Ch 42: Secret Past, Uncertain Future

Tracking down Alexander, Mythra has a word with him about the way he's handled the prophecy of Amy's death. Standing by his beliefs, Alexander reasons with Grey that predictions are not so simple.

            Walking down the hall, as Mythra passed the guest room belonging to Scott and Richter, the door opened and Richter appeared. Seeing her, he weakly said, “Ah, Mythra…” Stopping to look at him, she said, “Some real enthusiasm there. Are you still not feeling well?” Nodding, he said, “Yes, I’m sorry… I appreciate your help back on the Audentia, but perhaps I shouldn’t have come after all. It’s not like I was needed to convince the King…” With a shrug, Mythra said, “Well, at least you got to see the palace. Anyways, do you know if Alexander and the others are done with their meeting?” Shaking his head, Richter said, “Matthews hasn’t been back, so I doubt it’s over yet. I was actually going to go see if I could sit in on the discussion.” Cracking her knuckles, Mythra smiled nonchalantly and said, “After the scolding I got for lying to Alexander, you’re going back to bed…” Then in low voice, she said, “Also, don’t think for a moment I care what he thinks! He’s got blackmail material on me!” Suddenly, from behind her a voice said, “Making such accusations about me…” 

As a drop of sweat went rolling down her face, Mythra turned her head to see Alexander just returning from the meeting. At this development, Richter simply said, “You reap what you sow…” Laughing nervously, Mythra said, “A-ah, Alexander! I was just looking for you…” With a sigh, Alexander replied, “Disregarding that, why is Richter out of bed? Again…?” Hanging his head, Richter said, “You act as though I’m a child…” Seeing Mythra shoot him a nasty look, Richter said, “All right, all right. I was just wondering what was going on, I expected you all to be back quite some time ago…” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “Considering it’s only a little past 3AM now, we weren’t gone more than five hours.” Rolling her eyes, Mythra said, “Only five hours eh? What did you discuss, the chaos theory behind EDE Reactivity?” Walking up to them with a yawn, Scott said, “Nah, just talked to the King about what happened with the assassin, whether or not it’s likely the Guild that sent him, how we’re gonna make our appeal to the Council, that kind of stuff… Man, I’m beat though…” As Scott squeezed past into their guest room, Richter said, “Wasn’t Schmitt with you all too?” Turning to go down the hall to his own room, Alexander said, “He said he’d be along. He’s supervising a maintenance check of the Audentia. Anyways, I’d better go check on Grey and Amy.” Grabbing the sleeve of his coat, Mythra said, “Hold it. That’s the reason I came looking for you.” Turning back to her, Alexander sternly said, “What did you do now?” Rather agitated, Mythra replied, “Why do you automatically assume it’s my fault?! It just so happens it’s your fault, you thoughtless old geezer!” Raising an eyebrow, Alexander said, “My fault…?”

            Both saying goodnight to Richter, as she and Alexander walked down the hall, Mythra explained everything to him. Stopping a few feet short of the door to the room where Grey laid in bed, Alexander said, “Yes, that is a slight problem. However, I don’t see the rationale behind it all being my fault.” A vein on Mythra’s forehead throbbed as she angrily shouted, “You’re the one who told her! The safest thing for her to do is to stay away from him, sad as it may be, but now that she knows the truth, do you think she’s going to take any chance that he’ll be killed because she wasn’t there to fulfill her mother’s prophecy?! She’s in love you pea brain!” Clutching his head as though she’d given him a headache, Alexander said, “I told her because she had every right to know, and to be honest Mythra, I’m not one for blindly listening to soothsayers.” With a frustrated sigh, Mythra replied, “Only a fool blindly IGNORES them!” A tense silence filled the air, until Mythra finally said, “I don’t personally take the future as being completely set in stone, but soothsaying to an extent is a proven science Alexander. I heard about the dirty little laundry you’re keeping from Grey. Wasn’t it from a soothsayer’s warning that you managed to-” With lightning speed, Alexander grabbed her powerfully by shoulders, and in a threatening tone he said, “Enough! I don’t know how you found out about this, but you are NEVER to speak of it to anyone! Do you hear me?!” Startled, Mythra said, “L-let go of me!” Realizing what he was doing, Alexander quickly released her and covered his face with one hand as he said, “I… I’m sorry…” Mythra closed her eyes and shook her head in disgust as she said, “You still haven’t told him have you?” Walking over to the wall, he leaned against it and simply said, “No…” Turning his head to look at her, he asked, “How on earth did you ever find out?” Reluctantly, Mythra said, “Serius told me telepathically just before I got put in that sorry state by Douglas’ poison. I agreed with him that it would be troublesome to mention it to Grey when you hadn’t told him yourself. He said he was already trying to convince you to tell him, so I let it go.” Then she added in a serious tone, “Look, as far as Grey and Amy, do what you want, but if you won’t let him meet his father, at least take care of this. Times like these call for guidance, even if it’s just from someone they consider a father figure.” With a quiet laugh, Alexander slid down the wall to sit against it as he said, “You really think he sees me that way? I’ve always worried I’d be no good for that role, considering how early I lost my father…”

            Hearing the door slide open, Grey, still in bed, turned to see Alexander step into the room. Noticing the look on his face, Grey said, “You sure look worn out.” Managing a slight grin, Alexander walked over to him and pulled up the chair Amy had sat in. Taking a seat, he said, “Yes, I suppose the meeting ran on a bit too long. That aside, it’s you I’m worried about. How are you feeling?” Putting a hand on his chest where he’d been struck with Claus’ Blackhand, Grey said, “Everything’s fine now except for my chest. He hit me with something he called Blackhand, and it felt like I was stabbed…” Alexander scratched his head as he thought about this, but then he simply said, “Most likely a technique that only causes internal damage, it should heal after awhile longer.” Then Alexander leaned forward in the chair and said, “So I heard you and Amy got into a fight?” Grey sighed and stared at the ceiling for a moment, then quietly said, “I know about her mother’s prophecy. Thanks for telling me by the way…” With a smile, Alexander said, “Did you forget? I was there listening when you heard about it from Thomas.” Looking annoyed, Grey said, “I know, but you knew more than that!” Taking off his shades, Alexander rubbed his eyes as he said, “I for one would have preferred he had not said anything. More than that though, I find myself rather disappointed at the rash decision you’re making here.” 

Shooting him a glare, Grey said, “So what then? Just go on like I didn’t hear it? I’m not going to lose someone important to me again!” Unfazed, Alexander said, “Do you really know for certain it’s going to happen Grey? Would you actually let it happen?” Taken aback, Grey said, “Of course I wouldn’t let it happen! But it’s not like I know when and where we’re going to run into danger, I-” Interrupting, Alexander said, “That’s just it Grey, we don’t know when and where things will happen before they do. While soothsayers are sometimes correct, they are also sometimes incorrect.” Getting agitated, Grey said, “So why should we take the chance it’s true?!” With a sigh, Alexander said, “You’ve completely missed one important detail Grey. Amy will be in harm’s way whether we leave her somewhere or keep her with us. She is the Sage of Memories, the key to unlocking the Seal of Memories.” Grey was struck with realization, and simply stared at Alexander in silence as he continued, “It’s always been my opinion that in the end the future is uncertain. If you could avoid a future that was foretold by simply separating the person in question from whatever endangers them, then wouldn’t that mean that the future is not set in stone anyways?” Grey started to say, “But…” Interrupting him again, Alexander said, “If that isn’t enough for you, let’s talk predictions. Think about the possible future if we leave her somewhere and Altera Veritas captures her. Perhaps when you attempt to rescue her, she’ll wind up saving you instead. Perhaps, despite making such an effort to protect her, you would be choosing the path that would lead to the prophecy’s fulfillment.” Grey’s face sank. Putting his shades back on, Alexander said, “In the end Grey, even with a prediction like that, you can still only guess at what the future holds. Instead of trying so hard to avoid a future that may not even happen, why don’t you just make of it what you can? Didn’t you say to Thomas that you wouldn’t let it come true? Did he not put his confidence in you?” As his words left Grey’s head spinning, Alexander rose from his chair and said, “It’s been a long day, I’m going to bed.” As Alexander walked off to get ready for bed, the words Grey said to Gisette in Aerennis once again echoed through his mind, and he thought, “I’ll make my own future, eh? That’s what I said at the time…” As Alexander turned the lights out, Grey thought to himself, “I guess Claus was right. I really don’t have confidence in myself…”

            Awakening to the sun shining through the window, as Grey looked at the clock to find it eleven o’clock in the morning, he heard Mythra’s voice say, “Oh, you’re awake. Feeling better?” Turning to see her sitting in the chair, Grey thought, “I guess Alexander left her in charge of watching me this time…” Seeing his face, Mythra tilted her head with a smile and said, “Disappointed?” Not wanting to be rude, Grey stammered, “Ah, n-no, that’s not…” Her smile becoming a smirk, Mythra said, “You’re a horrible liar.” Grey could only give an apologetic look. Mythra closed her eyes and let out a sigh, saying, “Amy is a little torn up about everything I’m afraid. She finally managed to get to sleep a little while ago, and considering how exhausted she must be, I doubt we’ll see her for a few more hours at least.” Feeling horrible, Grey turned away and punched his pillow, saying, “D****t, I’m such an idiot…” Quickly Mythra tried changing the subject, saying, “Um, how are you feeling today? Alexander said it was your chest that hurt?” Sitting up, Grey could tell he’d healed, the pain that had kept him bedridden completely gone. He tried to get out of bed, and quickly Mythra tried to stop him saying, “Wait! Even if you feel a bit better, I don’t think you should move around!” Struggling with her, Grey said, “I’m fine, really.” Continuing to struggle with him, Mythra said, “I said no!”

Suddenly in the midst of their struggle, Mythra lost her balance as Grey accidentally bumped one of her legs and she fell backwards. As she continued to cling to him, Grey also was pulled down, and as he landed on top of her, he muttered, “Oww…” Struggling onto his hands and knees, Grey said, “Sorry, are you ok?” With a smile, Mythra said, “Yeah, just don’t be so difficult next time…” Trying to defend his actions still, Grey replied, “Aside from the pain from the fall, I’m fine. It takes a really serious injury to keep me down for all that long.” Slyly, Mythra replied, “Even so, you always tend to push yourself. Or have you forgotten the last time we wound up like this?” Grey’s face turned red. He moved to stand up, but suddenly Mythra reached up and placed her hands on the sides of his face and pulled his face down closer to hers. Shocked, Grey stammered, “W-w-what are you doing?!” With a giggle, Mythra said, “What’s wrong Grey? Could it be you’ve never kissed a girl before?” Shutting his eyes, Grey exclaimed, “HOLD ON A SECOND HERE!” Suddenly she released him, and as he opened his eyes, he saw her smiling back at him as she giggled again and said, “Relax, I’m messing with you. I never said I was going to…” With a look of frustration and relief, Grey said, “Please don’t play around like this…” Mischievously, Mythra replied, “Oh? Would you like me to get serious then?” A chill ran down his spine at this, and Grey quickly said, “Please don’t…” As they both got up, Mythra said, “Well, we’d better get breakfast I guess. Everyone else probably finished eating already. The King said he’s prepared a training room, so after that we can meet up with everyone there.” Grabbing his coat from the nightstand, Grey looked at it and muttered, “Man, it’s covered in holes…”

            Having been woken up by a nightmare, Amy yawned as she opened the door to the guestroom and wobbled out into the hall. Stretching, she thought to herself, “Ugh, so tired, but at the same time I just can’t sleep. If I don’t get up and do something I’ll just keep thinking about it…” Making her way down the hall, Amy realized that she had absolutely no idea where everyone was. Passing Scott and Richter’s guestroom, she remembered Richter was supposed to stay in bed. Unsure if she should be waking him up, after a moment she knocked on the door. After a short wait the door opened, and as the blue pajama clad Richter laid eyes upon her, he said, “Ah, Amy? Is something the matter?” Attempting to look alert and unworried, Amy replied, “Nope, everything’s fine. I just was wondering where everyone was, I kinda slept in.” Staring at her with slight suspicion, Richter said, “Well, everyone but Grey and Mythra should be at the new training room the King set up. Well actually, Schmitt should still be asleep too. He asked for a maintenance check for the Audentia last night, wouldn’t wait for the morning. I heard he said something about his ‘baby’ being ‘all clogged up’ with something.” Noticing the look that appeared on her face after he’d said ‘Grey and Mythra’ Richter added, “I know I’m not one to talk, but you don’t look well to me. Are you certain you shouldn’t get some more rest?” With a forced smile, Amy said, “No, I’m fine. I’m just going to go and check on Grey…” Walking away, she quickly headed down to Grey and Alexander’s room as she thought, “Acting all worried about me, and then taking advantage of the situation the moment I’m asleep! Mythra you jerk!” Knocking on the door, she waited awhile and then knocked again. Standing there fuming, she thought to herself, “They’d better really be out somewhere! Well, I don’t think she’d go that far… Maybe Grey’s feeling better?” Walking back down the hall, Amy realized she still had no idea where she should go. As she knocked on Richter’s door again, he once more appeared in the doorway, and hanging her head she said to him, “I’m sorry but… Grey and Mythra are gone, and I don’t really know where this training room is…” With a sigh, Richter replied, “I’d give you directions, but I get the feeling you’re going to need a guide…”

            Richter had her wait while he went to get dressed. After awhile, she started to wonder what was taking him so much time, but finally the door opened and Richter stepped out. Seeing him, she realized what had taken him so long. Instead of the usual uniform, he wore a dark brown coat, brown pants, a reddish brown shirt, and black tennishoes. She also noticed a sliver wristwatch on his right wrist. With a smile he said, “Sorry. The other night, I remembered my uniform was in need of a cleaning, so I had the staff put it in the wash before I went to bed. They went a step further and even provided replacement clothes, in the proper size no less. A free wristwatch too, generously enough…” Amy simply blinked in surprise at how different he looked. Then stepping out and entering the code to lock the door, Richter said, “Have you had breakfast? I would hope at this hour they’d still be serving it.” Richter led the way through the halls to the elevator. Stepping into it, he said, “These elevators here in the Great Spire Palace are quite interesting. They not only go up and down, but sideways as well. Well, only in certain areas of course. My understanding is that there are over a hundred floors in the palace.” Amy’s head spun just imagining how a building could have a hundred floors. She also found herself impressed at how knowledgeable Richter was though. He had mentioned he had an interest in monstrology, but besides that she didn’t know much about him. After all, he had started out as their enemy, always trying to arrest them, and soon after he’d joined them he fell sick from Douglas’ poison. Mulling over what she did know about him, she thought to herself, “He seemed like a nice enough person during the week we spent at Mythra’s house…” Pressing a button on the panel, Richter said, “I’ve heard there are various cafeterias in the palace that supply all the staff and guests. We’re headed to the cafeteria on the 60th floor. Catherine said that was the one closest to the rooms we’re staying in. If Mythra and Grey left recently, we might even bump into them there.” Suddenly spacing out and staring at the floor as she thought about what she was going to say if they did meet Grey, as the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Amy simply stepped out without looking and literally bumped into Grey.

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Great chapter! Before I begin, this was my favorite part:

As a drop of sweat went rolling down her face, Mythra turned her head to see Alexander just returning from the meeting. At this development, Richter simply said, “You reap what you sow…” Laughing nervously, Mythra said, “A-ah, Alexander! I was just looking for you…” With a sigh, Alexander replied, “Disregarding that, why is Richter out of bed? Again…?” Hanging his head, Richter said, “You act as though I’m a child…”

I LOVE Mythra (as if you don't already know) I love her cocky attitude and the relationship she has with Alexander. It's really quite interesting how lifelike characters can be. I'm working on making my own characters more lifelike, but enough about me.

The chapter's flow was great, as well as the pace. Only one spelling error:

Mythra lost her balance as Grey accidentally bumped on of her legs and she fell backwards.

It should be one and not on.

One thing I'm noticing throughout the book: Alexander really, really likes his shades. I pictured him kind of as Morpheous from The Matrix with his shades, or that shades guy from CSI.

I LOVE the Mythra moments in this chapter! PERFECT! OMG that scene with Mythra and Grey, the one where Mythra almost kissed Grey but was just teasing him, that was PERFECT!!! Like omg, that just made me want to ship Grey and Mythra even more! They make such a cute couple! Mythra is so cute, and Grey is Mr. Oblivious.

Well, GREAT chapter, I look forward to the next one. Keep writing!

~Ryan

(Keep up the great Mythra moments!!!!!)

[KeithKVH]

Thank you for the review! You've caught another error as well, thank you. It's getting clear I missed quite a few considering how much I edited this.

You really liked the Mythra moments eh? There was a lot she was involved in this time, the Richter part truly is a favorite of mine as well. Her relationship with Alexander is one of the amusing parts of the story for me. They know each other quite well, even if it's an odd coexistence you can tell they respect each other.

Grey is simply bad with this side of things rather than oblivious, though it has the same effect. Since he doesn't read the situation well, Mythra's approach is one of the few ways he could figure it out on his own. But as you said, it seems more like teasing, especially to Grey. She comes on so strong he doesn't take her seriously.

[Ryan Henderson]

Yes, I LOVE the Mythra moments. I would really like to see more of them and hope I do later on in the book/series!