The Least Common Denominator   III.I Remainder

"Ughh..."A dull pain from my stomach woke me up from my slumber. I was on my back; what seemed to be a bed of straw serving as my bed as every feeling in my body slowly started to make itself known to me. I winced as I struggled to even begin to sit up from my position."Are you okay?" I heard a voice call out to me, a woman. "You need to rest, lady."My everything hurts...Using my arms as leverage, I ignored the call for rest as I slowly and agonizingly sat back up. A shot of pain sprang forth from my stomach as I blearily opened my eyes, the dim sight of cobblestone and darkness greeting me. It didn't help that the only light source seemed to be a burning torch just above me. But at least it was enough to show the sight of a worried, albeit childish face situated just a few centimeters away from where I laid.<

The Least Common Denominator   III.II Remainder

"Hey! Newbies!""Coming!"I shouted at an elder Den as I grabbed Olivia along with me to our shared anvil. My shoulder-length hair matted against my bare neck as we walked for a mere few seconds in the constant blistering heat, as was the constant when living in these insane conditions, before reaching our destination."You have another job, the both of you." The older man barked out, half-panting at the constant heat from the numerous furnaces. "Some big-shot Num requested you specifically so you better make it count, Crimson."I nodded in affirmation as the built elder left us to our own devices. With a sigh, I pulled out one of the numerous molten pieces of metal from the nearby furnace. I turned towards Olivia, the kid visibly huffing with her large hammer already raised high in preparation."Just like I t

The Least Common Denominator   III.III Remainder

The Least Common Denominator   III.IV Remainder

"It'll be my pleasure to grind you into the ground, Dirt Eater."I weaved to the right as tin can immediately went for the offensive.*CRASH!*His halberd's blade crashed on my left side as I immediately capitalized on his weapon's apparent weakness.*CLANG! CLANG!*I slashed at his left leg, his armor pinging at my attacks."Tch."I clicked my tongue as I glanced at the spot of my attacks. Not even a scratch.Not enough power?"Nice try, Dirt Eater.""WHOOSH!"Tin can swung his halberd sideways towards me. I was on his side, so I used his slow maneuverability against him by circling towards his back.*CLANG! C

The Least Common Denominator   III.V Remainder

I sighed in relief as tied my dagger to the back of my thigh once more. It's over. We're getting out of this hell hole."B-Big sis?" I turned my head towards a reluctant Olivia, her blue eyes filled with... regret?. "I-I'm sorry.""What for?""Fo-For not trusting you." Huh?That's it?"It's fine, 'Livia." I ruffled her hair as I gave her the brightest smile I could possibly give. "I'll make sure you're safe, okay?"I felt the soothing, familiar grip of her hand on my own as she replied with her sweetest tone."O-okay."My mental faculties shuddered at such a weapon. It was more than enough to give me the strength to tolerate potentially living with the person that killed my father.With mind reso

The Least Common Denominator   Interlude II: Olivia

The young brunette pretended to fall asleep as her acute hearing picked up on her big sister's frenetic pacing and mumbling. It was always like this when concerning Big Sis. On most nights, the older girl would be the sweetest older sister that Olivia could ever wish for, on some nights, however..."I can make a change..."Olivia was scared.The young girl thanked the gods that Crimson was her big sister; someone willing to protect her and be there for her. But sometimes, Olivia wondered just when did her adopted big sister turn into a monster."Heh."

The Least Common Denominator   IV.I Product

*CLANG*"Crimson, sweetie~ Can you make me a new rapier?" a muffled voice echoed from beyond the wooden door."Of course, Ma'am!"*Drip*Beads of sweat trickled down my cheek before I returned my attention to my work. The fires from this forge weren't as blistering as the ones down at the Furnace, but it was still dangerous if left unattended. My mind, however, was still the same old wandering dog that keeps getting distracted at the slightest hint of new stuff. Or was it not like that back then? Either way...How long has it been?*CLANG*I honestly forgot after the umpteenth time that Arya requested that I make another weapon for her. I think I've been at this for just shy of a year, what with Olivia actually starting to grow a bit bigger for her old

The Least Common Denominator   IV.II Product

When I came to, it was to the excruciating sounds of my little sister crying on top of me."Hey," I reached to her face, trying to wipe a tear off her cheek. "Don't cry over me.""B-But-""No buts, dear." I groaned as I made my back leave the cold, hard ground. "I'm supposed to be the big sister in this relationship."I tilted my head as I observed my surroundings. I guess I'm still in the smithing room judging by the fact that I'm still beside the anvil that we were working on. Speaking of which..."How's the rapier?""The rapier?"Huh? "The...rapier? The one that we're supposed to make for Madam Arya?" I found myself lilting at the mere mention of our patron's name. Arya... Oh beautiful Arya... Gotta have to finish building that 'special' thing for he