Thread: Adventures of a Lone Wanderer

It was in the middle of the night when Reiji finally landed on the ground. He looked around to check his surroundings and seen that he had landed near a split path that lead to two villages. It reminded him of another place, something familar. Near the poles of the world lied a village that was constantly under the astral lights. That village was mystical as it was mysterious as it existed on the edge of the Astral Plane and was the only place on Earth that was connected to the world of pure, rich and infinite life energy that all souls were bathed in before being born. Day didn't exist there, it stayed in the eternal night just like they wanted it. It usually housed beings and creatures that weren't human. A little place to call their own. It was hidden from most beings even the gods, demons, other mystical beings and creatures. The only way to find it was to be invited and the way to get there would be by the help of Alice as she was the one who built it with Reiji during the start of the civilized world. This place would being available only to who Alice found acceptable. Not only was the place connected to the Astral Plane but other heavenly bodies could be seen clearly from the village as well as the endless stars in space and to top it off the village was always covered in a blanket of snow and surrounded by tall but study pine trees. It was the perfect place to just have peace and quiet when you needed to get away from anything. The village didn't have a name just yet but dubbed it as Luna Village for now. Reiji was standing there remembering all of this with his eyes closed, his true form no longer shown. He was deep in thought until someone bumped into him with a horse. Reiji was knocked to the ground, the rider didn't stop and kept going. Reiji couldn't see their face as they were wearing a brown cloak but examining the rider closer, it looked to be feminine. They could've at least said sorry. Either way, I need to eat since that whole unneeded situation back there. Let's see if I can at least find a tavern or an inn somewhere. he said brushing himself off. Reiji proceeded to follow the rider closely, not because he was curious but he figured that she knew where she was going and could lead him to said place. Using his high speed, he followed her and kept out of her sight by staying in the trees and being completely silent. She headed into the right village of the two and he followed her by staying on the rooftops. All the while, he wondered, just what she was speeding away from? She stopped in front of an inn and proceeded to go inside after hitching up her horse. Reiji landed in front of the door, effectively scaring a few people who were walking through the street. He looked up at the place with an half interested face it seemed like and went inside. The inn itself was pretty clean and neat also with it being like any other house in the village from the outside except for it being bigger, never would've noticed that. The front area had a bar where you could get a drink and upstairs were all the rooms. The place was packed with loud people and no doubt that the rooms were too. It seemed like there were a lot of people just passing through like Reiji was. The rider that Reiji had followed was at the front desk trying to get a room. She had her hood down now, she was sporting a couple of elf-like ears, long brown hair but braided in a pony tail, slender figure and very well endowed curves. At least from the back, he could see that. Oh, Reiji figured now as he gotten a better look, it was indeed a woman. She was wearing armor pieces under her cloak, gauntlets, chestplate, greaves, and boots with a bronze finish. She also had a longbow and an quiver of arrows on her back and a belt that had many daggers with a couple of bottles on the back which Reiji figured it was poison. A knight from an far away place? He didn't know but he stood behind her in line. She didn't notice because he was too busy talking to the man who was behind the desk trying to see if they had any available rooms. As they were busy talking to each other, Reiji looked at the people who were in the bar area. Most of them look like people from faraway places all right. The thing that was strange however was that most of them looked the type of knights. It made him raise an eyebrow because he wondered if something was going on. Now that he looked back, it seemed like a lot of them were in town walking around or standing but he figured that they were just there to protect the villages so paid it no mind. Aha! We do have a room available...unfortunately since it's the last room we have open and a lot of people already bidded money on the room tonight. You're going to have to pay a price higher to get this now. the bookkeeper said as he closed the log in front of him. How much? She simply asked, her voice was a bit royal like and proud. A thousand gold pieces, no less. As the person before you put down nine hundred gold pieces. he said to her as he put a bag of coins in front of her of the previous person. I see... She didn't have that much money, just five hundred pieces. She sighed to herself at her luck. I can pay for the room if you don't mind sharing it with me. Reiji said as he suddenly stood beside her. And you are? She said without looking at him but Reiji could tell that there was gratitude in her voice. Reiji Maigo, and yourself? he said taking out a bag of his own. Meia, Meia Coullard. She said to him, crossing her arms under her bust. Nice to meet you, Meia. So...what's your answer? he said looking at her and she nodded. This should cover it, right? He dropped a thousand gold on the table and the bookkeeper instantly snatched it up giving the key to the room. Enjoy your stay! he said with prideful enthusasm. Reiji and Meia nodded their heads at the same time. Although they both were giving off the same vibe and with that same straight face. To tell you the truth, it was quite unnerving to the bookkeeper to keep his cheery dispostion but nevertheless, Reiji and Meia went upstairs together. Reiji was in front of her and Meia was focused on the huge mystical looking broadsword on his back, it seemed to heavy for a boy of his size even though he looked no older than a 17 year old. Although, she could've swore it just glowed a faint aura as she was closely examining it. They both gotten to the door and he opened it with the key. The inside of the room was decked out with beautiful decor and both were taken aback at what they were seeing because it seemed too rich for a room in a village like this. Though the both of them were ignorant of how well known the village really was despite Reiji knowing a lot about the world and Meia traveling place to place. You'd think that at least one of them would know something about it but no, didn't seem like they did. Reiji had walked to the one huge bed that was in the far back of the room. So...what side do you want? Doesn't matter as long as you stay on your side and no funny business. Just because you're young don't mean that I won't castrate you. She said that bluntly to him, to intimidate him, he guessed. Of course, Reiji had no reaction and he just looked back at her with that trademark straight face and just nodded before proceeding to take the sword of his back. She went to her side of the room, she took off her weapons as well. She was waiting on him to make sure that he wouldn't try to attack her. She didn't think it would happen but it never hurt to be cautious in that day and age. The room was fairly dark and Reiji proceeded to grab a lantern that was on the table on the left of the room. As he did so, Meia who was on the other side of the room taking off her armor pieces. Exposing some of her bare skin. Reiji touched the oil inside of the lantern with his finger which was red hot and ignited it, giving them some light. He turned around only to be face to face with Meia who was standing closely behind him. She looked like she was only wearing a short green dress only with the brown cloak on as well. He stepped back in surprise with slightly widened eyes even though he couldn't feel the emotion of surprise rather the idea of it. What? he asked her as she stood there in front of him now. I was wondering about you. You're carrying just a big sword yet you're so small. Do you fight? She said as she sat in a chair, crossing her legs. If needed to be, I will. Usually I don't. he said leaning back against the wall. Are you good? If I fought you hand to hand now, would you win? she asked curiously. Yes, I would. I may not look like it but I have a lot of experience. he simply said, he was confident in his abilities. Hmm...You don't seem the type who'd just be tossing around things like that and not back it up. she was asking because she needed a companion to journey with her to get to her destination. Reiji quietly watched her as she seemed to be lost in thought. Her foot was tapping against the ground and she had her eyes closed as if she was deducing something. Reiji didn't say anything but went to the window, opening the curtains. He watched as some of the village folk walked past the inn. A little further down the road he could see a rowdy group coming down the dirt road. He narrowed his eyes in order to magnify his sight so he could see them more clearly. They seemed to be mercenaries coming through town although he seen that one of them was holding a piece of parchment in one of the men's hand. The one who seemed to be the leader of the group walked up to a couple of men who were standing in a group talking to each other near a street corner. The mercenary opened the parchment asking if they seen the person that was imprinted on the paper but all of them shook their heads. During the time it was open, Reiji took a look at it. Due to his surprise, it was a picture of Meia and the description under it definitely said assassin. He looked over at her who was still not aware of anything and he looked back at the group who started to walk more toward their location. Looks like you have people looking for you, Meia. he turned his head to her slightly. It's been happening since I killed their leader, Krill. she stood up walking to the window beside Reiji watching them. Why? Also, no, I'm not asking why did you kill him. I can pretty much guess. I want to know who hired you to do so and their motive. he asked her. Figured it out, hm? Something tells me you're something more than you let on. Fine, I'll tell you seeing it isn't going to make a difference. Krill, is the leader of an army of mercenaries called the Crimson Sun. They sell their talents and skill to the highest bidder. Fighting in wars that they do not only never believed in but because they like spilling blood, creating chaos, and the like. Just like your everyday mercenaries, right? Though what makes them special is that they have never lost a single man since the group was created and also, they can fight any battle and come out on top. No matter who hired them, just having them, granted you victory on the battlefield. It's like they have the power of insight or something. They know every move a enemy is going to make before they make it. she explained. Yet you killed their leader? How is that so if they know every move you're going to make before you do? he asked. That's an excellent question, Reiji. You see they have bested the most skilled assassins. All the people who hired them are afraid of them. Worried that they may one day take their kingdom, province, or village for the taking. So they send people like me to take care of them. Unfortunately, they all lost their lives in the hands of these mercenaries. Then I was hired by someone to kill their leader, I won't say who. Anyway, I had one advantage that they didn't have. she said to him. And what's that? having his curious gaze fixed on her. I learned magic. she said as she walked away from the window and over to her quiver of arrows. Magic? Oh, that's right, people can use that in this day and age... he said, thinking to himself. Yes, magic. Not everyone can do it. It's probably less than five percent in the people in the entire world can do so. Far and inbetween we are. Well, as you can see, I am an elf. Strong magical prowess and high intellect. she took one of the arrows in her hand. Mumbling something under her breath as she swept her hand down the arrow. A faint red aura glowed from the arrow itself. Reiji's eyes widened slightly. Is that...fire? How did you come to learn something as advanced as that? Let alone combat magic... he was literally stunned. This woman was using magic that borrowed the power from the gods, namely his. ...Well, it's hard to explain but I was born with this, I guess. Getting back to the explaination. I was following this group of mercenaries for a while. Stay in the shadows, only moving at night and with the group. The last time they settled for camp. I thought it was time to make my move. I took one of these arrows and aimed it straight at the leader's head or so I thought that's who it was. When I fired, it connected. Burning the man to a charred corpse...unfortunately, it wasn't him. It was a man who I believed was his double or a lowly soldier of his. Either way, he knew I was there a long time ago and he planned accordingly. I was soon swarmed with his men. It couldn't have been no more than one hundred at the time. They had shot arrows at the tree that been in and I fell out, unhurt but soon they were upon me and I got captured. That's when the leader came out of the shadows...I'll never forget that smug grin of his. She said gripping her left arm tightly. They stripped me of my weapons and clothes. They thought they had me, Krill thought he had me until I used one of my most devestating spells that I could muster, Fire Genocide. The only thing I can remember is me drawing all the magical power within me to unleash it in one huge explosive blast of searing flame... remember seeing a silhouette a man with long, flowing crimson flaming hair and what I believe to be on my back was wings of crimson flame. That silhouette held up his hands and it glowed. I remember screaming out in pain before...boom. When I came to, the whole camp except for Krill's tent was buried under magma. Anyone around me was long dead and I was the only one standing there on the only piece of rock that hadn't melted yet. I got out of there, gotten back my weapons, clothes, and armor that was in Krill's tent before it too got swallowed in magma and I haven't looked back since. she was putting on her stuff back on during the story because she knew that she had to move. Reiji on the other hand was completely silent. This woman had a link to his powers, how? Well, Alice had told him something of this but never really seen it in action. Made him think if there was someone worshipping him and his power to borrow it in combat. Either way, he couldn't sit around thinking about it. No doubt that they probably have something of him too which he was right. The King who over saw this kingdom he was still in was looking for him and hired anyone who could bring him back alive. The mercenary downstairs were questioning the bookkeeper who was scared out of his wits and not wanting to be hurt, he told them exactly what they wanted to know. Soon, their footsteps were heard down the hallway. Reiji picked up his sword then put it on his back. Their coming. You might want to get behind me and close your eyes. He said getting in the middle of the room. Why? We could get out of here right no- Yeah, as soon as we leave, they'll see us. I need to blind them for however long I think it will take us to escape. he said cutting her off. Before she could protest, however, there was knocking on the door. Meia got behind Reiji and closed her eyes as did Reiji. The moment they kicked the door down and went in, he muttered the words, Crimson Flash. As he did so, his body flashed a light so bright that it instantly disabled their vision of sight for a minute and nothing more. Let's go. he simply said before grabbing her hand and opening the window before jumping out on the roof with her. They proceeded to get down the street level and hop on her horse. As they did, they rode out of there before the mercenaries could regain their sight again to follow them. When they did, Reiji and Meia were long gone and the mercenaries cursed themselves for losing them. They left the inn in order to rethink their strategy for finding them again and blaming each other for failing such an obvious attack. Will write more later in another post.