CHAPTER 39: I’m Back...
As we approached the portal I saw movement in my HUD and froze. I watched as Arthur’s health continued to drop, “Cole, there’s trouble. I need to go fast. Give me a potion.”
“Here, but I’m coming with you.” He responded throwing me a potion in case me or Arthur needed it when I got there, anxiety spiked in both of us as I continued to watch Arthur’s health fall.
It was at 50% and he already used a few potions from what I could tell.
“Do what you will, but I’m not waiting for you.” We stepped through the portal and more notifications for me to ignore went off, “Brenden you remember the way back?”
“Yes Sir Rick!”
Cole spoke over Brenden, “Okay. Go! Run!”
I didn’t wait. As soon as I heard the beginning of the “Yes” I shot off full speed running up the mountain.
I haven’t been fighting to the best of my ability still and I knew that.
I was reckless in the dungeon, I showed no control. I just keep fighting with so much rage. Yes, it got me through my fights so far but it will get me killed if I don’t manage to cap it off, or at least figure out a way to control myself when I turn toward it. I need to figure out how to use it.
Each stride with my bare feet kicking off of the ground cracked concrete to push me at a top speed likely close to 50 miles per hour. I checked my inventory, the boots were still junk, I would need to repair or toss them. I equipped the necklace I just received, angry that I didn’t put it on immediately. That minute could be the difference between life and death.
I pushed myself harder and harder as I ran, I leapt over a group of Demons, leaving them for later experience.
I could see Arthur on my map now with it zoomed out. From what I could tell he was a ways down the road from the camp entrance, right off of the road. I was probably 30 seconds away.
I pushed harder, ahead was another group of demons lining the road, they stood ready like they knew I was coming.
I summoned my sword as I approached. There were little flying creatures and some generic looking red demons standing side by side, at least 20 from a quick count.
I moved into the center of the road as I approached at break neck speeds, I saw weapons winding up and they were closing in the sides as I neared.
I gave them no time to attack.
I dug my foot into the ground as I ran then shot forward.
I thrashed my razor sharp blade coated in pure lightning through the air as I spun past the demons in a flash of light like a top.
My blade severed heads, wings, legs, and every other body part as I passed, completely obliterating everything in sight.
I looked back quickly to see the damage I wrought, even I was taken back by what I saw.
It looked like a seasoned prep cook who worked for Titans came by and chopped each into thin precise slices, like you would cut a tomato for a group of sandwiches. Only a bit more juice.
Arthur’s health took a huge hit and he was now critical.
I was seconds away.
Near the top of the hill, I saw 2 new figures standing off on the side of the road.
One reached towards a quiver hanging on their back. They both held basic wooden bows that looked handcrafted. Based on the map they were looking in Arthur’s direction.
I couldn’t see him from where I was approaching as there were too many trees in the way and he was downhill a bit on the other side of the dip. However, I could see now that these 2 people were Humans.
Are they helping him?
They both look a bit scrappy. The one holding up the bow was aiming low.
No. Need to go faster.
The male Archer noticed me and did nothing. The guys eyes lit up with terror upon seeing me.
The female noticed her partner. I saw her eyes move to the corner and notice my incoming form.
She was aiming right at a broken and bloody but not yet defeated Arthur.
Thiwp!
She loosed the Arrow.
I snatched the arrow just as it was leaving the bowstring.
I put on the brakes and spun around.
I punched that goddamn arrow right through her fucking eye until it went through the back of her head.
I turned to the man who fell to the ground and crab walked away in fear.
The woman was still on her feet somehow, she shook violently making rapid movements and looked surprised. She attempted to speak, or her brain was just in the midst of dying, “Plurb daahdah Blooleeree Plurb. Prulg Prulg?”
Convictions Claw appeared in my hand as I punched toward her chest. The blade cut through her heart, ending the horrific scene.
The man on the ground in front of me was literally urinating his pants, “Holy fuck! P-p-p-please! No! They have my wife! I had to come but I never shot him. I swear!” The man plead for his life as I stood above him my breaths heavy with fury.
“AHHH!” I couldn’t get words out through the adrenaline, maybe I just needed to scream off the anxiety, I don’t know.
Arthur limped to my side and the rage began to subside, turning to worry as I fell to a knee and administered a health potion to his wounds, “Is he telling the truth?”
He nodded to back the man’s story.
I looked down at the terrified man, finally realizing who it was, “Leave now. You may not be as lucky if you run into my brother, he already killed one man who threatened his family today.”
“What about my wife?” He asked.
I was perplexed that the man who just came with an army of demons to kill my family could now somehow ask me what to do, “Are you fucking serious! Get the fuck out of here, you’re lucky I let you live. I thought you were a better man then this Jon. You used to be anyway.”
The man was Jon Winslow. We were in school together all the way back through elementary. He was always a good kid, smart, kept to himself for the most part. We partied a few times after the school years but never really talked much or shared the same interests, seeing him like this was a shock. It was saddening.
“Josh and his goon went to the camp. They have my wife and your father. I can tell you how to get in. Please help me…” He begged.
“Fuck, stay with Arthur and he will make sure my brother doesn’t kill you. You okay now Bucky?”
“Woof!” Arthur was back to 100%.
The incredible amount of stress I had worrying about him was just replaced by the dreadful fears for the others again.
I took off, I called for my full set of armor and The Scoffer’s Assegai.
I ran around an area in the road that was absolutely full of scores of dead demons.
Did Arthur do that? Shit. We may be a bit OP now.
No, there’s no such thing in this world.
As I ran down the dirt road kicking up dust behind me I saw black smoke billowing up through the trees, “No…”
As I closed the distance I heard my mother scream, “Let go of me you big dumb shit! And you! I always knew you were bad news, but I was nice to you anyways and this is how you treat me?!”
I slowed up a bit so the element of surprise was on my side and I heard Josh speak, “Come on, you loved me! The world changed Mrs. Weston, you see that right? I know you all want to keep living your perfect life up here with your perfect little family but there’s this new guy, Voldrix. He’s a big boy and he doesn’t like your son. Something about killing his little sister, I don’t care, All I care about is that he gives me what I need to survive. Power and women.”
“This motherfuck…” I bit my tongue as I climbed a tree to get into a good ambush position.
The camp was up in flames and I trembled with alarm. My mother was being held by a mountain of a man who was somehow taking orders from Josh. He pulled my mother away from the burning building, she didn’t make it easy for him though, she made him drag her through every step.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
That was my opening.
I stored my assegai away, instead deciding to let my Wrath come out.
I loaded a javelin into my atlatl.
My mother stopped walking, the big man stepped and his arm went straight again.
As his muscles tensed to pull her to his side again, we dropped.
My javelin flew through the air as I fell to the ground just a few feet away.
The throw missed its mark but not by much, The javelin exploded through the mans throat and continued traveling into the driveway below.
I landed on the ground as the big man grasped at his throat and looked to be reaching to remove a potion.
Josh ran to get behind Mom to use her as a shield but instead I cut him off, bonking him over the head with the javelin thrower. The knockback took effect as he was pushed back by whatever type of magic it was, it was very awkward to watch.
I punched toward the big man as he raised his large bloody hand to his lips in an attempt to drink the potion he now held.
My assegai appeared in my hands with a gust of Gale Charge attached. My jab went through his hand and the wind blew the health potion away to the ground.
Josh was turning to run off into the woods. He threw a few darts that struck my armor. Only one gained purchase but it didn’t do much.
The big guy was trying his luck at a potion again, I placed a hand over my mothers eyes and made sure I was in the way, then I stopped his suffering with a lethal thrust to his face.
I turned and walked her back toward the camp, “Tell them it’s safe so they can come out. It’s probably getting hot. I don’t want the kids to inhale smoke.”
“They’re fine. Rick! You’re hurt!” She held out her hands and a green glow covered my wounds. I saw my health return to full then she held out another hand that glowed a bright golden color as the poison debuff disappeared from my HUD.
“Thanks. You’re sure they’re okay?” I asked.
“They should be yes but let’s make sure. There’s a hatch that leads out of the side into the woods.” She explained as we moved around the camp.
“Smart thinking.”
She smiled. She somehow, through all of this shit still smiled, the same one she always wore in front of the kids, “That’s your Dad for ya.”
We walked into the woods and within a moment the 3 appeared on my mini map, “How did they hide on my map?”
“Something your brother made, I don’t quite get it.” She answered simply.
We ran into Ava and the kids, the two groups following the map until we converged.
Ava asked, “Is it safe?”
“Yeah, but I have one more thing to wrap up.”
Ava took on a serious tone as her face turned pale, concern and unease layered her next words, “How did the dungeon go? Is Cole…”
I paused and looked to her and the boys, “He’s a slow poke, but he’s fine. He should be here in a minute I’m sure.”
The color returned to her face as she ran to give me a hug. She whispered in my ear, mocking Cole, “Thanks little bro.”
I gave her an awkward pat on the back, “No problem. I need to go find him before he gets too far though. Let’s see if we can go find Cole together.”
I walked everyone out of the woods back to the camp. They stood to the side as I removed my tote and dumped all of the shit to the ground. They began picking the items up as they would need it if I let everything burn up too much.
I stepped into the pond and started throwing 27 gallons of water at a time onto the cabin to put the fire out. I went back and forth a few times splashing water up on everything to make sure it was completely out. Once finished I walked outside to a warm welcome.
Cole had his wife and boys all wrapped in a huge hug, Mom and Dad cried while the two boys wondered why they were crying. The smaller of the 2 joining in on the cry session for the hell of it, causing everyone to laugh.
Brenden and Brandi walked into the picture with Arthur dragging the newcomer Jon along. They walked him to the far side of the pond and Brenden removed some of the rope I gave him and proceeded to tie Jon to a tree using one of the knots I taught him. That feels like a lifetime ago even though it was just the night before the Mimic School Bus incident.
Mom rubbed her eyes and looked to me, giving me that same old smile as she walked toward me.
“Hey mom, you okay?”
Once close I noticed how much she was trembling, I don’t like what she went through, and I don’t like my addition to it, but it was necessary.
She choked back the tears from the fearful and tense moment, “I’m okay. Josh said someone has your father. That he wants you.”
“Yeah, remember the grocery store I mentioned. The demon was his sister but I don’t think in the natural sense how we use the word. That fucking monster… She did, terrible things. I still see it when I close my eyes. But…”
She placed her hand on my shoulder, “Don’t go. Your father would want you to stay here.”
I removed her hand and gave her a hug, “I’m going, and I’m gonna get Dad back and kill them all. Every single one.”
“No humans… You’re not a killer. None of you are.”
When she said that I felt numb.
I already killed 2 people, easily. All I felt was anger toward the one orchestrating this mess.
“Cole and Brenden are going to take you all to Glastenbury, it’s a safe zone now. Look for a barn that looks untouched. I think the safe zones get a little starter pack but I’m not positive yet.”
My mother looked dejected, I felt guilty making her feel the way she did, but I couldn’t leave my father to be killed, tortured, or worse.
I spoke up, “Now that you’re all here. I’m going to take care of something, head to the safe zone with Arthur and I’ll find you there.”
Cole walked in front of his wife and kids, “No, if you go I’m coming too.”
I just shook my head at his stupidity, “Cole, you have a family to look after, don’t be so fucking stupid. I understand he’s your father too and all that bullshit but they need you. Arthur will be there for you, he will protect you as you grow strong, just like he did for me.”
Arthur’s head sagged, I could tell he wanted to go. Honestly I wanted him to go with me but it was way too dangerous, plus I needed him for my emergency plan.
I continued, “I love you guys, I’m the luckiest person on the planet to have every one of you still alive. I understand that, and I’ll fight to keep it that way.”
I set off in the driveway, my mother begged me once more to let it go but this wasn’t something I could simply let go. Even if I let Dad die, this fucking gang of X’s wouldn’t leave me alone.
Hopefully after today I’ll never have to kill another human being again.
Arthur ran my side with Brenden once I walked out of range of everyone else. Arthur gave me a little ruff to get my attention, I dropped down to his level, “Hey Bugaloo... Fuck. Thank you buddy, you did a good job, you are a good boy.”
He looked pissed, “Ruff Ruff!”
Brenden also looked upset, “Sir, Rick… Let us come help you. You know it’s a trap.”
I smiled up at Brenden, “Yeah, I know. I wish you guys could, but not this time. I have an idea and Arthur, I know you don’t want to separate again but it’s all part of the plan. I need you to keep a close eye on that health bar of mine. It will get low quite a few times, so don’t jump the gun. Brenden, where did the others from the Dungeon go?”
Arthur cocked his head then nodded in understanding as Brenden answered, “They decided to go their own way unfortunately. I tried to have them come with us and to meet at the safe zone. Martin said he had to look for his family, Alice said, Ain’t no way in Hell!” He said doing his best impression of Alice.
“Shit, I guess Cole scared them away. Maybe we can look for them down the road. There’s no reason they can’t join us and be safe, the area is big enough for them to live on the other side if they wish. Arthur get them to the safe zone and try to find the barn.”
“Woof!”
I turned on the medieval knight voice and stood to my full height squaring my shoulders, “Brenden Benson, The Budget Battlemage of Barnumville. You have been the best squire a lowly knight such as myself could ever hope to train. Take a knee.” Brenden looked shocked, he slowly lowered himself to one knee and looked to the ground as I removed Conviction’s Claw, “Brenden Benson, raise your head.”
He looked up with a beaming smile as his eye’s turned glossy. My family had walked around the edge of the camp by now and were standing quietly in the back, Sprout was here too on Arthur’s back, “I, Sir Rick Weston of Conviction hereby knight thee,” I tapped my sword to each shoulder and shouted, “Stand Now! As Sir Brrrrrenden Benson, The Blueprint Battlemage of The Brrrrrotherhood of Bane.”
I winged it, even surprising myself with the rolled R’s and the amount of B words that came to me in the moment. Talk about getting into character, I guess the kid really rubbed off on me.
“Woof woof woof woof!” Arthur barked joyously and hopped to Brenden who stood to his feet with the same radiant smile and tears going down his face.
Everyone watching started shouting and clapping, “Here, Here!” I’m pretty sure I heard a Huzzah tossed out here and there as well.
“Speech!” I yelled and it was soon echoed by the rest.
“BREEEEEK!” Sprout screeched.
Brenden’s face turned red, I guess it was fun to make other people feel awkward and put them on the spot, I understood why Eli and Jared did it to me now as I stood there laughing.
“Achem, I thank you all, for everything. You have shown me so much patience and grace. I started this journey a scared boy hiding away behind his once great castle walls, or as Sir Rick calls it, heap of shit.” We all laughed at the mention of the great wall of Barnumville, “I know that we are still new to each other but I already consider you all to be my family. You—Achem!... You have all been more accepting of me and my shenanigans than my real family ever was. So, just as my mentor taught me, I will fight to protect our new safe zone. I will fight for you. I will fight for Humanity!”
Jesus, his speech put my old one to shame. All part of the play I guess, and he was definitely made to play this role.
Everyone clapped and cheered at his speech, the family walked up and gave him hugs, Cole a strong forearm shake. I saw his face light up red as Brandi approached him. His face turned toward the ground for a brief moment then I noticed his shoulders tighten up with confidence as he turned his head high, smiling back at her as she gave him a hug.
Cute.
I walked to Cole quickly before setting out, “Here, try to identify this if you can.” I said handing him the ring Damael gave me through the rift.
He looked closely at it, I saw his fingers light up rose gold as he spun the ring through his fingers, “I’m not getting much from it, just showing me where it’s from. Should I worry?”
I shook my head, “No, I don’t know if he’s alive or not, but he was aight. He gave it to me for some reason as we were fleeing. What’s the name?”
“Damael’s Moral, Doesn’t make any sense. I’ve identified higher tiered items and nothing blocked me out so much. Let me take it to the safe zone and work on it. I need to sit with my supplies.” He said storing the ring in his inventory.
I shrugged, “Okay, but first, can you work with Arthur and see if you can figure out a way for us to communicate easier? He almost chose a heaven class because it promised him the ability to speak to us. I think the Heavens want him for some reason but I’m not sure why yet. I mean he is stronger and faster than he should be for his stats but that’s not it. I gotta go though, First Arthur then ring!”
“I’ll see what I can do I suppose, here.”
He removed a few potions and handed them over, “Are you sure you don’t want to keep them for emergency while you guys are walking?”
“Nah, I have more.”
“How the fuck do you have so many potions?”
“I don’t run up to every enemy and try to stab them. I hang out at the back and blow shit up.”
“True enough. Well, thanks bruh.”
“Ugh, do NOT say that.”
I laughed as I took off.
I looked back for one last view of my family as I left.
Brenden, Brandi and Ava were chatting together and sharing a laugh. Mom was playing with the kiddos, she still had that damn hand puppet… Cole was on one knee in front of Arthur giving him a hug, must be thanking him finally.
See you all soon.