Chapter 112: A confrontation

Mom and I begin making our way towards the park, as we are walking I can see the familiar buildings I grew up around. This isn't something I would have thought possible, looking at this old city full of overgrowth and vegetation sure is humbling. Nothing sets your mind straight faster than seeing your home town destroyed. These tall skyscrapers are what used to be the defining trait of my city, now they are old and ancient looking. "When I first saw them I couldn't help my fear. I never would have expected something so... Scary to happen to everyone...." I look at my short mom and see the meaning behind her words, if not for this event we would all be home safe and sound. Not anymore though, we are in a snake pit. The more I think about it the more I realize how lucky we are.

If I never convinced them to join me in Ancients World then they would be gone. It makes me nauseous thinking about losing my family like that, but I'll never lose them. Not this time. We continue walking for a few minutes and the closer we get to the park the more and more players we see. "Is something going on at the park? It does seem like a good location for a meeting, but all these players look exhausted. It'll be harder to find Marcus with so many people around, hopefully it wont take long to find him." I look over to mom as I finish talking and I see her grip her clasped hands tighter together. She looks ready to run to the park after my words, I should've been more tactful. She has that look on her face whenever one of us might be in trouble.

We walk for another minute and see the park in view. I can see a bunch of kids playing together, I wont lie I'm surprised even this many kids made it. I look around since I'm taller than mom and I can see over the players that are standing around. I spot Marcus having some fun with kids, I'm glad that he is fine. "What do you see..." I almost forgot mom cant see like I can. I nod my head to follow and she does. We get closer to the actual play structure and mom can finally make out that Marcus is safe. "Oh thank God... He looks like he's having fun. I'm going to stay here and let him play a little longer." I see no reason to leave either, Marcus probably wont get that many opportunities to play like this. I stand next to mom as we watch from a distance, this is going to be a good memory for him.

My attention is pulled away as I see a group of players with good gear, they look to be in a party. What made my attention be grabbed is what the leader of the group is saying, while I could use inspect on him that might set him off more. "If you want my to join my group or be protected by my group then you'll have to give up a good piece of gear! Its worth it though! We are all around level 30 and having allies like us will be a good thing!" Sounds like a total scam to me, while they may be in the 30s that doesn't mean anything else they said is true. Taking advantage of a bad situation is something I would do, but I wouldn't rip off people. Now is the worst time to do so, but also a time when everyone is weak and likes the idea of protection. In a way these guys are smart, and while they use that for horrible things I'll give them credit where credit is due.

Many players smartly ignore the man and keep to themselves. I see the frustrated scowl on his face, people are smarter than he gave them credit for. Only the truly scared and desperate will go to him, and that doesn't seem to be anyone else around. "What do you think of them Cera... Do you think that they will keep their word." Mom isn't a fool, I can hear the suspicion laced in her voice. She never liked people who fed on the weak, mainly because we were the weak ones. The banks would feed on us any chance they got, so she probably has a sour taste in her mouth. "I cant believe people would act so... UGH! It makes me so mad!" She turns her focus back to Marcus. Trying to distract herself from the show going on. I have no intention of interfering. Getting out of here sooner rather than later seems like a good idea. 

The group and its leader are starting to push people harder than before. I can see the scared faces of the people closest to them, I'm sure that many will get sick of them before long. Ignoring them will eventually work. "How about this pretty little thing! You look like you can use protection! If you don't have any items or gear then I'm sure we an work something out..." His voice makes my skin crawl, and I absolutely hate sexual harassment. Many of the females around cringe at the underlined meaning of his words, and I watch my mom shake in anger. I hate seeing my mother like this, and if dad was here I'm positive he would grab Marcus and take them back. Many wouldn't be able to stand up to these guys, they are hardcore players. Being in the 30s is a testament to that.

They continue to harass people over and over again. All of the victims are females, and I can feel my anger growing at their words. "JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE YOU SCUM!!! NOBODY WANTS ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU!!!" I hear a familiar voice scream out to the men causing problems. I know its mom, but I'm not frustrated or mad in the slightest. I'm proud of her for saying something, and I would always be proud of her. All the players around look at us, and begin to part as the group approaches us. I look at mom and see a face that regrets her decision, but I put my hand on top of her head. She looks at me with slight fear for what might happen, I just give her a smile and be as reassuring as I can. I wont let any harm come to her.

After the crowd is done parting there is a group of five level 30s to my left as I continue to watch Marcus. "Who is the bitch that said such disrespectful things! I'LL MAKE SURE SHE LEARNS RESPECT!!!" My anger boils at those words intended for my mother. Many of the players around us look towards my mom, I turn my eyes to the men and see the disgusting looks on their faces seeing my mother. "Well... Its your lucky day sweetheart. I can find it in my charitable soul to forgive you. If you provide service to my men and me of course." I almost reach for my sword, but the feeling of my mom holding my wrist in fear stops me. I'm still shirtless at this point in time, so I might not look like a threat. "Is this your boyfriend or something? A handsome face like his is sure to attract a woman such as you." Now I'm pissed.

I turn my head fully in his direction. Many see my gaze, and slightly step back. The only ones not to move are the group its self. "Don't talk about my mother that way..." He gives me a stupid look, and then starts to laugh.

He walk closers full of cockiness and eagerness. He gets in my face and his bad breath almost makes me flinch. "So this is your momma, mind if we borrow her for a little while? We'll have her back in a couple hours. You can thi-!!" I draw my sword faster than anyone can react. I slice from the left side of his torso to the right side. Cutting through both of us arm in the process, he's already dead before he hits the ground. A bunch of notifications go off, but I'm to focused on slaughtering these guys. I know I shouldn't enjoy taking another life, but killing him puts a smile on my face. I proceed to slice and dice all his friends into separate pieces too. All of them are a pile of body parts around me, I look down at my torso and notice how much blood I'm covered with. 

I hear some shouting, but its muffled as I try and come out of my anger. I follow the muffled voice and see my mom with a face full of shock. The muffled sound goes away and I can hear her shaky voice. "Oh sweetie..." I just sheath my sword and look at my mom as she rambles. Soon Marcus leaps into her arms and looks at me strangely. "C'mon, we need to get that blood cleaned off you." I listen to her and follow her out. None of the guys dropped any items, so no reason to stay any longer. I look around and see the faces of many people, most have fear and respect mixed together. Others have curiosity. People are respectful enough not to inspect me, and for that I'm grateful. Hopefully mom doesn't worry to much about me.