I hate you Word.
So. This believe it or not, could've been out WAY earlier than it did. I had about 70% of this done until one day as I was continuing writing. With no explanation. Right after I exited the document if this chapter. It just decided to disappear
Just Thanos snapped from existence. As if I did nothing. And of course it was extremely frustrating and yet it made you guys wait longer than you needed to.
So for a while it was kind of hard to find inspiration to continue writing when you lose so much in an instant. But now. I finally got over that rock despite how much of a mess everything has become
I want to once again thank you all who continue to stick around. And I'm very sorry it didn't come sooner. But hey. Like a lot of my stories now. Better late than never right?
Unto thine story
It eventually started to rain. To which Kane liked to hear. Thinking about all that has happened he contemplates if there are some things he could bought way earlier. After finishing his cigarette. Kane tosses it on the ground trying stomp on it. He then looks about to see someone being chased
"…." Said Kane getting up, putting his helmet on, and ominously followed
"P-Please spare me! I get you your money next week!" said a man while three things surrounded him
"You've dodged us for the last time. Now its time for your due.." said thug 1 pulling out a butterfly knife making the other two chuckle while the man gets scared "Nighty night.." he said ominously until the two other thugs get scared and run off "Hey! Where you morons going!?"
The scared man then scrambles away like no tomorrow
"YOU BASTARD!" said the thug as he heard a step "Alright you damn ass wha-*gasp*!"
He saw Kane menacingly looking down upon him. Natural instinct kicked in as he thrusts the butterfly knife at Kane only for his forearm to be caught and twisted
"AAAH!" said the thug as he dropped the butterfly knife into Kane's other hand. He then examined it before spinning it through his fingers. When he stopped he clenched in the thugs arm tighter as he looked at Kane with fear
"….how much?" said Kane
"Uuhh… 3 coins?" said the thug hoping for his life. Kane then let's go of his arm
"….done" said Kane reaching into his patch and roses him three coins. After the thug picks up the last one. He looks at Kane curiously but still fearfully "Scram before I make you."
The thug didn't need to be told twice as he bolted off into the night
"…." Said Kane turning around and walking back to the porch. However. Something else urged him. He then looks at the corner of his eye. And notices a woman seemingly taking notes. Kane wasn't sure why but thought she was suspicious as hell
He then made his way towards her and when she realized she was spotted. Are then runs as Kane bolted after her. She sees the titan catching up real fast while pulling out his other knife. She then sees an escape as she jumps on several boxes and onto the rooftops
Kane then stopped and angrily looked as she disappeared
"Tch…. Coward" said Kane as he proceeded to walk back to the inn for the rest of the night. Once he got back. Sky seemingly woke up hearing Kane enter
"Poi?.." said a sleepy Sky as Kane gently pet him
"Go back to sleep Sky. It's just me" said Kane as Sky proceeded to nestle back into his blankets and began to fall back asleep. Kane then sat down upon the chair and began to ease himself to sleep
The next day
Kane woke up much earlier then Zack. Buy he then notices that Sky is hiding under the covers and shaking. He curiously lifts up some of the blankets and Sky quickly retracted deeper in
"Sky?" said Kane
"Poi poi" said Sky
"Do you want to stay or do you want to come?"
"Poi" said a muffled Sky from under the covers and clearly doesn't want to get out
"Fine…" said Kane as he lets go of the blankey but he can strangely hear something else. More pois. In fact they sound much different than Sky. Much more gruff
Kane tracks the sound to the ceiling where he finds a door. He then pokes his head up to see many shady looking pangos. Some had scars, some seemingly had mustaches, but one that Kane couldn't comprehend is a lot of them seem to be wearing suits. Tailored for a pango
The leader is smoking a tiny cigar as they all freeze and stare at Kane. All the menacing aura from them disappeared when they saw Kane's menacing helmet
"POI POI!" yelled the leader as all the pangos retreated into dark corner hoping Kane isn't come in and bust them. Kane wasn't sure what to think. But he did get an idea
"I better not catch you messing with me…." Said Kane with a smirk behind his helmet as he lowers his head and got down.
Kane then goes downstairs to wait for everyone else. Hours go by and eventually Zack came down to check on the bulletin board that was mainly covered in wanted posters
"...Zack" said Kane walking up to him. Zack nods to him in acknowledgement "…you see anything good?" to which Zack nods again and grins
"Check out the pay on these things" said Zack pointing to a wanted poster of a scarred man with more 0s than Kane could comprehend
"Damn. That wither must've committed extremely bad atrocities. Or has too much dirt on authority let loose" thought Kane
"You see anything good?" said Zack as Kane shook his head. Then one of the patrons unsteadily got uprd and seats over to the board and leans in it touching his nose on one of the posters. He was about to leave until he saw Zack
"Hey!.. don't I know you?" said the patron drunkly
"No" said Zack barely batting an eye. Unfortunately this got the patron to get closer to get a better look at Zack. And then straightens up excitedly
"No Way! You're the deathslinger!" said the patron causing Zack to grimace
"Deathslinger?" thought Kane as he chuckled at Zack's expense. But then the inn falls silent
"Your mistaken" said Zack more stonier than usual but the drunk guy was unfazed
"I'd never thought I'd se enough here. But then again everyone like you comes to wo" said the drunken
"You have the wrong guy…" said Zack as Kane found his detriment amusing
"No it must be you….. and you have a sidekick" said the drunk. Now Kane's attitude immediately soured
"If I were him. Would you really want to piss me off?" said Zack Threateningly making the drunk put up his hands and back away
"Uhhh right I'll leave you be. Sorry" as the drunken scurried away
Kane then sat down and Zack follows along. They both could tell every patron in the inn as their eyes on them
"…deathslinger huh?" said Kane "How creative" he said sarcastically
"Shut up sidekick" said Zack knowing Kane wouldn't like it. Kane then clenched the corner of the table really hard to the point it broke
"Your dead" said Kane as he got up and swung a fist at Zack who narrowly ducked. He then got up and threw a couple punches at Kane who blocked them all not fazed very much. The innkeeper felt to scared to do knowing the Deathslinger is fighting a titan
Kane then punches Zack in the chest before they both get into a smoke fight. Leaving the inn to watch in silence. Their fighting went on until Kara came down
"The hell is going on-MY GOSH" said Kara as she watches them both try to kill each other. She dashes over to separate them "Guys stop fighting your making a mess!" though she secretly rooted for Zack
They both them calmed down and crossed their arms and turned away
"*sigh* I'm very sorry for this" said Kara to the innkeeper
"N-No your fine" said the innkeeper as Kane turned his game over to him. Making him shrink to hide under his desk. Kara then elbows Kane
Kane then looks at all the patrons staring at them
"What are you all staring at?" said Kane menacingly causing all the patrons who were staring to immediately mind their own business reluctantly out of fear
"I don't even know what to do with both of you….." said Kara facepalming. Before she gets an idea as she smiles devilishly "Kane"
"?"
"Why don't you check on Leanna?" said Kara
"…" said Kane as Kara then pushed him up the steps over to where Leanna's room is. And then running behind the corner. Kane them turns around to see Kara giving him a thumbs up while Zack also comes to watch
Kane then reluctantly knocks on the door and all the shuffling he heard inside stopped
"Yes?" said Leanna from behind the door
"…you doing alright?" Said Kane
"Um. Yup, fine!" said Leanna. Kane then turned to Zack and Kara who then gestured him to continue
"…do you.. want to check out the shops?" said Kane. Zack and Kara look at each other before looking back at Kanen
"Uhh… well… it's getting g kind of late isn't it? It maybe better to stay inside" said Leanna
"…it's the afternoon" said Kane "…do you at least want to grab something to eat?"
"I uh.. am not very hungry right now. Thanks" said Leanna. To Kane. Something just felt off about Leanna right now
"…you sure everything is ok?" said Kane as Leanna cracks the door slightly open and pokes her head out with a smile that looks too bright to be genuine
"Yup! Just peachy!, sorry I'm just feeling a little tired, nothing to worry about" said Leanna as she quickly closed the door…. On Kane's cloak. He then pulled it out. Though he accidentally did it too hard. And the door got yanked open revealing Leanna in a new outfit
"!" said leanna who then uses her arms to cover up "Don't look!"
Kane hasn't seem that kind of revealing outfits in a while. But he mostly seen Twi'leks and wear. And there was one time with….. Hyun Woo certainly liked that sight of Ashley as well. But personally. He low-key liked seeing Leanna in that
"I can't go out in public like this!" said Leanns
"…then why don't you go in your regular armor?" said Kane
"Because I will be recognized as someone associated with the guild!" said Leanna "I cannot have that happen as the people here are shady enough!"
"…well maybe we can go to clothes shops and find a new outfit there" said Kane making Leanna think for a moment
"..ok… but make it quick!" said Leanna as Zack amd Lara quickly retreated back downstairs as Kane walked Leanna down when she got out. Gathering her courage she goes downstairs with Kane and thankfully no one paid extra attention to her
Whenever someone did. It was usually at Kane as they walked out into the inn. Thankfully it was raining a lot less now. But looked like it may get heavier later. While walking our. Some men took their look at leanna. But quickly stopped whenever they received Kane's gaze
In fact. If it wasn't for Kane. Some creepers could try to hit on her. They then see a series of clothes shops
Shop 1
"Do you have any good outfits?" said Leanna as the shopkeeper as he looks through his catalog and reveals an outfit similar to what she is wearing
"This to your liking?" said the shopkeeper
"What!? This doesn't cover as much as mine" said Leanna as she looks at Kane who is inspecting a candle. She then grabs his arm and pulls him out of the drop making him drop the candle. Kane made a sad face behind his helmet when he saw the candle hit the ground
Shop 2
"Yeah this isn't armor" said Leanna as she sees that most of these outfits are dancer outfits. She looms at Kane who has two women both at his sides
"Can we see that mysterious face of yours?" said one of them as the other caressed his chest part of his armor
"I would love to see under that armor" said the other putting her finger on the bottom of his helmet
"I uh…" said Kane with a hint of nervousness. Leanna soured upon seeing that as she marched over, yanked him out of the women's grasps and began pulling him out of the shop
"Kane we're going" said Leanna sternly making both women pout
Shop 3
"You have any armor?" said Leanna
"This" said the shopkeeper holding an armor bikini making her facepalm
Upon looking at other outfits. Kane came to an obvious conclusion
"…I don't think this an armor shop" said Kane as she gives him an annoyed look
Shop 4
The shopkeeper holds out a thong with small armor plates
"OH COME ON!" said Leanna as she grabs Kane and leaves "*sigh* I guess Kara wears the most modest clothing here" giving up on looking for more clothes "I guess she knows me a little better than I though"
"…well… if it makes you feel better we won't be around here that long" said Kane as the day got darker and two suspicious looking men approach them
"Excuse me. Are those manipulators on your wrists?" said suspicious man 1 making Leanna and Kane look at each other and then back at them
"…why do you ask?" said Leanna raising a brow
"We have an offer which may interest you" said suspicious man 2
"Yes. As magic users, power in your craft is essential. Luckily for you. We know a secret that allows magic users to amplify their casting usage to their fullest potential" said suspicious man 1"No matter their skill level"
"…." Said Kane leaning over unnerving one of them while the other isn't phased. As he pulls out a card and hands it to Kane
"If you are interested. Come to that location tomorrow morning. And all shall be revealed" said Suspicious man 1
"How do we know this is legitimate?" said Leanna
"Your skepticism is understandable. But we have gone through this training snd personally cab guarantee results" said the suspicious man 2
"You're makes? Then where are your manipulators?" Said Leanna glancing at their wrists which both lack a manipulator
"Right here" said suspicious man 1 revealing a ring on his finger shocking Leanna. Before she quickly composes herself
"Your manipulator is a ring?" Said Leanna as both men grinned
"Be there tomorrow morning and all will be revealed" said Suspicious man 2 as they both turned around and walked into the darkness. Kane notices Leanna is bothered
"…something wrong?" said Kane
"Yes..we need to go tomorrow. What if their technique is dangerous?" said Leanna
"….you think it even works?" said Kane
"Probably not. But if it was then everyone would be doing it" said Leanna "Besides there is no way. Tips impossible for the energy needed to be condensed in a small crystal. Something just doesn't add up"
Then a crack of thunder interrupts them
"We should head back" said Kane
"Yeah" said Leanna
A little later
They both got back to the inn and sat over with Zack and Leanna
"Nice outfit" said Zack in a somewhat teasing manner
"I don't want to talk about it" said Leanna stubbornly with her face red as Kara had a wide grin
"Aw don't be shy. You got to own it!" said Kara as Leanna's blush turns redder
"*Sigh* we were just out and some strange men offered us power" said Leanna changing the subject and putting her card the table
"Never seen this before" said Kara
"I have" said Zack "They recruited me too"
"But you aren't a mage" said Leanna "They were looking for spellcasters"
"Yeah but they said something about being a valuable asset. I wasn't listening very much" said Zack "So I take it you guys plan on going too?"
"Yeah….. wait your doing it as well?" said Leanna as Zack nods
"It sounds like a scam for money. Money that needs to be liberated" said Zack. As Kane rolled his eyes while Amelia then cane down to join them
"Greetings" said Amelia "Shall we have supper?"
"You bet. I could go for some food" said Kara as Kane was about to leave. Before Leanna stops him
"Kane join us for dinner. We all need our strength" said Leanna
"…" said Kane as he reluctantly sits backs down and Kara began go order everyone food
Soon after the food arrived. Amelia gives Leanna a stare making her uncomfortable
"Uh.. something wrong Amy?" said Leanna
"I've begun to notice a trend in clothing between you and Kara" said Amelia "Perhaps I should follow suit" catching Leanna off guard
"We need to have a talk about what is appropriate for you to wear. Young lady" said Kara
"The irony of that statement isn't lost on me" said Amelia
"Amelia don't even think about it" said Leanna
"Amelia no" said Zack as Leanna turns to Kane
"…what?" said Kane
"Discourage her" said Leanna
"Don't involve me in that stuff" said Kane as Leanna sighs "…I'll see you guys later" quickly finishing his soup and leaves out the inn porch to sit down. He pulls out a cigarette and lights it. Eventually. Zack goes out to join him
"Hey Kane" said Zack as Kane takes off his helmet. Though the higher side if his face was hidden in the e dark
"…" said Kane as he started to smoke
"Care to spare?" said Zack
"…no" said Kane taking a puff earning a frown from Zack
"Fine" said Zack
"…What do you want Zack?" said Kane as Zack notices his accent
"I was curious about something" said Zack making Kane raise a brow "You remember when we stayed over at Amy's house?"
"…What about it?" said Kane blowing smoke
"You said you never had time for fun. What did you mean by that?" said Zack
"…" said Kane "…that is something I wouldn't tell you.. beyond lots of training" taking another puff
"One day maybe" said Zack "But I just wanted to say. You and I are not so different"
"…we are on so alike either" said Kane staring at his cigarette as Zack chuckles "?"
"You know. You remind me of someone I knew" said Zack "He talks just as much as you. And coming from me that's a lot"
"…." Said Kane "…you are a stubborn fool. Not that different than someone I know as well" blowing more smoke at Zack who chuckled ay his response
"Yeah?" said Zack "Well I hope thus can continue bringing fun into this adventure" Kane tilted his head in confusion as Zack got up and left back into the inn
"…"said Kane as he proceeded to stay put for half an hour until his cigarette is all smoked up. He gets up and steps on it to put it out. He thought it was strange of Zack to do that but maybe he should've expected it. After what they have been through so far
He does tolerate Zack a bit more. But still wouldn't care too much about him. Kane them heads back into his room quietly and sat down for the night
The next day
Kane woke up feeling a bit more rested than usual as he looks to see Sky still in bed. Zack appeared to be just getting up as Kane quickly walked over to give him a light smack in the head
"Wha-Hey!" said Zack as Kane tried his best to hold down a chuckle before going downstairs "…asshole". Kane sat at the table until everyone else but Sky caught up
"Greetings everyone. Shall we get packing?" said Amelia as Leanna shook her head
"No. We still have unfinished business. We have to se those men and their so called methods of ultimate power"
"That sounds like a scam" said Kara
"Of course it's a scam. Why else are we investigating?" said Leanna "Want to come?"
"No. The invitation was not extended to us"
"Yeah and since I am not a mage. That leaves me out" said Kara
"…Very well. We shall see you when we are done" said Kane as he, Leanna, and Zack get up and began to leave the inn. And follow where the address of the card leads two. But however. It was incredibly vague
The trio then went on searching for where this place could be but sticking around generally area of where the cards led. Still found nothing
Eventually hours pass until one of the suspicious men appears again happy to see them
"I see you have came. I am glad" said the man as he then knocks on a secret door making it open "Please come. Others are waiting"
The trio then follow him as he leads them to a group of other people. Some had their eyes glued on Kane due to his menacing appearance some back away farther from him
"Sounds like your popular" muttered Zack as Kane elbowed him in response. Then a few more people walk in as the leader appeared
"welcome everyone. You are here because our talent spotters have talent. To potentially master all of the elements" said the leader "We share this thirst for power. And we have spent countless hours refining our craft"
"What pyramid scheme are you playing at?" thought Kane
"However. These trainings are dangerous and not for the faint of heart and failure can lead to dire consequences" said the leader "So if any of you feel like your not ready or not willing to risk it. Please. There is no shame in leaving as now is the time to walk out"
A couple people then sheepishly leave
"I admire your honesty" said leader "to everyone that remain. Please head to the training rooms"
While everyone walked over. One man creeps over to Leanna
"So. The guild caught wind of this?" whispered the man as Leanna immediately masked her surprise
"I'm not sure what you mean" said Leanna
"Its alright. You can trust me. Im actually Broodman" said the man as he waited for her recognize him "Um… Broodman? Silent Protector?, Tamer of the Wolves at Wolfsden?"
"….then what does that make you?" said Kane as he and Zack surprise him slightly
"What that means. Is either way we are on the same side" said Broodman "After all I have a plan to stop them"
"Uh huh. And how do you know they are dangerous?" said Leanna as Broodman eagles his eyebrows knowingly
"Playing innocent to keep up your façade? I understand" said Broodman "But look. I was planning on taking them on alone. Having a member of the guild as backup will ensure their downfall. What do you say? You in?"
Leanna frowns "I don't know what your talking about"
"Riighr.. and I'll just pretend I didn't see the mage emblem. When you came in" said Broodman "So then… what about you two?"
"…" said both Kane and Zack
"I like you both already" said Broodman as they all reach an open area where they could hear a trainer ramble on about technique
"Alright you there" said the trainer pointing to a random person. Seemingly scans him with a manipulator, and then passes him a ring. He tried to cast a gale but nothing happened for a little bit "Enough" the man hangs his head in shame as he walks back to the recruits
He went on to do the same to others until it was Kane's turn. Then we everyone stared at him at gestured him to come over
"Yes… very promising" the trainer whispered to himself "So what kind of armor is that?"
"….a man should know not to ask what he doesn't want to know…" said Kane which slightly startled him before Kane was given a ring. Kane then raised his arm for a gust of wind to shoot out
Looking a bit disappointed at that result. He then scans Kane
"You pass…. For now.." said the trainer before receiving Kane's scary stares he walks back to the other recruits and calls over Leanna. She raises her arm after she puts on the ring and shoots out a powerful galestorm whipping the trees un the courtyard. And knocking s few people over
Kane let out a dark chuckle as the recruit next to him immediately steps away as Leanna walks back over to Kane
"…Nice breeze" said Kane making her slightly frown at that pun "What?" she rolls her eyes and began scanning the place
"Hmmm… it seems the non energy I was sensing earlier was here" said Leanna changing the subject. Before Kane could respond q guard approaches Leanna as she quickly puts on a fake smile
"Ma'am. Our captain wishes to meet you" said the guard
"Oh?" said Leanna
"in his private quarters" said the guard
"O-Oh.." said Leanna as the guard left to talk to the trainer "We need a way out of this"
"a way out of what?" said Zack popping in
"Going into the Captain's quarters. You have any idea what that means" said Leanna
"Well. You have too" said Zack
"WHAT" said Leanna "You even hear what I said?!"
"Of course I did" said Zack "This is your chance to get inside and find out if this is a VOID thing like you suspect" his words stabbed Leanna like knives
"Fine" Leanna groaning and grumbling
"Don't worry. Well come in and make sure nothing happens to you" said Zack "But you gotta make sure the door is unlocked"
"Grrr… but you too better hurry! I do NOT want to be in there longer than I need too." Said Leanna absolutely hating this plan as the guard comes to escort her
"…..now how do we sneak in?" said Kane
"…..F**k" Zack
"Don't worry guys. I got a plan" said Broodman popping out of nowhere. They both look at him in confusion as he winks and walks into the middle of the courtyard. They both watched him with interest as he then starts to do a heavily exaggerated sniffling
"Ah…ah…. AAAAAAAAAHHHHH CHOO!" said Broodman 'accidentally' shooting a large fireball at a big tree
"Smart" thought Kane as a lot of members came rushing over to deal with the fire
"Now's our chance!" said Zack as they both quickly slip through a big door to an open hallway garden by one man
"I got this" said Zack about to sneak over before Kane yanks him back
"Like hell you do" said Kane "Your pitiful foolishness with ruin it"
"Oh yeah? Like you'll do any better?" said Zack
"Absolutely" said Kane as they both but heads
"Hey what's going on over there?" said the guard making then both stop. Kane quickly shoves Zack away and walks out the shadows startling the guard "!"
The guard tries to swing his sword only for Kane to grab his hand and squeeze
"GA-FFF!" said the guard dropping his weapon before Kane covers his mouth and forces him against the wall
"Where are the commander's quarters?" said Kane taking hand off the guard's mouth
"I'll never tell" said the guard
This annoyed Kane so he punched the wall putting a crack on it. Before grabbing the guard by his shirt and holding him up
"Wrong answer" said Kane clenching his other fist and getting ready to sock his jaw off filling him with fear
"W-W-WAIT HOLD ON A MINUTE" said the guard "The last door to the left! Please don't hurt me!"
"….." said Kane dropping the guard making him slightly relieved. Until Kane bops his head knocking him out
"Hey I wanted to do that!" said Zack annoyingly
"Yeah? And what were you gonna do? Threaten to sit on him!?" said Kane as Zack tackled him rolling down the hall for a moment before they both remembered they have to save Leanna
"Oh f**k" said Kane as they both got up sprinted over to where the guard said the Captain's quarters where the both slip in
They both see Leanna having a frenzy if whispers before taking notice of them
"Oh finally! You two both took your sweet time" said Leanna as Kane gave her a sleeping look behind his helmet as he childish fighting with Zack made the plan take longer while Zack immediately put his hands behind his back and whistled 'innocently' "You two fight again didn't you?"
They both shook their heads. Leanna facepalms in response
"Hey. We got here as fast as we could've" said Zack
"…where is the commander?" said Kane as Leanna points to what looks like a bathroom
"He went to 'freshen up'" said Leanna shuddering while Zack crosses his arms
"ok but what are you doing just standing there? Get into position" said Zack
"What po-" said Leanna before turning pale realizing what he meant "How is posing supposed to help!?"
"Well if he's distracted. We can knock him out" said Zack "Now pose"
Leanna reluctantly got on the bed and did q pose she believed would be sexy. Zack shook his head "How's this?"
"No no no.. let me show you how it's done. Now move over" said Zack. She gets off the bed and Zack gets on to do a very different and more 'provocative' pose "Now thus is how you pose"
"You kidding!? That looks like your sunbathing in the beach!" said Leanna "That's not alluring at all!"
"Of course it is. You don't know what your talking about woman" said Zack
"I think I'd know a thing or two more about flirting than you would!" said Leanna
"Oh please enlighten me 'sailor'" said Zack sarcastically making her flush at the memory of failing to seduce Kane
Kane. On the other hand seeing this ridiculous as he tries to hold in chuckle. Before Leanna could argue with Zack anymore the door opens to shoe a looming man in a way too revealing speedo
"Apologies for the delay my sweet. I wanted to make su-" said the Captain freezing in place seeing Zack on the bed and nobody moves
"Alright, before we begin fighting, I have a really important question" said Zack before he then to mimic Leanna's original pose "Is this attractive?"
"NO!" said the Captain with his face red with rage
"See? Told you" said Zack
"Well, it would have been attractive if I did that!" said Leanna annoyed at Zack
"Bah! You three know who your dealing with!?" said the Captain "You will regret crossing paths with me! A shadow general! And I- *blam*" as an energy blast him in the chest knocking him over and out
"I beat you to it" said Zack smugly to Kane who glares at him as Zack blows the smoke off his discharger. Kane puts his hand on his neck and sees the general is still alive
"Well that just confirms he has something to do with VOID" said Leanna as she scans the room before she gets the most powerful reading she quickly moves the carpet to reveal a trapdoor. Kane pulls it open to reveal a large sack
Leanna pulls it up and sees its full of tainted spheres
"Just as I suspected" said Leanna
"Definitely VOID" said Zack
"We cannot leave them here" said Leanna "We'll have to take them "
"Wouldn't that be too suspicious?" said Zack
"But it will be even more dangerous to leave them here" said Leanna
"And what about him?" interjected Kane pointing to the captain as Zack shrugs
Suddenly one of the windows crash open. The three of them get into fight stances as a figure gets up and sits himself off
"Finally we meet again" said the figure who the three recognized as Broodman relaxing. But he doesn't notice the captain is knocked out "For all these years I have slowly unraveled everything you have worked so hard to build. And I am the splinter you just can't pull out"
"For I, am Broodman! Here to finish what I have started!" said Broodman "You killed my father!, prepare to die!"
"Broodman" said Kane snapping him out of his focus "He's knocked out"
"Ah yes of course! He was so intimidated by me he fainted in fear!" said Broodman
"…sure" said Kane making Broodman smile as he grabs the Captain and hauls him over his shoulder
"I'll take it from here" said Broodman as he throws the Captain out the window
"….You do realize we are on the second floor right?" said Kane
"…oh" said Broodman realizing what he just done as the four of them checked where the Captain landed. Which was Bush seemingly unscathed. Upon seeing that he's fine. Broodman crosses his arms triumphantly "All according to plan my friends" as like a lunatic. Broodman jumps straight out the window and lands on his feet, takes the Captain , and disappears into the night
"We should leave now" said Zack as Leanna grabs the bag of tainted spheres. They open the dorr to see 2 guards
"Hey… where's the commander? And who are you two" said one of them referring to Kane and Zack
Kane quickly grabbed both their heads and slammed them together
"Oh my head…" muttered the second guard as they walk past and out of the building to race towards the inn
Later
The three of them make it to see Sky, Amelia, and Kara seemingly waiting for them
"Poi poi!" said Sky jumping onto Kane's hand. Who proceeded to pet him
"I missed you too Sky" said Kane continuing to caress him
"Alright now we should get going. We'll fill you in on the details later" said Leanna
"Sounds good" said Kara as everyone but Kane went back their rooms to pick up their stuff
"…How's my favorite pango?" said Kane as Sky gives him a super happy look and hips up and down on his hand making Kane let out slight chuckle
A moment goes by and everyone else returns with their packed stuff, Leanna is now back in her original outfit. And then they all began to head out. Even though everyone else had enough of this place. Kane low key wanted to come back one day if he is given the chance
But while he was walking. He noticed Broodman seemingly talking to someone at the corner of his eye. Feeling like something was off. He slips away from the group and goes over to investigate
What he saw was the same woman that was watching him earlier. He got a better look at her. tan skin with white braided hair
He could hear Broodman ramble about how he stopped VOID's operation. When he stopped. She nods to him before catching a glimpse of Kane
"!" said the woman getting into a defensive stance and pints Kane out to Broodman. When Broodman saw him. He flashes a smile with a big thumbs up. The woman began to relax seeing his reaction
"so she's a friend of Broodman?" thought Kane "That fool must've thought I had something to do with VOID" Kane turns around and leaves into the darkness
Upon catching up he came to hear Leanna fill in on what happened to Amelia and Kara while Zack is trying to keep sly away from his dischargers
"Oh there you are" said Zack "Look there's Kane" he said to Sky
"Poi poi!" said Sky happily and hopping into his hand
The group continued to travel until they found a good spot to rest for the night. They set up their campfire and Kane sits down on the ground letting Sky hop off and go to snuggle woth Amelia who had opened her sleeping bag
Zack began to prepare some meat to cook at Kane stared at the sack of tainted spheres for a moment. To him something seemed off about the orbs as he began to think
"…You know. Since VOID has been disbanded as you guys said. How come we keep seeing them everywhere?" said Kane
"They have always been around. Just much more secretive. As unless every person who believes in the ideals of VOID are gone. We can never truly get rid of them" said Amelia
"…just like the Rebel Alliance" thought Kane
"So uh…. What are gonna do with those?" said Zack as he gives everyone a plate of meat
"Well turn them in to the mage guild in the next city" said Leanna as unbeknownst to everyone but Kane. Sky then snuck put of Amelia's sleeping bag. And snuck into the sack of tainted orbs. He had a little smile behind his helmet
Leanna then got the sack to secure it as then Sky pops to the top of it "Poi!" before diving back in
"Sky! what are you doing in there?" said Leanna digging her hand in and pulls Sky out much to his dismay
"Poi poi" said Sky trying to squirm out of her hand but she kept a firm grip
Kane….
Kane then curiously looks at the bag zoning out of everyone's conversations about Sky and what Pangos can do before she puts Sky down and he hops over to Kane staring longingly at the sack
Kane then take his helmet off and began eating the food with shocking everyone else
"Hey Kane" said Kara
"?" said Kane
"Thays the first time you've actually eaten with your helmet off with us"
"…" said Kane
"I guess that means you trust us more. Right?" said Leanna with a smile
"….." said Kane before continuing to eat his food shrugging his shoulders
"I take that as a yes" said Leanna happily as everyone else ate their food
Later that night…
Kane wanted for everyone to fall asleep as he then got
Kane….
That strange voice has appeared again making him look over to the sack. Quietly getting up. Part of him didn't feel like doing it. But at the same time he felt curious to what is going on
Kane…
Kane then opened the sack to dig through the tainted spheres until one in particular stood out. He grabbed it and pulled it out and inspected it
"….." said Kane as suddenly a small power flew into his eyes from the orb "!" his eyes stung for a moment making him drop it he quickly looks over to make sure everyone was still asleep
He quickly put the orb back to the sack and snuck over back to his spot trying to calm his breathing. He the grabs his helmet and looks into the green eyes of it and stares into it
But then. For a split second. He saw 3 Deathtroopers standing behind him. He turned around to see nothing there and looks back at his helmet to see that they are gone
"…." Said Kane pulling out a cigarette and used the fire to light it. Taking a puff he then sees Sky start to wake up and yawn
"Poi poi.." said Sky tiredly as not aware than Kane is awake snuck over to the sack of tainted spheres
Kane felt like he should do something. But he really didn't care and decide to let Sky have his fun as he continued smoking until the cigarette is burnt out. He tosses it into the fire and sat back down
Not before an ominous purple gleam appeared on his crimson red eyes. He picked up his notes ND began to scribble down until he felt he wrote enough and them he started to fall asleep
The next day
"Poi poi" said Sky waking Kane up
"?" said Kane looking at Sky "!" As he now sees he's a bigger blob. He was still small enough fit in one hand (or at least Kane's hand)
The titan scoops him up and inspects him. He then pokes Sky making him let out a giggle making Kane have a slight smile
"Poi poi" said Sky happily before hopping off to snuggle in Amelia's sleeping bag. Kane then grabs his helmet and walks over to a tree
A lite bit later
Amelia wakes up and stretches. She notices Kane is gone. She looks over at the tree and sees him demanding in the open with his back facing her in the wind. She grabs her sword
"Good morning Kane" said Leanna happily to him to see him turn around
"Buenos dias Leanna" said Kane as she could clearly see his face. She liked it better than seeing his helmet in the morning "Como estas?"
She smiled hearing speak the language but. She forgot what he said "So uh.. what does that mean again?"
"heh. I said good morning. And how are you?" said Kane making Leanna remember the latter. But she didn't know the former
"Alright then. You want to spar?"
"Si" said Kane taking off his cloak
"See what now?" said Leanna as he got his baton and butterfly knife ready "Oh.. sweet!" as she gets her sword ready and they both walk into the open a bit more before getting their battle stance ready
And then they both ran at each other clashing blades. Kane with his knife spins it in a manner that's somewhat distracting to Leanna before narrowly blocking it. She then shoots a gust of wind pushing Kane back
"…why don't you hit me with hat gust you did at the VOID place?" said Kane
"You sure?" said Leanna with hint of worry
"Yeah" said Kane as she reluctantly shoots a gale not as powerful as before but certainly more powerful than a regular one
Kane stabs the baton to the ground to keep himself from flying as he ran to the side and then jumped at her with a spin kick. Which she barely ducked under before blocking most of the swings of the baton and almost got hit by his knife
Making sure not to actually stab her he puts the knife away and jumps at her either the baton. She then tried to throw a punch which he caught with his free hand as he moves it away from him and tries to trio her where she moved on foot back in response
They came at each other again clashing blades again Kane again. He put much more force on his baton making Leanna struggle to keep up as she could see it getting g closer to her face. And then she shoots one last gale at Kane square in the chest knocking him back
"…oh meirda…" said Kane as she runs over too him
"Need a hand?" said Leanna smugly. But Kane could tell he tired her a lot. So he grabs her wrist and yanks her down "Whoah!"
Kane then rolls onto her to pin her down
"…I win" said Kane making her frown
"And you won using a cheap trick!" said Leanna as he chuckled in response
"So be it bonita senorita" said Kane as he gets off her and pulls her up giving her a smile she hasn't seen before. Though from what he called her. It certainly sounded like a different tone than she's ever heard him speak ever "You such an amazing fighter Leanna. I'm surprised I could get you at all"
Her cheeks turn pink at the compliment "O-Oh well. Trust me. I have to push myself to match your intensity"
"Que?" said Kane "From what I seen you do earlier. I'm surprised you didn't mop the floor with me when you had the chance"
"In the beginning rather, maybe true" said Leanna "But from everything we have been through you have improved so much. I haven't seen anything like it" hearing that made him remember..
Ooh DT-136. You've really improved all your combat. How about we spare without that armor of yours. Hm?
"Well. You have been the best trainer ever" said Kane making her pinker as he felt a warmth essential he hasn't felt in a long time.
They look at each other straight in the eyes
"Now that you beaten me. What should we do next?" said Leanna
"Heh. What do you want me to do?" aside Kane as they both got closer. Seemingly about to do something until they both heard a brush making them stunned
"Where you two disappear t-" it was Zack who looked stunned at what he saw "..forget I asked" as he turned around
Leanna's face is very red while Kane's had turn slightly pink as they quickly separate from each other
"Wait! It's not what you think! We were just sparring!" said Leanna
"What an interesting way to spar" Zack said sarcastically making Leanna's blush deepen. Kane then puts on his helmet and catches up
"You have it all wrong!" said Leanna as Kane puts his cloak back on
"…..right. when you finish your 'spar' feel free to join us at the camp. The food is ready… not that I had an appetite anymore" said Zack leaving back to the camp
Leanna looked a bit panicked at she turned to him
"You stay right there!" said Leanna with a very red face "I'm going first! You can follow after! We aren't returning together!"
"…alright" said Kane qs she quickly scrambles over. A few moments go by and Kane then walks back to the camp. When he grabbed a bowl he noticed Leanna was trying to stay as far away from him as possible looking at her food like its the most interesting thing ever
Kane looks over to Zack who is just sitting g down taking slight glances at Leanna, Amelia seemed to tell something was off about Leanna so she gave her a concerned stare while she ate, and Kara just happily enjoying her food
Kane then ate the soup through his helmet while everyone began to pack up and Sky hoped up next to him
"poi?" said Sky as Kane put his bowl on the ground Sky to eat the rest "POI POI!"
Then when he finished Kane scooped them up and tosses the bowl at Zack as they all start to continue their journey. Going up higher and higher the mountain
"…Amelia" said Kane
"?" said Amelia
"Where are we going?" said Kane
"Ellendale" said Amelia "It may be a long walk but will get there in time"
The higher they a went up. The clerk the air seemingly got colder and colder. Thankfully thanks to his armor Kane wasn't that bothered at all. However what surprised him is that Kara isn't cold at all
Kane elbowed Zack and gestured to Kara
"Oh uh… Kara?" Said Zack gaining her attention "aren't you even cold?"
"Um.. I don't think so?" said Kara
"seriously!? How is that possible when your barely wearing…" said Zack as he trials off
"Seriously what is your secret!?" said Leanna as Kara then gets an idea and stares at Zack. She inches closer to him and fakes a shudder
"Oh its so cold. Won't something or 'someone' keep me warm?" said Kara inching closer to Zack
"What are you doing?" Said Zack stepping a foot away making Kara pout
"I just need some warmth. After all it's very cold" said Lara clearly faking being cold
Kane on the other hand reaches his arm out to Leanna making her turn red
"N-No thanks I'm fine" said Leanna as she shudders for real. They continued getting higher and higher and it began to be way too cold for her to handle. She looks back at Kane who once again reaches his out his hand out to her "…fine" as she reluctantly let Kane wrap his arm around her pulling g her close
His cloak felt super warn. And in this weather she certainly didn't want to leave his graps for the harsh cold. But also she didn't mind that Kane of all women is holding her close she also noticed . Thay his other hand is holding a sleeping Sky
A very, very long walk later
The finally made it to the city of Ellendale. Even though the very cold breeze was still present. The sun's brightness kept everything warm. Everyone looked so well dressed and strangely not that many people seem to pay attention to Kane
Amelia's face brightens up "Over there. That is where we need to be as she walks at a faster pace where everyone is gathering at a big building. The gang follows in to see a large library, conservatory, and cultural center
"Poi?" said Sky waking up and Kane stick his hand out to let Sky see
"This library has some if the rarest tomes in Terra." Said Amelia "I can definitely learn more information we will need here"
"And I got some businesses to deal with here" said Kara
"What business?" said Zack
"I didn't know you were that interested in me" said Kara teasingly
"Hey I'm just making sure you will stay out of trouble" said Zack
"And what trouble have I gotten myself into?" said Kara
"Alright. Why do t we take all split up and take a break to meet up later?" said Leanna
"Sounds good to me" said Zack as everyone slit u. But Sky decided follow Amelia
Kane then went o look at all the different books and looks at some of the exhibits. One of them said "Heroes of Esaria" this gained his interest as he went inside to see an enlarged portrait of 5 people
With some artifacts and relics all preserved on cubes of glass where he ready about how VOID was created, the 3 kingdoms having wars with each other and not noticing the rise of VOID and then 5 heroes rose up to stop them
He then took a closet looks at the portrait. And widened his eyes at one of the people. The same woman that had been watching him earlier is on this. And she is known for archery and stealth and disappeared after the war
"Isabel Selene… legendary hero yet she almost fought me" thought Kane "That coward"
He also noticed this war happened about 3 or 4 years ago
However he looks at the man in the middle. He has a jacket somewhat similar colors to Zack. And then he began to
"That is some… interesting characters" thought Kane as he then walked over where Zack and Leanna were
"Hey! I didn't know you like illusions of the mind" said Leanna
"Well. Illusions are amusing to look at" said Kane as she smiled in response and the three of them began inspecting every Illusion
Eventually Zack and Leanna started to get an argument about what they see and what they don't. And what they don't. Until they reach the last one
"OK. This is a face" said Leanna
"No that is a vase" said Zack
"What do you mean? Those are clearly eyes"
"no those are handles" said Zack
"How can you been so right about other yet so wrong about this one?"
"Gou know that reminds me. The one before this. I didn't see a swan. I saw… A RABBIT" said Zaxk making Leanna gasp
"I trusted you!" said Leanna "Kane what do you see?"
"Me?...hmmm" said Kane as he inspects the last picture "I see a face"
"Ha!" said Leanna grinning smugly at Zack as he shook his head
"You too are perfect for each other. You have equally bad taste" said Zack
"…perfect for each other?" muttered Kane
"Bad taste!?" Leanna making her realize what Kane just said giving him a look
"What? I said faces" said Kane making her smug grin return as she spins to Zack
"That's right! See? That is a face" said Leanna
"Your free to beloved what want. Even if it's wrong" said Zack A
Making her give an annoyed look at him
"Well. You two have fun arguing. I'm going to see more sights" said Kane
"Alright then" said Zack as he and Leanna went to go look at more illusion
Kane goes outside to see a busy marketplace seeing children run around. He liked this sight. He quickly walked over to what looked over. He looked over at a knife shop. And found what appeared to be a switchback
"Well hello scary… golem guy?.." said the shopkeeper gaining Kane's scary gaze "*clears throat* what can I help you with?"
"…how much for this?" said Kane
"2 coins" said the shopkeeper nervously as Kane tossed him the money and took the knife. Adding another to his collection. He puts it away going to look for candles
Kane looks at all the interesting looking to all the interesting designs. But a lot for are a bit expensive. He want. But decided not to buy any because of the expenses. Little did he know. A pair of the eyes spot him from a little far away
The next store seems to be selling all kid s of pastries. Kane remembered the taste of the Cinnabon and asked for 4. The keeper then put them in a bag and handed it over to Kane who puts the coins on the table
"I am going to run out of coins at this point" thought Kane
But before he find anything else He could sense someone following him. In a similar manner Mocha the dog had been following him
He was unsure what to think as maybe a pick pocket? Elapse they will have to reach very high to reach his pouches
Kane then turns to look at a bunch of statues where there was a fountain and then stop. He could hear whoever is following him trying to catch breath
"Wait..*pant*" said a voice belonged to a little boy as then tried getting closer "….Dad"
Kane widened his eyes. This is preposterous. He sure as hell has never had a child. He then turned around to face the boy to be shocked. The boy looked just like him. Well. When he was a chuld
Kane tilted his head bent down to meet the boy's level
"…And what makes you think that?" said Kane surprising the boy
"Because my father is a titan and wore black armor!" said the boy
"Poor kid" thought Kane pulling over his hood to reveal his scary helmet
"…does it look like I'm your father?" said Kane surprising the boy
"I…" said the boy as he heard Kane chuckle
"Your fine kid" said Kane as he bent down to his level "Hey. Don't look down. If I ever see him. I'll be sure to tell him that you worry for him. Alright?" as the boy nods and Kane ruffled his messy black hair and then he heard a woman's voice
"Kent?" said the woman
"…." Said Kane as he the stood up an d faced the woman. To see she looks.. she looks like Ashley… albiet probably much older. Kane then took off his helmet to look her in the eyes
"Do I look like Kent to you?" said Kane as she looks at him
"…yes… you do.. but look too young to be him. And pale" said the woman reaching for his face before retracting it "Your armor is similar. Yet so different…"
"…well. I'm sorry to disappoint" said Kane "But. I take it he's missing?" she nods to him "….What is your name?"
"Alice" said woman
"I see…. I'll be sure to look out. Alright?" said Kane easing her before walking away back to the library. And as he walked. He thought about Alice and her boy. But the resemblance was just uncanny to him
But at the same time. He does want to look for Kent or that is what Alice said his name is. In the meantime he felt unsure if he'll even run into him. But anything is possible so far as he then pulls out another cigarette
To be continued
Kane's journal notes 5
Summerset. I close my eyes. I like to pretend I am near home already but yet that's not true. At least I don't think it is. I certainly found out this world has its own terrorists like the Empire has. And from what I can tell these "VOID" people live to dabble into dark magic like those witches
Out of everyone I know. I managed to find someone even stranger than that buffoon Zack. I met a new person that stalked me probably because I look like some sort of evil guy I guess. Just wait until she sees Vader
I also feel like I am stronger than ever. I now possess more control over my wond. And maybe If I work hard enough. I can really get the fire.
And when I come back. I'm very sure I'll get a promotion and then I will definitely have to be put under medication again. And thinking about it now. I feel nauseous about it. I know I need ot. But it's just nauseating to have at all. Or maybe I don't need it.
So then. Will there be any magic soldiers by the time I get back? I sure as hell hope so
Trivia
1: In my absence I have to go through a big mess in real life
2: This was worked on simultaneously with One X chapter 3
3: Shield Hero season 2 is finally here, along with arifureta 2, Moon Knight, Uncharted, and I have been binging them for a bit
4: I have been vibing out to Mac Miller so much while writing all of this.
Bonus story: Isabel's Encounter
Isabel was running through the raining night
"There she is!" said a thug as 4 men with swords were chasing her
She quickly jumped to the side and with perfect agility. Hopped onto the wall to onto a balcony
"Over here!" said another thug as the 4 oth them run into the alleyway "Where'd she go?"
Isabel quickly dropped on top of one knocking him out as one if the other thugs swung at her and she whacks him straight in the face with her bow knocking him out as well leaving two left
"Alright you crafty bitch. Now you done it!" said a thug as they both swung at her and she jumps back to avoid the blade. They both try to corner her as she kicked one in the face knocking him in the back before grabbing her knife to block the last thugs sword
She then punches his face and swept his legs knocking him down and kicks him to make sure he stays down. The last thug tries to get up as she heel kicks to keep that from happening
"Alright that makes 4 more" than Isabel as she checks their tattoos. She then ties each one up and leaps upon the top of the building to patrol the night further
But then. She sees a titan walk out of the inn. She couldn't see his face at a but he has has negative aura surrounding him
She wasn't sure what to think. Was that giant a part of VOID? She grabbed her notepad and started to read everything she knew so far
"-I'll get you your money next week I promise!"
She heard a man please as 3 loan sharks follow him and started to threatening him. Before she was going to help. She notices the titan walking over so she decided to stop
She sees that 2 of the loan sharks notice the titan and run. Along with the victim. And she watched as he took the thugs knife and told him to scram before walking back to the inn
Isabel felt suspicious of that unknown titan as she drops down to the ground and sneaks closer upon inspecting him from afar. She began writing down on what he looks like. And when she takes another look at him
The titan is walking over in her direction
"Uh oh" thought Isabel ad she quickly runs. But then she hears loud footstep going after her. She glances behind and sees the titan chasing her. Making her panic ad she quickly looked for a way out. She could hear him catching up very quickly
And thankfully. She sees multiple platforms and leaped on top one by one on the rooftops and hid in the darkness. She then looks to see where he was. He seemed to be directly staring at her before deciding to turn around
She lowkey felt like he could've pursued her further if he wanted to. She decided she will talk to Broodman about this as she then disappeared into the night
Next Up: The Titan's Wind
