The Awkward Dance by augmentedfourth

Alys could smell the scent of burning canvas and ash in the air. Something was wrong. She could see the outskirts of Molcum in the distance and urged the others to hasten their pace.

The village lay in ruins. The tents were reduced to nothing but piles of rubble and there was not a single Motavian to be seen. The three travelers said nothing as they surveyed their surroundings, as they were horrified by what they saw.

Alys shook her head and pulled herself together. Perhaps Molcum was lost forever, but there were still others who needed their help. Maybe we can still find the Alshline, she said, though she didn't sound hopeful. The others nodded and Alys started walking in the direction of where Father Poban's tent once stood.

As she approached the remains of the giant tent, she couldn't believe her eyes. At first, she thought there was a chance that the toxins in the air were making her hallucinate, but as they came closer, there was no mistaking the long, pale blue hair, the flowing white cloak...

Rune? she tentatively called out.

He spun around, having instantly recognized her voice. She could see that she had caught him off guard, but as soon as he saw that she was not alone, his usual self-assured persona appeared. Hey, Alys! Long time, no see! he casually greeted her.

Alys, you know this guy? Chaz seemed wary of this stranger to him.

From a long time ago, she said, as she raised her eyebrows at Rune.

Rune missed her pointed expression, though, as he was looking Chaz up and down. Is Shorty here your current companion? he asked, as he recognized the hunter's emblem on his sleeve. He's still a kid!

Watch what you say! Chaz yelled at him.

Alys sighed. They did not have time for this. Stop it, you two. she said to them. More importantly, Rune, what's going on?

Rune looked disgusted as he indicated the devastation surrounding them. This is all the handiwork of Zio, he spat out.

Zio! Chaz exclaimed. I bet the person who turned the people of Zema into stone is also...

Well, your brain seems to work a little bit, Rune snapped.

Chaz's face grew red. He stepped closer to Rune, visibly angry. You...

Cut it out! She put a hand on Chaz's shoulder and gently pulled him back. It seems that everywhere we go, it's always Zio, she told Rune. Who is this Zio?

Rune shrugged. I'm not sure.

Hahn had been silent since they had entered the flattened village. With the town destroyed, how are we going to find Alshline? he quietly asked.

Rune perked up a bit. You're looking for Alshline? he asked. In that case, you'd better go to Tonoe.

Tonoe?

Rune looked off into the distance. Let's see...from here, it's kind of far. He scratched his chin as he thought about the best way to proceed. First, travel east to the village of Krup. And from there, if you go north, you'll find a valley that leads to Tonoe.

Hahn looked uncomfortable. We don't have to pass by Krup, do we?

Why? Chaz asked.

Uh...let's just head straight for Tonoe. Alys?

Alys was staring at the ground, deep in thought. I haven't decided yet, she murmured.

Rune turned back to face the others. I'm going to invite myself to join your group, he said. Alys jerked her head up and stared at him, wide-eyed. I've got some business there, too. He met Alys' gaze and tilted his head slightly, as if he were asking her permission.

Not so fast! The young Chaz was still annoyed.

Alys nodded at Rune. We'd enjoy your company, she said sincerely.

Alys! Chaz whined.

Rune smiled his usual winning smile at her. Good, we're all set. He glanced back at Chaz. And Shorty, try not to get in the way.

Stop calling me Shorty! My name is -

Chaz, that's what you said your name was, right? Hmmph, what a stupid name!

Alys shook her head in exasperation. Alys, I think he's going to be more trouble than he's worth! Chaz tried to plead with her.

Rune snorted. I won't get in anyone's way.

You already have, Alys sighed. As Hahn mumbled something about their destination, Rune led them out of the rubble that was once Molcum.

The inn at Krup was small, but as few people traveled these days, it was empty except for the four investigators. Alys stood at the window of her room and stared at the darkening sky. Algo was setting over the horizon, but a few lingering trails of gray smoke were still visible coming from the direction of Molcum. As she contemplated the horrors she had seen earlier that day, there was a soft knock at the door.

Come in, she said. She heard the door open and didn't need to turn around to know who was standing behind her. I can't believe it, they must all be dead.

Rune hesitated briefly before putting his arms around her shoulders and resting his cheek against her tousled hair. I only got there shortly before you did. Maybe if I had gotten there sooner...

Even though she hadn't seen him in a long time, she was able to relax against him. Then you could have been killed with them. She turned around and faced him. I'm glad to see you're okay.

Rune looked slightly embarrassed. I'm sorry I haven't come to see you in a while. I know it's been too long.

Alys shook her head. Don't be. Goodness knows I've been very busy over the past year or so, and I figured that if you weren't able to make your way to Aiedo, you must have had your reasons.

Rune nodded. I did.

Very rarely did Alys question his comings and goings, but this time she couldn't help herself. Where were you? What kept you away so long?

Rune sat down on the bed and averted his eyes away from Alys' inquisitive look. I wish I could tell you. I want to tell you, but I can't. She sat down next to him and began to speak, but he cut her off. There's a lot going on, not just on Motavia, but in the whole Algo system. I can't tell you how or why I know this. Not now, not yet, anyway. He turned to her and placed his hands on top of hers. Trust me. When the time is right...

Alys thought he was being awfully cryptic, but she knew they had more pressing concerns to deal with in the near future. Like I said, I knew you would have your reasons and somehow, I knew I'd see you again some day. She looked down at the ground. I just didn't think it would be like this.

No one expected this. If Zio can destroy an entire village like that, who knows what's next.

Alys didn't know whether to be comforted or more uneasy that Rune shared her fears about the cruel magician. She opted for being glad that her feelings were validated. I've just never seen anything like it before, not in all my years as a hunter. I'm sure Chaz must be upset by what he's seen, but he's too young to really know that this isn't just a regular part of our jobs.

Rune wrinkled his nose slightly. He does seem like a good kid, he admitted. I was probably a little too hard on him today.

Probably. I remember you similarly teasing another young teenager a long time ago...

He grinned at her. And you eventually forgave me, right? She managed a small smile. I'll apologize to him tomorrow. Rune slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. You don't have anything to worry about. You're the strongest person I know, and I'm sure that Chaz is very thankful to have someone like you looking out for him.

Alys rested her head on his shoulder. The day's travels had exhausted her and she was sure tomorrow would be no different. She desperately tried to distract herself, but her mind kept wandering back to Molcum. One tear fell down her cheek, followed by another, and before she knew it, she had buried her face in Rune's neck and was crying softly. Rarely did she display this more vulnerable side of her, but as he stroked her hair, she knew there was no reason to keep anything from him. I'm glad you're here, she whispered.

Rune reclined and pulled her down with him to rest on the pillow. She had never been so grateful to feel his arms around her and to feel his body against her own. She embraced him tightly, wishing she could disappear into him and forget everything she had seen that day.

The room grew dark as they lay there together, the sound of their breathing the only thing disrupting the silence. Each had one arm around the other, their free hands grasped together, fingers intertwined, and their legs tangled in a near-indistinguishable mass. The dance that night was slow and intimate, as two people who knew each other so well, despite their time apart, relied on each other to protect them from the harsh realities of the outside world.

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