RETURN

Ripping off the last bit of skin, Michael continued to hold his breath until the skin was deposited in the same bag as its partner and the carcass was packed into a different bag. Liera’s vehemence at what he had done caused her to wait outside with Valerie; she didn’t see any danger in Michael touching corpses. Michael had said it was his right; as a person who fought both, taking the wolves’ skin and using it later would be productive and would keep their memories alive. At least, that was what he told himself as he skinned the bodies.

Indeed, as a raw material the skin and body of the two were quite high quality and Michael was glad to partake of them both. Though looking at them both sent a chill down his back and Michael really didn’t want to handle them. Michael was secretly hoping that when he made something out of the two, his enemies later would feel more fear than he does now.

Michael tied the bags tight and placed them carefully in his backpack. They took up a considerable amount of space and Michael wished he had brought a larger backpack. He walked out of the Skytree where Liera had been waiting impatiently. Michael hadn’t thought the shirt was anywhere near enough to cover her, so he made her put on his extra pair of pants, some shoes, and a hat that could never truly stay up. Michael had added a belt as the last piece which went tight around her waist. Her ensemble looked quite comical as her ankle and wrist cuffs billowed out and hid her extremities, while the hat easily hid her entire head. If she raised both arms up, Michael could easily see her as an hourglass. Seeing him exit, Liera got up and was eager to get moving. Valerie was… somewhere.

The duo exited the city and entered the large plains. Crossing the width of the plains took little time and they stopped at the the forest edge. As the lakes surrounding the plains glimmered in the setting sun’s light, and the plains began to softly glow, Michael and Liera turned to look back upon the sights of the city hidden in the forest: From the oddly shaped houses, the majesty of the Skytree towering above them, to the lush garden on the southern edge...

“... Yim. That is the city’s name. Remember, for we are the last who will ever see it.”

Silent at the comment, Michael nodded his understanding and followed the girl as she turned away from the city. He had never heard the name or description of the city before, and his understanding was that something protected it. How he or the wolves managed to enter was a mystery, but Michael thought that the forest would probably retake the city again. Michael felt that leaving the city to its fate was regretful and he hoped to come back in the future.

As the two walked through the deep forest, Michael started to wonder on how to get home. He had absolutely no idea where they were, or in which direction he needed to go. He walked forward for a while and, through luck, found himself back where he had battled the fox. Yet the bloodstains and corpse he had left were no help in this dilemma and Michael looked about in confusion. Just how had he found the city at all? Michael made a few turns around the area and was getting dizzy when he caught a glint of metal on a tree that shone in the rapidly receding light. Michael walked towards it and saw that it was an embedded knife, the same small shape as the ones that Valerie had used in the fight. Michael spied another one close by and a third one further out. Valerie was either throwing knives everywhere for fun, or she was leaving markers for the two, allowing them to head on back more easily. Michael hoped for the latter. He nodded towards the knives and Liera nodded in understanding.

Following the trail of knives, the pair walked mostly in silence. Michael was still worrying about his mother’s reaction and ways to change it. He formed arguments and counter-arguments based off her personality. He even added some help from his father. As for how far that would ever get…

Glancing over at Liera, Michael opened his mouth to start up a conversation when he remembered that she recently became an orphan. Not a very good time to talk about nonsense. Michael wisely shut his mouth and they continued the walk.

Soon the darkness crept up to them and Michael decided to camp down under one of Valerie’s knives. Taking out the tent, Michael started put up the wooden frames when Liera wandered over to peer at him. Avoiding any eye contact, she rocked on her heels and waited for something.

“Would you like to help?”

Liera nodded to Michael, so he told her to position herself at a tent corner. She went to stand near a corner and Michael handed over a long stick that she was to keep up as he tied it to another piece. The two of them worked as Michael gave instructions every so often with Liera nodding as she followed his orders. Afterwards, Michael also had Liera help get the fire going and the ingredients for the dinner were taken out and ready to be used. As Michael stirred the mixture of broth, Liera stared at it with a frown.

“What? Never eaten a cooked meal before?”

He had initially said it as a joke but was left gaping when she nodded at his question. Michael made sure the broth was finished before scooping a bowl and giving it to Liera first. He watched as she hesitantly swallowed a little of the broth, ignoring the spoon he had supplied. Liera’s eyes widened and glowed in the firelight as she gulped down the rest of the soup, still cautious of the heat.

“Haha, is it good? This is nothing compared to my mother’s cooking though. Valerie! Its finished, come eat!”

Michael’s call almost made Liera jump and drop her bowl, which made her glare at him. She really did jump when Valerie materialized, but her dropped bowl was caught by the quick older woman. She gave it back and sat beside the two of them while scooping out her own bowl. Liera stared at Valerie over her bowl and took small, constant sips during the entire meal. Finishing the solids last, Liera put down her bowl and continued to stare at Valerie until she left.

Michael finished his meal before them and noticed he had a few notifications to read. He brought them up with a thought and read.

You have succeeded in your first Green-Magic Connection. You have gained the skill ‘Green-Magic’. You have gained +10 Intelligence, +10 Wisdom, +5 Concentration. You have gained the title ‘Green-Singer’.

Connection with: ‘Silven Plant’.[p=left]You have connected with the Legendary Silven Plant. Thought to be a plant lost in time, the plant grants valuable life energy through the connection. You have gained the following special skills:

Double Mana Regeneration.

More skills will unlock as ‘Green-Magic’ ranks up and allows for a greater connection.

Mana Upkeep of the Silven Plant:

50 per minute. This increases as the Green-Magic skill rises.[/p]

Green-Magic. Beginner level 0. (2%). Active Skill[p=left]Allows for the user to see and manipulate the elemental Mana, Nature. Can make plants grow in a specific way and allow for new species of plants to be created. Can manipulate plants to form various unnatural structures. Commonly used to make living furniture and homes from plants. Since the items are living items, they are able to regrow as long as it has sufficient nutrients.

Mana upkeep depends on how the Nature Mana is used.

Green-Singers are able to form two way connections with plants, granting them special abilities, so long as they give Mana in return.

Green-Magic is at Beginner rank. Plants give 1 ability per connection.

[/p]

Green-Singer

[p=left]Descendants of the original worshippers of the Lady of the Land, Green-Singers have gained the magical powers of the elves and fey and are able to control a fifth elemental Mana, Nature. Using this exclusive Mana, Green-Singers are able to create connections with plants that result in a two-way beneficial trade. Green-Singers are also able to manipulate Nature Magic in objects.

+5 Vitality

+20 to Intelligence

+20 to Wisdom

+5 Mana Control

+5 Charisma

+5 Concentration

+20 Nature Affinity

[/p]

The Wolfblood

[p=left]With the destruction of the Wolven Feys of Yim, the task of guarding the Silven Plant falls on the remaining member, Liera. Liera has blood contracted the human, Michael Kane, into guarding the Silven Plant and has granted him the position of Pack Leader. The Wolfblood ceremony also gives some instant stats to Michael Kane.

+20 Strength.

+20 Vitality.

+20 Agility.

+20 Charisma.

+20 Presence.

The terms of this contract include:

Keeping the Silven Plant guarded and cared for.

Making sure all members are well and able to carry out their duties.

You are unable to break this contract unless by the death of all members.

As a Pack Leader, you are able to do the following:

Invite and accept members into the pack.

Delegate tasks to various members.

Share a greater amount of experience with members.

Use of the skills: Howl and Devour.

All pack members also gain a greater amount of leveling and skill experience when working together (currently at 5% increase).[/p]

Howl. Beginner level 0. (0%). Active Skill[p=left]Allows you to produce a howl that strikes fear into the enemy. Can also cause various other debuffs to the enemy.

Debuffs hostile targets with Fear for 2 seconds. Increases by one second for every level of Howl.[/p]

Devour. Beginner level 0. (0%). Passive Skill[p=left]The power of a predator’s stomach is nothing to laugh at. Devour allows the user to digest objects without suffering as many ill effects.

Each ranking of Devour cancels 1 negative aspect of whatever is consumed (this can include taste, poison, or even texture) based on what the user likes.[/p]

Wolf blood travels through your veins now. Rage Release and Stored Rage has been influenced by this savage blood. You now gain Stored Rage more easily. Rage Release has leveled. You have gained +50 Stored Rage.

What? A contract? Michael sat up straighter and looked over at Liera, who had stiffened when she noticed Michael’s movements. Michael tried to find the words for what had happened, so he stayed silent for a while. Liera was still sitting, but she was growing nervous of his stares and was starting to scoot away.

“You entered me into a CONTRACT?”

Nope, that wouldn’t work in looking calm. Michael was quite angry at being tricked into a contract that he had to find out himself. From what he had read, he couldn’t really break it at all. The terms were actually rather fine, but still!

“Yes, did I not tell you? Drinking my blood meant you accepted the contract. I was pretty sure I told you.”

“You didn’t tell me anything! All I saw was you bleeding and you told me that the only way you would stop it was if I drank your blood. Now you’re telling me... you tricked me!”

“It wasn’t a trick. You told me you were going to protect it, then asked me to come with you. I just made it into a contract so that you don’t back out of it.”

“How do you even know what a contract is? You’re maybe the same age as me!”

“And how do you know what it is? Your parents right? Same for me.”

Michael couldn’t find an immediate counter argument for that, so he shut his wordless mouth and stalked to his tent. Liera watched his hunched and angry shoulders moving away and gave a small smile. It soon faded when she remembered the loss of her community and she chastised herself for acting so innocent. A lone wolf needed to be strong. She stayed up to watch the flames for a bit and soon went into a daydream of the past, not noticing the tears rolling down her eyes.

Michael popped open an eye in surprise when he woke to feel a body next to him. Liera was breathing softly beside him, her head a short distance away from his hair and Michael’s lips curled when he found he was completely trapped by her limbs. Slowly trying to extricate himself from the clinging girl, Michael rolled out of the tent and hoped he didn’t make too much noise. Only then did he see that Valerie was crouched close and staring at them. She gave a smile and waved at him in an increasingly embarrassing way.

“The son follows his father’s footsteps.”

Valerie stood and left those cryptic words before Michael could get control over himself. A few moments after she disappeared and Michael finally raised his head to shout in the empty sky.

“IT ISN’T WHAT YOU THINK!”

The statement echoed throughout the forest and a flock of birds burst out of the trees. Michael’s shout and the bird’s racket woke Liera up and she scrambled out of the tent. Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she proceeded straight to the campfire to eat some breakfast that Michael had missed earlier. Michael followed her to the pit and found that Valerie had reheated the leftovers from last night. Both of them took up a bowl and seated themselves before attacking the food.

Michael found himself glancing at Liera every once a while and only caught himself when she turned her eyes to look at him. Michael then made sure to keep his eye on his food, missing the slight smile she had when she caught him. Liera had taken to finding something to pass the time, and teasing Michael seemed to do the trick. When Michael found her looking at him though, he caught her eye and held it until she looked away. What the two of them were doing, no one could even guess.

Both of them finished their meal at the same time and packed the dirty dishes away. Michael noted they only had a clean set for one last meal since Liera was taking up an extra spot. Michael grimaced at the thought of eating from a dirty dish and started their departure with a quicker step.

Michael was able to progress much faster through the forest this time as he wasn’t slowed down by exploration or searching. He soon found himself out of the forest at noon and the group stopped to eat their final travelling meal since there was only a short distance to Bellen. A fire was quickly made and the broth was a simple matter that was done in moments. Valerie came out of the woods behind them and joined them. After the meal, they all stood and got rid of the mess before starting up once more. Michael and Liera slowed down and walked with a leisurely pace back to the city. Since Valerie had joined them they now looked like a pair of siblings with a babysitter.

Their slow pace had been set because Michael was desperately trying to plan his excuses. Countless scenarios went through his head but he kept smashing them with a hammer that was dubbed ‘Mother’s Logic’ and his mood slowly began to spiral into despair. Liera noticed his sinking mood but couldn’t react to it as she felt she still wasn’t familiar enough with him to interrupt. Valerie, meanwhile, knew exactly what he was worried about and already had her own plan ready.

Seeing the town walls made Michael’s legs start to quiver and shake. His blood dried clothing blocked any visible signs of the sweat that started to run down his neck, and his hair stuck to his face. Michael had built up his mother’s reaction to the point that he almost put himself in ‘Fear’.

Pushing him so he would move, Liera’s head lowered significantly as they got closer to the walls. Only then did Michael move out of his initial worry and took in hers. Her entire family was dead. The only community she has ever known will never return and she was now in the company of people she only met a few days ago, visiting a town of strangers. Michael hung back to walk beside her and placed an arm around her, pressing Liera close. She stiffened a bit at the action but slowly brought up an arm to cling to him.

The three walked up to the gateless entrance of Bellen, where a guard stopped their passage. Each of the five gates went through a rotation of replacements and fixes in a 5-year cycle. This year, the East Gate was under repair as ‘Factory’ finished the last touches of the new gate and was going over to fix anything else.

“Halt! Who are you and what business have you here?”

A heavyset man walked from his corner of the gate to approach the three of them. More wide than tall, the man’s air of superiority was spoiled when Michael noticed he had a mustard stain on his left walrus mustache. Instead of a sword, the man seemed to have sheathed a sandwich into his belt; the contents of which were steadily falling and creating a trail as the man walked towards them.

Michael, Liera, and Valerie stood still and waited for the man to approach. Dirty, blood-soaked, tired, and very sullen in their demeanor, the three were avoided by most of the entering crowds which marked them out as suspicious. Before the man could say another word, Valerie took out a scroll and gave it over to the man.

The man unravelled the scroll with a look of confusion on his face. He read the contents and then straightened himself before returning the scroll to Valerie. He glanced at Michael and eyed Liera for a brief moment before bowing to the three and flourishing an arm towards the entrance. His pudgy exterior made the entire thing a little comical and Liera produced a small grin.

“Please. I am sorry for the delay I have caused and welcome you back to the city.”

Even Valerie thought it was a bit much as she led her two charges into the city. As they passed through the gates, they were stared at by the lower ranking soldiers and various travellers who saw the officer’s large frame bow to them. Very few knew who Valerie was and Michael was far too dirty to be recognized. Liera wasn’t given much of a glance either since she continued to cling to Michael and kept her head down. The three of them were a mystery that none of the busy travellers could solve at the time.

The three made their way through side streets with the hope of avoiding thick crowds. The sun was slightly lowered in the sky and streets were still bustling with the activity of trade and gossip. Shoppers haggled with shopkeepers and shouts rang in buildings that housed the craftsmen. Passing the Crafting District buildings led a person to the much quieter streets of the central combat series area. In this area the sounds of weapons and shouts could be heard ringing through the tense atmosphere. Only the strongest would ever get the renown and respect that everyone dreams of, so most try to keep up a strict attitude as they train.

The Kane house was located a little within the Combat District with the back towards the Crafting District. Michael’s arrow had almost hit a travelling merchant who had first planned to blackmail an exorbitant amount of money from the family, but then ran when he heard rumours of them. Indeed, the noises around the building was down to a hush that Michael was grateful for.

Reaching the house gate, Michael detached Liera from him and went to open it for them all. He turned around to proudly display his house when he saw that Valerie had run. Michael cursed her for taking the opportunity to escape as he gently pulled Liera into the front yard. Michael locked the gate behind him and the two of them stood before the large doors.

Gingerly, Michael put his key in and turned it. He tried to keep the noise to a minimum and sighed with relief when only the faintest click could be heard. Michael took out and pocketed the key before turning the latch with unbearable patience. Liera was sucked into Michael’s attitude and she crept behind him when he entered the house.

They entered the house and took a few steps when the door behind them slammed shut. Turning, Michael found himself looking up at the red eyed, smiling Lucy. Her grin seemed quite mad and she took slow steps forward towards Michael, her outreaching hand curved into a claw. Turning back, Michael found Valerie held by Victoria, which made for a strange scene. Even if the woman was much bigger, Valerie’s stats shouldn’t have made that easy at all. Looking at Victoria, Michael saw that her features were also quite demonic, although lacking any grin. With two red eyed people trapping Michael and Liera in the hall, all they felt was panic.

“Welcome back Michael. I see you are fine, and healthy, and safe. Oh, and there is Valerie. Also fine, and healthy, and safe. Mistress Celia has been worried sick and… taking it out on us and Master Aaron...”

“Haha, well I’m back now, so I’ll just go to sle-”

“Nonono. You must go to your mother. She must miss you a great deal...”

Lucy’s grip on Michael’s shoulders made him recall a story he had once read. Where the orc guards fed their prisoners to the gluttonous wyrm beast they worshipped. One of his father’s old books he believed. Led up the stairs, Michael and Liera were carried all the way to the fourth floor. Victoria did it with relative ease - comical to see the big woman sling Valerie over her shoulder - but Lucy was having a bit of trouble carrying both Michael and Liera. Her brow was sweating and Michael could hear her quick breaths when she took the stairs. Her eyes were blazing with determination though and she muttered under her teeth and between each gasp for air.

“... bring him. Must bring him. Must bring him. Must bring…”

Just how bad was his mother’s state! Michael was getting more nervous after each flight of stairs since Lucy’s condition got worse but her determination grew. If it was bad enough to force Lucy to such efforts, then Michael hoped his mother remembered he was her son and a child. Liera also seemed to have noticed something was wrong. She had a look of panic on her face and when the two made eye contact, she gave him a look and mouthed the words, what have you gotten me into?!.

Finally getting to the top floor, Lucy and Victoria threw the trio into Celia’s room and stayed outside. Both of them grabbed the door handle and closed the door behind the deposited group. Michael picked himself up and looked around the room, trying to find the boss. Nobody at the desk, nobody near the shelves, nobody near the washroom entrance, nobody near the large bundle at the bed, nobody near the window, nobody near… the…

A low moan came from the bundle on the bed and Liera jumped on the spot. She fell on her behind and scooted backwards from the bundle, eyes locked on the moving bed. Michael only glanced at her curiously before he returned his attention to the bed. He wondered what the heck he was doing when he crept towards the bed and opened his mouth.

“Mom? Mother? I’m home. Its me, Michael?”

“Hmm? Michael? Ah, Michael…”

Celia poked her head out of the bed sheets for a bit and blearily glanced at Michael for a bit, her eyes red and unrested, before sticking it back into the sheets like a turtle. She rocked around a bit more until abruptly stopping. Michael snapped back his hand when she stopped moving and eyed the sheets a bit. It quivered once. Then twice… thrice. Soon the bundle vibrated and Michael couldn’t react when two arms and a wild head burst out of the sheets to tackle him.

“It’s MICHAEL! Oh, mommy missed you so much. Hrm… where did you go? Why didn’t you tell me? Oh, never do such a thing to me again.”

Michael actually felt an arm snap under her hug and he was sure his mouth was drooling blood.

“M-mother. My arm… my body… dying…”

Releasing him quickly, Celia took out a vial of her white potions from somewhere and made him down it. Michael felt the healing process wash over him but he wasn’t able to enjoy it since she tackled him once more. Not as hard as the first, she seemed to just want to feel and hold him. He felt awkward when her head hugged his chest and she breathed deeply. After a while of staying in that position - Michael wasn’t suicidal to try and pull off his ‘on the edge’ mother - Celia seemed to finally have had enough of Michael and slowly released him. A commotion at the door took Michael’s attention away from his mother.

“Ah, so he’s back.”

Aaron opened the door to beam at his son. Michael also noticed that Aaron kept a wary eye on his wife. All of this caution was really taking a toll on Michael’s stress levels, especially when the reason of the stress still had her hands on him.

“Mom, please. I’m fine.”

“...”

Celia looked over Michael’s body with a critical eye and Michael didn’t dare try to stop her concentration. As she took notice of his small scratches and bruises, her hands rubbed over some areas that had been blackened with dried blood. She frowned at the red smudges on her fingers and her brow continued to furrow as she took in large bruises on his back and arms. By the time she checked Michael’s worn weapons, her expression had become red with rage and Michael was sure he wasn’t ready for her eruption.

“Where did you go MISTER? I have been worried sick! I thought you had been kidnapped or fell into a hole somewhere or got taken by some little succubus. You will tell me everything. NOW!”

Michael scrambled back from her anger and Aaron placed himself between his son and wife. He placed a concerned hand on her arm, only to have it slapped off and then grabbed by Celia instead. With a small grunt, Aaron tried to pry her hands off but succeeded in only getting that hand grabbed as well. He let her grip his hands since he had no desire to hurt her, only to keep her away from Michael until she calmed.

“Aaron, let me ask once more. Did you know where Michael was all this time?”

Eyes wide at the switch in targets, Aaron tried to run as fast as he could but his hands were still being gripped. Any large movements would allow him to escape, but would also hurt her. So, trapped, Aaron had no choice but to explain.

“I-I have an item that allows me to keep an eye on him…”

Not admitting that it could do a lot more than that, Aaron gave the most basic of information about his Crystal Ball. It allowed him to hear and see whoever he placed a spell charm on. Every member of the family had one and even the maids. No, he did not have another. No, there was really no point in spying on others in the city since each charm was expensive. Only 2 charms left. Yes, I am sorry for keeping that from you.

What Aaron also didn’t admit was that it was placed in his office, or that the office was the one place entirely made from stone because it allowed total privacy from his wife’s magic. That would have been plain stupid.

“Ok, so why did you not tell me this earlier? It would have calmed me if I knew you had an eye on him!”

“He said he would only be out for a few days. I didn’t think that was worth telling...”

“So you didn’t think it was worth enough to calm your wife down?”

“Um, uh…”

“Answer me.”

“Uh… um… M-Michael said he was only g-going to be gone for-”

Celia’s nails drove themselves into his skin and he gasped at her actions. Aaron started to quiver at the pain and his eyes were unsteady as they peered around the room. Only when he saw Michael did he focus and give an apologetic look. Blood started to drip when a few of her fingers pierced the skin and Aaron’s hands looked in danger of being ripped off. Aaron quickly pointed to Michael with what was left of his hands.

“Michael said he would only be out for a few days... I didn’t expect him to come back with that girl or looking like that.”

“Okay, you said that already. But WHY. DID. YOU. NOT. TELL. ME?”

Aaron was sweating buckets now and his hands were a mess of red. He collapsed slightly and Michael was more than a little worried for him. Looking at his features though, Michael felt a chill go up his spine. Aaron was sweating and his eyes were wide with fear and unfocused, but his lips were… smiling.

“Please~”

Aaron’s tone of voice grew a touch desperate and Michael thought that his father was struggling to contain something. Was he getting angry or something? Was he going ‘Berserk’? The smile from before was quite creepy and Michael couldn’t think of anything but that. Michael decided enough was enough and his movements attracted the eye of everyone. Michael reached into his pack and took out a padded bag. Opening this bag made his mother gasp as the silver vines of the plant came into view.

“I-I heard you talk about a legendary plant in the forest, so I decided to, errr, take a trip there.”

Michael forced his body to assume the most innocent posture he could imagine. Gazing at the ground, Michael leaned on one foot and swung the other so that it only lightly touched the ground. He left the plant on the ground and placed his hands behind his back, then twisted his waist from one side to the next. If one were to look at his face, they would also see that he took on a sullen look and blinking back fake tears. Very effective against a person like…

“Oh Michael! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Oh, I should have never talked about the plant! This is all my fault…”

Michael and Aaron traded thumbs up and smiles behind Celia as she went to once more hug Michael. With her finally calm, the three of them would be able to have a normal discussion about what happened and about-

“Michael, who is she?”

All of the tension returned to the room as Celia eyed the shaking Liera with an indescribable look. Liera had seen the scary woman almost rip off a larger man’s hands so it wasn’t surprising to see fear on her face. Michael felt his mother’s grip on him gradually tightening so he quickly shouted his information before his airway got cut off.

“She was one of the guardians of the plant! Her entire family and city died protecting it! I offered to protect it and asked her to come with me!”

That explanation actually seemed to be enough as Celia released Michael to go to the girl. Crouching before her, Celia surprised the guys when she spoke in a different language. Liera responded in a hesitant whisper but was more than surprised when she got swept up in a Celia style hug. Michael and Aaron’s jaws dropped at the sight.

“We are keeping her! Lucy! Prepare a set of new clothes for the girl. Victoria! Clean up one of the guest rooms for her. And what is Valerie doing here?”

Seeing the opportunity, the extremely quiet, presence lacking woman disappeared from the room and ran off to do her own work. Michael cursed how easily she managed to leave and avoid Celia’s attention. Lucy and Victoria shouted their affirmation to her orders from behind the closed doors and Michael heard the stamping of feet as they rushed to their work.

“You come with me and I’ll get you cleaned up. Looks like you hadn’t had a bath in weeks. And I’ll be taking that plant...”

Carrying Liera with one arm and grabbing the bag with the Silven Plant in the other, Celia glided out of the room with a look that was close to how a child with a new toy would look. Michael and Aaron were still shocked at the development since they had both been expecting an explosion. Aaron recovered first and moved towards the cabinet.

“Michael, catch.”

Aaron gingerly picked up a roll of gauze with his few bloodless fingers and tossed them to his son. Michael shook himself out of his stupor to catch it, then began unwinding a fair bit of it. Michael went over to his father, who had seated himself at the edge of the bed and was wiping his hands on the blanket that Celia had hid under. Aaron held out a relatively clean hand, and Michael took out his canteen to wash away the dried blood and clean the wound. Adding some herbs he kept for backup potions, Michael then wrapped the gauze tightly around the wound before tying it off. He did the same for the other and Aaron checked the wrappings.

“Still no skill?”

Michael took a glance at his notification area and then shook his head.

“I didn’t think so. You’ve only done it a few times and the skill is quite hard to acquire. Even if you are experienced in it. I like the water you used to clean the wounds, and the herbs. My first time through, all I did was tie up everything. Took me weeks and hundreds of bandages, but I think it should be less for you.

“Anyways, I’m sure your mother is questioning the girl right now so I guess I’ll have to settle with you. Why did you go into the forest and was that a good enough reason for me to almost lose my hands.”

Michael’s brow furrowed a bit and he turned around to see if anyone else was in the room before answering.

“First, that plant is legendary. I just had to get it. I- Ow!”

Aaron grimaced at the pain he felt in his hand, but he thought that the flick was a good tradeoff. Michael rubbed at his forehead and backed a few steps away from the larger man. Aaron sighed and rolled his eyes at his son’s antics.

“You - yea you - you do not have to get anything. You told me you were just going out to get some real life experience and for the first few days, I actually saw that type of activity. Then the second day, after you and the fox fought, I lost contact with you. What happened Michael? Tell me in detail.”

Aaron’s eyes took in the state of Michael’s body and a slight hitch in his voice made Michael pause. He had been about to lie and explain some ridiculous idea, but that would have been stupid. His mother was questioning Liera separately and Michael didn’t account for that. Plus his father was genuinely worried about him. Michael swallowed his story and proceeded to tell his recount of the events.

By the time he was done, night had fallen over the city and Aaron had to light a few candles to keep their eyes from straining to see one another. Aaron didn’t have much talent in the magic department, so he had to manually do it himself. He seated himself back on the bed and faced his son.

“So she has no one left?”

“She said the city cleared the previous night to fight the invaders. It was mid noon when we were attacked by whatever was left of those invaders, so I don’t think anyone was left.”

Aaron nodded and sat in silence for a moment, thinking about what he had heard and what would have to happen. He then cocked an eye at Michael and asked in a light tone.

“And you just happened to offer the pretty girl your services? You dog. Only recently orphaned and you make your move on her.”

Michael blushed at Aaron’s suggestive tone and smile and stammered out a hasty reply.

“It wasn’t like that! She was guarding the plant and since no one else was there to help, I offered. Plus she was a wolf when I asked. Not that she isn’t pretty or anything. I mean-”

Aaron’s laughter cut off Michael’s reply and Michael became more flushed as he quieted down. Soon Aaron’s mirth also lessened and he turned a little more serious as he spoke to Michael.

“What do you think she wants to do? Live with us? I know your mother has some customs that deny us from having another kid, so I think adoption wouldn’t be too bad. But why would she want to do so?”

“I may have sorta told her that we could guard the plant. And I may have sorta told her that you were stronger than Valerie. If you train the both of us, we’re bound to get strong enough to guard it ourselves. Plus… I’m rather lonely.”

Aaron didn’t know how the boy did it, but he was sure some sad music had started to play in the background. Michael looked up at him and his eyes grew impossibly big. They started to get a little teary and he even thrust out his lower lip into a pout. Aaron’s sanity couldn’t possibly take it and he looked away, trying to give his eyes some rest. Then Michael attacked another sense.

“I live with you, and Mom, and Lucy, and Victoria, and Valerie, but theres no one my own age that I know. The house is so big, but it feels empty with me as the only kid. I would ask for another sibling, but I know how selfish that is. Liera would be the first friend I make and-”

He couldn’t take it anymore! Aaron squeezed his eyes shut and blocked his ears with his hands. He threw himself on his back and tried to bury himself in the soft bed. Then, Michael used his last and final move.

Aaron felt a small body hug him. The surprise made him loosen his hands as he opened his eyes to see what was going on. There, he was confronted by Michael’s impossibly large eyes and Aaron could heard a small whine from the boy. Aaron felt his will snap and he lifted Michael towards to fully engulf the cute kid in a hug.

“Hmm FINE! You win. I’ll be on your side when you ask your mother to take in the girl.”

Happy at the success of his plan, Michael hugged his father once more and the two heard the ring of a ready meal. Only then did Michael notice that he had missed eating anything since that morning. His stomach growled at the thought of a home cooked meal and Michael barely noticed when his body was already out the room and going down the stairs. Aaron was following behind, chuckling at both the speed and the talking stomach.

Michael paused at the dining table when he saw the other two participants to the feast. Celia was dressed normally, but Michael had missed her for the last few days, especially during the battles. She cleaned up quite well and was dressed in her trademarked stained coat. Liera was also seated there and she had been fitted into a simple dress. Her hair had been cleaned and done up, revealing brown curls that framed her petite face which was looking away from him. Michael was still staring when he got slapped from behind. Stumbling forward, Michael glared at his father who had his suggestive smile back on his face. Michael flushed and slowly walked towards his seat, making sure not to look at Liera again.

The both of them seated themselves and then started filling their plates with food. Celia did the same and then Liera followed a short while later. All of them took their first bites at the same time and Michael saw Liera’s face light up in surprise. She chewed her food very slowly and then swallowed it, her disbelieving face still staring at the food. She took another bit, and then another, then started stuffing herself full. She soon noticed that everyone else was staring at her and abruptly flushed and started to eat slower.

Smiling, everyone continued to eat, silence being the only thing that accompanied them. Finishing, the dishes were taken away from Lucy and they all cleaned themselves up before reseating themselves at the table.

“Now, Michael. Liera here told me that you had… promised to look after the plant and that she should stay with you to guard it.”

“Y-yes. I said so. Then I drank some of her blood and that formed a contract that said the same.”

“What exactly does the contract state?”

“First is to keep the Silven Plant guarded and well cared for. Next is to make sure all guardians are well and able to carry out their duties. And lastly, I cannot break this contract unless by the killing the other members. I think that also means myself.

“Mom, what is this plant? Why were Liera’s people guarding it and why would people or monsters go after it?”

Celia was quiet as she contemplated Michael’s words and even Liera started to fidget. As the youngest member of her clan, she wasn’t taught everything yet so she didn’t know much either. Celia gave a look to Aaron and he nodded in return. He stood from his seat and made his way to his office, giving the three some privacy. Michael was pretty sure he would listen in with the crystal ball though.

“...fine. That plant is called the Silven Plant, as your connection must have told you. It is a plant that was personally made by the Lady of the Land, the Green-Singers’ Goddess. It is treasured by the elves, feys, and us Green-Singers which is probably why your entire clan was tasked to guard it.

“Since it was so well guarded, most of the other races and other humans had no idea about it. However, a small Silven Plant was found by a human about 500 years ago. He sold it to the prevailing Magus group at the time and turned their world upside down.

“The applications for the plant were far reaching. Potions could be created from extractions of the plant. Scrolls written on the plant’s type of paper made the spells more powerful and effective. Clothes, wands, food. The small plant was devoured eagerly by the community and after it was finally used up, they went out to search for more.

“They searched everywhere for the plant and found out that the fey and elves had most of the plants. They tried to buy it. Then they tried to steal it, threaten for it, and finally they started a war for it.

“The Magus war was the result. The human kingdoms were tricked and forced to fight the elves and fey for some minor reason. The Green-Singers sided against the other humans and there were great casualties from both sides, mainly the humans. When the Mages were finally wiped out, the war stopped with a truce between the races but that still strained future relations. Hence why you cannot see elves and fey, or any other races in the human towns much.”

Celia grew solemn by the end of her story and the room went silent for a while. Michael didn’t expect the history about the plant to be so bloody. Liera was also silent and Michael wondered what she was thinking as she listened. She saw Michael’s looking at her and stared back, making him turn away in embarrassment. Not noticing the interaction or the red in her son’s cheeks, Celia continued her story.

“The plant gained a higher level of protection, one of which must have been Liera’s Clan. Since Liera’s clan was one of the Wolf Feys, you can bet that they had to have fought a very strong army. A single clan of them would have been able to decimate a force many times their own number. I wouldn’t be surprised if 10,000 had been sent against them.”

That seemed to be aimed at cheering Liera up and succeeded. She sat up straighter and had a proud but sad smile on her face. Michael smiled back and Liera sharply turned her face away from his direction.

“Now, I guess all we need to do is figure out what next. Aaron! Come back up!”

Shouting in the direction of his office, the three waited as they heard Aaron’s footsteps sound up the stairs and into the first floor. Aaron joined them at the dining table and sat back down on his spot.

“Are we talking about Liera’s future?”

Straight and to the point. Michael wondered if his father had been listening in. He didn’t want to bring it up at the moment, so he kept quiet and turned to Liera for her comments.

“I-I want to become strong enough to guard the plant. Even if it does not have the old protection of a full clan, I could probably keep it safe if it’s moved constantly. Now though, it would probably be safe in this house. And in the middle of the city.”

“Of course. I’ll keep it in my office. No thief should be able to get into the office unless they have... permission.”

“And you can join Michael’s training. Tomorrow we can decide your fighting style and how to train.”

Celia and Aaron both put in their own thoughts and Michael raised his hand as well.

“How about school? She could learn a lot at school and I can be there to help her.”

He also hoped that he would finally be able to get a friend in the class. Close to two years in the class and he still hadn’t made friends with anyone there. Having Liera there would be nice and would also make class more interesting.

“Unfortunately I will have to say no. The school mainly deals with matters that affect humans. They won’t go into many matters for fey like Liera, and there wouldn’t be a point for the class to change just for her. I could probably teach her more from my personal books than the church would anyways.”

“Then why don’t I stay home and you teach me things? School is too boring and I don’t talk to anyone there anyways.”

Celia really couldn’t say anything to that as she wanted him to stay home too. It took days of arguing with her husband before she finally relented. Now that the topic was brought up again…

“No. The church has specific rules that says the children of the city must go to classes. It may have started as just a simple speech about education, but the church made it a law only a few decades ago. Since Liera is not born from this city and is of a different race, she will probably be exempt from school.”

And I shall use my connections to do so. Not saying that thought, Aaron could only imagine the difficulty she would face in a class full of human children. Children were quite harsh and those two bullying kids from before were still prominent in Aaron’s memories. Michael grew sullen at the facts but accepted them since they mostly made sense. Michael’s sigh turned into a yawn and he blinked away tears.

“And I guess we should have you two sleep. You two have been through a lot recently and a good nights rest should do good. Lucy, lead Liera to her new room. I’ll take Michael!”

The last part brought a surprised and pale look to Michael’s face and he tried to make a run for it. Celia’s body and arms were faster though as hugged Michael into the air and carried him off to his rooms. Half suffocating, Michael couldn’t help but think I’m home.

StatusNameMichaelAge6Level12Class-Fame0Infamy0TitleGreen-SingerGuild-Health630Mana750Stamina740Stored Rage79

Strength61Dexterity34Vitality63Intelligence55 + 20Wisdom49 + 20Mana Control9 + 5Critical Chance0.07%Agility63Concentration76 + 5Willpower18Charisma35 + 5Presence35Art30

[p=left]Special Skills and bonuses:

‘Silven Plant’ grants:

Double Mana Regeneration.

‘Green-Singer’ grants:

+5 Vitality.

+20 to Intelligence.

+20 to Wisdom.

+5 Mana Control.

+5 Charisma.

+5 Concentration.

+20 Nature Affinity.

[/p]

SkillsStealthBeginner level 1. (22%). Active skillInstant AnalyzationBeginner level 2. (74%) Active skillLanguage ComprehensionBeginner Level 1. (0%) Passive skillHerbologyBeginner level 4. (66%) Passive skillAlchemyBeginner level 3. (91%) Active skillSword MasteryBeginner level 2. (64%) Active skillDagger MasterBeginner level 1. (97%) Active skillWeapon Throwing MasteryBeginner level 2. (55%) Active skillRage ReleaseBeginner level 1. (60) Active skillGreen-MagicBeginner level 1 . (4%) Active skillHowlBeginner level 0. (0%) Active skillDevourBeginner level 0. (0%) Passive skill

AffinitiesFire1Water1Earth1Wind1Light2Dark2Nature9 + 20

Michael now has:

A renowned potion making teacher

Combat lessons from his Expert Ranking father.

Green-Magic lessons from his mother

Silven Plant connection

Pack

Michael’s Pack:

Michael (leader)

Liera

Kuekuekue, those wolves didn't stand a chance...Time for a relaxation period? I agree

Welp, Chapter 6 is finally here. Haven't touched 8 again!!!!!! At this rate, the gap between 7 and 8 releases would be quite large. Since chapter 7 isn't very action packed, I shall not upload 7 until chapter 8 is complete. Mwahaha

Anyways, how does everyone feel about Liera? Better? Worse? Who is Liera?

Hmmmmmmmm I feel quite busy... anyone have books for me to read? LNs are better atm in terms of size... just read Douluo Dalu in one day (slept at 7 am to 1 pm). Need more to read...

Top 30!!! Target!!!! Vote!!!!