Yoi Yume O

A/N: As said, this is a chapter in progress. It will be different (knowing me, probably dramatically so) before its officially posted on fanfiction.net. Read only if you're curious what my writing looks like rough.

Chapter I - Untitled

She hurried through the crowded street. Pushing past beleaguered women touting dirty children and men reeking from drink, she ignored the grumbles of annoyance and protest. The girl felt scowls burn her back and her knuckles tightened around the handles of her borrowed bicycle. Dirt swept in haphazard piles along the stone path crunched under her feet, jumping the lip of her sandals and digging in between toes. She straightened and stared ahead, moving against the evening masses returning from long days at the docks and market.

Above the sea of heads, a castle emerged in the growing shadows. The girl quickened her steps. The bicycle bounced over rocks and depressions, becoming unwieldy at her side. Its front bumped a tall, armored man. He wore a strange, round-bladed weapon at his hip. She cursed and drew back.

The man turned. "It's alright," he offered a smile.

"Excuse me," she started to maneuver around him. Her front tire ran over his foot.

"Hey," he leapt back. "I'm still here!"

"Move then."

The smile fell. "I said it was—."

"I don't care" she said curtly.

Eyebrows hiked high. "Obviously," he shifted in front of her, barring her path. "Hear me out," he tried another smile. "I'm a little lost."

Her expression soured. She eyed his long hair, tied back in a ponytail, and the broad set of his shoulders. She knew his type. He was used to getting his way with a female audience. "I'm late," she swung the bike around him.

His smile faltered again. Irritation flashed his face. "Couldn't you help? I'll forgive the running-into-and-over."

"No."

He frowned and reached for her arm. "Are all women in this city so courteous?" The girl deftly avoided his reach. His hand grabbed air. "Hey," he stared at the space her arm had been.

"I wouldn't know," she continued walking. "This isn't my city."

The man recovered and strode to catch up. "Where're you going in such a hurry?"

Her hands circled the handles tighter. "Do men from your city think they're owed explanations?"

"When they're accosted by bicycles."

The dirt wedged in her toes was starting to itch. "Go away," she pushed the bike faster.

They were nearing the city's center and the bodies around them had grown to a horde. The girl shouldered and elbowed her way through, making it impossible for the man to stay beside her. She heard him swear through the din and a small smile stole her mouth. She glanced over her shoulder. He was surrounded by men loaded with fish and lumber.

"Wait up," he called, dodging a fish tale sticking out from a high pile. "I need directions."

She turned back around and began walking.

"Please!"

She cupped a hand to her mouth. "No."

The man swore again and she listened as he struggled through the crowd. She looked to the castle looming close and her smug satisfaction disappeared. Her mouth returned to clenched line. She sped up.

Sounds of the man grew faint as she raced down the street. Her heart started pounding in her ears and its steady drum spurred her heels. The girl passed vendors, homes and refuse trenches. The crowd began to thin and guards with swords and rifles started appearing every hundred feet. The first pair nodded as she passed. She didn't acknowledge them, straightening instead. The piles of swept dirt grew tidier and the mothers held hands of cleaner children.

The girl had enough room to run, but refrained from showing such urgency. She continued passing the sentries, ignoring their bows of respect. The castle was no longer a mere outline and towered above her in daunting glory, a massive creature of white stone and sharp wood. She was close enough to see the rows of archers stationed along its wall and slowed under their wary gaze.

The last rays of day were bleeding quickly and contours began to soften in shadow. She walked past the last of the garbage and waste trenches, relieved when weapon stockpiles took their place. She was getting close. The girl glanced at one with several naginatas lying in wait. She could just make out small kegs of gunpowder set beside them in the strengthening evening.

She knew she had reached the edge of the moat when a line of guards appeared, barring further travel. One held his hand up. She stopped.

"What's your purpose here?"

She felt appraising eyes. "I need to speak with Lord Soruen."

The sentry left the line, shaking his head. "He's not taking villagers."

Her chin lifted. "He sent for me."

"Did he?" The guard crossed the distance between them. "And what makes you think—?" He was close enough to see her clearly. His eyes widened. "Salute!"

The remaining guards shared a look. All dropped to bent knees.

"My lady," the man joined them. He pressed his rifle to his chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't recognize you."

The girl regarded him. "Best you remember my voice then."

He nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course."

"Take this," she thrust the bicycle from her hip. He leapt to his feet and rushed to retrieve it. "And lower the bridge."

He turned quickly, calling orders over his shoulder. The groaning creak of heavy chains filled the air. Black shadow moved above their heads, growing large as it descended. The girl watched impassively, letting the guard's further apologies fall to background. His peers rose slowly, backing up to give her space. None met her eye.

The drawbridge kissed the bank with a shuddering thud and she started forward.

"Would you like an escort?" The guard spoke meekly, obviously hoping to correct his transgression. He fingered the bike uneasily.

"Do I need one?" Her eyes narrowed.

"No! Of course not. I just thought—."

She palmed the air. "Enough."

The man paled. He retreated to his comrades.

"Take care of that," she motioned to the bicycle and strode into the castle yard. The city's banner hung overhead and she passed under it with purposeful steps. Her sandals sounded loud against the stone walls and heads turned as she passed. Whispers followed her as she made her way through the torch-lit center toward the main staircase. Guards stationed at the stairwell watched her progress and moved aside as she neared.

A/N: That's all I have so far. Sorry for stopping mid-scene.