Guys: I couldn’t get my story to e-mail, so I just posted it here. It will take up 28 pages of the blog, though, sorry. Plus it is unedited, you guys are the first to read it. COnstructive criticism allowed, but unconstructive critisism is not, please. Read it well!<\/i><\/p>\nDragonseye<\/h3>\n
There is hardly a more unpleasant way to wake up than falling out of bed. Even if one\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s bed is a hammock, and not very comfortable in the first place, as Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s was, it is almost always more agreeable than falling onto a stone floor, which is what Steel did. The girl got slowly to her feet, rubbing her bruised hip slowly. The rest of the students who she shared a room with were still asleep, as it was some time before dawn. Momentarily considering going back to bed, she sighed and let the idea of further rest drop. Once awake, Steel could never get back to sleep. She began to get dressed, jerking on her loose tunic and breeches. She wound a linen sash around her waist, brushed and braided her slightly waved, jet-black hair, and, barefoot, slipped out of the room. No reason why the other girls shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have their rest just because she was deprived of hers.<\/p>\n
Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stomach rumbled hungrily. She decided to make a quick detour to the kitchen before heading to the practice rooms, and turned left at the next hall instead of right. At the end of the short passage was the kitchen, a large, steamy place, busy even before dawn. She trotted towards a table where large loaves of bread were cooling, dodging several heavyset kitchen workers as she did. Reaching the table where the loaves were, Steel was just about to snatch one when a large hand whacked her on the fingers with a spoon. With a sharp exclamation of pain, she hastily drew back her arm, looking up to survey a very tall, very thin woman with an apron.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ouch, Miss Warren, what was that for?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Miss Warren gazed down her long nose at the miscreant. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That was for taking without permission, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara Motkimi. It is always necessary to ask before you snatch. Does this mean that I should give you no breakfast, I wonder?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel groaned. Miss Warren, for some reason, disliked her immensely. She was always going out of her way to make trouble for her. Luckily for Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stomach, some other workers came to her rescue.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, have a heart, Miss Warren,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d piped a short old cook. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Give her something to eat, now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Miss Warren gave Steel a look that said she would much rather kill her than feed her, but she handed her the loaf.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks, Miss Warren!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She called over her shoulder. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And thank you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered to the grizzled cook. He dropped her a wink.<\/p>\n
Steel arrived at her practice room just before dawn by the school clock, although it was never noted for accuracy. She shoved the last of the still-warm bread into her mouth, swallowed, and began to stretch. Holding her arms above her head, she bent first to one side, then to the other, finally arched her back so that her palms pressed the floor behind her. She held it for fifteen seconds, than flipped over and upright. Her final exercise was a handstand; she had just gotten into it when\u00e2\u20ac\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hello, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel fell with a thud onto her back in surprise. She hurriedly regained her feet and bowed slightly toward the white haired old man who had been standing, unnoticed, behind her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, good lord\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI mean, good morning, Master Hai. I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know you were here\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That is evident.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
She blushed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You just surprised me, is all, Master Hai.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the second time I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve fallen this morning, she thought. I hope this isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a trend. She rubbed her sore hip again.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A Shiran must always be wary, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Master Hai sternly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You must learn mental control. Let us practice.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He gestured toward a large reed mat in the center of the floor. They both seated themselves, opposite each other. Steel reverse-crossed her legs and sat up straight. Then she began her routine. Master Hai lowered his voice to a gentle drone, repeating a well-known drill.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Breath is a luxury too precious to waste, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara. Every Shiran must learn to control their breath, not to use any more of it than necessary, and to make the most of each bit of oxygen. Breathe in, hold it, breathe out, hold it, breathe in, well done, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara. Each breath should last twenty-eight seconds precisely, or seven seconds per section. Breathe out for seven seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and breathe in for seven seconds. You must regulate your lungs, and breathe from your diaphragm. If you breathe from your lungs directly, you will lose over fourteen percent of your oxygen intake per breath. Clear your mind; allow no random thoughts to enter. Breathe in\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 no; hold it for seven seconds, not six, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara. Good. That was very good. You may stop now. Go get your staff, and mine, please.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel stood up, possessed with the calm she was always in after practice. Still, no thoughts unrelated to her lessons entered her mind. She chose a staff for herself from the rack, and handed Master Hai his own personal weapon. She began the breathing exercises again, slower this time, and stepped to one side of the mat, arranging her hands on the rough wood.<\/p>\n
Master Hai nodded to her, signaling the beginning of a practice. He swung the thick end of his staff directly at Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s head. Without thinking she brought hers up to block it, than twisted it down and around in the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153half moon\u00e2\u20ac\u009d technique. The old man moved in to strike again, and she blocked. It was only a practice session, or Steel knew she wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have stood a chance against her venerable-appearing old teacher. In a practice session, every move was planned beforehand, so as to expose the student to certain techniques and enable them to react correctly and automatically to assorted fighting styles. She and Master Hai were no more fighting than fixing plumbing.<\/p>\n
Finally, Master Hai called for a stop. He handed his staff to Steel, who returned it to its place and placed hers on the rack. He sat down on the mat, his breathing hardly even hurried. Steel was panting lightly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That was quite good, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara. Next time, however, please take care to hold your hands farther apart, and keep them that way. If it helps you, you may cut grooves on a certain staff to mark your place.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153By the by, you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t found a name for yourself yet, is that correct?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, Master Hai. Master Uua told me to consider \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcQuickhealer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122, because of my high regeneration speed, but it just didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem to fit, if you know what I mean.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, hopefully you will think of one soon. A Shiran must always have a True Name, or they are not truly a Shiran. Soon you will be ready to take your Ordeal, and then you will be a fully trained Master. You should take care to find a name quickly, because you have been showing enough potential that many of your teachers think I should put you through your tasks early. I personally wish to wait until you have shown true Shiran characteristics in real life situations, but at any rate you should prepare yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153At any rate, your classmates should be here any moment, so I suggest you put names out of your mind. This lesson is knife fighting.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Huh? I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know that was on our curriculum. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s pretty basic stuff, isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There is an exchange student from Sarain here to teach you. Here is some advice, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara: some people would think staff and barehanded fighting simple, even though you know it is not. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hurry to judge what you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get to answer that, because the bell rang and her class walked in. The students milled around the room chatting and finding small mats to sit on. Steel quickly joined them. Master Hai stood up and awaited silence, which fell almost immediately, as everybody liked Master Hai, although few were as lucky as Steel, who had him as a personal Master.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning, students,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he greeted them.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, Master Hai!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d yelled a boy. There were giggles as the rest of the class greeted him more politely. He smiled tolerantly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153As I see, some of you are not fully awake yet. A few brains are addled, I think?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
There were more chuckles from the students. Steel grinned to herself\u00e2\u20ac\u201dMaster Hai was one of the only teachers with a sense of humor. The man continued. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, you should get your brains in order, children, because we have a special guest here for a while. The Governmental School of Sarain has sent us an exchange student, who is switching places with our very own Dorian Smithson. She will be giving us a lesson today. May I ask Zyviva Miller to please come forward?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
From the back of the classroom there was a slight disturbance as a blonde, pale-skinned girl who had been sitting on the mat next to Steel got up and moved to the front of the classroom. Some of the boys nodded appreciatively, as she was quite pretty. Steel thought she was an odd teacher for knife fighting. If her sleeveless shirt had not revealed hard, tough looking muscles under that porcelain skin, the girl would have looked as if she had never seen a day\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s work in her life. Well, it was never good to judge by appearances\u00e2\u20ac\u201dshe was willing to give her a chance, at least.<\/p>\n
Zyviva had reached the front of the room by now and turned to address the class. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said confidently. There were some murmurs in answer. Shiran students were generally not very outspoken, but the blonde girl didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem bothered. She continued, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153As some of you know, since this is my first day, the teachers decided to humor me and let me give you a knife lesson. Many people believe knife throwing is useless and, at best, extremely simple.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She paused. Some people murmured assent again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, I am here to prove you wrong. Look over here, please.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva pointed to a small cardboard square, usually reserved for games of darts in the student lounge, and which had been tacked to the wall. It had a bull\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-eye painted on it. Since darts are very small the center circle was no bigger than an olive.<\/p>\n
The girl stepped back to the opposite wall, at least eight meters from the bull\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-eye. From an unseen sheath behind her neck she drew a long, tapering dagger. Skipping forward a few steps on her toes she gave the dagger a twist around and threw it skillfully by its blade toward the cardboard square. With a dull thud it buried itself in the precise center of the bull\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-eye.<\/p>\n
There was quiet for a moment. Then someone started to clap loudly. Within moments, everyone in the entire room, including Master Hai, had burst into applause. Zyviva strode to the bull\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-eye, retrieved the knife, and put it back into its sheath. Then she turned to the class and bowed gracefully.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I see you are all in agreement with me that a knife can be quite useful?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d cried the boy who had given Master Hai the rude greeting earlier. The rest of the students nodded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Would you like to learn how to do that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel stood up, and did something out of character. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Count me in, Zyviva.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She liked the girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s self-confidence and unshakable cheerfulness. Ever since Zyviva had started talking Steel had felt the growing impulse to abandon her normally accurate reputation as \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcstrong and silent\u00e2\u20ac\u2122. Maybe this girl would be worth talking to.<\/p>\n
Several other students volunteered for knife lessons as well. The rest of the lesson was spent on the basics of knife throwing, and it seemed like only a few minutes before the bell rang. Even so, at the annoying buzz there was the usual rush towards the door. Only Zyviva remained, taking down the punctured bull\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-eye with a strangely pensive look on her face.<\/p>\n
Steel hesitated at the door. It was break, and she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to waste it, but\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 Oh, come on, Steel, she thought angrily. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be selfish. She shut the door softly and strode openly in the direction of the blonde.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, Zyviva.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva turned around, all traces of her somber mood quickly fading. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh hi! You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the volunteer, right? I thought everybody here was going to be the same reserved type, so it was a relief to hear some actual words.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel grinned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Actually, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m the reserved of the reserved, usually. You just seem to bring out the worst in me. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara Motkimi, but you can call me Steel. All the kids do. Listen, I know most new guys can feel a bit uneasy here. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take you around a bit until you get a feel for the land. You can teach me about knife fighting. How does that sound to you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva smiled, showing even white teeth. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds great. You know, I was feeling a bit worried about this place, so I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m really glad you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re taking me around for a bit. Listen, what do we have next?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Break.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel thought for a moment. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But we won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get one. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m taking you to the training room. I know you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re new here, but there are some things you need to know.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d They began to walk out of the room, and Steel steered towards the big wood chamber next door.<\/p>\n
Zyviva looked surprised. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Like what?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
They entered the practice chamber, which was deserted except for them. Steel seated herself cross-legged on the rough floor, motioning Zyviva to sit down beside her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I suppose you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re top in your class in Sarain, huh?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pretty much.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She said it without a trace of either modesty or conceit. Steel reassessed her opinion of the blonde girl rapidly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, in this school, we appreciate strengths and weaknesses. If a girl is a great knife fighter, we let her be a great knife fighter without any grudge. But if that same girl is, say, a lousy math student or martial artist, we let her be lousy without any teasing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a great martial artist.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel smiled to herself. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe in Sarain you are. But keep in mind that the Shiran practically invented all skillful barehanded combat. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel bad if you lose\u00e2\u20ac\u201da lot.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Trust me, I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t. Because I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not going to lose.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva spoke with confidence. Steel knew she was going to have to rid her of that illusion before the got to martial arts class. She was willing to believe Zyviva was good, maybe even terrific, at her own form of barehand, but all the Shiran students knew Kung Fu, Ris-Li, Judo, Kwiendo, Wudan, and the special Shiran form, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122a\u00e2\u20ac\u2122o, at least. Steel herself had mastered three other forms and was working on another.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can I ask you a question before you attempt to beat me at Judo?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be teaching you Judo, but ask away.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva blushed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean to be rude, but why is your skin so dark?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel glanced down at her brown palms. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s because I come from a hot place.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Central Ma\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ar.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva gasped in horror. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How did you\u00e2\u20ac\u201dI mean\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Never mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face became hard. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll tell you all about it later. But in the meantime, I will show you that there is something you need to learn from us Shiran.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva chuckled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Martial arts? I told you, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m good enough to beat almost anyone, Shiran or not.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel chose to ignore that. She stood up, and beckoned to the other girl.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153At ready.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva crouched, swaying on the balls of her feet. Steel shifted into her Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122a\u00e2\u20ac\u2122o stance and began her breathing exercises. In\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 hold\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 out\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 hold\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 in\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 hold\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 out\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n
Zyviva made the first move. Quicker than the eye could follow, she darted forward, her hand aiming straight for Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wrist to grab it, twist, and pull her down. There was no possible way she could miss, at this distance. She reached out, closed her fist\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 and grasped air. Steel was suddenly two feet behind her, having actually flipped backward over her the girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s head to land, catlike, on her feet. Zyviva tried again. She sent a flurry of blows in her direction, which Steel easily deflected, using her arms to twist her opponent around and grasped her arms. Zyviva, having suspected this move, dropped and rolled, breaking Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s grip on her and darting between the dark girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s legs. Steel followed her up, following her in her roll to come up facing her a few paces away.<\/p>\n
Blows flickered back and forth between the two combatants, each girl struggling to get the other off balance. Steel was watching Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s every move, trying to detect any weakness, any flaw, in the girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s defense. Finally, she found what she was looking for. Fainting a punch at Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s ribs, Steel jumped instead. Both of her bare feet connected with the other girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulder. With a gasp of surprise, Zyviva fell heavily to the floor.<\/p>\n
Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s triumph was over in less than a moment. She landed lightly beside her opponent, who had fallen, panting, on the mat. She realized immediately that in her desire to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153educate\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the new girl, she might have really hurt her. Zyviva wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even wearing armor, for goodness\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 sake! I mean, she had been dumb in her life before, but this was just stupid.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh my gosh, Zyviva, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m so sorry! I forgot you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a Shiran, I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean to hurt you, I was a complete idiot\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, shut up, Steel,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d snapped Zyviva. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m okay. And boy, you were amazing! Listen, you beat me in thirty seconds flat!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel was still feeling guilty. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Look, Zyviva, I just used a few tricks on you. I could teach you what I did, if you really wanted\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You could?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sure I could! I\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she stopped. Zyviva was looking a little too emotionless for comfort. She immediately began to reconsider. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Listen, Zyviva, I will teach you what I can. But just keep this in mind, okay? You are not a Shiran. I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t teach you to be a Shiran, and you can probably never be a Shiran for a multitude of reasons, the least of which is that you are too old to begin the training. But what I can teach you to do is to not embarrass yourself more than necessary. Got it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought only I could be so careful not to say anything I shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t, Steel. Fine, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll try my best to not get above myself again, if you teach me how to do what you did. But I kind of like you, Steel. In the Governmental School, when people agree to become acquaintances, they make sure the other guy knows what they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re getting into. I think you should know that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a fugitive.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel was stunned. How could someone be a fugitive and a student at the same time? As if in answer to her unspoken question, Zyviva said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153My name is not actually Miller, and Zyviva is only a nickname. My real name is Uziva Anebat, and I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m enrolled in the Governmental School under my false name. The government is after Uziva, not Zyviva.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel was stunned out of speech for a moment, but quickly recovered herself. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Two questions,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel firmly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153First, why is the government after you, and second, why in the Map are you telling me this? Aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you afraid I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll give you away?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva smiled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The government is after me because I ran away from my legal guardian after my parents were murdered by a competitor. And I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m telling you because friends don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t betray each other, right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mind was awhirl. This was incredible\u00e2\u20ac\u201dZyviva was offering her friendship! How could she be friends with a fugitive? But then, Steel was a fugitive herself, wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t she? But Zyviva wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a Shiran. But they could be friends! But what about Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s problem?<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Listen, Zyviva,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said finally. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I would love to be your friend. But there are a few things you should know first. One, the Emperor of Ma\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ar wants to kill me, okay? My sister and I just escaped when the Hussars slaughtered our tribe. The Emperor thinks all nomads are somehow defying his sense of order, so my family were all killed, and you would not believe how angry he was when Alia and I got away. So if I go back to Ma\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ar, I die. Second, I will tell you the reason why I have very few friends: I have a mental block.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva looked stunned \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Huh?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel was talking very fast. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t cry. Listen, Master Hai had all the best doctors and psychologists from everywhere in the Map, but I haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t been able to cry since the Hussars killed Ma and Da and Hira and Jir and little Stalli. I guess I used it all up then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She laughed weakly. She had never wanted to remember that day again, and, indeed, had not recalled that particular painful memory for years. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Very few people want to be friends with me for those two reasons.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
There was a pause. Zyviva opened her mouth, and then shut it again. She seemed to be struggling with something. Finally she regained control of herself.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You idiot!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said loudly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel was stunned. Her story had never roused a reaction like Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You think I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like you just because you can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t cry, and because you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve made a dangerous enemy? I mean, get real! What kind of a jerk do you think I am, anyway? Steel, I want to be your friend. Now are you going to pull yourself together and act like a normal person again, or am I gonna have to punch you one?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel laughed, and helped her new friend to her feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you okay, or do I need to take you to the infirmary?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva moved her arm experimentally. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No thanks, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m fine. But, uh, how long is break?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have fifteen minutes left out of twenty-five.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The other girl grinned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good. Now you can keep your promise, and teach me how not to get beaten up in class.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well for one thing, you start with your feet too close together\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wake up! Up and at \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcem, girl!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel did a quick mental analysis of the situation. It had been two weeks since Zyviva had come, and every morning she had woken Steel up at least an hour before dawn. She was at least reasonably sure that this was unnecessary, and decided to sleep in, just this once.<\/p>\n
She groaned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Go \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcway, Zyviva. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m trying to sleep.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva reached down, grasped Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulders, and dumped her off her hammock. Steel fell with an audible thud to the floor. She sat up groggily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Gosh, Zyviva, I seem to fall on to hard floors a lot. Was that really necessary?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva, who was still in pajamas although obviously alert, tossed Steel trousers and a shirt. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Get these on, Steel. We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have to get out early if we want to get a good bus.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She began to put on street clothes\u00e2\u20ac\u201dblack leather in abundance.<\/p>\n
Steel stared blankly at the clothes. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Huh? These aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t uniform\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, honestly,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d sighed Zyviva. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you ever listen to announcements? No, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t say anything, I know the answer perfectly well. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s field day, pal! We get to visit the city, remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel suddenly felt more awake. She vaguely remembered Master Hai telling the class about this the other day. Groggily, she began to dress.<\/p>\n
By the time she was ready, Zyviva had made a trip to the kitchen and obtained two potatoes and some cheese. After they had eaten, the two girls made their way to the dining hall to wait for Master Hannah, who taught history class and would serve as chaperone in theory, but in reality would merely see them on to the bus and wave them off. Surprisingly, the hall was full of students, mostly boys, who, like Zyviva, had decided to rise early. After a short wait for the girls, Master Hannah, a pretty, plump woman who looked like a pudding, decided to send Zyviva and Steel on the boys\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 bus. They climbed on, grumbling about having to travel with a gaggle of adolescent males, most of who spent the bus time yelling loudly, annoying the bus driver, staring openly at Zyviva, and driving both girls insane.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Honestly,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva muttered after yet another boy had given her hair a yank, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153These kids should be sent to the monkey house! I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t believe I thought they were reserved when I came here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Only in public. By the way, I seem to recall you waking me up early so we could get a good bus,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel reminded her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hold on, this might work\u00e2\u20ac\u201dIf one more of you idiots comes within four feet of either Zyviva or myself, I will personally knock you into next Wednesday!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she yelled.<\/p>\n
Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s antagonists immediately returned to their seats and looked diligently angelic.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153One\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s reputation proceeds her, I see?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel blushed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Actually, I think they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve just learned I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m serious when I say something like that.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
When the bus finally ground to a halt, the girls were the first off.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank goodness that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s over,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d murmured Zyviva fervently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anyway, where to? We have all of Port City open to us! Have you ever been here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nope,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When the druids dropped me off they did it in Hanu, and anyway I was only four. Pity we can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t leave the city; we could visit my sister.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We-e-el,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think the first thing we should do is get a map. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a vendor over there, see it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Armed with a map and a sightseeing book, along with enough money to get them around for a day, the girls set off in the opposite direction as the boys. Steel noticed that, although Zyviva was clearly quite cheerful at the prospect of losing her fan club, they did not look too happy about it.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So, what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the first place in the book? And, more importantly, how do we get there?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d asked Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We can grab a taxi, but most of the main streets are horse-and-buggy and pedestrian only. The horses are for authenticity, I guess, but they aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t exactly safe, are they? I mean, being stepped on by an angry roan is just as bad as getting run over by a cab.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153H\u00e2\u20ac\u2122mm,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva, thumbing through the guidebook. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We could go to the aquarium, they have a new penguin show.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds okay. What else?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Draconic Enclave is having a tour, look!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva excitedly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It says here that sometimes Ambassador Ual conducts the tour herself. That would be so cool!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Naw,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to go to an enclave to see dragons in Gillieth. Usually you see more exotic non-human people just walking down the street.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva looked astonished. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wow! In Sarain you have to get a special permit to go outside if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not human, I think the officials assume you would scare people. Anyway, there is a very nice-looking art museum not far from here. Do you want to go there first?<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds fine to me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153After that we can visit the aquarium, and we can decide where to go from there. Anyway, how do we want to get there? There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a very nice stable down the street, so we can ride or get a buggy, or we could walk. Personally,<\/p>\n
I favor walking. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like horses very much.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva agreed with Steel in that respect, so they set off in the direction of the museum. The walk was long, but there was a lot to see. The streets were paved with smooth, flat, colorful stones, and populated by pedestrians, horses, and even the occasional organic bus or taxi. The roads were lined with shops and stores of every kind imaginable, from ice cream parlors to bookshops to smithies. Sections of the road had been partially roped off, and people ate in outdoor caf\u00c3\u00a9s. Fountains jetted into the sky beside vast displays of flowers.<\/p>\n
These things alone were enough to make the girls stare in amazement, but the scenery was nothing compared to the people. Men and women and children from every civilized country, and some from uncivilized ones, frequented the shops and rested on the benches. There was a tour group full of centaurs eating in a restaurant, and a young harpy was sitting on the edge of a fountain, defying all stereotypes by wearing a clean, neat, blue vest over her human parts, talking with a human boy.<\/p>\n
Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes were wide, as if drinking in the entire brilliant scene. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, Steel,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
She whispered, as if talking in a louder voice would cause the street to vanish, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s skip the museum, okay? I just want to stay here and look around.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel, who was feeling just as bemused as her companion, said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sure thing, Zyviva. Uh, d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122you just want to wander about, or did you have a particular location in mind?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153H\u00e2\u20ac\u2122mm,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the blonde girl, her eyes still darting everywhere at once, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s visit an armory right off\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel sighed resignedly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Trust you to want to go to an armory, Zyviva. If you were a Shiran your name would be Zyviva-The-Single-Minded. We are only going there if you promise not to spend more than twenty minutes in the stupid place.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ah, you just don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see the use of edged weapons, Steel-Who-Is-Acting-Like-A-Shiran-Again. They are very useful if a person doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know how to knock someone out just by touching them, or in other words to everyone who is not you. Listen, if you let me browse in there for a bit I will get you a juicefruit, deal?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel loved the plump, sweet fruit, and Zyviva knew it. Even as she glared at her friend, she had mentally given in. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fine, fine! You know, it isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t nice to do that to someone.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do what, Steel?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d asked Zyviva innocently as she steered her friend toward the closest armory.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153By the way, you scoundrel, I act like a Shiran because I am a Shiran, kapish?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva did not answer, as the armory she had found had an outdoor display. Her eyes gleaming, she examined the wares with gusto.<\/p>\n
Steel sighed in exasperation and wandered over to the nearest fountain, seating herself on the end opposite from the harpy and human, who were still chatting happily. It was a beautiful day, and she was secretly not as opposed to Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s obsession with anything sharp and pointy as she made out to be. She was willing to wait until her friend was finished, and plus she was going to be getting a juicefruit for her trouble. She leaned back against the low railing that served as a backrest or a perch for tired avians, letting the sun play over her face. Occasional stray droplets of water landed on the back of her head and neck, providing a pleasant coolness. Slowly, Steel found herself dozing off.<\/p>\n
She was wakened by her Ki sense a short time later. Opening her eyes a tiny slit, she saw the harpy boy standing beside her, his companion nowhere in sight. He reached out and tapped her shoulder. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excuse me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said in a loud voice, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153is there anyone\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have time to finish. Her hand darted out, grabbed his wrist, and held it an arms length away from her body.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is not polite to touch a girl you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know, especially if she is sleeping!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel hissed.<\/p>\n
The boy made no sign that he had heard her. He calmly detached her hand from his wrist and continued his speech as if nothing had happened. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153As I was saying, is there anyone sitting here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He indicated the seat beside her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No, and I intend to keep it that way,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel furiously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t your mother teach you to leave sleeping people alone? Go away, or I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll make you wish you did!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Once again, her statement went unnoticed. The boy plopped himself down beside her on the fountain as if he had received an invitation instead of a violent threat. Steel was so stunned that she was, for once, unable to do or say anything.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the boy, who had evidently taken her silence as defeat, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s your name? I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m almost sure you have one.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153My name is none of your affair, boy. What reason should I have to trust you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153None,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the boy calmly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a very charming fellow, you see, so I can probably get your name out of you anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Believe me, boy, if I tell you my name, it will be because I choose to, not because you tricked me into it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d despite herself, Steel felt the urge to laugh. The boy reminded her of Zyviva with all his self-assurance, although Zyviva had never said anything about herself that was not absolutely true and proven, while Steel was finding this boy nothing but a braggart, and certainly not charming.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153To put you at your ease,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d continued the boy, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153my name is Tom, I live here, and my sister and I are on vacation. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m half harpy, you see, so\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Half harpy?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d demanded Steel, interested against her will, but still annoyed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How can you be half a harpy?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, my ma is a harpy, but my da is a human. Only gals can be harpies, so my sis is a full blood harpy, and I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a half blood human, with a few feathers here and there. Now, you can tell me your name, and then you can tell me what a pretty girl like you is doing on the street alone without anyone to protect her?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel felt her anger rise inside her again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Would you like me to show you just how well I can protect myself from insolent braggarts like you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure you could do anything if you put your mind to it, but you should leave fighting to the men. You might get hurt.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel got to her feet, livid. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you going to apologize for that, boy?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom leaned back, unconcerned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Temper, temper. You know you like me, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t pretend otherwise, girl. Come back here and sit down, I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hurt you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel struggled with the impulse to punch him one, but decided it was a bad idea on a public street. Instead she turned on her heel and walked away, toward where Zyviva had just finished her shopping. She spared the boy Tom no glance, instead dragging the startled Zyviva off, not even stopping for her beloved juicefruit.<\/p>\n
Tom sat on the edge of the fountain, watching her go. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Funny,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said to the harpy who had just fluttered down from a tree to perch next to him, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Usually that works.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What works?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d rasped the harpy, who, of course, was his older sister.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Usually girls think that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m charming when I say things like that, even if I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean them.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean what?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, she isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t exactly the prettiest thing on earth, but I thought girls like compliments. She just seemed to take offense. Strange, really, even with all the trouble I went to to make her like me, it just made her madder. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t understand it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The harpy laughed, and Tom looked up in annoyance. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s so funny?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the harpy. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Every girl you ever met has fallen at your feet, and you never spared them another glance. And the one spirited girl who made it absolutely clear that she wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t touch you with a ten-foot pole is the one whose attentions you actually want.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t funny, Beth.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, yes it is,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said his sister, but not unkindly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You should try a different approach, maybe if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t flatter her so much, and give her credit for things she actually does, she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll like you. But don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be sure of it. She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a person, not an object.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom looked dubious. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll try it, I guess. But I was right about one thing, though\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t safe for her to be wandering around the city on her own.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Her friend was with her, the small, blonde one, remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, come on, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re girls, Beth! Two girls alone in Port City\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwho known what could happen?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Beth bristled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Last time I checked, I was a girl, too, and I can lick you when I want to.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s different, sis, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a harpy. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going after her.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Who?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The girl, of course, who did you think?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He got up and started off in the direction the two friends had taken.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you sure you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to focus your attentions on something less likely to hurt you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d called the harpy, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153like maybe a dragon? You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re acting like an infatuated jerk, Tom, and if she sees you she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll hit you. By the look of her she can hit hard.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom, who was already half a block away, ignored her.<\/p>\n
Steel was still furious even after they were two streets away from where she had left Tom. She stomped through the bright, crowded streets, dragging a bewildered Zyviva behind her. Finally, her friend stopped short, grabbed her shoulders, and spun her around to face her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel, what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wrong? I promised you a juicefruit, remember? And don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you want to see what I got?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to talk about it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva sat down on a shaded bench, gesturing for Steel to join her. After a moment, she obliged.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Listen, Steel, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re my best pal. You can tell me what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wrong, I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t laugh.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel told her. She had begun to calm down, but telling it to Zyviva made her mad again. Curiously, it was a detached kind of anger, as if she was repeating something she had heard secondhand, and she even found it funny in retrospect. By the end of the story, both girls were roaring with laughter.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6my\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6lord\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva, holding her sides. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He actually told you to leave the fighting for the men? You have patience of steel, Steel. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have slugged him a long time before he said that. Anyway, d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122you want to see what I got? They had some truly spectacular blades, you should have come and looked at \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcem. See, they had this silver dagger, but it was too expensive, so instead\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel listened to Zyviva ramble on about her purchases, thinking. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll never see that boy again, so he didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t do me any damage. I guess it took him to show me that, outside the school, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not going to be respected as Steel, a Shiran trainee. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll just be a normal girl to most people.<\/p>\n
With this sobering thought, she let the whole incident slip out of her mind, and went back to admiring Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s various knives, poniards, and daggers.<\/p>\n
It took Zyviva the better part of a quarter-hour to show off all her purchases. Instead of continuing to roam the various shops along the avenue, the girls decided to take a boat ride along the coast. There was a considerable wait to board, but the day was pleasant, and they met many interesting people. There was a Wallian immigrant, who was bombarded on all sides by demands to \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcexplain the sun-dome\u00e2\u20ac\u2122, but the Wallian assured everyone that she was not an engineer and could not even begin to explain the necessary machinery. There was a naiad giving swimming lessons to several children in the bay below, and a cinnamon bird, unintelligent but prized as pets by their generation of their valuable namesake (their feathers were made of the spice), perching on dock railing. Interested, Steel had begun to feed it small pieces of cake from her fingers when Zyviva nudged her softly in the back.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t look around,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d her friend murmured, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153but I think someone is betraying an unhealthy interest in us, Steel.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Beside her, Steel could feel her loosening her daggers in their hidden sheaths.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hmm?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Still feeding the cinnamon bird, who was now perched on her fist, she stretched, yawning, and turned her head just enough to see what Zyviva was indicating. Indeed, two large, burly men were staring at the two girls. A third was casting them sidelong glances as he talked to the captain of the boat, his eye lingering on the cinnamon bird, still on Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d whispered Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153get rid of the bird. They think it belongs to us, they must think we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re worth robbing\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Obediently, Steel cast the bird away from her, but it just flew back to her hand and began attacking her waist pouch for more cake. She tried shooing it off again, but each time it returned to obtain the treat. Finally, Steel tried throwing the remaining cake into the harbor, but the bird caught it, swallowed it, and returned, apparently deciding Steel was a useful person to have around.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zyviva, I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It keeps coming back!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d hissed her friend urgently, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shut up! Can you swim?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The three men were making their way purposefully across the dock toward the girls.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A bit, yeah. We can just fight, you know\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153And get taken in by the police? I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a wanted fugitive in Sarain, Steel! I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take the risk of being identified. Now jump!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel jumped. The cinnamon bird flew up, squawking, just before her body hit the cold water of the bay. As she surfaced, Zyviva dove from the dock, her slim form smoothly cutting the water in two. As she came up, Steel could hear the angry shouts of the men at seeing their prey escape.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hurry up,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d spluttered Zyviva, spitting water from her mouth. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll stop to catch the bird, now swim!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
They both swam, through the frigid water for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only about ten minutes at the most. Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s teeth were beginning to chatter by the time the two girls staggered up the Sea Gate stairway, along the wharf, and collapsed on a bench, waiting for the hot June sun to dry them off a bit. Finally Steel, who was unnaturally quick at recuperation, rose and pulled a still-damp Zyviva to her feet.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Boy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d gasped Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I bet all of our classmates put together aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t having this much trouble keeping their schedule.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d They both began to laugh weakly.<\/p>\n
Steel was sure they had shaken off their pursuers by then, but Zyviva shook her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They almost certainly haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t given us up,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your problem is that you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think like a thief. Once a target detects you, you never, ever let it go. You need to always take what you want, or people don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take you seriously.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel raised her eyebrows. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And what would you know about this, I wonder?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a professional pickpocket, among other things,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva answered pleasantly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153and I used to occasionally associate with the more unpleasant side of society. But anyway, we need to go. We should really get back to our tourism before the day\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s out. Maybe we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be able to avoid those thugs until it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time to go home. Oh, and by the way, I got you a present, Steel.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel grimaced. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Trust you to pick the weirdest time possible to deliver a gift, Zivvie.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva looked puzzled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Since when do you call me \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcZivvie\u00e2\u20ac\u2122?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel flushed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I dunno. It just came to mind somehow. Thanks for the gift, though, did you get it at the armory?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva rooted inside her black-dyed belt pouch, fortunately waterproof, and pulled out a pair of gloves, brown according to the Shiran taste. Steel slipped them on, to discover that they were made of very thin leather, strong, but supple. Sewn in to the lining were a series of thin metal plates that were jointed to allow free movement. She slipped them on, mentally forgiving Zyviva for her obsession with daggers evermore.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, wow!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she exclaimed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Awesome, These are great for use against blades!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Zyviva looked down, smiling. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re welcome. I figured even you couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t dodge every sword blow struck, and these will help your punches, too. Anyway, can we go now? We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re still in plain sight of the dock\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Um, right you are. I really don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel like picking a fight with strange muggers.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Side by side, they started off into the city.<\/p>\n
Port City, across the bay from the tourist and living districts, was not the most wonderful place in the world. It was by no means as bad as some of the Raen cities, but every country has its industrial zone, which is nearly always cramped, dark, and crowded. Almost no one actually lived in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the beehive\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, but plenty of lower-to-middle class people (by terms of wealth) worked there. It had its robbers, its smugglers, even a minor gang or two. All in all, it was not the most enjoyable\u00e2\u20ac\u201dor safe\u00e2\u20ac\u201dplace for two young girls to be wandering through alone, even if they had Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s rather specialized abilities. And it was certainly not the most attractive place to tour.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ew!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d exclaimed Zyviva, lifting her foot from the sticky goo she had just stepped in. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t anyone clean out this swill pit?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel did not answer. She was so displeased with her surroundings she had started to meditate, sinking into her own mind.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I mean, isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t there a cleaning crew in charge of this dump?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva continued, lagging a step behind Steel to wipe off her foot. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I should think this place would be improved with a blowtorch. It would make it prettier t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Suddenly, her voice became much higher. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey! You oaf brained cheaters, let go of me! Steel! I need you, now!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel snapped out of her meditation and spun around. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zyviva? Where are you? I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see anything\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 mmf!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Her voice was cut off sharply as she was seized roughly from behind. Lashing out with her plated fists, she heard a satisfying thud. The bearded ruffian grasping her was knocked backwards into an aluminum dumpster.<\/p>\n
She turned again. Zyviva was locked in combat with two of the thugs they had spotted on the ship. Steel was surprised she hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t brought them down by now, and that she wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t using her knives, but a closer look revealed that her friend\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hands were cemented together with the same sticky goo she had stepped in on the street, although now it was obvious it had been planted there. She was holding her own with her unhampered legs, but she was at a severe disadvantage.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she shouted, deflecting a blow with her joined arms, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What are you waiting for? Get over here and help!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Coming!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel jumped on top of the dumpster her assailant was still lying against, stunned; backed up, and took a running jump. She landed just where she had aimed: directly on the head of the larger of the ruffians. He fell with a thud, and Zyviva gave the other a vicious kick that sent him flying.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, that certainly took you long enough,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d grumbled Zyviva as Steel attempted to remove some of the goop, which had hardened into a tough shell. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I could have gotten ten people before you got around to helping me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sorry. But I did get there eventually.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Suddenly, they heard a noise. Spinning around, they saw the thug Steel had stunned, who had obviously recovered substantially. He was frantically blowing into a small whistle. Before the girls could reach him, he had squeezed through a narrow window to safety. Waving mockingly at them, he gave the whistle an extra-loud blast. Steel could hear a scuffling noise that grew louder and louder as they stood there.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Uh, Steel?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have an idea.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Run!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
They took off down an alleyway. They would have escaped, but Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hands, still covered with their heavy shell, did not balance her correctly and slowed them down. Before they knew it, they were surrounded by large, burly men. They both shifted into a fighting stance.<\/p>\n
The thugs made the first move. Ten of them all jumped on Zyviva at once, trying to avoid her booted feet, which were moving in a blur, kicking any man foolish enough to get in her way. The remaining twelve backed Steel up against the wall, separately throwing punches and clumsy kicks at the girl. She winced as one of the blows hit her on the arm. A man moved forward, wielding a rusty sword, which he swung straight at her head. Instinctively, she deflected the blow with her gloved fist. With a clang, the blow bounced off harmlessly from the metal plating. Steel mentally thanked Zyviva again and again for the gauntlets.<\/p>\n
Both girls were excellent fighters, but they were outnumbered more than ten to one and Zyviva was severely handicapped. Slowly, they began to lose ground. Zyviva had battled her way to Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s side and they were now fighting back to back, Steel offensively and Zyviva, using her now rock-hard fists as a battering ram, defensively. They were both getting tired, but their enemies were fighting in shifts and seemed inexhaustible. Steel noticed that both her and Zyviva\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fighting were beginning to deteriorate. Both were covered with bruises, Zyviva had a long cut above her eye, and they were failing to deflect easy blows.<\/p>\n
Steel had been trained for a time like this. One of her Shiran-taught skills was wall climbing\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit was possible for her to get away unscathed\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut she couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t bring Zyviva with her. One way or another, one of them would die.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zyviva!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she called, determinedly keeping her voice and face even and steady, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Promise me one thing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva yelled back, beating off a knife fighter.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t come back for me!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
With her remaining strength, Steel lifted her younger and much lighter companion, and shoved her through a high window.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d yelled Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This is no time for heroics!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tell my sister I love her, please. And tell Master Hai I died like a Shiran.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Her controlled voice was suddenly cut off as she vanished under a pile of huge bodies.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Zyviva screamed frantically.<\/p>\n
Steel was suffocating. Although she was very strong, exercise had made her slim and light, and there was about ten times her weight piled on top of her meager ninety-seven pounds. She knew she was going to die; if she was not crushed or asphyxiated someone would undoubtedly slit her throat. Beginning to feel the faintest glimmer of fear, she angrily cast it away from her and began to meditate. She would kill herself, as the Shiran tradition required. Slowly, she began to release her soul from her body, letting her awareness leave the confines of her dark, muscled form. She was not afraid to die.<\/p>\n
Above her, Zyviva mourned the loss of her friend, who she was certain was already gone. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara, you were my best friend. Why did you have to do that? You could have escaped!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she murmured in a broken voice.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was waiting for that,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said a voice beside her. A dark form dropped from the window to the street, and Zyviva saw a flash of steel, that of a blade much longer than her daggers. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry, girl, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll get your friend.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel had almost departed her body when a great load left her. She was so surprised she broke meditation, and with a jolt she was inside herself again. She felt a momentary flicker of annoyance; had Zyviva gone against her wishes and returned to fight? She was feeling a little addled; she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem to be thinking clearly. She had to get up and save Zyviva. Master Hai would never forgive her if she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t. Heaving the last of the weight from her, she had just begun to open her eyes when there was a great explosion of sound and light, and she knew no more.<\/p>\n
Steel woke up to a great blinding white brilliance. Weakly, she attempted to rise, but strong hands held her down.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Easy, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Master Hannah\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice soothingly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s okay. My, you and Zyviva have certainly been having a rough day, haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel groaned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where am I? What happened to Zyviva? Is she okay?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m here, pal.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel sat up, and this time Master Hannah let her, knowing of the girl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s quick regeneration. She was in the bus, and the blinding light was merely sunlight filtering through the glass. She was accompanied by Master Hannah, Zyviva, and\u00e2\u20ac\u201dMaster Hai.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Master!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel gasped weakly. She got up and bowed, wobbling only a little.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s okay, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d her teacher assured her, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just got here when I heard you were hurt. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s some nasty bruise you have there, my dear. It looks like there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s an egg stuck to your head.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel laughed, and then winced. She put a hand to her forehead; though she could feel the bruise shrinking already, it was still quite large and very painful.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have remarkable healing powers,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d continued Master Hai. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zyviva reports you were unconscious for a very short time before you arrived here. You have only been with us for a few minutes. In the meantime, I think you owe a thank-you to the one who saved you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, yeah,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks a bunch, Zyviva, that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s twice you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve saved my skin today, and thanks again for the gloves.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t me, pal. I thought you were a goner\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit was him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel slowly turned her head in the direction Zyviva was indicating. In the corner of the bus, was someone she had not seen before. It was the harpy boy.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel, the word half a gasp, half a snarl. Unnoticed by Steel, the others filed out of the bus, shutting the door.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tom had a grin on his face that infuriated Steel for some reason. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara, I was right two times, huh? I did get your name, and you did get into trouble. But boy, was I wrong about your fighting! I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve never seen anyone that good!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thank you for the complement,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel icily. The bruise was almost gone by now, but her anger against Tom was still smoldering. As before, he ignored her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I mean, I would have helped you earlier, but I couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t bring myself to interrupt an artist at work. Could you teach me to do that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Once again, I thank you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, as coldly as before. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now I would like to rest. Please leave me alone.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s smile faded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Listen, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara, I know that I was really impolite to you before. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sorry, I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t understand that you weren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like other girls, and I shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have treated you like that.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel laughed disbelievingly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, give me a break, boy. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re doing the same now!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153My name is Tom!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He shouted. Steel was so surprised by his outburst she was unable to say anything in retort.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153My name is Tom,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he repeated, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcboy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 or \u00e2\u20ac\u02dckid\u00e2\u20ac\u2122, and I admit that before I was paying you false compliments, but then I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d never met a girl worth praising before! The reason I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m praising you now is that I really think you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a good fighter, now because I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m trying to flatter you.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah, right,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d muttered Steel.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, shut up, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara! I saved your life, okay? I was always told the Shiran were honorable and always give credit where it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s due, but boy, you sure proved me wrong!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He got up from his seat and started toward the door.<\/p>\n
At his words, Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stomach started to churn with shame. He was right\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe boy Tom was right and she was terribly, horribly wrong. She had disgraced herself, her family\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s memory, the Shiran as a whole, and, worst of all, Master Hai, who had been a father to her since her parents had died. She automatically started to meditate, sinking into herself, but somewhere she heard a voice in her head.<\/p>\n
Oh, honestly, girl. Get a grip! Just say sorry, for goodness\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 sake!<\/p>\n
It was a struggle. No matter how unfair Steel had been to Tom, she had done so as a retaliatory action, and admitting she was wrong about something had never been easy for her. Even so, she decided to set things right.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tom\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Quietly. Uncertainly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tom, I apologize. I was wrong and I treated you unfairly. Forgive me?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
There was a long pause. Then Tom turned around, his grin returned, although no longer as irritatingly pleased with itself as previously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll forgive you, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara, I thought you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d never ask.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel grinned back, all enmity toward Tom fading. She did have some things to ask him, though.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Uh, Tom? Can you answer a couple of questions?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ask away.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tom was leaning against the bus wall, legs up on the seat and his hands folded behind his head, gazing at the ceiling above where Steel was sitting across from him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fist of all, how did you know where we were? I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see you after I walked away from you at the fountain.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s easy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said in a lazy drawl, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was following you all over the city. I must admit, though,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he added, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t very encouraged by how you described me to your pretty friend.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You were following me?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel was so astonished she wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even angry. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 my Ki sense\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 I felt nothing!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ki sense? What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, just enhancements of sight, memory, hearing, things like that. All Shiran have it. For me it also affects my regeneration speed. I heal very quickly, if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve noticed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I noticed,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Tom, eyeing her rapidly disappearing bruise. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anyway, you forget I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m part bird. We birdies are very quiet.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He rolled his eyes, flapped his arms, and made cheeping noises. Steel closed her eyes and groaned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kid, you look like an idiot. I thought you were going to stop that.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom flushed and dropped his arms. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sorry. Habit, I guess.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He put down his feet, as if they were a reminder not to behave in a stupid manner.<\/p>\n
He continued. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Anyway, I had to resist jumping on those guys who were following you more than once.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He lifted an eyebrow. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You should have known not to feed that cinnamon bird. So what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s your other question?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153How did I get my bruise?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she pointed to the now miniscule bump on her forehead.<\/p>\n
Tom chuckled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll kill me if I tell you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Try me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Okay\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he paused. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But if you hit me I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m setting my sister on you. You walked into a wall.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah. You were calling out for your friend and wandering about, and before I could stop you you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d walked straight into the wall.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He paused again. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It looked very painful,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he added as an afterthought.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It was,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Steel assured him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Listen, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m feeling a bit bad about being unfair to you, and since I am an honorable person\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tom laughed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I am going to give you something you asked me for.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He looked confused. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I never asked you for anything, as I recall, except maybe a punch in the eye,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You wanted my name, remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know your name. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara Motkimi\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Oh, yeah. Your Shiran name.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
She shook her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have one, yet. But I do have a name that everybody but the masters call me. I suppose you want to hear it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He grinned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I told you I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d get it out of you somehow, remember? Tell me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
She gave him a look, but said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSteel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122. Master Hai suggested it, and it just sort of grew on me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He raised his eyebrows. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Steel, huh? Why am I not surprised?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
She ignored him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now that you know, can we get out of this bus? I want to keep up with our schedule.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Does \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcour\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 include myself?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d asked Tom slyly.<\/p>\n
Steel groaned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not this again. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll ask Zyviva, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take a vote, deal?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds fine to me. Shall we go?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He stood up and stretched luxuriously in the isle, but Steel squeezed past him, opened the bus door, and jumped down the steps.<\/p>\n
Zyviva was waiting outside on a bench, toying with one of her daggers. When she saw Steel she thrust it into her belt and stood up.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hi, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The masters left a short while ago. I take it you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t beat him up?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She pointed at Tom, who had descended the steps and shut the bus doors behind him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nope, but I came awfully close. By the way, you can stop calling me \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcShi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara\u00e2\u20ac\u2122, as I already told him I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m called Steel.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Was he surprised?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He said he wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can everyone stop talking to me as if I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not there?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d demanded Tom in annoyance.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the one who wanted to come with us around the city,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d retorted Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So where are we going anyway, Zyviva?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nowhere,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the blonde girl, pulling out the dagger again and balancing it, point down, on her forefinger. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The bus driver kindly dumped us where I wanted to go in the first place\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe Draconic Embassy. And we aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t going on a tour\u00e2\u20ac\u201dMaster Hannah booked a place for us in a question-answer session with the Ambassador!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds lovely,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you coming with us, Tom?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sure. I can imagine that you two still need a guard, so I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll join you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Careful,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she warned, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can still slug you if I want to.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, come on and stop squabbling, you two. Tom, if you embarrass us in the embassy, I will slug you. Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s go.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She set off across the grass.<\/p>\n
The embassy was a gigantic one-story building with high, peaked ceilings surrounding a large inner courtyard. As they drew near the doors, Steel could see what looked like a guard collecting tickets from a small crowd of people. Zyviva marched right up to the man, pulled a piece of paper out of her waist pouch, pointed at Steel and Tom, and gave him the paper. He glanced at it and waved them through the tall, ornately carved double doors.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, cool!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Tom as they entered an enormous marble hall full of people, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want one of those tickets!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It was just a piece of paper Master Hai and Master Hannah signed that said we were to be let in. Master Hai gave me a note for you, too, but you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not supposed to open it, just give it to someone named \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcUal\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 She handed the envelope to Steel.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the Draconic ambassador,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Tom excitedly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wow, Steel, Master Hai must be really important if he expects them to let you in on his request.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He is really important,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel hotly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Master Hai is her personal master,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d whispered Zyviva to Tom, warningly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So you had better be careful what you say about him in her presence. When she gets offended, she gets really offended.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know, believe me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he muttered, following Steel, who was walking purposefully toward a large obsidian desk where a female wood-elf was talking on the telephone.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excuse me, Ma\u00e2\u20ac\u2122am, but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m supposed to give you this letter,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel to the elf, when she had finished her call. She passed the thick, velvety envelope across the counter. The elf examined it, and then pressed a bell on the corner of her desk. Another elf, much shorter than the first and male, appeared. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Find Ambassador Ual and tell her she has visitors, please,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said the lady elf in a crisp, thin voice. The other saluted smartly and promptly vanished into one of the numerous wide passages branching out from the room. The lady elf jumped gracefully over the desk, dodged a large decorative plant in her way, and, gesturing for Steel to follow her, started down the same passage. Tom and Zyviva were quick to follow.<\/p>\n
The hallway, although on just as large a scale as the rest of the building, was dark, musty, and unpleasant. Steel could barely see her hand in front of her face, but she could somehow see the elf, who was holding up a lantern that seemed to provide a slight glow, and, if she turned around, her two friends stumbling along behind her.<\/p>\n
Finally, the elf stopped at a door. Steel halted suddenly so as not to run into her, and was nearly knocked off her feet as the two bodies of her friends collided with her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oof!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she gasped, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You did that on purpose, you big lunks!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No we didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d contradicted Zyviva, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Even if you can see in this mess, Steel, Tom and I are as blind as bats in clear daylight. Ouch!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she yelped, as she scraped her hand on the rough wall.<\/p>\n
The elf, seemingly oblivious to the humans\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 troubles, rapped thrice on the enormous door. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Visitors for the Ambassador!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said shrilly.<\/p>\n
Slowly, the gargantuan portal swung open. The room inside was even darker than the passageway, but even more brightly lit to Steel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes. Behind her, she heard a dull thud as her friends simultaneously collided with opposite doorposts, but she had no time to consider helping them, because in the room were dragons!<\/p>\n
They were not dragons as Steel remembered seeing them in bright daylight, with their dull, earth colored scales and many colored eyes. Instead they shone brilliantly, seeming to glow from within, each with a slightly different colored nimbus. One of the glowing creatures, which was glimmering like green moonlight, stepped forward, the two others respectfully making way for it. It was now so near to Steel that she could clearly see each glowing scale on its forty-five foot body. She felt the momentary urge to step back, but firmly held her place. She was determined not to lose face before these magnificent creatures. The dragon opened its mouth to speak.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning, Shi\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d it said, in a pleasant, if rough voice. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I trust you are well today? I am ambassador Ual\u00e2\u20ac\u201dplease make yourself comfortable.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel was a bit startled by Ual\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s calm greeting, but made sure not to show confusion. From behind her she heard another thud. Tom and Zyviva were evidently still not having luck finding the door.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excuse me, Madam Ambassador,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Steel in as calm a voice as she could muster, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Could you please take my friends to someplace brighter? They don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem to be able to see here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Ambassador Ual gave her an odd look, but nodded to her two companions. Wordlessly, they went out into the hallway and shut the door. Ual said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you make yourself comfortable? I have received a letter from Hai Greengold regarding you, am I correct?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know, Madam Ambassador. My master certainly sent you a letter, but I was not aware it addressed me in any way.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The ambassador smiled, sword-like silver teeth much in evidence. Steel swallowed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, human, I did indeed receive a letter about you from my dear friend Hai. It contained some peculiar information, and expressed a wish that I should investigate, and\u00e2\u20ac\u201dif his suspicions proved correct\u00e2\u20ac\u201dprovide you with your name.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Steel forgot her nervousness. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can do that, Madam Ambassador? What would it be? What did the letter say? Why\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Patience, child!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d rumbled the dragon. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153All in good time. Now, I shall tell you a story.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A story? Why?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hush! Now, make yourself comfortable. All will be clear to you in its own good time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153This sounds like a bad movie,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d muttered Steel under her breath, but Ual heard her, and smiled widely. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We dr<\/p>\n