Chapter 2
(April's POV)
Sprinkle Sprinkle Sprinkle Sprinkle
"La, lalalaa~. La, lalalaa~. La, lalala~. Hmnn, hnmnhmnn~"
"Quite joyful today, aren't we April?"
As I heard someone spoke behind me, I then turned around and stopped to what am I doing, which is watering a small garden we have. As I look behind me, I then saw the village chief, standing just a bit of a distance from me, beside the gate's wooden fence
"Village Chief, good morning"
As I greeted him.
"You seems to be in a good mood today, April. Something happened?"
He asked to me as he closely went towards me
"It is nothing much, but, well, I just have some feeling that today will be a perfect day, so here I am"
I then turn my head to my side and added
"Watering the newly sprouted young ones"
As I looked at the already 2 fingers high plant, that I just planted a day ago. Village Chief then stood beside me, as he crossed his arms, and stared at the plant that I am tending.
"Never saw those ones before, what is it?"
"I don't quite sure myself too, big brother Josh just found this when he was hunting in the area, and handed them to me, as he thought that I might be quite bored in the house"
I stated, as this plant or whatever it is, was quite peculiar also for me. It has some dark shade below its dark green stalk, and quite greedy when it comes to being watered, that anything plated near it, withered, so I moved it away from them.
"So someone been a good brother ha. Quite unexpected side for him"
Teasingly he stated, which made me giggled too.
"It is not only big brother though, big sis Cecile also took good care of me, and time to time always with me, to play and assist me to some chores. Mr. Ben and Mrs. Natt never fell out as being a good parents, even sometimes they are busy in their respective work. Even how much tedious the job became, they still have the time to spend with us"
I stated. Right after the completion of the Quest our village requested, for some reason, lumbers and some Fishes became a high demand in the city, so the trading from our village increases, from 20 copper coins for each 7 stack of piled woods, it is now 40 to 50 coppers coins, which is a fruitful event for us, especially for Mr. Ben who is a lumber. Thanks to this also, our hunters has more time to train themselves, as they needed to escorts each of our lumberjack inside the forest. The danger might have been avoided, a disaster that which should have been the cause of wreckage to our village, might have been subdue, but unfortunately, monsters still roams around the forest, Boars, Wolves, Goblins and some more.
"They are indeed a harmonious one"
"Yeah"
I stated, in tinder low voice
"They always reminds me of my parents"
It is been 3 days since the time when I was rescued from those monsters, and the village being protected from those threats, by an adventurer who came to aid us, Mr. Creeper and his side kicks.
Without him and the others, those overwhelming numbers of monsters that attacked us, though I only heard about their numbers from the village chief, as I was hallucinating that time, we should have been dead, and maybe even worse than that!
But thanks to him, peace came to our little village, which made everyone at ease. It was also thanks to them, that we children got out from some dark sorcery that hold us, and let us feel us again.
Thankful to their aid and support, especially to what happened to me, I asked the village chief to let me handle their daily works when they stayed here, which was approved yes, but unfortunately, they needed to go, as they needed to report their findings to the guild. Sadden about their departure, I still hold tight and wish the best for theirs, and they may in their work, may be fateful, and fructuous.
Later after their departure, I was then assigned to the village chief residence, should have been, if Mr. Ben and Mrs. Matt didn't proposed on adapting me, which truly surprised me so much. Being the sole daughter of my family of 3, and being taught at the early age of 6, for our family business of being a peddler, I was quite more open to the world at such age. To know which are fake, which one is a fraud, which one should I stick into, and which and when to lie, my family thoroughly nailed it inside me, that no matter how high or low you are, Snakes and Pigs always attached to your glory, and failure.
My family's generation of being a peddler started from my great, great grandfather, when he tried venturing the east region, and was blessed to find fortune, and a partner. Right after he got back in the city, he then opened up some business, but it didn't go well, as he was still naive in the world of money, so he was quite often get tricked. In later on, in his several days of being a peddler, he sometimes meet some dead end in his way, some unfortunate event he encountered, some unspeakable people he meets, and some high walls he can't pass though, but even so, he tried and tried and tried, until he was able to achieve the success he thoroughly wanted.
With such success, he then opened his own shop, but unfortunately, upon his death, the shops name went along with him, until my grandparents couldn't help but sell it. They then leave the city and lived here in this remote village, started a new life, and started their own way. After my grandparents pass, and my family came to be, my father then tried his best to meet what my great great grandfather's wanted, a successful peddler, but even how much my father tried, his luck didn't even bore. My father is a hunter in this village, while being a peddler in his part time, but even his hard work, there wasn't any luck.
Tried and tried he could, he couldn't help but felt lost, until we received a sudden letter, stating that our branch family hit success, in buying my great great grandfather's old peddler's shop, and stated they needed help in reclaiming the success in bringing his once ideal. With such news, my father then hurriedly agreed and told us to depart immediately. My mother, who truly loved and supported my over enthusiastic father, and sometimes couldn't help but laugh at his positiveness, didn't hesitated to agree, and followed whatever he decided upon.
With such, we then left the village, and carried on to our new path of beginning, or should have been. As after we left the village, not that quite far from forest we left, we were then attacked by unknown beings. They disguised themselves in dark clothing, and was silent in their doing. They never talked, as they silently took our carriage, and killed my parents in front of me. Shocked and stunned to the situation brimming in front of me, I could only gaze at how they beheaded them one by one, and took their heads inside their rings.
No tears flow from my eyes, no words flew from my mouth, and no movements were done upon my shocked, only the silence of their footstep, and my parents lifeless body, painted the whole world of mine. What happened later on me was a mystery, as I don't know what they did on me, during the time I was with them, neither what reason why they keep me alive, as the only thing I could remember, was me, being returned back, to my birthplace. I don't even know if I cried and bawl to my parents death, or they I gone crazy like everyone else, or I simply didn't even shred any
Forcefully being returned back, I found myself lost in the woods. Not knowing where am I, I helplessly moved forward, with fear lingering on me, I transverse the whole forest, trying my luck to find my village, but even how long I tried, not even a glimpse of its wooden wall could be seen. Feeling dejected and lost, I tried surviving on my own, by collecting fruits in each bearing tree in the forest, while being careful to any passing monsters in the vicinity.
Maybe weeks has passed since then, or months, I don't know, as I keep myself occupied by surviving, and finding my way out. As autumn came, then winter follow, I keep myself hidden inside a small, abandoned cave, that maybe once dwelled by some monsters before
I don't how long I was in the forest, but I do know that it's already been years since then, as leaves changes it colors every season. In my recent years in living in this forest, I was able to learn different types of edible fruits, Poisonous and venomous plants, and some toxic variety of seedlings, and fruit.
A day pass, weeks maybe, with all my strength and being, I tried crossing the river, it wasn't the wide, but the danger it pose was something I don't know about, which I tried not crossing for all this years pass. With my steeled heart and anxious self, grippy holding my self made back pack, that is made from leftover hide of those stinky Goblins, I then cross the river, and made it out from the other size.
From that day on, I then continued moving forward, trying my luck to find my way out from this forest, but meet an unfortunate event. As I camp out in the forest, without any fire, for 4 days of time, as it will attract any lurking monster, and could possibly track me, so I use a blanket that is made from dry leaves to warm me up during the night, I was then chased by 3 {Hobgoblins}.
The chase continued for some hours, as I was short and nimble, I was able to keep my distance away from them, but it seems my stamina couldn't hold on on such length, resulting on me stumbling down, and being captured by them. With their strong grips and number, I couldn't hope to get away from them, not even able to defend myself, as they stripped me out, and all I could do was cry, and beg for help.
'Sometimes, even in the dark hour, there will always be a, *spark* a light' is what my father usually told me about, that even in the helpless times, as long as you don't lose hope, time always shine, and it seems to be true, as it was also the time I was able to meet the one I was able to call my family, and the savior of mine.
Snuffle Snuffle Snuffle
"Don't think much of the past, it is beyond us to go back"
The village chief spoke, as he patted my head
"Especially for someone young as you. Just spend your time here in this village as much as you can"
He then took his hands away from my head, and looked towards the other houses in the village, and gaze at the playing kids around us.
"Children needs to act like children anyway"
As he added
Creak
"April, do you wa- oh, village chief, you're here? Need something?"
As I turned around, I then saw Mr. Ben coming out from the house, and greeted us. He is wearing a black shirt with brown pants, and seems to be just finished taking his bath. Though not as fancy as those in the royalties, and wealthy people, each house of this village has their own bathhouse, which is located at the back, with a small area, just enough for 1 person to get in.
"Good morning too, Ben"
"Ahahahhah" (he laughs, because of Allan's sarcastic tone)
"Good morning too, Mr. Ben"
"Natt already cooked our breakfast, care to join us?"
"I'm thankful for the invite, but I already taken my meal"
"What a shame, she cooked your all time favorite"
"[Grilled Rabbit with Mushroom Sauce]?"
"No, Bell Peppers ahahahhah"
Mr. Ben then laughed as village chief made this distance, blank face, as he looked at Mr. Ben. I just found out later on that Mr. Ben, and village chief Allan are good friends in the city, before they moved in this village, where Mr. Ben married a village girl, his wife, and village chief taking the mantle from his deseased uncle, and took over as the village chief.
Sigh
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha, very funny. Are you heading back to the forest again?"
"Well"
Mr. Ben and village chief then looked around the village, and spoke
"The village is growing, so yes"
He then looked at the village chief as he added
"The lumbers that are being sold on the city right now has escalated, which is also a good news for us lumberjack, and for the village also"
"Can't deny that. I didn't even expect such growth would happen to this remote place"
Village Chief Allan stated. After the increase of demand for lumbers, all the lumberjack in the village, including those who stopped as they were afraid of the monster lurking in the forest, doubled time and took this opportunity up. And with those, the growth of our village were also growing, and now, we are building new ones after new ones. And with the money we have, we could now purchase some new weapons and equipments, especially some armors for our hunters, which boosted our fighting capacity even more.
Thanks to it also, some of the villagers also volunteer to be a Hunter in our village. We also expanded our village. We cut some of the trees away, then placed some long wooden walls in those parts, and build some new houses, as it seems that they will be more people coming to this village, especially last day that we accepted 12 people.
We may not that strong like any city like, but I think we could defend ourselves better than before, with our upgraded weapons, and strong Hunters, that were thanks to the regime Mr. Creeper gave, so maybe a horde of those monster back then wouldn't be a threat anymore... Or so I thought
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Help me!!!
Mommma!!
Somebody! Please help-ughkkkkk!!
Nooooo!!!
Runnnn!!
"... Why...?..... Why?"
(Author's POV)
"Don't worry April, I'm here, I'm here"
Cecile stated, as she hurriedly hug April, and tried calming her down.
"Mama, what should we do?"
She anxiously asked
"Let us wait for your papa and Josh to come-"
Bang!
"!!"
The three of them then jolted, as loud bang came to their close door. Mrs. Natt then swiftly went upfront of the 2, trying to protect her family from the unknown threat
"Stay behind me"
She stated. Cecile then nodded
"Get inside!"
A loud voice then came as door was opened, revealing 2 familiar faces
"Papa!"
"Darling! Josh!"
Ka-chak (locking of the door sound)
Mrs. Natt then run towards the 2, but before she could even get near them
"There is no time, get to the basement! The tunnel below will lead to the forest, away from this village, use that and get away!"
"What about you?"
Mrs. Natt asked, as Mr. Ben seems to be quite hesitant on something. He then looked at his wife, and spoke in a stoic tone, as he grip his axe, and sweat rolls from his forehead
"Allan is dead, and most of the hunters in this village are now gone"
Speechless and stunned to the news, all 3 of them couldn't comprehend what just happened
Bang!
"Fuck!"
Josh screamed.
"..... Th-then wha.... What should we do?"
Mrs. Natt asked, trying to calm her thumping heart
"Go with the kids and use the tunnel, and just run towards the city. Report what happened here to them"
Fully knowing that even if help arrives, there should be none left in this village alive, so sending a report and warning to this disaster, will be a better choice to make.
"Josh will give all the details to what happened here"
"No!"
Josh screamed.
"I won't run, let me hel-"
Slap
"!!?"
"Shut the fuck up! All the villagers in this damn fucking village is dead! And you think you can do something on it!? Get your ass to the basement, and protect your sister and mother! Don't look back, and stay close with them, you hear!?"
For the first time in their life, it was their first to hear their father scream, and spoke with such harsh words, completely taking them all back. Mrs. Natt, calmly breathing herself, she slowly walked towards him, and asked, a very obvious question
"How about you then?"
In her gentle words, Mr. Ben then replied, with a downcast gazs
"I'll be staying"
"Papa!?"
"Why?"
He then looked at them, and smiled
"A wounded man will just slow all you down"
"!?"
Mrs. Natt gaze then went down, and just saw a trail of blood, dripping from her husband's left foot. Josh saw a huge stain of blood, on his father's left side.
"I'll hold them off as much as I can..... Wish I can *giggle*"
He then faced Josh and hold his left cheeks
"I'm sorry for hitting you, but be a man, and protect them, for me"
Gritting his teeth in frustration, Josh looked down
"Fuck"
Mrs. Natt then hurriedly run towards her husband, and hug him in a tight embrace
"Be careful there"
And kissed him on his lips, and then to his forehead
"I love you"
She then looked back and spoke
"Go to the basement now!"
Josh with a heavy heart, followed his mother and sister, as they walk away from their farther, and headed down to the basement, which is located behind their kitchen, hidden between a pile of barrels
Phhewww~
Taking a deep breath, after seeing his family away, Mr. Ben then walked out from their house, and hold his iron axe with a heavy grip. Locking the door, and standing in front of it, he then went to his stance
Kraaaaaa!!
Graaaaa!!
Nraaaa!!
3 {Hobgoblin Variant} then saw him, and cried, as they rushed towards him. Taking another deep breath, he then bended down and yelled
"Fucking monster! Ahhhhh!"
And rushed towards them.
"Josh, lock the door"
Josh then hurriedly lock the door, upon his mother's words. As they went down to the ladder, they then hastenly tranverse the basement, and straightly headed towards the tunnel. Torches lit the small sized room, and the space between them and the tunnel door was short, vastly at 10 meters away. With few barrels, furnitures, and cabinets around.
"Get those barrels!"
She ordered, and one by one, they swiftly, as much as possible, and took each barrel. As they reached the door towards the tunnel, Mrs. Natt then let April and Cecile to head in first, while she and Josh took those barrels, and blocked the tunnel door. She, and Josh then hurriedly catch up to them, as they got out from the tunnel.
The lightning in the area is dim, with small space to move, the tunnel ground is quite a horrible place to be inside, as being trap here, will be death itself. The pathway outside was quite longer than they thought it was, with heir thumping heart, and hoarse breathing, they run as fast as they could, not letting their father's sacrifice be in vain.
As they saw the mark of the end of the tunnel ground, Cecile then hurriedly open the lock door, and directly run outside, towards the forest, as she carried April in her arms. Josh then followed right after, with Mrs. Natt behind her
Swoosh
"Don't look back, and head towards the-kuhhhhh!"
Thud
Looking behind him, Josh then saw his mother, and cried
"Mother!"
As Mrs. Natt that was just behind them, was swiftly shot by a fierceful arrow, taking her life away in a second. As Josh was about to run towards her
"Josh! Forget it and run!"
Was yelled by his sister upfront, with tears flowing from her eyes, and her arms trembling in frustration. Josh gritted his teeth and run back upfront, and leave his mother behind
Confused to tbe situation engulfing before her, April tightly emrbace her sister, and looked at the unmoving corpse of the once mother, that she yet to call as one. With an expression of blank emotion, no tears flows from her eyes, nor rumbling of hatred and irritation, just mere speechless emotion, as she silently watch, how the world changes so fast.
Rustle
Rustle
Rustle
"3 kids got away, should be chase them?"
"Got away? You let them idiot"
"They still got away, your point?"
Grrrrrr!
"Slimy motherfucker!"
Wearing a black suit and black mask, it then grab its giant sword out from its ring. The other one, with a similar outfit, then pridefully opened its arms, as 20 of his beast, growling beside him
"Shut up!"
Halting the 2 from their childish fight, the man with a white mask and black suit then stood atop, behind them spoke in cold tone
"Just kill the kids, and be down with it"
Sigh
"Yeah, yeah, yeah"
Whistle
Aawwwwoooooo~
Arrrackkffff! Arff! Arrff!
8 wolves with silver coat, not much taller than a 8 years old child, then rushed towards their prey, and chase them down as they track them.
Back at the ruined home, silent footstep resound, as she walked pass the massacred village. Women's scream could be heard as she pass through, as they was being raped and eaten, by desperate {Hobgoblin Variants}, and while the others were chewed down to their very bone, not letting them whisper, as their throat were taken. Behind her were 6 female monsters, with toned tanned body, and not much larger than a {Goblin Champion} frame, following her in silence.
Children's body was placed at the center of the village, impaled to their upside down state, letting their blood paint the ground, with individuals standing around them. Arriving, she then halted, and stated behind his silver mask, with a lotus design at its top.
"Let us finish this task, shall we?"
And spoke in a playful tone.