Chapter 6: The Damned
“Everybody dies, girls, an’ I intend to deserve it!”
IXH
Captain Freya Black leaned forward, clasping her hands in front of her. “So… Tyne sold you out but you saw it comin’. Y’killed the assassins, then fought off Tyne’s crew an’ killed Tyne, then killed the rest o’ the assassins, who were all Black Sun?”
Isabella laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head. “I guess it’s a bit hard to believe.”
Freya leaned back in her chair and shrugged. “You’d be surprised what I’d believe.”
They were in Freya’s office, which was located at the stern of the ship just below the tiller, the topmost room. It was a very nice office with a mahogany desk and three wooden chairs that were furnished with red felt (which were incredibly comfortable with the backs at a slightly leaned angle encouraging relaxation). There was a cot against one wall, simple but with nice sheets and blankets. The walls drew the eye most, however; every wall was nearly covered with all manner of trophies and decoration. Strange fish Isabella had never seen (and some even Haruka was unfamiliar with), the heads of two odd animals, a vast assortment of weapons (swords, knives, spears, bows, axes, curved blades, whips, and some that neither could even fathom the use of). Multiple flags hung from various spots, pieces of armor were displayed proudly (especially helmets), several planks for some reason, pieces of art from paintings to abstract creations, the end of a black tentacle, a pair of tan boots, several watches, two compasses, a measuring device neither had seen before, and many other items also covered the walls. Isabella felt like she’d have to spend hours in here just to understand a tenth of the items she saw.
Freya chuckled, watching the two look around. Haruka was more subtle about it, simply curious, but Isabella seemed in awe and openly looked in all directions. “Anythin’ ya got questions about?”
Isabella looked at her with wide eyes. “So many,” she said in a subdued voice, drawing a laugh from Haruka. “I get the weapon collection… The fish make sense, too, as do the animals… What’s with the flags?”
“They’re from ships I’ve taken down or ports I’ve taken over. Th’ planks are from ships where I couldn’t find th’ flags.”
“That was my next question.” Isabella turned around in her seat. “What’s the tentacle?”
Freya grinned. “Kraken.” Haruka’s eyes widened and Freya winked at her. “You know what I’m talkin’ about.”
“I haven’t heard much about the ocean,” Isabella responded. “What’s a kraken?”
“One o’ the kings o’ sea beasts. Mass o’ tentacles goin’ every which way,” Freya explained as she moved her arms around to simulate the appearance. “Giant maw in th’ middle. Thing shouldn’t exist, but does. Usually a death sentence fer a ship, but no’ mine. Tha’s my proof,” she said, pointing at the end of the tentacle. “Bastard tried t’ grab me off my own ship. Cut that off m’self. It’s only the tip, though; tentacles themselves are bigger than most ships.”
“I can see why you’d keep a trophy from an encounter like that,” Bella said. “I have one thing like that…” Isabella twisted the end of her sword, removing the pommel. She tilted the sword and pulled a white object from inside the hilt, holding it up.
Freya leaned forward. “…Is that a dragon tooth?”
Isabella smiled. “The tip of one. I chipped it off myself,” she said, showing the broken end of it.
Haruka smirked. “Killed it herself.”
Freya took the tooth, inspecting it. “You’re sayin’ ye took down a dragon yerself, an’ took a piece o’ tooth as a trophy?” Freya looked at the blue-haired knight. “Ain’t many that’ll believe that, but I’ve ‘eard a lotta tall tales an’ fanciful stories in my time, an’ I know when one’s true. Ya got my respect.”
Isabella caught the tooth as it was tossed back to her. “Thank you. What about Haruka?”
“You’re askin’ if she ‘as my respect?” Freya snorted. “She got it when I saw ‘er.” She met Haruka’s gaze. “Black Sun doesn’t play around. I am surprised t’see one runnin’… Especially a Saito.”
Haruka looked to the side. “Father won’t let go.”
“Why d’ya want ‘im to? If y’ don’t mind my askin’.” Haruka hesitated, looking at Isabella. Freya sat back, nodding. “I got it. Chose t’go with ‘er, eh? Crazy decision. Just crazy.” Freya grinned. “I like crazy.”
Haruka smirked. “Thanks. I think.”
Isabella leaned forward. “You’re really just helping us because it’s a bad idea?”
“Course. Why not?” Freya laughed. “I like adventure. Sounds fun. I ‘ope more catch up b’fore y’leave. Where’re we takin’ ya, anyway?”
They looked at each other and Bella answered for them. “We didn’t really have a destination in mind… Just, ‘away’.”
Freya scratched her chin. “That right?” She leaned forward, setting her arms on her desk. “I gotta nephew… I could take you to ‘im. It’d be a good idea.”
Isabella tilted her head. “Why? Who is he?”
Freya glanced at Haruka. “Dalgus Bloodmoon.”
Haruka blinked. “The Howling General…?”
Freya grinned. “Same one. ‘e’s my nephew. I guess not many know that. Point is, he’d ‘elp.”
Haruka looked at her confused friend. “Mercenary general,” she explained. “Honorable one.”
“Yeah, ‘e kinda went a different way, not sure ‘ow ‘e turned out so well with me raisin’ ‘im,” Freya said with a snicker. “Black Sun would ‘ave a ‘ard time gettin’ t’you through two thousand mercs.”
“I don’t particularly want to be a mercenary,” Isabella said thoughtfully, “But it would be a good place temporarily.”
Haruka nodded. “I’ll trust him.”
“It’s a good call. We gotta couple weeks b’fore we’re there, though.”
Isabella smiled. “That’s fine. I wasn’t quite done enjoying sailing, and this ship is much more enjoyable already.”
“I try t’be a good host,” Freya said with a grin.
IXH
On the deck, one pirate was approaching another while looking back over his shoulder. He was a somewhat portly fellow with a rounded nose, shorter than average which he made up for by wearing three hats on top of each other. “Hey, Byron,” he said, addressing his much taller, thinner companion, who had a more pointed nose and thin mustache. “You seen our new passengers?” He grinned. “Been watchin’ ‘em m’self.”
Byron was busying himself by adjusting ropes, rolling his eyes as he heard the other’s comments. “Sure, Grits, that doesn’t make you sound creepy at all.”
Grits (full name Griswold; his nickname was thanks to his position as ship’s cook) looked offended as he slid back a step. “I’m not bein’ creepy! Can’t a guy admire a view?”
“From a distance.” The voice directly behind him made him jump, and he spun to see Freya’s grin inches away.
“Cap’n! I wasn’t… I mean, I was jus’ sayin’…”
“I ‘eard what you were sayin’,” Freya said as she smacked the side of his head, knocking off two hats. “Where’re yer manners, eh? Besides, those two would break you.”
“Really?” he said, looking intrigued.
Byron shook his head and muttered something under his breath. Freya sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. “Not that way, y’ great buffoon. They’re fighters. The one in green’s Black Sun.”
Grits paled a bit. “Oh. What about the other one…?”
Freya rubbed her chin. “That one I know less about, but I’d be careful ‘round ‘er, too. The sword at ‘er side ain’t for show.” Grits looked down dejectedly and she snickered, patting his head. “No worries, now. We’ll dock soon an’ you can meet a nice girl there.”
“A nice girl he can pay for?” Byron said over his shoulder.
“What else?”
“Cap’n, that’s a bit mean…” Grits suggested meekly.
“A bit mean? A bit mean?!” A few other pirates glanced over with wide grins as Freya grabbed the back of Grits’ brown vest, hauling him up despite his flailing. “I’ll show you a bit mean!”
“Nononononononononono-“ She heaved him over the side of the ship. “Sooooorryyyyyy-“
As she heard the splash she dusted her hands off. “Somebody throw ‘im a rope b’fore ‘e drowns.”
There was a chorus of laughs as Grits was pulled back up on deck, sputtering. “Lesson learned,” he stated, “but dinner found!” he proclaimed proudly as he raised a fish in one hand, eliciting another chorus of laughs and cheers from the crew.
Freya noticed Isabella watching from further down the deck. She went over to her, leaning on the rail beside her. “You’re lookin’ confused there, Izzy.”
Isabella blinked and gave her a smile. “Sort of. This ship really is different from the other one. Although, I’ve only ever been on the two, so maybe every ship is different.”
“Aye, that’d be the case. Tyne was a bastard, no morals or loyalty.” Freya paused. “I mean, we ain’t got any morals either, but we got loyalty, so that counts, right?”
Bella smiled and shrugged. “It’s enough for me. Even Tyne wasn’t as bad as… Well, I don’t have any right to judge anyone, anyway.”
“Bad past, eh?” Freya nodded back towards the group. “Everyone on board this ship ‘as a bad past. We’re full o’ murderers, thieves, con men, bandits, whatever else y’ wanna throw in, we got it. The difference is, every man ‘ere wants t’be part o’ somethin’. It’s all friends, y’know? An’ friends overlook yer past.”
“I’ve heard some things about pirates, and that doesn’t seem to fit very well with the rest.”
Freya laughed. “Well, we got moods like anyone else. I didn’t get all those flags in my room by bein’ friends with those ships. An’ the title ‘Pirate Queen of the Eastern Seas’ wasn’t earned by bein’ friendly with everyone.”
Isabella nodded. “I guess I’m just having trouble reconciling the murderous pirate thing with being friendly. I suppose I thought it’d be one or the other.”
Freya snorted. “People usually aren’t one or the other.”
“I was.” Bella looked at her. “In my darker days I was just cold and didn’t care about anyone. I certainly wasn’t friendly. If I went back to that now it’d be the same way.”
Freya rubbed her chin. “Sounds intense. There’s a difference, though. We’re doin’ what we do ‘cause we like it; it’s fun. What was your reason?”
“I was…” She looked at the ocean. “Lost, I guess. Directionless and letting others direct my actions.”
“Well, there ya go. Sounds like you were more numb than anythin’. If th’ people directin’ you had chosen other things, you woulda been doin’ those.”
“I don’t know… I was violent even without their orders… Killing was the only time I felt anything.” Isabella sighed, brushing her hair from her eyes. “Things are different now, though.”
Freya looked thoughtful, her blue eyes inspecting the other woman. “Is that ‘cause of th’ monk?”
Isabella smiled. “No… I had changed before meeting her. I’m very glad about that… Still, she’s definitely made things different.”
“How so?”
“I don’t know, she cares. No one else cared. She chose to travel with me instead of staying where she grew up, though I’m beginning to see more reasons behind that which aren’t connected to me.”
“You two seem pretty close.”
“It’s true. It happened pretty fast.” Isabella bit her lip. “I’m kind of scared she’ll be taken, though… or worse.”
Freya shrugged. “Sad truth is, people lose friends all th’ time.”
“Maybe, but this is… different.”
Freya tilted her head. “It’s not jus’ ‘cause she’s yer only friend, is it? You’ve got stronger feelin’s for ‘er.”
Isabella’s eyes widened and she glanced over her shoulder, whispering, “Shh! Don’t let her hear you say that!”
“Why not?” Freya shrugged. “Seems t’ me she might feel th’ same way.”
“Really?” Isabella smiled and then shook her head, wiping the expression off her face and looking down. “No… It doesn’t matter. That’s even worse. If she does I’ll have to do something to stop it… Maybe even leave.” She sighed. “I really don’t want to leave.”
Freya scratched her head. “I don’t really get it. What’d be so bad if you like ‘er so much?”
“It’s…” Isabella looked at the horizon. “It just wouldn’t be fair to her, okay?”
Freya raised her hands. “Alright, I give up fer now. I think it’s a mistake, but obviously I don’t know all o’ what’s goin’ on. All I-“ An ear-splitting scream cut her off, piercing painfully into the heads of everyone on the ship. Freya, Isabella and the rest of the crew all clapped their hands to their ears to block out the noise.
Haruka appeared on deck in seconds, making it to Bella’s side in another second and looking at her. “Okay?”
“Mostly,” Isabella said, lowering her hands and looking at Freya. “What was that?”
The pirate queen was grinning, rushing for the main mast and beginning to climb towards the crow’s nest with incredible speed and agility. “Maddis, get passin’ out th’ plugs!”
Another scream forced everyone to shut their ears again. A well-dressed man moved up to Isabella and Haruka, handing them each two small cork-like objects. “These won’t help much, but they’ll keep your brains from spilling out your ears. I suggest putting them in now.”
Isabella blinked, looking from them to Haruka. The monk shrugged, stuffing one in each ear, and Bella followed suit. “Eeyahoo!” Freya shouted from the crow’s nest, patting the back of the man up there with her. “Comin’ from th’ northwest!” The pirate at the tiller spun it, turning the ship in the direction Freya had yelled out.
Isabella shook her head. “I don’t get it,” she said. Haruka was staring to the northwest and Bella followed her stare. “What’s… Oh.”
There appeared to be a storm heading straight for them, pointed and full of violent lightning and wind, churning the waves wildly as it passed. That was only noticed for a second, though; it was the spirit that drew their attention. It appeared to be a woman, or woman-like, ethereal and semi-transparent, with long white hair that flowed around in the air like it was underwater. It wore a tattered white dress that acted the same way, and had bony hands and a gaunt, almost skeletal face, with black pits for eyes. The worst part was that the spectre floating over the ocean towards them had to be six stories tall at the smallest, at least twice as tall as The Black Wake. It opened its mouth and emitted another piercing scream, and they could see the air itself distort before the gaping maw as pain shot through them.
Freya landed beside them, still grinning. “That, me friends, is a banshee. Th’ lost love of a sailor who died at sea, she went insane with grief and waded into th’ ocean t’ find ‘im. These things are doomed t’ travel th’ oceans o’ th’ world forever, callin’ out th’ name o’ their loves, though y’ can’t understand it. Every call pulls ya closer t’ death. Once she gets closer you’ll hear ‘er cryin’ an’ wailin’. Creepy stuff. Worst part is if y’ live long enough for ‘er t’ touch the ship, though.”
Isabella glanced at her nervously. “What happens then…?”
“Ever heard o’ ghost ships?” Freya chuckled. “We’ll be a lot like her. Not somethin’ I want, dunno ‘bout you.” A cannon shot sounded and Freya spun to see a cannonball sail all the way over to pass harmlessly through the banshee. “Who the fuck fired that?!” the captain yelled. “You can’t ‘urt a spirit like that, ye daft fools, you’ll just make ‘er mad!”
“What do we do?” Haruka asked.
Freya looked at her. “Well, t’be honest, I’ve only ever run into one, an’ I didn’t succeed in killin’ it.”
Isabella blinked. “Then… How did you survive?”
“Long story. Point is, this’s my chance, an’ I know how t’ do it, but I need ‘elp…” She grinned. “Help like you.”
Haruka and Isabella both nodded. “What do you want us to do?”
“Ha! I love it. Get yerselves t’ the bow, an’ use whatever magic y’ got t’ distract ‘er. We’re gonna ‘ave t’ ram her.”
“Ram her?” Haruka blinked. “But you said…”
“Her touchin’ th’ ship an’ the ship rammin’ ‘er are two different things.” Freya paused. “At least, I ‘ope they are. ‘aven’t tried it m’self.” She waved a hand. “I’m sure it’s fine. Get up there!” She laughed, running off to the tiller.
Haruka sighed and Bella looked at her questioningly. “Okay, so… Which part is the bow?”
“Front.”
“Right!” Isabella grinned at her. “Come on, Ruki, this is another thing to add to the list of things we’ve conquered!”
Haruka smirked. “Optimistic.”
“She’s got the right idea!” Freya yelled back as she spun the tiller, fighting against the massive waves that tried to shake the ship off-course now. “Everybody dies, girls, an’ I intend to deserve it!”
The two ran for the front of the ship, dodging pirates as they ran in all directions. Everything had to be constantly adjusted to survive the wild, rapidly changing wind and waves. The ship’s size prevented an easy capsize, but the skill and experience of the crew was what would hold them on course. Isabella and Haruka stood on the very front of the ship, side-by-side, watching the approaching spectral behemoth. The banshee emitted another scream but it was much louder now; they nearly fell off the ship from its effects.
Banshee wails did several things, all of which they noticed in succession. First, they caused pain, increased with every wail. Second, they drained strength and stamina, making you feel weaker and tired. Both women noticed this as well. Haruka launched a fireball at the spirit and Isabella whirled her sword around, causing a blade of wind to fly out. Both spells impacted the creature and appeared to get its attention, if not really hurt it, as the black pits it had for eyes seemed to focus on them. It emitted another scream, and that’s when they noticed the third effect of a banshee’s wail; the unraveling of magic and enchantments. Haruka had no trouble, as her spells came from the use of her chi. Isabella, however, realized she had quite a bit of trouble.
Her eyes went wide as she pulled her sword close, feeling the enchantments on the scabbard weakening. Another scream brought her to her knees with a cry of pain. Haruka grabbed her shoulder, about to ask what was going on when she noticed the color of Bella’s hair and eyes flicker, changing only for a second. She cursed, standing and unleashing a sword made of flame towards the spirit. It connected, but she couldn’t kill it early; she wasn’t actually doing damage. One final wail shattered the enchantment on Bella’s scabbard, and then the sword, Mercy, was no longer restrained.
Bella’s scream somehow caught the attention of the pirates, as it was different than the banshee’s, full of pain and torment rather than sorrow. Haruka had to leap back as a burst of energy flowed from Isabella, shredding the deck around her. Protect… Protect… Have to protect! Her body was lifted up as her hair and eyes changed to a shining gold. Her sword became silver and created a golden shield in her left hand. Haruka recognized the state from the fight with the Elemental; she was glad it was this one she’d become.
Freya shook her head, blinking a few times and squinting into the wind. “Am I seein’ that right?”
Isabella’s feet returned to the deck and she looked up to the banshee. “You will not harm these people,” she stated, running up to the edge of the ship. The crew watched wide-eyed as she launched herself off towards the banshee. Haruka cursed, racing along the deck. She controlled the energy within herself and increased the strength and ability of her core and legs as she ran, speeding up before she leapt after Isabella.
Freya rubbed her eyes, watching for another second before throwing her head up and laughing. “They’re as crazy as I am!”
Gold light encompassed Isabella as she slammed into the banshee, stabbing her sword into its chest. It unleashed a horrifying wail that made Bella’s world spin and sent pain shooting through her body. Still she managed to leap up as a bony claw larger than she was swiped at her. It swept back rapidly and knocked her up, and she found herself in the air directly in front of its gaping maw. Her eyes went wide as she heard it sucking in air for another wail; she could only imagine what would happen to her when it unleashed that with her directly in front of it.
Haruka hit the banshee’s chest and sprinted straight up, slamming her shoulder into its jaw. Purely physical objects simply went right through it, but Haruka was a monk and very well trained at lining her body with energy, so its jaw slammed shut, cutting off the scream but sending it into a rage. A hand smacked Haruka down but Isabella caught her wrist, jamming her sword into the banshee to stop their fall. Haruka grabbed the spirit’s tattered dress, holding on beside Bella. “You’re insane,” she stated as the banshee wailed again, weakening their grips.
Isabella blinked a bit and then smiled at her. “You’re as insane as I am, Ruki.”
Haruka blinked herself, staring at her. “Bella…?” Was she not different, like during the past transformations? No, she was, but… there was something else…
“I’m here, Ruki,” she answered. Her gaze shot up and she raised her shield, blocking the claw that tried to attack them.
Haruka looked back, noticing the ship was close. “Bella… Gotta jump!”
“Right! On… ah!” The banshee’s other hand caught Bella from behind, ripping her away and raising her all the way up before the banshee’s face. It wailed and she went limp, her sword and shield slipping from her grip. Her transformation reversed now that she was unconscious, her hair returning to blue. The shield disappeared as it fell and the sword changed back, the scabbard reappearing around it.
“Bella!” Haruka didn’t even glance back at the ship as she raced up the banshee’s body, catching Bella’s sword as went. She tossed it back onto the ship and leapt up, landing on the banshee’s wrist. The banshee screamed directly in her face, but Haruka just growled. Energy burst into life around her fists and she slammed them into the massive spirit’s face, knocking it back with each punch. It wailed in pain and dropped Bella; Haruka looked back in panic as the knight fell, but she only fell a few feet.
Freya grinned up at her, her hand around Bella’s waist. “Can’t let you take all the fun. Time t’ get off!” The banshee swiped a claw at her but she leapt backwards off of it, drawing her pistol and firing. A large burst of magic erupted from the barrel, slamming into the banshee. It screamed and reached out one last time, but Haruka’s hand slammed straight between its eyes, stunning it. The monk then leapt off after Freya as a Death Mark appeared on the banshee’s face, exploding behind her and eliciting yet another scream of pain.
Haruka landed beside Freya on the deck, immediately taking Bella from her arms. Freya turned, standing beside them as the banshee loomed directly in front of the ship. It never got the chance to move, and the ship pierced its spectral body. The banshee released one final death wail as it shuddered, the waters rising up around it. It then seemed to shatter, every piece of it fading away in seconds. Moments later the ship floated in calm water with no sign of the spirit or the storm remaining.
The crew cheered, congratulating each other merrily. Freya knelt beside Haruka, who was inspecting Bella with concern. “She unconscious, or-“
“Unconscious,” Haruka said without hesitation.
“Alright, let’s get ‘er t’ the bed, nothin’ y’ can do until she wakes up.” Haruka looked at the pirate captain and Freya shrugged. “She’s fine, if she’s not dead. Banshee wails jus’ weaken you a lot, so she’ll be sleepin’ for a while. Unless she’s in a coma, bu’ that’s a small chance, an’ even then she’ll probably wake up ‘cause we killed th’ thing that did it to her.”
Haruka sighed, cradling her as she stood. “Hope you’re right.”
“I’m always right. Well, most o’ th’ time. Usually. 50-50 at least. Anyway, t’ bed.”
Haruka nodded, heading for their cabin. At least they hadn’t run into that thing while on the other ship; Haruka had no doubts they’d be dead if they had. Pirates congratulated her as they passed, but it was the concern they expressed for Bella that meant more to her. They didn’t know her, but they admired what she’d done, and wanted the chance to tell her so, which was something she could respect. As she laid Bella on the bed and Freya explained why she was sure she’d be fine, Haruka found herself glad to have ended up on this ship.
IXH
Isabella walked through an empty town, inspecting buildings as she passed. She seemed to be the only one in the entire town, and it seemed to have been abandoned a long time ago. Cobwebs and dust covered everything; old wooden beds and chairs had broken down from rot and pests. Signs of looting were visible, showing there was nothing of value left here. “This is really weird,” Bella said to herself as she wandered through the silent streets. “Wasn’t I just on a ship with Haruka…?”
“You still are.” Isabella turned to see a version of her, but with crimson hair and eyes, and colder features. She was leaned up against a doorway with her arms folded, watching her.
Bella squinted at her. “Bale?”
“No, I’m the other personification of your demon side that you hear in your head all the time.”
“That’s mean. Guess I was right.” Isabella folded her arms, tilting her head. “So… what? I’m in my head?”
“Sort of.” Bale shrugged and gave her a grin. “Welcome to ‘officially snapped’.”
“Great.” Bella sighed. “As if encroaching insanity isn’t enough.”
“You spend half your days talking to two voices in your head, each of which is just a version of your fractured psyche. You really think it’s just been ‘encroaching’?”
“I guess not. I like to think I’m at least sort of sane, though.” Isabella looked around. “So what is this place? Or, what is it representing? And where’s Bai?”
“I guess this is your mind.” Bale looked around. “Empty buildings… Nice.”
“What are you trying to say? Look, this can’t represent my whole mind. That would just be sad.”
“It represents the pieces of your life, I think,” Bai said as she entered the wooden building the other two were in. The golden shine of her hair and eyes seemed dimmer here, as if the inherent sorrow of this place affected her directly.
“There you are! Wait, so the pieces of my life are empty buildings?”
Bai wiped the dust from the wall beside the door. “Junon,” she read.
Isabella blinked. “That’s… one of the cities I took out.”
Bale moved to the doorway, peering across the street. “There’s the name of a family I recognize over there.”
“Who is it… Haskil?” Isabella shook her head. “We’re near the beginning of the killing, then…” She stepped outside, looking both ways. A short ways away to her right the houses were made of stone, and just past that was a much nicer area. To her left the houses grew darker and worse-off, some of them charred or torn apart, but in the distance she could see a large golden home that emitted some sort of light.
“You can choose which way to go,” Bai said as she moved up beside her. “Back or forward, past or future.” She folded her arms. “Your mind isn’t very creative, is it?”
“Shush.” Bella looked between both directions before heading for the golden house. “I already know what’s in the past. I want to see this future. I want to know what that represents.”
“This can only end well,” Bale muttered as she and Bai followed. They moved through the town, recognizing the names on the buildings as they passed. Isabella didn’t need to be reminded how empty her life was, but apparently her mind thought differently.
“My mind is an asshole,” she said to herself, because herself was the only one here. They were getting closer to the golden house, though the buildings around them were getting worse. Things changed a few minutes later, however; the ground began showing grass, and more flowers appeared as they passed. Suddenly the buildings they moved around showed signs of construction, as if they were being rebuilt or newly erected. Bella smiled as she walked. “See, it’s not all bad. It’s getting better. This area is actually pretty nice.
“It’s reflecting your change,” Bai said as she inspected the flowers they passed. “Life among the death.”
“Only your mind would take rebuilding your life so literally,” Bale stated.
“Hey, I didn’t ask for your opinion.” Isabella blinked as another figure stepped out of a house before them. “Haruka…?” Haruka smiled at her and began walking. Isabella grinned and sped up; behind her, Bale and Bai shared a look before following. “Wait, Ruki! Damn it, stop going so fast!” Isabella had to start running to catch up, but soon enough she was running beside Haruka, who gave her a grin. They continued running, straight towards the golden house, until suddenly Bella was jerked back, stopped by hands on her arms. She glared back at Bale and Bai, who held her and prevented her from moving forward. “What are you doing?!”
Bai sighed and looked to the side, but Bale just pointed ahead of her. Isabella blinked, looking ahead and finally realizing the problem; the town simply ended before her. A giant chasm separated her from the golden building, dark and bottomless and much too wide to leap. Haruka stood in the middle of the chasm, looking at her in confusion. “Why’d you stop?”
Bella looked at the other two. “She doesn’t see it…?”
Bai shook her head. “It’s not hers.”
“Maybe I can just walk on it like she can…”
Bale shrugged. “You can try, but… You already know it won’t work.”
Isabella looked back ahead to see Haruka waving at her from the other side. Bella braced herself and stepped forward, but just as expected, she fell. Bale and Bai appeared beside her as the wind rushed by. None of them were bothered by the fall; all knew it wasn’t real. Isabella looked at them sadly. “I can’t make it, can I…?”
Bai shook her head. “Sorry…”
“It is kind of our fault,” Bale said quietly.
“No,” Isabella responded, looking down as they approached the ground. “It’s mine.”
IXH
“She’s hidin’ somethin’, y’know.”
Haruka looked at Freya. “She hides many things.” The monk was leaned up against the wall, keeping an eye on Isabella’s bed; the pirate had just appeared leaning against the doorway. “Has a right.”
“Does she?” Freya raised an eyebrow. “What if th’ things she’s hidin’ affect you?”
“She’ll talk when ready.”
Freya tilted her head. “You trust ‘er, huh?”
“Completely.”
“How long’ve ya known each other?”
Haruka blinked. “…a week?”
Freya laughed. “Really?!”
The monk rubbed her head, embarrassed. “Really.”
“I would ‘ave guessed a lot longer. Like, years.”
Haruka shrugged. “Feels that way.”
“Just ‘ave a connection, huh?” Freya rubbed her chin. “Yeah, I get that. Th’ thing is, you two seem really close, an’ pretty important to one another. It’s obvious by th’ way you act normally, but ‘specially in certain situations.”
Haruka glanced at her curiously. “Like what?”
Freya shrugged. “When th’ banshee screamed, it took ya seconds t’ get out on deck an’ check on ‘er. An’ o’ course, y’ jumped after her when she went after th’ banshee. As for ‘er, well…” The pirate scratched her cheek. “Not my place t’ say. But ‘er expression when you come up in conversation says a lot.”
Haruka looked back at Isabella, wondering just what it meant. Obviously they had a quick, strong connection; that was half the reason she left the Black Sun for her. Of course, it was an out, as Haruka had no desire to continue being a Black Sun. She’d never wanted that life, but she’d had nothing better to go to. Isabella was better. Even though they hadn’t had the best of luck from the beginning, she still found herself happy with her decision, content with the way life was going right now. If she looked ahead and filled in her future with many years of this, she was happy with the thought. That said enough about whether or not this was the right choice.
But what exactly did it mean? That thought still circled her head as she ran over things, organizing the information in her mind as she tended to do. Freya watched her, smiling slightly. “You look like you’re thinkin’ ‘ard, lass.”
Haruka sighed, sliding into a chair. “Lot to think about. Curious… Confusing… Interesting.”
“What’s interestin’?”
“Just… thoughts.” Haruka sighed. “About the future.”
“Ah…” Freya nodded towards the bed. “Is she in yer future?”
“…If she wants.”
“C’mon, now,” Freya said with a chuckle. “Don’t gimme that. I’m askin’ you, what do you want?”
Haruka looked at her, thinking over her response. “…To be with her.”
“There ya go.” Freya nodded. “Now does she know that? Life’s a crazy bitch an’ she don’t always give you time t’ say an’ do th’ things you want. You always wanna make sure th’ people around you know ‘ow you feel, ‘specially if it’s good.”
Haruka tilted her head. “You’re saying… Don’t hesitate?”
“Exactly! I ‘ate hesitation. You didn’t hesitate when y’ jumped after ‘er, did you? How about when y’ left?”
“I didn’t.”
“Then why hesitate talkin’ about things?”
Haruka sighed. “Delicate. Lots of pain.”
“Yeah, I heard ‘er past was kinda dark. What about yours?” Freya pushed off the door frame, taking a couple steps into the room. “I know you care ‘bout each other, but you gotta remember t’ think about yerselves, too. Y’ can’t just keep focusin’ on th’ other person, that doesn’t work an’ you can end up resentin’ ‘em.”
“I just want to be… careful,” Haruka stated, rubbing her arm. “Never had real friends. Bella’s more than just… a ‘friend’. Want to do things right. No mistakes.”
“By the time you’re done avoidin’ mistakes, things might be too late.” Freya sighed, giving a shrug. “But it’s jus’ my opinion. I’ve never been one t’ pussyfoot around or take my time. Maybe I’m givin’ bad advice. I jus’ think there’s such a thing as too careful.”
Haruka nodded. “You’re right. Will keep in mind. Careful, but… not too much.”
“Prob’ly th’ best idea.” Freya turned towards the doorway. “Lemme know if you need anythin’.”
“Right.” Haruka looked at her. “Thanks.”
Freya smiled. “Don’t thank me. It’s only ‘cause I like you.”
Haruka smiled as she left, then took a seat on the bed, sighing as she looked at Isabella. Life used to be so simple, but not it was complicated in all sorts of ways, enough to confuse her. However… The monk smirked, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other. She couldn’t deny that this complicated life was a lot more exciting. She felt more alive, more engaged, and more invested in her own life. Sure, things were dangerous, confusing, constantly troublesome and emotionally draining… but it was fun.
Freya must have rubbed off on her, because Haruka found herself grinning at the prospect of what else they might face. Whatever the case, she was embracing this life whole-heartedly, and damn anything that tried to get in their way.
IXH
Haruka jerked awake to a dark room. She had no recollection of falling asleep, but she had. A quick look around revealed she was alone in the bed, though the blanket was pulled over her. She smiled at first, realizing Bella must be conscious again, but then frowned, wondering where she was. The monk climbed out of the bed, moving quietly. Her instincts led her to step out onto the deck where she realized it was the middle of the night. A cool wind chilled her slightly, but not enough to be uncomfortable. The sound of the waves reached her ears, soothing and calm, a stark difference from all the storms they’d had recently. Her eyes were drawn upwards, however, and she soon found herself staring silently.
The sky was clear, revealing a brilliant blanket of a thousand stars. They shone brightly enough for her to find several constellations in a few seconds; some of them shimmered softly, slowly changing color as they were wont to do. Haruka found what she was looking for soon enough: Isabella was standing alone on an empty part of the deck away from everyone, staring at the sky in obvious thought. As Haruka approached from behind her she spoke softly without looking back, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Very,” responded Haruka as she stepped up near her, watching her curiously.
Isabella continued gazing into the stars, her soft voice carrying a tone that was oddly sad and distant. “Have you ever thought about how we can’t reach them? That, no matter how beautiful and desirable and magnificent they are, no matter how they guide our dreams and dominate our thoughts…” She finally looked at Haruka. “…All we can do is look?”
Haruka met her eyes. Isabella wasn’t just talking about stars, that much was obvious, but she couldn’t understand what she was really talking about. The knight looked and acted like she’d just learned of a family member’s death, except Haruka knew they were already all dead. She couldn’t fathom what had suddenly come over the usually cheerful woman, so she might as well ask. “What’s wrong?”
Isabella smiled at her before looking away. “Many things. I really don’t want to-“
“Talk about it,” Haruka finished for her with a sigh. “Of course you don’t.”
Bella looked down at the gentle waves. “I… I’m sorry,” she said lamely. “I’m being unfair… again… But I’m trying to protect you.”
Haruka folded her arms. “Don’t need it.”
“You don’t know that.” Isabella looked away from her. “You have no idea. Already I’m being selfish. If I was to be moreso…”
Haruka growled, grabbing her shoulder and turning her to face her. “I care about you. Why hide everything?”
Isabella looked scared as she tried to look anywhere but Haruka’s face. “Because I’m… falling for you.”
The monk blinked. She took Isabella’s chin gently, but firmly, forcing her to meet her eyes. “I feel it.” She tilted her head, smirking slightly. “Others see it. No need to hide.” Isabella let out a deep breath as Haruka traced a finger down her cheek. “I care about you.” She smiled. “For you. You aren’t just a friend, you never were.” The knight shook slightly as Haruka moved closer. “Bella… I-“
“Haruka, stop!” Isabella cried out as she pushed her away. Haruka looked genuinely startled, which quickly changed to confusion. Bella was distraught; she seemed almost on the verge of a breakdown as she turned away and shook her head, hugging herself. “You can’t just… You can’t care that much for me. You can’t.”
Haruka straightened, unwilling to back down. “Too late.”
“No… You need to… You need to know something,” she said as Haruka noticed a few tears on her cheeks; she was scared. “I don’t want to tell you, but I can’t lie to you anymore, not when you’re about to make the mistake of caring that much for me.” Isabella took a deep breath, summoning some of that strength she used to be known for as she turned back to Haruka, forcing herself to meet her gaze. “My sickness isn’t… just some little thing,” she said quietly, fidgeting with the edge of her robe’s sleeve. “It’s a time limit. I’ve seen multiple people about it, and no one’s really sure how long I have. It could be ten years… It could be one year… It could be even less.”
Haruka would forever remember how things seemed to stop for her at that moment, when she felt something inside herself break. The whole world seemed to turn on its axis, revealing a different one than she’d seen before, like looking at a mirror image. She felt herself take a step back, felt her arms fall to her sides as her gaze fell to the ship’s deck. Neither the waves nor the stars seemed comforting anymore; they seemed mocking. This must be how she sees them, Haruka thought, unable to find words to speak aloud.
Isabella watched her, wishing she hadn’t been the cause of such a change in the only person she cared about. She looked down, blinking a few times. “Well, now you know… So you see why it’s foolish for you to care for me. But if you already feel that way, then it’s… probably best if I leave, soon, because otherwise, it’s just unfair to you. I don’t want to leave, but I-“ She was cut off as Haruka lifted her chin and pressed her lips to hers.
Isabella had no response as strong arms encircled her waist and pulled her closer. Her eyes fell closed, but tears escaped them anyway as she wrapped her arms around Haruka’s neck as if afraid she would suddenly change her mind. She kissed her back with all of the emotion she felt, a mixture of sadness and happiness and gratitude and fear. After several long moments Haruka pulled away slowly, but only enough to look into her eyes, and for the knight to look back into hers. Isabella felt her breath catch at the fierce determination and support she found there.
“It’s not unfair if you stay,” Haruka said softly, her voice filled with conviction. “It would be unfair of you to rob me of a second of the limited time I have with you.” Haruka brushed away Bella’s tears with a much more gentle hand than she’d ever used, offering a smile. “If you have such little time remaining, then it should be spent getting everything you’ve ever been denied, and it should be spent together.”
Isabella laid her forehead against Haruka’s chest, closing her eyes and letting out a shaky breath. “I’ve lost people I loved… It won’t be easy… The more you care, the more it will hurt.”
Haruka hugged her tightly, standing firm. “I’m strong. I will take it. It would hurt even more to deny me any time with you at all.”
Bella leaned back to look at her, smiling sadly. “Don’t be too sure about that…”
Haruka shook her head. “It’s the only thing I am sure about.” She tilted her head. “You aren’t getting rid of me, Bella.” She kissed her softly again, receiving such a strong response from the knight that she couldn’t possibly doubt she’d made the right choice.
Especially when Isabella looked at her with a mixture of awe and hope, speaking so quietly that Haruka barely caught the two whispered words: “Thank you.”