The Quest: Chapter 3
Title: The Quest: Chapter 3
Author: SaberSenshi
Genre: Au, crack, ???
Pairings: ..not sure...we’ll see what happens, K?
Summary: Ruki is sent on a quest…*snickers*
Comments: I got this idea from some dolls. Internet paper doll, if you can believe that.
Wanna see ‘em? They're posted at the end of Chapter 2
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“Well, that was interesting.” The Axeweilder says, once we’re all safely away from the Aurick’s camp.
Aoi just snorts. Whether he’s laughing or disgusted, I don’t know. Then the new guy turns to me and holds out his hand.
“I’m Uruha. And thanks for the rescue.”
I shake his hand and introduce myself.
“I’m Ruki. Um, you guys aren’t busy or anything, are you?”
“Not really. We usually just wander around looking for trouble. At least until late fall. Sometimes we just sit around all winter. Sometimes we head south for more fun.”
“Fun? Is that what you call it?” Aoi finally joins the conversation. “Was getting caught by Auricks fun? Because I didn’t think it was all that much fun.”
Uruha grinned at him.
“Actually, watching you on that boulder was hilarious. Just what were you doing?”
“Causing a distraction.”
“Well, it certainly was that. Whatever gave you the idea to dance?”
“Um, that would be me” I smiled. ”Kind of. I suggested getting on the boulder and doing something to distract them. Dancing, though, that was all him”
Aoi just rolls his eyes at us, as Uruha and I start giggling.
Sitting around the campfire, I fill them in on my little quest. Telling them, I realize just how crazy it sounds.
“And just how were you supposed to do all this?” Aoi asks me.
“I’m not really sure. I guess it’s the whole Gauntlet thing.” I say, holding it up.
“Wait a minute! You’re THAT Ruki?” Uruha turns to Aoi. “You know, The Fire Gauntlet! That white dragon business in the South a couple of years ago? Fighting ice with fire? That’s him,” he says, pointing at me, excitedly. Aoi looks at me again, this time like he’s sizing me up. I don’t like it. Not one bit.
“Um, yeah. I had help. A lot of help and a lot of luck.”
“But you were going to try this alone?” Again, it’s Aoi with the questions. Maybe he’s smarter than I first thought. Then again he was dancing on a boulder to distract a bunch of Auricks. Can’t be too smart now, can he?
“Actually, I had thought of getting help before I met up with you.” I tell him. OK so it was RIGHT before I saw him. But still, it makes me sound a little smarter. “And I don’t know anybody back in town that could’ve helped.”
“No warriors?” Uruha asks, sympathetically. I just nod. And Aoi mutters something about city dwellers.
I’d be offended if it wasn’t true. We city dwellers are soft.
It was during a lull in conversation that I heard something that I definitely didn’t like. It sounded like a dragon moving thru the forest. Or a large group of Auricks.
“Um guys? I think we’re going to have some company. And not the good kind” I said.
Aoi already had the camp mostly cleared away. When had he started? Damn, he must have heard them before me.
Uruha sat, head tilted to the side, listening.
“Yep. Time to go.”
Damn, he’s cheerful. Even in potentially bad situations. I’m not sure I like it. Then again, it keeps the mood light. We quickly gathered everything together and started off, again. But his time we had more motivation.
I’m in decent shape. Or at least I always thought I was. But these guys, and the pace they set, had me feeling like a troll. OK, maybe not that bad, but still. I obviously don’t have their stamina. Besides, I’m taking at least two steps for every one either of them takes. But I decided not to be the one to cause us to stop. Even though I feel like my lungs are on fire and my legs are going to fall off. Actually, that might be an improvement. But still, I kept going.
Until, close to midnight, Aoi finally stops.
“I think here would be good. What do you think Uru?”
After Uruha took a good look around, he finally gave his answer.
“Well, I’ve seen better places to make a stand. But it’s not that bad. We’re on an incline, so they gotta fight uphill. Plus for us. There’s also some maneuvering room.” Looking back at Aoi he added, “you know we need space. That sword of yours has a good reach. So does my baby”, running his hand along the axe blade, he flashed an almost evil grin. Then he turned back to me. “How much room do you need?”
“Well, that kinda depends. If it were anything but Auricks, I’d say to let me handle it. Most creatures have an aversion to fire. But not them, from what I’ve heard. So I’ll only be good for up-close fighting. And I’d really rather not mess with them. They’ve got a longer reach than me.” Sad but true. I hate feeling useless.
So they set themselves up, with me far enough behind to be ‘safe’. Right, safe. I try not to laugh. It’d probably make me sound even crazier. If that’s even possible. So I wait and watch. Thankfully it’s a clear night, clear and bright.
I can tell instantly that these guys know what they’re doing. Just by the way they stand. They way their weapons seem like an extension of their arms. A part of their bodies. Both have their shields strapped to their left forearms. Never saw that before, but it makes sense. Keeps their other hand free for whatever they may need it for. It’s also apparent that they have fought together. A lot. There’s more than enough room between them for a couple of enemies each, and a lethal blow from whoever’s closest without getting in the others’ way.
Then the Auricks break thru the trees and come swarming into the clearing. I’m guessing it’s all of them. Good, no surprises trying to sneak up behind us. That’s part of my job, too. Watch out for surprises. That and to stay out of the way. I think I can manage that one.
Damn, these guys are good, I think as they start swinging. No wasted motion. Each strike of the sword or sweep of the axe incapacitates an Aurick. They turn, slashing and striking, like an intricate dance of death. And I was laughing about Aoi’s dancing to distract the Auricks before? Well, I’m not laughing now.
It doesn’t take long for the Auricks to get the idea that they’re out-manned, so to speak. The Auricks just stop fighting. Well out of range, but still, no more attacks. Aoi and Uruha don’t even look winded yet. Are either of them sweating? I can’t really tell from here, but I don’t think so. The Auricks start backing away, and then turn as one and head back the way they came. They aren’t running away, but at least they’re leaving. Uruha turns, laughing.
“Nice workout, huh?”
Aoi’s got an almost predatory grin on his face. Looking at them, I wonder if they’re crazy. Probably. But that’s OK. Since I was doubting my own sanity earlier.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 4