong with you. Musuyo and I are aquaintences. That's it. You will always be my friend. Stop thinking differently."
She pushed his bangs back from his forehead. "If you think that Musuyo and I would become more than friends before us, you need to think again."
She smiled and pushed him off her lap. Brushing herself off, she went to wake Fiera. Kyoko rubbed his flushed cheeks and followed her.
It too bad we're not, he thought.
"Come on. Kyoko is ready to leave now."
Fiera stretched and stood up. "Alright, get Musuyo and let us go."
They traveled through the trees and finally got to the village. Fiera knew the way around, and led them to the inn.
"I doubt we need it now though. Unless you want to stay here for the rest of the day and leave tomorrow at dawn?"
Reina nodded. "That would be the best."
"OK. I best be going now then..."
Reina glanced at Kyoko. "Actually, we'd like you to stay. Travel with us."
Fiera grinned. "If you're sure..."
"Yes. Positive."
Fiera gave a curt nod. "Then I'll stay."
Reina stood beside her and they walked to a nearby cafe. Sitting at a booth, they ordered and ate a well-deserved meal.
"That was good. I can't remember the last time I ate like that."
Kyoko sighed and patted his stomach. "Mhm."
Reina laughed. "We should waste some time looking around the village. It's a nice day to walk around."
They all agreed and quickly left the table. Time passed quickly and they soon saw the sun disappearing into the horizon.
"We better get to the inn now. Not much we can do before its dark."
They soon saw the run-down sign of the inn, and they started to run to it, laughing along the way. They went inside and Fiera talked to the man at the front desk.
"We get in for free, thanks to me."
Reina cocked her head. "How?"
"Yeah, how?" Kyoko chimed in.
Fiera rolled her eyes. "I know that guy. He's one of my..."friends" I guess."
Reina shrugged. "Alright then."
They went up to their rooms and said goodnight. Fiera turned the lights out and they slept peacefully for the night. Kyoko knocked on the other side of the wall and Reina yelled at him to shut up. Musuyo laughed at him, and Kyoko gave him an icy glare. When they finally settled down, they turned off the lamps and fell asleep.
In the morning, Kyoko woke Reina up, and complained to her about having shared a room with Musuyo.
"He's not that bad. Get used to him."
Kyoko crossed his arms and followed her to the lobby. They grabbed a muffin for the other two and waited for them outside the inn. Fiera came out looking fresher than she did the day before, to the help of Reina.
"Lookin' great. Not as soiled as you were when we first met haha."
Fiera smiled. "My hair was a little tangled before."
They got up and started to head out. Chewing contently on their muffins, they walked to the outskirts of town.
"When we get into clear area, how's about we spar? It's good practise in case we bump into any weird creatures."
Fiera nodded her head. "Challenge you?"
Reina narrowed her eyes, "You're on!"
Kyoko ran up to them. "What are we doing?"
Reina sighed. "We're sparring once we get into a clear area."
Kyoko grinned. "I challenge you then..."
Reina raised her eye brows, "Sorry, but me and Fiera are going head-to-head first. Why don't you fight Musuyo? I'm sure he's an excellent opponent."
Kyoko grumbled. "Come on. I always have to be left with him."
Reina gave an irritated snort. "Fine, then you'll just have to wait."
Kyoko rolled his eyes but didn't respond. They walked a little further, and finally got out of the village and under clear skies.
"This is a good spot." Reina stopped in a nice grassy place, the sun beaming bright.
Fiera dug her heels in and got into a ready position. Reina did the same, and waited for Fiera to give the first move. Her face became serious and her hair turned to flames. Reina was caught off guard and Fiera blasted her with a fury of swipes. Reina regained herself and, grasping her staff, sent her a gust of icy water. Fiera shook it off and continued to give Reina whirls of flames. She dodged some, and reflected a few, but the last knicked her on the leg and she clutched it. She grew angry and aimed thunderbolts at her. Unable to defend herself, she endured them. The smoke encircled the area, and Reina spotted her almost down on the ground. She sent her a last hit of water, and she dropped to her knees.
"Nice one. You're too good."
Reina shrugged. "Practise. Here let me help you up."
Fiera grabbed her hand and hoisted herself up. Brushing off the dust, walked over to Kyoko.
"You're up. Be ready for a fight."
Kyoko snorted in defiance and walked up to Reina.
"Ready when you are."
Reina laughed. "I'm always ready." At that she sent Kyoko flying with gust of wind. He dug his feet in and kept his balance. He did a counter attack with his sword, hitting Reina's staff out of her hands. Not having time to pick it up, she took her daggars and threw them his way. One skimmed his shoulder and the other he dodged. He hit her with his sword continuously until she grasped it and threw it away. He ran to get it, but Reina bowled him over, and he rolled on the ground. Reina retrieved the sword and walked cooly over to where he lay. Reina stared at him for a moment, and started to freak when he didn't move. She was just about to go get help when he stuck his hand out and pulled her down in the grass. Kyoko laughed as she fell face first into the ground. She growled and sat herself onto his back, wrestling with his hands and legs to tie him up in knots. Fiera ran over and pulled her off him.
"OK, OK I give. I could have gotten you..."
Reina laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You would have beaten me but you got too distracted by my beauty, and you let me win because you think I'm just a helpless girl."
She laughed so hard, she flopped down on the ground. Fiera followed along in the laughing. Kyoko grumbled and sat with his head up in defiance.
"I could have."
Musuyo strolled up and gave a short chuckle.
"Hey, my turn. Who challenges me?"
Fiera gave a thoughtful look. "Well, winner faces next in line. I guess you gotta face Reina..."
Reina shrugged. "Sure, why not. The more practise the better."
She stood up and readied herself for the fight.
"You go ahead and make the first move," Musuyo said."
Reina narrowed her eyes and blasted him with huge icicles. Musuyo reflected them and Reina had to duck to dodge her own attack. She sent a stream of light at him, but he sucked it in with his hands and turned into darkness, sending it back to her. It hit her straight in the middle of the stomach and she was kncked off balance. She grunted and fell on her knees to the ground. Kyoko gasped and ran to help her up. Musuyo smirked and joined them.
"You alright? Sorry for the heavy blow."
Reina shook her head. "I'll be OK. Nice moves."
Musuyo held his head high. "Thanks..."
Kyoko glared at him. He ran a finger across his neck, signaling Musuyo he better not do it again. Musuyo ruffled his brow and crossed his arms.
"You're not hurt?"
Reina sighed. "I'm fine. Really. Stop worrying."
She stood up and limped over to Kyoko's sack. She pulled out some melonbread and munched greedily at it.
"You did good though," Fiera commented. "I probably wouldn't have made as far as you did. And, no offence, it wasn't that long either."
Reina nodded. "None taken. I know, I wish I could have lasted a little longer."
Fiera didn't reply, but gave her a small smile. She finished of the melonbread, gave herself a last brush and was ready to go.
That's enough practise for now. Especially from Musuyo.
They walked in the afternoon sun, cooled off by the small gusts of wind that blew their way. Reina sighed happily, feeling free and absorbing the sunlight. Kyoko kept in step with her, with Fiera right behind and Musuyo on their tails. Kyoko looked back over his shoulder to keep an eye on Musuyo. He narrowed his eyes and turned his attention back on Reina.
"We should just pass the next place we see. It'll make the journey shorter."
Reina shrugged. "I don't really care when the journey ends. Frankly, I could go on forever like this."
Kyoko rolled his eyes, but didn't respond. After a while of silence, they felt a rumbling from under them. Reina held out her hands to steady herself from tumbling over. Musuyo had no emotion on his face, which made Kyoko suspicious. After the rumbling stopped, they heard the sound of ground breaking, and finally saw a gigantic, steel-coloured snake hovering above them with flashing green eyes. Its tounge lashed out in vicious licks, and it dove into the ground, just missing Fiera. Reina tried blasting it with her staff, but it done virtually nothing. It snapped its jaws just in front of their faces. It shook its head in frustration and dove at Reina again. Frozen in shock, she was unable to dodge. Kyoko's eyes widened in horror, and bowled her over to the side, just as it crashed into the ground once more. Hissing in rage, it slithered into the hole it came out of, and was gone. The dust clearing, Reina lifted her head from Kyoko's arm.
"You...you saved me..."
Weakly putting his head to see her, he smiled wryly and dropped his head again. Reina rolled off of him and grunted as she hit the ground.
"That was close," Fiera said, crawling over to them. "Nice save."
Musuyo muttered under his breath and, collecting himself, strolled to where they lay. Pretending to be worried, he tried to soothe them.
"At least you're alive. All thanks to Kyoko." He struggled to say the last of his sentence. Kyoko mumbled, but said nothing else.
"I think we need to step it up. We should have defeated it," Fiera added. Then, lowering her voice to a bare whisper, "Musuyo wasn't a very big help, seeing how he beated you so easily."
Reina nodded half-heartedly, her attention focused on something else.
"Well let's get going before we meet up with anything else."
Fiera leading the way, Reina, Kyoko and Musuyo followed along away from the disaster area.
