–So, everyone knows now. –Christopher called out as the entire group formed a circle around him and listened attentively. –At Neledia’s request, we will meet outside the barracks before the start of the mission, apparently she wants to discuss some plans before we begin.
–Everyone looked away at Selestia, who waved her hands and gave a negative response. –I don't know what she wants to talk about, but knowing her, there are some tips to keep in mind. You already know what she's like.
–Right now, any advice would be helpful. –Sebastian looked at the brothers–. Especially if it comes from someone truly experienced like Neledia, I think each of us could think of a strategy and then share it when we meet.
–I'm sure Neledia will have more than one that will include this team. –Anita added.
–But having more than one could get us out of a tight spot. –Christopher caressed his little companion's head, causing her to close her eyes, enjoying the sensation. –Then see you tonight.
"See you later," said both Anita and Mathias as they walked hand in hand to a certain area where the places where they would pay to have a good time with their loved one were, a motel.
The others knew in advance what the pair of lovebirds had planned to do. But who would claim anything from the pair of lovers? Everyone in the city is already aware of this beautiful relationship between Mathias and Anita.
As they grew up, a strange and beautiful feeling also grew inside them. It was love, without realizing it they had fallen in love. And at the age of fourteen they had decided to form an innocent courtship.
Now at fifteen years of age they have reached the point of trying things appropriate for adults, they have tried and enjoyed what it is like to make love with the person you love, with that person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life.
They had both sworn to spend the rest of their lives together and they planned to keep their promise. It was only a matter of time before they settled down as a family.
"I just hope they have energy for tonight," Christopher joked, breaking the invisible ice wall that had formed with the departure of Anita and Mathias.
–I want to be with you one last time. –Selestia mentioned–. You know that anything could happen tonight, if you were in their place, wouldn’t you like to do it one last time with the person you love?
With that said, he looked at Sebastian who still hadn't noticed that his beloved was looking at him.
She took some courage, what she was going to say was something that they had decided together not to talk about until it was truly time. But considering the situation. “Sebastian,” she called him.
The aforementioned looked away, then Selestia looked at her brother who immediately understood her intentions.
–Let's step away for a moment. –Christopher grabbed Macky's hand and led him with him, a true friend and a good brother. He is not a busybody who wants to interfere in other people's relationships. –Let's give him some privacy. –He winked at the two, obviously Sebastian understood him because he was not an idiot.
"We've talked about when we'll have our first time together." Selestia gulped, even though she was determined and calm most of the time, these topics embarrassed her a lot.
It was due to Selestia's total lack of experience with sexual matters. Valentina wanted to talk about sex with her daughter on more than one occasion, methods of how to protect herself from getting pregnant and above all regarding sexually transmitted diseases, how dangerous these diseases could be.
But as the virgin maiden that she was, Selestia, despite being interested, could not keep up with her mother. –But seeing Mathias and Anita who do not hide their desire to sleep one last time in case something were to happen. –Selestia said again, gathering a lot of courage, she raised her face revealing her blushing face.
For some it might seem like something very exaggerated, but it wasn't, these were topics that Selestia found difficult to deal with. She wasn't putting it off for reasons of shame or anything, she had a good reason.
But it was also true that I was very afraid of doing it and that something would happen. –Maybe something will happen to us tonight and let me tell you that I am not feeling obligated, so do you want to have our first time? That way we wouldn't have any regrets if... they kill us.
For Sebastian the answer was so obvious that he didn't even need to wait more than a second to be able to respond, there was nothing to think about. "No." Sebastian replied, earning a somewhat annoyed and even disappointed gesture from Selestia.
"What?" she asked. "Don't you want me? Don't you find me attractive?"
–Don't jump to conclusions like that. I never said you're not attractive –Sebastian replied–. We made an oath, remember? We'd have our first time after we got married. I'm looking forward to that moment so much, I want it to come so badly.
»We promised that this would be one of the most special and unforgettable days of our lives, that's why I want to wait, you want this moment to be one of the best of my life.
Sebastian smiled at her with some sweetness. –I want you Selestia, there is not a day where I do not want to make you mine and be enraptured by your sweet body. –He intertwined his hands with those of the beautiful Elf, and even though they were hard and rough due to all the missions and sword fights she has had, to his touch they were still as delicate and fine as the first time he felt them.
“I’m willing to wait as long as it takes,” he smiled at her again. “You, me, and everyone else will return safely and get on with our lives. If you want, when we recover, we can talk about this again.”
Selestia didn't know what to say, she really didn't expect this kind of response. Actions are worth a thousand words, she didn't need to explode in a whirlwind of emotions and shout everything she felt.
It only took one hug, so warm that it made the sun itself look like a giant ball of ice in comparison. “I knew it,” she said out loud as Sebastian hugged her back. “I knew I did the right thing in giving you a chance. I don’t want to be with anyone but you, I’m only willing to spend my life with you.”
“Boss,” Macky called, “what’s lovemaking?”
Although his face seemed to convey pure calm, inside Christopher was bursting with nerves. Now he felt really embarrassed because he had no idea what he could say to the little girl.
And for nothing in the world would I tell him what those words meant exactly.
Her mind worked overtime, searching and devising a way to get out of this. “Tell me, boss.” The sweet girl asked again.
Christopher was still sweating profusely, his eyes scanning his surroundings until he saw a father and his little daughter walking by holding hands, which gave him a great idea and a way to get out of this one.
–Okay, I'll tell you. But you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone.
Tenderly the little girl nodded while her eyes shone with the intensity of a thousand exploding suns, she shook her head up and down many times waiting for the sublime response.
–Making love means this. –He brought the little girl's head closer to him, closed his eyes and gave her a warm kiss on the forehead, leaving her somewhat surprised. Smiling, he turned all his attention back to the demi-human.
–That's making love, giving a kiss on the forehead to someone, but you can't give it to just anyone. –His face reflected an attempt at absolute seriousness when he was just embarrassing himself–. You should only give it to someone you love very much.
–Who I love a lot? –Macky asked, playing with his fingers and looking down.
–Yes–, Christopher replied.
–So, okay. –From his spot, Macky planted a kiss on his Christopher's forehead and it was so innocent, so pure and so full of tenderness.
The scene even resembled when a little girl is carried by her father and he rewards her with that beautiful gesture of love. “I love you very much,” Macky hugged him, giving him infinite affection. “You are very good to me and Roger, we love you, boss.”
–Christopher, Diana wants a kiss from you too! –Sebastian knew very well what he was doing, given the situation he couldn't let it go. They had been too tense and it was a good time and opportunity to laugh a little.
»Do you want me to call her?
The little smile on the young Lord of Gignit's face had turned into one that reflected annoyance and weariness, knowing what was coming. At the same time, and very annoyed, Macky puffed out his cheeks and turned his head to direct a look full of disgust and anger at Sebastian.
Sweet innocence combined with a child's jealousy made the scene very funny.
–NO! –She let out a scream, showing that she didn't find what Sebastian had said funny in the least. –Diana wants to take you far away from us, she told me so.
–Christopher sighed with some weariness –Diana, what the hell are you saying to the girl?
Macky hugged Christopher's neck very tightly, it was as if the girl was hugging something that belonged to her. She looked at her boss still angry, her eyes becoming more and more glassy. –Diana is not our friend, you can't go with her, you have to stay home with us.
Selestia made a titanic effort not to let a giggle escape as she pinched Sebastian's cheeks.
"Why are you telling her that?" Selestia said, ignoring her brother's resentful look. "You know how jealous she is, now it will be impossible to keep her away from Christopher all day, pfff, don't bother her like that again, otherwise Macky will have to come on the mission pffffffffff."
–I know, Losé. –Sebastian answered, almost bursting out laughing while still being pinched by Selestia. –It won't happen again, I just couldn't resist.
Meanwhile Christopher did everything possible to calm Macky down and prevent her from starting to cry, his jealousy was no joke.
"It's just funny to see him trying to calm her down, he doesn't know what to say." Sebastian sighed again, then scratched the back of his neck and a few thoughts ran through his mind.
»So, we'll see each other tonight. –He commented, earning a nod from Selestia. –I'll go get ready, besides I'm sure Diana has already left the smithy and is heading home.
–What? Diana was in the blacksmith shop? –Selestia looked a bit confused, stating something that she thought was impossible. –Apart from the blacksmiths, there was no one else there but us, and there aren’t many places to hide in that place.
–It's too easy for me to tell if Diana is near me, I am her brother after all. –He smiled quite confidently–. I don't need any magic spell, I can just feel her. It's like when you tell me that you can feel Christopher when he's down or motivated.
“I see,” the young Elf replied, nodding. “You are absolutely right.” Selestia had always been able to sense her brother’s emotions, and it wasn’t that she had awakened unique magic or anything like that. She simply knew it just by looking at him.
Sebastian hugged her. “I plan to have a chat with her, you know, that's what we've all talked about on our team.”
–Don't be too hard on her, remember, you and your father are her role models. She idolizes you, try to be as kind as you can, don't hurt her feelings. –Selestia kissed him again.
“Feelings,” Sebastian murmured, nodding. “Don’t worry, you know I would never treat my sister badly.”
–You better not say anything bad to him and do what I say. –Selestia winked at him and pressing her hands on Sebastian's face she gave him one last delicious honey-flavored kiss causing Sebastian's feet to levitate in the air for a few moments. –See you at the meeting point.
The pair of lovebirds said goodbye, now they had to continue with their preparations.
And that was exactly what was being done, everyone involved in this mission was getting their minds ready, many meditating and making their corresponding preparations: Picking up orders for weapons and armor, meeting with those involved and discussing some battle strategy, others were stationed inside the guardians' base drawing maps or discussing the location of the magic detectors that if not deactivated would represent a real problem.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
One of the many involved was Lincxía, who, with a large map on the table, commented and pointed out the location of the enemy base, discussing with Mansot, Amber're, Tobías, UNO and Tadeo about the possible location of the victims and probably what they should be doing with them.
At the same time they touched on the subject of the fourth unit with equal importance to the other three units because this unit is in charge of the extermination of the DAIMONAS.
Something worth noting was the strange agglomeration of magical beasts on the island, even worse than any other time.
Something was happening, what no one imagined was that this was the prelude to a catastrophe.
"Are you still upset?" Selestia asked when she saw Macky, who had Christopher completely imprisoned, wrapping both arms around his neck.
“A little,” he replied. “She says that if Diana lets me go, Diana might appear and take me far away, childish things.” And he said this last part between laughs.
It was fun to watch her act like a child, like she should have always acted without being afraid of being hit for maybe doing something wrong or for simply being hungry.
–Macky, are you hungry? Do you want to eat something? Selestia watched the little girl's reaction with happiness when she asked the question.
Macky's cute little ears twitched as he listened to Selestia talk about food. This is how every growing child should act in order to grow into a healthy and strong person.
"Yes, I'm hungry," the sweet demi-human replied, still not loosening her grip on Christopher.
–Since mom and dad are going to be very busy, why don’t we stop by to buy something for lunch? –Selestia pointed to the side–. Let’s take advantage of the fact that we’re in the shopping area and stop by Doraida’s restaurant. I’ll buy some vegetarian food for myself, for mom, and of course for Macky.
The aforementioned nodded, giving Selestia a sweet smile.
“Sounds like a good plan,” Christopher said. “I’ll also buy meats and side dishes for Dad, Roger, Dina, and of course, for myself.”
With that, Christopher glanced at Selestia who immediately frowned. Which worked as she narrowed her eyes at him. “You flesh-eating monsters.”
–Delicious meat, you mean. –Christopher finished.
...
– Honey. This woman's voice conveyed nothing but love, a voice full of true love. Everything was directed towards the person she considered to be the love of her life.
»No matter how many times you go around and how much you look at the map of the forest, it is impossible to anticipate the movements of the DAIMONAS.
Valentina was very right.
Alexander was looking at the map trying to anticipate the movements of the DAIMONAS, he was sitting behind the desk. Suddenly, he felt the comforting arms of Valentina, the love of his life, around his neck.
Valentina again addressed her with words full of affection. – Honey, please rest and relax, even if it's just a little, you need to be in the best condition for tonight.
»If you push your mind too hard, your body won't perform by the time the mission begins.
Alexander let his head fall to the side, being held and hugged by Valentina's gentle hands who began to massage his face.
The massage to his face was so comforting that he slowly began to close his eyes. –It is very distressing, on one hand, we have the rescue mission where even our children will participate and on the other, we have to try to exterminate the DAIMONAS. - A shiver ran through every fiber of his integrity.
–Now, as far as the rescue and destruction mission of Varanus is concerned, we already have all the squads and teams formed. –Alexander mentioned closing his eyes–. We got the location of all the entrances to the enemy base and we have already plotted it on our maps, but…
–But we have no idea where the DAIMONAS are and what they are doing. –Valentina finished with the idea that her husband wanted to convey.
Alexander let out a weary sigh and looked back at the table. “I’m worried that we don’t know where they are,” he clicked his tongue, a little angrily. “I’m afraid they attacked someone and we couldn’t do anything to stop them.”
“I know it’s very frustrating,” Valentina added. “But you know very well that it’s impossible to predict what a DAIMONAS’s moves would be.” Valentina was also in the same boat, only she did her best not to seem so obvious. “No one has ever done it and it’s certain that no one ever will. There are no records that date back to what they really are or even what they contribute to the world, there is nothing.”
Valentina felt somewhat defeated, she was a person who was always informed about things, not knowing about something made her extremely frustrated and even more so if that something turned out to be so important.
Valentina continued speaking. –The only thing we know for sure is that they are existences that must be exterminated as quickly as possible.
-Yes –Alexander added–. But what's even worse is that they are extremely difficult to exterminate and they don't seem to be afraid because they face whoever and whatever. –He said it all at once, remaining silent for a few moments and ignoring Valentina who wanted some of his attention.
She puffed out her cheeks like a hamster, and from her position she moved forward, pushed Alexander's hands away because they were in the way, and sat on his lap, feeling like he was carrying her like a princess.
Alexander looked at her, but she just curled up between his pecs. –Alexander, take it out on me, I'm your wife and I'm here to listen to you.
He hugged her tightly, he wanted to feel her. To feel the warmth of his beloved wife, to feel her body close to his. To feel her heart beat, that sound that gave him so much calm.
–I'm really scared. –One of the ten strongest finally confessed–. I'm scared of what might happen if we don't eliminate those DAIMONAS. –He buried his face in Valentina's neck who was busy caressing his hair. –I'm scared that what happened ten years ago will happen again, and that was when I was just a DAIMONAS.
Valentina wanted to say something that would at least try to comfort Alexander, but she couldn't. She didn't know what to say, what happened ten years ago was brutal. So many died so horribly, torn in two, devoured, dismembered.
Alexander continued speaking. –If only one was able to take so many of our people, I don’t know what would happen if all those who have appeared attacked us. –He bit his lip–. I fear for our people, I fear for our family.
Christopher and Selestia may be adults now, but in their parents' eyes they were still the same pair of happy children who brightened up their days.
"I still remember how emaciated Selestia was during those days," Valentina commented, now being the one who wanted to be hugged.
And as expected, her husband, Alexander, went ahead with his thing.
He stroked the beautiful hair that Valentina possessed. That beautiful hair that due to its peculiar combination of colors was considered an abomination, a person who could not be an Elf.
Valentina closed her eyes as she dedicated a few words to the love of her life.
–Alexander, I don't want you to go fight with the DAIMONAS, –Both were close enough for that whisper to be loudly heard– why don't you come with me and lead the main mission? That way we could both watch each other's backs.
“It’s true that I’m afraid,” Alexander commented. “Having to fight a DAIMONAS again is something only a madman would plan to do.” His expression changed, he moved Valentina away from him so she could see him, so she could see the resolve reflected in her husband’s eyes.
–But even with fear, even with my doubts, even without desire, I still have to go because there are not many of us who have the experience of having fought against a DAIMONAS and come back alive. He caressed Valentina's ears while looking into her beautiful eyes, one of blackish hue like the night and the other of blue hue like the sky.
The eyes of the leader of Gignit began to shed tears. “I am the one who leads this city, I am the one who rules it, I am the leader!” He clenched his fists. “And the leader must be the one who leads the group, he is the one who must show the greatest courage, even if he is the one who is the most afraid. He is the one who must advance first and retreat only when everyone is safe.”
Valentina lost the battle and began to cry. “Why do you always have to put your life in such danger?” She bit her lower lip, tears running down her white, beautiful face. Her eyes turned red and her whites began to swell. “What will become of me if you leave my side? If something happens to you, I will be left alone and I will die of pain.”
–Don't say that, –Alexander wiped away her tears as she bit her lower lip again and opened her eyes, looking at her husband –if something were to happen to me, you will still have our children, they will need to be together.
»You must become his guide and above all. –He swallowed, he had to gather courage because what he was about to say was a serious subject. –If I really left this world, I would like you to continue with your life and that with time you find someone again to...
But Valentina didn't let him finish.
–NO! she complained, clenching her teeth as painful, salty, bitter tears ran down her cheeks, crashing mercilessly against the hard ground. –I will never fall in love again, I will never love another man again.
She placed her hands on Alexander's soaked cheeks. "If not with you, I'd rather spend the rest of my long life alone."
"Valentina," Alexander murmured. "I don't want you to be unhappy because of me."
But once again Valentina cut him off without even being able to finish his sentence.
–ENOUGH! –Valentina screamed with her face completely disfigured, crying almost bitterly–. Please, stop, you make me believe that you are saying goodbye to me. Do you really plan to die and leave me? Will you leave your family alone? Us?
Alexander felt dismayed. What the hell was he doing saying goodbye? He didn't understand why he started saying a bunch of stupid things and the only thing he managed to do was make the woman who loves him most in the world cry.
–Please. –Valentina said with a hoarse, broken and dejected tone of voice, looking at her husband with her heartbreaking, tearful eyes –Promise me, Alexander, promise that you will return to my arms, to the arms of your family and that you will be with me until the end of our lives. Promise me and please keep your promise-.
"You are my emotional support, I need you, you can't leave my side."
"I promise." Alexander hugged his beloved wife, the love of his life, the woman of his dreams, and joined his lips with hers.
"I don't like you making me cry," Valentina snuggled into her lover's chest. "You must make me laugh, pamper me, give me pleasure and never ever make me believe that you will leave me."
–I love you Valentina, I will never leave your side. –He let his face rest on Valentina's head from which emanated a pleasant fragrance of flowers. –I promise never to do or say anything that will make you cry again.
Valentina nodded between sobs and puffing out her cheeks – I don't love you anymore, you made me cry a lot. So if you want me to love you again, pamper me and give me pleasure, right now.
What happened from that moment on was that they both made love like they had never done before, telling each other over and over again how much they loved each other.
...
More than ever before, the Adventurer's Guild was incredibly busy.
Higher-ranked adventurers coming in and out of the guild, the PORCELAIN rankers looking into all the new quests located outside, although now these were different than they always used to be and the pay was considerably higher.
The quest board, both inside and outside the guild, was filled with thousands of requests for missing persons, many of them offering a very juicy amount of gold as a reward. It was not unusual for a guild board to be flooded with such requests, nor was it unusual for them to appear on the outside board which is directed to the PORCELAIN ranks.
The strange thing was the number of these missions appearing abroad. There were too many.
When a search quest was requested from those of PORCELAIN rank, it was usually to find something lost or a particular rare fruit or herb, but also to find lost people within cities. The reason for the rarity this time was because there was no search quest, rather there were too many.
The best example would be to find a certain demi-human from the rabbit clan: Hasenina.
Her mission sheet contained all the information relevant to the case and her person. The last thing known about her was that she went on a date with a SILVER-rank adventurer who was also missing.
The boss and her colleagues also blamed the adventurer for her disappearance. According to them, the poor man must have done something because from that day on they never heard from Nina again.
Everything got worse as the days went by. It was very difficult to pretend to be happy and to care for people because worry and anguish were consuming them.
This was evident in those big dark circles under their eyes which were impossible to hide. It was not unusual to go into the bathroom and find some of them crying bitterly for their beloved friend, imploring the Gods that she was safe and sound.
The boss of all, Doraida, was the one responsible for the search request for Nina.
Nina is an orphan and has no one but her friends trying to find her.
Doraida, out of her own pocket, would put up all the gold needed to find her and bring her back. The boss loved her employees very much, and not only because they made her earn gold, but because the girls were worth it. They were excellent people, noble and faithful friends.
Because of that, she will do anything to bring her back. Nina was worth every gold coin and much more than that.
–I'm so sorry to have to leave you in charge of everything, Afiana. –Doraida made a small act of doguesia while looking at her employee/friend who smiled at her. –But I must finish my preparations, you know that. –With that said, she made sure that no one was listening to them because the information to be given is extremely confidential. –Tonight's mission.
"Do you think Nina was kidnapped by them?" Afiana asked, almost biting her lips and pricking one of her fingers. She shed a single tear. "Do you think this adventurer had something to do with it?"
Doraida clenched her fists while her eyes radiated rage. She doesn't take kindly to the mention of that person she considers to be the culprit. –I have no doubts about it, I'm very sure that that idiot was the cause of her disappearance.
Doraida clenched her fists even harder, trying to contain the intense fury that was only growing inside her. –If something were to happen to him, I will make sure that this guy suffers to the point where he only begs me to die.
Afiana inhaled and exhaled with great sadness, until that moment she still forgot who her boss really is and how she was known in the past: "Doraida of the Black Arrows."
She is a Dark Elf specialized in long-distance combat and expert in defeating strong magical beasts. If she were to be given a rank, she could be said to be at the level of an extremely experienced and powerful BRONZE rank, about to rise to SILVER rank.
Always carrying with her her characteristic black bow with dark arrows, impossible to detect on dark nights.
It would be very difficult for one to get rid of it.
Many times he didn't even need to use magic, as his excellent aim and having the darkness of the night as an ally had become his most faithful ally.
An awkward silence took over the space between the two of them. Doraida realized that she had once again let out a large part of her intentions. She got over it and gave her most trusted friend a smile.
"I'm so sorry Afiana, I'm just really worried about her," Doraida said. "Nina is very sensitive and I can't stop imagining her crying and asking for our help."
Afiana had to bite her lip as she heard Doraida's statement, which was very true. Nina was known for being very sensitive and easily crying over anything. She couldn't imagine the torment she must be feeling, but now she had to be strong.
–Don’t worry. –Afiana placed her hand on Doraida’s shoulders. –I’m more than sure that you will bring back our crying friend, Doraida, you are very strong and I know that you will make the person who took our Nina pay.
Afiana sighed, trying to compose herself. “Just take care of yourself and don’t you dare abandon us.”
"Don't worry," Doraida winked and placed both arms to the side, pretending to be superior to everyone. "I have yet to meet anyone who has been able to dodge even one of my arrows."
And she meant it because dodging their arrows was not easy. –When night falls I want you to close the restaurant and all of you to go to my house, you will be safer there. I have no problem with you inviting your partners, I just ask that you do not go out.
–I'll tell everyone –Afiana replied.
–And one more thing. –She no longer showed a sad face or one that pretended to be smiling. Her aura changed, denoting a lot of seriousness and at the same time sincerity. –I want you to listen to me very well, in case I am unfortunately not able to return, I leave you all that is mine.
Afiana nodded with some melancholy, although she wanted to protest, it was not the time. Just looking at Doraida was enough to know that she was not joking or anything, she was being very serious and although she wanted to protest and complain, she could only nod in affirmation.
–Yes. –Afiana finished.