6 The cantankerous Vagabond (2/2)

”If that's what it takes to straighten out you two hooligans.” Runfaust stated, in an intimidating tone, before approaching the bar table.

The two boys stared in unease, slightly shocked by the statement of their foster father.

The pub had settled from prior, as the patrons had already resumed their spirituous indulgences. Nye and Miles sat at the bar, seeming to be in talks with Molliana's father, Runfaust.

”I must apologize for the insanity of that outburst, my queen. I do hope those scoundrels didn't upset you too much.” Runfaust spoke up.

”I expected reactions as such, you needn't worry. Things have settled.” Nye replied, to the oculus fiend.

”You are quite optimistic, mi'lady. There truly is authentic integrity in you, not only in the words you speak, but it's shown in your eyes as well. I do look forward to aiding your quest for our redemption.” Runfaust went on, as he gave Nye a glass of Whiskey.

Nye held the glass, shifting the ice. ”Aye. Having access to Knothole will surly increase alliances and moral.”

Miles was eating an apple, as he kept silent. His eyes panned over, seeing the patrons of the tavern, that still kept a watchful eye on them. ”(Creepy...)”

”Not only is Knothole a safe house, and a tavern, but we also have other things that could assist your efforts.” Runfaust stated, cleaning a glass.

”Such as?” Nye took a swig of her whiskey.

”The little one that lead you here, my foster daughter, Molliana. She helps me maintain this place by keeping hungry bellies full. It draws in plenty of new folks from time to time. Then there's the secret shop that shows up when you least expect it.” Runfaust mentioned, casually.

”Interesting.” Nye nodded.

”We also keep track of the wanted signs, to help those who the Templar are after for daft reasoning. We get plenty of folks in here who seek refuge. However, there was one who sought out that doctor who resides in Belmont... since then, many show up needing healing, however they can't find the healer.” Runfaust set down the glass, looking off to the bulletin board. ”It's rather upsetting.”

”Finch, you mean.” Nye's eyes glanced to the large man.

”That's right, but how did you know that?” Runfaust seemed surprised, as he turned back to her.

”I rescued him from a Dream Weaver not too long ago. Before you inquire, he is quite alright.” Nye stated, seriously.

”So, then he must be residing at this hidden underground kingdom you spoke of?” Runfaust pondered aloud.

”Indeed.” Nye nodded.

”You mentioned 'Dream Weaver' though... I could have sworn that man was an Amygdala...” Runfaust went on. ”Dark hair, and pale skin, right? Also wears a trench coat.”

”Aye. Finch informed me of what he was. They had a prior engagement before things went awry. I do have to wonder. How often does that man show up around here, if you don't mind me asking?” Nye inquired, leaning to the table.

”Nye...” Miles huffed.

”Your friend seems concerned about you. Why do you seek out a creature who went after Finch in such a manner?” Runfaust sounded curious, in a concerned tone.

”I would rather not speak of such, however I can say I am looking into his choice of actions. So, would you care to answer my question?” Nye shifted in her seat.

Runfaust nodded to her statement. ”I understand, my queen. That man has shown up on a few occasions. He typically keeps to himself on the balcony when he does stop by. Quite a scary bloke... I would advise caution if he has shown aggression though, being as such what he is.”

”Noted.” Nye stood up, ”We should be taking our leave. We'll be in touch.”

”Very well. Before you leave, however. I would like to offer aid on the battlefield, if you so need it, I am at your beckon call. My other foster children will also be able to help on the front lines as well.” Runfaust spoke up.

Nye glanced back with a smirk, ”I'll keep that in mind.” She said, as Miles stood up from his seat.

”Safe travels mi'lady.” Runfaust spoke, letting the duo exit the tavern.

Some time had elapsed, as Nye and Miles were making their way for the tunnels. However in the process something had caught their eyes. A glow illuminated the trees in the distance, as vocal cries emerged in the direction.

”I'll scout ahead.” Miles stated, running ahead of Nye before she could say a word.

Nye stood, watching him rush off. ”(He's starting to get braver, however, being brave doesn't mean he's smart about this. I better catch up to that cat.)” Nye faded into darkness.

Miles got close, taking cover in the brush for observation. His eyes widened, seeing an orange haired woman facing off what appeared to be a phoenix. The bird was flapping it's wings, but the huntress had jumped onto it's back. Ropes had already been tied around, preventing the bird from flying away. As Miles rose to his feet, and drew his sword, the woman had already used her knife to slay the giant bird. It cried out, as it's body became ash, falling to the ground.

The huntress turned, spotting Miles. ”A waste of time killing such a thing for a mere feather, but a job's a job. You though, might be more entertaining to kill.” She had eyes of steel, coldly gazing over to the leashed.

Miles kept his sword in tow. ”And what are you, some hunter?”

”Very perceptive of you. Yes, I am a bounty hunter. Undoubtedly you've heard tales of Trigger Wyshak? I always get the job done, rare oddities, criminals, killing things, whatever collects the Zircon. Feral leashed included.” She stated cynically.

Miles gripped the hilt tighter. ”...” He was breathing heavy, as he sneered over to the woman.

”I've handled worse than some feline pet. Once I get my hands on you, I'll break each and every one of your fingers and toes. Then, I'll skin you alive, and make you suffer further. I wonder how leashed stew tastes.” Trigger stated, without even switching emotion, just a cold, blank stare.

Miles was taken by surprise, staring to her with shock in his slitted cat eyes. He shook his head quickly, before taking a samurai stance. ”Killing a phoenix for a lousy feather... you... make me... SICK.” Miles' fangs were gritted, as he leered at her.

”Lacking intelligence even. Such is wasted on your kind. I'll enjoy killing you.” Trigger stated boredly.

Trigger rushed at Miles, who countered her blow. The blades collided, as did their gaze.

”You make this too easy.” Trigger scoffed.

”Then maybe you should have gotten a better look at your surroundings.” Spoke Nye's voice. Her blade was to Trigger's back.

Trigger seemed uneasy. ”....” Her eyes trying to glance behind. ”... How did I not sense you til just now?” Her voice cracked, fearfully.

”Do you really want to find out?” Nye spoke, in a threatening tone.

”...” Trigger was sweating, ”(Amygdala....) This is all a misunderstanding, we can resolve this without trouble.”

”You struck first.” Miles scoffed.

”...” Trigger looked annoyed. ”Let's just walk away from this, with no further conflict. What say you?”

”Aye, smart choice.” Nye looked to Trigger, showing amusement in her smirk.

”Good.” Trigger said, as she got too a distance from them. ”Don't expect me to do the same if you're my target next time. Follow me, and I'll kill you.” She said, heading off in a hurry.

Miles finally lowered his blade, with a sigh of relief. ”That was too close for comfort...”

Nye smacked him upside the head.

”Ouuuuch.” Miles glared to Nye, with his ears back. ”What the heck was that for?!”

”Running off on your own. You can be brave, but don't be stupid.” Nye stated, taking a step from him.

Miles grumbled under his breath, but noticed where he kneeled, was the ash of the phoenix. Sitting there before him, in the midst of it, was an egg. ”What the?”

Nye glanced back with her usual expression, ”Surprised? Phoenix's are immortal after all. That woman could have made more Zircon on that egg over a feather from the bird.”

Miles had picked it up, looking to the egg. ”...” Miles glanced to Nye, ”How much do you know about these birds? Is someone able to befriend them?”

”Enough to know the dangers and benefits of one. In the past humans were able to befriend creatures that did not speak. So I assume it is possible.” Nye explained.

”...” Miles nodded. ”(Then I'm going to try.)”

”Seeing you're taking it, we should be on our way. It's nearly dawn now.” Nye insisted.

”Right. I won't run off again like that. I promise.” Miles followed after his master.

”Then we should be getting back.” Nye stated, as the two made their way back to the underground.

They passed the monsters inside the lair of the labyrinth. They were a corridor away from the red crystal, not even seeing it as they arrived to the underground city. Upon entering the walls, they noticed that the others were already asleep. So then they went to Nye's chambers, where Nye took perch in the rafters above, allowing Miles' to have the bed. Soon the two drifted off to sleep, as the morning sky emerged.