Beliefs

[Zerrif]

"So what you're saying is that my brother and I are targets, because we're alone?" Ren still seemed to be in disbelief-- but the others just nodded solemnly. The Archer suddenly stood and turned as if she were about to go back inside the caverns.

"Where the hell do you think you're going? Especially after all we've told you?" Bascht shouted, making her stop in her tracks. "Look, ignore the truth as much as you want-- but the truth is that he's one of them. You even noticed it yourself. Dressed in yellow and tan, and he even was using Dead Branches to harass and fight us. As much as you want to--"

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" She shouted, turning to face him. "He wouldn't-- He'd never--!"

"He did." Gerik said, solemnly. "Whether he was tricked, or perhaps he's joining for his own goals-- that doesn't matter. He's part of the DBF now." He watched as something within the Archer seemed to give up, and she just slumped down by the fire again.

"The question we need to ask, is what do we do now?" Muarim asked. "I mean, we've come out here and found him-- but we found answers we didn't exactly want." He wasn't trying to sound harsh, but he noticed how it made Ren flinch slightly. "... I say we go on a small adventure! Why don't we forget about these guys for a little bit, and go have some fun. It's like ever since we found out about these guys, they've ruled our every action."

D smiled. "Hey, that sounds like a great idea! That's how we first met up, isn't it? We didn't care about those guys-- we had our own adventures separate from them, and had our own things to worry about. Why don't we just go and do as Muarim says? With a group like this I bet we could go around some pretty killer places."

The Mage moved back beside the Blacksmith, and sat down, leaning against him. "How about we go to Glast Heim? I'm sure with a group like this, we'd be able to handle some part of it if we take it carefully. Besides, that last scuffle just showed us how hectic some things can be. I think we need to work on our synergy and our teamwork a little more."

"That sounds like a good idea to me." Gerik said, nodding. He cast a rather worried glance back at Ren. He didn't say anything, but just reached over and pat the Archer's knee softly.

---

"I want to become stronger, Mimiko. Like mom and dad."

"I know you do. And I know that you of all people will be able to do it."

"I'm willing to do anything to be the best."

"Brother..."

"When I'm strong enough, Mimiko, you won't have to do anything. You'll be able to rest, and you won't have to work. I can do everything like a good older brother should."

"Please, don't discredit me."

"I'm not. I just want you to know Mimiko, I'm going to be there for you."

"So where are you now?" Ren asked, as she stood at a tree, staring into the entrance of Byalan. She let out a sigh, and just took an arrow in her hand, stringing her bow in the other. She fired a single arrow straight up to the heavens, and just let out a second sigh. "You promised... you jerk. You promised."

"I don't believe that's your brother in there." Gerik said, stepping out from the other side of the tree. Ren had instantly raised her bow and aimed it at the Acolyte, but let it down as soon as she knew who it was. "From what you say, your brother is nothing like the DBF."

"He's not. He would do anything to get to the top, but he was still a good person. He wouldn't... He'd never join a group as ruthless and cutthroat like that." She let out a weak smile, before she began to cry. She ran at the Acolyte and sobbed into his robes, feeling arms wrap around her comfortingly.

"I know something is up, Ren. Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of it all." He smiled and looked down at her. "If you want, we're stopping by Payon again to get a few things before we go to Geffen, and eventually Glast Heim. You don't have to go anywhere."

"No." She mumbled. "He's made his choice, and I have to make mine. If things play out the way they did earlier... I have to be stronger. I have to get stronger. If you don't mind, I'm going to go with you all-- he was always one to seek strength, and I have to find my own." Gerik smiled.

"Glad to have you along, then."

"Just one favour?" She asked. "Can we get a less gimmicky group name?"