Chapter 1

''' 997 , 998 , 999 .. ''

The bright summer's sun pierced through the crumbling white clouds . The light gently laid on David's skin as he did his handstand push ups .

He was drenched in sweat , each droplet being reflected off his chocolate brown skin- only his lower half had not been seen by the sun . His ink-black dreadlocks hung low , reaching for the tall grass below

'' 1000 ''

With a loud thud David hit the floor ,the tall grass felt comforting , like resting on a bed of clouds . He had been doing his training even before the sun showed it face to the Midburrow . To his left was the sword his sister used in battle . Despite the many battles the sword had endured it remained firm , as the day it was first forged .

'' I promise I'll bring you back … somehow '' he says , gripping the sword tightly . David went to the Star Piercer Guild , it stood out from rest of the other guilds in the kingdom due the sponsorship of the Hawthorne household - the sponsorship was a mutually beneficial , by supplying the funds for the guild , the guild would assign adventures to protect their land from monster attacks or raids .

The guild stood as a testament of the kingdom's strength and magnitude. The towering monument pierced the sky , covered in the banners of the Hawthorne chest fluttering proudly in the wind .

The air was filled with a bustling of adventures - different voices flooded the room , some of joyous laughter , plotting and arguments as some roamed to and fro the guild . Memento's of great battles and noble deeds dressed the walls . On the notice boards were names of criminals and their bounties . The guild members were adorned with great armor , cloaks and weaponry forged by the finest of blacksmiths . It was a place where both warriors and strategists shared a table in unity .

David walked up to the receptionist's desk , noting that there weren't any new adventures like the previous day . The receptionist recognized him , she smiled softly - desperately trying to hide her sadness. Among everyone in the guild she stood , not because of her beauty or uniform - she stood head and shoulder above everyone in the guild . At first glance it would've been hard to believe Melissa was not an adventurer .

'' David , it's … it's great seeing you again , '' her eyes filled with joy and sorrow .

'' I heard abou- ''

'' Thanks you , Melissa ''

After a brief silence , she regained her steadiness . She lays the adventurer's application in front of him .

'' So what brings you to the guild ? ''

'' any quest available ? ''

'' About 5 km to the east , close to a mining village . I take it that your level is high enough ? ''

'' I'ma be fine , thanks Mel '' He yells running off .

'' You forgot to sign ! -'' she sighs '' just forget about it ''

***

The next day rolled around , bringing with it a pale light of dawn spilling of the jagged edge of the mountain reach . The village became silent , what was once a prosperous town filled the joyous laughter became quiet , only giving way to the sways of the leaves of the trees . Hidden between towering mountain ranges , with snow adorned peaks in the distance . Stoneveil was located next to a river , between the village and mountains laid a thick massive forest .Year round the town is layered in a light snowfall , with haunting screams of the wind through mountain pass .

'' Elder this can't continue like this '' One of the village said angrily , '' We can't rely on Gabi '' They all congregated into the town hall , despair and fear hung over the wooden building . '' Settle down , everyone '' the orange bearded blacksmith said .

'' Thank you , Charles '' the old man said before standing up , '' I understand how and why you are terrified '' he says pausing briefly '' A adventurer from The Heavenly Piercer guild should be arriving any moment - '' , like it was divine preordained David opened the town hall's old wooden doors , as he walked through toward the elder he could hear snippets of conversation '' Is he who the elder requested ? '' , '' it can't be look at him '' , most were curios to who this mysterious warrior was .

The once- polished armor he wore tarnished , it didn't look durable enough for any adventurer , the various marking and dents and make shift repairs stood as witnesses . On his back he carried a black sword , the Raven Blade a legendary sword that was forged with rarest metal of them all , black steel .

'' I am truly thankful you arriving so soon '' the old man said .

'' I tried gettin' here quicker .. ''

'' It's okay sonny ''

'' What has happened ? ''

'' Strange things has been happening lately , it's been weeks since the first body appeared - the whole family was found dead ''

'' Was it a animal ? ''

'' That's what we all thought but they all were as pale as ghosts with two little bite marks on their necks , most folk have been on edge ever since that day ''

'' When do ya think it'll attack ? ''

'' Probably tonight ''

'' It could be a vampire , but if it is , how'd it get past the barrier '' he thought before turning around , some still gossiping among themselves about David , '' Where's the towns priest ? '' he asked , a young girl emerged from the crowd , her eyes were as oceans honey bathing in the sunlight , soft and inviting . Naturally the village was suppose to have a church where they would masters would teach apprentices how to create a barrier but due to their fortune monsters never populated the region until recently .

'' Why didn't set up a barrier ? '' his voice gentle but firm , his gazing unwavering .

The question pierced right into her soul , she could feel a lump forming in her throat as she tightly gripped her golden staff , the thought of explaining her own incompetence and why she couldn't save those who she considered her own . She knew exactly why - the fear became too great and she froze .

Her heart raced even faster , she tried to calm herself , to think of something to say , anything , anything that would fix her mistake . But no words laid on her tongue , her mind was scrambled . Before she could even realize she had said what enchained her heart . '' I … I don't know , '' she had whispered it , barely loud enough for herself to hear , '' I don't know why i couldn't '' her eyes became watery .

She felt everyone staring at with pity and silent criticism , even if they said nothing she knew what they felt and thought , '' Why didn't you put up the barrier , Gabi '' . Her breathing became shallower , she had to go somewhere far , just anywhere from here . Before they could comfort her , her legs moved on their own , her feet echoed through the wooden lounge . She ran , and ran until she had no sight of the village .

She hid in the shadow of the giant oak tree beside the snow , her tears vigorously flowing '' after all this time i still can't do it '' she whispered to herself , '' Why am I so useless ? '' She hugged her knees to her chest , wrapping her arms tightly around herself . '' I'm sorry '' replayed in her mind . She knew her apology wouldn't be enough , nothing would ever bring them back .

***

The afternoon sun sat lonesome in the sky , on a canvas of orange and red . The cold winter's wind , carried clean scent of fresh pine and damp earth . She had cried herself to sleep , the faint warmth of the fire wrapped itself over her , awaking from her slumber . She slowly opened up her eyes , her world still very muffled . She had never left her spot , her body only in an awkward position she likely slept in - but before a the flames reached with its orange tips toward the heavens . '' why did i run so far into the woods ? '' she though while desperately looking for something familiar .

And then she noticed it . A heavy cloak draped across her , it was far too large for her frame , smelling faintly of smoke , battle and leather . It still held heat , a stark contrast to the ice snowy of the Odlheim winter . She gazed back into the fire , it reminded of David question he asked her earlier - the one question she no answer too . Why didn't you put up the barrier ? The guilt and shame blossomed again , this time sharper than before . '' I'm still so useless , when they needed me the most i failed them . And now . I'm just … hiding '' .

'' I don't think ya useless '' David voice rumbled behind , causing her to stiffen . Her heart skipped a beat and her muscled tensed as she was about to flee again . '' I … didn't mean . I didn't know.. '' she tried apologizing for earlier , but she only stumbled over her words . She wanted to explain why she had run away. Her world began to shrink , the air became heavier . She wanted to make everything stop . She tried desperate to cling to warmth of the fire but there was no escaping . Not without facing it .

'' Sorry for scaring ya '' he says laughing awkwardly after taking off his helm , revealing their how similar in age they are . For a moment , she blinked , her mind processing the image before her . Her feature were not what she expected . From the depth of voice and how battle hardened he seemed , it all suggested a man far older then her , experienced . She viewed him as a towering warrior , figure of strength .'' He's … just like me ?''

''Is there somethin' on face ? '' he asked her , slight blushing . '' n-no'' in trying to respond she choked on her own saliva . He let out little laugh , his face radiating with life and youthfulness . She had looked at her own hand finally realizing her own youth and inexperience . His expression soften '' You ain't useless '' slowly she turned from him . His tone not harsh but stead and reassuring , '' I won't be able to stop the vampire without your help '' he said before added the rabbit he had caught onto the fire .

In his voice was no anger nor judgment , she tried saying something - anything - but no words escaped her mouth . She felt her shoulder sagging , as if the her load had lost a little of it's weight .

'' It's my fault their dead '' she whispered , barely audible . '' when they needed me the most I let them down ''

The was a long pause . He didn't rush to reassure her or to tell her that everything was going to be all right , because he knew - she needed to come to that conclusion by herself .

'' Just cause you've fallen doesn't mean you can't get back up ''

She stared at him for a long moment , the sting of guilt was still raw but for the first time there was something else - something more , a faint ember of hope . She wasn't sure if she'll could ever live to the exceptions she had failed to meet but somehow being around him made it seems a slightly possible .

For a moment neither of them spoke , Then breaking the silence his deep voice rumbled , like lighting , calm and steady .

'' We haven't introduced ourselves, right ? '' he said , handing her the roasted rabbit . '' I'm David Gideon . '' . Her stomach roared , the excitement of finally eating overwhelmed her - her face became crimson with embarrassment . '' I'm Gabi … Gabriela Alira . '' she replied, drooling from her waiting for her food to cool down .'' Nice to me ya . Gabi '' he says, laughing a little . He leaned forward slightly , spreading the rough he made of the area , hovering his finger over all the possible locations of the creature . '' We are here and If i was a vampire I'd probably be by the graveyard '' Gabi nodded at him , still munching on the roasted rabbit '' This is so good ''' she thought .

'' You think we can '' she said , flickering to see the map but not really seeing anything . He glanced at her , grinning a little '' Only if we work together ''