AN: A shorter chapter, but chalk full of action...and essential vitamins and minerals.
The answer to last week's puzzle: RHYME. The letters all fit, but I don't fell like pointing each one out separately because I'm lazy. Just check out last chapter if you don't believe me. Congrats to Slenderbrine for getting it right...and also for being an amazing riddler himself/herself (probably himself). Enjoy your cookie and your acknowledgement.
(::)
Anyway, no puzzle this week. But before you take out the pitchforks and torches, let me explain that it's for a very important reason.
I am planning a humorous chapter in the future. It will involve several short stories strung together on the basis of Cobb's travels with Wynn's group to Daymonte. Therefore, I have decided to give the viewers a chance to devise part of the story and give me their best A-game humor.
Here's the prompt: Cobb has set off to Daymonte with Wynn, her guards, Floyd, Soul, and Cara. The trip takes seven days, and each day Cobb finds himself in situations demonstrating his 'newbiness' to those around him. Resulting in mockery and laughs. Anything goes.
If you wish to send an idea, I'd prefer it sent as a PM (if you can't PM, then a review is fine). And if the idea makes me laugh enough, I'll include it in the story and credit the brilliant writer that suggested it.
So if you're interested, give me your A-game humor. I'm certainly looking forward to the entries (if there will be any).
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, then the fishing rod would be OP as hell.
Beta: Void of Shining Darkness (previously known as TheWritingReader)
Chapter 26
Fray
[Ringwood Park]
In Cobb's defense, it totally wasn't his fault.
No matter what Floyd said.
Yes, he was the one who exposed Kane. Yes, without his involvement, Kane would have remained an enigma to the guards. And yes, he and Floyd had fabricated the story that he was a private detective, thereby earning all the credit for imprisoning one of Ringwood's Most Wanted…as well as the enmity of all the people currently surrounding them...
But it really wasn't his fault!
How was he supposed to know there would be retribution for his actions…well, besides accompanying Wynn through dangerous territory. And it was just bad luck that he and Erin were followed.
Speaking of Erin, she was quivering in fear between Cobb and Floyd, not even bothering to withdraw any weapon she might be carrying. Was it too much of a long-shot to hope that 'sword fighting' and 'badassery' were job requirements for housekeepers?
Probably.
Which meant that not only would he and Floyd be fighting eleven goons. They would also have to protect the defenseless Erin.
Cobb cursed as his eyes darted to the goons getting closer and closer. Where was Wynn when he actually needed her!?
[Ringwood Outskirts]
"Where are all the Spiders!?" Wynn complained as she skewered a skeleton.
Who knew string would be so difficult to find. Especially since Spiders were one of the most common Mobs.
She only needed two for the fishing rod…right? Ugh! It had been so long since she made one of those!
She had to hurry. It was only a matter of time before Cobb noticed the missing fishing rod. And Erin couldn't divert his attention forever.
So with that thought, the Captain travelled deeper into the forest, praying for a cluster of Spiders to miraculously drop before her.
[Ringwood Park]
While Cobb sized up their defensive options, Floyd stepped forward to speak up.
"Wait! You're making a huge mistake in fighting us. Don't you know who this man is?" He gestured to Cobb while the goons shared confused looks. "He's the man that killed Carys_Angel…single-handedly, mind you. So trust me when I say you don't want to mess with him."
Realizing the argument Floyd was making, Cobb quickly joined in. "Uh…yeah! You don't want to see me get angry! I'll…sheath my blade in your abdomen if you don't get lost fast!"
At those words, the goons just laughed openly. And it wasn't the kind of laugh that meant they learned the errors of their ways and were going to leave before things escalated.
"Oh, we've heard all the rumors about his 'accomplishments.'" One of the goons explained with a smirk. "And it's got us thinking…if we axe off the guy that killed Carys," he slid a finger over his throat as he said that, "then we'd get one hell-of-a reputation to ride."
"It might not scare off the Captains," another goon supplied, "but it'll keep the two-bit criminals out of our hair long enough for us to spring Kane out of the slammer. Then we can rebuild his Black Market connections, stronger than ever."
"Enough talking! Let's just kill them and be done with it." Again, the goons raised their weapons and closed in.
Well, shit. Cobb internally groaned.
That didn't work so well. But hoping that Floyd could talk his way out of any situation was asking a lot. Even for a smooth lawyer like him.
Time for Plan B.
Cobb kept Erin at his back just as the first goon lunged forward. Their blades met, stone against iron, and they traded blows.
The goon's attacks were relentless, constantly stabbing and slashing. But remembering his training with the Captain, Cobb blocked as many of the strikes as he could, hoping to tire the goon out.
Meanwhile, Floyd was engaging in his own battles. He used his flint and steel to light up a semi-circle of flames, keeping the goons on his side at bay.
And Erin was just…standing awestruck with tiny hearts in her eyes as she watched Cobb defend her.
When the relentless goon began to grow tired, Cobb retaliated with a slash to the torso, sending the goon reeling back. Only to be replaced by two more goons.
They attacked from both sides with heavy strikes. The first Cobb was able to block, but the second caught him in the leg. Forced to take a knee, Cobb was unprepared for the follow-up kick to the side that sent him to the dirt.
"Cobb!" Erin shouted tearfully before directing a furious glare at the goons. "Y-you leave him alone!"
The two goons turned their attention to Erin and sneered menacingly with raised swords. Thus, Cobb was given the opportunity to recover.
He swapped his sword out for, what else, his trusty fishing rod, and sent the hook flying at one of the goons. It caught on a goon's shirt and, with a mighty tug, swung him into the other goon, knocking them both onto the ground.
Erin quickly rushed to Cobb's side while he reeled the hook in. He noticed Floyd fighting two opponents at once and sent the line flying towards them. It snagged on a pant leg and yanked the poor thug into the flames Floyd created.
With a howl of pain, the thug rushed to the cooling waters of the pond.
Just as Cobb was getting ready to cast again, another thug tackled him to the ground. The two grappled in the dirt for a few seconds before the thug came out on top, pinning Cobb's hands with his knees.
Cobb tried to dislodge the man, but he barely had enough room to move. The thug smirked confidently as he raised his blade to deliver a crippling blow.
Until an egg nailed him in the face.
A few more eggs added to the assault as the thug feebly tried to bat them away, giving Cobb the opportunity to flip the attacker off of him.
As Cobb got back to his feet, he turned to the direction the eggs came from and saw Erin holding them like ninja stars. "I had a f-few eggs l-left over from the pumpkin pies." She smiled sweetly as she directed a handful of eggs at a thug locking swords with Floyd.
Before Cobb could reply, the thug he flipped launched a meaty fist at him. It caught him right in the shoulder, but he fought through the pain with just a wince.
The thug then directed an overhead strike towards him, to which Cobb dodge-rolled to the side. He came up quickly with a horizontal slash, to which the goon redirected with his sword, sending sparks flying as stone clashed against iron.
The thug then launched a flurry of stabs at Cobb's torso. He twisted and blocked as best he could, but some of the strikes slipped through and struck his unprotected chest.
What he wouldn't give for an iron chestplate right now!
As the thug's attacks slowed down, Cobb raised his sword to counterattack…
Only for an arrow to hit him in the arm. Courtesy of one of the other goons.
Cobb clutched his arm in pain and observed how his Health was at three-and-a-half hearts.
As if sensing their nearly won victory, two more goons rushed towards Cobb. Their joined Knockback Strikes blasted him backwards, causing him to tumble into the ground before skidding to a stop.
"Cobb!" Floyd shouted as he attempted to intervene, but there were too many goons blocking his way. Erin tried to aim some eggs, but her hands were shaking so much over watching Cobb's injuries that none of them hit their mark.
Smirking at the amount of time they had, the three goons surrounding Cobb sheathed their weapons and began kicking and punching his prone form.
They were going to beat him to death.
Cobb couldn't get a chance to retaliate and was forced to shield himself from the blows as best he could. But his Health was going down every second.
Two Hearts…
One-and-a-half Hearts…
Half Heart…
*SWISH*
Just as one of the goons prepared to land the final blow, an iron axe cleaved into him from behind, knocking him into the two other goons and saving Cobb's existence. The beaten and bruised Crafter looked up, expecting to see Floyd.
But was surprised to see spiky brown hair instead of short sky-blue. Or stalwart crimson eyes instead of Floyd's purple ones.
"Soul!?" Floyd cried out in surprise while he defended Erin from a larger thug.
So he's Soul? Cobb thought to himself as he observed the stoic Crafter. He was wielding his iron axe backhanded in a reverse grip and his eyes darted to the three thugs surrounding him. No doubt they were looking for an opening to finish the weakened Cobb.
And the only thing standing in their way was Soul.
As they prepared to attack, Soul withdrew a Potion of Healing from his backpack and tossed it to Cobb. "Drink it." He ordered gruffly before sipping his own dark red one.
As dark red particles swirled around him, he twisted his body to add centrifugal force to his axe swing and struck one of the goons in the neck. The goon screamed in pain before another strike buried itself in his chest, ending his existence in a shower of gear.
It was that fast.
The other two thugs looked petrified after witnessing one of their allies fall so easily. Cobb himself looked shocked that the Crafter named Soul had so brutally murdered someone. If not for the low Health and bruises he was sporting, he would've been horrified by Soul's actions.
But in terms of self-defense…it had to be done.
"You…you killed him!" One of the thugs shouted in anger as he raised his sword. "You'll pay!"
Soul snorted humorously. "You came here to fight and kill people. But don't you know it works both ways?" He intercepted the thug's strike with his axe blade. "Good news for me, I get to fight some assholes. Bad news for you, you and your thug buddies are dead!"
As Soul continued his fight, Cobb downed the Health Potion and threw himself back into the fray. He didn't exactly have time to wonder where the heck Soul had popped out from, but he was grateful for him saving his life.
He rushed towards the nearest goon and struck with his own Knockback Strike, sending his opponent splashing into the pond.
A fast movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he quickly ducked. A second later, an arrow whizzed past where his head would've been. It was the archer thug again.
A flurry of arrows was sent towards Cobb, who twisted his body this way and that to dodge most of them. He was even able to pick up some that had lodged themselves into the ground.
Finally, Cobb had a bow AND arrows! He quickly took it out and, with better familiarity with bow-holding, loaded an arrow and fired.
…
It barely made three feet.
New Plan!
He ran over to where Floyd was battling two thugs at once. His armor was tanking most of the hits, but he looked winded. Erin was just chucking eggs as fast as her arms could manage, disrupting the goons' focus…and making the whole fight more awkward and weird than it should have been. Cobb had the strange urge to laugh while watching her 'fighting style.'
As Cobb closed in, he leapt into the air, checking the white stars erupting from his stone blade to signify activated Crit Aura, and swung at a goon's leg. The goon immediately crumpled to the ground before Floyd set him ablaze.
"Thanks!" Floyd shouted over the burning goon's screams. Together they were able to beat back the other goon and knock him out with a well-timed punch. "What do you need?"
"Here." Cobb supplied him with the arrows he picked up. "Take out the archer behind us!"
He nodded before withdrawing his bow and taking off.
"Help!"
Cobb turned frantically to see Erin surrounded by three thugs. Her eggs were doing little to discourage their attempts to attack her.
"Leave her alone!" Cobb called out as he cast his fishing rod and hooked one of the thugs by the scruff of his shirt. The next second, the thug was yanked over Cobb's head and into the pond, giving Erin an escape route.
The thugs pursued her with raised swords, but Cobb rushed over and tackled them to the ground before they could land a hit. They struggled beneath his weight, so to knock them out, Cobb tried to do that sleeper hold/ninja pressure point thing like in the movies.
Unfortunately, movies are not like real life and the jabs he made in their necks did nothing but make them more furious. So Cobb's plan backfired faster than he could say 'shit my plan backfired!'
"Shit my plan backfi—OOF!"
An elbow was rammed into his gut by one of the downed thugs, causing him to loosen his hold and allow one of the thugs to wriggle away. Still Cobb kept his hold onto the other thug, desperately trying to swap to his sword.
Cobb and the thug rolled around in the dirt; Cobb trying to withdraw his weapon and the thug trying to get into a better stabbing position. The thug that wriggled away had gotten to his feet with sword raised, waiting for the right moment to skewer Cobb rather than his friend.
They rolled and tumbled around. Cobb managed to pin his enemy's sword arm and bit down onto his neck. The thug yelped in pain and dug another elbow into Cobb's gut to throw him off.
They rolled and ended with Cobb on top.
They rolled again and ended up with the thug on top.
Another roll positioned Cobb on top and the thug standing by raised his sword to stab his back.
But, as the standing thug thrust his sword, Cobb released his hold and rolled away, enabling the thug's iron sword to make its mark in his friend's torso. The accumulated damage was enough to end his existence as he exploded into a shower of gear.
The standing thug barely had enough time to register what he had done before Cobb finally withdrew his blade and struck at his arm. The pain was enough for the thug to drop his sword and take a few steps back.
Disarmed and injured, the thug turned and fled deep into the park.
Gasping and out of breath, Cobb greedily devoured some baked potatoes while he assessed the numbers.
Erin was standing by the pond's edge, chucking eggs to keep one of the goons thrown into the pond from getting out. Good for her.
Floyd had just taken out the archer in a bow duel and was now engaging another thug in combat. Though he looked fine.
And Soul…holy crap…Soul had two piles of gear, each symbolizing a killed thug, surrounding him. That brought his kill count up to three! And he was currently fighting another thug who looked ready to pee his pants in fear!
Those dark red particles were still swirling around him too. Just what kind of potion did he drink?
So one goon stuck in the pond, five dead, one fled, one knocked out, and Floyd and Soul were facing one each. That made ten.
Out of eleven.
…
So where's the last guy?
His question was answered when a sword nearly bisected him. It was the thug with the deep voice, now recognized by his name: Grengo.
"You little shit!" Grengo roared as he sent another slash towards Cobb. "Why won't you just die!?"
"Because…um…I don't feel like it!" Cobb countered lamely. He swung at Grengo's side, but it was deflected back.
The two fiercely clashed blades, neither one of them letting up an inch.
But they were evenly matched. A strike from Cobb was met with a slash from Grengo. A punch from Grengo was met with a punch from Cobb.
It was sure to be a fight down to the wire.
…
Or at least it would have if not for Floyd's interjection.
He shot an arrow into Grengo's calf, causing the larger man to fall to the ground and giving Cobb the opportunity to deal a crippling slash across the thug's chest. He fell like a sack of bricks.
Grengo rolled onto his back, but before he could get up, Cobb positioned his blade so that it was hovering over the thug's neck.
The thug could only lie there helplessly as his eyes darted from the sword to Cobb's face. "Um…heh heh…W-when I called you a…uh…little shit…I-I meant it as a term of endearment." He tried to laugh off the previous conflict as if it was just horsing around as opposed to a life-or-death battle. "Like, as in 'oh, how I love those little shits.'"
"Yeah…no." Cobb countered keeping his blade steady. He looked over his shoulder to see Floyd depositing his bow in his backpack, a pile of gear representing the thug he killed close-by.
The goon Erin was keeping in the pond had finally got out, but, upon seeing the present situation, fled into the woods. Erin hurried over to Cobb's side, eyes focused solely on him. But what was that look she was giving him?
Cobb shook those thoughts away as he considered the defeated thug in front of him. Just…what was he supposed to do with him? He had already surrendered so killing him was out of the question, even if he had almost succeeded.
Was he supposed to bring him to Wynn or a guard? Or did he have the authority to arrest him himself?
"Uh…" the brunette Crafter began while scratching his head awkwardly. "Grengo you're…under arrest for…" he trailed off as he turned to Erin. "Can I make an arrest like this?"
Erin nodded supportively. "As an associate of M-miss Whispers, you're f-free to m-make arrests."
Right. Associate. If only she knew.
"Okay then you're under arrest for attempted murder…and…er…"
"Association with K-kane?" Erin supplied helpfully.
"Yeah—association with Kane…anything else?"
"And loitering in the park." Floyd interjected as he walked over. "That's a big one."
"And loitering." Cobb finished strongly. Although loitering was mostly overshadowed by the other two. Would it even add anything to the thug's sentence?
"No! Please! I give up! I—"
*SWISH*
Cobb turned his head just in time to catch an explosion of gear at the end of Soul's iron axe. The dark red particles were no longer swirling around him, but he had finished his last opponent.
Yet Cobb couldn't help but scowl at his actions. He had so ruthlessly cut the thug down, even when he already surrendered. It was one thing when it was for self-defense or protecting someone. But unprovoked and killing a foe with no desire to fight?
That was wrong.
But Soul looked unbothered as he marched over to us. "Four kills in one fight. Looks like following you was worth it after all."
"I'm glad you were here." Floyd smiled as he moved to pat Soul on the shoulder. However, Soul's glare stopped him in his tracks and forced him to lower his arm.
"Thanks for saving me back there." Cobb extended his arm to shake, but Soul didn't take it, making the whole action awkward. "How'd you know we'd be in trouble?"
"I didn't." Soul replied simply as he gave his axe a toss before catching it in his other hand. "Floyd mentioned meeting a friend in the park. I assume that's you." Cobb nodded in response. "I just came to see if he was making you up or not."
"Why would he make up having a friend?" The blue-nette had lied about plenty of things in front of the King, but what advantage would there be in lying about a possible friend?
Apparently, Soul didn't feel like answering as his red eyes spotted something more interesting nearby. As he brushed past them, Erin took his place. The switch in personalities from intense and strong to shy and kind was greatly appreciated.
"Cobb! Y-you were incredible! I've never seen such skill with a rod b-before! A-and you were s-so brave!"
Cobb blushed at the praise. "You really think I was brave? Well…you were amazing too with those eggs. I never would have pegged them for weapons."
Erin's face heated up and she traced circles in the dirt with her boots. "I-it was n-nothing. I just s-saw you m-making s-such great use of a rod and f-figured s-something as simple as eggs could—"
*SWISH*
*HACK*
The sound of an axe swing stopped their conversation and made Cobb's blood run cold as he turned towards the source.
There, Soul was standing over the knocked out goon. He hefted his axe to deliver another blow.
"Whoa, whoa! STOP!" Cobb shouted as he rushed over in a vain attempt to stop the axe-wielder. But he was too late as the heavy iron blade came crashing upon the unconscious goon's neck.
He was killed instantly, his gear scattering across the ground like spilled guts.
[Cobb]
I could only look in wide-eyed horror. "What…what was that!?" I shouted angrily.
"That makes five." Soul shrugged uncaringly as he walked towards the downed Grengo. "So are you going to finish him or do you want me to do that too?"
Grengo scrambled back on all fours, fear obvious in his eyes, as the red eyed Crafter approached him.
But I got in between them with arms raised. "That's not what I meant." I leveled a glare at Soul. "Why the hell did you kill that goon when he couldn't even move?"
Soul looked genuinely surprised at my statement. As if he couldn't fathom why there was any protest to begin with. "These men tried to kill you and your friends. They almost beat you to death. You can't tell me that you're okay with that."
"No," I replied with a shake of my head, "But they're subdued! They've given up! So—"
"So that makes it okay?" Soul scoffed. "What if Floyd or your girlfriend over there got killed? Would you feel the same way?"
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but no words came. Truthfully, I probably would have been too furious to think straight if anyone I knew got killed. It hadn't come to that, but it easily could have been. Especially if Soul hadn't intervened.
While I searched my thoughts for an answer, Soul became impatient. "If you're too squeamish to do it then just move out of the way." The stoic Crafter tried to get around me, but I moved to stay in his way.
"Things didn't turn out that way. So there's no 'what if's' to be discussed."
"Only because I was there to save your sorry ass—"
"Which I'm grateful for." I interrupted. "Still, I'm not going to allow you to kill this man."
"Get off your high horse." Soul growled threateningly as he got up in my face. "You won't allow me to kill him? Did I require allowance from you to save your life? Eh?"
I narrowed my eyes and tried to act brave, even though Soul had gripped his axe more firmly. "He can rot away in prison. Killing in any other way except self-defense or protecting one's friends…makes you an active killer. No better than the Endward Cult."
At those words, Soul's eyes burned with fury…and something else. "An active killer? That's the thanks I get?" He took a step away from me and paced back and forth. "Let me tell you something."
"After a certain Crafter abandoned me," Floyd shifted awkwardly at his words, "I was on my own. I had to escape the 'active killers' trying to slaughter me through miles of underground tunnels. I barely made it to Ringwood, but from then on I vowed to eliminate the Endward Cult for everything they did to me. It was tragic, but it taught me a valuable lesson."
"I was let go, and I vowed vengeance against those that pissed me off." He pointed to the downed Grengo. "If you let him live, he'll just do the same to you. Prison or not he'll want payback. So why wait for a threat to resurface when you can silence it here and now?"
"I-I won't! I swear!" Grengo spoke up fearfully. "Please let me go! I'll leave Ringwood, I-I'll—"
"Shut up!" Soul shouted as he once again tried to push past me. But I pushed back. He wasn't going to change my mind.
"He won't be a threat!" I pleaded desperately. "Floyd back me up."
Floyd had stayed silent through the whole argument. But being put in the spotlight, instead of making him want to speak up, made him look away awkwardly. He was staying silent.
"Floyd?" I urged again, but was met with no response. Soul used the opportunity to push me to the ground and rush over to Grengo. The thug screamed as the axe swung towards him.
"Wait!" Erin screamed as she threw herself between the two, eyes scrunched shut. The axe blade stopped inches before crashing into her skull.
She slowly opened her eyes and, despite shaking in fear, spoke with determination.
Sort of.
"T-the Ringwood p-prison offers r-rewards—emerald rewards—for thugs affiliated with Wanted C-criminals! Even the l-lowliest of thugs, when t-turned over to the g-guards, can earn you f-four emeralds…m-minimum."
Soul lowered his axe and looked at Erin coldly. Meanwhile, I stood myself up and clenched my fists in anger. Not just at being so callously pushed aside, but also because Floyd hadn't made a move, either to help or stop Soul.
Erin fidgeted nervously under Soul's glower. "I-I j-just thought I'd say…" She trailed off as she averted her eyes.
Soul drummed his fingers across his axe in thought. Finally, after several tense seconds, he lowered his axe to his belt. "Fine." He pointed to Grengo who stiffened in fear. "But only because he's worth more alive than dead," then he turned to point at Floyd, "and he needs the emeralds desperately."
Erin let out a sigh of relief and sent me a nervous smile. Floyd too looked relieved.
"But as for you," Soul walked right up to me until our faces were inches apart. "Listen well."
"It's do-or-die out there." He gestured to the surrounding world. "And if you keep doing the way you're doing…you're going to end up dying." As he finished his 'advice' he lunged forward before stopping short, making me flinch. Then he walked past me with a gruff 'hmph' and disappeared into the woods.
"Well that was a shit storm." Floyd concluded as we hauled Grengo towards the Central District. Erin had explained that the guards at the base of the plateau would help transport the thug and the prison would provide the payment. She led the way while me and Floyd held on to the thug.
But keeping hold of the guy was a tedious task. Especially since he kept trying to talk his way out of things.
"Look, I'm sorry I attacked you three. I never wanted anything bad to happen to you, believe me. I was just a little mad about—"
"Shut up." I dismissed his empty words easily. After TheAvoided's lies, I was much less trusting of criminals.
Maybe that's why Wynn doesn't believe anything I say.
"So what was that back there?" I asked my blue-haired companion.
"What was what?" He responded, trying to play dumb. I knew he was trying because of how masterful I was at actually being dumb.
"You know what what was." I replied as I pushed Grengo a little forcefully. "Back with Soul. I needed you to back me up and you just stood there, silent as a Creeper. Even when he pushed me over you made no move. What happened?"
Floyd sighed and scratched his head awkwardly. "It's…complicated. Things between me and Soul are…fragile at the moment. I barely got him to accept me as a co-worker. So I'm worried…I'm worried if I make a move against him, he'll cut me off without giving me a chance."
"So if him and I were arguing, you'd take his side?" I asked with a scowl.
"It's not like that." Floyd rubbed his temples. "We're friends, you and I. Nothing is going to change that. Not criminal charges, not a pack of thugs—"
"Again I'm dreadfully sorry about—"
"Shut up!" We both shouted in unison at the pathetic Grengo.
Floyd cleared his throat to continue. "But right now, repairing my friendship with Soul takes priority. It's more in jeopardy, and I…I really want to bring it back."
I looked at the strained expression on his face, and knew that he was struggling with a lot. Juggling two friendships, trying to repair one without ruining another. And that was minus the Silver Intent mission he was embroidered in. Going into a Kingdom full of Griefers and declaring war on the Endward Cult. All in one fell swoop.
And he had even convinced his group to tag along with Wynn for as long as they could manage. So maybe it was my turn to compromise.
I let out a sigh. "I get what this means to you. So if it'll make it easier…" I ran a hand through my hair. "I'll…be fine with you taking his side over mine. If it means you stay in his good graces…if he even has any of that." I mumbled the last bit to myself.
Still Floyd had gotten the message and he visibly relaxed. "Thanks, Cobb. That means a lot."
Our moment of camaraderie was interrupted by Grengo. "Y'know if you let me go, I could pay double—no—triple what paltry sum those green-caps could offer." He was using his most charming smile while trying to win us over. "Or-or if you prefer, I could arrange a very pleasant stay in one of the Western District's brothels. Good drink, lovely women—"
"He isn't interested!" Came a shrill scream and I was momentarily surprised that it came from the timid Erin. She immediately blushed and, as if to make up for her momentary outburst, fidgeted with her fingers.
Who knew she had it in her?
Although shouldn't she have said that neither of us were interested?
Brain: Oh Cobb. You sweet, little, ignorant shit.
When we finally reached the base of the plateau, Erin explained the situation to the guards stationed there. Since Floyd needed the emeralds, I left him to go collect the reward at the top while Erin and I circled the plateau to the Northern District.
"W-well, I can't say that this n-night wasn't interesting." Erin began as we walked side by side.
Oh yeah. I kind of dragged her into a gang war.
Just another typical day.
"I'm sorry I got you caught up in that." I apologized sincerely. I felt genuinely bad for involving a timid person like Erin into armed combat.
Now if it was Wynn on the other hand…
"It's f-fine." She assured me. "It was my f-fault for not listening to M-miss Whispers' instructions. W-we should have gone straight home."
"Maybe, but I forced you to come along anyway." There was no way I was letting her take all the blame for my mess. "So when Wynn lectures us for being late, I'll take the blame. Okay?"
"B-but—"
"Throw in some of those pumpkin pies you mentioned and we'll call it even." I shushed her protests with a chuckle, to which she giggled before handing me some of the pumpkin flavored dessert.
By the time we reached Wynn's mansion, the sun was beginning to rise. Meaning I was definitely going to get an earful from Wynn. And I was waaaay too exhausted from fighting thugs and goons to even stand up straight much less listen to her bitching.
Although maybe she's still asleep. I thought hopefully as I quietly opened the front door.
And received a white boot to the face.
[Erin]
"C-cobb!" I wailed as I knelt down beside him. I couldn't believe it. The beautiful angel-of-a-man who had fought ruthless thugs and ruffians and protected me like a hero protecting his princess, had done all that only to be felled by a single kick from Miss Whispers. The poor lamb must've been exhausted!
"Erin! Where have you two been all night?" Miss Whispers asked with a raised brow. "Explain yourself."
I looked helplessly between her and Cobb's unconscious form. He had said he would take the blame, but how was he supposed to do that while knocked out?
"I-I…we…"
"Don't tell me." Miss Whispers placed a lone finger on my lips to silence me. "Let me guess. Cobb was growing suspicious due to the absence of both his fishing rod and myself from the mansion. So to divert his attention, you took him for a walk around the Kingdom."
I remained silent as Miss Whispers filled the gaps in herself. Which story was better to use? Hers or mine?
Which one meant the least trouble for Cobb?
…
Probably her account.
"Y-yes ma'am." I nodded frantically. "He kept b-bringing up the fishing rod. I d-didn't know what else to d-do."
"Well your quick thinking was right this time." Miss Whispers agreed as she gripped poor Cobb's hoodie and dragged him across the living room. "Now help me get him to the outhouse. Oh and get some lava buckets from the storeroom."
"Oh s-sure I'll…WAIT!" I screeched as I replayed her words inside my head. "Lava? Outhouse?"
Miss Whispers sighed in frustration, opting to roll Cobb over the kitchen floor. "I searched the entire forest and only found one spider! And the one string it dropped isn't enough for a fishing rod! I need more time!"
"You mean you knocked him out so he wouldn't notice his missing fishing rod?" She nodded in response. "B-but the lava…you're going to lava t-trap him in the outhouse!?" I screeched while trying to keep Cobb's head from bumping into the kitchen table.
"Don't be absurd Erin." Miss Whispers waved my concerns off as if they were pesky mosquitoes. "I'm going to lava trap him in the outhouse before pouring water over it all. Effectively trapping him inside an obsidian tomb until I accrue the required materials."
My mouth fell open in shock. "Ma'am, with all due respect, you can't do that!"
"Yes I can. I have enough lava buckets to surround a—"
"I mean that's inhumane!"
"He has enough food." She dismissed easily as she kept rolling Cobb's unconscious body across the lawn. "He's awfully heavy. What exactly have you been feeding him?"
"Cookies and pumpkin p-pies, but that's beside the point!" She was actually shoving him into the outhouse. It was bad enough for her to suggest sleeping in there, but encasing him and it in obsidian? I had to do something.
But I needed a way to get a fishing rod fast. It would be the only way to convince Miss Whispers that she didn't need to trap Cobb for more time.
But where to find a fishing rod when the whole market was sold out?
…
Unless…
[Cobb]
"Ow…my aching…everything." I grumbled as I clutched my head. I was lying on Wynn's couch, though how I got there was a blank.
All I remembered was a white boot…
Wynn.
I sat up and noticed something lying on the table.
It was a fishing rod.
I stared at it confused. Why is that there…actually, is that mine? I checked my Inventory and belt and found no trace of the tool, so it must have been mine.
I picked it up and examined it. Why would Wynn or Erin take it out of my Inventory though?
"I found that in the backyard. Littering my immaculate lawn." A voice came to my left and I saw that it was Wynn. She was reading a book with her legs crossed and bobbing her foot nervously. "You'd best keep your worthless tools to yourself."
"Huh?" I questioned, wondering if she was referring to the fishing rod. But…how…
"It was l-lucky Wynn saved it for you." Erin's timid voice spoke up from my right. "Especially since your n-newest fishing rod broke on our walk. R-remember?" She was winking sporadically as if to tell me to secretly follow her story.
Either that or she had something in her eye.
"I…broke my fishing rod?" I questioned, having trouble remembering if I had actually snapped it fighting a thug.
"Yes, you did." Erin urged with a nod. "You were showing me your fishing techniques on some Zombies" *Wink Wink* "And the fishing rod broke."
I could tell by her winks that Zombies meant thugs. I searched my memories, but the whole fight was more of a blur. Something as small as my fishing rod breaking was drowned out by all the tension caused by Soul's bloodlust.
But Erin was there. So if she noticed something I didn't, I wouldn't doubt her.
"Oh right. I must have forgotten." I stated as I deposited the fishing rod into my Inventory. It truly was a useful weapon. One that I would further master.
And then rub in Wynn's face when I defeated her with it.
Speaking of Wynn, she, along with Erin, let out a sigh of relief upon my admission of forgetfulness.
Must be a women thing. I concluded.
Honestly, it felt good to relax on rest on Wynn's couch after all the craziness last night. But back to more important concerns. Like…
"Why the hell did you kick me in the face!?"
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Wooden Shovel, 1 Stone Sword, 1 Golden Sword {Weak}, 1 Wooden Pickaxe, 1 Wooden Pickaxe {Weak}, 1 Wooden Axe, 1 Bow {Weak}, 1 Fishing Rod, 26 Cobblestone, 12 Flint, 4 Coal, 8 Torches, 1 Minecart, 16 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Clock, 37 Dirt, 2 Signs, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Glass Bottle, 10 String, 1 Stick, 5 Cooked Fish, 17 Baked Potatoes, 14 Pumpkin Pies, 48 Cookies, 1 Leather Cap, 1 Leather Boots {Weak}, 1 Crafting Table, 3 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Entry Pass}
Inventory (Floyd): Wooden Shovel, 1 Wooden Pickaxe, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Iron Sword, 1 Wooden Sword {Weak}, 1 Wooden Axe {Weak}, 1 Bow, 1 Flint and Steel {Weak}, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Furnace, 1 Crafting Table, 3 Sticks, 41 Oak Wood Planks, 17 Cobblestone, 1 Oak Wood Door, 1 Minecart, 1 Book {Miner's Warren}, 2 Flint, 2 Gunpowder, 9 String, 1 Pufferfish, 5 Raw Fish, 12 Cooked Fish, 10 Ink Sacs, 2 Arrows, 1 Iron Helmet, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Entry Pass}, 5 Emeralds
AN: Short, but sweet.
You may have noticed the entire battle was in third person from Cobb's perspective. I was experimenting with it, but to me I felt like I used the word 'Cobb' way too much. And it was really hard distinguishing who was who. So I might not try that again or try something different next time.
Meh. I'm flawed.
Now let's talk about Soul. No-nonsense Soul who busts in like-a-badass and saves Cobb. Bet none of you saw THAT coming!
And then he kills thugs that are either knocked out or already gave up...dark. But that's Soul for you.
Merry Christmas to you all!...unless you don't celebrate Christmas...it's not like you're missing much. Just free presents from Santa. ^_^
And because it's Christmas...
Omake: Christmas
"Wow!" Cobb cheered in awe. "You all got me gifts? What's the occasion?"
Wynn gave her ivory hair a flip. "Well, once a year, our 'Normal Sense' as you call it, tells us to celebrate a holiday in which we give each other presents, hang poisonous plants off the ceiling to which we're supposed to kiss under, and bring trees into our homes...we don't really get it either."
"W-why don't we just s-start handing out presents." Erin suggested as she pointed Cobb towards a chest by the tree. For some reason, all the chests had become colorful wrapped gifts instead of wooden chest. But they still opened like chests. Very odd.
"T-that one is from me." Erin explained with a blush while Cobb opened the chest. Inside was an assortment of cooked meats! Steak, fish, porkchops, mutton, rabbit, chicken!
It was glorious!
"I'll go next." Floyd announced as he pointed towards a second chest. "I put a lot of thought into it."
Cobb opened the chest and frowned. It was a lump of coal.
"This looks just like a lump of coal." Cobb deadpanned to which Floyd nodded.
"Yeah. Everyone needs coal to burn things! Or you can use it with a stick to light up a dark cave. It's a multi-purpose gift."
Cobb thought for a second, before nodding respectfully. "That is true. Coal is useful."
"Well it's going to be hard to top that." Wynn stated dryly as she pointed to the third gift. Cobb carefully opened it, not sure what 'gift' the Captain had gotten for him.
It was a slip of paper. Cobb examined it to see the words. 'Get out of Insult Free.'
"What is this?" Cobb asked as he waved the paper back and forth.
"That," Wynn pointed, "is a 'Get out of Insult Free Coupon.' Redeemable for one usage only. Next time you say or do anything stupid, flash the coupon and I'll look the other way." She looked confident that her gift was like a gift from the heavens.
Cobb just looked at the coupon before grinning. "You really want to give me the chance to do something incredibly stupid without consequence of your lecturing?"
Wynn opened her mouth to retort, but paused when no words came out.
She blinked twice.
Then she snatched the coupon out of Cobb's hands before tossing it into the fire.
"Oops it slipped." She offered halfheartedly as she sunk in her chair.
"Still, it's the thought that counts." Cobb chuckled to himself while admiring his gifts. "Thanks you guys. These gifts were really something."
"W-wait." Erin interrupted as she pointed to the tree. "There's still one more."
Cobb followed her fingers to see a fourth gift resting beside the tree. "But...there's only the four of us at this party." I glanced to Wynn, Erin, and Floyd. "And you all gave me a gift already."
"Maybe it's from a secret admirer." Floyd suggested. Erin visibly stiffened at those words, as if a great cold had gripped her heart.
"And maybe dogs can talk." Wynn commented skeptically. "Just open it. That ought to give us a clue on who sent it."
Cobb nodded as he cautiously opened the fourth chest.
It was a book.
Cobb picked it up and opened it to find a poem.
[I see you when you're sleeping.]
[I know when you're awake.]
[I know if you've been bad or good.]
[I'M GONNA DRUG AND KILL YOU!...for goodness sake.]
[^_^]
The book fell from Cobb's quivering fingers. His face grew pale.
"Definitely not a secret admirer." Wynn commented as she looked over the book.
Carys_Angel peaked through the window to see the object of her hatred faint from her 'kind' gift.
Some people would argue that the holidays meant forgiving enemies.
But she would gut those same people for suggesting she forget Mr. Piggles' killer!
Still, it paid to keep tabs on Cobb and his new friends. Definitely targets of interest.
Especially the dark-haired girl with the pony-tails. Obviously in love with the pig-killer. It would be so easy to eliminate her.
God she loved the holidays.
AN: No bearing on the plot. Just fun holiday themed writing.