Loward watched the setting sun sink into the ocean as he stood on the roof of local tavern. The Pfifer's Pit was not exactly a tavern but close enough to pass for the Citadel refugees. He had made an arrangement with the proprietor to do odd jobs in for a room. Today's task was to repair said roof over his head.
"You finished up there yet?"
"Not yet, Tica."
"Then stop taking in the sights and get that roof fixed." Tica was not an exceptionally beautiful woman and to most humans she would be described as plain. Her hair was black and had a pale complexion. He features were quite unremarkable, all except her eyes. They were violet in color and sometimes betrayed her reserved nature with a glint of fire. "When you're done up there come on in and eat."
"I will." Loward was not very learned in the skills of carpentry but he managed to do a decent job with the repairs. He climbed down the side of the tavern and went in for the evening meal. It had taken some time for many of the other patrons to get used to the idea of a child coming into the Pfifer's Pit but some still seemed a bit uncomfortable with him around. He understood that he was young. In the four months time that had passed since arriving he had celebrated his tenth birthday, but as far as he was concerned he was his own man.
"Why don't you find somewhere else to play, little boy?" asked a drunken patron who firmly grabbed his arm. "We've not jacks or marbles to play with and as ample as Tica's breast, I'm fairly sure there's no milk for you here." Loward smiled and patted the man's hand as it remained clasped around his forearm.
"Perhaps you are just jealous that she hugs me and my stature has those ample breast as resting pillows or is it that you prefer the company of little boys?"
"Why you..." Before the man could further speak or react, Loward had manged to twist the mans hand and guided him to the floor by his thumb. The next sounds to be heard were that of the patrons screams and bones breaking as Loward twisted even harder. What chilled the onlookers was that Loward never dropped his innocent smile when doing so.
"I now suggest that you finish your ale sir and have someone take the time to set that so it doesn't heal wrong. We wouldn't want a big strong "man" like you being lamed by a mere boy such as myself." The man shuffled to his feet, drank his ale with a gulp and stormed out of the Pit. Loward calmly walked to the bar and had a seat.
"I see you have been practicing the joint locks I showed you." said Tica as she set his dinner before him.
"I have come to learn that many of this world seem intent on hurting others without any due cause and if I'm going to survive I must hurt them before they an hurt me. Besides that man was a lecherous drunk and it was obvious he was here to ogle you."
"Ogling patrons pay well and often, young man. I won't let your sense of honor or
perhaps feelings of jealousy scare away my customers" She grinned as Loward's face turned crimson.
"Well I'm sure that his ego wasn't all too bruised to prevent return visits." A powerful pat on the back nearly caused Loward to loose his breath as a large gaijin sat next to him. "Was that necessary, Maynard?"
"Of course, mate. How else are friends supposed to show their appreciation for each others company."
"A polite hello could suffice," replied Tica.
"And whats so great about being polite? From what I just saw; a polite boy nearly tore a man's hand off. Politeness is a weapon to keep enemies off guard."
"Well could you be bit more gentle with my spine?" Loward rolled his rolled his shoulders to regain some looseness.
"That was pretty awesome, L. That guy never saw it coming but then again I probably would have shoved his face through the table for talking bout my woman like that" Lowards face turned crimson once more.
"Tica's not my woman."
"I mean that aikijutsu shit is good for woman and pipsqueaks but brawling and street fighting are true tests to a man's fortitude." Maynard seemed to have ignored Loward's last statement. "When are you going to let me show you some real shit?"
"Well I do have a free day tomorrow I guess I can hang out and..."
"Now I don't want you getting hurt with this moron, Loward." Tica interjected.
"Who you callin a moron? L, you gonna let your woman insult me like that?" Loward just kept his head down as he ate his dinner. Tica and Maynard yelled at each other until they realized the tavern was now completely empty except the three.
"See what you did you big jackass. You scared away all my customers."
"The only thing scaring them away is you shitty attitude, lady."
"Will you two give it a rest already?" Loward looked at them both. "I really wish you two could just get along for once."
"We are getting along!" they replied in unison.
"I'll see you tomorrow L." Maynard downed his ale and left.
"I don't see why you like hanging out with that guy. He's so aggravating and confrontational."
"The man is true to his nature and I like that." Loward hopped off the barstool and began to walk upstairs to his quarters. "I'll see you in the morning Tica."
"Good night"
"Night"
The next morning Loward woke before the dawn. It had become a habit for him to wake before first light during his travels and while he remained stationary he did not want to loose that instinct. He put himself through a regiment of light and heavy stretches , aerobics, and basic exercises that he had learned from a book at Corwin's school. He cleaned up and dressed for breakfast which he could already smell the morning ham being placed on the skillet. He walked downstairs and a took his regular seat at the bar.
"Morning kiddo."
"Morning Tica. What are we having today.?"
"Ham and toast."
"One of these days you should let me cook for you."
"Didn't know you could cook." she smiled.
"I dabble." Tica handed him a plate of ham and toast which he made into a sandwich and hurried out the door. "Dinner. You and me this Queensday"
"Its a date." she replied.
The settlement had progressed much since its inception. Homes were a bit more established and lessly resembled shanty shacks and for some time they had been receiving
regular caravans from the north. Most ot the settlement's economy came from the few ships that could dock at their small piers. Many of the settlers had lobbied for expanding the docks to take in larger ships but the conservatives who held sway would refute by stating the settlements temporary status and the inevitable return to Citadel.
"Citadel will be a destination of my return..." he thought. Words that still echoed in his head after these many months as he lived with the ghosts of a dead city.
Maynard lived at he end of a long line of homes near the docks. He had arrived with one of the ships carrying supplies. A mercenary by trade but something here had kept him in town longer than perhaps he should. There was little need for someone of his talents to be here and it often the subject of conversations between Loward and Maynard which always ended the same way.
"This is where I am and I am content for the time being. Leave it be, L" Loward approached Maynard's front door and was going to knock when he heard the sounds of training coming from around back. Maynard was in the middle of his warm-ups when he had noticed Loward's arrival.
"You're early, L"
"I'm going to make the most of this day's training." Maynard smiled.
"Lets get started then." Loward's training was a combination of brutal beatings and mental sparring with Maynard. For each bruise he earned, he gained insight to the laws of violence and combat. He learned just because he was small he could not just rely on leverage and pressure points to get the job done. Their session came to a pause when Loward vomited blood from a punch to the gut. "We may need to stop for today."
"Is that everything you have to show me Maynard?"
"No kiddo, but I ain't in the mood to be killin kids."
"Then let's make this a bit more fair." Maynard was alarmed at the sounds of bones popping and tendons tearing but was more taken aback to what he was witnessing. Loward had grown in mass, his short scruffy hair now fell to his waist, and his teeth and nails shared that of a more primal creature.
"So you're a changing folk? I always wondered about you L."
"We gonna talk M or are we gonna spar?" Maynard replied with a rush of attacks with an inhuman speed. Each strike more painful than the next but they seemed to be less damaging than before. Instead they seemed more focused at keeping him unfocused and off balanced. Loward struck out of pure instinct and rage with a fierce punch that caught Maynard square in the chest. The force of the blow slammed him against his home as Loward passed out from fatigue.
Loward awoke in a bed with stiff joints and sore muscles. He looked around to check his surroundings to find himself still at Maynard's. He was wounds had been dressed and from the looks of things he had been unconscious for a while.
"Well look who's awake?"
"Maynard. How long have I been out?" Loward sat up.
"Damn near three days. "
"Three days?" He was shocked. He looked to Maynard as to speak.
"Don't worry. Tica knows you're here and I didn't tell her about your little secret."
"Thanks. I owe you." Loward looked down at his hands and clenched them into fists. "I'm still not strong enough."
"Give yourself a break, L. You're still a kid no matter how you try to tell yourself different. I'm a soldier and campaigner, and I have to tell you that it takes a lot to hurt me like you did. Albeit a stupid risk on your part especially since you should never go all out like that unless you are absolutely sure that your opponent is going down."
"Sorry, bout that. I was acting out of frustration. You are just so damn fast."
" If you think I'm fast you should have seen my brothers. Those two were speed incarnate especially Adam"
"Adam X?" Loward questioned.
"Yeah the famed Adam X and one half of the Infamous Harbingers of Doom. Too bad all that speed wasn't enough to save the bastard's life. He died fighting monsters from a flying city or thats what I've heard." Loward smirked and thought to himself about the night he had spent outside the Citadel ruins.
"Did you say I've been out for three days?"
"Yep, today is Queensday. I believe you have a date tonight young man."
"How did you..."
"Tica mentioned it after the several hours of yelling and berating." He tossed Loward his clothes. "Now get dressed and get out. You're cramping my style"
"What style?" They both laughed.
Loward dressed and may his way towards the marketplace. He bought ingredients for the nights meal with money he had saved from doing odd jobs around town. He returned to the Pfifer's Pit with his supplies and was greeted by a relieved Tica. He assuaged her worries about his condition and went into the kitchen to begin their meal. The pit was empty that day because of Queensday, a day of rest for women. Tica bathed and prepared for their meal as Loward labored in the kitchen and set a table for their romantic interlude. He quickly cleaned up and changed after the meal's preparation and awaited Tica downstairs.
Tica entered the room with a smile. She was wearing a red low cut dress and lightly applied makeup. She was glowing with joy. Loward stood up and held her chair as she sat.
"You look absolutely radiant, madam." Tica blushed lightly. He went into the kitchen and brought out her meal. A handsomely prepared fish fillet served with potatoes and asparagus.
"Wine, madam?" he offered to pour a glass.
"Please." He smiled as he filled her glass. He returned to the kitchen to fetch his plate and sat with her. "I cannot believe you were able to set this all up after your injuries."
"Tonight is a special night. I wouldn't want anything to ruin it." He smiled as he took a sip from his glass of water.
"You do know that I'm a bit older than you Loward."
"Only by seven years. I'm fairly certain that wont be a problem three or four years down the road." He gave her a debonair smile. She looked down at her plate and took a bite of her potatoes.
"This is an excellent fare you have prepared. Your spices are quite unique."
"Don't change the subject Tica. Do you have feelings for me or not?"
"I...do," she replied hesitantly, "But you have to understand that I'm a bit confused as how to proceed with this. I've never been good with relationships."
"If you think we are moving to fast we can always slow down and be friends. I'm not going to force you heart. " Tica smiled and turned a bit crimson.
"I must admit that I have enjoyed your company these past few months"
"So have I"
"Y'know we have never had a chance to sit down and talk before and I have been curious about you since you arrival."
"Ask me anything I have no secrets to hide from you." He took another sip from his glass.
"Why are you traveling alone?. Don't you have any family?"
"I'm an orphan. I travel to find myself and my place in this world"
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean..."
"It's no big deal. I'm quite used to the fact that I am alone in this world. Was alone until I met you."
"How does a ten year old have such a tongue for flattery? "
"I'm sure my tongue can be used for other tasks to turn you red as well." Tica nearly coughed roughly as she half choked on her wine. He winked at her.
"You speak unlike any child I have met. Did you ever attend school?"
"I had a mentor for a while but he is gone. I also studied at an arcane academy to the north but lost interest in studies which leads back to me now traveling alone."
"I see. Excuse me a moment I must freshen up a bit."
"Of course, let me help you." He stood up and came around the table to pull her chair out. He leaned close and smelled her hair and without warning kissed her. She was surprised at first but did not resist his advance. She thought about how wonderful it was to have found somebody who cared when she tasted a copper wetness in her mouth. Then she noticed a sharp pain in her abdomen. Looking down she saw a knife deeply sheathed in her flesh being twisted and removed.
"Wh..why?" She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"Why you ask? Do you remember meeting a monk traveling with children over a year ago. He was driving a wagon filled with golden artifacts from his church. No you don't remember? Perhaps you will remember how you and your partner killed the monk when he refused to give you the gold and how not only did you sell the artifacts, but the children as well?" Do you remember how you killed your partner afterwards and left him for dead in the forest all those months ago."
Tica looked at him with fright more than shock as his spoke of things no one should know.
"Huh..hu...how?" She spoke feebly as she crawled away from him trying to get to the front door. The shock and loss of blood made it difficult for her to move.
"I came across a ghost of a little girl who tried to escape her captors. She told me of her tale and showed me the corpse of you partner. Apparently you two were skilled in the art killing so that souls could not be reached. Had that girl not attempted escape and met a horrible demise at the hands of her captors, I would have never learned about you and your secret." There was a buzzing sound coming from outside that began to grow louder. Loward wiped his hands on the tablecloth, removing her blood from them. "That noise you here is the sounds of insects who have come to feed on you. Our meal was prepared so that they would come. See your blood is acting as a chemical pheromone that is sending them into a feeding frenzy." Tica let out a gurgle as she pathetically crawled closed to the door. "You see the meal contained special alchemical additives to produce this affect but the catalyst needed to complete the process was in your wine. It's quite quick in its absorption into the blood stream once it mixes in the stomach."
"Llluh...loved you..."
"You never loved me. I manipulated your heart like that poor bastard you killed in the forest." The room was filled with the buzz of insects as they descended upon Tica. They entered from every crack and crevice available. She let out a scream that could be heard throughout the settlement.
Loward calmly put on his black cloak and threw his pack which he had packed earlier in the day and slung it over his shoulder. He walked around the bar and popped up a loose floorboard to retrieve Tica's trust. He tied the pouch of double eagles to his belt and walked out the back. Before he did he turned to look at the writhing screaming mass that was Tica and blew her a kiss. He walked into the night not looking back. He could hear the commotion of people coming to her aid all too late.
"Sorry I can't say goodbye Maynard," he thought.. He shivered as a chill wind blew past and noticed that it was beginning to snow. "Strange. I didn't think it snowed this far south" he thought as he made his way north.