guardian tales: deviation from the tale

I'll hold on a little longer

‎This was a different part of the forest, where there were even more trees that stood majestically, forming a dense canopy that diffused the sunlight and created a natural and temperate atmosphere. As I moved forward, I could hear the whisper of the breeze passing through the leaves of the trees, a sound so soothing that it seemed like a sweet melody to my ears. Despite the presence of ghosts, this place maintained an unmatched calm and tranquility that enveloped me. The serene beauty of this site, with its dancing shadows and the sounds of nature, remained a refuge for me, a place where I found peace and solace.

As we advanced, we encountered some armored beings who seemed to be fleeing golems. We also saw a woman who appeared to emerge from a volcano, wielding a hammer and chasing them. After a moment, she stopped, and Abdiel decided to speak with her. She introduced herself as the best blacksmith in the area but lamented that she had no customers. However, I think I heard her mumble something about destroying. Despite that, she handed the knight a key and asked him to find a weapon to improve. Abdiel, without saying anything, simply accepted the task.

Continuing our journey, we came across some orcs that we defeated without problems. Upon arrival, and to our surprise, we found a sword. The knight took it and managed to unsheath it, generating an impressive glow that illuminated the place.

Abdiel: It's the Master Sword!

He said with joy as he raised the sword into the air. Suddenly, some golems appeared, and the sword proved so effective that the knight defeated them in an instant. It was an impressive spectacle. However, at that moment, the blacksmith appeared out of nowhere and saw the weapon, deciding to "improve" it. Although it was clear from her previous presentation that it wasn't going to end well, she proceeded and, indeed, broke the sword. While the blacksmith said things about not being sad or blaming anyone, a girl who seemed to be an elf asked about the Master Sword, the one that had just broken. She explained that she needed it to defeat a pig monster, so the blacksmith gave her a cannon gun... A cannon gun!?... I thought they were illegal...

Anyway, the blacksmith gave the knight the location of her shop, and we left that strange situation. However, it stopped being strange when we encountered a ghost who asked us for help. This ghost wanted to woo another ghost, but the latter was determined to protect a treasure. The ghost asked us to steal that treasure on his behalf, and without thinking too much, we accepted the challenge. Although the mission was quick, it made me realize how skillful the knight could be at sneaking through places, which is terrifying...

But after that, we decided to move on and continued our journey. Everything was going smoothly: we faced ghosts, orcs, and traps. However, we stopped in our tracks when we encountered a group of people gathered around a singer who was also playing a guitar. We decided to take a break and enjoy her song and her wonderful voice. I must admit she sang exceptionally, almost like an angelic voice capable of soothing anyone who heard it.

As we continued down the path, we saw a woman who seemed to be lost.

?: I got lost in this forest; could you guide me to the exit?

She said with a smile while twirling her umbrella. The knight, as always, agreed and actually guided her to the exit. However, she said,

?: Too smart for your own good, you don't know how to have fun...

We didn't quite understand why she said this, so I decided to go back, and the knight followed me. We met that woman again, but she said the same thing as before. When I told her we had already seen each other, she simply pretended not to know anything. It was then that an interesting idea occurred to me.

Coco: Hey Abdiel, could you look for some fruits for the night?

He just nodded and went in search of them. The real reason was that I saw a sign about a vampire in the forest. I thought to myself, "Who else would bring an umbrella where there are so many trees?" Knowing that she was probably hungry, I decided to approach her. I closed my eyes, sat down, and pretended to know nothing. Suddenly... boom! I felt as if my theory was correct: she was a vampire, and she sank her fangs into my neck, slowly sucking my blood. Although I was experiencing pain, I didn't defend myself. I had no intention of doing so. I knew how hard it was to be hungry and not find food, to feel so much pain in the body and hopelessness. I wanted to help, blindly trusting that this vampire, whom I didn't even know, wouldn't kill me.

As I felt my blood flowing through her fangs, my mind filled with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I was scared and worried about my life. What if this vampire turned out to be malicious and decided to end my existence? But on the other hand, I felt a strange empathy towards her. How could I deny her my help in a moment of need?

As the vampire continued drinking my blood, I realized that this act of generosity and compassion was not only a way to help her but also an opportunity for me. Maybe, by sharing my blood with her, I could establish a special bond, a connection similar to what the knight did with Red Riding Hood. Perhaps, instead of seeing me as prey, she could become our companion.

With each beat of my heart, I felt my blood flowing towards the thirsty vampire. Despite the pain and uncertainty, my determination grew stronger. Finally, what seemed like an eternal and endless moment came to its long-awaited and desired end. The mysterious and enigmatic vampire slowly withdrew her sharp fangs, and with a satisfied expression on her face, she licked her lips. However, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked at me, as if something about me puzzled her.

?: Why didn't you run away?

Coco: I have no reason to do so.

I replied while rubbing my neck.

?: I could kill you.

Coco: But this way, you won't go hungry for a few more days.

The vampire was completely shocked and surprised by the unusual offer of voluntary blood she had received. It was clear that she had never experienced anything like it before. Her reaction was as unexpected as it was touching, as she hugged me affectionately and sincerely. This gesture, so unexpected and full of gratitude, filled me with deep happiness, as I could feel the appreciation and joy the vampire was experiencing at that moment. As a sign of my gratitude, I returned the hug with the same intensity, feeling my tail wagging in a sign of contentment and excitement.

?: I promise to return the favor.

Coco: Maybe you could go to the inn.

?: Inn... I think I saw it last night.

Coco: Then you already know the location. Just stay there and don't suck anyone's blood. I promise to give you my blood every day, as long as you don't overdo it.

She was delighted and gave me another hug.

?: By the way, my name is Karina.

She added before taking a brief pause, carefully adjusting her umbrella, and setting off with a firm and elegant step towards the inn. I felt good about myself for having managed to help her.