You hid it right? Dan whispered.
I definitely did, Cyra responded. And you were right she does sleep soundly.
I'm almost on point after all, Dan said smugly. What about the dress.
I placed it in her line of sight, Cyra said with a thumbs up.
Perfect, now all we have to do is wait for her to wake up.
After the fight Areia and Dan had with the hero and her party, after sending her party members on their way,she stayed with Dan and Areia for the time being helping with rebuilds and planting of crops. She had a useful ability to instantly speed up the growth of a crop in seconds. With her help the renovation of the village was only a matter of days, the people started looking healthier and full of life, the water was clean no monsters attacked it was a moment of peace. During which Dan and Cyra became pal's and their favorite hobby was messing with Areia.
Areia woke up wondering where her gear went, she had a sneaky suspicion it had something to do with Cyra. Ever since she joined them she and Areia we're the ones sharing the room, Dan somewhere else, so it's only possible she took it, Areia wondered what for.
Is she one of those they call thieves, she thought. She saw the bright orange dress placed neatly on the desk beside her bed. It was literally giving off the vibe wear me.
She's awake, muttered Dan from the rooftop of the building, I can hear movements.
Same here, Cyra confirmed her tail trashing around.
Let's go, if we stay here for long she's bound to notice. We should probably go see if any of the villagers need any help to act normal, Dan said jumping off the roof silently. Cyra on his heels.
Do you always have to carry that massive sword with you? Dan asked.
If you're wondering about the weight, it's as light as a feather, and besides watch,Cyra brushed the sword against a building, it fazed clean through like a ghost. Unless activated it doesn't solidify only I can touch it, she confirmed.
That's cool, Dan said excitedly.
Hey Stacy, Dan waived as the green haired Dryad passed.
What are you up to? She asked looking at their expression.
Nothing, Dan blurted out, unable to keep a straight face, Cyra kept making faces behind Stacy.
Stacy turned back, but Cyra was back beside Dan once again.
We wanted to see if you need any help, Dan said politely.
Oh I see, you're tormenting poor Areia again, Stacy said with a little laugh.
How did you know that? Dan asked surprised their plan was being busted.
You two always come help out when you're up to no good, she said simply.
Dan and Cyra pretended to be fascinated by the sky.
Also I could see the bright orange dress from here, Stacy continued.
Dan! Cyra said.
Yeah, I know, Dan affirmed. He nodded and Cyra instant got the signal. They both instantly bolted to opposite directions.
Stacy looked at Areia who was coming in the bright orange dress. You're really a doll aren't you, she said, thought a bright orange dress really clashed with your white hair and purple eyes in lots of ways, she laughed. I'm sure they did it on purpose tho.
Areia sighed, even though they had been in the village for a week she still find it hard to communicate or talk to them aside from Dan, thought the villagers already know that, Dan briefed them about it sometime ago.
If you're thinking of who to chase down first, I suggest you go after the beastkin first, she's faster after all before she gets far, Stacy suggested.
Thanks Areia muttered, as she lunged in Cyra's direction.
Cyra was halfway across the village when Areia caught up with her, she caught her by the tail, making her jump and growl.
Now just be a good girl and be obedient, Areia muttered in her ear, you're my ally now.
Cyra sniffed.
Soon she was dressed in a purple dress, contrasting sharply with her brown hair.
Get a move on, Areia said simply. Put those nose of your to good use. Locate master for me.
I don't plan on snitching, Crya muttered.
Maybe you plan on wearing a blue dress with some pretty hefty clown make up after all, Areia said darkly. Your inventory is quite full after all.
I'll help, I'll help, Crya screamed defensively.
After some minutes of sniffing, Crya pointed out, he's in that box over there, the box was in the open beside a shed.
Come out Dan, Areia boomed, there was no reply.
You're definitely getting the clown make up, Areia said opening the box. It was empty aside from Dan's clothes. Dan on the other end of the street saw them.
Crya you snitch, I was lucky to have made a clone of my clothes and ditched the original, he panted, observing them through the gaps of the house.
He definitely was here, Areia said picking up his jacket. He must have made a copy of his outfit and dropped the original here, so we can't track him by scent if he's wearing a copy.Dan I know you can see me, she yelled. Bring my gear and I might at least spare you the makeup, but you're definitely getting in a dress. Are you both kids, she said looking at Cyra who flinched.
Oh stop yelling, Dan said coming out the house. Shouldn't you be more appreciative we thought of a dress rather than a gown, Dan laughed.
What if we're attacked, Areia asked. How would I be prepared.
Don't worry, Dan said waving her off, we literally have the hero here, she'll do all the fighting from now on.
I object, Crya cried out, using me for my power that so cruel, she faked sobbing.
Just look at what you caused Areia, you're making the hero, cry, Dan rounded up on her.
Areia startled convinced by their fake acting, she didn't know how to console, Cyra.
Just forget it, she sobbed running from Areia towards Dan. It dawned on Areia too late.
Enjoy the rest of your day In the dress Areia, Dan yelled. She ran after Cyra but it was already too late, the moment Cyra touched Dan's hand they vanished.
I can help you look for them you know, Stacy came clutching a basket of sheets.
Never mind, Areia said. I know they mean well but does the dress have to be orange? I hate orange, she said simply and walked away.
How was my acting, Cyra said taking off the purple dress.
It was great but it needs work, Dan replied. Here have a peach, he said throwing it over the curtain.
She came out of the curtain fully dressed in her usually attire. You do know we beast people aren't a fan of veggies and fruits right? I mean just looking at us that much should be obvious, she said flipping the peach in her palm.
I thought you're ok with it since back in your village you had fruit stores and stuff, Dan replied taking a large bite from his.
We are, but we'll pick meat over Fruits any day, Cyra said simply.
They were in a tree house which served as their base of operation for escape after tormenting Areia. Dan and Cyra had built in in their free time, it wasn't the largest but it could easily fit ten people lying down.
Cyra tossed the purple dress out the window. Damn I hate that dress, she muttered looking at it in disgust as the wind swept it away.
If you hate it so much why did you have it? Dan asked.
I'm a hero Dan , people shower me with gifts all the time,she said, and for no reason at that.
Where did you come from anyways there shouldn't be any town and villages miles and miles from us.
There is Cyra explained, there's an elf settlement about I think six thousand miles from here, and there's the fairies dungeon about five thousand miles. It's not that far when you think about. I came from the elves tho, they have killer wine, she said in a daze.
Aren't you too young to be drinking? Dan asked.
I'll have you know I'm eighteen, so I'm technically an adult, she smiled smugly. I have the privilege to drink all the wine and booze I want, she said excitedly.
Won't they come look for you if you don't go back soon? Dan asked.
Oh. I didn't think about that, Cyra said. Well I'm not the Hero of the elves so it's in their best Interest to leave me be. And I just remembered, Dan take of your shirt.
Who that got indecent really fast, Dan said holding his clothes.
Just take it off, she said grabbing Dan by the arm and forcing it off him, during their struggle they didn't notice Areia arrive.
Just what are you doing? Areia asked pulling Cyra off him instantly.
I don't know, Dan straighten out his clothes, one minute she was fine the next she's crazy.
Oh hey Areia, Cyra said waving at her nervously, sorry for ditching you in town.
Areia stared daggers at her.
Pls let go of my collar and come help me take Dan's shirt off, she said wriggling free from Areia's grip, and while we're at it you should do the same.
Don't get near master, Areia said standing between them. You're definitely up to no good, master I think this would be the perfect time to hand me my gear, Areia said slowly.
Nice try Areia but you're not getting it till tomorrow, besides let's hear her out, I doubt this world would make a hero crazy, on second thought I think it's possible, Dan said.
All this talking is making me bored, Cyra cried out just do as I tell you Dan and sit facing the wall with your back to me.
Dan nonchalantly obeyed, sitting crossing folding his legs with his back to her.
Wow you're more muscular than you look, she commented. She sat behind him and touched his back, Dan flinched.
Stay still this will only take a moment,she reassured him. And no twitching like a scared cricket I'm not going to do anything wierd. And another thing I want you to not use magic for the time being. So anything right now that requires your magic to operate I suggest you stop it now or this process is gonna be painful for both of us.
Dan nodded to show he understands. Areia was watching the whole ordeal confused.
Cyra felt Dan's back, traced a sign on it and closed her eyes. It was dark, a darkness that seems to never end and she was floating in the abyss. Is core is supposed to be somewhere here, she said confused. Doesn't he have a core? She muttered. But that's impossible everyone has a core, besides how can he perform high level magic without a core, it's literally impossible. A sharp pang of pain shot through her skull, through clenched teeth she muttered, Dan don't use magic.
I'm not using any, Dan said. He felt the pain too.
Then what..... Cyra was suddenly lifted up and flunged through the tree house towards the ground, she landed with a loud bang.
You're really something aren't you? Cyra laughed from the ground, she lept I to the tree house again with single leap. How the hell are you even alive? She asked it makes no sense. I can definitely see why the world is out to get you, an uncontrolled and uncontained power such as yours can only bring two things, either great destruction or life, but honestly I'll be blunt, your power don't seem suited for the light side of things.
Is the hero seriously talking me to be a villian, Dan said with a soft grin.
I'm just saying, it's like a shark trying to save people you know? Cyra clarified.
Now I want to ask, continued. How did you feel when you were fighting me back in the mountain and all, I mean the power sensation, cause it would seem the you now and the one who fought me back then used two different types of magic and mana.
I felt fine, Dan said putting on his shirt, I definitely wasn't out of control, he said in thought, just angry.
Do you feel fatigued after using the power for a while? She asked again.
No I don't think so, I felt fine after wards, he responded.
It's not shock there, I mean it's your power after all, the. Again being a dragon with no core probably helped , she said thinking deeply.
How did you know I'm a dragon? Dan asked, I don't think I've mentioned it to you before.
It's all over your scent, Dragons give of a dark alure, kind of like charcoal, just as how your companions here gives of elfish scent, Cyra explained.
I'm an Elf? Areia asked pointing at herself.
It's possible I mean the scent is almost hard to miss, the dignified and dangerous calm air about them, Cyra shrugged.
But I'm human, Areia said defensively but calmly. I remember by days in a jar for some reason, she said softly.
Well it could be that I'm mistaken, Cyra shrugged nothing is certain after all. Now the problem I have with you is why can't you use magic.
Why can't I use magic? The Masters at Amag said I don't have what's required of a mage, Areia answered.
What a load of crap, Cyra scoffed, just who are these masters, they need a whack in the head. You don't need to strip Areia, I can clearly see your core from where I stand. You need to spend some of that mana ASAP or you might as well be digging your own grave. Now I'm wondering how you've survived for so long with that much energy in you.
You guys are giving me a headache. You're both so abnormal, Cyra said staggering back. And the most pressing matter is that you're wanted Areia. If not I'm sure with your potential you could arguably become one of the strongest in the world currently.
The strongest? Isn't that too much of a leap, Dan asked taking a peach and biting into it.
Honestly it's not, the world is full of strong and powerful Individuals I know that, even as the hero I currently rank thirty in the worlds strongest list, Cyra said. The people above are complete powerhouses, I don't even know why hero's exist in the first place if they can't be the strongest, Cyra sighed.
How do you know all this? Dan asked.
I'm a hero, I've been thought who to cross and who not to, and besides I'm being pushed back on the rankings everyday, she sobbed.
So who's considered the strongest? Areia asked.
I couldn't forget that one, Cyra said, thought it might have changed but she was called, I think, Ignatia, she's a dragon. But with the powers constantly changing I doubt she's still considered the strongest. And not only that apperantly rank fifteen and fourteen died while fighting what was in that rock chasing you Dan. That's what I heard tho.
So if I beat you, Dan said does that mean I rank higher than you, he teased.
Nah, if my sword had activated that fight wouldn't have lasted so long, Cyra sulked. All this knowledge is making me queasy, let's go haunt for game, she suddenly said and jumped back the hole off the tree house. Dan looked at Areia who was looking down dazed, he didn't know if it was the fact that Cyra said she smelled like an elf or the fact that she had magic that was on her mind but he didn't care regardless, she'll always be Areia to him.
"Elf," Dan teased as he jumped after Cyra. Dan's voice seem to bring her out of her daze.
"Don't call me that!" She responded jumping after him." Do I really have to hunt wearing a dress!" She called after Dan.
" It was set in stone the moment we stole your gear and armour. Leave the hunting to us" Dan said with a smile trying to catch up to Cyra who was Miles ahead at this point. Today you're our princess.
There's a throb in my chest, Areia thought. Just what do you mean to me. Master!
"Cyra!" Put that down, Dan called some running towards her paces off. Lucky he had spotted Crya before she devoured a snake raw.
"Game is best eaten raw" Cyra challanged the snake dangling from her mouth. Dan didn't wait for her to decide if she should eat it or not, he instantly made the snake as hot as he could, the result was Instant, Cyra dropped it rubbing her scarred tongue.
"Why did you do that for?" Came Cyra's teary eyed muffled response.
"Stop wining like a baby" Dan said walking past her and picking up the snake. Don't you know you'll have to clear the insides first and not to mention cooking or roasting it. "You've been eating cooked food before, so why trying to eat this raw?" Dan continued jangling the snake in front of her.
" Game is always best eaten raw!" She said importantly. It's a common saying in my tribe.
" Ugh!" Dan looked livid. "Your tribe needs re working" he scoffed." So any meat you just hunt down you just golf it down like a cannibal?
" No not all" Cyra assumed a tone as if educating a young pup which Dan didn't like very much. If it's small enough we eat it, but if it's something large like a dear or boar we take it back home, it's simple logic.
" Areia can you believe Cyra" Dan said in disgust going towards her. She didn't noticed him until he touched her on the shoulder asking her why she was spacing out.
Dan's sudden touch brought her back to reality and startled her so much she gave a large distance between themselves and her, she panted. " When did master get so close? She thought, and since when have I been so cautious around him? My heart is killing me, I think I might have come down with something, she thought.
" Are you ok Areia?" Dan said walking towards her snake in hand.
"Master!" Pls don't come closer, Areia replied as if ready to jump miles to get away from him. "I think I'm sick" she said feeling herself.
" Sick? Cyra called out, "that's impossible most sickness is destroyed by my presence, she said touching a mushroom which instantly disintegrated. " It's one of the perks with being a hero you see, she said sitting on the forest floor with a crunch, as dry leafs and twigs snapped under her weight.
" Then you must not be a real hero if Areia's sick in your presence" Dan teased mocking at Cyra.
She took the bait instantly..how dare you mock my heroic powers" Cyra pretended to pout and got up. She walked past Dan and approached Areia. " Give me your hand" she said to Areia. Areia seemed hesitant so she just grabbed it.
" She seems fine" , Cyra called to Dan. But her heart beat is off the charts, come feel it yourself Dan, Cyra called him over.
" I don't know" Dan said hesitantly. She seems to back away when I approached her just now. Dan stepped forward slowly.
" Whoa!" Cyra called. It Increased, her heart beat, she said, now placing her head on Areia's chest. Areia seemed petrified by what was going on. But at the sight of dn approaching she broke free from Cyra in a flash and sprinted full speed towards the village.
"See!" Dan said walking towards Confused Cyra. XI don't think she wants me near her" , he continued.
" You?" Not near her? Cyra said in disbelief. I don't think that's the case, but she's definitely not sick. Maybe she's still mad about the dress, Cyra shrugged, discretely trying to take the dead snake from Dan. He saw her and removed it from her line of sight with a frown.
" I guess it's just the two of us then" he said, better haunt more, I don't think a single reptile would do us much.
" Aye aye Captain" Cyra suddenly yelled and zoomed Into the forest before Dan could call her back. Dan sighed sat down on the forest floor, he took out a sharp rock from his pocket and started trimming down on the reptile. What's going on with Areia,he thought, if it's something that even the hero can't cure what do I do? Or does it have to do with her core that Cyra was talking about?. "Maybe she really is angry about the dress" Dan said to him out loud, I guess I better make enough food for her too then, he smiled.
There was a small tap on the door, Stacy got up from the stove to check, she spotted Areia through the door's crack, he opened it immediately. "What's wrong Areia!" She said in alarm. You look like a tomato your face is nearly the same colour of your dress." Also did something happen between you and Dan? I didn't think I'd live long enough to see the day you reach out to me yourself".
At the sound of his name Areia flinched looked around frantically and forced her way into Stacy's home. Stacy smiled knowing what's happening.
Stacy's home was small, the young dryad who has been talking to Dan while he worked on the fence was napping in a bed not far off. The house was almost entirely covered in plants with little rook for movements, Stacy motioned Areia to a chair that looked like a giant cabbage.
Honestly I thought they were already dating, Stacy thought, and I'm sure I'm not the only one, most of the villagers already think so, but seeing her flustered like this I don't think that's the case,Stacy smiled even more, this is going to be fun.
"What's wrong Areia? Stacy asked. You seem shaken.
It took serious straining from Stacy's part to her what Areia was saying.
I think I'm sick, Areia muttered softly, but Cyra doesn't know what's wrong with me, but I think my sickness is related to master.
Bingo, Stacy thought, she's able to trace the cause back to Dan, but doesn't know how to interpret it, knowing Dan I'm sure he doesn't have a clue either. I'm not going to spoil it by revealing anything to her it'll be more eventful and fruitful if she figured it out herself,Stacy thought smugly, she couldn't help but smile to herself, even Areia noticed it.
You're a Dryad, Areia continued softly, I was hoping you'd be able to tell me what's wrong.
Nothing is wrong Areia dear, Stacy said softly. It's all because you're in a dress, she lied, I'm sure once you're in your normal outfit you'll be back to normal, I mean it could be that you are not in your element.
I didn't think of that, Areia said slowly. I should ask Cyra to see if I could get my gear back. Thanks she muttered as she disappeared with a burst of speed.
Cyra arrived about an hour later arms covered in rabbits, snakes and a dear across her shoulder. Dan was lost fir words.
"Are you trying to hunt the entire forest!" He shouted. Cyra who had been looking proud seem to not know what was wrong.
" I thought the more the merrier" she said beaming at Dan hoping for a compliment. After a serious admonition from Dan, she sat down sulking on his side.
"Now what do I do?" Dan said scratching his head. Areia and Cyra are big eaters but we definitely can't finish this all by ourselves.
" Why don't we just share some with the villagers" came Cyra's muffled reply." I mean we are going in two days it could be like a party of some sort" .
Now that's not a bad idea, Dan said trumping his head with his hand. I better get to work with the meat then, but before that, pls remove the rabbit you have in your mouth Cyra or I'll heat it up again, Dan said sternly, she reluctantly spat it out.
"What am I doing? Areia asked herself. " I've been here a while but I can't seem to approach Cyra", she's hovering around Dan. If only they could part for a moment, she said shifting from foot to foot.
"Hey Areia! Cyra suddenly yelled, covered in a bloody mess, Dan's apron hadn't helped her at all. Dan looked up and Areia immediately hid herself.
" Are you sure you saw Areia? Dan asked sternly or are you trying to distract me so you can stuff a dead animal in your mouth again.
" I saw her I swear, besides I can still smell her, sobbed Cyra.
Dan waved his hand and splashed a large amount of water towards the tree, they heard a Yelp as the water drenched the tree. " Just come on out Areia, you've given yourself away, we need help if you wouldn't mind. Or better still could you help us call Stacy and anyone willing to help with the preparations.
Preparations for? She muttered timidly coming out partly from behind the tree.
Due to a little out of control hero, Dan said staring at Cyra who gulped and looked away, we have more meat than necessary and we think it'll be a good idea to share them with the villagers since I two-days we wouldn't be with them anymore, kinda like a barbeque party of some sort, Cyra! Dan yelled as she tried to stuff another rabbit in her mouth.
Those two have gotten really close haven't they, Areia thought. I feel really wierd, I don't even remember what I came here for, but seeing them like that makes me feel wierd. I don't like this feeling,she thought as she walked away back to the village she had just come from.
"Oh wait! Dan suddenly called rinsing his hands and taking off his Apron, you're a princess today, he said as he dashed past Areia patting her on the head and moving towards the village, princess don't go on errands, take it easy, don't touch any blood by the way.And pls watch Cyra for me, he smiled. I'll be back he said as he ran off.
Areia stood touching her wet hair that he had patted, her face bright red, her breath heavy from her constantly throbbing trumping heart, she smiled weekly, " just what's happening to me", she said softly. She looked back just to catch Cyra trying to sneak in another bunny, she dropped it under Areia's gaze and resumed removing the insides.
"What's with that smile? Cyra asked. " You looked like a fully ripen tomato by the way. Did something good happen?
Areia who didn't know she was still smiling, just told Cyra to stop talking and start working.
Areia looking at Cyra working thought, she's similar to Dan in many ways, I can see why they're so close, just that she's a little more on the wild side, she watched her trying her best to clean up the bunnies the best she could which wasn't a very good job but it was clear she was trying and excited l, cause her tail never seems to stop wagging. Just like a dog, Areia thought.
Dan arrived some minutes later followed by Stacy and some of the villagers women, mostly humans and dwarfs. The work was much quicker and efficient with Stacy now involved. She directed the women efficiently, sending some to fetch for sticks ropes, and some back to the village for herbs. They were doing just a wonderful job Dan didn't have much to do. He reclined on a stump near Areia. Looking at the humans and the dwarfs women working together she asked, " do you wonder where and how the other humans must have scattered?
" All the time, Dan replied. It was night time and the moon was smiling at them, illuminating Areia's long tornado of white hair as she sat looking Intently at the women bustling about. Dan smiled. I'm glad you're alright Areia, he said softly. You'll have your gear by tomorrow he continued.
"Oh, my gear, I had totally forgotten about it, she replied. I guess relaxing feels good uh? She said. She could feel her heart almost leap out her chest, she could feel her heavy ragged breathing, the air smelled of meat, the forest air, the people. It all seemed new to her, the cracking of dry leaves as the women walked around the forest floor, the beautiful sky, the moon and most important Dan. She looked at him his dark hair trashing around as the wind ran through them, little visible strands of red poking out of it here and there, his pale face, his reddish orange eyes seem to glow a little under the moon light. Something has definitely changed with me, Areia thought, something good but bad at the same time.If only we could just sit like this and be at peace for the rest of our lives, Areia thought. That'll be nice, she said, out loud.
What is? Dan asked not turning.
Areia opened her mouth to reply, but was soon distracted by the yelling and commotion as Cyra bolted across them with a fully cooked bunny in her mouth.
"It's cooked now, she said in her defense towards Dan. I can have it right?
Sure knock yourself out, Dan said with a smile. Cyra looked as if she had been waiting for those words, she sat close to him broke the meat in two and gave him half, Dan couldn't say no seeing how excited she was, her tail was trashing around like a brook on the stump, and her eyes were practically glowing. Dan took it and thanked her, the proceeded to give half of his to Areia. By midnight the men had arrived and the feast had commenced. They danced to the music, Cyra had made the trees sing. The children finally full of life and happy running around playing without a care in the world. Areia saw a human couple kissing in the distance, it was then it dawned on her, what ever that was it's what she seemed to be experiencing right now. It's what she wanted but it's something she knew would be a liability, and more burden towards Dan, then there's always the fact that he may not feel the same way, Areia thought sadly. Taking one last look at the couple confirmed it. It's what she had been feeling all this time.