Chapter 8: It's Dark
It’s another bright and sunny day in Rohan. Though you may expect most players to be hunting down dangerous foes or seeking quick rich schemes, Marcus was doing none of that. What Marcus was doing was rolling around in the dirt with his new daughter, Diana.
“Haha, that tickles!” (Marcus)
Giving Marcus plenty of affection, Diana continues to lick Marcus whenever she could get the chance. Marcus has grown incredibly fond of the little rascals, as if she was really his own daughter.
[ping]
Satiation at 40%
-10% Stamina
-10% Strength
-10% Agility
Marcus has been out for 5 hours. While Enjoying the sun and playing with Diana, he completely forgot about lunch! Wandering back inside, he finds two bento boxes, one labeled Marcus, the other Diana.
“Hi Marcus, did you had fun out there?” (Misty33)
Sitting next to the fireplace, Misty was knitting another blanket, however this one was bigger than usual.
“Hey Misty, whacha making there?” (Marcus)
“Something to remember this moment by” (Misty33)
Peeking over, Marcus could see the work of a large tapestry of the farm. Instead of a barren wasteland, it showed a garden full of life.
“It’s like a picture, since there’s no cameras here, I thought this would be a good idea” (Misty33)
Marcus only nodded as he was still stuffing his face with food. It was definitely the work of a mastercraftsman. He always wonder how Misty was so good at knitting, he never seen her knit in real life, much less touch a needle. Seeing how diligently she was working, it gave him motivation to keep pushing forward.
“Thanks for the meal! I’m off to the forge!” (Marcus)
Giving Diana one last belly rub, he marched towards the forge. Today was the last day of the quest. He was determined to finish it.
“Hey Marcus, you’re back!” (FrankYellow)
“Yup, I think I’m ready now” (Marcus)
“Alright then! Come this way!” (FrankYellow)
Making their way to the back of the forge, Marcus sat down on the same stool he’s been using for the last 7 days. To his right, a mountain of failure knives he forged himself, on the left, the anvil. Quickly stretching out his body, he looked around.
“Where’s Master?” (Marcus)
“Master went out to get more ores with Derek. He was complaining about how many ores you were wasting!” (FrankYellow)
“Sorry about that!” (Marcus)
“Haha, I’m kidding! Anyways you got one day left, good luck!” (FrankYellow)
Marcus learned several skills while attempting to replicate the knife. After reaching beginner level 5 in every skill, he was confident that this was the day he’ll finish the quest. Swiftly, Marcus started the process. Like muscle memory, his movements were fluid and his concentration was at it’s peak. For a quest like this, there was no room for error. Slowly, but surely, the knife began to give shape. The durability, shape and sharpness all had to be the same as Garat’s knife. After one final polished, it was done. Holding up the knife to Frank, Marcus was grinning ear to ear.
“So?” (Marcus)
“Looks like this is the one, you passed!” (FrankYellow)
[Ping]
Quest: Becoming Garat’s Apprentice (Part 2)! (Complete)
Title gain! Garat’s Apprentice
+500 exp
+20 Fame
Would you like to equip title: Garat’s Apprentice?
“Yes” (Marcus)
New title equipped!
Bonus: +10% experience for smithing skills
Free access to Garat’s Forge
“Congrats Marcus!” (FrankYellow)
“Ehehe, thanks!” (Marcus)
“Since Master’s not here, why not come back tomorrow? I’m sure he’ll want to celebrate with you!” (FrankYellow)
“Thanks, I’m going to tell Misty that I finished the quest! Bye Frank!” (Marcus)
“Haha, alright, see yah!” (FrankYellow)
Making his way through the plaza, the system alarm began to ring.
[Buzzz Buzzz]
Time: 8:30 am
Ah, time for school
Log out
***
Login out, Sora made his way to breakfast before jetting out the door. To his surprise, Akiko was there, waving her arm at Sora to come over.
“Akiko, It’s been over a week, how’s your flu?” (Sora)
*cough cough*
The act of Akiko coughing into her mitts almost gave Sora a heart attack.
“Hey! You alright?!” (Sora)
“Y-yeah, I’m fine” (Akiko)
“Hey Akiko, if you’re not feeling well, you need to rest. Don’t push yourself...” (Sora)
Though Sora may be stupid sometimes, he’s still able to tell when someone wasn't feeling well. However, Sora stopped questioning her when she shook her head while pouting.
Throughout the day, everything was normal. Sora watched from a distance while Akiko went about her day. She was smiling and laughing like she normally would. As the day came to a close, Sora was waiting for Akiko at the school’s gate. Running towards Sora was the usual high-spirited Akiko.
“Hey Sora- Oh I forgot something back at the shoe locker, be right back!” (Akiko)
After quickly returning, they walked back home together. Along the way Akiko was humming a sweet tune. There wasn't any signs of fatigue from earlier that day. Halfway home, Akiko reached out and grab Sora’s hand. Still humming the same tune, she turn to smile at Sora.
Holding her hand tight, Sora was relieved. He began to chuckle at how silly he must have been while worrying about Akiko. As they stopped in front of Akiko’s house, they turned to each other with a big smile.
“See yah later Akiko” (Sora)
“... Yeah, see ya Sora. Thanks for everything” (Akiko)
Sora made his way home without any delay. He was excited to show Akiko his finished blade and to play some more with Diana. However, blocking his path at the doorway was his mom. She was scowling at Sora the moment he walked in.
“Sora, how many times were you late this year?” (Mom)
“... like 5ish?” (Sora)
“20 times! I got a call from your school today, do you know how embarrassed I am?” (Mom)
oh boy...
“After dinner, we’re having a family meeting. We’re going to discuss about your punishment” (Mom)
“Okay mom...” (Sora)
“Hey don’t give me that attitude Mister!” (Mom)
Blah blah blah blah... It’s always the same speech
Sitting down on the couch, Sora flicks on the T.V.
[da-da-da-dum! It’s Mighty-Man!]
Heh, this show’s still running?
Sitting there in a trance, Sora started to reminisce when he was a child.
[Hah! Pow! Crash!]
And that kids, is how justice is served
[And that kids, is how justice is served!]
As the credits began to roll, the sound of police sirens passed by Sora’s house. As the sound gradually disappeared, Sora’s father walked in.
“Hey my little man, how’s everything?” (Dad)
“Okay I guess, nothing much” (Sora)
“Hm, I heard about your attendance” (Dad)
“Sigh... Sorry Dad, I’ll wake up earlier from now on” (Sora)
“...We don’t get many chances to talk like this, tell me what’s on your mind?” (Dad)
“...” (Sora)
“...You know Sora, I was a lot like you when I was your age… I was rebellious, always out having fun” (Dad)
“...” (Sora)
“...Your grandmama always scolded me for never being around... I want to be free, I wanted to have my own adventures... ” (Dad)
“...” (Sora)
“...Even when your grandmama was in the hospital, I never visited her once... I thought-I thought I had time...” (Dad)
“...” (Sora)
“Sora, I regret not telling my own mother how much I truly loved her... I don’t want you to make the same mistake. Don’t be mad at your mother Sora, she-” (Dad)
“Thanks dad, I get it” (Sora)
Why is everyone so annoying today?
“Alright then, let’s go eat” (Dad)
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
The Sato family sat in silence while eating their meal. It wasn't everyday the whole family got together. As Sora was finishing the last bit of his rice, the mother nudged the father with her foot.
“Ahem, Sora about your punishment” (Dad)
“I’m listening...” (Sora)
“For 2 weeks, curfew at 7 pm, you have to be up by 7 am and no more games” (Dad)
“What? No games?” (Sora)
“Sora! This is for your own good!” (Mom)
“Tsk!” (Sora)
“H-hey Sora!” (Dad)
Sora ran up to his room while slamming the door. He was furious. For him, it wasn't about the game, it was about spending time with Akiko. Examining the capsule in his room, several of the main components were removed, essentially, it was unusable. Annoyed, Sora slump on his bed while playing with his phone.
Ah, I should call Akiko.
*Dialing*
Waiting for 15 seconds, the dial tone ended and went straight to voicemail. Having failed to reach her by phone, he decided to send her a text message. After 20 minutes, he got no reply. Now even more annoyed, he went for broke. He tried calling Akiko’s house, he knew if Akiko’s mother picked up, she would hang up immediately.
While waiting for the other end to pick up, he heard a male voice, it was Akiko’s father.
“Maeda resident, how may I help you?” (Mr. Maeda)
“Ah, hi Oji-sama, it’s me, Sora” (Sora)
“Hey Sora, how are you?” (Mr. Maeda)
“Um, I’m fine, is Akiko around?” (Sora)
“...Akiko...sorry Sora, she’s not here right now” (Mr. Maeda)
“Please Oji-sama! I need to talk to her, it’s important!” (Sora)
After a brief pause...
“Akiko is at the hospital with mama” (Mr. Maeda)
“What?! What happened?” (Sora)
“I just got the news recently too, I’m not sure what going on. After eating, I’m heading there” (Mr. Maeda)
“Please Oji-sama! Take me with you!” (Sora)
“Ah-okay, hurry over, I’ll be leaving shortly” (Mr. Maeda)
Hanging up, Sora looked at the time... 7:03 pm.... At this point, he didn't care about a curfew, he had to go. Sliding his window open, he was on the 2nd floor. Sora wasn't afraid of heights but this was his first time jumping from this height. Running back to his door, he listened to see what his parents were doing...
Dad’s watching T.V. Mom’s in the shower...
Taking a deep breath, Sora steeled his resolve. He took a leap of faith, jumping out the window while tumbling on the ground...
ARG!
“Fuck! My ankle!” (Sora)
Rolling in the dirt, Sora was clenching his right foot. The pain was sharp, his heart started to beat faster and faster.
I don’t have time for this!
Sora started to limp towards Akiko’s house, it was only 3 minute by foot, but to Sora, it felt like hours. He became conscious of each step he took, it was painful. Sora gave up on walking, half way he began crawling on the floor. As he reached the driveway, he could see Mr. Maeda sitting in the car with the engine on. Sora limped his way to the passenger side window...
[tap tap tap]
Opening the door, Sora made his way inside the car.
“Sora, what happened to your leg?” (Mr. Maeda)
“Just a small sprain... anyways, lets go, we need to hurry” (Sora)
***
They arrived at the hospital. After a short conversation at the receptionist desk, their destination was room 501. Walking through the hallway, Mr. Maeda help support Sora as they made their way towards Akiko’s room. Opening the door, they found Mrs. Maeda sitting next to the bed. She was stroking her daughter’s hand. It was silent. The only noise in the room was the sound of the heart monitor.
[be-bep....be-bep...]
As Mr. Maeda and Sora walked in, Mrs. Maeda turned her head to see who had entered.
“Tsk, why is that boy here?” (Mrs. Maeda)
“Honey, now’s not the time for that, tell me what happened” (Mr. Maeda)
Mrs. Maeda made an account of what happened that evening. She explained everything from the moment she found Akiko's unconscious body on the ground to their present situation. Upon hearing the woeful cries of Mrs. Maeda, Akiko woke up. Everyone’s attention focused on Akiko as she struggled to sit up.
“Ah- My baby, you’re okay!” (Mrs. Maeda)
Mrs. Maeda started hugging Akiko’s face as she continued to sob.
“Ah-S-...o-..ra” (Akiko)
“What is it honey? Mommy’s here!” (Mrs. Maeda)
“Sora... let me talk with Sora...” (Akiko)
Mrs. Maeda began growling like a mother bear protecting her cub. Mr. Maeda had to interject...
“Honey, lets give them some privacy” (Mr. Maeda)
Reluctantly, Mrs. Maeda got up and left the room with her husband. After the door gently closed behind them, Sora stood there staring into Akiko’s eyes.
“Sora, come here” (Akiko)
While motioning Sora to take a seat, Akiko began coughing.
*cough cough*
Rushing over, Sora made his way next to Akiko while grasping her hand. The hands were as cold as ice. Sora was perplexed, he didn't know what to do in this situation. This was the first time he’s ever visited a friend at the hospital, what was he doing there? What should he say? Should he have brought snacks? Slowly, Akiko placed her hand on Sora’s cheek. All of Sora’s focus was on those cold fingers stroking his cheeks.
“Sora, thanks for coming” (Akiko)
“Akiko, what happened?” (Sora)
She smiled gently at Sora, it was a face of an angel. She continued to stroke Sora’s cheek...
“Sorry Sora, I’ve been hiding a secret from you... I’m not from this world” (Akiko)
Sora was confused, but he didn’t say a word.
“I’ve been watching you for a long time now. In your past life, you captured my heart. I wanted you for myself... I know it was selfish but I... I love you Sora” (Akiko)
“I don’t understand.... What are you saying?” (Sora)
“Sora...” (Akiko)
Akiko slowly pulled Sora in closer, he didn't resist. Her hands were cold, the sweet smell of her fragrance filled Sora’s lungs as her hair fell forward. Like curtains hiding a lover’s most intimate moments, Sora’s and Akiko’s lips collided. At first, only the flesh of their lips pressed against one another. Slowly, Akiko’s tongue squeezed in between Sora’s lips; the contrast between her cold lips and warm tongue started to numb Sora. Though this was Sora’s first kiss, everything felt right. His breath became more hoarse as he started to embrace Akiko’s whole body. Running his hands up her slender back, he pulled her in closer, nothing else matter at the very moment, everything was about that kiss.
After feeling Akiko pull away, Sora still held on, he didn't know what else to do to comfort her.
“Sora, you’re warm...” (Akiko)
“...” (Sora)
“My power is slowly fading away Sora, someone has been tampering with my energy...” (Akiko)
“I don’t get it.... What do you mean?” (Sora)
“I’ll use the last bit of my powers to unlock your memories... Sora, please don’t forget me” (Akiko)
“*Hic-* I promise! I promise I’ll never forget you!” (Sora)
“Heh... Sora, I know, you may think of me as a hero... but to me... you’ll always be my Hero” (Akiko)
“*Hic-* Please don’t talk like that Akiko, please don’t talk like you’re dying!” (Sora)
“Sora... you’ll always be my... Hero...” (Akiko)
“H-hey Akiko! Akiko!” (Sora)
[beeeeeeeeeeeeeep]
An endless ring can be heard from the heart monitor. A flat green line... no pulse. Shaking her body like a doll, Sora tried calling out to Akiko.
“Akiko! AKIKO!” (Sora)
Rushing into the room were Mr. and Mrs. Maeda.
“What happened?!” (Mr. & Mrs. Maeda)
As the sound of people started to swarm around the bed, Sora was pushed aside. Everything started to slow down...
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
The shadows started to creep from the corners of his eyes... the sound of panic started to muffle out.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
His arms felt weak, his head was pounding, the sound of his heart kept getting louder and louder.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
He could feel his brain starting to scream out in pain; like a vicegrip squeezing the center of his head. His body started to feel hot, it was burning.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Flashes of old memories began flooding in like a tsunami. He couldn't keep up with all the images. His eyes began to roll over, breathing became more difficult. Sora was gasping, he wanted to vomit but he needed air. As quickly as everything came...
Everything became black...
It's dark....
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