25 Compendium of Trepidation

After the mission debriefing and such, Barret and Myde had stepped outside to get some air from the insanity from previously. The sun was in the sky, gleaming down through the leaves of the trees above the two of them.

"I feel I should apologize for my commander's behavior." Myde mentioned, glancing over to Barret.

"That's quite alright." Barret says, looking to Myde. "What is on my mind however, is your reasons for going into the forest." Barret inquired, looking off ahead of them, to some trees around the location. "(I feel discussing Cecil may upset her... I mean, I killed the man.)"

Myde looked up to the trees hanging high above. "Luklen had a hunch that there were captives nearby, and asked if I could look into it, before we sent in our forces. He was correct." She still seemed a bit out of it.

Barret places a hand to the back of his head, rubbing it a little. "So, he had a feeling there were people close to us? Hmm, that's some hunch there."

"There's a reason he is the commander, and not I." Myde folded her arms, with a sigh.

"You shouldn't put yourself down now. You would make a wonderful commander." Barret stated to Myde placing on a smile.

"I never claimed I wouldn't." Myde looked to him briefly, before glancing off. "I am merely... mourning..."

Barret grimaces a bit. "Myde... I'm sorry things went down the way they did... He left me no choice..."

"... I don't blame you.." Myde's ears went back slightly.

Before he was able to speak, Shockz runs out of the base looking around frantically. He spots the two of them, and rushes over.

"HAVE YOU TWO SEEN THAT CYBER HAZARD!?" Shockz screamed at them.

"I...Beg your pardon?" Myde quirked a brow in confusion.

"Oh come on! The jerk face that has the freaking game stuff all over him! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what I'm talking about!" Shockz says, growling.

"INCLUDING If such people haven't seen such a thing or person. Mind yourself Shockz." Barret says, his expression becoming quite unamused.

Shockz groans, placing a hand to his head. "You guys are so useless."

Footsteps approach behind Shockz. "You're the moron who isn't being clear enough. Use your brain, idiot." Katinka spoke up, looking to Shockz in boredom.

Shockz gasps at the sight of Katinka, his legs locking up. "S-SHUT UP! Besides, asking isn't using enough of it? You don't know my situation!"

Katinka placed a hand to her hip, keeping her bored expression. "Maybe you should be more specific then, because THEY clearly don't know the situation. I saw how you got all huffy after that striking, ivory haired boy swiped your extra clothes."

"STRIKING, WHAT!?" Shockz gasps, he fuming with steam, "HE'S NOT EVEN THAT ATTRACTIVE! Urgh...I'm going now, I gotta find him, and get my crap back." Shockz says, storming off from them.

"It's just clothes loser!" Katinka scoffed over, as Shockz vanished from view.

"I could be wrong, but that boy sounded jealous of something." Myde mentioned, softly.

Barret chuckles, "Perhaps a bit of young love."

Katinka looked sharply over to Barret with narrowed eyes. "Don't kid yourself. You people are so full of your gossip, and propaganda. Get a life." Katinka huffed, walking off.

Barret had his attention turned to Katinka, he seemed curious about her. He then looks back at Myde. "I suppose I was a little on target, but we'll let events play out." He says, folding his arms.

"I never took you for someone who was interested in the romantic affairs of others." Myde mentioned, but her mood was still not the best.

"Looks can be quite deceiving, my fair lady. Though I do have to thank Issac. He's the one who really started showing me more about, well... This kind of subject." Barret states, laughing nervously. "Oh, I'm getting off track. My apologizes. I know you must be having conflicting thoughts right now..."

"Speak of Sosa." Myde stated, quickly changing the subject, as Denki and Eugene approached. Not far behind them was Issac and Witchhazel.

"Hm?" Barret says, looking to them.

"Oh hello there! I'm just going to see the boss man. Are you both having a wonderful day?" Eugene states, trying to keep his calm.

"(He seems to be holding back something. He knows things went rocky back on that mission... Especially with Myde. As much as I hated that guy, Myde did care for him in some form or way... I could only hope Stockholm syndrome... but then... I could be wrong.)" Barret thought, to himself.

Denki came up behind Eugene, shoving him slightly. "Fuhgeddaboudit. Ain't time to be wastin' talkin', Eugene. Getta move on it."

"Okay! Okay!" Eugene says, as he got shoved ahead by Denki. They went inside the camp.

"Seems what I mentioned to Medatros may have some effect here. I do wonder why Issac and him came out here though.. and to why Witchhazel is with them." Barret asked out loud.

"Perhaps your friend will have the answer you seek." Myde glanced to Issac and Witchhazel, as they were drawing close.

"Uh, hey guys." Issac glanced between them, with uncertain eyes. Witchhazel still carried her smile.

"Issac? Did you and Eugene come out here, instead of to Asuna's lab? Then, I have to wonder why Witchhazel is with you. What were you three up to?" Barret thought out loud.

Issac pocketed his hands with a sigh. "Take a wild guess."

Barret looked to him, "You could just tell me, instead of keeping it down."

Issac sighed, "I am not bound to please thee with my answer... You're right not to trust that crazy doctor. That madman was planning to experiment on me, instead of curing the ailment of the DD. Luckily, Witchhazel showed up, and delayed him long enough so that guy, Denki, was able to force him back to camp. I really don't think it's wise to keep that doctor around. He's got 'villain' written all over himself."

"Good riddance. Even from how he talked down to me before now. I do hope something happens to him." Barret stated, shaking his head.

"Karma will catch up, that's how the world works." Witchhazel explained.

"Karma...Yeah, let's hope it hits him sooner than later." Barret says, folding his arms, "Though wishing bad like this, won't bring good. It could come back full circle." He says rubbing his head. "I suppose the good can't really win. (I still feel bad about things... after learning Myde is upset about that ferline..)" Barret stats, solemnly.

Elsewhere, a dark skinned girl with lavender hair, stood in pure white snow, looking quite happy at the site around her. "My, this snow makes me think of my clouds! So fluffy, and cute!" She states, placing her hands to her cheeks. She wore mostly purple attire, adorned with fluffy cloud like details. She had cloud accessories, even by her ears.

Crunching of snow was heard approaching her from ahead, as flames melted the snow around black boots of another girl, who had long blond hair with red streaks. She seemed dressed for desert type weather, wearing little clothing, but had a noticeable tattoo on her stomach. Her narrowed blue eyes gazed to the darker skinned girl. "Talk about being overly happy. It's snow. Whatever. Sakura, did you get the memo?" She inquired, unamused.

Sakura turns to the flaming woman, meeting her eyes. "Oh! Yes, I got the message. Poor Cecil, I can't believe his fire was put out. Mmm, thinking of all the snow around. Ewe shouldn't be here, it could be dangerous!"

The woman passed Sakura slightly, pocketing her hands as she exhaled. "Get over yourself, does it look like I'm meek? Forget who I am, Lamb-chop?" She gazed to Sakura, with a sly smirk.

"Baah, you're right. I nearly forgot how well ewe ram things, miss Vienne." Sakura states, shifting some snow from her feet.

"Life has a plan to deal with these humans. Take a guess who got the task?" Vienne crossed her arms.

Sakura's eyes lighten up with glee, "Ewe!? Oh my cotton balls! Vivi that's amazing! I can't wait to watch ewe place those humans in a stable!"

Vienne held her palm to her face, groaning under her breath. "(I think your brain is a giant cotton ball....) Sakura, you dolt. YOU have been assigned to handle them. Why else would I be here? If it was booty call, you'd be coming to me. Whatever." Vienne turns off.

"Huh!?" Sakura states, panicking, "Wait, I meant no disrespect mistress! I merely thought ewe were here to help me along... I don't have nearly the amount of strength that ewe posses..." Sakura says, placing her head down in shame.

Vienne blew a bubble with her gum, deciding to flick Sakura's forehead. "Listen. Don't get all 'sheepish' now, or whatever you call this 'low self-esteem'. Life gave the order. So you need to do as you're told."

"Y-Yes, I understand miss V. " Sakura says, lifting her head to the sky. "I wonder just how I'll manage to subdue them? (Who am I kidding? I'm going to die!)" Sakura states to herself, shivering slightly.

"Just lure them back here. Get creative, play the vixen, or I don't know, kidnap somebody. Whatever it is, make sure it's nasty." Vienne stated, glancing to her phone. "I have another task that needs tending to. I have to go." She turned from Sakura.

"Oh! O-Of course! I'll get so nasty they won't understand the meaning of clean!" Sakura states, jumping in excitement. "(I just really hope I can pull it off...Eeek! They'll be packing power! I...No! Ewe can do this!)"

Vienne's eyes panned over to Sakura, lazily. "You do that." She starts to walk off from the darker skinned girl.

Sakura nods, as she watches Vienne walk away. "I will not fail ewe miss V"

Elsewhere,back at headquarters, Issac and Barret were in the sleeping wing of the bunker. Barret was passed out on the top bunk, above Issac, however Issac seemed to be dreaming an unpleasant nightmare. He tossed in his bed, as his mind went to darker places.

Within his dream, Issac was a young boy in a simple school uniform. He walked through a school courtyard, all alone with his book bag. His expression appeared sorrowful, "... (First day... again...)"

His feet crunched along the grass, as a group of boys surrounded him.

"Look what we have here, some fresh meat." Scoffed one of them, obviously the leader.

Another boy beside him chuckled, "New kid's got such girly hair. Talk about being a looser."

"Maybe this bitch should go back to where he came, or should I say 'she' Bah-hahaha!!!" Cackled the leader of them.

Issac timidly stepped back, "H-Hey... No n-need to-"

"To what?" Belched the fat kid of the posse, shoving Issac to the ground.

Issac landed on his rear, dropping his book-bag. His school books,and novels poured out to the grass around him. A tear escaped his eye, looking fearfully to the bullies.

One of the lackeys picked up a novel, "Lookit, this baby has books for big kids. Only geeks read books without pictures. Talk about lame." The bully scoffed.

"S-Shakespeare isn't l-lame." Issac stammered, reaching for his book. "Give it back!" He insisted, getting to his feet.

The kid smirked, raising it high above Issac, "No."

Issac jumped, but couldn't reach it. It was out of his grasp. "Stop it!"

Issac was punched suddenly in the face, falling back once more. Tears escaping his eyes as more kids surrounded the scene, jeering and laughing in amusement. A girl looked over, giggling. "What a looser."

"Crying just like a baby, with his girly hair. Go on, beg for the stupid book, nerd. You want this back? Get on your hands and knees, and BARK like fucking a dog!" Snapped the bully leader.

Some of the boys laughed, mimicking dog sounds in a mocking way. "Woof, Woof!"

Issac held his eye, looking to them fearfully. The leader grabbed his face, forcing Issac to look at him. "Do it."

Issac gritted his teeth, not responding. "..."

The bully raised his hand, causing Issac to flinch. "Oh?" The bully looked amused.

"...Please... Don't hit m-me..." Issac begged, his voice cracking as he kept his eyes shut tight.

"Shut up, dog." The bully retorted, shoving Issac back to the ground, and got on top of him. He proceeded to punch Issac repetitively, non-stop.

"AHHH!" Issac cried out, sitting up fast in his bed with hot sweat. He was gasping for air, as he came back to reality.

Witchhazel was standing beside him, looking curiously. "Issac? Is everything alright?"

"(Why is she in here?... No, it's fine...)" His eyes were shaking, as he looked over to Witchhazel, uneasily. "Just... A bad dream..." He got to his feet, walking passed her. "I just need some air."

Witchhazel grabbed his sleeve, stopping Issac. "Just one moment. I could be charging a fee for late night deliveries."

"Not sure what you're on about, but... I'm sure it can wait." Issac kept his eyes averted.

"That must have been some nightmare... I stopped by to get the Dark Dama cure to you." Witchhazel replied, releasing him.

Issac remained still, "... I'm sorry... So.. you found something?"

Issac looked back to her shakily, "... Go ahead."

Witchhazel stepped closer, "I'll make it quick, so don't worry. Then you can go get some air." She giggled, placing her hand to Issac's necklace. It glew around, with soft light. She retracted her hand. "There. That should do it." She smiled.

Issac looked off, grimacing slightly. "I do appreciate it Witchhazel, I'm just..."

"It's alright. When words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain. So, don't let me keep you then, you should take a jacket though. It's a bit chilly outside this time of the night." She replied sweetly.

"Right. Thanks Hazel." Issac said, trying to smile to her, but it wasn't easy. He looked off, while grabbing his coat, before heading outside.

Issac had roamed off in the darkness of the woods, he was walking down a pathway, where some light was seen in the distance.

"... What's the point....?" He muttered, letting his head hang, as he walked.

Footsteps approach him from behind, a giggle heard from a shadow behind him. "You have a lot of stress... I honestly feel you." whispered an eerie female voice.

Issac stumbled in surprise, as he tripped. He had stumbled to the ground, looking uncomfortably to where the voice had came from. He stared, quivering at the mysterious figure behind him. The figure steps from the shadows, revealing a long brown haired girl, with pale white skin, and blood red eyes. She wore a faded green trench coat, with silver cross shaped emblems adorned upon it. She walks closer to Issac, stopping as she peered down to him.

"Don't be scared. I just had to make sure it was you I was feeling. We have a lot in common, you and I... We're both missing people we love or hate...Who could have done wonders for us... But alas... The only thing we have left is death, right?" The girl asked to Issac calmly, but creepy in tone.

"K-K-k-keep back!" Issac stammered, fearfully.

The girl laughs to herself, and rushes to Issac's face. "I like you...I think we'll be seeing each other again..Issac, right?"

Issac scrambled back, his eyes filled with terror. "H-h-how do you know my name?!" He gasped in utter fear.

The girl walks up to Issac. "I'm a Dread....It's part of how things work...Don't worry though." She says, now circling Issac. She stops in front of Issac gripping him by his collar pulling him into a kiss.

Issac's eyes widened, "...?!"

The girl releases his lips, letting out a sigh. "Ohhh yes, next time...You'll be mine...Travel safely now...If you do decide to commit suicide without me..I'll be hurt...." The girl says, turning away from Issac.

Issac was completely stunned and horrified at the same time. "W-Who the heck are you!?" He was shaking.

"Oh me? Inchgo, Inchgo Dread...Remember it...I won't forget you, Issac Lundell." Inchgo says, laughing as she faded off into darkness.

Issac was hyperventilating by this point, "H-H-Holy....Crap...." He whimpered, still sitting on the ground.

Some more footsteps are heard approaching Issac from behind.

Issac jolted up, shaking profusely. "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!" He panicked, as he let out a cry.

"Issac? There you are...Uhh, are you okay?" Barret asked to him, scratching his head. "Your breathing is rather erratic."

Issac was quivering, breathing shakily. "B-Barret?... What are you...?"

"I woke up, and noticed you disappeared. Honestly Issac, I know you're having a hard time, but you can't keep running away like this." Barret scolded.

"Get off my case! You don't know crap, Barret!" Issac snapped, getting to his feet looking off, swallowing. "I needed some air, alright..."

"..." Barret turns away from Issac. "Alright. I understand, sorry about that...What has gotten you so shaken up though?" Barret inquired to Issac.

Issac exhaled shakily, glancing back to Barret with furrowed brows. "S-sorry... I... I Just... It was a bad dream... a memory really..." He mentioned, looking off again. "To makes things worse... I was snuck up on by a creepy girl, calling herself a Dread... I..." He closed his eyes, still shaken up.

"Hmm, bad dreams are one thing, but..A Dread? That's a bit out there. You must have imagined it. That bloodline was been wiped away from Terraldyn." Barret says, adjusting his posture a little. "Either that, or some crazy cultist."

Issac crossed his arms, sighing. "Either way, she was bone chilling. She was freak'n cold to the touch, and vanished like a shadow. Not your run of the mill Necroden, man."

"...Wait cold to the touch? Maybe you're still half asleep, but what exactly happened?" Barret says, becoming intrigued.

"Heck no... We are NOT talking about this.... How the heck did you find me anyway?" Issac grumbled.

"Well, Witchhazel mentioned you had left, and I decided to come looking for you. I didn't want to wake Myde, with how she's been feeling. So, I asked Kirb to come along ,since he was still awake." Barret says, placing a hand in his pocket.

Issac raised a brow. "You brought Kirb along?" He mentioned, not seeing the Usa anywhere.

"Oh yes, he was...Right behind me?" Barret says, glancing behind himself, not spotting Kirb.

"Try looking up, Teddy." Kirb's voice was heard above them, in a tree. He was reclined with his arms behind his head.

Issac and Barret glance upward, to the rabbit in the tree.

"Didn't I say to stop calling me that? My name is Barret, not Ted." Barret spouted in annoyance.

"To-may-to, to-mah-to." Kirb snickered, jumping down between them. "So now that we found Izzy, where to?"

"Izzy?" Issac gawked. "(Why does this guy give nicknames to everyone?)"

"It's kind of dark thirty. We need to go back to base." Barret says, turning his attention to Issac.

"Well, excuse me for waking up, and needing to get some air." Issac huffed.

Kirb looked between them in amusement, taking a bite of a strawberry, as his eyes kept attention on them.

"Come on, we're wasting precious sleeping time. We have a long tomorrow." Barret states, walking ahead of the two.

"EEEEEIIIKKKK!!!!" Cried out a sudden shrill, in the distance.

Issac jumped, staring uneasily over there, holding his chest. "(Okay... I'll never get used to that...)"

Kirb glanced over, the strawberry hanging from his mouth. "Now that's interesting."

Barret looks in direction of the scream. "I suppose we're going to have to take a rain check on bed time. Come on you two, let's go see what that was."

Kirb followed after Barret, "Finally, some target practice. These woods are boring at night."

"Are you two crazy?! What if it was a banshee or a monster?... Its bad enough I already ran into a scary girl... (Whose to say what what was... but what if someone's in danger? Crap..)" Issac held his ground uneasily.

"Issac? Are you still going on about that? You were dreaming, come on now. Mission calls." Barret states, patting Issac on the back, walking ahead of him.

Issac gritted his teeth, looking uneasily. "(This isn't worth it..... crap...) Fine...." He says, cautiously following after the others.

The three guys rerouted their path, and made there way in the direction that the cry had emerged from.