Chapter Two: A Fated Meeting
Darkrai and the two monster girls stood there, staring at each other in the clearing. Darkrai stood confident, with a welcoming smile on his face and an outstretched hand. The girls, on the other hand, stood there completely dumbfounded, seeming to not even notice his gestor of goodwill. Both parties stood like that, unmoving, for almost a full minute before the girls turned to look at each other. Then, they burst into a fit of hysterical laughter causing Darkrai to jump.
"Vampire he says!" the short hobgoblin wheezed through her cackling, falling on her back in the process.
"Screw that! He says he's monster!" The ogre howled in her deep voice while clutching her stomach, "That's rich!"
Darkrai watched the two confused, rubbing his eyes to check if perhaps they were covered. After confirming that his eyes, indeed, were in full view to the world, he pointed to them. "Uh, hello my eyes? Sure they might not prove I'm a vampire but no human has eyes like this!" He retorted annoyed at the girls.
"Oh please" the ogre girl chuckled, just starting to come out of her fit. "Any human can get an enchantment to change a physical feature. But it's easy for us to tell that you are bullshitting."
"And how would that be?" Darkrai asked crossing his arms, interested ,but still very annoyed, in figuring out why these two couldn't believe his birthright.
"Your scent", the goblin girl said cheekily while sitting up tapping her nose. "You don't smell anything like any monster for one thing." Then she began chuckling again in her high pitch voice again. "Plus, a male monster? That's just stupid!", she said before breaking into another laughing fit.
The ogre girl was bit more composed than the hobgoblin now, but still had a huge shit eating grin on her face. "Now now Kali, we had our fun. Let's just get him and get rid of that fear of his. He must be scared out of his poor little mind if he's making tales like that."
The hobgoblin, Kali, jumped up with a predatory glint in her eyes and nodded with a hum of agreement, "I like that idea Nikki." Kali purred," but this one's mine, he's cute~. Besides, you got that one we got back on the road" she said throwing her thumb back at the tied up human. With that, the monsters closed that gap between them and Darkrai. The ogre, Nikki, slipping behind him quickly to prevent him from running while Kali made her way to be toe to toe with him. She stared down at slightly shorter boy with a hungry and lustful look in her eye, causing him to back up, only to run back first into Nikki . He looked up to see her looking down at him with an amused smile before giving him a shove into Kali's open arms which clasped around him as he fell into her chest. Darkrai gave a gasp as the air in his lungs was pushed out by her arms wrapping around him into a tight hug.
Having him trapped in a bear hug, Kali was confident that the boy wouldn't be able to escape her strength. She glanced down at her prey to admire her cute catch only to see his previous red eyes now back to sky blue staring back up at her, quivering with what she could only believe to be fear, causing her heart to flutter.
By the first he's so fucking cute, she thought while failing to fight back a blush. Giving in a little, she loosened up her grip. "Don't be so scared cutie. I'm neeever going to hurt you," she cooed gently. "You'll have a cozy little home, cute wife, and you'll never go hungry! Also…" She lowered her head slightly, just enough to place her lips right beside his ear. "I'll make you feel reeeaaaally good ~", she whispered into his ear with every ounce of lust she could drip into it.
Her coo seemed to calm her soon-to-be-husband down, as Kali couldn't feel him shaking anymore. In fact, Kali could feel his arms snaking up her back and grabbing onto her fur vest, just below her neck while he nestled his head into the nap of her neck. Bewildered at how her seduction was working and how cute Darkrai's reaction was, Kali made a small squeak while looking up at the tall ogre in excitement. Nikki couldn't help but chuckle as she looked down with crossed arms giving her companion a nod of approval.
She was knocked out of her dreamy state when Darkrai started speaking, "That's kind of you to offer", he spoke out in a monotone tone into Kali's neck. This caused the ogre to look down in confusion while Kali began to break out into a beaming smile thinking he was accepting her. "Because I'm actually…" he said bringing his mouth to her neck, just above the collar bone. "…quite parched." He finished, just before his eyes went red and he dug his fangs into her neck.
After Darkrai finished his meal, apologies were given between him and Nikki. Nikki for not believing him and Darkrai for making a light meal out of her companion. He couldn't yet apologize to the hobgoblin as she had passed out with a very satisfied look on her face. Nikki picked her up under her arm and offered Darkrai a seat at the fire pit while she put Kali on one of the bed roles before grabbing a bag and sitting down next to him.
"Again, sorry not believing you. Me and Kali have never seen or even heard of a male monster before." Nikki apologized handing Darkrai a small pouch of dried meat. "I'm Nikki by the way." He accepted it with a thanks, "Well I don't blame you, the only other male monsters I know is my master and one of the Monster Lords retainers." He responded taking a bite of the jerky. "And master said we were the only male monsters on Hellgondo. He didn't know for the other continents though."
"Hellgondo?" Nikki said with an incredulous look. "You are from Hellgondo?"
"Yeah", He confirmed reaching for another piece of meat." Me and master live in the Vampire's castle up in the mountains…that reminds me, where are we?"
"Wait, you don't even know where you are?" Nikki questioned with a raised brow, "how long have you been here?"
"I actually have no idea." Darkrai replied honestly, "I just woke up a couple hours ago with no idea of how I got here. All I have his this bag, my masters scythe and the clothes on my back."
"Damn, well I hate to tell you this but you aren't anywhere near Hellgondo kid. You're on Ilias Continent."
He blinked. "I'm sorry, I must have heard you wrong. It sounded like you said we are on…"
"Ilias continent," she reaffirmed, "you heard right kid."
Darkrai simply stared blankly at her for a solid minute before his face slowly contorted into something of a scowl. He closed his eyes and took a sharp inhale and slowly let out an exhale.
Nikki stared at him, slight concern showing on her face. "Kid, are you alri…" was all she could get before he quickly stood up and shouted, causing both the man tied up and Nikki to fall back in surprise.
"HOW IN THE FIRST'S NAME DID I END UP HERE OF ALL PLACES!?"
After his outburst, he dropped back on the log and gave a deep sigh before dropping is head into his hands. Nikki stared at the boy, cautious for another outburst. Seeing that he was seemingly calmer, she reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey no need to get so upset, that will just make things more difficult for ya."
Darkrai gave another sigh and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know. It just doesn't make any sense. I mean, the last thing I remember was walking with my master in the courtyard at Dark Sanctuary, then he handed me…" Darkrai brought his bag up in one arm, "…this bag. Then…then I don't know, that's all I remember."
Nikki stared quizzically at the boy, "Dark Sanctuary? Guessing that's the Vampire castle?" Darkrai nodded, still looking intently at the large, dark leather nap sack. "Ok, well do you remember what you him were talking about? Or how about that bag? What's in it?" Nikki asked.
Darkrai furrowed his pale brows trying to recall. "We were…talking about my future training and my current progress…and something about training on my own one day." He looked down at the bag and reached in only to pull out a thick, black leather bound book covered in archaic runes. "And this is apparently what's in the bag." Both Nikki and Darkrai stared with interest while he examined the book's outside, trying to find words not in a magical tongue. After a few moments of looking he opened the heavy book only for a folded piece of parchment to fall out. Surprised and curious, he reached down and open the loose paper.
"What is it?" Nikki asked leaning over to see its contents to see small wall of text. Darkrai broke into a beaming smile, "It's a letter from my master!" Darkrai said scanning over the letter, confusion creeping up on his face, "…well it's more like instructions." Nikki stared at the boy, waiting for him to continue. Getting annoyed at the prolonged silence, he huffed at him. "Well? What does it say? Any clues or anything?"
His once beaming smile was now contorted into something of a scowl and a look of confusion. Putting the letter down he looked up at Nikki. "No, nothing about how I got here or why. He just says that this book has everything I need for the rest of my training." He put the letter back in the book and put it in the bag before throwing the bag on the ground, agitated. "He also said he will be gone for a while, but he didn't say why…" Throwing his arms up he began furiously ruffling his hair, "Why is nothing making any sense!? I have more questions than answers!"
Nikki moved closer to Darkrai on the log and patted him reassuringly on the back. "Well look on the bright side, at least you have a program he gave you to follow!" Darkrai signed and brought put his arms in is lap, still looking downtrodden. "Yeah, I guess…". Nikki broke into a big smile and wrap her huge, muscular arm around his shoulder. "Besides! It's a good learning experience for kids like you! I mean, my mom kicked me out in my teens and I'm a better monster for it", she said with pride puff her chest out. "But I'm only 13 and I don't know anything about continents other than Hellgondo save for a few area's in Sentora." Nikki raised an eyebrow? "You are only 13?" She asked skeptically. "I knew you were still a kid, but you seem pretty mature for a babe just off the teat." Darkrai gave a small, dry chuckle and said, " yeah, I guess I am…", but nothing more.
Nikki, once again uncomfortable in the awkward silence moved to say something when she heard Kali stirring. She turned to see her companion stretching while walking over to the two of them. "Man that was good cat nap!" Kali forced out mid stretch with her hands above her head. She looked at Nikki with a smile before you noticed Darkrai with his back still turned to her. Kali's face quickly became flustered as she remembered events from the hour before. She walked quietly up behind him, earning her a raised brow from Nikki, and draped her arm around his shoulders cause him to jump. "Why heeellloooo there cutie~" she purred playfully. "Glad to see you still sticking around me and sis." Darkrai bent his head back and looked between the two girls. "Wait, sis? You two are sisters?" Darkrai asked in mild surprise.
"Yea, didn't I mention?" Nikki replied, "We have the same father so we are half related." Annoyed that her advances were ignored, Kali puffed her cheeks momentarily before adding on, "but even so, we always treated each other like full blooded sis's, ain't that right sis?" She exclaimed happily before throwing her arms around her sister's waist. Nikki laughed in agreement and rubbed her sister behind her horns, getting her a happy hum from Kali.
Darkrai couldn't help but chuckle at the two sister's relationship, appreciating the distraction. Kali opened her eyes at his chuckle and made eye contacted with him. She blushed out of embarrassment and batted her sister's hands away before taking a seat between the two, still beet red. Nikki gave a hardy laugh at her sisters bashfulness and turned back to Darkrai. "So what are you going to do?" Darkrai turned to face her, "I mean, you are quite far from Hellgondo, you don't know anything about Ilias Continent and I'm guessing you don't have anybody you know here ether, do you?" Darkrai looked down, shaking his head.
Nikki gave a small sigh and nudged her sister who was still staring longingly at the fair haired boy. Kali quickly turned to her sis, cheeks still rosy. Nikki nodded to Darkrai, making Kali tilt her head slightly before perking up, realizing what her sis was implying. She quickly jumped up and stood in front of Darkrai making him look up from his thoughts. "Weeeeeelll, if you don't have anywhere else to go…" She started," Why don't you join me and sis! We made a small home in a cave in the mountains not too far from here! We were heading back there with sis's new man here and you ran into us."
Darkrai stared up at Kali wide eyed. After a couple moments he gave her a warm smile, sending her heart a flutter. "I appreciate the offer you two, I really do." He said softly, making both the girls smile at each other,"…but I'll have to decline." Kali spun back around to him, "Huh?!" She couldn't help but shout, "But why!?" Darkrai heaved a sigh, "Don't get me wrong, being with you two sounds fun and all, but I have a feeling that I'd be too..."His eyes drifted over to Kali, earning him a confused look from her, "…distracted to focus on training." Nikki gave a sad, but knowing nod while Kali seemed confused. "Training? Training for what?"
Darkrai reached behind him and pulled the scythe up from the log he propped it on. Admiring his masters weapon, "I'm training under my master to be a scythe meister, though my training scythe was a lot smaller," he admitted chuckling.
Nikki had gotten a good look at it before but didn't think much about it until he picked it up. The thing was over twice his size, yet he was lifting it with one hand like it was nothing. She was about to ask about it when Kali burst in, "Well you can still do that with us can't you? We wouldn't get in your way when you ask for space!" she pleaded.
"It's not that easy sis", Nikki chimed in placing a hand on her sis's head as she spoke. "When you are learning to become a master of a weapon or fighting style it takes an immense amount of time and concentration. He needs a quiet place if he's going to be teaching himself." Kali looked up at her sis then to Darkrai who was nodded his head.
"That's why I need to find someplace I can hide but still be close enough to a village or something for food and other basics." Darkrai added on. Kali and Nikki looked at each other confused. Nikki looked backed to him and asked, "But wouldn't take ruin the point of looking for a quiet place to train? Humans are loud and annoying in their congregations." Nikki inquired, "Wouldn't it make more sense just to get one or two and keep them for food?" Darkrai face twisted, "I don't like the idea of keep someone against their will. I don't mind others want to, I understand and all," he said gesturing towards the man," but I don't feel… comfortable doing so. That's why I want to be near a village or something."
Kali couldn't help but gawk at Darkrai's odd declaration. Nikki, once again, couldn't help but chuckle at her sis's reaction but still nodded in understanding. "Well I know a place not too far from here that's like that," Nikki said throwing her thumb at the bound and gagged man, "same place this guy was going actually," causing the man to look up at the three, looking tired and confused at his mention. "He was heading to Ilias Village. It's quiet from what I know, away from any of the big cities," Nikki began, "though its where Ilias's temple is so it's a big place for "Hero's". So most of the monsters here generally try to say away. Besides," she said face contorting and sticking her tongue out slightly," That's where they baptize people which makes the men taste awful." Nikki finished causing Kali to make a similar face.
Darkrai covered his mouth to laugh at the girl's odd faces, "Well I don't really care about the flavor, but from your faces it sounds like it might take some getting used to." Darkrai chuckled rising to his feet. "I guess it's at least worth checking out, don't really have many other options save for finding my way back to Hellgondo." He finished with a shrug.
Kali moved to say something but was cut off by Nikki, "Well if that's what you want to do, then go ahead. Just know that you'll be welcome to come join us if you need a different place to stay." Kali perked up as her sister finished and bounced to Darkrai's side. "Yea! So make sure to come by once you get bored ok?"
Darkrai gave a small smile, "thanks you two. It's nice to have options." He admitted," But why be so kind to a stranger? I mean, we literally just met little over an hour ago. Why offer me your home for nothing?"
Kali began giggling. "What makes you think that it would be free? We'd work ya, though I'm sure you'd enjoy it." Still confused, he looked over at Nikki who covered her mouth while chuckling herself. "Let's just say that you'd help us not go hungry." Darkrai sat there a moment, still confused. "Wait, how would I…" He stopped, suddenly realizing what they meant. He broke into a bright blush, "Ah, right." His flustered expression was the tipping point for the girls, making them break out into another hysterical fit of laughter which only made Darkrai's blush turn all the more crimson.
After hour of chat and a meal, Darkrai and the sisters parted ways but not before Nikki gave him directions to the road leading to Ilias village which was about a 5 hour walk away. So he got out the book his master gave him and began his walk.
When he was about an hour outside of Ilias village, he took a break to walk down to a nearby pond for a drink and to grab some dinner. As he walked down the small hill to the pond he stopped and ducked into the foliage, hearing voices down near the waters edge. Slowing making his way as close as possible without being seen, he saw the voices owners.
There was a small band of seven human males surrounding a woman and a small, very scared boy, her child most likely. The males ranged in size and completion but all had the same dirty stench about them. They seemed to be laughing and sneering at the women but he couldn't tell what about. He slowly made his way closer, being sure not to be spotted, curious to what was going on. As he reached the brush 5 meters from them he stopped and listened.
"Is ur fault fur cuming o'ut ere alon now isn et?" The fattest of the bunch said jabbing his black nailed finger in the women's direction.
"Aye, is er fault with'outta dout Butch. Oy mean, ith all dem monstas out, yous lucky wes da ones dat founded yas furst." A very dirty blonde haired man said.
"Please just leave us alone!" the woman said more defensive than scared, "Me and my son don't want any trouble." Darkrai couldn't help but be slightly impressed at the woman's apparent courage. Seven to one and she's still holding firm.
"Wells me an da bois can't do dat meh luv." The fat one said in a fake apologetic tone, "Dat 'ould be awful rude of us 'ere men see? Wes won't be wan'ing ya to 'et lost or 'urt now woulds we's boi's?" He finished gesturing to the rest of the foul men who laughed almost sadistically agreeing with the fat one.
The women stuck the boy further behind her, still holding a strong countenance though looking slightly desperate looking for a way out of her dilemma. "What do you want with us?" She said still trying to hold her bravado, gaining more respect from Darkrai.
The fat one smiled, showing all of this few, yellow teeth. " Wells, since yous ask'n, I's tell ya da truth." He took a step closer causing her to take a step back and making the small boy whimper, calling to out to his mom in a barely audible, terrified voice. "First, wes all gonna 'ake turns 'aking care of yous. But don't yous 'orry, wez gonna be real careful 'ith cha, don't wanna damage da merchandise, heh heh." The woman's face didn't change from his vulgar statement other than a brief look of disgust before she slightly turned her to see her son. The fat one took note of that and smiled, "an don't chu worry youz pretty head 'bout da boy. Wez gonna 'ake sure 'es taken care of sumthing proper."
After the fat one revealed his plan, Darkrai was fuming, grinding his teeth in an attempt not to leap out and decapitate the fat, ugly beast. Such disgusting creatures, Darkrai thought to himself,
That caused the woman to lock her gaze on the man, for the first time showing fear on her face which only made than man smile more before continuing. "Yea, we'z gotta make sure da boi is looking good cus wes gonna sell em. Small, cute boi 'ike dat gonna make some good gold 'ith one of dem monsta girls or maybe on of dem pedos in da city."
The woman now seemed to be both seething and terrified. She put her hand behind her to take a firm grasp on her son's shoulder, pushing him further into her back. Desperate, she began looking around for a way to tell her son to run before she threw herself at them to buy her son some time. As she was looking around, slowly loosing hope, she noticed something coming out of the brush behind the men. It looked to be another man…no, boy, hardly into his teenage years, coming at them wielding a large war scythe much longer than the boy himself was.
One of the men saw her surprised look and turned to see what she was staring at. Seeing the boy, he patted the fat one and gestured towards the new white haired boy. The fat man gave another huge, yellow smile. "Well boiz, seems ta meh dat we gottas some maor pocket mon'y ta'day. 'ucky us eh boiz?" Most of the men turned to see kid walking up to them while the others kept their drooling faces locked on the women.
As Darkrai was almost to the group, the blonde walked up to the him and bent down so that he mere inches, face to face with the blued eyed teen. "Oooooohhh, yous got sum purdy ey's on ya kid" , he said eying Darkrai over before churning into a ugly grin, "dem prudy blue's can gets us sum' good gold." Some of the men laughed at the statement while the others laughed out a hardy aye. Darkrai looked amongst the seven men, his look of distain growing darker at each man. Finally, he turned to the blonde directly in front of him. The blonde man seemed to finally take notice of the scythe and raised an eyebrow with a low whistle, "Dat's a prudy big toy yeez gots 'here kid." The blonde reached out towards the Scythe, "hows 'bout youz just 'ive it to me, kids don't be need'n…"
That was all the man could say before he fell backwards, giving a bloodcurdling scream in pain and surprise as most of his arm dropped to the ground in front of him. The few men previously look at the women quickly turned, startled at their companion's outcry while the men who watched the act looked on astonished. Darkrai brought the blade of the huge scythe to his face and gave a long, slow lick, while staring at the men with his crimson, slitted eyes narrowed into a predatory death stare. Though quickly his eyes went wide as he spat out repeatedly, looking he was near vomiting. "By the First, that was nasty!" Darkrai screeched quickly swatting at his tongue with his free hand. The men just stood there, weapons now drawn in confusion.
Still in obvious discomfort, Darkrai put his tongue back in his mouth, mumbling something about dirty dish water then turning to the blonde man who was now back on his feet, weapon drawn. Darkrai perked his brow, looking over the scrawny, one armed blonde. The blonde was seething, pointing his old, rusty sword towards Darkrai. "How fucking dare youz!" The blonde screamed in pure rage, "Ima fucking gut youz', ya 'ear me!" After finishing the man dashed at Darkrai, sword above his head, screaming as he brought his sword down only for Darkrai to swat it away with the back of his hand. The man starred, speechless, as his sword landed blade first into the ground several meters away. He looked back over at the kid just in time to see the scythe's blade pierce his face. The white hair boy gave a small chuckle in satisfaction as he lifted his leg and kicked the corpse off his weapon.
All the men stood still as their companion's body fell to the grass. The woman starred at the boy in awe, still shielding her son from the scene. Darkrai lifted his large scythe effortlessly with one arm to rest its twisted polearm on his shoulder. He looked towards the fat man, who he presumed was the head of the band of misfits. "So I know I might be a little late in my question," the boy shouted at the fat man while point to the blondes corpse with his head, "but what exactly are you boys doing to those two." The men all move towards the boy, surrounding him but being warry not to get too close. The fat man on the other hand stayed nearer to his original targets to not let them escape in the confusion. "I'd bez telling yaz," the fat man barked, "but iz not making 'uch senses to talk toz a dead man. Gut him boys! For Greg!
All the men began rushing at Darkrai at the same time at their bosses demand, yelling at the top of their lungs. Darkrai quickly brought his scythe to the ready, "Not much in the way of manners are you guys?" he joked under his breath.
Darkrai waited for the first man to get within his range and quickly jumped over his attack onto his back with the rest of the men close behind him. Quickly decapitating the poor bastard, he grab the head and flipped off the man's back, kicking it into one of the men, causing him to fall backwards. Jumping back a few feet as soon as the reach the ground, he saw two of the remaining four rushing at him together, while the other helped get their comrade out from underneath the corpse.
Darkrai rushed at the two men, throwing the decapitated head at the one to the left, causing him to stop to wipe the blood out of his eyes. The remaining man thrusted his sword at Darkrai's chest, to which Darkrai moved just out of the way and spun, swinging his scythe through the man torso, slicing him clean in half bellow his chest. His partner turned just in time to see him fall and roared as he charged at the boy with new vigor. Darkrai, already seeing him, waited for the man to get in distance and parried the incoming blow, driving his scythe above the man, and brought the blade down the man's torso, making the man spill his innards when he fell with a sickly, wet thud.
The two remaining men got back to the fight as soon as the body hit the floor. The both charged together, screaming as they did for their friends. Darkrai spun around and knocked the left man's sword out of his hand and into his partner's throat. The man stopped and look in horror at his friend, watching the light dim from his eyes as held feel to his knees, choking and bringing up any blood that made it past his blade.
The last man standing turned slowly, hearing Darkrai approach behind him. The man looked down, trembling at the thought of what this fate would be. Dakrai looked up at the man, eyes seemingly glowing malice. He smiled up at the man, fangs now very apparent, "You are smart to fear," Darkrai chucked through his smirk," animals who know fear tend to live longer." The man began making auditory sounds while trembling. "But sadly," Darkrai continued, face darkening as he did. "it's far too late for you to run". The man screamed and turned to take off, but was caught off the a blade from the scythe at his neck. The man made a last, final squeak before Darkrai ripped the blade clear through his neck and turned for the fat man.
The fat man hands were numb, sweat dripping down his body. His fear keeping him rooted as the snow haired boy made his way to him. As he stepped in front of the Fat man, the man fell backwards onto a tree trunk. Darkrai chuckled, at the man. "What…"The fat man quivered ,"What dah Hell iz, " Was all his could say before his head began rolling on the ground.
Darkrai whip the scythe hard to remove the blood, splotching it over the tree. As he rested the scythe on his back, the woman and boy approached him, earning them a look from him. The woman's face was still holding strong, but was obviously warry and confused. "TH-Thank you, so much for your help." The woman said almost cautiously. "Those men would have…they could have…*sigh*" she turned towards him and breathed out, and gave the most radiant and gracious smiles possible. "Thank you for saving my son and me!"
Darkrai widened his eyes at the sight, speechless for a couple moments. When he composed himself, he still couldn't stop blushing, he wasn't use to being thanked like that. "No problem mi-miss. J-Just saw you guys when I passed by and I just couldn't…"He stuttered. The woman shifted back to confusion, her face still beaming from earlier. "But why did you help us? You were outnumbered and alone, and for strangers?"
Darkrai, looked to the side at his scythe, still glimmering from the crimson lifeblood dribbling off its blade. "They were…"Darkrai started quickly, causing the woman to lean in slightly while the boy peeked around her leg. "just evil." He sneered," Anyone who betrays their species or are willing to hurt innocents deserves to die. That's what my master taught me and what I believe." He finished proudly before starting to play with the grass with his foot, "also…I couldn't just leave a woman and child in trouble". The woman blinked, and brought her hand to her mouth as she chuckled.
Darkrai flushed red again and turned quickly towards the woman, "Hey! I just saved you, there's no need to laugh at me! What's so funny anyway!?" the boy whined in embracement, which of course only made her laugh harder.
When she calmed down a little she looked at the boy, "Sorry, I just didn't expect that kind of response." She apologized through her giggles. "You just don't look like the hero type to me. Not to mention you barely look older than my son."
Darkrai couldn't help but scowl at how spot on she was. He looked down at his dark, sleeveless shirt and his loose black pants which were all now covered in spots of sprayed blood. His eyes and fangs probably didn't help his case ether. Not to mention the skull décor that was carved into the upper poll arm of the scythe. "Yeeeaaaah, guess I can see what you mean." He admitted, "Guess the irony isn't too lost on me." The women chuckled at that, once again causing Darkrai to turn red in embarrassment. Least that skeleton isn't around here, I'd NEVER hear the end of it, Darkrai thought hardening his scowl. "Anyway," the woman started holding out her hand, "I'm Lucifina, and this is my son, Luka."
Darkrai shook his head, trying to shake his embarrassment. "I'm Darkrai Kai, "Darkrai greeted Lucifina. As he reached out to her hand, he felt a sharp pain suddenly spark in his side. His eyes shot wide as he grunted and fell to a knee, grabbing where the pain burst from. Lucifina quickly dropped to his level, worry apparent on her face. She gently moved his hand to see what was causing him pain. She moved the blood stained cloth to see a large gash about 2 cm deep across his hip. "You're hurt," she Luka gasped, Lucifina shaking her head.
"Huh," Darkrai grunted, "didn't feel them hit me."
Lucifina's look hardened as she turned her face to Darkrai's. "Come to my house, I need to close this."
"Nah," Darkrai grunted, "I just need to find a place to rest for a day or two. I can heal it up myself."
"No, I insist!" She said sternly, "We don't know how dirty their blades were. It could get infected."
"I said its fine, you don't have to worry about it."
"It's not fine! Look at how deep this is! And all this blood…"
"Look you don't need too-"
Her face darknend and she lean in close, forcing him to move back slightly. "You…are…COMING…with…ME…"'
Darkrai sat there sweating bullets, eyes wide. "Yes mam, thank you very much."
Her face quickly lit back up into a bright, nearly blinding smile. "Great now follow me. And Luka, help him walk would you?" Her boy quickly nodded happily and ran over with a smile.
Luka bent down and helped then teen out. Luka being quite shorter of him, made Darkrai bend over as they walked, Luka smiling all the way. "Thank you by the way! Me and mom were in a really scary situation. I was, too scared to move." Luka started graciously and ended sadly.
Darkrai eyed the boy, eyes still red from the pain. "Fear isn't something to be ashamed of," Darkrai said after a short silence, causing Luka to stare at him, "my master taught me that if you fear something, it's because you think it can hurt you. If you fear, you act cautiously and think of every way out of the situation. Either that or you just freeze and do nothing." He finished with a shrug. Luka looked down in obvious shame, knowing he fit the latter.
"Hey, it's not that hard Luka." Darkrai continued, "If you train yourself, you can act rather than quiver. Hell, if you wanted I bet you could become a true hero." Luka looked back up at the teen, light in his eyes as he nodded quickly. Darkrai couldn't help but smile back.
After they reached the house, Lucifina had Luka rest Darkrai on a bed upstairs, Darkrai cursing the entire way up. After he was laid back, Lucifina came up with a small box and a bucket of water. She lifted his shirt so she could see the full extent of the damage. It hurt but it didn't feel like anything too bad. The cut seemed to had stopped bleeding during the walk to the village, but was puffed up. Lucifina kneeled and started dabbing at the cut with a wet rag. Darkrai hissed as she cleaned out the inside of the wound with the rough rag.
After 10ish minutes of that, Luka came running up with steaming water. He must have lit the fire and heated it. Lucifina washed the cloth out in the steaming water and returned her attention to the wound. She looked over at Darkrai and seemed to falter for a second before take a deep gulp, "You might want to hold onto something Darkrai, this isn't going to feel very good." Darkrai looked confused.
The instant she pressed against the cut with the newly damped cloth, Darkrai bit his tongue to hold in a scream, the pain was incredulously unbearable. The water must have had herbs or something in it because it stung something horrible. Darkrai fought back tears as she continued to scrub.
After 5 minutes of that torture, Luka returned with a needle while she reached for a twine of thread in her small box. Darkrai hardly noticed as she stitched him up, still dazed from the cleaning. She finished her handy work as Luka held the skin together after 8ish minutes, Darkrai keeping any sign of pain behind his now bleeding tongue.
After she finished, she cleaned up and took a chair next to the bed as Darkrai slowly forced himself to sit up right. He gently rubbed his side, scowling while doing so. "Thanks, " Darkrai said through his teeth. "Though this much really wasn't necessary." She smiled at him, giving a small nod. "It was no trouble at all! Least I could do after you saved us." She said smiling while rubbing her sleeping sons head. "And you don't know that, those blades could have been poisoned or dirty. Even your monster blood wouldn't be able to save you if that happened."
Darkrai sign in resignation, "Yeah, I suppose its better to be safe than…" Darkrai eyes went wide as her words clicked in his head, "Wait, how did you know I wasn't human?!" He yelled abruptly quickly turning towards her which caused his side to flare in pain and waking Luka up. Lucifina laughed at his nativity, patting his sons head, "You mean other than the fact you have red, slitted eyes and fangs?" She said raising a brow at him, making Darkrai quickly check to make sure his fangs where concealed. She chuckles at that. "Plus, that weapon you're using and yourself were emanating Dark Energy during that fight. "She stated.
"I have…" She started, "dabbled with magic before, so I can sense it. But you have it well hidden, so no normal person would be able to feel it." Darkrai eyed the blonde, blue eyed woman. "So, you are a witch then? "He questioned. She nodded still smiling warmly at him. That would explain why those other villagers were avoiding her like the plague, he thought, not wanting to bring it up. "That's why you might have noticed most of the villagers avoiding us and not trying to help us along the way. Aaaand there goes that curtesy! Darkrai whistled in his head. Darkrai's eyes softened, as he opened his mouth, Luka cut in with bright smile, "Don't worry! It doesn't bother me or mom!" He chirped, "long as we have each other, I don't need anyone else!"
The snow haired boy was taken aback by the boys cheerful demeaner and couldn't help but let a warm smile envelop his face as nodded his head, agreeing with Luka. "Aye, ain't that the truth." Darkrai chuckled in agreement making Luka's smile beam even brighter. Lucifina couldn't help but be infected by the smiles around the room while she hummed agreeingly.
After a few hours of talking between Darkrai and Lucifina, Luka and his mother went to bed after doing some chores. He told them everything he told Kali and Nikki as well as his age and type of monster he was.
While the two were doing their chores, Darkrai was reading the tome his master left him. So far, it was just lessons and new techniques he had to learn before moving on. Each chapter seemed to be magically locked, presumably until he practices or masters the previous chapters contents. Looking over the first chapter, he thought how long it would take. It was over different ways to increase reach and basics of making a cloak. Probably could master these in a couple weeks. He thought to himself.
After he closed the book and nodded to himself, knowing what he was going to start tomorrow, he looked up, seeing Lucifina walk up the stairs. "Oh Lucifina, I thought you went to bed?" Darkrai said in genuine surprise.
She looked up with that gentle smile of hers, "I saw you were awake, and decided to ask you something," she said quietly causing Darkrai to lift a brow. "I want you to stay here for a while. You said you need a place to be in peace, right?" she paused, giving him time to nod his head." Then this is perfect! The people will leave you alone, and when you come back after a tired day of training, all of your food and other preparations would be done!" She was now right next him, placing her hand on his." So please, live with us."
Darkrai was taken aback. He stared at her, wide eyed and mouth ajar. "Wait wh-what?! I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful offer but…" Darkrai's surprised look turned confused, "why? We only just meet today, and what would the villagers do if they found out you were harboring a monster…"
Lucifina continued to smile, "despite that, you already saved me and Luka. And he really has seemed to taken a liking to you!" She said in earnest before hiding her mouth with her hand, " But I guess I'm guilty of that as well," she giggled. "Also, you are still only a child. I couldn't in good conscience let you leave without a place to go, regardless of what the others would do. And if they do find out, I'm sure I'll figure something out."
Darkrai simply sat there, staring at her. He didn't know what to say. His master taught him through all his training about how humans are selfish and cruel, that they only look after themselves and their interest. But here she was. A walking contradiction. Sure, those humans from earlier fit his master's description perfectly, but this woman, Lucifina was…pure. She had nothing to gain from giving him a place to stay, at least none that he could see.
He felt like he should be suspicious, and he probably would if it was anyone but her asking. He simply just couldn't see her doing anything worthy of suspicion. Honestly, she fit the human's description of angelic, though that description was more of an insult to monsters.
"…So?" Lucifina asked softly, snapping Darkrai out of his thoughts. "What do you say?" Darkrai looked into her deep, pleading blue eyes, then gave a small huff in resignation. "Alright," he conceded, "I accept your offer. Thank you for offering me."
Lucifina gave her award-winning smile, "Great!" she burst out before quickly covering her mouth and looking down the latter causing Darkrai to chuckle. She turned back to him, slightly red and gave a nervous laugh in embarrassment. "I suppose we should talk about this more in the morning, huh?" She whispered. Darkrai nodded, still chuckling at her embarrassment.
She wished him good night and back to bed, leaving him to his thoughts. Darkrai placed the book on the windowsill and stared out into the village. Well this has been a hell of a day. He thought honestly to himself. Wake up on the other side of the world, learn master is gone, saved two humans and have a new home for a bit. He looked over the small village and up to the temple. Even though it's the center of Ilias worship.
Darkrai gave a small sigh, fogging up the window slightly before turning over to blow out the candle he had lit. "Well," he thought out loud while pulling the covers over himself, "Maybe tomorrow will be just as interesting."
Hey y'all! Sorry to make any of you wait so long for the new chapter. Was crazy busy these past couple of months with college. But know, I plan to continue with this story till finish, and I'm hoping on keeping true to that!
As always, all criticism is wanted and accepted. Through your comments, I work to make the story and writing more enjoyable for you the reader as well as me.
First hint was given.
Thanks for reading!
MW
