Pressed against the trunk of a mighty forest giant, I strained my eyes to peer into the night darkness enveloping me. To say I was in shock from everything that had happened, from this encounter with the girl who called herself Reygyana, would be a vast understatement. The problem was that even my "memory of the future" hadn't prepared me for this. My "past self" had never heard of anyone by that name and hadn't encountered anyone mentioning a peculiar girl named Rey. I was entirely certain that this nocturnal visitor was not just an ordinary individual.
Could it be that in the third Cycle, the questers introduced a new variable, adding someone else to their game besides the earthlings? This seemed the most likely explanation at the moment. However, another theory seemed much more logical and straightforward.
I picked up a small twig from the ground and clenched it with my teeth. Then, I drew my dagger from its sheath at my waist. Gripping it firmly, I held its sharp edge against the outer part of my left elbow, precisely where a nerve cluster resides. The very cluster, which, if accidentally hit, can make one's arm go numb.
"Discharge!"
Pain surged through me, so intense that I nearly doubled over, my left arm dropping limply to my side... The world around me remained unchanged. It seems I'd have to try again. I discarded my gambeson and shirt, tossing them to the ground. The dagger's tip found another pain point.
"Discharge!"
Only the enhancement from the Adamantium Body kept me conscious, but even with that, I could no longer stand and dropped to my knees. The poor twig trapped between my teeth shattered into pieces.
The world was the same.
"Discharge!"
"Discharge!"
"Discharge!"
I lay on the ground, staring into the distance where clouds lazily drifted by. Mere pain couldn't break a sleep spell from Mental Magic. Yet, it was still possible to shake off an imposed projection of someone else's will. All I needed to do was push myself to the Pain threshold and then cross it. And I had done just that. I kept zapping myself at the pain points until I blacked out for a few seconds.
My entire body screamed in agony. My head felt foggy. With a soft groan, I managed to get on my knees. Fingers cramping from constant spasms, I opened my bag and took out a set of healing potions. I drank a painkiller first, followed by a "Medium Recovery Potion." For a few moments, I was transfixed, watching as the charred areas of my skin, the results of electrical burns, became covered with a dark crust, which was soon replaced by fresh, pink skin. The "Recovery Potion" was very bitter, but I barely felt that taste.
Out of the two possibilities - one suggesting that my encounter with Reygyana had been real and the other hinting that the Sidhe had captured me, with everything I experienced in the past few hours being a product of their manipulation of my mind - the latter seemed more plausible. Yet, I pushed myself to the point of unconsciousness through sheer pain... And I did so despite the advantages of an Adamantium body. But even after this torment, the world remained unchanged. The same night, the same forest, and the campfire was still burning.
I checked my fingers and then squatted a couple of times before stretching as hard as I could. One undeniable advantage of Ain is the existence of magic and alchemy. Without their aid, I would've suffered from pain for weeks, managing to stand at best in a few days. But here, just three or maybe four minutes, and I'm not only able to stand firmly on my feet without swaying but also ready to fight if danger arises.
There's no way I'm sleeping tonight. Moreover, it'd be foolish to remain here for the night. A "Potion of Stamina" will address my exhaustion. Yes, later, most likely tomorrow, I'll regret consuming it because I'll feel devastated for a few hours, but right now, it's the best choice. Staying in this place even for another hour seems like a very foolish idea.
I sat down abruptly, struck by a sudden thought. What if this is currently the safest place in the entire Wicked Woods? This childlike-looking Reygyana, after I saw her effortlessly blinding and paralyzing me, seemed powerful enough to ward off all the predators and monsters of the Wicked Woods just by her presence. I didn't understand how she immobilized and then healed me, and she did it so swiftly that I couldn't notice or react. By her power level, this night guest seemed to be on the Legendary coil of the Spiral of Elevation. Though, an experienced fighter of Ruby or Diamond might also pull off such a feat against a Steel warrior. However, this assumption doesn't fit with her youthful appearance.
Shaking my head, I tried to dispel thoughts about Rey. The encounter with her is indeed fascinating, but I have far more pressing problems that require immediate attention. I am alive and even healthy, so I'll have plenty of time to ponder about this mysterious girl. Yet, as much as I try to shake off these thoughts, a couple of them still nags at me: "What did she want from me? And why did she react so strangely to my desire to help?". Nonetheless, these thoughts don't hinder me from starting to pack up.
Again, the contents of the backpack spill onto the ground. The hidden "pockets" of the orcish belt receive a new set of potions. The remaining three Metal Elevation Pills go there as well, while the box itself is thrown into the fire. There's a faint magical aura emanating from the container, and it seemed fitting to dispose of it, even though it might have been useful in the future. But now isn't the time to indulge my inner hoarder. Every detail can help me survive, even such a little one.
I repack the backpack and turn my attention to the bag. One of its straps has torn off; I forgot to sew it back while repairing my clothes. Not good. It'll be a hindrance. So, between continuing on my way as is or first fixing the bag, I choose the latter. It'll take about five minutes now but will save much more time later on. Equipment discomfort is the last thing I need in my upcoming run through the wild forest. It would save even more energy if I discarded everything that isn't immediately useful. For instance, the doublet gifted by Larindel and the expensive trousers from the same set. But I've already lost so much today, and I just can't bring myself to part with such valuable items. So, I pack all this wealth back in, and for the second time tonight, I take out a needle and thread.
They say practice makes perfect. If the needle in my hands seemed to have a mind of its own at the beginning of the night, now my movements are much more confident and precise. After finishing the last stitch, I cut the thread and checked the strap's sturdiness. The stitching is crooked, much like my life, but it's strong enough and should withstand the trials of my long journey through the forest.
Satisfyingly nodding to myself, I took out a pouch and packed away the sewing supplies. Then, I tightened the pouch's ties, stood up, and did a little hop. Nothing jingled or made noise. I shook the bags, and they remained silent as well. Before leaving this place, there were two tasks left: extinguish the fire and put on the gambeson. Figuring that the fire could wait a bit, I bent down to pick up the gambeson and froze in place. From the west, a strange noise emerged. The sounds were clearly approaching. It was as if someone was recklessly running through the forest, not caring for the path ahead.
Since I heard it, I was certain it wasn't the Sidhe. This thought slightly reassured me, but there was still nothing to be happy about. In the Wicked Woods, even wild boars grow into such monsters that could scare away a Wootz warrior. Judging by the speed of the approaching noise, I won't have time to put on the gambeson. Someone clearly noticed the fire and is heading straight for it. At first, I thought to run away, but then I would have had to leave behind either the gambeson or one of the bags. It would be very disappointing if it turned out that a simple boar truly scared me. Taking two steps, I shielded my back with a tree trunk, gripped the Thunder Dagger more comfortably, and held the gambeson out in front of me with an extended arm as if an improvised shield.
Aura of Acceleration.
Aura of Perception.
Aura of Strengthening on the gambeson.
My brain felt like it was boiling, but I held on. And when another unexpected guest tumbled out of the bushes near the campfire, I was fully prepared for the "meeting."
"May they bang my corpse!" The girl, clad in leather armor pierced in many places, cursed when she couldn't stop in time, and her fingers touched the embers.
She raised her head, noticed me, and her eyes widened like an owl's. Though, at this moment, mine probably looked no smaller.
"You?!" We both uttered simultaneously, exhaling in surprise.
Pulling her fingers out of the fire, Scully shook her hand and hissed quietly, looking back into the darkness of the night forest.
"Damn it all!" She blew on her fingers, then patted her thighs, but all her potion holsters were empty. "A wombat in my knickers!" She cursed again, realizing she had nothing to treat her burned fingers.
"Catch." Lowering the gambeson but still holding onto it, I threw her a "Lesser Healing Potion."
"Oh!"
With a crooked smile, the girl catches the flask, opens it with her teeth, and drenches her burned fingers with the thick liquid. She then sits on the ground, dropping her arms listlessly. She looks pretty beaten. At least three through-and-through wounds that not only penetrated her body but also burst out of her armor. Wide, barely closed cuts are visible through the remnants of her once-thick trousers. Her face is full of deep scratches, and her arms, from her palms to her elbows, look as if they were scraped with sandpaper. Her belt sheath is treacherously empty. Behind her, a torn quiver is visible, but it's devoid of arrows, and there's no bow in sight.
"Out for a picnic?" She asks with a smile, clearly forced and through pain, nodding towards the remnants of my half-eaten sandwich that lay on a broad leaf by the fire.
"Yeah," I reply curtly, remaining vigilant.
"A picnic in the Wicked Woods..." She stretched out, lifting her head to look at the clouds. "I respect that. Clearly, you know how to entertain yourself."
"And you, I see, don't get bored too," I return her "compliment," raising the corners of my lips. "You have fun as best you can."
"I love it, I'm good at it, I practice-e-e-e..."
The last word came out with difficulty. Grasping her left shoulder, Scally literally yelps in pain.
"Damn mongrels. Dingo fuckers..." She hisses through gritted teeth, not loudly, but clearly holding back.
Her right, relatively healthy hand tries to reach the armor clasps, but her nails just slide across the leather of the armor.
"What?!" She said challengingly, looking up at me. "Are you just going to stand there like a damned wallaby on the highway and not help a damsel in distress?"
"Until the damsel asks, I won't budge." I added, "I've had enough of helping nighttime visitors today without being asked."
"Ha! So, I'm not the first one today?" She grinned maliciously.
It felt like these jokes, through inner anger, somehow eased her pain. I can't explain her sarcasm in such a condition in any other way.
"None of your business." I brush off her taunt as if fending off an annoying mosquito.
For a moment, I thought she'd retort again, but then her face paled; she breathed heavily and whispered almost inaudibly:
"Help me..."
Laying the gambeson on the ground, I sheathe my dagger and approach her. Even though I seem unarmed, I'm still ready to counter even the most unexpected attack.
"Look," Scally says, staring intently at me. "First, unfasten the bottom clasp..."
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She doesn't get to finish. My fingers instinctively run over the familiar to the "past me" standard fastenings of the typical leather armor of this place, and her armor opens up on the right side.
"Wow, you're full of surprises!" She hisses in evident astonishment. "Even with healthy hands, I wouldn't have done it so quickly. And I've been wearing it for over a week... Help me take it off. Not like that. Tear it off. Faster. I'm not some city softie. Tear it, I say. Tear it..." Her last word ends in a prolonged scream through clenched teeth as I, following her instructions, practically rip the armor off her.
"You asked for it." It even hurts to watch as spasms grip her.
"I-will-sur-vive." She sobbed, but not even a tear appeared in her eyes.
The leather armor flies to the side as I toss it away. Indeed, Scully's condition is much worse than I initially thought. The numerous wounds from the armor tear have reopened, and now blood abundantly soaks her linen shirt. On the girl's torso, apart from the shirt, there's only a rope wrapped several times around her waist and no trace of a gambeson.
"Armor without a gambeson," I comment on what I see, "is like treating diarrhea with vitamin C."
"Uh-huh," she nods, examining her wounds. "Now I know." She starts to laugh silently, but with every chuckle, painful spasms run through her body. "Gr-r-r-r. It even hurts more than when I was run over by a ranger's jeep twice."
"What did this to you?" My fingers point to the penetrating wounds.
"Can't you see? Slipped in a sewing factory and fell onto the needles. Then got up and fell again..."
"I'm about to gently punch the back of your head and quietly leave, letting you lie here," I reply in the calmest voice possible to her latest attempt at sarcasm.
"Just like that?" She looks into my eyes. Defiantly.
"Your choice." I sigh and slowly raise my palm.
"Damned wombat, you're not kidding!" Scully groaned, correctly reading my next move in my eyes. "Fine! I was assigned a mission to hunt poachers. Searched for them for two days. Turns out they couldn't be found because they set up camp in the Wicked Woods. Damned fools! I tracked them... and messed up a bit."
"A bit?! This is your idea of 'a bit'?" Stepping back, I look her over from head to toe.
"Okay, I admit. I stepped into it with both feet and face-first. The order was for a group of four: three Bronzes and one Steel. But their leader turned out to be a Wootz warrior!"
"And he's following your trail now." I nod at her story and step towards my gambeson.
"Sure, he's coming!" She smirks, bleeding but unbroken. "With three arrows in his chest and two in his legs, you don't walk much!"
"In that case, who..."
"He wasn't alone," Scully grimaced. "We exchanged volleys and went our separate ways."
"I don't believe it."
"Alright! His accomplices did chase me. But I set a trap with my bow, and one of the poachers definitely flew into it. I heard his scream. After that, they seemed to stop chasing."
"And you just lost your sword while running?"
"No. Threw it at a particularly nimble one."
"And did you hit?"
"Nope. But it scared him off."
"I still don't believe it. You don't just pierce a Wootz warrior with arrows like a pin cushion."
"Just pierce, you say?!" She growls. "Anyone... anyone in my place would've messed up."
"But not you..."
"Not me! Wait! I'm a multiple-time winner of Australian archery competitions!"
In some way, a fellow athlete then. And from Australia at that. Though, by her swearing, this detail could have been deduced earlier. This bit of biography revealed by the injured girl somewhat calms me. Considering the speed of earthlings' development, and her likely talent in archery, she really might have hit a warrior standing on Wootz, especially if he mostly hunted beasts rather than people. Which, by the way, also fits well with her story about the poachers.
"Alright. I believe you." I nod. "May I check you?"
"Men..." She grimaces but doesn't think to cover the chest, clearly visible through her shirt's slit. "Go ahead."
A quick check reveals nothing that a "Major Healing Potion" wouldn't handle, except for one wound.
"You've got a tip stuck in your shoulder joint," I remark. "Bite down. We need to get it out. Right now. Who knows what kind of crap it might be coated with?"
Ignoring the girl's objections, I grab her shoulder with my left hand, immediately make a deep cut with my dagger, and reach in with my fingers. Scully trembles but remains silent, grinding her teeth furiously. A tough one, she is. My fingers find something sharp but clearly not metallic. Maybe remnants of an arrow shaft? I grasp and pull it out with force. Damn! In my hands, it's not a piece of shaft, but a wooden Sidhe tip!
Before I can say anything, a sharp pain pierces my right thigh. I swipe with my dagger, aiming for the throat, but Scully evades with a roll. My right leg buckles, and I fall to one knee. A deep, profusely bleeding wound runs along my thigh, stretching so far it even nicks the tendons behind my knee. This fight will not be easy. My opponent is on par with me in the ranks of the Great Spiral. When did she get so powerful?!
"Lesser Healing."
But the spell is too weak to heal such a wound. A sharp, predatory boot-knife, which Scully had apparently hidden in sheaths on her calf, rushes towards my head in a swift motion. I parry the threat, which turns out to be merely a diversion. Like a black mamba, the rope coiled around the girl's torso shoots out. The Thunder Dagger flies to intercept, but it goes through the weave of the thin rope as if it were air. The illusory rope wraps around me from head to toe. With a snap of the girl's fingers, I fall, tightly bound. Because this damn rope suddenly became a very real physical object! What the... where did she get an artifact of at least mithril level?!! An artifact against which I have no counter.
"Sorry." Scully shrugs. "By the way, I don't intend to kill you."
I'm attempting to break free, straining my muscles to their limits, but the rope just tightens even more in response.
"Do not resist. You'll only hurt yourself."
"Poachers, you say," I hiss, trying to fend off the pain in my leg.
"Well... Tricked you..." She said nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders. She stepped towards my bags and dumped their contents onto the ground.
This detail angered me even more than her treacherous ambush.
"You'll put it back the way it was!" I growl.
"Surely," she responded, kicking my belongings aside with her feet. She snapped her fingers again, and the rope constricted around my chest so tightly that I couldn't even breathe, let alone speak. "Ah! I knew I'd find this." She sounded pleased, picking up my stash of potions.
After accurately assessing the contents of the backup "first aid kit," she drank three potions consecutively. She waited a minute, during which almost all her wounds healed, and then she clapped softly, making the thin rope around me loosen just enough for me to breathe.
"Whew," she stretched, flexing her arms. "I'm so lucky. So damn lucky." She looked at me and added, "True, this fortune is at someone else's expense, but beggars can't be choosers."
There was so much I wanted to say, so much, but I held back.
"Darn," she approached, stopping a step away from me. "You're a good guy. Even attractive. Don't think this was easy for me." She smirked, "My conscience is eating me alive right now. But!" She raised a finger. "Choosing between my life and yours, I chose mine. And don't say you'd never do the same, no matter the circumstances. We're people, just animals, primates. When push comes to shove, we act accordingly. We fight for life, clinging to it with our teeth and tearing with our nails."
"Spare me the philosophy lesson," I snapped back.
"Wow! I thought such tough guys were only in movies," she raised her thumb. "Never met one in real life. Be proud. You're the first."
Truth be told, I'm terrified, my mind is ringing with thoughts about how I messed up so childishly. I mostly don't care about what she's saying. More so, I clearly know what's coming next. And I'm acutely aware that this "next" won't last long for me.
"Ah..." She circled around me and sat down again, positioning herself so I couldn't reach her even if I were to break the magical rope.
An athlete-archer, of course. Such precision and effectiveness come only from seasoned fighters, and not just any, but at least from the likes of special police forces. I once trained in the same hall with such guys and observed them.
"Raven, right? I remember correctly?" She stretched her shoulders again. "Now, I won't forget. I'll bring offerings to the gods in the temple for your, albeit involuntary, sacrifice."
"You should probably run," I smirk brazenly, openly staring at her exposed chest, hoping to anger her and provoke her into acting impulsively. "Every second of delay could cost you."
"Don't play the lecher." Catching my gaze, Scully laughed. "I've seen the looks of real perverts and maniacs before. Trust me, your act and this cheap provocation are an open book to me. Though… Look." She removed her tattered shirt, showing off her body from all angles. "This is the least I can do to repay you for your, albeit unintentional, help. And you know, I would totally have you. No jokes. There's something inherently masculine about you." She burst into laughter again. "And no, I'm not some sex maniac, even though I do love it. It's just that I have this ability that strengthens me after intimate pleasures. And I could use a boost right now." She provocatively licked her lips.
"So, what's stopping you?" I smile in response. "Take off your pants and jump on."
"Oh, I do love sex," she said, stretching as she stood up. Damn, she was beautiful, with perfect proportions, perky breasts, and a waist that seemed like you could wrap your fingers around it. "But not enough to be killed during the act, as enjoyable as it may be."
"I really don't understand why you're still here."
"My wounds and internal injuries haven't healed. If I run now, I'll collapse after fifty meters," she explained willingly. "No worries, you won't have to endure my company for long. Three minutes... no more."
"No, please, stay here longer. Don't be in such a rush." But even this new tease of mine misses its mark.
"Raven. You know, back during the group task, I noticed that your features resemble a bird. Your facial traits," she motioned with her hand in the air, "bring associations." She returned to going through my things while talking. "But you're not a raven, too naive. You don't fit the name of that bird." Another jibe at the same spot. Did they all conspire against me? "Although I must admit, you were cautious. At first. Until you heard about my past... Yes, it was my words about it that dispelled your doubts. Well, I wasn't lying. I am indeed a multiple-time archery champion."
"You have no idea how comforting that is!" The pain from the wound in my thigh twists my lips, turning my smile into a snarl.
"Is that really all the weaponry you have?" After inspecting all my belongings, Scully thoughtfully twirls the Thunder Dagger between her fingers. "Where's the rest? I can't believe you'd venture into the Wicked Woods so poorly armed."
"Lost it." I try to shrug, but the ropes prevent even that.
"Ha! You know, I believe you." And she smirks. She's clearly feeling better and better. "I believe you lost it. Men, you always lose things: keys, passports, weapons, children, women..." She gestured dramatically, "This list could go on forever."
"Why not stay and tell me all about it?"
"No, you're definitely cool." Her smile is full of sorrow, even genuine grief, it seems. "Where were guys like you in my past life..."
She bent down, picked up my spare shirt, and put it on. Naturally, it was too big for her, but she adjusted it effortlessly, tucking it into her pants, rolling up the sleeves, and seemed satisfied.
"Resourceful. Clearly, someone came prepared... unlike me... idiot..."
"I hope you never learn from your mistakes." I try to jab at her, knowing full well my jibes are inconsequential to her.
"Whether I learn or not... I fear you won't be around to see."
Twirling my dagger in her hand, she threw it at a tree and, judging by the sound, hit her mark.
"You do realize, right?" she bent over me again, loosening the rope a bit more. Unfortunately, not enough for me to escape. "What's going on here, I mean."
"Yes."
"And smart, too!" She threw her hands up. "Where do they make ones like you?" She whispered to the side, "Definitely not in Australia, on that upside-down continent. The real men there are just tarantulas and crocodiles!"
"Considering you're fond of sex, I'm starting to fear you." Blood loss was affecting my coherence.
"Ha-ha-ha. Me and crocodiles? What a notion... Although... Some of them... had a certain resemblance. But nevermind."
"Just run. I don't want to die in vain."
"Listen," she bent over, her tone suddenly serious, "Yes, I messed up. Felt too cocky. Wanted a peek at these 'Sidhe'... And?" She gazed intently at me.
"You ran into the Forest Guard." I continued for her.
"Right, ran into them. And I was a top hunter on Earth, but all my experience didn't help me spot them in time. Until..." She touched the pink scar where an arrow had hit her. "Until it was almost too late."
"At least you got a look at the Sidhe." My voice was but a whisper.
"Idiot. I admit. It should've been me dying today. But I guess I'm a lucky idiot, and you'll die instead."
"You don't have to run fast, just faster than me." I summarized our conversation.
"Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself." Her face was grave.
"Go on, or you'll end up just as foolish."
"There are no Sidhe nearby. I attached my mark to one, and I can't feel it."
"They noticed and removed it."
"No, I'd definitely feel that." She shook her head.
"They won't stop. They'll never lose the trail. Never." My whisper grew fainter.
Scully frowned, pulled out a potion, and cautiously approached me.
"If you stay still..."
"I will."
Circling to my head, she poured a "healing potion" into me.
"Expecting a thank you?" Once she stepped back, I spoke, bitterness evident. "That wasn't kindness. You just need me to run as well. But you'll have a head start. Want to bet you'll even remove your rope from me?"
"No. I won't bet. Consider it a win for you." She shook her head. "You're right. Once I'm a hundred meters away, my rope will return to me. But while I may be cruel, I'm not heartless. Your blade, your dagger, I'll leave it. So you can die with a weapon in hand, not like a defenseless rabbit."
Instead of answering, I turned my head and spat on the grass.
"You have an interesting belt. Very interesting." Selecting one of my bags, the girl began stuffing it with my belongings: food, potions, even took a pair of pants, although they'd clearly be too large for her. "But I won't touch that. I've encountered such cunning things before. Touch them without the owner's permission, and you'll get zapped as if hit by a stationary taser. So don't get your hopes up. Let's see what we have here... Oh, you're quite wealthy, aren't you?" She counted the money in my purse. "Twenty-five gold and three silver, not counting the change."
"Take it, don't be shy," I smirk, not intending to tell her that most of my money is actually stored in the belt.
"Yes, I'll take it." She said, shrugging. "I'm not particularly proud, you see. And you won't need all these riches anymore."
"You're still a dead woman, by the way." Catching her gaze, I grinned widely.
"Nah," Scully shook her head, "I run really fast, especially in the forest. So they'll find you first."
"You can run all you want," I kept smiling, "It won't help. Sidhe arrows are covered with such a poison that even a mithril body won't save you. So you'll outlive me by, at most, two or three hours."
"Ha! Don't worry about me. You won't die for naught. I'm immune to poisons." She added, "To all poisons."
"Even Mithril Achievements don't work against the Sidhe's poison. So, if any of us can survive, it's me. Leave me here, and we're both dead. We'll die together, pointlessly. But together, we have a chance to fight back. Free me, and we can face the guards together or try to run, also together!"
The girl didn't answer right away. She tried on my gambeson, but it turned out to be so large for her that she eventually tossed it aside. Then she slung one of my bags over her shoulder and circled the campfire. She stopped at the edge of light and shadow, stood there for a moment, and then said:
"Unfortunately for you, my Achievement is not a Mithril one. No poison of Ain can harm me, whether it's made by the Sidhe or anyone else. So, your attempt was good but pointless. I wish you the best in your run. Goodbye, Raven."