This Isn’t the Type of Paradise I expected

Chapter 4: Thieves Guild

Awakening from my dreamless slumber I was awakened by a loud crash. Irritated, I open my eyes slowly to see…

Bountiful fruits swaying in my face, barely exposing the areola. The only thing covering them was the pink negligee that the offender was wearing. The owner was the Falsa’s 

daughter Laurie on all fours covering my escape. When our eyes made contact I saw that her face was slightly red. She began to speak.

“It’s not what you think…”

I don’t know what she thinks that I thought, but I decide to calm her down before a repeat of yesterday’s events happen.

“I know, I know…”

I look at my blade that was sheathed on the floor.

“… You tripped on my weapon, right? It was my fault, sorry.”

It’s very hard to look at her, considering the position she’s in. I’m a man dammit, I can only hold out for so long.

“Um, right. As long as you understand. Mom and Dad told me to wake you help to help out with setting up tables.”

Finally recognizing the position, she got out of this arousing position and off of the bed even more flustered than a second ago. I proceed to put my clothes back on.

“Is Ericka helping as well?”

“Yes she’s downstairs while you’re up here slacking. I swear, hurry it up or you won’t get breakfast.”

I hear a feminine voice in the distance.

“Laurie we need you in the kitchen, can you hurry?”

She leaves the room in a hurry and slams the door in front of me, causing me to flinch.

“Yeah, yeah…”

That girl sure is a handful. I realize that that knight captain wanted to explain what he needing my help for today. So I might need to hurry up and head off to the training grounds. I walk down the stairs and is greeted by a yawning Joni and The Falsas making breakfast together. Ms. Falsa was smiling as usual, while the firey Mr.Falsa was aggressively beating eggs in a bowl.

Ms. Falsa was giggling at the sight.

“How was your first time? Hehehe. I know you had a good morning…”

He walked off snickering down the stairs with a book in his hand. That kid knows too much… And what does he mean first time?! Even though he is right, what was that? Is that any way to greet someone older than you?

“W-we didn’t do anything like that! I wish you wouldn’t say things like that!”

“It was a mistake, I swear!”

Ericka and Laurie drop a plate on the ground simultaneously in shock.  No Laurie… at times like this, you’re supposed to deny it so people don’t misunderstand. Sigh…

“Wh-what! You took advantage of my sweet daughter!?

“I did not! Are you listening!?”

The man tore off his shirt and flexed his bulging muscles. My eye twitched at the sight as I let out an awkward smile. The calm wife tried diffused the situation.

“Let’s calm down dear, we haven’t head the entire story yet.”

The titan of a man jumped over the counter and put his foot on the table.

“IT’S TIME TO FACE THE FIR----“

“Excuse me…Dear… let’s…finish…breakfast…shall we?”

A frigid chill covers the café. An ominous wind has joined as well. Seriously, is the door open? It got really cold in here all of a sudden. I turn my head towards the front door. Nope, closed. Then what? I look towards Ms. Falsa.

“Honey, wait? I was just kidding you know. Haha……ha.”

I see a mist surround the man. I see frost accumulate quickly around his body one second, and encased in ice another second. Is this…ice magic? The once fiery man was now as cold as an icicle.

“Shinji…”

Ericka and Laurie are standing there unfazed continuing their duty. Joni still in his book as usual.  This must be a regular occurrence for them.

“YES!”

I stood up straight, with hands at my side. I look at the cold woman’s face. She was still smiling as usual, but she was still pumping an unusual amount of fear out of her body.

“Can you leave for a minute while I thaw out my husband? I’m sure you haven’t seen the entire city. Ericka, you be sure to accompany him as well”

“Yes!”

“Yes, ma’am”

I didn’t hesitate to separate myself from that situation. I take this opportunity to head off to the training grounds behind the castle. Ericka followed closely to me as well.

We walked along the busy market road filled will loud merchants trying to sell their merchandise. A citizen bumped into Ericka’s shoulder, causing her to trip. I catch her and bring her closer to my body.

“Sorry beautiful! I’m in a hurry.”

The hooded man ran by in a hurry accompanied by a group of angry looking men.

“Are you okay? You should watch yourself.”

“Yeah, sorry.”

After I did a pretty gutsy move, I noticed I was hugging her for quite a while, unmoving. This caused quite the awkward situation between us, which was broken by her voice.

“U-umm, Shinji I can’t move and it’s hard to breathe.”

“Sorry!”

I quickly release her, revealing her blushing face.

We continue walking forward in silence until I decide to say:

“Hey, Ms. Falsa was using ice magic right? That was pretty scary.”

“Yes, she is quite the experienced ice magic user. She used to be the bodyguard of the world famous pirate Jack Rose, known for sailing the entire world in 60 days. Her husband was actually a part of a rival pirate crew. She is the strongest ice magic user in this city.”

Somehow, I was not surprised. The way she instills fear into people would make her extremely successful and the way she used magic seemed very skilled, but what would I know? I just got here…

“She’s actually the one who taught me how this world’s magic works. She also taught me magic of my own.”

I would hate to face her in a fight. Ericka seemed happy talking about her. Ms. Falsa is the one who has been taking take of her the entire 2 months I was out so I guess they would’ve bonded in that time.

“I’m sorry I left you yesterday, how did the duel with Artie go?”

I cringe at her words… How did that duel go? You mean the one I lost?

“I lost…”

I put my head down in shame.

“Don’t worry, Artie’s quite strong and he’s beaten all of his knights at once too—.”

“Ericka?”

“Sigh… I know you’re trying to help, but stop. I’m ok.”

“I’m sorry…”

Her ears drooped in response to my words. Crap… I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.

“But I will admit, he was quite skilled when I fought him. That much was certain. That’s why he’s going to train me today.”

We begin to open the gate to the training grounds. Two knights greet us at the gate.

“The captain has been waiting for your arrival. Also, good morning lady Ericka.”

It occurred to me that Ericka is very popular is this city. It seems everyone knows her, or have heard of her. And who was that guy who, brushed past her calling her beautiful. He sounded familiar. Anyways, I walk past the knights and approach Arturio sitting down on a bench with his legs crossed.

“I see you’ve finally showed up. And Hello Lady Ericka, You would grace us with your presence today?”

“Yes, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, the more the merrier after all. It is beyond a doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience. So come join us.”

“I’m ready, where do we start?”

I’m prepared to do this. I have to gain more knowledge of this world’s magic. Then I can stop Datenshi before he hurts the people of this world.

“Well since you need the training, I’ll tell you about magic first before telling you about the cities’ problems.

Well he began tell me about the world which was the longer than I thought. He told us about mana which is an invisible energy that exists within the world. The living things of the Ark naturally take in this energy within and can manipulate it within their bodies.

“How do people use elemental magic you ask?”

“I didn’t say anything…”

“Just go with it squire.”

Squire? Anyway he continued with his explaination.

Well, all people have an affinity towards a particular element, which is decided by their blood type.

He took out a tiny sheet of paper and started writing on it. It showed:

Blood Type A: Fire+/Electricity-

Blood Type B: Water+/Ice-

Blood Type AB: Fire+/Water-, but extremely negative ice affinity if positive.

Blood Type O: Earth +/Wind -

As you can see whether you’re blood type is positive or negative affects the type of element your body has an affinity for when the blood type has two elements. For example: people with blood type O are born with the affinity to Earth and Wind type magic, but an O negative like will be able to use Wind with greater intensity than Earth.

People with two affinities also have an easier time combining those affinities, but we’ll get at that another time. One thing that will always be a fact, is that the element your body has an affinity for will have the greatest potential to be the strongest element they can use. For example: A blood type B+, no matter what element they train they will be able to use water to their fullest capability.

Oh I get it now. That old man Delta, said our abilities would be determined by our DNA. I guess that is what he meant.

“All right my good people, let’s find out our elemental affinities. There are many ways to figure out the affinities of people. One way is this mana attracting rod.”

I see him pull 2 rods from his uniform. It was the size of a hand.

“If you grab them and squeeze really hard, depending on your potent nature something will happen. I shan’t ruin the surprise.”

He hands the rod over to Ericka first.

“Do your best.”

She nodded, giving a determined look.

She squeezed the rod tightly and I see the rod quickly develop ice crystals.

“So since the rod froze I can assume her blood type is B, which has and affinity for Ice and Water.”

“All right, squire Shinji your turn. All you have to do is lightly squeeze and focus on the rod.”

I take the rod from his hand and begin to squeeze the rod. It was fairly cold to the touch---no, warm---moist? Part of the rod was eroding away too it seems. Finally the rod was split into 5 parts.

“Aha! So you have a wind-type as well Shinji. This will make the training easier since I prefer wind as well.”

Ericka walked up and picked up one of the rods that were split. She looked puzzled by it, as if she’s never seen it before.

“Is something wrong Ericka?”

“Um, it’s nothing…”

She immediately drops the rod onto the ground and turns toward me, giving a forced smile.

I shrug my shoulders and turn back towards Arturio.

“Alright, what’s next captain?”

Captain? When did I fit in this role so well? I realize I don’t think about the other world as much as I used to. I was always able to adapt to situation, god knows I had to, but I get the feeling I should be thinking about this more. It’s not like I don’t miss my parents or friends back home, but….

“Hey cadet, let’s go. I’m giving you a week of training, and you WILL be my star pupil. Ahh, my star pupil, it has a good ring to it. Will you call me mentor, Shinji?”

He was coated with bliss.

“I’m not into that type of foreplay!”

“Who said I was anyway?! It’s just a Student/Teacher sort of thing!”

Ericka turns away.

“I- thought we bonded …last night Shinji---you were so passionate. Take responsibility.”

“Is something wrong with your memory!?”

What the hell did I start?

“Bondage Shinji?... How could you take her first time in such an uncouth manner?”

He looked away from me tearing up.

“S-shut up! You need your ears checked. Bonded, bonded was the word!”

These two got me riled up way too easily. Still, I didn’t expect Ericka to say that.

“If anything… I’d prefer to be the one tied down…”

Why did I even say that? At the sound of my words the captain and Ericka backed away with looks of disgust.

“Seriously!?”

                                                     ***************************

“All right, enough lollygagging. Let’s start up training for magic.”

I nodded my head in confirmation.

“Based on how you fight, I assume you already have experience fighting, so I don’t have to teach you much. But I will teach you how to integrate magic spells with your fighting style.

He started out by saying it was simple. It was as easy as thought. Literally. He said to me that once you get it, will be stuck in your head. He extended an open palm towards me. Green energy started swirling around his hand. All you have to do is think about the element you want and your body will convert the energy in your body and send it to an outside source like your hands, feet, etc. Then when combining it with the energy that already exists in the environment you can give it a better form and turn it into a spell.

“I’ll show you a Wind blade spell as an example. This can be done with hands or legs.”

He stands tall and begins to spread his legs like a sumo wrestler. I couldn’t help from laughing at the sight of a guy doing this, but I hold myself back.

 His right arm is crossed over his left shoulder, fingers erect gathering energy. He twisted his body like a screw and slashed towards a tree in the distance.

“Wind blade!”

As he shouted, a crescent-shaped blade of wind was propelled towards the tree and he cut a branch off it. The branch in turn fell on the ground, causing a large noise.

“Woah! That’s pretty cool looking.”

And looks quite painful. My eye twitches at the thought.

“Oh don’t worry, despite how easily it cut, it won’t go through humans like butter. We have a natural shield around our bodies caused by mana that protects us from little harm. The downside though, is we have to be prepared for the damage so our bodies can mitigate it. Earth and Ice magic users usually have a pretty tough shield, while we wind users have to use our maneuverability and reflexes to avoid damage. “

Good to know. Magic is quite complicated, but I wonder when I can try it.

“So are you ready to try it? It’s a basic spell so you should be able to---.”

Not that long apparently.

“Yes!”

He stepped back and took a seat next to Ericka on the bench who appeared to be nodding off. Heh, I wonder if she’ll drool on him. I could barely hear him yell something to me.

“Don’t forget to concentrate! Your mind is your best weapon!”

Right. Concentrate. Concentrate. I take the same pose as Arturio and close my eyes.

I think I look ridiculous, but it’s actually helping. I feel a gentle breeze surrounding my hand. I swing my hand outward just like he did.

….Nothing. I try it again.

…and again.

The sun began to set behind me.

…and again.

One more time.

“Haaa….haaa…haa.”

What am I doing wrong? Was I always this weak?  Come on, I can do better that this, I have to do better than this. I smack my cheeks with both hands to wake myself up. Alright remember: your mind is your best weapon. I get back in position, focusing again.

I think about the element I want to use: Wind. And then I think about the environment that it would exist in: A lush forest, an open field, the wide blue sky. What do I want to create?: A blade of wind. I think about swords and a knife’s edge. I twist my body and release, swinging my hand in an arc towards the same tree.

And I shout:

“WIND BLADE!”

I see a large crescent blade fly towards the tree and completely bisect it, while also going past the wall behind it. The whole tree falls over in response causing a loud noise and making the ground shake. This made Ericka wake up from her daze.

“Ohoho! That was amazing Shinhuur------.”

Everything blurred away into dark for awhile.

“Shinji, you alright now? I should’ve warned you that using all of the mana within your body causes what is called Burnout. It causes you to pass out on the spot while your body quickly regains the lost mana. I used a potion on you, so you should be fine. Potions work by skin contact or by ingestion.”

“Shinji are you all right! I should’ve told you as well.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Let’s keep going.”

I’m exhausted as hell, but this headache is killing me.

“No.  We’ll continue tomorrow, get some rest.”

“What!? I just said---.”

I approach him. Angry and barely able to support my weight. His hand glowed and he flicked me in my head. I lose my balance and I roll back in the bushes behind me.

“Ok, maybe I should get some rest. Sorry about that.”

When I get up I see the pieces of rods used for the affinity detection. I notice not only are they cut up, but one is scorched, one was eroded, one shocked me when I picked it up. One was missing as well.  What does this mean… could I…

I get interrupted by Erickas’s voice.

“Come on, lets go.”

I proceed to walk back to the café as usual and see the same blue haired hooded man getting chased by angry men. I get a nostalgic feeling when I see him but I shrug it off.

                                                *****************************

The next day was the same routine, but Ericka stayed behind. I practiced behind the castle as usual. With the captain Arturio randomly scolding my casting speed, and him throwing a rock at me every time I don’t cast within five seconds. I found myself getting angrier each time I was pelted it the stomach.

I look up at the captain again. And see him…

…Picking up a huge boulder.

“Don’t you F---ing dare!”

He let out a big laugh obnoxiously, throwing the large rock.

“Uwaaaaah! Wind blade!”

 I release the wind blade spell at the rock, splitting it in two. It crashes to the ground.

As I let out a big sigh, I continue to practice my casting speed. While also getting assaulted by rocks. My timing has gone from 10 seconds to 6 seconds. Arturio says that’s the average casting speed but it can even be 2 seconds like his, if you practice enough. The rock throwing exercise was to see if I can cast on the move while dodging enemy spells, since the enemy wouldn’t usually give me an opportunity to cast.

                                    *********************************

During the third day of training I finally got my timing to match Arturio’s casting speed. I was able to slash the rocks and cancel his magic with my ownHe complimented me on my speed of learning.

Well with the other option being getting pelted by large rocks, I’d say I don’t have much of a choice. I’m no genius, but it took a lot of scrapes and bruises (all caused by Arturio) to get here. Not to mention along with rocks, he would shoot his own spells out at me. Talk about harsh, but it helped a lot. As the sun started to set, he started to teach me more spells. He taught me his wind mine spell. That was tricky at first, but he was right, use your mind to shape the spell and your body to release it.

                                   *************************************

This would be our fourth and final day of training. The Captain said I’ve been his best pupil so far, even better than his slackers that he called knights.

 He made fun of them, calling them slackers and worthless, but I felt caring feelings behind those words. He said nevertheless they were his family away from home for 5 years and he wouldn’t replace them, although they should take their work more seriously.

The final spell he taught me was enchantment magic. Which was basically applying the element to a weapon or item of choice to increase range, damage, or give special properties to a weapon. I took my black sword and did it with ease. The usual 12 inch broken sword was now about as long as a katana. Arturio looked at the sword looking confused.

“That sword looks familiar. Where have I seen it before?”

He knows where this came from? I ask him about it. But he looks like he’s deep in thought so I passed.

“Well I’ll come back to it later, but I can tell you that sword has a history behind it. But since history won’t win a battle I’d recommend using a different weapon.”

“I’ve kinda grown attached to having this weapon by my side, but I’ll get a backup just in case.”

To celebrate learning my final spell, ending my training, we decide to go to the café. This ended up being a relaxing evening despite Laurie giving me dirty looks, and Joni egging her on, spreading false rumors around the café. Which in turn caused Ericka to give me “looks” and turn away from me. After hearing the rumors, Mr. Falsa challenged me to a duel for his daughter. Before I could deny. Ms. Falsa turned him into an ice sculpture, which silenced the entire café. This dinner was definitely not a quiet one, but it was exciting nevertheless, not for me, but maybe the customers.

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After the dinner was over, Arturio gave me a stern look. Ah, he must be prepared to tell me about this “problem.”

I hand my plates to Mr. Falsa who was a stiff as a rock. I clap my hands together and close my eyes.

“Rest in peace, Once fiery-san, you burned as brightly as you could.”

“I don’t think he’s dead Shinji…don’t mourn his death just yet.”

Arturio fixed his glasses. Which brings me to the point: When did he get glasses.

“Oh my, did I overdo it? I’m sorry dear.”

Her eyes begin to well up.

“Noo huney. I wash jussh chu firy, I furgrt to churn it down fr the cushtomursh.”

Was he yelling through the ice? I can’t help but to be jealous of the guy. He’s pretty tenacious. I go back to Arturio and he explains the situation to me.

He tells that the problem was with the thieves and bandits constantly coming to town and stealing from the townsfolk. They also ambush caravans from between the nations that head here, causing a problem for everyone. He says that this was usually never a problem, but lately it has been getting worse and more frequent as of late. Just like when I came here there was a petty theft going on. He said there might be a problem with the thieves’ guild. Ever since the previous leader of the thieves’ guild passed away, they’ve been led astray by a new leader. The old guild actually was very quiet and well known by the people of this town. They were more like people who did odd jobs around the town, while occasionally encountering a shady job. They were nothing like thieves. Their previous leader was the nicest guy you’d meet.

“They don’t sound like bad people, other than the shady part, but what are mercenaries without the occasional shady job?”

Said the ex-merc himself…

“So what did you want me to do?”

I sit there in the wooden chair that was progressively hurting my rear the longer this conversation went on.

“I want you to try to stop the thieves from coming here by going to their base and arresting the leader. I’d prefer it if you’d do it without any unnecessary violence.

Things will never go that smoothly, but I hope it does.  I guess people don’t really change even in a world like this, but I guess I can’t blame the entire human race for the antics of a greedy leader. It looks like I already accepted inside my head though.

“So why couldn’t you do this anyway? You seem quite capable.”

He was strong by my standards. I just came to this world so I don’t have anyone to compare him to, but I have a feeling if I saw him in the other world he would be a force to be reckoned with.

“If I go there, then who would protect the town? There are other squads, but they have a duty elsewhere. Most of my men are not very capable, you see.”

“My, are those thieves still making a ruckus around town?”

I see Mr.Falsa in the corner of my eye.

“Seriously? I thought the knights had it under control already? Now you’re gonna let children fight your battles for ya? What are you people doing?! It pisses me off!

He unthawed pretty fast this time.

“My apologies Sir Falsa, but we just don’t have the appropriate numbers to fully protect the city at the moment, and we aren’t getting enough volunteers. Most of our men are out escorting outgoing caravans to the borders.”

“Sorry, I’m no child. I’m 22 years old. ”

“Bullshit!”

Mr. Falsa slams his hand on the counter. Silence fills the room.

“If you don’t have enough people then force the citizens to do it! These young’ ins are supposed to be enjoying their lives worry free, not staining their hands.”

“Dear please… I’m sorry, he just gets so riled up when kids are put in adult matters.”

His wife attempts to quell his anger.

I understand what he’s coming from… I never want a kid—no—anyone to experience what I did. Sure, it made me realize the true dark nature of humans and war, but still… It changes people, people like Datenshi who can’t handle that hatred and bloodshed. But I chose to do it this time.

“Mr. Falsa I understand where you’re getting at, but I chose to do this. I’m not being forced. Whatever consequences come from doing this, I will accept them, knowing that I did my best.”

I stared him into his burning crimson eyes, showing my determination. I start to sweat as he stared back. He’s still pretty scary when he’s mad, which I really making me want to change my mind…

“You brats understand anything!”

He stomps upstairs. There’s something I’m missing from him.

“Dad!”

Laurie and her mother chases after her father. Leaving Joni sitting by the usual bench. But he wasn’t reading his book. He looked dejected. He turned towards me.

“What’s wrong Joni?”

Ericka sat down next to him, straightening her coat as she did so.

“You wanna know why he hates that sort of thing? Kids fighting and the like? It’s because of me.”

I was confused, but I wanted to hear more so I said nothing.

“Ericka, you know about my dad right? How he was a pirate?”

“Yes. He was part of the Black thorn crew.”

“Black thorn. Ha. He told me he only chose that name because he and his friends thought it sounded cool. They weren’t even “real” pirates. They were just a group of people from his hometown that loved the sea and treasure hunting. No burning down buildings or stealing, or pillaging.”

“So how do you come up into this?”

“I was a spoil of war. 6 years ago when I was a kid---.”

“WHEN you were a kid?”

Despite the moment I couldn’t help, but give a snide remark. But Ericka gives me a look that makes me regret that decision.

“Sorry…”

“It’s ok. As I was saying. A small island named cofu was mixed up in the war and was forced to harbor soldiers in hiding. My father and his crew were already in town resting for another voyage. The soldiers from another nation were found and a battle was soon to start. I was in my home in the island at the time with the other islanders and my parents, hiding from the fight. The soldiers soon found us killed all of the villagers in the house, even my friends and family. My mom and dad shielded me with their bodies and I was hidden. And my “father” came in and witnessed the entire thing. And boy, was he raging. After he and his captain cleared the island of pirates with the help of the soldiers, he took me with him on his ship. Until he met mom, that is.”

“Fighting takes things from both sides. That will always be true.”

Arturio looked down, sad.

“I had no idea…so that’s why the old man was so bothered by this.”

“So Mr.Falsa isn’t your blood father.”

Before he had a chance to answer Laurie came crashing down the stairs.

“Dad is gone! He went after the thieves himself.”

“What is he doing… hotheaded fool.”

“What? Shinji we have to go.”

Ericka was already at the door, all geared up. I guess convincing her to stay is a long shot.

“He can’t handle a whole guild himself. Shinji, change of plans you have to go now! The Thieves’ guild is located in a cave not far east of here. I’ll send two of my men to show you the way. It’s all I can spare right now.”

“Right.”

                                    ***************************

We ran outside the town gates, following closely along to the 2 knight who were not equipped with much in terms of weaponry. I guess they were only meant for escorts nothing more.

It was raining hard, surrounded by dense forest. It was obscuring my vision, making it hard to see, or it would’ve if the way wasn’t lit by the lamps. It would’ve been quite dark if they weren’t there. The soldiers turned at the sight of a dirt road leading deeper into the forest. I start to see unconscious bodies of men dressed in tattered leathers. We must be close.

My suspicions were confirmed when I saw a giant cave entrance with a door. He was right this didn’t take very long.

“The captain said this is as far as we go. We’ll send more men to pick up the unconscious thugs on the way back. Watch for traps.”

The knights disappear into the dark forest

Ericka began walking forward. She must really be worried about him. I see her examining the wooden door after trying to open it. It must be locked.

“In most rpg games usually, there is some secret switch that you have to use if there is no keyhole. So let’s look for---“

*Kl-chink*

“Got it!”

The door opens after I hear the sound.

“Great job Ericka. Now let’s hurry.”

Her furry ears perked up. She had a wide beaming smile and she nods. Her tail was waving back and forth. She continues walking ahead of me, examining the walls and floor ahead of me. I follow her example and look for traps as well. I hear groaning up ahead in the next room.

It was a long corridor. Dark and eerie, and seemingly unending. It had and intersection. Of course. Befitting of a guild like this. Confusing for anyone not in the guild. It works…

Ericka looks ahead towards the next door and begins to rush ahead. I locate a raised stone on the ground. It’s a trap! Ericka!

“Ericka watch out!”

I pulled on her tail. She lets out a shriek and roundhouse kicks me in the face.

I fly back towards the wall and my head hits an indentation in the wall and two corridors are revealed to be edges that lead outward to the sea. Well at least my headache gave me some merit.

“I’m sorry, but you surprised me. I know you were only thinking of me and I still—

“Stop rambling, it’s fine. Let’s just keep going. We don’t know if Mr.Falsa is ok”

Her ears droop. Man, she’s so hard to stay mad at in that cat form.

“Sigh… I’m not mad, I’m just worried about Mr.Falsa as well.”

I pat her head and give a half smile. I think I used to do this to someone. I don’t know, it just feels natural.

“Hey Shinji, I don’t mind this much, but weren’t you the one who said we need to hurry.”

Says the one who looked like she was going to cry. But I ignore it and move on to the next room.

The next room was just about impenetrable blackness. As I stepped in the room I saw my shadow disappear into the dark. The only thing keeping the area lit was the torches surrounding the cave. I walk forward and trip over a body. Wow, he really did some damage.

“ohhh, my aching back. If I was a tad younger, I would’ve took all of them over my knee.”

That would destroy them physically and mentally.

“Mr. Falsa, let’s try to leave their pride intact.”

I see him hunched over, holding his hand over his back.

“I knew you would com—ohh-ow. I think I have to leave this to you kids after all.”

“We know about Joni. Mister Falsa. I know why you’re doing this.”

Ericka places her hands over his back and her hands glow with a blue light.

“Ahh, thanks doll.”

His voice turns into one gentler than I’m used to. So he can be a normal man sometimes.

He gets up slowly and head for a table. I take one of the chair in the corner and hand it to him.

“Thanks. So, Joni told you eh? I love the kid you know. He’s one of my greatest successes. And I think I’ve done a lot in my life, traveled all over, collected many objects. I don’t want to d—

“You’re not dying, just aging, shut up. Ericka how is he doing?”

“He’s fine he has a case of over exaggerating.”

I see.

“Hahaha!”

“Mr. Falsa I won’t die you know. No matter what. My father tells me never die for anyone. (Ironic, considering the situation) It’s an insult to the people that care for you to die. You leave behind, loved ones, family and friends. (damn, it hurts to say this) I have people I care for to that I have to protect. I never want to see them cry because of me.

“How can you guarantee that?”

“I can’t, but I can give you my word, between men. And I have never broken a promise before.”

“Shinji…”

“All right, here!”

He holds his fist out.

“It’s a promise. If you die, I’ll be looking for you when I die so I can kick your ass back to the living.”

He looks into my eyes once more and we connect fists.

“Call me Sao. I owe you that much.”

We gave each other a wide grin exposing our teeth.

“I’ll take care of it, without anyone dying. Come on Ericka.”

“We’ll come back for you Mr. Falsa. Just sit tight.”

I wave backwards and enter the next room. There were no traps in sight this time. Just a large open room with lots of sacks. This must be where he held all the loot he stole. There’s also a large jagged opening that overlooks a river. In the center was a roasting pot and in a corner there was a mat made with dry grass. There was also a balcony that over looked the entire area that lead to another door. In the gloom, a figure lied in wait, rising out of his chair.

“So YOU are one that has been making a ruckus with my lackeys. Useless, the lot of them…”

As I moved closer I whisper to Ericka to stay back and support me in case things go wrong. As they probably will…with my luck. He was a fairly big, rugged man. He was wearing a a ragged hooded cloak draped around his shoulders, a leather chest guard leaving his stomach exposed and some pants bound by crossing leather belts. In terms of defense he wasn’t very guarded, but I don’t know his elemental affinity yet, so I can’t be too sure.

“It was actually a certain fiery café owner. I owe him a lot. He would’ve been the one in here, but it seems age caught up with him.”

It seems he has NO sense of humor. Or I’m not funny. Alright time for business.

“So I hear you and your band of vagabonds have been robbing caravans and stealing from the town.”

“Yeah what of it mate? I’m not gonna stop, so we might as well just leave. I’m feeling generous today so I’ll let you and that old man off easy for beating my lackeys. “

“Sorry, I can’t just let you go, but if you go peacefully, and just give the things you’ve stolen back, I’m sure you’d be forgiven or at the least be given a lesser sentence.”

“Give it back…..hahaha……GIVE it back… You’ve got to be fucking shitting me lad. We’re the THIEVES GUILD. You know what that mean? You have it, I want it, then I steal it! It is as simple as that. That ol’ leader of ours didn’t know what he was doing. Steal from thieves, and give to the poor? Utter shit, that other leader was. Him and his lackeys. That’s why I offed him meself. His lackeys however I have doing scut work like washing tables an all that. See I can be a nice guy.

More useless death. We are animals after all. How can I expect anything less? But I think there has to be another way.

“So there’s no convincing you to do this without violence?”

Pointless.

“We’re animals you and I. It’s in our nature to fight and take from others who have. You can’t please everyone, so I might as well please myself. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

How would you know, if you haven’t even tried…

 I look down regretting his decision. I won’t change my mind. I think everyone is capable of changing, they just have to want to. So I won’t give up on that ideal.

“All right. Then, time for the inevitable. The name’s Pocket.”

He cracks his knuckles.

“Get ready Ericka!”

She draws her knife and nods at me.

“Yeah!”

He punches the ground and at first nothing happened but then the ground beneath me started rumbling and then the ground quickly rose below me. It launches me a quite the distance before I decide to jump off, gathering mana. Then two more columns are formed in midair one on each side of me.

“Earth bite!”

He gives a sinister smile.  This one comes faster than the other one. I can’t dodge this due me freefalling in the air.

*Crash*

“Shinji!!”

I hear her voice, but I can’t see her due to being stuck in-between two pillars. Luckly before I got hit by that pillar I was gathering mana. I apply a burst of wind to the pillars, causing part of them to crumble.

“Whew, that was a close one.”

As I land I see Ericka in a close-range battle with the rogue. I see her dagger glowing light blue. She applied an ice enchantment to her weapon. Ice enchantments progressively freeze an object that they’re touching once they’ve made contact. The longer you hold contact the more the object is frozen. Think of it as a slow curse.

Horizontal, thrust, diagonal, roundhouse kick. Her kick made contact with his face. He staggers over and falls over a bunch of barrels. Despite her delicate frame, she’s pretty good and fast. I look at the pillars at my sides.

“Ericka come over here! Hurry!”

She runs over to me limping.

“hehe, I don’t think that kick was a good idea. He is an earth type, so he applied rocks from the cave as armor to his face. So what did you want? I don’t think he’ll stay down long.”

She applies a healing spell to her foot. I tell her I have a plan. I whisper it in her ear so he doesn’t hear.

“That sounds fine. Are you think he’ll do it?”

“Of course, I know this sort of thing.”

We get into positon. No… not that type of position.

I stand in between the two pillars and Ericka’s hands start glowing as she applies ice magic on the ground, causing the area to become covered in ice. I stand in front of the area. The rogue finally got up and started to charge at us.  When he draws near Ericka jumps in the air, and taps his head flipping over him. In the air she prepares a spell.

“Ice needles!”

3 ice needles appear, flying towards him at high speeds. He sees them and uses one hand to block the needles, each one pushing him closer to me. I enchant my legs with wind to increase my speed. He stomps to the ground and a pillar comes from the ground and quickly pushes Ericka into the rubble. He turns towards me and prepare to attack.

Left hook, right, uppercut, low kick. With my additional speed, I’m able to dodge all of these attacks with ease. I quickly pivot my body around to his back kick him in the behind, causing him to stagger forward in between the pillars. I take this opportunity use my spell.

 “Too slo--- nngh.”

Gotcha… he stepped into Ericka’s ice trap. He stood in the ice long enough for the ice to spread to his upper thigh, encasing his leg in frost. Great job Ericka. Now it’s my turn.

“Wind blade!”

He turned his body as much as he could and used his rock armor to block it. The blade, however dispersed to the two pillars and slashed them in two, causing the rock pillars to collapse on him.

“Damn…DAMN IT!!!”

As the entire pillar collapses on top of him, I decide to push some of the rubble and lessen some of the damage. I need to take him back alive. Ericka comes running back to me. I collapse into a sitting position due to exhaustion. Using magic tires you out easily it seems.

“Hey Shinji! Did it work?”

“Yeah…I… think so. Are you okay? He hit you pretty hard.

I looked at her. She was pretty banged up. And her coat was torn at the chest, showing the bottoms of her breasts.

…shit. I put a hand over my eyes, but I still can see between my fingers. My face ends up sharing the color of strawberries.

“Ericka…your… coat.

She looks down at her coat and gets red as she notices.

“Ahh!”

She immediately covers herself. I give her my jacket. I immediately feel a chill due to the fact that we’re in a damp cave. I start to shudder immediately.

 “Thanks, but will you be ok?”

She looks up at me. If she looks at me like that I can’t make eye contact. I turn away.

“I’ll be fine. We gotta take this gu---

“Shinji, look behind you!”

I felt a shadow looming over me. I quickly turn around and see the battered and bloody thief Pocket behind me preparing to slash me with a hidden knife. I try to weave a spell together but I couldn’t make it in time. I clench my teeth for the inevitable and hope the shield takes most of the damage.

For a second I feel the knife tearing at the skin above my left eye and then I feel relief.

“Ogh!”

I open my eyes and see the thief on the ground with an arrow next to his head. He seems unconscious.

“Lucky I got here in time… you would’ve lost an eye, but I think some ladies dig that sort of thing though.”

A hooded figure with a green cloak and a bow and quiver come from the large opening on the other side of the room.

“Well Shinji? Have you been taking care of our sweet Ericka?”

"Heh... Took you long enough..."

                                                                                  ****************

Thieves Guild End