Callista of the Abyss

Chapter 2

Show me your deepest fear
And let me love you anyways

A soft thump was heard behind the two kids. Then a voice, gruff yet reassuring,"What are you two kids doing in a place like this?! How did you get here?" The voice called out.

The children swiftly turned their heads towards the voice. Upon realizing it was another human, in a defensive position nonetheless, their nerves were calmed ever so slightly.

The woman was wearing mostly brown clothing with leather boots and weapons across her body. There was fur in some places such as the hood and boots.

She turned towards the creature threatening them, taking out her sword and leaping towards it skillfully.

The two kids were enthralled by her movements. They were saved by a swordswoman who knew what she was doing, who wouldn't be enthused to watch?

After defeating the creature, she turned to the kids. The sword appeared on her back with laces of gold. She began walking towards them, she gave off a kinder energy than what she emitted while fighting the creature.

She looked almost... eager. But who wouldn't be eager to defeat a monster threatening your life? Right?

"Are you two okay?" As asked, kneeling down to meet their gaze more comfortably.

The boy, embarrassed from being saved by a woman, puffed out his chest and stood up tall.

"Of course we're okay! I got us away from that- that thing! Didn't you see?" He exclaimed towards the lady.

The girl, unconvinced and feeling uncredited butted in,"Hey! You didn't get us away from that! I pulled you up! And she defeated it. Which was super incredible by the way ma'am!"

The boy slightly pushed the girl to the side. The woman stood up smiling. At the two.

"Thank you, young miss. And you were very brave young man." Now more seriously, she added,"But I am still confused... how did you two get here? Where did you come from?" She inquiries, slightly asking herself.

The boy looks towards the roof, quietly asking himself the same thing. The girl looks away from the two, furrowing her brow in the memory.

The woman takes notice of both of their actions. Saving the question for later she changes the subject.

"What are your names?"

The boy looks towards her at the question. Enthusiastically he says,"My name is Ajax! And I have a little brother Anthon, a little sister Tonia and a little brother Teucer!" He lists off the names of his beloved younger siblings.

The girl watches as he talks about his siblings so lovingly. As he finishes, the other two look at her.

"My name is Callista."

"That's it? What about your family? No siblings??" The boy frantically asks.

The girl grimaces and adds," I have two brothers and a father."

The woman, trying to lighten the mood states,"Hah! Raised by all boys I see! You must be tough!" She smiles, placing her hands on her hips.

Ajax simply looks at Callista as she talks about her brothers. Noticing the distant tone, and lack to mention a mother, he can only assume it wasn't the best home life.

"Do either of you know how you got here then?"