CHAPTER 1: AWAKENING

It was pitch dark, embodiment of darkness all over the place, such void that so endless, perhaps abyss is much more appropriate to name it, wander lost, wandering soul, wait a second! What the hell is going on?!

“Breath! I need to breath!”

“Somebody? Anybody? Anyone? Can you hear me?”

“Oh god! Where am I?”

A young man eyes open, as his gaze sweep all over the place, he is currently staring above, ceilings,,, colorful ceilings, dusty pillars and strange architectural designs? Lamps? Blue flames?, intimidating yet honorable and prideful statues holding a swords, staffs and alike, cold winds,,, its cold here.

The young man raised his body as he found himself awaken in a cold floor, as he got his clearing vision and start to scan his surroundings, he then look to his hands, arms, torso, lowers, thighs, legs down to his feet.

He currently managing himself to recover from such headache and now coldness of the hall, his red sharp and delicate eyes blinks as his hands reach to touch his fair face, fair enough, nothing seems wrong, he then check his hair, it was long braided hair, yes long enough to reach his buttocks, the luscious color of red violet, in outsiders perspective view, he was a lovely and frail lady, but he is a young man with a features of a woman.

“Tsk, what a great way to start your day” he coldly snorted, feeling pissed to his current situation.

He start to move, no longing for further checking besides his white long sleeve underneath in his black suit, black pants, red belt and black shoes, he proceed to walk to the halls, finding a way to the exit, contemplating for the sudden pave of events.

His investigating eyes scan all sided and corners of the whole wide room, hoping to meet some of the residing individuals and asking for directions and clues, but no one is appearing, truly disappointing.

Luckily, he found himself crossing a long bridge and he can see the exit even though a little far away from him, outside the bridge is a wonderful winter wonderland that really amazing sightings to see and feel.

“Why do I feel like I’m going to an RPG gaming experience, I had a bad feeling for this” Muttered to himself, without further ado, he crossed the stone bridge and continue his vigilance. “Focus Neil! You can’t lose your mind here”

As he crossed the bridge and shift his gaze on the mountains, he currently thinking about how did he found himself here and what is his purpose in this world, he has very high suspicion of some greater one messing peoples live after their death, giving second chance, or suddenly transport them to unknown location.

He continue his walks as he stares to the small statues that built at the sides of the bridge, sculptures of people with a fur coats as they hold the small chains that serves as wall for the visitors to avoid falling to the every sides of the stone bridge.

Few minutes pass and he finally crossed almost three fourths of the part of bridge when an earthquake begins to tremble the whole mountains and frosty wind blows become stronger and stronger.

“Holy moly!” Neil cried out, he sensed danger approaching. “Well shit!”

His adrenaline kicks in as he run faster, his breath become fuming and vacuuming any available air to breath in inside of his lungs, he made a full throttle of running to cross the other side, at his back, the bridge is starting to collapse and crumbling one by one as it reaching to Neil in very fast speed.

At his left side, a very terrifying avalanched that will gobbling up the whole falling bridge into nothingness, Neil’s heartbeat become faster and faster, he continue to run as he felt the small crack reaching to his feet, alarmed at its appearance, his intuition tells him one thing about the incoming danger.

“Ahhh! Screw it!” Neil shouts as he jump and reach for the chains of the falling bridge. “Tch! Parkour it then!”

The bridge falls but the chains remain intact to the other end of the other side, as Neil rides that chain and swinging forward to reach the other side of the small terrace of the building at the side of the other mountain, when he felt the force of swing is enough, he jump away from the chain and prepare to land on the piled of snow on the floor of the terrace.

Succeeding, he made it to the other side as he land on the soft snow with a powerful momentum, he tumbles direct to the small entrance, ignoring the force landing pain of his body as he sensed the other danger coming, the avalanche.

He run again as he saw the avalanched entering the small hall way and destroying the roof and ceiling of the hall he is currently in, Neil continue to jump and evade the falling pillar foundation of the hall, avoiding debris as he slide side by side but he found himself at the dead end of the room with only one big crystalline window.

Mustering all of his strength and gaining momentum, he rush fast to crash the window, jump with the broken and shattered glasses made by his brute and forceful impact, Neil found himself outside the collapsing building as the avalanched continue its course to gobble up everything and chasing Neil’s direction as the young man dive.

“Oh come on! You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Neil roar in disbelief, what a persistent natural disaster.

Neil felt it like he is diving in a thousand meter high as he saw many debris of destroyed building are falling with him, he calm himself again believing that panicking cannot help him in this situation, he then dive closer to one of the falling debris with a big flapping curtain and entangled rope.

 “Time to make my own parachute” Neil muttered as he safely flew to the huge falling debris and start to remove the thick curtain by using a shattered glass to serve as a knife, carefully he cuts the curtain while maintaining not to cut his own palm.

He manage to cut the curtain as he saw that he is  very near to a spiky landing surface, not good! He then flew very far away from the nearby spiked landing surface and find  more appropriately landing ones below in order to buy sometime as he make his own parachute in very fast manner.

Few moments in air he made it, as he saw the explosion above him from the recent dangerous landing spot where all the debris falls and devoured by the avalanched, the avalanche is very near to him, he knows what to do as he dive away from the length of its grasp and open his improvised parachute on time as he slowly descend from above and watch the avalanched passed him and leaving a flooding snow.

He made it on a nick of time, such trouble some natural disaster, he then land on the soft pile of snow as his parachute slowly fall on the soft floor of snow, Neil then use the broken glass to cut the thick parachute curtain and make it a fur coat to cover him from such dreaded coldness of the winter, he then start to walk on the thick snow that almost covered up to his middle part thigh.

“So cold! Brrrrr,,, I need to get away from here before another batch of avalanche will come” Neil said in nervous tone as he continue to move and reach the end of the slopes as the cold winds blows and his improvised coat fluttered. “God help me”

He continue to crossed the thick slope and continue to follow the trail of the avalanche that telling him that this direction he crossed is the way to go below the mountains, after a few walks and enduring the thick fog that limiting his vision, he finally made it to the ground as he saw a thick pile of snow in very wide range, well that’s avalanche surprise for you.

He made his last look to the very high and intimidating mountain, right to the snow caps as he remembered his origin point, so high like he made a sky diving from such height, he still contemplating on how he found himself there lying on the floor, but for now, he needs to find any nearby village and settled there for a moment and ask some information and directives that might be helpful to him to survive.

He also remain vigilant as he remember his gaming experience in every sort of RPG game style fantasy as he pick a small long wood at the side of trail and sharpened its edge by his broken glass and made it into a spear, he also found another short woods in his few walks and sharpened them into knives and daggers, he feel that this environment is not simple as it looks.

There will always be a group of hungry and greedy wolfs, intimidating and brutal bears and added by more fierce and powerful snow tigers that he imagine that may residing in this cold land, Neil has no experienced in real life battle, but due to his wide gaming knowledge and experiences in reading manga and watching anime with this similar kind of scenarios, he instantly mimics what the people do in game and anime in this kind of situation.

He continue to crossed the empty snow meadow with his wooden but sharp spear, and his concealed wooden knives at his hips, remain calm and quiet and prepare for the imminent danger that might come at him, snowy mist that spreading all over the place, such coldness that shivers his legs and arms, thanks to his improvised coat that reducing the coldness of the frost winds.

He remained alert, his eyes sweep around his surroundings and when he made another step, he felt a sudden movements in the snow fields, here they are, small creatures with golden eyes, reaching up to the thighs of full grown man's height, like a dog who keeping an eye for the newcomer, a predator that Neil already expected to appeared out of nowhere, Neil breath deeply.

He is nervous and scared, this is his first time to face such cruelty of nature, but he remind himself that, panic leads to astray of thoughts and eventually on more terrifying outcome,,, death.

He readied his spear, mimicking the signature spear moves of every certain anime characters he remember wielding a spear and also remembering how the wolves attack pattern on packs, the wolves like to attack their prey in synchronized fashion, leaping to the prey with their deadly teeth and greedy jaws, with the momentum of their pounce scares and impact of their land on the prey, they make sure it fall without any resistance.

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And it happen in accordance to Neil’s prediction, relaxed stance with a strong proper grip on spear, the incoming predator leap with a whole mouth open, ready to pounce its new victim, but it just meeting the sharp and deadly tip of the improvised spear as Neil thrust deeply to its throat and with a strong proper grip of Neil’s arm, he lift the wolf that stuck on his wooden spear and slam it to the ground.

A cried and yelp can be hear by the pack as they saw their comrade slam painfully in the ground and  stab by a wooden spear to the open wide rib reaching to the lung and deep to the heart, ending its misery as the blood flows from its mouth.

“Come on!” Neil challenge the pack as he made his battle stance again as the bloodied tip spear points to the direction of the pack.

And without a further ado, the pack came one by one as they try pounce Neil, but only meeting the edge and tip of the spear, resulting to be pierced and slashed by him, some of the wolves try to attack him from behind but Neil knew it, he just jump back and evade, if they a little closer to him, he kick them away and stay again in his battle stance as he mimic the signature moves of and characters he remembers and keep a calm mind despite the nervousness of his first wild life predator encounter.

The cycle repeated again and again, some wolves manage to pounce at Neil’s arm, Neil shrug them off by kicking them with his free leg, lucky for Neil, the bite force of these small wolves are not pretty strong though as they just make a holes and rip in Neil’s black but thick suit, if without that suite, Neil surely get a severely and swollen wounds plus the infecting bacterium that the saliva of wolves contained.

Trying to make a coordinated attack but futile as they face a wild swing of spear that hits their mouth and nose, bleeding as a result, as for Neil, such impressive offense and defense he make, pinning his enemies without any hassle and giving the pack a quiet terror and looming end, the fight continues and Neil remain fast stead and breathing healthy.

Seven wolves in pack, three confirmed deaths, two are deeply wounded and one gain just a small wounds and another one has no issue on their failed assault, the remaining four survivor of pack just leave with tails behind their legs and just continue to stare at Neil with deep hatred while licking their wounds inflicted by the wooden spear, as for Neil, he just continue his journey on this cold weather and remain vigilant.

How many minutes pass it has been? Neil continue to cross such thick fog, looking for a small piece of hope that might appeared to aid him, despite his suit and thick curtain coat, he still shivering in cold, he need to find a village up closed or a shelter that protect him from this intense cold.

As he trailed the snow, he found a frozen blood tracks, suspicious and curious, he trace the source origin of the blood, passing the snowy meadow, he crossed a forest with no leaves at all and covered in snow, tracking the source of blood, few moments pass, he then found it, in a small cave, Neil readied himself, if dangers come, then so be it.

Upon reaching the cave, he save a snow cart with seven hounds at the side, enduring the harsh cold weather while waiting for their master to return, he entered the cave quietly, he inspect the structure of the cave, small but enough to shelter a small group from a harsh weather, at the end, there is a middle aged man lying with a wounds on his legs and putting medication to his own swelling wounds.

“Who’s there!” the middle age man ask as he pick his dagger and point to the outside while sweating coldly. “I dare you, step on, you dies!”

“Forgive my intrusions, I am a friend” Neil soft voice replied as he appeared in front of wounded man that resting at the side while warming himself in his little campfire.

“A young girl?” the middle aged man shocked Neil in response, Neil twitched from such response and his eyes shrunk.

“Sigh, Mr.,,, ahh pardon me, how should I addressed you?” Neil ask as his eyes inspect the wounded man from head to toe.

“Mark Iceberg of Iceberg family” Mark answered as he struggled on such pain of the concoction he put on his wounds. “Father of two girls and one young boy, a trader for a living”

“I see, Neil Simmons, a wander lost child, struggling for survival, nothings special background” Neil replied with bold announcing, with a bluntly poker face added.

“Lost?” 

“Yes”

“On what occasions or twisted fate?”

“Found myself lying in a debris with no idea what’s going on, use my instinct to desperately live”

“How cruel for such abandonment”

“Well, that’s how it works, at least I’m still kicking”

“I see, well then lady, help me stand up and walk me to my snow cart, I’ll give you a hitch ride”

“With pleasure”

Neil then move closer to mark and assist Mark to stand and walk as they made their way out of the snowy cave, Mark is already in his fur clothing as he made his way to his snow cart, the snow cart has a small box at the back and can take two passengers, pulled by seven well trained hounds, it is a good transportation for a snowy and polar regions.

Looks like a sliver of hope is truly watching Neil, as for Mark, it was a fate that someone will save him from being stuck at this cruel situation, Mark instruct Neil how to drive the cart and ordering the hounds as he sit at the box to rest at the end of the snow cart, Neil follows his guidelines on the snow cart and the two begin their journey as Mark serves as a guide to the direction of nearest village and Neil as his driver.

“Young lady, with this speed, we will arrive at Smoke Bone Village in no time, keep it up!” Mark voice with delight as the snow cart move with fast speed as it drag by the group of strong hounds.

“That’s good to hear, the nearer the better” Neil remarks as he focused his gaze on the snowy road trail they’re crossing.

No matter how cold that Neil can feel, as he drove the cart, he really enjoy its like he is on racing game, as they now crossing a forest with thick leaved that covered in piles of snow, With such speed, Neil starting to slow down the hounds to avoid losing a grip of control in drifting the snow cart on right track when turning left or right.

Right now, his delicate yet sharp eyes remain focused, that gaze was so charming that even Mark can’t deny the beauty behind it, added by her flawless braided hair that sways in each turn, such a delicate child, unknown to mark, Neil was actually a young boy not a girl, his childish yet femine voice gives a huge part of rendering him as a girl, Neil continue his driving strive as they saw a pillar of smoke from afar.

“We are getting closer! Continue to that direction!” Mark yelled in delight, finally after a long run, they finally reach their destination. “Thanks goodness, finally a resting place”

“Seems luck is with us” Neil chuckled as he continue is grip on the ropes as they finally closer to the Smoke Bone Village.

As they reaching the said village, Neil grip the ropes as a sign of slowing down, the hounds feel it slowly grip as they slowing their speed, in front of Neil and Mark, a small yet proudly village stood with a numerous snow carts and hounds parking by and few small camps of traders station there to sell goods that they brought from village to village.

Their arrival got the attention of the few traders there, as they saw a wounded yet recovering Mark which they are familiar with, and some new youngster that he brought from a very far trip, some traders that catch a glimpse of the young one can’t deny its innocent beauty, sharp but charming eyes, pointy nose, tender lips and fair face, added by style of her hair that giving more elegant yet bold attraction.

The duo arrive as Mark point to Neil where to park, and Neil just follow his orders as they found a free parking spot, arriving at their checkpoint, Neil then assisted the recovering Mark as the people nearby watch the poor state of a veteran trader while being carried by a young beauty to nearest clinic, everyone pitied Mark in his current condition as they made their way inside the village.

“Bloody hell Mark! What on earth have happen to you” a burly big guy with a winter clothes approach them very fast.

“Kyle man, I’m sorry, I meet a wild snow bear on rage mode at the Fortune Glaciers and everything was fucked up” Mark answered as he coldly chuckled and look to the deep wounds in his legs. “Young Neil, pass me to Kyle bro, you need to rest young girl”

“As you wish, truly I’m tired, thanks for the hitch ride” Neil replied and slowly pass Heavily wounded Mark to Kyle.

“Kyle, after you brought me to Marian,  guide the young one to my home, her circumstances are quiet in need of help, let Eliah have her a hand got it man?” Mark requested as he being assisted by Kyle on his walk to clinic.

“Got it m'bro! Little Neil, just wait for a bit there and I will guide you to that lucky fella’s humble abode” Kyle said as he assist Mark to walk on the clinic.

“Then I will trouble both of you two for this urgency” Neil replied with apologetic tone as he watch the two.

“Nah, not a problem young one, its been a while since my home got visitors anyway” Mark respond with a happy gist of reminiscent of their trip.

Neil on the other hand just stood there while his coat keep fluttering from the blowing winds of the winter and waiting for Kyle's return, many onlookers watch him in every corner and admire his beauty secretly, Neil continue to brainstorm the sudden turn of events and keep an eye for any hints and clues that might connect to his situation, right now the only thing that implies his assessment that he is been transport to another world in a flash.

He waited and waited for Kyle, ignoring the few glances of passerby that secretly admiring his feline beauty, as he shifted his gaze, he saw Kyle closely approaching him, Neil let a deep breath of air and he just smile.

“Thanks for the wait, Mark's best buddy, Kyle Frost, a hunter for an introduction” Kyle introduces himself gently to the young one in front of him that being passed by Mark to guide to his home.

“Neil Simmons, a wanderer, just a lost lamb, nothing special” Neil nonchalantly replied, making Kyle frown a little bit.

“Long away from home aren’t yah?” Kyle speak with calmer tone.

“Much worst than that, its like the lowest chance of finding way back home” Neil replied with a deep solemn in her eyes. “Pity if may I add to current condition I’m facing”

“My apologies about prying of your circumstances” Kyle apologize with a worried tone. “I didn’t mean to invade such premises”

“Nah, no need to worried about that, besides, one step to one hundred is the best choice of option that I have” Neil shrugged, he just remain calm and collect, not bothering about how much serious his situation facing.

“Then we shall go, my darling Lala will surely fuming in anger if I arrive late back at home, Missy Neil” Kyle told to Neil as he felt relieved on the replied of the young one, such cruel fate and burden that this young lady to carry.

“I guess, we shall move at once” Neil replied and he followed Kyle on the way to the humble abode of Mark.

They walk across the snowy street, Neil saw the lively people there wearing thick and fur clothing that shielding them from frosty wind blows and cold temperature while going in and out of their home and Neil saw the children playing at the wild field of the Smoke Bone Village, throwing snowballs at each other, making a snow man and snow figures that they can imagine.

He saw some mature men and women having a nice, cozy hot chocolate like drink to warm themselves in this cold climate, elderly people who also frail and weak in this kind of weather are inside their homes, gazing by the window and watching the youngsters as they reminisce their joyful past.

Neil left his bloody long spear at the snow cart of Mark, while his wooden knives remain intact in his hips ready, just for a precaution measure, it was a long walk but finally they arrive in not so big or small house of Mark, the Iceberg home, they meet the eldest daughter of Mark outside, finishing gathering water from a well.

“Faye, lady,,, your big ol daddy got into a mess, bring some young visitor to be  sheltered” Kyle speak with sarcastic tone.

“Trouble again? Why my dad is always like this, where he is, uncle Kyle?” Faye face turned upset as her tone goes sharp.

“Old Marian clinic, healing his deep wound on his leg, can’t walk straight for few days, the old hag said” Kyle replied with cold sweat forming in his head upon seeing the very upset Faye. “Yup, Faye, gonna leave to yer care this young Neil, your Pops orders, gotta go before Lala get me good”

“Reckless father! When he came back, he will be banned for travel for a week, Mother will gonna lonely and erratic if she got a wind of this” Faye demanded as her striking eyes meet the sharp eyes of Neil. “Ahem, welcome to Iceberg Family home, young Neil, don’t worry, big sister will take care of you”

“Women are really scary” Neil and Kyle thought as they too gulped an amount of saliva while maintaining their composure after facing the enraged Faye.

“Then pardon my intrusion” Neil replied as he made a final look back at Kyle, seeing the big burly man give a thumbs up and a smug facial expression. “You’ve gotta be kidding me,,,”