Parallel Vol.2 [Legacy Edition]

Chapter 2: Pre-Battle

Eyes followed two girls and their pet as they walked the streets of Kerta. They made for a nice contrast between their choice of clothing. On one hand, the wood elf looked royal in her white and gold cloth armor. The other had a rough, slutty edge to her dressed in an armless black top that hugged her massive breasts.

"Hello cupcake," some guy cooed, blocking their path. "How's about I give you some nice armor and quick XP eh?"

Kashi stared at the buffoon. There were no words in existence to describe the disgust and anger he felt. Rather than punch the idgit's smug face in till it resembled a busted frying pan, he opted to ignore him. "I'm busy," the delf said, brushing past.

 Lover boy grabbed *his* arm. "Now, now, don't play hard to get. Life's too short for games."

Kashi noticed Kira struggling to hold back her amusement. "On the contrary," he said, shrugging off the grip. "Life is annoyingly long. Now, leave me alone."

"Then we've got all the time in the world don't we?"

He sure was persistent. How did girls deal with guys like these all year long. Less than a minute and he already wanted to break the guy's neck.

Leila chose to rescue him then. She whispered into the flirt's ears, and he whitened. In the blink of an eye, he had disappeared from sight.

"What did you say to him?" Kashi asked.

"Nothing really," she replied. "Come on, you did say you've only got a few minutes left."

Kashi nodded. They jogged to the Archery training centre where the trio as always, sat around the same table. "Glad to see nothing's changed here."

Serti raised a brow. "I do not think we've met?"

"You do not recognize him?" Bert asked.

The elf frowned. "Him?"

"That's Kashi."

"Huh?!" Serti whirled around and stared at the ladies.

A lone sweat dripped down Kashi's face as he waved. "Hi?"

Serti gaped, then burst out laughing. "That damned wizard did this to you, didn't he?" He walked over to the delf and held out his hand. "Welcome back, kid."

Kashi took his hand in a firm handshake. "I'm back." He was pulled into a hug, with the elf patting his back rather vigorously.  Serti released him, and the trio took seats around their usual table.

"Heard about your exploits down south. That was really impressive," Yugo said as he served them with his famous tea.

"You know about that?" Kashi asked as he took a sip. Damn, this is some good tea. Got to get the recipe.

"Of course," Serti boasted. "Our network's one of the best."

The delf frowned; this news was less than good. "Do you suppose the mayor knows?"

Yugo patted his back as he too sat down. "Don't worry, the fishermen have very tight lips. The only reason we found out is because we already have a mini-base of sorts at Lew Creek."

Kashi heaved a sigh of relief. "Good. It would be detrimental for this news to reach Absalon's ears."

"You've got something planned?" Serti asked. "Anything we can do to help?"

The elf savored the drink's aroma as he thought on it. "Do you happen to have a map of Riven on you?"

Bert smiled. "I thought you would be needing this," he said as he retrieved a set of maps in a case next to him. He spread them across the table, and the delf pounced on them.