Chapter 18

The Promised Time

The cold morning air brush against my body. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. My imagination transformed the darkness around me into an arena. Thousands of people cheered as I step onto the arena. Standing on the other side of the stage was a shadowy figure of a man who's been training in martial arts for years.

A martial artist, huh? My imagination just loves torturing me, doesn’t it? But I guess these are the kind of opponents I’ll be dealing with in the tournament. So then, how do I engage?

I only got a couple of months of half-assed training on my side. There’s no way I’m beating anyone in a head-on fight, especially a martial artist. If I want to have a chance against guys like these, then I have no choice but to use every dirty trick I got.

“Alright, here I go.” I ran straight towards the shadowy figure. I balled my hands into a fist and threw a punch. The shadowy figure raised its guard, but before my fist could reach him, I abruptly stop and dive towards the ground. I rolled past the shadowy figure and wrapped my tail around his legs to stop his movement.

“First round!” Small orbs of light suddenly formed and gathered around my arm. The orbs fuse together and transform into a bright white light that envelops my arm. “Fire!” I slam my aura covered fist into his back.

I doubt any human would be moving after taking such a hit. But what if I was up against a beastman? Will that be enough to take them down? And what if my opponent has a sword. I’ll be cut to pieces before I even have a chance to throw a punch. And there’s the problem with my stamina. Even after months of training, I still can only use aura three times with my right hand.

“I need to find a way to improve my chances in a fight without heavily relying on aura.”

“I wish the recruits took their training as seriously as you.”

I jumped to my feet and stood as straight as I could. “Thank you for letting me use the training ground again!” I shouted as loud as I could, even my tail was standing up stiff.

Theo’s instructor smiled and said. “Relax, you’re not one of my trainees.”

“Oh, right.” I let my shoulders droop, and my tail hovers near the ground.

“Thanks again for letting me use the training.” This time I bow my head to show my respect and gratitude. After Dante left, I was worried I would have to destroy the abandoned stores around my home to train my aura, but thankfully the instructor allowed me to train with Theo and the other trainees.

“No need for thanks. The hero’s pupil is always welcome here.”

“I’m not really Dante’s student.” I awkwardly brush the hair that dangling near my eye. I’m so used to hearing him yell that it kind of felt weird hearing him talking normally.

“Hm?” The instructor suddenly tilted his head. “Did you hurt your arm while you were training?”

“No?” I look down at my arms, confused. My entire left arm was wrapped in bandages. “Oh, this…” I immediately hid my left arm behind my back. “This is um.” I tried to come up with an excuse as to why my arm was bandage but decided against it. “Have you ever heard of people waking to find a weird tattoo on their body?

“All the time. However, it’s mostly because of idiots who got to remember what they did last night. Is that what happen to you? I never took you as a party girl.”

“What? No!”

“Relax. I’m joking.” The instructor rubbed his chin while chuckling. “Anyway. you really don’t remember how you got the tattoo?

“No. And it seems like it’s getting bigger.” When I first notice the tattoo, it was barely noticeable. Now it almost covers my entire arm.

“Hmm. Interesting.” At some point, while I was deep in thought, the instructor closes the distance between us and unwrapped the bandages on my arm. The tattoo on my arm took the shape of a thorny rose that travel down my arm. Weird symbols wrapped around the flower-shaped tattoo.

“This tattoo looks similar to the warrior marks Beastmen etch onto their body.”

“A warrior mark?” I echo his words back to him, confused.

“It’s a tradition for beastman. Well, for the ones that still live in tribes. When the boys in the tribe reach a certain age, they’re forced to go through a trial. If they failed, the tribe abandons them. If they pass, the elders will etch the warrior mark on the boys’ bodies. After they receive the mark, the boys will undergo intensive training until they become warriors. Those who excel in combat will receive additional markings, so they stand out from the others.

“And I thought Theo’s instructor was cruel. But these tribes are willing to abandon children if they don’t prove themselves. I can’t even imagine what those poor kids go through. Still, this doesn’t explain where this tattoo. If anything, I’m even more confused now.

There aren’t any tribes near us, and the only beastman I knew was my father who was a halfling that grew up in human society. There’s no one around that could’ve given me this mark. And even if there was how did they tattoo this on my body without me noticing? Maybe this is just a weird birthmark.

Ding Dong!

I was suddenly snap out of my thought by the sound of a bell. The recruits sluggishly enter the training ground as if they were in a trance. Seeing the dead look in their eyes as they march, I silently took back what I said about beastman tribes. I think Theo’s instructor might be a bit crueler than any beast.

Speaking of Theo. “Where is Theo? I don’t see him.

“He’s investigating the sewers.”

“Huh, why?”

“To keep the giant rat population under control. And...” The instructor paused and scratch his cheeks. It looks like he was carefully picking what words to say next. “...make sure nothing undesirable escapes.”

Tilt my head confused. It sounds like he was trying to tell me there’s something else lurking in the sewer besides rats.

“Is the mission dangerous?” The instructor laughs at my question.

“Don’t worry. All he has to do check a few locations in the sewers than report back. If he can’t do this then he’s not cut out to be soldier. But, I’ll let him know that you’re worry about him, I bet that’ll send him over the moon.

“I doubt that. But while you’re at it can you tell Theo I said thanks for all encouragement he gave me during training. It really kept me going.”

“So, you’re really leaving tomorrow?” there was a hint of concern in the instructor’s eyes.

“I have to. The tournament will begin in 5 days if I don’t leave now, I’ll miss the deadline to sign up.

“Good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.” The instructor patted me on the shoulder, then headed towards the recruits that were sobbing as they ran.

“Luck, huh? I think I’m going to need more than luck for the road ahead.” I left the training ground while thinking about the future.

“Seeing how slow you weaklings are moving I guess you want to run all day!” The instructor roar. Even though I left the building and was across the street from the soldier’s barracks, I could still hear him loud and clear.

I said a silent prayer for the trainees going through and then looked up at the sky. The sun lethargically climbing its way up the deep blue sky. The higher it rose, the more energetic the town became.

"I guess. I’ll take a nap. Might as well get some sleep while I still have a chance." I stretch my body and headed home. Just as I was about to crossover into the slums, I felt a cold chill on the back of my neck.

I abruptly stopped and rubbed my neck. I knew exactly what this unpleasant sensation was. It was a warning. Someone is after me.

I may sound paranoid, but I made it a habit to never question my instincts. It’s one of the reasons why I manage to survive so long on these streets.

While rubbing the back of my neck, I continue walking down the road that led to the slums. I didn’t bother looking around for whoever might be following me. Letting them know I’m aware of them will only make them more unpredictable and dangerous.

As soon as I cross into the slum, I took a sharp turn into an alley. I quickly climb up a building and slip inside the second-story window room.

“Alright, now who could my stalker be?” I peeked through the broken window and waited patiently. After a few minutes, a hooded figure steps into the alley. Judging from their size it must be a kid.

The kid’s eyes darting around warily looking for a trace of me. I pick a glass shard up from off the ground and carefully climb back out the window.

The last thing I want to do is hurt a kid, but you can never be too careful. for all I know the kid might be working for a gang.

I slowly crept towards the kid while making sure no one else enters the alley. “Don’t move.” I place the glass near the kid’s back making sure they can feel how sharp the shard was.

“Wait! Catherine, it’s me!”

“Lily?” I pulled the kid’s hood down. Lily’s bouncing ponytail sprung free from the hood nearly slapping me in the face.

“S-Surprise.” Tears felled down her face while she force a weak smile on her face.

“God, Lily.” I toss the glass shard away. “Why were you stalking me?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you definitely succeeded in that. I almost stab you.

“Sorry,” Lily said weakly while looking down at the ground. For a person that wants to be treated like an adult, she’s quick to act like a kid when things don’t go her way.

“Anyway, it’s been a while how you’ve been?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve been real! Even Granny has improved a lot. Oh, right!” Lily suddenly grabs my hand and pulls me out the back alley. “Grandma wants to thank you.

“That isn’t necessary.”

“She said she’s making a pie for you.”

I bit my lip, barely able to keep my excitement down. I can’t even remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.

“Fine. I’ll tag along.”

“The other kids are going to love you.”

“I bet they are.” My excitement for the home-cooked pie immediately vanishes when she mention kids. I never been good with children. They either treat me like a kid or as a pet. I moved slowly wondering if I should just go home, but the lure of food kept me going.

Lily dragged me through the slums to an old plaza. Almost all the buildings were boarded up except for a white house. An old woman sat on the porch silently watching the kids run around the abandoned plaza with a content smile.

“Hey, Lily back!” One of the kids shouted.

“Here we go.” I took a deep breath and prepare myself for what was about to happen. And just like I thought, the moment the kids notice me their eyes lit up with curiosity.

Are those ears real?” One of the kids pointed to my ears. I silently move my ears to show they were indeed the real deal.

“That’s so cool!”

“Oh, she can do much more than that. Despite her appearance, Catherine is quite alethic. She can do splits and can even climb buildings. Go on, show them, Catherine.”

“When did you become my boss?” I grabbed Lily’s head and squeeze her head.

“Ouch! I just wanted you to show off some tricks.”

“Oh, so you think I’m some sort of dog?”

“Of course not! You obviously looked more like a ca- ouch!” I squeeze Lily’s head harder making she couldn’t say another word.

“Finish that sentence, I dare you.”

“Um.” A Little girl nervously approaches Lily and me. “C-Can I touch your tail?”

Normally, I would’ve said no. But it looked like it took all her courage to ask me that question. I’ll look like the villain if I turn her down. This is why I can’t stand kids, they’re so unfair.

“Sure.” The little girl’s expression instantly brightens when presented my tail to her. For whatever reason, the other kids crowded to touch my tail. Even Lily joined in. Maybe it’s because I had a tail all my life, but I’ll never understand why people are so interested in the part of me that’s attached to my lower back.

“It’s so fuzzy and warm.” A chill crawled up my spine as the kids stroke my tail.

“Okay, that’s enough.” I tried to walk away, but the kids had a good a grip on my tail.

“Please, can we play with it a little longer?” A tear formed in the little girl’s eyes.

Just say so, no Catherine. Just say no, Catherine. “Fine.” Damnit. I’m really am weak against kids. At least they’re not pulling my tail.

“Hey, does your tail come off?”

“What?! Ahh!!” Suddenly, an intense pain attacked my mind. Causing me temporarily to blackout. When I came to, an older lady was chastising the kids.

“Now, apologize.”

All the kids, including Lily, turned towards me and bow. “Sorry!” The kids shouted in unison.

“It’s fine.” To be honest, I was quite angry, but it’ll be immature to lash out at kids who didn’t know any better.

“Lily, can you keep the kids busy. I want to talk to your friend for a little while.”

“Roger.” Lily gave the elderly woman an energetic salute then turn to the kids. “Alright, who wants to play tag?”

“I do!” All ten of the children eagerly raised their hands.

“last to the water fountain is it!” Lily dash towards the fountain in the middle of the plaza. The kids quickly follow behind her.

“I wish I had at least a quarter of their energy.” The elderly woman looked enviously at the kids back for a second than at me. “Catherine, it’s good to see you.” The woman extended her hands towards me. I accepted her hand and said “Likewise.

When I grabbed the woman’s hand, I felt myself instinctively relax. She had a motherly aura. Not to mention wrinkles on her face made her looked more graceful, and her dark blue eyes seemed to hold a lifetime of wisdom.

Her gentle smile turns into a small frown. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

I dug deep into my mind and tried to remember if I met this aging woman. Sadly, the only people I remember ever meeting is thugs and soldiers.

“Sorry, I don’t remember you.”

“It's fine, you were quite young back then. I remember how you used lovely cling to your father's leg. Your mother tried her hardest to separate you two. She always said that she wanted you to get along with kids your age, but I think she was just jealous that you weren’t clinging to her.” The older woman laughs fondly at the old memories. I found myself joining her on memory lane. It’s strange. The world seems much more peaceful back then, even though we were at war. Maybe it’s because I was a kid, and the only thing I had to worry about back then was kids picking on me because I look different than them.

“Ah! Where are my manners? I still haven’t introduced myself.” The older woman places her hand on her chest and bow slightly. “My name is Isabelle, and I can bake quite a mean pie. Would you like to have a slice?

“Yes, please!” It was hard to hold back my excitement since we were finally moving on to the reason I’m here. However, my eagerness didn’t last long. I froze in place when I enter her home. There was nothing special about the house, but unlike my home, I could feel warmth. The children's drawings on the wall and worn furniture were overflowing with memories and love. I could practically see the kids running around the house laughing, only to be scolded by Isabelle a moment later.

“Must be nice,” I said to no one while looking at a child drawing. A bunch of stick figures stood together holding hands in front of a white.

There was nothing special about the simplistic drawing. Yet, for some reason it resonated with me.

“See something you like?” I jumped slightly surprised that Isabelle got so close to me without me noticing.

“You should be careful.” Isabelle said while giggling, clearly happen she manage to scare me. “Amy will ask you for some coins if she see you staring at her art with such passion.”

“Amy?”

“She was the one that pulled your tail.”

“Ah.” I gently place the picture back down on the table. The last thing I want is get more involved with that girl. Isabelle puts down a pie near me while laughing.

The crust of the pie was golden brown. A dark red filling oozes from the center of the pie onto the plate. It took all my willpower to not shove the whole pie in my mouth.

I sat down at the kitchen table using what little table manners I know. Isabelle sat on the other side of table waiting to see what I think of her food.

I took a small bite of my pie. Just like the smell, there was something familiar about the taste.

“I taught your mom how to make this pie.” As if she could read my thoughts, she explained where this nostalgic feeling was coming from.

“Your mom…” Isabelle started while trying to suppress a laugh. “She really wanted you to cling her like you did your father. So, she constantly came to me to learn a new recipe to impress you.” A tear fell down Isabelle’s face while she laughs. “I… really miss her.”

“Yea, me too.” I dug into my pie while thinking about my mother. I can still hear her humming her favorite song while she cooks. Just like my father, her very presence made me feel warm and safe. I really do miss you.

Rub my eyes and try to get another forkful of pie, only to realize the plate was empty.

“Thank you for the food.”

“Oh, no. I should be thanking you. Thanks to that gold coin, you got me out of a financially tough spot. By the way, where did you get that gold coin?” Isabelle shot me a suspicious gaze, which was understandable. Gold coins are typically are mostly used by nobles who don’t want to carry pounds of sliver or bronze coins. The only way a person has a chance of acquiring a gold coin is through illegal means, which is exactly how I got.

“Ah, you see.” I scratch my head, trying to find a good excuse.

I wasn’t about being arrested thanks to Dante and Bella bailing me out of jail (although they were the reason why I got sent to jail in the first place). I don’t worry about getting arrested unless I commit another crime. What does bother me is having a friend of my parents think that I’m a criminal.

“Catherine,” Isabelle calls my name gently. There was a hint of sadness in my eyes. “I know what you and Lily have been doing.

I could feel a lump growing in my throat. It felt like my parents caught me doing a crime.

“I’ve always known. But I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.” A self-deprecating smile spread on her face. “Every time she brings me the money she made. I lose the will to say anything. But I won’t hesitate anymore.” Isabelle stood up and looked down at me with a newfound conviction.

“I don’t want you to involve Lily or any of the other kids in your schemes.”

“Okay,” I answered quickly. Since I quit being a thief, I had no intention of putting Lily or anyone else in danger ever again.

“And…” Isabelle started. I prepare myself for her next demand. If she asks me to never talk to Lily again. I’ll distance myself from her and the other children.

“I want you to join my family.”

“Huh?”

“I want you to join my family.” She repeated. But I still didn’t understand couldn’t comprehend what she was saying.

“I think I’m a bit too old to get adopted.” I let out a forced laugh to try to clear the awkward atmosphere between us. But Isabelle silently stares at me, waiting for a serious answer.

Why didn’t she asked me to be a friend? I would’ve happily accepted if she did. Family can never be replaced. If you lose a friend, you can find another, but that hole in your heart will never heal when you lose your family. At least that’s what I always thought.

I looked back down at the drawing. It was obvious the picture was about how Amy sees all the other kids as a family.

“All the kids outside are orphans, right?”

“Were orphans.” Isabelle corrected. “But yes, they all lost their family, just like you.”

In the distance, I can hear the kids laughing. It’s amazing how they can laugh despite everything they have been through at such a young age. Maybe it's because they didn’t get a chance to make that many memories with their family. Lily told me once that she doesn’t remember her old hometown and family anymore.

Will that happen to me one day? Will I eventually forget the time I spent with my parents? Will I be happier if I forget them?

I close my eyes and thought. After a few seconds, I open them. Fully prepared to answer the question.

“I’m. sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

“Can you please think about it?”

” I have.”

“I mean, I want you to think about it for a while.” Isabelle reaches over the table, place her on my mine. “Please.” She begged silently.

“You’re far too kind.” I gently place my other hand on hers. “You worked yourself to the bone taking care of all these kids, and you want to add me to your burden? I’m sorry, but I can’t let that happen.

“I can work something out. I promise you won’t be a burden.”

“You should focus on yourself and your children rather than me.” I gently removed her hand of me and stood up.

“Oh, thanks for the pie. It’s was really good.”

“You’re wrong about me.” Isabelle took a few steps away from me. Her strong gaze seems weaker now. “You probably don’t remember, but I visited you once when I found out about your mother’s passing. I was planning on taking you in. but, in the end, my fear stopped me.”

“Fear? What were you scared of?” I asked, but Isabelle didn’t say anything. She averted her gaze from and stared only at the table. “I’m sorry.” She whispered. “It’s because of me you’ve been alone for all these years.”

I scratched my head, trying to remember what happened between us. After my mom passed away, everything became hazy. The only thing I can recall is standing in front of her shoddily built grave with Crook.

“You don’t need to feel sorry for me,” I said after giving up on remembering the past. Knowing me, I would’ve declined her invitation back then.

“I never was alone. My parents are always with me, and the memories they gave is what spurring me forward.” I can feel my heart getting warmer, thinking about the dream of my father.

“Which is why you should focus on the kids. Give them a good childhood and let them make plenty of good memories so that their hearts will always be warm regardless how cold the world may get.”

“…” Isabelle stared at me, speechless. Even I was a bit surprised with myself. I have no idea where exactly those words came from. Honestly, it was kind of embarrassing. But I wasn’t going to back down.

“Do you understand?” Isabelle nodded her head. “Yes.” She said. Her eyes became more focused and determined.

“Good.” Satisfied with her answer, I headed for the door.

“Ethan, Deborah. I wish you can see your child. She has grown into a fine woman.” Isabelle whispered to herself. I left the house, pretending I didn’t hear her.

“You don’t need to worry. They’re watching me even now.”

.

.

.

Once again, the sun crept past the horizon chasing away the darkness and announcing that this was the start of a new day, and most importantly, that the time has finally come.

It’s strange I’m calm even though I’m about to leave this town for the first time in my life. I don’t think I got more confident. Rather, all of this still doesn’t feel real. Every time I closed my eyes, I’m scared that’ll I wake up and find out that I haven’t met Dante or Bella, and nothing has changed that I haven’t changed.

“Did I change?” While I was thinking that. I slowly caressed the case that Bella gave me. Her words echoing in my head.

I’ll receive fifteen gold coins if I sell this case and the content inside. Not enough to buy back my family store. But I can easily live a comfortable life for a couple of years if I spend wisely.

It sounds nice. But if all I ever wanted was money. Then I would’ve taken all the money I’ve stolen and left this town years ago. I still don’t know what I truly want, but I feel I’ll found out during this journey.

“So, let’s see what’s inside.” I carefully open the case. Inside was neatly folded clothes and a knife tucked to the side. I can feel a smile blooming on me as I put on the clothes Bella gave me. The clothes perfectly fit me. Even the shorts, there was a small hole that my tail slip through.

A bright red heart sat in the center of the black shirt. I guess this was supposed to represent me and my family. And the small cross etch onto the metal plates on the fingerless gloves and handle of the knife which meant Bella made these herself. I’ve known for quite some time that Bella was skilled at making weapons, but I never imagine that this is what she was doing when me and Dante were sparring.

After I slip on my gloves, I reach for the jacket but notice there was a note sticking out of the pocket.

To The Stubborn Fool

Try Not To Die.

-Bella

“Thank you, Bella.” I place the paper on table and put the jacket on. “I’m ready!” I slam both my fists together to rid myself of all the doubts that remain. I check my clothes one more time then left my home.

The time is has finally come. The summer festival is beginning, and warriors from all over are gathering at the capital, so all the royal guards and the king himself can see who’s the strongest. Never in my life I thought I would participate in such a huge event, but it’s just like dad said.

“I’m a star too.” I stopped and took one last looked at my home. “So, watch me closely. I’m going to show the world just how bright I can shine.