((A/N: Hmm… last time I swore that would be the last time I started re-writing Water Mage, right? Hehheh… well I won’t promise you anything this time but I’ll try and make this the last time! A lot of things shall stay the same, but there are enough changes that this shall be pretty much re-written and updated with a new story. Thank you for all who have stayed with me in reading every version of this! –Nikooru))

WATER-MAGE

...CHAPTER ONE…

BEGINNING

Yiang walked into the pub, entering in the warm atmosphere. A long black cloak was wrapped around her, the hood atop of her head. Her dark eyes scanned the room. Her gazed stopped as she saw a certain table; one in the very back dark corner of the room. She paced over to it.

“Welcome, Yiang.” There sat a man with his feet thrown onto the table. He was leaning back in his chair with a smirk on his face.

“So I’m guessing…” Yiang started, throwing her cloak off, “that you are Lesion?”

“Yes,” he taunted. “Well, take a seat!” Yiang glared at him suspiciously, but still lowered herself into a seat.

“Who exactly are you, and why did you invite me here?” she demanded.

Lesion chuckled. “Who am I? Well I’m the boss of The Clan of Lesion.”

Creative name. Yiang thought bitterly.

“And my clan is the clan that has been destroying all of those villages.” Yiang gaped at him in disbelief, her jaw falling. Lesion’s smile widened. “And as for the reason I invited you here… Have you ever heard of The Eight Stones of Element?”

Yiang closed her mouth quickly. “I thought that was only a legend—“

“But it’s true. So, with me assuming that you know what they do,” Lesion’s legs moved back down to their normal position. He leaned in and whispered, “How would you like to have most extraordinary powers? You can be so strong, Yiang. All you have to do is join me, and be like my daughter. I shall treat you as one, if you do some simple tasks for me. Fight for me. Other than that, you are free to do anything you want.” He took something out of his pocket and threw it on the table. It was a small wrapped parcel. “Join me, Yiang, and find out how much potential you have for being strong.”

Her brow furrowed in thought. For a moment, they were silent as the sounds of the people in the pub washed over them. Then she reached for it, biting her tongue. The package was cool with a certain aurora flowing out of it. The power seeped into Yiang’s skin; she knew there was no turning back now. Let it run through me, she thought. So it can make me strong, make me a leader, and let me have power!

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

“Savay, just forget about it! We’re never going to find anything here!” A boy and girl we’re arguing. Both sat on the floor of a library with many books scattered around them.

The girl, Savay presumably, sighed. She hated to fight with anyone, whether it be with her voice or with her hands. “Avion, this is the largest library on magic throughout all of the land of Florien; there has to be something!”

Avion, the boy, groaned. He was perturbed from arguing with his friend. He ran his fingers through his cerulean hair; one part was long and hid his right eye. “Just admit you’re wrong, for the love of the Goddess.” His fist was clenched tightly; he knew he lost his temper often and didn’t want to resort to punching Savay.

She grabbed a book and handed it to him. “Just please help.”

“I’m hungry, anyways,” he snapped, shoving the book back at her.

“Well, let’s bring some books.”

“I want to relax!”

“C’mon, help me grab some books.” She tightened the orange band that tied her brown hair back and grabbed a giant pile of books.

Mumbling, he snatched some books randomly off of the floor and walked with her to the checkout. As Savay checked them out, Avion muttered, “There’s nothing about magic that can—“

“Thank you,” said Savay loudly to the clerk. They walked out of the large double-doors. “You shouldn’t go and announce what we’re researching to the world.” They were on the steep library stairs, and moving down to the square. A sign outside of the library, the center of the square, read ‘The Karnolith Library of Magic.’ Most of the buildings were short, the library being the tallest building with its three stories. Standing outside of the buildings were small booths selling charms, food, and other items. Scents of the food wafted through the air, giving the entire city a unique scent. The streets, which were paved with dull crimson bricks, were filled with pedestrians buzzing about and carts filled to the brim with people and cargo pulled by tall, gangly drivers.

All of these people made it difficult for one to walk around with many books. They were piled so high in Savay’s arms that she could hardly see. She felt something push into her; she tumbled down falling flat on her face, the cold brick scraping her face. The taste of salty blood filled her mouth. Her vision was washed out to the point she could hardly see.

“I’m sorry!” a voice pierced her ears. She looked up dizzyingly; thus the site of a young man with tight curly hair came into focus. Large glasses obscured his concerned face. Avion rolled his eyes at her, but thrust a hand out to help her up. The world still seemed to be spinning.

“My deepest apologies!” the man said again. “I wasn’t watching where I was going, and—“

“It’s okay.” Savay smiled weakly. “I’m just a little dizzy, that’s all,” She leaned down to pick some of the books back up, but instead fell down again, this time headfirst.

“Oh my, are you alright!” The voice of the man was fading slower as was Savay’s vision into a world of black.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

She awoke with a jolt, finding herself lying on a small cot. It smelt of strange, foreign foods. She pulled off the rough blanket and pulled herself up. Her ears were filled with the sound of chattering in the background. The room she was in was small and practically empty, save a broom and mop.

“So you’re up; it’s about time.” Avion was sitting next to her cot, reading one of the books. “You shouldn’t pull yourself too hard; you’re still recovering from your blood loss.”

“Sorry,” Savay murmured. “Where’s my medicine that Sensei made?” He grunted, and pulled a few pills out of his pocket and threw them at her. “

“I don’t think you’re that helpless.” He paused. “I’m glad you’re alright, though. Please don’t scare me like that again.”

Savay grinned, chewing and then swallowing the pills. “That’s more like the old you. Now where exactly are we?”

A small door opened and a familiar voice flowed out into the room. “Welcome to my restaurant!” The strange scent was even stronger now that the door was open. The man who had caused Savay to fall was beaming at them, though he still seemed a little uneasy. “I’m very sorry for causing you so much trouble.”

“It’s okay,” Savay said again. Avion shrugged, still perturbed.

“Why did you faint though?”

“Well,” started Savay, “I just lost quite a bit of blood awhile ago. I’ve just been pretty woozy ever since.”

“Oh dear!” The man’s eyebrows elevated. “Any how, I invite you to dine at my restaurant, all on me, of course! I offer the finest service anywhere throughout the city! We are, without a doubt, the best place to order Elvin food!”

“Elvin? Like as in the village of Hikaricho?” asked Savay.

“Yes, yes! Their food is of perfection; however, ever since that unknown clan destroyed Hikaricho few years ago it’s been very hard to get the proper ingredients. Thus, the prices have been raised. So you really are in for a deal!” He pulled Savay up to her feet. “Please, Miss, come with me.” He linked arms with her and led her out of the small room and into the dining room. Avion followed them, sulking a bit.

The dining room was glorious, with soft shades of green and gold everywhere. The man pulled a chair out for Savay and helped her sir down. “Gently,” he said worriedly. “I wouldn’t want you to faint again.”

“You know she’s not a cripple,” Avion stated.

“Thank you,” Savay acknowledged the man loudly, as she always did when Avion acted rude. “And excuse my friend.”

“Oh, it’s no bother! Here, let me seat you also, Mister.” He pulled a seat for Avion. Avion muttered his thank-you. “Here are your menus,” the man handed them a piece of heavy paper, “And as your host I highly suggest the rice with Elvin curry; it has the best rabbit meat you’ll ever have in it and the dish includes a delicious spinach salad. Or you may like the deer filet, cooked to your order. Also, I’d love for you to have a bit of wine with your order; Miss, I promise not to turn you in for drinking underage; a bit of wine won’t hurt you.”

“Actually,” Savay smiled weakly, “I am of age; I turned fifteen a few months ago.”

“Oh excuse me!” The man laughed. “I’m horrible with ages! Well, in that case please do have the wine, it may help with your weariness.”

“I’ll have the deer filet, rare, with the wild mushroom and sherry sauce on it with a jug of your finest Elvin beer.” Avion demanded. After a few moments he added, “Please.” They’re the most expensive things on the menu, he thought.

“I think that I’ll have just a spinach salad, please.” Savay said, handing him their menus back.

“Dressing, Miss?”

“Vinegar.”

“With a bottle of the wine!” He chuckled to himself. “I’ll be back in a few minutes with your drinks.” He pranced off, happy to serve them. Then he stopped. “You know, I still don’t know you’re names. What are they?”

“Savay,”

“Avion,”

“And I am Ritsu. And I shall be back!” He continued walking away.

Silence was at their table for a few moments.

Savay asked, “So did you find anything in that book you were reading?”

“No,” Avion said shortly. There was another moment of silence.

“You know,” Savay started quietly, “You’ve changed a lot since… then.”

Avion sighed and gripped his forehead. “You have too. It’s affected both of us, you’ve just done a better job of hiding it.”

“Maybe it’s better in your case; it’s so hard on me to keep this all bottled up.”

“Enough self-angst!” Avion smiled. “You have no reason to be angry at the world like I am. I’ll try and be more like… well, me.”

And what are you two talking about?

They both looked up to see… nothing. The voice has seemed to come from nowhere. At first, that’s what it seemed. But as their eyes continued to search around they saw it; a small glowing light.

“What the hell is that?!” screeched Avion. Savay paused for a moment to think, and then her mind found the answer.

“I’ve heard of these!” she said excitedly. “An endangered species from Hikaricho, a fire-elf! You can only hear its voice if it wants you to!”

You mean her voice. But, that’s right.

“Filled with curiosity isn’t she?” Avion smirked.

“Well, they like to know a lot about everyone so they can use it in their predictions.”

“Come again?”

We’re fortunetellers; we can feel your destiny. However, I’ll only tell you as much as I know for a price.

“Not interested.” Savay and Avion said at the same time.

C’mon, you know you want to know!

“No,” Avion said, “I don’t. Savay and I would rather find out how things play out naturally.”

You can’t speak for your friend! The fire-elf buzzed eagerly in Savay’s face. I’ll tell you everything you want to know about the future, just allow me to have the small price!

“Avion can speak for me this time; we’re not interested.” She swatted at the fire-elf.

Fine! What a waste! You two had interesting futures that YOU WON’T GET TO KNOW! HA! The light flew away angrily. Savay and Avion looked at each other.

“She was probably bluffing to make us pay,” Avion reassured her.

“Did you meet Petara?” They jumped; Ritsu was back with their drinks. He handed them out. “She loves to make profit off of the customers, but no one knows if her predictions are actually true. She get you?”

“Nope, we refused,” Savay replied.
”Amazing! Most people are very much into that sort of thing, wanting to know how rich they will or will not be.” He sat down in a chair next to Savay, across from Avion. “Well, the food will be awhile so I figured that I would sit down and chat.”

Avion forced a shrug and Savay said a ‘Sure!’

“So where are you two from? I’ve never seen you here in my restaurant or around town before.” Ritsu poured some of the wine into a small crystal cup.

“Oh, uh,” Savay stuttered for a moment. “A village… east of here.”

“That nice, why—“ There was a large BAM; the door leading to the street had been kicked in. Masked people marched into the store, however there was onne girl who was not masked and stood in the front; Yiang. Children started wailing and their worried mothers tried to hush them quickly as an anxious chatter spread throughout the restaurant.

“Stop the talking or everyone gets hurt!” The masked man closest to Yiang commanded. Silence was bestowed in the room. “Now tell me which one of you here is doing the research on The Eight Stones of Element! We saw that some books were checked out about that material and we traced them to here!”

Savay started to make a move forward, but Ritsu spoke of before she could

“If you want money,” he stuttered, trying to stay calm. “I can give it to you.”

Yiang frowned and quietly responded, “That’s of no use to us. Answer the question.”

Avion pushed Savay back as she tried to move foreword again. “It was I.”

Yiang smiled a little and then looked around the room. “The rest of you may leave.” She looked at the masked men and bitterly added, “My soldiers, you too. Tell him that I did as he wished.” Every person in the restaurant immediately got up to run and leave and a few threw some money onto their tables. The masked men saluted simultaneously and marched out.

“Go with them!” Avion hoarsely whispered at Savay. But, she shook her head furiously.

“You’re not getting killed because of me!”

“And what are you two muttering about?” Yiang raised her hand, palm open. Water materialized below it, floating in the air. She made a quick movement and the water slapped against Avion’s stunned face. Yiang smiled at this new power of hers.

“Magic,” Ritsu said, dumbfounded.

“Yes. Now, why are you studying The Stones?”

“Curiosity,” Avion spat.

“Tell me or else…” In a quick, fluid motion she manipulated her hands so a stream of hovering water emerged and grabbed Savay by the throat. Yiang held Savay still. “This girl will be choked.”

“You know,” Savay spoke, “I really hate fighting, but in this case… I’ll make an exception!” She spun around, punching Yiang in the gut. Savay raised her hands and water vaporized under her own hands. She thrust her hand forward violently and the water crashed into Yiang.

Yiang’s mouth opened in amazement. She didn’t move for a moment, stunned that this girl could also perform magic. Getting herself together, she pushed herself up and launched a kick at Savay. Savay was knocked down, but as Yiang’s muscles eased she heard loud noise—BANG—and she felt a sharp sting in her shoulder; she looked up and saw Avion pointing a gun at her. Such a rare weapon! Only clans and members of the Militia have such a thing Lucky I have one too…! Yiang thought as she pulled out her own gun and pulled the trigger rapidly. Ritsu ducked into the backroom where Savay and Avion had been earlier.

–BANG BANG BANG BANG—the noise hammered into their ears as they each shot desperately at one another, trying to use thing like knocked over chairs and tables for shields. Finally one of Yiang’s bullets struck its target; Avion was repelled back. Yiang smirked; the battle had been won. As she started to get up she felt like a wet rope had been tied around her neck.

“You can’t win when there are three of us,” Savay said, her hand shaking. Rapidly she was loosing her strength and she had to hurry and help Avion, he could too loose a lot of blood. “Now why do you care what we’re researching?”

“The Eight Stones of Element are objects of such massive power that you could never possess them.”

“That didn’t answer my question.” Come on, I need to help Avion…

“You must want power, I can understand that desire, or else…” Yiang paused for awhile, breathing heavily. I can’t stand up much longer… Savay thought.

Yiang took one last deep breath and then elbowed Savay in her stomach. The little strength she still had was taken away; Yiang smiled. “Do you want the wish?”

Once again, Savay was pummeled into darkness.

((A/N: Dun, dun, duhhhh! Cliffhanger! I could have continued it but I’m too lazy and have to sleep so I can study for finals. Well, new chapter soon!))