Tales Of Old
Chapter 2
After meeting with Alva, Raine walked back to the training school. As she walked in, She was pleased to see Kael and Tara still meditating. As she walked over, Raine spoke calmly.
" Good. You have shown patience. Now, Let me explain some things while we wait for Alva. " Raine sat down in front of Kael and Tara before continuing. " As hunters, Fighting monsters is not all we are. It is our duty to protect our people. We also provide, Through hunting, Food and materials to make the lives of our people better. We also complete tasks for our people that they cannot complete alone. Tasks such as gathering plants, Making medicines, Finding certain items or creatures, Are all things we do as hunters to assist our people. " Raine smiled as Alva entered the training school, Carrying a large bundle of training weapons with a sack slung over her shoulder.
After placing the weapons on one of the benches in the training school, Alva laid out the contents of the sack before Raine spoke again.
" Now, The first thing I learned as a hunter is that you do not simply pick which weapon you want. It calls to you, Like a voice from deep within. It feels as if that weapon was made for your hands alone. When I first looked over the weapons available to hunters, I felt drawn to the dual blades. " Raine smiled as she stood and walked over to where Alva was waiting as she continued. " Most hunters use one weapon type. I only use dual blades. That being said, If more than one weapon feels right for you, Do so. " Raine waited for a moment before Kael stood and walked over.
As Kael approached the bench, He thought for a moment before picking up a training longsword. After swinging the longsword a few times, Kael watched while Tara walked over to the bench and picked up a bow with a quiver of long arrows. After struggling to pull the draw string a few times, Tara walked over and leant against Kael as Raine spoke.
" Excellent. One melee and one ranged. Now then, Let's get started. " Raine smiled before explaining the techniques for the weapons and basics of combat.
Seven Years Later
" Have we got everything? " Kael spoke calmly as he turned to look at Tara, Who was gathering herbs as she looked up and spoke.
" I think so. Did you collect the minerals we need? " Tara poked her tongue out playfully as Kael made a look of feigned insult before smirking and speaking.
" Of course not. I looked at them and thought, Well this is stupid so I'm gonna just go watch Tara work. " Kael smiled impishly as Tara made a disinterested noise before speaking.
" Smartass. Give me a minute to finish and we can head back. " Tara smiled before collecting the remainder of the herbs. As she tied the bag shut and slung it over her shoulder, Tara looked toward Kael with a look of shock and terror as he ran toward her before a white Wyvern swooped down and snatched her up in it's talons. As it flew away, A small grappling hook slammed into it's leg before Kael zipped upwards as he drew his longsword and slashed it's leg, Causing it to drop Tara.
As she fell through the air, Tara watched Kael struggling to free his arm as his slinger made several clunking noises, Indicating the mechanism had jammed. Before she could do anything, Tara crashed through the canopy of trees, Hitting several branches that spun her through the air before she slammed into the ground with a dull thud. After groaning loudly, Tara stood and looked up before realising that the Wyvern and Kael were gone.
After swearing loudly, Tara scooped up her bag and ran toward the village quickly.
Kokoto Village
Raine was sitting in front of her house, Sharpening her blades with Alva leaning against her leg as Tara ran over and spoke in between breathes.
" Raine... White... Kael... Help... " Tara breathed tiredly as Alva and Raine stood and Raine spoke.
" Easy sweetheart. Take a breathe. " Raine smiled as Tara took a slow breathe and motioned to speak but froze as a massive torrent of red lightning filled the sky before a white Wyvern dropped from a cliff on the mountainside and flew over the village. As it passed overhead, Raine saw several large slashes on it's face, Body and tail before noticing a familiar longsword sticking out of it's back as it glinted in the sunlight before gasping loudly. " Kael? "
" It took him... " Tara groaned painfully as Alva put her shoulder back in place before Raine fell to her knees.
" Kael... Please no... No... " Raine held her head as she felt dread well up in her heart before a red flare fired into the sky from the mountainside and lit up the sky above the village causing Raine, Alva, Tara and several hunters to rush out of the village.
Two Hours Later
As the group climbed up the mountainside, Another flare flew into the sky from a large outcropping above them. After climbing for several more minutes, They climbed onto the outcropping before Raine gasped audibly. Standing in the middle of the outcropping was Kael, Covered in gashes, His left arm severed above the elbow and he had four large fangs protruding from his back.
As the others stood speechless, Tara rushed past them before falling to her knees and crying heavily as she looked up at Kael, Who stood motionless with an empty look on his face, Almost as if he was frozen in place before a soft sigh left his lips and he spoke softly.
" Tara... Are you okay... Did it hurt you... " Kael slowly turned his head toward her as she shook her head and shuffled forward before hugging his leg gently as Raine walked over and spoke shakily.
" Kael... Talk to me... Tell me you are okay... " Raine trembled heavily before Kael turned to face her and spoke softly.
" I'm not dead mom... Just... Not in the best shape... " Kael groaned softly before falling sideways. As he hit the ground, The fangs in his back pulled away, Causing him to groan painfully before rolling onto his back as blood pooled around him. " Damn that lizard... I'll kill it... No matter what... How dare it destroy my village and eat my birth mother... I'll have that bastards head... "
" You knew... " Raine whimpered softly as Kael nodded and spoke slowly.
" Elder... Told me years ago. Caught her reading the book you found me with. " Kael groaned loudly as Alva and a few hunters rushed over and sat him up before tending to his wounds as Raine spoke while tears rolled down her cheeks.
" I'm sorry... I'm so sorry I never told you... I just... I was really happy to have a son. I wanted to have time with you... " Raine sniffled softly and looked down sadly before Kael reached over and tilted her head up as he spoke.
" Doesn't matter. You are the only mother I need or want. I'm your son. Nothing else matters. " Kael smiled as Raine cried softly before leaning her head on Kael's chest softly. After a moment Kael groaned as he tried to hold back tears before speaking softly as his tears dripped onto Raine's cheek, Causing her to gasp and sit back as he spoke. " Everything hurts... My body feels like it's on fire... "
" Venom... We need to get you back to the village. The healers need to tend to you. " Raine stood as the other hunters gathered around Kael and lifted him, Causing him to yell out in pain. " It'll be okay Kael... You'll be okay... "
Raine had a heartbroken look on her face as she walked to keep up with the hunters with Tara and Alva in tow.
Several Hours Later
After hours of listening to Kael's pained yells and cries, Raine held her head tightly as she knelt in front of the medical hut. After one last pained yell, The village fell silent before one of the healers walked out of the hut and spoke calmly.
" It was a lot of work... But he will make a full recovery. His wounds pain him greatly so we gave him a sedative. He is sleeping. "
" Please... " Raine sobbed as the healer looked toward her. " Please... I need to be with him... Please... "
" Of course. You are all welcome to stay by his side while he rests. "
As the healer stepped aside, Tara and Raine rushed in before bursting into tears as they saw Kael laying on a medical bed with bandages covering what remained of his left arm, His upper body, The right side of his face and one of his legs. As they walked over, Raine placed her hands on his chest gently as she cried before speaking.
" Kael... My sweet boy... Look what it's done to you... " Raine cried heavily as she carefully leant her head against Kael's as Tara cried heavily as she spoke.
" It happened again... He saved me again and now he is hurt... Again... " Tara fell to her knees and cried into her hands before Raine stood straight and placed a hand on her head gently before speaking.
" Don't you dare blame yourself Tara. Kael has always cared more for you than himself. Getting hurt to keep you safe is worth it in his mind. " Raine smiled but gasped as Tara pulled away from her and spoke angrily.
" HOW CAN I NOT BLAME MYSELF?! LOOK AT HIM! " Tara gritted her teeth before talking softly as tears streamed down her face. " I love him more than anything and all I can do is run and hide. I AM USELESS! "
" Tara... " Raine looked saddened as Tara ran out of the hut in tears.
Three Weeks Later
" What can I do Alva... What can I do... " Raine was sitting in the forge watching Alva make armour as she spoke, Causing Alva to set aside what she was doing before walking over and kneeling in front of Raine as she spoke.
" You can be there for him. It is going to be hard now. He lost his arm Raine. Just when he was starting to become a hunter. Be there for him. Tara too. " Alva smiled as Raine sighed softly and spoke.
" She hasn't left his side in weeks. She spends almost every day tending to him. I can't even pull her away for food. " Raine spoke sadly before Alva tapped her head gently and spoke.
" You heard her. She loves him more than anything. Tara has loved Kael since they were kids. We all saw it. Just be there for her too. She is in as much pain as you are. " Alva smiled as Raine sighed audibly and spoke.
" I am so lost... I don't know what I will say to him when he wakes up... Or what to say with Tara... Where do I even start... " Raine sighed as Alva caressed her cheek gently.
" Start with hello. " Alva giggled playfully as Raine smiled and spoke.
" What would I do without you Alva... You have been my guiding light since Kael got hurt. How can I ever repay you... " Raine smiled as Alva blushed lightly and spoke.
" You can hold still for a minute. " Alva blushed brightly as Raine looked toward her with confusion before Alva pressed a soft kiss to her lips, Causing Raine to blush brightly. After a few moments, Alva pulled away, Leaving Raine speechless as she stood and went back to work on the armour.
Meanwhile
" Please wake up Kael... I can't take it anymore... My heart is breaking... Please... I need you to wak... " Tara froze as Kael reached over and touched her cheek gently as he spoke.
" You said the magic word... " Kael grinned playfully before groaning softly and slowly sitting up as Tara sat speechless for a minute before bursting into tears and hugging him tightly.
" You bastard! I have been worried sick! " Tara cried as Kael held her gently before speaking.
" How long have I been out? " Kael leant back on his pillows after Tara fixed them before speaking.
" Three weeks. The whole village has been coming to see you in small groups. But I haven't left your side for weeks. " Tara blushed lightly as Kael petted her head gently.
" I appreciate that Tara. How is mom? " Kael groaned painfully as Tara sat upright, Headbutting him roughly as she spoke.
" Shit! I have to tell Raine! " Tara rushed out of the room as Kael rubbed his forehead gently before speaking.
" Geez Tara... Airhead... " Kael chuckled before slowly stretching out as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood carefully.
A Few Minutes Later
As Tara, Alva and Raine rushed towards Raine's house, They skidded to a halt as they saw several nearby villagers drop baskets or boxes and look toward Raine's house in shock before erupting into a deafening cheer and rushing over.
As Tara, Raine and Alva worked through the crowd, Raine burst into tears as she saw Kael standing in the doorway with a cheeky grin on his face before she rushed forward and hugged him lovingly.
" Kael... I am so happy you are awake... I was so scared that I was going to lose you... " Raine cried heavily as Kael petted her head gently before speaking.
" Nah. It'll take more than that stupid lizard to kill me. But... " Kael paused as he sighed, Causing Raine to step back and look toward him sadly as he placed his hand on what was left of his severed arm and spoke. " It's gonna be real hard now... "
" Kael... " Raine motioned to step forward but froze as Kael growled and spoke irritably.
" Why the hell are my fingers tingling?! I don't even have those fingers! This is stupid... " Kael made a disinterested noise before looking up at the sky and speaking fiercely. " Mark my words lizard. Arm or no arm, I am coming for you. "
" That's my boy... " Raine smiled proudly as Kael looked toward her with a cheeky grin before sighing again.
" That being said... My head isn't on right. Losing my arm... Broke some parts of me. I need some time to myself for a bit... " Kael motioned to turn away as Raine and Tara moved to stop him before a softer voice filled the air.
" Might wanna wait a sec hot stuff. "
Kael paused and turned as the crowd in front of him backed away to show a young woman with pale skin, Soft lavender coloured eyes and wine red hair styled into a pixie cut smiling brightly before he noticed that she was surrounded by hunters wearing Guild armour and had a woman standing beside her adorned in what appeared to research robes as she spoke calmly.
" I apologise for accosting you the moment you wake but I need to speak with you. "
" Ah... Hell why not. I can take a walk after. " Kael smirked before stepping forward as the woman smiled and spoke calmly.
" Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the Hunters Guild. Despite the Wyvern fleeing, You dealt significant damage to it alone and have proven yourself more than capable of being a hunter. Our local Guild Master has registered you as a Hunter and asks that you journey to meet her as soon as you are able. " The woman smiled warmly as Kael chuckled and spoke.
" Real polite way of telling me to get my ass over there. Sure, I'll come visit when I'm a bit better off. " Kael smiled reassuringly before the woman giggled softly and spoke.
" You will find her to be a most pleasant and very wise woman. She will be waiting for you in New Minegarde. She also sends her most sincere regards and wishes you a speedy recovery. If you require anything in the meantime, Please do not hesitate to ask and I will see it done. " The woman smiled sweetly as Kael chuckled and spoke.
" Sounds like a plan. For now I need some rest. " Kael grinned as the hunters around the woman cheered before she spoke.
" You are one of us now Hunter. You will have no small measure of support and we all look forward to what you will achieve in the future. " The woman smiled before walking to the nearby hunters lodge as the young woman stepped forward and spoke.
" You know, From the stories I have heard about when they found you, You are pretty badass. And kinda hot. Name's Cyrene. You can call me Ren or Cy. If you ever want a partner, Hit me up handsome. " Cyrene blushed lightly as she grinned impishly, Causing Tara to pout irritably before Kael grinned and spoke.
" Well aren't you forward. Heh. Sure, I could use another hunting partner. I'll hit you up when I visit the Guild. Till then, Be seeing you Cy. " Kael grinned as Cyrene walked forward and planted her face within millimetres of Kael's as Tara blushed furiously before she spoke.
" Not if I see you first hotshot. " Cyrene winked playfully before walking to the hunters lodge as Alva stepped forward and spoke softly.
" Hey... If it isn't too much... I have someone you will want to meet. " Alva smiled sweetly as Kael sighed before looking toward Raine as she nodded reassuringly, Causing Kael to sigh softly.
" I'd like to speak to the elder first if that is alright. " Kael smiled sadly before Alva nodded and stepped aside to show the elder hobbling toward Kael. As she reached him, The elder spoke sternly.
" You troublesome brat! We have all been worried sick. " The elder reached up and bonked Kael on the head with her walking stick, Causing him to rub his head gently as he hissed softly before the elder spoke again. " I can explain your clan and past if you like. "
" Yeah. Was going to ask anyway. " Kael smiled as the elder nodded before Tara spoke shakily.
" I... I've gotta go help mom and dad... I... I'll see you later right... " Tara fidgeted with her shirt before Kael nodded and she stepped forward and kissed his cheek gently before blushing and running toward her parents shop as the elder spoke.
" How lovely. Now then, Firstly, I know your birth name. Would you like to hear it? " The elder expected to wait but smiled as Kael immediately shook his head and spoke.
" It is not mine. My name is Kael. Knowing a name I have never heard won't change that. It won't change who my mother is either. " Kael smiled as Raine bit her lip and walked over before hugging him tightly as she rested her chin on his shoulder gently while the elder continued.
" A wise choice. Now, Your parents. Your father, Tyran, Was a hunter. Your mother, Celeste, A researcher. I have sent a copy of her notes to the Guild and have handed the original to Alva. Next, Your clan. They existed for the sole purpose of hunting the white Wyvern. It is called White Fatalis. Your clan has spent generations training and hunting it. It is a cataclysm level Elder Dragon. It apparently has other types but your mother insists that white is the worst. " The elder sat down slowly as Kael spoke.
" Did they know where it nests? " Kael looked determined as the elder nodded slowly.
" Indeed. It's home is deep beneath Castle Schrade. Your mother had no way to get to it's nest until it awoke. It seals itself in when heavily injured and sleeps until it has recovered. " The elder sighed as Kael looked toward the sky and spoke.
" No matter how long it takes, I will have it's head. " Kael growled irritably as he clenched his fist before the elder spoke softly.
" Which brings me to the most important part. You. I know how you killed that Velocidrome as a child and how you stood against Fatalis. Your mother recorded that the men in your village are fed Elder Dragon blood from birth alongside milk. Due to that, You develop a genetic mutation that allows your rage and bloodlust in combat to grant you strength and ferocity equal to the Elder Dragons. Monsters display a similar trait when they become enraged. You however, Do not seem to run out of rage when you are heavily damaged. " The elder smiled as Kael sighed and spoke calmly with a steely look on his face.
" Then I will turn all of my rage and bloodlust against them. Monsters will learn to cower before me. Even Fatalis. " Kael gritted his teeth before the elder stood and patted his arm gently.
" Good boy. Now go see Tara. She is making you a meal. " The elder smiled sweetly as Kael nodded before tottering back toward her hut as Kael walked inside before heading to Tara's parents shop.
After walking in and sitting at his favourite table, Kael smiled as Tara walked over and placed food in front of him before turning away without speaking, Causing Kael to seize her hand gently.
" Tara... " Kael waited as Tara unclenched her free hand and sighed before speaking slowly.
" Please don't Kael... I need some time to think... " Tara motioned to pull away before realising Kael had placed something in her hand and opening her hand to see a small, Braided bracelet that had a small gem embedded in a small metal triangle as Kael spoke.
" I know you are mad at me for sleeping so long and worrying you but hear me out... Please... " Kael waited as Tara stared at the bracelet before gasping loudly.
" Kael... Is this... " Tara looked stunned as Kael nodded and spoke.
" A betrothal bracelet. I intended to give it to you when we were kids in the clearing. Plans had to change so I have been waiting. I was going to give it to you when we got back from collecting materials... " Kael paused as tears built up in Tara's eyes and she placed her free hand over her mouth as Kael continued. " When I woke up, I honestly wasn't sure if I was even worthy of you. You are amazing Tara. You always go out of your way to help me and look out for me. You make me the most delicious food and drinks and you always say everything I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. "
" Kael... I... I have been so scared that you didn't feel that way for me... I have been so scared of telling you that I love you with all my heart. I have loved you since we were kids. You saved me and then told me that it wasn't my fault. But I blame myself every time you get hurt because it is always to protect me. Even now, I hate myself for how hurt you are. " Tara turned away as Kael stood and put his arm around her waist gently.
" I will never blame you Tara. Not for this or anything else that happens. It has always been my choice to protect you and I wouldn't change a thing. My heart has screamed your name since we were kids. Every day and night I hear your voice in my head. I see you in my dreams and when you are out on your own I am always stressing about your safety and if I should go and look for you. Sometimes I just follow you and watch from afar. " Kael paused as he gently turned Tara around to face him before continuing. " Every piece of me is only there because it has a piece of you with it. "
" Kael... I... I... " Tara bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes before speaking shakily. " I have dreamed of hearing you say that for so long... To finally hear you tell me this... Kael... I love you so damn much. I love you so much that it hurts... "
" I love you just as much Tara. Will you do me the immeasurable honour of becoming my wife? " Kael smiled as Tara surged forward and kissed him desperately for several minutes before pulling away and speaking.
" Like you even have to ask. Idiot. " Tara smiled happily as Kael chuckled softly and held up a second bracelet.
" Give me a hand love. It's too hard to put this on now. " Kael smiled as Tara smiled before tying the bracelet to his wrist as her mother tied the other to Tara's wrist. As they looked toward each other, Kael noticed Tara's father out of the corner of his eye and turned before realising how close he was and making a shocked noise before breathing heavily.
" Seriously?! You are gonna give me a heart attack! " Kael groaned before shaking off his shock as Tara's father tapped his head approvingly before returning to the kitchen as Tara and her mother looked toward him in shock before Tara spoke softly.
" Wow... I expected him to be disapproving but... Wow... " Tara rubbed her head in confusion as Kael grinned before Tara's mother spoke excitedly.
" You two! I knew it! Didn't I say this was his plan all along?! Oh! Oh my gosh! I need to go tell Raine! " Tara's mother walked out of the shop hurriedly as Tara giggled before pressing herself against Kael's chest and sighing softly and speaking.
" You have no idea... " " Tara sighed contently as Kael put his arm around her gently and held her tightly. " You have no idea how hard it was. Growing up with you. Loving you so much and being so scared to say it. Trying so hard to be careful how I spoke and how I looked at you. When we were kids... When... When I kissed you on the cheek... That was when I started thinking that you might not feel the same way. "
" I always felt the same way and I know how hard it was. It wasn't any easier for me. Every time I tried to say something, I couldn't think of any words. That's why I made the bracelets. That day in the clearing... That was the plan. Give you the bracelet, Tell you how I feel, Like some kind of fairy tale. Damn Velocidrome couldn't have waited like ten or fifteen minutes. " Kael smirked before Tara tilted her head up and kissed his jaw gently before speaking.
" Better late than never. And now we get to make up for all the time we wasted. All the time we could have had together. " Tara sighed softly but gasped softly as Kael tilted her head up gently and spoke.
" We didn't waste any time. We have been together since we were kids. Training, Playing, Even eating. Sure we weren't all lovey dovey but we didn't waste any time Tara. " Kael kissed Tara's head gently before groaning as a bolt of pain shot through his injured arm before a tingle ran through it as he sighed before Tara spoke.
" I hate seeing you hurt Kael... " Tara bit her lip gently before Kael smiled and spoke.
" The pain I can handle. But it's so weird. After the pain... I don't know... My fingers tingle. It's weird. Like, I know I don't have them but they tingle. It just... I don't know. It hurts more knowing that I am worthy of being a hunter... But don't know how I am going to do it. " Kael sighed softly before kissing Tara gently. " I am gonna go for a walk. I need some air. Have dinner together later? "
" Ofcourse. I'll make your favourites. " Tara smiled warmly as Kael chuckled and walked away before Tara's smile faltered and her father walked over and put a hand on her shoulder and grunted before Tara spoke sadly. " It breaks my heart dad. Kael is so strong and so determined but... Losing his arm... I know he is missing an arm but it is like part of his soul went with it. I don't know what to do... "
" Hmm. " Tara's father looked toward Tara as she glanced up at him before speaking again.
" You're right dad. I just need to be there for him. To let him come to terms with it in his own time. " Tara smiled as her father smirked before grunting.
" Hmm. " Tara's father petted her head gently before returning to the kitchen as Tara sighed softly and sat down before realising Kael hadn't eaten and groaning disappointingly.
A Short Time Later
Raine was walking through the village after talking to Tara and her mother when she heard loud clanging noises coming from the training school. As she walked over, She saw Kael holding a spare longsword and was visibly frustrated by his inability to use it effectively with one arm. After a few minutes, Raine walked over and spoke softly as she put her arms around him.
" Breathe Kael. " Raine smiled as Kael sighed loudly and stabbed the sword into the ground before speaking sadly.
" A hunter is all I wanted to be. I finally get recognised and now I can't hunt. How can I breathe when my entire future just came to a grinding halt? " Kael sighed again as he ran his fingers over the hilt of the longsword before Raine spoke.
" I have seen you do things I didn't think possible. You killed a fully grown Velocidrome as a boy. You single handedly fought against Fatalis and I have seen you display an amazing level of skill with a longsword. Your future isn't over sweetheart, Just on pause. " Raine hugged Kael lovingly as she continued. " It will be hard. But I know with everything that I am that you can overcome this. Just... Little steps okay? "
" It's just a lot. Like I told Tara, My fingers tingle even though I don't have them. The pain is... Too much and thinking about it is depressing. I am just kinda lost right now. Even though me and Tara are together, I just... I'm struggling to breathe. " Kael sighed softly before walking out of the training school as Raine watched him sadly.
Chapter 2
End