19

👍︎︎︎♒︎︎︎♋︎︎︎◻︎︎︎⧫︎︎︎♏︎︎︎❒︎︎︎ 📂︎🖲︎🖳︎ 💣︎♏︎❍︎□︎❒︎♓︎♏︎⬧︎ □︎♐︎ ✌︎■︎□︎⧫︎♒︎♏︎❒︎ ❄︎♓︎❍︎♏︎

Night, 19 years ago. A house in the middle of the woods. A tiny family of three, a mother, father, and son. Both the mother and son had blond hair and blue eyes while the father had brown hair and brown eyes. They smiled around the table as they sat for dinner in their tiny house. The little boy around age 3 grinned as his mother gave him a plate of food. Peace was a word to describe the household. BOOM! A blast of fire shook the house blowing the left side to smithereens. Through the dust, a man walked in with an evil smile on his face.

"So these are the guys Ring wanted killed." he sighed before continuing, "It's a shame they aren't going to put up much of a fight. A child, a mother, and a father."

"Thor, Amera, Run." The man ordered.

"But Father!"

"I need to buy you time. I hired someone in case this would happen. Now run!"

"C'mon Thor, let's hurry." The woman ushered, "We have to go." The two quickly ran off deep into the forest.

"How noble," The man taunted, "Risking your life for your families. Too bad that your opponent is Hephaestus, The Red Knight."

"Knight? Stop kidding yourself. What kind of knight doesn't wear armor and attacks a family in the middle of the woods."

"Armor is for the weak. Power is all I need and orders are orders. A knight does not defy the orders of the king even if he believes they are wrong."

"Then you are not a true knight."

"True, false, it's all a matter of circumstance." He suddenly became angry. "You're doing this to stall for time aren't you? Well too bad because you've made me angry. Fire corresponds with rage and you'll face my fury!"

"Calm yourself," another voice spoke out, "you can't waste your power here. Deal with him quickly and chase the vermin."

"Shut up Ring," Hephaestus replied, "I'm The Red Knight, I have all the power to strike things down. Now die old man."

Another loud explosion rang throughout the forest. Amera and Thor were both desperately running away.

"Father!" Thor cried as he saw the explosion in the distance, "Father!"

"Thor, calm down. He's doing this to protect us both but more importantly you. You're our future. We need…" Amera let out a scream and tripped.

"Mother!"

"RUN THOR! Don't worry about me. I-I'll be fine!"

"No, mother! You're bleeding. I need to help you!"

"Run! Please! For your father's and my sake. Please…" Tears came out her eyes as she begged him to go.

"No! I'm not leaving you here. I—"

Amera sent out a blast of wind knocking Thor to the floor and several feet away from her as an arrow pierced her chest.

"MOTHER!"

"RUN!"

With tears in his eyes he regretfully ran away deeper and deeper into the forest.

"I'm sorry Thor…" Amera managed to say, "You'll understand someday."

"And I'm sorry too." a new voice called, "Orders are orders and a knight can never defy their orders. Before you die, it's custom I give you my name. I'm Apollo, The White Knight." He drew an arrow and aimed it at her head. "I'm sorry, I really am."

Thor ran away with tears in his eyes. He closed his eyes because he knew that if he'd open them he would look back. He ran and ran and ran until he crashed into something. He opened his eyes only to see a man with brown hair staring deeply into his soul with his same brown eyes. Thor stared in shock as he thought that they had caught up with him.

"Why are you here?" the mysterious man questioned. He observed him and sighed to himself. "You're Opius' kid aren't you?"

"You-you know my father?"

"He hired me to help him. Plus I owe him one. So where is he?"

"He-he's dead…"

"So they've caught up to him then… I assume your mother suffered the same fate?" Thor gave a nod as his tears began to pile up. "Hey don't cry, I'll be here for you." Thor looked up and was able to give a weak smile.

"Found you!" Hephaestus called out, "You're toast!" He jumped into the air and dived towards Thor only for his fist to clang against the mysterious man's sword.

"Hephaestus, careful," Apollo warned, "This guy seems super strong."

"Seems?" the man laughed, "the Krimson Octopi is the strongest guild in The Land of the Creator. Perhaps you don't know who I am, but… EVERYONE NOW!"

Seven more people jumped out of the nearby trees and began to attack the two Knights.

"Dammit! I'll blow you all away!" Hephaestus bellowed.

"Hephaestus! Don't be reckless! We need to retreat!"

"Don't be a wuss! I can ta—" at that moment something pierced his left arm. "Fuck!"

"Dammit Hephaestus!" Apollo summoned a blinding light and in an instant they disappeared.

"Well that's that…'' The mysterious man said, "Kid, what's your name?"

"M-my name? It's um… Thor… Thor Stroganoff…"

"Welcome then Thor, I'm Isaac, leader of the Krimson Octopi. I'll be your guardian for the time being."

* * * * * *

It had been a year since the attack from the Knights. During this past year Isaac had taught him how to fight, how to play The Wells of Truth, and how to do the basic necessities in life. He had joined as the 9th member in the Krimson Octopi. First in the Guild was Isaac the leader. He was known as the Savior of Gaia for his insane magic powers and TWOT skills. Next in line was Erina. Erina had magic powers that rivaled even Isaac but had nowhere near the card game skills as that he did, Erina was also the girlfriend of Isaac. After Erina was Wolso. Wolso was a shrewd fellow. He was a master of planning and was able to win any gamble he made. Then came Nian. Nian was the youngest next to Thor at the age of 16. She liked to goof around and play tricks on everyone. Bao was the fifth member. He was slightly chubby and a bit of a glutton, but all in all a good guy. Viv is next. Viv was a beauty fanatic and often clashed with Erina over who was the most beautiful. Second to last was Qwins. Qwins was a quiet man keeping to himself unless completely necessary. Finally, was Tiran. Tiran was an old man compared to the other guild members, but was surprisingly nimble.

Isaac alongside Thor walked into the guild's house. It was pretty much a mansion with noticeable crimson colored walls. "We're back!" Isaac called as he entered through the door with the excited Thor.

"Welcome back!" everyone else called back.

"How was your first mission Thor?" Erina asked.

"It was so fun! Isaac stood by and he watched me pummel all the bad guys! Then the main bad guy came in and hurt me a little, but then Isaac took him out instantly!"

"You got him hurt?" Erina said coldly towards Isaac, "weren't you there to protect him."

Isaac had a nervous look on his face, "H-hey Erina… I was using this as experience for him… I didn't think that their leader would be there…"

"That doesn't excuse the fact you got him hurt." She turned to Thor, "Hold on, I'll get something to help soothe the pain."

"I'm fine. Really. It doesn't hurt much. Isaac didn't wait a moment when I was hit to attack him."

"Well aren't you sweet, here have a lollipop."

"Thanks Erina!"

Thor gladly took the lollipop out of Erina's hands and ran towards his room. "That was really fun!" he thought to himself as he lay on his bed, "I can't wait to do one again!" A knock came on his door. "Come in!" he replied as he sat straight up.

In came Nian as she jumped onto him. "I missed you!"

"I-I've only been gone for 3 hours though…"

"That's still 3 hours too long! How could you leave your sister like that!"

"But Nian, we're not siblings."

"You call Isaac big brother! You call Erina mom sometimes too even though Isaac and Erian are dating! You even call Tiran grandpa! Why can't I be your older sister?"

"I don't know…"

"Fine I'll leave then, if you don't want me here I'll leave." She said as she began walking out his door.

"Wait! Nian, uh I mean sister please stay. I want to talk for a bit longer."

In a heartbeat she turned around and hugged Thor. "Aren't you an adorable little brother Thor. I just wished we met sooner."

"Nian. Too. Hard. Squeezing."

"Oh sorry." Nian apologized as she softened her grip, "It happens when I get excited."

"So why did you come to my room?"

"I said I missed you! Do you not remember?"

"Is there any other reason?"

"Well Erina and Viv are fighting again?"

"Again? What is it this time?"

"Erina and Viv are arguing like usual and Viv got really mad like usual and so basically just the usual."

"Anything else?"

"I just missed you okay? Everything around here is normal and having you around for the past year may have changed things a little, but for the better." She gave a smile towards Thor, "I hope that you feel the same way around us."

"I-I do. I may have lost my mother and father, but ever since I've been with you guys I've felt a new family surrounding me."

Nian hugged him again this time warmly, "Yes we're a family Thor. The family of the Krimson Octopi."

* * * * * *

It was now evening of that same day. Nian and Thor had been chatting for the past 7 hours recounting memories and stories.

"My mom, dad and I lived in the outskirts of a forest far away from any city. We grew vegetables and hunted wild animals. We didn't have much but we were happy."

"But how does that explain your name?"

"Oh yeah. My parents called me Thor after some guy from Pre-Ancient Myth who was the god of thunder," He began to blush as he continued, "a-and Stroganoff came from… it came from…"

"Go on."

Thor let out a sigh, "Growing up my favorite food was stroganoff and they decided that that should be our last name…"

Nian let out a giggle.

"Hey! You promised not to laugh!"

"I'm not laughing, I'm giggling. It's just funny the way you phrased it. I like the name Stroganoff. It sounds nice and I think it fits you very well."

"Thanks…"

Down below Erina's voice called out, "Everyone! Dinner's ready!"

"Well, I guess we go now. I wonder what we're having tonight." Nian said to Thor as they left his room.

"Probably the same as usual, Some random things thrown together that taste disgusting and then Isaac or someone else has to use cards to get some actual edible things."

"Disgusting? Thor, did I hear you correctly?" Erina said from behind him. "It's pretty bold of you to say something like that out loud where I can hear you."

"E-erina… I... uh... didn't see you there. And uh…"

"Thor?" She said still in that passive-aggressive tone.

"Yeah..." he managed to squeak out.

"You're going to have to eat twice as much as everyone else. You hear me?"

"Yes mom…"

"And stop calling me mom, it makes me feel old."

"Yes Erina…"

"Good. Good. Now let's sit down for dinner."

Everyone sat down at the table. Bao, Qwins, and Viv sat on the longer side closest to the wall while Thor, Nian, Woslo, and Tiran on the opposite side with Isaac and Erina on the shorter ends of the table.

"Today we have something special!"

Thor let out a groan only to get a stink eye from Erina which he immediately apologized.

"Thor, do you even know what day today is?" Isaac asked him.

"Uh March 18th?"

"And what's so significant about March 18th?"

"Is it a holiday?"

"It's your birthday…" Qwins whispered, "I can't believe you forgot something like that."

"It is?" Thor seemed shocked for a second, "Oh yeah it is! So Erina, what did you make?"

"I based it off your last name Thor, today we have Stes Stroganoff!"

Thor let out a gulp while Nian giggled a bit, "D-does it taste fine?" Thor asked.

"Just try it for yourself and we'll see from your reaction." Erina replied.

"So I'm the test subject?"

"Just eat the damn food!" Erina yelled as she grabbed a spoonful and shoved it into his mouth.

"HOT!" He yelled as he reached for a glass of water to soothe the pain.

"Well? Is it good?" Everyone asked.

Thor didn't respond. He still had water in his mouth trying to cool down the burning sensation in his mouth. Noticing the opportunity, Nian gave Thor a giant pat on the back which caused him to spit out the water.

"Nian!"

"Sorry! I had too!"

"So?"

"It-it tastes good." He said shedding a tear, "it reminds me of them."

They were all silent as Thor began to cry. Nian was the first to give him a hug to which everyone else followed.

"I'm sorry… It's just that…"

"Shhhh." Nian spoke softly, "It's okay to cry. We're here for you."

"Th-th-thank you guys. I'm glad to have people like you as my family."

"We're glad you're with us too, Thor." they replied back.

"Anyway it's time for presents isn't it." Tiran said, "Here's mine kid. Took a bit of time to gather everything but here it is. It's a pair of boots for when you're older, more specifically they're Winged Boots."

"Here's mine," Bao grunted, handing him a box, "It's something. I don't know, might be a piece of candy or something in there."

"And mine," Wolso added, "It's a book that contains lots of knowledge. Read it when you have the time."

Qwins quietly handed him a box. Inside was an ancient scroll.

"This one's for your future," Viv smirked as she handed him a small box, "It's a ring, specifically one for you future wife."

"Here's the recipe for the Stes Stroganoff since you like it." Erina said, handing him the piece of paper.

"Mine's a photo album," Nian added, "it's full of the memories we've made in the time we've spent together and there's plenty room for more!"

"Last, but not least, here's mine." Isaac said as he handed him a sword. "You've grown up a lot in the past year. As congratulations I'm giving you an Elemental Sword. It'll react to whatever your inner element is."

"You're giving him a sword!" Erina yelled, "Do you know how dangerous that is?"

"You're mad about a sword but not the ring? He's literally 3 years old!"

"Hey at least it's going to be useful unlike a stupid pair of boots!"

"They're Winged Boots, he's going to be able to travel faster and fly! That's much more useful than something like a book!"

"Books contain knowledge and knowledge is power, plus Qwins what does that scroll even do?"

Qwins gave a thumbs down and immediately pointed at Bao

"What? I didn't know what to give him. It's better to try than to barely plan like Erina did!"

The arguing continued as they continued to bash each other's gift choices.

"Everyone!" Thor screamed to which everyone stopped to listen, "thank you. It means a lot to me that you guys care for me this much. Just please don't fight. Especially on my birthday."

"Aww. We're sorry sweetie," Erina said, "Now let's bring in the cake shall we?"

The cake was set on the table and the candles were lit. They sang a song and Thor made a wish. "I wish that we as a family can stay together forever." He blew out the candles.

"What'd you wish for?" Nian questioned, "Money, power, things?"

"If I tell you, it won't come true!"

"Oh c'mon… please!" she begged.

"Fine… I wished that we could stay together forever."

Everyone grew a smile on their face except for Tiran whose face gave a fake smile.

"Well on that news," Isaac transitioned, "we've got a commission for tomorrow. Don't we Tiran?"

"Yes we do." Tiran responded, "I'll read it aloud now. 'Your job is to search a cave for any valuables. This cave is located on the map provided to you. You have 3 days to complete it and you will keep any items you find there along with 5000 gold."

"5000!" Wolso exclaimed, "Wh-what rank is this job."

"Platinum A."

The group grew silent knowing that Platinum was the highest ranked job and an A class job made it even harder. The only person to every rank Platinum was long gone and Isaac was the next closest at Diamond S.

"A-are you sure we can take it?" Bao asked, "Platinums are absurdly difficult a-and…"

"Don't worry about it, we've got Isaac on our side, we don't have much to fret," Tiran tried reassuring.

"But Isaac's only Diamond! Platinum is way out of his league, no offense," Nian argued back.

"I agree with the child on this one," Viv said, "it's way too dangerous."

Thor let out a yawn, "Isaac? Is it okay for me to go to bed? I'm a bit tired."

"Do as you please, Thor. Today's your birthday."

"Thanks Isaac," Thor replied before heading upstairs to his room.

"All in favor?" Isaac asked, to which no one except Isaac and Tiran raised their hand. "All against?" Isaac let out a sigh as the vote was 6-2 for against. "Well now that he's out of the way, I guess we can get into the real business."

Thor crawled into his bed and began to drift into sleep. Little did he know that this day would be the last that he saw of his family.

Chapter 19: Memories of Another Time END