Yea, this chapter is kind of long
Finale
End of the beginning
“We’re done for today.”
“Wait, I can keep going.”
“I know you can, but I can’t.” I wipe the sweat off my forehead using my shirt. “You gotten pretty good.”
“Yea, but I still can’t hit you.”
“From the way you’re improving, I’m confident you’ll be able to beat me soon.”
“And how long is soon?” Letting out a sigh, Anna drops her weapon in walks away.
“Don’t you think you’re being too hard on her?” I turn around to see Deborah, I guess she was watching the whole fight.
“Anna is a prodigy. If I go easy on her she’ll quickly overwhelm me. In fact, can you guess how many fighting styles she knows? You’ll be amaze by the answer.”
“Well since she is a thousand times older than us, I guess she master pretty much all fighting styles known to man.”
“I’m afraid you’re wrong. Anna doesn’t know any fighting styles. So what you saw was just her relying on reflex and instinct.”
“Wait so you didn’t teach her anything?”
"The only thing I taught her was how to wield a sword properly. Teaching her how to fight was unnecessary since she got her own unique way of fighting.”
“So then what’s the point of her sparring with you, if you don’t plan on her teaching anything?”
“To help her adapt to her body. With each fight her movement gets better. It won’t be long before she beat me, she just missing one thing.”
“And what would that be?”
“Technique. We as humans are used to fighting creatures stronger than us. To deal with these creatures, we usually have some sort of trick up are sleeve to even the odds. But Anna of course, doesn’t have any techniques. Her only tactic is to hit the opponent until he’s down for good.”
“Yea, that definitely sound like her.”
“Anna is already strong. All she needs to do is create her own technique, once she does that. I don’t think anyone will be able to stop her.”
(Anna P.O.V)
How the hell am I going to beat this guy? You would think that a one arm man would be an easy opponent. And yet I can’t hit him for shit. Just thinking how he easily push my attacks away piss me off.
“You alright sis?” I look up to see Aaron standing in front of me. I guess it because I didn’t pay attention to him in a while, because I was completely surprise by his appearance.
He doesn’t look like the cry baby that hid behind my back anymore. He now has a slightly muscular physique. And his green eyes that always look like they were ready to cry, were now filled with confidence.
“Yea I’m fine.”
“Really? You look like you’re having a hard time.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I saw your fight with dad earlier.”
C’mon, I’m trying to get over that fight. The last thing I need is to be reminded of it.
The leaves began to rustle as Aaron sat right next to me.
“I don’t get it sis, why don’t you just use your magic? Dad was using his the entire time during the fight.”
“He has?! That fucking asshole!” Well that explain why I been losing. But even with this knowledge I still have no idea how to beat him. Even if I use magic to increase my strength or make my sword heavier I’ll still lose. Every time I try to hit him with a strong attack he’ll counter it before it lands.
Counter…That’s right, every time I tried to get through his block he’ll counter me. If I can find a way to get through his counter than I can beat him. I need a way to counter his counter… Wait, why don’t I do just that, create a move that can counter attacks!
I look over at Aaron. Lying next to him was a bow and a bunch of arrows. Yea, I think a just came up with a good idea.
.
.
“Sis, this idea is pretty dumb, you do know what you’re asking me to do right?”
“Yes I do. Now stop being a bitch and shoot me already!” Now I know what I said sound insane, and to be honest, it is. But hey, I never claim I was sane.
“Alright.” Getting into a stance, Aaron slowly pull the string on his bow. “You ready?”
“Just do it.”
Letting go of the string, an arrow came flying towards me. I quickly raise my wooden sword and deflect it.
Good, I can parry, but these arrows aren’t fast enough. James’ attacks are far faster than this.
“Again.” Aaron fires another arrow at me. Just like the last one I easily deflect it, but seeing how slow the arrow was moving aggravate me.
“Can’t you shoot faster or something?”
“I can, but I might accidentally kill you if I do.”
‘I might accidentally kill you.’ This kid is getting cocky.
“So what, just because you finish your training before me you think you’re stronger than me now?”
“No sis I just don’t want to hurt you-“
“Hit me with your strongest attack! And I’ll show you how strong I am.”
“Sis, this is really stupid and dangerous.”
“Stop arguing with me and do it already!”
“O-k.” Aaron got back into his usual archer stance. While pulling the string on his bow, I could feel magic gathering into his arrow.
Sensing the impending danger, I quickly lean out of the way. A huge gust of blew past me, follow by a thunderous sound.
What the hell, was that his arrow? I didn’t even see it! I turn around only to be amaze at the damage the arrow cause.
How fast the arrow was moving, I definitely was expecting it to pierce through a few trees, except it didn’t do that. The arrow smash through the trees, breaking all the ones that was in its path into pieces.
“What the hell, are trying to kill me?!”
“But you told me to hit you with my strongest attack.” Well that’s definitely true I can’t refute that.
“Well you can at least tell me what your attack is.”
“I’m an archer, I thought my attack was pretty obvious.”
“Yea it’s true you’re an archer. But all the archers I seen shoot arrows. But you just fire a fucking cannon ball at me!” if that attack hit me, I would’ve been crush. Even if I tried to block it still would’ve sent me flying.
“I want you to do that again.”
“Are you sure? You barely survive the last one.”
“That because I didn’t know what to expect. But now that I know what’s coming, I’ll easily be able to deflect it.”
Well even if do know what’s coming I still might get killed. Aaron’s arrow is way faster than James’ attack. Not only that, but his arrow is ridiculously heavy, heavy enough to smash trees. If I mess my parry up then I’m pretty much screw. But if I can parry this, then I’m confident I’ll be able counter anything James throw at me.
“You ready sis?”
“Just go already.”
As soon he let go of the string I completely lost track of the arrow. Lucky for me I have good reflexes, even though I couldn’t see the arrow, my body still reacted and block it. Of course it was a huge mistake trying to block it. Now I’m currently being carried by the arrow. Even though I reinforce my wooden sword with my magic. The arrow was slowly cracking it.
Crap, I need to hurry and change the direction of the arrow before it breaks my sword and hits me. I channel more of my mana into my sword hoping I push the arrow aside. The more I struggle to push the arrow, the more my sword crack. Unable to handle the pressure anymore, my sword finally breaks. Just as my sword breaks I ended losing my balance and roughly fall to the ground.
“Sis you ok?!” Aaron rushes over to me.
“Shit, I mess up.” Not only did I fail to parry the attack, I ended breaking my sword too.
“No, I think you succeeded.” Aaron turn his head to the left, I also turn my head to see a bunch of destroy trees.
I see, I was able to change the arrow course, but it cost me my sword in the process. Feeling a little satisfied, I jump to my feet.
“Stay right here, I’ll be back.”
“Where you going?”
“I’m going to grab me another sword, we’re going to keep doing this until I perfect this technique.”
.
.
“You seem to be happy today.”
“Of course I’m happy, today is the day I beat you.”
“We’ll see about that.”
After that little exchange both of us went silent. Strangely, even though we were about to fight, neither one of us took a fighting stance. Even though James didn’t have his guard up, I knew he still wouldn’t be easy to hit.
I usually don’t praise people, but I’ll admit that James is a very talented fighter. Even after losing his arm, it doesn’t seem like he lost his edge. If he was alive two-hundred years ago, he probably would’ve been in the hero party. Beating him in my current state might actually be impossible, at least head on that is. If I want to beat him, I’m going to have to catch him off guard, and this move I’ve been working on should do just that.
I slowly, but causally close the distance between us. It was subtle, but the closer I got the more I could magic gathering around him. And it seems most of it was concentrated around his eyes. Well I guess this explain how he’s been beating me. He’s been enhancing his eye so he could predict all my attacks. Well this just further reinforce the fact that I won’t be able to beat him in a head on confrontation.
As soon as I got into striking distance I stop moving. We both silently stare at each waiting for the other to attack. Usually it’s me who attacks first, but this time I’m taking it slow, because if I mess this up, I probably will never able to use this move on him again.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly raise my sword to strike, but before I could attack, I notice sudden movement to the right of me. Before I could figure out wants it was, my body immediately reacted and move my sword to block it. I turn my head to realize that it was James sword.
“Impressive Anna, I’m surprise you block that, but that shock look on your face tells me that your also surprise that you block that.”
“It’s true, I am surprise, I never thought you take the initiative in this fight.”
“Well you seem to be up to something, so I thought it be best if I take you out quickly.”
“Well I’m sorry to tell you, I’m not that easy.” I push James sword aside and then swung mines at his body. But before I could hit him, he quickly move his sword to intercept my attack.
Yup, just as I thought, I won’t be able get through his defense. I fought James enough times to know how he fights. Every time I try to hit him with a fast attack he’ll simply block, and if I tried to hit him with a strong attack that might break his block he’ll quickly take advantage of the opening and attack me. It’s simple, but very effective.
As I kept wildly swinging my sword, James calmly block all my attack. Taking a step back, I put my whole body into my next swing hoping it would get through his block.
Just as I predicted, instead of trying to block, he move his sword to counter my attack. This my only chance, if I can get through his counter, than he’ll be left wide open.
I channel my mana into my sword. Not to increase it durability, but to redirect James attack
The moment our swords touch, James arm was forcefully push away from me. I quickly took advantage of the opening and lightly poke him with my sword.
“So did I win?”
The surprise look on James face slowly change to a soft smile.
“Yea, you win.”
“Finally now I can get out of here.”
“You plan on leaving now?”
“Of course, the only reason why I stay this long was so I can kick your ass. Now that I completed that goal there’s no reason for me to be here.”
“I understand your urgency to leave, but we might not see each other again in a long time. So why don’t you stay for a little so we can have a farewell party.”
“A farewell party? I don’t know about that.” Seeing how clingy this family is, something tells me this party will get awkward.
“Think about it this way, this might be the last time you get to eat your mom cake. Are you sure you want to miss that?”
“…you sure do know how to lure me in. Fine, I’ll stay for a bit.”
.
.
Yea, just as I thought, this got awkward. Both Aaron and I watch as Deborah cry about her kids growing up, or something along those lines. James try his best to comfort her, but nothing he did stop her from crying.
Unable to handle the scene anymore, I took a step outside to get some peace and quiet. Unfortunately I could still hear her crying from out here. Letting out a sigh, I look up at the sky, the setting sun gave the sky an orange and purplish color.
“So tomorrow it huh?” I look over to see Aaron was standing next to me.
“Yup, tomorrow I’ll be out of here.”
“I never did ask you, but where are we going?”
We? Oh right, I keep forgetting that Aaron plans on tagging along with me.
“My first destination is Athens.”
“Athens? Why there?”
“First, it isn’t that far, and two they have a memorial dedicated to all the past heroes and everyone that travel with them. I’m confident I can dig up some info on Alice whereabouts there.”
“Don’t you think it’ll be easier if we just look for the current hero? I mean I understand why you’re looking for her. But the current hero has the weapon that um…‘defeated’ you before, which means he might know how to get your lost powers back.”
“I doubt he knows. I been doing research on all the heroes and me. And no matter how hard I look they never explain how I was defeated. Which means the spell that killed me is being kept a secret. I’m confident that Alice didn’t tell anyone about that spell hence why no one’s know it. She probably plans on taking it to the grave with her. But I won’t let that happen.”
“This sounds like this going to be a complicated trip.” Aaron begin to scratch his hair.
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“You can stay here you know.”
“That’s not going to happen sis. I mean to be honest with you I am kind of nervous and a little scared. But more than that I’m actually excited. I never left the city before, so this adventure is going to be a huge eye-opener.” A wide grin spread on Aaron’s face.
“As long you don’t get in my way you can do whatever you want. But I don’t think this trip will be as pleasant as you hope.”
“Maybe, but instead of focusing on the negative, why don’t we just enjoy ourselves right now.” Aaron turns around and begin to head back towards the house. “You coming sis?”
“…” The sound of Deborah crying continue to reverberate around the house.
“I’ll be in a little.” Or at least until Deborah stop crying.
“Ok.” After Aaron left, I waited around outside until the sound of Deborah crying finally died down.
“My babies are leaving me!!” Just as I was about to go back inside, Deborah out into another loud sob.
Well it looks like I’m going be out here for a while.
.
.
I’m not a morning person. You would think my body would know that fact by now. Instead it continues be an asshole and wake me up early in the morning. Usually I would just go back to sleep. Except today the day I’ll be leaving so I really don’t have time to be sleeping unfortunately.
Resisting the urge to go back to sleep, I hop out of my bed, well I tried to. I actually ended up rolling around until I fell on the floor.
“You look so handsome!”
“Y-You really think so?”
Both Deborah and Aaron voice came from right outside my room. Using curiosity as my strength, I was finally able to get my lazy butt off the floor. Heading out the room, I walk into an interesting scene. Both James and Deborah were standing near Aaron. And Aaron himself was wearing an outfit that made him look like a bandit.
“What are you guys doing?”
“We were just watching your brother try on his new outfit.” Deborah said with a huge smile on her face.
How strange, yesterday she was crying her eyes out because we were leaving. Now she looks really excited for some reason.
How do I look sis?” Aaron steps away from mom so I could get a better look like at him. Aaron had on sleeveless leather amour along with black pants. He also wore a single fingerless glove, I guess to help him shoot or something. All and all his outfit looked really light, but then again he is an archer so he really doesn’t need heavy amour.
“I guess you look ok.”
“I got an outfit for you too Anna.”
“Really?” To be honest I was actually interested and a little bit excited to see what kind of outfit she had for me. But that immediately vanish once I notice a skirt on top of the clothes she brought.
Looking up, Deborah had a smile on her face that basically said “hurry up and try these on.” And the only thing I have to say to that is…
“No.”
“C’mon Anna, I pick this out just for you.”
“I said no.”
“Please, this might be the last time I see you, so please, let me see you wear a skirt just this once.” Tears begin to well up in her eyes.
…There’s a grown women begging me to wear a skirt. At this point I looked back, I mean really looked back at everything I done to try to find out what the hell I done that led me to this point.
*Sigh* “Fine, I’ll wear it.”
“Really?” Deborah said weakly
“Yes, really. Now give it to me before I change my mind.”
She did say that she picks this out just for me, so I’m just going to assume that there might be some benefits to wearing this besides making me look “cute.”
“Everyone stay here, and don’t even think about peeking.” Before anyone could response, I quickly shut myself inside the bathroom and quietly look at my clothes.
“Might as well get this over with.” I slowly went through the pile and examine the clothes. There was a brown jacket, a white shirt, a black skirt, brown boots, and oh man, even black stockings.
Somewhere out there I know Athena is laughing at me. My pride is pretty much non-existence now, I have nothing else to lose.
After stripping my clothes off, I quickly threw on the outfit that Deborah gave me. After throwing the outfit on, I quickly went to the mirror. Unfortunately the mirror wasn’t that big, so couldn’t fully check myself out. But from the little I could see, I could tell that Deborah really thought this outfit out.
For one, the outfit looked like causal wear, which means it easy and comfortable to move in, not only that but none of my skin is showing, the stocking is completely cover my legs and the jacket, my arms. So I won’t be getting stung or scratch by anything while wearing this. And jacket itself seem like it can absorb a few blows before tearing. My only gripe with the outfit is the skirt itself.
Grabbing the skirt, I lifted it up revealing my panties. When I’m not looking in the mirror, my mental image of me is that of my old body. So imagine a 7 foot tall man wearing a skirt. Yea, definitely not a pretty image. Not only that but I always feel like “something” is going pop out when I wear a skirt. Even though that “something” that we all know what I’m talking about has been gone for two hundred years now.
Anyway enough stalling, I’m going have to show myself to them sooner later, I just hope they don’t overreact. Gathering my resolve, I walk out the bathroom. Immediately everyone focus on me.
“Anna, you look so-“
“Don’t say it.” I quickly interrupted Deborah. “Let’s just quietly accept the fact that I’m wearing this and move on with are life ok?”
Aaron nodded in agreement. While Deborah look like she was going to explode from excitement. James simply chuckle.
“Just like your mom, I also got something for you.” Walking over to me James hand me a sword.
The sheath that the sword in was, was dark brown. I quickly pulled the sword out from the sheath to examine it. Even though the sword look slightly smaller than other swords, it doesn’t look like it’ll break easily. I swung it around a few times to test it.
I’m not really a fan of swords, but after hearing the sound the sword made when it cut air, made excited to use it on a real target.
“Um, Anna.” James look at me worriedly. “That sword was the one I use when I was a knight. So I be happy if you don’t go crazy with it.”
“C’mon James, do I really look like someone who’ll start a fight just to test my weapon?”
“…Do you really want me to answer that question?”
“You should have more faith in me James, I’m not as crazy as you think.” Although I was actually planning on starting a fight.
After fiddling around with my sheath, I was finally able to get it attach to my waist. My jacket nearly conceal my entire sword. Except the hilt was still sticking out, making it easy for me to grab my sword.
“Ah, you two look so adorable. Don’t they James?”
“Yea, they definitely look like adventurers now. All they need now is there license.”
.
.
Walking through town is always a pain. Because there always a few people that’ll stare or point at me. You would think that walking around with a group of people would help me blend in the crowd better. But somehow, I’m standing out even more now.
Deborah was crying the entire time we were walking, because she realize we were leaving today. Aaron didn’t really help either. He kept nervously looking around like he stole something. And now that I think about it, I also made myself standout even more than usual. I kept pulling on my skirt the entire we walk, because I was afraid the wind would blow it.
“We’re here.” The normalist person in our group said.
We all stop to see James was pointing at the adventure guild
“We’ll wait out here for you two.”
Both Aaron and I silently nodded before heading into the guild. Naturally, everyone turn to face us the moment we came in.
It’s the typical scene you’ll see when you walk into a bar. A bunch of grown man trying there damn hardest to make themselves look tough. Somehow there pathetic gaze affected Aaron. He refuse to look anyone in the eye and kept his gaze to the floor. Well at least he isn’t running or hiding behind me, so I count that as improvement.
“You guys need anything?” A woman wearing a maid outfit with long brown hair walk up to us.
“We’ll like to become adventurers.” Aaron quietly said.
A few people started laughing. The waitress quickly turn her head and silence them by giving them the death glare.
Turning back around, she gave us a warm smile.
“Follow me.”
We both follow the waitress to a counter. Going behind it, she grabs two blank cards.
“Can I borrow your hand for a moment?”
“Um, sure” The waitress grabs Aaron’s hand and lightly poke it with a needle.
“Ouch.” A single drop of blood fell on the card, which somehow made it glow. The waitress examine the card before giving it to Aaron.
I curiously peek over his shoulder to see what was on his card. It had a small picture of him on the upper left corner along with some info.
Name: Aaron
Sex: Male
Age: 14
Race: Human
Occupation: Adventurer
Hmm, a card that gives info by absorbing people blood. Something tells me Athena behind this. Well I just hope the card won’t mention that I’m the Demon King in anyway.
“Can I see your hand?”
I reluctantly gave my hand to the waitress. I flinch a little when poke me with the needle. Just like Aaron’s card mines began to glow. After the light faded, the waitress quietly examine my card. I begin to get nervous since she was looking at my card longer than Aaron’s. After a few seconds has pass, she finally gave my card to me. I slowly look down at my card to see what it said.
Alias: Anna
Sex: Female
Age: 16+
Race: Human??
Occupation: Adventurer
I didn’t know what to say. Well truthfully I’m still trying to figure if the card knows who am I or is it completely confuse. From the looks of it I’m going to say it’s confuse. Well I’m just glad it didn’t say I was the Demon King. At least when people look at my card, they’ll think I’m from some kind of exotic race or something.
“Um, if you would like I can make you another one.” The waitress gave me a warm smile.
“No thanks, this one is good enough.”
“Ok, well congratulations on becoming an adventurer!” The waitress happily claps her hand. Do you guys need me to explain how things work here?”
“No thanks.” I grab Aaron’s hand and walk away.
“Well if you need anything just stop by ok?!” The waitress shouted.
After walking out the guild we were immediately greeted by Deborah and James.
“You guys finish already?”
“Yea, I honestly can’t believe how easy it was to become an adventurer.” Aaron said while staring at his card.
“Well adventurers are all pretty much regular civilian so I figure it wouldn’t be that long. Now if you want to become a knight, that’s a challenge.” A prideful grin spread on James face
“So this is it, you guys are really leaving?” Deborah said with tears welling in her eyes.
“Don’t worry mom.” Aaron wrap his arm around Deborah. “We’ll be back to visit you.” James eventually join in the hug.
“Sis?” The three turn to me.
“Sorry, but I don’t do hugs.” Turning around, I take a few steps before stopping. “You guys have been very helpful to me you even kept my secret safe. So I decided, I’ll grant you guys’ one wish.”
“A wish?” Both Deborah and James look at me confusingly.
“Yep, once I get all my powers back it’ll be easy to grant one of your wish. So what do you want? Power, money, or maybe even a country?
“…” After quietly staring at each other, both Deborah and James gave me a warm smile.
“It be nice if you call us mom and dad for once.”
“What?”
“That’s our wish, we want you to call us mom and dad.”
“…” They could’ve wish for anything and I would’ve granted it, but they wasted on this? As I thought, this family is full of idiots.
“Alright, fine.” Clearing my throat, I prepare myself to say two simple words. For some reason, both of the parents looked really excited.
“Mom, dad.” I said softly.
Before I knew it, both of them rush and hug.
“Thanks Anna, that’s was the best gift ever. Now say I love you.”
“Now you’re pushing it!” I forcefully break free from there hug.
“Oh well, it was worth a shot.” Deborah said with a slight melancholic on her face.
“We kept you guys here long enough, it time for us to part ways.” James also had a melancholic look on his face.
“Don’t worry, once I conquer the world I’ll pay you a visit.”
Finally finishing our goodbyes. We headed for the gate that led to outside the city. I turn to see Aaron had a surprisingly confident smile on his face. Well it looks like I don’t have to worry about him.
For two hundred years, the world live in peace. I think it’s about time for that to end. I think it’s time to reintroduce myself to the world.
(Athena P.O.V)
I see… in the end you choice the worst possible option for yourself, and not only that but you decided to drag your brother along too. No matter how hard I try, I can’t see this ending well for you. I’m afraid your quest for Alice will only end in your downfall.
A/N: I find it kind of funny, my teachers have a hard time getting me to write a paragraph, and yet here i am writing pages like its nothing. I wonder what they'll think if I show this to them.
Anyway thank you guys for sticking with me through my first arc! I got something that'll hopefully get you excited for my second one. It should be coming out soonish. So see you then i guess.