Hey everyone vsinity here! Just to let you know I'm not stopping the story just a little busy w/college.
Well enough about that here's the next chapter! Enjoy {[999abo}]
Ch 11
Part 1
“Fur coats! Get your warm fuzzy coats! Only 15 silvers to keep yourself nice and cozy!”
“Delicious apple pies! Get them while they are hot-hot-hot! Only 2 silvers for a yummy treat, guaranteed to warm you up!”
The entire kingdom of Rosenheim was filled with bustling activities as both players and npcs participated in the grand festivities.
The mages’ guild were busy decorating the streets with a spectacular array of lights of different shapes and colors showing off their many spells. Snow and Ice sculptures littered the streets which soon became a competition that resulted in dinosaur shaped snow figures and funny cartoon characters.
The bards had gathered in various locations; their wonderful music flowing down every street’s corner and the delicious aroma of food being prepared soon filled the air as cooks started to open their food stalls out on the streets.
Laughter and giggles could be heard everywhere as the children raced each other, running and sliding as they played in the snow making many of the adults chuckling at the amusing sight.
The cause of all the unexpected festivities was the snow; however it wasn’t ordinary snow that was causing all the commotion. The snow had come during the middle of summer in Rosenheim and not only that the snow was also a beautiful pristine blue and a soft blue glow further enhanced its charm.
The entire kingdom of Rosenheim and the fields near its outer walls were covered in a blanket of the pristine blue snow, a wonderful sight to behold! The pale blue light that the snow emitted had the effect of warming the hearts of any person that stared into its comforting glow. Priests giving buffs to players quickly discovered that the presence of the snow greatly enhanced the power of their blessings!
Soon it was known that the snow had great healing properties as well and many players frantically began to collect the snow, they kept collecting piles upon piles of snow until they later realized that the snow’s beneficial powers vanished after it melts and becomes ordinary water.
No one knew where the mysterious blue snow came from but during the next two weeks until the last of the blue snow melts away the event would forever be known as Blue Christmas.
In the midst of all the festivities while everyone was enjoying their time outside a sad girl could be seen through the tailor’s workshop’s window pouting as she enviously stared at the other people having fun as she waited with her friend who was taking a nap.
“Alex? Alex? Alex? Al-”
“What Luna? I’m taking a nap you know”
“Alex are you done yet?”
“He’s still making my clothes, what do you think?”
“Hmph”
“Luna you don’t have to wait on me”
“No, I don’t want to go by myself so hurry up”
After their intense battle against the lycanthropes Alexander’s clothes were once again ripped to shreds. Thankfully the lycanthropes drops were of good quality which they mostly sold off at a good price. The claws and fangs of lycanthropes were rare materials that could be used to make high quality potions which raised the values of the claws and fangs and soon the two made enough money to pay back the owner of the restaurant who went and cancelled their bounty.
Needing new clothes the two headed back to the tailor’s workshop where they sold most of the lycanthrope fur and soon found themselves waiting as the tailor proceeded to make a new outfit with the remaining lycanthrope fur for Alexander.
Looking up Alexander gave a puzzled look at the girl still staring out the window.
-She obviously wants to go hmm… guess I should give her a reason then.-
“Hey Luna?”
“Yeah?”
“Actually I have a favor to ask”
Curious Luna turned to face him.
“What’s the favor?”
“Well you see the sword you gave me is practically falling apart after that last battle. Seeing as we’re just waiting here I was wondering if you could take this to the black smith.”
“Oh, well sure I guess I could do that”
“Great here’s the sword, thanks Luna”
“Kay’ I’ll be back soon”
Turning around to leave she paused at the door when Alex stopped her.
“Oh Luna one more thing”
“Hm?”
“The repair should take some time so just go enjoy the festival”
With a quick smile forming on her face she quickly left after sticking out her tongue at Alex.
“Duh, I don’t need you around to tell me that silly”
“Wha-why you little-”
But there was only a gust of air where Luna was previously as she ran off to enjoy the festivities. Watching as the distant figure did a comical flip as she slipped in the snow Alexander let out a small chuckle as he leaned back on his chair going back to his nap.
Couples of all kinds could be seen strolling down the streets, enjoying the grand festivities and spectacles.
“Dear, where should we go next?”
“Hmm, You know what? I just heard that the mage guild made an enormous Christmas tree. Want to check it out?”
“Splendid! And seeing how the mage guild already made wonderful decorations this tree must be spectacular! Let’s go see it now darling”
“Haha, alright let me just-woahhhhh!”
The man was spinning around and around, another victim of the sudden gust of wind as a speeding figure could be seen running off leaving behind a sound of laughter that was strangely pleasant as it resembled chiming bells.
Meanwhile back at the tailor’s workshop after waiting/napping for 3hours Alexander finally got his new clothes. The tailor’s skills were exceptional and the heavy fur turned into a light fur coat mantle with a hood, the remaining leather was used to make a vest, pants, boots and fingerless gloves upon request. Thanking the tailor Alexander exited the shop.
A small white fog appeared as Alexander breathed in and out the winter air. Even though the sky had turned black with the coming of night the streets were bright thanks to the blue snow and the glowing decorations courtesy from the many mages participating in the festival. Looking around at all the wonderful sight Alexander let out a small smile.
“Hey isn’t that…”
“Woah you’re right!”
“What are you talking ab-omg it’s that elf dude!”
“The bunny slayer?”
“The savior of noobs!”
“Hurry contact the guild leader!”
“Hey! He’s running away!”
“After him! Don’t let him escape!”
Putting on his hood to hide his silvery hair Alex ran into another crowd hoping to throw off his many pursuers.
-Oh well so much for that peaceful moment.
Sighing to himself Alex continued to run as he cursed his misfortune.
Meanwhile a little girl could be seen walking with a large group behind her.
"Are you certain he was here?"
"Yes leader, I’m sorry to inform you but our scouts lost him once again."
"Extend the search and send an additional squad to the west gates."
"Understood"
Muttering to herself the girl looked wistfully to the sky.
"Ooh where is that man. I just want to thank that brave man who saved me."
Unknown to Alex was the fact that the little girl was also out at night hunting. She was better than most other players and was capable of hunting down the scarlet bunnies during the day. Over confident she stayed to fight, however like most players at the time she didn’t know about the fact that monsters became 50% stronger at night.
Facing the jaws of imminent death she closed her eyes expecting to feel the fangs biting into her flesh. Sometime had passed and as she opened her eyes in confusion her mouth opened in surprise. In front of her was a handsome, silver haired elf. The sight of blood didn’t make her feel squeamish; instead she was enchanted by the color of red that stained the elf warrior as it shimmered like rubies under the bright moonlight.
After the whole ordeal had passed she witnessed the elf warrior fall, never getting the chance to thank him personally…not that he noticed her; sadly the girl was assuming Alexander went out of his way to save her but that was just him in berserk mode.
Afterwards many players found out thanks to the girl and soon the silver haired elf warrior was known throughout the entire city and the girl along with the many thankful players formed the Crimson Bunnies guild in dedication to their savior.
The Crimson Bunnies guild consisted of over 300 members and still continued to grow. The guild’s objective was to help out beginners and find their savior, thanks to that they were constantly busy and would soon be widely known for their generosity in lending a helping hand to beginners everywhere.
Wandering the streets Alex successfully managed to shake off his pursuers but now he was lost.
"Jeez, what is up with everyone? I would have thought by now people would stop looking for me."
With a quick glance Alex observed his surroundings.
"I don’t recognize this area, what to do…oh! I’ll just contact Luna forgot all about her."
"Excuse me sir?"
Hearing a voice Alex turned around to face whoever was calling out to him only to find that no one was there.
"Sir?"
A yank on his mantle caused him to look down.
What he saw tore at his heart strings. It was a pitiful looking young boy who looked starved wearing nothing but tattered clothes, tears flowed down his cheeks as he held onto his mantle.
"Sir, can you please help me?"
"What’s wrong kid? Why are you crying?"
"It’s my mom sir, she-she just fell down m-my mom she fell down and I-I don’t know who else to ask, please sir please help my mom!"
The kid kept crying in silence, his tears of desperation and frustration fell onto the snow covered ground for he had spent the entire time running around asking strangers that just ignored him.
-What’s the point? This man is probably like the rest. So many, so many people I have asked and they just walked by ignoring me.
A pair of strong hands gripped his shoulder causing the boy to look up. He stared into stranger’s eyes; his eyes glowing of silver seemed to penetrate deep into his soul. It wasn’t intimidating if anything for the first time that night it gave him a sense of warmth and hope.
"Kid where’s your mother at?"
Part 2
"Hurry mister!"
Thanks to his endless stamina Alex soon found himself carrying the boy on his back as he raced past people at a blurring speed.
"Take a right mister! Now left! Another left!"
For any other kid Alex would of been the best piggyback vehicle ever if it weren't for the dire situation. Unintentionally Alex would be the cause of the Daddy Piggyback Race as many kids soon after asked their dads for a piggyback after seeing Alex.
"Turn right around that street corner mister! Stop mister!"
Before Alex could put the kid down the little boy jumped off his back and quickly grabbed Alexander's hand as he ran off causing Alex to stagger due to the boy's unexpected strength.
Together the pair rushed toward a dark alley, the surrounding buildings were noticeably shabbier. The brick walls were broken down and bits of glass shards could be seen sticking out of the snow, only broken windows could be found.
The usually dark alleyway was illuminated by a dim blue light. Further up ahead where the snow was no longer illuminating laid a prone figure. Running towards the body the boy knelt down and kept crying for his mom. Feeling a hand on his shoulder the boy looked up behind him. His eyes once again met Alex's silver eyes, a feeling of calmness cleared the boy's mind and with a quick nod he got up to make room for Alex.
Alex hurried to check on the mother's status. He grimaced inwardly for the mother's body was bruised all over. Placing a finger on her wrist he breathed out a sigh of relief after sensing a very faint but consistent pulse. He thanked Luna's spell for the snow's healing properties, which was probably what had kept the kid's mother alive. The snow didn't heal most of her wounds but it was enough for now.
Just as he was about to carry his mother towards the nearest church to find a healer Alex's hands felt the touch of a sickly warm but familiar feeling. Fearing the worst he turned over the mother's back only to confirm his fears. A broken blade was sticking out of her back.
"Hey kid can you gather up some of that snow for me?"
"Kid?"
Hearing no responce Alex turned his head to see the kid. His face was pale in shock of seeing so much blood. Alex steeled himself for even though he felt pity for the kid he needed the kid's help.
"KID! WAKE UP!"
The sudden shout brought back the kid from his moment of shock. Seeing that the kid's attention was on him Alex continued.
"Kid, look at me. I know that you're scared but your mother needs you right now. We can save her but I need you to gather the blue snow here that are still glowing.
The boy felt a wave of calm wash over his body. It was those eyes once again giving him hope, it was incomprehensible but for some reason he could sense the power and warmth behind the stranger's eyes. Nodding his head in response the boy quickly got up and started to bring back armfuls of the glowing blue snow.
Knowing that the kid would do his part Alex gathered his focus as he consciously activated his bookworm skill. Recalling vast amount of information he quickly found the data and procedures for emergency treatment. Looking up all Alexander could see was a staggering pile of blue snow. He smiled in admiration at the young boy running back and forth bringing in more of the glowing blue snow.
-That kid had to deal with so much today it's amazing yet strange. Why would Unicorn Corps make the game so realistic? It's kind of scary how real these npc are.
A moan from the boy's mother brought back his attention.
-Enough of that I have to focus on this right now.
Using his bookworm skill Alex's hands moved automatically providing feedback on how far the broken blade was in and assessing whether removing it was safe enough. Taking out a cloth from his inventories Alex quickly folded the cloth and placed it in the mother's mouth so that she wouldn't hurt herself when she felt the pain.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
After quickly removing the blade Alex grabbed fistfuls of the blue snow and started applying it on the wound directly. The mother hissed as she automatically bit the cloth in pain. A steam of mist appeared and soon a fog covered Alex and the boy's mom as he continued to apply more and more of the blue snow.
A heavy silence fell down in the alley as the boy looked onward at the fog, his feelings were a mixture of both anxiety and hope. Time seemed to slow down but with each passing second the fog slowly, but surely soon faded away. With hesitant steps the boy slowly approached Alex, however the minute he saw his mother in Alex's arm with her eyes open her face gently smiling towards him, her son the boy dashed straight towards his mother in glee; his worries were all gone at that moment.
Tears of joy flowed down his cheeks as the kid laughed and cried as his mother embraced him in a warm and loving hug.
"I'm so sorry love"
The sudden statement caused the boy to lift his head up in confusion.
"My time isn't much farther. Please hear me one last time son."
"No-no-no-no-no-no it can't be!"
"Please son-"
"No-no-no-no-no-no!"
Kneeling down Alex placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. The kid looked up and stared imploringly at Alex searching desperately for those silvery eyes hoping that it held the solution, but their eyes didn't meet as Alexander kept his head down in regret.
"Please kid, listen to your mother"
With that the kid realized that there was nothing that could be done to save his mother at that moment. Nodding his head in defeat the boy turned to face his mother. The mother gave a silent look of thanks towards Alex before facing her son once more. Opening her arms the boy gave her loving hug and as the two hugged each other the mother softly spoke to her son as she gently brushed his hair with her hand.
"Dear don't be nit picky about food, eat lots and grow strong for me all right dear? Life can be tough at times but remember to always have hope in your heart. Follow your dreams and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Be happy for me, I know it's tough right now but try to live a life full of smiles dear."
Crying to himself the boy nodded as he ingrained every word his mother spoke into his heart.
Looking up the mother smiled at Alexander.
"Excuse me sir, I don't believe I caught your name?"
"It's Alexander Ma'am"
"Well I wanted to thank you Alexander for providing this opportunity"
"I'm sorry to say but I wish I could of done more for you ma'am"
"Don't be too hard on yourself Alexander, it's thanks to you I can speak with my son. However if you don't mind can you hear out my last request? I want you to take care of my son until he becomes a capable man. I know it's too much to ask and I have nothing I can give you in return but please guide him sir"
"Don't worry ma'am I will"
"Thank you"
Breathing a sigh of relief the mother slowly raised her son's hair and gently kissed his forehead.
"Dear it's time I have to go now"
With a startled look the boy's head raised up to face his mother.
"Wh-what?"
"It's time, Freya's angels are beckoning me to be by their side."
"Don't leave me mom!"
"I'm sorry dear, I wish I could stay with you a bit longer as well"
"Then don't go mom!"
"Oh dear, what am I going to do with you? I'm sorry my precious son I have to go now but I will always be with you in your heart. I want to let you know that you are the most wonderful thing to happen in my life and no matter what I will always be proud of you. Grow up to be a strong and wonderful man with a heart filled with kindness, I believe in you always."
"No mom! Don't go!"
Smiling she patted her son's head, her body slowly turning grey. Soon her body started to fade away. Her love was strong, with every ounce of strength she kept smiling for her son as her life faded away.
"I love you"
"Mommmmm!"
The last trace of the boy's mother's smile disappeared in a flash of grey light.
Getting up Alex leaned against the alley's walls. He remained silent letting the boy grieve in peace. After an hour had passed the kid stood up and walked towards Alex. His face was red, tears stained his cheeks and snot was dripping down his nose. Taking out a clean cloth Alex wiped the boys face. Taking the boy's hand the two stared at the spot where his mother used to be. After a final sniff the boy tugged Alex's hands a sign that he was ready to leave.
Swiiiiiish! Klang!
Alex quickly tackled the boy! Rolling on the ground Alexander quickly took the sheathed sword in his inventory that he got from the instructor. He wasn't able to pull out the sword out of it's sheath but it was all he had. With a flick of his wrist he quickly deflected an incoming dagger. Sensing more danger he grabbed the boy's ragged shirt by the neck and dodged to the left. Three arrows thudded into the snow covered ground afterwards.
"Who's there!?"
"Oh my~my~ Look at that he managed to avoid our surprise attack"
"Never mind that, look who's with him brother."
"Ahh~ Isn't that our target? Haha what fortune brother!"
"Indeed thanks to that wench covering for him he got away"
"But I told you he'll be back didn't I brother?"
"Haha! Indeed you did brother! Now let's not waste anymore time"
Stepping out of the dark a cloaked figure appeared, a knife was held in each hand and more were probably hidden in his cloak. Hearing the crunch of snow Alex glanced towards his back confirming the sight of another cloaked man with an arrow nocked in place on his gruesome looking longbow.
The tension in the air was thick enough to cut as the three stared at each other.
"You-you bastards. Y-YOU'RE THE F**CKING BAST*RDS THAT KILLED MY MOTHER!!!"
"Kid?"
With a roar the kid charged towards the cloaked figure with the knives.
"Damn it!"
Pushing himself to his utmost limits Alex quickly dashed towards the kid and tackled him out of the way. The knives missed by mere inches but the arrows slammed into his back.
"Mister!!!"
With a grunt Alex quickly stood up.
"Don't worry about me kid my Mantle is made out some pretty tough fur, but seriously what the hell in Freya's name were you thinking!?"
"I-I ju-"
"Listen kid. Just leave those two clowns to me. Besides your mom didn't give her life just so you could throw away yours."
"But-"
"No BUTS! Don't make me repeat myself kid. Your mother entrusted your life to me so whether you like it or not I'm going to keep my end of the bargain and protect your life."
"Mister..."
"Just stick to my side got it?"
Nodding his head in response the kid stood next to Alex's side.
"Ahh~ isn't that just sweet?"
"Aye brother, it's so sweet it's making me puke"
"Agreed brother but before we kill them let me ask him a question"
"...Fine"
"Hey there! Yeah you! I was just wondering but who made your gear? That mantle of yours must be pretty well made to stop my brother's arrows"
"Well sure I could tell you but even if you have the information I doubt it would do you any good"
"Hmm and what exactly do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is that I doubt you would need clothes where you're heading"
"Huh? Wha-"
Grabbing the kid Alex used one of the shaolin staff technique using his bookworm skill. Shouting the name of the technique he swung the sheath creating a large upward gust of wind, the snow blurring the visions of the assassins.
"Sweeping A Thousand Leafs! Eagle Soaring Wings!"
"Gahhh! What's with all the snow!? I can't see a damn thing!"
"Damn it are they trying to escape!? Brother do you see anything!?"
"Brother? Brother! BROTHER!"
Despite the man's frantic yelling nothing could be heard but the whirling sound of the fierce gust of wind as the sudden explosion of air and thanks to all the snow flying through the air like a snow globe being shook.
"Brother answer me damn it!"
"Your brother is gone and now it's just me and you"
The familiar feeling of cold steel pressed against his neck.
"Wow, well I'll be damn isn't that one of my daggers?"
"Why are you after the boy?"
"Straight to the point aren't we?"
A sudden pressure to his throat caused the man to shut up.
"Answer me"
"Because he commanded us to"
"He? Who is he?"
"Our master, me and my brother's master. I can't talk more about that"
The increase of pressure on the man's throat encouraged him once more.
"Okay okay! I can't talk about him but I can tell you why he sent us after the boy! Don't cut me with it please! It has poison coated on it!"
The pressure on his throat decreased as the blade slowly moved away.
"Speak"
"According to our master the boy has an incredible amount of power. The boy doesn't realize he has that much power, which is why we were sent to end him before he became a potential threat."
"Power? What Powe-"
SMACK!
A sudden force smacked into his jaws causing Alex to fall backwards. Hurrying to get back up Alex quickly got into a defensive stance expecting another attack, but the sight he saw caught him off guard. The cloaked assassin unfurled two large bat like wings. Two horns shout out of the man's hood. With a sudden heat wave flaring out of the monster's body the cloak burst into flames. Scales shot out covering it's entire body making the monster look like it just grew armor onto it's body. The creature's muscles exploded, expanding at an alarming rate.
Realizing that the monster assassin was open to attacks while it was still transforming Alex lunged forward to stab it, hoping the poison was lethal enough to kill the beast. Putting all his strength behind his dash Alex moved faster and faster, soon his body becoming a flying spear as the dagger homed in on the monster's neck!
Stab!
"Huhk!? Y-you damn bastard..."
Gripping his assailant Alex consciousness slowly slipped away.
"I know that mister told me to stay hidden, but there's just got to be something I can do to help!"
Running out from the dark part of the alleyway the kid ran towards where Alex was only to halt in shock as he stared at the impossible and horrendous scene before him. A demonic black monster, it's overwhelmingly huge body lit in bloody red flames, and on the creatures long spear like tail hung the body of Alex, the tail had speared through his stomach.
"M-MISTER!!!!"
A loud ear-jarring sound pierced through Alex's sleep causing him to open his eyes.
"K-Kid!?"
"Mister!"
"I thought I told you to get away from here huk-!?"
"MISTER!!!"
With a flick of the demonic beast's tail Alex flew of it's tail and smashed into alley's walls. With his vision blurring Alexander laid there, his body not responding as the demon approached the kid. Soon the scenery faded out into darkness.
-Damn it. Heh, this really freaking hurts. Why did they have to make the pain so damn realistic.... damn.... sorry kid......
-So are you giving up?
-Huh?
-Do you not wish to save the kid? Are you giving up?
-No I don't want to give up! I want to save him!
-Then take my power. If you truly wish to save him then take it.
-Why are you helping me? Who are you?
-When the opportunity arrives all shall be revealed, until then do what you must
The demon leaped towards the sky flaring open it's wings. As it hung in the night sky the monster let out a enormous roar filled with bloodlust. Flames built up in it's mouth, the heat could be felt all around. The demon soon ripped it's jaws open wide as a torrent of flame spewed forward heading straight towards the kid.
"Am I going to die? Well it won't be too bad, I guess I'll be seeing mother and mister pretty soon."
Closing his eyes the kid fell onto his knees giving up any hope of surviving the attack.
Fwoooshhh
The scarlet flames swept the area, the intense heat already burning down the nearby buildings to rubble.
"..................?"
"Don't go killing me off just yet you little brat."
!
"Mister!?"
"Hey there kid, sorry if I was a bit late"
Looking up the kid could see a light barrier enclosed around them was preventing the flames from harming them. With big eyes he stared at Alex whose entire body was radiating a soft silver glow, the silver aura wasn't what caught the kid's attention however.
Sticking out of Alex's pants was a tail, a long silver scaled tail with two red lines one on each side followed by a set of leather silver wings with a faint red hue.
"Hey kid"
"Yeah mister?"
"I think it's time we finally paid this bastard back for everything he's done what do you think?"
"Go get him mister!"
"Heh, sure thing kid!"
The silver aura surround Alex soon flared up as he let his primal instinct take over. Clenching his jaws Alex felt all his energy being focused into one point, with all his pent up frustration, with all his fury Alex let out a beam of white light that pierced through the sea of red flames, extinguishing them on the spot, the attack continued and blowing the demon away without a trace.
"Mister you did it!"
"Mister? Mister!"
Falling into a deep slumber Alexander let the wave of exhaustion carry him to sleep as the sounds of a boy calling out to him soon faded away.
So yeah kind of rushed through this one... I also got to say damn you auto correct! Had to retype some words many times on my phone. Thanks for reading and don't expect anything new anytime soon since I'll most likely focus on this when I'm on break which isn't soon. {[999abo}]