Jewmex Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I plan on doing a chapter (scroll) a day. Each chapter is ~2k words. A/N: One of my many failed attempts. Laugh as necessary. Scroll 1 “Must you meander behind?†Injenn growled, whipping around for what felt like the fifth time in the span of ten minutes. “It’s not as if your life isn’t at risk—oh, wait, it is! You act like time is actually on your side.†Yami shifted his eyes up briefly, catching her gaze before sliding them back along the ground. Oh sure, I’m definitely a machine, capable of marching like there’s nothing wrong with me, he thought with a sigh, cradling his arm with the other. I mean, I don’t want to complain or be a weakling, but some acknowledgement to the fact that my arm is like this! Oh, hell. I don’t want her getting angry at me or anything. “I’m trying. Trying to move faster.†Truth was, every step jolted his arm, making him cringe with pain, shaking slightly. “Don’t try, just do,†Injenn sighed. “Come on. I still have to find Roku.†A faint growling sound escaped Yami. And her misplacing Roku was suddenly his fault? “And rest is for the weak, right?†She turned around again. “I’m not saying you don’t deserve rest, okay? I’m just saying, if we don’t make good time, you’re probably not going to survive the trip. Isn’t it worth it to risk a little pain now and possibly get a cure?†Pushing away a collection of branches, she squinted, studying the sky. Where is he? she wondered, anticipation growing in her stomach. Yami didn’t bother answering. Injenn grumbled to herself as she kept moving through the underbrush, briefly wishing there was a pathway they could take. That, or Roku could appear above the trees, wishful thinking though it was. Curse the luck of this place, she sighed, pulling out her map. There was supposed to be a path, at least, that’s what the map said, but it didn’t strike her as surprising it had grown over. When’s the last time since I’ve been on these roads? Seems like so long ago. Couldn’t have been more than a few years, though. Viral hasn’t been around that long, has it? Folding up the map, she looked around, trying to get a sense of where she was. “How much longer is it, anyways?†Yami said. “Some ambiguous amount of time, where the amount of time is directly related to when Roku finds us,†Injenn said. “He should find us soon. He said to meet at sun high.†Yami’s eye twitched. “If someone’s looking for us, why are we moving? Shouldn’t we stay still?†She gave him a sideways glance. “Not necessarily. We have to get to where he said he would meet us first. That make sense? Oh, by the way, so you don’t get scared when you first see him—he’s not exactly human, okay?†Laughing a little at that as Yami stared at her, she added, “But don’t worry. He won’t hurt you.†“Huh?†Yami asked, pausing. “What do you mean?†He’s not human? What else would he be? If he were an animal, you wouldn’t be referring to him like he’s intelligent. But the girl didn’t offer any further explanation, so he followed behind, debating what Roku could be. His mind had almost entirely occupied itself with the pain in his arm when a large shadow passed over them, jogging him from his thoughts. He looked up, squinting against the sun as a massive form soared over the treetops. What was that? he wondered. It must be Roku! But that’s a strange shape… There was a clearing up ahead. An ancient beast of some kind! Yami thought to himself, forgetting the pain for a few moments, That’s got to be what Roku is! Is he a griffin? A powerful dragon? Where did she meet an ancient creature? His fingers prickled with anticipation. A thunderous slam rumbled through the ground; Yami felt the earth quaking under him. His eyes widened, and though he had tried to prepare himself for the sight, his breath still left him with a sharp gasp. Towering above him was the massive beast—powerful muscles rippled underneath a dusty purple scaly hide, just barely catching the glint of sunrays. Claws as long as Yami’s forearm gripped the earth, sifting it. An enormous, angular head gazed down at him, furious golden eyes studying his every aspect. <Looks like you found a friend,> the dragon said, tilting his head slightly, <Good. That’s new for you. This aside, why did you bring a human boy with you?> A pair of bags sat idle against the dragon’s sides, stuffed with some sort of supplies. Whenever he moved, the contents would rattle. Injenn approached him, putting a hand on his flank. “Long story, Roku, but to make it short—he’s infested by Viral—†Roku launched backwards, head bent in a growl. Fangs the size of lethal bananas glowered at Yami as the dragon’s mouth began to smolder. <Dangerous. He’ll infect us. Let’s go, Injenn. Leave him to die. That’s how the world works.> The dragon’s tail curled around Injenn, pulling her toward him, as he bristled and growled at Yami again. Yami backed up, fear blossoming in his chest like a rabbit that runs from a fox. He looked down at his arm—his sleeve hid the telltale marks of infection, but now the great dragon knew—the knowledge that Roku was right penetrating his heart. But it had been a full day and he hadn’t shown signs of change. Certainly one who was fully affected by the virus would follow its pattern? But he didn’t know. He could still spread it… “It doesn’t spread until the final stage, Roku,†Injenn said, pushing the dragon’s tail away. “We learned that in the labs when we experimented on infected dogs. They don’t actually spread the virus until the last stage. He’s safe… for now that is. Unless we’re looking at something new here.†<You’re willing to risk your life on a maybe?> Roku said, still baring his fangs. <I’m not willing to risk mine, and I’d prefer not to risk yours. If this were the lab, maybe there would be a reasonable compromise, but it’s not the lab. You don’t know if this strain is different.> He took a few steps back from Yami, eyes only for him. Injenn turned to the dragon. “Roku, he’s the first case where a human hasn’t begun to turn to stage two in a day. Usually the virus has a lifespan of three days. He still looks within minutes of contraction, but it’s been a day already! What if he’s the key to immunizing everyone else against the virus? What if he’s the key to kill Viral for good?†Roku’s ears flattened against his skull, but he still shook his massive head. <Injenn, this is your life. This isn’t a game. You don’t get a second chance.> She made a frustrated sound. “Exactly! What if he’s the key to saving thousands of people? This is an anomaly, Roku—we can’t just let it slip past our fingers, like trying to grasp daylight. There’s been no lead thus far on how to kill Viral or repel its poison. We have to take chances sometimes. We’re eventually going to get poisoned by Viral anyways, if it continues to expand into our territories—soon there will be no where left to hide, and we’ll have to face what we ran from.†<You’re still gambling with death.> “It’s either death now or death later,†Injenn said softly, her eyes sliding to the ground. “If we can’t stop Viral, that’s the reality.†Yami felt his skin prickle as Roku turned, deep golden eyes burning through him. What was the dragon thinking? What am I going to do if Roku refuses to help me, anyways? Yami thought dully, wrapping his arms around himself, wincing as a twinge of pain snaked up his arm. I can’t go back. If anyone finds out I’m infested they’ll lynch me for their own safety. If I go off on my own, I’ll just die anyways. What other purpose do I have but to try and aid the cure? A few tense moments passed before the dragon finally spoke. <…Injenn, I could fly away from this continent and never worry about Viral again, but I won’t do it. I do see your point. This is strange, and if we don’t capitalize on the rarity… we’re stupid.> He lowered his head a little, tentatively approaching the frightened Yami. He stood rigid as the great dragon sniffed his scent, taking in every detail. He failed to smell illness on the boy, something he wasn’t expecting. It’s like he contracted the virus, but is simply harboring it, Roku thought, stepping around the boy, eyes on the spidery veins running the length of his arm, mark of Viral. <What’s your name, human?> Yami had to double-check his voice to make sure it wasn’t shaking. “Yami.†<Great.> The dragon sniffed at the air again, muscles tensing, gaze wandering. Injenn looked around skeptically. “Roku? What is it?†But before the great beast could respond, the sound of branches crunching snapped through the air, prompting alertness. A lizardlike head stuck out from the undergrowth, maw a cave of blades, eyes wide with hunger. Its leathery gray and green hide barely contrasted against the plant life, but when a ray of sunlight slid across those teeth, the creature demanded respect. <Another predator.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smumpkins Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I must say, I really like your story. *applauds* Once you get it completed, let me know. I'm intrigued by your story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewmex Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Haha, I'm glad you like. I currently have 9 scrolls done. Here's scroll 2: Scroll 2 The creature settled a hungry gaze on the two humans, then eyed the dragon cautiously, wary of attacking what could be the other creature’s potential dinner. Then, it slowly moved from out the underbrush, a lithe but powerful body sporting additional killing tools. The creature was smaller than Roku—only a little taller than the humans from the top of its head—but Roku knew it was fast. Another scent—a stronger one, the scent of human blood—leaked into his nostrils, flaring his hunger. Staring at the creature, Roku took a few steps forward, spreading his wings in a display to make himself appear larger. The beast growled at him, sized him up, then charged. He anticipated the charge, dodging to the side and scratching at the creature’s side with his sharp talons. It snarled with pain, doubling back. Roku jumped, airborne. “Move!†Yami exclaimed, grabbing the back of Injenn’s robe and yanking her away from the scene. A dull explosion of pain shot through him, and stars exploded in front of his eyes. As each wave of pain intensified, he noticed the pain was actually lessening—he was losing feeling in his arm. Roku bit and snapped at the creature, but it refused to back down. Smoke started to waft from the dragon’s nostrils. With a whip of his tail, Roku tripped it. It fell with a thud, roaring. Scrambling back up, the creature begun another charge, when Roku opened his mouth. For a moment, a spark jumped in the dragon’s mouth. Then, swift as a river, a stream of flame burst forth. It headed straight for the creature’s head, blackening leathery skin. It hissed with pain, stumbling back and forth. The stream of fire caught on trees nearby, sending them ablaze with thick, gray smoke. The creature shook its head, as if unsure whether to attack again. Roku’s lips still lifted in a snarl. Flinching away a little, Yami closed his eyes. Be careful, dragon. Be careful. Then, the creature let loose another roar, followed by a screech of pain from Roku. A crack rang through the air. Yami inhaled sharply, tensing as he saw one of Roku’s wings in the creature’s powerful jaws. With another snap, the bone cracked in two, revealing gleaming bone. Yami could hardly tear his eyes from the sight, morbidly fascinated. But that will mean… He took a step back. This way the way to get to that place Injenn talked about quickly… there’s no other way. Is there? If the only way was that dragon… A tremendous roar smashed through the air. Roku got his jaws around the creature’s neck. With a ferocious bite, he snarled. Yami’s face paled as dark red blood dribbled from between the dragon’s jaws. He bit down again, deeper. The creature choked a hiss, blood pooling in the grass, sliding down its body. As Roku bit down once more, another crack pierced the air, and the life spirited from the creature’s eyes—suddenly they morphed from a bright gold to a dull yellow, glossy, as if someone had polished them. Its muscles relaxed, and it slowly fell to the ground, led by Roku. Finally, Roku let go of its neck, lowering his head toward the creature’s abdomen. He sniffed at it once, twice, then sank his fangs into the warm belly, ripping away a generous piece from the corpse. He practically shoved his head into the abdominal cavity, squishing and gnawing sounds echoing around him as he feasted, claws tearing it open further. “Roku,†Injenn said breathlessly, muscles still locked in panic. <In a moment,> Roku called back, lifting his head to look at her and Yami once before lowering it back to the corpse. <Denying a hungry dragon of a steaming corpse is not a good plan.> He fanned his wings, groaning as the broken wing crackled. His gaze fixed on Yami, blood and liquid dripping from his jaws. <Wing’s broken. I doubt you’re going anywhere fast now.> Injenn let out a faint whining sound. “Why didn’t we fly away before it attacked?†Huffing, the dragon said, <By the time you two-legs get onto my back, the creature would have attacked me anyways. And probably would have chomped a wing or two trying to keep me on the ground. It would have been worse had I not faced it.> He licked his maw, making a satisfied sound. <Hungry dragon is good now.> I’m going to die and you’re nonchalant? Yami thought with a bewildered look. Tremors ran through his body, and though he tried to tense to make it seem like he wasn’t overcome, he still trembled with emotion. He gripped his arm, pain rushing through him, bringing him back to reality. Maybe I should ask Injenn for a noble death, he thought dismally, tears coming to his eyes. I’m going to die anyways. I don’t want to die mindless. Roku looked directly at him, making a faint snort. <Now, what are we going to do with you?> Yami ran a hand through his hair, softly whining in frustration. “Is there another way to get there quickly?†<You know a teleportation spell?> he asked. “Be reasonable,†Injenn said with a scoff. “Can you still fly?†<I’d like to see you fly with a broken wing. > The dragon flexed his injured wing, wincing somewhat. <I don’t think I’m getting off the ground for at least two weeks. Do you think the Viral infestee will last that long?> He sighed, shaking his head. <No, we’ll have to figure something out. Are there any railroad lines in this general area?> “There’s one in Rockard—not infested by Viral. It’s like two hours away, though,†Yami said, frowning slightly. “That’s on foot, too. You never really know where Viral’s infested. Growing every day. I don’t want to run into it, really.†<Well, you don’t have much to lose.> “Roku,†Injenn said flatly, turning to Yami, “There’s still the changelings. And we don’t want to get into a fight with them. Do you know where last Viral was seen? It’s territory, I mean. If we can skirt around the edge on the way to Rockard—I think I know where that is, by the way, I’ve been there once or twice—we should get there in like… two hours or so.†He nodded. “We might as well get going. The longer we stand around, the better chance I end up dying right as we cross into the… what was it called?†“Ordain Headquarters.†“Right. With my luck, I’d probably die right as I pass through the door.†He looked at the reptile corpse, a wave of nausea flooding over him. Roku sniffed at the air, an eyebrow raising. <There’s that scent again,> he mumbled, turning to his left, mouth ajar. <Smells like human blood. But none of you were injured, right?> He moved back toward the bushes from whence the reptile had come without waiting for the two to reply, scenting the air. Folding his wings awkwardly on his back, he pushed through the underbrush, head bent in a tracking position. Injenn and Yami came up behind him as Roku stopped, looking down at something at his feet. “It’s a human!†Yami and Injenn exclaimed in unison, hardly noticing they had spoken together. Injenn dropped to her knees beside the body, rolling it over onto its back. It was a boy with light golden hair; the reptile had taken a reasonably decent chunk of muscle out of his arm, which was slowly bleeding into a dark pool around him. She quickly stood up again, moving to one of the bags Roku was carrying, sifting through it. Pulling out a roll of bandage, she kneeled beside the boy again, carefully studying the wound, contemplating how to wrap it. “Should be like this,†she mumbled to herself, gently moving his arm, setting the opened roll beneath it. Then, the grabbed the ends and began to wrap, keeping in mind what she knew. Yami looked him over with a curious eye. “He’ll survive. I’m surprised it didn’t maul him worse than that. Wonder how he got here, though?†“How do you know?†she asked, looking up at him. “Changelings would attack Meledich sometimes. I was a guard there. Well, I mean, I was a guard until I got bitten and infected. If you don’t get infected after bitten—which does sort of look like that—you’re usually okay, as long as someone doesn’t let you bleed to death. Antibiotics come by railroad. They usually had some. Been out for a few weeks, though…†She nodded, looking down at the unconscious boy. “So he’ll be okay. But we can’t really leave him here.†If we save him, he might be able to help us somehow. <Why not?> Roku asked. <How are you going to carry him? Sling him over your shoulder and walk the two hours? I can’t carry him in my mouth, unless you want abdominal laceration added to the list of wounds. > Yami looked at him sideways. “What about tying him to your back?†<You think that’s healthy? Then again, if he’s unconscious, I suppose he won’t be complaining. Ugh. Why am I always the method of transportation? If I’m going to be lugging around Random Guy A, I might as well eat up.> With that, the dragon turned away, heading back toward the reptile’s corpse. “Aren’t you worried about the flames?†Yami asked, looking around. Some of the trees’ tops burned with Roku’s flame. Every few moments, a burning ash would fall to the ground. One floated down, coming to rest on Yami’s cheek. He flinched at the burning sensation. Injenn glanced up at him. “Forest spirits’ll take care of it. They always do.†Then she turned back, fixing her gaze on the mysterious injured one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I like the writing style you used when you wrote this, and the plot so far is excellent too. :D I'd be glad to read the other scrolls. :yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewmex Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Your wish is my command, double A. Scroll 3 “Do you think Viral’s territory starts soon around here?†Injenn asked, dimly aware of the aching in her feet. “It’s been about an hour. We should have encountered its territory by now, considering we’re about halfway to Rockard.†They were walking a few paces behind Roku, who scouted out in front. The mysterious man had been tied to his back, snuggly between his wings where the spikes running down the dragon’s vertical column wouldn’t harm. Thus far, he had only made a few small sounds, but otherwise hadn’t woken. Yami could imagine how he felt. He felt his own arm had been torn apart. <Don’t know Viral’s territory well. As for you,> the dragon said, glancing over his shoulder, <Yami, was it? You don’t seem to be changing. This is good news. Hopefully you’ll stay that way. We still haven’t discussed what we’re going to do if you start changing.> He paused a few beats, waiting for them to catch up. Injenn came up beside Roku, sighing. “That’s not nice, Roku.†“I try not to think of possibly dying,†Yami murmured, running an uninjured hand through his hair. I try not to think about Viral or the infection at all. Why are you two so persistent in reminding me? If you were infected, I doubt you’d want to remember. I’ve accepted my fate, but that also doesn’t mean I want to hear about it every five minutes. Roku went into a catlike stretch, yawning. <It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to think about it. We still have to make a plan, because it’s a very real threat. If you change, you put our lives in danger. You’re not going to be infective until the third stage, of course, so if you do start changing a little rapider than now, it becomes our problem fast.> Gazing down at the black tendrils creeping the length of his arm, Yami nodded. “I know. I understand that. But what’s the point of no return? As long as I’m sane, I’d prefer you not take a notion of putting me out of my misery. But I would like a warrior death before lapsing into madness.†“You won’t know you’ve lapsed until you do lapse,†Injenn said. I realized that, Yami thought bitterly. “Have you seen a human infected before? I know there’ve been cases, but I’ve never seen them. I’ve only seen infested animals, and for the most part, they had already reached madness.†<Once,> Roku said. <I got a little too curious for my own good. Not going to make that mistake again. I figure if I’m going to do something stupid that’s against personal survival>--the dragon turned and looked at Yami--<I might as well do it for a good, solid reason.> Quite a moral one. If it were me, I’d be running on feet of fire. I value my life now more than ever. Yami looked to the dirt, walking alongside the dragon and girl. “… So what are we going to do if we get put in that position?†Injenn asked. “I mean, you’re kind of like a friend now. I wouldn’t really want to kill you.†<Maybe you couldn’t do it, but I could,> Roku said, < Friend or not, dangerous is dangerous. If you put my life in danger without my permission, I kill you. Simple as that. When you get to the point where you’re dangerous to my life, I’ll have to kill you. Is that clear… Yami? That’s your name right? Is that clear, Yami?> He nodded solemnly. “I understand. I never said I didn’t.†<I’m just making sure there aren’t any miscommunications early in the game.> Roku looked up as something twitched on his back. <Hm. It looks like a certain Random Guy A is starting to wake up—or at least showing signs of brain activity, both of which are a good start.> Injenn rushed to Roku’s side, pushing a wing out of the way. <You’re lucky that’s not the injured one!> he snarled, baring his teeth at her. “Sorry!†she insisted, examining the boy. “But I don’t think he’s waking up. It looks like… just showing signs of brain activity, as you said. Oh well. Didn’t he just injure his arm? Or, I guess I should say, had his arm eaten? Why would he still be out?†“Shock of pain?†Yami suggested, shrugging. “My arm causes me pain all the time, and I don’t randomly swoon.†<Earlier complications, I’m guessing. Though why the other predator didn’t go straight for his stomach, I’ll never understand,> Roku added, twisting his head back to take a good, long look at the captive between his wings. <Arms are okay, but nothing tastes better than warm entrails. Steaming entrails, perhaps. But nothing beyond that.> Injenn made a face. “Do you have to talk about that with us here?†<You’re used to it. Don’t complain.> She sighed. “I suppose that’s true.†“Even if so, I’m not used to it,†Yami pointed out, “and though I’ve seen a decent amount of carnage from the changelings, I don’t exactly like the idea of discussing whether warm or steaming entrails have any advantages over each other for taste. It’s not really my idea of a satisfying topic.†<You’re not that cultured, then.> He shook his head. That must be a dragon thing. I don’t think any cultured human would talk about entrails being delicious. “Wait a moment,†Injenn said, “He moved again. Roku, stop for a bit.†The dragon obediently halted, spreading his wings as best he could for Injenn to see the stranger better. <I don’t know why you’re so concerned over Random Guy A. For all you know, he could be a spy, or someone working for Acerbis. If he is, and he finds out you’re from the Ordain, you’re dead. You sure you don’t want me to just eat him?> Injenn glowered at him. “He’ll die if we leave him! That’s a serious wound!†<So? More a reason for me to eat him. Don’t want that flesh going to waste, do we? Why do you humans bury your dead, anyways? Either burn it or eat it, that’s what we always say.> “You’re so funny. But I’m serious. When he wakes up and finds we saved his life, he’ll probably grant us a boon. And if he does, he might know important information about Viral, or he might know a way to get Yami to the Ordain faster than we’ve come up with.†<And if he decides to just kill you?> She made a frustrated sound. “Then you can eat him, Roku.†<Excellent. But until that likely future, I suppose I have to wait. It’s making me a very unhappy dragon right now to think of that corpse sitting without me to nibble on it. I’m already starting to get hungry. Pretty soon Yami’s going to look tasty, so I suggest you stay a few feet away.> He showed his fangs, the killer bananas grinning out from a powerful maw. Breathing in sharply, Yami backed up a few steps, looking at the dragon with wide eyes. Injenn laughed softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t take him seriously. He has a weird sense of humor. I don’t think he would actually eat a human.†“I hope you’re right about that,†Yami mumbled, face wrinkling. <For your sake, right?> Roku laughed again. The stranger entrusted to Roku stirred a little more. Tired eyes opened to barely reveal blue irises, though their vibrancy was more than dulled. “… What?†he mumbled faintly, shifting a little, not recognizing anything from behind the dragon’s wings. “Oh! You’re awake,†Injenn said, looking back over to the stranger. Her gaze did a circle between his injured arm to his face, to his arm, and back to his face. “Are you feeling alright? You got attacked by some lizard beast, but I don’t think it hurt you more than tearing up your arm. What happened? Did you collapse? Did you know it was attacking you?†Yami came back over, peering over Injenn’s shoulder. “Coherency after just waking up usually isn’t that high,†he reminded her. She glanced at him, then back at the stranger. “Guess that’s right. What’s your name, at any rate?†The blonde made an incoherent noise, wincing with pain. “Wh-who are you?†he said, his voice still faint but gaining force. He turned a little, letting out a sharp hiss as he accidently put too much pressure on his injured arm. His other hand snaked its way across the bandages, his body flinching as he felt the damage through them. “Wh-what d-did you do?†he asked, narrowing his eyes. He looked like if he were able to jump away and run, he would. Injenn stared at him. “Saved you. You were being attacked by a nasty looking reptile. You’d rather we save you then leave you there, right?†He growled, nodding a little. “Of-of course. But who are you?†<You’re not the brightest one, are you?> Roku mumbled, glancing at him over his shoulder. <I wish you’d be able to walk so your weigh wouldn’t be on me.> The stranger’s eyes flickered around. “What was that?†<Up, genius,> Roku mocked. Tilting his head back, the stranger’s eyes widened. A yelp escaped him as he saw Roku, scrabbling back to run into the dragon’s neck. A sharp cry of pain quickly followed as his torn arm throbbed. Gaining his composure, the stranger said, “Don’t… think about… eating me, dragon. I know… magic arts.†“Magic?†Injenn and Yami echoed together. “How do you know magic?†Injenn pressed further, staring at the boy with confusion. “From your age, you wouldn’t be able to learn magic! That doesn’t make sense.†“Just because… you are ignorant… can’t do it… doesn’t mean everyone else… is,†he said flatly, taking his arm with expert fingers. He unraveled the bandage a little, flinching with pain as he did to inspect the wound. After a moment of examination, he wrapped it back up again, different from how Injenn had done it. <I change my mind. This human is amusing,> Roku said. <I’ll keep him alive.> At that, the stranger seemed to relax, his grip loosening around his arm. “I want… to be let… down,†he said, nudging the dragon’s wings. “Don’t want to be carried.†Roku shrugged, fanning out his wings as best he could, the injured one sticking out at a painfully strange angle. <Suit yourself.> With a few quick inhales, the blonde pushed off from the dragon’s back with his good arm, landing unsteadily on his feet. Roku chuckled as he wavered back and forth, trying to find his ability to balance again. Yami moved toward him. “Do you need any help?†“Fine by myself,†he said, though he still teetered, bracing himself against Roku’s leg. Though his head was lowered slightly, his eyes still shown with determination, body trembling. He slowly raised his head, looking toward Injenn and Yami again. “Names?†“Injenn, and that’s Yami,†Injenn said, gesturing to him. “What’s yours?†He considered for a few moments before replying. “Seyu.†She was still staring at him like she expected something. He blinked, eyes narrowing slightly as he pushed off the dragon, balancing for himself. “So you saved my life. You want a boon, don’t you?†Shrugging, Injenn said, “We just did what was right. Couldn’t leave you there. You’d die.†“More than likely,†Seyu said, a coldness washing over his voice. Yami couldn’t believe how nonchalantly he talked of death. He paused for a moment before continuing. “Saved my life. People don’t do things just because they’re right. There’s some ulterior motivation, and I’d think you’re a liar if you try to convince me otherwise. But… you did save my life. I don’t usually make promises I don’t intend to keep… fine, I’ll grant you a boon. But not three. One for all three of you to share.†<Pleasant though that is, we’re wasting time. We still have an hour to go,> Roku said, glancing around a little. <Usually, standing still doesn’t accomplish as much as moving.> Seyu looked at him. “Where are you going? You don’t expect me to come with, do you?†“I’ll explain,†Injenn volunteered. She opened her mouth to continue when Seyu stumbled, breathing in deeply from pain. Frowning, she said, “Look, we’ll take you back to your home, if it’s not too far from here. Wouldn’t want other predators getting ahold of you without a sort of guardian, right? I’m sure you can protect yourself in your house, though.†“Suppose that’s accurate. Five or ten minutes, tops,†Seyu said. “Oh, that’s not too bad at all. Why don’t you ride on Roku? It’d be a more comfortable ride, and you’d be able to conserve your strength and tell us about yourself, while we tell you about ourselves.†“I’m fine walking. Now,†he said, his voice unbiased, “Let’s go.†Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Just call me AA. :P I really like how Roku is turning out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewmex Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 One more, then I'm outie for the night. Scroll 4 He’s so reserved. He doesn’t trust us. I guess I don’t blame him. I’m starting to wonder why I trust Injenn and Roku as much as I do, when I only met her yesterday, and met him today, Yami thought to himself as he walked alongside the others, peering at Seyu from the corner of his eye. This guy might know what he’s doing. Either that, or he has something dire that he doesn’t want to share with anyone. Either way, I’m intrigued. He knows magic. He hasn’t done any magic yet—maybe he’s lying—why didn’t he heal himself? Can’t magic users do that? That’s what I read in the books back in the day when I had time for reading. Maybe magic in the real world is different from stories… “Right up there,†Seyu said, pointing up with his uninjured hand. Nestled carefully between two concaved hills was a shack. It couldn’t have been larger than a big bathroom, from what Yami could see. If Seyu were lucky, he could maybe shove a bed and a desk in there, but probably nothing else. Injenn peered at it. “Why do you live out here, anyways?†He glowered at her. “I like it, he said, his voice putting annoyed stress on like. She gave him a look that said ‘oh, really?’ but he ignored it, walking back to his shack with a frown plastered on his face. Roku sniffed the air, snickering. <It smells like macra. You didn’t happen to lock you door, did you? Otherwise, those fuzzy buggers will get right in your house and ransack it. I hope you did, for the sake of your house.> “I live out here, once again,†Seyu said, fuming, “Of course I know to lock the doors. I hunt macra, afterall. They taste good.†The dragon knocked his tail spike against the door; it made a low creaking sound and shifted in, revealing a sliver of what was inside. <Oh really?> Seyu growled, sticking his head inside. Yami watched as the sorcerer’s body tensed, his grip tightening on the doorframe. “This is no good,†he murmured to himself, squeezing inside through the small opening, gasping sharply as his arm knocked the wood. Roku took a few steps back as Injenn and Yami shuffled forward, peering into the opening. Everything lay in disarray—and it probably wasn’t from negligence or sloppiness. There seemed to be a once-prevalent hierarchy to where everything was situated, Yami could tell this only barely, but there was some evidence of organization. Now, papers lay scattered everywhere, looking chewed up and spat out. Glasses and vials lay broken, their contents smeared everywhere, from the bed to the walls to each other. Mud had been tracked inside, along with bits of grass and rock. Seyu stood in the entrance, trembling, a red flush darkening his face. <Locked, huh?> “None of your business,†Seyu growled, whipping around. “Go do whatever it is you’re doing. Leave me here and mind your own business.†With that, he slammed the door in their faces, trudging through the mess to his desk. This is insane, he thought, feeling his panic and frustration rising together. This shouldn’t have happened. How did they get in here? While some of it looks animal-caused, they wouldn’t have known to knock over all the potions. Some are even missing… He did a quick survey, sweeping his gaze from edge to edge. There was a single piece of paper on his desk—the only one there, the rest occupied the floor, crumpled and streaked with mud. This one was gnawed at the edges, with a few dirty paw prints on it. He approached the desk, placing a hand over the top of the paper, leaning down to read it. Anxiety flooded his system and he tensed, taking in a sharp breath. They found me… he thought, his body shaking slightly. I have to get out of this location. But where would I go? Can’t take residence in a city; might be able to pass through them, but I don’t have the money to keep jumping around like this! He put a hand to his face, growling. Did those strangers leave? They have a dragon… if I could gain their trust, perhaps I could be safe with them. But I can’t spend time mulling over it. They’ve probably left, and I need to catch up to them if this is what I want to do. Hardly having any time for resolve, Seyu turned around, dropping to a painful crouch. He moved debris away from the floor, locating a hidden door only he could see for he knew where to look for the edges. Whispering a spell over it, he unveiled the groove in the side, then pushed his fingers under it, lifting the top to the compartment. Grasping in the darkness, his fingertips brushed against two vials and a small book. Pulling them out, he quickly deposited them in an inside coat pocket, pulling the cloak over his shoulders and fastening it around the waist. Hope they didn’t get too far, he thought, quickly exiting his shack. He looked back at it, an expression of pain melting across his face. I don’t want to do this... too many fond memories in this house. I sat at that desk for hours, forcing myself to learn Mynosian… first time I felt I could do something on my own. He faintly smiled, but it faded as quickly as it came. But… With a sigh, he raised a hand, murmuring faintly. A spark jumped from the top, and as he watched, flames begun, intent on consuming the residence. I always told myself I’d live small, always ready to drop everything and move… but I can never seem to do it, he thought as he stared at the flames, orange and yellow illuminating on his face. Shaking his head, he made a frustrated sound. Stop reminiscing. Go find them. Go weed yourself into their company, leeching off that dragon. There were obvious signs that a dragon had passed through the forest, and Seyu followed them. He could barely see them up ahead. “Hey!†he shouted, waving his uninjured arm. “Wait!†Roku looked back, noticed the sorcerer running toward them, and shook his head. Why am I not surprised? he thought, nudging Injenn toward Seyu. <My guess is he wants to join our group. Why he thinks we’d want him is another issue.> “Roku,†Injenn sighed. She watched as Seyu approached, taking a few steps toward him. Yami frowned slightly, despite the fact he was only thinking He said he knew magic. I surely don’t know magic, and from how Injenn reacted, I don’t think she knows either. Maybe it would be a good idea to let him tag along. I don’t trust him, but… as long as I watch myself, and make sure I don’t fall asleep anytime soon—well, there’s the dragon, he seems pretty virtuous. I’m sure he’d eat Seyu if he pulled anything funny. Still, something seems fishy. If he is going to ask to join… why was he so violently angry before? Maybe there’s something I don’t know, or haven’t considered… “Yes?†Injenn said, looking at Seyu as he came to a halt before her. The blonde hesitated for a moment. “Okay, I know this is going to sound kind of stupid, but…†<You know when you start off a sentence like that, it’s not a good indication.> Roku peered at him with narrowed yellow eyes. <Let me guess. You want to join us, right? But what benefit would you bring? And why do you want to join, anyways? From first impression, you’re not the most friendly of people I’ve met.> Seyu sighed, then took a deep breath, as if contemplating how to answer the questions. “Look. You three are obviously off to somewhere. It’s probably some epic mission, isn’t it? You rarely see groups like these anymore. Everyone’s too afraid to leave their houses with Viral running around. So there’s a good reason why you’re here.†<On the right,> Roku said, nodding. “Since you’re on a mission, I can help. You guys might not know magic—but I do.†<All well and good thus far,> the dragon replied, <But one thing eludes me. Why are you going to lend your magic skills? Why would you take time out of your more than likely shack-bound day to run around and risk your life in the outdoors? You don’t even know whether or not we are doing anything… what did you say? Epic? You don’t know. You’re gambling it on a hunch. There has to be a strong motivation for those odds.> I already don’t like this dragon, Seyu though, gritting his teeth. “Look, I just want to, okay?†Yami watched his body language. He keeps tensing. Hm. He must be lying. Why does he want to join? This guy is suspicious. “You didn’t answer Roku’s question. Why do you want to join? What’s in it for you?†“Why is everyone so doubtful?†Seyu grumbled. “What about the virtue argument? Trying to do good in the world?†<See through it better than a window,> Roku said, <You’ll have to come up with something a little less blatantly false.> “Look,†he said, “My house burned down. I have nowhere to live.†Injenn blinked. “Roku! Roku lit the trees on fire when he was fighting against the creature that hurt you. But no… that was an hour away. How did your house burn down? What were you doing?†“Destruction is an anomaly,†Seyu mumbled. Yami glanced at Injenn and Roku, then looked back to Seyu. “I don’t see a problem with you coming along. There’s always going to be someone guarding the others at night, and with the utmost respect to you, it’s going to be one of us three. We just have to be careful, okay?†There we go. Cracked one of them. “That’s fine,†Seyu insisted. Injenn exchanged glances with Roku. “I… guess I don’t have an objection to that. He’s right. As long as one of us stands guard…†She looked at Roku for an opinion, but the dragon only shrugged. <I like stringing him along. I don’t really care either way. I’m a light enough sleeper that I’d hear him taking one step in the wrong direction,> he said, tilting his head slightly as he looked at Seyu. He ignored the taunt. “I’ll prove myself to you.†<Mm,> Roku said cordially, <We’ll see. We’ll see. But for now, don’t be stupid and try not to look delicious, and we won’t have a problem.> “Fair enough,†Seyu sighed. What am I getting myself into? The things I do for self-preservation… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Well it's the next day, and I'm waiting for another. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewmex Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 Hahaha. The scrolls are on my other computer, so I can't post them until I go back on Sunday. However, I am working on Scroll 10 right now. Got to clock my 2k words for today. Can't fall behind! Do you have any critiques? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Nothing much really, except maybe you could explain a little more about Viral. And keep it up! :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewmex Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 It's ambiguous. I didn't want to infodump all the world stuff on the readers right away, so I'm integrating it in slowly. Hmm. At least, I try to think to myself what the characters would say, considering they know about Viral themselves already. Maybe they need to have a conversation with someone who doesn't know Viral. That would work, considering the section I'm on right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Yup, that would do the trick. :yes: I'm the kind of guy who likes to know a lot about the background in a story. :glasses: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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