Introduction: Here is Some Background Information on The Saga, Before We Begin.
Our story begins with a harmless creature. A two hundred and twenty eight year old “Filler Bunny,” whose name is Five. He isn’t the strongest, athletic, intelligent, or the most agile. He is considering above average because of his I.Q. He lives in a two-story log in the southeast part of “Foothill Coves.” It is a quiet neighborhood they celebrate an annual picnic. He hasn’t had disputes with neighbors since settling in 1685. He teaches at the local high school, “One Filler U.” teaching a mythology course to second year seniors and PhD students majoring in history as a profession.
One day at work, Five was enjoying a break in between classes, sitting down at his desk at the front of the large room. He was marking tests and projects and correcting homework. He stopped what he was doing put down his pen and stood up from his desk. He raised his arms while sliding his hind legs apart, he did some minor arm and leg stretches, then proceed over to the window to the right. He looked out across the front of the school with a tall thick trunk thistle tree that the students planted. He stared and began to focus on it letting his mind lose and his imagination run rampant.
He pondered on many different things, “What is it like outside of Foothill Coves? Is it true when they document that it’s nothing but barren wastelands and desolate towns? It cannot be, the world did not end with the Great War or did it? Nah, yet I cannot help but wonder if the world ended in 1455. But my reoccurring dream, what does it mean and how would it affect my family or me. Is it a sign of destiny or a warning of legacy for my loved ones? Either way, I must determine what it means regardless of cost.” He had his right paw rested under his chin while pausing for a few moments to contemplate his next course of action. He decided, “That’s it, I’ll leave town tomorrow after the first period to begin a new life as an explorer. I will embark on the unknown face the improbable and conquer the impossible. Now the first part is, how much time do I have to pack and leave town before I discovered?”
Our story begins with a harmless creature. A two hundred and twenty eight year old “Filler Bunny,” whose name is Five. He isn’t the strongest, athletic, intelligent, or the most agile. He is considering above average because of his I.Q. He lives in a two-story log in the southeast part of “Foothill Coves.” It is a quiet neighborhood they celebrate an annual picnic. He hasn’t had disputes with neighbors since settling in 1685. He teaches at the local high school, “One Filler U.” teaching a mythology course to second year seniors and PhD students majoring in history as a profession.
One day at work, Five was enjoying a break in between classes, sitting down at his desk at the front of the large room. He was marking tests and projects and correcting homework. He stopped what he was doing put down his pen and stood up from his desk. He raised his arms while sliding his hind legs apart, he did some minor arm and leg stretches, then proceed over to the window to the right. He looked out across the front of the school with a tall thick trunk thistle tree that the students planted. He stared and began to focus on it letting his mind lose and his imagination run rampant.
He pondered on many different things, “What is it like outside of Foothill Coves? Is it true when they document that it’s nothing but barren wastelands and desolate towns? It cannot be, the world did not end with the Great War or did it? Nah, yet I cannot help but wonder if the world ended in 1455. But my reoccurring dream, what does it mean and how would it affect my family or me. Is it a sign of destiny or a warning of legacy for my loved ones? Either way, I must determine what it means regardless of cost.” He had his right paw rested under his chin while pausing for a few moments to contemplate his next course of action. He decided, “That’s it, I’ll leave town tomorrow after the first period to begin a new life as an explorer. I will embark on the unknown face the improbable and conquer the impossible. Now the first part is, how much time do I have to pack and leave town before I discovered?”
The next day, he went about his normal routine and as soon as the bell rang, he excused the class, and headed for the main office. Immediately, he asked the secretary to speak with the superintendent Mr. Moktin. Permitted to see him, he immediately handed him his resignation. The superintendent is confused by my actions and wanted to ask why. Before he could speak, Five had already left his office and was walking down the hall towards the front doors. Quickly walking along the halls and picking up his pace, he was thinking about what he would require and remembering where everything was located. Passing by classrooms in progress, some doors were ajar and as he passed the students heard him quietly mumbling. As time passed he began to sprint, classrooms further away could hear faint sounds of claws scratching against the pavement. Teachers didn’t care but as the sound drew closer, they raced for the door to see what was amiss. When they opened the door the briefly saw him running, they were both surprised and appalled by his displays and course of action.
At first, they didn’t know what to say, expect continue with their lessons. He made it to the front doors push it open and continued running passing by the main office hearing someone say, “Good luck Five.” He didn’t turn around to see who it was, but continued on accepting their praise. Though he wanted to see, who said it so could say thanks. However he could not because he other things on his mind, like how much time does he have to pack. He made it to his home entered, went upstairs to his bedroom, and opened the closet. He removed his knapsack and two week’s worth of clothing, along with some other important articles that would require for this trip. Five packed the items into his knapsack for his long trip. Planning for harsh terrains unknown environments and encounters with other species that may lead to unavoidable situations. Afterwards, he headed towards the stairs passing by the hall table, as he passed he had an idea.
At first, they didn’t know what to say, expect continue with their lessons. He made it to the front doors push it open and continued running passing by the main office hearing someone say, “Good luck Five.” He didn’t turn around to see who it was, but continued on accepting their praise. Though he wanted to see, who said it so could say thanks. However he could not because he other things on his mind, like how much time does he have to pack. He made it to his home entered, went upstairs to his bedroom, and opened the closet. He removed his knapsack and two week’s worth of clothing, along with some other important articles that would require for this trip. Five packed the items into his knapsack for his long trip. Planning for harsh terrains unknown environments and encounters with other species that may lead to unavoidable situations. Afterwards, he headed towards the stairs passing by the hall table, as he passed he had an idea.
He thought, “Why not leave my family a note telling them I’m leaving, not to worry and my simple reason why.” Remembering there was a notepad in the top draw in the hall table. He turned around headed back towards the table, opening the draw he grabbed the pad and pulled it. He continued towards the stairs he walked down and paused shifting his to the left then the right. To the left was the front door one of two exits the living room and his personal office. The right was the back door a den and the kitchen; he thought quickly that it was the optimal room to write his final good-bye. If given a last request, he would want to see his family in the kitchen cooking a lavish meal that would fill his nostrils with an unforgettable aroma. That would be his last memory if he were; but he is not imprisoning so he has a choice. Either go into his dusty foul odor office where he’s surround by some rotting leather journals weather damaged books decaying scrolls and second hand aged encyclopedias on past history; or into the kitchen filled with fragrances of past dinners. His choice was clear he headed for the kitchen to write his letter.
As he walking in he turned to look at the clock, it was 15:20 comi. Meaning he has roughly thirty minutes to write his note grab his things and be at least twenty blocks from the house. He was now frantic because takes fifteen to walk ten city blocks. He searched for a pen or something else, he went to the counter searched the two top draws beside the sink. Then he check the third draw that was closer to the floor, when he opened it he found a pen lying on top of the utensils. He grabbed it and head for the table in the middle of the room. Pulling out the captain’s chair, he sits down and begins to write a short simple note. It was about why he was going on this journey what caused it and they shouldn’t worry because he will come back. He held back on saying a few other things like that he couldn’t come home or when he’s expect to return if at all. He signed the note with I love you, Five Texemeris.
This was abnormal for him because he never signs his proper name on anything. He looked up at the clock he had twelve minutes to leave. He left the note on the table and walked towards the front door. Along the way, grabbing his bag he opened the door spun his head and blew a kiss into the house for good luck and good-bye. He left his log setting off on his journey on a bright sunny workday. He will remember this forever-on second week of the fourteenth month. In case you are wondering, there are twenty months to a year. Also, he received his name because he was the “runt” of the litter in his family.
Chapter I: The Beginning of a Saga.
As he walking in he turned to look at the clock, it was 15:20 comi. Meaning he has roughly thirty minutes to write his note grab his things and be at least twenty blocks from the house. He was now frantic because takes fifteen to walk ten city blocks. He searched for a pen or something else, he went to the counter searched the two top draws beside the sink. Then he check the third draw that was closer to the floor, when he opened it he found a pen lying on top of the utensils. He grabbed it and head for the table in the middle of the room. Pulling out the captain’s chair, he sits down and begins to write a short simple note. It was about why he was going on this journey what caused it and they shouldn’t worry because he will come back. He held back on saying a few other things like that he couldn’t come home or when he’s expect to return if at all. He signed the note with I love you, Five Texemeris.
This was abnormal for him because he never signs his proper name on anything. He looked up at the clock he had twelve minutes to leave. He left the note on the table and walked towards the front door. Along the way, grabbing his bag he opened the door spun his head and blew a kiss into the house for good luck and good-bye. He left his log setting off on his journey on a bright sunny workday. He will remember this forever-on second week of the fourteenth month. In case you are wondering, there are twenty months to a year. Also, he received his name because he was the “runt” of the litter in his family.
Chapter I: The Beginning of a Saga.
Five left “Foothill Coves” a respectable teacher’s salary, along with those who loved showed appreciation for his teachings. This was his good-bye to commence a long awaited dream. He stopped and turned around, yelled, “I wish one day that every creature including ‘Filler Bunnies’ would leave their beautiful homes. Go into retirement venture the world; go beyond the town’s boundaries to expand your mind’s limitless imagination potentials. On that day your going to push life’s limits to an unforeseen future, what it bestows for your small piece of a giant confusing puzzles that we call life. Instead of believing there is a few other towns some vast plains, and nothing else but barren wastelands. Well, today is my day my numbers been called, I have no choice but step up and add my piece to the puzzle. Someone’s next it could be anyone in town remember to be prepared. Until the next announcing, keep holding on to your fantasy moralities and codes of life. Reality’s dagger is weld by someone you know trust or hold dear to your heart.”
“When the time comes, they will strike hard full of passion confusion rage and utter vengeance. That is reality it is not a disease nor flu and there is not a cure. Everyone must experience it during his or her lifetime. However, Everyone must grow up one day…” He paused mid-sentence as though he was trying to think of what the proper think to say. His right paw rose up and was rest under his chin. He pondered on what to say, what would get his point across without being misunderstood. Then a simple saying his grandfather once said, “There is no mercy of the majority, but give pity for the weak poor and feeble-minded minority.” Which reminded him of his great times with Comfandiy and all the lessons he secretary taught him when he was thirty-two. He told him that he shouldn’t use have to use theses during his life but there always good to know.
Shortly his happiness passed and replaced by fear confusion and concern. His father told him to relax slow-down his breathing and think of your true love. He thought of his job at first then switched to his assistant professor followed by his family then his wife but only focusing on her face. He wonder why only her face and not my kin. Rising his left paw placing it over his chest to feel his heart beat he felt fine but was now confused by why only her face. Now a new thought arose, “When we give mercy to the majority and don’t pity the minority. Will the majority and minority cease to exist? If that day arrives, would everyone’s yearning for ultimate knowledge power and strength begin? But where how would it start off as a quest and after that where will it end?”
“When the time comes, they will strike hard full of passion confusion rage and utter vengeance. That is reality it is not a disease nor flu and there is not a cure. Everyone must experience it during his or her lifetime. However, Everyone must grow up one day…” He paused mid-sentence as though he was trying to think of what the proper think to say. His right paw rose up and was rest under his chin. He pondered on what to say, what would get his point across without being misunderstood. Then a simple saying his grandfather once said, “There is no mercy of the majority, but give pity for the weak poor and feeble-minded minority.” Which reminded him of his great times with Comfandiy and all the lessons he secretary taught him when he was thirty-two. He told him that he shouldn’t use have to use theses during his life but there always good to know.
Shortly his happiness passed and replaced by fear confusion and concern. His father told him to relax slow-down his breathing and think of your true love. He thought of his job at first then switched to his assistant professor followed by his family then his wife but only focusing on her face. He wonder why only her face and not my kin. Rising his left paw placing it over his chest to feel his heart beat he felt fine but was now confused by why only her face. Now a new thought arose, “When we give mercy to the majority and don’t pity the minority. Will the majority and minority cease to exist? If that day arrives, would everyone’s yearning for ultimate knowledge power and strength begin? But where how would it start off as a quest and after that where will it end?”
“Once the fulfill their thirst what next? Will their thirst quench hoard seeds? These would begin as seeds of corruption. It could mean petty things such as pickpockets pity thieves and crooked shopkeepers. Then sprouts into a plant of chaos, leading to damped spirits causing riots and mass waves of destruction. Fully-grown chaos turn into damnation, this means upheaval tyranny and the end of civilizations or worse species.” He bent down on his knees, clasped his paws together and bowed his head; he continued “I pray to Yetimo on the town’s behalf the it won’t lead to this, I’m begging you giving my life-force to prove my commitment and worth as an offering as a plea to reassure this never happens.” He stood up and said, “When scientist finally discover there is more then what’s written there in manuals. This day draws near when they make such a discovery. Until that day comes, keep holding onto that thought when you’ll find out what does exist beyond the realms of ‘Foothill Coves.”
Even though my body mind and spirit were saying, ‘you’ve witnessed the most beautiful life experience.’ Still confused he tried to set his thoughts straight, “Maybe its graceful appearance which makes it effortless to feel like this.” Five closed his eyes subtly shook his head cleared his mind and tried to regain his focus. He did this because he wanted to document it for future reference. When he opened his eyes, he started to notice the creature’s characteristics and the subtleties of its personality. Immediately, he observed it was twice the size of him and that it was not covered in fur but walked around in its bare skin. Also, its skin was a blue tone with a constant reddish glow. How unusual, however he could tell by the species that is it part of an ancient race maybe on the verge of extinction. He saw that the creature was not use to interaction with others. In addition, it likes solitude to be one with nature at peace with its surroundings.
He thought, “This creatures the last of a dying breed, if I’m correct then she one of the few remaining ‘nature’s lore’ breed. Their quest was to find any ancient or natural habits and persevere them for future generations. However, there are not many of them left because they have given up either passed on or died during the Great War. It is uncertain as to how many are still around but I think I just found one. She looks terrified while I am staring at her. I think its best that I take my leave.” He withdrew from the shrub while backing up he fumbled on a rock. Fell down hitting the ground hard with a loud thump. The sound was loud enough to scare off the blue skinned creature. I heard the sounds of claws hitting the dirt at accelerating speed.
Even though my body mind and spirit were saying, ‘you’ve witnessed the most beautiful life experience.’ Still confused he tried to set his thoughts straight, “Maybe its graceful appearance which makes it effortless to feel like this.” Five closed his eyes subtly shook his head cleared his mind and tried to regain his focus. He did this because he wanted to document it for future reference. When he opened his eyes, he started to notice the creature’s characteristics and the subtleties of its personality. Immediately, he observed it was twice the size of him and that it was not covered in fur but walked around in its bare skin. Also, its skin was a blue tone with a constant reddish glow. How unusual, however he could tell by the species that is it part of an ancient race maybe on the verge of extinction. He saw that the creature was not use to interaction with others. In addition, it likes solitude to be one with nature at peace with its surroundings.
He thought, “This creatures the last of a dying breed, if I’m correct then she one of the few remaining ‘nature’s lore’ breed. Their quest was to find any ancient or natural habits and persevere them for future generations. However, there are not many of them left because they have given up either passed on or died during the Great War. It is uncertain as to how many are still around but I think I just found one. She looks terrified while I am staring at her. I think its best that I take my leave.” He withdrew from the shrub while backing up he fumbled on a rock. Fell down hitting the ground hard with a loud thump. The sound was loud enough to scare off the blue skinned creature. I heard the sounds of claws hitting the dirt at accelerating speed.
I would assume it was sprinting away for a hearty reason. When he rose from encountering a unique and undocumented creature, curiosity evolves into intrigue and an obsession about what has conspired, but there was a feeling that it would not be their last. He thought, “What an amazing discovery for my journal. I must record this experience before I forget what has happened.” Therefore, he bent down to his knees, sliding his backpack off his left shoulder reaching in and remove a pencil and book from his knapsack. He opened his journal and began writing describing the creature, their interactions and outcome. After a while, he took a break to let his paws rest and observe his surrounds; he placed his pencil in the journal, closed it, and began surveying the wooded area. He shifted his body to the left then slowly circling his view back around. Surround by an array of horticulture, the majority of which are new to him. He was familiar with the common, raven-throne and fireberry shrubs; common thistle, lilac-tipped lotus and cream gemstone trees.
As he continued, he pauses at tall tree not far from him, at first glance, he has not seen this kind; but the more he stares, it begins to remind him of the high school’s tree. He began to think about thistle trees in town and how this tree resembled them. Both these trees have thick trunks, except this, one was not hollow for apartments. There a great housing spot if you could afford it. However, this tree’s bark is a bright green but “Foothill Coves” trees have a pale tint. Minutes passed before he resumed surveying; turning around to the right, he spotted a faint blur out of the corner of his eye. He was interested and discouraged at the same time by this small thing. His interest was driven by it could be another creature or a scout of a search party that was sent out by his family. His discouragement lies within simple reasoning, he knew it was the fifth season and the fireberries were in bloom, and that was not a reason to get his hopes up. He saw reddish color seeping out from one of the surrounding common shrubs.
As he continued, he pauses at tall tree not far from him, at first glance, he has not seen this kind; but the more he stares, it begins to remind him of the high school’s tree. He began to think about thistle trees in town and how this tree resembled them. Both these trees have thick trunks, except this, one was not hollow for apartments. There a great housing spot if you could afford it. However, this tree’s bark is a bright green but “Foothill Coves” trees have a pale tint. Minutes passed before he resumed surveying; turning around to the right, he spotted a faint blur out of the corner of his eye. He was interested and discouraged at the same time by this small thing. His interest was driven by it could be another creature or a scout of a search party that was sent out by his family. His discouragement lies within simple reasoning, he knew it was the fifth season and the fireberries were in bloom, and that was not a reason to get his hopes up. He saw reddish color seeping out from one of the surrounding common shrubs.
This quickly caught his attention; he began to look at the shrub. The more he stared at the shrub the clearer it became to him. The reddish thing he was staring at was another creature. He wasn’t too sure what about to do in situations like this one, so he kept looking at the strange creature. After a few minutes, it became apparent to him that this creature was looking back at him and making subtle movements in the shrub. He thought for a few moments about what the creature look like, and why it’s moving around in the common shrub. Just then, he finally realized what the strange creature looked like. The creature looks as though as if it was another “Filler Bunny.” However, looked like it was a smaller and it may be younger. He could not tell for sure if it was because there was a fair distance between them.
He thought, “Why is it hiding in a common shrub.” He then asked the creature some questions, “What is your name, if you don’t mind my asking? And are you from around this area by chance?” The red creature answered from the shrub quietly enough so he could hear it, “Its obvious that I’ve been spotted, so allow to introduce myself. Good day, my name is Thirteen, and concerning your second question, no I am not from around this area. I’m a wandering writer, and I wish to document your journeys, if I may?”
He continued, “Now that I’ve introduced myself, I think it would be courteous for you to do the same. Here’s my question, ‘what are you doing so far away from the closest town?”
I replied; “I respect your honesty with me, so I will do the same. My name is Five; this is for your journals of the following adventurous travels. As for your question, my answer is, I wanted to see the vast planet we call home. I want to see everything I can, experience new things. Meet different people; hear stories of their history. That’s why I’ve embarked on this journey.” I continued; “I have a request, I hope you’ll join me instead of sitting in that thorn covered shrub.” He then carefully crawled out of the shrub, not catches any thorns in his fur, and walked over to join me by the thistle tree.
As he approached, he said, “Five, I may call you by that name?”
I answered; “Yes it’s fine.”
He continued, “Where are you heading next? The reason why is because if you continue on the path you are on now, the next town you will come to is called ‘Starlit Plains.”
He thought, “Why is it hiding in a common shrub.” He then asked the creature some questions, “What is your name, if you don’t mind my asking? And are you from around this area by chance?” The red creature answered from the shrub quietly enough so he could hear it, “Its obvious that I’ve been spotted, so allow to introduce myself. Good day, my name is Thirteen, and concerning your second question, no I am not from around this area. I’m a wandering writer, and I wish to document your journeys, if I may?”
He continued, “Now that I’ve introduced myself, I think it would be courteous for you to do the same. Here’s my question, ‘what are you doing so far away from the closest town?”
I replied; “I respect your honesty with me, so I will do the same. My name is Five; this is for your journals of the following adventurous travels. As for your question, my answer is, I wanted to see the vast planet we call home. I want to see everything I can, experience new things. Meet different people; hear stories of their history. That’s why I’ve embarked on this journey.” I continued; “I have a request, I hope you’ll join me instead of sitting in that thorn covered shrub.” He then carefully crawled out of the shrub, not catches any thorns in his fur, and walked over to join me by the thistle tree.
As he approached, he said, “Five, I may call you by that name?”
I answered; “Yes it’s fine.”
He continued, “Where are you heading next? The reason why is because if you continue on the path you are on now, the next town you will come to is called ‘Starlit Plains.”
I responded, “If that’s where this path leads, then I will head to ‘Starlit Plains’ first thing in the morning. It’s getting dark now and it’s going to be hard to see if we continue. I think be best if we set-up camp the night, and we will head out first thing tomorrow morning.” After everything that had just happened to him, he decided to continue along the path to “Starlit Plains” as they had planned. As they started to walk, Five could see the figure of a creature somewhere in the distance. He then told Thirteen about what he had just seen.
He answered, “I think I know who you might have just seen along this path, and if I am correct then that would be a traveling sales creature. She wanders around this area with her cart trying to sell her wide variety of goods. I think she will have some information for us in regards to your missing knapsack. In addition, you’ll be able to buy some of the items that you will need for this long trip ahead of us. However, I should warn you before you try to do anything drastic about a catch. We’ve had a few incidents in the past and they haven’t always gone as smoothly as I had hoped they would. However, I might just be lucky enough to strike you a deal on some of the items you need but there’s no guarantee.”
Five replied, “Alright, we should try to find her and catch her attention before she walks into town, because if she does we will never be able to find her before she leaves town and heads off to the next one. Therefore I suggest we start running towards town, because that was the direction I had seen her heading before I lost sight.” They both started running towards “Starlit Plains” in hopes that they could catch the traveling sales creature in time. After a short distance, Thirteen had picked up enough speed to run off ahead of him. As soon as he was far enough away from him he yelled, “Seventeen wait! Seventeen, could you stop for a second, I have to talk to you.” She had heard a creature’s voice coming from somewhere in the distance, she stopped pushing her cart, placed the cart down on it’s back legs, and waited for the creature to catch up. After a couple minutes had passed, the creature was still yelling. She then discovered that the voice that was calling for her as if it were a creature she should know. However, she couldn’t remember whom the creature was that was calling her name, because she hasn’t told any creatures just what her real name is.
She had always used different names for each town she had visited. Now that a half an hour has passed since she has heard the creature’s voice, she started to pack-up her cart and continue walking into town. She then saw something that started to come into view. She couldn’t make out just what the blurry was or if it was a mirage. As the blurry image walked closer towards her, she could see a reddish color glimmering off it as the sun grew higher in the noon sky. She then started to stare at the color as it walked closer towards her. A minute had passed when she could see there was another color that was starting to blend in with the red one. It looked like it was a bluish color and both of these blurry images were continuing to get closer. As time passed on, she started to make out what these two images were. They looked like they were “Filler Bunnies,” but she started to focus on the red one.
She was in a confused thought, “Why does he look very familiar? It’s as if I know him from somewhere. However, when did we meet, where was it, and why can’t I remember his name?” Now both of the “Filler Bunnies” were close enough to conduct business with her. The red one said, “Seventeen, do you remember who I am?”
She was in a confused thought, “Why does he look very familiar? It’s as if I know him from somewhere. However, when did we meet, where was it, and why can’t I remember his name?” Now both of the “Filler Bunnies” were close enough to conduct business with her. The red one said, “Seventeen, do you remember who I am?”
She answered, “How do you know my real name? Haven’t I seen you before, but you do look very familiar and it feels like we’ve met you at some point in my multiple stop-over in various towns?”
The red creature replied, “I’m surprised you can’t remember how we met, but I’ll explain to you just how we were introduced to each other. We once owned a trading post together; it was located in ‘Saints Peak.’ It was the best store in the entire area; we had the lowest prices on almost everything you sell.”
“The shop was making more then enough money to last a lifetime, but we had a big argument over if we should open another store in a different area. The outcome was we had to close down the store, sell it, and split the profits fifty-fifty. Then we said our good-byes to each other, went our separate ways, and haven’t seen each other since then. Now do you remember who I am?” She was still confused, “Not completely, but how did you know my real name is Seventeen?”
The red creature replied, “I’m surprised you can’t remember how we met, but I’ll explain to you just how we were introduced to each other. We once owned a trading post together; it was located in ‘Saints Peak.’ It was the best store in the entire area; we had the lowest prices on almost everything you sell.”
“The shop was making more then enough money to last a lifetime, but we had a big argument over if we should open another store in a different area. The outcome was we had to close down the store, sell it, and split the profits fifty-fifty. Then we said our good-byes to each other, went our separate ways, and haven’t seen each other since then. Now do you remember who I am?” She was still confused, “Not completely, but how did you know my real name is Seventeen?”
He answered, “As I have just said in the last few minutes, we did own a store together. However, it was over the course of several years that you started to trust me. It was at that moment that you told me your real name was Seventeen, and that your name wasn’t really Jessica. After you had told me your proper name, I made a promise to you to only use it when nobody was around or in cases of emergency. That is how and why I know what your real name is, but it’s strange how you still can’t remember what my name is or who I am.”
She wasn’t as confused now and replied, “Now that you have brought back that memory, I believe I do remember who you are. While you were referring on just how you found out about what my proper name was, I started to think about to that period. If my memory is correct, wouldn’t your name just happen to be Thirteen?”
He responded, “Yes, I’m surprised you could even remember my name after everything you had to put up with over the past few years.”
She said, “Well now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, I’d like to know who your blue friend is.”
The blue creature answered, “Hi, my name is Five. If you don’t mind I’d like to ask you a few questions, if that’s ok?”
She responded, “Sure, what’s on your mind?”
He said, “Well the first question is about an incidence that has just happened.”
She said, “Alright, I’ll see what I can do that might help.”
He continued, “Do you have any information regarding a knapsack that was stolen last night? If so, would you happen to have any ideas on who might have taken it?”
She wasn’t as confused now and replied, “Now that you have brought back that memory, I believe I do remember who you are. While you were referring on just how you found out about what my proper name was, I started to think about to that period. If my memory is correct, wouldn’t your name just happen to be Thirteen?”
He responded, “Yes, I’m surprised you could even remember my name after everything you had to put up with over the past few years.”
She said, “Well now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, I’d like to know who your blue friend is.”
The blue creature answered, “Hi, my name is Five. If you don’t mind I’d like to ask you a few questions, if that’s ok?”
She responded, “Sure, what’s on your mind?”
He said, “Well the first question is about an incidence that has just happened.”
She said, “Alright, I’ll see what I can do that might help.”
He continued, “Do you have any information regarding a knapsack that was stolen last night? If so, would you happen to have any ideas on who might have taken it?”
She replied, “I did overhear a group of creatures talking about some sort of creature and it’s bag earlier on. I didn’t think it was that useful so I started to drift in and out of their conversation. When I started to listen in I did discover that a bag was somewhere in ‘Starlit Plains,’ I think one of the creatures said after describing the strange looking creature ‘that he had just seen it at the local tavern.’ He then mentioned ‘that there was a strange looking creature sitting down, it was having a drink, and that’s when he saw the bag. The bag was at the creature’s feet, and after it was done it just picked up the bag and left for somewhere else.’ Another creature said ‘that he had seen the exact same creature carrying the bag, except it was headed for ‘Craft’s hockshop.’ He then said ‘that Craft wasn’t really looking into buy anything. She was just going to try to sell everything until she felt that the store was empty enough to restock with some new inventory.”
“The last one that was sitting with them was someone I know personally. That creature was Craft.” She continued, “She was having a drink with two of her friends. She said in response to the other two, ‘Ya, that thing was in my shop today. It was trying to sell me some garbage. It was trying to sell me a map, a compass, three blank books, and the bag that was carrying all of the items. I told it that I wasn’t going to buy any of these items, ‘cause they aren’t worth much on the open market, plus nobody would buy them. I would be stuck with them for months and I don’t like to have things that will just sit on the shelves for long periods. It makes my shop look like an antique store and I don’t want that look for my business. Therefore, I told the creature about another hockshop in the next town.”
“It asked, ‘How far it was from here?’ I said ‘about a day’s journey, if you keep at a steady pace you can make it their before night fall.” That is when he opened his journal and showed her what he had documented on the creature the she had just described in her story. She was shocked by what she was looking at, because earlier in the day she had seen that exact same creature heading to “Icy Springs.” She also had sold it some food and tools. She asked it ‘Where it was headed?’
It replied, ‘I’m walking through to the next three towns and when I arrive at the forth town I’ll stop and rest for two months. (The creature shrugged), ‘From that point on, who knows where I’m off to next.’ She thought about whether or not to tell them about what she heard the creature say.
Seventeen said after a careful pause, “I think you should know something about that creature.”
It replied, ‘I’m walking through to the next three towns and when I arrive at the forth town I’ll stop and rest for two months. (The creature shrugged), ‘From that point on, who knows where I’m off to next.’ She thought about whether or not to tell them about what she heard the creature say.
Seventeen said after a careful pause, “I think you should know something about that creature.”
She paused again trying to think about what to say and how to say it. She then continued, “Five, I saw it earlier on today as I was walking out of ‘Starlit Plains.’ It bought some food and tools from me and I started some small talk with it. I asked it, ‘Where it was headed?’ It answered, ‘I’m headed to the third town over from here.’ He was carrying a bag with as he continued on the path to the next town. I did buy this map from it for a small price...” At that moment, Thirteen put his paw over her mouth and gave her a look that said, “Someone followed us.” They looked around the surrounding area trying not to move from their current position. As they continued to look around, at that very moment one of the surrounding ivy tree’s leaves started to shake.
Five was the only one to notice the movement in the ivy tree’s leaves. In the midst of everything that was going on, the one creature that noticed something that was odd couldn’t prevent it from happening, because it all happened in a split second. A flaming arrow was shot out of the ivy tree but he saw the tree’s branches shake before the arrow was shot. He quickly pulled both of them away from the side cart. After a minute, he stood up, brushed off the dirt and then walked over to the ivy tree that the archer was sitting in. Seventeen and Thirteen
She said, “Honestly, I don’t know what that was about or why any creature would try to do such a horrible thing to me. I’ve always been very reasonable with the prices of my goods. I have been very cautious with the information that I’m sharing with others. There might be one creature who might want payback for something, but the only reason that I can think of is pretty stupid.”
then arose from the ground and brushed themselves off. When he was finished wiping the grass off his chest, he turned his head and gave a concerned look to her that said, “What the hell was that about?” She didn’t know what to say to him that would make any difference to change that look of concern in his eyes.
Five was the only one to notice the movement in the ivy tree’s leaves. In the midst of everything that was going on, the one creature that noticed something that was odd couldn’t prevent it from happening, because it all happened in a split second. A flaming arrow was shot out of the ivy tree but he saw the tree’s branches shake before the arrow was shot. He quickly pulled both of them away from the side cart. After a minute, he stood up, brushed off the dirt and then walked over to the ivy tree that the archer was sitting in. Seventeen and Thirteen
She said, “Honestly, I don’t know what that was about or why any creature would try to do such a horrible thing to me. I’ve always been very reasonable with the prices of my goods. I have been very cautious with the information that I’m sharing with others. There might be one creature who might want payback for something, but the only reason that I can think of is pretty stupid.”
then arose from the ground and brushed themselves off. When he was finished wiping the grass off his chest, he turned his head and gave a concerned look to her that said, “What the hell was that about?” She didn’t know what to say to him that would make any difference to change that look of concern in his eyes.
He said in a stern voice, “Okay, who was this creature that may hold a grudge against you? What was this so-called ‘stupid’ reason that this creature had to hold a grudge that would make it want some retribution?” She was speechless. It wasn’t because of what has just happened to her, but it was what he wanted to know and why he was asking her these questions. She was thinking about the “what ifs” scenarios and the entire possible outcomes to each one of those scenarios. It was a tough decision whether to tell him. She wanted to tell him about Codi, who’s a “Twin-tailed Fox” and she felt scammed when we were trying to trade three decades ago. She was trading to me ‘A Strength enhanced Old Kingdom Hunter’s Bow that it’s enhanced purpose is for shooting more accurately and with a stronger point of impact over long distances, a quiver that held twenty arrows Ice-tipped arrows, and a black steel thumb ring.’
I then told her what the current value of her goods were before I would let her see anything that she would want in exchange. She had ignored everything that I had just said. She insisted that I should buy her goods and in exchange it for ‘An Ice enhanced Old Kingdom Longbow that it’s enhanced purpose is for an armor piercing shot, and a complete set of Lighting enhanced items, a quiver full arrows, arm bracer, and a thumb ring.’ She was trying to trade an item that’s current value was too expensive for me to afford. If I were to make that trade, I would have to trade her my entire cart just to pay for the thumb ring. Then I would be working for her from that day until the end of the century. I wonder if that could be. It is the only reason that I know of why she would feel she needed retribution. Yet, if I told him about this incident, he might take it the wrong way and go after her, leaving Five alone to search for his bag. I don’t know if I can really do that to him. On the other hand, I could join them and use my sources to find out any information on Codi and Five’s bag.
I think the most sensible solution would be to join them on their quest. Somewhere along this journey with him, he might find out what did happen between Codi and I, why she would want redemption for what had happened. In addition, he seems like a nice character, so what would be the harm if I wanted to help him find his bag and the creature that has stolen it. Seventeen said, “Thirteen, I have to tell you about something that involves me and it started a over three d.” She couldn’t finish the sentence when Five had yelled over to them from the ivy tree interrupting what she was trying to say.
“Hey Seventeen. I have just found something that looks kind of strange, and I highly doubt that it's from this particular area”, he said. She was intrigued by what he has just found and she answered, “What did you find?”
He continued, “Its really hard to describe just what it is exactly. You should probably come over and take a look for yourself to get a better understanding.” She was still intrigued about what he has just found, she replied, “Okay, I’ll be there in just a moment.”
He continued, “Its really hard to describe just what it is exactly. You should probably come over and take a look for yourself to get a better understanding.” She was still intrigued about what he has just found, she replied, “Okay, I’ll be there in just a moment.”
She then turned her attention back to him and said, “Thirteen, I was about to tell you about an insistence that involves me and it started a little over three decades ago. Now before I can tell you the complete story I have to build back up that level of trust we supposedly had. As it was back in that part of in your story. When I had enough trust for you to be the only creature to allow me to say my true name. If ‘we’ (Seventeen was making quotation marks with her claws), can reach that level again then I will tell you the entire story and its outcome. Until then, I can only tell you some selected pieces of the story. This will be the first of many small but selected stories, as I have previously mentioned this story happened just a little over three decades ago. It was more like thirty-two years but who’s been keeping track.” She continued, “ I was pushing my cart to ‘Icy Springs’; I was going to sell some of the items that I’ve accumulated from my stop over in the ‘Three Halo’s Region’ up to that point. When I was a suddenly stopped for one last trade just outside of town, I thought it was going to be a quick deal.”
“However, it turned out that I couldn’t buy any of the items that the creature was trying to sell. I then told the creature that I couldn’t make that sort of trade. The creature was refusing to believe what I was telling it and took off like there was a fire somewhere near by in the town. That’s the end of my story for now. On a completely different subject, I have decided to accompany Five and yourself on this quest for his lost bag.” Before he could make a response to what she has just said about the small story and that, she is accompanying them on their journey. She was already walking towards the ivy tree to see what was the important thing was that he has asked for her presences. When she arrived at the ivy tree she said, “Okay. What is this ‘strange’ thing that you wanted me to see?”
He answered, “The strange thing I wanted you to see is on the eleventh branch from the ground and an arm’s reach from the trunk when you’ve reach that branch.”
She was puzzled at just what he was trying to get her opinion on, but she said, “Alright, I’ll climb up there but when I’m on that branch. What exactly should I be looking for? What will I find when I’m up there that wasn’t already there?”
He answered, “The strange thing I wanted you to see is on the eleventh branch from the ground and an arm’s reach from the trunk when you’ve reach that branch.”
She was puzzled at just what he was trying to get her opinion on, but she said, “Alright, I’ll climb up there but when I’m on that branch. What exactly should I be looking for? What will I find when I’m up there that wasn’t already there?”
He replied, “I’m sure that you’ll notice the reason why you have climbed up there. If you don’t, see it at first glance than you will find it within a few more seconds of searching the area. I’ll be waiting here for you when you climb down with or without it, good luck.” Seventeen was still puzzled about what the exact reason why he had called her over, but nonetheless she started to climb the tall tree. As she was climbing, she was stopped by something that was quite unusual. One of the thicker branches was snapped, it was snapped in half roughly two-arm lengths away from where she was.
She wondered, “Is this the ‘strange’ thing that he wanted my opinion on? Yet, this is only the ninth branch on this side of the tree. He said ‘The strange thing I wanted you to look at is on the eleventh branch’, but this is very odd for this type of tree. The branches that are closer to the ground don’t easily break except when they're under extreme weight. I might as well keep climbing until the eleventh branch as he had mentioned.” Once she has reached the eleventh branch she started to look around. She didn’t find anything that was ‘strange’ for this tree. After a minute of searching, she was going to climb back down and have a talk with Five about wasting her time. She started to climb down the tree when she was suddenly stopped. She stopped because some ‘strange’ object has caught her eye she couldn’t quite tell just what the object was.
It suddenly all became clear to her just why he has asked her to climb up and retrieve the object this high up the tree. She then climbed back up on to the branch and walked about an arm length to where she saw this strange object. She slowly crouched down onto her knees. Therefore, that she wouldn’t lose her balance and fall off the branch, because it’s a twenty-three-story drop to the ground. When she was on her knees she reached over the right side of the branch, she felt around for that strange object that she saw from the trunk. After a moment of searching, she retracted her arm from around the right side of the branch; and rose from her crouch position. She then walked back to the trunk. She started her descend the tree as if she didn’t find anything that was an unusual reason to send her up a tree. Once she was back on the ground he approached her and said, “I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to climb back down.”
She answered sternly, “Well, for a minute there I was going to climb down shortly after I had just up there. When I came back down I was going to give you a piece of my mind for sending me on some sort of crazy ‘chuck the nut and go find it’ type of game. While I was up there, I started to realize about some things that did strike me as a bit odd for a smart creature such as you. Why did you call me over to the tree in the first place? What were your reasons for asking me to climb up there and grab something that was that high up the tree? Couldn’t you have just climbed up the tree and grab the object?”
He replied, “Well yes. I could’ve climbed up the tree. However, I didn’t even attempt to climb the tree for two reasons and I will explain them to you. The first reason is that I saw something that looked like the archer had left it after he had shot the arrow at us a little earlier. The second reason is that I think that you should have it just in case it can be useful to you somewhere down the road on your journeys. Hey, who knows what kind of situation you will get into or when you are going to need it, at least you’ll know that you have it. Now let us walk back to the cart. Will you do me the honor of accompany me, as I walk back to meet Thirteen to inform him of your discovery and anything else that we have found that seemed out of the ordinary?” She was very pleased at what he had just said because it was the first time that any creature has asked her that question. She was now blushing; her checks are the same shade of red, as a fireberry bush in full bloom.
She could not look at him in the eye without some feeling of doubt that she would not be able to speak. Therefore, she was going to answer him without revealing that she was embarrass by what he has asked her. Therefore, she pull the hood of her cloak all the over her head until she could not see him. She then tilted her head down and stared at the ground when she replied. “Yes. Yes I will do you the honor of accompany you as we walk back to meet Thirteen. However, I have to talk to you about something that I’ve already told him about,” she mumbles through the hood of her cloak. He had noticed two things about her while she was talking. Both of which really stood out and they just didn’t fit into what she was tell him.
He started to ponder, “The first thing that I would like to know is, what she could possible want to tell me? The second thing is why was she looking at the ground when she was talking to me about my question. Was it something that I had just said? Could it be about Thirteen? If not, then what is it?” He was intrigued at what her body langue was saying but was different from what she had actually said to me. He said-curiously, “Ok. What is it? What do have to share with me that I’m honored to know?” She then motioned with her claw for him to crouch down so that she could whisper something in his ear.
He crouched down to one knee and leaned his head over so that he could hear what she was going to say to him. She then told him about everything that had happened thirty-two years ago with Codi, about what she has arranged with Thirteen, and how she is going to tell him some small but select stories over time. When she was finished with what she felt he needed to know, she said “Oh yah, one last thing before we head back to my cart. I need you to make a promise to me. That this will only stay between the two of us, because if he finds out then I don’t know what he will do if it was to come down to that situation. So please promise me Five that you won’t tell any creature about what I have just said.” He responded, “I will give you my word that I will not tell any creature that is either living or that has passed on about what you have just told me. I give you my word. You will be able to hold me to that promise, because I’m a ‘Filler Bunny’ of honor and my word is my honor.” He extended his right paw as a kind gesture for her to take his paw, walk back with him to her cart and meet Thirteen.
She understood his kindness and held his paw with her left paw being very careful not to cut his paw with the tips of her claws. They started walking back to her cart when she had a question for him, “Umm, Five. Why are you acting like this?”
He replied, “Acting like what? Could you try to elaborate on what you’re trying to point out?”
She continued, “Its hard to say just what it is exactly. I have only just met you an hour ago, but you just do not seem like the type of creature that you are trying to portray. Now just try to understand on what I am trying to say, I cannot picture you as a perfect gentle creature. In my perspective, this situation with you and me is kind of unbelievable and some of the pieces just don’t to fit into the proper spaces.”
He answered, “I’m slowly understanding what you’re trying say and the confusion that follows. Yes, we only meet an hour ago. I remained in the shadows when you were be reacquainted with the past. No, I have not really revealed my true nature to either of you yet. However, I revealed my true nature during the archer incident at your cart.” He turned to his right crouched down and raised his head to stared in to her bright green eyes.
He saw that she was still blushing and slightly embarrassed by his actions. Extending his left arm up to her hood, he genteelly places his paw underneath her hood, and slowly slides it off her head. He said, “Milady, would be so generous enough to grant a request.”
“Generous is probably the last word I would’ve used,” she paused for a moment to think before continuing, “is this a rhetorical question or a literal compliment. Because if it’s the latter than it’s flattering but if no than I’m repulsed by your actions.” She paused shortly, “Yes. I will hear you request and after that I will decide on whether or not to grant it.”
“Generous is probably the last word I would’ve used,” she paused for a moment to think before continuing, “is this a rhetorical question or a literal compliment. Because if it’s the latter than it’s flattering but if no than I’m repulsed by your actions.” She paused shortly, “Yes. I will hear you request and after that I will decide on whether or not to grant it.”
“Fair enough, my request is for you to look into my eyes just for the next few moments while I tell you something,” he said. Her face indicated she was concentrating on the perfect answer and any flaws that would follow. She said, “Yes, I will look into your eyes and listen to your story with open ears.” She turned her head to face his and gazed into his eyes.
He said, “If you weren’t aware or picked up on it, then I’ll tell you something about me. I am a kind-hearted soul and who would do anything to help another in need. Just like you I will safe the rest for later and show myself when the time arrives.”
Saddened by his short speech but she was already aware of his kindness. She also knew some other things about him, most of them he probably does not know. She said disappointed, “Aw, that’s it. I thought you were going to tell me something I didn’t already know, I picked-up on that instantly, along with your keen sense for your surrounds; for example how you spotted a distance branch that was unusually swaying without a breeze. I found it to be intriguing and recognize this is a valuable asset for the road ahead.” He was embarrassed and tried to say; “Now I do believe you were going to join us in trying to find my knapsack, the creature that has it and your own personal quest on a source information who knows Codye. Also, weren’t we walking back to your cart before we were sidetracked.” He turns forward while standing, extends his left arm as a sign of courtesy; she graciously returns his gesture, and they begin walking towards the remains of her trade kart. As they advanced, he began feeling uneasy with each step and for a good reason; he noticed a strange proceeding between Thirteen and a shadowy figure. He turned his head to see if she was aware, but to his dismay, she was oblivious of occurrence.
As they continued, his uneasiness growing into cautiousness after that was fear. The closer he was to the kart he became more fearful. Within earshot of them he could barely make out their conversation when his fears for the worst consumed him, his only thoughts were relying on survival instincts. Five stopped quickly surveyed the landscape he saw a forest in the distance, a variety of small shrubs and a large hedge plant that’s roughly ten feet northwest of him. He thought while doubling back, “That’s the perfect covert spot, I can hear them converse without being seen. In addition, I able to get a glimpse of just who he is talking to. Thank sages for this Dragon’s eye.” He crouched behind the hedge to conceal himself. Unfortunately, they were almost finished that meant he had to react fast to see who is the mystery creature. To his surprise there were two creature talking to him even though he only heard a strangers voice.
He noticed that they both were wearing cloaks like Seventeen, one was taller then the other; yet the tall one had his hood pulled back far enough to reveal some of its facial features. While the shorter one’s hood concealed its head and did all the talking. The tall one look nervous as it was constantly looking around, while the other was calm and relaxed about the situation. Near the end, the short one said, “Alright we’ll take care of that right away sir. You can count on it.”
He replied, “Indeed, however your friend maybe a point of interest. There’s something about him that doesn’t seem right ya’know.”
“I hear you loud and clear sir. I’ll be sure to give him the ‘DV’ treatment, if you know what I mean.”
“Yes. (Sigh) Unfortunately I do, but go easy this time, Condemned,” he said.
Five thought, “So that’s its name Condemned but what does DV mean and what is this ‘treatment’?”
“Ok but you take all the fun out of breaking in new recruits eh boss,” Condemned said.
“Boss? Thirteen is its boss. Does he work for the mob scène? Could he be conducting business with a messenger of a lifeless guild of assassins and mercenaries including ex-GITS and CECS operatives? If so, is he a guild member; or requesting something from their master? Either way, Condemned portrays ex-GITS while the other an ex-CECS, but how does he fit in? A hired assassin sent out on a mission? A mercenary following his assignment? Or is he an ex-militia with orders to protect or track a target, but we crossed paths instead and is unable to continue?,” he thought.
While concentrating on the transactions still continuously contradicting myself, I was unaware that Seventeen had snuck up behind me. Quietly she says, “Five, what’s so important that you need to hide behind a bush; in addition what are you focusing on that you cannot be bothered to signal me to hide.” I did not hear a word she said nor notice her beside me. Shortly, their conversation had ended and I turned around to rest my back against the bush; it was then that I saw her, startled I said, “Jez you scared me. How long were you beside me?”
“Not long why?”
“I was not aware that you’re there but did you see what went on with Thirteen.”
“No, should’ve I but either way he’s one of those creatures I know well enough that wouldn’t get into or cause anyone harm.”
“Ok, that’s good to hear and releases a lot of tension off my mind. However, I still have some unanswered questions and an uneasy feeling about what I saw. Could you help find answers to my questions?” I said.
“Sure why not. What’s your first query?” she said.
“What is a ‘DV’ treatment and who is Condemned?”
“Ok. Part one answer is I don’t know, therefore second answer is yes who is Condemned?”
“All right, is he related to part of or was ever in a guild made up of mercs assassins and ex-militia members?”
“Hmm, that’s a hum dinger of a problem,” she pauses for a moment, “No, but he has mentioned his brief stint in the military reaching the rank of commander in CECS; then his transfer to GITS. If you do not know what those acronyms means one is ‘Close encounters combat squad,’ the other is rather odd and you will have to ask him. Now what were we talking about… Oh yeah, guild as I said early no but a lot has changed since we last meet,” she said.
“I see but do you have any advice to help calm a troubled mind?”
“Yes I do. My father told me before I leaving my covered nest in Upper Zodiac 1656. His final words are in the form of a proverb, ‘I share my sarrow with the rocks, my solitude amongst the trees; but I’m never alone when I am at waters edge.’”
“Huh I don’t get,” he says puzzled.
“I can relate to you, I also didn’t understand what he meant then, as time progressed I’ve finally figured it out but I cannot tell you what it means,” she said.
-Five
Sirxn Arimetix-Riezo 40, 1778
She could not look at him in the eye without some feeling of doubt that she would not be able to speak. Therefore, she was going to answer him without revealing that she was embarrass by what he has asked her. Therefore, she pull the hood of her cloak all the over her head until she could not see him. She then tilted her head down and stared at the ground when she replied. “Yes. Yes I will do you the honor of accompany you as we walk back to meet Thirteen. However, I have to talk to you about something that I’ve already told him about,” she mumbles through the hood of her cloak. He had noticed two things about her while she was talking. Both of which really stood out and they just didn’t fit into what she was tell him.
He started to ponder, “The first thing that I would like to know is, what she could possible want to tell me? The second thing is why was she looking at the ground when she was talking to me about my question. Was it something that I had just said? Could it be about Thirteen? If not, then what is it?” He was intrigued at what her body langue was saying but was different from what she had actually said to me. He said-curiously, “Ok. What is it? What do have to share with me that I’m honored to know?” She then motioned with her claw for him to crouch down so that she could whisper something in his ear.
He crouched down to one knee and leaned his head over so that he could hear what she was going to say to him. She then told him about everything that had happened thirty-two years ago with Codi, about what she has arranged with Thirteen, and how she is going to tell him some small but select stories over time. When she was finished with what she felt he needed to know, she said “Oh yah, one last thing before we head back to my cart. I need you to make a promise to me. That this will only stay between the two of us, because if he finds out then I don’t know what he will do if it was to come down to that situation. So please promise me Five that you won’t tell any creature about what I have just said.” He responded, “I will give you my word that I will not tell any creature that is either living or that has passed on about what you have just told me. I give you my word. You will be able to hold me to that promise, because I’m a ‘Filler Bunny’ of honor and my word is my honor.” He extended his right paw as a kind gesture for her to take his paw, walk back with him to her cart and meet Thirteen.
She understood his kindness and held his paw with her left paw being very careful not to cut his paw with the tips of her claws. They started walking back to her cart when she had a question for him, “Umm, Five. Why are you acting like this?”
He replied, “Acting like what? Could you try to elaborate on what you’re trying to point out?”
She continued, “Its hard to say just what it is exactly. I have only just met you an hour ago, but you just do not seem like the type of creature that you are trying to portray. Now just try to understand on what I am trying to say, I cannot picture you as a perfect gentle creature. In my perspective, this situation with you and me is kind of unbelievable and some of the pieces just don’t to fit into the proper spaces.”
He answered, “I’m slowly understanding what you’re trying say and the confusion that follows. Yes, we only meet an hour ago. I remained in the shadows when you were be reacquainted with the past. No, I have not really revealed my true nature to either of you yet. However, I revealed my true nature during the archer incident at your cart.” He turned to his right crouched down and raised his head to stared in to her bright green eyes.
He saw that she was still blushing and slightly embarrassed by his actions. Extending his left arm up to her hood, he genteelly places his paw underneath her hood, and slowly slides it off her head. He said, “Milady, would be so generous enough to grant a request.”
“Generous is probably the last word I would’ve used,” she paused for a moment to think before continuing, “is this a rhetorical question or a literal compliment. Because if it’s the latter than it’s flattering but if no than I’m repulsed by your actions.” She paused shortly, “Yes. I will hear you request and after that I will decide on whether or not to grant it.”
“Generous is probably the last word I would’ve used,” she paused for a moment to think before continuing, “is this a rhetorical question or a literal compliment. Because if it’s the latter than it’s flattering but if no than I’m repulsed by your actions.” She paused shortly, “Yes. I will hear you request and after that I will decide on whether or not to grant it.”
“Fair enough, my request is for you to look into my eyes just for the next few moments while I tell you something,” he said. Her face indicated she was concentrating on the perfect answer and any flaws that would follow. She said, “Yes, I will look into your eyes and listen to your story with open ears.” She turned her head to face his and gazed into his eyes.
He said, “If you weren’t aware or picked up on it, then I’ll tell you something about me. I am a kind-hearted soul and who would do anything to help another in need. Just like you I will safe the rest for later and show myself when the time arrives.”
Saddened by his short speech but she was already aware of his kindness. She also knew some other things about him, most of them he probably does not know. She said disappointed, “Aw, that’s it. I thought you were going to tell me something I didn’t already know, I picked-up on that instantly, along with your keen sense for your surrounds; for example how you spotted a distance branch that was unusually swaying without a breeze. I found it to be intriguing and recognize this is a valuable asset for the road ahead.” He was embarrassed and tried to say; “Now I do believe you were going to join us in trying to find my knapsack, the creature that has it and your own personal quest on a source information who knows Codye. Also, weren’t we walking back to your cart before we were sidetracked.” He turns forward while standing, extends his left arm as a sign of courtesy; she graciously returns his gesture, and they begin walking towards the remains of her trade kart. As they advanced, he began feeling uneasy with each step and for a good reason; he noticed a strange proceeding between Thirteen and a shadowy figure. He turned his head to see if she was aware, but to his dismay, she was oblivious of occurrence.
As they continued, his uneasiness growing into cautiousness after that was fear. The closer he was to the kart he became more fearful. Within earshot of them he could barely make out their conversation when his fears for the worst consumed him, his only thoughts were relying on survival instincts. Five stopped quickly surveyed the landscape he saw a forest in the distance, a variety of small shrubs and a large hedge plant that’s roughly ten feet northwest of him. He thought while doubling back, “That’s the perfect covert spot, I can hear them converse without being seen. In addition, I able to get a glimpse of just who he is talking to. Thank sages for this Dragon’s eye.” He crouched behind the hedge to conceal himself. Unfortunately, they were almost finished that meant he had to react fast to see who is the mystery creature. To his surprise there were two creature talking to him even though he only heard a strangers voice.
He noticed that they both were wearing cloaks like Seventeen, one was taller then the other; yet the tall one had his hood pulled back far enough to reveal some of its facial features. While the shorter one’s hood concealed its head and did all the talking. The tall one look nervous as it was constantly looking around, while the other was calm and relaxed about the situation. Near the end, the short one said, “Alright we’ll take care of that right away sir. You can count on it.”
He replied, “Indeed, however your friend maybe a point of interest. There’s something about him that doesn’t seem right ya’know.”
“I hear you loud and clear sir. I’ll be sure to give him the ‘DV’ treatment, if you know what I mean.”
“Yes. (Sigh) Unfortunately I do, but go easy this time, Condemned,” he said.
Five thought, “So that’s its name Condemned but what does DV mean and what is this ‘treatment’?”
“Ok but you take all the fun out of breaking in new recruits eh boss,” Condemned said.
“Boss? Thirteen is its boss. Does he work for the mob scène? Could he be conducting business with a messenger of a lifeless guild of assassins and mercenaries including ex-GITS and CECS operatives? If so, is he a guild member; or requesting something from their master? Either way, Condemned portrays ex-GITS while the other an ex-CECS, but how does he fit in? A hired assassin sent out on a mission? A mercenary following his assignment? Or is he an ex-militia with orders to protect or track a target, but we crossed paths instead and is unable to continue?,” he thought.
While concentrating on the transactions still continuously contradicting myself, I was unaware that Seventeen had snuck up behind me. Quietly she says, “Five, what’s so important that you need to hide behind a bush; in addition what are you focusing on that you cannot be bothered to signal me to hide.” I did not hear a word she said nor notice her beside me. Shortly, their conversation had ended and I turned around to rest my back against the bush; it was then that I saw her, startled I said, “Jez you scared me. How long were you beside me?”
“Not long why?”
“I was not aware that you’re there but did you see what went on with Thirteen.”
“No, should’ve I but either way he’s one of those creatures I know well enough that wouldn’t get into or cause anyone harm.”
“Ok, that’s good to hear and releases a lot of tension off my mind. However, I still have some unanswered questions and an uneasy feeling about what I saw. Could you help find answers to my questions?” I said.
“Sure why not. What’s your first query?” she said.
“What is a ‘DV’ treatment and who is Condemned?”
“Ok. Part one answer is I don’t know, therefore second answer is yes who is Condemned?”
“All right, is he related to part of or was ever in a guild made up of mercs assassins and ex-militia members?”
“Hmm, that’s a hum dinger of a problem,” she pauses for a moment, “No, but he has mentioned his brief stint in the military reaching the rank of commander in CECS; then his transfer to GITS. If you do not know what those acronyms means one is ‘Close encounters combat squad,’ the other is rather odd and you will have to ask him. Now what were we talking about… Oh yeah, guild as I said early no but a lot has changed since we last meet,” she said.
“I see but do you have any advice to help calm a troubled mind?”
“Yes I do. My father told me before I leaving my covered nest in Upper Zodiac 1656. His final words are in the form of a proverb, ‘I share my sarrow with the rocks, my solitude amongst the trees; but I’m never alone when I am at waters edge.’”
“Huh I don’t get,” he says puzzled.
“I can relate to you, I also didn’t understand what he meant then, as time progressed I’ve finally figured it out but I cannot tell you what it means,” she said.
-Five
Sirxn Arimetix-Riezo 40, 1778
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