Chapter 03 –The First Bout+Yucca's Crew Set in Motion.

  Moments had passed since Omitaru had succeeded in recruiting Melony. Now they were getting ready to head across the street to a meat shop. The shop had a sign carved in a wooden post that said a variety of dried meats that keep for months. Omitaru knew that their trip would take them to many places and as some places weren't as developed as Florblanca, it was best to be prepared. The shop was shaped like a hog and was made of wood. The outdoor stand boasted a display almost as luxurious as the flower shop if you didn't mind the smell of dried meat. The light changed signaling for them to walk across and curious eyes laid upon them as they saw the two pass with Ruro as they were walking across the street. Melony was focused In front of her while Omitaru smiled and waved merrily at the people in the vehicles. Ruro squeaked and imitated Omitaru's hand movement with precision with his small white paws. Some of the people waved back while others veered off. It could be noticed that these were normal people and not enchanters. They were as clueless as Omitaru and Melony on what was about to come. Omitaru reached in his pockets, pulled out cash and begin counting coins."Let's see I have a hundred and eighty spirit coins. Everybody should have a water container if not I have extras in my bag and I have a medkit and a map. He said after pocketing the coins and checking his bag. He then continued "we need food, herbs for flavor and upkeep, and a weapon for you Melony. I'll buy a high chunk of dried pork that'll last us a week. Now with whatever you have along with funds Maverick may have we'll be good to go. So.. what is it you have?" Melony sighed. "I have rope, one spirit coin, a blue tarp, scissors, clothes, extra flowers for Ruro, and a marble sized crystal ball that glows when it detects spiritual energy.. a gift from mom" Omitaru smiled. "Great! That's just what we need" he said ignoring Melony's obvious dismay which cheered her up since she was thinking she was useless. Ching! A chime was heard reminding Omitaru of the time. "We don't have long. Here's eighty coins. Can you head to the armory to get you a weapon? We'll meet back here shortly. Omitaru said. Melony smiled and took the money. "Thanks. I'll be back here soon " she said as she he headed off to a nearby weapon shop with a wooden red roof and stone housing. At this point they had made it across the street along with others who were crossing. Since they had temporarily separated, Omitaru and Ruro walked up to the meat stand. A large tall man with a mustache stood behind the stand. He had on a white culinarian's hat and uniform with latex gloves on. Underneath the stand Omitaru could tell that he had on black tennis shoes. "What can I get you young one? A fresh meal or a long lasting one to go?" The man said in a very deep calm voice that made Omitaru's ear hair quiver. " I have a hundred spirit coins I want some dried pork and jerky for traveling" Omitaru said. The man smiled causing his mustache to curl up. "I got you four pounds of dried pork coming right up! This meat will keep for three to four months. Since you seem so kind to Melony after the hardship she has endured I'll also throw in a pound of my special jerky for free. " He said as he begin to chop meat he got from his display. Omitaru smiled heavily. " thank you that's not necessary though. I just do what feels right he said. "Oh? Please take it. I make enough money here. Money that Celeste refuses to accept even if it will help her out. My name is Nav by the way" Nav said. Omitaru looked towards the shop Melony had went into. "Ok if you think it will help" he said after the slight distraction. Nav smiled. "Beautiful" he said. Omitaru looked at Ruro and smiled showing his teeth while he shrugged his shoulder feeling a bit ashamed. "Pek?" Said Ruro in confusion. It didn't take long for the meat to be prepared. Omitaru handed the money over and Nav then handed him the meat. "It's well salted just keep it dry" he said. Omitaru nodded. "Thanks again" he said. By this time Melony had returned with a metal staff in her hand that had a blue flower on it with a mint green handle. "A florist's favorite type of weapon, a floret staff" she said. Omitaru's eyes popped out of his head as Ruro tried to imitate this. He had never seen such a beautiful weapon. "That's perfect for you!" He said. The weapon glowed girlishly with a spiritual charm as she waved it around. She then smiled lightly.Nav looked over and waved. "Hey there Melony such a kind friend you have. Will you two be going on an adventure together?" He asked. Melony nodded. "Mom has given me permission to accompany him along the way. He made a promise to keep me safe" she said. Nav smiled. "I'm pretty sure he'll do just that!" He said with a smile before walking off. Omitaru looked at Nav leaving and then looked back at Melony. "Let's go" he said calmly. They then began heading back to the bar. Crossing the street again took little time. There were just a few cars at the red light. They were more curious than the last round of people. "Enchanters get to have all the fun" a guy in one of the vehicles said. Omitaru smiled and waved as if he didn't hear this yet Melony was a bit upset at their attitude. People can be so selfish.. and yet him and Ruro seem unaffected she thought to herself. After they crossed the street they headed down to the bar. At this exact moment, Maverick came outside with a white piece of paper he then slipped into his pants pocket. Spotting him, Omitaru waved. "Hey! It looks like you got some information on.."' he was interrupted as a rotten apple flew out of the bar and hit Maverick on the head. "And stay out! Don't you even think about sneaking in here until you pay your tab!" A man from within said. "And I guess that's your bill then" Omitaru said disappointedly. " Ruro imitated his expression.“It's not what it looks like I mean it is just let me explain. I have all the information stored in my brain." He said through a loud belch. Melony laughed at this causing Maverick to lay eyes on her. He felt a sudden feeling he couldn't explain yet he seemed to either hide it or brush it off intentionally. " I see you have a new friend" he said. Omitaru shrugged then smiled. "Yes this is Melony. I met her at the flower shop and now she's joining us". Maverick looked off into the distance. "As long as you've got her parents permission whatever. Let's go!" He said. Omitaru looked at Melony and smiled again. "We're off!" He said. They then began following Maverick who turned through an alleyway just passed the bar and before the flower shop. As they entered the brown fenced in area, sounds could be heard in front of them. "Stay close to me you two. This new information I've got says that... Maverick stopped talking as a pink light began to faintly then strongly glow inside Melony's backpack. This detects spiritual energy she said to Maverick who was looking petrified. "Right.. this new information says that their is a secret hideout in this alleyway where Yucca has followers hanging out needless to say with that thing. Can you turn it off? Maverick spoke. Melony began to chant softly in a foreign language. The light then became faint. Maverick again looked confounded. Such a familiar sound he said to himself as he tried not to show it. You're acting strange. What is it? spoke Omitaru. Maverick shushed him instantly wagging his fingers lightly. In an instance he turned around and grabbed them as the alleyway tightened up and came out into a small square space, forcing everyone behind three blue water barrels that lined the street. He looked at Melony with fear in his eyes thinking they might have been seen especially with the glowing light. As the sweat poured down his face he peaked out from the barrel quickly ducking back down. Luckily Omitaru had grabbed Ruro at this sudden unexpected hurdle. It looks like when the ball glowed it meant the enemy was right on top of them. Up ahead someone spoke in a deep voice. Maverick signaled for them to look over and keep quiet. As they crouched uncomfortably in the crowded area they all poked their heads up slowly. About twenty feet away, they saw a man playing with cards on a chain that glowed red. He had spiky black hair and was at least fourteen years old. He stood holding the chain in a fighting stance with the card dangling loosely. He wore a red tracksuit with black lines on the sleeve of the arms and pants with black tennis shoes. "Evrik stop! please it hurts don't kill me!" Came the frantic cry of someone who was laying on the ground. Evrik laughed evilly. "I have been tasked with proving my loyalty to Yucca. It's unforgiving to not do as I am told." Omitaru shuffled as if he was going to get involved yet Maverick held him back. "Please I raised you Evrik. Yucca means no one any good. He'll destroy us all! The man whom still remained out of sight pleaded. "Except for you" Evrik said. He then raised the chain. "Aaaaaggggghh" an excruciating cry of pain was heard as the card on the chain began to rapidly move and slice at the man on the ground. Omitaru and Melony were sat on to keep them from interfering as the guy was murdered. Maverick held his head down as the sadness took over him. After the attack was over, Evrik laughed loudly in a high pitched voice similar to his weezy regular voice as the card dripped fresh blood. "Now that father is out the way I am free to join you and Yucca right Gorgon?" Evrik spoke. A thunderous sound of a huge man stepping sounded off as they once again looked over the barrel top to see a huge seven foot tall hairy muscular giant who looked to weigh all of five hundred pounds in a knight armor. He spoke in a deep voice that shook the alleyway. "That's correct. I Gorgon am loyal to you and Master Yucca!" He said. Fear overcame them as they looked upon the monstrosity that was Yucca's unforgiving men. "Let's get out of here" whispered Maverick. Omitaru and Melony nodded with heavy hearts. "Stay low" Maverick warned. They then maintained their low crouch with their knees bent in towards their chest as they snuck out of the alleyway. Upon exit, Melony busted out into tears while Omitaru held his head down. He had never seen such power before. The aftermath created more fear than he had ever known. Looking at Melony he wondered if he could actually protect her. What had they got into? Maverick tapped Omitaru on the shoulder causing him to raise his head. " That may have been overly gruesome yet remember that he was against a normal person not an enchanter. Sometimes parents aren't enchanters yet the child is regardless of the mother" Maverick looked at Melony."Size doesn't equal brains nor strength" he said. Melony laughed a bit at this. At least he knows how to lighten the mood thought Omitaru.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.