Faust couldn’t help but let a grin slip through as he stood over the crumpled form of their would-be assailant. In his mind, the fear and excitement of the attack were momentarily overshadowed by the fact that everything had worked according to plan. Going from the well-lit hall to their darkened room, the attacker’s eyes didn’t have time to adjust, giving Faust the perfect opening to deliver a solid blow. He had to give the guy some credit, though. His head had been thick enough to crack the seemingly well-built stool.
Faust paused for a moment to collect himself, the thought that they might possibly die finally catching up to him. Casting a nervous look over to Mercy’s silhouette near the bed, he realized that he missed whatever she had just said, but it was obvious that she was ready to fight. It was a good thing, too, because with them stuck on a ship at sea, it wouldn’t matter what they chose to do. All options involved fighting.
After taking a few breathes , Faust tossed aside the broken fragments of the stool and bent down to grip the man by his collar, dragging him fully inside the room before shutting the door. He wanted to have some idea of what he was dealing with before he or Mercy attempted to leave, and this man was going to tell him everything he needed to know. Leaning in close, he squinted at the man through the darkness, analyzing every detail.
“If I had to guess, I’d say he’s a pirate. A bit ragged looking, though.” Faust remarked. He rummaged around the pirate’s belt, looking for anything that might be of use, and eventually he found what he wanted. Wrapping his hands around a wooden haft of a boarding axe, he quickly shoved it into his belt and continued to search for any other useful items.
“From the sounds of the fight outside, the crew isn’t doing too well. We should make our way up to the top deck before things potentially get worse.” Faust said without looking up. He was still too busy looting the body. “That is, unless you have some other plans on how we’ll-…..” His sentence was cut short at hearing the jingle of coins. Repositioning himself so as to obscure Mercy’s view, he relieved the pirate of his gold pouch, considering it as recompense for causing them trouble.
Having finished his business, Faust stood up once again and stepped towards the door. He cracked it open slightly, checking to see if any more unwelcome visitors were heading their way. “So, what’s it going to be partner?” he turned to ask her.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
(12) First Fray, Fright and Frustration
When the lights went out, Mercy had panicked inside. Her heart thumped against her chest so loudly, she was sure Faust had heard it. The light from the window filtered through the window in faint silver streaks, just light enough to catch his silhouette moving toward the door. Her limbs overall felt shaky, but her legs strong, years of running giving her the strength she needed to stand up from the bed on two steady feet. At least he knew what he was doing, and that confidence spurred her into action as well. She slipped her hands into her dress' pocket and, hesitantly, grabbed her leather gloves. She also stepped back into her boots.
There was no time to fumble in the dark for the weapon she had stashed away in her bag, even if it would greatly help her here. Instead, she started to stretch her legs, then rotated her hips. When a soft pop was heard she sighed. Well, her greatest weapon was her legs, anyhow. She'd have to pick up something to fight with on the way; there was nothing she'd be able to use in this barren room.
"Mercy, I hope you're ready for this.." Faust's voice sounded, and she thought he might be concerned, though she couldn't tell.
Mercy felt like laughing or crying, she didn't know which. This was probably nothing compared to a Gaichuu. Humans could be off'd so easily, but a Gaichuu was damn near impossible without the right tools. She grimly bolstered herself with this same knowledge, however. If she couldn't handle this, she couldn't handle being a letter bee...
Besides, she hadn't been afraid standing up to anyone back home, so she wouldn't start now.
She released a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. As she watched her new partner's back--at least she assumed it was, if he was watching the door--the tension became replaced with the kind of feelings she was familiar with... Anger. Frustration. How dare they, after everything had finally been going great (she conveniently ignored the recent awkward explanation) and after everything she'd gone through to finally get the chance to be a letter bee? If shit like this kept happening, she'd never get to Yuusari!
The door burst open, but the intruder was quickly met with a wooden chair, courtesy of Faust. She felt something like a switch flip inside her, and she growled lowly, "Yeah, I'm ready... I'm going to be a bee, no matter who I have to get through to do so."
There was no time to fumble in the dark for the weapon she had stashed away in her bag, even if it would greatly help her here. Instead, she started to stretch her legs, then rotated her hips. When a soft pop was heard she sighed. Well, her greatest weapon was her legs, anyhow. She'd have to pick up something to fight with on the way; there was nothing she'd be able to use in this barren room.
"Mercy, I hope you're ready for this.." Faust's voice sounded, and she thought he might be concerned, though she couldn't tell.
Mercy felt like laughing or crying, she didn't know which. This was probably nothing compared to a Gaichuu. Humans could be off'd so easily, but a Gaichuu was damn near impossible without the right tools. She grimly bolstered herself with this same knowledge, however. If she couldn't handle this, she couldn't handle being a letter bee...
Besides, she hadn't been afraid standing up to anyone back home, so she wouldn't start now.
She released a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. As she watched her new partner's back--at least she assumed it was, if he was watching the door--the tension became replaced with the kind of feelings she was familiar with... Anger. Frustration. How dare they, after everything had finally been going great (she conveniently ignored the recent awkward explanation) and after everything she'd gone through to finally get the chance to be a letter bee? If shit like this kept happening, she'd never get to Yuusari!
The door burst open, but the intruder was quickly met with a wooden chair, courtesy of Faust. She felt something like a switch flip inside her, and she growled lowly, "Yeah, I'm ready... I'm going to be a bee, no matter who I have to get through to do so."
(11) Trial by Fire
At first, Faust could only scratch his head in confusion. It was not because of Mercy's explanation, however, but because of his oddly mixed feelings on the matter. On one hand, he just couldn't get over the idea of fighting against a giant mechanical...thing, even if it was with a partner. It just seemed like utter nonsense, not to mention an unnecessary risk to his life.
On the other hand, listening to her speak about the orphanage gave him a faint reminder of why he agreed to join her in the first place. As an orphan on the streets, he never had ties to others, but after staying at that place for just a few days he found himself growing a strange sense of attachment to it. Of course, he'd never admit this to his partner on the slim chance that this job turned out to be more than he could handle. Guilt was the last thing he needed right now.
Faust's concentration on Mercy's explanation was cut short by a sudden tremor that went through the ship. Focusing his attention upwards, he heard something that sent a shiver down his spine. He had been in enough scraps to recognize the sound of blades clashing. Glancing across the room at his partner, he saw that she too had taken notice, but it didn't seem to dawn on her yet what was going on.
Quickly scanning the room, he cursed quietly, not liking the disadvantage that such a small area would give them. He wasn't quite sure if Mercy had anything to defend herself with, and he himself only had a small blade he had liberated from one of the ship's crew. Sounds of another scuffle drew both of their attention to the hall outside their room, and within seconds they heard the scream of another victim of the attack.
It was only a matter of time now. The sounds of fighting were steadily making its way to their end of the hallway. Faust rushed over to the single lamp that lit up the room and blew it out, shrouding the room in near darkness with the exception of the faint beam through the window. Groping around, he found a stool and grabbed ahold of it by the leg, intending to use it as a club. With his other hand he drew the dagger from its sheathe.
"Mercy, I hope you're ready for this.." Faust said into the direction of where his partner had been sitting. The stomping footsteps having found their way to their door, there was no time to see what his partner was up to. As the door burst open, Faust swung with all his might and sent the stool crashing down on the head of the intruder.
On the other hand, listening to her speak about the orphanage gave him a faint reminder of why he agreed to join her in the first place. As an orphan on the streets, he never had ties to others, but after staying at that place for just a few days he found himself growing a strange sense of attachment to it. Of course, he'd never admit this to his partner on the slim chance that this job turned out to be more than he could handle. Guilt was the last thing he needed right now.
Faust's concentration on Mercy's explanation was cut short by a sudden tremor that went through the ship. Focusing his attention upwards, he heard something that sent a shiver down his spine. He had been in enough scraps to recognize the sound of blades clashing. Glancing across the room at his partner, he saw that she too had taken notice, but it didn't seem to dawn on her yet what was going on.
Quickly scanning the room, he cursed quietly, not liking the disadvantage that such a small area would give them. He wasn't quite sure if Mercy had anything to defend herself with, and he himself only had a small blade he had liberated from one of the ship's crew. Sounds of another scuffle drew both of their attention to the hall outside their room, and within seconds they heard the scream of another victim of the attack.
It was only a matter of time now. The sounds of fighting were steadily making its way to their end of the hallway. Faust rushed over to the single lamp that lit up the room and blew it out, shrouding the room in near darkness with the exception of the faint beam through the window. Groping around, he found a stool and grabbed ahold of it by the leg, intending to use it as a club. With his other hand he drew the dagger from its sheathe.
"Mercy, I hope you're ready for this.." Faust said into the direction of where his partner had been sitting. The stomping footsteps having found their way to their door, there was no time to see what his partner was up to. As the door burst open, Faust swung with all his might and sent the stool crashing down on the head of the intruder.
(10) The Drive of a Foolhardy Person
Seeing the mix of expressions, annoyance and determination, Mercy's face twisted in worry.
Explain clearly.
There were multiple problems with telling a person like her this. First of all, there was somewhat of a reason she had glossed over the details at first, and the biggest reason was the most obvious: the risk of injury or worse, their lives. When convincing a person to help you, straight off telling someone exactly how dangerous it was wouldn't help. So even though every fibre of her being twinged painfully as she had pretty much left out the mention of what kind of dangers they might be dealing with, she had consciously dismissed it... Now, however, she knew she would need to tell him, if he was going to be prepared to be her partner. She could only hope now that he didn't abandon her for her neglect.
"Well... first, you must understand why I'm doing this, why this job is really important to me." She breathed in slowly, and continued, "I grew up in that orphanage, when my dad died and my mother couldn't afford to continue raising me. When I turned 16 without adoption, the orphanage couldn't afford to continue caring for me. If it hadn't been for Marie convincing the owner to hire me, I would've been forced out onto the streets. I'm not saying this expecting pity, I just say this to show how much of a home that place has become..."
She smiled, though her eyes seemed distant as if memories were replaying before her eyes. "You met Marie. She wants to be able to care for all the kids there, even though she knows she can't. The orphanage needs money, desperately. That's why I am becoming a letter bee."
Mercy waved her hand after that, and finally her eyes refocused on Faust with a serious expression, "Letter bees are mailmen, basically, but they often have the difficult task of sending letters through Gaichuu-infected territory--I'm sure you've at least heard of them, the Gaichuu sometimes terrorize the boats that leave the harbour. Letter bees fight using specialized weaponry that destroys them. According to the information I was given in my recruitment letter, I am allowed to bring one partner with-"
The boat shook unnaturally, effectively cutting her off. It went against the rocking rhythm of the sea, easily catching anyone's attention. Soon, a loud ruckus arose from above deck, the sounds of many people yelling and the high pitched clang of metal on metal. Mercy's back straightened, anticipating what kinds of trouble the sailors would be having, and if it would deter their journey.
A couple stomping footsteps stormed down the hall outside their room, and soon a man's dying cry shook her from her silent contemplation. Realization set in. They were being attacked.
Explain clearly.
There were multiple problems with telling a person like her this. First of all, there was somewhat of a reason she had glossed over the details at first, and the biggest reason was the most obvious: the risk of injury or worse, their lives. When convincing a person to help you, straight off telling someone exactly how dangerous it was wouldn't help. So even though every fibre of her being twinged painfully as she had pretty much left out the mention of what kind of dangers they might be dealing with, she had consciously dismissed it... Now, however, she knew she would need to tell him, if he was going to be prepared to be her partner. She could only hope now that he didn't abandon her for her neglect.
"Well... first, you must understand why I'm doing this, why this job is really important to me." She breathed in slowly, and continued, "I grew up in that orphanage, when my dad died and my mother couldn't afford to continue raising me. When I turned 16 without adoption, the orphanage couldn't afford to continue caring for me. If it hadn't been for Marie convincing the owner to hire me, I would've been forced out onto the streets. I'm not saying this expecting pity, I just say this to show how much of a home that place has become..."
She smiled, though her eyes seemed distant as if memories were replaying before her eyes. "You met Marie. She wants to be able to care for all the kids there, even though she knows she can't. The orphanage needs money, desperately. That's why I am becoming a letter bee."
Mercy waved her hand after that, and finally her eyes refocused on Faust with a serious expression, "Letter bees are mailmen, basically, but they often have the difficult task of sending letters through Gaichuu-infected territory--I'm sure you've at least heard of them, the Gaichuu sometimes terrorize the boats that leave the harbour. Letter bees fight using specialized weaponry that destroys them. According to the information I was given in my recruitment letter, I am allowed to bring one partner with-"
The boat shook unnaturally, effectively cutting her off. It went against the rocking rhythm of the sea, easily catching anyone's attention. Soon, a loud ruckus arose from above deck, the sounds of many people yelling and the high pitched clang of metal on metal. Mercy's back straightened, anticipating what kinds of trouble the sailors would be having, and if it would deter their journey.
A couple stomping footsteps stormed down the hall outside their room, and soon a man's dying cry shook her from her silent contemplation. Realization set in. They were being attacked.
(9) Moves like Jagger
Faust found he could only stare back blankly in response to the midget girl’s inquiry. He only had the one big question. How the hell did he get stuck in this partnership? It was the one thing plaguing his thoughts over the past few days. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he replayed the events of that day, trying to figure out what had happened. He still wasn’t exactly sure what had made him agree to the pact. Sure, her mention of the money definitely helped, but deep down he felt that this wasn’t the only reason....
Growing annoyed of the strange feelings stirring within him, Faust closed his eyes. This was his first time on a ship, and to his surprise he had found the rocking of the boat to be quite soothing. He leaned back against the rough wall, letting his mind calm itself as he focused on the movement of the ship. After a few minutes, he realized that this arrangement may have been for the best. With the commotion he had made in town, there was no way he’d be able to go anywhere without drawing attention.
Opening his eyes once again, he looked back at Mercy. This time, however, he felt much more attentive and determined. If he was going to be stuck in this situation, he felt he might as well make the best of it.
“Listen, I know we already agreed on this partnership, but let me make one thing clear. I want you to re-explain every detail of our job, got it?” Faust said firmly. To him, knowledge had always been important in any endeavor he took part in, and if he was going to survive this, he’d need to all the info he could get. Like a machine, Faust’s mind started working, ready to devise plans and strategies for whatever trouble this little girl was about to drag him into.
Growing annoyed of the strange feelings stirring within him, Faust closed his eyes. This was his first time on a ship, and to his surprise he had found the rocking of the boat to be quite soothing. He leaned back against the rough wall, letting his mind calm itself as he focused on the movement of the ship. After a few minutes, he realized that this arrangement may have been for the best. With the commotion he had made in town, there was no way he’d be able to go anywhere without drawing attention.
Opening his eyes once again, he looked back at Mercy. This time, however, he felt much more attentive and determined. If he was going to be stuck in this situation, he felt he might as well make the best of it.
“Listen, I know we already agreed on this partnership, but let me make one thing clear. I want you to re-explain every detail of our job, got it?” Faust said firmly. To him, knowledge had always been important in any endeavor he took part in, and if he was going to survive this, he’d need to all the info he could get. Like a machine, Faust’s mind started working, ready to devise plans and strategies for whatever trouble this little girl was about to drag him into.
Friday, March 30, 2012
(8) It's a Deal!
How did it end up like this? Mercy thought to herself with a bemused look, shoeless and sitting with her legs curled under her on the only bed in the room--and not a particularly comfy one at that, with a mattress as accommodating as a steel board and a blanket barely thicker than her own clothing. A small, round window above the splintery headboard revealed a dark landscape that rose and fell in an undulating tide, with lights from a town slowly shrinking away from view. She didn't spare it a glance, rather preoccupied with staring hard at the young man near the opposite wall of the somewhat small, shared, cabin.She should say something, break the ice. It had been quite sudden when she'd somewhat boldly proclaimed, "Be my dingo!" in that room with Marie and Faust, while only briefly explaining what the hell dingo was before diving into a list of reasons why it was a good idea. In the end she had resorted to mentioning the profits of the ordeal, and after a lot of haggling had agreed on halving it for each.
Days later, refreshed, appropriately clothed (coughFaustcough), and packed, Marie had tearfully sent them both off, surprising everyone when she'd suddenly turned around to hug Faust as well.
Now they were on the boat off the island to the mainland, where they would catch a ride with a letter bee to the headquarters. Mercy was really nervous, and it showed as she restlessly fidgeted.
"So..." She started, reaching for any kind of conversation starter, "Any questions?"
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