The World of Stars 2: Kestral

[Dekar]

The World of Stars 2: Kestral

~Asuna~

*The sun rises waking Asuna up. She sits up in her bed, looks around, and notices that Kaga was gone. She leaps out of bed and frantically looks around.*

Asuna: Kaga! Kaga! Where are you?!

*Kaga was the only person she knew and he had her phase gun. She runs around the inn, but doesn’t find him. She runs over to the front desk and addresses the innkeeper.*

Asuna: Excuse me? The boy who brought me here – did he already leave?

Innkeeper: Don’t worry, miss; he’s right outside.

*Letting out a sigh of relief, Asuna walks outside and finds Kaga sitting in front of the inn with a blanket and various tools of trade laid out on it.*

Kaga: Yo, you’re up, huh?

Asuna: You scared me! I thought you had left me behind!

*Asuna shouts at him, but Kaga just chuckles in response.*

Kaga: I wouldn’t do something like that. I don’t go back on my word. Besides, I’m a merchant, not a thief.

Asuna: Huh?

*Looking at the blanket, Asuna notices all of the items had prices on them.*

Asuna: You’re a merchant?

Kaga: Yeah, I’m a traveling merchant. Well, actually my real job to teach and study symbology, but unfortunately that doesn’t pay the bills.

Asuna: So you’re like a scholar?

*Kaga replies with a lighthearted laugh and smiles.*

Kaga: I suppose you could call me that, but I’d say that’s an oversimplification.

Asuna: …I think I get it.

Kaga: I haven’t been back to base to restock in a while, so let’s go there.

Asuna: Base?

Kaga: Oh, that’s right, you wouldn’t know. I’m a member of a guild named Kestrel. When I’m not traveling, I take on job requests given to the guild.

Asuna: So, you’re a mercenary.

*Kaga’s expression darkens. He turns to Asuna with a serious and frightening expression.*

Kaga: Never call a guildmember a mercenary. It’s a very quick way to get yourself killed. First of all, guilds are organized, and we don’t take requests that involve killing innocent people like those savage sellswords.

Asuna: O-Oh, I… I’m sorry.

*Kaga takes a deep breath and calms down.*

Kaga: No, it’s okay. Just don’t do it again. If you had said that to some of the other Kestrel members, they would have killed you on the spot and placed the blame elsewhere.

*Asuna could do nothing but nod. Up until this point, Kaga had been so calm suddenly; seeing him get so angry was rattling. Kaga packs up his merchandise and begins to walk down a path, Asuna quickly following after him.*

Asuna: Umm, Kaga? Will we have to fight those monsters again?

Kaga: Well, in a sense. We’ll probably run into a few along the way, but nothing like what we saw yesterday. Stronger monsters normally don’t randomly pick fights with people, ‘cause they’re normally smart enough to realize that if you attack people, they’ll call on the castle or the guilds to exterminate them.

Asuna: Wow. So you guys even scare monsters?

Kaga: Well, the behemoth yesterday probably would have required a team of about three strong guildmembers to defeat, but the leader could kill by herself.

*Asuna recalls the beast’s size and strength and simply stares at Kaga.*

Asuna: Is she really that strong?

Kaga: Our guildmaster is amazing. She’s on par with the head generals of most of the nations.

*Kaga looks at the sky, trying to judge the time.*

Kaga: Anyways, we should hurry up if we want to arrive before sundown.

~Rick~

*Rick stirs in his sleep and finally gets out of bed.*

Rick: Man, I was so restless last night I hardly slept.

*Rick stretches out and walks downstairs. When he looks in the kitchen, he finds Sakura preparing breakfast.*

Sakura: Oh, Bro, you’re up.

Rick: Yeah, I need to prepare to leave, and I need to see if Celina is going to come with me.

Sakura: Actually, Sis woke up earlier. She’s already gone to talk to Dad about it.

Rick: You mean the mayor? Does she have that kind of authority?

Sakura: Huh? There’s no authority needed. As long as he’s not in the middle of something, he’ll see anyone who comes.

Rick: But I thought you said yesterday he was always busy.

Sakura: That’s WHY he’s always busy.

Rick: Oh…I see.

Sakura: Anyways, let’s go get you ready.

Rick: Huh?

Sakura: Well, you need some kind of weapon. And you should get at least some kind of armor.

Rick: You’re right. There’s probably gonna be a lot more dangerous stuff than what we faced yesterday.

Sakura: Of course, those were pretty average for this area. Separately they’re pretty weak, but since they attack in packs it’s better to bring a symbologist.

*Rick nods and follows Sakura out the door. The two of them go to a local blacksmith to find a weapon.*

Sakura: So, Bro, what kind of weapon do you use? A sword? A spear? A mace would fit your personality.

Rick: No, my fists are the only weapon I need (unless I’m up against a phase gun, that is).

Sakura: What? That’s boring. The hero is supposed to use a sword.

Rick: I am what I am. Do you have anything to improve hand-to-hand combat?

Blacksmith: Certainly.

*The blacksmith goes into his house/shop and rummages around a bit, but soon returns with a pair of well-made thick steel gauntlets and steel-plated boots which still allowed his feet to move effectively.*

Blacksmith: That will be 450 Fol.

Rick: Huh?

Sakura: Here you go.

*Sakura takes out a pouch and gives the man some money from it, then turns to Rick with a smile.*

Sakura: My Dad gave me this money to help you equip yourself.

Rick: I’ll have to thank him later then.

Sakura: Yep.

*Rick and Sakura move on to the tanner’s shop where they purchased some hard leather armor so that Rick wasn’t weighed down too much.*

Rick: Thanks a lot, Sakura.

Sakura: I’m just glad that I can help you out. But Bro, you have to keep Sis safe, okay?

Rick: You don’t have to worry. I’ll make sure she comes back safe. And once I find Asuna, the first thing I’ll do is come back and visit. (This is where the escape pod is anyways, so I have to come back.)

Sakura: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

*Rick changes into his new gear and puts his old clothing in a bag to bring with him.*

Sakura: Sis and Dad should be waiting for us at the town gate.

Rick: Then let’s get going. We shouldn’t keep them waiting.

Sakura: Right!

*Rick and Sakura head to the town gate and find Celina standing beside a tall handsome brown-haired man.*

Mayor: Ah. You must be Rick. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Rick: Ah, yes. The pleasure’s all mine.

Mayor: Haha. You’re very polite for your age.

*The man laughs lightly and hands Rick a pouch.*

Mayor: This contains some travel funds to ensure that the two of you will be okay. Since caravans and the like don’t normally come here, I’m afraid you’ll have to walk to the next town.

Rick: I understand. We’ll be careful.

Mayor: That’s good, but one more thing.

*The mayor leans in closely toward Rick.*

Mayor: You have to protect Celina. She’s a more important girl than she realizes.

Rick: Huh? What do you mean?

Mayor: Exactly what I said. Please take that to heart. Also, when you reach the capital, you should try to find a master to help you improve your martial arts.

*Finally, the mayor takes out a scroll and hands it to Rick.*

Mayor: Give this to one of the chancellors and you should be able to get an audience with the king.

*Rick looks at the mayor suspiciously. Who was he to be able to get an audience with the king so easily?*

Rick: We’ll be leaving now. We’ll come visit after I’ve found Asuna.

*Rick and Celina wave the two goodbye and walk out of the town.*

~Asuna~

*Asuna and Kaga finally arrive at Kestrel, but Asuna is shocked by the sheer scale of the guild. The main building towered into the sky and several stone buildings which appeared to be living quarters stood on. When they enter, Asuna sees several battlegrounds as well as a garden and what appeared to by a merchant town.*

Asuna: So this is your guild?

Kaga: Yeah, Kestrel specializes in combat and trade so we rarely ever take on diplomatic or infiltration missions. We’re more like your typical dragon-slaying or sword-acquiring guild.

Asuna: Umm, okay.

*Looking around, Asuna sees men and women of all shapes and sizes, but many of them turned to the two. Some even walked over.*

Guildmember: So Kaga, you’re finally back. Who’s the girl?

Kaga: I found her unconscious in the forest. It seems her hometown was destroyed, so I figured I’d bring her with me.

Guildmember: It’s rare to see you traveling with a companion. Well, I suppose it’ll be good to have one after Lady Kylia breaks both your arms for being gone so long.

Kaga: Is she that mad?

Guildmember: Well, you just suddenly left. Hell, you didn’t even bring your weapons or battle gear with you. She probably figures you’re dead.

: Nah, Kaga’s too stubborn to die. He’s like a cockroach.

*A beast woman with grey hair and grey wolf ears jumps down. She had blue eyes and a long white pelt curled around her arms and behind her back which accented her well-developed figure. She also had grey fur on the lower part of both her arms and below her knees. Her nose twitches a bit and she turns to Asuna.*

: Oh? And who is this?

Asuna: My name is Asuna.

: Oh, my. You look good enough to eat.

Kaga: Stop it, Ouka. You’re scaring her.

*Ouka licks her lips, revealing a few sharp fangs, the sight of which causes Asuna to back away a bit.*

Ouka: Oh, come now, missy. Don’t be scared. I’m not gonna hurt you.

Kaga: Ouka, you look like you’re about to ravage her.

Ouka: Well, you brought her here, so she must be at least a decent fighter right? I’ve been looking for a nice sparring match.

*Suddenly, a slightly agitated smile appears on Kaga’s face.*

Kaga: I see. So, it’s a fight you’re after, eh? Well then, rather than picking a fight with someone who just got here, why don’t you spar with me?

*Ouka turns pale and takes a step back.*

Ouka: …N-No, it’s okay.

Asuna: What’s up with her?

*Several of the other guildmembers laugh.*

Guildmember: Well, you see, Kylia gives Kaga a lot of freedom ‘cause he’s been here a long time. So Ouka picked a fight with him one day. Ouka’s really strong, but she’d never fought a symbologist before, so when Kaga was backed into a corner, he lit her on fire and it took her two months to grow her fur and hair back.

Asuna: So Kaga is really strong then?

Guildmember: Well, I suppose. He’s considered the guild’s strongest symbologist, but since most people in this guild are warriors, it’s hard to translate. Though Neon and he often pick fights with one another, and Saber and he have never fought one-on-one, so it’s safe to say he’s up there. By the way, Neon and Saber are both candidates for guild’s strongest warrior, behind Lady Kylia of course.

Asuna: I see.

Kaga: Actually, Ouka, I’ve got a favor to ask of you.

Ouka: W-What is it?

Kaga: Asuna needs equipment. Can you stop by my store and help her equip herself? I need go get beat up by-- I mean, talk to Lady Kylia. Also, if I don’t return, look after her.

Ouka: You shouldn’t make jokes that are actually possible.

*Kaga waves goodbye and walks off with an expression that implied that he really was in for it.*

Ouka: Follow me. I’ll take you to his shop. You’ll be able to get equipped there.

*Asuna follows Ouka into the merchant town. Asuna was surprised by how loud the town was, what with merchants and warriors shouting at each other over prices and older fighters drinking after returning from slayings. When they reach Kaga’s shop, Ouka takes a key out of her pocket and holds it out in front of her.*

Ouka: By this key and the owner, I have been granted permission to enter.

*The door opens up and Ouka leads Asuna in. The inside had weapons of every shape and size lining the walls and all different types of armor on display.*

Ouka: Just take what you like.

*Asuna looks around the shop, she did have some battle experience as Rick loved virtual fighting games and she sometimes competed with him. As she looks around a pair of gold-yellow colored twin swords catch her eye. She walks over and takes them from the wall.*

Ouka: Oh, so you use twin swords, huh?

Asuna: Well, I’m not a particularly good fighter to tell you the truth, but I’m most familiar with these.

Ouka: I see. Well then, if you’re gonna do that, I’ll pick out some armor for you.

*Ouka’s eyes shine a bit and Asuna could tell she was gonna be in for a long haul.*

~Rick~

*Several small goblin-like creatures lunge at Rick. Celina uses her symbology to increase his speed, and he steps in delivering two fast strikes to incapacitate two of the goblins. However, the third goblin slashes him in the chest. Luckily, the majority of the damage is deferred because of the armor he was wearing and he counterattacks with a powerful roundhouse kick.*

Celina: Great spirits of health and life, grant this weary warrior respite!

*Rick feels the pain in his chest fade. They had been venturing like this for a while, having to stop every couple of battles to heal Rick, who fought the monsters directly, while Celina supported him from the rear.*

Rick: Thanks for the help, Celina.

Celina: No, it’s fine. But how did you manage to get this far without some kind of backup? You must have been very lucky.

*Apparently, Celina had expected him to be a slightly better fighter than he was. Though he had to admit that if she hadn’t been there, he would have been in serious trouble.*

Rick: I brought lots of medicine and avoided fights when I could.

Celina: I see. Based on the way you fight and your personality, I had imagined you to be more of the “travel the path without worrying about foes” type.

Rick: Well, we all do what we have to in order to survive, right?

*Celina nods in satisfaction.*

Celina: That is very true.

Rick: Anyways, it looks like we’re almost to town. Let’s go.

*But before Rick and Celina reach town, a large heavily-armored monster appears before them.*

Rick: Out of the way!

Celina: Careful! That one’s stronger than the others!

*As Rick gets within striking range, his fist comes into contact with a large spiked mace head and he is repelled several yards backwards.*

Celina: To fight things like these, you normally want to use symbology. But my offensive symbology isn’t very powerful.

Rick: Dammit! We’re so close to town too!

*Both Rick and Celina were exhausted from the long trail. As Rick gets ready to attack the monster again, he hears a soft sound.*

: Lord of the land, hear my plea! May land and water become my allies to vanquish those who threaten me! Geostrike!

*Suddenly, roots shoot out of the ground, ensnaring the monster and pulling it in multiple directions. After a few moments, the monster is torn apart and a female knight stands several meters behind its position.*

: Are you two okay?

*Rick and Celina walk towards the figure. She was a beautiful knight adorned in dark purple armor with silver lining. Her blondish red hair streamed out from under her open faced helm and a violet dress flowed over her leg armor.*

Celina: Thank you very much for your help.

: It’s no problem. It’s my duty to eradicate monsters that get to close to the town.

Rick: Well then, why was that there in the first place?

*The knight turned to him with a calm and professional expression.*

: It took me time to find it. Besides, I hardly think that you are in a situation to try and cast fault on others.

*The knight was majestic and calm. Every aspect of her seemed composed. It was the first time Rick had met such a person. Even the soldiers where he was from weren’t this composed.*

: My name is Sherry. I’m actually on my way to the City of Mac Anu tomorrow. I just happened to see you two and decided to help. After all, it is a knight’s duty to defend the towns.

Celina: You’re heading the capital tomorrow?

Sherry: Yes, I received a summons from General Shizuru to return to the castle immediately.

Celina: I see. We’re also headed to the capital tomorrow. Would you mind if we tagged along with you?

Sherry: That’s fine with me. It would be an extremely difficult journey for just the two of you.

*As Sherry says the final sentence, she looks at Rick critically.*

Rick: Hey, are you trying to imply something?

Sherry: Only that you are not strong enough to make the journey without either assistance or a great deal of luck.

*Rick clenches his fists as he looks at the girl. Her superiority pissed him off, even more so since it was justified and he knew it was the truth.*

Sherry: Once you’re at the capital, you can find a teacher to help you improve, but until then, you’re weak.

*Rick nods begrudgingly and Celina lets out a sigh of relief.*

Sherry: Well then. Why don’t we stay at the inn tonight and get some rest? You must both be tired from your long journey.

Rick: Yeah. Come to think of it, I am pretty wiped out.

*Celina laughs at Rick’s sudden change in attitude and the two follow Sherry. After they check in, the three of them go to a nearby tavern and order some food.*

Sherry: So, where are the two of your traveling from anyways?

Celina: I’m Celina from Aman Village. And this is Rick. He’s from a far-off island. He was separated from one of his companions and he’s looking for her right now.

Sherry: Is that so? How did you end up in Aman?

Rick: Well, my companion and I were on a ship and it was attacked. We both managed to get away. After I reached land, I took cover in a forest and everything after that is hazy.

Sherry: Hmm, so what does your companion look like?

*Rick describes Asuna’s appearance, but Sherry shakes her head.*

Sherry: I’m afraid I haven’t heard reports of a stranger fitting that description.

Rick: I think she might have gone to the place where the other falling rock hit.

Sherry: Oh, so you know about the two falling rocks?

Rick: Yeah, they’re the last things I remember. (Well, of course I was riding in one of them…)

Sherry: I see. Well, the King would certainly know more about it than me, but the other rock didn’t land on this continent.

*Rick looks down at the table a bit dejected. It would have been too convenient for them to land of the same continent, he supposed, but at least he knew she had made it.*

Rick: I see. Thank you very much for the information.

Sherry: Oh, you’ve changed your tune very quickly. Well, let’s go back to the inn and get some rest.

*Rick and Celina nod and the three of them returned to the inn. However, as Rick lies in his bed, he realizes that this was the first time he had spent the night in the same room as a girl excluding Asuna. Thinking about that, he suddenly became nervous and looks over at Celina whom was sleeping peacefully.*

Rick: Crap, I’d better go to sleep before I do something criminal.

*Rick pulls the sheets over his head and closes his eyes, trying to think pure thoughts.*

~Asuna~

Ouka: There! Perfect!



Asuna: Ouka, don’t you think this outfit is a little…um…revealing?

Ouka: You’re a fast fighter, so the less you have to inhibit your movement, the better. Besides…

*Ouka licks her lips and gives Asuna a look over.*

Ouka: With looks like that, you can afford to show a little skin.

Asuna: But…

*Asuna looks away embarrassed but soon gives up.*

Asuna: Oh, alright, but did you really have to cut my hair?

Ouka: Long hair just gets in the way in battle. This looks better anyways.

Asuna: I give up.

Ouka: Well, let’s go check out Kaga’s funeral. I bet a bunch of members are throwing a party.

Asuna: Is he really THAT hated?

Ouka: No, not particularly. We always throw a party when people die.

Asuna: Isn’t that disrespectful?

Ouka: Well, celebrating the time we spent with them rather than mourning the time we didn’t seems to make a hell of a lot more sense to me.

*Asuna thinks about Ouka’s words for a moment, but soon sets them aside and follows after Ouka. However, when she sees Kaga, she stops dead in her tracks.*

Kaga: Ouka, where’s Asuna? I told you to keep an eye on her.

Ouka: What are you talking about? She’s right here.

*Kaga turns to Asuna and, after a few moments, the meaning of Ouka’s words finally set in. However, Asuna was the more surprised one. Kaga looked like he had gone through a meat grinder. He was covered in bruises and lumps and was cut in several places.*

Kaga: Are you really Asuna?

*He continues to stare at her in disbelief. It made her a little uncomfortable, but she was more concerned about his wounds.

Asuna: Umm, shouldn’t you get yourself checked out?

Kaga: Oh, right, I was gonna go get Miharu to heal me.

Asuna: Miharu?

Ouka: She’s one of the other symbologists at the guild. Kaga is the top symbologist, but he knows hardly any healing symbology. So when people need to get patched up, they normally go to Miharu.

Asuna: I see. So even if he’s the strongest offensively, he’s can’t heal.

Ouka: That about sums it up.

*Asuna and Ouka follow Kaga to a nearby hut. When they enter, Miharu stands behind her levitating staff concentrating on the fireballs that were spinning around it. As the door shuts, the fire fades and the staff falls to the ground.*

Kaga: Wow. You can already do five? You’re improving.

Miharu: Thank you very much, Kaga.

*The blonde girl smiles and looks up at him, the top of her large white hat bouncing a little.*

Miharu: It looks like Lady Kylia’s as rough with you as ever.

Kaga: Yeah. Just once you’d think she’d take it easy on me.

*Kaga and Miharu both laugh. Asuna is surprised by Miharu’s appearance. Not only was she much younger than she had expected, probably only 10 or 11, but she also had six small black wings on her back.*

Kaga: Do you think you can fix me up?

Miharu: I suppose. But this time, you’ll have to make me a promise.

Kaga: What is it?

Miharu: Bring me on your next mission.

Kaga: Well…umm…fine, as long as it’s not too dangerous.

Miharu: Yay! Okay, give me a moment.

*Miharu jumps for joy and begins to shuffle through some stuff, looking for another staff. Kaga laughs lightly and sits down, waiting to be healed.*

Asuna: They seem very close.

Ouka: Lady Kylia raised both of them since they were small so they regard each other as siblings.

Asuna: This entire guild seems very kind.

Ouka: Hey, don’t talk like an outsider. You’re one of us now.

Asuna: What? When did I join?

Ouka: When you came here. Besides, you don’t have anywhere else to go, right?

*Asuna nods as it was true. There wasn’t anything more she could do right now.*

Kaga: By the way, Lady Kylia says I’ll have to hang around here for a while and do some normal missions, so until she lets me leave again, we’ll have to put off our search for your friend.

Asuna: But…isn’t there anyway we can…?

*Asuna suddenly stops, realizing how selfish she was being. All of the people here were helping her out of their own goodwill. It would be unreasonable to ask them to break the rules of their society to help her faster.*

Kaga: Besides, if your friend comes looking for you, it’s better that you stay put for a bit, right?

*Asuna nods and Ouka smiles at the two. Miharu finally finds what she was looking for and walks over to Kaga, raising her staff out in front of her. A dim glow is emitted from the staff and Kaga’s wounds slowly begin to vanish.*

Asuna: Wow, that’s incredible!

Ouka: Isn’t it? To be able to heal like that at such a young age is amazing.

Miharu: Hehehe. You’re gonna make me blush.

Kaga: Anyways, let’s stay put here for a bit and do a few missions before we head out looking for your friend.

*Asuna nods.*

Asuna: (Well, I guess this’ll be my life for a while… It could be worse.)

*She smiles, thinking about all the interesting people she had met so far.*

~Rick~

: GET UP!

*Rick jumps out of bed, surprised by the loud command shouted into his ear. He finds Sherry fully suited up and ready to go.*

Sherry: How long do you intend to sleep? It’ll be sunrise in another hour.

Rick: Umm, I was planning to sleep ‘til sunrise.

*Sherry looks at him and merely shakes her head, then walks away.*

Celina: Come on, Rick, it’ll be nice to have her with us. Just get ready and let’s go.

*Rick grumbles, but realizes that Celina was right and suits up. The three of them go and grab something to eat at a nearby shop before leaving.*

Celina: So, Miss Sherry, where’d you learn symbology? It’s very different from what’s taught to the knights.

Sherry: Actually a symbologist from Dun Loireag taught me when I was a child. The citizens of Mac Anu rarely use geo-shaping symbology, so I’m in the minority.

Celina: Isn’t that because humans have a weaker empathic link with the land so it’s harder to learn?

Sherry: Yeah, but if you’re taught as a child, it can be done.

*Rick eats as he listens to the two, completely lost. Noticing his expression, Celina decides to explain.*

Celina: Well, Rick, geo-shaping is a form of symbology where the user evokes assistance from the planet itself. The symbology Sakura and I use is the traditional form where the user gathers the energy from around them and channels it into an element or effect. In short, one derives from the planet Aura while the other derives from the knowledge passed on by Althena.

*Rick nods, indicating he understood, and they finish eating.*

Sherry: Okay then. If everyone’s got their gear, let’s get going.

*Rick, Sherry, and Celina get their stuff and head out towards the Capital City of Mac Anu.*[/size]