As I continued my journey through the unfamiliar streets of London, I felt a familiar sensation-the girl I had seen through my passive skill of insight and the power to see the future was standing before me. She looked at me with a curious gaze, her youthful presence exuding innocence. Her black hair caught the sunlight, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. She wore a simple dress, torn at the edges, and her shoes were worn through.
"Mister, are you new from here?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike wonder. The sound of vendors hawking their wares and the distant tolling of a church bell filled the air.
I regained my composure and replied, "Yes, I'm Yoshi Meatsu, and I'm indeed new to this city. But tell me, what's a child like you doing out in the late afternoon? Where are your parents?"
The mere mention of parents cast a shadow over her expression, and her eyes fell to the ground. Not wanting to pry, I changed the subject. "Anyway, dear, I'm just a traveling adventurer from the western continent."
Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Are you from the western continent? Is it true that sneezing is a sign of warning that something bad will happen?" She bombarded me with questions, her curiosity piqued.
As we walked, I answered every question she asked, learning that her name was Alina and that she wanted to be a traveler or an adventurer like her big sister Hazel. "Hazel, you say?" I repeated, feeling a disturbing vibration through space and time as I mentioned the name. Insight usually warned me of danger, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Hazel's story than Alina was telling me.
"Do people in the west also get weird names and red eyes and hair colors like yours?" Alina asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Oh, no, I just got this name from someone close to me; the rest are just unique to my ancestors heritage," I replied, not wanting to go into detail about my past.
Lost in thought, she asked, changing the subject, "When are you moving to new places?" her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Tomorrow, I'll be leaving with some merchant friends of mine to Venice," I replied, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of starting a new journey.
"Can I tag along with you guys tomorrow?" she asked, her eyes pleading.
"Sure, we don't mind if you join us on the outskirts of the city," I replied, feeling a sense of protectiveness towards the young girl.
As she skipped ahead of me, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Alina's story than met the eye. But for now, I was content to enjoy her company and help her on her own journey of discovery. The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, and I knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. But for now, I was content to walk in the twilight, with the promise of adventure just around the corner.
~~~~~~
As I stepped out of the inn, the receptionist called after me, "Please come back again, sir!" I waved goodbye, already eager to begin my journey.
The trading district of the city was bustling with activity as merchants called out to passersby and the clanging of metal rang through the air. The fact that I only have 28 silver and 35 copper coins is already depressing. But having a weapon is enough; I am capable enough of myself; I just need something sharp to work with.
I entered a blacksmith's shop, the scent of iron and hot metal heavy in the air. A young boy, bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, greeted me as I browsed the weapons section.
"Daggers are often used for defense in close combat scenarios," the boy explained as I tested out a few options.
"I don't think using this dangerous weapon for defense serves justice," I replied, earning a curious look from the boy. When he was about to refute my claim, I put on my chosen dagger to the counter and handed him 10 silver coins.
As I was going out, I added, "If swords and bows are powerful, then why do daggers have the highest kill count for most kings?" as I closed the door and left the area to find my merchant companions.
As I approached the meeting spot, I saw Alina chatting with my merchant companions, Sebastian and Cosmo. A carriage filled with barrels and goods stood nearby.
"It seems like I have kept you waiting," I said, apologizing as I bowed.
"A very, very long time indeed!" Alina replied, her voice filled with frustration. "C'mon now, I was merely buying essentials for the journey," I said, trying to calm her down.
She noticed the dagger at my waist. "I don't think buying a measly dagger is essential," Alina exclaimed, pointing at the dagger
Calm down, Yoshi; she's just a messily little girl as well.
"It seems like young Alina here wants to join us in Birmingham," Sebastian said as Cosmo added. "It seems like her big sister might be there, so maybe joining in on this trip could help everyone out."
I pondered for a second, taking a step back from the current situation, but I do remember her saying Hazel is sometimes away for long periods of time due to dungeon encurgen.
"Hmm, well, if that's her plan, then I don't mind, but as long as she doesn't bring up weird Athenian superstitions," I said, trying to lighten up the mood as the two horses for the carriage made a sound.
As we boarded the carriage, I felt my passive skill of insight kick in. The world turned black and white, and I could see through walls like an x-ray. I noticed figures hiding on rooftops, stalking us. I stopped using my skill, not wanting to alarm the others.
As we set off on our journey, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. But for now, I was content to enjoy the ride and the company of my new companions.
Hazel Wheatly
What the hell is Alina doing there?!
I screamed in my head as I tried to keep a poker face to look weak next to Rex's right-hand man named Magnus Wise. "We should wait for them to set up camp before securing his fate," said Magnus. His deep voice was merciless.
I have worked with him rarely, but from all I know, he is just as ruthless as General Rex, even becoming the family torturer and interrogator. But my mind was preoccupied with Alina's safety.
Why the hell is she even there in the first place?!
My mind was just swirling with ideas on how to handle this situation. If the general finds out about this, he wouldn't care if Alina would live or die, as he would just see it as collateral damage.
The night was setting as we expertly sneaked and stalked them. I could hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant hooting of an owl. The group has settled in for the night, starting a fire and even some tents as Yoshi-our target in this whole operation-was helping Alina set up the tent.
As if mocking me, how did these two get along anyway?!
One of my men signals a hand sign, meaning we must retreat and group up for the plan to initiate an attack. My stomach lurches at the mention of "Attack."
Most of the squad leaders group together to discuss our plan. The fire crackled and sparks flew up into the night sky. The smell of smoke and pine filled the air, and I could feel the cool night breeze against my skin.
"We should attack them at midnight when it is less suspected, killing them while asleep; it doesn't matter if they were alarmed; they wouldn't organize in time as they are overwhelmed," Magnus said.
I felt uncomfortable hearing all this, while the other squad leaders-my own men-nodded in agreement with the plan. I felt betrayed by these people.
"I have a proposition: we could split our men into two; the main group will target only Yoshi and nothing else, while my team will try to eliminate the others and secure and reinforce them to make sure he doesn't escape," I said, trying to be more reasonable and objective about the mission.
This earned me some looks; some were skeptical, and some saw it as a rational idea. "I don't remember Hazel Wheatly being cautious lately," he said with a cold and accusing tone. I swear, cold sweat just poured all over my body. As he added, "And why should I accept?"
Trying to gain more support, I shot back with a confident tone, "I have fought this man, and we won't underestimate him." "Or is it because your precious Alina was also in the group?" Those words made me freeze as I stared in horror.
I knew from then that there was no fighting chance. I never thought he knew Alina's identity, but again, if I don't do anything, she might...
"Please, Master Magnus Wise, I beg you; I would do anything, but please leave Alina alone." I pleaded, my confidence broken. He made a sinister smile as he later added, "If that's the case, then, after this whole operation, I will report that your Alina has become a friend of our dear Yoshi, and as a catch," He stopped as he looked at my men for a second.
"You're going to be our plaything tonight," he said without any second thought. I stared blankly at him as he laughed. My men also laughed with him. "So little Hazel, do we have an accord?" he asks mockingly.
I could not say a word as I stared at him blankly, nodding slowly. If this is only the way for Alina to live, then I will take all chances, even if I make a deal with the devil himself. My heart was racing, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I knew that I had to find a way to protect Alina.