P.O.V Lanius Frey
That night I had quite an ominous dream. I stood in the middle of a snowstorm, ice pelting my body leaving massive bruises and gashes. I held a large sword unfamiliar to me. In spite of its massive size the weapon was light. I was fighting something, no someone... When the voice of a woman appeared in my head.
She sounded crazy, lustful for something.
/"You're soul champion... It will be mine!!"\
---
Shouting I bolted upright from my slumber. My body was cold and drenched in sweat. As I looked around I was met with an odd sight.
Lux was running away... from the little girl.
"Oh no! What ever will I do if the little one catches me?!?!?"
Smiling brightly the little girl laughed as she chased after him.
Climbing to my feet I chuckled to myself.
"The mighty Tigerman Warrior, scared of a little girl?"
She heard my voice, making her smile grow brighter.
"Papa's awake!!"
She dashed at me with open arms, lunging at me she wrapped her arms around my neck.
"Good morning Papa!"
"P-Papa?"
Smiling she hugged me tighter.
"You don't wanna be my Papa?"
I don't even know this little girl. But all I wanna do is protect her, and spoil the shit outta her to.
I got to a knee and looked at her.
"Okay! I will be your Papa, you'll be my daughter. But I can't just call you Daughter now can I?"
Stepping away she did a little twirl.
"Blair! Blair Emerald!"
Crossing her arms she cocked her head back.
"And don't forget it!"
After a few seconds of silence Lux covered his smile. Trying not to break out in laughter.
I smiled brightly.
"Oh yeah? Check this out!"
Jumping backward I flipped and landed on one foot. Opening my hand I channeled the spirit of nature into the palm of my hand. As I opened my left hand a massive daisy sprouted up, glowing with a light green aura.
"Im Lanius Frey! Master of flowers!!"
Flicking my wrist the daisy faded away.
"Don't forget it!"
Unable to take my announcement Lux fell back, holding his stomach in pain, unable to control his laughter.
"No fair! I wanna make flowers..."
Lifting her off the ground I placed her on my shoulders.
"Let's get you some new clothes, doubt little Blair wants to wear my dirty old cloak forever."
"But Little Blair likes the old cloak... Is uncle Lux coming?"
Glancing at Lux I saw his ears perk up, which made me smile. He was so against bringing her with us, but she obviously won the emotional warfare.
"Uncle Lux?"
Giving me a dirty look I chuckled.
"I don't know Blair, IS Uncle Lux coming?"
Swinging his pack over his left shoulder he sighed.
"Uncle Lux is coming..."
---
I haven't been this at peace in a long time. Spending time singing with Blair and making Lux uncomfortable. Let me tell you, he was not ready for the roll of Uncle. But he fits it surprisingly well. The whole time we walked he let her pet his head. Oddly enough she finds his "fluffy" head relaxing...
About halfway to the village she fell asleep, so Lux switched with me and carried her on his back.
"Us three are kind of a weird group right?"
"Oh yes, one hundred percent. I'm a human who can cast spells, your a white tiger beast man, and the little one has long silver hair and wolf ears!"
"Lanius, what I mean is that people will start asking questions. She isn't a normal kid, she doesn't seem to be human, and isn't quite a beast man. She'll be called a demon. Ridiculed, I myself already get called names when you aren't with me. I can take the insults, but she's just a little girl."
He's right, what if they try to burn her? Cut her ears off, or worse...
"You're right, when we go into town I'll have her put up the hood of the cloak. While we buy her clothes I'll look for a headband to hide those ears. When she's older she'll make her own decisions, but for now we have to let her be a kid."
"About the budged for our gold..."
"She gets whatever she wants for clothes Lux, money isn't an option."
"My coin purse aches just thinking about it..."
"Papa... Uncle... So warm..."
Smiling I stretched my arms as we walked.
"She looks so calm now, I'm happy."
Lux raised an eyebrow before speaking.
"What did you sing to her the night we found Blair?"
Sighing I looked up at the sky.
"When I was really young, I had night terrors about all kinds of things. I would wake up in the middle of the night. Bawling my eyes out, and every night I had those terrible dreams my Mother would come in my room. She would kiss my forehead and sing that lullaby. It would put me to sleep and I would have wonderful dreams. I can't remember her face, but I do remember her voice. So soothing... This song is all I have left of that part of my family."
"I-Im sorry Frey... I didn't know."
"How could you? Haven't talked about my old lady in a long time. I actually hum that song to myself when I feel sad or scared of something. Helps this waste of space here through some tough times."
Leaning back a but Blair rubbed her eyes.
"Papa?"
"Yes honey?"
"What were you and Uncle talking about?"
"Oh nothing special, just what we want for dinner tonight."
"Oh! Can we have pork?"
"Of course Honey, whatever you want."
"Yay!!!"
----
Only a few minutes from the Village we continued our small talk.
"So Little Blair. What do you want to wear?"
"Cool armor, a-and a sword!"
"I don't think your old eno-"
"No! I want armor and a sword and a jacket a-"
I wasn't ready for her to act like a... Well a child! Lux was leagues ahead of me, ready to set her straight.
"Blair is 6 years old, she needs to grow up before she can have a sword."
"Aw, Ok..."
Patting her on the head he smiled brightly at her. Making her feel a little less sad. Only to look at me with a smirk.
"Besides, I'm busy teaching your father..."
Blair and I locked eyes.
"Is Papa bad at fighting?
"Oh he's terrible!"
Chuckling I smiled.
"I'm just awful."
Laughing to herself she tilted her head.
"Do Papa and Uncle like fighting?"
"Fighting is something that should be avoided. You shouldn't want to fight. It's only a self-defense tool."
"But do you have fun when you fight Uncle?"
Slapping Lux on the back he shot me a look.
"I enjoy it."
Before we even realised, we returned to the tiny village that started it all.
---
"Come on Blair, let's go."
She took my hand, but before we left Lux she stopped.
"Isn't Uncle Lux coming?"
"I'm sorry honey, he can't."
Lux got down on one knee and placed one of his mighty hands on her tiny shoulder.
"See Little one, sometimes people see uncle become very frightened of him. So I wait outside, that way I don't frighten them with my manly muscles."
I leaned down next to them.
"When I first met him his scary muscles almost made Papa cry."
Wiping a single tear from her eye Lux kissed her forehead.
"Go on Little one, Bring Uncle Lux back some food! This old Tiger needs to fill his belly!"
She smiled.
"Okay! I'll get the biggest fish possible!"
"And don't you forget it Little Blair!"
Standing up he walked over to the wooden wall and leaned against it.
"Shall we?"
"We shell!."
"That was close! Speaking proper can be hard at your age."
She held my hand tightly as we entered the village. It was clear she wasn't excited to be surrounded by big scary strangers.
Now... Where can I find a boutique? We walked through the small street of stores in search of such a place.
I was about to give up when Blair pointed at sign.
"Candies..."
"Candies Boutique? Sounds like a good place to look don't you think?"
Blair squeezed my hand.
"Will it be scary?"
"Honey, it's a place where you buy clothes. No scary monsters or anything."
I opened the door and remembered... I've never had to buy clothes! This should be interesting...
The stores front lobby was stacked from floor to ceiling with pre-made clothes. From jackets and overcoats to blouses and frilly dresses. It was like the general store of clothing shops. Sitting on the front counter was a shiny silver bell.
Tapping it a few times a man appeared out of nowhere!
"Welcome!"
Smiling he looked me over and scoffed, glancing down at Blair he clasped his hands together, his voice seemed to go up an octave as he spoke to her.
"Oh my sweet baby lord, Someone's in dire need of a makeover. Stat!"
The flashy gentlemen began to walk around the store, pulling a ton of different clothing of all colors from the shelves. As he did he began mumbling to himself.
"She looks like an Autumn yellow, no! Sea blue..."
The whirlwind of fashion suddenly stopped as he tilted his head back toward Blair.
"Oh you silver-haired angel, what are your favorite colors?"
"Dark green a-and..."
She felt uncomfortable, she was having a hard time looking at him at all. This put a deep anger in my stomach.
"Blair sweetie? Why don't you go look at some clothes you might like. I'll talk to The nice sir while you do."
"Okay..."
Giving her a comforting gaze she walked toward some cool leather jackets. As soon as she was out of ear shot I cracked my knuckles.
"Hey man, cool it with flamboyant shit. It makes my little angel uncomfortable. Last warning..."
"Y-Yes sir, of course."
She ran back to me and pulled on my pant leg.
"Honey, go ahead and tell him what kind of colors you like okay?"
Standing up straight she smiled weakly.
"Dark green and black sir."
"I see, do you like dresses?"
She shook her head no.
"Hm... I have the perfect idea!"
Running into the backroom he was gone for a few minutes. When he returned he held a set of clothes in his hands.
"Completely Black leggings and a dark green blouse. The buttons were a gross brown color so I refitted them with black ones, just for you!"
Getting his attention I spoke.
"Do you have a changing room?"
"Of course, try before you buy is our motto! That door off next to the corner."
I took the clothes from him and gave them to Blair.
"Go ahead, try them on in that room over there."
Taking them from me she entered the changing room. She spent ten minutes trying on a few different sets before eventually keeping the first set.
Stepping out she sighed a little.
"What's wrong Blair? Don't you like them?"
"N-No! I love it... But now I can't where the cloak anymore."
"I never said that."
Whipping the cloak around her I clasped it around her neck.
"Just a little longer, okay?"
"Okay!"
Placing some coin on the counter I waved as we walked outside.
"Where are we going next Papa?"
She needs shoes, I think we passed a cobbler not to long ago.
"The shoe store."
"Yay!
---
We stood infront of the town's cobbler. The store front was covered in all types of shoes.
"So, what kind of shoes would you like?"
"Can I have boots like your's?"
Looking down I sighed at my well-worn, dusty combat boots.
"You want some combat boots?"
"Yes!"
She looked up at me and nodded furiously.
"Okay then Blair, let's hope we find some."
Walking inside I gave myself a weak smile. So far people haven't even given Blair a second glance. I hope we can avoid any problems...
The whole store smelled like old stinky leather. Sitting behind the counter an old man slowly carved a leather boot.
"How can I... Help you?"
"Looking to buy boots for a little girl."
"I... see, what type?"
"A pair of combat boots."
"Be right..."
For a minute his eyes were closed. He didn't say a word.
"Back."
Slowly standing he reached for a cane. After grabbing the hickory cane he waddled into the back area.
Blair began to look around the store, smiling at some of the expertly crafted shoes and boots.
"I have... returned."
Holding a tiny pair of combat boots his face was covered in dust and cobwebs.
"Let her try... them on."
Placing them on the ground he laid his head down and fell asleep.
---
Walking around she jumped back and forth.
"How are they Blair?"
"Perfect!"
"Good, I'm glad."
Suddenly appearing behind me the old man spoke.
"Four... Copper."
Jumping a little I gave him a silver and walked out with Blair.
"Let's grab some food and head back to Lux."
"Yay pork!"
-----
Returning to Lux I sighed as he gushed over her new outfit.
"I've gotta go deal with the job Lux, I'll return."
"Yeah yeah, hurry back. I dislike this town."
I turned to leave, walking back into the town I opened the bag of holding.
"Can't believe he made me take the wolfman's head. Just repulsive."
Walking into the farmers office I saw him at his desk.
"I wasn't expecting you to survive Lanius. It's good to see you! So, did you do it?"
Sticking my hand into the bag of holding I cringed as I grabbed the fur from the top of its head. Slowly pulling it out I placed it on his desk.
"I took out the Alpha and the others fled, they won't be a problem anymore. So can I have my coin now?"
"Now hold on a minute Lanius, I remember very distinctly that there were over twenty am I right?"
"Yes b-"
"I hired you to kill every single one of them did I not?"
He's playing me? He's trying to get out of paying me! Every fat fucking bastard like this think their invincible.
"Sir, they travel in packs. Once the Alpha is slain the others will disperse."
"It's only a matter of time before they come back. I won't pay someone who does a half-baked job!"
I leaned against a wooden chair, Looking at him I noticed the grin on his fat face, and it's pissing me off.
"So you aim to make me trudge through the muddy east green forest?"
"No heads means no cash, Simple Lanius."
I kicked the chair, sliding across the floor it collided with the desk.
"Look here you fat troll, I don't have time to dance around filth like me. Either you pay me or I'll just walk right back to that farm of yours, salt the farmland, and burn it to the ground."
Slamming his hands down he managed to get his fat body out of his chair.
"I run this shitty little town filthy peasant. With my authority I could have have you hanged for such disrespect!"
I slammed my hands onto his desk. Summoning massive green vines it splintered the desk to pieces.
"I could turn to into a fucking tree you pig! Pay me before I get violent."
He shouted for his men, after a second two giant men entered the room.
"Snap his neck would you? Don't get blood on my carpet."
"Vine constrictor!"
Snapping my fingers vines completely bound them to the floor. Jumping over the desk I wrapped vines around the feet of the fat farmer.
"You brought this on yourself..."
"Wha- H-Hey!"
Placing my hand on his chest I shoved him out the window.
"Ah Help me!!!!!"
"I can help you, or I could leave you hanging here until someone comes along..."
"Alright alright! I'll pay you in full! Just get me down from here!!!"
Sighing I began to pull the round man back inside.
----
Watching closely as he counted out my reward I chuckled.
"That's 2000 gold. Like we agreed."
Leaning against the wall I sighed. He tried to use me, it's only right I extort him.
"Change of plans, since you left out the exact amount of Wolfmen, made me waste almost three weeks. I'm adding a sort of, 'adventurers fee'. I'm taking another 1000."
"Are you insane!?!?! I wouldn't pay a dozen warriors that much!"
"I don't here you counting coins pigman. Throw them in, or I'll throw you out. The window that is..."
"You wouldn't da-"
Whipping the vine against the floor I chuckled.
"Your in no position to argue with me fat man."
Grumbling to himself he took out an extra 1000 gold coins and placed them in a separate bag.
"Ah, you're too generous."
"..."
"Oh, if you try to cheat me again... Ill use the vines with rose thorns next time."
Releasing the two guards I tossed a few coins to each of them.
"Drinks on me boys!"
"I'll remember this Lanius Frey."
As I walked out I sighed.
"That was too much..."
Walking past a young mother of three I dropped the extra 1000 gold by "accident".
"Sir! You dropped this..."
She turned to speak but but trailed off as she found that I disappeared.
----
Exiting the town I scratched my head.
I never knew villages so corrupt existed. Seeing Blair running around Lux and singing I smiled.
"Ready?"
Standing up Blair held my hand. Lux nodded before speaking.
"Where to next?"
"Hadn't actually thought about that..."
Looking down at Blair she smiled.
"I wanna see the Sky tower!"
Looking down at her I raised my brow.
"Sky Tower?"
"Momma used to be a shrine maiden, she would go and praise the flashy wind god. He has a huge tower that reaches up to the clouds. Before I got lost... The tower was closed off, they said flashy Sky god was a demon!"
Looking over at Lux I pulled her up on my back.
"So... Wanna go meet the Flashy sky god Lux?"
Smirking he stretched his back.
"Lets do it."
Blair simply pointed in a direction, leading us towards our next adventure. The sky temple.
---
Along the 3 month journey Blair told us alot about where she was from.
"Mother told me that before I was born the temple of the Sky father was built. It was used to get as close to him as possible. One day an angry wind appeared! Inside the tornado they said a monster sleeps."
"Hey Blair?"
Laying her head on my lap she looked up me.
"Yes papa?"
"Have you been inside the Sky temple before?"
She nodded.
"Momma was a Shrine Maiden. I would sometimes go with her. I've been up and down all 100 floors!"
"Papa is looking for something inside, something important. It's a sword, a magical one."
"I don't know Papa. But the room at the top had a bunch of swords! They all looked so amazing!"
A trial? Or maybe the god just collects weapons... Truly odd? I don't think I could ever understand the gods.
Roasting a marshmallow Lux sandwiched it between two graham crackers. He handed it to Blair, who took it with a smile on her face.
"Papa! I remember something!"
Taking a big bite she smirked.
"*Chomp* The tower, *Chomp chomp* it Looks like a big sword!"
Sighing I walked over towards two trees, setting up the hammock I looked at her.
"I guess I'll have to see it, to believe it."
Walking over she jumped into my freshly set up hammock. She had already snuggled up with my pillow and went soundly to sleep.
I sat across from Lux, he seemed troubled.
"The Sky gods temple..."
"Is it really as big as she says it is?"
Lux stoked the fire.
"I know right? I mean, it sounds even larger than the elder tree was."
I leaned back on my hands.
"A monster guards the entrance, A 100 floor, and an altar to a god who is now considered a demon... To many coincidences, has to be one of the trials."
A few moments of silence passed. Standing up Lux clenched his fist. A dim green light began to glow, slowly building power.
"We can handle it, we've already made it through the Lost vale maze. Defeated the wolfmen, just the two of us! We won't have a problem with this trial."
Giving him a look I shook my head.
"If it were this easy the mortal races would have been saved a long time ago. This is a test Lux, if we act arrogant, we die."
"I know I know, don't give me a speech. I'm just excited to continue our journey is all."
I chuckled at Lux, he's never been so eager.
"Where did this fire come from?"
Looking at me his gaze turned towards Blair.
"I lost my family back in the Elder forest, but your like a brother to me. Little Blair? I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
I smiled before standing up, Clenching my fist I looked at Lux.
"Yeah, we're a family of misfits and outcasts."
Pounding my fist he smirked.
"I won't ever forget this."
----
P.O.V Ander Fernandez
Blocking another sword swing I rolled to the left. swinging down I shouted.
"Ha!"
Sir Roland sidestepped my sword, lifting it over his head he lunged forward with a powerful swing.
Sliding his blade down the flat of my sword I knocked it out of his hands. Pointing it at his throat he put up his hands.
"Whoa now! That was an envelopment, we haven't even gone over that technique yet."
Laughing at me he slapped my back.
"To think you'd take to the sword so well! It took me half my life to master a long sword, but here you are only a few weeks into practice and you've been able to read your opponent's movements!"
"I'm working really hard Sir Roland. But it's going to take a long time to match your strength and skill."
I sighed as I placed the training sword back on the rack. I almost feel bad... I've practiced all the things Master Lux talked about in the journal. Like Battle presence, reading auras, following movements. It's helped me develop my fighting skills and helped me understand Nature magic more.
Wiping my face off with a warm, dry towel Sir Roland placed his training sword in the rack next to mine.
"I'm proud of you kid."
Walking into the room with a glass of water mother smiled.
"Honey, I don't know why you insist on learning how to fight with a sword. With magic you will never have to worry about close quarters combat."
"I just want to learn as many skills as I need!"
Snatching my glass of water he downed it in one go.
"He has a point you know, close combat is a great skill to have."
Walking over to the practice dummy I lifted my hand. Closing my eyes I felt the nature energy gather in the palm of my hand.
"Blade of Moss..."
Clenching my fist the Blade of Moss appeared in my hand. It's curved blade just as awesome as the first time I saw it.
Swinging it back and forth I slashed the dummy in half horizontally.
"Yes!"
I could tell that the fight training was helping me build up stamina. My body just needs time to develop a little more so i can cast more powerful nature magic. That was my biggest problem as of right now. All I really wanna do is read the Journal more.