14 Chapter 12: Warmongers (1/2)

Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown

1821Y 04M02D 0700H

Just over the clearing, the walls of the downtown area are almost in view.

”Look,” Luci on top of the wagon pointed towards the town.The walls have crumbled, piles of corpses scattered around, weary looks all over. Everyone around gazes on them with scrutiny, as they entered the premises. They already know the answer to what happened; they just pass through in silence.

Talks already started as they ventured to pass the ruined gates.

They arrive at the tavern, it was surprisingly still intact, just a few broken walls, roofless but still in service but the once-bustling place is now... silent. Their usual table by the corner was still vacant, lots of dead looks around.

”Should I...” Menan was about to say something when Baby gave him a ferocious look. He slumps back on his chair and sighed. ”Waiter, Give us our usual.” Acki shouting across the room, taking everyone's attention on them. The group looks away from him.

”What!? I'm hungry.” Acki trying to explain.

”There is no waiter, get them your selves.” A warrior said from the bar. ”I'll get em, y'all wait here.” Smirf went to the kitchen, Acki followed.

”So, Captain what now?” Luci inquiring. He moved as Luci woke him up from a dream. ”Did you say something?” Plates came in between them. ”Here ya go, eat up before us go to work.” Smirf interjected.

”Oop, coming through.” Acking brings up the rest. ”Ate up Acki, I'll just go get us drinks.” Acki gave a thumbs up to Smirf.

The door slammed open. A lot of people poured in occupying the vacant seats. ”Trouble over yonder...” Menan looking at Baby then tilted his head towards the crowd. ”Madre de dios, seriously... did they?” Frantically asking the group. ”Yes dear, I think their here for us.” Luci trying to ignore but Shiro's bloodlust is emanating beside her. ”Calm down,”

A guy in hard leather armor stood up. ”Oh, is this not a pleasant surprise... The Spelunkers are here.” Everyone started laughing. ”What brings your — whole guild into town. Hah ha ha.” No one in the group paid attention to him. ”Hey, are you guys ignoring us?” Standing beside their table. ”You guys still remember us, right?”

”Yes, Former Guild Master Calor,” Luci answered lazily. ”What you want?”

”Just greeting my old friends that's all.” Smiles all around him as the laughter continued in the background.

”E'cuse mister,” Smirf beside the table, Calor got surprised and accidentally bump drinks spilling it on him. ”Watch it you d...” He notice the black armor move slightly; the person on it glared at him.

”I'm sorry, mister... lemme get a towel.” Smirf about to leave when Baby took hold of her. ”Eat up Hermana, I'll take care of it.” Firmly held her, assisting her to the chair. ”Amigo, por pavor.” Told Calor. ”Tsk,” he moves back to his group, whispering curses.

”Who're they?” Smirf asks everyone. ”Love, their former mates... probably.” Luci swirling her cup of tea. ”They left for greener pastures, I would say.”

”Their farmers?” Smirf starting to space out, Everyone chuckled at the sight.

”They went to NewWorld, a top guild in whole Acedia. A representative came to guild one day, asking ”hey, anyone wants to join our club?'.” Menan swaying the fork around, Baby got irritated and slammed it down. ”Ow... well, you could already guess what happened next.”

”For some reason, we wanted to stick together. So, we did.” Acki speaking with a mouth full. Smirf started to look sad. Luci pushed the plate towards her. ”Eat up love, it is all in the past... we have no regrets.” She smiled and said. ”Kay,”

A big shadow loomed over the table. ”Sorry, about Calor's behavior, we are actually here to invite you guys to join our family.” A guy bigger and taller than Acki stood beside them. ”Sorry, but ah think. We're all good, thank's.” Smirf bowed humbly at the giant. ”Hey, missy you should let us adults do the talking.” Bending over, trying to intimidate her. ”What she said, that's our decision. You can move along now, thank you kindly.” Menan swaying his fork till Baby gave him the look.

”That is unfortunate, but anyone can join... Even you missy can be as strong as I am if you join.” The giant offered his hand. ”Ah am really sorry, but thank's, am alright here.” Bowing her head in humility.

The giant opened up a console looking over Smirfs profile. ”You haven't died yet, interesting... Yet, you got not much kills either.”

Menan suddenly moves from his chair. ”I have never seen that ladle kill anyone. Seriously.” He abruptly said it making everyone laugh out loud, even Shiro gave a chuckle. ”It's So'liel's kills, not Hermana's.” Baby clearing it out.

The giant pummeled the table. ”I am talking here, worms.” He took Smirf by the hand and drag her up the chair. Mat grabs the giant's arm drag him down making him kneel before him. ”That's my princess...” His aura seeping out.

”Did he just say, princess?” Menan asks Baby. ”He said priestess,” Luci answering, Baby agreed, Acki giving a thumbs up, giving Menan a confused look.