It's about time you woke up, Dan said hovering over Areia.It was day break and the sun wasn't helping Areia's case, she wanted to sleep in.Don't make any noise I don't know what those things are but they look like trouble, Dan said pointing at the cliff the night before that had been swarmed by large number of some dark bat like creatures.
My head is throbbing master, I don't even want to look at what you're seeing right now, Areia said turning face down on the darkened tree. As long as both of us are silent it shouldn't be a problem right?
Yeah it seems that way, Dan said sitting back down and pating Areia's head, she didn't object.
Areia? You're really strong aren't you, Dan said looking at the humid sky.
She grunted, letting him know she's listening.
You not only survived from that high of a fall, you also shielded me from the fall too, you're really something, thanks, Dan said.
Gross, don't say stuff like that again it's cringe, came Areia's muffled reply.
And here I was trying to be nice, Dan scoffed. Also I can use magic now, Dan added.
I rather you don't, Areia said, if those things are there that means they're following you and your magic, so it's best if you don't use magic.
I know that, Dan said it's vague what happened yesterday, I'd love to ask you but you don't seem fine right now so I'll leave it be, Besides I already did magic and the fact that they didn't come after us means the magic they're tracing is different from the one I can use right now.
So what can you do, Areia asked facing him.
I mean it's obvious when someone gets magic for the first time, Dan said smug, I shot a fire ball, he said looking proud.
I don't get what's with you magic people and fire, Areia said turning back to her face down position, be more creative.
I mean fire is always the first thing that come to mind when magic is mentioned right? Dan asked in thought.
Dan, don't you feel uncomfortable, Areia asked.
Why, he replied.
We haven't bathed in almost three days, for someone who once lived in a castle you seem to be doing fine, she replied facing him.
Do my family strike you as the all Royal type and cleaniness stuff by chance? Dan asked looking at Areia flabbergasted.
On second thought, you're on to something, Areia responded
I think we've rested enough, Dan said standing up with his back to Areia. Get on my back, I'll find us water, he grinned.
She looked at him as if he had seven head.
What? Dan asked. Look at the odds, we definitely can't go back to the village besides even if we tried, I don't think those things would just let us walk by, besides I think there's water around, I mean the air feel moist, don't you think?
She didn't argue or respond she clambered unto his back and hanged on tight.
Whoa, Dan said trying not to yell, I don't think it's allowed for a human to be this light, he said shifting from foot to foot. It's like I'm carrying a little pup.
Just start moving, she snarled, and pls don't look at me, I think I might be coming down with a fever.
It took almost three hours on foot and Dan on the verge of giving up, before he spotted the first stream in the distance.
Finally water, he cried, running towards it.
Oh shoot, sorry Areia hope the run didn't make you uncomfortable, he said looking at Areia's fully flushed face. Oh I forgot I wasn't supposed to look at her, he thought she's as red as a tomato.
Just keep going, she said softly. Don't worry I'm not mad you saw me, she said almost in a whisper.
It wasn't what Dan had expected, but it'll have to do. The water wasn't deep and it couldn't be called large either, it was just like a little pond measuring three feet deep and some feet wide.
Areia crawled in fully clothed, giving of a sigh of relief as she floated on its surface.
You could have at least let me get some drinking water before you go in, Dan said looking at her.
What's a day or two without water, she responded. I think I'll wash of, she said as she started taking of the armour attached to her clothes.
At least tell me to leave first, Dan said as he got up to leave.
Uh? Why? She asked.
What do you mean why? Dan asked as he turned to face her. She was already taking off her shirt, Dan ran behind the nearest tree.
It's fine, master, it's not like I'm going nude, I just want to wash my hair, wouldn't it be wise to join me before the pond is covered in blood? she asked as she squeezed water from her hair, she took off the ribbon and let her hair down. It was a tornado of pure white hair.
Nah I'd pass, it's a flowing pond, you can see the little streams taking water away from it, Dan said. You seem to be getting better enjoy, I'm taking a walk, he said as he got up and started walking walking through the forest.
I don't get what's masters deal, Areia thought taking a dip in the pond. Back in Amag everyone expect the trainers share a bath, isn't that normal, she thought.
Oh shit, Dan said, I forgot the bag back at the mountain, he said, what do we do now, there's no food and Areia's is hurt, she's probably hungry but knowing her she wouldn't say anything. He heard a rustle and it was as if the world heard him, he spotted a bunny.
Areia was drawn by the scent of meat being roasted, she got out of the water and headed towards it, leaving her clothes behind.
Where did you get that, she asked as she spotted Dan roasting a stick with a rabbit on it.
I found it as I was wondering around, he said not looking at her, I slammed it against a tree with the wind and that's that.
She squatted beside him, He turned to look at her. You're still in your undergarments, he yelled backing away.
Quit being a baby, I'm adequately covered as you can see, she said rising both her arms for Dan to see. The huge bandages that served as her bra covered her chest adequately, She wore shorts that were also reinforced with bandages, her middle region were the only exposed part of her body.
Dan sighed as he came closer to the meat he was grilling in an open fire.
How do you know how to use wind, I haven't even asked how to learned to use fire in the first place, Areia asked staring into the flame.
If it's about the fire, I don't know, for some reason it came naturally to me, as for the wind, I've learnt about them from books ages ago, I know quite a lot of spells but I don't think it'll be a good i dea for me to use them. I think I know quite a lot about the orsl part of magic, Dan said turning the meat in the flame. He looked at Areia without turning his head, her damp white hair clinging to her body, Dan noticed the scar on her back, the hair couldn't cover it all.
If you're wondering about the scar, you could always ask, Areia said looking him full in the face.
Why are you so nonchalant about it? Dan asked, shouldn't you be more sensitive about it.
Why should I, she asked tilting her head, the flame glowing in her purple eyes. I don't really mind, I want you to know more about me, she continued.
So, how did...
I was hit by an advanced magic, during one of my missions, She interrupted Dan.
From what I heard, it almost blasted clean through me, she said touching her chest. I don't know how they did it, cause the magic had blasted my spine clean off and shattered most of my organs and more than half my ribcage, the caster of the magic had wasn't found. It seems like the their objective was to kill me and they thought they succeeded. I don't know how I survived, it was supposed to be an instant death but somehow I was still alive, though barely but alive, alive enough to be treated and pieced together, they couldn't get the scar off, I mean just look at it, she said pulling the hair from he back showing Dan the massive scar that covered the entirety of her back down to her waist line.
Do you hate them? Your masters or whatever you call them I mean, Dan asked.
Yeah, I can't really bring myself to like them now can I, she said as a faint smile crept across her lips. Also I that the meat is burning, she continued.
Oh shoot, Dan said getting it off the fire.
After devouring a fair share of the rabbit, Areia seemed to be recovered faster than Dan anticipated. After getting dressed she stretched a little, then jumped as high as the tree they were under which could have easily been measured as a hundred feet. She landed feeling her legs.
Damn my legs feel like jelly, she laughed, what was I thinking landing on my legs, she said calmly.
I'd appreciate it if you could rest a little more, Dan said pouring water on the fire.
Oh you don't need to worry about that, Areia said feeling her legs, I plan on resting today too, I'm not a workaholic you know. We could always stay her for a few days, I mean who knows when we could run into another pond like this again.
Yh, I hear ya, Dan said, though I doubt I believe you're not a workaholic, but I agree on camping out here for the time being, it's not like we're in a rush to anywhere.
Also, I've been meaning to ask, Areia said trying her hair back into a ponytail, how do we find your mum? I mean, do we just keep moving till we run into her or you know exactly where to look?
To be honest, that's the one thing I don't know, Dan said looking at his feet, at first I thought she was dead, but a feelings is telling me that she isn't, but she's in a rather difficult situation. Areia compared to your past, do you think I have it easy?
To be blunt it's kind of hard to compare, She replied finally tying her hair, I was given birth or created in my mind of condition while you weren't, you just had the world flip over your head in the course of days, honestly I expected you to be sad more.
I don't have time to be sad, Dan said seriously. Also why was Gray calling me an error?
I'd be lying if I said I knew, Areia said laying down on the forest floor, I know nothing about that aspect of you.
Areia, I'm curious, if you don't use magic or don't know how to, how come you're so physically strong, also besides being able to hold your own in a fight is there anything else you can do, Dan asked changing the topic, do you use it internally by chance? Dan continued.
We were thought forms or stance, I don't know where the power comes from but it's a form of technique that was thought to us, for instance, she got up and moved closer to a tree she felt it shook her head and looked around for another, she got to the biggest tree close to them, stance of the bear she said as she got in a fighting position, she punched clean through the tree. I don't know what you mean by internally ,but if you mean strengthening my body with mana then no, I don't I don't know if I can, as I said we were never thought things relating to magic in any way. She said as she collapsed back down on the bare floor. I think I'm gonna take a nap, she said.
Feel free,Dan responded. It was the middle of the afternoon and the sun was high and bright, Dan felt the ring a gold coin dropped out of it, he flipped it and tossed it towards the tree Areia punched. No doubt th tree would have broken in half had it not been so thick Dan thought. Now that I think about it, she could turn me into a slave if she ever feels like it, what am I even thinking, I know she wouldn't harm me and she barely ever insults me when I constantly tease her, but I can't help but consider the possibility.
Now that I think about it, if Areia could snap a tree at will, could it be she was the one who broke those trees back when we escaped from the kingdom, she's not one to recklessly break trees so it must be a fight, but if so who was she fighting? Then again it all could be a coincidence, Dan thought.
Areia woke up looked around and realized it was night time, she spotted Dan fighting off sleep near the tree she almost broke. She stayed silent and waited for him to finally fall asleep, then she got up, yawned a little then dashed up the tree, it was tall, so tall from the top Areia could see how far the forest went, she stood up straight and looked around. If we were to proceed where would we go ,she thought, do we keep going forward, sometimes I forgot how big the world is, I bet Dan will know tho.
If Dan can remember being called an error, just how long was he conscious during that whole ordeal,she thought.
They spent almost the entirety of the following week navigating through the forest, it wasn't the best experience. Dan found out Areia's is extremely sensitive to poison of any kind, it was one of her only trait Amag couldn't fix. They had to avoid anything that looked remotely poisonous, with Dan's knowledge it wasn't so bad. It took another week for them to finally get out the forest.
Dan, aren't you hungry, Areia asked.
No, why? Dan replied looking ahead.
Well during our two weeks in the forest you've been giving me more of the game we rarely catch, sure I eat a lot but the portion you always keep for yourself can barely be called food.
I'm fine Areia really, i don't think I'm hungry, it's been long since I felt that way, he responded.
I think we've found another village,Dan said sniffing the air, or maybe it's just a house, I can smell cooking.
It wasn't really the most pleasant village to look at, the massive gate the could easily be a hundred and fifty feet was in shambles, the walls seemed to be crumbling and there was no guard outside the gate checking people out. Turns out some beastkins live there, the inside was considerably better than the outside, it seemed to be functioning town at the very least, they were stores almost around every corner, bars were even more common, wanted posters every where.
Whoa I didn't know we were wanted, Dan said taking a poster of them, and it would seem I'm wanted dead or alive, as for you Areia you're wanted dead on sight, you must have caused a lot of trouble uh.
Aren't you terrified, Areia asked, looking at the posters.
Terrified? Why would I be, I'm feeling really wierd but fear isn't one of them, he concluded.
I knew I've seen you guys somewhere before, came a cheeky voice. Dan and Areia turned to look at the person speaking. She was tall her hair was blonde, she had an eye patch, her cat like tail was trashing around madly, she had a slim muscular build, her abs says it all. Her pants stopped at her ankle, she was barefooted, her shirt just below her breast leaving her abdomen in full view....it wasn't that surprising most female beastkins dressed like that.
We heard what happened to your kingdom and I went to confirm it myself, it was horrible, the atmosphere is do dense there I even found it hard to breathe. Our queen passed the news that you're wanted after a great meeting with the powers of the world, it was stated that you're the cause boy, it wasn't mentioned how or why you're the cause but every intelligent race is tasked to bring you in, if not possible being killed on the spot.
But you're not going to do neither are you? Dan asked.
My my, you're a brave one, she laughed, normally kids would be shaking all over but I don't smell an ounce of fear on you. You're right I'm not gonna bring you in both of you, neither is anyone in this town, no beast kin wants a part in killing two kids just after the human kingdom was wiped off the face of the planet. Though if you were an adult it'll be another matter altogether, she said thoughtfully.
Oh sorry I've just been rambling, she said suddenly, I'm Heka, guild master of Volvon, she said offering Dan her hand.
I'm Dan Shula, currently an adventurer, Dan said shaking her hand, And this is my friend Areia, he continued gesturing towards Areia who gave a slight nod.
Heka whistle, you're a strong one aren't ya, she said to Areia, I'd love to spar with you sometime but alas you're a kid, what would I give to be ten years younger, she said smiling. Her eye caught Areia's sword.
Whoa, you've got a dragon blade, that's nuts, she said suddenly eyeing Areia's sword, those are so rare, they're only three known weapons of the same materials in the world.
Areia subconsciously held the sword.
Oh, you don't need to worry about me or anyone here trying to take it, we beast kin like working rather than stealing or bullying kids, besides if the sword doesn't pick you, you'll die the moment you touch it.
Have you got a place to stay, if you don't I know an Inn where you could spend the night or as long as you like, but you'll have to lay of course, she continued.
It's no problem lead the way, Dan said.
On their quest to the Inn, Heka kept getting side tracked, with small talks with people here and there, from what Dan could tell no one in the village seems particularly hostile towards them, inface it was the other way around. After getting to the Inn and book a year's worth of stay, Dan and Areia sperated, she was in charge of buying dinner, while Dan was to go register in the guild as it would enable them travel easier, even under an Alias.
Areia reluctantly agreed, but after what almost seems like an hour of Dan's convincing and pleading, she complied.
What does, Dan like and prefer for food, Areia thought as she browsed through shops, would he prefers me buying fruits and veggies or meat, she thought stuck between two shops that sold what she needed, or I should just buy both.
Hey, a small voice, calm and soft spoke. It was a kid Areia hadn't noticed nearby. He should be Around my age Areia thought.
What do you want, she asked coldly.
Your personality is quite different from your outward appearance, the boy said going towards the vegetable shop, tossing a silver coin on the table picked up two apples.
I'm, Zoe may I know your name, he asked extending one of the apples to Areia.
If you gonna be vague about your true intentions, better not just talk to be in the first place, Areia said coldly.
I saw you thought you were pretty and decided to come talk to you, is that a crime by chance, he said turning away from embarrassment.
If that's all goodbye, Areia said proceeding to the fruit shop, can I have some apples, she called to the man who had been watching their interaction.
Sure kid,how many do you need, he asked.
As much as you think I can carry in one hand, she replied.
Ok, ok, maybe you're only cold cause you don't know me, Zoe came closer, I just want to be friends, he said, unless you're insunating something more, he said with a sly grin.
Areia wasn't looking at him rather the apples, after getting them she gave the shopkeeper a gold coin without waiting for his remark proceeded to buy some meat, the boy obstructed her staring at her in the face.
For a kid barely fourteen years of age, aren't you too young to try flirting with a girl in the middle of the street, Areia asked coldly her expression unreadable.
Man, you're a fiesty one, he said in response. No one has ever rejected me this long, what can I do to break through to you.
He a dog type or a wolf beastkin, those brown ears and tail says it all, buy why me of all people Areia thought, he's becoming a nuisance, but I wouldn't want to harm him, we're not here to cause trouble after all, she thought as she avoided him towards the store selling grilled meat.
You know, you wouldn't know you like someone until you try it out, the woman selling the grilled meat said to Areia, though personally I agree you're too young to be considering these things, but it's fun just watching him try, she said nodding towards Zoe, who was trying to hear what she was saying to Areia.
If that's the case, what if I already have someone in mind, Areia replied somewhat loudly so Zoe would be able to hear and taking a bite from one of the apple's.
Well that's interesting, I wouldn't have imagined someone as cold looking as you, have a crush of some sort, well now isn't that neat, well it's up to you, she said wrapping the meat in a bag and putting in Areia's free hand.
Areia dropped the bad of meat on the floor tossed a gold coin to the woman, picked up the bag of meat again, and before the seller or Zoe could say anything, she sprinted down the street. Zoe who noticed a little later that she was trying to shake him off. He bolted after her, what's her deal, he thought, does she really have someone in mind or she's just pulling my leg he thought.
Zoe couldn't understand what was going on, he was pretty sure he was fast, but he couldn't keep up with the white haired girl the gap seemed to be increasing in an alarming rate, until finally he couldn't see her no more. He stopped gasping for air, a kid shouldn't be allowed to be that fast, he said wheezing for air.
Areia burst into the guild hall without slowing down. Dan was still talking with Heka when Areia dropped the bag of goodies on the counter and hid behind him.
What's going on, Areia, Dan asked
I know you're in here, came Zoe's voice as he stepped into the guild hall. It wasn't pretty they were a lot of broken chairs around and men seemed to be sleeping all over, they were bulletins stating available jobs for the guild members.
Oh I see what's going on, Heka said, smiling at Dan.
What I don't understand, Dan said confused.
We beastkin find it kind of hard to control our affection if we see someone we like, Haki said nodding towards Zoe. And you friend here seems to have tasted that first hand, she continued looking at Areia behind Dan.
Dan, pls make him go away, Areia whispered so only Dan could hear.
I don't understand, so you're basically saying he's chasing you cause he likes you, Dan said scratching his head. That's new.
Zoe came up to Dan, I can see you behind this boy, he said, I mean your scent and white girl is hard to miss. Also is this the boy you were talking about, I don't see why you'd pick him over me.
Hello Zoe, Heka said.
Hello guild master, he replied.
Areia was talking about me? Dan thought.
Just tell me your name, Zoe came over to her. I'm sure we can be good friends.
Just leave her alone will ya, Dan said, looking at Zoe. Can't you see she doesn't want anything to do with you.
Mind your business centipede, Zoe snapped.
Master pls give me permission to punch him, Areia said.
No no it's alright, Dan said calmly.
Had the boy she mentioned been even as remotely challenging I would have considered backing down, but you don't seem like a boy with any back bone, Zoe continued.
Areia? What's he talking about? Dan asked.
Back when I was shopping, he was pestering me so I said I was interested in someone already, but it didn't seem like he would stop to I ditched him, I guess now that he's seen you I guess he's assuming you're the boy.
Heka, is there anything I can do to chase him away for the time being, Dan asked.
Well just like a Dog you could always try delivering pain to him. I mean if you kick a dog really hard doesn't he usually just run away for a while, Heka said shrugging.
But I don't want to hurt him, I mean it's only a harmless crush, isn't there a peaceful way.
We beastkin aren't like humans when it comes to this, a simple talking to just wouldn't do, it's normal for us, understand, Heka said grinning. Now fight for your woman.
You know I can hear you right, came Zoe.
Dan sighed, getting up from the chair he was sitting on let's take this outside, he said, what a pain. Zoe followed him no compliant what so ever, steeling Dan's resolve, the fact that he followed me means this is kind of normal for them.
On the front to the guild hall Dan and Zoe stand face to face on the street, ready when you are, Zoe called.
Come at me, Dan said.
Zoe instantly charged towards Dan, he crossed the distance they had in an instant. Zoe crossed crossed the street crashing into carts and barrels as he went, He didn't know what knocked him back or what the black haired kid did but It definitely had force.
Dan could see Areia and Heka watching from a window.
Zoe shook of the dirt and debris on him body, then charged towards Dan again, Dan swiped his hand to the left, Zoe was immediately Slammed into a house on the side, Dan waved to the right, Zoe was again slammed into another house, he raised his arm above his head, and waived it towards the ground, Zoe crashed into the ground with a huge thud.
Well that's that, Dan said going towards the guild hall. Will that be enough Haki, he asked.
Yeah I guess seeing as he's not charging towards you again, it seemed to do the trick. Dan sighed.
You didn't knock him out did you? Haki asked.
No he's fine, Dan said going back to his sit, I just hit him hard, I don't think he'll be coming near Areia anytime soon, but I didn't feel like he has given up either. He went back to his seat as he said that. Areia made after him but Heka stopped her.
You weren't lying what you said about him were you? Heka asked with a grin you know we beast people can smell and feel these things.
Uh? What are you talking about Areia, replied coldly shrugging her hand off and made her way to Dan.