Secret Library

Seeing that this IS a castle and all, of course it's bound to have knights... and the spirits that remained were either influenced by the dark energy of the land or just couldn't release themselves from living entanglements. That was explained to Karnus, and the knight quickly turned away.

"I'm sorry! I guess you wouldn't understand!" His arm was brought up to his face, no doubt wiping his face. "I... I just got something in my eye! But I can take down any monsters or ghosts if needed be!"

The sage frowned. He did not regret his decision for them to stay inside the castle; the current terrain they journeyed was arduous (due to the rocky, uneven ground) and dangerous (the beasts are more aggressive), additional to the fact that a dark sorceress is on their heels... This 'pilgrimage' was proving to be more difficult as days passed. 

After the Time Goddess was slain, darkness was ushered into this world. Humans now lived in a dark, ruthless age of tyranny and despair. However, every darkness lies a slither of hope: there are tales of a frozen hero lay hidden in the Time Goddess Temple, people believed that the hero would one day arise and free the world from darkness. Sadly, no one could testify to the truth of these tales as the temple is now at one of the most dangerous continent... The one that the sage and knight are journeying to.

Still, it was the first time he saw that idiotic knight being all emotional. Foolish of him to be, when they're currently in a dangerous situation. Was Karnus up to the task of protecting him?

"Karnus.”

The knight sobbed in return.

"Karnus!"  The sage grasped the knight's arm fiercely and shook him, causing the knight to face him with teary eyes, running nose and confusion written on his face. "Are you going to lose to knights who have no one left to protect?"

Perhaps the knight was right, he would not understand. Ever since his journey had started, he could only feel numbness and desperation. Sorrow, anger, most emotions felt so distant; he wouldn't be able to empathize with Karnus’ sorrow. 

However, the Knights’ Codes of Chivalry revolved around the importance of giving oneself to the safety of their charge, and knights like Karnus take their Code seriously. Indeed, realization dawned upon the knight, and his sorrow had turned into slow, steely determination. 

“None shall harm you under my watch!” Karnus banged his fist on his own armored chest. Yes, his knight has returned.

"Night is descending upon us," the sage continued, releasing the knight from his grasp. "The haunts would be restless, I have a spell that could appease them, but it would take more time to cast as usual. I need your cooperation."

Her enemy, a knight had probably never seen her kind before as he turned to the companion beside him. "O Sage," he said. "Water... Water is leaking out from her wounds."

"A water nymph's body is made up of water," His companion replied unfazed. "Though this one is indeed rare."

"Rare?"

"The blood of Deity flows in this one's veins."

"HUH!?"

"Do you not see the crystal embedded on her forehead? This is how you distinguish a Deity from Nymph Queens... or any living beings for any matter."

"Oooh," The knight seemed to have come upon a surprising revelation. "No wonder she was more difficult to defeat compared to the others."

"This would be troublesome... If that sorceress, Nymphea, could even control a Deity Water Queen... I daresay, our journey would become even more difficult."

Nymphea... That lady who entrapped her mind? And a human sorceress as well? How could this be... She thought she heard the call of someone she'd once known, and that's why she had lowered her barriers and heeded to the call... Only to be fall into a trap like this, it wasn't... fair...

Her breath was heavy, yet thinning; she was dying. So quiet... The sound of waves seemed so close... its splashes, like a whisper that promised peace... Yes, she would join her Sisters soon... Just a little longer...

"O Sage, she's mumbling something."

"Shh, quiet."

Her lips quivered as she uttered those words:

"O dearest waves... I return to whence I came...

To heavens and earth... I shall give you my name...

My name... my true name is Tethys...

Mother of rivers, streams, fountains and clouds...

I shall return to the sea of spirits..."

Her body was bathe in warm, and she opened her golden eyes, looking at her once-enemies and smiled.

"... To home"

With that, she dispersed into the air as thousands of bubbles, finally free from any entanglements of this world. She giggled-- her voice lost in the wind-- as she became one with splashing waves of the sea. 

 --- ---

Karnus looked at the sage in shocked. "What was THAT!?"

The sage returned his gaze calmly. "Words of parting. When a Deity is about to... return home, they make amends with sky and land by revealing their identity."

Karnus digested his words with a frown. "So, it's like... they're introducing themselves only when they're saying goodbye? That's kind of weird..."

A rare smile formed on the sage's lips. "Indeed, it is."

Karnus sighed in relief when he heard those words from the sage's lips. The duo had been traveling for some time, and there were less breaks today compared to the previous as the current terrain is flat and packed with aggressive monsters, with little to no place for respite. No doubt the sage was tired as well, being forced to cast that Spell of Destruction several times a day; Karnus noticed he was relying heavily on his staff to walk.

"Good idea, O great sage!" He replied, placed the rucksacks down and dutifully walked off to hunt pieces of wood for fire.

Few hours later, they had the fire running and meat roasting. All done by Karnus. Life as a knight would always be tough, but that was only because Karnus was too simple-minded to realized he was being used. But then again, Karnus treated almost everything as knightly chores: making fire, cooking... making traps as quietly as he could... serve as the sage's meat shield, leading the sage to safety... Yes, these were the common chores, things he had to do everyday. He was used to it, and he was proud of it. He was doing it all in the name of a knight after all. He was both heroic and foolish, but otherwise happy to do what the sage wanted.

That evil sorceress Nymphea kept calling him an idiot but, Karnus frowned, what's wrong with him serving the sage? Sure, he was willing, but surely anyone would be for a person who saved his/her life? It was the sage who revived him from the dead when he found him at the castle ruins. According to (what he remembered of) the Chivalry Code, Karnus' life would belong to the sage from then on, and he served him willingly. If the sage didn't want to reveal his name, he would happily call him 'O sage' or 'O great sage' or 'O mighty sage' or whatever that comes to mind. If the sage ordered him to protect him throughout the journey, he would (and happily too). If the sage asked him to get that herb across the rapid river, he would happily swim across and back with the herb (oh, he's strong enough to do that, alright). If the sage asked him to distract the dragon while he cast his Spell of Destruction, he would happily do so (by offering himself as dragon bait; he suffered burns but recovered within a day). If the sage truly believed their journey would end the Age of Darkness and usher world peace, then he would happily follow and protect him from harm (even though he didn't know what's their destination... the sage mentioned something about last resort in the cave, what was that again?).

"Karnus!"

"Hm?" The knight snapped out of his reverie and faced his charge. "Yes, O sage?"

The sage frowned, and Karnus realized he was trying to hand him the charred-lizard-on-stick. "The meat is ready. What's up with you?"

"Oh, just thinking, that's all," He accepted the food. "Thanks."

"Really, Karnus?" The sage raised an eyebrow and smirked, though not unkindly. "The questions you've asked and the things you do... There are times I believe you don't think at all."

"Death must have befuddled my mind!" He exclaimed dramatically.

"Are you sure your mind isn't addled before death?" It didn't take long for the sage to finish two sticks. "Anyways, I'd suggest you to rest early. We had a pretty arduous day, and tomorrow would be the same as well. We'd be safe as long as we remain inside the magic circle."

Now that the sage mentioned it, Karnus realized they were actually within a pentagram. At that, he saluted, "I will after I made some traps!"

The sage nodded. "As diligent as ever. I'm turning in for the night."

"G'night, o sage! Rest well!" He exclaimed, and grinned sheepishly when the sage threw him an irritated glance. He knew he was too loud, but he couldn't help it. 

By the time Karnus was done with eating, the sage was sound asleep. The knight took out his trap-making tools from the rucksack. The weather was getting colder, there would be less beast and birds; he would not have to prepare scarecrows or meats. There were plenty of rocks, so a bomb or nail traps may be useful. Perhaps a wooden fence, in case Ragua appeared again... After he was done with the traps, he had a feeling that he still had plenty of hours to go, which means more rest for him.

... Was it really safe? Perhaps he should stay awake and stand guard. Yes, he nodded to himself, perhaps he should-

"What... are you doing?"

His eyes widened as he turned and met the sage's stern gaze. "O mighty sage! I'm... standing guard, sir!"

"Didn't I say we'd be safe as long as we remain inside the magic circle?"

"Monsters could still step inside, sir!"

The sage sighed. "Monsters couldn't. I made sure the circle was perfectly drawn because I know we would be tired today."

"But-"

"Sleep. Now." That was a tone of finality, a tone that allowed no further discussion lest 'accidents' would happen.

"Yes, sir!" He happily obliged and crashed onto the ground with a loud -thump!-.

The sage shook his head. "Karnus, there is a fine line between diligence and obsession with your Codes of Chivalry."

___

The castle was recently reduced into ruins.

The young man knew that much because he witnessed that sinister dark smog withdrew from the terrible wreckage in which that kingdom had once stood proudly. Dark clouds hung on the sky, as if marking the ominous occasion. He thought it would rain, but the clouds only dispersed slowly. Weak light shone through the cracks between clouds, reflecting on the shiny surface of his golden staff he used as a support when he was tired. The place was in a horrible, devastating state that perhaps, a long time ago, he would have felt sorrow and pity. He would have felt something. But now... In this era of darkness, the sight of death is too common that even he turned jaded.

Slowly and carefully, he navigated his way through the piles of rubble and dust; through pools of blood and scattered limbs. Wind began to pick up, carrying the scent of blood to the mountains. There was no doubt that beasts of nature would find their way to this ruins and feast on the dead soon. Such is cycle of nature... However, that would mean he had only until dusk to finish his search. He didn't hold much expectations since most of the corpses were either too disfigured or incomplete. Merciless-- as expected from the Lord who started that era...

"Goddess..." It was no use calling out for the Powers Up There, but he still did it out of old habit. There was this strong acrid stench in this town, no doubt from whatever deathly spells that was used to eradicate this kingdom. It made his eyes hurt, so he closed his eyes. He thought of the reason he begun this journey, those months of solitude... "I'm weary. Assistance is truly appreciated, especially when the path from here on would get even more difficult... Please..."

He opened his eyes and caught a glint from the side. It came from a slanted metal helmet, half-buried under piles of bricks. He narrowed his eyes and went to investigate. Apparently, the helmet belonged to dead knight. He couldn't see his face, but he raked those bricks and rubbles away, quickening his actions when he realized that this corpse was fairly intact: no missing limbs, no terrifying burns or disfigures... Just dry blood from the wound on his chest which a spear protruded. Hope began to grow in him as he cleared the area around him and the corpse, not even caring slightly when rocks and glass shards cut and tore his hands. He could never explain miracles, but he wasn't going to let it waste.

About an hour later, the knight lay on the ground in the middle of a pentagram he created. His short dark hair and white robes were covered in soot and his bloody hands began to ache. Gently, he took off the knight's helmet, placing it beside the corpse's head and appraised the sight before him. Broad stature, calloused hands... This was no greenhorn, at least, though he looked on his late twenties. There was a tiny slash on his left cheek, a battle scar? Dusk was approaching, this knight would have to do.

Placing a hand on the wound and another on top with his long staff, he began to murmur long strings of incantation. A soft light began to formed in his palm, spreading towards the still body and enveloping it completely. When the light died, the wound was gone. The body stirred, causing him to quickly withdraw his arm. Hazel-brown eyes soon greeted him, blinking once. Twice. Thrice.

"Is this Paradise?" The knight sat up, looking around blankly before turning to him.

He shook his head and replied, "No, welcome back to the land of living. It was I who called you back to this world."

"Huh?" The knight scratched his golden blonde hair. "What happened? What's going on here?"

"You have woke up to the era of darkness, which begins when the Time Goddess is slain down by the Dark Lord a hundred of years ago," It would have made an impressive speech if the young man didn't said it all in a monotonous voice. "However, there are prophecies of a Hero's return... except said Hero is held in a deep slumber inside the Goddess of Time's temple."

The knight still looked blank. "U... Huh?"

"To cut the long story short, I'm a sage and I'm on a pilgrimage," He said. "I resurrected you because I need your service."

"O... Ohh!" The knight's eyes widened as he broke into a silly grin, hitting a fist on a palm. "I remember now. I'm a knight!"

"Yes, yes you are..." The sage frowned, wondering if he got his spell right. "I certainly hope you remember how to-"

"O great sage! Thank you for saving my life!" The knight's eyes glittered as he bowed before him. "I, Karnus, am in your debt! You need not ask for my service, for my life is rightfully yours!"

The sage raised an eyebrow. This was going easier than he thought, but... "Karnus, is it? Do you even remember what happened before?"

The knight, Karnus, frowned. "... Not really, I can't remember anything about my life before except that I'm a knight... And knights must protect."

The sage nodded. "Very well, then you shall began your first job as a knight."

Karnus' expression was almost like a child's. "Really? What's my first job?"

A low growl was emitted. Apparently, the beasts have found their way to the town.

The sage stood up with his staff's help. "I need you to protect me from the beasts while I cast my mighty Spell of Destruction.”

"Oh, okay!"

"It takes a while to cast. Until then, keep me safe."

"Aye, O Sa- Uhh, what should I call you?"

The sage hesitated, and shrugged. "Just call me whatever you're calling me now."

Two frothy mugs clinked together to celebrate the occasion.

Three gulps were all it took to finish their beer.

“For Autumnroot!” Malcolm had always been boisterous and loud, and this day was no different: he slammed down his empty mug (in his kingdom’s name) and roared orders for more.

“Five years, it has been. Never changed, you have,” Nelson said with a smirk, “that you would be the high general of Autumnroot, one is hard to imagine.”

“Six years, and you haven’t change either, still talking in that accursed fashion. It’s surprising that no one has cut off your tongue yet,” Malcolm quipped in good cheer, wiping his mouth. “So, you joined a mercenary band? What’s it called?”

“Seventh Circle, it is called,” his friend replied. “One of the best, it is… Uh, Malcolm, clutching your stomach, why are you?”

“Ache… Stomachache…” The general gasped, his face becoming pale and drawn. His body swayed. “The beer…”

“Nine mugs without a problem, you usually downed…” The mercenary grasped the general’s shoulder to steady him, though his tone remained lighthearted. “Reach your limit, have you?”

Ten seconds did not even pass when Malcolm slouched onto the table, blood trickled at the edge of his lips.

Nine minutes later, Nelson found himself looking after Malcolm in a room. Upon learning of his friend’s identity, the tavern keeper promptly found them a room and a healer.

“Eight Gol-” Mott– the tavern keeper– then shook his head at the mercenary’s askance of price. “Forget it, I know the general. He’s a good man, done us a lot of good.”

“Seven days of rest, he needs at least!” the healer clucked her tongue. “You are quick, sir knight. The poison in his drink is quite potent; any later and we would have lost him. O Goddess bless, who would want to take the general’s life?” It was a question that could not be answered. And soon, Nelson was left alone in peace with a very unconscious and bedridden Malcolm.

Six years… had it been that long already? Life as a mercenary knight was tough, but it seemed incomparable to his friend the high general. The weight of the kingdom lay heavily on Malcolm’s shoulders, it was evident on the strands of grey hair and new wrinkles.

Five gold bars were offered in exchange for his friend’s life. High General Malcolm was a force to reckon with that conspirators sought to kill him, believing that his death would lead to Autumnroot’s downfall. Life was harsh for Nelson; he needed that money. His family was starving, his wife was sick, his children hungry… To be honest, he was jealous of Malcolm the ace student. Malcolm, the honorary knight. Malcolm, who was always better than him… Malcolm, clumsy, boisterous yet lovable Malcolm who saved his life during the bandit’s raid, who shielded him from bullies’ assault… No, in the end, he could not hurt Malcolm at all. He could not hurt his only friend. He could not even go through with the poisoning… He… could just stab this unconscious man and get over with it, but he… he… could not.

Four hours he sat motionless by his friend, until dusk became night.

Trees rustled outside the window, and it was not because of the wind. Nelson unsheathed his sword and smiled at the irony; once his friend’s poisoner, now he became his guardian… could he even be considered a ‘friend’?

To think that their reunion would end up like this…

…

Young "... And I could see the scorn in their eyes because they thought I'm just a kid, but y'know what? I'm going to be the best and show 'em that no one messes with Gary Fair!" Gary pumped his fist up to show his determination, and Alphonse raised an eyebrow; they were only six and he has decided to be a soldier already?

Blur It happened so quickly; at first, the beast was snarling before her, and then it disappeared —tackled down by Alphonse— in a flash, and then she was in Gary's arms, and that was when she knew she was safe and sound.

Attention After saving Imogen from wild beasts for the umpteenth time, Alphonse — while watching Gary giving his little sister a furious lecture — wondered if she was actually doing it on purpose just to get her brother's attention.

Wrong "There is nothing wrong in showing weakness," Alphonse said when he found Howard at the playground, trying to assess the injuries he sustained from his merciless drunkard of a father, and quickly hiding them when he heard someone approaching.

Gentle Everyone thought Gary was plain stupid when he provoked Howard into fighting him— even though the Insane Bull was obviously in a bad mood today— but not Alphonse, because he knew what he would found later in the field: Howard, his barriers worn down by the fight, trembling on the ground, and Gary wiping his tears away, comforting him with such unbelievably profound gentleness.

Hide Howard could never hide his pain and frustrations from Gary and Alphonse, because the former would force him to spill the beans, and the latter just... knew.

Wall His walls crumbled when Gary said these very words to him, "You are who you are, so what does it matter if your old man's a stupid old drunk? You're not him."

History No one dares dares picked on the 'bull' ever since Gary issued a warning ("A word of insult and I'll make a history out of you!") and proved his seriousness by, well, making a history out of those who snickered at Howard.

Cool Maybe most of the kids think he's brash and silly, but the younger ones usually idolize Gary; ever since he fought with the Insane Bull, things seemed to became more peaceful and content, and that was what inspired Imogen to fight.

Change The forgery was the only place he could clear his mind and reflected himself, and Howard marvelled how he himself had changed throughout the years; his temper wasn't as explosive as before, he was no longer alone... and he found a reason to live.

Motion Howard realized that life is never dull when he's with Gary and Alphonse, simply because both of them can never seem to sit still; one moment, they would be climbing up a steep hill, and the next, they would be hiding in the shed with Mrs. Brown's chickens.

Need Sometimes Howard would wonder if he was actually needed by his friends —Alphonse and Gary managed well without him before— but Gary would always assure him that they do because no one in this town would be patient enough to put up with them.

One "But it's just this once!" Imogen pouted when Gary declined her request (for the umpteenth time) to follow them on a trip, and Howard had to stifle a laughter when he realized how similar their expressions are.

Hold Howard had a firm grip on Alphonse's arm, and Alphonse knew that— after he made the mistake of slipping on the mud twice— his arm would never be free until they reach the top of the hill.

Now "Seize the day, right?" Howard sighed, knowing that he could never stop the duo from going on a dangerous trek; Gary grinned, knowing that their influence is sinking into the 'bull'.

King They were on top of the cliff and the world was at their feet, unrolling like a tapestry—Gary wished Howard would think of that and not how they would fall to their deaths if they were not careful.

Mad “Come on, off the edge of that cliff, the three of us!” Gary urged; his friends knew there won’t be any going back when it takes them more than three seconds to say no, even if it is a long way down, and they could get into a lot of trouble, to say the least.

Safe The pain on his left leg was excruciating— he truly deserved it for not heeding Howard's warning— and they were lost in the forest, but Gary was not afraid; his friends' presence was a comfort, and he knew everything would turn out right in the end.

Wait Imogen hated waiting because Gary and his friends always take so long but she did not mind as long as Gary brought something back for her (and he always did).

Soul Reflecting back, Alphonse was glad that his soul bested the demon's years ago or he would not be exploring areas with Gary and Howard.

Power Maybe he was far from getting over his nightmares, but Alphonse knew that his friends provided him the strength to fight on.

Fool "We live in Vesperia, we speak Vesperian; what other letters can we find here, mate?" Gary replied, and Alphonse was relieved to hear nothing but pure lightheartedness in his friend's tone; town folks often mocked on him for his illiteracy.

Learn Howard always offer to teach Alphonse how to read, knowing that the farmer-to-be would not be able to concentrate if Gary was the one teaching him.

Fortune "Running a farm can earn me a fortune; it happens in a game!" Even Howard could not help rolling his eyes at Alphonse's statement.

Thousand Gary could not understand how Alphonse could tell which of the tomatoes were ripe; they all look the same to him.

Picture It wasn't hard to guess what Imogen wants; childish drawings scattered on her room, depicting four 'adventurers' venturing through exotic jungles and dangerous-looking caves.

Bother Gary often complained how his little sister was 'nothing but trouble', but his friends knew just how precious little Imogen is to him.

Eye Imogen did not know that, but Gary secretly loves his sister's eyes; they are as beautiful like emeralds, as proud as a lione- kitten.

Ghost "If you listen carefully, you can hear the cries of the spirits in the wind," Gary said, purposefully raising the volume of his voice, and grinned when he heard a soft shriek behind a tree; Imogen was secretly following them again.

Never Gary often complained that Imogen is as stubborn as a mull; Howard was swift to retort that Gary never listens too.

Wash She could never lie that she had not follow Gary and his friends into the swamp; his brother would always caught her washing her dirty shoes at midnight.

Command Gary expressed— to his friends— that he never really liked Jack because that boy was a bit controlling, in which Alphonse replied— with amusement in his tone— that Jack's behavior was so similar to a certain boy whose surname is Fair.

Book "May I have a look at the novel you're reading?" Howard asked Lina, trying his hardest not to look embarrassed; so what if a big guy like him has a soft spot for the romance genre?

Sing “I could do a lot better than than that,” Gary told his friends over a bottle of drink, throwing an bore-filled glance at Kana who was performing on the makeshift stage, “but don’t tell anybody I said that or they’ll make me wear her dress to prove it.”

Last When the last meat was on the platter, friendship no longer mattered... at least, until a clear winner gets the meat, and then things would just get back to normal.

Stop They sat up late together and counted the fixed stars, because that was the only time there is to stay still and let everything be.

Torn It was a difficult decision—his family and friends, or the militia— and the answer was obvious, but Gary also knew that the militia may be the only way to reunite his family as a whole even though the probability is low; he hoped they know that his choice pained him as well.

Sudden Gary's decision may seemed out of nowhere, but only Imogen knew how long it had taken him to thought of it; his restless nights told all.

Vision “I'm gonna become the youngest soldier ever, and I'm going to work my hardest to learn everything, rise through the ranks, and keep our to- our country safe... And maybe then, I will know why my father had chosen this path, and maybe... just maybe... I can find him, if he's still alive.”

Shadow The habit of chasing one's shadow must have run in the family, Howard thought, because while Gary is chasing after his father's shadow, Imogen is tailing behind his.

Harm He knew he could not protect his sister forever, and that was why he allowed her to tagged along to their 'adventures' when he received his date of departure.

Goodbye Despite what Gary had said ("Hey, don't say goodbye; say I'll see you again!), Howard still bade him goodbye; not to say that he did not trust his friend's words, but because he had a feeling that, even when Gary returns, things will never be the same again.

Naked When Gary left town with the soon-to-be soldiers, he was surprised to feel so... exposed; no more Alphonse to stay by his side, no more Howard to 'mother' him, no more Imogen to tag along— he was truly alone.

Time Time flies when you're having fun, Howard realized, because time seemed to have slowed down after Gary left.

Drive He often wondered if his father was a motivation enough for him to to continue, and every time he would came to the same conclusion: even if it wasn't, he still have to continue fighting for the sake of Imogen and his friends.

God Like most typical teenagers, Imogen was not religious... Yet, there were times she could not help but pray that the Powers That Be would just knock some sense into her brother and make him come home.

Precious When Gary thought he could not make it, he would closed his eyes and drew strength from his cherished memories; that was what kept him from giving up, that was what that matters.

Hunger With Howard's help, Alphonse calculated that there should be enough vegetables to last through the season but, somehow, he could not shake the feeling that something— or rather, someone— is missing...

My earliest memory was one of darkness, in a cramped, dingy little place that was both my home and my prison. I wasn’t alone since there were three others with me. But they weren’t ideal companions, two always had their eyes closed, perpetually sleeping, another was always staring at the wall with wide unblinking eyes. Neither of them could ever answer my barrage of questions nor humour me when I attempted to start a conversation. All of them smell bad, but I was too polite to complain about the overwhelming stench. Maybe they were shy of how they smell, that’s why they didn’t want to speak to me.

The first feeling I had was fear, then not too long after that, it was hunger and thirst. I was unable to move my legs and my tummy felt utterly rotten. The sounds of my mewing could barely escape my parched throat. It was cold, so cold that I curled into a ball, trying to warm myself up, before the world burst into a dazzling bright light suddenly, causing me to close my eyes. Yet I heard a voice from above.

When I slowly opened my eyes, struggling to look through the piercing light, I saw a gigantic creature that looked very much different from my silent companions and I. I would later know that this was a human being. But being few days old then, I had no knowledge of humans, just sheer relief that I was liberated from the box that was my prison.

I was lifted up gently by this enormous creature, her skin was rough but her touch was warm. As I looked up at her I saw tell-tale wrinkles that showed many a year the woman had gone through, and then thin, curly hair clustered around the creature’s head like a bird nest. Large lips curled into a smile as she made cooing noises that sounded comforting. And in her aged hazel brown eyes, I saw a reflection of myself — a simple black cat.

I mewed. The woman laughed. And everything happened in a blur. Next thing I knew, I was sitting before a platter full of milk.

This human being, I later learn, is known as a maid, or yong ren and kakak in some household; a female employed in domestic service to perform typical domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing, taking care of children and other-like services. It was said that some of these creatures are actually quite fearsome and would hit our type with a broom for no apparent reason at all if they see us.

Another of those ‘human’ creatures joined us as I was lapping milk from the plate. This one, based on her size, is younger than the one before; a child. Her black eyes shone with innocence and naivety, her light colour skin a contrast to the woman’s darker one. The glossy hair that framed her cherubic face had the same colour as my fur. Black as coal. Black as night. Black as soot. She did not touch me, but she seemed to enjoy looking at me.

This creature...the others like her would call her 'May'. So that is what I started calling her, though she never seemed to realise it. Though I had a name for her, she had none for me, thus I remained a nameless cat.

Nameless and without an owner, I often returned to their garden, to frolic and dance, to run through the green grasses and feel their prickly touches against my fur.

I never understood why I returned to the place that much. There were others in the house besides May and her maid, and neither of them seemed to mind my presence, though I had caused quite a hubbub when I stepped into their house and soiled their glistening floor with my mud-covered paws.

I was never allowed into the house then, but it mattered not to me, since I preferred the caresses of the breeze, and the swaying flowers and grasses of the garden.

During my stay with May, I decided to split the majority of humans into three categories: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.  

Good is like May and kakak. They were the only two in the household that appreciate and enjoy my presence. Good was also like the man, Pak Kaduk, who lived opposite May’s house. Occasionally, he fed me small bits of leftovers before he went off to work. I also noticed that the members of the Good category are easier to please. For instance, if I had purr loudly to Mei, she would giggled and scratch my ears for me. If I had brush my body against kakak, she would give me a treat. If I had answered Pak Kaduk’s poor imitation of a cat’s meow with my very own ‘miao’, I would get extra scraps of meat on the next day.

Bad is May’s grandmother, who I shall dub ‘Old Hag’. She was not happy with my stay and often grumbled with her high screechy voice, declaring that misfortune would befall the house that a black cat wanders into, in which May argued that I was merely found in a box outside the house and thus rendering the superstition invalid.  Often, when I was close enough to her, Old Hag would attempt to hit me with her walking stick, desperate to fend me away from her as if I were an embodiment of the black spirits she spoke of. Another good example of Bad would be the maid next door. If I have trespassed into the neighbour’s garden, she would grab me on the scruff of my neck and fling me out of their territory or chase me away with a broom. I kept a respectful distance from them, but that didn’t stop me from irritating them sometimes. I guess not all human beings are like Mei and kakak.

Ugly is those unruly male twins who often came to May’s house. No, I do not mean that they’re physically ugly. In fact, they possess cherubic faces that most adults often claimed that they’re angels in disguise. And whenever adults made that claim, I would struggle to contain my laugh of scorn. Angels in disguise? More like devils in disguise! Behind the adults’ back, they would torment me endlessly; throwing stones at me, chasing after me with a stick, flinging me about, hanging me upside-down and other sorts of unspeakable mischief that I didn’t want to describe here. Their behaviours were much more barbarous than their dog, Blackie the Chowchow (yes, Chowchow is included. That poor mutt was named that because it is a Chowchow and its fur is, obviously, black), which they always brought along whenever they came. They had actually hoped that Blackie the Chowchow would chase me, and were immensely disappointed when it showed no interest in taking part of their bullying. Clearly, those brats are the most despicable member of the human beings!

Not all humans can be categorized easily, though.

In fact, I actually had some trouble assigning May’s parents into either one of the aforementioned categories. They were neither Good nor Bad and definitely not Ugly. Barely showing any acknowledgement towards my existence, I felt like an insignificant speck of dust. Even so, as long as they caused me no harm, I was fine with them.

If humans cannot be categorized, does that mean they, like cats, occur in infinite variety?

They may seem indistinguishable, but further observance made me realize how different they are, just like us cats. Our eyes, noses, fur, paw— the features, they differ. From the very hang of one’s tail, up to the tilt of one’s whiskers and the set of one’s ears, we cats are sharply differentiated. In our pretty looks and our ugly looks, in our favorites and hates, in our daintiness and our ruggedness, it is aptly said that cats are of infinite variety. I guess humans are just like that.

… But that only make things complicating.

So I’ll just stick to my three categories.

I always thought that this little neighbourhood is the only place in the world. Apparently, I was wrong.

It was a humid afternoon. Blackie the Chowchow and I were lying under the shade of a tree, as usual. Truly an odd sight for others; a dog and a cat lying side by side on the grass, looking at peace. A definite contradiction of the usual belief that we were sworn enemies. Yet these beliefs were spawned from cartoons of television, just as how my belief that the neighbourhood being the only place in the world is spawned from the fact that I’ve never gone anywhere else since I was rescued from the box.

Blackie the ChowChow and I spoke, and somehow in the middle of a conversation I commented how small and shabby the world seems to be.

Upon hearing this, that dog burst into laughter. I readily admit that my physical strength and courage are nothing compared with his (after all, that mutt is so much bigger than me!) but I usually adulate myself that my general knowledge is wider and deeper than his. The mutt’s gruff laughter was not unkind, but it told me that the dog knows more than I do… and that was enough to put a sting on my pride. (Note: I harbour no hatred or negative feelings for Blackie the Chowchow, but I just want to be better than him. After all, he is those little rascals’ pet.)

After Blackie the Chowchow had his laugh, he told me that the neighborhood had given me a false impression. The house those brats live in are far from ‘small and shabby’, and that the reason they come to May’s house is because their parents thought they were too young to be left alone at home with the maids.

According to Blackie the Chowchow, this little neighborhood is actually a part of a large neighborhood call Kay El. Kay El has tall ‘houses’ and is often crowded with human beings. At night, the streets and ‘houses’ would lit up brightly like dozens of Christmas trees.

That dog knows these because those barbaric brats often bring him to rides on those… strange metal monsters.

Hmph. Lucky mutt.

The stars in the night sky are ever so little. Not that I always spend my time looking at it anyway.

I crouched on top of the roof, trying to catch a glimpse of the tall ‘houses’ Blackie the Chowchow mentioned. I figured out that if they are that tall, I should be able see them on the roof. And I am right.

Distantly, I can make out three towering shapes, two stood side by side, one a little further away, and scattered around the trio are small blocks. Little lights laced around those ‘houses’ just like how that mutt had said. I briefly wonder how Kay El actually looks like.

Are all the houses glittery like the stars? How can people stay in a house as tall as that? How different Kay El would be, compare to this little neighborhood? Hmm… suddenly, te endless possibilities caused a slight pain in my head, and I decided that as grand as the ‘houses’ in Kay El may sound, I’ll stick to this shabby wooden house.

One day, May expresses her desire to go to Kuala Lumpur, which I finally realized it’s the ‘Kay El’ Blackie the Chowchow was talking about. However, that idea was immediately opposed (directly and indirectly) by her family members.

The old hag claimed that pontianaks and orang minyak roam the streets of KL, and that it is dangerous for a girl to go to KL (I later learn from Blackie the Chowchow that pontianaks are scary creatures that feast on blood of human beings and orang minyak is an ‘oily man’ who chases after girls. I do not know how appropriate is the information, but I am positive that they do NOT exist). Of course, it is hard to believe the words of a senile old woman who has not leave the house for twenty years.

Her parents merely smile and nod, promising her that they would take her to KL as soon as they can. Though, the chances of her parents bringing her to KL are as high as her grandmother stepping out of the house.

Those unruly cousins told her that KL is nothing special. Simple to say since they were there almost every week.

Now, May is, what the adults usually called, an anak mithali. I have no idea that means, but I know it is almost equivalent to ‘Angels in disguise’. Perhaps better.

Aware that her parents are busy with their work to support the household, she did not kick up any fuss. She smiles and swallows her grandmother’s senseless gabbling (honestly, I think she’s the only one who can stand Old Hag). She pretends to agree at those rascals’ words…

Nevertheless, I am positive that I saw that glimmer in her eyes. That rare glimmer told me that May has not yield. That girl will somehow find a way to get to KL.

One afternoon, I happen to wake up from a pleasant nap on the veranda when May suddenly emerge from the house and make her way to the gate. I open my eyes in one slit the tenth of an inch, wondering what she is up to.

At this time of the day, kakak should be weeding the backyard. That old hag should ne taking her two-hours nap. May’s parents are working. May should be entertaining those little rascals… except they aren’t coming over today (A pity. I was starting to enjoy some of Blackie the Chowchow’s stories).

But that does not explain May’s strange behavior. What is she doing by the gate, quietly working on the padlock with the spare keys?

I have seen the process of opening this old, rusty gate too many times, and I know that takes a while to get it open. Therefore, I took my time: I stretch out my front paws far out in front of me, pushed my neck out low and yawned cavernously. Then I sit up and briefly wash myself. By the time I pad towards her, the padlock click open and May is about to open the gate. She freezes when she sees me, and I halt on my paws.

Silence. Crickets chirp.

We stare at each other, unsure what to do.

Then, the girl places a finger on her lips, signaling me to be quiet while let herself out of the compound. She holds the gate open, and I can hear her silent invitation.

Hesitation.

Half of me do not want anything to do with her schemes and just remain near the house, enjoy the peace that I am so used to. Yet, the other half argued that if I kept staying here, I would be no different than Old Hag. Besides, KL looks tempting, and this may be the only chance, the only time I dare venture out of the house…

I follow her out of the gate.

Instead of gleaming metal, concrete awaited me, cheaply painted and starting to swell and crack under the punishing rays of the sun. Instead of gleaming spires of pure light, there were battered, withered lamp poles that shone weakly, as though ill. Instead of malls after malls selling only the finest products and food, there were roadside stalls after roadside stalls.

… This is not the city of splendor I have envisioned! This is not a neighborhood! This is like… an ant colony! It is where human beings are struggling to make a living! What a cesspool of humanity!

One thing make up for it: those metal monsters that shoot left and right are now slowed to a crawl, unable to move, choking the very streets they traveled by. It is gratifying that, at last, I can travel faster than they.

A low rumble from my belly forces me out of my thoughts. May and I have been walking for hours without rest. Even if this place is not the splendor I’d expected...surely we won’t have to starve to death here!

A tantalizing perfume waft past my nose...Oh, oh, it is the most amazing aroma I have ever known!

I sprint off towards the source of the smell. I think I might have heard May calling after me, but she can wait! I need to fill my tummy!

… What on earth is that racket? No matter, the aroma is simply irresistible… Ahh, the sweet aroma… I can almost smell heaven itself… If only those blasting of those metal monsters would stop ringing in my ears… Can't they just let a cat get to his food without such an unearthly noise?

I shoot across the black, rough ground, when I freeze! In front of me are those evil metal monsters! But...they aren't moving. Dead… or asleep…?

I slowly walk over to them sniffing around their round feet… They aren't breathing. They are dead. Phew! Before I can stop to laugh at their demise, that delicious scent is tugging at my nose again… Oh, that smell, I just have to get there!

Without a second thought, I dash around the monsters' corpses; straight towards the yellow cave...

Closer, closer...

I lick my chops, eagerly gazing at the open cave entrance-

A blinding pain!

I roll to the side and onto my feet, glaring hotly at that beast which attacked me! It is… it is one of those hairless apes that fit the category Bad!

I back away slowly as that Bad person wave a fist at me, shouting: "Shoo, cat! The food's only for people! People with money!'

Shaking my head, I slink away. Stupid human! I was so close...so close to that delicious scent! And I can't get there! Urgh! Why can't more humans be like May? Nice and kind and-

… May.

I blink.

… MAY!

All signs of hunger dissipated as I quickly scan my surroundings. No signs of the girl. Where is she? Wasn’t she behind me? And most importantly, where am I!?

The towering ‘houses’ that surround the small yellow cave, the ground the metal monsters rest… They suddenly look menacing…

A grey sky, a grey world.

Time seemed to be endless. It feels as if time stretched on forever and ever, and at the same time, frozen still.

Tired, hungry, cold... even wet.

That shabby wooden house I’d treated as a home… is where I wish to return.

My four paws are aching; my heart races each time I see something familiar only to drop as a rock when I realize I was only mistaken.

But this time, I saw it for sure…

The rusty gate, the vintage veranda.

That familiar woman in the garden, watering the pots of plants with a hose… Oh, Kakak, the one who freed me from my suffering, who feed me platters of milk, who loved me and cared for me… Oh, what a sight for sore eyes…

Please, pick me up again. Please, let this horrible time finally be over!

My heart almost jumps out of my throat when the hazel eyes spot me. Is that… fear that’s registered on her face? Nah, kakak must surprise. Is she happy? She ran into the house. Is she calling May? Telling her about my return?

She came out later, carrying a broom. Huh? Is the floor really dirty? No, wait, she’s coming towards me-

THWACK!

Ow! She hit me! But why!?

THWACK! THWACK!

Ow, the agony!

THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!

Ow, ow! Stop it already!

The clouds roar, unleashing icy drops like tormented spirits upon the overcast world. The wind shrieks like howling banshees. Lightning strike without remorse, thunder crash and boom noisily.

And here I lay, inside a battered, empty trash can. It is the only dry, unoccupied place I can find. Most of the places are packed with strays, and the fierce, large ones are unwilling to share their shelter.

For months I have been wandering in the large city, KL. Scavenging food in trash cans is an everyday routine, and sometimes, it takes a whole day just to find something edible. There are also times, I find nothing at all, and have to suffer a night of hunger. If luck is by my side, I might find something edible. There are also times I have to fight other strays just to get the food I want.

No longer have I the luxury of getting free scraps of meat. No longer can I just purr and instantly get a free platter of milk.

I now suffer a terrible agony from my stomach; the piece of bread I have eaten must have been stale, which is not surprising.

The city is rich and modern, but it does not have a place for a cat. Everyone is so cold and aloof. Just like May’s parents.

"I thought you might need this," the voice was tantalizingly soothing, sounding almost like a father gently reprimanding his son. "There are times I've forgotten how young you are, but I guess, in the end, you're still a man after all."

The hunter glared into the abyss, into the direction of what he believed to be the crusader's eyes. "Release me."

The distance between them was so close, so unnaturally that it wasn't surprising that he felt uncomfortable. The room was so quiet that their intense breathing and hushed voice were the only sounds that could be heard. The room... Damn it all, he should have noticed something weird was going on. Cursed him and his trust, despite the fact that he was betrayed by them, by him. Over and over again. He should have killed him earlier, when he had plenty of chances.

The other seemed to sense his anger. "You hate me," the crusader said. "I don't blame you for this, but that's also why I had to do this."

That liar, so this was the end, wasn't it? He was going to kill him here... but no, his previous words didn't seem like it.

"Just what are you-" The hunter's words were interrupted as foreign lips crushed into his. His mind went blank, and he was brought back to the world as a hand slid onto his thighs. That action was enough to make him struggled fiercely, but to no avail: his strength was no match for those strong arms that are trained to protect. The kiss left him breathless, speechless. Gazillion of thoughts ran through his mind, though the main thought was: KILL. KILL THAT BASTARD.

He felt the crusader studied him. "Just as I thought," he shook his head in a manner of pity, "you're still... so young. Nevertheless, let me release you from your pain."

"W-W... What... World..." His mind was a disarray. "Pain?" He widened his eyes. That crusader actually thought he was sexually-frustrated!? "You bast-"

His words was, once again, interrupted by another crushing kiss. He thought the world flashed white when he heard something unzipping...

“And they actually have the nerve to grope my ass!” the female alchemist snarled, probably ranting to her lover. “I feel so... so...”

“Violated?” The bard supplied, seemingly amused. “Well now you know how girls feel.”

... Jade stopped at her tracks. ‘What?’

“Its not like I grope girls!” The alchemist sounded exasperated. “Or even do anything to them!”

“True, there are times I wonder if you swing the other way.” The bard sipped his drink.

‘Swing the other way?’ Jade was confused. ‘Shouldn’t she be considered... normal?’

“I have better things to do than... than... groping them!” The alchemist emphasised the last words in venomous distaste. “Obli’s the one who attract the girls, not me!”

“Yes yes, of course, m’dear.” The bard didn’t seemed perturbed by the alchemist’s anger.

Jade frowned. For a couple, the bard sure didn’t seem to care for his girlfriend. She sensed a break-up coming. Maybe she should just get on with her job.

She focused her attention on the female alchemist’s pouch that hung loosely by her belt. All the thief had to do was to cut the strings, nab the pouch and... flee~ That alchemist looked so...loaded that her pouch can probably last Jade for a month or more.

“Have you checked out the latest version of ‘Flutter Girl’?”

“But that’s a GIRLY magazine!”

The convo wouldn’t have sounded as weird if the alchemist wasn’t the one complaining about the mag.

“Well you ARE a girl after all.” The bard raised an eyebrow, lips twitching.

“And you’re enjoying this...” the Alchemist looked glum, “I knew it was a bad idea that time...”

“Mm hm, never cross your own cousin. Tirry-poo.”

...Wait a minute, cousins?! But it was to late to withdraw; her hands were almost on the pouch!

A hand grabbed her arms. Jade looked at her assailant in fear.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Gasp! She was one of the greatest thief! How could she not sense that High Priest?! Where did he come from?!

“Look at that, ‘Emma’!” The bard broke into a grin. “Even girls dig your assets!”

The female alchemist replied by displaying her middle finger.

“It is wrong to steal, child.” The high priest said in a very solemn tone. “Do you not know the consequences of stealing? Especially from crazy people like them?!”

“HEY!” Two people proclaimed in unison.

Jade knew she was screwed. But she just had to ask, “Just... what are you two?! Did... why... what sorcery is this!?”

“Oh trust me, no sorcery is involved, or I’d have sensed it.” The bard shot a meaningful glance to the female alchemist, who was torn between frowning and grinning sheepishly.

“It’s Obli’s idea!” The alchemist managed to splutter out.

The high priest gazed at the alchemist innocently. “Pushing your blame on me again, brother?”

“Is that one of those... plastic surgery thats hot in Juno now?” Jade asked. She remembered how costly those operations is, but it should pose no problem for this... this filthy rich alchemist.

“Oh Odin, while I do think that being a male is convenient, I don’t think its something I want to be long-term.” The bard grinned. “Shayla the Warlock is so much better and richer than Ica the Bard.”

“And so many more pursuers too!” the alchemist added mischeviously. She earned a light slap on her arm.

“And people thing I’m gay!” The bard complained.

“Thats not much of a problem.” The alchemist pulled a face. “I get gropes!”

“Calm down now, you two.” The high priest sighed.

Jade could only look at them utterly stupefied. “Um, its... er... well, not wrong to be a guy. I mean, if you have such interests...”

The bard’s face darkened. The temperature around them seemed to lower.

“What the-” The alchemist’s eyes widened. “Your powers are back already?!”

The bard... then sighed, “Well, I’d been practicing.”

Jade could not help but notice the temperature was back to normal.

“And I have it harder than you.” The bard shot an irritated look at the alchemist. “You pick your alchemy path again, I picked another!”

“Then you should have returned to Geffen.” The high priest said.

“And let the rest of TLLF guild see me as...as  this?” The bard sounded exasperated. “Never...”

“Aw c’mon now,” The alchemist spoke up. “Its not that bad. I mean, Zyxie couldn’t even reconize me!”

“Then what’s the point of going back there?”

Jade watched as the two bickered on. “Uhh.....”

The high priest patted her head. “You’ll do better not to mess with them. Don’t you know who they are now?”

Jade blinked. “They’re from TLLF.”

“Right.”

“No doubt you too.”

“Uh huh.”

“They called you Obli. TLLF has only one high priest, and his name is Obligation.”

The high priest did not smile, but there was a gleam in his eyes.

Jade frowned. “That girl, Emma... refers to you as her brother, but Obli has no sisters. In fact, he only has a Biochemist brother named Tiran.”

The high priest’s lips twitched.

“And recently, TLLF have been placing up missing posters of two members. A male biochemist and a female warlock.”

His smile confirmed Jade’s suspicion.

“... I’m royally screwed, am I?” she asked in a very small voice.

“Not if you can flee in five seconds.” Obligation released her arm. “Can you?”

She could. And she did.

-END-

Bonus Scene:

“You lied.” The bard stated flatly.

“A high priest does not blaspheme.” Obli replied calmly.

“Obligation has a brother AND a sister.”

“Tell that to the thief girl.” Obli sat on the chair. “She said it all, I said nothing.”

The alchemist briefly wondered if her cousin is making fun of him.

“But yes, it’s her alright.” Obligation looked solemn. “And to think she’d come across her siblings...with her brother transformed into a ‘sister’.”

After a while, we reach Byzel. I keep thinking about what the priest say to me last time, “Good, the Sky Spear will have us now?” I asked,”What?” He answered, “Nothing, sorry.” What does that mean? “Do you know my grandpa love giving hints?” someone ask. When I turn back, it was Sue. I scold, “You scare me to hell! Do you know that?” Sue giggle. I ask, “What your grandpa means?” Sue face become seriouse and say, “There are five stones: Fire, water, thunder, leaf and moon(19). There is an Angel statue in the Land of Oblivion. If you gather six of the stone in front of the Angel, it will open a portal to the Floating Garden.” I ask, “How did you know all this?” Sue answered, “My grandpa told me about that. Up there contain heaven gun. It open three portals. One to Floating Garden, One to the Water Mountain, it contains Sky Spear. The last to the Underground  Sand contains the Angel staff.” I say, “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.” I say it because I know what it means (20).

I go inside the Inn and told Edgar about the plan. Edgar agreed to find. I ask Sue, “Where is the moon stone?” Sue answered, “In the mountain of “Road to the Sky”. I sigh. I blow the flute. THe dragon fly down. We leap on it. “To Arawn!” I order it. It zoom us into Arawn straigh away.

Back to Arawn, the old town is still peaceful. I don’t believe it. We climb the mountain. Sue shouted, “Lillian, wait for us!” I saw Sue and Edgar, tired, forcing themselve to walk. I kill another Needle bird and ask, “Why can’t two of you climb faster?” Edgar answered, “You live in a mountain, of course you are faster.” I laugh and say, “Oh Edgar, you don’t have enough strenght.” Edgar angrily say, “I have enough strength!” He run, trying to chase me. Sue say, “Wait for me!”

When I go inside the cave. The cave door trap us inside. A Genova(21) appear. A Genova is a huge face with fire inside its mouth. I take out my spear and stab it, Edgar use his gun and shoot Genova, and Sue mutters a spell. Genova’s mouth appear a Battum. Sue point her wand at the Battum and shout, “Lumos(22)!” A string of fires appear and straigh into the Battum. The Battum died. The Genova shoot ices into Edgar. Edgar is frozen. I was so angry that I throw my spear to Genova’s eyes. Genova was destroyed. I take my spear back and go inside the next room. It contains the Moon Stone. Then I call the dragon and order it to the Forest of Wonder to get the Leaf Stone.

In the Forest of Wonder, there are monsters(23). “Not again!” Sue moan. I use my spear and stab them. Edgar use his gun to shoot them. We walk until dark. I set the tent, Edgar set the fire and Sue help me to set the tent.

After that, we relaxed. I m made a soup for them. “Deliciouse! What soup is that?” Edgar asked. I answered, “Chicken soup.” Sue act like a chicken, she flapped her hands and call like a chicken. “Stop it!” I snapped. She stop and giggle, then she continue to drink my soup. Suddenly, Edgar took out a harmonica to blow. He blow well. Me and Sue stared and him. After he blow finish, Me and Sue clap hands. He blushed. “Such a good night to blow the harmonica.” He say. Then we go back to the tent and sleep.

At midnight, I have trouble of sleeping. So I went out and see the moon. The moon is round, It is shining brightly. I think of last time, when me and my mum saw the moon...

“Mummy! Mummy! Look, there is a ball on top of the sky.” I say. My mum answered, “No, Lillian. It was not a ball, it was the moon. My mum sit on a rocking chair. She was going to pregnant. I was seven that time. “Wow, mum! The moon is beautiful. Do you think out baby face is going to be as round as the moon?” I asked. My mum answered, “Maybe. Oh, Lillian. If the baby come out, promise to take care of him.” I told her, “I will, mama! I will! But when Justin was born, she died. She didn’t even see Justin, and she left. I climb to highest mountain peak and shout, “Don’t worry, Mum! I promise to take care of Justin! I promise!”...

Tears trickled on my face, I rub it. “Hi, trouble of sleeping?” a voice say. I turned back, it was Edgar. “Hi, you blow well just now.” I say. Edgar answer, “Really?” He take out his harmonica and blow another song. I know that song. So I sang with the harmonica. After he blow finish, he told me,”Wow! You are a good singer.” I answered, “Thanks” Then we heard Sue’s scream. “Oh No!” I say. I run into the tent.

Inside the tent, Sue run and hug me. When I see clearly, it was a cobra. I take out my spear and stab it. It never die. It hissed fiercely at me and show it’s fang. It is coming near me. “Stand back.” Edgar say in his cool voice. I step back, he use his gun to shoot the cobra’s head. The cobra died. I ask Sue, “Why didn’t you use your magic?” She answered, “It snapped my wand.” I look at the wand pieces on the floor. I asked her, “Do you know where to buy any staff or wand?” She answered, “In Prydain. The night market.” I summon the dragon and go to Prydain.

In the night market, I ask Sue, “Where is the shop?” “There!” She pointed to a shop beside the stage. It is called “The wizard’s item shop”. I went inside. There is so many wizard’s things. Example: Capes,cauldrons, wands and staffs, owls, frogs, cats, spellbooks, robes, winter cloaks, protective gloves, pointed hat, crystal ball, broomsticks and many others(24). Sue chose one silver staff. In the top, there is a small red crystal. I saw a female white snowy owl. I buy it for myself. I name it Celes(25). Edgar bought a potion set for Sue. I bought a spellbook for Sue. Then we go out. We go out to the Inn and sleep.

Early in the morning, I wake Edgar and Sue to get ready. Then I call the dragon.

Back in the Forest of Wonder, I tell them not to camp here anymore. We keep going and fighting monsters. At the end of the forest, there is a big monster. The head is a pumpkin, the neck is surrounded by leaves, the root is surrounded by vines. I take out my spear and run to it. The pumpkin head held out its vines and wrap around my waist. Sue murmur a spell. Then, a pile of rock came down. Instead of hitting the pumpkin, it hit her back. Then I know, magic is useless to these monsters. No matter how powerful is your spell, it just hit you back. I shout to Sue not to use magic. The vine wrapped at me tightly. I can’t breath. Bang! the vine release me. I drop down. I open my eyes and gasp for breath. I looked up, it was Edgar. He is taking his gun. Sue use her whip to take out all the vines from his root. Then I saw the root. I pick spear and chop the root. Then, a explosion appeared! Then, when I see clearly, the monster is dead. We are so happy that we jump up. We get the lead stone that contain inside the pumpkin and leave the forest.

I call the dragon to the thunder mountain. They always have thunder shock(26). I climb a mountain faster in case there’s a thunder shock me. Edgar tied a string in Sue’s waist to his waist, so when how fast Edgar climb, Sue can catch up. On the top of the mountain peak, I saw a big bird. It is flying. I summon my dragon to fly up and catch it. My dragon chase up with the bird. I, Edgar and Sue take out our weapons and fight. Well, it is very hard to balance by standing on top of the dragon except Sue, she can use magic. So I tied every one a rope and tied my dragon one too(27). I stand up, trying to balance. then I got use it. I stand up properly, taking my spear and stab it.The bird shriek angrily and use electric to zap me. I fell back to my dragon. Sue murmur a spell. Two diamonds appeared. The diamonds broke into small diamonds and stung the bird. The bird is angry, it flapped its wings and created a tornado. The tornado was mixed with dust. The tornado is blowing us away, but luckily I tied the string on my dragon, so I can’t fall down. Neither do they. I get up again and try to stab it. The bird create a thunder storm and cut the rope. I got hold of my dragon just in before I fell. Edgar help me up and tied his grappling hook in my waist and tied in my dragons neck. I used my spear and stab it. Edgar used his gun to shoot it. Sue murmur another spell. Then a big rock fell onto the bird’s head. The bird is so dizzy. I take my spear and jump up to the bird and stab his head. Bloods came out from its head. The bird shriek one time and create a powerful thundershock to shock Edgar. And then, it fell. The rope was broke and Edgar fell too, unconscious. Sue uses her whip and take hold of the electric stone, then I drive my dragon to chase Edgar before he could fall to the ground. Finally, I saw him. I tell my dragon to fky faster. Then I finally got him. I fly to the nearest town, Timber Owls(28). I and Sue carried Edgar to an Inn. I give the reception my money and go inside the room. I put Edgar on the bed. Sue asked, “Will he be alright?” I told her, “Don’t worry, he will be alright.”(29) I go out and freed Celes. I just buy her because I saw her unhappy in this wizard shop(30). Beside, Timber owls is a good day for all owls. The owl hoot happily and drop something to me. It is a feather necklace. I watch Celes fly away, leaving me behind. I wave to Celes and say, “Bye, Celes! Hope you be happy here!” Then, I walk away.

Back to the Inn, I saw Sue sleeping in the corner. I climb up to the roof. It was night, I saw many stars up there. It was beautiful. I think of my mum, how I miss her so much. Then I saw a shooting star. I remember my mum told me if I wish infront of a shooting star, my wish will come true. I close my eyes and wished softly, “I wish Edgar would regain conscious so that we can find the stones.” After I wish, the shooting star zoom toward me. I scream. Then it slow down and I catch it(31). It was the water stone. I feel happy, one more stone left. I crept down back to the room and sleep on the chair, because there is only one bed.

Midnight, I heard a harmonica sound. It come from the roof. It woke me up in amazement. I crept up to the roof. Then I saw Edgar standing on top of the roof blowing his harmonica. I whisper softly, “Edgar?” He stop blowing and look at me. “Hi Lillian!” I can’t believe my eyes, I run to him and hug him. I told him, “Oh, Edgar. You make me worried. Are you alright? How are you feeling?” He look at me and smile warmly. “I feel fine.”

The moon is shining brightly. Me and Edgar sit on top of the roof and talk. “The moon is beautiful.” I say. Edgar answered, “So do the stars.” I look up. There is so many stars. I blushed a little. Edgar told me about his life in his castle.”If only Erika(32) could see this...” I asked, “Who is Erika. Edgar tell me, “Erika and I are best friend. We used to play each other when we’re small. But one day...”

Inside the castle, Edgar is inside his room. Edgar was fifteen that time. It was late at night, but Edgar is not asleep. He was reading books. Erika was with him, she was knitting. Then they heard a loud noise. When they went out, they saw many assassins. The assassins charge at two of them. They ducked. Suddenly, one assassin us charging at Edgar. Edgar gasped.Then Erika blocked Edgar. The assassin stab Erika instead of stabing Edgar. Edgar was angry. He snatch the long knife from the assassin and stab him back. The other assassins was scared of Edgar, they escaped. Meanwhile, Edgar carried Erika. Edgar shout, “Erika, Erika! Are you alright? Erika, be strong!(33)” Erika open her eyes a little. “Edgar? Is that you?” she say weakly. “Yes, don’t worry. I’m here. I call the medic...” he answered. Erika interrupt him. “No... no, Edgar... don’t. Just please let me die.” Edgar asked, “Why?” Erika answered, “Because... I don’t want everyone to worry about me...” Edgar asked, “Why did you do this, Erika... Why don’t you let the assassin stab me?” Erika answered, “Because, Edgar, I... loved... you.” Then Erika died...

Back on top of the roof, Edgar rub his tears. I pity him. “I feel sorry.” Edgar answered, “Is okay.” We crawl back to the room and sleep.

Next morning, Sue woke up early. She wake us up feeling very angry. She scold us, “Why don’t you all wake up early!?” I answered sleepily, “I slept late. Can I sleep another five minutes. Sue shouted, “No!” She took out her staff. She shout, “Wingardium Leviosa(34)!” The chair float up and shook violently. I fell down. “Whoah!” I scream. The chair float back to its own place. I say, “Next time if you want to wake me, don’t use magic.” Edgar yawn. “Oh great, another day has begun,” He moan.

After we get ready, I called my dragon. “Where to?” I asked Sue. Sue answered, “Oh, the water stone is hard to catch. It come out at night.” I told her, “I have got it last night.” Sue gasp, “Really?” I asked, “Then where to?” Sue answered, “Um, Village Deen!” So I order my dragon to village Deen.

In Deen, the desert town. I run back to the Inn. I remember how I faint here. I wait again for the night. At night, I went to the Flame Valley. Inside, is just like a volcano. There is monsters. We take out our weapons and fight. At last, we reach the Fire stone. I cross the bridge, trying not to fall into the lava. Finally I grab the stone. We’re so happy. I look at them. “Should we go to the Land of Obvillion?” They agreed. I call my dragon and drive it to the Land of Obvillivion.

In the Land of Obvillion, the wave are quiet(35). I tell them, “Let’s go!” I gather the stones in the Angel statue. There is a flash, then, three portals appeared. So I tell them, “Do you think we should say goodbye here?” Edgar answered, “No. No matter what, we are still a team. deal?” We answered, “Deal.”

I run inside one of the portal, wishing myself luck.

END

Postscript: Whatever happened to the ending? The rest of the story was written in scattered papers that were long lost. However, fragmented memories remained: Lillian fighting a ‘Gyarados’ and obtain the Sky Spear... befriending an archer named Alma... reuniting with Sue outside the portal... entering the decaying Sky Garden... encountering Lady Misty and an injured Edgar... gathering ingredients for a secret potion... discovering her feelings for Edgar, yet could only write her love on a letter and tore it off... lots of random adventures... final battle with Lady Misty, who turned out to be a vampire of sorts... the trio forever adventuring... Edgar/Lillian?

Nevertheless, the story’s plot is basically a rewritten version of Seiken Densetsu 3, with some altercations. Though the story did turn away from the game after the notebook ends. It was never really written on the book because the young me was hoping for another notebook to write on, but never got any. So, my first story was now eternalized in Gdocs, and now Tumblr! Hope someone can derived some enjoyment from this. ;x

(19) Obvious Pokemon reference. XD

(20) No, I dunno what it means now. ._.’

(21) No, that’s not FF7 reference. Seriously. Genova is a boss monster that appeared in Seiken Densetsu 3, and it looks nothing like its FF7 counterpart. 

(22) Yay, Harry Potter reference. ‘8D

(23) This particular sentence seems to have became a tradition. 8D

(24) Harry Potter. I think I copied it out from the novel. Wuv the Diagon Alley part!

(25) Another FF6 reference.

(26) I thought of an eternally-lightning stormed place even before FF10 came out. Go me!

(27) This is... sort of a poke fun at Seiken Densetsu 3, in which one of the epic boss fights is on a flying dragon fighting a 2-headed bird. I couldn’t imagine how the main characters kept their balance, so... yeah.

(28) FF8 location.

(29) Because nothing but a good night sleep seems to heal everything in RPGs. ._.’’’

(30) The authoress actually forgotten about the owl and decided to settle it like this. >_>’’

(31) Ooh, this scene kinda reminds me of Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones, in which the main protagonist caught a shooting star. Except that book wasn’t even published yet when I was 10! D;

(32) Yes. Pokemon Gym Leader Erika~ <3

(33) I’m pretty sure the ‘be strong!’ sentence came from Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete. One of my bro’s favourite game, thought part 1 is better!

(34) Yar, I’m a fan of Harry Potter’s spells before.

Then, I sit the ship to the nearest town, Gregminster(4). The sunny day is always in there. That town is cheerful every time. I go out to the forest. It was dark and cold inside, but I don’t mind. Then I think back what my geografi teacher say, “Near Gregminster, there’s a forest call dark forest. Just walk straigh and turn left. There’s a cave. Is called monster cave. If you’re well trained, you can beat some monsters.” I walk to the direction of the cave. I saw a guy outside. I talk to him(5). He mutter, “Too dark to walk inside the cave. Hmmm... how am I going to reach Wendel?” I talk to him and ask him if he wanted to go with me. He say yes. I introduce myself and told him about my castle, everything. He say, “I know your feelings, young lady. Because I am also a prince. I’m Edgar(6), the king(7) of Qualinos, full of snow(8).” I think, “That’s why he’s handsome. He’s long blonde hair. His blue, warm eyes... and his smile.” Then a voice interrupt me, “Let’s go!”

Inside the monster cave, there’s plenty of monsters here like Battums, Mycorids, Goblins(9) and others. Edgar used his gun and I used my spear. We make a great team. Then we cross one bridge, I saw a little girl holding the bridge. I and Edgar pull her up. She say, “Oh, thank you.” I tell her, “What? A little girl alone in a cave full of monsters? I don’t believe it.” The girl say, “I’m Sue(10), I am the grandaughter of Holy Wendel priest. Im finding Heath. Heath was a kind man that he always acompany Sue. One day, Grandpa send Heath to Delvos. Im worry about Heath.” I told her to guide us to the Holy City Wendel, she agreed. When I reach there, it was raining. I, Sue and Edgar ran into the priest home. We dried ourself inside. Finally, we have reach there.

Inside, I tell the priest about Justin. The priest say, “Good, the Sky Spear will got use now.” I asked, “What?” He answered, “Nothing, sorry.” Then Edgar pushed me away and say, “Holy Priest, I am Edgar, king of Qualinos. I was abandoned by my friend, Harveth(11). We are best friend, but Lady Misty(12) set a spell on him. They have taken over my kingdom. Im afraid they are going to kill innocent people and wreak havoc.”

The priest say, “Oh! You’re Edgar. That’s why you’re so familiar. Listen Edgar, if you can get the heaven gun. You can take over your kingdom again. Any question?” We shook our head.

It has stop raining, I, Sue and Edgar walk into the Item shop to buy some Items and go back to the cave.

Inside the cave, I take out my weapon. I though Sue can’t fight but she take out a whip and whip them. After we go farther, there’s a bridge that has already fell. “What should we do?” ask Sue. Edgar take out his grappling hoop(13) and trow it to the other end. We walk through it. I’m not scare of heigh because I live in a mountain, so I can cross it. Then we’re out of the cave.

Outside is another sunny day. The town is called Prydain(14). I remember my geografi teacher tell me, “There is a night market in Prydain.The night market is full of awesome things. There is some medicine inside too.” I told Edgar and Sue to stay here for a night, they agreed.

At night, I go to the night market. Like my teacher said, it is really full of awesome things. Edgar go to see the girls dancing on the stage; Sue go to see some books in the book shop. I go and buy some medicines and some ingredients for some soup. “Incredible.” murmured Edgar. “Awesome!” shouted Sue. I explore the whole night market and go back to the Inn late at night.

Next morning, I woke up late. I wake Sue and Edgar to get ready because we are going. They wake up lazily and get ready. Then we go out from the Inn.

There is so many people outside. I pay the sailor to let us sit on the boat and we’re off.

We reach a town call Deen. It is a very hot place, a desert. Sue complain, “I feel hot, can we go to the Inn now?” I and Edgar agreed. Inside the Inn, it is cool inside. We rest here until the night. I, Edgar and Sue went out at night. It was as cool as the Inn. There is some monsters out there. I take out my spear, Edgar take out his gun and Sue take out her whip and fight them. We have reach a castle. It was shut. She ask, “Funny. Anyone here?” Edgar mutters, “This must be Navarre. I heard that it was always shut when they gone out and attack other kingdoms.” That made me think back of last time. When I was running out of the castle, I saw a lady on top of my castle. Who is she? Is she a queen in Navarre(15)? I felt a little dizzy and then, I fainted.

When I woke up, I was back in village Deen. Sue and Edgar is sitting beside the bed. Sue shouted, “She’s awake!” Edgar asked, “How are you feeling?” I answered, “Is okay, I guess Im a little dizzy. It must be the ship or the weather.” “When you faint, Edgar carry you while I fight the monsters.” Sue said proudly. Edgar say worriedly, “You better get some rest.” I answered, “I will.”

Next morning, I woke up feeling fresh. I saw Edgar and Sue still sleeping on the other bed. But, I don’t want to wake up because I know they’re sure sleepy for taking care of me. Thanks Edgar, Sue. I owe two of you one.

After they save me, I’m begining to treat them better. I cook some soup for them. When they woke up, I gave them the soup. Edgar asked me, “How are you?” I answer him, “I’m fine. Thank you.” Sue read the map, “Next, we’re going to Snow Elrand City. It will be cool!” Edgar sigh. We buy the ticket to Elrand City and sit the ship.

When we reach to Elrand City. I and Sue feel cold except Edgar. We buy some coat in the clothing ship. After thatm, we go to the Sub-Zero Snowfield.

In the Snowfield, it is full of monsters. We take out our weapons to defeat them. After we walk farther, we reach a castle. The castle gate is shut(16). I say, “This must be Qualinos.” Sue shout, “IS huge!” Edgar never say anything. I know that Qualinos is Edgar’s kingdom, I feel sorry for him because someone take over his kingdom. “If only I have the Heaven Gun.” murmured Edgar. I tell him, “Don’t worry. We will find it.” After we see the castle, we left.

Outside, is almost dark. “Im tired.” complain Sue. “The ship can’t go any places because is frozen.” say Edgar. I try to think of a plan. I remember Alma(17), my housekeeper told me, “In the Sub-Zero field, there is a frozen dragon who can transport everywhere. Find the Angel flute in the treasure cave. I murmur, “Mother of the Wing Ones...” Edgar and Sue asked, “What?” I explain, “Okay, I explain. Mother of the Wing One... I heard that it can transport everywhere. Do you think we should find it?” They agreed. We walk into the cave entrance, it was blocked by big heavy rocks. “Uh-oh.” I murmur. “I handle this.”say Sue. Walking straight, Sue take out a wand and murmur a spell. The rock and ice carried themselve into a pile. “All done!” Sue say in excitement. We went inside together.

Inside the cave, I saw a treasure chest. I open it. It contained a Angel flute! I go outside the snowfield and blow it. The dragon fly down. I, Edgar and Sue jump onto it. “To Byzel!” I order the beast. The dragon growl and fly up. It fly 150,000,000 miles(18) to Byzel.

(4) Gregminster is a city in Suikoden (PS1). I’d always love the city because of its music.

(5) Pretend you’re playing a RPG and you have to ‘talk’ to NPCs or other characters. I guess that’s how my 10 year old mind perceived talking as.

(6) That’s right, FF6.

(7) Lawl, contradiction! D8’

(8) Yar, king of snow instead of desert. Just how original I am.

(9) All monsters’ name from Seiken Densetsu 3. I guess this story is like the novelisation of the game with character tweaks and random storylines.

(10) Sue is named after my favourite character in Grandia.

(11) Harveth... This is rather difficult to explain. No doubt you have heard of Sabrina the Teenage Witch? It was a TV series, but I was a fan of the novels. Harvey is Sabrina’s boyfriend, but Harveth is... the name came from one of the novel which I can’t really remember what’s it about. Whatever it is, it sure left a impression because I’m using his name. But I know it’s certainly not Harvey.

(12) Lady Misty is reference to Suikoden, one of the antagonists of the game. Oh wait, that was Windy. Guess I wanted a close name.

(13) Grappling hook, actually, is from Wild Arms (PS1). One of the characters used ‘em as a tool. I always found Wild Arms unique before because you get to play each characters’ stories, and then their stories seemed to meld together. There are a total of 6 games: 1 and 2 on PS1, 3-5 on PS2, a remake of 1 (known as Wild Arms: Alter Code F) on PS2 as well.

(14) The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. It’s a series, but I only have one novel (Black Cauldron). I didn’t read it until I was 14-15, though.

(15) ‘This makes no sense! How did Lillian know!?’ You’re probably wondering. Well, the lady on the castle was wearing colourful Navarre clothing, except my 10 year old self has limited descriptive skills and is too excited to keep on writing that she forgot not everyone could follow her train of thought.

(16) Why are castle gates always shut? This is a reference to Seiken Densetsu 3 itself, actually. The castles are always shut. D: On the side note, here’s a soft music that plays on my mind every time I write about ‘outside castle’ scenes.

(17) The name Alma is from Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1). Coincidentally, Lillian will befriend an archer name Alma too, who has nothing to do with her housekeeper... but that part won’t be written here.

Bard : You're always here every evening, the same spot, the same time. Care for a song?

Carlos almost jumped at his words.

Carlos : I'm on patrol duty, actually.

Bard : Ah. The Guild really worked you down, eh?

Carlos : What makes you think so?

Bard : Your eyes, they always seemed perturbed. (smiles) And the air around you is wistful at times. (chuckles at his shocked expression) Bards have to be sensitive to the surroundings; that's how we draw inspirations or select the right song to play.

Carlos : No wonder some people cried at your songs. (grins)

Bard : (smiles) I guess I've managed to pull the strings of their heart.

And that's how their friendship began.

Carlos would later learned that the bard's name was...

Carlos : Rhythm? Your parents named you RHYTHM?

Rhythm : When an archer chooses the path of a bard, he will be given a new name...and abandon his old.

Carlos : What's your name, then? I meant the one before you became a bard?

Rhythm : Why dwell in the past? The future is a long way ahead; we don't have time for the old.

Carlos : You may be right, but... there are some times when the future seems bleak, people rely on the past memories to strive on.

Rhythm : (smiles) You spoke with such conviction......I can hear the intensity in your voice. Were those 'past memories' you spoke of the source of your dreamy expressions?

Carlos : (puzzled) Dreamy expression?

Rhythm : You sometimes have that. When you return from your patrol.

Carlos : (raises eyebrow) You seemed to notice me a lot.

Rhythm : (chuckles) Let's just say.... you have this unique air. You're like a bird that's trapped in a cage, craving for freedom. Yet, at the same time, you looked free. You're an interesting combination, Carlos.

Carlos : ...What the hell?

Rhythm : Oh, ignore a bard's lament.

Carlos : That doesn't sound like a lament.

Rhythm : So, care for a song?

Their conversations aren't always that odd, of course.

But somehow, talking to this strange bard filled the void in his chest; the hole where loneliness once reigned.

Carlos would always join Rhythm after his patrol, and often they conversed 'til the sun sinks into the faraway horizon and the glittery stars sprang out, covering the dark velvety sky.

Rhythm : Have you ever loved someone?

Carlos : (without thinking) One.

Rhythm : A priestess?

Carlos : A witch.

Rhythm : What happened then? She chose another?

Carlos : A friend of mine love her. I don't want to be part of the love triangle.

Rhythm : There's something more than that, right?

Carlos : ... I've seen how a love triangle could effect a friendship, and I don't like it, I... I just want us to be friends forever, but... (smiles wistfully) It seems impossible now.

Rhythm : (smiles understandingly) Care for a song?

Rhythm often end the conversation by asking if he 'cared for a song'. Not that he minds; the bard sings well. Hell, there are times the songs made him cry.

Carlos : *sob* Damnit...*sniffle*

Rhythm : Hey, it's okay. You're not the only one who cries at my songs. (pats him)

Carlos : *sob* Y-you did it on purpose!

Rhythm : (smiles innocently) What do you mean?

Carlos : *sob!* Y-your 'sensitive to surroundings' *sob* and 'picking the right song'... *sniffles!*

Rhythm : Why Carlos, I'm honoured that you actually remember what I'd said!

Carlos : *sob!!* Damn you!

Rhythm : Okay okay. Calm down, my friend. Care for... another song?

The bard of Rune Midgard are way little in number, and bards that could play divine music are as rare as monster cards. He often wondered about this enigmatic bard; a person he considered a friend but know almost nothing about.

Carlos : Where did you learn to play like that?

Rhythm : Play like what?

Carlos : ...Y'know. Not all bards can make people cry.

Rhythm : Music can affect the beat of a soul.

Carlos : But that's not it. I'm certain that it's also the skill of the musician that makes a song so.......it felt as if the something had touched my heart.

Rhythm : (smiles mysteriously) Aah, but I thought I've told you my tricks.

Carlos : You did?

Rhythm : On the first time we met.

Carlos : Did y- ohh. But that can't be all, right?

Rhythm : (strums guitar) Maybe.

Carlos : Who taught you how to play a guitar?

Rhythm : What makes you think I can play guitar only?

Carlos : No way, you can play other instruments too?

Rhythm : ... Maybe? :3

Carlos : ... ...

Rhythm : Care for a song?

The bard was always avoiding his questions. An irritating habit, yes, but Carlos is not the sort of person that forces people into telling their past...or rather, he just can't can't force that sly hide of a bard.

Days passed peacefully, idle conversations were exchanged, songs - various melodies, both happy and sad - were sang. Summer was blown away by the autumn wind. As always, he sensed his sudden shift of mood.

Rhythm : You miss them.

Carlos : Aye.

Rhythm : How are they like?

He was surprised at the question.

It actually took him a while to articulate an answer, and when he's ready, he told the bard of Guimel's brashness; of how the hot-tempered swordsman often bickered with the mischievous rascal of a thief, Raven; how gentle yet timid Algus the merchant would attempt to stop them; how both would stop for the ever-so-firm acolyte Eurydice because both had their hearts stolen by the same girl; how his first crush, Shara, was like; and how he himself noticed the profound gentleness in the merchant's eyes when he faced her. The adventures they had, the cities they'd went, the dungeons they'd explored, the monsters they'd fought... cherished memories were relieved as he told them to the bard.

Carlos : But the fight broke out, and the party was later disband. They didn't make amends... and the way how everyone was drifted apart by time... I know that things will never be the same again.

Rhythm : ........

Carlos : (determined) But I won't give up. I want to mend this friendship. I want us to go back to the ol' days... we'd promised to become stronger so that we could face stronger adversaries, fight MVPs... Nay, I will not give up.

Rhythm : (smiles) Look at how your eyes glow when you're determine; your faith is pure...Carlos, you stirred the depths of my heart... (cupped Carlos' chin) You lit my passion...

Carlos : (embarrasses/surprised) H-hey, what's that supposed to mean?!

Rhythm : (smiles) Jokes aside. (releases him) You said you want to mend this friendship. How? Things may not be as simple as you think; there may be more than what you'd say and observe. And now that you've separated from them for more than a year...they might not be the same as before. People change, Carlos.

Carlos : Then... I hope that they'd change for the better! Or I'll knock some sense into them!

Rhythm : (looks amused) That friendship is that important to you? So important that you'd choose to dwell in the past an not facing the future?

Carlos : That party... the journey... I've accepted that those are a thing of the past. I am not forgoing my future, and my future includes fixing the mistakes of the past.

Rhythm : Hmph, more like you're regretting at your past.

Carlos : It's like a thorn latched on a wound... the wound cannot recover properly if the thorn isn't removed. I want to remove that thorn-

Rhythm : By killing Raven? If Eurydice and Gurimel loved each other, then Raven seems to be the 'thorn' of the problem.

Carlos : (paled) I'm certain that there are other ways...

Rhythm : What, knock some sense into him?

Carlos : ... ...

Rhythm : Hey, I'm just kid-

Carlos : I don't know... I'm afraid, afraid that we'd never get together again... afraid that out dreams and promises would just be... be a...

Rhythm : .....

Carlos : And what's most infuriating is; I'm the ONLY one that cares! Shara is busy with her studies. Algus is too timid! Eurydice spends most of her time in church... as if praying could help! I'm the only one who notices that we're drifting apart... and I'm afraid of the change! I... want us to be friends again! ... Maybe my plans wouldn't work, maybe they won't listen to my persuasions but... it's better than doing NOTHING! That's why I... I want to get stronger...

Rhythm : (smiles) You're tired. Care of a song?

Somehow, he could feel a hint of sincerity in the bards tone.

Winter was coming.

His probation years was about to come to an end; soon, he would be a full-fledged hunter. Goodbye, boring portals, goodbye, boring Payon. It was his last patrol, and he'd happily sniped at the Bigfoots. Wait... does that mean it's his last day with the bard? Somehow he felt... sad. 

Arrows flew and met their mark; he could kill a Payon monster with an arrow or two. Several months of practices made his hand deft, his eyes and sense sharp. He was getting cocky with his skills...

An unfamiliar growl caught his attention.

He turned and immediately felt and impact on his left, launching him onto the air and into the bamboo shoots. Instinctively, he reached for his hunter horn and blew!

And it was fortunate he did, as towering above him was one of Eddga's blue goons! More bears surrounded him; reinforcement would not reach him in time. More goons gathered around him, looking extremely hostile. They growled fiercely, exhibiting his sharp teeth and claw. He closed his eyes, prepared to face his doom-

Music... divine music filling his ears... was he in heaven?

Familiar voice sang, it sounded like... eh?

His eyes snapped open. All the bears were mesmerized by Rhythm's song! That crazy bard was singing, his voice harmonized with the gentle strumming of his guitar. Eyes closed in deep concentration, not noticing a large shadow looming behind him...

Carlos : Look out!

Eddga swung his paw down, striking the bard on his back. Crimson splattered on the ground, the bard's face contorted in pain... yet he did not ceased singing. He kept Eddga's goons under his spell. The guitar's music punctured by painful halts. The large tiger monster struck him again, and he faltered. His song choked with pain. The bears were returning to their senses.

Carlos took that opportunity to raise his bow and snipe at the beasts, his nimble fingers worked to finish off the monsters swiftly...

Eddga dealt another violent blow, bringing the bard onto the ground.

Carlos screamed. Rhythm was silent. Eddga raised his claws for the killer blow-

Rains of arrow plunged into the tiger's fur; the reinforcements are here! As the beast fell, Carlos ran to the fallen bard... the growing pool of crimson... the ugly wounds that marred his back... golden tress that spilled all over the ground... the hunter cradled the bard in is arms.

Carlos : Rhythm, why...? 

Rhythm : (opens eyes weakly, smiling) But Carlos... I thought you couldn't afford to die? ... Give up on your life... and you'll give up on your 'future'... (eyes closing) Besides... I have neither past nor future... 

Carlos : You fool of a bard, you idiotic musician...

Rhythm : (mumbling half-consciously) Hah... care for ... a... song...?

After uttering those last words, the bard died on his arms.

Carlos became a full-fledged hunter and left Payon in search for his comrades...but he could never forget the light in the bard's soul.

"No! Not that! They're all old news and fake anyway!" "That's the point. Animosity has too many rumours that are created to entertain. Why should we even care when they are all obviously fake anyway?" "But this one concerns Kid!" "So, my cousin made it to the rumours too? It's about time, I'd say." "... ... ... ... Shouldn't you be more worried instead?" "Coffee, all fake gossips are started by GoD SpeeD. Does that tell you anything?" "Um, he's informative?" "No, he's a big fat liar." "Aww, c'mon, this one sounds true!" "Fine, I'll entertain you by listening, What's the rumour about?" "It is said that... your cousin... Kid Icarus... he... he..." "Just get on with it already!" "He...he..." "Cooooooffeeeeeeee... ..." "On second though, it's just wrong to tell you, so-" "Coffee, I'm gonna Lex Divina you next time we train in Sphinx." "B-but you need me to get rid of the mobs!" "I'll just teleport away when it gets dangerous." "Fine, um... Right, your cousin... he..." "The readers are going to hate you for this, Coffee." "Your cousin is serving Kalo and Maj... in bed!" "Good god! This is one of the most creative gossips I've ever heard! Bravo Speedy!" "Are you nuts?! Don't you have anything to say about your cousin?!" "It's just a rumour right?" "But... there is proof!" "Oh yeah? Prove it." "Your cousin hangs out too much with Maj and Kalo." "My cousin hangs out 'too much' with Skittles, Mika, Speedy and Rambo too. Does that mean he 'serves them in bed' as well?" "But three nights ago, he returned to his room at 4AM!" "Hyouki was having a Pharmacy Marathon and required his Marionette skills. Skittles and I were there to sing Gloria." "But...but...His cheeks were red in the meeting five days ago! He seemed tired as well! How do you explain that?!" "You didn't know? He was unwell that day. He had a fever. That's why the meeting ended early." "But Kalobian is kind to him!" "Is Kalobian ever unkind to anyone?" "But Maj gave him Siege White Potions that day in the abbey!" "Maj gave everyone potions that day. He gave you some as well, remember?" "... So, there's really nothing between them?" "I hardly doubt there is something between them. Really, Coffee, you should know better than to trust Speed's gossip..." "But GoD SpeeD said he knows everything. D:" *Smacks head* "Good god..." "I can't believe he lied to me!" Coffee complained. "I can't believed you're so gullible." Obligation said, deadpanned. "But his points were really, really convincing......" Obligation sighed. "Never believe a gossip unless you see or hear it first-hand." Suddenly, they heard a gasp. Coming from a room. A room that belonged to the guild leader of Animosity. Coffee & Obli : O_O Coffee : Did you hear that? Obligation : That's none of our business. Then, there seemed to be a moan. Obli : What the hell? Coffee : Lets eavesdrop! Eavesdrop! And they did. They could make out familiar voices. Maj : You call yourself an archer? Tsk tsk, bow users are meant to have nimble fingers. Kid : T-that's why I wanna learn from you. Coffee & Obli : O_O!! ((Kid?!)) Kalo : Don't be harsh, Maj. He's new to this, after all. Kid : What happens next? Maj : You just push it in....like this! Kid gasped, Coffee blushed, Obligation... was suppressing the urge to smack his forehead. Kalo : Do you get it, Kid? Kid : Y-yeah... Kalo : Then... perhaps it's your turn to try? After all, it is better for one to... experience in order to learn. Kid : V-very well! Obligation grabbed Coffee's arm. Obli : I don't think I want to listen to this anymore, can we leave? It was to much for Coffee, so he just nodded. Just as they were about to leave... "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUGH!" That sounded like a scream. As a High Priest, Obligation had ignored many pleas and screams. Please from dumb noobs. Screams from people who were rude to him. You'd think that people would be more respectful to the Servant of God, but noooo- oh maybe. But most treated him as a healing/buff slave anyway. Anyway, Obligation could have ignored that scream if it was from Maj or Kalobian, he could have ignored it if it sounded, um, pleasurable from Kid. But no, this was a scream of PAIN, of AGONY! It was a scream of distress! Therefore, it isn't surprising for the High Priest to... barge into the room. KABLAM!! The door bursts open, revealing... Blood. Splattered on Kid Icarus' shirt and pants, His cousin looked...dazed. There were so many words Obligation wanted to say. This included "WTFUX are you doing?!" and "Good god!" and "Don't you guys have any decency?!" and "Goodness gracious!" and "Odin's beard, how could you!" and "Why can't you put a cap in your strength?!". Maybe these are what Obligation exclaimed in another dimension. In this universe, Obligation quickly threw a heal at his cousin and glared angrily at Maj and Kalo. "I don't care if you two are interested in my cousin! I don't care if he returns your feelings! I don't care if he's really serving you in bed as long as he's willing but CAN'T YOU TWO JUST BE MORE GENTLE!?" "W-what are you talking about cousin?" Kid finally snapped out of his daze. Obligation opened his mouth....and stopped. Wait a minute. Something seemed out of place. If they were really doing 'It', why were they fully dressed? "What are you doing?" Coffee asked. Maj held up an incomplete arrow. "Arrow Crafting Lesson." ....... Obli & Coffee : Ohh Obli : Wait a minute! How do you explain the blood?! Kalo : Ahh, I'm afraid that's the result of Maj's prank. Kid : (nodded) He handed me... a Blood Gore? Maj : Serves you right for not being able to differentiate a Blood Gore and a Red Blood. Kid : I just thought it was a pity, so I didn't look. Coffee : You didn't...what? Obligation : ....Ohh, it was a crystal, wasn't it? Kid Icarus nodded. Obligation : (sighs) He doesn't like to break pretty things, He has this weird habit of moaning and crying for beautiful things... Weird habit, I know. Kalobian : There's clearly a misunderstanding. ^_^ Obligation : Nah, it's cleared now. Coffee : So it isn't...isn't... Kid : What was that about Maj and Kalo and... me serving them in bed? o_O Maj : (sigh) GoD SpeeD, that assassin cross is gonna get it. Kalo : ^_^ Well, we can't continue our lesson with Ica wearing bloody clothes. Since it's almost dinner time, let's call it a day, shall we? An hour later... Laughter filled the dining room. "Ohh, Coffee!" Skittles was shaking with laughter. "I can't believe you guys!" "Come to think of it, " Rambo looked around. "I don't see GoD SpeeD." "He will not be joining us for dinner, " Maj announced calmly. With a dangerous edge in his voice that encouraged others not to ask any questions. "So the gossip is another lie?" Mika sighed, "I was hoping for some yaoi in our guild." Kid sweatdropped. "Mika-chan..." "Where does Speedy get his inspiration anyway?" Hyouki wondered aloud. The guild members continued their discussion and conversation. None noticed the wink Maj gave to Kid, nor do they saw Kalo leaning closer to Kid and whispering... "That was a nice shower, wasn't it, Ica?" Kid Icarus merely lowered his head... and blushed. END?