Hey, long time no update!
But this is a long chapter, so hopefully that makes up for it!
Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing.
New, Yet Familiar, Faces
It was their first meeting with Tirin all over again, and, in hindsight, Yu should have been prepared for that. But he was not, and neither were any of his friends, judging by the stupefied silence that was reigning supreme yet again.
The woman, Nyras, was indeed the spitting image of Naoto, although he could see a few slight dissimilarities. For one, her hair was a longer, enough so that she could tie it into a ponytail that draped over her left shoulder. There was also a scar on her right cheek, a horizontal slash that was at perfect level with a small notch in her right ear. A blade wound of some kind? She looked perfectly calm, yet Yu could see the slight tension in her brow and the way her finger rested just above the trigger of her crossbow, as if she were anticipating another ambush at any moment.
But really, the person who was really grabbing his attention was Korval. Like the rest of these weird counterparts, he looked frightfully similar to Kanji, though he was a bit taller and thicker where muscle was concerned. Stringy bits of web still clung to his armor, gossamer strands that were only visible when he stood at just the right angle. But his physical appearance was a different too, in the same way Tirin was different from Teddie. His face was a little broader, his nose more flat, and his ears a tad more pointed, unusual by anyone's standards. Two metallic studs were pierced through the lobes of each ear, and one through the cartilage of the upper shell on the left, looking eerily similar to a tooth. The most strikingly different feature, however, were the small tusks jutting out of his bottom jaw, the sharp tips curving around his upper lip.
So I didn't imagine that, he thought, staring. The image of the man before him, so warlike and ferocious, stirred a half-forgotten memory in Yu's mind, but he could not think of a name to give to what he saw.
Their silence persisted, only to be broken when Korval finally gestured at them with a thumb and cocked his head to Tirin, "Uh, they okay?"
"They're fine, they just do that a lot," the gloaming replied, watching the proceedings with a smile.
"Well, if even half of what you told us in your letter is true, this must all come as a bit of a shock," Nyras said. She gave the blonde a more stern look, "I hope you haven't been exploiting that detail for your own amusement, Tirin."
Tirin held up his hands, "Perish the thought!"
Nyras' stare remained suspicious, "Hm . . ."
Yu jumped when the brutish looking Korval suddenly stomped closer to them, the heavy thuds of his boots making the pliant bark beneath them groan. He felt everyone tense behind him, drawing a little closer together out of habit as the big man(?) stopped just in front of them, black eyes studiously roving over every face. Closer, Yu noticed his skin looked . . . odd. Was it . . . was it green-?
Korval's snort made his eyes snap up, only to find that he wasn't looking at him at all. Rather, Korval's attention was on a figure behind him. He got no points for guessing who.
"Ha!" he laughed suddenly, leaning forward to look Kanji evenly in the eye, "This little guy is supposed to be me? Hey, Nyras, check it out!"
Kanji leaned back, eyes wide and looking freaked out, "Holy shit . . ."
Yosuke, staring as well, stuttered in shock, "D-dude, just what the hell are you?"
Yu winced. That was not a smart thing to say.
A fact that became all the more evident when Korval shot Yosuke a fierce glare, standing to his full height with nostrils flaring, voice a dangerous timber, "I'm a half-orc. Ya got a problem with that?"
Half- . . . orc? He could sense the stunned shock at this revelation coming off of everyone else in waves. The half-memory from before flared to life, inviting images of mythological war bands and green monstrosities that terrorized villages, the go-to bad guys for any fantasy-based movie or book. But . . . Korval wasn't a bad guy, right?
Yosuke, who was rapidly shaking his head, squeaked aloud, "N-n-n-no sir!"
"Alas, poor Yosuke, I knew him well," Yu heard Teddie mumble solemnly. He noticed Chie bow formally out of the corner of his eye.
"Sh-sh-shut up!" Yosuke snapped at him, only to go rigid as Korval shifted the grip on his hammer. Whether he was just adjusting it or was making a very subtle threat, Yu actually couldn't tell. Which might have been for the best, honestly.
Then Nyras was by Korval's side, placing a placating hand on his arm and saying, "May I remind you, Korval, that Tirin's letter specifically mentioned that much of what makes up our world is lacking in theirs. I'm willing to assume that the existence of orcs is one such thing, seeing as your counterpart is fully human."
She glanced his way, and Yu realized that she was subtly asking him to confirm her statement, "U-uh, yes, she's right. Orcs don't exist. And neither do, um, half-orcs. Yosuke didn't mean to offend you, so please, spare his life."
"Y-yes, please, spare my life," Yosuke pleaded, clapping his hands together and bowing.
Korval raised an eyebrow, but Yu saw that the anger was fading, "Spare his life? Ya make it sound like I was gonna kill him or somethin'."
Sighing, he scratched is jaw and said, a touch of embarrassment in his voice, "But I guess I did take it a bit far, huh? Sorry 'bout that. Scarin' ya , I mean."
The only sound was Yosuke's sigh of relief and everyone shifting uncomfortably where they stood. It wasn't that the apology was not accepted, but . . . the aura the big, uh, half-orc, gave off was . . . quite potent.
Its like the first time we met Kanji, Yu thought, reflecting. Had he and his friends not also been a little afraid of the punk-ish boy, like they were now? Certainly. Although, Kanji hadn't beaten a giant spider's face in with his bare hands when they'd first met, so . . . that was different. But, Yu had to remember that Kanji had been much more than just the outer mask they'd seen back then. And besides, Korval was apologizing for his behavior right off the bat. The whole mask issue was no doubt the same for Korval, even if he was . . . covered in blood, and huge, and looking like he could snap him in half with just his pinkie . . .
. . . really not the train of thought he should be thinking of right now . . .
He apologized, Yu forced himself to remember, Be the bigger man and accept it!
Of course, the notion of 'being a bigger man' nearly fled when Korval turned his stare to him as he stepped forward, and he had to stop himself from visibly swallowing as he spoke, "It's . . . not a problem. And, we apologize if we offended you in any way. You have to understand, we're . . . not exactly from around here."
Korval continued to stare, and Yu thought he would just about shrivel up from the intensity of it when the orc-man suddenly grinned and slapped a hand against his shoulder. It took all of Yu's skill and concentration just to stay on his feet.
"Nah, I get that, really! S'just a touchy subject ya brought up, is all," Korval explained. Squinting, his grin grew bigger, "Hey, I see it now! Ya must be Yalathas' other!"
Yala . . . what?
"No no no, Korval, be quiet!" Tirin suddenly shouted, scrabbling forward and waving his hands in front of the green man, "You'll spoil the surprises!"
Korval narrowed his eyes, "What? Who cares if I tell 'em, s'not like its a secret."
"I care! Did you not see their faces when they saw you? The shock, the slack-jawed mouths, the slightly misted expressions as everything sinks in, it's hilarious! Why would you ruin that?"
"Who gives a shit?!"
Tirin crossed his arms, huffing indignantly, "Leave it to orcs to fail to understand the subtle nuances of humor."
"Oh, you did not just go there, gloaming!" Korval shouted.
"I did, and I'll go again!" Tirin shot back, immaturely sticking his tongue out, "Cretok-ssuu!"
A vein popped in Korval's temple, "That's it, C'MERE!"
He lashed out with a hand in an attempt to grab the impertinent glooming, but Tirin ducked and dodged the swing with ease. Korval tried again, reaching down, but Tirin was ready again and rolled out of the way. Springing to his feet, the gloaming jumped and grabbed hold of one of the spikes on the orc's pauldrons, using his momentum to swing onto his back and cling there like some sort of bizarre monkey.
"AAAH!" Korval screamed in frustration, spinning around and trying to grab the slippery blonde, "Just wait till I get my hands on ya, ya little shit!"
Yu and the others stared in nothing short of stupefied awe, until Yosuke's rather humbled voice quietly spoke, "Man, Tirin . . . T-Tirin sure likes to live dangerously, doesn't he?"
"Yeah . . . Chie breathed, jaw hanging slack.
"Insane . . . the other me is so unbearlivably insane!" Teddie balked, watching in fascinated horror.
" . . . is . . ." for the first time since this meeting, Kanji spoke, looking strangely glassy-eyed, "Is this how you guys felt when ya met me? Cause if it is . . . I'm sorry."
"Oh no, you weren't like this Kanji-kun!" Yukiko consoled. Frowning slightly, she kneaded her hands together and added, "Sure, you could be a bit gruff, but there are lots of people like that. Honestly, Korval-san is . . . just scary."
"Terrifying . . ." Rise amended.
"He beat a giant spider's face in with his bare hands, I don't know how any human could top that," Yosuke said.
"Do forgive their antics. They haven't seen each other in quite some time, you see."
Yu eyes fell on Nyras, who had finally taken center-stage. She looked completely unfazed by the fighting behind her (if fighting was what that was), hinting that this was . . . a common occurrence. Oh boy . . .
"Although, they could have saved such larking about for later," the woman added on, free hand braced against her hip, "I imagine you have enough on your mind as it is."
"U-uh . . ." was all Yu could manage.
Nyras' eyes flicked to him, and he felt worry curl in his stomach when she suddenly frowned. Walking forward until she stood right in front of him, she reached out and Yu felt her fingers brush his cheek. Pain suddenly flared, fresh and hot, and Yu recoiled from her touch.
Ah, the whip . . . he remembered belatedly.
"You're hurt," she said evenly as she reached around and dug into her bag. When her hand withdrew, she was holding a small cloth, which she quickly bundled into a ball and pressed against his cheek. He hissed in pain, but he was ready for it this time.
"Hold this against it for now," she instructed, "Once we get somewhere safer, we can treat it properly."
He did as he was told, fighting to ignore the burning sting in order to pay attention to what was going on. Moving passed him, she walked to where Naoto stood, who was looking a little uncertain over what to do in the presence of her other.
But Nyras only smiled reassuringly before taking hold of Naoto's right hand. Holding it up, Yu saw the angry welt on the back of Naoto's hand, blood oozing from the wound and dripping to the floor.
Pulling out a similar cloth, Nyras bound it tight around the girl's hand, earning a wince from Naoto, "There, that should hold you for now."
". . . T-thank you," Naoto spoke for the first time, lowering her gaze but sounding grateful all the same.
Nyras nodded before turning around, lifting her voice to address the still bickering pair, "Korval, Tirin, we would do well to find a camp for the evening! Please, finish up here so we can be on our way."
At once, the two halted their shenanigans. It was only then Yu saw the bright grin on Tirin's face as he hopped off his unwitting perch, blue eyes shimmering with excitement. Huh, he must have been having fun.
She did say that hadn't seen each other in a while . . . Yu reflected.
The gloaming gave a showy bow, still smiling, "Why of course! Leave it to your trusty rogue!"
Korval, who was rubbing the back of his head and looking somewhat embarrassed, nodded, "Yeah, we'll do that," glancing at his smaller companion, he added with a growl, "And this ain't over."
Tirin just grinned in reply and playfully nudged the orc's arm before twirling around and prancing down the bridge, looking exponentially happier now that he had more familiar company. Korval, meanwhile, shook his head and rolled his eyes, seeming quite put-off. At least, until Yu noticed his lips twitch into a very small, fond smile. It was gone in an instant, the big man turning away and crouching down to examine the body of the one 'drow' who still lay on the bridge.
A body, with glassy eyes staring at nothing, mouth still agape and blood puddling across the stalk, striking crimson against the pale bark. It was all Yu needed to see to remember that, enemies or not, people had died here.
Korval didn't seem to care, because suddenly, he was reaching out and rifling through the dead man's pockets, upending bolts and coins and whatever else lay stored on his person. The blatant disregard for the corpse made his stomach churn, a disgusted frown stealing it's way to his face and staying there.
"H-hey, what are you doing?" Yosuke demanded, looking sufficiently grossed out.
Korval looked back, eyebrow raised, a small silver pouch dangling in his hands, "Looting, what's it look like?"
"B-but he's . . ." Rise started, hands pressed close to her stomach, "You can't just . . ."
Nyras and Korval shared a glance, but the woman seemed to understand there discomfort quickly, as she faced them head-on, "Never you mind that. Please, follow me."
She began to walk, and, after a moment of uncomfortable disquiet where Korval shrugged and went back to his morbid task, they followed. Yu found his eyes wandering to the forest below them, the lights of caps glowing undisturbed. But the beauty felt tainted now, the memory spoiled by the blood that had been spilled. He forced his gaze ahead, taking up his place at the head of the group. He still had a duty to lead.
"Is this . . . 'looting' a normal custom here?" he heard Naoto question.
Nyras nodded, eyes remaining locked ahead, crossbow out, "Yes, insofar as our enemies are concerned. I understand if the practice appalls you. Such habits are not normally ordained by common citizenry."
"I . . . might understand had it fallen under the practical needs of survival," Naoto admitted, "But you hardly seem to be wanting for supplies."
"And maybe they were bad people, but . . . it just seems wrong to take stuff like that," Chie added softly, looking disturbed.
"I do not begrudge you that viewpoint. But it has less to do with gathering supplies than it does with looking for information. Drow slave bands do not normally come this close to the surface unless they have been specifically tasked with something. Especially not with a priestess in their midst," Nyras explained coolly, unruffled by the air of disquiet.
"A . . . slave band?" Teddie inquired.
Nyras nodded, "Slavery is a common practice down here in the Underdark, and the drow are particularly cruel offenders of the trade. You are lucky Korval and I got to you in time, otherwise you may have witnessed firsthand just how cruel."
Yu shivered at the implication. Swallowing, he spoke, "Thank you. You're right, we were all in trouble there."
"How did you find us?" Rise asked, a spark of genuine curiosity lighting hr eyes, "This place is like a maze."
"You did mention something about Tirin delivering you a letter at one point," Naoto observed, "Though how he managed that is unknown to me."
"Hm, perceptive," Nyras said, a touch of approval coloring her tone as she glanced at the girl, "Good. An awareness like that will help you greatly in this world."
Naoto blinked, a faint flush of color coming to her cheeks.
"Tirin did send us a letter," Nyras went on, "He found something of ours and decided to get into contact with us."
"But how'd he do that?" Yosuke asked, "He was with us the whole time."
"He sent Xirskam ahead," Nyras explained patiently, "Shades have the power to travel through the Shadow Plane. The plane's warped nature allows it so what might be one mile there could be dozens here. Given that, is it really so surprising Xirskam was able to deliver a letter and be back before you woke?"
"W-whoa . . ." Yosuke mumbled.
"I wish we could do that. Sounds way easier than trucking around underground all day," Chie commented.
"Even if you could, I highly doubt you'd find the Shadow Plane to your liking. By anyone's standards the landscape is alien, and it is beholden to its own dangers," Nyras told them. She suddenly held up a hand, and Yu realized they'd reached the end of the bridge.
With graceful ease, Nyras jumped down from the stalk and landed sure-footedly on the ground below. Gesturing to them, she said, "Hurry. It's not a long drop, you'll make it."
Everyone hesitated, and finally, Yu looked back to address them, "I'll go first."
"But-"
Yu cut Yosuke off, "It'll be fine. And besides, once I'm there, I can focus on helping the rest of you."
Everyone held there breath as Yu stepped closer to the edge, and he tried not to look at the drop yawning a mere two feet away from the ledge.
Be the cat, he thought, Cats always land on their feet.
Exhaling and keeping his eyes on the spot he wanted to land on, he tensed his muscles and sprang. For a few moments, he was falling weightless. Then his feet hit the rock, and he stumbled upright as the vertigo subsided. Grinning, he looked up and held up a thumb, "See? You'll all make it!"
"O-okay! Let's so it!" Chie shouted. Without waiting, she leapt down, landing right beside Yu with a sprightly hop, "Woohoo!"
Yukiko went next, frowning and fiddling with the hem of her kimono, "I don't know . . . this kimono really is not meant for such activities . . ."
"Don't worry, Yukiko! I'll catch you!" Chie promised, planting herself in a position where she could do just that.
Emboldened a little by this, Yukiko managed a smile, "Okay. Here . . . I . . . go!"
She jumped, landing and nearly losing her balance thanks to her skirt until Chie steadied her with her arms. Grinning, she said, "See, told you I'd catch ya!"
"Ya sure ya don't need help down?" Kanji asked Naoto yet again, looking from her to the floor and back again.
Naoto nodded, though her patience looked like it was starting to wear thin, "I'll be just fine, I assure you, Kanji."
Without waiting for another question, she jumped, landing squarely on the stone, hand pressed firmly to her head to keep her hat from flying away.
Kanji breathed a sigh of relief, then squared his shoulders, "Okay, my turn!"
With a roar, he jumped off and hit the ground, stumbling forward a bit but sticking his landing all the same.
"Senpai, you'll catch me, right?" Rise asked as she stood at the edge, looking at him hopefully.
"Of course," Yu replied. Of course he wasn't just going to let her fall.
Smiling, Rise closed her eyes (a little dangerous, on her part) and leapt for him. She landed in front of him, and he placed stabilizing hands on her shoulders to keep her steady. Blushing faintly, Rise smiled and twiddled a finger in her hair, "Hehe, thank you Senpai!"
Before Yu could reply, a ruckus from a top the bridge stole his attention.
"But Yos-kuuuue!"
"Just go, you stupid bear! Look, there's like seven people who can catch you! You're not gonna fall!"
Yosuke was trying to push the bear forward, but Teddie was having absolutely none of it. Given his previous fall, Yu couldn't find it in his heart to blame him.
"Come on, you can do it, Teddie!" Yukiko encouraged.
Rise quickly hopped on board, "See, I made it! You can too!"
"O-oh, well, if Yuki-chan and Rise-chan ask me too . . ." Teddie amended, trying to cover up his previous fright with some bravado. Still, when he looked at the drop nearby, he noticeably swallowed.
"Just keep your eyes on us," Yu encouraged, smiling.
Teddie did as he was told, looking a little more heartened by the support. Then, closing his eyes, he jumped, "Geronimo!"
He made it to the safe spot, but his feet slid out from under him and he landed on his butt. Rubbing the sore spot, the blonde sniffed, "Ow . . ."
Reaching down, Yu helped him back to his feet, smiling approvingly, "Good job."
"Hey, come on Yosuke, we're waitin' on you!" Chie shouted.
"Yeah, I'm coming, just hold you horses!" Yosuke shot back.
Bunching his muscles, the boy sprang forward, hitting the stone with a thunk. But he misaimed it, and his left foot hit the edge of the drop. Yosuke arms flailed out, body leaning precariously back, "WAH!"
"Yosuke!" shooting forward like a snake, Yu reached out and grabbed hold of one of the boy's flailing wrists, pulling him back with all his might. He pulled a little too hard, however, as suddenly Yosuke was falling into his chest and knocking them both flat on the floor.
Yu lay there for one stunned moment, the only real thing the warm weight on his chest until the sound of his friends worried voices roused him back to awareness. Yosuke sat up, and he followed right after, rubbing his head where it had hit the stone.
Yosuke exhaled shakily, "T-that was way too close for comfort. Thanks man."
Yu shook his head, "I'm just glad you're okay."
"Jeez, watch where you're jumping next time!" Chie scolded.
Yosuke frowned at her, "Thanks Chie, really feeling the concern right now."
Relieved that his best friend was all right and no worse for wear, Yu collected the cloth he'd dropped and rose to his feet in order to look around. Only to wish he hadn't when he saw the bodies splayed along the plateau. There were only three, but the condition they were in was . . . bad. Sundered armor, broken weapons, blood . . .
Tearing his eyes away from the grisly sight, he noticed Nyras move away, understanding why when Tirin came trotting towards her, speaking loud enough for all of them to hear, "Xirskam and I scouted ahead, and it looks like there aren't any surprises waiting for us along the way. In other words, smooth sailing!"
"Good," Nyras said. Turning to them, she asked, "I take it you are all ready to move on?"
Yu glanced at his friends, who all gave him affirmative nods. With that, he looked back to Nyras and said, "We are."
All of sudden, Korval came leaping down from the stalk, landing with such force Yu was certain he rose about a centimeter off the ground. Briskly striding passed them (as most everyone quickly skittered out of his way) until he stood before Nyras, he said, "Wasn't much on him except some coins and his weapons. I don't think he was carrying any orders."
"If they were, the priestess was probably the one who had them," Tirin put in, lacing his hands behind his head, "And she ran as soon you two showed up."
Nyras crossed her arms, "That would be a safe assumption, but it never hurts to try. Still, it would be prudent of us to keep this in mind. There are numerous surface villages near this particular crossroads, many of which lack a proper military to defend them in the event of a surprise attack. I'm certain they will appreciate the warning."
Korval smiled, a touch of pride in his voice, "Haha, that's my Nyras! Always thinkin' bout the little guys!"
Huh, that was a . . . strangely personal remark from Korval. And much more forward than he would have thought possible considering Kanji's inability to talk to Naoto straight without stuttering.
Nyras only smiled, "I'd like to think such a course of action would be something we'd all take, lieling. But for now, let us be on our way."
Her voice seemed . . . noticeably warmer when addressing Korval, enough so that it was drawing some puzzled stares. Also, lieling? What did that mean?
"Ah!" Nyras stopped suddenly, then turned around, "I've just realized; I've neglected to ask you your names."
"They're weird names," Tirin said, eyes teasing.
Yosuke fell for it, "H-hey, they're not weird where we're from!"
"Hey, who you callin' weird?" Kanji demanded, also falling for it.
Yu quickly intervened before things took a turn for the worse, giving a formal bow, "You can call me Yu Narukami."
"And I'm Chie Satonaka!" Chie said, stepping up as well.
"Yukiko Amagi," Yukiko said with a polite bow, "A pleasure to meet you."
"Rise Kujikawa," Rise said with a smile.
Yosuke, after giving another glare to the grinning Tirin, said, "Yosuke Hanamura. Nice to meet you . . . I guess."
Kanji crossed his arms, sparing a glance to his hulking other before looking any other direction, "Name's Kanji Tatsumi."
Naoto, too, shifted a little uncomfortably as her counterpart's eyes turned on her, but she answered with her typical poise, "My name is Naoto Shirogane."
"And I'm Teddie!" Teddie greeted. Fixing on a more suave smile, he added to Nyras, "But you can call me 'the man of your dreams'!"
The literal moment those words left his mouth, Korval fixed the boy with an incredibly intense and angry glare. With a squeak, Teddie dove behind Yosuke, who had taken an involuntarily step back as well.
"Korval," Nyras said warningly, and the great man let out a sharp exhale.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he mumbled, "He's just a dumb kid."
"And?"
Arms crossed and somehow managing a pout, of all things, Korval grumbled, "And you can get rid of unwanted suitors on your own."
"Indeed. Now . . ." Nyras returned her attention to them, "Let us be away from here. We still have those wounds to treat, and I'm certain you all wish to rest."
With that, she turned away again. She was right, rest sounded pretty good. And food. It felt like ages since that spice bread.
But Korval's strangely protective bent and following exchange stuck with him. It was . . . very odd. Like it had happened before but was something the two openly accepted and embraced. How very curious . . .
Rubbing the back of his head, Korval gestured to the group with a hand, "Well, ya heard the lady! Let's go!"
Yu looked at his friends and urged them to do as he said with a nod of his head. Tirin was in the lead, heading towards the tunnel that sloped up, Nyras just behind him. Korval waited until they had all passed before pushing his helmet back on his head and taking up the rear, and while Yu would admit that the big man was a bit intimidating, he felt glad that he was watching their backs.
He was also glad to get a move on. He wanted to hope that the battle and the bodies left behind would be the last they'd experience here.
With a sinking heart, he wondered if such hope was naive.
"Man, I'm never gonna get used to this," he heard Yosuke grumble.
"It gets weirder when you meet you, trust me," Kanji mumbled, "Especially when it turns out the other you ain't human."
"That is an odd peculiarity," Naoto agreed, keeping her voice low, "Tirin I had understood being different, but I had assumed our counterparts would have all been human."
"Well, I guess that isn't the case, huh?" Chie asked.
"I wonder if my counterpart isn't human," Yukiko mused. Her eyes gleamed strangely in the gloom, "I think I'd like to be an elf."
"This isn't an rpg, Yukiko-san," Yosuke said, folding his arms, "But you do have a point. I'm kinda wondering the same thing myself now."
"Well, these guys definitely seem to know each other, so we could ask them," Rise suggested.
"Normally, I'd say go for it. Except I think Tirin has other plans," Yu put in, glancing at the blonde. As if sensing his staring, Tirin abruptly looked over his shoulder and locked eyes with him, smiling as he did so. Yu quickly looked away.
"No kidding . . . " Yosuke shot Teddie a look, "Man, why's your other gotta be annoying too?"
"Hey, it's not my fault!" Teddie protested.
"I hope we camp soon," Rise groaned, "My feet are killing me."
"Yeah . . ." Kanji said.
They carried on for a few more paces in silence. Then, Yosuke quietly fell in step beside him. When Yu saw the slightly worried gleam in his eyes, he gave him his full attention, "What is it?"
"Well . . ." Yosuke started, whispering, "I don't really think there's a point in bringing it up anymore, but . . . did you see what happened on the bridge? With Tirin?"
Yu swallowed as he remembered, "I did."
Yosuke seemed relieved, "So I wasn't the only one. Good . . ." he gave a shifty glance at the aforementioned blonde before continuing, "I mean, I know we were in a fight, but didn't . . . didn't what he did seem cold?"
Yu nodded, "It did. But we can't exactly bring it up with him."
"I know that, it's just . . ." Yosuke fiddled with his headphones, "I get that Tirin's a different person, but that just seemed . . . too different."
Yosuke's eyes trailed briefly to Teddie, then fell to the floor. Yu understood how this might be more difficult for him to swallow. After all, he lived with the bear on a practically daily basis. It must be hard reconciling Tirin's actions with the boy who lived in his closet.
He gently nudged his elbow against the other boy's arm, "Don't worry over it too much. Cold or not, it's too late to change what happened. Let's just be glad that Tirin's on our side."
Yosuke remained quiet for a few more seconds. Then, he gave a slight nod, "Yeah . . ."
Yu gave him an encouraging smile, hoping it was more convincing than he felt. Facing ahead, he caught sight of Tirin once more, as well as the hooded figure of the newly-met Nyras. Behind him, he could hear the tromping thud of Korval's boots. So many differences in just Tirin alone, and now they had two more faces to learn about. He could only wonder just what their differences could be.
(*)
"Aaah!" Rise moaned, rubbing her feet, "I'm never walking again!"
"I hear that . . ." Yosuke mumbled from where he sat, laying back across the rock.
All his friends sat in another close circle, tired and hungry and greatly looking forward to sleep. The camp Nyras had spoken of was practical, with two sheer slabs of stone leaning against one another to form a sort of stony tent. Inside, it was fairly roomy with about fifteen feet of open space, but with so many people it soon felt cramped. The gap was narrow and easy to protect, and the hole in the roof provided good ventilation for the campfire Nyras had started. It's orange flames brought some much appreciated warmth, and they all sat huddled close to it.
Korval sat by the entrance, meticulously cleaning his hammer with a rag while keeping an eye out for any unwanted guests in the cavern beyond. Tirin was busying himself with preparing some food, i.e bread and what looked like strips of jerky. Meanwhile, Nyras had returned from a short foray into the wilderness, taking a seat in the circle where she had been sitting for the last eight minutes mumbling words under her breath, eyes closed and hands pressed together. None had really spoken to them (and it wasn't as if the I.T were going out of their way to start a conversation), but that had not meant the short journey here hadn't been lively. It had become quite clear that Tirin, Nyras, and Korval were indeed friends, who's closeness was on par with their own. True, they hadn't spoken much, but the easy banter they shared when they did spoke volumes of their relationships.
"What's she doing?" Rise finally asked.
"It looks like she's meditating, but . . ." Yosuke said, looking perturbed.
"This doesn't seem like any meditation I know," Naoto observed.
"That's because it's not," Tirin said, looking up from what he was doing, "She's casting magic."
Everyone turned to stare at him.
"What?" was the universal question they all spoke in tandem.
"I know it doesn't look very impressive, but that's the sort of magic this is," Tirin explained, "She's hiding our campsite from outsiders!"
"S-seriously?" Yosuke asked, looking around anxiously.
"Mhm," Tirin smiled, "In fact, you'll feel it right . . . now!"
All of a sudden, a weight like a heavy blanket pressed down on them, the campfire flickering and sending shadows skittering across the walls. It just as soon lifted, and Nyras let loose a long breath before opening her eyes, "There. That should ward away any unpleasant surprises."
Immediately, she was bombarded with questions;
"How did you do that?" Rise and Yosuke.
"W-was that really magic?" Chie.
"Could you do it again?" Yukiko.
"OI! Let her talk!" Korval's voice thundered over them all, silencing them.
After a moment, Nyras nodded, "Thank you, Korval."
"Never a problem," he replied with a smile.
"In any case," Nyras continued, facing them, "Yes, that was magic. All rangers specialize in the craft. At least, to a rudimentary degree."
"Wow, Nyras-chan, you're so cool!~" Teddie cooed, looking awestruck.
Everyone was pretty awestruck, honestly.
"Y-yeah . . . cool . . ." Kanji mumbled.
"What sort of magic did you just cast?" Yu inquired, genuinely curious.
"A simple spell designed to hide our campsite from unwanted eyes, including sight, sound and scent," the woman explained, pulling out a medical kit as she spoke, "It is far below the level of a true sorcerer, but it serves its purpose."
"Even if that's all it does, that's still amazing!" Rise said.
Chie nodded in enthusiastic agreement, "Yeah! You don't see anyone doing that back home!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much," Nyras said, looking genuinely pleased.
"It . . . is certainly something," Naoto chipped in somewhat shyly, "In particular, the practical aspect of your magic."
"I've always preferred expediency over ostentation," Nyras said, smiling, "I'd say its good to hear another say such, but considering who we are, I feel it might be somewhat pointless."
That earned a small smile from Naoto, "Somewhat."
Opening the medical kit, Nyras gestured to Naoto and Yu, "Now, let's see to those wounds."
He watched as the woman pressed a warm wet cloth on Naoto's hand (he'd insisted she do her first), cleaning away the blood and possible dirt with smooth, deft swipes. Naoto's pain was only betrayed with a slight wince.
"I know you were not in a position to do so earlier," Nyras said as she worked, "But should another situation arise where a fight seems inevitable, seek shelter. None of you are capable of defending yourselves right now."
"Trust us, we know," Yosuke said.
"Do you . . . really think another fight like that could happen again?" Yukiko asked.
"Of course," Nyras replied, "Drow are but one facet of the evil that exists in this world. As such, conflict is unavoidable."
Everyone's hearts sunk at this, the lighter atmosphere from before drying up.
"If . . . we do get into another fight," Rise said softly, looking uncomfortable, "Will you . . . I mean, you won't kill them, right?"
Nyras' looked at the girl, a contemplative gleam in her eyes. But when she spoke, her words were strangely gentle, "This world is a dangerous one, Rise. Many of the battles conducted here are invariably fights to the death. It is not that it is a preferred outcome, but oftentimes, it is the only option we are given."
Rise's eyes-indeed, everyone's-became downcast at this, "But, wouldn't that make you a . . ."
" . . . A murderer?" Nyras' only smiled in understandings when Rise's head shot back up, "Your reactions aren't surprising, and neither are your accusations. Unfortunately, I cannot give you reassurance that we will not use such methods if the need arises. It is simply a fact of this world. A sad fact, I grant you, but a fact nonetheless."
"And so what if we do, anyway?" Korval spoke for the first time, lowering his hammer to look at them, "It ain't like the blood's gonna be on your hands."
"Maybe . . . but it's still . . ." Yukiko trailed off, eyes falling to the ground.
Yu let the silence sink, thinking hard about their current circumstances. Their . . . 'guardians', he supposed, had just openly admitted to being killers. Something he and his friends had been adamantly opposed too no matter how deserving someone might be. But deep down, he also realized that a world like this called for nothing less. And judging by everything they'd been saying, there was more than one sort of evil in this world. If that was what they were fighting, brutality must come second-nature, even if the thought made him uncomfortable. All the same, he wanted to believe their counterparts were good people.
"What . . . other sorts of facets are there?" Yu eventually questioned. If this world was truly so dangerous, it would be good to know just what could kill them so they could at least be somewhat prepared.
"Unfortunately, there are many," Nyras replied, applying Tirin's salve to Naoto's hand, "For example, those who embrace evil and commit crimes of various sorts are one. Demons would be another."
"W-what?!" Yosuke started upright.
"Did-did you just say 'demons'?!" Chie asked, snapping to attention as well.
"Ah . . ." Nyras hummed after a long moment, "I see. Demons are not native to your world either, it seems."
Yu thought something flickered in her eyes, but it was gone too quickly to tell what it was.
"D-do you mean like, actual demons?" Kanji asked, "Like, the brimstone, drag-ya-ta-hell kind?"
"Hell?" Nyras seemed confused, "Yes, demons are an integral part of our world, but they inhabit the Abyss. The Nine Hells are frequented by devils."
Shocked silence met her statement. Demons? Devils? Yu truly felt stupid for thinking their situation couldn't get any worse.
Yosuke groaned, sticking his hands into his hair and burying his face into his knees, "Are you serious? Man, we are SO out of our league here!"
"Would fire even hurt a demon?" Yukiko mused, frowning deeply and staring at her hands.
"I don't think that's really the point right now, Yukiko," Chie moaned.
"Th-this place is s-scary . . ." Teddie mumbled.
A uneasy silence followed, as heavy as a dewy fog. Yu's mind was racing, trying to wrestle with any sort of possible reassurance he could give his friends, only to come up dry. In a world where demons apparently had free reign, and they were just helpless kids, there was not a lot he could say.
A wet cloth suddenly pressed against his cheek, and he winced as warm water soaked into his wound, "If I might say something; it is true none of you are adequately prepared to face demons. Truthfully, most never are. But I do not think that has to be your permanent condition."
Wringing the cloth out, she continued, "On the way here, I was watching you, and I can only say I was impressed with what I saw. You are newcomers to this world, where much of what is commonplace to us is extraordinary to you. As such, the level of maturity and strength you've approached your situation with is nothing short of astounding."
Faces lifted a little at her compliment, spirits bolstered by the praise.
". . . Your words are kind," Naoto said, running a hand gently over her new bandages, "But unfortunately, that does not assuage our inexperience, or give us a means of returning home."
"Ah, yes. Your predicament," Nyras said, applying the salve on Yu's cheek. He tried not to squirm too much, instead focusing on her voice, "Magic is not my area of expertise, but the fact you have somehow been wrested from your world against your will speaks of a much greater problem."
"What sort of problem?" Yu asked.
"Unfortunately, I do not know," Nyras sighed, applying the last touches to his cheek before stowing the medical kit away, "It could be that a group of mages acted as a catalyst for some obscenely powerful spell. Or, it could have even been a simple natural phenomenon, albeit of great scale. But we know too little to form a true theory, and that troubles me greatly."
"Tch," Korval tsked, raking his rag over the hammer's blunt edge, "If it ain't one thing, it's somethin' else."
"It's a troublesome truth, to be sure . . ." Nyras agreed softly. Sitting straight, she spoke a little more strongly, "But regardless, until we know more, we will do what we can to see you home."
Yu's lips twitched up at that, heartened despite the looming cloud hanging over them, "Thank you."
" . . . Yeah," Kanji said, a small smile on his face, "S'good to know we got people like you watchin' our backs," he suddenly seemed to remember who he was talking to when Nyras glanced at him, and he averted his gaze, "I-I mean . . . ya know . . ."
"Course we'd help!" Korval said brusquely, "You guys are just like a box of lost puppies! How could we say no?"
"Again with the puppies . . ." Yosuke grumbled in annoyance.
Yu nodded, "Yes, I'd still prefer to be a kitten."
"Does preference matter? This is just a metaphorical statement," Naoto added, looking a little put off.
Yu shot her a look, "Yes. Yes it does."
Nobody got a chance to reply, for suddenly Tirin was sweeping in from the sidelines, bundles of food in hand and a chastising frown on his face, "Oh, so its all buddy-buddy with Nyras and Korval, but for me its just suspicion! Hmph, fine, I see how it is!"
"Well, we did meet you first, and we didn't know what was going on then," Yosuke pointed out.
Tirin pointedly turned his back on him, tossing a bundle over his shoulder that landed squarely in Yosuke's lap. Tirin handed the rest out as well, and when Yu received his, he quickly undid the knot to see what was inside.
The same slice of bread from that morning, he saw that immediately, but beside it was a new item he hadn't seen before. Three long strips of dark, dried meat, the leathery body exuding a scent of dried spices that made his mouth water.
"MEAT!" Chie shouted in delight, tearing into the strips enthusiastically. Yosuke gave her a grossed out look before pointedly looking away.
"What is this stuff? Jerky?" Kanji asked.
"Essentially," Nyras said, neatly tearing a strip off with her teeth.
Yu stuck one his mouth, savoring the cured flavor as he tore a chunk away. It was definitely just like dried jerky, tough and chewy, although it was a bit lacking in terms of extreme flavors like the ones back home.
A sudden scuffle by the entrance and Tirin's snappish shout made him look up.
"Hey, no fair!"
Korval had grabbed the gloaming by the arm, fingers like steeled vices as he growled, "I ain't lettin' go until I get my kit back."
Tirin stuck his tongue out, "Boo! You're no fun! And it's not like its my fault you lost it!"
Korval's only response was a steely glare, and Tirin finally relented with an overdramatic sigh, "Fine, you win this time, now let me go!"
"Kit first."
Tirin sighed again, but yielded and dug his free hand into his bag. When he withdrew it, a neatly rolled beige cloth was in his hand, one that looked like it was carrying stuff within it. Korval snatched it up in an instant and finally released Tirin's arm, who drew back and rolled his eyes before trotting back to his place near the back of the cave. Korval examined it closely, undoing the two straps that held it together and rolling it open to peruse what was inside. It was held at just enough of an angle that Yu couldn't see what was within.
"I didn't take anything!" Tirin called, chewing on a mouthful of bread.
Korval scoffed, "Yeah, I'll believe you the day you stop lifting people's pockets."
"Now that was just uncalled for," Tirin sniffed defensively.
Click.
Yu looked to his left to see that Nyras had drawn out her crossbow and was casually fiddling with the arms, but there was something vaguely threatening in the display that made him involuntarily swallow. Korval and Tirin seemed to pick up on this as well, for they both stopped heckling each other and quickly went back to eating. After Korval had put away his 'kit', of course.
"Korval and I will take watch tonight," Nyras said, having finished her food quickly, "I suggest you get some rest."
She moved away from them to take up a position nest to Korval, crossbow still out and ready. The fires had grown dimmer by now, the darkness pressing in along with the tiredness from earlier. Still, for all his exhaustion, he didn't fancy sleeping on rocks again.
"Yay, more rocks," Rise cheered without any enthusiasm.
"Just bear with it for now," Naoto told her, "Nyras-san informed us we were close to the surface and would be reaching it tomorrow."
"Well, that's one good thing," Yosuke grumbled.
"Things will be brighter tomorrow," Yu said, "Literally."
"I'm looking forward to that," Chie said with a laugh.
They spread out after they finished their meal, trying to find comfortable spots to no avail. As he twisted and turned on the stone, he thought about what tomorrow would bring. A return to the surface, he hoped. He never wanted to see another tunnel again for as long as he lived.
As sleep pressed in, he found that his dreams were filled with fresh air and sunlight.
Next chappie, we are officially out of the Underdark! I hope you're as excited as I am! :D
Also, some translations:
Cretok-ssuu - Orc-breath
Lieling - darling (yush :3)
Rate and review if it pleases.