The Rostical Guild - Sceldrant's Comet

by Michael Rogers

  Rachael: "Hehe, that's wicked. Twortz, imagine me using water!"

  Twortz: "..."

  Lezard: "Unfortunately, not many people can use different elements."

  Rachael: "They can't?"

  Lezard: "People are very lucky if they're able to use more than one elemental affinity."

  Rachael: "Fair enough."

  Lezard: "Despite all this. Being born with Neurons or Astragons is very rare."

  Rachael: "Oh?"

  Lezard: "On top of this, both Neurons and Astragons are needed to be able to use Remenistal."

  Rachael: "W-What? If having one is rare, then-"

  Lezard: "Rostical Users are very rare to come by."

  Rachael: "So, even if you have heaps of Neurons, if you've got no Astragons-"

  Lezard: "Then you can't fart out a wind-based Remenistal."

  Rachael: "Oh?"

  Lezard: "But, you've got Azure Bursts, Ougis, and abilities."

  Rachael: "Oh?" *She sounded intrigued, as if she wanted Lezard to explain.*

  Twortz: (I'm a realist.. This just isn't possible.) *She continued to walk behind the party, gently touching her temple with a frown.* (It isn't..)

  Lezard: "That's why I'm very intrigued about your Remenistal."

  Rachael: "How come?"

  Lezard: "The lucky rare few that are born with both Neurons and Astragons are aware of it. Some naturally excel in the skill, while others need to be trained up."

  Rachael: "Hehe." *She formed a fist, looking at it with a confident smirk.*

  Lezard: "It's very unusual how an adult only just activated her power?"

  Rachael: *She shrugged her shoulders.* "I don't know what to say-"

  Lucky: *He walked out of the cave and smiled in amazement.* "Wow! Lucky amazed! Amazed!"

  Lezard: "Ah-" *He hobbled out of the cave and stood by Lucky's side.*

  Rachael: *She stopped next to Lucky, slightly squinting her eyes in shock.* "Are we still underground?"

  Lucky: "It bright, bright."

  Lezard: "The party stood on a grassy field-, ooo! There's even butterflies and flowers." *He observed his surroundings in amazement.*

  Twortz: *She noticed she stood on top of an enormous pillar, as the ledges curved downwards.* (I thought we reached the bottom? But I can clearly see the grass growing over the ledges.)

  Lezard: *He looked up, squinting his eyes at the light.* "Despite being underground, physical Neurons lit up the cave like sunlight."

  Rachael: "If that isn't the sun-"

  Twortz: "How can vegetation grow under here? Even artificial light can't sustain flora."

  Rachael: (Physical Neurons?) "That's because the light is Neuron filled. Neurons are pretty much an energy source."

  Twortz: "What?"

  Lezard: "Absolutely right, Razzicle!" *He smiled at Rachael and glanced at Twortz.* "Were you not even listening to Lezard's one-oh-one on Remenistal?"

  Twortz: "Regardless, how much further?"

  Lucky: "We tried to find friend, he went bad. He sick."

  Rachael: "Lucky, how much further?"

  Lucky: "Up there." *He pointed to hill with a distinctive dirt path which spiralled around it.*

  Lezard: *He noticed flickering light on top of the hill.* (What's up there?)

  Rachael: "More walking?"

  Twortz: "Perhaps I'll sit this one out."

  Rachael: "If you need to-"

  Lezard: "That explains a lot of things." *He spoke on his breath, glancing away from Twortz.*

  Twortz: *She frowned, gripping onto the frying pan.* "Actually, I just changed my mind. I'll come."

  Rachael: "Wicked. As what Ash would say, that's completely acceptable."

  Twortz: "Yes."

  Lezard: "Shall we make a move on-?" *He looked at the hill, noticing Lucky half way there.* "Holy fish-cakes! The little monster is half way there!"

  Rachael: "Come on." *She smirked and started to jog towards Lucky.*

  ----------

  *The champion, Luna, Trevour and Nathan ran down a small grassy slope, instantly noticing a small village in the distance.*

  Luna: "M-Magic?!" *She hissed to herself in a trance-like state.*

  Champion: "What is wrong with her?" *She slightly changed direction, quickly hobbling towards the village.*

  Nathan: "I have no idea.."

  Trevour: *He looked over his shoulder, staring at two large distant mountains in the distance.* "We might be out of Sorrowprax's view, but I won't be comfortable until we're under a roof."

  Champion: "Oh my, I was going to say something similar."

  Luna: "M-Magic..."

  Nathan: *He pulled Luna's arm, as she started to slow down.* "We're nearly at the village." *He grunted in an annoyed-like manner, implying for her to hurry up.*

  Luna: *She recalled the sounds of the party's previous fight with the Scoldrant.* (All this time.. This is real-)

  Champion: "I haven't familiarised myself with backwater villages. Where is this again?"

  Trevour: "This is Nikitik Village."

  Nathan: (This is near my home-.. I think?)

  Champion: "Does anyone have one of those RPG bags?"

  Trevour: "They're the bags that can store limitless amount of items without ever expanding or getting heavier, right?"

  Champion: "That's the one." *She smiled, continuing to hobble to the village.*

  Nathan: "We just broke out of Sorrowprax. Even if we had one, I don't think we would've had the luxury of getting it back."

  Luna: "RPG?" (This is real, but these acronyms.. Gah-) *She frowned in confusion.*

  Champion: "Do we need a pass or anything like that to enter?"

  Trevour: "Negative, miss. It has an Inn and a crafting shop." *He spoke with a smile of relief, listening to the faint sounds of people in the village.*

  Nathan: "What about money?"

  Trevour: "Leave that to me, sir."

  Champion: "Money?" *She whispered to herself, looking at Trevour.* "I'll come too."

  Trevour: "Sure thing."

  Nathan: *He looked up, noticing the sun had started to set.* "I think we should rest for the night."

  Trevour: "Sir?"

  Nathan: "I usually prefer to sleep outdoors, but if I have an opportunity to sleep at the Inn, I'll take it."

  Luna: "..."

  Trevour: "Sounds excellent, sir."

  Champion: "We'll get the supplies and you book in a room for us?"

  Nathan: "No worries." *He spoke in a deep voice and nodded his head in agreement.*

  Trevour: "Excellent." *He slowed down and started to walk in a more casual manner, stepping into the village.*

  Nathan: "Why are you slowing down? Shouldn't we do what we gotta do quickly?"

  Trevour: "We don't have to worry here. This is one of the few villages where warriors are-"

  *A man noticed Trevour and gasped, causing nearby people to bow down to one knee.*

  Luna: "I-It got quiet, wat's happenin'?"

  Champion: "Oh my?"

  Nathan: "They're bowing down to Trevour?"

  Trevour: "Fear not! My appearance today is not business or threat related. Please carry on." *He shouted with a smile, causing the villagers to stand back up.*

  Champion: "What did you do?"

  Trevour: "Since this is the closest village to Sorrowprax, the warrior's have the most influence on them."

  Villager A: *She ran up to Trevour, enthusiastically smiling with an opened mouth.* "C-Can I get you anything?"

  Trevour: "No thank you, madam."

  Villager A: "O-Of course." *She sighed and tilted her head down, slowly shuffling away.*

  Trevour: "Sir-" *He caught Nathan's attention and pointed to his right.* "The larger house behind that small water fountain is the Inn."

  Nathan: "Thanks." *He nodded his head at the champion and Trevour and started to walk away.* "Oh!"

  Trevour: "Yes?"

  Nathan: "Can you get me a sword?"

  Trevour: "Erhm-?"

&
nbsp; Champion: "We'll see what we can do." *She spoke with a high tone of voice, smiling with her eyes shut.*

  Nathan: "Great." *He sighed in relief and pulled Luna's arm, causing her to stumble behind him.*

  Luna: "Wat is with your fetish in havin' a sword?"

  Nathan: "Tssk." *He frowned, purposely ignoring Luna's question.*

  Luna: "Nah, I'm serious, aye?"

  Nathan: "It's not a fetish."

  Luna: "Wateva."

  Nathan: *He sighed and walked up to the water fountain, purposely shoving Luna on a wooden bench.* "Stay here."

  Luna: *She listened to the water flowing behind her.* "You're pretty harsh on a woman."

  Nathan: "I don't care what gender you are."

  Luna: "Oh? So, you a girl beater, aye?"

  Nathan: "No, that's not what I-" *He shook his head and turned around, storming towards the Inn.*

  Luna: *She looked down and raised her hands, waving them in front of her face.* (My eyes.. I still can't see anythin'-)

  *Luna thought to herself with quivering lips, oblivious to the passing villagers who stared at her in shock.*

  Woman: "Are you alright-?"

  Luna: "B-Back off!" *She grunted, causing the woman to suddenly walk away.*

  *Luna looked down to her lap, as tears of blood ran down her cheeks.*

  Luna: (My eyes constantly hurt. I don't know where the hell I am, and there's all this unrealistic shit goin' on..)

  *The sounds of a wooden door opening caught Luna's attention.*

  Nathan: "I was able to get two rooms." *He waited for a carriage to wheel by before walking towards Luna.*

  Luna: *She sniffed and quickly wiped the blood off her eyes.* "Good."

  Nathan: "Tomorrow..-" *He sat down on the wooden bench next to Luna, looking up to the orange sky.* "I've been thinking about you lately."

  Luna: "Y-You wat?"

  Nathan: "Huh?" *He mumbled in realisation.* "I-I didn't mean like that."

  Luna: *She looked away with blushing cheeks.* "Good. I don't even know what you look like, aye."

  Nathan: "I was thinking.."

  Luna: "Don't hurt yourself, aye."

  Nathan: "No, I'm serious.. "You don't really know how things work around here, right?"

  Luna: "Yea, sure. It's pretty tough bein' an alien."

  Nathan: *He paused, raising an eyebrow.* "I'll escort you to Silver Wind Island."

  Luna: "Aye?"

  Nathan: "Silver Wind Island is the biggest city across both continents."

  Luna: "If it's the biggest city, why haven't I heard of it?"

  Nathan: "..."

  Luna: "Well, why?"

  Nathan: "You'll get answers there. Its research facility also contains The Library's archives."

  Luna: "You know quite a lot for someone with an apparent memory loss, aye."

  Nathan: "I remember facts, but I don't remember much about myself.."

  Luna: "Gah.." *She sighed on her breath, causing Nathan to look confused.*

  Nathan: "What is it now?"

  Luna: ".. Thanks.."

  Nathan: "Ah? You're welcome?"

  Luna: "..." *She looked back down and sniffed, staring at her lap with a mature facial expression.* "About my question before. Did you used to fence?"

  Nathan: "Fence?"

  Luna: "That's what my bro used to do. Somethin' to do with swords?"

  Nathan: "Oh?" *He mumbled in realisation, slowly nodding his head.*

  ----------

  *Trevour and the champion stood in front of a house with a pub-like booth on the front.*

  Trevour: "Greetings?"

  Craftsman: "Hello?" *He walked to the side and leant off the counter with one arm, looking at Trevour.* "What can I get ya today?"

  Trevour: "I'd like fourteen Acro Berries please."

  Craftsman: "Yes." *He nodded his head and looked behind the counter, as if there were many cabinets.*

  Champion: "Also, one Ambrosia Flower."

  Trevour: "An Ambrosia Flower? They're expensive and rare!"

  Champion: "Do you have one?"

  Craftsman: "We've got-" *He scanned to each side, before grunting to himself.* "Two."

  Trevour: "Well, could we also have something that boosts affinities?"

  Craftsman: "I have wind resistant bangles, fireproof rings and boots which increase speed."

  Trevour: "Interesting."

  Champion: "What are the item's attributes?"

  Trevour: (From the confidence in her tone, she's done this before?)

  Craftsman: "Bangles, minus five percent on wind. Rings, minus seven percent on fire and boots, a massive six percent increase in speed."

  Champion: "What kind of swords to you have as well?"

  Craftsman: "I like doing business, but why do you need this stuff?"

  Champion: "Well, I...-"

  Trevour: "I've been summoned for an important mission and require these items."

  Craftsman: "Oh, why didn't ya say so? I've got wooden, steel and carbon-based swords."

  Champion: "Any attributes?"

  Craftsman: "Unfortunately not. These are just ordinary swords."

  Champion: "A carbon based sword please."

  Craftsman: "No worries! Can I get ya anything else?"

  Trevour: "If it's possible, I'd like to take them all."

  Craftsman: "Take them all? All the items you requested?" *He sounded as if they were expensive.*

  Trevour: "Yes. You can subtract the funds on the warrior's next tax?"

  Champion: (Sneaky-)

  Craftsman: *He nodded his head at Trevour.* "I only have one boot in stock. Four necklaces and two bangles remaining."

  Trevour: "Fine by me, sir."

  Craftsman: "All warriors get a discount. Unfortunately, the Ambrosia Flower will need to be paid upfront, due to its rarity."

  Trevour: *He felt around his armour.* (My pouch! I must've left it at Sorrowprax!-)

  Champion: "Will this be enough?" *She placed down several gold stones on the counter, causing the Craftsman to eagerly nod his head.*

  Trevour: (Where did she obtain such wealth?)

  Craftsman: "That will just about cover it, even without the warrior's discount."

  Trevour: "I would be happy to pay you back-"

  Champion: "Oh my. No need." *She smiled.* "If I chose to walk alone, I would've had to deal with the Scoldrant all by myself."

  Trevour: "Heh heh. No worries-"

  Craftsman: *He wrapped the sword up, gently giving it to Trevour.* "Anything else?"

  Champion: "Would you happen to have the RPG bag?"

  Craftsman: "Norhorhor-" *He laughed with a snort, shaking his head at the champion.* "We wouldn't possess something like that in a backwater village."

  Champion: "It didn't hurt to ask." *She smiled with her eyes shut and grabbed a large sack from the counter.*

  Trevour: "Thank you for your cooperation, sir."

  Craftsman: *He watched Trevour and the champion walk away, causing him to wave his hand out.* "Pleasure doing business with ya."

  ----------

  Nathan: "I don't know what happened back in Sorrowpax, but I can tell you. I, for some reason know I'm really good with a sword."

  Luna: "But magic.." *She grunted with a chuckle, as if she found using the word funny.* "Magic will shit all over your damned sword."

  Nathan: "You mean Rostical?"

  Luna: "Rostickal?" *She spoke like an idiot.* "Yes.."

  Nathan: "It took me years, but I learnt how to do some Azure Bursts."

  Luna: "What are Azure Burks?"

  Nathan: *He smiled, knowing Luna couldn't see him.* (Now she wants to listen-)

  Luna: "I'm waiting."

  Nathan: "They're special techniques one can use."

  Luna: "So, pretty much mag-.. Rostickal, aye?"

  Nathan: "Not really. Azure Bursts are majority weapon based, but skilful people can use them without a weapon."

  Luna: "Listenin'."

  Nathan: "Depending on
the person, even if they knew Rostical, Azure Bursts could be stronger."

  Luna: "Wat's stronger than shittin' out ice?"

  Nathan: "Ahhh, I don't think that's a Rostical-"

  Luna: "Don't be a loser and continue tellin' me this."

  Nathan: *He looked puzzled, slowly smirking to himself.* "Some Scoldrants are more weakened to physical attacks, while some even nullify Rostical or some elements completely."