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"Woah, I forgot. Before we go and save the town, one of you have to fight Saber this evening," Ace reminded them after stacking his plate onto The Reaper's. Jack and Stella released a sigh.
"I remembered because Tana brought up earlier." Stella carefully stacked her plate.
"I don't feel worried. He said no mimics, but I have been getting better with my one-on-one combat. The worst that can happen is you have to join them." Jack finished last.
"I wouldn't have put you guys in the position if I didn't believe in you. Just be careful, we haven't seen him fight. Take your time and find your distance. Don't rush." Ace's tone caught the attention of everyone at the table. He knew that he put them into this situation, but it was their words that confirmed his decision. He introduced stakes but it was clear that he didn't want them to get hurt.
Jack was zoned out after the moment of silence, although it didn't feel like silence could be achieved in the tavern. Tana was still making her rounds, and everyone was laughing and enjoying the company of their fellow hunters. It was probably his averted eyes that let the team notice that he was missing.
"Jack. I am sure it will be okay. I have seen them on their hunts. Saber is strong but Garret is stronger. I am not much of a fighter, but I can tell by their speed at least," William encouraged.
"Oh, I am sorry. Talking about Saber made me think about what Miss Tana said earlier. The strongest guilds do what they want here because the village is trying to become a kingdom. This is the second village that the ledger system has caused trouble for. Was back home okay because of you, Ace? I just can't figure out what is wrong with it. What do you guys think?"
"I don't have a ledger," Tenny first.
"I am from a kingdom. I think I am a bit of the problem in this case," Stella second.
"That is what I am trying to find out myself, Jack. Each story I tell is an answer in itself," William third. His explanation was accompanied by the folding of his arms and obvious self-indulgence plastered across his face.
"Sorry Jack. Where I am from had a currency system, and to make matters worse, I was almost always a soldier, so I never really had to worry about it. It is a question that I would like an answer to myself. I had a friend that had a similar idea to the ledger system in our world. Let's try and pick it apart. What do you all think is the best part about the ledger system? I like that it allows everyone to have access to essentials," Ace fourth.
"I think it is good that they manage the resources for people and help them get what they need for running any business," Jack answered.
"I appreciate that the system is based on helping everyone. The idea of unity is an important one. If we can all work towards a goal of being better, then we should become better," Stella answered.
"It is great to have a purpose," William answered.
"I still don't have a ledger," Tenny answered.
"What do you dislike about it?" Ace asked.
"I really don't like how it resets every week. We rarely get to take a break, and only the week from before carries over," Jack answered.
"Yea! I am not a fan of that either. I understand if you help more people, then your ledger is filled out, so you are rewarded with a bit more the next week, but that's all the reward. I can't stand how the military gets larger helps to the resources of the village. I understand they are protecting the town, but sometimes they don't have much to do," Stella answered.
"The librarian back home used to say the same thing!" Jack cut in.
"I don't like that those at the kingdoms, don't have to worry as much about resource acquirement. It seems like they have higher value jobs just because of where they live." William's opinion didn't seem to resonate with anyone. "You will see it if your adventure takes you there."
"Okay so let's put it together. The ledger system was designed to unite the people. We do things in exchange of it being recorded. When we acquire goods, we sign our name in their ledgers. We have a certain amount we are allowed according to the notes written in our ledgers. This is why I like it. Jack, you like that if someone has an idea for a business and it proves useful then the government helps them. In a way it's like achieving a goal. Stella, you talk about the motto of the empire. 'To move forward, we must unite so all can live well.' The idea that the cities have more resources to produce products and services that makes normal life easier for everyone. William, you are a fan of everyone being given a chance to do something. All you seem to dislike the amount we are rewarded for our work. The problem with the ledger system seems to be—" Ace dictated.
"Hey Tana, come here for a second." A big gut, bald man called to the server.
"Don't be shy. Today should be the day you come with us. What do you think honey?" A tall skinny man with a mohawk laughed at his own words.
"Just sit down and stop causing trouble. I will be right there," Tana replied. Her voice wavered. Its tone was fiery.
"We want you here now. You are Saber's girl right. Shouldn't you be nicer to his friends. Where are your manners?" A very short man with large sideburns yelled above everyone. The tavern fell silent. The smell of bacon did not match the tension among the crowd.
"Leave Tana alone! Just sit down and we will get to you," The chef from the window barked.
"Who do you think you are talking to old man? This is our town. We are the hunters. We do what we want!" He reached at Tana.
"Ou. I don't think you really want to do that." Ace held onto his hand. His grin was as big as ever.
"Who the hell are you?" The man yanked his hand away.
"I think I can only say this one more time before it gets repetitive. I am the teacher of the Hummingbird and Ice Queen. They are seated right over there. My friends were trying to enjoy their breakfast. Would you mind sitting down or should they make you sit down?" Ace bowed his head and gestured to the seat. Jack and Luna were getting up before Stella grabbed their forearms and shook her head. They softly sit back down. There was a brief moment of silence before the knuckles of the short man drove Ace's face into the ground. Boots of all his comrades stomped onto the covering moustache.
"Oh my three! Someone help please!" Tana yelled. She grabbed a bottle from a nearby table and crashed it onto the skull of the short aggressor. "Get out of the tavern now!"
"What do you think you are doing!" The short man reached for Tana again. This time his hand was grabbed by a grinning Stella.
"It really isn't a good idea. Your head seems to be a bit dense. Hopefully dense enough that this doesn't hurt too much." Stella pulled him forward by the wrist and crashed her fist into his jaw. The other two warriors checked on their friend lying unconscious on the floor. "I am sorry about that Tana."
"What about me? What took you guys so long?" Ace whimpered from the ground.
"Sorry, I was busy fighting kids." Stella smirked. The remaining two both charged at Stella. They were immediately smashed to the ground by the little Reaper and Hummingbird.
"I really think we have to teach these hunters a lesson." Jack dusted off his knuckles while the chefs in the back cheered. The rest of the tavern was still in awe.
***
The loud cheers, spilled alcohol and smell of fresh bread and blood was traded for the cool breeze and smells of leaves and tree bark. Jack embraced the fresh air and exhaled as much as he could. Just being outside helped him calm down a bit. Stella still had her heart working at a higher rate, stretching her limbs as a means to calm down. They just had to wait on Ace and Tana to join them and they can officially be out of there.
"I can handle it you know." Tana tried to wrestle the cart from Ace.
"Stop. Stop and stay there. It's no big deal." Ace tried to walk faster.
"What's that, Tana?" Jack asked as Stella walked over.
"This is food that is left over from the tavern. I take it to the orphanage and help them cook stuff every few days." Tana slapped the brown sack. Jack saw water gathering in the cart.
"Wouldn't that extra go to the government officials to distribute?" Stella asked.
"Well, since we are trying to become a kingdom, the government allows for extra to be forged into ledgers." Tana half laughed while scratching the back of her head. "That is a secret though, so shhh. We still don't get a lot extra, so we keep collecting and I take it there when I can. I guess cause our town is popular that they don't care to check."
"Wait, wouldn't the food go—" Stella started.
"Wow this is cold!" Jack jumped to the side while waving the cold water off his hand.
"Yea, we have a Cold Box. It is a recent Syng Tool. Only the tavern and well the orphanage has one."
"That is a really rare Syng Tool! I rarely see one in a village, let alone two." William gasped. "It's strange that they gave one to the orphanage. I grew up in an orphanage and we barely got a ball to kick."
"Well...I happened to say the first one was broken, and they sent another one. We got lucky." Tana repeated her actions and laugh like last time.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"That is amazing. I would love to tear one apart." Jack smiled while looking far away.
"Oh, it works with what they call ammonia gas. It uses a Syng set up that uses wind mimics to turn a windmill thingy that compresses the gas. That moves through the system, and it becomes a cold liquid again and heats up with the stuff inside the box. That's what someone told me when I was in Nocturne." William was excited.
"Oh, like a compressor. That is the principle of wind walk. Woah, it sounds hard to make." Jack's eyes were sparkling.
"Most definitely. That makes it very special that she got one for them. That's really kind. You surprised me, Tana," William jest.
"Shut up. Why are you even coming? Don't you have to go find a story or something?"
"Now now, let's all be friends." Ace kicked William on the butt.
"I am not sure if you have realized it yet, but I don't mind letting you in on the secret. These guys you are walking with is the story. There will be no other tale like it." William chuckled to himself. Jack felt rebels in his stomach. He bit his lip to hold back a grin.
***
The building was large with wood flowing into bricks and back into wood. It was unclear how many times the walls were shifted, but it had room to go wider as the outside was a green open space for kids to play. A beautiful tree with a large table underneath and swings for 4 mounted on different branches. The smell of grass in the cool breeze was dominant.
The calm scenery was immediately interrupted by the cheering of children running out of the orphanage. The ground vibrated at the stampeding feet. The pace of the children seemed to increase with age but dropped off to a walk by anyone seemed to be labelled as a teenager. Some of the younger ones stopped to release tears at the sight of the moustache pulling a cart. Tana quickly scooped a young one up and pat the other small ones on their heads.
"Tana, what did you bring us!"
"Who them?"
"Tana, wets pway!"
"Tana...Tana..."
"Okay kids give us a moment. Where is Ophy? We are going to eat burgers today!" Tana walked in front while signalling Ace to bring the goods. "These are my friends, so be nice to them okay."
The kids all surrounded an adult of their choosing. Luna immediately retreated onto Ace's back. Tenny had the biggest crowd surrounding him, but he escaped onto Luna's head. They jumped and reached to grab the bushy tail. Stella laughed at how nervous he looked.
"What's wrong ass kicker?" Stella grinned.
"Leave me alone!"
"It talked! It talked! Did you see that!"
"What is your name?"
"Now now, what's all the commotion about, kids?" A woman with deep green hair, freckles and a lean stature parted the sea of children. She pushed one of the teenagers down and gave him a hard stare. "Everyone, Tana will see you all soon, head back inside for now, you all have to finish class before lunch." The children filed in with sighs and disappointment. Jack was almost sure that he heard some swearing. "Who are these ones?"
"These are my new friends and a reporter. Everyone this is Ophelia. She works at the orphanage. They want to check out Wolves Blood. Do you know if Olivia is busy?" Tana questioned.
"She shouldn't be. She said that they have slowed down on things while Nod recovers. They should be at the base all day today. Do you guys have a cigarette?" She drew her head back and exhaled a long breath.
"Thanks. I will be back soon to cook so you don't have to freeze this yet."
"Aye aye, it is understood." Ophelia tried to grab the handle from Ace but is stopped by his distant stare and soft eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Well..." Ace pouted his eyes at Jack. Jack laughs and nods his head.
"Ace wants to cook for them and hang out. Nod will be at the base all day so we can just go after."
"Well, if you say so boss. I can't fight your orders. Let's go guys!" Ace began to walk ahead of a confused Tana and Ophelia.
"What? You guys have a fight later. Don't you have to prepare for that?" Tana exclaimed.
"A fight? Who are these guys?"
"Do you guys need more time to train?" Ace turned back.
"I don't think so. William says we should be okay." Jack looked back to the reporter that replied with a thumbs up.
"We can train here too. Luna should be able to help us while you cook," Stella pointed out.
"Who are you guys going to fight?"
"Our moustache over there challenged Saber to a duel against one of these two," William answered.
"Saber. I wouldn't exactly call him a walk in the park." Ophelia took another drag while watching a couple of expressions change. Her lips curled and teeth were shown. It was sharp eyes that caught them off guard. "You are interesting folk. I can play with you guys for a bit."
***
Jack tasted blood in his mouth, his ribs were sore, and his right shoulder was pulsing. He wondered if this injury would always be a weak spot after a little damage. He leaned back on the grass while bracing with his forearm. The constant gentle wind cooled the sweat ridden warrior but caused an itch across any sweaty skin that made contact with the greenery. He barely caught his breath before the pile of children were attacking from every direction.
Ace was grilling off to the side after collecting firewood and bringing equipment to the outside. Kids gathered around him too while he would entertain them with a story of Isaac, one of greatest sorcerers of the past, and how he defended his kingdom for years. William and Tenny assisted in acting out the dramatic retelling. All the kids in that group were in awe. Jack wasn't sure if they were happy listening to Ace or because they got out of class to be with their guests. Either way, their smiles brought a relaxing happiness to him. He was glad they stuck around a bit. There was an even mix of ages in the rest of kids watching Stella have every one of her attacks parried. Ace and Ophelia didn't provide any tips. Jack felt like Ophelia was just taking out frustration on the pair. Luna sat next to Tana while she stared at the fight, wincing every time Stella decided to stop a punch with her body.
"There sure are a lot of kids here. It must be hard to manage. They all seem to love you though," Jack said after a few attempts to regulate to a normal breathing pattern.
"Yea, it is tough. I am sure you felt some of that frustration in your ribs." Tana giggled.
"I knew it!" Jack winced at his own startled reaction. "The orphanage back home never has any kids and the few that end up there are adopted by townsfolk pretty quickly."
"I don't think that this town will see something like that anytime soon. Evergreen is filled with hunters, and it serves as a home base for adventurers. It is home for people that tend to seek out danger for a living. The problem is when danger catches them. Many lose their lives on hunts, or against enemies. It shows in number of kids, although not all lost their parents. Some of them are greedy for that lifestyle. They don't think of the consequences...sorry I got carried away." Tana blushed when she saw so many eyes zoned into her zoning out.
"You think about them. You even got the Cold Box for them," Jack said.
"I guess. I help others because I want to. I feel glad to, but I also want to believe that the simple act of being kind opens the door for those that felt its warmth to share their own."
"I'll help you Tana!" A young one yelled at the top of their lungs.
"I'll help everyone! Just like you Miss Tana!" Another one cheered.
"It seems it might have already started." Jack laughed heartily. It died down to a noticeable pause. "My mom had very similar beliefs. She was a teacher in my village, but she was always around helping. I was told she used to look after the orphans too whenever there were any. Her name always brings a smile to faces of people in our village. Now I am getting carried away. I never really told anyone about that."
"I understand. Well, you can tell me anything while you are in town. I will be your council," Tana replied with a bright smile.
"I do admit that you are easy to talk to miss Tana. Thank you!" Jack reflected back a smile.
Thud! Stella crashed onto the grass. There were gasps all around. Ace appeared by her side and looked into her eyes. He burst out laughing.
"Yea, that tends to happen with those thoughts."
"Shut up!" Stella fanned away an already disappeared Ace.
The kids laughed out loud with him, but it seemed everyone older than 12 was concerned about the girl on the floor.
"I am really sorry. You were doing so good. I didn't expect you to zone out like that. Are you okay?" Ophelia clasped her hand over her mouth after apologising.
"Yea I am fine. I am so sorry! I messed up. It was really awesome to fight against you. Can we go again?" Stella could barely keep eye contact.
"Maybe another time. Lunch smells like it is almost done, and you guys have to get going soon. Let's relax a bit." Ophelia pulled the cherry-coloured warrior to her feet.
"What were you guys talking about?" Stella approached the pair.
She dusted off any spec of grass from her fall to then sit in the grass next to Tana. Tana grabbed a missed leaf from Stella's hair. Ophelia was walking in their direction until a fragrant trail guided her to Ace on the grill. Kids climbing on her as she passed another wave of them trying to catch Tenny. The little creature seemed to be enjoying his ability to escape the grasps of toddlers. William seemed to have nothing to talk about after the story was over and walked to the group sitting under the tree.
"We were just talking about the town and orphanage. Thank you guys again for cooking and playing with the kids. I feel like I owe you all, what can I do?" Tana grabbed Stella's hand.
"No no, I am sure no one feels that way. It is completely fine." Stella signalled for the rest of the crew to agree. Luna took her hand and nodded along.
"Aww, you feel the same, little one. Goodness your hair is really tangled and long. Why haven't you given her a haircut. I can do it! I am great with haircuts." Tana stood up immediately to begin her quest for scissors.
"No! Tana, you can't. I am sorry, but Luna has been through a lot, and it might be dangerous to take any blade next to her." Stella tried to smile her way through her explanation.
"I am sorry. I had no id—"
"Catch this." Ace tossed up a pair of scissors. "Tenny found them inside."
"Wah! That is dangerous!" Tana caught them with two flat palms.
"Ace! What do you mean?" Jack turned to his mentor who was back to dressing burgers.
"I think this will be okay." Ace smiled awkwardly. Tana stood there looking back and forth between the nervous faces. The scissors waved in the air with similar nervousness. The little Reaper walked up to amongst the confusion and grabbed Tana's attention. She turned around and stood there quietly. The silence spread even among the confused children.
"Thank you, Luna. I would be really happy to cut your hair." Tana wore large heart-warming smile.
"I think we were looking too much into it, Stella." Jack turned to his friend with a soft chuckle.
"It also could be because Tana is a kind person. Whatever the reason, we thank you very much. Is this what you always wanted to do? Take care of kids?" Stella inquired.
"No, no. Not by any means. I just want to live a comfortable life. I can't really say I know what I want to do, but I know what I don't want to do." She guided Luna to the swing to sit on.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"Just tell them about your home!" Ophelia yelled from the grill. "Mmmmm. That is delicious. A little more sauce on mine."
"Sure. I can tell it while I cut the little one's hair." Tana patted Luna on the head before running her fingers till a point and removing it with the scissors. "I am from a small village, far up north. It was a couple days travel to the Nixina Mountains. The villages became larger and larger closer to the mountains, but mines was on the smaller side. I loved our home and our family of villagers, and we were all so close. I have a lot of memories of playing in the snow with everyone. Always spending time with each other, but the truth was that we didn't have a choice. My parents were adventurers, like many in the village. They would always go and explore the range and be gone for long periods of time."
"Nixina! That is where the massive structures are built into the mountain. They say it stretches for miles and has a lot of hidden relics there." Jack's voice lowered in volume after realising his trivia was not asked for.
"Yea, exactly that. I don't know if they were interested in visiting other famous sites from the Age of Curiosity. I am also not sure what they are up to now. Growing up, me and my brother bounced between different villagers' places. A lot of us kids were, and it was always the older villagers that couldn't go on adventures. They were all lovely people, but the workload was often too much for them. A lot of us had to work and help as much as we can. It wasn't a bad life, but I just want to live a comfortable life with as little work as possible. As soon as I turned 18, I left the village and headed to find my new home." Tana wasn't looking anywhere but the next group of hair strands to attack.
"I like the idea, but do you have a plan?" Jack asked.
"Not at all. I left my village and ran into Ophelia and Olivia. We all made our way down to this village 5 years ago. It is kind of ironic that I left my village of small-time adventurers to join a soon to be kingdom of hunters and adventurers. It seems I am running in circles, but I will get there some day. Someday my greatest worry will be boredom." Tana smiled. "We are all done!"
The little Reaper stood quietly as everyone patiently awaited a response. Her silver hair was now floating above her shoulders. Hair fell over her forehead with longer clusters to each side of her face. Tears formed in the eyes of Stella and Ace as they melted into the grass. Luna slowly walked pass everyone staring and grabbed a burger from the table.
"Oh yea, I forgot. Lunch is finished! Dig in everyone!" Ace gestured to the table with Ophelia and Luna's faces already stuffed. "There is plenty so don't hold back!"
"Wait everyone. Before we start. Do you know what snowmen eat?" Tana waited for a couple seconds of silence. "Iceburgers!"
The entire orphanage rolled their eyes while the moustache and the Mystical laughed enough for the everyone.