Episode Three: The Waltz of Flowers

[Chavah]

Episode 3: The Waltz of Flowers

She called out for help. But it was too late. The Kin's airship fleet had landed in this small village of Fenwick. They had heard rumors about the Flower of Carnage being in this region. The rumors about this child were tenfold and seeming impossible for many of the Kin to believe to be fact. How could a half blood be able to out maneuver them for so long? How were her parents? Why had such an sin have been created in the first place?

The Kin had been summoned to this region by an unknown collaborator, whom had also revealed to them that there was an Altered Flower in this town. Two sins that the Kin would not allow for the humans to have. An Altered was any human that displayed a high potential for the Craft (magic) and thus could be a grave danger for the peace between Oren and the Kin....

The officers led their Relic Guards into the village. Unleashing a wave of terror, the small rice growing community had never seen before. Armed with little more than some sickles and a few shot guns, the militia of Fenwick stood no chance against the Kin. "I want both of the Flowers found!" The female noble then demanded of the Guardians. "Turn every house into rubble if you must!"

Her name was Edelweiss Dietrich. Like Tager, she had been given the orders to hunt down Selina and bring her back to the Kin. However, Edelweiss had little interest in Selina. If one of their kind had been foolish enough to fall in love with a human, that was their own damned fault. Humans were a thorn in the side of the Kin and they needed to be reminded, which one of the beings of this world were in charge.

Much like what was occurring in Swamp Town, the village had been burned to the ground. However, unlike the ultimate death that awaited the goblins, humans often went for high prices amongst Kin nobility and for the entertainment of the people of Oren.

"Inform the Tzar that we have some 'gifts' for his games. As long as we keep the old bastard busy, the less of a chance that we have to deal with a long drawn out war." Edelweiss said.

"My Honorable Dietrich, what about the lack of evidence that we've found either the Flower of Carnage or the Altered human for the Elders?" Her guard asked. "Fufufu. Forget about them. That's why Tager is wasting his precious energies, going off on a wild goose chase to find the Flower of Carnage." Edelweiss didn't understand that man's interest in Selina, she was no were as beautiful and refined like she was.

A few short hours later, several units of Oren soldiers started to round up the few remaining survivors of the raid. This was just another transaction in the uneasy relationship between the Kin and Oren.

From this point onwards, the soldiers would force the prisoners to march through the Amos Swamplands. The idea was simple; weed out the strong from the weak. It'd take four days to reach Oren from where they were located.

However, the small band of slaves had been wandering around the swamps for several days. A great deal of their large numbers had been picked off by the Red Foot. The skulls that Jon had seen in the Red's camp, had belonged to this band. The slave drivers had also been picked off by the goblins, leaving a group of 20 some, wandering around lost. None of them knew these lands. Some could argue about the only man that did was Samson.

Little did the arrogant Edelweiss know, but the Altered Flower was amongst their ranks.

Her name was Alia and on her back was a young child that she had named Nana. The girl was probably no more than five years old but seeing so much death, Alia doubted that the child would ever speak again in her life.

None of the survivors knew what would happen next. However, fate would soon deliver them into the arms of the other flower, Selina.

[Chavah]

When they could finally stop running for a moment, Jon put a hand to a conveniently placed tree and hunched over while catching his breath. He watched as Samson put Selina down and they exchanged weapons, an intense silence between the three of them.

'What the fuck have I gotten myself into?'

After clearing his throat, he straightened himself up and looked to the two of them, mainly waiting for something to be said before continuing to walk. Samson mentioned a hideout not far from where they just were and certainly not far from where they are currently. The old man had good intentions of trying to spark conversation to ease away the awkwardness, but Jon just didn't feel up to talking... Samson seemed to trust Selina, but Jon wasn't sure he did, even if she saved him from that damn mole thing the day they met.

----------

Samson's hideout happened to be the ruins of an airship with a heavy technological feel to it. It was being covered with plant overgrowth where critters could nest on the outside. People rarely passed through this area and if they did, the broken down ship wasn't given too much acknowledgment.

From the looks of it, the ship has been shot down or just crashed during an incident. It was maneuvered by humans from a distant planet, such creatures not seen for roughly one thousand years. In fact, no one knew of this history except for the Kin. The fall of this mighty ship is likely at the doings of the Kin, as a matter of fact.

When the trio arrived at the ship, Samson went ahead inside, leaving Jon to stop and stare at it with awe. There was a certain beauty to it to behold as nature turned something destructive into a shelter for several species. In the distance, there was a figure stumbling towards the ship that shaped into a woman as it got closer. At her shoulder was the head of an exhausted child that was falling asleep, her arms hardly able to stay wrapped around this woman's neck.

[Chavah]

Selina decided to plop herself on one of the wooden benches that Samson had hand crafted. Jon had wandered to the opposite side of the ruined airship, looking at the various symbols and languages written on it. Selina wasn't that interested in the old machine. She knew that they were taboo for a reason. It all went back to the era of the Great War. The very conflict that brought the Kin down to rule over mankind and all the other beings on the planet.

The old man had broken several of Selina's road rules, but unlike Joshua, she hadn't been able to list them off to the old man. Plus, knowing her luck, he was the archetype of dirty old men. "Shit on a shingle," She muttered aloud. It was loud enough that Samson back out from the entrance of his home. "We've gone deeper into the swamps than I wanted to. This is going to reroute us by several days."

Samson then stepped out of his home, "You complain a lot, you know that right Missy."

"What's it too you?" Selina asked.

"You're one of the Kin. Why are they sending Relic Guardians after you. Last I heard, they only used those damned robots on humans dumb enough to get themselves caught using advanced technologies." Samson replied.

"None of your concern Mister Samson. They view me as a danger. I'm not going to say much more than that." Selina responded.

"....So is that why you are heading towards Oren?" Samson asked next.

"Yes. They won't break the Treaty, not even if I am to become a citizen. I know the dangers that await me there." Selina said.

"Does Jon know?" Samson asked.

"I informed him that it is a city of sin. I don't think he realizes what I meant by that though." She said.

"I see...."

Just then Jon came running towards them. Behind him was one of the rice growers and a young child....

[Chavah]

When Jon ran in, he set down his pack and heaved a sigh of relief; that thing was getting heavy. He flashed his two comrades an apologetic smile for walking in much later than they have, also for bringing in strays. The two females looked desperate for help, though. They were dirtied with soil and blood and it was crystal clear that they were tired. Sadly, he didn't take the time to know their names, so he just said,

"They were walking in our direction and need help."

Ali looked like she was about to drop Nana as the comforting environment got to her. To avoid this, Jon took the young girl from Ali and carried her to a bundle of blankets where she was instantly wrapped up. As for the elder sister of hers, she took a seat on a uniquely crafted chair next to a table with food crumbs scattered at the top. She put an arm on the table and meekly smiled at Samson and Selina. Her gaze drifted to the man that was tending to Nana, some sort of passion softening her expression. A sort of My hero expression.

Looking to her lap, she finally introduced herself and the little girl, "My name is Alia and that's Nana. We come from a village called Fenwick... We're the remaining survivors."

Jon stood up from the bedding when Nana fell asleep and took a seat in the empty chair where he just looked from person to person. He himself was feeling exhausted, but tried not to let it show.

[Chavah]

Alia had fallen asleep. Samson then walked over to the resting woman and placed an old rug around her. He didn't have enough blankets to go around. The lighting in the kitchen was a few lightblubs powered by a weak electrical current that Samson jimmy rigged from the old airship's computer system. The designers did say that the power source could last for generations...

"She has a slight fever and look at these bite marks. Goblins." Samson said. "Somehow I doubt that any goblins would keep human slaves, unless they were nobles. And around here, there are none of those sorts."

"Then it's clearly humans." Selina said in return.

"Slaves...Wandering through the swamps. This is not a good sign." Samson continued to speak to Selina. The young woman and her sister had fallen into a deep slumber. "Since when is forced slavery ever a good thing? It's not like the tribal version, in which someone forms a non-binding contract. At least in that form, there's respect from the top." Selina responded. "It's not the slavery thing I'm considered about Selina. It's the fact that there are probably drivers searching for these two. If they..." Selina then grabbed her rifle and placed it around her shoulders. "And where do you think you're going?" Samson asked. "To take on the drivers." The old man did nothing to stop her. At this point, Jon had come into the kitchen, where they were discussing what should happen next. Selina looked at him dryly, not so much to offend him, but more to keep him at bay.

"I'll be back by morning." Although, she was tired, Selina would continue to push herself.

It was around three in the morning and about the only sounds of life in the swamps was the croaking of frogs. Selina held her rifle at the ready. Unlike the eyes of humans, she could see things in the night. So far there was no signs of any human activity. So she kept walking forward. It was doubtful that the drivers could have lasted this long in the swamps without being spotted by the Red Foot clan of Goblins. However, since Samson had shown up to their front door, the Red Foot would not be doing any raids tonight.

About an hour later, she pulled a dry piece of bread out from one of her pockets. It wasn't the best of foods but it was better than nothing. She then came across a clearing in the brush. There was a camp here, well at least there used to be. About twenty headless corpses were scattered throughout the grounds. Some of them had been cut open and upon taking a closer look, the water was still dyed in red. The smell was overbearing, so Selina then wrapped her face and mouth with the veil she had worn while traveling through the Rice Country.

Snap.

She turned around to see a man wearing a tattered uniform. "What...What the hell are you?" He asked pointing a pistol at Selina. "I am a ghost. Leading the dead to the other side." The soldier then cocked his rifle, "Bullshit. You're one of the Kin. You sent those goblins out on us! I know you did! I knew our commanding officer made the wrong decision to trust freaks like you!" Selina then rolled towards the man and then side swiped him. "You are too slow to take me on in hand to hand combat. I didn't send any fucking goblins your way." By this point the man started laughing insanely. She then picked up his pistol and hurled it deep into the swamps, where it slowly sank into the marshes. "You, you...Can't leave me out here to die! That'll break the truce between the Kin and Oren!" She looked at him, "You're right. If I were still a member." She then grabbed the soldier and forced him to his feet. "As far as I'm concerned, you can rot here. You took people hostage and forced them on a death march. It's not my fault your fellow drivers left you behind." She then tossed him what remained of her bread loaf. "Here. This is more than you deserve. These swamps aren't that hard to get lost in. Follow the goblin trails. They'll led you to somewhere." With that Selina then slung her rifle over her shoulders and walked back towards Samson's home...

[Chavah]

A few hours after Selina walked out of the shelter, Jon trailed out with his hands in his pockets. He began to follow her trail, though he decided not to venture too far. Jon felt like he has been enough trouble for her today, and she did give a somewhat threatening look earlier that still made him nervous.

During the stroll, he came to realize how bitter the air felt and the sun wasn't lighting the sky too well since it's been a rainy season. He should have brought a jacket... Jon was so used to waking up early to work on the farm though and a jacket was rarely necessary because all the work kept him warm.

As he started walking back towards Samson's home, Jon realized he was a little bit lost. It didn't occur to him that it was this dark outside and he didn't think to grab a source of light. He swore under his breath and put a palm to his face, tensing because he put too much strength into it. Often times, just because of his poor combat skills, Jon forgets how strong he truly is. Work as a farm boy tends to build a lot of good muscle and stamina.

When he brought his head from his face, Selina showed up, her eyes nearly piercing the darkness with a glare. He smiled nervously while looking away from her. From what he could tell, she was dirtied with mud. No blood, though. That was a good sign, he assumed. She began walking side by side with him and asked,

"Is the old man awake yet?"

Jon shrugged. "He was asleep when I left." From there, they carried a conversation, Jon feeling uneasy during a lot of it...

"There's no drivers to worry about. If there were any left, I'd say the goblins sent them packing."
"Oh. Is that good news?"
"I encountered one. He tried to shoot me. Figures. And no... I didn't kill the man."
"Think you'll see him again?"
"Not sure. Tossed him a small loaf of bread. Even if he is from Oren, I doubt that he'll prove to be much of an issue."
"Well, that was nice of you."
"I guess. I never kill a human or Kin, if I can so help it. Though there's times I wonder, why I even bother. ... So. You really wish to continue to travel to Oren?"
"Yeah. Don't know what else I'd do."
"And then where will you go from there? I'm asking, since my goals are different from your own. I plan on becoming a citizen."
"Heh, I'll just have to see. I just hope for a better life. A fresh start..."
"Then you are probably better off becoming a traveler. I met one once...They traveled around on motorads."
"Hey, works for me."
"Though once we reach Oren, it's probably best that we depart ways. Unless you decide to stick around with Samson, the Kin will go after you as well."
"Thanks for the warning..."
"Not trying to be an ice queen. Just stating the truth. Which is always a downer..."
"Yeah... You can say that again."
"Heh. Now I don't normally say this, but I'm sorry that your adventure into the world hasn't been a smooth one."
"Could be worse. I bet I'd be dead or a slave to someone if you never showed up."
"This is true. Just remember the number one rule while traveling, keep yourself alive."
"A rule I can't forget."
"At least you'd better not. How are the two new comers doing?"
"They seem ill and exhausted. It worries me."
"From what I saw last night...I know why. Their band was wiped out by rouge goblins. Nasty sight...."
"That sounds nasty alright. God..."
"Yeah. They were lucky alright."

While Jon nodded in agreement, they arrived back at the home of Samson. The two of them entered to check on the new additions to their group and to discuss their next move from here.

[Chavah]

Samson had woken up a few minutes past five. He been woken up by Nana's cries. The child had a slight fevor from being outside for more than two days. The rains had probably mad her sicker than need be. Pouring some tea into a small cup, he had the child drink it down. It was bitter and Nana protested, as would most children. The strange thing was,even so Nana spoke no words. This woke Alia up. She blinked her eyes and looked around tiredly

"Did you sleep alright?" Samson asked.

"Yeah...thank you." Alia responded.

"No problem, dear. You're welcomed to stay here as long as you need to. And don't worry I'm not some kind of old sicko. Hahahah."

"You're so kind. Heehee. What was your name again?" Alia felt bad for already forgetting this kind stranger's name. But by the time they had reached the ruined airship, Alia was beyond exhaustion and much of her memories were hazy.

"My name is Samson Grant. I believe you said your name was Alia, correct?"

"You got it. Nice to meet you, Samson."

"There's some more bread over on the table. Try to take it easy on the food. I know you're straving from your ordeal. However groging will make your condition worse." He pointed to a make shift table made out of a crate for the center and an old wooden door.

"Oh, thank you. I'll have a bite in a moment. I'm not too hungry right now... How is Nana?"

"She has a slight fever. It'll pass in a day or two. Since Selina hasn't returned yet, I can guess she's sent any drivers away. But that's what happens when you have a Kin in the region. No one would try to mess around with them."

"So that's her name. She looks like another woman I saw when my village was burned down."

"Another Kin? That's strange. Well more in the sense that the Kin seem to be more active than normal."

"I know, it is strange." Alia said distantly.

"I know it's asking a lot...But do you have any idea as to why your village was attacked?"

She bit her lip for a brief moment but then spoke, "I don't want to go into detail, but they're after me. Though, I don't think they know that I am the one they're looking for..."

"I see. So you broke one of the Taboos. Oh well. Not your fault."

"They burned down all the houses, looking for the other flowers, too. It was horrible." Alia continued to look off towards the door. Just in case Selina came walking in. "Nothing of the town was spread. Almost as soon as they got there, the Kin rounded up any survivors and sold them on the spot to Oren!" Alia decided not to go into any details deeper than that.

"Other flowers, eh?Never heard of a "Flower" before. Well I know what the plant is, but not in the context to taboos." Samson then sat down at the "table." Alia soon followed suit. "

Heehee, I don't know either. I just remember hearing them shout about finding a flower and capturing her..."

"Interesting...I think I'm beginning to form a picture about Jon's little friend." Samson said.

"Hmm?" Alia asked

"When I was in the Goblin village with Jon, there were three Relic Guards burning the place down. And they were going after the girl. Nothing about a "flower" but...If there were two major attacks in the same region...." Samson said.

"Oh, I'm sure there's a connection. That's awful... Poor little goblins." Alia now felt sadder than before, even if she had been attacked by the Red Foot. She knew that Swamp Town was a safe haven.

"Yes...But the question is why are they going after one of their own..." Samson said, scratching his beard.

"I bet she did something bad! So she ran away." Alia said.

"It is possible. Though she seems fairly naive for a Kin being. She doesn't even use her blade like most of the Kin seem to." Samson said.

"She actually uses that gun she carries around?" Alia asked, perplexed. She had always heard that the Kin only used highly advanced polymer blades...

"Yes. I've only known her for a few hours and I can tell there's something vary unorthodox about her. I fought against the Kin in the last war. She's not like the soldiers I've met."

"I really wonder about her, then..."

Just then Jon and Selina entered the scene.

[Chavah]

Jon rubbed at his arms after walking into the home of Samson, mainly to remove the cold from his flesh. He smiled to the old man as a greeting, nodding as well before looking to Ali. The young woman made a nervous glance to Selina, which Jon made a note of. Not that he blamed her... Selina could be pretty intimidating.

He walked over to the loaf of bread Samson had on the table and got himself a piece, eating it politely with no complaints. It had a dry texture, but food was food to him. After consuming half of the slice, he took a seat on a chair that was facing backwards, his arms hanging over the back of it as he looked at the two women.

"So, Ali, how are you feeling?" Jon asked.

Ali smiled brightly, a noticeably cutesy charm to it. "Much better already, thank you." As the two of them conversed, Selina went to get a drink of water, silent as usual. Jon rolled his eyes at her backside and then said to Ali, "That's great!" The woman smiled and nodded in response, looking down at her lap and instantly looking back up when Selina spoke,

"Best that you continue to rest up for the next few days, then. I'll draw any of the Kin away from the region."

Jon made a smirk and took the risk of joking with Selina, "Wow, for once, I agree with you on something!"

Selina was not amused. "You've only known me for 72 hours..."

Ali was giggling at the mini conversation the two were having, detecting the love-hate relationship they shared. At least, that's the way she saw it. Selina seemed to lean more towards hate and nowhere near love.

"At least Ali thinks I'm funny!" Jon claimed proudly, chewing the last of his bread with a triumphant smile. Finally, a laugh! This journey was getting too serious for him.

The warm environment seemed to ice over when Selina replied, "You're also dealing with a person that has been through worse stuff than you've seen. So pardon my lack of humor." This caused Jon to put a palm over his face and mutter that he shouldn't even try anymore.

"You're catching on," Selina stated, making a quick look to Ali as she said, "I have to wonder how you two are even in the same room!"

"I saved him from a Mole Man and promised to take him as far as Oren," she explained, taking another sip of her water while Jon sighed and looked at the ground a bit shamefully.

"That's nice of you." Ali said sweetly. "Heh, I guess... I also haven't slept in weeks, so I'm more pissy than normal. As they say, suffering is the only way to make the body stronger" Selina replied.

"Oh, people really say that?" she asked, looking to Jon who agreed, "Yeah, it's sorta true."

Selina told them, "Well, my people do at least. I can't really say for the greater population....Since I find most annoying." There was a pause. "I guess that's one thing I have in common with Jon. Maybe."

"Amazing." Jon commented, twirling his finger in the air. They had to get back on track, though,

"So anyways, Jon let me know when you wish to get going from this place. I try not to stay in the same place for more than 3 days at most. And I think you know why, now."

Jon made an understanding nod. "Yes, right. How about tomorrow? Ali and Nana should be feeling better then, right?"

Ali's face lit up, all sickness she showed seeming to subside as a smile spread across her face. "Ohh, you guys will let us come with you!?"

Selina tried not to look annoyed as she answered, "Ehhh, I guess... But do you really want to go to Oren? If you are in fact a slave, they'll have a bounty on your head if they find out."

"I'll be okay," Ali responded, her expression a little more serious. She was one of the altered, so she had special capabilities; she just didn't use them that often.

"I'll ask one more time." Selina was stern. "Are you sure?"

"Yep!"

"Then so be it." Selina said, "I asked three times and that's my limit. Then I'll assume you know the dangers that lie ahead."

Ali made a sheepish smile. "More or less." Although she was weary of this woman, what other choice did she have? She was certain if any bad unraveled, Jon would come to her aid.

[Chavah]

Meanwhile, in the ashes of Swamp Town....Tager stood crossed armed, while Edelweiss sat in a fancy chair that had been salvaged from the ruins of the diner that Selina and Jon had eaten at. In her hands was the small orb that Tager had used to speak to Selina via hologram. It showed Selina using her Kin magiks to avoid the claws of the Relic Guards.

"You had her in your grasps and she still got away?" Edelweiss then grinned. "If she weren't a half breed, I'd say I'd be impressed."

"She's very cunning for having limited abilities. I think it'd be a shame if we just locked her away like the Elders want us to do."

"Ohhhh, how sweet. You have a crush on the little girl." Edelweiss then looked at Tager with angelic eyes. "None the less, we have more than just her to worry about now." Edelweiss then watched a recording from one of the Relic Guards that caught a blurry image of Jon, Selina, and Samson running into the swamps. The details were rather blurry and the only known figure was Selina because of her bright white hair. "It seems like she's picked up two allies and has headed into the swamps."

Tager continued to look stern. Not even his leather greatcoat moved an inch. He was looking cold and cancelated. His long white hair drapped over his shoulders and was held back by a long pony tail. "So you are suggesting that we follow them into the woods? If any humans are helping Selina, they are breaking the treaty that was signed by their ancestors."

Edelweiss now had a long slim cigar in her mouth. She then took a puff. "See, this is were you messed things up by chasing after her. She'll head towards Oren."

He then scowled.

"Don't give that sort of attitude, young man. You are a lower ranking officer in the Royal Fleet, than I am."

"I am sorry My Honor." Tager responded. He didn't like Edelweiss very much, she was much too old fashioned in military knowledge. Selina was proving to be more of a challenge than they had expected. Knowing what, this woman would be too busy trying to raid human settlements than going after a real foe. This is why he liked the spunky half breed. She didn't let the old ways stop her. She had a fire in her heart to try and outdo them all. However, Tager did wonder why she had decided to bring humans along with her. Were they hostages or something more ingenious?

"Send in some of the old scouting units of the Relic Guards. I want to her be driven out of the swamps before she makes contact with Oren. Tell the drones to keep within 5 miles of the borders with the kingdom. No need for a major war to break out over such a trivial little girl." Edelweiss then told Tager, while she watched her company of body guards march around in formation. "Oh, this is splendid."

[Chavah]

Over the next couple of days, Ali and Nana recovered from their illnesses while the others planned their next move, also relaxing themselves. Samson told stories of the battles he was involved with, Jon being the only one showing true interest. Already, the old man was becoming an idol of some kind to Jon. He didn't admit it outright to anyone, but his father wasn't around to be an influence; his brother sure as hell wasn't a good role model either.

By this time, Jon was no longer convinced that Selina had cruel intentions for him. After all, she accepted Alia and her little sister into their expedition. She was protecting them, too. It would be far fetched and unfair for Jon to still accuse her of being some sort of vampire or demon lady that wanted to eat them all this time.

The morning arrived and Jon was outside, filling his lungs with fresh air. They would be departing from this shelter today... It was like a sanctuary for him, despite that there was still danger that lurked here. Even so, he took a liking to this isolated area. No one else lived here and there were no farms to plow! He smiled at the thought of it, then let out a grunt when he felt a pair of arms wrap around him, a feminine giggle singing in his ears.

"Ooohh, I snuck up on you!"

Jon rolled his eyes and adjusted himself so he wouldn't tip over. She was a frail girl, but had a lot of force in her attacks. She unwrapped from him and smiled as he turned around to say good morning, little Nana rushing up to hug Jon's legs. Honestly, it felt a bit awkward having two girls smother him with affection... They saw him as a hero, though. A family member, perhaps.

"Good to see you two are better," he said happily.

Coming from behind the home of Samson was what looked to be a giant snail...

Samson was maneuvering this craft, bringing it to a stop in front of the trio that watched it curiously. "Time to go, kiddos!" spoke the old man. This was a genius idea, really. People that passed through the swamps didn't think anything of a giant, mechanical snail that passed through. This included the Kin.

[Chavah]

Selina blinked. Samson had told her that he had a vehicle, but she was expecting something a little more practical looking.

"I got this thing on raid against the Red Feet goblins. My guess was that it was used for some kind of weird ritual. This swamp is full of giant snails, so maybe it was a thing of worship. Either way, it's pretty..." Samson said.

"Acid trippy." Selina butted in. "But, I guess there are worse things to travel around in."

She was going to head towards the lookout tower that was located on the top of the metal framed shell; however, Samson then put his large hand on the woman's slender shoulder. "Sorry Selina. That's Jon's post."

Selina gave him a glaring look. It was her way of saying screw you without having to speak. "Think about it. You're a Kin that's being tracked down by your own kind. Does it make logical sense for you to be stationed as a look out? You're riding shot gun."

"Since when were you interested in coming along?" Selina said in a huff of anger.

"Jon, just climb up the ladder. As for you, I have nothing to loose here. Just an old airship and some stinky swamp gases. Besides, I can be curious to see the world. Not everything in this universe revolves around your own livelihood." Samson said.

He then returned his focus to Jon. He tossed up his machine gun to the farm boy. "I'm sure you know how to use a firearm. Just press the trigger and you'll have enough fire power to wipe out an entire row of people, trees, and cattle." As Jon now held the impressive weapon, he was handed pouch full of clips. "The only down side is that you have to carry around a lot of ammo. But no worries. I have ya covered."

[Chavah]

Jon had never held a real weapon before. The moment his hands wrapped around the machine gun, his focus went to its shape, feel, and colour. Firing a gun did sound easy, especially with the way Samson put it. He put the pouch of ammunition on to his belt for convenience, making sure the strap was tied good and tight. He then smiled excitedly when he went back to examining his newly acquired weapon.

"Thank you, Samson!"

He tried not to seem so ridiculously happy about it because it seemed childish and he knew that Selina would roll her eyes at him. She already seemed unhappy that she couldn't have the job as the look out for the snail mobile. After strapping the gun to his back, he climbed into the vehicle so he could get into the tower.

Following him was Ali, who handed Nana to Samson so the little girl could be secured. She was hesitant at first because she still didn't quite trust Selina... If not that, she was wary. After a nervous smile, she followed her proclaimed sister to the very back where she expected to be safe. Jon watched from above as the two girls situated themselves behind Samson and Selina, nodding with approval when their movement stopped when they felt comfortable.

"Ready!" Ali chimed.

Jon sat down in the lookout, looking around and taking in the new height from the ground. This seemed like a trustworthy contraption... He looked forward to traveling in this... He climbed a lot of trees in his days as a way of escaping the hardships of the farm and took a liking to the advantage of being farther up.

[Chavah]

Samson then pressed a lever near the drivers seat. The metal sail then slowly began to come to life. First the gears nearest to the antenna started to twitch back and forth, moving just like a real sail's would. Soon the fake neck begun to do the same. "Okay, gals and guy! This is going to be a bumpy ride!" Samson then shouted. He then stepped on the accelerator of the car and the snail began to crawl forward....

Jon would have to occasionally duck from time to time, as he was up higher than the rest of the crew. The trees in the swamp lands weren't super tall but the did present an issue from time to time. Samson had decided to take a half finished road that was first constructed by the nation that went to war with Oren all these decades ago. This was about the only sign that it had existed in the first place. But that was back before the Kin decided that they needed to intervene in the affairs of humans...

"How you doing up there kid?" Samson asked.

"I'm fine." Jon responded.

Selina kept her focus on the front of the car. She had placed in back with Alia, while the young girl Nana was sitting directly behind Samson. There was an uneasy silence between the two girls. "Good to hear." Samson responded. "Oh come on you two. Why so quiet. I think that young women were supposed to be chatter boxes when they were sitting near each other."

"That only applies to humans." Selina responded. "Don't start up on that again."Samson said in return, "The least you can do is have a decent conversation for once in your life."

[Chavah]

Jonathon was focused with his job as the lookout, keeping his eyes peeled for threats and even keeping a close watch on the weather since it's lately been rainy. Ali would have liked to talk to Jon instead of Selina, but Samson was right... What was the point of this silence?

The young woman looked at her lap, watching her fingers lace together while she tried to think of something to say. Selina was no ordinary person and all she knew, was that she is or was a member of the Kin. At least, she was certain of this. It sounded ridiculous that friendly conversation could only be had with humans. Ali didn't completely consider herself a human anyhow... She was different.

"So, um, Selina..." she began to say a bit shyly, though she found the courage to look away from her lap, to Selina. Those icy eyes were making her nervous; they looked as bitter as her personality. "I really like your hair! It's cuter than the other white haired people I've seen and heard about."

"Coot!" Nana squeaked in agreement, earning a giggle from Ali. That was the only word she's heard from the girl in days.

That hair comment was probably a stupid thing to say, but she felt like Selina could use a compliment. From above, Jon was agreeing with Ali, though it was nothing more than a silent nod. He caught himself getting distracted by the two women, however he was thankful for not being stuck sitting with them. It would be incredibly awkward, considering Selina and Alia struck him as polar opposites.

[Chavah]

Selina paused before she spoke. She was not used to humans commenting about her hair style. "Thanks...Though I'll be honest. It's a sign of mourning."

"Mourning? For what?" Alia asked,

"Loss of my clan. My life...Things of that nature."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that." Ali then frowned, feeling some sympathy for Selina. Maybe she wasn't as heartless as the raiders had been? But was this possible? All the stories she ever heard, made the Kin out to be nothing more than bandits that stole rice and lives from the poor rice growers.

"Yeah...Hasn't been a good year for me." Selina said, keeping her voice lower than it normally was. She didn't want Jon overhearing what she and Ali were chatting about.

"Nana and I understand." Alia smiled politely.

"Now you. I'm curious. I encountered one slave driver in the woods. He had an Orenian accent. Did that nation attack yours?
I need to know...For personal reasons, if you understand." Selina asked. She wanted to make her hunch about the Kin was right.

"Oh, um... No. These people looked more like you do." Alia said, sounding uneasy.

"I see." Selina said. "Did you happen to see their eye marks, the color?" She then pointed to the strange black shapes that adorned both sides of her face. It looked something like a fancy tattooed triangle that curved just a few inches away from her nose. "I'm a Metis. So mine aren't going to look the same as theirs."

"Something sort of like that...except red! And they had pretty snowy hair like yours."

"Did you notice anything else? Like how any of them were dressed? " Selina asked.

"It seemed formal to me... A man did stick out, though. He was so pretty looking! And he was with a bossy lady with a funny looking hat...."

" ...Funny looking hat?" Selina only knew of one Kin that would wear any sort of hat that would look strange to a human. That was Edelweiss, the Flower of Wrath.

"Mhm. It was red and had a strange shape. I'm sure it symbolized her authority, though."

"Shit and a pile of it." Selina thought to herself. "Yes it does...That would be Edelweiss..." Then without explanation she opened the hatch that led to the location to where Jon was located. "Selina!!! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Samson then yelled. Nana covered her ears, since she didn't understand what was going on. Alia just looked on in curious confusion.

"...Selina, what are you doing?" Was all that Jon could say, when he saw the white haired girl struggle to make her way to the top. "Protecting your life, again. The woman that destroyed Alia's village is the some one that is supposed to be monitoring my movements. Now hand me that firearm. You're probably a crappy shot anyways!"

"What!? No! It's mine! Get your own. Besides, I don't see anyone." Jon protested.

"That's because you're a full blooded human. You don't have the same senses I do."

"Then do you sense her?" Jon growled.

"No. But there's definitely a significant amount of Kin in the nearby region. They'll try to stop us from getting to Oren... Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Selina growled back.

"Yes ma'am. You can take the gun if you need it." Jon sighed.

"Don't give it to her! She has to realize that this concerns all of us,not just her. Force her small butt back down that shoot!" Samson then yelled to him.

"That sounds suicidal!" He then held the gun protectively... "Ugh..."

"It is."

"Inside that bag I handed you. There's something that'll help you deal with her"! It was a certain kind of flower as soon as Jon grabs it from one of the ammo pouches. " Um...okay." Jon then looked dryly, this wasn't what he had in mind at all...

"A flower? Fufufuffufu." Selina then mocked.

"Yes...it is. Want to smell it?"

Just then the snail car went over a slight bump in the road and it landed right on her nose! Selina's cheeks then turned a flush pink and she started giggling and making weird faces.

"Selina...?" Jon then blinked. She kept making girlie giggles as he mentioned her name.

"Samson, what's happening to her!?" Jon yelled, trying to hold back a laugh.

"White lilies. Super effective on the Kin. Like a catnip to 'em. It'll keep her drugged for about two hours, enough time for us to get to Oren without her being all high and mighty." Samson responded.

"Oh! Good to know." Jon then smirked. When she wasn't being bossy, Selina could be almost as cute as Alia was. "Um...is she safe up here?" He then asked knowing that she was going to be a problem if the Kin were to spot her.

"She won't do much besides for sleep for awhile. But see if you can slide her down the shoot."

Jon then smiled, this girl was a wild one, indeed, unlike any of the farm girls back home. He guided Selina back to her seat with Ali's help*

This trip was going to be very interesting indeed. In four days from leaving home, he met a bad ass grandfather sort named Samson. A young run away slave and her sister named Alia and Nana. Though out of all them, the one that proved to be the biggest pain in the ass, meanest girl he ever met; he found Selina to be the very figure in his life that he had been seeking for all these years. Though, he wouldn't freely admit to it, just yet.

End of Episode 3

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