"Psst. Ersha..."
A skinny old man was calling from his cell, trying to gain the attention of another right across from him. On the other side, one young man lay alone on the cold floor. He took the sheets that covered his face, the adolescent groaned trying to move from his spot.
"What...?"
"Did you hear that? Somebodies trying to break out from there..." The old man pointed to the oak door at the end of the hallway, noticing the constant slamming as it struggled to break open.
"But there wasn't anything down there, besides the Holy Order..." Trying to wake up, Ersha brushed his olive-brown hair back as a huge thump shook the entire floor. Everyone fell to the floor at the sheer power, as each step was louder than the last.
"W-What the..." Ersha was shaken as were the other prisoners, running back to the end of their cells while he was only intrigued. His emerald eyes locking onto the door, as all the insignia broke apart as it came crashing down. Amidst the dark stairs that went down, four glowing red eyes emerged from the floor below stunning the prisoners.
"By the Gods..." Prisoners were terrified, not bearing to look as the unrecognizable creature prowled passed the prison cells. Ersha took a step back as it walked past, the monster soon revealing itself into the light as a canine. Thin and lengthy, its paws could reach into the cell through the bars, just barely scratching Ersha as he rolled out of the way.
"What is this..." The canines skin came into view, a pale white with blood oozing out of different parts of its body. Its bloodshot red eyes could see tens of hundreds of feet pitter-patter past each cell before standing in place.
"G R O O O O A A A A H H H A A A A A A A A A ! ! !"
Ersha's hound ears perked up, his eyes widening as he knew something was coming.
The very blood that was oozing from its skin suddenly shot out, as the young man ducked just in time. The red blood that splattered begun to melt the bars, and prisoners who unluckily got hit with it. "This creature... It's..." Screams of pain could be heard from other cells, as Ersha flipped himself back up.
"G R A W W W O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O ! ! !"
The amalgam of a dog let out an ear-splitting howl, with everyone inside struggling to cover their ears. The howling wouldn't stop, torturing for several minutes without stopping. The door to the hallway opened, guards pouring in with spears as they came to witness the 'dog' before them.
"By the Gods... What is that thing?!" Its eyes locked onto the guards before leaping into action, its claws cutting them all in one go before rushing up the next flight of stairs. Ersha and the surviving prisoners were left speechless, as he slowly stood up and walked out from his cell.
Someone had left a present for him.
"A beast... From another world...?" The demi-human prisoner grinned, things would be very interesting from here on out. Screams of terror could be heard from above, as Ersha finished wiping off blood from his tail as he ran up after it. The prison of Risveg had just been breached from the inside.
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A FEW HOURS AGO
"My name is Laila... Laila Coelum..." It was a pretty weird moment for Klein, having just about returned to Drebin inn as a mysterious girl stood before him. He easily towered over her, Klein could guess at least one foot taller than this Laila.
Laila Coelum... Klein would let that name sit in his head for a bit, his hand brushing the front door as he looked at the girl with uncertainty. Some girl who'd introduce herself to him in the middle of the day, at this rate he would need to learn some sort of awareness magic. People just keep sneaking upon him.
"Laila huh? It's nice to meet you."
Klein reached out his right hand after hoping for a handshake, only to see that she was halfway through a bow. He quickly pulled his hand behind his head, feigning his misread of the introductions.
"So... Uh... You new in town?"
"N-No, I've been here since I was a kid..." A prolonged silence after her blunt answer only made Klein even more unsettled. This girl had kept her hood on the entire time, her blue eyes the only things locked onto his. Not only that, but she'd also keep averting her gaze elsewhere whenever she'd stare for too long.
Okay... Klein coughed a bit before trying to break the ice between them, as a tumbleweed conveniently blew by, springing the older brother into action.
"What do you want?"
"I'll head straight to point, can I join your party?" Klein gave her a look as if she was crazy, he was sure he didn't have a party. Laila tilted her head in confusion as the brother wasn't sure what she had meant. It wasn't until Klein pieced together that three people would technically count as a party, did he decide to answer her question.
"Why?"
"I don't really have anywhere else to go..." Klein was taken aback by this answer, doubtful of her claim due to her appearance. Her face was clear, her eyes were beautifully blue, and he swore he could see a blonde lock of hair. Perhaps it was a personality thing.
"I'm guessing you aren't a people person?"
"N-No, it's not that... It's just that I've had weird rumours circle around me, and I want to break free from them..." Klein let his stare drop down as her body language might've confirmed it.
That didn't sound good.
"Are those rumours true?" The girl struggled to give an answer, Klein sighed as he was already beginning to reach for the door. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Laila's expression turn to horror as she raised her hands in an attempt to stop him. But she stopped, her hands dropping to her sides, head hanging low as Klein was one step inside.
We've already got enough people on our back, and now this girl? He stared up and down the girl, taking note of the way she'd hide almost everything about her underneath that cloak. Though he shouldn't be one to talk, he was just about the same with his very own still on.
"Alright then." Klein raised a finger, gaining the girls' attention "Let's say I do let you join our party... What have you to contribute?" The girl looking back to Klein, a light of hope flashed across her eyes. He took notice of the top of her hood, as he swore he saw ears twitch.
Moving her cloak a bit so her hands could be visible, Klein watched as she poured energy through her finger-tips.
Woah... Is that dark magic? Haven't seen this up close... Klein couldn't help himself, as he crouched down a bit to get a closer look at the dark ball in front of him. His finger was only inches away before it disappeared in front of him, with Klein's fixation on the ball gone.
He could see the desperation in his eyes, as Klein's heart began to ache with each passing second. He couldn't just leave this girl out to dry, right? It's not like she doesn't have anywhere else to go. But at the same time, this girl probably meant there was going to be trouble involving them.
Neil is definitely gonna be on my case for this... Klein hated thinking about the possibilities, noting their lack of magic skills. Quietly turning back, he gestured her inside as her expression changed dramatically. Just as fast as her shyness was easily discernable, it immediately shifted to something along the lines of surprise.
"J-Just like that?!" Klein nodded, this time he made sure to have her attention. Reaching his hand out to grasp hers she responded in kind, both giving out tired smiles. Maybe they've both had a long day, he could understand the feeling. But for now, he'd tell it to her straight.
"Don't make me regret this," He said, "you can stay until those 'rumours' fade into obscurity." Klein beckoned her to follow him inside the inn, passing by the front desk as she quitely followed along. He hoped recruiting her wouldn't come back to bite him later, but somehow he knew there was a high chance it would.
Klein didn't mind though, he'd been through enough these past few days to know how things worked.
"Thank you, Mister Klein! I'll do my best..."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"Just call me Klein," He was reminded once again that he'd need to tell a certain demi-human to stop saying the same.
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PRESENT TIME
"You are... Her apprentice?" The newest party member was astonished at the new piece of information, Laila's eyes uncharacteristically widening as she stood across from her. Klein was already uncomfortable as it was, her armed wrapped around his neck as he swore he felt sweat.
"Indeed he is, Laila..." Everyone turned to Florence, her smile evident as she continued "-you seem jealous my dear..." Laila's embarrassment at being the centre of the conversation showed as the whole group was staring at her.
"O-Of course not...!" Laila squealed out, choking up as the brothers were concerned. Just like that, the girls reserved nature went up in smokes at the sight of Florence. Neil and Amari took one good look at the mage's face which undoubtedly said otherwise, with the two staring at her blankly.
"If you say so..." Neil said to her, beginning to pack up his equipment while Amari approached the stunned mage.
"It's ok if you do not want to," Amari tried to console her new allies unsettled feelings, standing beside her as she continued "-Mister Neil & Klein are always so understanding." She said, a twinkle in her eyes as she turned to Klein and Neil. The younger brother nodded approvingly, giving a thumbs up while his sibling seemed preoccupied.
"Mister Klein?" He shook his head in disappointment, looking at the constant flow of townspeople entering the building. Klein didn't respond, turning back to the group before gesturing down the road. They'd have to enter at a later time, they still needed to get paid for their job.
"We can discuss this later back at the apartment." Klein put his hand in his pockets, bobbing his head to an unfamiliar tune. He began walking back to the inn, with Amari & Laila in tow. She still had a few more stories to tell to Laila, realising she was a demi-human as well.
"Mister Klein, can I tell Miss Laila about the bug-"
"No." His answer was instantaneous, not even turning his head as he continued walking on. Amari pouted as she looked to Laila, who pulled a face from behind the brother. I guess it was anything but good memories on that day, as Amari decided to converse with the mage about something else.
"So you're a demi-human too, right?"
"Wha- How did you know?!"
Klein... Neil and Florence watched the three trudge off, engaged in conversation leaving the two to talk amongst themselves. The alchemist was first to notice him standing there, as his irritation was evident while was observing his brother leave in a sour mood.
"What seems to be the problem, Neil?" She said, shifting her attention to Klein's younger brother as he turned his head. His expression wasn't nice, noticeable as he crossed his arms looking at the three.
"What're you doing to him?"
Hmm?Florence was tilted her head, not understanding entirely what he meant by that as he frowned. Neil took a step towards the alchemist who was perplexed, stroking her chin as she chuckled at recent memories with the sibling. "Now, I haven't been doing anything..."
"Really?" Neil sarcastically said, shaking his head as he pointed to their friends in the distance. Florence was surprised when she felt a hand grab her coat, pulling her close to him as his voice suddenly going sharp as his eyes shrunk.
"Stop lying-" Neil had lost his cool, his movements swift as she had dropped her guard. Just as he was staring into her eyes, a flash of yellow was seen below the two. Neil looked down to find the alchemist's hand glowing yellow, her finger-shaped into a gun as her playful expression was all but gone.
"Don't test me, boy..." Her voice was penetrating, her dead tone immediately sending chills down his spines. Neil loosened his grip, shattering immediately as Florence silently turned her glare away from his. She hadn't seen this side of Neil before, most visits he'd normally be kind. Florence took a step back from Neil, curious as he slowly released her collar.
"You both are still on my leash." Neil's expression screamed desperation, brushing his hair back Florence watched him. Neil was filled with regret, his face matching the lighting around them as it dimmed. It was almost night, the two standing together in silence as Florence spoke up.
"Don't apologise," She said, shaking her head as the alchemist had already begun walking back home. Neil wanted to stop her, reaching out to grab her shoulder when he stopped midway. His hand bawling up into a fist, he put it back down to his side, not wanting to go even further.
"Please Florence..." He was practically begging at this point, walking beside her as Florence refused to meet his gaze. She hated seeing things like that when people were down on their knees begging for a miracle to happen. It irked her how Klein was always so defensive, especially when it came to his family.
That family being his brother, and the newly adopted Amari.
It's not like I am getting anywhere anyways... Florence sighed before taking something out of her pocket, much to Neil's surprise as she gave it to the sibling. Neil inspected the small flask carefully, taking note of the purple colour on the inside as she went on to explain it's origins.
"That is your brother's blood-"
"So you'll tell me? Thank you so-" Neil saw a hand block his view, shutting up as she slowly brought it down to her side. Florence shook her head in disappointment, these guys were really starting to make her soft. Something she'd have to sort out later, maybe set some boundries so they don't do anything like this again.
Neil's so sensitive and Klein is just too defensive about his family... They were like two peas in a pod, his brotherly love shining through at every opportunity. Florence nodded to herself, believing that to be the case as Neil anticipatingly waited for her explanation. "My word... You're just like a little kitten, aren't you...?" She jokingly said, looking at Neil who followed beside her.
..................
"Hold up- they're staying here?" Klein tried to stand up in shock, only to hit his legs against the bottom of the table. Rubbing his legs in pain, Florence nodded as she finished telling them the full story. The two members would not only be staying in this town for the next few weeks, but also keep a close eye on both Florence and her new apprentice.
Laila frowned at the mention of her new apprentice, avoiding the other's gaze as Florence continued. "Now then, I'm certain that you'll keep your background a secret...?" She asked Klein, as he nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I mean you already have us wrapped around your finger so..." It's not as if he wanted to let anyone else know, with Amari's slip-up awhile ago and the pressure of her breaking their deal.
"What do you mean by 'background'?" Laila was seated across from Florence, the alchemist watching as the newest mage of their group looked confused. Florence glanced to Klein who brushed it off, the conversation interrupted at the approaching footsteps. Coming from the kitchen, Neil walked in with plates of food perfectly balanced on both sides of his arms.
How is he doing that...? Laila thought, watching one of her leaders holding two plates on each of his arms.
"Ok guys, I have scrambled eggs, toast, and finally..." Neil looked down at the plates as he handed one to Laila, "Sausages." Amari soon came out with a plate of her own, handing one to Florence before moving back into the kitchen.
"Oh! Thank you." Florence smelt the aroma of the food, a small simmer of satisfaction as she brought the place closer to her. "I didn't know I was staying for dinner tonight..." Looking back to Klein, he gave a small grin as he grabbed his own plate from Neil's left arm. Clasping his hands together, the three women watched Klein quietly mumble to himself before looking back up.
"Figured you wouldn't mind sticking around, you do live just a few blocks down the street," Klein said, taking a bite of his eggs. "Unless you'd rather leave it for me-"
"No no- It's alright, I don't believe I have eaten a meal such as this in awhile..." Florence sweatingly admitted as she looked down to her food. She knew she could leave at any time, walk out this door with her back turned from the brothers. But that would be rude, especially after Amari had taken her time to make the meal.
Besides, in her mind, this meal is better than the garbage they make downstairs.
Seeing the alchemist happily chow down, Klein did the same as Laila observed the two awkwardly. Eating in silence, she couldn't help but gulp as the sizzling from inside the kitchen could be heard. She wasn't sure what was happening in the next room, but Florence and Klein's silence is another thing entirely.
In-between their intakes, Florence decided to make small talk with her new apprentice.
"By the way, did you hear about the prison break...?" In-between their intakes, Florence decided to make small talk with her new apprentice. Klein shook his head, asking the alchemist about what that had to do with them. The two were off in another conversation, Laila losing interest as she sat near the windowsill.
They seem to be occupied... I guess I should start eating... Laila was envious at the scene before her, the self-proclaimed co-leader of her party eating with a legend in her eyes. At first she could barely hold herself together, seeing how the two treated her and how Florence reacted to them. Laila sighed, cutting a slice of sausage and stuffing it in her mouth.
Letting the meat touch her tongue, Laila's taste buds went into a frenzy.
"W-Who made this? This is great!" She called from the table, her quietness already beginning to crack. The boxes were flavoursome, the mouthwatering taste causing the battle-mage to dig in. Neil, who had heard her satisfaction, poked his head from the kitchen area.
"It was a team effort, right Amari?" Amari gave a thumbs up from the kitchen as Neil returned to help, leaving Laila alone to finish off her meal. Florence took notice of the cooking, calling out to the two from the table as they were cleaning up.
"I love the meal you both made," She said, taking a piece of the box sausage as she ate it in one go. "-where did you learn how to cook Neil?" It took a few seconds for him to respond, humming from the kitchen like as if he wasn't too sure himself.
"Hmmm... Klein, do you have an answer for that?" Neil had swerved the question to his older brother, with Florence now turning her attention on him. Peeking from the kitchen, he observed as Klein went on a brief explanation.
"Yep. I taught him everything he knows about cooking," Klein began pointing it out on his fingers, smiling as he went on to talk about their daily chores. Florence was surprised, she didn't think Klein was so organised in his day-to-day life. She'd never asked him directly whenever he'd come over to fill in the role as 'apprentice' and 'guinea pig' as Neil likes to describe it.
"I see..." Both Klein and Florence went back to eating their meals, as Laila decided to converse with one of the two. Getting Klein's attention, he perked an eyebrow as she wasn't sure where to start.
"So uh, you're going to be a mage as well Klein?" Laila asked, hoping to gain more information on their relationship. Perhaps she could use Klein to get closer to Florence, as the older brother was pondering on her question. "Well-"
"Yes he is." Florence put her hand up, stopping Klein before he could speak. She knew from the first word that it would've given them away, as the alchemist continued "You should remain with me more often Klein, you're able to pick up on my lessons so easily." She said, sighing in disappointment as Klein laughed it off.
"I see..." The blond mage looked down dejectedly, saddened by the answer as Klein could only pat her shoulder in comfort.
"Ah, don't be that disappointed. With your light and dark magic," Klein took to gesturing both his hands like a scale, weighing one bigger than the other. "-you might even become something better." Laila watched the older sibling attempt to cheer her up, as he combined both hands before blasting it forward like he was launching something.
"Right, I still have that..." Laila quietly smiled in front of the two, with Klein cheerfully patting her on the back as Florence went back to her meal. The dinner continued on as normal, with Neil and Amari eventually coming back and eating their own food they had set up. "This is getting too sappy, I'm going to play some music if you don't mind...!"
"Music?" Laila asked Klein, to which he was about to explain when a groan could be heard from the kitchen. Someone was vexed, walking out of the kitchen untying his hair now untied.
"Please don't play anything," Neil walked out from the kitchen trying to stop his brother, he had already heard enough of it when he looped it the entire morning. He had to temporarily 'confiscate' his brother's phone, while forcing his older brother to go to the market.
"Too late bro- KWAHK!" Klein had already rushed to his phone that sat on the couch, as Laila confusingly watched him press on the glass screen. Neil tried to snatch the small object from his hand, with Klein jumping onto the couch. Standing on top, he felt a spike of pain as Klein fell back over the couch, dropping the phone.
"See? That's what happens... dumbass..." He mumbled that last part as Klein fell to the floor, Neil took the phone from him as the music had just begun to play.
"Is this your 'music' Klein...?" To her surprise, a symphony of unusual instruments came on as both she and Florence sat in silence. It was very appealing, the piano mixed in with such strange instruments she had never heard before. Neil, seeing her reaction, left the music playing at a low volume as to not draw suspiscion from neighboring rooms.
Klein went on to explain the type of music they were listening to, calling it 'loaf eye' as she tried to understand. It would be hours before Florence said her goodbyes, leaving the four to finally get some rest.
That night, Laila accidentally slept over at their apartment despite having a home not too far from the inn. Having already fallen asleep on the dinner table, Klein begrudgingly placed her on the couch. With no other option, Klein decided to sleep on the ground. Neil was the last one awake, putting a blanket over the mage's body as she snuggled in.
We're really building up our party... Thanks bro... Neil watched as her expression change to a tired smile, clutching the blanket tightly. Having seen enough, Neil went back to his own bed to get some shut-eye himself. They all needed it after what had happened today.