A/N; So, it's been a busy, what? Month or so? I lost track. First midterm exams, then I went on a trip, then I was catching up on missed work. Now the calm has come.
Heads up, the next chapter isn't finished yet, so I can't predict when it will be posted. And also, for clarification on a review I got, this story isn't seven chapters long. That's just how many chapter drafts I finished at the time before loosing interest. The length of this story has not been determined.
6
Fireside Stories
The evergreens grew thicker and more plentiful the farther we walked. The land continued to slope gently down and already the air seemed a little less cold than it once was.
It had been a few days since we left the gorge. Black Star still continued to follow us, we all still continued to bicker, and I still continued to be cold.
My feet were numb and frozen from all the walking, and my shoes were soaked completely. All my clothes were wet and stiff. I didn't know how much longer I could continue before it drove me insane.
Sometimes I almost wished I was back in my weapon form.
I didn't miss a lot of things. I didn't like dwelling in the past. But I did miss the warmth of the dim tavern basement. Absolutely nothing else from that place, though.
Sometime around midday I noticed smoke rising from the tops of the trees in thin strands. It didn't look like a forest fire. Which meant it was manmade. Which meant food and possible shelter.
My stomach grumbled loud enough to get my attention.
"I think there's village over there," I noted with a nod of my head in the direction.
The others looked to where I was gesturing, and everyone instantly brightened up. "Civilization!" Liz exclaimed.
"Civilization!" Patti echoed.
Everyone became instantly more upbeat. I grinned myself, and we all turned in the direction of the rising smoke.
"I've got enough cash for food, and maybe some supplies," Maka noted, thumbing through some coins she pulled out of her pocket. "But I don't think we'll be able to stay at an inn or anything."
I groaned at the thought of another night out in the cold and damp snow. But at least we might be able to get real food.
Houses became visible through gaps in the trees. But this definitely wasn't a normal village. Massive spikes produced from the roofs of the huts, like a porcupine had a bad day. I didn't like the feel of the place at all, but I wasn't one to complain so long as my stomach was full at the end of the day.
The seven of us entered the village, walking down the streets which had been cleared of snow. Most of the windows were boarded up, and only a few residents were milling about.
"Let's split up," Maka decided. "Me and Soul can go find food, and you guys see if there's anything else useful." She handed Kid about half of her money, and he nodded briefly.
I raised an eyebrow, wondering why Maka chose me out of everyone. She didn't seem to notice that I was looking her way, and I decided not to bring it up.
We went our separate ways. Somehow Maka and I found a bakery, and we bought enough sandwiches for everyone. Then two loaves of bread and some cheese for later on. Maka didn't want to spend anymore on food that might spoil.
We left the shop moments before shouting filled the air. Very angry voices rose up, and people emerged from their houses to see what the commotion was. With a glance at me, Maka took the lead with quick light steps, following the flow of people.
I trudged along after her. Suddenly our five travelling companions came barrelling past, the entire town seemingly after them. Villagers brandished pitchforks and shovels, and hollered something about a demon child and a Star Clan.
Maka followed our companions without question, sprinting to keep up as no one seemed keen on waiting for us. Confused, I followed, my breaths coming out in white puffs.
None of us spoke, only ran, from the village and deep into the forest. We continued to use the slopping ground as a guide, and only slowed when the shouts and threats faded behind us.
Even then we continued to walk at a quick pace.
"Does anyone want to explain what happened?!" Maka demanded, coughing as she tried to draw icy air into her lungs. "How'd you manage to anger an entire village?!"
"It was like they just saw Black Star and instantly labelled him as their enemy," Kid explained. "Something about a Star Clan I think."
Our own little stow away winced. "Yeah... about that. My Clan is maybe a teensy little bit hated in some places."
I frowned at that. Not only was Black Star following us, but he seemed to be the enemy of everyone in the area. Too bad there wasn't an easy way to make him go away.
Eventually we slowed to a complete stop, and sat down on the ground where the snow was thinest. I could still feel it soak my pants. Maka handed out the sandwiches, and Kid pulled out a box of matches he'd bought right before things went sour.
Tsubaki volunteered to gather firewood, and I decided to go with her. My legs protested and were a bit shaky, but I couldn't stand being surrounded by bickering people anymore.
The pine forest was strangely silent and still. Snow fell from branches and squirrels darted across the earth. I also noticed that water was dripping from icicles, and that the white on the ground was a lot thinner than I remembered. We were getting somewhere. Somewhere warmer. Either that or spring was coming. It didn't matter, so long as this nightmarish frost land came to an end.
I started snapping branches of the base of a tree. They were dry enough, I decided. I started collecting a pile in my arms. When it was almost too heavy to carry, I found Tsubaki, who was holding a similar bundle, and we both headed back to camp.
I felt like I needed to say something to her, but I was at a loss for words. There were so many things that were happening and changing. Now all I wanted was to be able to feel safe and warm again. With a full stomach as a bonus.
In the end I stayed silent, but spared her a glance. She looked my way, and upon seeing me, smiled. She seemed happy. I suppose that was good enough for me. But I knew I couldn't leave her side or let anything happen to her, not until we found her brother.
When we got back to camp, the others were patiently explaining to Black Star what Death Weapons were, and our goal of going to DWMA. I heard him ask several stupid questions, that of course got stupid answers.
I dropped my pile of sticks near the edge our base, and took a few to start a fire with. Kid handed me the matches. It took several tries to strike one, and even after the wood refused to be lit.
Tsubaki set her pile down beside mine and brushed the splinters from her dress. She looked at me questionably, wondering if I needed help. I declined as finally one of the branches began to burn. The flames grew bigger and bigger, and already their warmth was soothing.
I sat back and gratefully accepted a sandwich from Maka. It tasted good. Definitely better than afreet eggs. Fresh bread with expertly sliced ham and savoury cheese. We should have gotten more.
I watched the fire and sat as close as I dared. With a full stomach and finally some warmth, I was beginning to see the situation with a more optimistic view. That was a bit more difficult than it sounds.
We had a goal. Getting to the DWMA. Grand. But how were we suppose to find it? There were rumours that it was in a desert. Wonderful. That didn't help us, especially when we were still in a snowy forest.
Eventually we would need a better method of transportation than walking. One we'd only find in civilization. As well as even the faintest of rumours that would give a more specific location.
I hated to admit it, but it looked like we needed to find a witch-governed city. That seemed like a terrible idea, but the best one we had.
"So, Black Star," Liz said, breaking the awkward silence. "Why were you in the mountains?"
The blue haired boy looked at her, definitely not expecting to be asked anything. Though I kept my gaze focused on the fire, I was listening quietly.
"I dunno," Black Star responded. "I was just wandering around and sort of ended up there."
"And decided to attack anyone who passed by?" Maka asked, raising an eyebrow.
A shrug. "I was sorta lost. Thought you could help."
"Does asking directions really require punching someone?"
At that Black Star went a little red in the face. He muttered something under his breath about training before stalking off into the ruff pines. None of us said anything, but guilty looks were exchanged.
"I'll go see if he needs help," Tsubaki decided, standing up smoothly. She clasped her hands behind her back and gave us a warm smile. I watched her walk away into the dark forest.
In no time at all, Kid got into an argument with Liz and Patti involving something about symmetry. I elected not to listen, and instead focused again on my thoughts.
The next thing I knew, Maka was beside me. I gave her a sideways look. "What's up?"
"So..." she said before instantly fading off. That wasn't a good start to whatever she wanted to ask me. "What is it like? I mean, to be able to transform into a weapon?"
I went very still. I should have known it would be along the lines of something like this. I decided to answer carefully. "Different. I'm still me but... less human." Okay, that was a terrible response. So I tried to add on. "Basically, it's like... being in your own world. A world that can't interact with reality. I can't move on my own. I can't do anything. I can only just hope and trust whoever wields me."
Maka didn't stop there. "Then, what's it like, being forced to wear those collars?"
I shivered despite the fire. I really didn't want to answer her, but for some reason I did anyway. The words slipped off my tongue and out my lips before I could stop them. "Terrifying. Imagine a nightmare. The kind where you can't scream and can't run. Where you just have to pray that either someone will find you, or you'll wake up. Except the latter never happens."
That response seemed to stifle her curiosity. She fell silent. Unfortunately, I could count the minutes it took on one hand before she said something again. "I've... been living the easy life, haven't I? I mean, I always thought my life was tough until now, but..." She starred at me hard, into my eyes, with that look on her face that promised she would never back down. "Be honest with me, Soul. Do you think we're ever going to make it to DWMA? Does it even exist?"
I didn't take long for my gaze to drop and my head to turn away. The hissing flames of the fire illuminated everything, and warmed my face. I could feel her words heavy on my shoulders. I was the one who dragged her into this. I was even wishing I'd just stayed in that tavern.
My fingers twitched, and I looked down at my hand. I'd been doing this a lot, I knew. But it was still so amazing to be able to move however and whenever I wanted. Even if I died tomorrow, at least I would die being in control of my life. Sometimes that just ended up being the important part.
"DWMA exists," I said when I knew I couldn't keep quiet any longer. "I don't know where, or if we'll ever get there. But we might as well try, right?"
"Yeah," Maka hummed, turning away from me. I looked once at her face, and saw that her faded green eyes seemed bright, and a suppressed smile was on her face. Well, at least someone was happy.
Discussion over, I turned back to my own thoughts, and realized I was too exhausted to try and sort them all out. Instead I opted for sleep. Unfortunately, it didn't come for some time.
A/N; Don't worry, bigger things are coming. Intense stuff awaits. Sorry for sloppiness and out of character things. I'll try and get better. Gotta ease back into this. Also, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, regarding anything at all, or if you have suggestions for what could happen later, don't hesitate to review them or message me.
Also, like I said the next chapter isn't finished, so I have no idea when it will be posted. Hopefully within a month or two?
May all the skies be clear, my friends. Have a great day.
