The World of Stars 3

[Dekar]

The World of Stars 3

~Rick~

Sherry: I call on Aura’s mercy to become the bonds to trap my foes! Ensnare!

*The enormous purple and black bird is suddenly ensnared by vines which sprout forth from the ground and capture it, dragging it to the ground.*

Sherry: Go for it!

Rick/Celina: Right!

Celina: Power excess, become my allies’ hammer and grant them unstoppable might!

*Rick charges at the bird and he can feel a sudden surge of power enter his body. Channeling it into his fist, he kills the bird in a single powerful punch.*

Sherry: Good work, you two. It looks like I underestimated you a bit. You can fight a little after all, but you’re still below knight level.

*Rick lets out a frustrated sigh at Sherry’s words. Up until now, he had always been the strongest fighter around and everyone showed him respect, but now, he wasn’t even impressive. It bugged him a bit.*

Celina: So how far from Anu are we, Miss Sherry?

Sherry: Still a good ways. But we should be able to make it to an outpost before nightfall. From there, we can board a caravan.

Celina: That’s great, isn’t it, Rick?

*Rick stares at the two of them, then nods.*

Rick: Umm, yeah. By the way, Sherry, I’ve been wondering. How strong are you among the knights?

*After hearing Rick’s question, Sherry pauses and thinks. She must have been considering her rank and so on.*

Sherry: Well, I’m not the strongest or anything, but I’m considered about as strong as the captain of a unit. So I’m in the upper 20%, I’d say.

*Rick nods, amazed that someone as strong as her was only considered in the upper 20%.*

Celina: Rick, look out!

Rick: Huh?

*Rick turns around and raises his guard an instant before a large lizard man attempts to cleave his head off. The sword deflects of his gauntlets but Rick is sent sprawling to the ground.*

Rick: Oww~!

*The lizard charges at him to try and finish the job, but Sherry steps between them and raises her shield, fending off the lizard’s attacks.*

Rick: Damn you!

*His frustration having finally reached its limit, Rick springs back to his feet then lunges at lizard. It backs away from Sherry, but Rick closes the gap with even greater speed, delivering a crushing blow to its stomach and knocking it over. Sherry and Celina stare at him in surprise.*

Sherry: Where have you been hiding that strength all this time?

Rick: I… I don’t know. My body just moved on its own.

Sherry: Hmm… Well, we’ll leave that aside for now. Maybe you have some talent after all.

*The three continue towards the outpost, but Sherry quiets down. She appeared to be deep in thought.*

Celina: Rick, what are you going to do if we can’t find any leads on your friend?

Rick: I’ll just move on. If she’s not here, she must be on one of the other continents. But first I think I’m gonna try and find someone to help me improve my fighting.

*Celina nods, amazed by his determination and resolve.*

Sherry: I’ve been thinking this for a while, but…are you two a couple?

Rick/Celina: Huh?!

*Both Rick and Celina jump back in surprise, both of their faces turning beet-red. Sherry tilts her head at this.*

Celina: N-No, it’s not like that!

Rick: We’ve only known each other for a few days! How could we already be like that?!

*Sherry looks at the two, slightly perplexed.*

Sherry: Well, the two of you are on this journey together, and aside from that, you both just seem very close especially for “people who have only known each other for a few days”.

Rick: Well, whatever, it’s not like that okay?

Sherry: Fine, it doesn’t really matter anyways.

*Sherry continues on with Rick and Celina following behind silently.*

~Asuna~

Asuna: Haaaah!

*Asuna spins quickly attacking Ouka with a twin blade hurricane, but Ouka was too fast. Ouka leaps into the spin and grabs both of Asuna’s arms and puts her into a submission hold.*

Ouka: Not bad, but you’ve got way too many openings.

*Ouka releases Asuna, who stands up and bows.*

Asuna: Thank you for instructing me.

Ouka: Well, there’s only so much I can do. I don’t use twin swords. The best teacher would be…

*Ouka suddenly shivers and looks around.*

Asuna: Who would be the best teacher?

Ouka: Well it would be—

Guildmember: Hey Neon and Saber are back!

*A bunch of the guild members suddenly start rushing towards the entrance.*

Asuna: What’s going on?

Ouka: Neon and Saber are back from their latest mission. They are two of the guild’s top warriors and are both well respected.

Asuna: Really? Let’s go check it out.

*Asuna grabs Ouka’s arm and starts running towards the entrance. As she pushes her way through the crowd, she finds a beautiful blonde girl in blue and silver knight’s armor and a boy with short while hair, baggy pants, and a sleeveless grey cloth top.*

Asuna: Whoa. They look really strong.

Ouka: They are.

*Ouka’s statement was simple, but the simplicity drove home the truth. Most of the guildmembers stood paying respects of greeting them.*

White-Haired Boy: Hmm? Who is this?

*The boy walks over to Asuna and seems to be appraising her.*

White-Haired Boy: You must be new. I’d never let a beauty like you slip by.

*Asuna’s cheeks turn slightly red as the handsome boy gets close.*

Asuna: Umm, yes, I just arrived yesterday. My name is Asuna.

White Haired Boy: I see. My name is Neon. A pleasure to meet you.

*As Neon greets her, a large staff drops from the sky, landing between the two of them. Neon’s charming kind expression turns sour as he turns to a figure standing several meters away. Most of the other guildmembers had backed away.*

Neon: Are you trying to interrupt?

*The figure had five staffs on his back and his arms and legs were wrapped and his face was obscured by a black bandana and scarf. His midsection had armor on both sides but the shoulders were obscured by a tattered black cloak and the armor above his knees seemed to go up in a straight line, forming a semicircle about 9 inches from his torso.*

: No, just trying to protect another innocent girl from falling prey to the lustful monster.

Asuna: Ouka, who’s that?

Ouka: Oh, you probably don’t recognize him. That’s Kaga in his full battle gear. He wears when greeting strong comrades who have returned from dangerous missions. Though it seems he and Neon still don’t get along.

Neon: Well, if that’s the case, then why don’t we settle this right here?

*Neon draws a pair of twin swords and charges at Kaga, who draws one of his staffs. As the staff’s tip runs hot with fire, Kaga leaps in to confront his enemy. It was over in a flash.*

: Both of you, stop it. If you want to fight, do it later.

*The blonde girl stood between the two. She held Kaga’s staff in her left hand and Neon’s right arm with her right. Both of them could probably attack but doing so would mean making an enemy of her and both back down.*

: It’s a pleasure to see you again, Kaga.

Kaga: The same to you, Saber.

Asuna: Whoa. She’s cool.

Ouka: She’s next in line for being guildmaster and the one who holds the title of the strongest fighter, excluding Lady Kylia. She also seems to be the only other one Kaga and Neon listen too.

Asuna: Wow.

*Asuna stares at the majestic figure of the female knight. Saber then turns and walks over to her.*

Saber: Are you new here?

Asuna: Yes, my name is Asuna.

Ouka: Kaga brought her here yesterday. He seems to have taken a liking to her.

*Asuna turns red and begins fiddling with her fingers.*

Asuna: It’s nothing that special. He’s just looking after me.

Saber: Is that so? Well then… LET’S GIVE HER A WELCOME WORTHY OF KESTREL!!!

*Everyone cheers and Asuna smiles. She was glad that she had met such kind people after being stranded here.*

Ouka: You’d better get ready Asuna. Kestrel parties hard.

*Ouka smiles and pats her on the back then runs over to greet Saber and Neon.*

~Rick~

*Rick looks at the sky, the sun had just set and the three of them were running behind schedule.*

Rick: Sherry, how much further is it?

Sherry: We’re almost there, but I’m worried. I’ve heard that a nasty monster comes out here at night. Maybe we should stop for now.

Celina: I don’t think that’s a good idea. If we set up camp, we’ll just attract the monster to us.

Rick: Celina’s right. If we run into it, we’ll deal with it then.

*As Rick finishes his statement, a loud roar is heard and the three of them turn to find a large white monster with no eyes and a metal circle floating at its rear. It lets out another roar and Sherry prepares to fight it.*

Sherry: Get going, you two! I’ll hold it off!

Rick: You can’t defeat something like that, can you?

Sherry: I might be able to, but you two will just get in the way.

*Rick and Sherry both look at the monster. No matter what they did, the situation looked very bad. Rick leaps towards it and his fist collides with its colossal arm and it merely brushes him aside.*

Rick: What the hell is that? Its strength is unfair.

Sherry: Root Bind!

*Giant roots rise from the ground and ensnare the monster’s limbs. However, the monster quickly breaks free of the roots and charges at Sherry. Raising her shield to defend herself, Sherry is pushed back.*

Sherry: Hurry up and run, you two! I’ll hold it here!

Rick: We can’t run! Celina, give me a strength boost.

*Rick waits, but when he turns to look at Celina, the chant and runes were very different.*

Celina: Lord of fire and destruction, heed my words and grant me your sacred aid! Obliterate my enemy with the holy fires of heaven! Azure Flame!

*The beast is engulfed in blue fire and Rick hears something hit the ground behind him. As he turns, he finds Celina had collapsed and runs and picks her up.*

Rick: Sherry, let’s go!

Sherry: Right!

*The two set out in a dash towards the outpost, which could be seen out in the distance. The cries of the giant Celina had scorched seemed to repel other monsters, which were afraid of those who could defeat the strongest of them.*

Rick: What was that?

Sherry: Azure Flame…! But it’s not possible…!

Rick: Is that something special?

Sherry: I’ll explain later! We’ve got to go now!

*Rick merely nods, understanding that he shouldn’t dig any deeper right now. When the two reach the outpost, several knights stand before them with swords drawn, ready to strike.*

Knight: Captain Sherry, you’ve returned! Who are the two you’re with?

Sherry: They are a couple of travelers I met on my way here. I’m escorting them to the capital and would like transportation prepared for tomorrow morning.

Knight: Understood.

*Rick looks down at Celina, who was cradled in his arms. A sick feeling starts to come over him as he realizes her face was starting to lose color and her body was slowly going cold.*

Rick: Sherry, we need to get Celina some medical attention! Something’s wrong!

Sherry: What are you talking about? She’s just tired?

*Sherry gives a quick glance and returns to talking to the soldier.*

Rick: ‘Just tired’?! Don’t give me that crap! Look at her! She’s going cold!

Knight: How dare you talk to Captain Sherry like that!

Rick: Shut the hell up!

Knight: What did you say?!

*The knight draws his sword as if to attack Rick, but Sherry raises her hand, telling the knight to stand down.*

Sherry: Take her to the inn. It’s over there.

*Sherry points to a large building and Rick wastes no time in heading in that direction.*

Knight: Why did you allow him to speak to you in such a way?

Sherry: Because those two saved my life a little while ago. Besides, it’s interesting watching him overreact. I guess he’s never seen it before.

Knight: Captain, is she the source of the blue fire that we saw a few moments ago?

Sherry: Yes, and he’s her guardian.

Knight: …I understand. I will apologize later.

*Celina sits in bed and Rick sits beside her with a worried expression on his face. After a minute or two, Sherry enters.*

Sherry: Are you still panicking? She’s just in cold sleep.

Rick: Cold sleep?

Sherry: When someone uses too much symbology or a spell far above their level, they enter a deathlike state while their body and energy recover. When people first learn symbology, it happens a lot.

*Rick looks at Sherry amazed. It hadn’t hit him until now, but the beings on this planet really were different from those on Earth.*

Rick: So, she’s going to be alright?

Sherry: Yeah, she should be as long as we let her rest.

*Rick nods, but was still bothered by what was happening.*

Rick: So, what was so special about that blue fire anyways?

Sherry: I suppose I can tell you. To be honest, the only thing I know is the legend. It’s well-known in Mac Anu, but the other continents don’t really believe in it.

Rick: A legend?

Sherry: According to the legend, those who can use blue fire are descendants of Althena. And with them, a unique warrior shall travel as their “guardian”. Since Althena is an important figure in most of our legends and traditions, someone like her is extremely important.

Rick: I see. So she’s the lineage of one of this country’s religious figures.

Sherry: I suppose you could put it that way.

Rick: And you think I’m her guardian?

Sherry: You might just not know it yet. Not all things are done with a person’s will in mind. Sometime fate itself intervenes.

*Rick stares at Sherry blankly but soon recovers. This was too much to take in all at once.*

Rick: I don’t believe in fate. Our future is decided by our own actions. Fate is just a nice illusion for people who don’t want to take responsibility for their own mistakes.

Sherry: Well, you’re free to believe what you wish, but try and get some sleep okay? She’ll be fine in the morning so you should be ready to go as well.

*Sherry gets up and leaves the room.*

Rick: A guardian? I’m just a student who got stuck here by mistake. Don’t try to make a hero out of a stranger.

~Asuna~

*Asuna gets out of bed and stretches out.*

Asuna: Whew, last night was crazy. I haven’t had fun like that in a long time.

*When she steps outside, she finds about half the guild was still passed out, sleeping on the ground. She hears footsteps approach her and turns to find Saber approaching her.*

Saber: Well, you’re up early. Though you didn’t drink, so I suppose that’s to be expected.

*Asuna laughs at Saber’s comment, thinking back on all of the drunken craziness that had occurred the previous night.*

Asuna: But Saber I remember you drinking a lot.

Saber: I’m used to holding my liquor. It’s sometimes necessary for jobs.

Asuna: I see. So where are the others?

*Asuna looks around but doesn’t see any familiar faces.*

Saber: You mean Kaga, Ouka, and Neon? Ouka and Kaga are at Miharu’s shop getting hangover remedy. Neon went out gambling after the two of them left, so he’s probably passed out somewhere in the merchant’s district.

*Asuna giggles, imaging the three of them in such a state.*

Asuna: By the way, Saber, I didn’t see that Lady Kylia person last night. Did she not participate?

Saber: Lady Kylia left shortly after you and Kaga arrived here. Though I expect she’ll return soon.

Asuna: I suppose I’ll get a chance to see her after all then.

Saber: Perhaps. Though you probably won’t have a chance to talk to her.

Asuna: I understand. I’m kind of surprised though. This guild really is just like a big family.

Saber: Yes it is. And as long as you are one of us, we will all do whatever we can to help you.

*Asuna hears footsteps approaching her.*

Ouka: Ahhh… My head still hurts even with the medicine.

Kaga: That’s what you get for drinking so much.

Ouka: Hey, I don’t want to hear that from you. You got so drunk last night, you almost burned half the merchant district down.

Kaga: It’s been my first chance to cut loose in a while. Cut me some slack.

*Kaga and Ouka walk over, Kaga was once again dressed in “normal” attire, but Ouka was dressed in an oversized T-shirt with shorts on.*

Ouka: Asuna, you look so…refreshed.

Saber: That’s because she didn’t drink until she passed out like some people.

Kaga: Hey, I managed to get back to a bed.

Ouka: Yeah, mine! Why the hell were you in that area to begin with?!

Kaga: I don’t remember… Wait, why does it matter?! You passed out on Miharu’s floor anyways!

*Ouka and Kaga continue to bicker, leaving Asuna confused. She turns to Saber.*

Asuna: Are they together?

Ouka/Kaga: With him/her?! NO WAY!

Saber: It’s because of the way you two act that these misunderstandings are caused in the first place.

*Saber shakes her head. As she does, Neon appears on the scene.*

Neon: Oh, man, I didn’t even recognize some of the girls I was with when I woke up.

Kaga: Why’s the gigolo here?

Neon: Hey, at least I can get a girl! You’re stuck in a perpetual state of “just friends”!

Saber: Break it up, you two. It’s too early for this.

Neon: I’m just saying this is a perfect example. He’s surrounded by three beautiful women and he doesn’t so much as compliment them.

Kaga: I’m not in the mood to deal with this right now. I’ll be translating the stuff I brought back in my shop if anyone needs me.

Neon: So then, Asuna how about you and I—

Ouka: Look, Lady Kylia has returned!

*Everyone runs over to the entrance and bows. Asuna follows suit, not wanting to offend the guild leader. As Kylia enters, she scans the crowd looking for someone.*

Kylia: Saber, bring Kaga and the new girl to the throne.

Saber: Yes, Lady Kylia.

*Asuna hears soft murmurs throughout the crowd of members.*

Member: Kaga and Saber?

Member 2: It must be serious to require the two representatives.

Saber: Asuna, wait here. I will go get Kaga.

*Saber runs off to go get the brown-haired symbologist. After Kylia leaves, Asuna turns to Neon who was standing beside her.*

Neon: So do you need something?

Asuna: Umm, is there something special about Kaga and Saber being requested?

Neon: Huh? Oh, right, you wouldn’t know, would you? The guild has representatives it sends off for missions involving very influential figures. Saber is the warriors’ representative and Kaga is the symbologists’ representative. It’s pretty much a show of respect. Though since they rarely work together on normal missions, they aren’t here at the same time very often, so I normally go in the missing one’s stead since I’m ranked as second warrior and symbologist.

Asuna: So this is going to be a big mission?

Neon: Probably. So why don’t we take this time to get to know each other better?

*A wide grin crosses Neon’s lips as he stares at her.*

Asuna: Okay.

Neon: Really?! Then let’s go—!

Asuna: Ouka said you could give me some combat tips.

*Neon droops his head in disappointment.*

Neon: Oh… I see… Well, I can’t tell you much without seeing you fight, but…

*Neon crouches down and displays a proper stance and the first twin sword kata.*

Neon: You should practice those movements when you have time. Also, let me see your swords.

*Asuna hands Neon her twin swords and he inspects them carefully.*

Neon: Odd choice of swords. These are slayer swords.

Asuna: They’re what?

*Neon ponders for a moment trying to think of how to explain it.*

Neon: They swords that start out ordinary but “level up” as they kill things. They basically drain power from the monsters you kill and become stronger themselves.

Asuna: Oh. But that’s not very helpful right now then.

Neon: When you get some free time, you can have Kaga or Saber help you kill monsters.

Asuna: Okay, thanks.

Neon: No problem.

Asuna: You know, Neon? You’re actually pretty nice.

Neon: Heh. Of course I am.

*A fully outfitted Kaga and fully equipped Saber approach the two.*

Kaga: Come on, let’s get going.

*Asuna nods and follows the two of them to meet Kylia.*

Neon: Asuna, huh? She certainly is a beautiful flower.

*As the three of them enter the throne room, they find Kylia sitting on her throne. Asuna was awestruck by Kylia’s beauty: long brown hair and flawless skin without any trace of scars, but at the same time sharp eyes and a commanding presence. She now understood why everyone in the guild respected her.*

Kylia: I see your wounds have recovered.

Kaga: Heh. Well, you went easy on me, so it’s to be expected.

Kylia: I’m glad to see you’ve returned from your mission unharmed, Saber. I would expect nothing less from my assistant guildmaster.

Saber: I will do my best to continue to meet your expectations.

*Kylia’s lips curve up into an elegant and mature smile, which Asuna couldn’t help but feel enchanted by.*

Kylia: So you are Asuna? The girl that was found in the forest where the star fell?

Asuna: Uh… Y-Yes, ma’am.

Kylia: No need to call me that. Simply refer to me as Kylia. We here at Kestrel are as family after all. Though some of us seem to forget that they have a responsibility to their family.

*Kylia give Kaga a sharp glare, but he stands unwavering.*

Kylia: You used to be so obedient too. I wonder where I went wrong. Or maybe it was that teacher of yours.

Kaga: There is no need to bring her into this.

Kylia: I wanted you to be a spell sword, but you went off and learned Dark Arts. I was so distraught.

Saber: I hate to interrupt reminiscence, but Lady Kylia, why have you summoned us?

*Kylia’s expression becomes serious again.*

Kylia: I want the three of you to go to the capital. The king has requested our services so you three will be working under his command for a while.

*Asuna thinks for a moment. She sees Kaga shiver, but it lasted only a moment.*

Kaga: Then can I bring Ouka? I’m sure the king would be happy to see his daughter again.

*Asuna's eyes suddenly widen in suprise.*

Asuna: (Ouka is the King's daughter? Why is she here?)

Kylia: I suppose. But she is not allowed in the formal audience. You know how the king is. Besides, he likes you, doesn’t he?

Kaga: His favor will be the death of me.

Kylia: Well, anyways, I want you all to set off tomorrow morning.

*The three of them bow to Kylia and exit the audience room, leaving Asuna to wonder what Kaga had been talking about.*

~Rick~

*Rick stirs in his sleep, feeling something warm. When he opens his eyes, he realizes he is in Celina’s lap. She smiles warmly at him.*

Celina: Oh. You’re finally up.

*Rick sits up and rubs his eyes. He realizes he had fallen asleep at her bedside last night.*

Rick: So you’re feeling better then?

Celina: I’m feeling fine. You don’t need to worry.

*She assures him with a comforting expression.*

Rick: If you’re sure, then let’s go meet Sherry so we can get out of here.

*Celina nods excitedly and gets out of bed, but as she stands up she stumbles a bit and loses her balance.*

Rick: Hey, be careful.

*Rick catches her before she falls and she falls into his chest.*

Celina: I’m sorry. I just got a little lightheaded that’s all.

*Rick stares at her suspiciously but lets out a sigh, accepting the excuse.*

Rick: Okay, but don’t push yourself. I don’t want you collapsing on me again. You gave me a real scare last night. I thought you were dead.

Celina: O-Okay… I will.

Rick: Good.

*The two look away from each other awkwardly, neither sure exactly what to do next.*

Sherry: Hey, if you two want some private time, how about getting it after we get to the Capital City? I’d like to leave immediately.

Rick: O-Oh, right. We’ll be right there.

*The two turn red but look at each other and smile. Rick felt comfortable for some reason. He wasn’t sure why, but for the first time, he felt like he belonged.*

Celina: Is something wrong?

Rick: No, no. I was just musing at something. Anyways, let’s get going. I don’t want Sherry to yell at us again.

Sherry: Yeah, you’re right.

*The two run out the caravan that would be taking them to the Capital City of Anu. Sherry sits on the opposite side of one of the coaches and examines the two.*

Celina: Umm, Miss Sherry, what’s wrong?

Sherry: Well, it’s nothing important, but would you mind if I asked you a question?

Celina: No, go right ahead.

Sherry: What were the names of your parents?

Celina: Well, I don’t mind telling you, but why?

Sherry: I need to confirm something.

Celina: My mother’s name was Baina, and my father’s was Endrance.

*Sherry’s eyes suddenly open wide in surprise.*

Sherry: Did you just say Baina and Endrance?

Celina: Yes, is there something wrong?

Sherry: I heard that they had a child, but I had always assumed it was a rumor. If they were your parents, then your symbological talent is understandable.

Celina: Umm, Miss Sherry, do you perhaps know something about my parents?

Sherry: Well, yeah, me and just about everyone in the army. Your parents are famous – especially your father, the ‘Ice Lord’ Endrance. He was one of the most powerful knights in the history of the kingdom.

Celina: But father is dead, isn’t he?

Sherry: I’m sorry to say… Yes, he is.

Rick: What about this Baina person?

Sherry: The ‘Dark Witch’ Baina. She fled the country long ago. Though I heard she had an apprentice to whom she taught the Dark Arts. He might know where she is.

Rick: The Dark Arts?

Sherry: It’s a powerful form of symbology, but it’s considered taboo among symbology buffs. If not mastered the right way, they turn against the user and drive them insane, or destroy their bodies from the inside.

Rick: Why would someone want to learn something like that?

Sherry: Because the Dark Arts are a form of symbology that allows any race of the races to fight the feather folk or the fallen on equal footing. The dark arts are one of the strongest symbology forms.

Rick: I see. By the way, Sherry, while we’re on the subject, do you know anyone in Anu that could teach me combat?

Sherry: Yeah, don’t worry about it. I’ll introduce you but be warned Rykala, is very picky about the people she trains.

Rick: Don’t worry, I can handle it.

Sherry: We’ll see if your confidence can last.[/font][/size]