The Fireplace

The Fireplace

(Chapter 7)

**

[<<]

"There are less than four months left and you will certainly die before the end of the year Valentina. This note is the clue, as it draws closer you will understand the circumstances better. Death is inevitable; you can't avoid this. If you're alive by the first day of the year I will take on the guillotine. Valentina… you are definitely going to die within the next three months. Get ready.

[>]

"No. That can't be possible. I can't die; can I?" she expresses her inner thoughts as she takes a few steps back. "You've gotta be kidding me. I definitely do not believe you!"

"But I'm only telling the tru—"

"This scam IS NOT FUNNY!" she roars.

"You can deny it if you want to but soon, you'll be left with October, November, December—" she counts her fingers.

"YOU BETTER STOP MESSING AROUND WITH ME OR I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

Other times, she's only frightened, but it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Valentina's greatest and only true fear is her fear of death, not necessarily towards herself but for whoever she cares about.

The other two come rushing in with the sound of the previous threat. Valentina almost loses control and takes the witch by the collar of her cloak—with her left hand. Something, a seemingly blood red gas oozes out from her right elbow, downward. They pull them apart and urge Valentina to calm herself as she's still struggling.

"*gasp* Benignus (bh-nigh-niss)," she utters. "No way."

"Valentina! I said CALM DOWN!" mom yells. That allows Valentina to sober up a bit. The witch has been rendered speechless. "I warned you not to play with her… It would be better if we just left."

"But she's gonna do it to somebody else." Valentina whines quite softly. They do get her out but she goes back and tries to draw the curtain again. It's too tough for even an Intrinsic Mana-User "Why won't it open?"

"Do you actually think you can assault a witch in her own place? She could literally snap and your arm would replace your head in there."

"*gasp*… I'll be back woman."

"I really hope so. I'll be waiting."

"Tina let's go!" mom demands. "Tina I said let's go!"

[Dark Alley Goons]

"We finally get to kill somebody! Best thing is it's raining so we don't have to cover our—"

"Don't be an idiot. We don't have to kill anyone."

"And why's that?" he asks suspiciously.

"Let me remind you of your place before I answer that, Dare ask me another stupid question and I'll bash yer face in."

"You were starting to sound like one of the good guys is all. I didn't mean to offend you."

"… if we kill even a single person, that portion of the city will become inoperable due to the search. Besides, if you kill all the livestock you're gonna have a vegan dinner."

The one who just spoke was sent with the new Jacket (Leader of an Outpost) to look into the illumination of Banlieue' Dark Alley. He has grey hair but doesn't reveal his full face. His iris' seem to be blood red. One look at him'd tell you that danger's near.

[Guillelmus]

"Amitha. Please don't tell me this is hers."

"I can't tell whether it's hers or not but it feels like the blood of a female."

The young Harmonie stands as still as a lifeless one for a while. He slowly starts to clench his fists and snarl out of anger. The fierce storm drums on the canopy above and there's the crackling roar of the clouds' explosions every now and then. The whooshing of the wind, the splattering of the rain, all of these sounds become a thousand times more audible to him. He messed up. The only thing he can do—

"{Wait!}"

What? You aren't supposed to be able to interrupt me Amitha. You're only in the first dimension right now.

"{Does it really matter? You guys think alike; always make rash decisions. Why don't you check her house first thing tomorrow? It could be that some chivalrous gentleman helped her out?}"

"{What if she's been taken? Do you have a clue what could happen to her overnight? I can't bear the thought of that.}"

"{I don't but I DO know what happens when you're upset. You make a mess of everything.}"

Isn't that what everybody wants? Relinquish control of my puppet to me. I'm supposed to be the one pulling the strings.

"{Any effort you make right now'll be cos90 Watts. If you go today, you'll go bare handed; but if you go tomorrow; even if you have to burn me I'll allow it.}"

"…{Alright. Then I'm heading over to the nun's.}"

Wait a sec. Did Harmonie just ignore me? If that's the case I'm starting Operation: X-Amitha. No one's gonna influence my plot. Wait another second. What do I mean by my plot? I'm only narratin'.

[Mom's]

Valentina barges the door open as mom trots inside, soaking wet. Ms. Laura went home but Valentina decided to escort mom home. Once they get in, they start to strip down immediately; though it's actually just Valentina following the leader.

"I'm gonna warm up some water so we can take a nice, warm bath!" mom says quite cheerfully.

"… didn't we just do that a few hours ago?"

" You don't wanna catch a cold do you?"

"A cold? You're not infected, are you?"

"They say taking on a downpour'll make you end up with a cold. I don't know the science behind that but it's better to be safe"—she taps Valentina on the nose—"than sorry dear."

"I can rekindle the fireplace right?"

"If you know how ta, go ahead. Just make sure not to burn yourself," she warns.

[Guillelmus]

The young Harmonie sets foot in the living room of the nun's to find out that she's truly okay. She's wrapped comfortably on the covers. The interior of her house is like any other on the contrary; must be Eris' doing. She even lit the fire place up to his surprise.

"Where is Eris? went home?"

"She wasn't there when I got there. How'd you know?"

"We develop more than a mere two eyes."

He stealthily approaches her but her call stops him in his tracks.

"Are you trying to test me?"

"Are you really blind?"

"Think what you may young lad."

"…" —he sits right next to her— "Sorry for wetting your floor but I want to ask you about something, about what you said earlier.

"My ears 're open."

He hugs his knees to his chest and rests his chin on his knees as he stares into the willowing tongues of fire, emanating from beneath the burning logs. "You… you said something earlier, something about peace. Why'd you say that?"

"I was told to."

"By who?"

"The Omniscient One."

"?"

"You're too young to understand."

"So I'll have to become as old as you or something?"

"I don't think we're talking about the same young here but listen to this. The reason why we're here fighting off invasions is because of the Progenitors' War. At least, that's what I was told. Bloodshed is a needless luxury. Peace is possible."

"Peace is possible." Is this combination of words EVEN possible; does it hold water? If it were, shouldn't it have happened long ago? That is one thing that we'll never know. I feel like the truth is false here. It's more like an, everything is possible but we've learned the hard way that reality and ideals don't speak the same language. If that were the case; I don't think Reshiram and Zekrom would've gone separate ways. 100 percent peace is impossible because there is always a person who'll comply. The only solution? is it death?

"I appreciate that. I'll try to hold onto it."

"You taking your leave so soon? it's still raining."

"I'm already soaked."

"If that's the case, give your mother a kiss on the cheek for me."

"I will. Have a good sleep Grandma!"

How ironic; it's not even noon yet. Not even the tiniest ray of sunshine can be seen. As he trots home, he feels his heart tugging on his elbow to go and find Eris.

[Valentina]

Mama soon comes out to let her know that their water is ready. Valentina joins her in a warm and rejuvenating bath. Mom scrubs her back for her and even massages her but she doesn't seem to loosen up in the slightest.

"Valentina dear?"

"… I know. I should've listened to you."

"No. I should've just come in to get'cha."

"…"

"You got really riled up. What happened back there?"

"I haven't the slightest idea. I was fine but I just got overwhelmed in heat and I lost hold of myself."

"And how many times has it happened?"

"I've only gotten mad once before but this one was leagues higher. I don't even know where it came from. Probably all the dead people she's scammed"

"*giggle* You're sooo cute!" she exclaims as she plays with her cheeks. Don't tell my son but I wanted a girl as well. It's quite a shame that his father died so early."

Valentina turns around really hastily. "Aha; I wanted to come see you so you could finish what you were telling me about Guy… your son!"

"His names Guillelmus. Is it SO hard to remember?" she asks rather more curiously.

"Yeah; it's so strange. What does it mean? Where's it from?"

"He's actually named after his dad, Guillelme. It means fearless defender. You know, the kind that will stop at nothing to protect what they love."

"Fair enough. You were talking about his spirit or something."

"Mhm. Your Fighting Spirit. It's believed that it's the basis for your character. Some myths claim that a name can invoke certain types of Fighting Spirits ,but whether it's true or not…"

"You have also made mention of the death of your husband. What were the circumstances—?"

"MOM! I'M BACK! YOU HERE?!"

"I'M IN THE BATHROOM DARLING! BE WITH YA SOON!"

"ALRIGHT MOM. LUV YOU MAMA!"

"LUV YOU TOO!"

"Are you two always like this?"

"Always like what?"

"All lovey-dovey?"

"I don't get what you mean by that, but like I said earlier; he's my only baby. One day I'm gonna leave so I've gotta make sure to give him al the love and affection I can before then."

"You really have it good then. I wish I still had a family. If I did I'd never leave home for anything in the world."

Mom hugs her. "Don't worry your head. I'm sure my son will introduce you to some of the boys and before long—"

"I don't see that happening anytime soon. Could you go on?"

"Unfortunately, we'll have to make it another time when Amitha's not home. She doesn't remember and I don't want her to find out and tell him."

"Do you mean she's really real?"

"Do I seem to be joking? All though there are obstructions in her path she should be able to make out some words if he tries to eavesdrop. He knows you're here because of your clothes outside."

"Oh. Then maybe another time. We should wrap this up so he can too."

"I agree with that… you have to take note of the fact that 'whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly'. It's an old proverb."

[>]

Just as Valentina suggested, he does just that while mom shows her to the kitchen. They all remain in their bath robes on that cold day. The downpour doesn't end. While they're at it, Guillelmus attends to the leaks. They have a nice, hot supper; after which, Valentina lays around in the couch.

Before mom can even say she's cold, the fireplace is set ablaze again. They cuddle there, staring into the ever-changing tongues of fire until mom falls asleep. Guillelmus leaves to tuck her in bed and when he gets back, Tina's already sitting there, on the carpet infronta the couch.

"So you WERE cold it seems."

"…"

"Why'd you say no then?"

"pffff. Because I didn't wanna intrude of course. It's your house so I hope you don't mind sitting next to me?"

"'Course not!" he says as he takes his seat.

"How was your day?" Tina asks.

"It wasn't so great. To be honest, I couldn't get the opportunity to talk to Eris because of the storm.

"Then why don't you hightail it to HER place? Maybe you could even have the rest of the day alone."

"She has a brother-you know."

"Really?"

"Erin."

"*gasp* I knew it!"

"Why d'ya say that?"

"Erin, Eris, Rex, Arthur, Angelica; they're all from the Odaesma Odyssey."

"What's that?"

"It's a book I read a long time ago when I was little. You see, my dad liked to collect rare books so I could read them to spend my leisure time. But it's been so long that I even forgot what it was about."

"Probably just a co-incidence, but who was the main character?"

"I think Erin was, for the first three volumes and then his sister took over."

"I see… There was no Elmus or Valentina right?"

"Erin was even a fighter. Although, he was still a blacksmith in there."

"… What about your day?"

"… It was fun… The witch only told me that I was gonna die soon."

"What?"

"I really don't want to believe her but she made it sound so real. If it's true that—" he quickly pulls her into hugging his chest.

"What the hell 're you talking about? Weren't you the one talking about wallowing in the mud earlier?"

"Wouldn't let that happen, would you?"

"Of course not. I'd at least wanna have you around for a few years."

"Yeah what was I thinking. My life should be boundless as well, right?"

"Right, and even if you're in danger, I'll always come to save you."

"Don't tell me you're trying to pop the tricks on me." They both have a very good laugh. "Just kidding. Although...this is very comfortable," she says as she slowly sinks in his arms.

"Going to sleep so soon?"

"Aren't we supposed to make hay while the sun shines?"

"You're right about that. Night-Tight-Bite!"

"*giggle* Night-Tight-Bite!"

Both of them fall asleep in the warmth of the fireplace very soon. They actually start to draw the curtain on the month: September. She only has to survive for three months. Shouldn't that be easy? She could just stay home while working alongside Ms. Laura. That'd even give me the opportunity to get rid of that little detractor of a hilt, Amitha.

[Eris]

She's in one of the small houses it seems. Visibility has been made possible by lantern light. Her hands have been tied and there's a gag in her mouth so she lays prostrate on the ground. It seems like she's being tortured. There's a slit at her ankle and the guy—no one other than our Dark Alley blood-eye is responsible. Such a disturbing scene… Her screams are getting muffled out by the gag but are enough to be heard by someone standing behind the door in this downpour. His rod shaped torture tool goes in and out the wound seeming to cause more damage each time as he dribbles what I'd presume to be ethanol.

She's in more than agony. She's distressed. Her legs have been clamped down. There's nothing she can do to resist this torture and the adrenaline's successfully keeping her from passing out. It gets to a point where her face starts to depict 'I can't take it anymore'. She breaks the tough girl act and begins to cry.

"This is what you get. Will you shut up?"

"*muffled moans*"

"If that's the case—" he gets ready to strike her—"You WILL comply with my orders."

The shadows on the ground make contact and the noise slowly dissipates.

"That's more like it."

[Guillelmus]

He wakes in the night and carries the sleeping beauty off to her room. He hangs around the couch for quite a while. He hasn't a clue what time it is and he doesn't feel sleepy anymore. The downpour ends and that's when he even notices that it's not so late. He gives up and retires to mom's room.

"{Elmus. V'you noticed that you don't talk to me of late?}"

"What do you mean by that? I do all the time: in the bath, when I'm eating, not when I'm sleeping—"

"{I don't feel that way anymore.}"

"It's probably just because I have another person I talk to now."

"That's right. I feel like you're starting to loosen your tongue up. If that happens…"

"What the hell are you saying? I speak to you orally sometimes, and besides, who's my best friend?"

"You call me your bestie yet you don't respect my opinions."

"There's a reason why my limbs are controlled by MY head only. *giggle*"

"Well, I suggest that you get changed so you can hurry over there as soon as the sun wakes up."

"A'ight."

The two of them stay awake by entertaining themselves with a little chat. The clock speeds up and the moon retires. Needless to say, he dozed off.

"Sweetie. Sweetie, wake up."

"Hmmm. *yawn* Mama?"

"You can't sleep on the floor while there's a bed. I wanted to pick you up but now you're so big." They both have a laugh. "Anyway, why are you already dressed up?"

It hits him like a stray bullet. He was so eager to stay awake that he ended up oversleeping. He doesn't even answer mama. He just sets his hands on Amitha and his jacket and blasts off. There are only few times that he rushed faster than this. After all, no one would ever play around with the life of their beloved.

The young Harmonie just rushes there in good faith, hoping that she'd be there. His heart races faster. She's the only outsider that was hospitable enough to make him yearn to see her face over and over again, the one persistently kind to him regardless. If anything happened to her he wouldn't let it go, and so he hurdles on.

He trots on for a while but his body remains as cool as ever. He's running and his heart's pounding but he feels no fatigue. He doesn't even break a sweat as proof of his efforts. With every step he takes, he feels time dilate further. He has never felt this before. It's more than fear.

"{Calm down Elmus. She's gonna be there, why worry so much?}"

"{Whenever you're uneasy it's because you should be, but I just hope you're right. Here we go!"

He maneuvers around the corner. There Erin and Eris' house is. Erin is already up it seems. He's working his broom in front. The young Harmonie quickly approaches him with a steady, shuffling gait.

"Hey there. Have you seen sis'"

"Ouch, I was just about to ask you."

"Ask me? This is the second night she's spent out in a row. Was even a bit worried myself.

"No need"—he pats Erin on the back—"she's probably at the nun's. I'll go tell her that you miss her."

"A'ight man. If you chance upon your friend, please tell her that I'm doing my best. This one's giving me quite a hassle."

"Kay."

Erin realizes something is wrong since they didn't even shake hands once. Once he turns around a different look emerges from the depths of his eyes. Amitha knows the person she's dealing with so she turns to no one but her last resort.

"{You told him that you were going to the nun's, correct?}"

"{No need.}"

"{Be reasonable. It's way closer to where you left her.}"

[Valentina]

"{???}" she wakes up confused. "{When… When did I get here? *yawn*}"

She recalls the previous night.

"{ I think I like the rain now… and he's right. I'm totally gonna live. It wouldn't be nice if I came into everybody's life and just kicked the bucket.}"

And then she recalls what her dad told her when she was little. The root of all her inherent fears, was none other than her dad. Man, my neck hurts right now. Let's save the flashback for later.

[Guillelmus]

He gets to the nun's. He knocks on the door several times before he gets a response. The nun comes out to see him.

"Could you wrap this up please?"

"Alright. I only want to ask if Eris is here."

"Hmmm. I don't think so."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm just kidding. She really didn't come back yesterday. Let's pray for her, shall we?"

The news pounds his chest like a ram. He just feels disoriented for a while and when he regains his consciousness; his beautiful brown eyes get gray-scaled. The grin on his face can only suggest one thing…

Amitha thinks to herself. "{You just don't understand why I'm trying my best to keep him calm. I see his thoughts. I know what happens inside. We think word-like; in the first dimension. Those are normally far from belief. When emotionally perturbed, we see images of gratification in the second. We only wish that these are true. Just like the images of you thrashing your enemies in your head, he does same, but my Elmus is different; he sees that thrashing in the third dimension. To make it simpler, he sees it more or less—WAITING—to manifest in reality.}

-----------End of Chapter 7------------

Chapter 8 Teaser

Violence is an unstoppable mistake. Just make sure never to start it or karma might take you six feet under.

"{I… I REALLY CAN'T WAIT for night time. That's when they're gonna come out right? I—I'm SO gonna kill somebody today. Amitha, ARE.YOU.READY—to raid?}"