17 Chapter 14: The Marketplace of Sharoo (2/2)

”Don't let them trample all over you... in this world, it's either kill or be killed.

Show them they are inferior to you. Show them what happens when they mess with you.”

The urge to attack and hurt the thugs became stronger as the voice drew closer and closer. Feeling pressure inside my head as if something tried to work it's way out. I mustered up my strength resisting the voice.

”They are not worth it, a quick scare should be enough.”

”Mercy...? Mercy is for the weak... when shown mercy to an enemy that has a grudge against you this will take root and grow darker... stronger... it will... even... come back to haunt you... now... choose... Kill... or... be killed...”

The menacing aura and killing intent subdued itself as the pressure on my head slowly ebbed away. The thugs ran for their lives, almost pissing their pants.

Slowly I began feeling groggy and lost consciousness falling to the ground. Yami jumped out of my shadow catching my fall and supporting me as I lay on her back.

Unsure of what to do, Yami panicked... its master had been acting strange and lost consciousness.

”Master, are you okay? Master!”

Howling in disbelieve the huge wolf barged into the Guildhall worrying about my life, Yami did not care if others could see her if only her master would be okay.

”Anybody in here, help my master, please! He collapsed shortly after thugs messed with his head. Please!”

Some Guild Clerks closed in on Yami seeing Michael lay on his back.

”Please follow me, we have a bed where the young one can rest.”

Relieved and overjoyed Yami followed the clerk, entering the nursing office a few rows of clean, sterile beds could be seen. Standing next to one of the beds, Yami slowly lowered itself laying on the ground, gently pushing his master on one of the beds.

The clerk still being there took Michael's clothes off as they had become dirty during the fight. Needing to clean the wounds and bruises she made it clear this was of the utmost importance.

A few hours passed after the cleanup and disinfection of the wounds. Yami never left my side. During my time being unconscious, I found myself close to my Spirit Ocean, closing in at the center I could see something rooted inside the vast sea. Wondering what it might be a familiar voice sounded once more.

”There will be a time when you will have to face the impossible, where you can't save your loved ones... When that time comes, never forget who you are... True strength comes from within... Bearing with the struggles of one's mind.”

Realizing the truth of the words the voice had spoken, it slowly faded away as I awakened.

”Master! You're awake!!”

I slowly raised my body looking through the room.

As I slowly regained my sight brushing my eyes there was no wolf to be found. Only a girl laying next to me with medium-short spiked black and silver hair. Her eyes were both of different colors, one Turquoise and the other Dark Blue.

The girl didn't seem to be dressed putting her body on full display. Embarrassed by her assets,

which were in a world of their own. I turned around trying to hide my bright red blushing face.

”Master? Are you okay? Your face was bright red just now... and your temperature is rather high.”

The girl turned to the other side gently putting her head against mine.

”Hmm... Master does feel rather warm. Do you have a fever?”

Being so close my heart raged, pounding proudly as I didn't know what to do.

The girl gently backed away a little and laid her hand on my chest.

”Master's heart rate is high too... you're even breathing heavy. What can Yami do?”

The girl worried as she was, looked at me hoping to find an answer.

”Who are you?”

”Master doesn't recognize Yami? Maybe this will help.”

Yami backed away, revealing ears on her head and a soft and long black and silver tail.

Getting a better look at her I noticed lightning manifest around her hands as she took on a proud pose. Without a care in the world revealing herself completely to me again.

She really looked good... But it was best to teach her some manners.

”Yami... please put on some clothes... you're completely nude...”

”Why master? When I take on my wolf form I will have fur all over my body. But in this form... it's rather cold...”

Looking at her she was really cute and innocent, maybe this was the first time in this form for her?

”Because I was so cold, Yami shared the bed with Master sharing our body heat. My mother once told me that's the best and fastest way to heal the one you care about.”

”Y-y-you did what?!”

Startled I turned red yet again.

”Okay... okay... I think everything is clear to me now. We have to get you some clothes,

maybe Amaris can help us with this. Seeing as she is a girl too, haha.”

”Master will give me clothes to wear? Yami thanks her Master!”

Happy Yami jumped on me hugging me tight and wagging her tail.

”Haha don't mention it, you are my partner, I'd better take good care of you. So for now, let's head to the Guildhall and get you some clothes. This way you can blend in better and you won't startle to many people.”

”Hehe, that's my master, always has a plan.”

”But for now let me ask the nurse for some spare clothes. We will get you some gear after my training has finished.”

I walked out of the nursing hall opening the door to a small white room. Chairs were lined up next to each other leaving room for a table. A hallway went through the room, leading to another door.

On the left side of the room, a desk was standing, a woman was sitting behind it.

Probably to escort the ones in need tending to their appointments.

I walked over to her hoping she might know where to find some spare clothes. As we approached the woman smiled and corrected the position of her glasses.

”Ah... I see you have awakened. And this girl? Who might you be?”

The woman had the same style attire as Amaris, only the colors were different, being white and pink. Long black hair was pinned to the back of her head as it was braided around her head, it still passed her shoulder on the right, giving her a feminine and mature vibe. Her eyes were Ice blue but had a mysterious kindness to them. Standing up from behind her desk, the woman walked towards Yami.

”We were hoping you might have some spare clothes for her. My partner wants to accompany me to the Martial Novices which would be difficult being all naked. It would be even worse if she caught a cold right?”

”You have a point there, someone as cute as her should also look the part, well... I do have a spare set of clothes here, that is if she doesn't mind walking around in nurse attire?”

The woman looked at Yami hoping to get a reaction. Teasing her a bit and even winking at her.

”I-it is okay madame, master wants me to wear something, Yami thinks this will do.”

Following the woman to the nursing room so Yami could change into her clothes. I was left alone for a while. Collecting my thought about what had happened I took the words inside my head to heart.

”From now on I will fight for the ones I care about. And for that I need strength... better get training soon.”

After a while, the door opened again letting in some fresh air. Yami happily jumped up and down showing how happy she was with her outfit and to be fair, it suits her really well.

Having Yami by my side instead of her needing to hide all the time was refreshing to me. Not having to be alone felt in a way better to me. We left the nursing hall and made our way to the center of the Guildhall you could see all kinds of species gathering together. Yami looked her eyes out but tried to stay calm and collected. She grabbed my arm dragging me towards a group of Adventurers.

”Look, Michael, that lizard looks so cool! And that Taurus too, wow! What is he holding?”

Yami pointed towards the huge weapon on the Taurus's shoulder.

Before I could explain a voice from behind us answered.

”That is what's commonly known as a Berserkers Axe. A two-handed shredder of bones known for its destructive power.”

I turned around to find Amaris standing behind us.

She laughed and gently brushed my shoulder with her hand.

”I see you have met someone new, Michael?”

Amaris walked towards Yami, wanting to introduce herself as she reached out her hand to greet her.

”The name's Amaris, I'm Michael's Guide and advisor, helping adventurers on their way is what we do. And who might you be? his first partner?”

Proudly Yami jumped towards me wrapping herself Round my arm.

”Yes! Yami will do anything in her power to keep a master save!”

”Haha, master even? Good for you Michael, to have such a trustworthy partner. Seeing as you will be obviously joining us... I'll lead the way to the Quarters of The Martial Novices.”

On the way there Amaris observed Yami, teasing Michael a little.

”Where did you guys meet? She's so cute!”

”You wouldn't believe it even if I told you...”

I said frowning. Shrugging it off.

”We still have a while to walk so, try me.”

Amaris said in a daring tone.

”Okay then... but let's start from the beginning so you will understand.

Do you remember when you left me after visiting The Church together?”

”Yes, we both went our separate ways to later in the day meet up at the Guildhall, as we did now.”

”Good! Well... after you had left the thunderstorm Garuda had created drove the spirit beasts, goblins and animals from their natural habitat. Meaning not only slimes were found in the fields. Trees were burning... falling down, breaking the environment. Goblins rushed in the fields to find food, as all creatures had fled the forests to find shelter. A pack of Dire wolves appeared, ruling these forests, their leader driven mad because of the lightningstorm even attacking his brethren.

Yet, because all the food had fled they too were driven out of their habitat.

Creating an epic and chaotic struggle between the Goblins and Wolves.

At the time I was Hunting slimes, collecting enough money to get myself some decent armor. Noticing the struggle and wanting to help end this struggle of epic proportions a group of Adventurers tried to come in between. But to no avail as the leader of the Dire Wolves, Garou struck fear into their hearts. Making then flee to town. One after another, goblins got slaughtered as ten were barely able to take on one wolf. I had to do something, seeing as the wolves and goblins both did this to survive... for resources... I hoped I could offer both my catch of the hunt.

As I closed in only ten goblins of the previous hundred fifty remained. Cowering in fear they were surrounded by the dire wolves.

Their leader feral as he was leaped in to strike at the defenseless creatures. Using as much essence as I could muster I summoned a lightning bolt driving the wolves away from the goblins... Allowing me to confront Garou and make the goblins run for cover.

I offered the beast my entire collection of meat, enough for the ten wolves who were still alive.

The pack looked happy with the offering, yet Garou wouldn't let anyone near it... taking it all for himself... After finishing the pile, its eyes began to glow an unnatural black as blood seeped out of its eyes. Roaring at full might the beast made the pack back off. Creating a small crater around it before speaking in a dark tone inside my head.

”More... I need more... N-not enough to satisfy my hunger...”

Unable to satisfy his hunger he began going beserk, attacking his brethren once more...

Not wanting him to hurt his fellow brethren I struck down with lightning, again grabbing his attention.

I challenged Garou, wanting to protect the pack against Chaos. Accepting my challenge Garou bared his teeth launching towards me. Dodging his attack I struck his mouth with a fireball, making him scream in agony.

Overcome with rage he launched at me a second time, this time with claws sharper than steel. Multiple attacks launched at me making it unable to dodge all. One of the attacks hit me, immobilizing my legs.

Struggling for survival trying to ignore and overcome the pain that Garou inflicted on me,

I overcharged my fire crystal burning the hide of the beast. Making him fall to the ground like a rag doll. Wanting to finish it I struck down lightning with all my might making Garou evaporate before the pack. Shocked all wolves howled in unison.

Preparing for the worst thinking they would strike together, I layed on my back accepting my faith. Knowing the crystals broke down I was unable to defend myself for a coordinated attack.

But then the unthinkable happened... All wolves bowed down. One of them closed in on me speaking to me inside my head, that was the start of the friendship between Yami and me.

Worried Amaris grabbed my head.

”I'm glad you met someone like Yami, Michael, but please be more careful from now on. Like you said you don't have any crystals anymore. You're lucky we are on our way towards your training.

In time you also need to join a deity, or else you will not be able to improve.”