The Next Day....
(Sorry for stealing the story telling from Quinton, I'll be handing it back to him now)
The day today is(believe it or not) 16 of April, 5056. It's a continental holiday(or national holiday) celebrating the summoning of a hero which happened five years ago, and also the day I was born. But yeah the hero was said to be a female born in the Kingdom of Oshuhan, the word or name Oshuhan means "Bringing the man"
Normally, fireworks would have been going out from the late evening till morning, making it a very sleepless day. Unfortunately, the White clan enjoyed a very quiet morning, nobody dared to make a sound attracting any attention from anyone.
The family had woken up and ate breakfast at the dinner table. The differences between the boys and the girls was gone and everyone enjoyed the meal while chatting like nothing ever happened.
"We will be going to check up on Aunt Veronica, would you like to come with us little guy?"
Ursula brought her plan up, inviting Quinton if he would like to join them.
"Sounds like fun, but what does mother think about this?"
Quinton said after finishing his milk.
"Right, I just hope you guys can find her in her house, she may be smart, but your father's sister isn't the type of person to stay home while doing nothing. And since the day of my marriage, she never stopped by or even answered any of my calls when I went to visit her, even till now. Doesn't she even know how much I worry about her?, she keeps avoiding me..."
Tiffany couldn't complete what she was talking about, she held her forehead while letting out a sigh.
Stephanie gave her little sister a serious look before whispering to her "You started this, so now end it"
Ursula just gave Stephanie a wryly smile before calling out to Tiffany.
"It's okay madam, for we will just pass by Aunty's apartment to check on her. If she is not there then we will be going straight to the shopping center in the main city to grab some of the new type of spice that just came yesterday"
"Isn't the shopping center there crowded with people?, it will be too dangerous for you three. Plus there are other locations where you guys can get the spice you were talking about"
Tiffany raised her concern.
"That is precisely why we are going there"
Similar thoughts flushed through the sister's minds as they nodded at each other.
"What is that exactly?"
Karape joined in while stuffing a meat into his mouth.
"The city guards there roam around the city in big numbers and never stay in one place. So it will be hard for anyone who has bad intentions to do something stupid, unless they want to end up in jail or killed. We'll of course, check out the new clothes shop to get some for Quinton"
Stephanie joined in trying to convince Tiffany.
Plus the other shops you were talking about doesn't have that many guards patrolling them, also they are small and you have to wait for those people inside to come out so that you can enter, which is very tiring"
Ursula added, getting a thumbs up from Stephanie.
"Alright fine...I trust you girls on this one, but be sure to take care of my baby boy alright?"
Tiffany resigned in defeat.
"I'm not a baby anymore mom"
I replied while puffing out my small cheek.
"Your age doesn't matter, for you will always be my handsome baby boy"
My mother replied with a gentle voice as she brushed my cheek with the back of her smooth fingers.
"Don't worry young one, for I shall be at your side at everytime"
Stephanie said while smiling at me.
After breakfast we started making preparations. When I agreed to tag along with them, I assumed that we'd be going to a nearby town or city that will take us a day's travel, but shit me how stupid I was.
We were making preparations for a full month journey. A journey by horse-drawn carriage through the cold mountains of the southern region heading north towards the Kingdom of Mouhun, which the capital of our kingdom.
The sisters or maids and I were ready to head out, but before we could leave the house Stephanie went back into the kitchen and did a quick scan of the things needed before joining the two of us as we made our way out leaving my parents home alone.
As we walked, the sisters were telling me about the city and how big and all, but I knew for a fact that this two were trying to get me to choose which of them to follow when we get there.
"This journey is going to be very long. It's time like these that I wished modern transportation existed"
I said in a low voice as the sisters went on about who will be taking care of me when we got to the city.
For what I heard from Stephanie is that in order for us to get to the city fast, we have to take a carriage pulled by horses, or it would take us months to travel pass towns to reach the city gate if we decided to walk.
While Stephanie and Ursula were busy packing all our stuff, I was checking my checking my side bag for the things I secretly took with me.
(Well remember the continental information book from chapter one or two, well the name is The Continental Encyclopedia. I also took a six inch dagger with me Incase of anything, like I said I don't want to be monster food)
Seeing that everything was set, I joined the maids while waiting for my father's ex-party members to join us since they were also on their way to the city of Mouhun. Seems to me like they were going to be like escorts on the way to the city, because the mountain range had towns isolated far of from each other, and there is also the potential danger of wild animal attacks and bandits.
"I'm already feeling bored from waiting big sis"
Ursula yawned
"Did they tell you where they might be staying before leaving?"
I asked with a yawn.
"Now that you mention it, your father did tell me that they'll be staying in one of their friends house before leaving today. Should we go check up on them?"
Stephanie said with a brightened face.
"I think that would be best, so we can hear from them if they are willing to come with us or we can go find someone else, the whole waiting thing is really making me impatient"
Ursula said with a puffed cheek.
"I'm really sorry dear for the delay, hope you are not mad"
Stephanie crouched Infront of me patting my hair.
"No, i.. it's fine. I'm not mad at all, I'm just so excited for the journey that's all"
I replied forcing an excited face while trying to hide my bored face.
"Very well, let's grab something before heading over to those dummies"
Stephanie said trying to cheer me up, but I knew she was also mad at those so-called ex-party members of my father.
After grabbing a few snacks we headed to the the house they were staying in, chatting while trying to forget about our impatiens. Reaching the house they were staying at, we found them standing at the door while waiting for one of their companion who seemed to be talking to her parents.
I was expecting them to be in a number four or more but to my surprise, they were only two of them.
Fiona: Female sword users
: Age - 46
: Height - 166cm
: Clan - White clan
Ruben: Male Archer and dagger user
: Age - 48
: Height - 173cm
: Clan - Hawkeye clan
After Stephanie and Ursula introduced themselves and told them about the journey, Ursula explained, "And finally I would like to to introduce to you your former captain's son, come on Quinton, introduce yourself"
Giving a them a full bow, I introduced myself while keeping my head down(well that's what I always see in animes and mangas so, I did it got a problem)
"It's an honor. My father told me so many great things about his fellow Snow Storm Party members. And I thank you for joining us on our travel to Mouhun, oh and the name's Quinton. I'll be in your care"
"Mmm..what an interesting little fella"
Ruben said while stroking his two inches long beard on the chin.
" Hahaha, at least you have some manners kid. Good thing you got that from your mother's side"
Fiona laughed lightly slapping me lightly on the back.
It may seem like a light slap on the back to anyone, but to me it felt like my back was on fire. She may have the beautiful skin of a woman but her strength was not ordinary, it must have been the results of years of adventuring and hard training for years.
"I'll take that as a compliment then"
I replied forcing a smile.
While they continued chatting about the journey, I took some time studying the two new members who will be joining us. The first person was Ruben, taking a closer look at him, he seemed to be the energetic, talkative one but also cautious. I can tell from the way he speaks and the way he kept everyone away from talking about anything of the past. But he is also a good looking guy, he had dark-brown-reddish hair that covered his eyes, despite that he can see fairly enough through the gaps. And one of the things I noticed was a scar that went all around his neck, it was under the scarf so I wasn't able to make out what had caused it. His built was just perfect for a scout, being not too fat nor thin but just right. but as I moved on to check out his weapons and armor, I was suddenly lifted of the ground.
"I can't help myself, his just like a cute little puppy. I'm just glad he doesn't look more like his father you know"
Fiona said exactly pulling my small body into an big squeeze.
"Puppy!!. Do I look like a four legged creature with a skinny bone tail sticking out my ass and a body covered in hairs, you must be blind miss!!"
I shouted in my mind but kept a smiling face on.
I wanted to look her in the eyes and curse at her for describing my new body for a puppy but before I could do it, I was taken into suffocation again but this time it wasn't Stephanie or my mother but, Fiona. Come to think of it, I haven't really got to look at her face, but now. Since I'm so close it will be my only chance of seeing her up close, don't get me wrong I'm talking about her face.
I took a good look at the woman who is trying to kill me in broad daylight. Boy she was pretty now that I see her, I mean, she is pretty but not as pretty as my mom. Unlike my mother who gave this motherly love feeling, she was giving of a "princess type vibe" you feel me. She had short spiky white hairs that stopped at shoulder length and beautiful blue eyes that even I could see myself in them. Her body was warm plus the heat coming from the morning sun it was enough to make my body sweat, and just as my two little hands were about to give out and my pupp...I mean handsome face was about to hide in the soft mountains, a hand grabbed me by the knapsack and pulled me out her embrace.
"Are you trying to kill him with. Those things?"
Ruben said while pointing at Fiona's melons.
"What do you mean "those things?"
Fiona retorted while trying to pull me away from from Ruben.
For a moment I felt like a real puppy being carried by his mother on the neck unable to even move, but at the same time I was getting chocked by my own shirt while Ruben and Fiona were carried away arguing. Luckily Ursula shouted at them, only then did they realize the position I was in.
My eyes stayed fixed on the ground as I impatiently waited for Ruben to put me down so that I can breathe properly, instead of carefully lowering me to the ground, he dropped me to the ground after seeing my face turned blue from lack of oxygen. He was like"Oh I'm really sorry kid, you okay?"and bamm!.. I hit ground hard on my butt while taking countless deep breaths.
"So much for being in your care"
I said after catching my breath.
"It's your fault for distracting me Fiona"
Ruben said while pointing at Fiona again starting another argument.
"I think we'll be going ourselves now"
Stephanie said as she lifted me from the ground while dusting my clothes.
"On your own?"
Fiona was surprised to hear Stephanie say that.
"I agree with my sister, no offense but despite your age you both are still acting like children"
Ursula replied in disappointment.
"Okay look, we are sorry for being carried away, and we promise it won't happen again in the future"
Ruben apologized.
"No. We are sorry for troubling you both, we can protect him ourselves. Oh and be sure to let your former captain, know that I said, we don't need kids to look after us"
Stephanie said coldly before taking me and Ursula with her.
Ruben and Fiona just stood there without knowing what to say as they watched the three of them vanish from their site.
I didn't mean to say what I said back there but it was also the truth, if they can't take care of me in a simple way, how the hell should I trust them for what will happen during the journey. Stephanie nearly lost it back there, but I'm relieved she didn't otherwise things could have been bad. The time was already passed lunch time, so when we arrived back at our carriage I hopped inside sitting at the furthest back. But when Stephanie came on, things changed.I was now sitting on her lap with Ursula sitting on the opposite side facing us.
"Now what?"
I asked looking back at Stephanie.
"For now we wait, the driver said that one of his horses is not feeling well today, so he'll be changing it for a new one"
Stephanie said while stroking my hair.
After a few minutes of waiting, the driver finally arrived with the new horse, and after another few minutes of waiting they finally finished strapping the horses as my.. our journey to the big city began.
After seven hours of traveling we finally came to a stop at the bottom of the once distant mountain range that seemed to increase Its size by a triple. But I wonder what will be the size of the grand mountain range that is yet to be passed. Or you can just say, I was just excited to leave my small village and explore the unknown.
We were able to find a cave which travelers use when they needed a break, well actually the driver was the one to tell us about it. It was a good spot with the solid walls blocking most of the wind, we didn't have to set up tents, and just outside the cave was lots of scraps of wood from the tree branches that would be useful for making a fire. While Stephanie, Ursula and the driver were carried away setting up our dinner and stuff, I went outside to take a pee. And after a moment of peace I made my way back inside the cave which I was surprised to see that instead of having our sleeping bags on the ground for the night, they set up tents inside the cave.
Without saying anything I joined my friends to a delicious meal prepared by our driver, which was surprisingly better than Stephanie and Ursula's cooking. I was going to make that comment but after looking at the maids, I swallowed it and continued eating. The driver noticed this but didn't say anything only giving me a friendly smile.
When dinner was over, Stephanie and Ursula began conversing with themselves in a low voice that only they could hear themselves, leaving me with the driver sitting close to the fire.
"Hey kiddo, I heard your sisters talking about you earlier that you were able to master every weapon. Is it true that you did that at an early age?"
The driver said nonchalantly.
I was surprised by his question and didn't know how to answer so I just said, "Yes"
With that, he started dropping bombs like, was I able to awaken the White clan's secret technique and if I did what does it do and all. And with that Ursula already heard everything we were talking about, and without any warning, she challenged me to a dual leaving all of us in a shock.
Both our driver and Stephanie seemed a bit hesitant at first, but Stephanie trusting her little sister that she wouldn't really hurt me, Stephanie said. "Alright, but be careful. Karape haven't had the chance to teach him how to fight properly yet. He had just been doing light strength training and learning the basics of every weapon"
Ursula who left her rock seat looked around until she was able to get two sticks for us to use as weapons, only then did she feel satisfied.
"Ok Quinton, show me that I was right choosing you!"
Ursula said tossing me one of the sticks.
How I wish I could have interject her, I could have said something along the lines like, mock-fighting someone my age is a really bad idea since a normal five year old kid's greatest achievement at this age would be successfully going up and down the stairs, walking around in a circles, or try standing on one foot for a few seconds. But I guess this kind of thoughts never crossed anyone's mind, here in this freaking world.
Picking up the wooden stick on the ground, I walked to the edge of the cave where Ursula was waiting. Although Stephanie was the only who witnessed me train once, she still can't help herself from being anxious as she kept looking back and forth between me and her little sister.
I'm not really sure about the whole idea about this dual thing, maybe she just want to beat me up after hearing that I was able to master every weapon or if she was genuinely trying to test my strength. But that smug grin she had on her face while looking down on me, even if it was only natural for someone her age and height to look down on me, it still irked me.
"You do know how to hold your weapon right, grown-up?"
Ursula said taking up a fighting stance.
With this, Stephanie knew her small sister was trying to dominate Quinton, but she just watched without saying anything knowing that her small sister wouldn't hurt him too much.
As I focused my gaze on Ursula, who was standing ten metres away. Images of my past life, watching movies and animes and how they ended a fight with one strike was now playing my mind. Putting myself in to their position I narrowed my eyes, my vision of Ursula was now changed to the villains in the movie scene. She was now the opponent.
My sword..or stick was still held at my side as if it wasn't unsheated yet.
Without further delay Ursula dashed forward with both hands holding her stick to her left like it was a long sword, I didn't move as I closed my eyes activating my Panoptis Technique. Even though my eyes was close I was still able to sense everything around me, the wind, the ruffling leaves of the trees. My ears was like my second eye, but instead of seeing I was able to see through the sound waves created by whatever is around me.
As Ursula came in her striking range she swung her stick horizontally, it was a direct strike that left three openings for me strike, her left and right side rib, and her belly. Remembering back the scenes I've seen back in my world, I went for her belly. Her strike came for my head, but with a quick dodge I delivered a quick samurai slash.
"There is no way he won"
Said the driver.
"Told you"
Stephanie said proudly.
"May your soul find peace in the next life"
I said in a sad ton sheathing my sword stick back to my side before opening my eyes.
"I'm still alive you know. But still, i can't believe I lost so easily. Maybe the next time, I won't hold back."
Ursula said before walking back to her sister.
Sigh.."Well good thing she held back". I thought to myself.
"It's all thanks to my father, if it weren't for him, I would have lost"
I said before returning back to my seat.
"Damn boy that was some good shit"
The driver said, giving me a thumbs up.
"Thank you"
I said before taking my seat.
"As agreed, he will be spending the night with me"
Stephanie said in a low voice
"Fine, but tomorrow is my turn"
Ursula replied.
"Hey kiddo, I'm sorry for challenging you. And goodnight to you guys, I'm gonna call it a night"
Ursula walked into her tent.
Seeing Ursula apologize gave me a little good impression of her. I guess she isn't a total block-head after all.
"Cough.. I'm sorry to ask but, how where you able to dodge her attack with your eyes closed"
The driver asked throwing a few branches into the fire.
"Well, it's a simple skill you can learn in just one night. This is a good spot for you to train, first you have to get yourself situated in a comfortable sitting position. Second you have to clear your mind by erasing any thought that is currently in your mind, and when that is done, you have to use your ears to hear every sound around you. Try separating every sound you hear and look for that on sound you are searching for. If you are able to do that, I'll be happy to tell you the next step"
I replied giving him a teacher like face.
Hearing what I said, he didn't waste time and got into a meditative sitting position, trying out what I just told him. Without him knowing that I said those things without even knowing what I was saying, I didn't think he would be this stupid to start immediately. Without disturbing him I walked silently to Stephanie who was sitting in front of her tent dressed in her night pajamas.
You know, the one thing I really hate about this body was how much sleep it required. Even though I slept almost the whole journey, I still felt my eyes starting to get heavy. And I just happened to be awake for like three hours now, but already my body needed more.
I was going to take my seat next Stephanie when she picked me up and gently sitting me on her lap.
"Are you okay dear?, and I'm also curious to how you did that"
Stephanie asked checking my hands like a mother.
Deciding to feign my ignorance, I replied while putting on a nonchalant face," well I read a book back at home that explained this skill, but most of it was from watching my father train"
Stephanie didn't say anything, just patting my head with a gentle smile on her face. Even she didn't say anything her smile was enough to make me happy, it was like her smiling face was telling me, "good work out there"
And slowly my body was betraying me, making me let out a yawn with my small gigantic mouth capable of swallowing a mosquito whole, while leaning back until my head was between Stephanie's bosoms.
The night passed on peacefully with Stephanie and me sharing her tent, while Ursula slept in her's. But I don't know about our driver, since I left him trying out the thing I told him.
With that thanks alot everyone, and sorry about the delay. It was due to bad network here....
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