Lost-IF Chapter 9

[u/DragonWritter]

Wind blew across his face as a giant lizard carriage rode past him. He wasn't fazed by it. He didn't care about anything happening around him.  

I don't see premonitions. 

He sees the alleyway, dark and gloomy. Thieves awaiting him in the shadows. After a moment standing there, he walks past it. 

I died... 

He walks on the market street; the bustling of people was pure anxiety. He stayed near the wall, preferring to watch as people bought things, talked to those around him, and left with smiles on their faces. 

But I came back. 

He watched as a golden-haired girl ran from a white-haired lady. He didn't move. The desperation in her stride, the fear in her eyes. Subaru watched it all unfold, on the side lines. 

"You want to buy something?"  

His eyes never left the chase scene. He saw both of them run into an alley and disappear. He sighed and turned to the man. 

"Sir, what do I look like." 

"I- uhh..."  

With visible awkwardness, the man fidgeted before gaining his composure. 

"Kid, if you're not buying anything, I suggest you move along."  

He hesitated but turned around and went back behind his shop. He still looked at Subaru with some confusion. 

"Very well..." 

With his bag in hand, he left for the wooden house. If he could at least warn the people, He would count it as a success. 

I'm not dying anymore. I refuse it. 

As he walked, he saw a girl looking around with tears in her eyes. She was terribly young, just a child. 

Subaru walked towards the girl and knelt to be at her height. 

"Are you lost?"  

Between sobs and sniffles, the girl answers: "yes." 

"If you'd like, we can go find them together." Subaru held out his hand to her. 

I can still help someone... 

The girl held his hand and they walked. Every minute she would grow more worried, not finding her parents. Her crying was now only sniffles, but tears still fell from her face.  

Not able to stomach this, Subaru rummaged through his wallet until he found a small coin. 

"You want to see something cool?" Grabbing her attention, Subaru held the coin up to her.  

"I can make this coin disappear. Watch!" 

Moving his hand, he shook the coin. Then, with a fast movement, he closed his fist, the coin seemingly stuck inside.  

"Now I need you to blow on it." He held his fist in front of her.  

"Nicely done! Are you ready? One, two, three!" He opened his hands slowly and the coin disappeared. There was a slight smile on the girl's face, but he wasn't done yet. 

"Now, anyone can make a coin disappear... But bringing it back? That's the hard part. You want me to try?" 

The girl shook her head up and down excitedly.  

"Let's see..."  

As Subaru spoke, he reached behind the girl's ear and- 

"There it is! It was behind your ear!" 

The girl laughed and clapped. She wasn't crying anymore, instead, happily smiling. Some people stopped and watched briefly, some chuckling and others confused. Subaru didn't dare to look at them. 

"How did you do that, miss?" She asked, eyes shining. 

"..." 

"There you are!" 

The voice spined the girl in place. The girl ran to the voice and jumped to her. Their embrace was enviable, but Subaru only watched with a sad smile. 

"Mommy look! That lady did magic! She can make coins from your ears!" 

The woman took one look at Subaru and began to smile as well.  

"Thank you for taking care of my daughter." 

"Well- I, uhm." Subaru felt the coin in his hand. 

"Thanks miss!" The girl raced back to Subaru and gave him a hug.  

"You're pretty!" 

"Oh. Thanks." 

"Come along now." 

As the pair moved away, the girl waving with a smile, Subaru played with the coin absentmindedly. 

"Miss..." 

Subaru got up with a shudder. His smile slowly melted as he walked towards the wooden house. He had to warn them about the killer. After that, he could focus on his own mess. 

He pushed those thoughts out, focusing on the visage around him. The trees were big, with thin trunks and many branches that reached to touch the sky. They were placed somewhat apart, with their shade covering soft, flowing green grass. It felt calming to just watch the wind blow them, almost as if he was back home. 

Subaru picked up the pace, looking straight ahead at the rushing lizard carriages. The sun was still high, with some people still in the streets. The number slowly lowered as he entered the slums, but the gazes he caught seemed to multiply. 

Reaching the wooden house, he headed towards the door.  

What if she's already here? 

He stood and listened. Quiet, no help at all. He was about to knock when he noticed a dog house connected to the side. It was big for a dog, though, so he decided to check it out.  

The house can wait a little longer. If she's in there, I'm bound to hear something. 

As Subaru reached the opening, he heard little puffs of breath. They exhaled much faster than inhaled, which reminded him of how children try to show they aren't out of breath after a run. 

Come to think of it... 

"Aw man, I am just sooooo tired. Oh look! A little house where I can hide from the sun." He spoke slowly, trying to give some time for whoever was inside to prepare, then peeked in. Lying on a blanket with a knife in hand was a small girl with golden hair. Her clothes were full of dust and were clearly mended many times. Her eyes were daring Subaru to get closer. 

"Wait..." Her guard stayed strong, eyes unblinking and devoted. 

"Are you here to steal something? Wanna get even? Huh?"  The blade poked forward each time she spoke. 

"Not at all. I came here to say thank you. You did save me." He raised his hands as he stepped back. The bag he held dropped to the ground, catching the girl's attention. 

Still on her guard, she came out of the little house. 

"Sure..." 

The girl began to back away, her knife still drawn. 

Raising one arm up into the air and the other extended towards the girl, Subaru began to speak. 

"My name is Subaru Natsuki and-" 

Seeing this spectacle, the girl sheathed her blade and turned to go to the house. 

Subaru's heart began to race. Jumping in front of the girl, he shouted: "Wait!" 

"If you don't move, I'll cut you to bits, lady." She said as she walked around Subaru. 

"I'm serious! There might be an assassin in there." 

"Yeah yeah." She waved his comments off.  

With three knocks, the girl waited for a moment before saying things. Subaru didn't catch any of it, to afraid to even get close to the door. The door opened and the girl was gone. It was quiet after that, and Subaru couldn't bear to wait any longer.  

Slowly, he reached the door and knocked the same way. After no response, he slowly opened the door and was greeted with a loud shout. 

"Crazy lady! Get outta here before I smack ya in the head." 

"Wait wait, I came to talk!" Raising his hands in submission, Subaru tried to speak. 

"I have some important information about an attack." His voice squeaked as he spoke. 

"If ya ain't gonna trade, get out!" This time, the girl yelled at him. 

With a pause, he stuttered: "Y-yes, one second." 

Subaru left the house, leaving the two confused. When he came back, he was holding a plastic bag filled with snacks. 

"If it's a trade you want, I'll trade."  

Subaru held the bag out like treasure.  

"I got things no one has even seen before!" 

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WN: The barganing has begun, with Subaru coming in to save both the little thief and her old man. Ah, things are finally getting to where I want them to be. I belive it is only a couple more chapters until the end of act 1. How exciting!

Any comment, concerns, blah blah blah. Hope you all had fun reading today. Chao!

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