So what's the Criteria for becoming a guild members,Dan asked.
It's simple, you fill a little file, then all you gotta do is prove yourself that you wouldn't die on one of the missions you're gonna take, Heka said helping herself to a mug of beer. It's all basic stuff. But since you're a wanted kid we might as well skip the file part, but you will have to go through trial.
I see, Dan said fumbling with the apple he had on hand.
You don't seemed that fazed, Heka addressed Dan.
It's not about being fazed, I already expected this much so it didn't come as a shock to me, he replied.
I'm skeptical about testing white hair over there, by my standard she has already passed, but you are a different matter altogether, Heka said eyeing Areia's, who was wolfing down the meat.
Also another burning question, who taught you magic l, Heka asked taking a huge chug of beer.
I'm currently self taught, but I'm hoping to find someone who'll teach me as I travel, he replied.
Whoa are you really self taught, Heka asked in shock dropping her mug.
Yh, I only just learnt I had magic a few weeks ago, until then I was basically a dud, he responded.
Well you seem pretty strong and we'll controlled for a dud, Heka said taping Dan in the head. I don't know much about magic, she continued, but I know someone who may be able to tell you current capabilities.
Are you familiar with the hero? She asked.
Yh, I guess, Dan said, the world's current hero is supposed to come from the beast tribe am I right?
Yeah you hit the nail on the head, Heka said, the current hero happen to be my little sister you see, she should be around your age or maybe a year older. She's already formed her party and is currently on an adventure so I'm not pretty confident that'll you'll meet, also I don't know who her current party members are or when she'll be back .....oh just forget it, I shouldn't have brought it up you meeting her is slim to none at best.
She sounds, intriguing, Dan said.
Oh yeah she is, Heka confirmed. She's free too free, I'd say she's kind of similar in a way to you kid.
Me?
Yh, she's somewhat carefree and likes having fun all the time, I've rarely seen her mad, Heka continued. I don't how long you plan on staying here but during your travels if you run into her, she'll understand, my scent would be on you after all.
I see, well that's vague, Dan concluded.
So when are we supposed to take the test, also are you taking as a pair or individually, Heka asked.
I think we'll do it Individually, Dan responded.
I object, Areia Interjected, we should do it together, she said calmly.
Hear me out Areia, there's no guarantee that we'll be together all the time, if by any unforeseen circumstances we were apart you'll need an identity, Dan said.
Why do you keep saying that, Areia said slowly, I don't plan on being separated, so why are you worried about that.
Nothing is impossible Areia, Dan said simply, I'm just trying to prepare for the worst, I'm sure you understand.
Areia didn't respond confirming that she does.
Oh my, come Heka's cheeky voice, you just hurt her.
Don't put it like that you'll make me feel bad, Dan said glancing nervously at Areia who wasn't eating anymore.
We'll talk about it later.
So are we the only people registering for a guild? Dan asked.
Well no they're about three others one being Zoe you just met, Heka said.
Aw geez, Dan sighed.
It took about a week before the day of the test came, during which Zoe's pestering of Areia almost tripled. It was concluded that they'll take the test separately, Areia reluctantly agreed. On Dan's request and a lot of pleading Areia started teaching Dan how to use a sword. They used wooden sticks as reference. Since finding out if the wrong person touches her sword they die, she started keeping it wrapped.
If you think it's all about swinging a blade, I'll have you know you're dead wrong, Areia told Dan.
I know that for some reason I don't feel like it, I know I pleaded for it but now that I'm actually learning it, it somehow feels wierd, Dan muttered.
You know, not everyone is a swordman, I know I'm clearly not, why don't I teach you hand to hand combat instead, she replied.
You know hand to hand combat? I thought you're all about the blade guess I was wrong, came Dan.
Come at me Dan, Areia said beckoning on him, and ditch the stick come at me with your fist.
Dan charged at her knowing she was way stronger, he didn't try holding back his strength, he was right, Areia dodged his first strike that aimed for her head, stepped on his foot tripping him and catching him with the back of his shirt before he hit the ground.
He swung at her with his right arm as she pulled him up right, she caught the punch with ease, she sighed. Dan I think this might be pointless, she said softly so as not to come off rude.
Why do you say that, Dan said still trying to land a blow, Areia waved them all effortlessly.
It's like I'm fighting a normal boy with no note worthy fighting skills what so ever, she said catching his kick that aimed at her waist. I mean your speed is just like every other boy your age, your punching strength is incredibly average, what I'm trying to say is I'm not your everyday fourteen years old girl, so your current strength may be normal for you but to me it's inadequate.
Isn't that the point? Dan asked. Still taking jabs, letting someone way stronger train you. I mean that's how teacher and students work.
Dan those are different, she caught both his arm, placed her foot behind his and watch him lpse balance and fall. The teacher is supposed to be someone old middle aged with lots of experience, just look at me, do I look old to you, or someone with the kind of experience to train another? She asked looking at her feet.
Stop beating yourself up, Dan said walking up to her patting her head, just keep tossing me around I'll get it eventually, he said trying to sneak in a kick on he legs, Areia doged, caught his arm and tossed him softly enough for him not to get hurt.
When fighting it's not advisable to start kicking right of the bat unless you're a master of course. One can only fight most times with their feet on the ground, and once their feet are not firmly planted they lose balance, and often it could be fatal.
I understand, Dan said removing dust and twigs from his hair. He charged at her again aiming a punch with his right, Areia prepared to Parry buy he stopped short and sneaked in a uppercut with his left, Areia docked, planted her hands on the ground and swerved her left leg, clearing Dan's feet off the ground, she caught him in a princess carry before he hit the ground.
How can I call this learning If you wouldn't let me get hurt.
I can't bring myself to harm you, master.
Still acting like a robot eh, Dan teased. Also when are you gonna put me down, she did and Dan immediately planted a heavy kick on her leg, it wasn't what Dan expect, he crouched in pain, holding his foot.
What the hell are you mad of? Rocks? Dan asked in pain. At least take some damage I just landed a hit.
Owww! Cried Areia, my ancle hurt so much.
Now you're just faking, scoffed Dan, and you're a terrible actor.
Come on get up, we'll keep going at it till you get at least a simple knowledge of combat, Areia said.
Dan on the ground used the opportunity to gather a hand full of sand and flung it towards Areia, she reacted instinctively covering her face with her arm, but sand can be quite tenacious at times, some got in her eye.
Sorry Areia I'll rinse it off with water later but I got to land a hit, she heard.
Dan lunged at her throwing a left feint, Areia dodged, he followed up with a right punch, Dan made for a kick with his left leg which Areia parried letting his momentum carry him, Dan stopped the momentum with his right foot threw a right punch, stoped threw a left and followed with two left kicks. Areia, blocked the punch, parried the first kick and caught the second one. At this time Dan was running out of breath.
You're really something, Dan huffed, even with you partially blind I still can't land a hit, I guess I grossly underestimated you, his foot still on Areia's hand, he twisted his hip lifted his right foot of the ground and struck, Areia caught it, with both feet in the air, Dan fell headfirst, Areia threw him and caught him upside down.
Well ain't that embarrassing, Zoe said.
Oh great puppy is here, Dan said.
During the week of Zoe pesting them, Dan had come up with a way to temporarily get rid of him.
Oh Areia, he began. Pls tell you boyfriend to go, Dan said charmingly.
He's not my boyfriend, Areia said coldly. Also I'm partly blind could we fix that first.
Oh right, Dan said still upside down, Zoe do you have water on you?
If I do what makes you think I'll give a centipede like you, Zoe snapped.
It seems you want your future wife blind, Dan teased. Areia dropped him.
Master don't say stuff like that, it makes me cold to the core, she said in disgust. Just forget it I'll manage till we get to the Inn.
Dan got up, scratching his head in pain, I was only joking you know, Dan said.
That's not a joke I'd like to hear, Areia said firmly.
Why are you being so defensive all of a sudden? Dan asked.
Why am I? Areia asked. Yh why am I she thought. I don't know she muttered, I just don't know alright.
If you need water I got some, Zoe offered.
No thanks I rather rinse my face with lava, Areia rejected.
Just take the water Areia, Dan said with a sigh.
Ah ha, Zoe suddenly yelled so your name is Areia, it's pretty and got a nice ring to it.
Master pls give me permission to punch him, Areia said menancily, walking towards Zoe who was still admiring her name.
Don't, Dan said jumping in front of her.
Zoe? She's got sand in her eyes, the water if you please, Dan said.
Oh here, Zoe said ignoring Dan's hand and trying to hand the parchment of water to Areia directly.
Pls give it to master, Areia said simply trying to muster all the fake kindness she can find into her voice, it worked, Zoe handed the water to Dan in a daze.
Dan pulled back Areia's hair and poured the water on her face letting her get the sand off herself. After a while,she made a gesture that it was enough.
Are you done centipede? Zoe asked impatiently can I have my Jar back?
On second thought, Dan said who was on the verge of handing him back the jar. Here Areia, you hold it. She took it not sure what Dan was getting at.
Zoe seeing this backed off his initial resolve gone. On second thought you keep it, he said slowly.
Thank you, Dan said taking the jar back from Areia and tossing it. If you don't catch it, Areia's scent would leave the jar after it hits the ground, Dan said to himself but loud enough for Zoe to hear, it worked like magic he instantly chased after the jar leaving them alone.
Hey, have you seen Zoe, said a small calm voice.
Dan looked back, to see a fox like beastkin, her hair was the colour of bright orange, her eyes were dark and full of life, she had a small knife on her dress. The other girl behind her was cat like, similar to Heka, she had an axe on her belt, unlike the fox girl who wore a dress, he had a leather jacket on with pants to match, her dark hair matching with her outfit.
He went that way, Dan said pointing to the direction Zoe disappeared into.
Thank you, the girl said running towards the direction they were pointed. The darked haired girl disappeared after her with a nod.
They must be the companions Zoe was talking about, Areia said.
When did he talk about them? Dan asked.
I think it was the day before yesterday, as usual I was stealth shopping hoping he wouldn't find me, but he did and started rambling on and on, I think he mentioned it then, they're gonna take the guild trial, Areia Said.
Oh so they're the other two people, Dan said with a grin, that's neat.
Why are you smiling like that it's creepy, came Areia.
Let's stop by the Guild hall on our way to the Inn. I have something to confirm.
The following day wasn't the best for Dan, he woke up late and Areia didn't seem interested in waking him, she seem to still offended that they're not taking the test together.
He didn't have time to bathe or tidy his hair, he threw on his clothes, but on his boot stumbled on a footstool almost fell face first on the wooden floor, Areia caught him by the scurf of his shirt.
Thanks he muttered, she didn't respond.
Oh grow up, Dan said opening the door.
I'll have you know I'm fairly grown, she scoffed.
Dan greeted the inn keeper as he dashed out, the man seemed to be in his late eighty but still as vibrant as ever.
As Dan got out the inn, they spotted Zoe, running by in a hurry the two girls trailing behind him.
At least I'll have something to tell Heka when we get there, Dan said as soon as he caught up with Zoe.
So you're planning on pinning your lateness on me are you, Zoe scoffed, like a true centipede.
You know I'm starting to like that name, Dan said feigning a blush.
Gross man stop that, Zoe said in disgust.
Hey white hair, the fox girl called, Areia turned.
What do you want, she replied.
Straight to the point I see, the fox girl laughed. I'm Vea and this is my friend Nox.
And you're telling me your name why? Areia asked.
Seeing as we're the only one taking the test today shouldn't we at least know each other, besides Zoe told us quite a bit about you, Vea said.
Areia didn't respond.
You're a quiet one I see, laughed Vea. You're quite the opposite of us it seems.
Areia thought, Nox seems to be quiet though.
If you're wondering about Nox, you do not want her to open her mouth, she has no filter, Vea laughed.
Well that's makes three of them, Areia counted mentally.
Areia saw it first, she sprinted forward grabbed Dan pulled him back and grabbed the projectile mid Air, the force knocked her back but didn't take her off her feet. It was a mug, Heka's mug.
You kid's are late, boomed Heka. I was hoping the cup would have knocked one of you senseless.Whose to blame? For some reason everyone subconsciously pointed at Zoe.
What the hell, Zoe Snapped.
It's always the troublesome once, Heka said with a sigh.
Well follow me I'll show you to your testing ground.
They walked for a while taking paths they hadn't noticed in the town at all until they came face to face with a wall. It suddenly opened into three paths.
Ah alas you guys are five, Heka said thoughtfully. You're gonna have to go in pairs but I'll be picking the pair, the two black hairs will go into one, Vea and trouble will go into another, sorry to do this to you Areia but you'll have to go alone, tho I'm pretty sure you'll pass.
All you guys have to do is make it to twh other side and it's a win for you.
Alright get going.