Post by Bm631 on Nov 15, 2011 2:28:24 GMT
All he saw was a small, peaceful village. He walked through the streets, smiling and waving at the town folk. Allen laughed along with the children as they played amongst each other. He passed through the green pastures, gazing at the horses as they galloped along. He paused for a second to take the warmth of the sunset, feeling its rejuvenating energy all around him. That's when he saw it. A small house weathered by time and almost rebuilt to perfection by friends in the village. He smiled and walked in. He saw the fireplace actually lit and the sound of a boiling kettle. A woman stood, cutting vegetables on a wooden panel. She turned around and smiled at Allen. Azure eyes caught the image of a small, grinning boy who ran to her side and pulled on her skirt, looking up.
"Mother!"
She smiled at the young one and returned to her cooking. Slowly, the image began to fade...
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The first things he heard were the sounds of rustling and clomping. Next whining horses and angry people entered the chorus of the confused Von Frediand. He opened his eyes and was meet with a beige ceiling. Allen laid on the mattress watching, getting used to his surroundings. Although he wasn't looking forward to getting up yet, looking at the ceiling wasn't going to tell him where he was.
Allen sat up and positioned himself at the end of the bed. He immediately regretted it because his body flared up in pain, forcing him to clutch his chest. He slowly took off his shirt and found hundreds of bandages on his torso. The rest of his body ached as well, so one could guess that there were more. A sudden, embarrassingly rational thought crossed his mind and it came accompanied with a deep, red blush. If there were bandages all around his body, someone must have changed his clothes in his sleep. Allen shook away the blush and stood up, despite the pain he felt. He slowly walked towards the window, each step making him wince.
Once at the window, astonishment hit him. He opened it wide open and saw a street corner bustling with people running, yelling, and acting like madmen! Allen noticed carriages carting around large amounts of feed and other products away from the stands and people negotiating over a crowded table of fruit. He saw men repairing a one of the buildings surrounding the crowded street, which was actually a church. He eyed the white haired man in front of them, dressed in a black robe, bad mouthing them from the looks of it. This seemed like an interesting city, he would have to figure out where it's located.
"Oh you're awake?"
A feminine voice broke his street gazing trance. He turned around and the violent blush returned to his cheeks. In the doorway stood a Girl, brown locks of hair covered her shoulders as she walked further into Allen's room. Her eyes seemed like they were comprised of golden honey; she wore a simple gray dress and held on to a pan of what seemed like medical supplies.
"To tell you the truth I was starting to get worried. It didn't seem like you were going to make it." She said, putting the pan down on the desk that he just noticed was sitting right beside the window.
She moved in closer, in an unaltered pace. A slow stride that made time feel like it wasn't moving quickly enough. Allen noticed more of her features as she got closer. The girl had luscious lips and a small frame that fit her very well. She only seemed to be half a foot shorter than him. And right when she stood less than a couple of inches away from him, Allen swore he could smell fresh roses off of her.
"Hey, what's wrong? Your face is beet red! Do you have a fever?" She pressed he hand on his forehead to check for anything.
Allen was star struck. He couldn't believe himself! What were these feelings he was having? Nothing like this had ever occurred before, so why now with this one girl!? It took a great deal of self-control to hold himself together when she touched him. All wanted to do at that moment was....well, kiss her. But he decided that wouldn't have been the best idea at the time. So he went with the best next thing.
"Umm.. uh Hi?"
"Oh so you do talk. Haha, well it seems like you are not warm. It would have been a pain to deal with more than just those heavy wounds."
She reached towards the table and lifted a bottle of clear liquid off the pan, along with some fresh bandages. She moved away from the infatuated boy and sat on the mattress. She motioned him to join her. Allen lightly stepped his way towards her. As he sat down next to her, the nameless girl began to redress the wounds on his torso. The liquid she was using burned hard, but it was tolerable.
"Ouch! What the hell is that?"
"First off, watch your language around here, there are children downstairs. And second, it's vodka. It works for more than just drowning one's sorrows."
After she washed his wounds in alcohol, she proceeded to use the bandages. He watched the precision of her wrapping; it was done tightly and without causing much pain.
"You know, I have no idea why you are being so kind to me, much less know who to thank." Allen said softly, hoping that his blush had dissipated by now.
"Haha, my name is Erica. It's a pleasure to meet you...um?" She replied with a small smile on her face that cause Allen look away, fearing that the redness would return his stared.
"Uh-uh It's Allen! A-And the pleasure is all mine, I suppose."
"Well I am glad we made this acquaintance. There all done, clean wrappings. Now I can throw the old ones away."
Allen peered down at what Erica had done. The level of care and expertise left him in awe. But the admiration would have to be put on hold.
"Thank you. I am in debt to you. But Erica how is it that you came across me? I don't remember anything."
Erica's eyes wandered over Allen. She looked as if she were contemplating her choices. But after a large sigh, she decided it was truth time.
"Oh well, it's a bit of a long story. But I think I can cut it down a bit. My father and I were returning from a cargo run when we stumbled across on you. You were basically torn to shreds and we thought you already gone. I ran to you and felt a pulse from your neck, so I know that you were still alive." She walked up and looked out the window as she recalled the next part.
"We immediately placed you into our carriage and went back home as quickly as possible. It was a blessing that we were so close to home from that certain leg of the forest. Once we returned, Father and Gavin did all they could to stop the bleeding."
Allen took in the information and tried to remember what happened before then. Even though he had an excellent memory, all he could recall was the rain, the wolves, and a voice. But then anything after that was just darkness.
"I guess that explains things. I must have blacked out before you arrived."
Allen pondered over the immense amount of luck he had been given. For someone to have found him half-dead was a miracle in itself, but to have been able to nurse him back to health? It was almost too good believe.
"So...how long have I been out?" He asked as she turned back to him.
"About two weeks. I never knew one could sleep for so long."
"Have you been taking care of me for all of this time?" His eyes locked with hers, waiting for her response.
She turned around and smiled when she saw the intrigued look he honed.
"Yes, but my family pitched in as well. It was a group effort to get you back into shape."
A wave of gratitude washed over Allen. He lowered his head, letting a tear escape from his emerald orbs. He quickly brushed it away and tried to get off the bed.
"I have no way to thank you for everything you've done for me. But I can't stay as a burden." As he made it on his feet, he only took a couple paces towards the door before he fell. The pilgrimage to the window took up a lot of his energy. As he struggled to lift himself off the ground, he felt hands wrap around his arm.
"Just because you needed some help doesn't make you a burden. A real burden would have feigned further illness and not even attempt to support their self." She moved his body on her shoulders, letting his left arm sling over her. They used their combined strength to stand up, planting two feet on the dirty hardwood floor.
"He would have never recognized how he could be straining his caretakers and try to free them of his helplessness." She flashed him a bright smile as they headed towards the door.
“Well, seeing as you are already up, I should at least show you around. It will do you some good; help you have a better grasp on your surroundings.”
Yet again, this girl has left him speechless. Her relaxed attitude and soothing words gave Allen a feeling of harmonious bliss...well that was how he felt before realizing how close she had gotten. Erica noticed Allen's face slowly flare with a shade of red around his cheeks.
"Allen, are you alright? Your cheeks turned rosy again!" She asked as they head down the steps of the wooden stairs.
"I'm fine! I am just... a bit e-embarrassed is all." he said, turning his head away.
"What do you have to be embarrassed about? It's doesn't have to do with being helped by a girl is it!? I don't respect that sort of pride!" Erica looked almost ready to let him fall down the stairs if he replied with an answer that was not to her liking.
"Oh No! It's doesn't have to do with that! I-it's just..." he found himself staring at her again. He couldn't help it when he was so close to her.
"it's just what!?" Erica was slowly losing her patience as she waited for his reply.
"It’s just that...oh! That I have bandages all over my body and since you have been taking care of me...you might have seen things...you know." It wasn't the main reason for his flush, but it was certainly a factor.
"Things? I don't...oh!" Erica's face began to resemble a bright tomato as she understood what he had meant. For the remainder of the trip downstairs, they did not speak another word nor did they look at one another. The silence of lingering awkwardness hung in the air and allowed the teenagers harmonious embarrassment.
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The first thing that caught his attention was the loud high pitched squeals. Next, the semi-scolding yell of an adult, trying to calm down what Allen had perceived to be children. They had reached the bottom of the staircase and had reached the door, only to have Erica stop their progress.
“Before we go in, I have to warn you...” She began saying, only to look down at her feet, trying to find the right words.
“My family can be...a little bit of handful. I just don't want you to get overwhelmed by them.”
Allen watched as she placed her hands on the door handles, but not pushing forward. It was as if she was contemplating whether or not she should let him through.
“Why are you hesitating? I doubt your family is that bad.” Allen let a chuckle escape his lips.
“It isn't that. I just hope father would pull any of his shenanigans on you. He has a way of making our guests feel uncomfortable. I just-” Allen placed his right hand over hers and made eye contact with her.
“Don't worry about anything. Your father sounds like a man who just has a lot of energy and the same goes for all of those who are behind that door. Trust me when I say this. I'll be fine.”
His words had a calming effect on her, any anxiety she felt towards the situation had dissipated. She nodded. Just as Erica was about to push her way through, they opened! The force that opened them inward pulled the teens in and onto the floor. In an instant, any pain that Allen thought had subsided flared back with a vengeance! It took almost everything in his power to not scream.
“Well, it seems that our unexpected free-loader finally decided to wake up.”
Allen managed to pull his head up, following the direction of a rough, baritone voice. Above him stood man who was easily 6 feet tall and displayed a muscular build, he had tan skin and brown hair. He adorned a heavy bread and mustache and dark eyes. He didn't know what it was, but just gazing at his form allowed Allen to feel a sense of power emanating from this man. He watched him pick up Erica with ease and set her back on her two feet as gently as possible.
“Thank you. Father, I'd like you to meet Allen, our house guest! Allen I'd like you to meet my father, Talvo Dorian.”
Allen muttered a small hello as he made a sad attempt to get up, only to fall back down. It was embarrassing to say the least. Suddenly he felt a set of arms wrap around his waist. They pulled him off the ground and onto his feet, hands placed themselves on to Allen's shoulders to support him. He turned his head around to see a guy even taller than Talvo, at least by a head.
“And this is our business partner and fellow caretaker of our home, Hugh Steimer.” said Erica as she introduced the 7 foot, auburn haired bodybuilder.
“Ahh..It’s nice to meet you both. Thank you for letting me stay for this long.” Allen said, bowing his head in respect. He opened his eyes once he was about to stop, seeing a little boy under him. Then as if out of the woodworks, 3 more children showed up from behind Talvo. If you counted correctly, Allen saw 4 little kids around Erica and her father.
“And these are the rest of my children! Anna, Bruce, Mikael, and Sarah.” said Talvo. The children only gave their guest a nice, cold glare as a welcoming gift. Needless to say it was awkward.
“Umm Hello! It’s nice to meet everyo-Ahh! What are you doing!” Allen didn't get to finish as Hugh threw him over his shoulder and began walking towards another door inside the room, with Talvo right on his trail.
“Father! What do you think you're doing!? He's our guest!” Erica yelled in protest.
“Oh Dear, don't worry Erica! Hugh and I are only taking Mr. Allen to the study so we can how long he will be staying...and how much rent he might owe. Haha!”
Erica watched helplessly as Allen was dragged into the next room over.
____________________________________________________
“Come on guys, I didn't know I had to pay rent! I was unconscious and I had no idea what was goi-ouch watch it!”
Upon entering the room, Allen was sat down into a chair that was facing the front of a large mahogany desk. Even though he was still a little dazed from all of the movement, Allen was still able to figure out his surroundings. He was in a small cube shaped room seemed barely large enough to hold both of his giant captors. Hugh leaned against a wide bookcase, harming the order of the shelved novels, while Talvo sat down in the chair directly across from his. Erica's father opened one of shelved of his desk and pulled out a white sack and dropped it on the desk. It made a clear metallic sound as it hit, the hilt of a sword poked out of the opening of the sack. Allen knew that this conversation might not end well, but after seeing his possessions out in the open, his hopes fell even more.
“You were in quite a predicament, kid. There was blood everywhere, you're very lucky that we had gotten to you the way that we did.” Talvo began, taking out the entire blade from the sack and setting it on the wooden table.
“Erica was the first one to your aid. She was so intent on saving you that she didn't notice the variety of items on your person, but I did. I never would have guessed to see a Demon Slayer, lying down in a pool of his own blood. Hell I didn't expect to see a Demon Slayer at all! Not many clans exist anymore, well at least not out in the open.”
“How do you know for sure that I'm a demon slayer? A sword can't be evidence enough to tell you that.” Allen replied, eying his guard-less Damascus hungrily.
“No it isn't, but when its coupled with the mark on the blade itself and all of the information gathered from your personal belongings, I can assure you that I am certain.” He spoke, with certainty and logic filling Allen's ears.
Allen cursed, forgetting the mark of a falcon head was engraved on the lower end of the sword. Talvo must have seen similar markings before and put the pieces together, he thought.
“Demon Slayers aren't very popular anymore, especially now with the monarchy cracking down on clans all over the land. It's sad when people who give their lives to protect the innocent, get depleted down to almost nothing when a God-fearing idiot see them as unfit.”
Allen could only think of one thing to say as he hoped for something good.
“What are you going to do with me?” Allen asked, receiving silence as an answer for a little while. His host had a somber look on his face, but fate has changed it into a grin.
“Nothing, I’m not going to do anything.” A sigh of relief left Allen, calming him down.
“I don't rat out heroes, my boy. But I do make them repay their debts.” an energetic laugh left Talvo's lips as he witnessed Allen's face pale up.
“But I don't have any money!”
“Then you'll pay in blood, sweat, and tears! You'll work for me until I feel satisfied!” He smirked, knowing he had the upper hand.
“What makes you think I'll oblige? What do you even do in this dump!?” Allen yelled, receiving a well-timed burst of pain from his body. Talvo's smirk melted away, it was quickly replaced by a hardened frown.
“Watch your tongue. You have no right to call one of the country's best imports and export services a dump!” He responded, earning himself a blank stare from the young man.
“Imports and export services? Like a delivery service?”
“No, not like a delivery service! It is an intricate center that receives valuable items from a customer and exports them to another location for a fee!”
“...Like a delivery service.” Allen repeated, receiving a howl of anger from Talvo. It was then that Hugh pushed away from the bookcase and stood next to Talvo.
“I'm sorry if the boss seems a little over the top, but it's become a really busy season for us. We have had to accelerate the speed of our deliveries due to the increase in demon sightings. We don't have much a crew working with us right now, many of our old staff members have left due to the fear that these things represent.”
The rationality in Hugh's voice held Allen's attention, slowly figuring out the real reason for the job offer imposition.
“So you want to hire me, so that I can act as a body guard. Demons usually tend to stay away from their hunters.” Talvo calmed down, seeing that the young man had understood what he was trying to get through, thanks to Hugh's calm explanation of course.
“Yes. Until recently, it hasn't been much of a problem but now that Erica insists on tagging along every time there is work to do...well I just can't risk her safety.” The boss said, allowing his face to show concern. It was natural for a father to act in such a way in matters that concern his daughter.
It was clear now. Talvo's behavior finally made a lick of sense. The stress of trying to protect his daughter and run a business had hit him hard. It was only fair that he would lend his skills to man who sheltered him amidst the pressure that he was enduring. Plus, there was something special about Erica, something that made Allen feel that it was his sworn duty to protect her. So he knew what he had to say next.
“Fine, count me in, as long as I can stay here free of rent.” He said with a sigh. He got up, grabbed his belongings, and headed for the door.
“Really? I thought you said you wouldn't oblige.”
“You should thank Mr. Steimer. He seemed to have a cool head about the situation. Plus, he didn't go forcing me into such a request.” Allen said, leaving the room with a turn of the knob.
Talvo and Hugh smirked at the boldness their new employee displayed. After a moment of silence in the room, a conversation was struck.
“What are the odds? Erica seems to be good luck, finding someone reliable to act as her personal body guard.” Steimer said, relaxing his posture and setting her back on the bookshelf again.
“Yes, she does have a way of solving her own problems even if she isn't aware of them. The appearance of the Von Ferdiand, along with the sudden increase in creatures all around, it can't be a coincidence.” The boss held his hands together, trying to fit the pieces in sync.
“Do you think the time has come? Is Lord Faust's prophecy dawning?”
“Quiet! No one must know of that! Do not forget that our mission is not yet complete. But yes, I dare say his majesty's prophecy might begin soon. After 16 years, Raliegh seems to be stirring up his forces. It might be a blessing, which Erica had found Allen. We will need all the help we can get.”
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The moonlight shone brightly over a heated scene of dancing blades clashing over a camp fire. A young man with dark hair swiftly dodged the swipes of two snake like beings. He countered by slashing open one of the snakes with a blade made of red steel. The sword left the monster immobile, its blood staining the grass below.
“I can't believe I'm wasting my time with you. I'd be happy to if you were on my list, but sadly you’re not.” He said, cleaning his sword with a rag.
“Filthy human! How dare you interfere, we had a perfectly good female ready to be roasted for dinner, of course you would think it be noble to go and set her free!” yelled the beast.
Light from the camp fire revealed the odd cross of human and snake in its form. It had the upper body of a human, with the lower half of the named reptile, and it adorned of mixture of the two as its head
“Of course, a gentleman never leaves a damsel in distress. It was a mistake on your part to go against the idea of letting her go. You are both far too weak to defend yourselves properly, just ask your friend down there.”
“I am weak you say!? Well let's see how well you do without your sword!” It yelled said shooting out a purple liquid from its mouth.
The liquid headed for the hilt of his sword, he quickly let go of it and stepped to the left. The humanoid reptile slithered its way towards him, lounging its own sword at him. The man narrowly evaded the sword and sent his hand onto the creature's gut.
“You're quick I'll give you that, but with you this close, it’s safe to say that you're in a very bad position. The creature laughed as he was ready to sink his blade into his prey's back, but it stopped moving.
The snake felt his own back burning up, he turned his head to see a fire blazing all over. He also noticed that fire that he and his brother prepared for their prisoner was gone. Before death was able to taking him away, the snake man saw what he was dealing with.
“Psychokinesis... To think my life would be ended by such a rare ability. I should consider this an hon-' His body reduced to ashes before he could finish.
The young man dusted himself off. He picked up his sword and sheathed it. He held last bit of the camp site's flame in his hand.
“If you can't stand the heat, don't get on my bad side.”
"Mother!"
She smiled at the young one and returned to her cooking. Slowly, the image began to fade...
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The first things he heard were the sounds of rustling and clomping. Next whining horses and angry people entered the chorus of the confused Von Frediand. He opened his eyes and was meet with a beige ceiling. Allen laid on the mattress watching, getting used to his surroundings. Although he wasn't looking forward to getting up yet, looking at the ceiling wasn't going to tell him where he was.
Allen sat up and positioned himself at the end of the bed. He immediately regretted it because his body flared up in pain, forcing him to clutch his chest. He slowly took off his shirt and found hundreds of bandages on his torso. The rest of his body ached as well, so one could guess that there were more. A sudden, embarrassingly rational thought crossed his mind and it came accompanied with a deep, red blush. If there were bandages all around his body, someone must have changed his clothes in his sleep. Allen shook away the blush and stood up, despite the pain he felt. He slowly walked towards the window, each step making him wince.
Once at the window, astonishment hit him. He opened it wide open and saw a street corner bustling with people running, yelling, and acting like madmen! Allen noticed carriages carting around large amounts of feed and other products away from the stands and people negotiating over a crowded table of fruit. He saw men repairing a one of the buildings surrounding the crowded street, which was actually a church. He eyed the white haired man in front of them, dressed in a black robe, bad mouthing them from the looks of it. This seemed like an interesting city, he would have to figure out where it's located.
"Oh you're awake?"
A feminine voice broke his street gazing trance. He turned around and the violent blush returned to his cheeks. In the doorway stood a Girl, brown locks of hair covered her shoulders as she walked further into Allen's room. Her eyes seemed like they were comprised of golden honey; she wore a simple gray dress and held on to a pan of what seemed like medical supplies.
"To tell you the truth I was starting to get worried. It didn't seem like you were going to make it." She said, putting the pan down on the desk that he just noticed was sitting right beside the window.
She moved in closer, in an unaltered pace. A slow stride that made time feel like it wasn't moving quickly enough. Allen noticed more of her features as she got closer. The girl had luscious lips and a small frame that fit her very well. She only seemed to be half a foot shorter than him. And right when she stood less than a couple of inches away from him, Allen swore he could smell fresh roses off of her.
"Hey, what's wrong? Your face is beet red! Do you have a fever?" She pressed he hand on his forehead to check for anything.
Allen was star struck. He couldn't believe himself! What were these feelings he was having? Nothing like this had ever occurred before, so why now with this one girl!? It took a great deal of self-control to hold himself together when she touched him. All wanted to do at that moment was....well, kiss her. But he decided that wouldn't have been the best idea at the time. So he went with the best next thing.
"Umm.. uh Hi?"
"Oh so you do talk. Haha, well it seems like you are not warm. It would have been a pain to deal with more than just those heavy wounds."
She reached towards the table and lifted a bottle of clear liquid off the pan, along with some fresh bandages. She moved away from the infatuated boy and sat on the mattress. She motioned him to join her. Allen lightly stepped his way towards her. As he sat down next to her, the nameless girl began to redress the wounds on his torso. The liquid she was using burned hard, but it was tolerable.
"Ouch! What the hell is that?"
"First off, watch your language around here, there are children downstairs. And second, it's vodka. It works for more than just drowning one's sorrows."
After she washed his wounds in alcohol, she proceeded to use the bandages. He watched the precision of her wrapping; it was done tightly and without causing much pain.
"You know, I have no idea why you are being so kind to me, much less know who to thank." Allen said softly, hoping that his blush had dissipated by now.
"Haha, my name is Erica. It's a pleasure to meet you...um?" She replied with a small smile on her face that cause Allen look away, fearing that the redness would return his stared.
"Uh-uh It's Allen! A-And the pleasure is all mine, I suppose."
"Well I am glad we made this acquaintance. There all done, clean wrappings. Now I can throw the old ones away."
Allen peered down at what Erica had done. The level of care and expertise left him in awe. But the admiration would have to be put on hold.
"Thank you. I am in debt to you. But Erica how is it that you came across me? I don't remember anything."
Erica's eyes wandered over Allen. She looked as if she were contemplating her choices. But after a large sigh, she decided it was truth time.
"Oh well, it's a bit of a long story. But I think I can cut it down a bit. My father and I were returning from a cargo run when we stumbled across on you. You were basically torn to shreds and we thought you already gone. I ran to you and felt a pulse from your neck, so I know that you were still alive." She walked up and looked out the window as she recalled the next part.
"We immediately placed you into our carriage and went back home as quickly as possible. It was a blessing that we were so close to home from that certain leg of the forest. Once we returned, Father and Gavin did all they could to stop the bleeding."
Allen took in the information and tried to remember what happened before then. Even though he had an excellent memory, all he could recall was the rain, the wolves, and a voice. But then anything after that was just darkness.
"I guess that explains things. I must have blacked out before you arrived."
Allen pondered over the immense amount of luck he had been given. For someone to have found him half-dead was a miracle in itself, but to have been able to nurse him back to health? It was almost too good believe.
"So...how long have I been out?" He asked as she turned back to him.
"About two weeks. I never knew one could sleep for so long."
"Have you been taking care of me for all of this time?" His eyes locked with hers, waiting for her response.
She turned around and smiled when she saw the intrigued look he honed.
"Yes, but my family pitched in as well. It was a group effort to get you back into shape."
A wave of gratitude washed over Allen. He lowered his head, letting a tear escape from his emerald orbs. He quickly brushed it away and tried to get off the bed.
"I have no way to thank you for everything you've done for me. But I can't stay as a burden." As he made it on his feet, he only took a couple paces towards the door before he fell. The pilgrimage to the window took up a lot of his energy. As he struggled to lift himself off the ground, he felt hands wrap around his arm.
"Just because you needed some help doesn't make you a burden. A real burden would have feigned further illness and not even attempt to support their self." She moved his body on her shoulders, letting his left arm sling over her. They used their combined strength to stand up, planting two feet on the dirty hardwood floor.
"He would have never recognized how he could be straining his caretakers and try to free them of his helplessness." She flashed him a bright smile as they headed towards the door.
“Well, seeing as you are already up, I should at least show you around. It will do you some good; help you have a better grasp on your surroundings.”
Yet again, this girl has left him speechless. Her relaxed attitude and soothing words gave Allen a feeling of harmonious bliss...well that was how he felt before realizing how close she had gotten. Erica noticed Allen's face slowly flare with a shade of red around his cheeks.
"Allen, are you alright? Your cheeks turned rosy again!" She asked as they head down the steps of the wooden stairs.
"I'm fine! I am just... a bit e-embarrassed is all." he said, turning his head away.
"What do you have to be embarrassed about? It's doesn't have to do with being helped by a girl is it!? I don't respect that sort of pride!" Erica looked almost ready to let him fall down the stairs if he replied with an answer that was not to her liking.
"Oh No! It's doesn't have to do with that! I-it's just..." he found himself staring at her again. He couldn't help it when he was so close to her.
"it's just what!?" Erica was slowly losing her patience as she waited for his reply.
"It’s just that...oh! That I have bandages all over my body and since you have been taking care of me...you might have seen things...you know." It wasn't the main reason for his flush, but it was certainly a factor.
"Things? I don't...oh!" Erica's face began to resemble a bright tomato as she understood what he had meant. For the remainder of the trip downstairs, they did not speak another word nor did they look at one another. The silence of lingering awkwardness hung in the air and allowed the teenagers harmonious embarrassment.
____________________________________________________
The first thing that caught his attention was the loud high pitched squeals. Next, the semi-scolding yell of an adult, trying to calm down what Allen had perceived to be children. They had reached the bottom of the staircase and had reached the door, only to have Erica stop their progress.
“Before we go in, I have to warn you...” She began saying, only to look down at her feet, trying to find the right words.
“My family can be...a little bit of handful. I just don't want you to get overwhelmed by them.”
Allen watched as she placed her hands on the door handles, but not pushing forward. It was as if she was contemplating whether or not she should let him through.
“Why are you hesitating? I doubt your family is that bad.” Allen let a chuckle escape his lips.
“It isn't that. I just hope father would pull any of his shenanigans on you. He has a way of making our guests feel uncomfortable. I just-” Allen placed his right hand over hers and made eye contact with her.
“Don't worry about anything. Your father sounds like a man who just has a lot of energy and the same goes for all of those who are behind that door. Trust me when I say this. I'll be fine.”
His words had a calming effect on her, any anxiety she felt towards the situation had dissipated. She nodded. Just as Erica was about to push her way through, they opened! The force that opened them inward pulled the teens in and onto the floor. In an instant, any pain that Allen thought had subsided flared back with a vengeance! It took almost everything in his power to not scream.
“Well, it seems that our unexpected free-loader finally decided to wake up.”
Allen managed to pull his head up, following the direction of a rough, baritone voice. Above him stood man who was easily 6 feet tall and displayed a muscular build, he had tan skin and brown hair. He adorned a heavy bread and mustache and dark eyes. He didn't know what it was, but just gazing at his form allowed Allen to feel a sense of power emanating from this man. He watched him pick up Erica with ease and set her back on her two feet as gently as possible.
“Thank you. Father, I'd like you to meet Allen, our house guest! Allen I'd like you to meet my father, Talvo Dorian.”
Allen muttered a small hello as he made a sad attempt to get up, only to fall back down. It was embarrassing to say the least. Suddenly he felt a set of arms wrap around his waist. They pulled him off the ground and onto his feet, hands placed themselves on to Allen's shoulders to support him. He turned his head around to see a guy even taller than Talvo, at least by a head.
“And this is our business partner and fellow caretaker of our home, Hugh Steimer.” said Erica as she introduced the 7 foot, auburn haired bodybuilder.
“Ahh..It’s nice to meet you both. Thank you for letting me stay for this long.” Allen said, bowing his head in respect. He opened his eyes once he was about to stop, seeing a little boy under him. Then as if out of the woodworks, 3 more children showed up from behind Talvo. If you counted correctly, Allen saw 4 little kids around Erica and her father.
“And these are the rest of my children! Anna, Bruce, Mikael, and Sarah.” said Talvo. The children only gave their guest a nice, cold glare as a welcoming gift. Needless to say it was awkward.
“Umm Hello! It’s nice to meet everyo-Ahh! What are you doing!” Allen didn't get to finish as Hugh threw him over his shoulder and began walking towards another door inside the room, with Talvo right on his trail.
“Father! What do you think you're doing!? He's our guest!” Erica yelled in protest.
“Oh Dear, don't worry Erica! Hugh and I are only taking Mr. Allen to the study so we can how long he will be staying...and how much rent he might owe. Haha!”
Erica watched helplessly as Allen was dragged into the next room over.
____________________________________________________
“Come on guys, I didn't know I had to pay rent! I was unconscious and I had no idea what was goi-ouch watch it!”
Upon entering the room, Allen was sat down into a chair that was facing the front of a large mahogany desk. Even though he was still a little dazed from all of the movement, Allen was still able to figure out his surroundings. He was in a small cube shaped room seemed barely large enough to hold both of his giant captors. Hugh leaned against a wide bookcase, harming the order of the shelved novels, while Talvo sat down in the chair directly across from his. Erica's father opened one of shelved of his desk and pulled out a white sack and dropped it on the desk. It made a clear metallic sound as it hit, the hilt of a sword poked out of the opening of the sack. Allen knew that this conversation might not end well, but after seeing his possessions out in the open, his hopes fell even more.
“You were in quite a predicament, kid. There was blood everywhere, you're very lucky that we had gotten to you the way that we did.” Talvo began, taking out the entire blade from the sack and setting it on the wooden table.
“Erica was the first one to your aid. She was so intent on saving you that she didn't notice the variety of items on your person, but I did. I never would have guessed to see a Demon Slayer, lying down in a pool of his own blood. Hell I didn't expect to see a Demon Slayer at all! Not many clans exist anymore, well at least not out in the open.”
“How do you know for sure that I'm a demon slayer? A sword can't be evidence enough to tell you that.” Allen replied, eying his guard-less Damascus hungrily.
“No it isn't, but when its coupled with the mark on the blade itself and all of the information gathered from your personal belongings, I can assure you that I am certain.” He spoke, with certainty and logic filling Allen's ears.
Allen cursed, forgetting the mark of a falcon head was engraved on the lower end of the sword. Talvo must have seen similar markings before and put the pieces together, he thought.
“Demon Slayers aren't very popular anymore, especially now with the monarchy cracking down on clans all over the land. It's sad when people who give their lives to protect the innocent, get depleted down to almost nothing when a God-fearing idiot see them as unfit.”
Allen could only think of one thing to say as he hoped for something good.
“What are you going to do with me?” Allen asked, receiving silence as an answer for a little while. His host had a somber look on his face, but fate has changed it into a grin.
“Nothing, I’m not going to do anything.” A sigh of relief left Allen, calming him down.
“I don't rat out heroes, my boy. But I do make them repay their debts.” an energetic laugh left Talvo's lips as he witnessed Allen's face pale up.
“But I don't have any money!”
“Then you'll pay in blood, sweat, and tears! You'll work for me until I feel satisfied!” He smirked, knowing he had the upper hand.
“What makes you think I'll oblige? What do you even do in this dump!?” Allen yelled, receiving a well-timed burst of pain from his body. Talvo's smirk melted away, it was quickly replaced by a hardened frown.
“Watch your tongue. You have no right to call one of the country's best imports and export services a dump!” He responded, earning himself a blank stare from the young man.
“Imports and export services? Like a delivery service?”
“No, not like a delivery service! It is an intricate center that receives valuable items from a customer and exports them to another location for a fee!”
“...Like a delivery service.” Allen repeated, receiving a howl of anger from Talvo. It was then that Hugh pushed away from the bookcase and stood next to Talvo.
“I'm sorry if the boss seems a little over the top, but it's become a really busy season for us. We have had to accelerate the speed of our deliveries due to the increase in demon sightings. We don't have much a crew working with us right now, many of our old staff members have left due to the fear that these things represent.”
The rationality in Hugh's voice held Allen's attention, slowly figuring out the real reason for the job offer imposition.
“So you want to hire me, so that I can act as a body guard. Demons usually tend to stay away from their hunters.” Talvo calmed down, seeing that the young man had understood what he was trying to get through, thanks to Hugh's calm explanation of course.
“Yes. Until recently, it hasn't been much of a problem but now that Erica insists on tagging along every time there is work to do...well I just can't risk her safety.” The boss said, allowing his face to show concern. It was natural for a father to act in such a way in matters that concern his daughter.
It was clear now. Talvo's behavior finally made a lick of sense. The stress of trying to protect his daughter and run a business had hit him hard. It was only fair that he would lend his skills to man who sheltered him amidst the pressure that he was enduring. Plus, there was something special about Erica, something that made Allen feel that it was his sworn duty to protect her. So he knew what he had to say next.
“Fine, count me in, as long as I can stay here free of rent.” He said with a sigh. He got up, grabbed his belongings, and headed for the door.
“Really? I thought you said you wouldn't oblige.”
“You should thank Mr. Steimer. He seemed to have a cool head about the situation. Plus, he didn't go forcing me into such a request.” Allen said, leaving the room with a turn of the knob.
Talvo and Hugh smirked at the boldness their new employee displayed. After a moment of silence in the room, a conversation was struck.
“What are the odds? Erica seems to be good luck, finding someone reliable to act as her personal body guard.” Steimer said, relaxing his posture and setting her back on the bookshelf again.
“Yes, she does have a way of solving her own problems even if she isn't aware of them. The appearance of the Von Ferdiand, along with the sudden increase in creatures all around, it can't be a coincidence.” The boss held his hands together, trying to fit the pieces in sync.
“Do you think the time has come? Is Lord Faust's prophecy dawning?”
“Quiet! No one must know of that! Do not forget that our mission is not yet complete. But yes, I dare say his majesty's prophecy might begin soon. After 16 years, Raliegh seems to be stirring up his forces. It might be a blessing, which Erica had found Allen. We will need all the help we can get.”
____________________________________________________
The moonlight shone brightly over a heated scene of dancing blades clashing over a camp fire. A young man with dark hair swiftly dodged the swipes of two snake like beings. He countered by slashing open one of the snakes with a blade made of red steel. The sword left the monster immobile, its blood staining the grass below.
“I can't believe I'm wasting my time with you. I'd be happy to if you were on my list, but sadly you’re not.” He said, cleaning his sword with a rag.
“Filthy human! How dare you interfere, we had a perfectly good female ready to be roasted for dinner, of course you would think it be noble to go and set her free!” yelled the beast.
Light from the camp fire revealed the odd cross of human and snake in its form. It had the upper body of a human, with the lower half of the named reptile, and it adorned of mixture of the two as its head
“Of course, a gentleman never leaves a damsel in distress. It was a mistake on your part to go against the idea of letting her go. You are both far too weak to defend yourselves properly, just ask your friend down there.”
“I am weak you say!? Well let's see how well you do without your sword!” It yelled said shooting out a purple liquid from its mouth.
The liquid headed for the hilt of his sword, he quickly let go of it and stepped to the left. The humanoid reptile slithered its way towards him, lounging its own sword at him. The man narrowly evaded the sword and sent his hand onto the creature's gut.
“You're quick I'll give you that, but with you this close, it’s safe to say that you're in a very bad position. The creature laughed as he was ready to sink his blade into his prey's back, but it stopped moving.
The snake felt his own back burning up, he turned his head to see a fire blazing all over. He also noticed that fire that he and his brother prepared for their prisoner was gone. Before death was able to taking him away, the snake man saw what he was dealing with.
“Psychokinesis... To think my life would be ended by such a rare ability. I should consider this an hon-' His body reduced to ashes before he could finish.
The young man dusted himself off. He picked up his sword and sheathed it. He held last bit of the camp site's flame in his hand.
“If you can't stand the heat, don't get on my bad side.”
