On the terrain where the human kingdom once resided lay a massive hole, the kingdom had been levelled and on the now desolate land levitated a large ball like structure with large chains anchoring it to the ground. The structure had been Cleaved almost in half by an unknown force and it doesn't seemed like it would be fixed anytime soon.
Inside the orb was dark no light what so ever was present, the inside wasn't overly complicated it's just like a massive dark room, but the occupants inside could navigate with ease.
How are you feeling Sire, came a bored almost drawling voice.
Focus of fixing the Sphere, rather than poking your nose where it doesn't belong, came a deep cold response.
My apologies, the drawling voice apologized, I'll get right on it.
Also Command the men to start searching for the kid, scour the universe if you have to, the deep voice commanded.
Yes Sire, it shall be done, the drawling voice responded and left instantly.
So how was it? Came a sharp more cheerful voice. Those two guys you fought at the end, just how strong where they?
If you're talking about the blonde and dark haired men, I would say for certain without me here you'd all be dead, the deep voice responded. The bastards left me a gift a wound that'll take me a long time to heal.
Oh, the cheerful voice responded, you could have let me had a go at them then.
You would have been dead the moment you left the sphere, note they injured me a feat none of you in this sphere can accomplish combined, the deep voice calmly replied also I think the dark haired man was the ruler. We're here for a singular purpose everything else is meaningless, we're only created for the kid so don't go doing anything reckless or I'll rip you apart, warned the deep voice.
Yeah yeah, I hear ya, the cheerful voice responded. From the look of things this world if filled with powerful monsters, it'll definitely be fun.
They walked for half a day before finally seeing signs of life or a settlement.
Finally sign of life, cried Dan. Grandma let's go, he said as he dashed towards the village.
I said stop calling me that, Areia replied as he ran after him.
Dan stopped on his tracks as he spotted what seemed to be a crocodile or a giant lizard on two legs stationed at the gate.
Now the big question is, do these guys like humans, Dan thought. Ah well shuv it let's just go.
As they approached that gate the Lizard man saw them, then with a deep growling, hoods off if you're gonna come in.
Dan and Areia took pulled back their hoods.
Human Kids? And so young at that, the lizard man, asked flabbergasted. I heard your kingdom was flattened, poor lads.
Hey!Joe! Come look at this, the lizard man called, an even larger croc on two feet came from inside the wooden gate, he towered over the first one.
Well I'll be damned, he said as soon as he saw the kids, humans and little ones at that.
So do we let them in boss? the first small lizard man asked.
Sure why not, the larger lizard man responded, but they'll have to take care of themselves inside.
You're cleared, you can go, the smaller lizard man called.
As the kids passed the larger Lizard man noticed the sword slung on Areia's hip. That's some high quality blade you got there kid.
Areia didn't respond as she went in.
I'm sure that sword could buy this village seven times over, the large lizard said.
Why don't we just take it from them, the smaller lizard asked, it's not as if they'll be able to fight back.
I wonder who hired you as a gate keeper if you can't recognize someone strong from a glance, the large lizard said coldly, it's purely by instinct but that girl is definitely something else and the boy gives me the creeps, I mean I've never seen a purely white haired human girl and one so young at that and black hair mixed with red, it's like his body is telling us that he's poisonous.
Question Areia, why did you warm up to me easily? Dan asked as there were in a street crowded with different creatures.
It's cause of my training during my Amag days, we were trained to adapt to any given situation and my situation at that moment was with you all, she responded.
To be honest I thought this village would be nothing short of deserted, Dan continued, but it seems to be blooming with non humans, I mean aside from us I've not seen any one that looks human. At the very least they don't seem to be hostile towards us.
Not hostile? Yeah right, thought Areia, I could feel most of them staring, too bad they're bunch of cowards to try attacking two humans in the middle of the street.
I found an Inn, we should camp there, called Dan pointed to an almost run down building.
As they got in they were greeted by a foul stench that stunk sky high, Dan covered his nose.
On second thought I don't think this will be the best place to sleep.
We have a lot of time for that, said Areia, I mean the sun is still up, we should get to know the surrounding better and figure out where we can find the humans that fled the Kingdom.
I know that.. Grandma, responded Dan, but it's good to prepare before hand.
You just had to put the Grandma don't you? She asked sighing.
I've been thinking since we didn't evacuate with the people of the kingdom, I didn't even know there was an evacuation going on, and from the direction we escaped from which was the opposite direction of the kingdoms gate, I'd assume we're really far from meeting anyone from the kingdom anytime soon.So why not pause looking for them so soon and start an adventure, eventually we'll run into more humans in the future no rush, he continued calmly.
You've really thought that far ahead, came Areia.
Yh, also we got lots of money from mum with the ring she gave me, I tested it out on my little walk of finding the trail this morning, it seems her disappearance hadn't affected where the gold comes from, Dan muttered.
Also Areia, is it only me or do you also feel like she gave me something else that I'm forgetting? Dan asked.
Yh, I share the same feeling, but I just can figure out what is was, Areia responded holding her head in thought.
Areia's stomach growled.
If you're hungry you should have just said something, Dan teased.
Oh shut up, Areia responded flushing.
Now where do we find what to eat, all I can see so far are raw meats and things that I don't think are ideal for us, Dan said looking around. Plus after the awful meal we had yesterday I don't really feel like cooking.
At times like this I really miss Gard, Areia replied softly.
After what almost seemed like an eternity of searching, they found a booth selling veggies and fruits, unlike most people in this village, she was a beast kin, humanlike in appearance but with animal features like their ears, tail and eyes. After purchasing an astronomical amount of food that their hands could carry they proceeded to a deserted area where Areia started wolfing them down.
Dan looked at her in shock.
For someone who has a lot of control, you sure do get hungry quickly, he laughed.
Areia tried to fight back with a snarling comment but couldn't through all the fruit in her mouth.
Say, Master. We're you to find someone who's planning on hurting, selling or potentially killing you, what would you do? Areia asked taking a large bite from an apple.
Well obviously, I'll kill them first, ain't that the only logical thing? Dan responded.
The half eaten apple fell from Areia's hand, whoa I didn't expect you saying that, Areia said with her mouth half open. I thought you'd be more like, I'll preach to them and stuff, righteous this and that.
What? That's just dumb, oh wait you're taking me for a naive kid aren't you? He asked staring daggers at Areia.
I reserve my comment m, Areia said defensively.
So if you're in danger I have the right to kill the attacker even if they're surrounding us right now? Areia asked.
Well that was oddly specific and dark, Dan responded getting up from the slab they have been sitting on, not particularly, I'd say I'll only kill those wanting to kill or maime me, something along those lines, but I wouldn't actually kill someone from trying to hurt me tho.
Oh no! Master has been tainted, Areia cried inwardly.
Areia? I'm sure you've noticed it too but I feel like we're being followed, Dan said looking around discretely.
Oh no, what gave that away Areia said sarcasticly.
You're mocking me aren't you, Dan hissed, well I keep seeing the same faces over and over, it seems they're not really good and trailing people, and since they're all mostly lizard men it'll be hard not to notice one following you.
Whoa, I'm stuffed, Areia gasped and lay flat.
You're awfully relaxed,Dan came and sat by her.
Believe me, no one else would see this side of me so just appreciate it, she snarled.
Oh, I'm grateful for you showing me your vugal side, Grandma, he teased with enough sarcasm.
I don't think we should get an inn tonight, I mean there's a beautiful mountain that can be spotted from the village gate, why not go look of a cave to camp there? Areia asked sleepily.
You're seriously asking us to camp out in the woods while scary crocs are following us? Also are you gonna sleep in the middle of a deserted Street, what ever mad it deserted might come for us you know? Dan asked looking around.
Don't worry if you're in danger I'll wake up, she said slowly.
It's not about that....and she's asleep, sighed Dan.
I really am weak aren't I? Dan thought, I know Areia is strong but I definitely can't rely on that all my life, they may come a time when there's an overwhelming opponent that she can't beat, I mean obviously she's still a kid, looking at her sleep also reminded me that we're both kids, or what if we're sperated someday, I just can't rely on her all the time. Then there's the fact that it's my birthday yet I still haven't manifested any sign of magic power of some sort. Am I just a normal random kid? He asked in his internal monologue. I need to be able to protect Areia too if needs be, he thought.
Sure I did do some physics training with Areia back when we were in the castle and I did went on morning jogs with her, but I feel like she would have gone on forever if I hadn't been there with her, and there's also the hand stand she does with her fingers, I couldn't even do it with both of my hands, bruh I'm pathetic, he laughed at nothing in particular.
It was nightfall before Areia finally woke up, she picked a maggot that was crawling on her head and tossed it, she tilted her head and saw Dan facing away from her.
Quit it, she said I could hear your thoughts from over here, she teased yawning.
Well took you long enough to wake up, Dan said looking back at her.
Those rings in his eyes are back, Areia thought, at times like this I feel like he'd be really destructive if he tried magic but since he's an offspring of a dragon and a strong king, I don't think his uncontrolled magic would be pretty.
Dan got up and stretched, let's go cave hunting he boomed.
The rings are gone, I think I'm beginning to understand a pattern, Areia thought.
It didn't take long for them to find a cave deep in the mountains, Areia looked at the trees surrounding the entrance.
Perfect, she called.
Don't tell me you're planning on taking a nap again? Dan asked.
No I'm luring our pursuers, Areia responded. What's more better than bait then when we're isolated, she smiled softly.
It didn't take long before the sound of footsteps could be heard, Areia was ready, but she hadn't expected that they might be a formidable opponent in the bunch.
Sat facing the mouth of the cave, but she didn't see her attacker move or anyone stepping into the cave, it all happened fast, one second she was on the cave floor the next she had be lunched into the sky far away from the cave.
Areia didn't know how far she was thrown cause she crashed in a warehouse shaking it to its core. She got up instantly and wanted to run back to the direction she had come from but was interrupted by a heavy boot that collided with her head sending her back into the storage house.
The moonlight illuminated the attacker, there was no denying those features, it was a human, he had scurrfy black hair, tired eyes, he had an average build, and was tall, a sword slung across his back, he looked down at Areia, Dan limp in his hand.
Just exactly a day ago the human kingdom was flattened, he said. His voice was just as Areia expected, slow drawling as he was bored of doing what he's doing.
Though I haven't been to the kingdom for about twelve years now, so I didn't know why the kingdom was attacked and by who, until it was broadcast by the other powers of the world reacting to the sudden shift in power left by the disappearence of the human kingdom.
An Error must be destroyed, he said lifting Dan and tossing him towards Areia.
Everyone now knows, you'll be hunted every corner you turn by almost everywhere you turn by those who feel your life isn't worth that much destruction when you think about it.
Areia didn't let Dan hit the ground and catches him, the momentum sent her flying backwards hitting crates and barrels as she goes.
Dan! Areia called removing the rubble from his body, he listened for his pulse and was relieved to find he was still alive just unconscious.
I admire your dedication to the boy.Snow, the man continued.
How the hell do you know that name? Areia asked with cold rage.
My former team was once a victim to your past conquest, luckily for you I wasn't with them at the time else you wouldn't be alive right now, he responded. Oh the girl that her white hair is the last thing you'll ever see, the white ghost that leaves a trail of blood on her wake, quite the name you have for yourself in the outside world, For one so young you're both feared and respected, also you have a massive bounty on your head, precisely a billion gold coins. Anyone would be tempted by that don't you think? He asked.
I've never been one to fall for greed, but getting rid of the worlds error while getting your head and a billion gold coins is just too much to pass up.
Areia got up leaving Dan behind her she walked a few paces than stopped, they were surrounded, the man lifted up his left hand then lowered it, arrows shot past him towards Areia and Dan, they numbered in hundreds but non fit past Areia's sword.All were interrupted mid flight with extreme accuracy cutting them all in half and stopping their momentum.
That's nice I didn't expect that from you, the man said. He charged at Areia but didn't expect what happened next, Areia's boot collided with the left side of his head sending him through the building.
The man's allies charged at Areia, she was somewhat taken about that they were mostly human, except the elf girl at the rear, she's definitely important for her to be so far back, Areia thought.
The first man hadn't had the time to scream before Areia's blade collided with his neck decapitating him instantly, Areia mad ea mental note of how many they were, they're roughly about fifty she thought.
The next man seeing his comrade dispatched so quickly hesitated for a little bit ,but that was the last mistake of his life, Areia's sword met with almost no resistance as it slit him clean in two from the waist down.
They tried to surround Areia, but she didn't let them get near her back where Dan lay, what was the sound of men charging to victory soon became filled withe the sound of wails from dying men, it took only little than a minute for Areia to clear the remaining men, showing no mercy whatsoever. She stepped out the shed, her hair covered in blood, an arrow came whistling towards her, she caught it without looking and lunched it back towards the attacker, he fell from the tree in pain that was soon silenced by Areia's blade.
Areia maintained a reasonable distance from Dan so as to ensure he's always within range, just lien before the man came back with speed Areia hadn't really gotten used to yet, but this time she was prepared,he grabbed her by her neck and lifted her in the air choking her, Areia looked at his face, that kick had definitely done more than sending him away, his face looked dented, Areia planted her foot on this face the second time, breaking free from his grip, he staggered back holding his broken nose, Areia went for his neck, the man deflected her blade with his, Areia hadn't seen him drawn his sword.
He swung at her, she ducked parried tried delivered a nasty kick to his ribs which he caught and hit her with a punch that caught her full in the face, Areia heard the whistling of arrows with she dodged with a flip.
Stop shooting arrows! The man yelled, she'll know where you are, but he warned too late, Areia was already up in the trees doing money bars and acrobatic movements, it was hard for the man to keep up with her on the ground, she grabbed branches lunged, landed on all fours on the bark of a tree, and spotted the second shooter. Before he noticed her she was already on him, snapping his neck, Areia wasn't sure he'll know how he dies. She lept from the tree and stomped thg ground with enough force to make little rocks lift up the ground, she caught one mid Air and it immediately went through the second of the shooters head.
The man lunged madly at Areia, deep in rage, she sheeted her sword, parried his heavy slash with her hands, she used his arm as a hold, she jumped and delivered a kick to his neck with her left then almost simultaneously with her right delivered another kick to the same spot, he crashed on the ground with a thud, Areia immediately raced towards the shed grabbed Dan in a sort of princess carry and started sprinting through the forest, the man caught up to her in no time, his hand almost to her hair, when Areia mid sprint too a lunging position and with a huge burst of speed left the man eating dust. She kept increasing in speed till the man knowing he couldn't possibly catch her stopped in his tracks watching her stained white hair disappear into the night.
Areia hadn't noticed the cliff she I couldn't stop in time as she jumped off, she landed on her two feet still holding Dan, the pain shot through her feet to her head, she put Dan down gently and smacked her fist on the ground in pain. She looked up at the cliff and made a note that it was at least six hundred feet high.
Dan please be alright, Areia moaned. I'm not a doctor and I'm not smart fighting is the only thing I can do for you, so pls just survive pls for my sake. Found you can a small beautiful voice, Areia sitting at the bottom of the cliff clutched Dan close to herself, she got up with difficulty.
I was wondering how you look like elf, Areia said looking at the green haired elf, in white robes.
Gray they're here, the elf called.
Damn blabbermouth, Areia cursed.
The man jumped off the cliff as soon at he got close to the ground it was as if he was carryed by the wind.
Neat right? he smirked. Seeing your current sorry state no doubt you fell from that height, well now it's over, the elf shot Areia with a magic bullet that she couldn't Dodge cause of her damaged legs, it hit her and the momentum carried her into the base of the cliff.
The man went towards Dan, picked him up, and laughed no more play time, I'll give you a front row sit of watching this boy you cherish so much die.
It was unpresidented and unpredictable no one knows what triggered it, but it was like Dan suddenly exploded, sending Gray and the elf crashing and tumbling, the shield the elf had made to protect herself shattered like paper, Dan stood in what seemed like a darkened earth, he spoke his voice wasn't the same, it was eerie and carried a weight of terror about it, it was like a group of kids saying the same thing at once almost in sync.
You... hurt... Areia..didn't you, Dan asked repeatedly.
The elf was paralyzed with fear.
Gray's arm that held Dan was still stuck on Dan's head while he was feet's away, the hand turned to dust and was carried by the wind. Dan stretched his hand towards them, they both could do nothing but stand watching him, Dan was completely covered in darkness the only thing that could be seen was his hair and the dark rings of his eyes.
The elf was the first to die, her upper half exploded, her body didn't move didn't weaver it just went limp.
Dan turned his gaze towards Gray, he was immediately overwhelmed by a huge amount of fear and helplessness, he made a run for it, it Dan's outstretched palm slowed dark red, Bang, he said softly. The entire space from Gray forward was simply blown apart by no known projectile.
Dan turned towards Areia so suddenly and so quickly as if he had originally been staring at her that she was startled, he stared at her for a while.
What are you looking at? She asked, oh I forgot I'm the first time you've seen me injured isn't it, she laughed, I must look really pathetic right now don't I.
You're.... Areia... aren't...you, Dan asked repeatedly.
Quit it those voices will give me a headache Dan, Areia responded holding her ears.
You can't see can you? Areia asked letting go of her ears.
It... is.. you...isn't it,came, the voice.
You really don't recognize my voice, asked Areia, taking a step towards him, damn I have to say you're damn near terrifying, I pity the elf and man on the receiving end of your rage.
Let's... leave... this... place, Dan repeated, somethings coming, Dan touched Areia, suddenly they were no where Areia had seen before. Areia looked around, she spotted the cliff but from a very far distance.
I'm tired Dan, let's get some sleep, she said, maybe by morning you'll be back to normal. Dan sat back facing a tree, it died instantly, leaving only it's ash hollow body intact, Areia sat close to him rested herself on his shoulder and almost immediately passed out.
An Error eh, Dan said in his normal calm voice, that's a first.