Fate In 13 - Chapter 2

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Sound of porcelain rattled as Bob was pouring up warm tea, that spread a delightful smell of wild flowers in the room. "So Alfred was the one that tried to kill you?" Madame Rozengarden sighed deeply, grieving over the news. "I have taken care of him since he was a young boy. Always so serious and hard working. Bit lonely at times but always kind."

It was obvious it shook Rozengarden, whose hand was shaking as she lift her cup of tea. "I'm sorry to tell you about it." Bob said as she sat down in front of Rozengarden. "But you need to know about it."

 "Oh, I'm grateful about it Miss Bob. Still hearing such thing is beyond anything I could ever imagine." Rozengarden shook her head, sipping from the cup. "He was always a bit special, but I did never expect him to do something like this, never."

Gently did Bob put her hand over Rozengarden, not saying anything, just listening as the old woman talked her heart out. Sometimes did you need to talk, sometimes you needed to listen, and now Rozengarden needed someone that could listen on her. Seeing a child she treated like her own, doing a thing like this, it simply broke her heart. For a moment did the old woman talk, her memories of Alfred and the hotel, sharing the sweet memories she had. She could have decided not to believe Bob's accusation, but the way Bob spoke, did she know it was true. Alfred had always been a bit different from others, in ways no one could point out. Many was scared of him but Rozengarden knew that he was the kindest of children.

Yet was he capable of such twisted thing as to kill. "You're kind to tell me this and listen to an old woman sniffling stories." Rozengarden said with a sigh. "It... hurts to know he was capable of doing this, I'm so sorry that it almost got you killed, Miss Bob."

 "I understand, and I will be here as long as you need me to." Bob said with warmth in her voice, pouring up some more tea. Rozengarden looked at her. "Aren't you afraid that he will return?"

 "No, I don't think he will do that." The woman said as she picked out a letter from her jacket and gave it to the older lady that for a moment looked confused. "I did check through his room after the attack, and I found this letter with your name on it. Sorry, but I did read it, I was looking for clues through his room for who he served but didn't find anything, except this letter to you."

Rozengarden opened the letter and looked at the paper that was neatly folded in it, with the soft cursive style Alfred always wrote with.

 'I'm sorry for causing such damage to the hotel, both through the damage on interior as well on reputation. I'm sorry for hiding that I had a master else where, whose name I can't tell nor what it's all about. Though I do want you to know I'm fond over the years I have lived in the hotel, in your care as well the staff. Even if I never truly fitted in, did you make me feel like the part of the family. It have always weight heavy on me that I had a life beyond this and never could tell anyone of you about. And now I will take my leave. I just wanted to thank you Madame Rozengarden, for everything, cause you have been like a mother I did never had and thought me much.

Thank you, sincerely, Alfred.'

As she was reading, had she started to cry, tear dripping to the paper. "T-that silly boy." She sobbed as Bob sat quiet, holding her company.


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A few days had past when Cherry RedCargo stormed through the door to the Red Heaven hotel; it was obvious the woman wasn't in her best mood, and quickly followed by Dart that was carrying her bag. "I told you I can carry the bag myself Dart." Cherry said deeply annoyed as the young man shrugged. "Ye mood been foul like e engry crocfish, so better ei teke end cerry it."

 "True. Sorry, it's that time of the month and it hurts like hell." She sighed annoyed for multiple reasons. Not only had they spent days looking through the city Crowfell after signs for the woman they sought, now she had this gutting pain that made her mood swing a bit. Not that it clouded her judgement, though small things annoyed her a bit more than usual. "I do hope Madame Rozengarden have some tea. I could kill for some tea."

A young woman stood in the reception when Cherry arrived. "I seek Madame Rozengarden. Is she in?" She asked, the young woman nodded. "She is, one moment please." The woman vanished to the back-room, leaving Cherry with Dart behind. Fingers drumming slightly against the canes head, eyes looking around as visitors came and left as well staff going around doing their daily chores. "Ye got e nice hotel boss." Dart stated as he sat down in one of the big comfy chairs in the lounge. With a grin did he stretch out his longs leg. "Elmost es comfy es my beby."

Cherry rolled her eyes. "You shouldn't call your car 'baby', sounds weird."

 "But it's my beby though."

 "Whatever, as long you don't kiss it."

 "......." He cleared his throat and looked away, making Cherry raise an brow. "Oh really?"

 "I wes drunk end I just geve her e little kiss on the hood! End I'm sure it looked like e girl!"

Cherry just shook her head. They knew Dart had a great love for his car, and no wonder, he had built it from scratch when others dismissed him as weak and incompetent cause of his way of speaking. Coming from a nation broken by wars, and then dismissed as useless in the academy of magus, had Cherry found the young Dart on the street fixing toy cars with both magic and technology; she saw talent in the young man and took him in to the RedCargo where he got to study and later built his own vehicle; Rosha.

 "If you two need a room, then you are in the right place, Dart." She said with a smile, making him groan. "You never gonne let this go, right?"

 "Obviously not."

 "Demn..."

Feeling a bit better mood-wise thanks to Dart, did Cherry look on the paintings that covered the wall. Her full lips curved into a smile as she looked at the details, that seemed to move. The paintings of men and women in ancient armors and clothing seemed to move around slightly, like magic was part of their creation. "Who mede them? They look sweet." Dart asked as he noticed Cherry looking at the paintings. "They are made hundreds of years ago, by an witch and artist named Ikirei. There is many myths about her and the work she did, much of it was lost in the War of Fates. But I managed to find some of them and bought them. Expensive but worth it to save some of the most magnificent and magical of arts."

 "You seem to know e lot ebout her."

Cherry chuckled a bit. "Yes, I do. Actually much of the magic I have created have a source and inspiration of her work. Sadly there isn't to much information about her, much have been lost with the wars." She shook her head a bit and looked at the desk where the young receptionist appeared, followed by Madame Rozengarden. When the old lady saw Cherry did she crack up in a smile. "Oh, what a pleasant surprise to see you here Master Cherry!"

 "Ah, Madame Rozengarden. I'm happy to see my hotel is doing so well in your care." Cherry smiled as the old lady happily waved her hand and lead Cherry into the backroom. "Dart, you are free to do what you want---" But the man was already gone and was now standing at the reception and wildly flirting with the receptionist that giggled. As a last remark did Cherry say out loud enough for Dart to hear. "Oi, she isn't a car."

With an ugly laughter did Cherry walk into the room, leaving an embarrassed Dart and confused receptionist. "Car?"


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The office behind the reception was as always neatly clean with a large table in the middle, with multiple smaller rooms beside which was kitchen and locker-room. Sitting down had Rozengarden described about the attack from one of the employees and the outcome. "I remember him, young man, blond hair and glasses right? Looked so serious for his age." Cherry sighed slightly. "But the visitor survived? Glad for that. And here I thought I had enough of worries without an incident like this happening in my hotel."

 "So sorry Master Cherry. I never knew." Rozengarden apologized, Cherry just waving her hand. "Don't apologize, the boy tricked everyone. I'm just happy things didn't get worse and you are as well you can be."

Rozengarden nodded as she looked down in her notebook where she had written down all details that going on in the hotel; it was easy to forget small things and duo an incident in the past had she since then always a notebook and write things down. "Yes, except that have the hotel been thriving. The economic upswing of the area have made wonders and increased the monthly income with almost 113% compare to last year at this month."

 "Really? Makes me glad to hear." Cherry replied with a smile; hearing such numbers always was a joy for her. Rozengarden continued. "Yes, it been prospering and hopefully it will continue to increase. Advertising have really help. Though you said you where looking for a person?"

The master nodded as she sipped of her tea. "Yes, I seek a woman that is supposed to be in Crowfell, been looking for days but not a single clue." She sighed slightly as she looked at the cup. "The taste is familiar, it's delicious."

While she was drinking did a woman chuckle from the kitchen. "Thank you, glad you enjoy it." Bob said as she came from the kitchen with more tea. Cherry looked at Bob, it was like lightning struck through her body and she sat with wide open mouth as tea dripped down on her chest. "Oi, see something you like?" The dark woman laughed as she poured up some more tea. Cherry's usually steady hand was shaking, and suddenly it cracked as it fell to the table with a loud clinging noise.

Rozengarden was shocked to see how Cherry, the master of RedCargo and probably one of the most powerful woman in the world, that had never been fazed by anything that been against her; now she cried and laughed as she jumped and hugged Bob that was equal shocked by the sudden hug, dropping the tea-pot. "Well, hello there gorgeous." Bob said with a grin as she was nuzzled into the mercy of Cherry. It was like Cherry's heart was going to burst when she heard Bob's laughter, and seeing that genuine smile made her eyes just tear more.

 "Oh lords, I need to calm down, so sorry." Cherry said and cleared her throat, taking a deep breath and took a step back from Bob. In an instant was she like before, though with some strings of tears in her face. "Excuse me for the inappropriate emotional sway. I have been looking for you for a long time."

Bob was picking up the pot, but looked up at Cherry. "What? You know me?"

 "Yes, I do. Very well in fact. You are---" Cherry said, Bob standing up, so eager to learn who she was. But she couldn't hear what Cherry said. It was like all sounds vanished, to sudden become unbearable painful. Her head felt like it was about to explode; the pain grew through her body from her head, and terrified did Cherry and Rozengarden see Bob's eyes roll back as she collapsed to the floor with blood pouring from her nose, mouth and ears.

Rushing to help Bob, did Cherry see dark veins pulsing at the woman's head, making her hiss. "It's a curse, Rozengarden, and a very strong one. I never seen something like this before." She said as she touched at her breast with a red nail. For a second did magical symbols pulse like waves over the skin, revealing hidden magic printed on her skin and bossom. The nail glow faintly as she touched Bob's forehead, a dark seal appeared over forehead and Bob started to twitch, her mouth open like she was screaming in silence. Small black worms crawled out of her skin, wiggling out before Cherry cut them with a nail that became like a blade. "This is not only a curse, but also something physical. Call Dart, we need to get her to the ship."

 "The ship, you mean--"

 "Yes, she going to the Red Queen."


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Red Queen wasn't an ordinary ship. Not one that was built for water and fighting against the brutal tides of the ocean. No, this one was built for the sky, with massive wings, magical crystals and steam-engines that would make it fly over the clouds. Among these sky-ship was there many types, just as those floating the ocean. Big frigates of the clouds, to small vessels that roam the air streams. Among these magnificent ships was there a class unlike any other ship on the planet; Gargon-ships. The name was from an giant, the king and biggest of them all, thus telling the massive size of these ships. Enormous and without equal does these Gargon-ships cloud the skies. Within Gargon-ships is three classes, based on their sizes and utility; Javan-class, the smallest of three, often used for transportation. Norlok-class, usually military and used by Veron Empire. Last was Titan-class, the mega-ships that is without equal and is like flying cities.

Red Queen was a Norlok-class, that once belonged to the Veron Empire armada. Officially was it decommissioned cause of damage, and later sold to Cherry and her company, though many rumors is around it since no other Norlok-ship was outside the Empires hands. However, since then had Red Queen gone through many changes to fit Cherry's goals of a ship for the guild and business, now housing over 5000 people. Red Queen had become home for many, and the guild RedCargo was one of many, yet of the strongest.

In a large room full of chemical equipment sat a dwarf at a desk; in front of him was bottles of colored liquids, some smoking like hot, other like they were cold. Some smelled awful, others like the finest flowers. "... a tiny bit of sulfur and it should be---" As the dwarf was adding tiny amounts of sulfur, did someone suddenly slam up the door, making him shake and drop the spoon into the bottle. "Fraug damn it---" With a powerful poof of black smelly smoke did he tumble back coughing, his gray beard and fuzzy brows covered in black sooth. "I have told you all, to KNOCK on the door, or by all holy balls I will neuter you all!"

 "Sorry Stinky, but Master Cherry need you ASAP." It was a woman with eyes like a cat and big ears like an animal popping out from the curly mess of a hair. She sniffled a bit and grimaced. "It really smell bad."

 "I told you a hundred times Shakunta, my name is Stin, not Stinky! AND OF COURSE IT SMELL BAD! YOU INTERRUPT ME IN MY WORK!"

The dwarf shouted furiously as he was packing his back with bottles and medicines in his bag. All went by reflex, like it was normal for him to do that while ranting angrily. Still cursing like a drunk sailor did the dwarf follow the woman that most of the time didn't listen at all; if you where near Stin would you need to be prepared for being in hearing distance quite often. "I will make sure YOU pay for the ingredients that I lost there, Shakunta!" He said annoyed, making Shakunta sigh. "AND DON'T YOU DARE TO SIGH AT ME YOUNG LADY!"

From a hallway did a little girl appear, only six years old; wearing a cute blue and purple dress with dirt stains on, riding on a mechanical dog while she laughed. Red curly hair and a cat-like tail was visible. "Hey mom! Hey uncle Stinny!" Shakunta smiled warmly when she saw her daughter, as she crouched down to the girl. "I told you not to ride on Rusty in the hallways, Curie." She scold her child mildly that pouted a bit. Stin that for a second was an angry volcano was suddenly smiling and chuckling. "Oh, hey Curry. How does your training go?"

 "I'm doing this great!" The girl smiled and held out her arms, making Stin laugh like a dwarf do; loud and burly. "Then I will test and see if you understand my expression later, okay?"

 "Yay, uncle Stinny look so funny then!" Curie giggled and Shakunta picked her up as she said; "And we gonna go to visit aunt Cherry."

 "Oh, the big lady."

 "Don't you say that to---"

 "I did. She took my nose." Curie put a hand on her nose and looked sad. "I won't get it back until I'm strong enough and can defeat her. Mom, I want to become a big fighter, like... like..." For a moment was she gone in thoughts. "Like Gado!"

Gado was a warrior from history and many assume he never really existed. However there was many great stories about this ancient warrior, that is said to be the creator of all styles of battle. Both Stin and Shakunta laughed. "Well, we gonna make you strong so you can get your nose back." Shakunta smiled and kissed her daughter on the forehead. "But now, let us go to Cherry, the big lady.

 "The big lady?" Stin and Shakunta froze in place, while Curie laughed for a second before she got an angry expression and raised a fist over Shakunta's shoulder. "I will defeat you big lady, and take back my nose!"

 "I think we need to have a talk..." Cherry said with a voice that was more terrifying than anything Stin could shout. The dwarf looked at Shakunta and smiled sadly. "Was good knowing you, Shakunta."

 "You too, Stinky."

 "I told you, it's Stin!"


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The hospital was large and contained multiple rooms deep within the Red Queen. Built on the basis of the previous medical bay of a warship, had it been expanded to provide free healthcare and medical support for anyone on the ship. Since Cherry commanded the ship, had she heavily prioritized the health of the people on board and spent a fortune on medical equipment and medicines. Leading this medical base was doctor Arukas, a young woman with pale skin and squinting eyes behind glasses. Her face and body was rather slim, with long elongated fingers that was spinning a triangle between her fingers while she was reading some papers at her desk. Everything seemed to be of incredible order around her, every inch in perfect order. She didn't seem to have hair, instead it was scales of black and green that formed lines like hair along her head, telling about her mixed blood, similar to Shakunta.

When the door suddenly opened, did she stop the triangle and looked up to see Cherry followed by Shakunta and Stin. "Hello." She stated simply, not wasting to much words as she got up in a very smooth motion and walked towards the recover rooms. Stin grunted a bit. "Talkative as ever, aren't you Arukas?"

 "Definitely." Arukas replied and wrinkled her nose over the vague odor from Stin, her long snake-like tongue tasted the air and just found it disgusting. Taking the lead to have some distance from the dwarf did they walk through hallways with numerous of doors. Nurses were walking by, even if there wasn't many patients right now was there always some work to do. "Have anything changed since yesterday?" Cherry asked as she walked behind Arukas. "Nothing. All is stable but it's like she is in a deep coma. Duo the nature of the curse you mentioned, have I not been able to use any form of healing to wake her up."

 "Is that why you called me?" Stin wondered. Cherry nodded. "Yes, if magic doesn't work, maybe some alchemy will do. I did try to decipher the curse, but it's even beyond me. It's powerful and seem to be related to her memory. When she wake up, are we not allowed to talk about her past, or we might trigger an even stronger attack. I'm afraid it might kill her."

Both Arukas and Stin listened to the guildmasters words; even Cherry that is so powerful and knowledgeable couldn't break the curse, said about the strength of it. Though she had managed to get out so much information about it from a short time of studies. Cherry was truly genius and a master of the magical arts.

 "Such powerful curse... I could probably try, but risk is that it might cause more damage since I don't know the full nature of the curse." The dwarf sighed slightly. "I will try some droughts that I know help to lessen the power of it, but it's usually only working against weak ones."

Cherry nodded, at this point was their options few. In desperate times would you rely on desperate solutions. Entering the room where Bob was sleeping in, did all three end up standing and staring at the bed. That was empty. "Is this the wrong room?" Cherry looked at Arukas that frowned, walked out to read the number on the door and came back. "No, this is the right one."

The room was small, and except under the bed was there no place to hide; it was just an empty bed, neatly made. "Where is she?"



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 "This place is freaking enormous." Bob stated as she was walking through one of many big corridors. In her arms did she hold a small bag of snacks she bought from a little store; it was like a big mall inside the ship with all sorts of stores. Waking up in a strange place and bed, was something she almost gotten used to. So with curiosity of this new place, had she left to explore. Luckily she had some coins left and was able to buy some of the delicious snacks she saw in the shop. It was like it was a big city inside of... something, cause there was a roof and hundreds of corridors. Large crystals was glowing with sunlight, giving the same feeling like you where outside in the sun, which was odd yet satisfying. With a blue roof did it give a feeling of being outside.

Children, adults and the elderly. Dwarfs, humans, beast-people and other races where all walking there, a great mixture of people that called this their home. By talking with some of them did Bob learn that she was on a ship called Red Queen. Though she couldn't imagine a ship THAT big. Even less a flying one. Just hearing about it was truly amazing and made her more curious about it. Without having no idea where she was did she soon end up in what looking like a huge dining hall, with large amount of tables and chairs. There was lots of people there, most of them young, ranging from small children to teenagers, and some few adults around.

 "Can I help you, Miss?" Bob who still chewed on some delicious muffin looked at her side to see a short girl with freckles and long blond hair in two thick braids. Dressed in a a green dress and white top was she looking like one of the servants, a young dwarf girl. "Oh, sorry, I'm new here, so I have no idea where I am."

The girl nodded. "I see, you look a bit loss. This is the mass hall for the academy. Though it's open for anyone, does it mainly serve the students. I'm a student myself, though I work a bit extra here." She said and smiled a bit. Moving her arms over to hold the plate firmly against her chest could Bob see that the arms where thick of muscles, as well showing some scars. "Oh, then I guess I'm at the right place, there is much I don't know." Bob replied with a grin. Even if her memory was still pretty much gone and she still had some chronic headache, did she still do her best to look positive at it. "What kind of school is it?"

 "It's the Red Queens Academy, created by Master RedCargo when she created this guild and organisation. The Red Queens Academy is to give anyone free education, as well training in magic and fights. Many jobs we do within the guild can be all from picking flowers to combat, so the academy are sure to give proper education as well give it to those that wants it. Some become doctors, others will be traders, some warriors, others will be mages. The academy is sure to find the most suitable studies for everyone's need." The dwarf girl explained with clear voice. Even if she seemed young, was she seemingly confident and boosted a strong voice. Somehow Bob came to adore this girl, she definitely had charm. "I understand, sounds very impressive. Where is this academy? Would love to check it out."

The girl walked out to the main hallway and pointed further down the way. "If you continue down the main hallway for about 100 meters, will you find a cross-road. Go left and follow that hall and you will find the academy reception. There is lots of signs showing as well." She explained and frowned a bit. "Maybe I should walk with you and show the way?"

 "Oh, don't worry, I will find it. I already taken enough of your time. Thank you so much dear." Bob said and left, leaving a muffin and some coin to the dwarf that looked surprised at it, but gladly accepted it.

Even if she had the directions, which was rather simple, did Bob enjoy walking slowly and look around. There were so many people, so many buildings that was part of each other and the ship, making it like huge rooms where people lived and held different stores and utility that was needed for a working society. It was similar to the city of Crowfell, yet so different. It was obviously an area where many students was hanging out, with much younger crowd than in the working areas she went past before. At the end of the hall that she had been told was a large open gate, with massive pillars of red wood with finest carvings surrounding it. Many students where walking in and out, and the first room led to a large open and circular space.

At the middle was desks in a circle with a group of people working with administration. Seeing most of them where busy with others, did Bob approach a black woman with long curly black hair and long pointy ears. Her dark eyes looked up from the documents and at Bob. Was it two things that Bob loved, was it honest eyes and heartwarming smiles, something this woman delievered. A little name-tag on the chest said; Administration - Ezi Straioz.

 "So, do you come here often?" Bob blurted out, still chucking down the damn good muffins, while the woman at the reception raised an eyebrow. "I... tend to do that yes, since I work here."

 "Good, smart. Sorry." Hiding her face a bit behind the bag a bit awkward did Bob look shameful. "Forgive me for being rude. Want a muffin?"

 "Thank you... But I don't eat sweets. Not at work. Maybe later." The woman replied with a little smile, making Bob grin. Suddenly a long tongue struck into the bag of muffins and as quickly was pulled into a large mouth. The creature was... different from anything Bob seen before. It looked amphibious, like a frog, but was in the size of a small dog, with long fuzzy tail, naked body and small useless wings. When it smell the sweets had it jumped up on the desk and used it long precise tongue to catch it's pray; a delicious muffin. "Oh so sorry, Nepi is so happy in sweets. Sit Nepi, sit!"

 "Wow, what is that? Never seen that before." Bob looked curious on the creature that was happily licking Ezi all over the face. "It's an-- Nepi, stop, you drool all over me--It's an frozhu. I saved it when it was a child and now it refuse to leave."

 "Aww, so cute, just like the owner. Oh, I mean..." Clearing her throat did Bob pet the frozhu on the head, that had a tuft of brown fur on it. "I'm pretty lost and new at this place, so I was wondering if there is any open classes I could go on? Introductions and such."

For a moment did Ezi look down on some papers before looking up at Bob again with a smile. "There is. Professor Zenos going to have an opening class today, in about fifteen minutes, in classroom twenty four." Ezi pointed at one of four gates. "In that direction, going left, then down the stairs, follow a corridor, then right into a room, then through the left door---" Ezi grimaced and held up Nepi. "Nepi, show this lady to Professor Zenos."

 "Bob. My name is Bob." Bob said with a smile. Ezi replied the smile and pointed at the tag on her chest. "Ezi."

 "Sweet, what is the other ones name? AAAAND let us go Nepi." Turning away quickly did Bob walk away, following the weird frog while Ezi laughed behind them. It wasn't unusual that Ezi would have many that approached her, usually men that more than once would step over the line. Among those was Bob a frisk wind for sure.  Making some distance did Bob grin for herself. "Gosh she was cute, isn't she?" She said to the Frozhu that licked it's entire face and body in one sweep. "I call it the awkward-but-cute flirt. I might teach you if you want Nepi. Might be some lady or gentleman frozhu's here for you too!"

Quickly did Bob follow the odd frog creature that was happily jumping and barking like some weird amphibian dog. The students around seemed to be used to it, some said hello and at points did Nepi stop to be petted. It seemed to have a nice life here, as the life of a frozhu usually was short and dangerous, was this one a happy fatty that enjoyed life to the fullest.

Jumping around did Nepi suddenly make an incredible jump over a group of students right into the head of the tallest of them, putting its arm and tongue around the victims head. "Blalafiaf--" For a second did the young man struggle to get free, but laughed as he held up Nepi. "Nepi! My frog-man, how you doing?" He said laughing. When Bob got closer did she realize that the young man looked similar to Crocodile she met in Crowfell. Tall with skin black as coal with white marks, as well white hair and eyes. Though this young man, with his bare chest showed not a big belly but powerful muscles.

 "Excuse me, Nepi was showing me the way when he darted off like that." Bob excused as she got closer to the group of students. The tall man, easy over 2 meters, was playing around with Nepi while another young man in the front looked at Bob. His body was slender, and almost malnourished when standing beside the Orcasi. Behind glasses was thin eyes; it was a cold gaze that somehow reminded her of Alfred. Though he was a gorgeous man, yet it was something eerie and haunting about him. "No worries... Sharken use to play with Nepi. You know, animals attracts animals..."

 "Oi, don't be such grump, and you are the one with the name of an animal, Sly Fox!" Sharken replied with Nepi on his head. It's long tongue was darting after a fly, before it suddenly struck against Sly Fox. Instantly the young man had turned around half-ways, to grab the tongue in mid air with his thumb and index-finger. The eyes were cold. "Don't..."

Nepi for a moment got terrified and curled together on Sharken's head, with a burly laughter from the Orcasi. "Oh, the spooky eye!" Gently patting Nepi gave the frozhu some courage, did he stick his tongue out to mock Sly Fox that just glared at it. "Do that again and I will rip your tongue out..."

 "Sly Fox, Sharken, Nepi. Please behave. The lady here was going somewhere, so maybe we could help her instead of acting like children." It was a young blue haired girl with a sweet expression and voice that spoke, though her voice was hardly enough to get the attention from the others. "Lyndie, allow me..." It was a tall blond woman, with incredible long and powerful legs, that suddenly kicked into the air between Sharken and Sly Fox. The air pressure was enough to make Sly Fox glasses fly off, though he gallantly caught it in a swift motion and put them back on. "What do you want Lufia?"

 "Lyndie wanted to speak, assholes." Lufia said and leaned back against the wall. Lyndie smiled gently and bowed her heard towards the blonde female. "Thank you Lufia." She said before turning to the others. "This lady here is apparently going somewhere, and we are taking up of her time by fooling around here. So Sharken, please give her Nepi back. And Sly Fox, don't hurt him."

Sharken muttered a bit as he let down Nepi  that bounced to Bob. The woman was just grinning, it made her just happy to see these youngsters being so lively. "No worries little lady, thank you." She said and held out a hand to Lyndie with a smile. The girl shook it gently. "You are welcome. Are you new here? Haven't seen you before, I should have remembered that."

 "Cause of her onions right?" Sharken cupped his hands at his chest; the scene made Lyndie blush, Sly Fox roll his eyes and Lufia just shrug annoyed. Bob just laughed and looked up at Sharken with a confident smile. "Onions? You mean melons boy? These are the fruits of wonders."

Sharken cracked up in a laughter that was contagious, and laughing herself did Bob look back at Lyndie. "And yes, I'm new. Very new. To be honest I don't know much about this place at all, and I thought a school would be a perfect place to start. So I was told by Ezi to visit a Professor Zenos since he have some opening classes."

The blue haired Lyndie nodded. "Professor Zenos have some basic introductions right now. He often travels away for different explorations and diggings, but at times is he here and educate and share his findings. Though he now should be doing lots of introduction classes this week, so guess it would be perfect. We can show you the way, our class is in the same corridor." She said and looked at her friends, that was such odd group of misfits. Together did they start to walk and Bob followed with a smile. "You are all so sweet, thank you. Want a muffin?"

Following the students did they show Bob to the big class-room that had open doors. Waving goodbye did Lyndie and the rest move on, Sharken (with all the muffins too) still having Nepi on his head and most likely would be there rest of the day until Ezi got him back. The classroom had lots of people, most of them in different young ages, but also some adults and elderly that sought to learn. Among the benches and chairs did she find her spot in the back beside an old man with shaky hands holding a cane and small glasses on a long nose, with a grand puffy mustachio below it. "Hope it's okay I sit here." She asked and the old man looked at her, nodding. "Of course little dear, of course." He said with a weak tired voice, while he showed tendency of twitching sporadically.

 "Thank you." Bob smiled and looked at the podium where a man that looked rather young was going through some papers. Shoulder long red hair framing a beautiful feminine face wearing round glasses. Everything about him seemed delicate and feeble. "Wow, he is pretty!"

The old man chuckled. "That he is. I have seen him since I was a child, still as beautiful and wise as he was then."

Bob frowned slightly. "Since you where a kid? Not to be rude, but that must been a couple of years ago."

 "Oh, yes, that was a long time ago." He laughed a bit. "About 60 years ago, and he haven't aged a bit. I have been watching him and his work at distance for all these years. And it's about to start." He held out a shaking finger as the lights dimmed slightly and the man at the podium looked up at them all. "Welcome to class."


--------------------------------------- 2.5


Zenos had a soft voice that seemed simply to fit his appearance. Vaguely did Bob notice pointy ears pointing out of the red hair. "Pointy ears? Just like Ezi." She mumbled surprised. The old man chuckled slightly. "Ah, yes, they are similar yet not, you see. The lady at the reception is an half-elf, while Professor Zenos is half-anima."

 "Anima?"

 "Oh, I'm not surprised if you don't know, we know very little about them. There is few of them left, timeless beings that posses vast knowledge and magic. It is said that they gave humans and other races the ability to use magic, and that the Anima's are the very essence of magic. Truly interesting story, but there is little known about them. Even Professor Zenos, that is half-blood, don't know much about them. Elves are direct descendants to the Anima's, thus they share similar physical traits. But they are still vastly different." The old man talked with a deep passion of the history. "Oh, so sorry, my mind wandered a bit there."

Bob had listened with great interest as the old man explained about the Animas and Zenos heritage. Just like before was it something eerie familiar with the names and words he spoke, like in a different time would she know about this, but now she slowly learned it again. "I thank you for the explanation." She smiled. "I appreciate what you have taught me and--"

 "Three..." Bob looked at the podium where Zenos voice suddenly was heard. Raising a hand did three orbs fly up and float in the air above him. "... is an representation of balance and meaning. Order, Chaos and Balance. Through ages have these three parts in different forms represented most people's beliefs. That people is made out of three cores; Good, Evil and Balance. An representation of people values. These three also represent the embodiment of people; Body..." One orb turned red. "Mind..." Second one turned blue. "And Senses." Last one turned yellow.

 "Magic in all forms and shapes is created through a mix and balance of these three cores.  Even life is formed by them, and death. Thus the number three have always been crucial, today and in history. All of you here, or most of you at least, will learn about these abilities and learn to use them in combat..."

Zenos raised his hand, the three cores started to spin and became fireballs in the three colors. They was shot into the air where they exploded into sparkling dust that fell down, forming magnificent figures that moved like a movie before they vanished. "... as well outside of it. Magic is a powerful tool for many things, and what you will use it for, will be up to you. We will proved knowledge and instruments for your development, and many of you will join different groups here in the Red Queen and RedCargo. Though some---"

Suddenly did the door slam open, many gasp surprised and Zenos looking annoyed. "Excuse me, but we having a lecture here." He said but realized it was Cherry that was literally storming in, followed by Arukas and Stin. "Master Cherry, can I help you?"

 "I'm looking for a woman." Cherry stated while breathing furiously. Suddenly seeing Bob sitting and looking curious at Cherry did she point the cane at the black woman. "There she is! Bob!"

 "Yes?" Bob stood up after thanking the old man before looking at Cherry. "Can I help you?"

 "I... come here!" The pink-haired woman demanded and pointed at the door. Quickly did she look around at Zenos. "Excuse us for the interruption. Return to your lecture, Professor Zenos."

Zenos sighed slightly as Cherry and her group went out with Bob. "That was... unexpected. So to continue the lectu---" He blinked a bit. "Bob?" For a second did he shake his head before he continue the lecture without any more interruptions.


--------------------------------------- 2.5


It was lots of whispers as many students gazed upon the guild master walking with determination, followed by Stin and Arukas that also was well-known. Then it was the black woman that was just smiling and had no idea whats going on. "So what's going on?" Bob said with her hands behind her neck. Passing the reception did she wave at Ezi that smiling replied waving. Cherry grimaced slightly. "I have been worried to death, and then you just been walking around, flirting and eating muffins!?"

 "Oh. You want a muffin? I can buy some more. And I didn't only flirt and eat muffins."

 "Really?"

 "I did a quick model-job in a lingerie store too! And helped an old woman with her grocery, lovely little lady I say."

 "Is this woman for real?" Stin asked Arukas that just shrugged, equal confused by this. Cherry tried to look serious and angry but the corner of her lips twitched as she was about to smile. "That sounds like you, Bob."

The black woman frown a bit. "You seem to know me, but I don't know you. Or at least I do not remember you, sorry for that." She felt awful about it, cause she felt strongly for this woman. Looking at Cherry and warm feelings would go through her, as her body remembered good things about this woman.

 "I understand, you suffer of... magical amnesia, a curse. We can't tell you who you are really, or it might kill you. Just know that we are your friends." Cherry continued. "My name is Cherry RedCargo, guildmaster of RedCargo. Captain of the Red Queen, businesswoman and politician."

 "That was fancy. Cherry it is then." Bob laughed a bit. "And I do trust you, feel it in me that I can do that. Though I don't want to be just sitting on my ass all days, I want to help out. And learn. I know I have some serious powers, but I'm... a bit afraid of it and I don't know where my limits are, I want to learn about it. And maybe learning about it I might learn to know myself."

Walking through many corridors did they soon enter a room, with Cherry in the lead. "That is understandable Bob. And I will make sure you get the training. You will join the RedCargo as trainee. Welcome to RedCargo, my friend." Cherry said and turned around, not seeing Bob. "SHE IS GONE AGAIN!?"