Erik watched the shadow in the doorway of the sauna, his instincts immediately on alert. Rae's voice would have been recognizable to him instantly. That wasn't his friend. Whatever was there sounded eerie and strange, and he leaned forward, preparing himself for any sudden movement.
The figure shifted closer through the steam, and Erik could hear Halden stirring uneasily behind him. Halden wasn't used to these kinds of situations, and Erik could tell he was just as unsure of what to do as he was. But the nineteen year old thief had always trusted his gut in moments like this, and so he moved slowly toward the figure, trying to get a better look.
Then, the steam parted enough for them to see clearly - a small, crying girl stood at the entrance. Her dark blue hair clung to her tear-streaked face from the steam, and she rubbed at her eyes with her little hands, dressed in a green tunic, a white undershirt and a pink skirt.
The sight of her hit Erik with a wave of guilt. He'd been ready for a threat, but it was just a kid who needed help. The shift in him was immediate. He relaxed his posture and walked over to her. Kneeling down, he lifted his facial expressions and looked at her.
"You gave us a bit of a fright there, kid," he said, his voice now gentle. "What are you doing in here?"
The girl sniffled, trying to hold back more tears. "I-I was waiting in the inn… gonna take a bath, but… but… never came back!" Her voice cracked, each word choked out between sobs. Erik exchanged a glance with Halden, who looked back equally empathetic.
"Sounds like she's lost someone." Erik said, the pieces falling into place. Then he stood up, realization dawning. "Wait, this must be the girl whose sister's been looking for her! C'mon, let's help her out."
Halden nodded quickly. "Yeah, we can't leave her alone here."
Erik turned his gaze back to the girl and softened his tone even further. "How about you dry your eyes and tell us your name, kid?"
She wiped her face with the back of her hand, her crying slowing down. "I'm…Connie," she mumbled in a small voice.
"Nice to meet you, Connie. I'm Erik," he said, offering her a reassuring smile. "How about you come with us? We'll help you find them, yeah?"
The girl's eyes lit up at his words, her sorrow lifting slightly. "Really? Thank you!" she replied, her voice already filled with hope.
Erik straightened up, feeling a bit of relief. "Stay with her for a second?" he said to Halden. "I'll go get Rae."
The boy looked a bit startled but smiled awkwardly down at Connie. "Uh, hi. I'm Halden," he said.
Erik couldn't help but smirk slightly as he watched. It was clear to him that Halden wasn't exactly a natural with kids. He made a mental note of the new fact before turning on his heel. He moved toward the exit of the sauna, knowing exactly where to find Rae.
He stepped outside onto the wooden deck at the back of the building. The air was cooler out here, though the distant rumble of the volcano seemed to heat the atmosphere from here. He turned to knock on the door to the women's sauna when he caught something to his left. There, leaning against the railing at the other end of the deck, was his partner in crime, Rae.
"Had enough of the steam already?" Erik asked casually, joining her at the edge of the balcony. He propped himself up on the railing beside her, looking out at the dark silhouette of the volcano looming in the distance.
She didn't turn to him, her gaze still fixed on the fiery mountain. "The volcano. It's pretty," she said in a soft, almost distant tone.
"Yeah, I guess. Not something you see back in Heliodor. Gotta admit though, I wouldn't wanna be here if it decides to blow," Erik said, eyeing the volcano's steady plume of smoke with mild unease.
Rae finally turned her gaze away from the distant peak. "Did Halden find his way to the sauna?" she asked, her tone more grounded now.
Erik nodded. "Yeah, but not for long. A lost little girl wandered in, crying her eyes out."
Rae's expression shifted quickly, her eyes widening with concern. "Is she alright?"
"She's upset but calm now," Erik assured her. "I came to get you so we can help her. Pretty sure this is the girl who was hanging around here earlier. The one in the red dress."
Rae's brow furrowed, and she immediately stepped away from the railing. "Let's not waste any time. I'll take her with me to the women's side, and we can meet up outside."
Erik nodded, following her back to the entrance of the sauna. As they reached the door, Rae hesitated for a moment, giving him a look of inquiry. Erik understood quickly.
"Don't worry," he said with a slight smirk. "We've got the place to ourselves."
She shot him a half-amused look before moving through the door, her focus quickly returning to the task at hand. Erik followed close behind, feeling the warmth of the sauna hit him again. It was time to get this kid back where she belonged.
When the sauna door opened, steam spilled out, dissolving into the cooler air. Erik led the way back inside, where Halden and Connie stood, right where he'd left them.
Rae wasted no time and walked up to the little girl, kneeling down to meet her at eye level, her usual calm and gentle demeanor kicking in. "Hi there. My name's Raeyla. What's your's?"
Connie blinked up at her, hesitant for a moment before muttering, "I'm Connie."
Erik joined Rae at her side, giving Connie a smile to help put her at ease. "This is my friend Rae, Connie. She's gonna hang out with you while we get changed. Then we'll help you out, ok?"
A small, fragile smile crept on Connie's face and she nodded. "Ok."
Rae stood and extended her hand, which Connie took willingly. As they walked toward the door, Erik could hear Connie's small voice. "You have a pretty name."
"Thank you! I really like Connie though." His friend replied as their voices trailed off into the distance, the door closing softly behind them.
With the girls gone, Erik turned to Halden. "Looks like our little break's over. Time to get back to work."
Halden gave a tired sigh. "Yeah… It was nice while it lasted."
Erik shot him a glance, feeling a bit bad for the kid. "Hey, if you want to stay here a bit longer, Rae and I can start looking for Connie's family. No rush."
But the young Luminary shook his head firmly. "No, I'll help you."
Erik shrugged, accepting that the boy wasn't willing to budge on the subject. "Alright then. Let's go."
They washed up and got dressed quickly, slipping back into their usual clothes before heading out to rejoin Rae and Connie at the front counter. Rae stood there, smiling down at Connie while the young girl laughed at something she said.
Erik approached with a half-smile. "All set?"
His friend glanced over to him, still smiling and gave a small nod.
Halden looked down to Connie, "How are you, Connie?" he asked a bit awkwardly.
Connie leaned more into Rae's leg, giving a shy now. "I'm ok." she whispered.
The brunette female looked over to Halden and offered a reassuring smile. "She's just a bit shy."
Halden nodded in understanding, but his gaze was quickly drawn back to Erik. Rae did the same.
"Alright then," Erik said with a grin, clapping his hands together lightly. "Operation save Connie continues."
The group set out into the town, heading toward the entrance where they had first entered. As they neared, Erik spotted a small figure dressed in red. It was the same girl they'd seen earlier, frantically searching for her sister.
"Gotcha" Erik said with a satisfied smile. But as they got closer, they noticed she was in the middle of a heated argument with a man wearing a bright yellow bull mask. Her voice was loud, cutting through the air with sharpness.
"I asked you a simple question - have you seen my sister or not?" the girl barked.
The man in the bull mask, though calm, sounded drained. "No, I haven't seen your sister, little girl. I've told you that already."
The girl huffed in frustration, turning away from the man. Erik took the opportunity to approach her with a smirk. "Well, well, what do you know? Looks like she's picking fights with everyone."
The girl let out an annoyed grunt. "Hmph! I wish they'd told me they only let complete pig-heads live in this stupid town before I bothered coming here!" she snapped. But as she turned, her expression softened when she saw Halden. "Oh! It's you!" she said, her tone suddenly brighter.
Erik stepped forward, motioning to Connie. "Hey good news! We found your kid sister!"
He turned to look at Connie, expecting some kind of reunion. But instead, Rae's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Erik, she's not-" she began, but the girl in red cut her off sharply.
"I don't know why you're looking so pleased with yourself. That's not my sister" she said, her tone cold and abrasive. "I've never seen this girl before in my life!"
The cyan-haired thief blinked, taken aback. "Huh?"
Connie fidgeted nervously, looking down at the ground. "I don't have any brothers or sisters..." she said quietly.
Realization dawned on Erik, and he felt a sting of embarrassment. Rae stepped in to clear things up. "She's missing her dad Erik."
Erik's shoulders slumped as he mentally kicked himself for not asking more questions earlier. The girl in red, however, wasn't about to let the moment pass quietly.
"Gosh, where do I start?" she said sarcastically. "Did you not think of - I don't know - maybe asking her who she was looking for instead of jumping to idiotic conclusions? Or how about even talking to your friend?" She crossed her arms, her words stinging. "How stupid can you be?"
Erik's jaw clenched, his temper flaring and his blood boiling at her insult. "Listen here, I'm not going to let a brat like you speak to me like that!" he shot back, his voice low.
The girl merely rolled her eyes and turned her back to him, unimpressed with his response. She addressed Halden and Rae instead, completely ignoring Erik. "I hate to point this out, but you don't have time to be standing there getting your knickers in a twist. You've got a daddy to find!"
Erik fought hard to keep his anger in check, trying to remember to breathe. Rae clearly didn't like the girl's attitude either, but somehow kept her composure. "Let's head to the bar," she suggested, looking at him and Halden, "Maybe someone's seen Connie's dad."
The thief exhaled sharply and nodded. Rae was right - finding Connie's dad was more important than dealing with this obnoxious girl.
But just as they began to walk away, the girl in red suddenly called out, "Hey wait! I want to talk to the owner of that bar, but I can't get in on my own. Can I come with you?"
He looked at her incredulously. After she just insulted him, she now wanted his help?
Halden looked uncertain, hesitant to respond, but Rae knew exactly what to say.
"Apologize first." she said calmly, though her voice carried a certain firmness. Connie leaned a bit more into her leg, as if hiding from the impending argument.
The brat in red blinked, clearly taken aback. "For what? Your friends' incompetence? I've nothing to apologize for." she retorted in her arrogant tone.
"You were rude to him." Rae responded, unwavering. "If you want my help, you'll apologize."
The little girl scoffed at her demand, crossing her arms and sticking her nose in the air. "Fine! I don't need your help anyway. I'll ask for Halden's."
His friend continued to stand her ground "Your only hope of getting in that bar is by apologizing."
Halden opened his mouth to speak, but Rae's sharp glance silenced him. She wasn't about to let this slide. Erik watched, impressed by her resolve.
After a moment of recognition, she let out a frustrated growl, "I don't have time for this! My sister could be in danger and you're being petty."
Rae's eyes narrowed slightly. "For someone who's little sister is missing, you seem to be fairly content with chasing away any help you can get."
The brat let out an exasperated yell, drawing the attention of townsfolk around them. Erik watched the exchange with a growing sense of satisfaction. Rae was handling this perfectly, and seeing the brat struggle against Rae's unflinching resolve was incredibly amusing.
After her tantrum, she stared at Rae for a long moment, her lips twisting in irritation. Finally, she muttered, "I wasn't aware that you and your friend would be so ridiculously sensitive"
"It's not about being sensitive." The older girl said evenly. "You shouldn't be rude to people."
The blonde's eyes flared. "And what do you think you're doing? Holding me back from finding my sister?"
Rae didn't flinch in her response. "I responded with what you gave us. Had you been nice, or even said sorry, you would have gotten the basic respect you failed to give him. You just don't like the consequences of your actions."
The silence that followed was tense. Erik could feel Halden fidgeting next to him, anxious about how this would play out. Connie clung to Rae's side, still finding comfort in Rae's presence. Erik, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the scene.
Finally, the little girl in red threw her hands up in frustration. "Fine! Take your stupid apology!" she snapped, her tone filled with bitterness.
Rae looked over to Erik, silently asking if the half-hearted apology would suffice. Erik knew it wasn't much, but he wasn't about to push for more. He sighed and gave a small shrug. She nodded in return.
Erik took it as a cue to step forward, finally breaking his silence. "We'll help you get into the bar."
The blonde's face shifted from anger to joy, her mood swinging as soon as she got what she wanted. "Finally! Let's go then, shall we?" she declared, practically bouncing ahead towards the bar.
Rae, Connie, and Erik moved to follow her. Erik shot a glance over his shoulder to check on Halden, who trailed just behind him, looking a bit lost in thought.
When Erik's eyes met his, Halden sighed and whispered, "Raeyla's kind of scary sometimes."
Erik couldn't help but laugh. "She can be a bit protective. It comes in handy when people are trying to scam us." He remembered that time with the fence trying to swindle them out of their hard-earned gold.
As they walked, the girl fell back to walk beside Rae. She tilted her head up at Rae with curiosity. "So, what's your name?" she asked, her tone less confrontational but still demanding.
"Raeyla," Rae replied, her voice more relaxed now. "Yours?"
"Veronica." the girl said proudly, before glancing back at Erik with narrowed eyes. "And you?"
"Erik," he muttered, not putting much effort into the introduction. He wasn't going to warm up to her just yet - her attitude still rubbed him the wrong way.
Veronica then looked around Rae, trying to peek at Connie, who was sticking close to Rae's side. "And you, little one? What's your name?"
"I'm Connie," the girl replied softly, her grip tightening on his friend's hand. She didn't seem too interested in talking to Veronica, and Erik suppressed a grin at the way Connie kept her distance.
They reached the door to the bar, and Veronica fell back behind Erik as they entered. Halden stayed with her, while Connie continued to cling to Rae.
The moment they entered, a cheerful voice greeted them. "Welcome to our inn. A safe haven in life's storm. Come and make merry." the red-headed bartender called out with a warm smile. However, his expression faltered when he noticed Veronica.
"Warnings unheeded. The fish returns to the tree. What can deter her?" He chided, ready to kick her out once more.
Erik stepped forward, leaning casually on one leg with his arms crossed against his chest, blocking the man's view of Veronica with a challenging grin. "She's with us. Do you have a problem with that?"
The bartender paused, recognition evident in his features. "Understanding dawns: The fish has a chaperone. She is welcome here" His conceded, stepping back to let them enter.
Without missing a beat, Veronica dashed past Erik and hopped onto a barstool. But not before pausing to stick her tongue out at the bartender. "No one's sitting here, are they? Service, if you please!" she said, tapping her hand on the counter with the confidence of someone far older than she looked.
The rest of the group followed, Rae helping Connie settle into a seat next to Erik while she stood behind them, keeping a watchful eye. Halden sat down on Veronica's left.
An elderly man approached Veronica with a calm presence. "A fearsome young pup. Perhaps tea will soften her - A fine warming brew." he offered in a soft, and poetic voice.
The blonde waved off the suggestion with impatience. "That sounds lovely, but I don't have time for tea, I'm afraid. I'm looking for someone. There's a girl called Serena. Blonde hair looks a lot like me. Have you seen her?" she asked quickly, her words urgent.
The thief listened intently, filing away the name and description. He tried to recall if he'd seen anyone like that, but nothing came to mind.
The bartender's face brightened with recognition. "Serena…. Yes, now I recall! The young girl sought her sister, But left without joy," he recited, his voice thoughtful.
The girl's face lit up in excitement. She leaned across the bar, nearly tipping over her stool. "That'll be her! Did she say where she was going?"
The older man paused, stroking his chin as he recalled. "Westward she wandered. Sensing her sister, she said… Guided by voices." he said with a knowing nod.
Veronica leaped up from her seat, her hands slamming on the counter. "Westward!? Oh, the idiot must have gone to help me! And I was already back here!" She groaned and slumped back into her chair, frustration clear on her face.
Erik shared a quick glance with Rae. It was easy to see that despite her demanding and insulting nature, Veronica genuinely cared about her sister. He found himself softening towards her, if only a little.
She spun around in her chair to face the group, her usual arrogance replaced by a solemn tone. "I was kidnapped, you see. I was in the bath house when some monsters attacked me. They took me off to their lair. I managed to escape, so I came back to find Serena, but it looks like now she's gone to try and rescue me!" She hopped off the chair.
Erik shot a glance at Rae, who wore a sympathetic expression. He could tell she felt compelled to help. They'd been through enough scrapes together that he could sense her decision before she even voiced it. One quick glance at Halden revealed that the younger man looked just as concerned, his brow furrowed with quiet empathy.
"Right, you lot," Veronica began, planting her hands on her hips. Her previously solemn tone was replaced with a determined one. "You're no ordinary travellers - anyone with eyes can see that. I don't have time to explain all the ins and outs of it right now, but I need you to help me go and find my sister. Are you in?"
Erik looked to his friend, waiting for her cue. He noticed the subtle glance she gave Connie and knew she'd have reservations about leaving the girl behind without reuniting her with her dad. She wouldn't make a move until Connie was taken care of - that much he was sure of.
Halden, still new to their unspoken understanding, approached them quietly. "I think we should help her," he said, his soft voice barely audible in the noisy bar.
"I agree," Rae replied, her tone resolute. "But I'm not leaving Connie alone."
"Let's try asking the bartender," Erik suggested. "Maybe he knows."
Rae nodded, her expression softening at Erik's practicality. Halden seemed a bit torn but ultimately deferred to Rae's decision.
Rae kneeled down beside Connie and spoke in a soft voice. "Connie, can you tell us what your dad looks like? We're gonna ask around to see if anyone knows him."
"He has short dark blue hair, like mine," Connie replied, her voice hopeful. "And he wears a grey and green shirt."
"Dark blue hair you say?" Veronica suddenly interjected. "I think I know where your dad might be."
"Really? Where?" Halden asked.
She nodded at him sharply. "The monsters that took me managed to nab someone else too. He had dark blue hair, just like Connie said."
Rae exchanged a look with Erik, and they both nodded. She was ready to help now that there was also a lead on Connie's father. Halden, seeing their silent agreement, turned to the blonde. "Of course, we'll help you find her and Connie's dad." He said.
Veronica's face lit up with triumph. "I knew you wouldn't let me down!" she exclaimed.
Connie, now realizing what was happening, tugged at Rae's sleeve. "Are you leaving? I want to come with you!"
Before Erik could step in, Veronica beat him to it. "Sorry, you're staying put! But don't worry, we'll find your dad for you. So be a good little girl til we get back!"
Erik raised an eyebrow at the blonde, baffled by her repeated comments toward Connie, especially considering that Veronica was still a child herself. Connie huffed but reluctantly nodded, allowing Rae to lead her back to the bartender.
Erik leaned down toward Veronica, his tone half-serious, half-teasing. "You do realize you're a little girl too, right? You sure you're going to be able to keep up?"
The girl's violet eyes narrowed instantly, her face twisting back into that annoyed scowl she showed at the village's entrance.
"Who do you think you're talking to?" Veronica shot back, her voice full of confidence. "Veronica, sage of Arboria and mighty magician, can keep up with riff-raff like you any day!"
Erik snorted but let her have the last word. He was more amused than angry. She was all buster and pride, but something told him she'd be useful. Still, her cocky attitude grated on him. "I'm more worried about you slowing me down, if I'm completely honest." she added, making his anger rise again slightly. He chose not to say anything though, as he didn't want to continue arguing with the child.
Instead, he turned his focus to Rae, who had returned at that moment, patting Connie gently on the head. "The bartender agreed to watch over Connie until we return," she said, clearly relieved to have that worry settled.
"Good." Erik gestured at Veronica. "Apparently, we've got the 'mighty magician of Arboria' with us." He couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips.
The brunette girl looked past him, eyeing Veronica with a raised brow. "Really?" Her voice filled with skepticism.
Veronica puffed out her chest proudly. "That's right!" she declared. "And don't you forget it."
Rae exchanged an amused glance with Erik and Halden, but said nothing more. There wasn't much choice in the matter anyway - they'd need Veronica to guide them to the lair.
With everyone ready, the group gathered near the entrance of the bar. Veronica led the way, eager to get moving. "Right" she announced. "Let's head west, shall we? The monsters' lair is a giant underground labyrinth out that way. I'm pretty sure we'll find Serena in there somewhere. The entrance is on the coast."
As the group prepared to leave, Veronica paused suddenly and turned back to Halden. Her gaze hardened, and her voice dropped to a more serious tone. "I know exactly who you are," she said, her eyes narrowing at him this time. "Don't let me down."
Erik frowned, unsettled by the sudden shift in her demeanor. What did she mean by that? He exchanged a confused glance with Halden, who looked equally bewildered. Something about Veronica's words gnawed at him, but for now, they had bigger problems to deal with.
With the mystery hanging over them, Erik followed Veronica out of the bar, his mind already shifting focus to the task ahead. They'd have to face whatever dangers awaited in that labyrinth - and whatever secrets Veronica was hiding.