"Goodbye, Alea," the man finally said, stepping over the edge and into open air. "Do not follow me again. It is what is best for you. Forget about me. Go on with your life. We never were." He launched himself from the ledge and began his downward plunge for the Heticus' floor over hundreds of meters below. "REILL!" Alea screamed, her legs breaking out into a full out dash for the precipice. She stumbled a few feet from the edge and stared down the steel cliff at the lower levels of the Heticus city complex. The man was gone. And the Traveler was alone with her tears. Composing herself, the heart-broken Traveller flipped up her visor, wiping away her tears. She stood upon the edge that the other had just departed from, standing on her toes, leaning forward slowly. She could see Reill's smiling face, inviting her to join him, in the distance. She reached out with one outstretched arm, leaning forward a bit more...... She lost her balance, not fully realizing she was about to fall until she did, and fell, catching the edge with one hand. Taking a moment to clear her head, she climbed up. Sitting upon the edge cross-legged, she gazed blankly at the air in front of her. "So it's over...? I really am alone now." Off in the distance, something caught her eye. Flipping her visor back down, tapping a button on the side, she zoomed in. She could see Reia and Miro, walking along somewhere. Reia looked happy, but she didn't notice, only acknowledging Miro's face. Her mind formed an idea, recalling her impressions of the new Shopkeeper. "Maybe...." Alea zoomed in a little more, exclusively on Miro. The view suddenly changed to a plasteel wall, however, as Miro entered his Shop. A sinking feeling in her chest rose, somehow knowing what was coming next. "No... wait! Don't leave yet!" she cried futilely, as the building Miro entered simply wasn't there anymore. Noone else around would have noticed, and neither would had she, if it had not been for her status as a Traveller, unless they had been specifically watching it. And while most people would consider this to be a Very Strange Thing, it was eeringly common. For the building that has just disappeared was..... ----------- ] ]One of those Shops. ]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ]Started by Farsan de Arnibia ]This chapter by Jexer, aka the Commamonster ]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ]Chapter 7, Branch A ]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ] Indivisible, unopposed. ] -------------- "Gug..." Miro slumped aginst a wall, sliding to the floor, entering his Shop. "Who woulda thought the food of the future would taste so *bad*?" Reia entered shortly after, smiling widely. ( Even though she agreed the food was bad, she wasn't about to ruin the mood of the meal that could almost be called a 'date.' ) "Awww. It wasn't that bad, was it? Would you like it better if I spoon-fed you?" she teased playfully. "That was *awful*! I bet even Rikura could cook better than that! Igh." Miro didn't respond to Reia's offer. Or at least, he didn't show it. Miro stood up, making a mock-gag face. "But anyways," he said, suddenly switching attitudes, "sales here will be low. Says Shop. I mean, um... Mise." Miro glanced nervously at Mise, who was watching him from the back. "So we're changing spots. There's more people over ....." Miro started to point, then realized the direction wasn't an actual direction, just more of a feeling of massed fate. "Well, I'm not really sure how to get there, but I know where it is. And that's good enough to go there" He didn't mention that although the air of uneasiness was definitely lighter, martial law was still in effect. Reia blinked. "People will be buying more over... there, right?" Miro shrugged. "I'm not sure. But Mise is. Right, Mise?" The trueform Shop avatar moved closer, 'her' everpresent smile and grace evident. "That is correct. The fate levels in this area are unusually low, which is probably an aftereffect of the Request. There is another area that is more profitable. Me and Miro have discussed it, and agreed." Reia looked at Mise, then at Miro. Trying not to feel like a little kid, she made her way to the back room, her medieval footwear plodding quietly against the floor. Miro watched her go, somehow feeling that her obvious discontent was his fault. "Reia......." -------------- It was dark by the time Alea arrived at the spot where Miro's Shop had previously been. While there was no sun, there was an artificial system designed to keep biological clocks set. Dark brought the usual danger of prowlers and muggers, but she didn't fear them. Woe to one who dared cross her. She stared at the wall, wishing somehow that she could find him again, and ask him for something. But it was for naught, as the wall simply stared back at her. She shook her head, sighing. "This is stupid. So stupid. I should be out.... I should be... should be.... Dammit! What should I be doing? Reill's gone. I've lost my purpose." She kicked the wall in frustration, her hardened boots making a plastic 'thunk.' Backing up, she looked around. It was still dark, and showed signs of getting darker. "Well, there's no point in standing around. I should find someplace to stay for the night....." She glanced about, then walked away silently. -------------- She felt like a little kid. Miro and ....the Shop, had already decided it. How, she wasn't sure. But it probably had something to do with the bond between them. And not a word to her. Didn't she get any say in this? How did Red even convince her to go along with the Familiar idea? Why was she even still here? ...because of Miro. -------------- After some amount of wandering, currently a shortcut between blocks, a small, cramped path winding back and forth in between some kind of supermarket, her travels were interrupted. The lone female Traveller wasn't suprised when a figure appeared in front of her, for all the while in this shortcut she had been thinking it'd be the perfect place for an ambush, or a mugging. The figure had a helmet on not unlike hers, jazzilly colored streaks of spiked hair visible, and was leering oh-so-nicely. "You shouldn't be alone out here during martial law." Alea's attention was drawn to the shiny badge that definitely looked like it didn't belong on him. Probably just impersonating an officer. "Leave me alone. If you want to live." She didn't say it as forcefully as she meant to. Which was a mistake, as the goon took that as an invitation to draw his weapon. His mistake, that is. Her own weapon was drawn lightning fast, the powerful looking pistol locked onto his head, a faint electronic hum emenating from it. "I said. Leave me alone." Her voice was much more forceful, adrenaline rushing to her tired body. The goon eyed the weapon, cautiosly. "Righty-o. I think I'll leave you alone." He cautiously retreated, not taking his eyes off of the Travellers weapon for a moment. Alea waited a few minutes after the goon had left, then holstered her weapon. She breathed a breath of relief, glad she didn't have to use it. -------------- After a further amount of wandering, and even some actual planned travel, she came across a store with an odd name. "The Treasure Box. Sounds like something from....." She looked closer at it. Brightly lit, lively looking. And she could swear she heard the metallic ting of sword on sword, repeatedly. "Another shop?" -------------------- "Hyahh! And hyahh again!" The excited tomboy/gamer/Shopkeeper mocked another blow against the free-standing suit of armor, her sword making yet another metallic tink. "Never again shall you sully the na-" Rikura 'eep!'ed, hiding the sword behind her back, facing the person who had just entered. (to her, anyways. Alea had been there for a good minute and a half.) Alea smirked, locking her gaze onto Rikura. "You.... are the keeper of this Shop?" Rikura gulped, noting the emphasis on 'Shop'. "Ehhehehe. So you know." The telepathic voice of the Shop interrupted Rikuras thoughts. / Rikura-sama, don't deal with this person! She's a Traveller! Traveller's are Bad Guys! / "Um. We're closed. Yup. Closed." Rikura maintained the nervous smile, as Alea didn't budge. / It's not working.... Help? / communicated Rikura nervously. Alea sighed, ignoring her urge to draw her weapon. "....Fine. I'm sorry to have bothered you." / But... she looks so sad! Are you sure we can't help her, not even ask? I mean, it's not like we're mortal enem- / / Actually, yes. / / Oh. But, well... She looks sad! I'm gonna try anyways! / / ........ / As Alea opened the door to leave, Rikura cried out, "Wait up!" Alea turned, her free hand reaching for her weapon again. "What," the Traveller said flatly. "Well, I kinda lied. We're open still. And uh.... well, feel free to look around!" That said, Rikura retreated to the back room. Peeking her head around the corner, she added, "Knock if you find something!" ".........", said the now confused Alea. "Well.... guess it can't hurt to look. Maybe she'll have it...." ------------ The sturdy plastic door slid shut, locking with a tiny electronic 'beep.' "Okay. You've got some explaining to do, Mog." Rikura stood imposingly over the stuffed animal looking avatar, hands on her hips. "Travellers are ones with no fate! And they don't like us! We're natural enemies!" Mog said, posing dramatically. Rikura blinked, a tiny sweatdrop forming. "Is that all?" "Oh yeah. Since they have no fate, us Shops gain nothing by dealing with them," added Mog, almost as an afterthought. "Well, then you're just being a greedy Mog! It's our sacred duty as Shopkeepers and Shops to serve all who request!" It was Mogs turn to sweatdrop, now. -------------- Miro's eyes fluttered open, waking up. It had been dead so far, and he didn't mean to fall asleep, and... "Miro." Reia stood in front of him, a determined look on her face. "Y-yes?" "Do I ..even matter? I mean, I'm part of this now. And you and ....the shop," Reia paused momentarilly, refusing to call Mise by that name, "decided everything like I don't even matter. Do I?" Miro frowned. "Oh. That's what it was...." he said slowly, realizing something. "I'm sorry. I didn't think... Um..." Reia's eyes glimmered, tears starting to form. "It's okay, Miro-kun." Her earlier determination dissipated, Miro's soft words cutting right through it. Miro looked up, meeting her gaze. "No it's not okay! I hurt your feelings, and didn't know it. From now on, I'll try to get your opinion about stuff, okay?" Reia reached over the counter, hugging Miro tightly. --------------- Alea's hand hovered over the door behind the counter, before bringing herself to actually knocking it. "Hello...?" She could here Rikura's voice, and another, alternately getting loud. The door slid open immediately at the knock, Rikura grinning manaiacly, holding a ..stuffed animal? in a chokehold. "Yes?", the Shopkeeper asked, much too friendly. "Do you... take special requests?" asked Alea slowly, a bit creeped about by Rikura's tone of voice. "Of course we do! It's a Shops sacred duty to serve all who call upon it!" exclaimed Rikura much too enthusiastically. 'Funny, I didn't know that,' Alea thought to herself. "Well, I'm trying to find someone. A certain someone." She stayed silent for a moment, letting the implications sink in. "OH! I know! You're trying to find your ex-boyfriend or something! Do Travellers even have girlfriends?" said Rikura excitedly, eyes alight with interest. Alea's eyes went wide, as the words struck closer than she'd had thought. Her eyes softened, and her voice lowered, memories coming unbidden. "Well.... We were. He's ... I don't know. He needs help. I've got to find him. He's different now, but I promised I'd help him." Rikura lowered her gaze empathically. "I... see." She lifted her head back up, eyes ablaze with passion. "You should never give up on love! Or a childhood promise!" she exclaimed, her voice showing the same passion. "But it wasn't a chil-" Alea attempted to protest, but was cut off. "I'll help you out, on one condition! I get to go with you!" "But, but uh....," the now-flustered Traveller stammered out. "So it's settled! We're a team!" Rikura posed, holding one hand up in a 'V' figure. "H-hey!", protested Alea. The protesting Mog was dutifilly ignored. -------------- "Mirror mirror on the wall, show the one held dearest of all," instructed Rikura, then stepped back from the wall. Alea stepped forward, gazing at the mirror. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself, still not sure that this would work. "Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Show the one held dearest of all," intoned Alea hopefully. The scene of the mirror shifted, from her own reflection, to the face of Reill, his hair whipping about wildly. The view zoomed out, showing him on some cliff, the wind not just whipping his hair, but the sturdy trees nearby as well. "Reill...." Alea reached forward slowly, touching the mirror with her fingertips, softly stroking it. The image vanished at that. "Well? What did you see?" asked Rikura impatiently. "I saw.... Reill...." Alea spoke as if mesmerized. "At a place I know. I think.... Yes. That's where we made our promise to each other." She turned, walking slowly to the door. Rikura frowned, getting in her way. "And JUST where do you think you're going? We had a deal, remember?" Alea blinked, returning to reality. "Besides, no heroine goes out on her own! Unless it's like the apocolypse, or everyone else is dead. But that's not the case! Because you have a friend in me!" Alea blinked again. "Waitaminute. You...." Alea pointed at Rikura. Rikura nodded. Alea pointed at herself. "...and me...." Rikura nodded again. "Friends?" she asked, disbelievingly. "Traveller and Shopkeeper, mortal enemies since as far as anyone involved can remember?" Alea blinked yet again, attempting to unsuccessfully shake the confusion from her eyes. Rikura grinned manaicly. "Enemies Shmenemies. Who cares?" Alea gave up trying to understand it, and decided to just go with it. Grinning herself, she said "And I thought it was just Miro who was like that." Rikura's eyes lit up. "YOU know Miro? Wai! He's my best friend! And my greatest rival! It's gonna be so cool!" Alea blinked yet again. "You know Miro?" "Yeah! We grew up together! I even showed him where to get his Shop!" she exclaimed, proudly. "Well, that certainly explains a lot," said Alea, bemusedly. Rikura frowned. "HEY! What did you mean by that?" Alea held up her hands in defense. "Uh, nothing, nothing. But, time is wasting! We have to find Reill!" She closed her eyes, recalling where in space/time that cliff was. "Hold on, I'm trying to remember directions." "!!" Rikuras eyes narrowed suddenly at something. Turning around ominously, she stomped over to where Mog was, and picked him up by the back of the neck. "I don't care if every other traveller in the multiverse is our enemy! She's not! You picked me, and agreed, and you pretty much signed a contract! So deal with it! We're helping her! And that's final!" Rikura shook Mogs shoulders, glaring evil painful slow tortourous death at Mog, and set him down. Rikura stomped not-quite-so-stompily back to where she had just been. "Okay. Where were we?" she asked, huffing. "I was just about to give directions to you," Alea responded. "Are you sure you want to come? Reill ... isn't well. He might attack you...." "It's okay! I can take care of myself!" Rikura flipped a thumb at the suit of armor in the background she was playing with earlier. "Mog warned me that there might be evil nasty bad guys, so I made some magical armor for myself! And it's really cool, it glows purple when it's on, and even has a force field in it!" "....Riiigght." Alea blinked. "Anyways," she continued, shaking it off, "This is how to get there. First you go....." ------------- The artificial morning rose upon the orbiting city-state of Heticus, the area brightening. It was a new day for Miro, Mise, and Reia, and everyone else, too. Reia stretched, arms and legs uncurling, her body waking up to the light before she did. She had a habit of doing that, deeply ingrained into her body. She had had it ever since she had to force herself to wake up on a dime to survive, long ago. Where she had come from, there weren't any time zones, or way of telling time except the sun, but the artificial sunlight here still did the trick. Old habits die hard. Sitting up, she smiled faintly, watching Miro breathe. He was still sound asleep, curled up on the floor. He had insisted on taking it, and letting Reia have the couch in the back. Even more so after Reia had insisted that she was okay with sharing it with him. 'He must be happy, to sleep so well,' she thought to herself, exiting the room, being careful not to wake him up. Mise was humming happily, standing behind the counter. "Good morning, Reia!" Reia grumbled something under her breath, nodding at Mise, her content mood ruined by the greeting. Mise' voice spoke again, a bit worried. "Are you okay? Are you still tired? ...'Coffee,' perhaps?" "'Coffee'? What's 'coffee'?" "Oh dear. It's something from Miro's home. But I'm afraid there's none in stock, so you'd have to wait until Miro wakes up...." "Um. That's okay. I was just going to go out and pick up some breakfast." Reia excused herself, picking up the pouch of plastic chips, and exited. --------------- Elsewhere in the multiverse, in a wilderness-conquered, unpopulated planet, a futuristic building appeared. The view changed quickly to that of a thatched hay-made building, with lots of native leaves supporting the frame. Two figures exited shortly after. The first, Alea, no longer in the futuristic form-fitting armor, now instead in a skimpy leaf-and twigs Amazon bikini, wielding not a gun, but a spear with a gleaming hardened point. The second, a figure that was hard to make out but for the suit of armor on it, a metallic purple hue, with a faint spherical rippling surrounding the figure. Alea gestured with her spear, pointing in a direction. "Come on. It's this way." Rikura followed, the metal armor clanking along, mentally deciding to NOT question Alea's change of wardrobe. 'Reill. I'm coming.' ---------------- Miro stretched, yawning mightily, as he awoke. Looking around, he noticed a lack of Reia. "She woke up before me, I guess. And... why am I thinking of coffee?" ---------------- The door chimed as the door slid open, signifying someone entering Miro's Legendary Shop of Assorted Things. "Hello! Wel-" greeted Miro as per usual, stopping when Reia stepped in, carrying a container. "Reia!" Reia smiled, walking over to the counter which Miro was behind, and put the container on the counter. "Breakfast. And I had some of it already, this actually tastes good! They called it... um... Meal variant B-17. I think." Miro opened it, and took a whiff. "Mmmm. Smells good." "So whats on the agenda today?" asked Reia, curiously. "I wake up. Eat. Open. Hang around until there's another Request, I guess. There's not a whole lot to do, since the request has been met here. I've been thinking about some kind of 'I survived Martial Law on Heticus!' t-shirts, but I'm still not sure if that'd be bad taste around here." Miro mused, pondering a thought that had just occured. "Hey, I know! I could go check up on Mom! I bet she's worried about me." "I'd like to meet her," said Reia, softly. "Ah... well...." Miro tried to think of a good reason to not do that, but failed. "Well, I'd like to stick around here another day. Tomorrow, we'll go meet my Mom, okay?" Reia smiled. "Yes, that'd be great!" "I wonder if Rikura would come. So I'd have someone to back me up when Mom flays me alive," Miro mused. Upon further thought, he shook his head. "Nah. I can imagine what Rikura would do with the resources of a Shop.... I doubt she's still here. I wonder what she's doing now...?" ------------------ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Obligatory author notes; Whee. Mog and Rikura don't like each other. Or rather, they don't share the same prejudice. ^_^; Not a lot of Miro. :/ It's funny, it always take 3-4 days of braindead forced typing and forcing out letters, 'fore I get ideas. :/ Probably just has to do with my spontaenous idea-getting-ness, I have to write enough mass for something to come from it. :/ And, I actually don't think this horribly horribly sucks! It's not great, but, well, ....It dosen't suck. Wai. And I refuse to put my personal thoughts of character direction or explaining ANYTHING I type in author notes, for the sake of Impro. Mwahahahahaha. (Someone else could come up with a perfectly better reasoning for this or that, if my thoughts aren't there to influence it, ne?) Although I do like the idea of Rikura and Alea as a team, in whatever form. ^_^; Dankies Anna, for prereading! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------ Alea held up one hand, signalling Rikura to stop. Rikura complied, leaning down. Alea reached out, bending a branch slightly, to give her and Rikura a good view of the oncoming terrain. The wind was loud, bending everything beneath it, except for the lone figure visible, standing on the edge of a protruding cliff. Who was unaware of the two watching him. "That's Reill, right?", whispered Rikura. Alea nodded silently. "I'm going." That said, Alea stood up. The high winds took hold of her unbound hair as she approached the cliff, whipping it about wildly. Rikura starry-eyed momentarily at the SUGOI DRAMATIC WIND EFFECT, then stood up and followed Alea.