I've been playing Chrono Trigger for the first time ever. Pretty cool game though a lot shorter than I though it'd be seeing as how I'm nearly complete (For those who know, I just completed the Ocean Palace and Blackbird segments)
Well, here is another chapter! I'm still writing at a fairly good pace :D
Chapter Thirteen
Apothecary's Keep
After knocking on the main door, the group was surprised to see it opened slowly, as if it had been left ajar.
Walking inside Soren called out to see if anyone would respond.
A few decided to sit and wait while Soren crossed his arms and Mia walked up next to him.
"You think that old hermit you met was completely out of his mind?"
Soren grinned "Despite what Eminse said…I always did…you should have seen him. Regardless I felt this was maybe the one thing he was certain about…"
Mia walked past Soren towards a shelf with a bunch of pictures; one had four men on it laughing in what looked like an older, less populated Malsean. She recognized a few features but the clock tower was missing.
"How old would this have to be if the Malsean Clock Tower wasn't built yet?"
Soren joined her and thought one of the men in the picture looked familiar.
"Hello…I expected someone was coming, I have to say, you all got here much earlier than I expected."
The group turned to a staircase as a robed man walked down, his hood obscured his face but he smiled towards the group.
"I'm not used to having visitors during the day time hours…"
Mikel coughed "I figured you wouldn't be used to having visitors at all, living all the way out here."
The man nodded to him "True, but there are one or two people I keep in regular contact with…I imagine that is how you all learned of this place."
As the apothecary regarded them he turned back up the stairs "I have some food and such at the ready if any of you are still hungry…to make our conversations go over easier, you may refer to me as Einseek."
"That isn't your real name?" Soren asked.
As the apothecary ascended the stairs he chuckled "I don't have a real name…I merely…seek eternally…"
As the group began following, Soren noticed Lyle remained seated and seemed lost in thought.
The Archsage walked over to the man "Hey…Lyle, are you alright? I noticed you've been…not completely here."
The swordmaster slowly turned to face Soren, the second both pairs of eyes met, Soren felt something different. He firmly believed Lyle always put on a façade but now he was looking through it and didn't like what he saw.
Lyle stood and walked past Soren "Just thinking about things, Soren…no need to concern yourself with me."
"On the contrary, you are a member of this group…though you have never spaced out in battle so I'm not worried about your combat abilities…are you certain you are alright?"
Lyle glanced over at Soren and grinned "One hundred percent."
As the group stood behind Soren and Mia took an aside with the man called Einseek.
"You knew we were coming…I assume you know why?" Soren asked.
Einseek turned to look out the window.
"You fought hard to get here…the last thing I'd want to do is disappoint you…see…True Elder Magic opens many paths physically, mentally…and beyond."
He pointed to Soren and Mia "As you two so well know…"
"So…your magic can really bring people back from the dead?" Mia asked "That's…how can that even work?"
Einseek scratched his chin "I've never done it myself…theoretically though…one could link a dead man's spirit to one who lives…as long as the dead man is more driven than the one that lives…they can easily…how you say…swap places…"
Mia's eyes widened "So every revived man…is brought back at the cost of another random civilian's life?"
Einseek nodded "Seems that way…if they really need the man or not, the easiest is to pick a random person they have no true interest in…some dead men are masses of hatred that still exist to this day…maybe not physically but I'm certain that you hold a portion of them in yourselves."
"Memories." Soren added in as he thought over the countless vile souls the Greil Mercenaries defeated.
"Exactly…the way I would do it…is to reach into a man's mind and bring their greatest fear to realization…if…I needed to do that…for very good reasons…not just to prove that I can."
Mia turned to Soren then back to Einseek "Are you saying…whoever is reviving these soldiers can also…bring them back from the dead through a memory?"
"If the memory of the man is vivid enough and the man himself has an unbelievably strong will and even more hatred…or he could just be insane." Einseek shrugged at that last part before turning to take a cup of tea off the counter and begin drinking.
Soren took another look around the room, it seemed very simple, random art seemed to be off the surrounding area, even a portrait that looked like the Forgotten Grave they passed through before reaching the keep. There were various objects along the shelves and on the counter, nothing that seemed to be important in any way.
"There is one other way that doesn't require True Elder Magic…only the knowledge of ancient verses and a rock."
Soren raised an eyebrow "That's all?"
"Pardon me…a little humor, the rock is made of an ancient material long extinct known as Orichalcum. With the verse and the stone you could draw in a powerful spirit…as long as you are at the place of the dead man or near a powerful memory…I don't mean to ramble, this could never be done."
As the man picked up his cup and began to drink again, Soren felt Mia tap his shoulder; turning to the left the tactician saw a door slightly open. He nodded towards Mia quickly before turning back to Einseek as the man placed his tea back on the counter.
"We thank you for your help…we certainly know more about whatever powers these…people…are using…"
Einseek smiled and held another cup to Soren; the sage held up a hand and shook his head. Shrugging, Einseek sighed "People delve into powers they have no business using all the time…all the various lands out there off the coasts of Ymarkteg…I'm certain they have been troubled by men who knew no better."
At that statement, Soren thought of Zijo Oit who may have been driven to do many of the things he did by the cursed blade Dyeshein, the Demon Triad and much farther before that, Ashnard in his desire to unleash the 'Dark God'.
"You're statement rings true…especially to someone as traveled as I am." Noticing that Mia walked back over Soren extended his hand to Einseek.
The apothecary shook his hand "I would strongly suggest staying here overnight…"
Soren raised an eyebrow and glanced out a window. Had that much time passed already?
He then looked back at Mia "We alright with that?"
The trueblade nodded "I'll go tell the others."
Soren and Einseek faced one another again "You have another question?"
"Why did you tell us all of this? I assumed that being someone living this far out you-"
Einseek raised his hand to stop Soren "I know much of what you have all been through…not everything mind you, but enough. I am confident none of the information you just received will be used for any such nefarious purposes…that is all."
"Not a lot of people in today's world do good things for the sake of it…"
"Not a lot indeed…I may be one of the few…"
As the apothecary turned and walked off, Soren stared after him as he ascended to another floor. Stopping at the top he called back to Soren "The guest rooms are below the first floor…strange placement I know but…I live alone…no reason to keep the place too hospitable…"
Downstairs, the rest of the troop was preparing for the night. As they went around their business Mia glanced out a window and furrowed her brows. "It wasn't late when we first stepped in here…having lived on this country for so long I know there are no time altercations…"
As she continued thinking she felt herself shiver a little. She has been meaning to ask Soren if he felt strange at all being in this tower but she didn't want to be overheard by the apothecary. He may not have said nor done anything to hint he was up to no good, but she felt uneasy.
It was worse now that she knew they'd have to spend the night in this tower. She then noticed Lyle sitting alone, away from the rest of the troop as they descended to the basement.
He looked very different than usual, extremely serious and lost in thought, not at all like the friendly and somewhat awkward man that teaches alongside her at the dojo.
She jumped a little as Soren placed his hand on her shoulder; turning to his concerned face she smiled nervously "Sorry about that."
As they walked next to each other Soren called to Lyle but the swordmaster declined. Nodding towards him the pair went down to join the rest of the troop.
Lyle turned to face the staircase that led to the room Soren and Mia spoke with the strange apothecary. Ever since he entered this tower he has felt very odd and somewhat sick.
Now that the group was gone he stood as a door closed and clicked. Falling to one knee he held his stomach and coughed repeatedly.
Breathing hard he stood up slowly "Damn…" he decided to sit back down instead of joining the rest of the troop.
"Hey Orgoth…did you think it was strange how fast it became night?" Leena called over.
The knight placed his gear away and scratched the back of his head "Normally I chalk these kinds of incidents to 'time flies' but…"
Mikel got up from his bed in the middle of the pair "Stop thinking so hard about it, we've got a great place to spend an easy night for once…and then we have to hit the road and get back to the Grand Grove." Sighing and feeling the exhaustion of the upcoming undertaking he passed out back onto his bed.
Across from their room Wayu and Wyre placed their gear away and glanced at the third bed "Lyle…" Wyre stated.
The sage noticed that the man's demeanor changed while they were waiting for Soren and Mia to return. In fact he would be surprised if no one noticed it; he has been a little more open with the familiars of the group but has gone back to keeping to himself.
"Maybe he is still suffering from the battle against Murawk…I know I still feel some aches." Wayu stated as she rubbed her shoulder. Wyre was about to turn to her to say something but thought better of it. He sat on his bed and looked over to her as she smiled to him "What?"
"I don't know…I just feel very tired right now…and conflicted…" Wayu raised an eyebrow "What was that last part?" the sage waved her away, said it was nothing and threw himself down onto his back.
Mia sat behind Soren her head on one of his shoulders "Are you alright, Mia? Was it something you saw in that room?" he asked. Sighing she shook her head "There wasn't anything interesting in there…just a table with a bunch of random objects and vials of random liquids…the truth is, I've been feeling a little odd since we got here…" Furrowing his brows the tactician put one of his hands over hers "You don't want to stay here overnight do you?"
"No, not particularly…but some of us are still in no condition to move after our brawl with Murawk…in fact, you yourself are in no position to be moving around to strenuously."
Soren laughed "What are you talking about?" Mia backed off and showed him her pointer finger then jabbed him in the back, he winced a little. The injury from being slammed into the wall after Murawk broke through his flames was still there.
She slowly took off his robe and look at his bear back, not many people would imagine a user of magic to gain so many scars, but Soren has taken a much more active and front line roll during their adventures across the lands. She placed her hand along some of his scars, a few from the battle with Murawk still stood out.
"You're absolutely correct…as always…" Soren stated with a smile "I do feel bad about being part of the reason that we have to stay here, not just that it's dark…"
Mia shook her head as she embraced Soren from behind "I'll be fine…it's just one night. I've been through worse." The pair smiled before laughing at the memories of many terrible situations they've been in. They never thought something could top their situations but seeing dead men walk again is pretty high up there.
"Alright, my turn to message you, I'm pretty sure you took a few hits from that fight as well and I'm certainly not going to let you just worry yourself out over me." Soren stated as he stood and turned to Mia.
She smiled "It's our job to worry about each other." Soren sat behind her on the bed and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"And it always will be." He whispered.
Stirring, Orgoth stood up quickly; he glanced around the room, stopping briefly to confirm Leena and Mikel still in place. He turned to the door; he swore it was creaking that woke him.
Grabbing his lance he walked over to the door and opened it, peering out down the hall, he glanced back at Leena and Mikel before exiting the room.
He walked down the hall carefully before reaching the stairs that led to the main room. The door was open so he headed up and out, half expecting to see Lyle passed out in the seat but the swordmaster wasn't there. He glanced outside into the dark but couldn't see far at all.
He heard someone talking and looked upstairs "Think this through Orgoth…everyone is downstairs…we could…no, there is a chance it's nothing…I'll continue on my own."
The knight ascended slowly as another voice joined the mix, one was definitely the apothecary. He was expecting the other to be Lyle, but to his surprise, it wasn't and it definitely wasn't another member of the troop.
"The apothecary said multiple times that he lived on his own…what are the odds one of his frequent visitors would drop by in the middle of the night?"
Stopping he peered into the second floor room, it was empty though next to the staircase to the third floor was an open door with light streaming out and the voices continued.
Einseek: I couldn't resist the opportunity...and last I checked I was in charge.
?: Yes sir…I didn't mean anything untoward…
Einseek: I know but you sound so concerned. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think I was still completely anonymous.
?: Right, what is it this time? Einseek? What was it last time?
Einseek: Does it matter? I always did prefer apothecary.
?: And the hour of midnight.
Einseek: Indeed…the darkness of the night conceals everything…we have a lot to thank it for.
?: I've got to go, whenever you find the time-
Einseek: Oh! Giving orders now? You're sudden assertion concerns me greatly…maybe I should worry less about strangers and keep my eyes on you.
?: Never…just…whatever, do whatever…I'm going.
Orgoth remained kneeling there, waiting for footsteps, but heard nothing before a door shut. Glancing over he saw that the light was off and the door was closed.
"Strange eh?"
Orgoth turned quickly and pointed his lance at Lyle's throat; the man held his arms up defensively "Calm down, Orgoth…I didn't mean to startle you!"
"Frankly I don't trust you, what are you doing up?"
Lyle backed off and descended, followed by Orgoth "I know you don't trust me…that is why you hound me every time I go off to do something on my own right? It isn't Soren's orders is it?"
"It was my own idea…you are a strange one Lyle, and with what has come to light I find even less reason to trust you. Now I'm asking again, what are you doing?"
The green haired man turned and smiled "Now or back in town? All honesty here, I haven't been feeling too well, I was outside on the verge of puking, didn't want the rest of the troop to hear that and start getting sick themselves…wait! Don't say anything yet!"
Orgoth held up a finger, noting that it was still dark; he shook his head as if scolding Lyle for raising his voice.
Shrugging Lyle continued "You know I travelled in the past right? Well I made very few connections that still stand, so every time I go through a specific town, I stop and try to have a short catch up with old friends of mine…that is what I was doing back in Euto when you trailed me, though I didn't know it was you specifically at the time."
Orgoth looked over Lyle before turning and heading back to his room "You trust me now? Knight?"
Orgoth caught Lyle's eyes one last time before continuing down the stairs.
Opening his eyes, Soren sat up, after rubbing his eyes he noticed that the entire room was pure black. Sitting up quickly he looked around and saw nothing.
"Mia!" he called. He kept looking around the room and reached out to touch a wall. There was nothing there; it was an endless black "What is this…"
"This is a very dark and very deep concealed corner of your mind." A voice said.
Soren turned quickly reaching for his blade and tome but he had no weapons then he realized he was in his old clothes from before the Mad King's War.
"A blade? Magic? Are you planning to threaten me with those kinds of weapons?" the voice began laughing.
Soren held out his hand as the Branded Fire roared to life, he heard a surprised gasp that became loud laughter just as quickly.
"Who are you!? What do you want!?"
He heard footsteps as a large man walked up to him; the flames left his hand as his eyes widened. Soren had never felt true fear like this; he stumbled and fell on his back.
Kneeling in front of him the man placed his pointer finger on Soren's Brand "It seems that…I was onto something…doesn't it?"
Unable to say anything the man stood and reached to his side, drawing out a large blade "Show me…that I was right!" he raised it above his head and brought it down on Soren who cried out as he woke up.
This time Mia was next to him, holding him "Are you alright Soren!? What happened!?"
The sage turned to see sun coming in through the blinds then turned back to Mia "I saw…"
He swallowed and slowed his rapid breathing as best as he could "I saw…Ashnard."
The pair sat there in bed as every single feature of the former King of Daein came back to Soren. He was unable to read the man's face in the brief moments that he 'stood' there. But the reaction to Soren's Branded Fire didn't seem at all genuine, whether or not Ashnard knew of the true capabilities of a Branded remains to be seen…or hopefully, not seen.
Morning came and found the troop regrouping outside of the Apothecary's Keep, Einseek stood in front of them as they thanked him for the information. He looked over them "A few of you look…like you've seen ghosts…"
Soren swallowed as Mia placed a hand on his back, next to them Lyle turned and started walking away.
"I apologize…the magic I used may have made this place a little less pleasant…I do hope your return to the Grand Grove is…uneventful."
After waving goodbye the troop left Einseek behind, he stared after them until he could no longer see them and smiled to himself.
"We see evil in our daily lives…we see it rise and fall…and yet it never truly dies…the most powerful monsters gain their supremacy…after death."
The apothecary turned and went back inside as the man from the previous night sat on the roof "I agree completely…"
May I direct your attention to that last line of dialogue from the unknown man, that is how I feel about character death in a way. No matter how well liked a character is, I believe killing them of makes them a greater story progressor than keeping them alive or *shudder* bringing them back from the dead. Ironic I know considering what Ymarkteg is doing, but just thought I'd share that.
Anyway, next week is the final chapter of the "Anondye Saga" as I like to call it, after that the troop crosses to another nation. Until then!