One Man’s Journey - Chapter 21 To Kill

Adam quietly stalked after Silber through the forest. Silber himself was following a large dog that belonged to the Silver Saviors. Silber watched the large dog and imitated its actions as they tracked small game. Adam couldnt help smiling at Silbers imitations.

Silber had recently contracted the rather serious disease known as wanderlust! Just getting out of Juliennes house to visit Madames wasnt enough for the young wolf. With the Bear-Ghul having been dealt with by the military, Hansen had made plans to get Adam and the others out hunting with the Silver Saviors again.

With the hunts going on, an idea came up: Why not take Silber along?

Silbers natural habitat was the forest. Maybe taking him out would curb his wanderlust. It would also allow him to interact with other dogs. Thus, Silber found himself on this wondrous expedition!

As Adam watched, Silber and the large dog perked up. With a small bark, Silber quickly trotted down the trail. The large dog was well disciplined and quietly stalked forward, without barking. As they approached a bush, they found that a few of their small game traps had gone off! Silber had pounced on one rabbit and was in the process of chewing on it! Another rabbit was frantically trying to escape its own trap nearby.

Watching Silber joyfully bite the rabbit, Adam heaved a heavy sigh. He hated to do it, but Silber needed to be taught proper discipline, like the dogs the Silver Saviors raise. Adam gave a sharp resounding clap near Silber and sternly said: Silber, no!

Silber quickly stopped what he was doing, surprised by the clap. He tried to go back to the rabbit when he saw it was only Adam, but Adam pushed him back once again saying: No!

Silber looked up at Adam with big puppy eyes. Luckily, Adam couldnt see them so he stayed firm. Still, Silbers Aura looked a little hurt. It was as though Silber was asking in a sad voice: Why?

Adam started petting him: Its okay. Well be cooking them later and then theyll taste way better!

The large dogs handler came up behind Adam. He gestured toward the rabbit still trying to escape: You know what to do.

Adam sighed. After telling Silber to stay where he was, Adam readied himself to deal with the rabbit. Quickly grabbing the struggling rabbit, Adam wrapped his hand around its head and pushed it back until a small snap was heard. The rabbit went limp as Adam felt a wave of nausea wash over him.

In his Spirit Sight, Adam could see a wave of death essence surge from beneath his hand, where the rabbits neck had snapped. The handler said: Youve gotten better at that. I think youre getting used to it.

Adam shook his head: Ill never get used to it.

The handler shrugged: Well, lets head back.

Adam and the others had begun taking on more jobs during the hunt. They started out by taking active roles in skinning and butchering their quarry. After that, they began taking the lives of the animals they caught. Hansen had said: Were going to start out small before we get to humans.

Adam blanched whenever he thought about it. It was hard enough for him to even watch animals die. He couldnt quite fathom seeing another person die. Adams thoughts drifted as they walked back to camp: I wonder if I should just give this up. I want to be strong enough to protect my family but this is a little too much.

Adams thoughts were broken as Silber began yipping and bouncing around him. Adam smiled at the little wolf: Ill race you back! he said before taking off with Silber at his heels.

Everyone sat around a campfire while a rabbit stew boiled. They had each done a lot of foraging throughout the day and were tired.

Kadara gave a rather loud sigh: Whyd they have to give us all the boring jobs? Picking up rabbit traps is nowhere near as thrilling as boar hunting!

And, what would you do? Just watch from the side? You dont know how to use a spear! Youd only get in their way. Franklin retorted.

Kadara stuck her tongue out at him: Spoilsport!

While the two were bickering, Adam pulled his flute out and began to play a song. They were done with the days activities and he wanted to do something to move his mind away from the skinning and butchering they had been doing just minutes ago.

The tune he played was somber yet nice to listen to. As he played, the embers flying off from the fire began to swirl in the air. Kadara was the first to catch the sudden change in the embers movement.

Its so pretty! Its almost like the embers are dancing!

Adam smirked inwardly. The embers really were dancing! The tune he was playing was just right for Fire Essence to dance along. The floating embers were so light that the pure Fire Essence inside them could move them around.

It wasnt truly controlling fire with a Formation, but it was another step closer.

After marveling at the embers for a moment, Alfred asked: Why do you think Hansen didnt come with us this time?

Doesnt matter. Im glad he didnt come! Derek said.

Clyde laughed: Youre just scared of him!

Maybe he thought we could take care of ourselves now. Bruno added.

They could only guess as to why their ever faithful trainer didnt come with them on this trip.

After returning from the hunt, Adam headed to the dorm room he shared with his mother. He was surprised to find his mother talking to an agitated person in the room. Slowing his steps, Adam listened to their morphed voices through his Spirit Sight:

Can you believe that man!? Theyre just kids, why send them out on such a mission!?

          Ah, Adam thought: Its Madame Janette.

Vivienne gave a dry chuckle: You wont hear any argument from me. You know that I dont really like him

          Janette heaved a sigh: Yea. Hes straight and to the point, but hes normally a gentle and nice person. I dont understand why he suddenly brought this up.

Vivienne paused for a moment before saying: Were both talking about Hansen, right?

Janette flustered: A-anyway, do you think I was too fast in turning his proposal down? Hes been very good in guiding the kids so far. I just think that mission is a little much.

Vivienne gave her own sigh: As a mother, I totally agree. Who would want their child to go through such a thing? However If this is the career they are thinking of pursuing, its better that they learn more about it in a controlled manner. As much as I hate to admit it, Hansen does a good job of protecting the kids. I cant imagine a safer way for them to learn just what being a mercenary or a soldier means, other than preventing them from doing either in the first place.

Janette gave Vivienne a betrayed look: I thought you were supposed to be on my side.

Vivienne laughed: Well, I already told Adam he needs to start making his own decisions. Hell be an adult before too long and I cant watch over him forever. As much as it pains me to let him do it, its his decision.

Janette groaned: Well, thanks for not being helpful and making me doubt myself, as always.

Vivienne patted Janettes should comfortingly. With a smile, she said: Anytime. Now, Im sure you want to go mull over Hansens proposition again. Well talk about you thinking hes a gentle and nice person tomorrow.

Janette immediately bolted for the door: Its fine, Ill be thinking too much tomorrow to talk! Another time maybe!

Janette nearly bumped into Adam as she opened the door. She quickly apologized before continuing on. Adam could only stare, unsure of her behavior. She had a bit of a pinkish tinge to her Aura, but he didnt dare make any assumptions after what happened with Helen.

Vivienne shook her head at her retreating friends back: Welcome back, Adam. Dont mind Janette, shes just being shy.

I heard a little of your conversation. Whats going on?

Vivienne eyed Adam: I thought you said you wouldnt peep on others anymore.

What? No, I was just curious who was talking with you in our room while I was walking over.

Vivienne gently knocked his head: Curiosity can be dangerous. Didnt you already learn this lesson? Anyway, youll probably find out before too long. Hansen has asked to take you and the others out to watch one of the Silver Saviors bandit subjugations.

Really!?

Vivienne nodded: What do you think? Do you want to go?

Adam was silent for a moment before saying: Actually, Im not sure. I want the strength to protect my family and friends, I dont plan on becoming a mercenary. I also really dont want to see a bunch of people fight and die.

Vivienne gave Adam a hug: Well, Im still not sure if Janette will let Hansen take you and the others. If she does, youll have my support no matter your decision.

Hansen seemed to be in a dour mood the next morning. He was more curt than normal as he directed their morning training. It wasnt until late in the afternoon that Janette finally rescinded her decision about the bandit subjugation mission. Hansen was so happy when she told him, he almost smiled!

The next morning, Hansen announced his plans: You have the opportunity to see an actual battle! The Silver Saviors will be going on a bandit subjugation mission in a week. We are joining them as observers!

Hansens words were both exciting and ominous. Adam was still wracked with indecision. Everyone else could only feel anticipation for what was to come. Except for Franklin. He was scared at the thought of witnessing the battle. However, he had long ago decided to assume the role of watching his friends backs. He wasnt about to leave them now.

Kadara was the first to notice Adams conflicted look. With a devilish smile, she asked: What, gotta poop?

Adam gave her a bewildered look, while Franklin gave Kadara a disgusted look. He couldnt even figure out how to retort her!

Despite her joking demeanor, Adam saw the mild concern in her Aura. He realized she was just asking if he was alright, in her own way. He shook his head and said: I just dont know if I should really go on this mission. I dont have any interest in killing others, I just want to protect my friends and family

Hansen spoke: Even if you avoid battles, one will find you. Just like it did at Fort Erich. You can decide what to do after, but you must see what a battle looks like or you will die when one catches you!

Adam thought back to his home that was ravaged by Ghuls. None of them had sought that battle, yet it had come to them. Adam slowly nodded his head: Okay.

Hansen turned to face the others: And you lot, why are you so excited!? People are going to die on this mission, both bandits and Silver Saviors!

Hansens sudden words struck their hearts. Theyd only been thinking of the glorious side of a battle; righteously winning over an evil enemy. They hadnt thought of the death it would bring.

You should prepare yourselves. You will see what its like to kill in cold blood!