<no title> - Chapter 19a: Third Melee AA/OT/1PP/PG

[N2-0 Night]

Back from the dead...

I kind of lost my inspiration to draw. That's why I'm here again, after 4 months. Anyways...

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13 - Caught
Irene's Side

Cliff told me that a request came in from ULE's Corneca Branch. So far, no one has taken it. From the sound of it, he thinks it'll be dangerous and interesting for me. I suppose I can check it out. Nothin' wrong with takin' a look, right?

I took down the details on a piece of paper. I feel lazy to memorize anythin' at the moment. Let's see... Northern town of Dior... Abandoned clock tower... Ghost sightings... Missin' people... Again with ghosts? How come I have the feelin' ghosts are frequentin' Corneca? Although, I don't think I can complain like that, since this would be, like, the second time I might face a ghost...

I said my goodbyes to everyone. Cliff's two cousins, Mina and Linda, made me promise to come back soon. Oh, I will. Those two are so cute...

...

Home sweet home. Still, this home ain't complete without Remi-chan...

I suppose I can go check out this request later. Ghosts don't go off and haunt a different place. At least, that's what Remi-chan taught me. Since I am here, I wanted to take another look at that secret room. I know I'm not supposed to be there, but I can't help but be curious. So, I made my way all to Remi-chan's room, pressed the hidden switch, and entered the room... I hope Remi-chan doesn't come home anytime soon...

This time, I looked around at things more. I browsed through all these dusty bookshelves. Let's see... Tae Kwon Do in 6 Months... The Art of War... Magician's Hand Bible... There were also books here that have weird titles. Like this one... Fu Tang Cheng's Book of Kwang Dong Style... What kind of a name is that? Whoever this person is, I bet his mother hated him... ... Anyway, there are also some books here that I can't even read. What language is this? With some pictures in the book, all I can tell is that this book teaches how to operate on various body parts... ... Did Remi-chan read all these books? How long did all of these take...?

I browsed some more. All the titles here seem hard to understand... Oh, wait... Here's somethin'... Ultimate Equations... Aquarium Care, 3rd Edition... Crochet Made Easy... ... What the...? Crochet? Remi-chan knows how to crochet...? ... Well, not that it's bad, but I didn't think... What I mean is... Oh, never mind. What else... Mastering Alchemy, Volumes 1 to 3... The Art of Speed Reading... Theories of Cooking... Deals Can Start with 'No'... Talk about variety. I suppose readin' different subjects makes learnin' interestin'... ... ... Still... Crochet...?

I moved on to the next part of this room. Here lies a seal of some sort. It's quite big, almost as big as the portal we use. It's also a whole lot elaborate. Every little space has some sort of characters in it. Whatever this seal is, it looks way special... Well, there's not much to do here but look at it.. ... ... I've looked enough. On to the next part.

Now this is more like it. Weapons. All lined up and shinin', even with the dust coverin' it. I looked at these weapons in amazement. Did Remi-chan create all these? One by one, I tried them out. Swords... Knives... Polearms... Spears... Maces... Chains... From behind the weaponracks, I saw somethin' more. A furnace... An anvil... A hammer... Why, this is like a blacksmith's shop! Remi-chan creates his own weapons! I took a look around more. I saw what I think are ingredients for smithin'. Iron bars... Steel rods... Crystal fragments... Gold bars... Chipped rubies... Tiny diamo--- Gold? Gems? Ohohoh! I wonder how much these sell for? ... Wait, if I took one, then Remi-chan could find out... They look temptin', but I can't...

I look some more, then realized one rack has armors on them. Helmets... Shields... Gauntlets... Mails... All of them are of Remi-chan's size. They all look so beautiful. So shiny. So elegant... Already, I am imaginin' Remi-chan wearin' them. Aah... Remi-chan, my knight in shinin' armor... ... Uh oh, I got drool on one of the helmets... I better wipe it off now... As I did, I took out all the dust coverin' the helmet. Oh ****! Remi-chan might notice this! Uh... Uh... I took some dust on the floor, then sprinkled it all over the helmet. Whew... There, that should be enough... I mustn't leave any evidence here...

After checkin' everythin' out, I finally reached the last part of this room... There, I saw the armor... I just saw it, and already I'm annoyed. What is it with this armor...? I tried real hard to keep from explodin'... I looked at this armor from all directions, making sure I don't go too near... As seconds pass, my blood boils. Still, I refused to remove my eyes on the armor... ... Hmm... This armor is definitely Remi-chan's size. I wonder... ... I started imaginin' him again, this time, wearin' that armor... ... ...

ACK!!

M-my head! Wha...! What was that? I-I saw somethin'...! What was that!?

AAGH!! AAGH!!

... This armor... seems strangely familiar... Armor... familiar..

AAARGH!!

I-I can't stand this! I better get out of here!

...

Huff... Huff... W-what was that...? All I did was... imagine Remi-chan in that... armor... Something's definitely wrong... During that time... I saw images... It was too quick... I can't even tell what it was... That armor... I think I've seen that in my head... That armor... I've...

My head hurts... I-I better lie down...

...

When I woke up, Remi-chan was right beside me. Remi-chan! I sprung up from his bed where I slept, sat on his lap, then gave him hugs and kisses. "Did you miss me, Remi-chan? Did you miss me, Remi-chan?" Remi-chan stayed quiet. Rather, he looked worried. Before I could ask, he looked over to my right. Wonderin' what he was lookin' at, I looked in that direction as well. To my horror, the secret door is open...

Oh ****!! Did I-I forget to close it?!

I looked back at Remi-chan... My eyes were frozen in fear as it locked on to his... What would happen now that I'm caught?

****!! ****!! ****!! ****!! ****ing ****!!

--------------------------------------------------

Uh... Yeah. That's alll. I might stay here for a while...

I'm gone...
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

And this fic rises from the dead.

This chapter seems somewhat strange. I do have to admit it's cute, seeing as how Irene dreams of her ideal man in that manner and the measures she goes thrugh to keep it secret. However, it's kinda weird that she seems to have been harmed by the image of that one piece...

I'm glad you got back to this fic.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here.

Yup, I really lost my art inspiration. No matter. Even if I fail in comparison to others, writing is still fun for me.

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13 - Caught
Remeer's Side

It has been 3 days that I haven't seen Irene. Three quiet days. Not that I'm saying that Irene is a loudmouth, but I now realize that I can miss her. I had nothing much to do recently, and I miss taking care of her...

So far, I have done the writings and lines of the portal. Those are important. If one letter is wrong or missing, or even an angle is off, it's not considered a portal. Believe it or not, these drawings don't just use simple ink. It uses part of the maker's blood. That's why I make sure I don't have to do over any part of this portal. If I mess up, I just wasted my blood. Also, if the portal is incorrectly drawn, enchanting the portal is useless. That's why before I start enchanting, I have double check every last line on the floor and on the walls...

... Yes... Yes... Yes, this portal is ready. Now, I can start enchanting...

While I was enchanting, memories came to me. Most of which are with Irene. Was it because I missed her...? Now that I think about it, I have no idea what Irene has been doing. I wonder... Is she eating right? Sometimes, she's a little picky. Is she sleeping right? She tends to stay up late ever since she learned of the television. Is she in fine health? I don't want her to get a flu or anything... Maybe I miss her more than I think...

... Say... I want to share something with you... Don't worry, I can talk while enchanting. This magic is simple for me. Anyway, have I told you about 'this room'...? I have... a secret I haven't told anyone... not even Irene... If I told you, would you keep it a secret...?

...

In Corneca, in my home, in my room, there is a hidden passage. It leads down to another room, one that's even lower than my basement, and much bigger as well. There, I keep some things that has something to do with my past. Still want to hear it?

Inside that room are books from worlds I have traveled. Most of which are books for military warfare and martial arts, imported from Earth. I have read all of them, but not all the pages of each book. I only read what was important, and figured out what was obvious. I even wrote down on those books, adding my own opinions and insights of the topic at hand. Also, I have books that has nothing to do with violence. I have learned a whole lot of things, like physics, chemistry, psychology, and math. I also have books on cooking, flower-arranging, and crochet... ... What? ... Yes, I know how to crochet... ... Don't look at me like that...

In one part of the secret room is a seal that was created five generations ago. Yes, you gessed it. This house is that old. In any case, that seal actually protects this place. This house is situated a little near to the Magbee Forest, where monsters are frequent. That seal repels malicious minds, but only to a point. That seal can't repel beings with higher intelligence, like humans.

That room is huge enough that I was able to make weapons there myself. Swords, polearm, composites, balistic, name it and I made it. I also made armors there. I made half of my past living by selling them. They priced real high, especially since I know the art of magic smithing. By carefully adding uncommon elements to my works while meditating, I can make enchanted weapons. I learned that ever since I was a kid. It was part of my initiation to become... ... ...

... I suppose you all know what I am now. Mardock gave it away...

I am a Skyknight. Not to brag, but Skyknights are also called as knights of legends. Skyknights are trained in all basic froms of warfare. We can practically replace anyone, may it be a soldier, a warrior, a general, a strategist, a minister, so on and so forth. That is the real reason why I know so much. Also, it has been rumored and written that Skyknights can even equal gods. That's not true. I should know...

There is only one catch to such a famous name... ... I am the only Skyknight left...

...

Where was I...? Ah, yes. The last part of the room. There stands one lone piece of armor. That armor is mine. It's my symbol of being a Skyknight. It may lok simple, but wait until I wear it. It grows and evolves, literally... I have no intention of showing it to anyone. Everyone know the Skyknights are long gone... I don't intend of changing what they think is true. Not anymore. I did once, and not one soul believed me...

I must never tell Irene what I am... As bad as it seems, it is something I don't want her to know... If she did... She might... We might... ... No, never mind. Forget that I said anything...

This portal is now ready for use. I'm going to Corneca after I take a rest... I'm a little shaky from the blood I used up...

...

I stepped in to the portal to Corneca. I wonder if Irene is here... As a little check, I walked all the way to her room. ... Nope, she's not here... I was about to leave, but something told me I should check someplace else. I looked to my left, to my room. I wonder... Is she here...? Hmm... Why would she be here? Before I open the door, I started imagining what Irene could be doing in my room. If my knowledge of her is correct, she'd be rolled up on my bed, sniffing the bed clean of my scent... ... That may sound silly, but she did that once, so...

As I opened the door, I saw Irene. She's asleep on my bed, with a hand on her head. From here, I realized she wasn't feeling well. Her face says it all. I walked in, and saw something else...

Why is the secret door open?!

I couldn't answer my own question... The answer lies within Irene... Speechless, I just sat next to Irene, caressing her face... Pain is evident in her face...

... No... Did she...?

Some few moments more, Irene woke up. She rubbed her eyes and stretched out her hands. When she realized I was next to her, she suddenly became lively. She sat down on my lap, hugging me and giving me kisses. She was saying "Did you miss me, Remi-chan? Did you miss me, Remi-chan?" I missed her, alright. But something else was bothering me to answer...

I glanced to the secret door all wide open... Irene did the same...

When I looked back to Irene, her eyes showed fear. I believe she tried to break away from me, but her arms were frozen in it's hugging state.

... Irene... Did you...?

--------------------------------------------------

Now, how do I write the next chapter :] ? This is going to be fun...
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Indeed it shall be. Indeed it shall.

And we see that our protagonist is also somewhat smitten, or at least shows the beginning signs of it. It also seems that Irene has probably discovered this secret, and it should make for some interesting development in the next few chapters.

Good work.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here.

I realized the earlier chapter was a bit too short. I didn't check the page count on Word when I finished typing. Anyway, boy, did I enjoy typing this...

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14 - Real Past

Remi-chan just looked at me... I-I couldn't speak... I couldn't move... I couldn't do nothin'...

Seconds passed by, all of which I spent tryin' to speak out an alibi. Still, no matter how much I try, all I could give out is awkward silence. I found it useless to speak, so I tried to move away next. I never thought pryin' myself away could get so hard... I feared something might happen if I make one false move... Eventually, I was able to move out of Remi-chan's lap... This is as far as I could move... Fear still kept me to where I am... I try to change where I was lookin', but Remi-chan's eyes kept me from doin' so...

"Irene..." Remi-chan just spoke out my name, but my reaction is too severe... I ducked... Covered my face... Leaned away... I thought I was about to get hit... "Relax," said Remi-chan. "I won't hurt you. I only have questions..." It took a while before I understood what he said... I sat straight again, but now my eyes are looking away...

"Tell me, Irene. How did you find that door?"

I thought real hard of my answer... "I-I forgot the magic words for the portal, so I thought I could find it in one of your books... That's when I..."

"I see... Knowing you, you've entered the room, right?"

"..."

"Please answer..."

"... Yes... I did..."

Another silence... It was longer than I've ever thought... I don't know what I should do next... I felt like running... I felt like making excuses... I even felt like crying... "Irene, tell me. Did anything happen there?"

"..."

"Answer me, Irene..."

I couldn't answer... How should I answer? Did anything happen? No... Nothing, except... ... !

"Did anything happen, Irene?"

Is he... talking about the armor... that's making me mad...?

"Please answer me, Irene..."

I slowly looked at Remi-chan. I wanted to ask straight away about that armor. However, when I saw his eyes again, I froze. His eyebrows were crossed, but his eyes aren't angry. In fact, I think it showed fear as well... ... Fear...? Remi-chan is afraid...? Of what?

"Did anything happen inside that room? Irene?"

Could it be...? Is he afraid of what happened to me back there?

"Irene..."

"No... Nothing..."

Remi-chan looked at me closer. His eyes still locked on to me.

"I-I swear... Nothing happened..."

Another silence... He breathed out, more like a sigh... Afterwards, he said "I see..."

I don't know if he bought what I said... I have never lied to Remi-chan before... My chest feels so heavy of guilt...

...

The moment passed away silently. I excused myself out of his room, while he closed the secret door. I went straight to my own room and lied down on my bed. I... I want to sleep this all away...

...

That night, I had a dream. It was weird. Everythin' was black and white. It's like one of those TV shows, where flashbacks are colorless. Where is this place...? Why, this is the Magbee Forest. I so recognize this huge apple tree. Whenever I pass through here, I pick an apple or two and share 'em with Remi-chan. That reminds me... I wonder how Remi-chan is feelin', after he found out that I found out...

Wait, I hear someone comin'... Where is it comin' from? To my surprise, I saw Remi-chan, walkin' in my direction.

"Remi-chan! A-about what happened, I didn't mean to find the switch. I was-"

To my surprise, Remi-chan walked right through me! What the?! Oh... Is this part of Remi-chan's past? I followed him, and tried once more. I stood right in front of him. He just walked right through me again. He pushed away a branch, and it went flyin' to me when he let go. As I though, it went through me as well. This is totally freaky... I'm, like, a human ghost...

I followed Remi-chan through this forest. We eventually stopped next to the lake inside this forest. He started drinkin' from the lake, then ate some unfamiliar fruit as he sat down. It was quiet and all that, until I heard some noise behind the bushes to my left. Remi-chan looked there as well. He slowly put away the fruit he was eatin', washed off the sticky fruit juice from his hands, then slowly took a look behind the bush...

When I looked too, I saw a woman, dressed in rags. She was takin' a drink, and this girl looks really dirty. Stains on her clothes and her cap, her bluish-black hair all messed up, and if I could smell her, I think she'd smell awful. I looked at Remi-chan. He was stunned to see the girl. He stood up, and slowly walked towards the girl... ... I wonder why...? Could it be...? He's introducin' himself to the girl? That can't be... I wonder who that girl is...

Remi-chan haven't gone near yet, and this girl immediately looked at him. Remi-chan was, like, saying hello to the girl. I was a little startled to the girl's reaction. She snarled, like a cat. Remi-chan took a step away. He just stepped in to a bad situation. Remi-chan moved back some more, tryin' to go back from where he came, until this girl rushed towards him... Remi-chan! Look out!

What came next is a battle that Remi-chan was avoidin'. He tried to talk to the woman, but she never listened. She just kept scratchin' and kickin' and bitin'. It seemed like Remi-chan was fightin' a mad cat. Remi-chan had enough when his chest started bleedin' from a single scratch. This girl has super killer nails. Remi-chan fought back, but I think he's still takin' it easy on her. I can tell that all of his attacks were pulled...

One of Remi-chan's punches got this girl on the forehead. The punch was strong enough that the cap was blown away. To my surprise, the girl has cat ears! What the?! T-that girl ain't human?! Even Remi-chan was surprised to see it. What was more surprisin' was his next action. As if he hated those cat ears, he pulled out a sword. W-what?! He's goin' to use a sword against this girl?! I just stood there... I couldn't believe what was happenin'... Remi-chan was seriously tryin'... No, he was seriously goin' to kill this girl! Only then I realized, this girl is also intent of killin'! I'd jump in front of them to stop this, but I remembered that this was only a dream...

I have never seen this side of Remi-chan. He looked like a demon, with only one thing in mind. The fight got longer and longer, and it all happened just next to this lake. When the girl was able to make Remi-chan bleed again, Remi-chan snapped with a warcry! To my horror, a golden armor suddenly appeared on Remi-chan. I was shocked to see the armor grow. A helmet, gauntlets, greaves, and a cape, all of those came out from just one piece of armor. The girl was stunned. This was when Remi-chan took the advantage. He was brutal for the next few seconds. He kicked, punched, and bludgeoned this girl half to death. When the girl was bleedin' badly and unconscious, Remi-chan was ready to stick his sword down to her heart. I looked away. Remi-chan... Don't...

...

I looked back... Remi-chan stopped his blade an inch before it plunged through the girl's breast. He was shocked. His sword and armor disappeared. He took a closer look to the girl... I'm glad Remi-chan stopped... But... Why did he stop...? After all that beatin'...

I slowly moved in... My eyes couldn't believe it... The face of this girl...

...

I woke up from the dream... I was breathin' hard... I looked out the window... It was night, and it was rainin' real hard... I can't help but remember my dream... The images I saw this day... It... It was all clear now...

The girl's face... was mine... ... The girl's face was mine...?

That girl was me?!

Remi-chan was trying to kill me?!?!

ACK!! MY HEAD! AAGH!! AAAAGH!!

--------------------------------------------------

Now, on to the next chapter!
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Mmm, and the plot thickens muchly.

Somehow, I figured before I reached the end of this chapter that the dream was a prophecy or a flashback of some sort. It was fairly obvious to me that the girl that Remeer was attacking was Irene, but I believe that the manner in which you did it turned out to be quite nicely done. Either way, if it is a flashback, or a prophecy, this little dream will certainly prove to be a major factor in the development of the relationship between the protagonists.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here...

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 15 - Love and Hate
Irene's Side

My head... I-I feel like somethin' is crackin'... breakin' apart... A-aagh...

...

What am I doin' here...?

Why am I in a human's house?!

Immediately, I got up and ran out of my room. As I took my first step out, I stopped to look at Remeer's room... Deep inside, all I want to do right now was kill the man... I snuck down to the kitchen... I made no noise so he won't know what's comin'... I took the biggest knife this man owns, then snuck to his room. There, he was sleepin' quietly... Now! He shall die in his sleep! I raised the knife, then stabbed down on him!

...

I missed...? This man did not move, but my knife was this close to him! I tried to stab him again and again, but my knife always miss his throat! By this time, his pillow was all I ever murdered. Why can't I kill him?!

...

Is it because... I...

No! How can I?! This... This monster! He... He tricked me! I can never have any feelings for him!!

I want to stab him again, but I couldn't find do it no more! I'm this close to killin' him! Why...? Why can't I do it?!

...

I don't want to stay in this house no more! I ran away, still holdin' on to the knife! I don't care if he hears me on my way out! He won't see me no more! Even if he did, I will...

...

I ran through this heavy rain... Darkness and rain makes it hard for me to see where I'm goin'... The only time I see somethin' is when lightnin' strikes... I made my way through the forest... I made it to the lake... There, I fell down, only thinkin' of one thing... I remember it now... I'm not human... In fact, I hate humans! All of them should die! **** them all! Especially that man...

I looked at the lake... Although it was rainin', I was able to see my reflection... Why? Why do I look human?! I'm not human!! Why?! T-that man... What did he do to me?! In anguish, I just slapped my own reflection! Why do I look human?!

I don't know how, but I felt like somethin'... someone... was comin' at me... I turned around to see who it was... The rain was loud, but I made out somethin' from the noise...

"... ene... Where... you...? Irene!" It's that blasted man again! He's looking for me?! **** off, you scum!

I wanted to face him, just like the first time. This time, I'll make sure I finish him off...! However, as he got closer and closer, I turned around and ran... What?! Why am I runnin'?! I wanted to stop, but I still kept runnin'... Why am I runnin'?!

Eventually, I reached the Shenbao Maountains... I couldn't sense nothin' following me... I lost him... Good... I went further in one direction... I avoided the roads... That man might think I'd use them... Well, he's got another thing comin'...

As I went further and further in the mountains, I passed through lots of bushes... As I went through, I looked down on my legs... They were bleedin'... All of them got scratched from the bushes... I don't care... I'd rather have my legs cut off than bein' found by that man again...

...

Still, why do I keep thinkin' of that man...?

Aaagh!! Humans are the worst beings of this universe!! They should all be burned to nothin'!!

...

I was this close to leaving the mountains, when I felt something approachin' again... What...? Is he still lookin' for me?! Aaagh!! Persistent dirt!! I ran again!

Now this feels like a chase... No matter which direction I pick, which rock I jump off to, I could sense him... He's not gainin' on me, but I'm not losin' him either... Eventually, I stopped at a cliff... I looked at my left and right... Rockfaces... Why, this is the same place that man saved me...

I realized that I'm cornered here... I turned around, only to collapse... I bleed so much that I couldn't stand up... I couldn't fly either... I was too weak for that... Just like the first time, I heard this man's footsteps gettin' nearer and nearer... When he showed himself, I tried to stand up... I readied my knife... I shouted "What do you want from me, you ****?!"

"Irene... Please, don't run... Allow me to expla-"

"I don't need no explanations!! Leave me alone, you ********!!"

"Irene... Please... I..."

This man slowly started walkin' to me... I wanted to move away, but I'm at the edge of the cliff... I have nowhere else to back off to...

"D-don't come near me!! I-I will kill you!! I-I mean it!!"

This man didn't listen... He kept walking to me slowly, with one hand reaching out to me...

"Irene... I..."

When he was about to touch me... I snapped...

"I'LL KILL YOU!!"

I raised my knife to stab down on him... I saw his eyes for the last second... I-I don't know what happened... As my knife went all the way down to him... I closed my eyes...

...

When I slowly opened my eyes, I was shocked... My knife... It was buried down on this man's left arm... Remeer... W-why...? Why didn't you dodge?!

I saw his face... He tried to keep from screaming... W-what...? What have I done?! I tried to pull the knife away... I-I couldn't... I got so weak, that even with two hands, I couldn't pull the knife away... I cried as I tried helplessly to pull it off... I cursed myself as I used all the strength I have to pull, but I just wasn't able to... Remeer still had his strength, and with one hand on the knife, he pulled it off himself effortlessly...

I was still holdin' on to the knife... Remeer's blood was on it... Remeer's blood was on my hands... I got so scared... I dropped the knife... I slowly collapsed... I was about to fall over this cliff... Remeer pulled me away from danger... My weight pushed him down to a wall... My face landed on his chest... My eyes were stuck to his wounded arm... His blood slowly trickled on my body...

What I just did... I know... It's unforgivable... But I... I...

"Remeer... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry..."

I cried like I never cried before... My arms tried to hug him... I tried real hard, but my arms... I-I'm so scared...

Remeer... He held me instead... He kept me from shakin'... He answered... "No... I should be sorry..."

...

Remeer still have some strength... He realized I can no longer move... Just like the first time, he carried me home... This rain is slowly stoppin'... All anyone could hear was my cries...

--------------------------------------------------

Boy, I'm really enjoying this... I wanted to elaborate some more, but I think this does it all...

To Midnight, was it that obvious :] ?

Now, how should I do Remeer's side...? Should be fun...
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Well, based on the vision, and the implications that were inherent with the unusual piece of armor, it wasn't blatantly obvious, but it could still be deduced easily by any reader paying attention. It could also have been an incredibly lucky guess on my part.

Poor Irene...caught up in a whirlwind of emotions that reduced her to her primal instincts...I can't imagine what sort of trigger spawned that all. I'm holding out that she will be able to understnad what and why she went berserk like that...

Good work.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here!

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 15 - Love and Hate
Remeer's Side

That night, I couldn't feel at ease. There has been one secret that I have kept from Irene. I was thinking of telling it to here anyway, but not this soon...

I wonder... If my parents were still alive... What would they think of me for taking care of someone like her here?

...

That night, I had my eyes closed, but I never fell asleep. I thought of what has happened the first time I met Irene. She was not human. She was the greatest enemy humans have faced...

I was about to kill her, when I saw her face. At the very beginning, my first question to myself was "Is this girl really a...?" She looked too human, except for her ears and tail. Only then did I ask more questions to myself. "Is this even right?" "Why am I doing this?" "Is this what I have been trained for?"

That last question might confuse you. Let me explain. While I was still young, one thing I have been thought was to hate her kind. I never thought of it before, but now, I realize that I was brainwashed to do so. Everytime 'they' were ever mentioned in my early years, it has always been offensive. "They are brutal and primitive demons..." "They have no mercy on humans..." "Kill them on sight, for they will surely do the same to you..."

Now that I think of it, whenever I asked what 'they' look like before, I always get the same answers: abominations, cat-devils, damned beings... When I look at this girl, my image of them was changed... She... ... She's so beautiful...

I then noticed how much harm I have dealt to this girl. I felt so guilty that I couldn't decide on what to do... Should I leave her? Should I take care of her? Just like I have said, I was so smitten, that I took her home...

...

I opened my eyes. I still couldn't fall asleep. When I turned to my left, I saw my pillow slashed... Surprise made me jump out of my bed. I noticed that my pillow doesn't have just one slash. I counted, and found 6 slashes. What could have done this without my knowledge? I did not fall asleep, did I?

... No... Irene!

I ran to her room as fast as I could. I flicked open the lights! Irene was not there! I ran down and looked around. The door was wide open, letting in the heavy rain... The rug is heavily soaked, foretelling how long the door has been opened...

...

I ran through this heavy rain. I could not see anything, relying on mere flashes of light on my way. I don't know where to go. The ground was all muddy, so any chance of finding tracks on them is zero. Why does it have to rain now?! ... Irene... Where are you?

Like something called out to me, I turned around, looking at the Magbee Forest. I have no idea. I just ran there. Could Irene be here? I did not waste any time. I took out a sword and hacked every branch that was on my way! If Irene was running here... I must catch up! I must do what is right!

Eventually, I reached the lake. She's not here. All I saw was flashbacks of what has happened here before... I fought her here... I followed her here when she ran... I... Shenbao Mountains! I looked around, figuring out which way the mountains are. In this heavy of a rain, every tree looks like every other tree. Even if I flew, it was so dark that I won't be able to see far. I moved in one direction, hoping to recognize at least one tree... Minutes has passed, and I began to feel despair. This rain felt like it was cursing me...

Wait! This tree! This is Irene's favorite tree! She always pick apples here!

I know now where I am. I wasted no time heading to where the mountains should be. On my way, I saw a Kanban blocking my path. It charged at me with it's mouth wide open. I screamed at it with all of my strength. "Get out of my way!!" It got so scared of that, that it moved away by itself...

I reached the Shenbao Maountains. I followed the snaking path. Irene? Are you here? I kept running on, then something came to my attention. If she is running away here, then she won't use the roads. She should be traversing through the trees and bushes, or what's left of them. There's not much of them here...

Eventually, I came to something disturbing. A bush was covered in blood. It was dark, but I was able to distinguish it in one look. Irene? Is this your blood? I looked harder through this rain. I saw a path of blood here and there. I began following it as fast as I could. As I got further in the mountains, I ran faster and faster. I think Irene, or whatever it is making this bloody trail, felt I was chasing it. Like I knew where to go, I moved through all the crags and gravel. Eventually, I reached the same place I saved Irene...

Talk about deja vu...

When I took a peek around this wall, I saw Irene trying to stand up. Just like last time, she was losing blood through her legs... I approached as calm as I could. As I finally blocked her only path of escape, she retorted. "What do you want from me, you ****?!"

"Irene... Please, don't run... Allow me to expla-"

"I don't need no explanations!! Leave me alone, you ********!!"

I stopped on my place. Just like I feared, she remembers what she is now. Any human's most hated enemy: Felicians...

"Irene... Please... I..."

I walked on... All of my steps were calculated... Careful... I don't want her to explode on me... Not that she has no right to...

"D-don't come near me!! I-I will kill you!! I-I mean it!!"

"Irene... I..."

I reached out to her... Her eyes opened up... She looked like she's disgusted at my own hand... I was about to touch her, when she lashed out...

"I'LL KILL YOU!!"

She had her knife stab down on me... Time slowed down for that 1 second... Normally, I'd react to this... Should I dodge? Should I block? Should I counter? ... No... Any one of those actions will only prolong this situation... I have never done this before... I will not close my eyes... I will take this knife... This is my punishment...

... AAGH!! Aagh...

When Irene looked at me, tears exploded from her eyes... She looked at this knife in horror... She tried pulling off the knife... She used both hands, but she couldn't... She's so weak now, and her crying was also sapping her will... She yanked and pulled, but nothing happened... I took the knife's handle, and pulled it out for her...

When she staggered, she looked at the knife... It has my blood on it... So much blood, that it also dripped down on her hands... She dropped it in terror, and held her face... She was so weak, that she collapsed at that point... Her direction was towards the cliff, just inches behind her, so I pulled her to me... I was suddenly weak from this stab, that Irene's weight was enough to push me down... Her face was buried on my chest, as she slowly cried out...

"Remeer... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry..."

She wanted to hug me, but her hands shook and jolted whenever she touched my body... Now she fears that one wrong move will make her unforgivable...

She couldn't do it, so I hugged her instead...

"No... I should be sorry..."

...

Irene is absolutely weak now... She only has enough strength to cry... As I carried her home, she was crying on my chest... My left arm is painful. but I will endure this until we come home... This rain is slowly halting, and I could see the beginning moments of a dawn...

--------------------------------------------------

Now, on to the part I've been wanting to write about :] .

I'm gone!
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

And finally we see some development. I admit, this chapter answered a lot of questions I had about the characters in general...

Your focus on the conditioning Remeer went through prior to this event was essential here...how it spawned hatred, and yet he threw it all away when encountering one for the first time.

This is getting better as it goes...and it seems you are eager to continue to write.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here!

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 16 – First Peace

I sat quietly on my bed. Remeer should be in his room, takin’ care of that wound. Meanwhile, I have been thinkin’ of what just happened an hour ago. I never dreamed this would happen… I just attacked someone so close to me…

Remeer came in to my room a little while after. He managed to put bandages on his arm by himself. I wanted to help him do that, but I have no idea where to start. He sat down next to me, coughed, and then began to talk.

“Irene… First of all, I want to say I am very sorry… I never intended to keep such a secret from—”

“No… I should be sorry… Because of me, you got—”

“I wanted to tell you when the time was right… I was afraid that you would—”

“No… I-it’s okay… Things might have played out differently if…”

We kept interruptin’ each other. We wanted to have ourselves hear what we have to say. Remeer leaned on a wall slowly. He’s avoidin’ anythin’ that might hurt his arm. After lyin’, he looked at me then continued talkin’…

“So, do you know what you are now?”

“Yes… I’m a Felician…”

“Good. I see my amnesia curse is finally broken…”

“Amnesia curse…?”

“A curse that forces amnesia. I thought it would be easier to befriend you if you don’t know who you are…”

“Oh… So I really don’t have amnesia?”

“I suppose… Tell me, what’s your name?”

He supposes? What’s that supposed to mean?

“My name is…”

“??? My name is…?”

“What? I-I still can’t remember?”

“I see… That concludes my theory…”

“What theory?”

“When I used the amnesia curse on you. I was finished the moment I started. Because the process was too fast, I assumed you have no memory to lose to begin with…”

“You mean… I really do have amnesia?”

…

I moved a little closer to Remeer. I began askin’ him a question concernin’ myself.

“Remeer, I’m a Felician, right? How come I look human?”

“Ah. That’s because I placed another curse on you. To keep you from remembering what you are, I had to change your body as well. The curse is called the alteration curse.”

“Alteration curse?”

“Yes. The curse transforms you, usually into another being’s form. Right now, your body is human because I am human. I made sure the curse doesn’t transform you too much and turn you into a man.”

“Oh… So, if this curse is lifted, I’ll turn into a Felician again?”

“Yes, but there is another way without destroying the curse.”

I just looked at him, waitin’ for his explanation. I can transform back into a Felician with the curse still on? I think it’s impossible…

“I also made the curse a little special. By using certain magics, you can activate and deactivate the curse anytime. Think of it as a curse with a switch. I made it that way prior to our current situation…”

Remeer knew this day would come… But… What? A magic switch for another magic? That sounds very elaborate, but I suppose that was nothin’ to Remeer. He teaches me magic anyway…

“So, what’s the magic switch?”

“Light magic deactivates the curse, while dark magic activates the curse.”

Ugh… Light and dark magic… Unlike other elemental magic, light and dark are different in terms of use. Anyone could use them, but not everyone knows how to… Remeer knows I can’t use them that well… I couldn’t even heal myself…

“Don’t worry. I promise to teach you how to use the simplest light and dark magics later on.”

…

Moments after, Remeer started explainin’ what he knows about the silent war between Humans and Felicians. Apparently, the war has been goin’ on even before Remeer was born. Accordin’ to him, this war has been the biggest ever started by mere racism… As he kept tellin’, questions formed in our heads. Who hated who in the first place? Who made the first move? What made this war take so long?

…

Our conversation stopped when my stomach suddenly growled it’s loudest. Remeer laughed, and decided to prepare breakfast for me. As he left my room, I followed him to the door hurried. I wanted to make somethin’ clear…

“Uhm… Remeer?’

“Yes?”

“Uhm… This sounds a little taboo… especially since I know now what I am, but… is it okay… if we… start our relationship all over again?”

“Start all over? What for? We can just continue where we left off, can’t we?”

I smiled. Remeer still loves me. I-I promise that I’ll love him as much as I could in return…

“Oh. And, Irene?”

“Yes, Remeer?”

“I’m a little used to being called Remi-chan. So, can you…?”

…! I ran to him, then gave him a kiss like I never did before.

“Yes, Remi-chan!”

--------------------------------------------------

Okay, I finally had this let out :] ...

Hmm... When I wrote this chapter, I had so much fun that I made 7 pages. I've been thinking, would this be too long if I had posted a chapter that long?

I have one problem. My next chapter, the other half of this chapter, may be too much I think. It involves Irene checking her body out. Is that too much -_-; ?

That's all! I'm gone!
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Aww.

This was a nice chapter, though I found it rather surprising that it was Remeer who engineered the anmesia plot device from the start. Still, it makes for nice interactions between the protagonists....

As for your first question, I don't think seven pages is much. I've sat through chapters that were much longer and they were just fine to read. Yours, in fact, happen to be among the shortest of the writers here.

As for the second one, I'm not the one to answer it. Better to ask Plant.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here.

I tried real hard to minimize what I thought would be inapropriate without removing a major part of the chapter (what I think is a major part). Hope this is still not much...

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 17 - Felician

Before Remi-chan could get to the kitchen, I pulled him out of the house. I made sure I don't hurt that bandage on his arm in the process. I wanted to see my real body now. My stomach can wait…

As always, before Remi-chan gives me any workin’ experience, he teaches me all the basics of whatever I need to know. Sometimes, he quizzes me instead. We headed to a huge tree nearby, just like everytime. Remi-chan teaches me everythin’ under that huge tree while I pick some fruits to snack on.

Remi-chan sat down as I climbed this tree for the fruits. “Okay, Irene. Before we start, what is magic?”

Oh. It’s a quiz. Let’s see… “Magic. Powers that are beyond normal physical abilities. Unexplainable even with the latest scientific mumbo-jumbos.”

“And why is it unexplainable?”

“Because. No one has figured out how to explain it scientifically so far. Not everyone can use it, too.”

“Good. Why can’t everyone use magic?”

“Uhm… Because it’s like a brain. Everyone has it, but they must know how to use it.”

“A brain, huh? Nice comparison…”

“Thank you.”

“Continuing on, what are the 6 basic magic elements?”

“Fire, water, wind, earth, light, and dark.”

“And by strengthening each element, what advanced magic elements do you get?”

“Flame is advanced fire… Ice is advanced water… Lightnin’ is advanced wind… Uh… Wood is advanced earth… Holy is advanced light, and… Evil is advanced dark?”

“And how do you use magic that is not on any 12 elements you mentioned?”

“Uh… You mix them around until you get them…?”

“Yes, you combine them, basic and advanced elements. Good. Good.”

Heheh… I answered Remi-chan’s questions. I’m sure to get my reward later on. The reward? Heheh… That’s a secret…

“Moving along, what do you know of light magic?”

I kept quiet. I thought real hard, but I can’t think of much. All I know is it heals… Oh, look! This fruit is ripe!

“Well then, now the teaching starts. Can you come down here now, Irene?”

“Hold on, let me get this fruit…”

…

“You got all that, Irene?”

“I guess… Yes, I got it…”

I wonder how Remi-chan would feel if he found out that everythin’ went like a blur. I heard him, but I think most of it went out my other ear… Let’s see… Light magic… Healin’… Calmin’… Relaxin’… That’s all I remember… Man, I ought to look that up. Remi-chan usually quizzes me on what he has taught me the other day.

“Now, to teach you a light magic. The most basic is what everyone calls as Light Snap. It does not need any magic spell, but it does not heal either. Rather, it fills your surrounding with light. Just the thing for dark places.”

Light Snap… He could have taught me that before, especially when I went on those dark places like caves and churches… Oh, wait. If he taught me that, then I would have known what I am before… Yeah, that makes sense…

“To use Light Snap, you must…”

…

“Got all that?”

“Yup!”

“Then, show it to me…”

Let’s see… Now I remember. Light magics are the simplest because they don’t usually use magic spells. They are hard because not everyone can use it efficiently. Anyway, Light Snap… Light Snap… Just snap my fingers, and…

Light Snap!

…

Remi-chan smiled at me as the light around me disappeared slowly. Before I could ask if I did it correctly, he said, “Now you are a Felician.”

Oh, right! I’m a Felician now! “Um, Remi-chan? Can we finish this class now? Can we?”

He laughed and said, “You may go…” He knows I want to see myself now. I walked fast to the house, and went to the nearest mirror: in the bathroom.

I saw my reflection in amazement. I remember it now! My hair was just as long, but it’s bluish and has some curls at the ends! I also saw my ears move higher than where it was, and it’s covered with pure white fur! I looked at myself some more, and…

Wait a minute… Is that…? … No… Can’t be… I wiped the mirror with my shirt, thinkin’ if it’s just my eyes or somethin’…

After wipin’, I realized that it wasn’t my eyes… No…

I took my clothes off in horror… What I saw next made me scream…

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

I heard Remi-chan runnin’ all the way to me. He didn’t mind me bein’ half naked. He began asking, “What’s wrong, Irene?!”

“Waaah T_T … Remi-chan… Look…”

As I pointed to the bra I’m wearin’, he turned red. “And, what about it…?” he asked, lookin’ for somethin’ I think he doesn’t even realize.

“I… I… I’m flat chested… Waaah T_T …”

“… What…?”

…

“Y-you only lost a little, that’s all…”

“*sniff* Remi-chan…”

“Besides, you still look cute…”

I *sniff* still look cute…? … I guess that’ not so bad, but I never thought… *sniff* Remi-chan turned around to rub away that redness on his face… He wanted to comfort me with his calm face… He got me a chair to sit on, so I could recover from my shock. Before I could sit completely, pain made me jump back on my feet. Again, Remi-chan asked away what happened to me.

“Nothin’. I just sat on my tail.”

Tail…?

I took off my pants, and saw my tail. It’s long and slender, and also covered in white fur, like my ears. Now I remember this. I know I can move this around… … Yeah, I can move it around. As a test, I started demonstratin’ my tail. I grabbed things with my tail, moved things with my tail, and poked Remi-chan with it, too. Remi-chan turned red when I started pokin’ him… He grabbed my tail, and said “Can you now put your clothes back on…?”

Oh, right. I checked my body so much, I only have my underwear left. “Let go of my tail first…”

He let go off my tail… I put my clothes back on, but had trouble with my pants. My tail needs it’s own space, and it gets none in my pants. Maybe if I rip it a hole… And ruin my pants? No thanks. This is a problem…

As I showed Remi-chan my problem, he said, “I can sew a hole on your pants if you want.”

“You can do that?”

“Yes. I can do needlework.”

“I see…” After findin’ a book about threads and needles, I kind of figured that he knew that much…

“So, where do I put the hole?” He looked at my tail, and started picturin’ where the hole would go and how big it should be…

…

“There. All done.”

Remi-chan gave me my pants back after he fixed it in his room. I checked, and saw a big hole that resembles a buttonhole. He explained that after I wear the pants, I just pull my tail out the hole. It’s hardly noticeable from afar, especially when nothin’ is through it. It’s just there…

And so, after all that, I decided to spend the rest of the day as a Felician. The mission I took can wait and all that. I wonder… How much of me have changed when I turn into this… I guess I’ll find out soon enough…

“I suppose I’ll fix some holes on your other pants and shorts later on”, said Remi-chan. He went down the kitchen to make a late breakfast for me… That’s right, I haven’t had anything yet for today…

After eatin’ my very late breakfast, I grew sleepy. I’m a little sleepy because I woke up real early, and all those things happened hours ago was tirin’… I don’t think it’s good to sleep while the sun is high up, but Remi-chan said it’s been a long mornin’ for us two… I guess I can take some more snooze…

And so, I made my way to my room, with my eyes a little blurry… I suddenly picked up a scent on my way up… I can’t tell what this is, but I followed it anyway… When I stopped, I noticed that a bed was in front of me… I see… I followed my bed’s scent… Or is this Remi-chan’s bed…? Oh, well… I’m sleepy…

…

When I woke up, I was all curled up to Remi-chan. It was a little past noon. My tail was slowly scratchin’ on him. Remi-chan slept as well. He didn’t get enough sleep, like me. … Oh… This is Remi-chan’s room. The scent I followed was his… I usually don’t smell his scent this strong, but now I do. I guess my nose got more sensitive when I turned Felician… Hmm… I love this smell…

I moved real slowly on to my feet, makin’ sure I don’t wake Remi-chan up… Now, what do I do? I’m wide-awake now…

At first, I wanted to go out and see the world in my real eyes, but I remembered that I’m a Felician right now. A human might find me, and things might go real bad for my sake. Maybe I can go out, but not too far… Nah… I’ll stay here instead… I’ll wait until Remi-chan teaches me a dark magic…

I decided to make me some snack in the kitchen. I can’t imagine why I’m hungry all of a sudden. I did eat before I sleep, right? Oh, whatever… Let’s see… Remi-chan keeps the milk and juices on the top shelf. Just look up to my left from the sink and… Huh? Hey, what gives? How come I can barely reach this top shelf now? I can always… … No… Please don’t tell me…

I looked around, and found that all of these furnitures, even the doorway, are slightly bigger than I remember…

I heard some dragging footsteps. I turned around and saw Remi-chan. He just woke up as well. “Good afternoon, Irene.”, said Remi-chan with a bit of a yawn.

I didn’t answer him. Instead, I held him with both hands and said “Stand still!”

Remi-chan stood still. I could hear him breathing from this close, maybe because my ears are in a different position. I can somehow tell that he’s puzzled with what I said. I looked straight ahead to him, and found that I was right… Before, my eye level was about Remi-chan’s nose… Now, I see Remi-chan’s neck…

Waaah T_T … I shrunk when I turned Felician… I lost about half a foot…

…

“But that’s how you really are when I first met you…”

“Waaah T_T … My real body is nothin’ compared to my human body… Waaah T_T …”

“No, it’s not that bad. Your real body is still cute.”

“*sniff* Now you’re just sayin’ that, aren’t you?”

“No, I really mean it!”

“… *sniff* Really…?”

“Really!”

… Well… *sniff* If Remi-chan still think I’m cute, then I guess this is alright… But… I lost two measurements when I transformed… *sniff* That’s not fair… Remi-chan hugged me…

…

Now I have a problem. I'm very much wide-awake, but it's the middle of the night. I can go out now and do my mission, but with everyone sleepin’ at this time, I might make a lot of racket for everyone. No one wants their sleep to be interrupted without a good reason… Oh well… I’ll just watch some TV. Not many channels on this planet, but it’s better than nothin’…

Hmm… Now that I think about it, this house is not connected to no power cable. Why, we’re not even close to a city run by electricity. How could all these electric gizmos run without electricity? … Maybe Remi-chan is keepin’ a small generator nearby… Oh, look! A documentary about Calinca orange whales! I’ll ask Remi-chan about the electricity stuff later… if I can remember my question…

--------------------------------------------------

I'm gone...
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Well...

I'm can see why you were a bit worried about this chapter...I admit that it shocked me a touch when I first read it. Nevertheless, I think you remained within bounds on this chapter and it turned out alright...

I still think you did well in conveying the relations between the protagonists, even if the chapter turned out not as...potent as you had originally surmised. Good job.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I don't have my scanner, so I'm here again.

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 18 - Long Day
Irene's Side

The mission I got from Cliff leads me to Calinca. It's a little funny. I just saw the town of Calinca last night on TV. Well, not exactly Calinca. It's more about the orange whales that are frequently found near the town. Oh, the town is right next to the sea, in case anyone of you are wonderin'.

Before I went there, Remi-chan taught me the simplest of dark magics: Dark Snap. Just like the Light Snap, but it works the other way around. When I was able to use it, everythin' went dark for me. Remi-chan explains that the Dark Snap sucks all the light around me no matter how much light I get. It was weird. I thought I suddenly went blind. Well, at least I know now what will happen when I switch back and forth...

Remi-chan told me how to get to Calinca. Just keep going south. That means passing through Corneca, and then Zhou, and then I'm there. Hmm... Zhou... Maybe I can interest Blue into comin' with me... Yeah, I'll do that.

I don't know. I told Remi-chan that I'm walkin'. He said that walking might take me half a day at best, just to get to Calinca. I didn't change my mind, so Remi-chan gave me lots of things for the travel. Before I completely left, Remi-chan was, like, "Are you hungry? Do you have any pocket money? Are you sure you want to walk? Avoid transforming into a Felician, okay? Don't talk to strangers unless necessary." Blah blah blah blah. The usual. I'd say it was annoyin', but it really wasn't...

...

When I reached Corneca, I thought I'd take a look at Milky inside the UAA. When I peeked, a different girl was behind the counter. I came in, asking her about Milky. Qietly, she stumbled as she pointed on a bulletin board to my left. All she could say then was "S-schedule..." I went there and read what's on it. ... Oh, I get it! These are work schedules! Let's see... ... Milky. Employee of the month. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday... Oh... Today's Saturday. I guess she's not here... Oh well.

I moved on after that. I took a ride on one of the wagons bound to Zhou. The ride is fast because each wagons here are pulled by two striped lizards of some kind... ... Did I say lizards? They look a little like horses... Lizard-horses...? ... Oh, whatever. Like I said, it's fast, but it's not free. I paid the driver before I got on. Inside the wagon, I saw boxes and crates of stuffs and other passengers. I guess they were waitin' for this wagon to move. After some more waitin', more passengers rode the other wagons. Before we moved, the driver yelled. "Hold on to something! This fast ride might get bumpy!" Bumpy...? How bumpy...?

...

Ow... F-finally reached Zhou... Ow... Everyone is g-getting off... The-the ride was bumpy alright... M-my butt... Ow... I-I never thought it could hurt that much... I-is there a butt nearby for sale...? Those lizard-horses could slow down, y'know... From here, just follow the path on the south gate and I'll reach Calinca. While I'm here, maybe I can interest Blue to come with me. We make a good team... ... Ow... My butt still hurts... Walk slowly... Walk slowly...

I made my way to Blue's house. There, a man opened the door for me, askin' what I want. When I asked for Blue, he said "I'm sorry. Miss Blue went away on a personal business. She might not return for a few days..." ... Oh... Even Blue's not here. That sucks... I asked where she went, but he couldn't give an answer. He even asked the others inside the house, but nothin' happened. Oh, well...

Nothin' else to do here... I guess I should go to Calinca now... ... How come I feel like this is going to be a long day...

...

When I came to Calinca, the first thin' I saw was this huge stuffed fish on top of the gate. Accordin' to Remi-chan, Calinca is widely known for breeding very healthy and very huge fish. ... Heheh... Just one look made me hungry a bit. It won't hurt to snack a little after two hours of walkin'... I made my way through the street, sniffin' out the best smellin' fish I can on the way... Ooh! This restaurant looks promisin'. ... Cat's Heaven Restaurant... Nice signboard. Time to eat!

...

This place isn't much different compared to the other cities I've been to on this planet. The same settings: stone roads, wooden houses, at least one buildin' that sticks out like a sore thumb, at least one technology uncommon to this planet, etcetera... That reminds me. I've been thinkin' of where Remi-chan gets the electricty to the appliances back home... *sigh* There's probably a whole lot of questions I've forgotten so many times by now. I just can't remember them lon' enough to ask Remi-chan. I swear, when I get home, I'm goin' to write down everythin' I've been wantin' to ask... If I can remember to do that...

I looked around for about an hour. Sight-seein' isn't exactly what I came here for, but who cares?

...

When I had enough of sight-seein', I decided to take a look at where I'm goin' later on. I followed the note I got from Cliff. It says sightings occured around the town's light house. I looked up, and saw the light house real far from here. It's located outside the town gates. Before I got there, I saw guards standin' around the gate with armor and weapons. Soldiers ready for battle? I guess the problem is more serious than I thought...

I was just about to apporach the gates when this one guard stopped me. "Miss, it is too dangerous beyond here. I suggest you turn back."

"I think I kind of knew that. I mean, you guys are all here. What's up?"

"The lighthouse up ahead is haunted. Some of the soldiers on patrol recognized the ghosts they see inside, and they have been identified as deadly."

"Oh. Can I take a look?"

"Miss, I suggest you take a look some other time. We are still waiting for someone to help us rid of these ghosts."

"That would be me. I'm here for the mission."

"... Pardon, miss?"

It took a while before I could convince them that I'm really takin' the mission. One of the guards went away, then returned with someone more armored than he is. Turns out, he's the captain of these soldiers. This captain guy removed his helmet and spoke with a gruff voice. "So, you're the one who came to help? I wasn't expecting a girl, but your help is good." I didn't say anythin' yet, but he started tellin' me a whole lot about the mission. I guess he's gettin' down to business...

...

The lighthouse isn't just a lighthouse. A decade ago, it was originally an inn. Not just any inn, a HUGE inn. Much like a church. ... Is it just me, or is it a rule for haunted places to be big...? This reminds me of my other mission back at Zhou... Too many rooms to search... Unless I don't find nothin', I'll get bored real bad... Reminds me of Blue... I was losing interest fast then, while Blue talked me on...

"The ghosts here only appear at night. We still have hours before dusk. Come back here when you're ready..." Now what do I do? I've got lots of time... ... I guess I'll rest up a bit. I can take a room, snooze a bit, and... ... Huh...? Isn't that... Milky? Blue? Ah! They're here!

"Milky! Blue! Over here!"

They both turned to my direction, suddenly having smiles on their faces. They immediately made their way to me.

"Irene! Long time no see!" "How've you been, Irene?"

"I'm fine! How about you two? ... Wait... You two know each other?"

"Uh-huh." "Yup."

"Cool! I guess there's no need for introductions."

"Well..." "No. There is someone I'd like to introduce..."

"... Who?"

"Oh, right! Blue and I ain't alone." "Irene, meet my baby sister."

Blue raised her right arm, revealing a small girl with freckles on her face. She has blue hair, just like Blue. When she realized she's out on the open, she hid behind Blue. She slowly peeked with one eye, then waved slowly to me. Weakly, she said, "Hello..."

"Ah! What a cute girl! What's her name?" From here, I peeked at her. When I saw her, she hid some more. Hahah! She's shy!

"Snowie. We call her Snow." "My baby sister may be shy, but she's very smart for her age. Isn't that right, baby sister?"

"I'm not a baby..."

...

"By the way, what are you doing here?", asked Blue.

"Are you sightseeing?", asked Milky.

I shook my head, and pointed to the lighthouse. "I'm goin' to conquer the ghosts inside that!"

Silence... Milky turned to Blue and said, "She's thinking the same thing..."

Thinkin' the same thin'...? Oh, are they here for the mission too? Blue nodded, and said "I guess we're partners again, Irene." Yeah! That's what I want to hear!

I looked at Milky, wonderin' if she was also goin' inside. Before I could ask, she shook his hands and said, "No no no. I'm not going. I'm just here because Blue asked me to babysit Snow. This is as far as I go."

Snow tugged a little at Blue's clothes. "Sister, I'm tired..."

"Oh. Okay. Let's get a room."

...

It's night already. Snow was sleepin' sound on her bed, while Milky was readin' a pocketbook. Before we went out, we turned to Milky. "Don't worry," said Milky, "I'll watch over Snow." Blue nodded in thanks as she closed the door quietly.

"Hey, Blue. Why did you bring your baby sister?"

"She insisted on coming. That's what she read from her cards."

"Huh...?"

"Oh, right. I haven't told you yet. My baby sister knows how to read tarot cards. According to her cards, she must come with me, even before I planned on going here a week ago. Why she came along, I have no idea."

"Oh. A fortune-teller, huh? A cute girl like her?"

"Yeah."

"Is she good?"

"Hmm... So far, she's never been wrong whenever I ask for simple things..."

Before we could go away, Snow called out to us from the second floor window. When we looked, she was rubbing her eyes as Milky was carryin' her.

"Sister, *yawn* I have something to tell you..."

"What is it?"

"*yawn* Inside the lighthouse, there is only one culprit... It's different from the rest... Anyone can tell..."

After that, Snow fell asleep again. Milky waved goodbye at us as she said "Be careful in there, okay? Don't do it if it's impossible." Then, she carried snow back to her bed.

"One culprit? Different from the rest? What does that mean?"

"My baby sister makes it hard to understand sometimes... Hmm... ... One culprit... Maybe... We only need to take care of one ghost?"

"Maybe. She also said 'it' is diferent. Anyone can tell the difference..."

"... Maybe our target isn't a ghost...?"

...

When we were near the town gates, I saw the captain guy waiting for us. "Do you need anything from us that can help you?", asked the captain. We looked at each other, but didn't come up with nothin'. "Very well then... OPEN THE GATES!" Some of the soldiers all formed in front of the gate as it was openin'. Is it really that bad? A group ready to strike anythin' that might appear as the gates open? That's too much, right? As the other guards finished opening the gates, they went runnin' to join the formation, weapons ready and all that. "We will wait for your return...", said the captain guy...

...

Me and Blue went inside the lighthouse. This place is as huge as I imagnied. Just like the church from Zhou. So many rooms and all that. We checked all the rooms. All of them are trashed. Pillows here and cushions there. Looked like a fight happened in each of these rooms... I stopped when we passed one room. Of all the rooms we checked, this one looks... special... I don't know. It just felt like it...

We searched the room for anythin' special. Nothing unusual, except for the blood stains on the wall... The pattern of the blood is kind of confusin'. I can't tell how the blood spilled. As we kept searchin', Blue dropped somethin' from her pocket. I did't see what it is, but it rolled all the way next to the bed. As she picked it up, an arm shot out from under the bed and grabbed Blue. Boy, did she scream real loud. I immediately went to Blue and wacked the arm off her...

We were able to remove this arm. Blue was kind of shaken. I think we've found a ghost. Slowly, I kneeled down in front of this bed, and peeked. I saw the ghost's face lookin' at me from under the bed. He tried reachin' for me madly, but it appears that he's stuck under the bed. I didn't know ghosts can get stuck... Wait... This ghost held Blue. That means he's solid. That means this ghost is deadly...

... Is it just me, or is this ghost look like he's in pain. I asked Blue to take a look as well. She slowly kneeled, trying not to get scared by the ghost. We all was staring at him as he kept reaching out to us... Hmm... ... Wait a minute. By the way he's positioned, I'd say one ofe the bed's foot is stuck through his body... "Say Blue, what would you say if I freed this ghost?"

"What? Why would you do that?"

"... I don't know. I was thinking that this isn't our target..."

"You mean... What Snow said?"

"..."

And so, we flipped the bed over. When we did, we saw one of the foot soaked with this ghost's blood. The foot was imapling the ghost down alright. The ghost struggled to his feet. When he was able to stand, he ignored us and floated out of the room. We watched him, and noticed that he was moving towards the front door.

"Should we follow, Blue?"

"Yeah. Let's..."

...

Sheesh! This ghost is slow. When we reached the door, we saw it tryin' to get out. The door was wide open, but the ghost looked like he was hittin' a wall. After watchin' him try and try again, he just fell down in front of the door. He moaned and moaned... ... He wants to get out... Blue and I looked at each other.

"Maybe there's somethin' here keeping the ghost."

"This one is definitely not the culprit my baby sister mentioned..."

We looked around some more. Only then did we keep findin' ghosts in other rooms. A female ghost was chained inside a closet. Another male ghost was crushed behind a cabinet. A child ghost was stuffed inside a cupboard. Another ghost was impaled on the balcony. On and on. I think we found more than a dozen. Whenever we release them, they all went away towards the exit... If I didn't know better, these ghosts are bein' tortured. But... Who...? What could be torturin' them? Why are they tortured?

When we finished searchin' all the rooms, we've found nothin' but ghosts. All of them went towards the exit when we released them. When we looked for them, there they were, just in front of the door, cryin' because they couldn't leave...

"We've searched all the rooms, but we found nothin'. I guess it's safe to say we missed somethin'."

"I guess. A huge place like this could keep a lot of secrets, you know."

"... A hidden somethin'... A hidden room?"

"And to think we checked all of the rooms already..."

We have no choice. All we found were not-so-threatenin' ghosts. Now, where could that thin' be hidin'? We were about to go in, when a whistle came from outside. I checked from here, and saw some soldiers wavin' at me. They can see all of these ghosts from where they are, so they also had their spears ready to strike. Boy, were they surprised when they see us two make our way through all of these ghosts. "Excuse me. Comin' through. Give me more space, ghost people."

...

"So, what did you call us for?", I asked one of the soldiers.

"By the captain's orders, a lady girl insisted that we tell you her important message."

... A lady? Who could that be? "What's the message?"

"She said something about a little girl and cards. Her exact message is 'Look under fire.' Does that make sense?"

Blue and I looked at each other. That might have been Milky sendin' us Snow's message. "Thanks. That can help greatly." The two soldiers then excused themselves, and returned back to town.

...

"Look under fire? There's nothin' burnin' inside the lighthouse..."

"Yes, but my baby-sister sometimes isn't clear with what she say."

"... Maybe we should look under somethin' fire-related?"

"That might be it. What are the things fire-related inside the lighthouse?"

"Uh... Torches... The kitchen oven... The lighthouse itself... I think that's all of it."

"At least we've got fewer places to search. Shall we search again?"

"Yeah. Let's."

...

We went around the lighthouse one more time, this time, only checkin' things that has something to do with fire. The biggest room in this lighthouse is the dinin' table. It is very much connected to the kitchen, so there's a whole lot of fire-thingies in here. I checked the oven, while Blue checked the torches. We found nothin'. Then we came to the fireplace. ... ... ... Nothin' unusual... We even removed the ashes and burned wood inside, but there's just nothin'...

"There's nothin' here."

"Seems like it. Let's check another room, shall we."

"Yeah. Let's go to... ... ... Hang on...?"

"What?"

"Hey, Blue. Look at this..."

I saw somethin' sparkle when a great moonlight filled the room... From the very corner of this fireplace... I reached in, and tried to pull it. When I yanked, what came out is a sort of ring, connected to the wall...

"Could this be... A door?"

We looked at each other again. We have found what was 'under fire'. Snow was right. Before we opened the door, we readied our weapons. Blue pulled needles out of her hair, while I took out my Gossamer Chains. We pulled slowly on the door, makin' as little noise as possible...

The door was small, but when we crawled through it, we found stairs, goin' deep down. From here, we can here some sort of laugh. It's as if someone, or somethin', was havin' fun down there. We took quiet steps down. As we got further, we can hear the laugh more clearly. We can now tell that this laugh isn't a human laugh. Other than the laugh, we can hear some cry as well...

When we reached the last step, Blue took a peek from behind the door. She took a lon' look for a peek. When she turned to me, she had an angry face. "W-what's wron', Blue?"

"There's a small demon in there, and it's torturin' a ghost!"

"What?"

"That's not all. Remember the seal we took care of back at Zhou?"

"Yeah."

"It's here in this room. The very same seal."

The same seal? Can't be... Coincidence...?

--------------------------------------------------

That's all!
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Ooh, and this gets interesting quite quickly.

This is interesting how this references something from a previous chapter, and I suppose it is a good thing that you have the focus shift off of the protagonist pair and shift onto things that were covered several chapters back, while Irene and Remeer were on their seperate ways. I am a tad confused at this point as to what is going on, but this is still a good read.
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[N2-0 Night]

I'm here again.

I had to do something to vent out my panic state (tomorrow's a big day), so I wrote again. As for Remeer's Chapter 18, I'll do that another time.

--------------------------------------------------

Chapter 19 - Third Melee
Irene's Side

"Well then... Lut's bust right in!"

I kicked open this door. The demon was surprised that he dropped the fork he's holdin'. When I looked at the ghost, it was tied down to the ground, with wounds everywhere. I guess even a small fork can be used as a weapon. Then I noticed the same seal that we took care of back at Zhou. It's a lot bigger than I remember, and the ghost was right in the middle of it.

The little demon picked up the fork again. He was pointin' the little fork at us, like he was threatenin' us. Blue looked at me in disbelief, and just threw a needle towards the fork, sendin' it flyin' far away from the demon. The demon got scared that it jumped down to a big hole nearby. I'd chase him, but the hole looks like it's way way WAY deep down. "Well, at least that takes care of him..."

We then went to release the ghost. The ghost was so bloody that if he was still alive, he'd be dead by now. I helped him up to his feet, since Blue gets a little sick from looking at ghosts. The ghost then made it's way out of the room...

"Now what do we do?"

"I guess I should destroy this seal now."

"Yeah. Do that."

Blue kneeled down in front of the seal, and started makin' some magic words. I thought this mission would be over when I heard somethin' comin'... ... I... I think it's the sound of climbin'... ... We turned to the hole, and saw demons come out. Green ones. Red ones. Blue ones. Then a big demon came out, with the first demon we chased off at this big one's shoulder. ****... The little demon went to call his friends.

"Irene! Hold them off while I do this!", shouted Blue.

"Got it!" I then transformed my Gossamer Chains into the Fire Whip. I cracked my whip to the demons, tryin' to keep them away from Blue. Some were tryin' to go around us, but Blue kept them off by throwin' some needles as she chanted. The demons slowly keep comin'. When we defeat one, they run back at the hole, and another one come's out. Can't they come out at a different location. The enemies are comin' so close to the seal we are destroyin'...

Eventually, they got real close. At this close, my whip won't be too useful. I have one more trick with the Gossamer Chains, but it will be painful.

"Blue, brace yourself! This might hurt a lot!"

"Do what you must! Just keep them away!"

Third Form: Thunder Coil! My Gossamer Chains shortened into a rod with wires twistin' around it. As soon as I pointed it high, electricity went shooting everywhere. The demons that got too close was fried to dust. Some sparks went flying to Blue, but she didn't move. She's too busy to feel the pain. This went on and on, until all the demons but the big one was gone. The big one jumped down the hole when he found he was alone...

"Huff... You okay, Blue?"

I looked at her, but she was still chantin'. A little blood was drippin' from her hand. I guess my Thunder Coil was a little too much...

...

"Not done yet?"

"No. This seal is a lot bigger than anything I've dealed with..."

I sat down, lookin' at Blue chanting away... Suddenly, I heard another climbin' sound. When I turned to the hole, the big demon came back with even bigger friends. Now this is gon'na be tough. I used my Thunder Coil again, keepin' them off. They took longer to destroy, but non made it too far. These demons aren't big enough to get us. Again, one more demon was left after all the shock. He tried to jump back in. I knew he was going to call for more friends. I cracked my Gossamer Chains into Fire Whip, and tried to get him before he escapes. Unfortunately, all I got was his left hand and leg... Damn... That's bad...

...

"Not done yet?"

"A little more..."

I heard climbin' sounds again. This time, I was a little ready for them. There are boxes and sacks around this room. I kept pickin' them and stuffin' them down the hole. That should buy some more time.

"Blue! Aren't you done yet?"

"Almost!"

The demons finally broke through. These are much bigger than the last two. ****in' ***! Now this is hard! My Thunder Coil kept zappin' these demons off, though some of them can take the hits. I was losin' the battle becasue they're so many. I thought this was it for me...

"Thanks for waiting! Now!"

Light surrounded Blue's arm as she slapped the seal off the ground. The seal was in mid-air, fading slowly. When the seal was almost gone, it slowly exploded a bright light. Suddenly, I noticed that some weird hands came out of the hole that the demons used. All of these hands grabbed the demons back into the hole, draggin' them when they fight back. Some weird hands and demons didn't make it to the hole, and when they touched the light, they turned into dust. The hole slowly vanished when no more demons were left...

"Huff... Huff... Are you okay, Blue?"

"Huff... Y-yeah. I'm fine." When Blue looked at me, she was stunned.

"W-what? What is it?"

"..."

"Blue, what is it? Is there something on my face?"

"F-F-Felician...?"

WHAT?! I touched the top of my head! I realized that I have cat ears! B-but how?! I-I didn't use any light magic!! Blue slowly stood up, backing away and has a hand on her hair. She's ready to pull out some needles...

"W-wait a minute, Blue... Y-you're not...?"

"A Felician..."

"I-I can explain, Blue! This is..."

...

I told Blue all I can that is related to my Felician body. She couldn't believe most of it. She held her hair all that time, ready to attack me if I did one false move.

"And that's how it is..."

"You mean... You don't remember anything about yourself at all? You didn't even know what you are?"

"Yes..."

"..." Blue dropped her hand. Finally, she believed me. She gave out a sigh, and looked at me like I'm still a complete stranger.

"This is the first time I saw a Felician, face to face... And you're not even as bad as I imagined Felicians would be..."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You don't know, huh? Felicians have really bad reputations. At least, those reputations are from humans. I tought Felicians were savage, evil, and all those demeaning stuff..."

"I see... No wonder you got scared... ... I still don't understand... I won't transform unless I used light magic..."

"... Huh?"

"I can transform back and forth. Light magics turn me into a Felician, and dark magics turn me into Human."

"I see... Can you transform back?"

"Of course. I know one dark magic: Dark Snap. Dark Snap!" I snapped my fingers as I remembered how to do Dark Snap. However, nothing came out to my surprise...

"W-what happened? Dark Snap! Dark Snap! Dark Snap!" I kept snapping my fingers, but nothing came out. I'm stuck as a Felician.

"... ... Maybe you got some of my magic..."

"What?"

"The magic I used is light-based. Whenever I destroy a seal, I give out strong light magic that any being can absorb. When you absorbed it, I guess it transformed you."

I see! That may be the reason why I can't transform back. I absorbed too much light energy. I have to ask Remeer-sama about this some more, and... ... What did I say? Remeer-sama? Wait a minute! Since when did I start calling him as Remeer-sama? ... Wait... Am I talking correctly? What ever happened to my words? I can't slang anymore... ... Now that I think of it, I feel calm and relaxed...

... Don't tell me... Absorbed magic changes my attitude? ... That theory I made up might be correct. Now that I think of it, when I absorbed dark energy back at Zhou, I felt demented, perverted, evil. Now, I feel bad for even thinking of harassing Blue at that time... ... This is going to be a long day...

...

"Now what do I do? If I can't transform, then I won't be able to show myself to anyone."

"... Hide it then."

"Pardon?"

"Right now, all that makes you look Felician are those ears. Wear something to hide those ears. A cap, or a bandana, anything."

"Ah, that's right. Brilliant, Blue."

We looked around the lighthouse after leaving this secret room. I found some dusty handkerchiefs in a drawer of a bedroom. One is big enough to hide my whole face. I took that one, and hid my ears the best that I can. I made sure no one can tell what my headband is hiding...

Then we made our way out. When we reached the front door, all of the ghosts we saver were waiting for us. Their scary images are replaced by peaceful smiles. As they bowed down in gratitude, they left. Finally, they can pass through the doorway. When they were finally out, they slowly dissipated. This mission is done...

...

When we were at the town gates, the soldiers and the captain approached us. We told them of our adventure inside the lighthouse, and told that all is fine now. There are no more ghosts inside the lighthouse. As soon as the captain heard that, he sent one of soldier inside to announce the news to everyone. "As this town's way of thanks, we will celebrate your victory immediately." A celebration? A bit grand for my tastes, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Blue and I were escorted back to town like heroines. Along the way, I amde sure my cat ears and tail aren't showing an inch.

As Milky and Snow got word of our success, the people of Calinca are quick to prepare. Not long after, a banquet is prepared in the middle of the town. As the town's specialty, all of these dishes are made from fish. I, being a Felician right now, could not resist. I suppose there's nothing wrong about a feast. The others were a little hesitant at joining in at the feast, except Snow. She was eating right beside me. What surprised me is when Snow whispered something to me. "Cat sister..." ... Huh? Does she know? Milky, who was next to Snow, whispered to me. "She loves cats..." Then Snow leaned on me as she ate. Milky knows, too? ... ... This is nice. I don't think these two aren't surprised about it.

...

During the feast, I had a little chat with the captain. We eventually talked about the lighthouse's history. And I quote him, "There were rumors before that a traveling group took refuge there for a week. There was nothing wrong during that time, until a black knight one day rested there. When the black knight left, the travelling group was never heard of ever since..." ... A black knight...? I wonder...

I made my way to Blue, secretly eating in a corner. As soon as I got there, she hid her plate, but to no avail. I asked, "Why are you trying to hide your food?"

Blue blushed, and said "I-I'm actually on a diet..."

"Oh... I see... Anyway, I want to ask you something." I told Blue what the captain told me. As soon as I finished, I asked my question. "In your story about the church of Zhou, was there anything about a black knight?"

Blue paused. She tought of my question real hard. When she looked back at me, she said "There are other variation of the story of the two girls quarreling. In one variation, a black knight resolved their problems..."

We looked at each other for long... I feared we have stumbled upon something big... A chill went down to my back. I tought it was because I got scared, until I realized that something cold was dripping at my back. I looked up, and saw a drunk Milky holding on to a cold wooden mug. "Hey guys! Wha'cha doin' here, all lonely? C'mon, have fun! Drink!" ... Her face was funny at that point, that we laughed our fears off that night. What are we being worked up on?

...

As the celebration ended with the break of dawn, we then took our rest. That was a long day, as I thought before we slept...

...

That mornin', I checked myself in the mirror of the bathroom. My cat ears were still there. I tried to use Dark Snap. Wouldn't you know it, it worked. Yes, I can now change back. I'm no longer overflowin' with light magic. I can now remove this bandana that smells like dust...

When we were about to leave, the town gave their thanks once more. As we looked down the path back to Zhou, Milky complained. "Here we go, again..."

"What's wron', Milky? You hate roads or somethin'?"

Blue came up to me, and said "It's not that. Walking will take hours, so we are taking a faster way to go."

Snow showed a broom from nowhere, and said "We're flying..."

Milky moaned about it. I think I got it now. I guess Milky doesn't like flying or heights.

"Can you fly, Irene?" Asked Blue.

"Uh-huh!"

"I see. Then I guess we're off!" Blue pulled out an oar, and then had Milky hold on to her real tight. We haven't flew off yet, but Milky's fear shows. I guess I'm right.

...

When we reached Zhou, Milky got off real quick and fell to her knees. I lookd at her, and boy, was she shaken. "I-if men w-were made to f-fly, t-then they sh-should have w-wings..." I'd laugh at her now, but that would be painful. I tried real hard not to laugh. Of course, I failed when Blue laughed a little. Boy, did I burst out. "N-not funny!" excalimed Milky...

Blue and Snow walked with us as Milky and I started heading to Zhou. Milky doesn't want to fly again, so we're taking those lizard-horses on the way back. When we were on a wagon, Blue and Snow said their goodbyes and went home.

Just then, a blonde girl with markings on her face came to me. She asked out of nowhere. "Sister, are you a Skyknight?"

"... What?" Milky and I looked at her, not knowing what she's talking about...

"Are you a Skyknight? S-K-Y-N-I-T-E! Skyknight!"

"...? What's a... Skyknight?"

"You don't know? Oh well. Bye-bye! Bye-bye!"

Just like that. The girl left after asking something out of nothing. What is a Skyknight. I'd ask Milky, but I think she doesn't have a clue as well...

...

Seal... Black knight... Skyknight... Those things felt kind of weird. Somehow, I felt like those things were cnnected somehow...

--------------------------------------------------

"What happened, ****-****?"
"She's doesn't even know what a Skyknight is! Hahah! Stupid girl! Stupid girl!"
"I see."
"... Hey! Where's my reward? I went through ALL the roads in the world, and your not giving me anything? Meanie! Meanie!"
"Sorry, I forgot. Here."
"What could it be? What could it be? ... Yahoo!! My favorite! My favorite!"
"Of course."
"I'm going to eat all of it, and then keep the last one! Hahah!"
"... And what are you going to do with the last one?"
"I'm going to eat it, silly! Hahah!"

"Report..."
"According to ****-****'s report, the girl is no Skyknight. However, she and another girl were able to-"
"Destroy another seal I created...?"
"Yes, Master *******."
"..."
"What do you wish to do, Master *******?"
"Until they become threats as great as Remustar, do nothing but keep an eye on them..."
"Understood."
"... Remustar... What trouble the girl you are taking care of..."

--------------------------------------------------

That's all. I'm gone!
_________________
My deviantART...

[Midnight]

Hmmm...

The plot thickens a bit more. (Yeesh, and my bank of cliches is overwrought.)

Anyway, I guess it was probably the best-case scenario for Irene's alternate form to come out the way it did, and I enjoy how you have her companions understand and not attack based on underlying stereotypes. I suppose it just means that she has to be a little more careful in the future, no?
_________________
Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3