[https://img.wattpad.com/a72938e23ccd0ead26e75899983fe3b06e8ddf73/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c3437536d2d67613543745073673d3d2d313235393239363538332e313736613262313062613734373437353235313536343337323430332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The wind chilled his bones on this dark damp morning. Jack was thankful the sun hadn't risen yet. Even looking at the flickering light from torches lining the street made his head pound. He knew he should have stopped drinking last night, but Stella kept going and he couldn't say no. Especially after she talked about her past. Ugh. His body was sore, but Billy seemed to understand. They took their time walking from the inn to the vending area. Billy wasn't wearing anything that would give him away as military, and they both decided to leave any weapons behind. Stella, Ace and Tenny were watching from a distance somewhere. Jack wondered if either of them were feeling like he was. He hopes things work out today.
They arrive to see the large table that spanned the width of at least three of the houses on the opposite side of the square. That was just one side, the table continued at a 90-degree angle for the same length. The workers were just starting to lay out goods. Produce, herbs, spices, fruits all being placed in different sectors along the table. There were people already collecting crates and walking away. Were they late? Jack pointed to the interactions.
"These are still the locals that run food places or cooks for the military force. It can't be them Monica was talking about. I still haven't seen any of the civilians out yet," Billy said with a reassurance in his voice that made Jack very glad he came along. They still decided on talking to the vendors to ensure that no one came before the usuals.
"I think I know the guys you are talking about. Everyone usually keeps coming in a certain order," the gaunt older worker said while continuing to pack a crate of fruit. "They usually come after Mr. Quinn and Mr. Lundred."
"Mr. Quinn runs a bakery and Mr. Lundred runs the tavern," Billy informed Jack.
"They should be here any minute now," a young lean guy said while chopping a chicken in quarters. "Speak of the devils."
Jack thought it was slightly ironic as Mr. Quinn slightly resembled a large, kneaded ball of dough. The large man wore clothes that fit a little too tight but had a jolly smile as he chatted with Mr. Lundred. Jack had seen Mr. Lundred around the tavern last night and was sure that he was singing along with Ace from behind the bar yesterday. He was an older man, body looked thin, and face looked experienced. He had a joyous smile in the conversation as well, it's just that he showcased far fewer teeth.
"Good Morning. I got your goods all ready. Is the bakery already running again?" The young vendor passed a couple large crates to the man before being disappointed with a head shake.
"Billy, it is strange to see you here this morning. Did Julius make you pick up goods for the kitchen instead?" Mr. Quinn asked.
"Nah Sir, I am just helping a friend here," Billy said signalling to Jack.
"Oh, is this a recruit? It never hurts to have more protection in this town with those so-called adventurers passing through."
"WAIT! I know you! Ya was with that Ace fellow. The jolly lad. Tell him pass by later again. I had a blast." Mr. Lundred shook Jack's hand. "Make sure and tell him. You pass by later."
"Sure, I will," Jack said awkwardly. He was hoping not to see a drop of alcohol today.
"Jack, look." Billy signalled. All 6 of them turned. A group of 5 guys walked up to the table around 30 feet away. They were laughing and collecting goods. The group of onlookers could see the annoyance on the face of the worker signing their ledgers. One reached out and grabbed her hand. She quickly blasted a water spell on him. He stumbled and fell. All his friends laughed, but helped him up and loaded a small cart before leaving.
"Who are—" Mr. Quinn started, but Jack and Billy were already on the move. They stayed a few steps behind and started a conversation about the food at the inn, talking loud enough in an attempt to blend in. The 5 guys glanced back to take notice and carried on with their day. Jack and Billy's conversation seemed to quiet down a bit too much since the group fell silent as well. The guys were walking for quite some time and now they took a narrow path to head back towards the inn. Billy couldn't figure out a logical destination. Were they on to them? The group turned.
"Where you guys going?" a broad-shouldered individual questioned in a gravelly voice.
"We were just heading to the town hall over there." Billy rushed to answer in case Jack didn't know the layout of the town.
"That's fine. Took a roundabout way to get to it huh. We just realised that we forgot something at the square. Good thing we noticed before we got home," the guy pulling the cart with goods chimed in. The entire group began to walk past the pair.
Jack felt his heart pound against his chest. They messed up. Could this cost them? He shouldn't let this chance slip away. "Hey guys, can I ask you a que—"
Jack saw a crate of produce getting closer to his face at great speeds. His right hand braced the impact while the left held it up from falling. His back was arched with the weight of the goods. That would have been a waste. He felt the weight of the crate disappear in an instant. The largest man punched through it and sent Jack rolling backwards. Billy had already run ahead grabbing one of the guys.
Stella fell from the sky landing on one unsuspecting individual. The remaining two tried to dart away but Ace was waiting at the end of the corridor. He smiled and pointed behind them. They turned to see Stella was closing the distance in a flash. They raised their palms and casted a flurry of red orbs and green crescents. Stella had already used Wind Walk when she saw their panicked hands fly up. She stopped directly on the side of them, quickly used the closest guy to launch herself in the air and blasted the other one down with a Wind Spell. While falling she swung her knee directly into her springboard. Her initial landing pad had gotten up and rushed at her. She dodged and parried until she found and opening and blasted him back with a red orb. One final red orb at the guy she kneed just for good measure.
In the meantime, Jack was lying there thinking about the food that was just wasted. The large individual hovered over him. Ugh, how did he end up having to fight this one. The big guy stomped his foot where Jack's head was supposed to be, but Jack used wind while lying down to slide backwards. He rolled up to his feet and dove in. Every strike has to have a purpose. Jack sprinted towards him as the tall man stood with his arms ready. A Wind Walk to dash to the left and push off the wall. He drove his left fist through his opponent's chin while landing back on his feet. The large man stood like nothing happened. He straightened his jaw and stepped into a massive right swing. Jack felt like it was an extremely slow punch. He angled his body and watched it fly through the air.
Jack began to smile. This was it. His heart was pounding, and he felt sweat run down the back of his neck. He was fighting a member of a feared mercenary group. What made it better was he knew he could beat him. Every punch the large man threw, floated through the air. Nothing could connect as Jack kept bouncing on his toes, slipping past every strike. Good now, let's get a rhythm. He continued to bob and weave and launched quick but not very powerful jabs before slipping back at a manageable distance. Again. The same pattern of dodging and steady punches. This was exciting, he had a mercenary in the palm of his hands. Again. He could see the frustration in the eyebrows of his opponent. Jack was sure if the big guy clenched his teeth any harder, they would shatter.
It was time to break his rhythm. Jack went in to throw the same quick jab but jumped back before throwing it. He felt more mana flow into his fist. His left foot drove into the ground, while his right began to pivot with the swing of his hips. Smash! The head of the big guy slammed into the ground face first with Stella's hand guiding it there. Jack's eyes widened, jaw ajar and fist hanging down.
"Why were you playing around?" Stella asked while dusting her clothes.
"I was enjoying the fight," Jack said while pouting, "it was a clash among men. It was the thrill of the sport." Stella thought he sounded a bit like Ace. She hoped he breaks out of that as soon as possible. One Ace was enough.
"You were wasting time. If you want, I will fight you later."
"It's not the same," Jack mumbled while lightly kicking dirt.
"You are so dumb. Let's hurry and find out where Luna is." Stella turned around.
Billy had tied all their hands behind their back with the wraps. He chose the one that was pulling the cart earlier and picked him up by his shirt and pushed him against the wall with surprising force.
"Where is your base?" Billy growled. Jack would have never guessed the soldier could sound like that.
"I can't tell you that. Who are you guys?" the man said after catching his breath.
"I am a soldier for the Sovalan Empire, and I am putting you under arrest for all of your crimes." Billy kept his intensity.
"I haven't seen any proof." The individual snickered.
Stella slammed her hand beside the guy's head. "You don't have time to worry about that. Tell us where the base is, before jail is your smallest worry."
"I ain't telling you nothing. Threaten me all you want."
"He is right, what good is it to threaten a man that is already going down for a long time. Let's offer him something good, after all we are chasing bigger fish." Ace smirked while placing his hand on Billy's shoulder. "Can't we work something out for them if they tell us what they need."
Billy relaxed his grip and turned to Ace. "Ya right, even though I would never forgive scumbags like these. I can work something out if they cooperate."
"Then they should speak quickly, this offer will end with my patience," Stella chimed in.
"Ah, it's the good ole' good soldier, two bad soldiers," Tenny, who had found a place on Jack's shoulder, whispered. Jack nodded in amazement. He had much to learn.
"I just want to make sure they are taken care of. Let me help you guys, cause clearly my friends here would rather do things their way. Give us some information so we can calm things down. Where is your base? Who is running Eclipse?" Ace switched his gaze amongst all of them.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"We have a hide out just outside of town, but I have no idea about Eclipse."
"What do you mean you don't know about Eclipse! Who do you work for?" Stella snapped back and grabbed an empty section of his collar, pushing against him.
"We work for ourselves. We wanted to start our own hunter's guild and we have been working towards that."
"Why did you try to run then?" Billy questioned.
"We haven't been able to acquire paperwork for it, but we are still operating with fur and meat trading. We thought you guys either caught us or were going to rob us."
"Show me!" Billy strengthening back his grip.
***
The crew is in the tavern again. This time, downtrodden looks plagued all their faces. The stew on the table was getting cold and the silence was a force itself. The longer it stayed in the air, the tighter squeeze it had on their throats. It was understood that the first person to say something would have to present some sort of a solution. Jack saw Mr. Lundred from behind the bar also looking down. I guess his hopes of a happy Ace was crushed. It was when Jack noticed the single tear fall from Stella's eye, his stomach turned. He felt guilty. He got her hopes up and now they are back where they started. He should have tried to learn more. He couldn't believe he was so excited to tell them yesterday.
"I'm sorry," Jack softly said.
"It isn't your fault. The entire thing is just a bit frustrating." Stella slammed both of her palms onto her cheeks. Everyone jumped back. The three responders all give a gentle smile. She will be okay. "It isn't over yet, and we stopped some criminals, even though it was small scale."
"Yea, they were all placed under arrest. I even got to seize some of the goods. They had a surprising amount of protein for such a small band," Billy said walking up to the table. "I asked at the base again when dropping the criminals off, but it is still nothing. I'm sorry guys. What about the guys ya was talking to Ace?"
"It seems that Eclipse would contact them when they had to go again. As new members, I guess they didn't know the inner workings, they just made assumptions from other members. They didn't reveal exactly what would tell them it was time to go. I'll keep an eye on them though."
"Why don't we just capture them and force them to tell us what they do know." Billy trying his best.
"I didn't really think of it, but I try and avoid violence. I gave up fighting a while ago so I stay away when I can, plus I have a feeling Eclipse would drop them at the sign of anything being off. I am sure they have their way of monitoring things. I rather not risk it."
"So, we are at a dead end." Billy sensed the tension form in the air with his statement. "But it's only a matter of time."
"I really believe so. I'll go back out and take a look. If we keep searching, something has to come up." Jack's voice was straining to sound confident.
"Nope. You are going to take a rest. Both of you." Ace's eyes were sharp. "We didn't get much sleep last night, and we have to be a bit more careful. I am not sure how Eclipse operates but we made some noise already. I want you guys to pace it a bit. Hopefully, some word spreads and they decide to take some kind of action, but I don't want either of you in the crossfire. For now, I am going to check on those guys and if you don't mind, can I cook you guys a meal using those ingredients you took?"
"Oh sure, I'll head out with ya then. Get some rest guys," Billy said as Tenny joins both of them.
Jack felt nervous sitting there with Stella alone. Was she upset with him? He already knew she was frustrated. The silence was beginning to stain the air again.
"Jack, I know I am not making any of this easier. It's just the frustration and it's hard to be patient. However, I just want you to know that you have been such a huge help. All of you have been. Thank you." She gave a faint smile. Her eyes were closed. Jack wondered if that was the only thing keeping back the tears.
"Stella, we will find her. Everything will work out."
"I know it will. I'm probably just tired. Ace is right, we should get some rest."
***
It had to be less than 30 minutes before Billy dashed into Jack's room at the inn. His chest moved in and out in large oscillations. Sweat dripping on the floor.
"Is everything okay? Where is Ace?"
"Everything...is fine...I...I left him...cooking...at home." Billy leaned over and put his hands on his knees.
"Take a breath man, or this is going to take forever." Billy drew in so much air that Jack was sure he felt a draft. Something big must have happened.
"I think I found some members. After leaving Ace, I went to talk to the inn keeper where the guys were staying. The guys that Ace talked to. I asked him to keep anything that was dropped off to them. He asked if that included food. He says that they always had goods delivered to them. I guess they can't update their ledgers. The delivery happens all random times but it's always after lunch. We can probably scope them out."
Jack was ecstatic. This was perfect. "Billy, you are amazing!" Jack grabbed his shield and his blade, making his way to Stella's room before completely stopping in his tracks. What if they miss them? What if it doesn't work out again? He didn't want to break Stella's heart anymore. He would check this out and find something concrete to bring back for them. He signals to Billy, and they begin running.
***
Jack and Billy sat on a roof a fair distance away. Billy had already checked with the inn keeper to confirm no deliveries were made yet. They should be able to see what happens without being spotted. It wasn't long before their luck paid off. Three guys escorting a pull cart with goods had stopped at the inn. Two stayed outside while one took the goods inside, taking a few trips to clear the cart.
"We should follow them up here. We can see where they go after deliveries."
"I can't use Wind Walk. It would be hard for me to keep up."
"Okay we will be careful on the ground."
The pair try and keep their distance. These three looked way scarier than the hunters. They all had a lean build and stern looks on their faces. They didn't speak to each other, but Jack wasn't sure if he just couldn't hear at this distance. The two that wasn't pulling the cart constantly looked around causing the pair to stop a few times. Tailing them proved extremely difficult since they took as many narrow paths as possible.
Jack broke the corner, but they were gone already. His heart dropped to the ground, and he took off dashing to the next corner. The side of the cart smashed into his face and chest, launching him into the wall. The three stood there, ready and poised. Billy came quickly with his sword drawn.
"They must be the ones that caused trouble earlier," one of the guys uttered with an interested look on his face.
"Tsk. We have to get out of here," another one said while bending down with his hand an inch from the ground. The other two put their palms close to both side walls. Three separate yellow walls formed meeting in the centre. Jack couldn't see anything. He wiped the blood from his mouth and quickly got up.
"I'll chase them. Follow the green trail and get to me as fast as possible," Jack ordered before shooting off without a response from his comrade.
A green trail took him up and over the artificial wall where he looked in the distance for a direction. Can they Wind Walk? Why is there no wisp trail? He felt the air being pushed around him. He glanced back, and his eyes dilated. He threw his shield in front of his face but the red orb burst sending him crashing into the wall. This was real. They were on another level. He peeled off the wall and began to decent to the ground. He wanted to land on his feet, but they didn't seem to respond. This is a strange feeling. It hurts. He still had command of his hands and tucked it onto is chest letting the surface area of the shield disperse as much force as it could.
"You thought we would run away after you found us? We can't let you live now," the cart puller said walking forward. They all had daggers drawn. Only the cart puller dashed forward. Jack spun his right wrist towards the ground and created a giant yellow pillar that took him higher than the building. Way too high. He had to get a handle on his nerves.
"My friend already got away. What are you going to do now?" Jack called down to his opponents. He had gotten back all his feeling, and he was feeling extremely sore.
"He will come back to help. If he decides to go and get back up, then we would already have killed you and be long gone. Either way, you are out of luck kid," one of them called back.
The cart puller was coming straight at him. He definitely seemed like the most proactive. It would be great if he could get him one on one. Jack waited for his attacker. The dagger aimed at his throat. Jumping backwards off the pillar, he kept enough distance from the full stretched blade. He was moving slower than the attacker and the blade would catch up to him soon, but that is what he wanted. He threw his left hand at an angle that allowed the dagger to glance upwards and grabbed onto his shirt. He felt the breeze coming again. He twisted his body dragging his attacker into the line of fire. The erupting red orbs pushed them onto the edge of the nearby roof. The attacker let go an unnerving scream on impact before falling unconscious. Jack laid there for a moment. Deep breath. One of them was down. He could do this.
Standing on the ledge, looking down on them, they continued their barrage of fire blast. The red orbs were a couple feet away from Jack. He had finished adjusting his breathing. Holding it now, he ducked and used Wind Walk to appear directly in front of them. He drove his shield into one of the attackers while spinning, using his gauntlet blade to knock the dagger out of the other attacker's hand. He pushed him back with a front kick and planted the flat of the blade into the back of the opponent that just got hit by the shield. They were tough. Both now standing on opposite sides of him. He kept his guard tight while slowly circling around. It would be better to react right now. The opponent with the dagger attacked as soon as Jack's eyes diverted. The blade edged Jack's shoulder. He had shifted just enough to be on the side of the man who was being carried by a forward momentum. Jack gathered red orbs in his left hand. This distance would require less power. His thoughts interrupted by a sweeping leg from the other opponent. Jack jumped away just in time. He used the red orb he already gathered to launch at them, but they both ran around it. They were quick and coordinated. Punches, kicks, high, low, earth wall, all came at opportune moments. Jack had to keep his guard tight, but he couldn't stop everything. He never got to practice against this level of teamwork. Being reactive wasn't working out. Jack planted his back foot and swung high in the air. He kept with the flow of his swings, not to hurt them but give himself some distance. He just had to find an opening.
"Jack!" Billy called from the end of the alleyway after circling the building. This was the opening he needed. Jack cast a quick red orb with enough force to send the dagger less opponent crashing into the yellow barrier they created.
"The alley! Get to the alley!" the injured one yelled while kneeling on the ground. The other one's eyes lit up. We can't let him get to that alley. Jack rushed but the opponent used Wind Walk to dash forward and over Billy.
"Damnit! Jack, go ahead! I am just going to seal this guy. I'm right behind ya," Billy said while crossing paths with a sprinting Jack.
"There is one on the roof." Jack was out of sight.
"How? Ugh, I really have to learn to Wind Walk," Billy mumbled under his breath.
Jack felt his breath get shorter. His arms and legs were heavy. He clearly overdid it with the earth pillar. Using Wind Walk to catch up feels like it would be a bad decision. What if he got close and the opponent dashed ahead again? He would be less likely to use mimics. It's better he stores what he has and brace for whatever is in the alley.
Jack was thankful that his speed allowed him to keep on the trail naturally before it faded. The man ahead turned the corner into an alley. This was it. He slowed down to make sure it wasn't a trap. He stood facing the path and saw the man walked into a dead end. Jack inched forward. The man just stared at him. This was not a good feeling. Jack glanced up and around. Was it an ambush? No signs of anyone on the roof. He came this far. Their lead is right there. He dashed forward.
"Stop him!" the man yelled. Jack stopped in his tracks. A small person jumped into view from behind his target. They were hidden behind a cloak, with the only visible appendage being the person's hand that held onto a staff of dark wisps attached to a scythe. This was Jack's first time seeing a dark wisp user, but he had no time to admire because they were quick. The top of the scythe drove straight into his shield protecting his chest. Jack's feet slid a little on the ground. The feeling of the impact was still on his arm, but the scythe was already heading down at him. This time he wedged his blade to the corner of the scythe blade and handle. The cloaked fighter pulled forward freeing their weapon.
They twirled the blade around them. Their footwork must be amazing under that cloak because they effortlessly closed the gap they needed. Jack could only block. The scythe changing directions and digging into his shield and blade every chance it got. He had to get in closer. He had to get into range. He waited directly until a strike came high and used it to dash close into her reach. The fighter's bottom hand released the handle and casted another dark wisp into Jack's shoulder. He jumped backwards landing on the wall, yelling out in pain. The cloak came closer.
"Jack! Are you okay?" Billy yelled from the start of the alley.
"Run! Get out of here!" His stomach twisted. Billy was moving towards him in slow motion, no everything was slowed down. Jack could feel the sweat on his forehead and every thump of his chest. He could feel how painfully slow his body was moving. The cloaked fighter was moving towards Billy. Jack pushed forward stretching. Reaching. Just a couple of inches. Move! Move please! It was the fastest he ever commanded the wisps. A green blast got to him before the swing of the blade. It wasn't enough.
It wasn't enough.