The arrowhead drips with an onyx oozing liquid, dripping down to the earth beneath us. The bow creaks as its pulled back further and further with malicious intent, the tip shining beneath the dark with a disturbing glee. The man behind the bow's blurred and unrecognisable, as is the rest of the world, it's so cold, like a deathly sickened blanket wrapped around myself, I can barely feel my numb limbs hanging limply against the ground , my heart pounding with an icy fury as my blurred vision focuses on the accursed tip.
..
I sit up in a cold sweat with gasping breath, quickly turning into a barely containable coughing fit. I pound at my chest with a hand as I cover my mouth with the other, my eyes watering as it runs through my lungs. It slowly dies down thankfully, though my throat feels raw as I lay myself back down to the crumpled sheets of the bed, the once gentle smell of it stained with the stench of sweat. I groan internally and rub at my face, so much for a good nights sleep, god fucking dammit. Stupid fucking dream, nightmare? I think that counts as a nightmare, I can't tell, my mind's too blurred. I lay my head against the pillow, twisting and turning in the sheets.
I throw the sheets up and hop to my feet, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I crack my joints, looking out the window. It's still night, and I did sleep kind of early, but I can't exactly see the moon from my room so that's a bust. I creep myself out of the room on soft stepping paws, grabbing my cloak from a rack and wrapping it around me as I step out into the hall. All I hear is dead silence, perhaps the others are asleep? If that's the case, I don't want to wake any of them. I make my way down the hall and stairs, taking care to step lightly and swiftly over the floorboards. Maybe some air might do me well, better than trying to force myself to sleep anyways. I slink myself out of the door and into the cool night, shivering and sinking further into my cloak, fuck it's cold.
I look around, the dark of the night covers most of the town, but there's still torches alight in the streets and the unnerving illumination of the Templar Tower, I can imagine the smell of the sea from looking over it, my lips twitching upwards instinctively despite the unease, maybe I did have something to do with the sea when I was younger, who knows. I hum to myself as I lean back against a wall, maybe I should go for a walk, would that be a good idea? It's cold and I don't have my sword, but I don't feel like I would've used it to harm another being to begin with. I think Edward might've been the exception, at least. I sigh and rub at my face, I should be thankful that I shouldn't have had to use it to hurt someone else, and yet...
Fuck it, a walk never hurt anyone, has it? I've made up my mind, I'll just wander around a bit and come back in the next hour or so, it shouldn't be that bad. I hope I didn't jinx myself there, I walk down the steps and into the town beneath, I wonder if there's any shops open at this time? If only to browse, I've left everything back in my room after all.
The walk to down the streets are dull and eventless, as is most of the walk, but there's a sense of freedom in my heart, when was the last time I've actually relaxed with a nightly walk anyways? Especially near the sea, it's salty smell is comforting in an odd way, and it gives me time to think. Thinking of thinking, what should I do when this jobs over? I should visit Anna when I come back to Dartwood, of course, but what then? I can't imagine staying there for too long, something in my blood beckons travelling. What about Edward, then? I can't imagine that I'd be able to convince him to just leave his job, even though it feels hollow to imagine travelling without him, he's a prideful but awkward bastard after all, and I enjoy him dearly...
Gah, maybe it wasn't the best to walk around after all, brooding in my own thoughts does little after all. I look up from my feet as I approach the docks, gazing out to the glimmering sea, the stars reflecting off of it, at least this view's nice. The only ones around are keidran slaves and Human workers lugging around crates, though even they're scarce at this time. I sigh and sit myself onto a nearby low wall, using it as a makeshift bench, looking back over to the endless sea. What am I doing here? Given new life into a world I don't know into a role that I can't understand, it feels so meaningless, and wrong, did I make the wrong choice? Can I actually stand being along and wandering around Mekkan without a friend, without Edward? I whimper and tighten my hood over my head, even though it's silent, it still feels so deafening, like static ringing in my skull. I pull my knees to my chest as my throat tightens while I squeeze my eyes shut. Come on Zeke, in and out, breathe you fucker.
"Hiya!" A shrill and hyperactive voice pulls me out of my brooding thoughts, yelping as I barely catch myself from falling off of the wall and swivelling around, blinking as I see a very familiar face.
"Uh, hey there Lucy. What are you doing up so late at night?" I ask the strange woman, her face almost glows in the dark at this time and her curls are slightly mattered, but she still has her odd smile on her face and the same clothes, granted it's a little less off-putting now, more sincere and less demented. Her eyes look over my face before she jumps up the wall, taking a seat next to me.
"I coulda asked you the same thing Fuzzy boy, I wander around town sometimes to check things out and stuff, what about yooou hm?" She answers back, her face coming uncomfortably close to mine as she finishes herself. I pull away from her, coughing into a hand awkwardly, please stay back a little bit you little weirdo.
"Can't say that I'm any different, I just wanted to walk around tonight, I quite like the sea apparently." I answer the lady as I refocus myself back to the sea, it's truly calming. We're both silent as she follows my gaze outwards to the water. My heart doesn't feel as heavy as before, even though I still feel troubled by my previous thoughts, it's not as heavy on myself. Is that because I'm no longer alone physically at least? Hell if I know, but I'm grateful for it regardless.
"So, what's on your mind Fuzzy boy?" Lucy pipes up, looking up to me as her legs swing back and forth. I've never really noticed how small this girl, even as we sit she only barely reaches to my shoulder.
"Nothing much, to be truthful. I'm just thinking about nothing at all. I respond to her, it's a half truth in a way, I'm not exactly thinking of anything now anyways, it's close enough. She hums loudly as she moves her face ever closer to mine, I gulp lightly and continue to pull myself away from her pushing presence. She ceases her humming and squints, her hazel eyes glaring into mine before pulling away.
"You're awful at lying Fuzzy boy, but I won't push ya." She smiles gently as her voice lowers to a softer tone before pulling away from me, returning to staring at the sea. I move myself back into a straighter sitting position, finger tapping at the stone beneath us.
"Whatever do you mean by that, Miss Lucy?" I try to ask her in an even tone, but it wavers ever so slightly. She giggles underneath her breath, a dainty sound, being around her is becoming ever weirder by the second, it sounds so odd coming from her.
"I've seen plenty of people with that face of yours. Also, I saw you curled up like a child, that's a good sign that something's up, dontcha think?" I groan softly to myself and hold my hands in the air in surrender, my face heating. Thought she saw that, hoping she didn't.
"Pfeh, you got me there Lucy. Just had a lot on my mind, I don't particularly want to bother you with it, it's just personal stuff, know what I mean?" She's surprisingly attentive, side eyeing me and nodding along as I speak to her.
"Mhm mhm, I think that's dumb as hell, you can't keep it in too much after all, you get what I'm sayin right?" She replies bluntly, so much so that I'm actually taken aback, but I do nod quickly.
"I know, I know, I just don't want to burden anyone else with my thoughts. Edward worries about me enough, and the other's have helped me so much in their own way too." I continue to explain to her, focusing my attention on the sea in front of us, my chest tightening. Is that out of fear, out of nervousness?
"Listen Fuzzy, Zekes' your name right? Ya got friends on your side who cares bout ya, especially that Edward fellow. Dunno what his deal is, but you shoulda saw his face when you yelped in my clinic. I dunno who else your friends are, but one's better than none." She whistles cheerfully afterwards, legs still dangling in a child like manner.
"..You got a good point, Miss Lucy. Would you mind if I talked about it with you, then?" I ask her, I wouldn't want to overstep my boundaries after all.
"I don't mind Fuzzy, thought that was kinda obvious. I've had to listen to a buncha moaning and groaning from people when I'm workin on them, it's a part of the job really." She replies with a scoff, rolling her eyes and waving a hand dismissively. I suppose that's fair, though it's a surprise that her clerical duties cover the more talkative parts of treating clients, there isn't anything wrong with letting it out, right? I go over my thoughts with her, how lost I feel in the world and how conflicted I feel with what I do want to do, especially with Edward. I leave out the part about being moved into the world, of course, the only one who knows about that should be Anna, and I trust her with that information. Lucy remains silent throughout it, as like before, only nodding every so often.
"So that's about it, I just don't know what to do, maybe I'm over thinking it a bit much though." I finally finish myself, sighing and rubbing at my throat. Maybe I shouldn't have blurted out so much, my throat still hurts from waking from the night terror. Lucy's silent afterward, as is the rest of the night. Maybe I spoke up too much?
"Sounds like ya got a buncha stuff on your mind Zeke, I can't tell you exactly what to do, but I can give advice at least. I don't think I've had someone worry bout the future as much as you do, but you sound like you like to wander around, nothing can stop ya from doing it, and if you miss Edward then it's not as if you can't visit him now and then. Ya could be over thinking it a bit, or you could just be anxious and lonely, it's not as if that's unusual either. Maybe ya could go check out that basitin island ya came from too!" She replies with a light-hearted exuberance, it's the most I've heard come from her too. I hum to myself and roll the words over in my head, I guess she's right, just cause I'm away from people I know it doesn't mean that I magically forget who they are. I feel somewhat uplifted after a bit at least.
"Besides, why wouldn't Edward go with ya?" She asks inquisitively, which catches my attention. I look over to her, her eyes looking up to mine with her head tilted.
"..Er, well, he's super dedicated to his job , being a guard, he's pretty proud of it and I wouldn't want to pull him away from his work." I reply to her, her nose wrinkles as the corners of her mouth twitches upwards, is she confused?
"I kinda figured that, but I thought he would still go with you, cause he seems kinda attached at the hip with ya." Oh, I think I get what she means! I chuckle and lean backwards, rubbing at the back of my neck.
"Yeah, I ended up talking to him about that today. He's a little too worried bout me because of uh, the reason I got an arrow lodged in my leg, but I did promise him I'd be a little more careful." I finally explain to her, though she still squints her eyes, as if not completely satisfied with the answer. After a bit she shrugs, returning her eyes to the sea, which I also do. It's nice to let that out, actually, the weight on my chest feels that little bit lighter, I feel as if Lucy knew that'd happen.
"That reminds me, actually." She speaks up, I hum in response as I look over to her, her idle hands occupied with running themselves through her pockets. She searches them for a while longer before pulling out a small vial sealed with a cork, a murky red liquid sloshing around in it, a dull sheen in the light.
"Er, what's that meant to be?" I question Lucy as she continues to swirl the vial, looking at it is strangely unnerving, as if I shouldn't exactly be looking at the thing.
"This lil thing right here, is your blood, I kinda maybe took some of it when you were at my clinic, just to experiment around with is all!" The chirpy way she's talking about taking my blood of all things is really off-putting and disturbing, I furrow my brows and push myself away from her.
"Lucy, why in the gods names do you have my blood?" I interrogate her, at least with a polite tone, scrutinizing her with a thorough eye. She rolls her own eyes and scoffs again, still dangling the thing on her hands.
"Ah don't worry bout it, everyone has it, and you weren't using it! Anyways that's not the point of this, the point is this," She holds the vial between us, and with a mumble under her breath she lights up the area behind it, a small ball of fire hovering and illuminating the glass. "Now I can't exactly see it, but I want you to take a look at it and tell me what you see."
That's an odd request, but I indulge it nonetheless, I examine it with a close eye. The light from the fire shows brightens the glass, the blood in it now a light red. She still wiggles it in her hand, the blood sloshing around more and more, it's strange to see my blood in some glass, but I continue to look at it. I squint my eyes and move closer, within the vial I can see some small black streams within it, is that what she's talking about?
"I think I can see what you're trying to point out, is it the black stuff in there? What's that meant to be?" She dissipates the fire, and I can see her smug little grin past the glass now.
"Yup! That's some preeeeetty dangerous poison in there, I've seen it around before and it ain't pretty. Now I've had few basitin bodies to heal before, Gods forbid they actually try to stay for longer than a minute, but I've seen wounds from 'em with the same type of poison that's been used on you. The reason I know how it looks is cause the blood of human patients have this same type of strands in 'em when they're, ya know, dead, they can't exactly protest when I take a look at how the poisons ticked in em. Now, normally basitin's just kind of ignore and remove the poison, cause they can stuff this thing into their veins and it'd dissipate sooner rather than later. You ain't poisoned lil Fuzzy, but you still have the poison running through ya, at least for now, and the question is, why do you still have it going through ya?" Each second she talks she moves closer and closer to me, her eyes squinting in an intense examination as she continues to grill me, leaning further and further back as sweat beads on my forehead, lips pursed together. She moves closer, basically leaning on me, placing her hands on my chest for leverage and stability as she brings her face close to mine, her hazel eyes piercing into mine. I clench my jaw shut while my the blood in my veins chill.
"I don't have an answer for you, Miss Lucy. Can you please get off of me?" I hiss through my gritted teeth, my heart beating feverishly as she continues to visually dissect me. I can feel her breath warm my lips as she continues to move closer, pressing her forehead against mine. Please please get away me, I don't have an answer for you, please don't. It feels like its been an age of staring into her globes, the hazel an unfeeling cold, but she pushes herself away from me, her wide grin returning.
"Awh, I was just startin' to have fun too! Shame ya don't know what that's about, but maybe ya a western basitin or something, I've heard there's some sorta biological difference." She says aloud in an animated and light hearted tone. I see her hop off of the wall and brush herself off, waving as she hops away.
"See ya tomorrow, Fuzzy boy!" She doesn't look back as she shouts, simply skipping her way into the town and disappearing past a corner. I stare at the last trace of her unblinkingly for a few moments before dropping myself onto the not-bench, ignoring the dull thud of pain as my skull hits brick, rubbing my face and groaning aloud in annoyance, and confusion. Fan-fucking-tastic, another grand ol' mystery to throw onto the garbage pile that is what ever the hell I should be doing here. Does it even matter, though? As long as it's in me, then it's not hurting anyone else, and it shouldn't be a problem for people that aren't me. And if I'm not affected by it, then it's not a problem for me to begin with, therefore its a win win right? How would anyone else be infected by the poison anyways? I guess they could drink it, but that's stupid, who would drink someones blood?
I continue to lay there, blinking up into the starfilled sky, the stars are exceptionally bright tonight, is that normal or have I been inattentive? I twist my chilly body and look towards the still twinkling sea, at least that's still here, and as pretty as the sky above. I feel my heart rate slow as I breathe in an out, it's at least a little calmer, but I still feel cold as ice, which I blame entirely on Lucy for. The weirdo. I rub at my face again and hop to my feet, making my way back to Erics house, I'll just sleep off the rest of tonight, I do feel genuinely tired now at least, which I'll also blame on Lucy.
...The only person who's dumb enough to drink infected blood would be Lucy, who has my blood in a vial for reasons I don't understand beyond 'Science!'. I groan and pinch the bridge of my nose, if she drinks it then it's her own fault, bloody weirdo.
..
"Oh! Hello Zeke, where were you?" A silky voice pipes up as I push through the front door open, looking up from my dragging feet and gazing over Kathrin, the keidran's donned clothes since the last I saw her, granted it's only a pink frilly apron, but it's some covering at least, it's also cute as hell. Maybe her fur actually warms her on cold nights? I swear I remember a time where my fur was actually useful for that, though I'm not too sure.
"A pleasure to see you again Miss Kathrin, I just went on a walk is all, had some trouble sleeping is all." I reply to her with a polite smile, waving a hand, as if that could wave away my issues. Her soft and normally cheerful face shifts into a worried one, her ears flattening and head tilting.
"Trouble sleeping? Are you okay Zeke?" Her tone filled with worry, her little whine is both heart warming and heart breaking, I don't think she knows just how cute she is, I also don't think she knows how much I dislike people worrying about me, it seems that she's the innocent caring type despite her, uh, curves. My polite smile turns a bit warmer as I plant my gloved hand atop her head, scratching my digits on her scalp and behind her eyes, she's a cat right? Her small stiffening concerns me at first, but her soft smile and purring, as well as her pushing back into my hands reaffirms my thought. She's definitely a cat, now I just need to find an actual cat and I'll be happy.
"Miss Kathrin, I don't enjoy the thought of someone worrying of me, especially one as kind as yourself. I promise I'm fine though, okay?" She doesn't reply, not at first, but she does nod into my hand. It really is like scratching a cat, I chuckle as she pushes against it another time and pull away, my heart straining as she whines softly.
"Mnm, Eric does that some times, do you study keidran, or know many of them?" She asks innocently, her bright eyes flickering.
"Truthfully, I know two wolves, my other meetings with keidran didn't exactly end well." I reply sheepishly, scratching at the back of my head. The mental image of that arrowhead flashes in my mind and I wince, at least the nightmare got me out of bed to do something. She looks confused, but saddened, her tail dipping into the floor. Oh no please, not the sad Kathrin, think of a way to distract her Zeke, uuuuhhhh..
"Hey, do you wanna touch my ears? They're nice and fluffy, just don't yank them please." I offer the lady, pinching at the hair and tugging very lightly to show them off. Her upset face drops and replaces itself with an inquisitive one, though the flicker of mischief and curiosity ignites behind her eyes. My smile twitches upwards, knew that'd get her attention. She slinks up close to me, god she does not understand the concept of personal space, wrapping her hands at the middle of my ears. She softly feels around softly, her claws kneeding at it gently, it feels... super relaxing, and calm, she giggles whenever my ears flicker in her hands. She enjoys rubbing around my ears, and I enjoy her doing so, it's soothing to the soul, I almost feel myself grow a little limp at my legs with how lulling it is, my eyelids growing a little heavy. That's definitely a basitin thing, I wonder what they do with it? Almost too soon, Kathrin pulls away, likely sedated with her interest, a flicker of disappointment in my chest, I'm running out of ways to think 'that was nice please more'.
"Have fun there, Miss Kathrin?" I ask in a light tone with a raised eyebrow, joining her giggling afterwards with chuckling of my own. "So, what were you doing yourself? Surely you had reasons of your own to be up so late."
She seems reminded of something, a small yelp coming from her as her tail flickers upwards, twisting and dipping back towards the kitchen area. I don't see what she's doing, but she turns around with a small tray, a single steaming cup on top of it.
"Sorry! I was just getting a cup of tea for Master Eric, I forgot about it though, eheheh." She awkwardly laughs, oh my god she's precious.
"Hey, you don't have apologise to me, hell, I'm sorry for distracting you. I'll see you in the morn Miss Kathrin, I hope you sleep well yourself." I give her a slightly theatrical bow with a small smile and bid her a good night. Her reply is a cheerful and polite one, wishing me a good night herself. Oh! I'm forgetting something, I turn and call out to her.
"And thank you for stitching up my clothes, I forgot to talk to you about that before." I quickly say to her, seeing her flash her smile before returning to retreat towards my temporary room. Despite the small issue with Lucy, tonights been rather nice, the nightmare's not really forgotten, but I do think I can sleep now. I make strides and past my door, still attempting to be quiet at least, and make my way to the bed. I toss off my cloak and other unneeded clothes and toss myself onto the bed, despite the absence of warmth from it, it feels so much more comforting than before.
Tonight, yeesh, I just wanted to have an early night so I could avoid this mess, but no, it wasn't in the cards I guess. Lucy is... worrying, very worrying, but as long as it doesn't hurt anyone then it'll be fine. I frown as I encompass myself with the sheets, despite the warmth around me, there's a small and uncomfortable chill in my chest. I shouldn't let Lucy get to me though, it'll be fine. And if it isn't? I'll push myself through it.
..
I pull on my gloves, flexing my fingers in it in a routine motion, I've already pulled on the rest of my gear other than my sword, I hope I won't be needing it today. The night was thankfully kind to me when I slept, no nightmares, no dreams, no interruptions. Thank god for that too, I really didn't want more things to think about. I make my way out the doors and down the stairs, Eric and Edward sitting at the table and sipping at their cups in silence. Edward seems to notice me mid sip though, I can see a curl of hips lips past the cup as he gives a small but friendly wave at me. I make my way and take a seat next to the two, leaning a face on hand and giving Eddy a smug smile.
"Gooooooood morning you two, how have you been Eddy boy? I missed you~" I snicker into my hand as Edward squeezes his eyes shut, placing his cup back down and rubbing at his temple.
"I immediately miss the silence, leave so it can return please." He deadpans, but I still see his lips twitch upwards, Eric joining in on my chuckling at least. The clatter of a cup brings me back to attention from the teasing though, a furred arm reaching over my shoulder and placing a cup in front of me, as well as a saucer. I look over my shoulder, biting back a small yelp as Kathrins blue eyes peer into mine, a happy smile on her face.
"My thanks, Miss Kathrin." I thank the lady and run my hand over her head, giving her a soft scratch behind the ears and returning to the cup as she walks away, likely busy with something else. Its warm and soothing as it goes down my throat, its a damned good cup of tea, she's good at making them apparently. I should ask her for some more later, or how to make it myself, tea's great. I raise an eyebrow at Erics and Edwards curious stares, the cup clattering onto the plate.
"What?" I look between the two, I'm as confused as they are apparently. Eric only smiles and returns to sipping as his cup, while Edward raises his eyebrow in return.
"Not sure why I'm surprised you're getting along with her, but there you go." He says simply, going back to nursing his cup.
"What? That doesn't explain anything, the hell is that meant to mean?" I huff and glare at Edward, only intensifying it as he laughs.
"I'll tell you when you're older." He replies smugly. Eric seems to be enjoying the back and forth, polite and soft chuckles the only sound he's making.
"Wh- I'm an adult you shmuck! I'm probably as old as you are. And it's nothing adult to begin with, she's just a cat and cats are cute, go to hell Eddy." I feel my face burn, and I feel so exposed for whatever reason, I grumble into my tea as they continue to laugh at me. Pricks, the both of you, I swear.
"Now now, Zeke, it's a good thing that you and Kathrin are getting along, I for one am quite happy with it." Eric pipes up in a cheerful and light-hearted tone, though he has an almost mocking smile on his face, a teasing type of mocking I'd hope. I don't reply, but continue to chug down the tea, at least the heat from it warms my insides. Not exactly a breakfast, but I don't want to bother anyone with that.
"Oh yeah, did you ever find out what's up with Gerome and stuff? I don't recall seeing him at all yesterday." I ask as I look towards Edward, that's something I've forgotten about, we are kind of meant to be protecting them.
"As far as I know, they're still within the city doing business, though I believe they've since moved their wagons. Why do you ask?" He questions in return.
"No particular reason, just wondering I suppose." Neither of us pushes further, instead just enjoying the general quiet. I am somewhat worried about Gerome and Vector, though. They seemed kind of tense when Roderick showed up, I can't imagine how they feel being in a town with a Templar presence. Or how Gerome would feel anyways, no idea what goes through Vectors head, he's a strange man indeed. Edward seems to finish his cup, though, calling out to Kathrin and passing the crockery to her.
"Hey Fuzz, do you want to come into town with me? There's something I want to check." Edward offers me, which is surprising. It takes a while for the words to process in my mind, but I quickly scull the rest of the tea down before responding.
"Asking me on a date in front of people, Eddy boy? I didn't think you were so bold~" I poke my tongue out teasingly, chuckling in delight as he rubs the bridge of his nose, letting out an aggravated sigh.
"I changed my mind, I'm gonna kick your ass first and then drag you to town, happy?" I continue to smile smugly at him, which slowly fades. Is he serious?
"Wait, do you actually want to spar before going out?" I ask him with a tilted head. He doesn't actually respond, but rather just twists and briskly walks out of the door. I look to Eric who has an amused look on his face, then to Kathrin, who has a bemused look on her face in return. Oh wait, he's actually serious. I yelp and jump to my feet, I want to rush to the door, but I gently pass my plate and tea to Kathrin, apologising to her before running out of the house.
I guess that's a start to the day, stop moving so fast Edward, you bastard.
Authors note: I really ought to work on my chapter endings, especially for this one, but I want to get it out sooner rather than later, because there is some mildly important plot points here after all, just something to think about for you guys c:.
Have a good day, and stay safe.
EDIT 6/05/2020: Small light update from chapter 8 onwards, keidran basitin and human should no longer have capitalisation at all times, I was under the belief that it was needed at all times to do so because it's a race, but apparently not. It looks a little bit better too, imo