A/N: We're halfway through the first arc. And I got to say you guys been an awesome audience. I hope I can continue to entertain you.

James' Final Chapter

Not Forgotten

Gritting my teeth, I plunge my sword into my arm fully separating myself from my pinned arm. The enemy stop shooting at me. I guess they were questioning why I was hurting myself. Well whatever their reason, I’m using this chance to escape now. I quickly dash out of trap

“C’mon, were are you?” I kept sending out multiple pulses to find Jack. I senses multiple creature through my pulses, and of all of them were coming towards me. Except for one. The way it’s moving, it’s like it’s running from me. Not only that, but seem like its carrying something. If it’s Jack than it might be taking him back to its lair.  I need to hurry.

I sent out more pulses, so I could stay updated on the creature location. And also to avoid monster that were in front of me.

“Let me go!”

That was Jack’s voice. It sounds like he’s directly in front of me. I jump straight through the thick bushes ahead of me.

The first thing that came into my sight was Jack. The second was the thing that was carrying him. It had him cover in webs on his back.

Arachnid, a huge eight-legged creature. They’re known for being setting up traps and ambushes their prey. Were they the one that ambush me earlier? I’ll save that question for another time. Right now I got to free Jack.

I landed on top of the moving arachnid back. Somehow the arachnid doesn’t notice the extra weight on top of it.

“James, what happen to your arm?”

“Long story, first thing first thing let me take care of this thing.” I plunge my sword into the arachnid head.

“Damn, not deep enough.” Losing my arm definitely drop my strength. Not only that, but I never did stop the bleeding. Even now I’m still losing blood. I need to finish this while I can still stand. Adding mana into my right hand, I slam my fist into my sword with all the strength I had. The force was strong enough to crack the creature hard body and fully sink my sword into its head. The arachnid body simply drop to the ground, lifeless.

“Did you kill?”

“Yea, it’s dead.” I slash the webs off Jack. “We need to go now.”

“Wait, we need treat your injury first.”

“We don’t have time for that, they’re still after coming for us.” And I’m not capable of fighting anymore. I use almost all of my mana, by constantly sending out pulse. Not to mention I crack my sword from my last attack. If a monster catches up to us now. Then we’re done for.

“But if we don’t-“I grab jack hand and started running.

“Listen, we’re almost out of here. We can treat my injury after we get out of the forest.”

I had to drag Jack for a little, but finally he gave up and started to run on his own. It was a desperate race against the forest, if the monster catch us it’s over if we make it out the forest then we’ll live. Unfortunately it seem like it’s a race I will lose. I Begin to lag behind Jack. Soon, it became a challenge to just to put one of foot in front of the other.

We have a huge lead on the monsters, but they’ll catch up to me soon. What a frustrating feeling. A few more steps and

I’ll be out this forest.  Maybe this is my punishment. Why should someone who sacrifice people lives just to escape be allow to live?

At this point Jack was far ahead of me. Oh well as long he make it out alive. That’ll be enough for me.

I continue to watch Jack run. In a few minutes he’ll be out the forest. But for some reason he stop moving. I guess he finally realize that I wasn’t next to him. Turning around, he headed back towards me.

N-No you idiot, why are you coming back?!

“C’mon, James we’re nearly there.”

“I’m afraid I can’t move anymore. Just keep going, I’ll keep them busy.”

“That’s not happening! We’re both getting out of here! If you can’t move any more than just lean on me!”

“You idiot! Don’t understand? Everyone is dead because of me. I don’t want your death on my hand too.”

“You’re the idiot here! Are you really putting everyone death on your shoulder? None of them was your responsibility.

Don’t you remember what I told you yesterday? There only so much a single man can protect. Your job is protect your family. And right now, my job is protect you so you can do that job!” Jack wraps my arm around his neck. “Now let’s get out of here!”

“….You’re really stubborn.” I let him help me up to my feet. I lean on I  him so he could support my movements.

The exit to the forest was just ahead of us. If it was any other day, we would’ve been out of here in seconds. But since I was too weak to move on my own, we walk at a snail pace. They’ll catch up to us soon at this rate. If we can just get out of the forest then the archers on the city wall, will take care of anyone chasing us.

“Jack, if we make it out of here, I want you to give up on being a knight.”

“I think the lack of blood is starting to get to you.”

“Just hear me out. You became a knight so you could become famous right? I’, pretty sure someone as smart as you can easily become famous without risking your life.”

“Maybe. The main reason I join in the first place was because I didn’t have anywhere to stay. If I leave now, then I’ll be force to stay on the streets again.”

Right, I remember him telling me about this before. He grew up alone and had to fight for himself. If I was in his situation, I would also take a chance

“Well if you have nowhere to go, then you can stay with me.”

“What, you serious?”

“Of course, you save my life. It’s the least I can do. Plus, the kids will be happy to have someone to play with.” Well, I’m not so sure about Anna. “Well I know one of them will be happy to see you.”

“….”

“What? You don’t want` come with me?

“No it’s not that it’s just seem like your trying to adopt me.”

“Well maybe I am, you said you never had family. So if you want to, you can think of us as one.”

“Hahaha” Jack rub his eye. “You really are a weird person James. You’re the only person who ever went out of his way to help me. If you truly mean it, I’ll be happy to join you.”

“I really mean it, and I think you’ll be happy to see your new home.”

“I can’t wait, but first thing first, we’re going need to get your arm-“  Jack froze, his eyes were wide open like something caught him by surprise.

“Jack?” His body begun to lean forward, and since Jack was carrying my weight, we both fell to the ground.

“Jack, what’s wrong?!”

“…” Jack laid on the ground, unresponsive. Blood was spilling from his body. I quickly flip him over to examine him.

“Oh no.” There was huge hole in his chest. What do I do?! I have nothing that can heal a wound this grave.

“I…I”

“Save your strength!” I put my hand on the wound to slow the bleeding. Damn it, why did this have to happen?! We were so close to getting out of here! A projectile fly right past my face, nearly hitting me. I was so focus on tending Jack injury, that I didn’t notice the enemy had surrounded us.

A group of arachnids, had encircle us. I only have two options in this situation. One, I can draw my sword and defend myself, but doing that means I’ll have to remove my hand from Jack wound, which will result in him immediately bleeding to death. Or I can keep taking care of him and ignore the arachnids, which will result in both of our deaths.

Both choices have Jack dying in the end. Option one is definitely the smartest choice. But, I’m not known for making smart choices. I already decided that I would protect this kid even it cost me my life. I only hope the time I bought will be enough for someone to rescue you.

*Boom* A deafening sound echoed across the forest, followed by a blinding light. I look up to see fire spreading across the sky. This was just like the explosion from earlier, except this time the fire raining into the forest. Setting everything ablaze.

“Keep spreading this fire! Alexander wants this forest burnt to the ground!”

“I turn around to see a group of hooded man standing by me.”

“Survivors?”

“What do we do? Alexander said to kill anything that moves.”

“…” One of the hooded man walk up to me and Jack. “Take them to the city, we’ll let Alexander decide their fate.”

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I woke up on a brightly lit room. Looking around I can only assume I’m in some kind of hospital. Since there was a medical supplies spread around the room. How did I get here? Last time I check I was in the forest with Jack. Right, we were drag away. The memories of the burning forest in the hooded men, flash back into my head.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Wait, drag away? I quickly bolt out of the bed. “Is this enemy territory?”

“Quite the opposite actually.” A young lady wearing a maid outfit walk into the room.

“You’re currently inside a manor. A group of men brought you here for treatment.”

“I see.” My left arm, or what’s left of it. Is tightly wrap in bandages. I guess we are really safe. Relief swept over me.

“Where’s Jack?”

“Jack?” The maid tilt her head in confusion.

“A kid with red hair. They should’ve brought him here with me.”

The bright smile on the maid vanish, replace with a more gloomy expression. I immediately knew that the next thing she will say, won’t be good.

“I’m sorry mister but your friend….”

Don’t say it, please don’t say it.

“Didn’t make it.”

“…. You’re lying right?” this got to be a cruel joke. Jack not supposed to die. I’m I was supposed to be protecting him.”

“I’m sorry mister. But friend was beyond saving. He died before he even made it here.”

“…I got to see him.”

“Wait.” The lady jumps in front of me. “You’re injury haven’t fully heal yet. Alexander don’t want you moving until you have completely recover.”

Alexander, it’s because of him that all of this happen. I’ll make him answer for everyone deaths.

I gently push maid aside, and headed for the door.

“Don’t you think you should listen to the lady?” Two hooded man enter into the room, blocking my exit.

“Please, step aside.”

“I’m afraid we can’t do that. We been order to make sure you rest up and fully recover. Even if it’s against your own will.”

“I won’t rest till I made sure Alexander pay for what he did.”

“Then you leave us with no choice.” The man throws a punch at me. I grab it and push him away. Then I quickly kick the guy other away.

“Stay down. The only person I’m after is Alexander.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” One of the hooded man wraps his arm around my neck, putting me in a chokehold.

Damn it, it’s hard fighting with one arm. Not only that, but my strength haven’t return yet. I can’t break out.

“Quickly, give him the sedative! The other hooded man gets up and pulls out a needle.

I use my magic to increase my strength and kick the guy holding the needle, sending him flying to a wall. The man holding me tighten his grip on my throat. Using my enhance strength, I jump backwards crashing both of us into a wall.

Yea, I’m definitely going to be sore tomorrow. Getting up, I notice the maid had a terrified expression her face.

“Don’t worry they’re just unconscious.” The only person I’m going to kill is Alexander. I  dash out the room. The maid is probably going to call for help soon. I’m need to get to Alexander before reinforcement arrive.

I sent out a pulse to scan the building. Within that I pick Alexander. He’s not far my location. I turn a corner, entering a

long hallway. Standing in the middle of it was three cloak man, and behind them was a door that led to Alexander.

“This is your only warning, turn back now.”

I continue to walk forward. Despite their threat.

“I get it. You’re upset about your friend death. We tried everything we could but-“I throw a hook at the hooded man. He ducks to dodge it. I bring my leg to knee him. The man jumps backwards to avoid it. I dash to the spot he landed and throw a straight. He tilts his head to avoid the punch. Then grabs my arm and flips me in the air. I twist my body around so I could land back on my feet.

Who is this guy? I couldn’t even land a hit on him.

“You’re as good as they say. I was concern that loss of your arm would affect you. But it seems that I don’t have to worry.” The man throw his cloak off, fully revealing himself.

Even though the man looks young, his hair was fully gray. He wore a black and white kimono. The man reach for his sheath and pulls out a katana.

“I, Miyamoto Musashi, will be your opponent.”

A samurai? This is a bad match up for me. I don’t even have my sword. My only option is to immediately close the distance and stop him from swinging his sword. But, is it even possible for me close that gap without getting cut into pieces?

I enhance my strength as much as I could. Well, only one way to find out. Just as was about to run, all my strength vanish. I look down see a needle stuck to my chest. My body drops to the ground.

“Sorry but I can’t allow this to fight to go on any longer.” A cloak man walks up to me.

“Why did you interfere? He was my opponent.”

“If I didn’t jump in, you two would’ve kill each other, our orders is to capture him, not kill him.”

*Tch* The samurai put his katana back in the sheath. “I was really looking forward to this fight, but the job comes first. Take him away.”

Two hooded man drags me away. I could only watch as the door that lead to Alexander became distance.

I’m sorry Jack, not only did I fail save you, but I can’t even avenge you.

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“You shouldn’t blame yourself for their death, it wasn’t fault.”

“Yea, you’re right. It’s not my fault, it’s yours!” I punch the bars where the man face was. “Alexander, why did you come here?!

“I wanted to know, I wanted to know how everyone died.”

“Why?”

“Because they were my responsibility. I was just hoping no one died a painful death.”

“You make it sound like you care. If you did then you wouldn’t have left them.”

“I had no choice. You said it yourself, the monsters are becoming intelligent. I tired many times to destroy the forest, but every time they would stop me. I needed a distraction something that would keep them busy enough for us to destroy the forest. I know it may seem cruel, but in the end we save an entire city and we only suffer a few death.”

“I see, killed the few to save the many right?”

“I know what I did was wrong, but if we didn’t do anything the monster would’ve eventually took over this town.”

“I understand, if I was in your situation, I would’ve done the same thing.”

Taking out a key he unlocks my cell. “I’m glad you understand now maybe we could-“

Before he could finish speaking, I grab him by the throat in slam him to the wall.

“What you said make sense, but I still don’t get it.” If truly wanted to protect this town at all cost without having casualty. Why didn’t you sacrifice yourself? Of course you wouldn’t do that would you? Instead of doing the brave thing, you sent of a bunch men to their death without any of them knowing. In the end you’re just a fucking monster.”

The room temperature drop. I could even see my breath. Ice magic? It doesn’t matter, I’ll snap his neck before I freeze. I tried to tighten my grip, but my arm wouldn’t responded, in fact my arm became pale somehow. What kind of magic is he using?

“Maybe I am a monster.” Alexander swipe my hand away. “Have you ever question why the monsters are behaving so weirdly all of sudden? Something foul has been awoken. And I’m the only one who notice it. It’s my duty to stop it. Even if I have to discard my own humanity just to do it.” That’s why I didn’t sacrifice myself. I won’t die until I accomplish my mission. Alexander begin to walk away.

“Wait, I’m not done with you yet.”

“I think you have something else you should be more concern about, like your family.”

“What did you do to them?”

“Nothing, but I did send them a report telling them you died. I honestly didn’t expect anyone to survive in that forest. You should go see them see, or at least let them know you’re alive. I know you may find this difficult to believe, but I’m happy that you survive, and I hope that you’ll put this incident behind you and live the rest of your life and peace.” With those words, he left the room.

Do I go after him? If I do I’ll have to deal with that samurai again. And I don’t know if I can beat him in my current state. What would you do Jack?

Heh heh, I guess you would say something about me going home and protecting my family. But…. Do I even deserve to go home?

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Jack, was a man who wanted to be famous. Because he was afraid of being forgotten. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t accomplish his dream, but I don’t think he has to worry about that anymore. I could forget him? If it wasn’t for him, I would never have the courage to come back here.

I raise my hand up and lightly knock on the door.

Jack, thank you.

Next Chapter

The Promise Day