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Chapter 3 pt 3: Battle against odds

  Fang got closer to the elf kid, at last, However, hearing Aoi's urgent cough, Fang got in a hurry. Fang quickly sit upright in front of the kid, Fang studied the elf kid and frowned deeply

Elf child was dirty, under malnourishment, bloodstains on his or her body from cheek to left leg, chest and right arm, from what fang can see his or her limbs are intact, no noticeable wounds on him or her, Fang decided to take a risk and smell, immediately regretted it, the smell wasn't pleasurable, its smell like piss and rotten corpses. Fang had to stop and think, in a cave full of bones from varieties of animals, humans, and elves and it is placed with goblins and giant ass ogre, so yeah, the smell isn't too pleasant, Fang studied elf kid again, elf kid looked skinny, almost to the bone, Fang frowned deeply, feeling rage deep inside him, but he forced that rage down, placing a gentle hand on elf kid chest, feeling faint heartbeat " Good, you still alive" Fang let out a sigh of relief that elf child is alive, elf child stirred, blink few times, looked to Fang, for a moment, elf child looked confused thinking this might be a dream, a hopeful dream until " Hey" Fang smiled kindly at elf child, elf child blinked once more, slowly reached hand out, wanting to make sure this isn't a hopeful dream.

Fang grasp his or her hand gently, elf kid amber lifeless eyes suddenly got life in them, as moisture in their eyes slowly form, but no tears came out " It's alright, kid" Fang said, trying not to cry himself, this elf child must've felt so alone, lost all hope for someone to rescue them, Fang rub elf child head gently now, then check around elf child body for chains, which Fang spotted chains around elf child ankles " Can you hold still?" Fang asked, elf child, blinked confusedly, then followed fang eyes, nodded slowly " good. This won't hurt as long as you hold still" Fang explained quietly, hold his hand onto one part of the chain " manibus ignem" Fang commanded out, like reddish-orange, the color of fire, glowed from his hand, as steam came off it, as he places his hand on the chain at first, chain started to steam up, which at first, it was fine until steam starts to get bigger, Fang started to sweat from well the heat and fear that the goblins will see him, or worst the damn fatty ogre, he not big on praying on gods but if there was on right now, he hopes to god his prayer which whoever is listening, about few minutes passed, no one notices him freeing the elf kid, fang sighed in relief, thanking the god that watches over him, though he wished he could rush because the steam is getting worse and affecting his eyes, making them water up due to steam rising to his face.

*Back at the trio*

  Hawk kept on  talking about his new tribe, Hana, Aoi, and Kaze was getting annoyed and all thought for the ogre. He sure can talk a lot, especially in the third person. Hana had enough of this and said " Hawk, can I ask you some more questions?" "hmm? Hawk doesn't see why not?" He shrugged, not caring " how many people did you kill?" Hana asked with a serious look "Lots" Hawk answered honestly " Did you kill kids as well?" Hana continued her questioning " Yes" Hawk nodded, not showing any signs of remorse, Hana inhaled and exhaled " how about animals?'' " Killed them too, Which is common in this area or any area to survive" Hawk answered honestly.

He's not wrong, just a few moments ago we killed an animal, Hana thought with an inner awkward chuckle, looking at Hawk, then Hana dreaded asking this but she must ask it " Did you by chance eat the people you killed?" Hana asked, waiting for Hawk to answer her "Yes" Hawk answer came in like lightning, hitting Hana right in her core, all those innocent people been killed and eaten, Hana remember what lady Lenora taught her, cannibalism, the practice of eating the flesh, no matter if it's from their species or another species, this was making Hana sick to her stomach at that thought.  

"You'll be telling me that you ate the people you killed?" Kaze speaks up, Hand resting on his hip, glaring up at Hawk " Yes, they were quite delicious" Hawk admitted with a savage grin " speaking about delicious, Hawk sees three people in front of him. Nekomata, human and one not so human" Hawk stands tall, looking down at Hana, Aoi, and Kaze. Hana's eyes widened, fear creeps up into her, her tail remain still, her ears flatten, she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned to look at Aoi, Aoi sighed '' remain steady, Hana" Aoi said, in this sort of calm tone, where Hana fear slowly dissipate, then Aoi pulled her blade from the sheath, the blade is a curved, single-edged blade with a circular and long grip to accommodate two hands, this blade is called Katana, it's from Kingdom called Oyonazia, Hana saw this blade few times, only when Aoi gets serious, Hana remember the name of Aoi's Katana name, Rigormortis, Rigor for short. 

Rigormortis is nodachi; it is about 35.8 inches, not like the common katana which is about  28-29 inches. Rigormortis the curved, single-edged blade part is done by dwarven steel, the color of steel was oddly silvery black,  circular was also made by fine steel in the color of copper, the long grip was made by fine leather in color of red, it didn't seem to be enchanted or anything magical about Rigormortis, it was normal nodachi but Hana witness power from Aoi, The nodachi in hands of Aoi is terrifying and admirable. 

" However, Hana there is no talking to cannibals or to fatso ogre" Aoi stated, holding Rigormortis forward in one hand at Hawk, removing her glasses, showing cold emerald green eyes " Fatso?!" Hawk declared in anger and shock '' Be silent, Fatso." Aoi glared at Hawk who immediately backed down little, Aoi gaze held nothing but coldness.

What is up with this human? Hawk can't say anything in response, that look, it seems familiar to Hawk, Hawk thought, feeling old emotion he hadn't felt in years, that feeling of fear but hawk won't back down, he growled, pissed off that this human dares to silent him, he glared right back, then he looked at his goblins "Akhan!!!!" In a single ghukliak word, in a single command from Hawk, Goblins roared with excitement and immediately charged forward toward Aoi, Hana, and Kaze.

" Hey Aoi'' Hana softly said, bangs covered Hana's eyes, as she clenched her hands into fists " Yes Hana?'' Aoi answered, "Your right, there is no talking to these types!" Hana said, just as she snapped her arm back and launched it forward, striking Goblin in the face, a sickening crack was heard, as blood went flying from goblin face, as goblin went flying back, crashing into the boulder, Hana looked up, her face was twisted with fury, as her cat fangs showed "Well, sorry that the talk didn't work out, Hana'' Kaze move his feet around, as if he was dancing, his hands rest behind his back, dodging goblins attacks " Doubt you are but thank you for your sympathy" Hana stated went back to back with Kaze, both shared a grin   " I'm happy that you two are getting along but focus on the battle at hands" Aoi casually said, bring Rigormortis up in the horizontal cut, taking out three goblins in one cut, swing Rigormortis down, as blood from the blade spattered on rocky floor, looking forward, when she slides in the middle her back against Kaze and Hana backs, making it three-way back cover.

"I hope fang got the elf kid out of here" Hana muttered, holding her fists up, parting her legs bit " If not, Fang can handle himself, at least, I hope," Kaze said, holding 4 daggers in each hand, ready to toss them "He can have confidence in him, Kaze" Aoi putting both hands on the grip of her Nodachi, holding the sword in front, arms fully extended, tip pointing straight up " I do but that boy barely got confidence in himself" Kaze sighed, as three looked to one another, nodded and split off, fighting the goblins.

*Back to fang*

      Come on, Come on, Fang thought, melting the chains around the elf kid's ankles, carefully, as the elf kid tried very hard not to move, so the fire doesn't burn them, Crack.....snap!  chains finally snapped off, as Fang sighed in relief  " Finally" as he closed his fire hand, willing fire hand away, as his hand return to normal, then he removed rest of burnt chains off elf kid ankles, after that, Fang rubbed elf kid ankles " Hmm, they seem fine, just bit bloody and skinned, can you stand?" Fang asked, as elf kid slowly nodded, trying to stand by themselves but elf kid barely able to stand, almost fall if fang didn't catch elf kid in time " Woah, I got you, kid"  Fang said, holding elf kid up, that's when they heard inhuman growls, fang eyes widen in, slowly turned his head, Fang saw exactly five goblins holding their wooden club, dull sword and rusted sword with wooden shields.

what? What happens? scouting parties returned? But where are the other 10? and what happened to keep them busy? Fang thought, panicking, then he felt something gripping his pants leg, Fang looked down, seeing the elf kid fearfully looking at the goblins. 

I...I can't show fear, this kid needs to be protected, no matter what, Fang thought, inhaling, slowly exhaled, pulling his sword out from the sheath, he looked at his sword, his sword made from fine steel, not sure where but it beautiful, way blade shined, even had a blue tint to it, He remembered what his mother calls this beautiful sword " Celeste, I'm sorry that I'm going to stain you" Fang softly whispered, for a moment, he thought he saw his sword glow but he pushed that thought away and think it was trick of the light, as he holds celeste in front of him with both hands, shakily at first.

I'm scared, so very scared, Never really fought anything but Aoi in training, Fang thought, steadying his sword, trying not to show how scared he is, not in front of the elf kid, No matter what happens, I will protect this elf kid, Celeste, let's do this together, Fang thought, holding his sword with much kinder grip, as fang looked at the elf kid " hey kid, don't know if you understand me but....tell me your name" Fang said, elf kid looked at fang, at first, they didn't understand, but they heard word name, so, they put fang sentence together and answered in soft croaked voice " Bellas'' it was hard to tell what gender the elf kid due to creakiness, Fang needed give Bellas some water after this, Fang nodded " Bellas, wonderful name. My name is Fang L'arc '' Fang smiled when he glanced at Bellas, making The elf kid’s eyes widen, seeing Fang's kind smile.

then Fang quickly swings his sword, which he is holding with two of his hands, his sword blocking with clash echo through the cave, Fang blocked first Goblin's bone-like Mace, Fang gritted his teeth, feeling pressure from the goblin, who trying to break through Fang's defense. 

Goblins are a lot stronger than they look, Fang thought, then kicked the first goblin away from him and Bellas, and smell, Fang added in his thought, then a dry scream cut through his thought, as Fang swiveled around " Bellas!" Fang screamed out, Just in time to see the second goblin, who somehow sneaked past fang defense, the second goblin swung right at Bellas with a rusted sword, laughing madly, shouting " MEAT!!!!" " NO! IGNIS PILA!!!!!" Fang shouted out his spell, as a reddish-orange ball instantly came to life in Fang's hand, as he tossed the ball of fire at the second goblin with great aim. 

The elf kid’s eyes widened in fear, couldn't close their eyes, too scared, the moment the rusted sword came toward Bellas face, but then FLOOSH! the second goblin instantly turned into flames, making the second goblin dropped its rusted sword, screamed hellishly on the ground, rolling around to try to extinguish the flames that were burning its flesh, like the rest of the goblins tried to help but sort of smashed the second goblin into bits, Bellas watched, blinked, looked at Fang who hand was out with serious look to cross his face, Bellas returned to look at the second goblin that is now burnt smashed corpse. 

Slowly four goblins at each other, then back at their burnt smashed corpse, then at fang who holds his sword now in his left hand, making his right hand free to cast spells " Step away from Bellas, you stinky vile creatures!" Fang insulted them as he stands his ground for a moment, they looked scared, but one glance at their friend that is now dead instantly flared up their rage "ARGHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" They screamed at once, charged forward right for fang, splitting up into two groups, Fang looked in between the two groups. 

two in each group, what are they-?!, Fang thoughts were interrupted when the first goblin came low went for an upper s***h with its rusted dagger, fang moved back, dodging the s***h, which cut only a few strands of hair was so far the only victim in that s***h, before fang could even recover, the second goblin jumped up, holding his bone wooden shield in front of him, going for a slam on fang, Fang's eyes widen, hold up his right hand " Aqua iecit!" moisture from the air was absorbed along with sweat from fang forehead and strange fluid puddles as well, then before the Second goblin could smash Fang into the rocky ground, water shot outright in his face, making the second goblin flipped back and crashed down on the bone pile, fang didn't have time to think or recover, because third Goblin came from behind slashed cross fang leg " Argh!" Fang grunted in pain, kneeling, the third goblin gleefully laughed, then went for Fang's neck, fang dropped down and rolled, dodging the s***h that was going for his neck, Fang rolled one more time, right hand pointed at third goblin " Ignis Pila!" Fang shouted out, as the reddish-orange ball came to life in his hand, as pushed his right hand forward right at third goblin body, but the third goblin immediately jumped aside, barely dodging the fireball, Fang got a second to huffed right when the last goblin jump with rusted mace going for Fang's head, Fang didn't think more like he couldn't think, just thrust his sword, Celeste, upward....then... CRUNCH...GOOSHHH! fourth goblin landed right on fang's sword going right through abdomen to middle of the back, fourth goblin blinked, then coughed greenish blood on fang face, fang grimace, before rolling backward, placing his foot on goblin chest and flipped himself over, making greenish blood go down from his sword that is inside the fourth goblin, going into kneel position, wincing lot from leg wound, before twisting his sword out of fourth goblin making it let out pained shriek, before slowly dying, as fang pants, only got seconds before other three goblins attack him, he glance at cut at back of his leg, it was bleeding profusely, it was deep cut, lucky the cut didn't cut his leg off, but at this rate, he'll die by blood loss, fang switch his sword to his right hand, using his left hand to put pressure on the cut, before softly command spell out " Heal" a healing spell, that glowed yellow on the wound, skin stitched together, before wound could heal fully, making it shallow cut for now, first goblin came right at Fang, holding two rusted short swords, trying to s***h Fang head clean off but Fang switch his sword back into his left hand, in quick swing, SNAP! Fang broke rusted swords clean in half, first goblin eyes widen in shock " Huh, I see why Aoi on my ass about sword care" Fang muttered, as fang elbowed First goblin face, wincing at the fact his elbow hit goblin face, barely breaking its nose before Fang swing going Diagonally cutting down, cutting right through surprised goblin, as blood gushed out, staining Fang's clothing now, as Fang looked away, blocking the third goblin attempted of sneak attack, Fang's teeth gritted, when he met a solid wooden club, Third goblin and Fang fight for dominance, however, fang was being pushed back, losing dominance, grab hold of the Wooden club "manibus ignem!!!!" Fang's right hand glowed reddish-orange, as the wooden club started to melt then WOOOOOOSH! it lit on fire, third goblin eyes widen, jumped back immediately, as fang pants heavily looking at a panic third goblin, before the Third goblin grinned, looked at Fang " oh'' Fang gulped, as the third goblin gleefully charged forward with fire enhanced wooden club " Blood and ashes" Fang muttered cursed under his breath, realizing what he has done, started to dodge gleefully happy third goblin that is swinging his fire club at fang crazily " I didn't think this-" Fang ducked under a swing, smelling toasted strands of hair " through!" Fang spun around the third goblin, before kicking the third goblin from behind forward, the third goblin let out a yelp of surprise, started to stumble, then fall flat on his face, as flamed wooden club fallen out of his hands, right into a puddle that's probably pissed, extinguishing the wooden club, fang huffed, hold out his right hand " Ignis.......Pila" Fang cast his spell, as fireball came to life, as fang weakly flicked it forward, as fireball went forward right on the third goblin, it instantly burst into flames, as the third goblin let out horrorish shriek echo throughout the cave as Fang grimaced, then looked away for a moment, pausing for a moment, eyes widen, he panicky looked for the last goblin that seems to disappear.

 Where is it? where is the last goblin?, Fang thought, spinning around trying to find this last goblin, Last goblin chuckled softly, coming out of fang's shadow...... holding his rusted dagger, raised it, going for back blow, until croak out voice shouted " VENTUS PILA!" as a ball of light blue of wind rushed at the last goblin, though blue wind ball was weak it was enough to surprise the last goblin sending him flying back a bit, Fang spun around, eyes widen, as he glances at Bellas surprised by the fact Bellas used magic to help him even though they're weak, though he noticed Bellas collapse with exhaustion, Fang looked at last goblin, hold out his right hand " One last....spell" Fang panted out, he is pretty exhausted himself, using spells in constant spam is exhausting and doing physical activity too, is even more exhausting but he can't falter, not now " Hastam .....Aqua!" Fang pulled his right hand back, as he gathered water, it amazing how much water fang can gather simply from this former giant cave, guess goblins and ogre pisses lot, as fang willed the water into a spear, with all his might, thrown water like-spear at running away goblin, but the spear was faster and it pierced goblin going from the back straight through the chest, as goblin greenish blood slowly went its back, SPLASH, the water spear turned back into nothing but well water, as goblin fallen to its knees " Rhuun......." Goblin faintly said in goblin tongue before falling, dead. 

Fang panted heavily, stabbed his sword celeste into the stony ground, kneeling holding onto his sword, more like leaned into it, wiping his face, but stop feeling wet and sort of sticky substance on him, he looked at his hand, eyes widen, greenish blood was on his hand, fang gulped, slowly looked around at dead goblins, he gagged and softly said " Oh gods" before he started throwing up, Fang gasped each time he threw up which was just once, all his breakfast, now on the ground. He can't believe he did that, he killed them, which made him scared of what he could do and the thought of killing again makes him sick.

What have I done? Do I have to get used to this? I...I don't want to take any more life from these creatures, Fang thought, shaking his head, fighting back tears, then his eyes widened remembering what he learned from his time on the streets. 

survive or die, Fang thought, clenched his fists, now fully understanding the full meaning of that rule, but he still hates the idea of taking someone else life, as he fights more of his tears back, punched the stony ground in frustration and sadness for the lives he has taken " F-Fang?" soft croaked called out to fang, fang turned his head when he heard his name, Bellas looked at fang with concerned filled eyes `` Cin feeling okaui?" Bellas asked in his elven tongue, Fang blinked, didn't quite understand him, Fang did learn some elven stuff but after a while and traveling, he slowly started to forget the lessons, Fang took a leap and said " Yeah, just....gathering my thoughts'', Fang must've said something right because Bellas has given him a weak smile.

I've got to hurry to my friends, however, Bellas is too weak, Fang thought glancing at Bellas, seeing Bellas shaking with exhaustion, Fang feels exhausted but rest will have to wait, Fang kneels, his back to Bellas " Hop on, Bellas. We've gonna find my friends'' Fang said, looked to Bellas, who confusedly stared at Fang, Fang sighed " Right, Language barrier" as fang looked within his mind trying to remember his elven lessons as two words pop in his head as he said " Lab-bo" Fang elfish tongue wasn't so perfect but Bellas understood what fang said, started to climb on his back, weakly put arms around fang's neck, Fang holds his sword carefully, adjusted Bellas, with a single thought that crosses his mind. 

Hope you guys are okay, Fang thought as he was taken off with Bellas on his back, toward his friends.

*Back at trio*

   Hana smashed goblins into the rocky ground, cracking the ground in the process, greenish bloodstain was seen within the cracked ground, she looked around, softly panting as she did so. She spotted Kaze throwing four daggers at one goblin, making go from stomach, chest, arm, and head, before slashing cross another goblin chest, using that goblin to roll off it, to kick another goblin right in the chest, sending it flying, as Kaze without any effort, snapped s***h goblin neck, killing him instantly, as Kaze did humph sound and continued with the slaughter, Hana blinked, surprised by what Kaze showed, then she looked to Aoi who simply hold one goblin aside the head, slashed crossed another goblin, pretty much cutting its arm cleaned off, as she walked calmly forward, swing her nodachi with such precise, goblins couldn't get passed her speed or her guard, as they were helplessly fallen at her hands.

Scary, both of them, Hana thought, as she gulped, then she brought her fist up, back fist a goblin that tried to sneak attack her from behind, just as battle cries come from the entrance of the cave that leads into this big spacious area with a hole in cave wall that showed some sun in this spacious cave, Hana looked at the entrance " you gotta be kidding....." Hana muttered, scouting parties returned with freshly killed deer, some squirrels, and fish which scouting parties just dropped them and enter the fray, Hana sighed, getting into a ready stance, her hands sort of in claw-like form, that is when slide over kicked goblin right in the manhood, then s***h cross its throat, before kicking it away " Watch your left side, Hana'' Kaze looked at her with a serious look as his once cleaned outfit was dirty with greenish blood " I would've had that, Kaze" Hana huffed,  just as she pulled her claw-like hand back, launched it forward, right into surprised goblin chest, her nails pierced the skin and such force it went flying back into Aoi's goblin group, sending them all sprawling, as Hand let out-breath, she put half-strength into that claw-strike. 

Aoi blinked, looked up at Hana " Good job" Aoi compliment Hana, Before using her sheath to swat a goblin hand, leaving a nice welt forming on the goblin hand " No touchy" Aoi said with a cold glare, as the goblin gulped and suddenly coward under Aoi cold glare " I'm sorry!!!!!" the goblin called out, took off running, Aoi sighed, looked at Hawk that seems to be watching with a disappointing gaze as his goblins troop was being slaughtered, Aoi frowned, then she brings her nodachi down hard and fast, slashing a goblin that thought he got passed Aoi guard but no, Aoi slashed four times, making a cross on goblin chest, greenish blood gushed out from the cross, goblin didn't scream out in pain, his death was swift.

Calling himself a tribe leader? That is nothing but a lie, Aoi thought, glaring up at Hawk, Hawk felt a chill down his spine as he looked across the battle, spotted Aoi glaring at him, he had to wonder who she was to ignite such fear in his heart.