Chapter 16: HUNT OR HUNTED 2

The city had bath in chaos the entire day, buildings on fire, the rest of the dungeons had disappeared after the defeat of the rest of the monsters, the siren were the only thing that reverberated the now so look abandoned city.

Hunter had been admitted for treatment while the rest party for a successful raid since the entire city that had been littered with cores and fortunes had been distributed evenly to every GUILD the next day aside from PORTER X who declined the offer.

Few weeks after the incident, a new president was announced, and he had happened to be ARMSTRONG VALE. The city was as quite as a silent hill or long forsaken city.

Everyone had been instructed to stay at the safe zone till the city had regain it structures and the rights to the dead were pass on to their guild for proper rituals such as burial and family compensation.

White had decided to take the week off for proper rights since her brother was absent and was supposed to be the one in her position.

Feeling sad everyone had decided to stay in doors, it was less lively in the apartment. White had sat in the living room along side the 4 members in the house who had joined to watch the news regarding the previous incident.

'So sis, do you want to explain what is going on?'

A girl who had sat at the left side single seater cushion had asked WHITE a question, apparently it was NATASHA who had wore just her pants and tight bra, with an open shirt short sleeve in white.

'Right now i really can't explain much if my brother isn't here, after all, he has been gone for almost a month now since the incident, give it time, you will know everything ones they are back'

WHITE said with a smile trying as best as she could to ease the minds of everyone, she was on a black shirt and skirt as she had braided her hair with style while letting it free.

'Even if you say so sis. How long would we have to wait for big bro and the others to arrive'

A girl in short straight hair dyed in pink had ask, her pink like eye Iris, gave it a good match with her hair as she sat in worries folding her arms while trying her best not to reminiscence on the death of a housemate she had witnessed.

'If our calculation is correct brother and others should be back by this week, until then we stay in doors'

As if the devil was prying on them They heard a knock that shook their soul out of their body as they bath in fright. WHITE had soon understood the knock pattern as she had stood up and went to attend to the door, while everyone in the living room had stood and prepared for any possible attack.

The room had blink with a white reflection that flustered like a beam of light from a camera shot, with WHITE opening the door afterwards.

Upon opening the door white had hugged the person in front of her and had been patted on the head by whom she had huggeed

'That is surprising? Did something happened or did you just miss your big brother that much'

A voice everyone had recognized could be heard as the rest of them in the living room hastened to meet up with who it was.

'Both'

WHITE had responded and soon let out tears she had been suppressing all the time, her sudden burst of tears gave a shivering emotion down the spine of everyone present while trying to be consoled by her brother.

Everyone who had returned had looked a bit matured and looked more reliable, aside from their clothes which made them look like people wondering  here and there with tarted clothes and all, they all looked more refined, on the other hand RIN and LIN had gained few heights which made them look older,

LIN AND RIN had looked older, at a stern looks they are no different from an 11 year old child. Feeling dumb struck by the new appearance they all stood in amazement before accepting a welcoming hugs and hand shakes before the door finally went shut.

They all went to their rooms to rest for the day at SNOWS command as they were to gather for a conference meeting tomorrow to exchange information and understand what they had missed within the period of time.

WHITE who had find it all so difficult had slept over at his brothers room who had decided to let her kid sister sleep over, after all he needed to spoil her since her birthday was around the corner.

Staring at his sister who was fast asleep while sitting on the chair beside the bird in front of the table beside it, he soon found a peace of smile which felt like an amusement to have his sister sleep over.

After a short while he stood up and adjusted the duvet properly in other to make sure she wasnt going to be cold while soon sitting on the floor and leaning his back on the wood sporting the bed.

Finding what he was looking for he stare at the scar at his right hand and smiled as if thanking his star for making it out alive of the dungeon.

He kept at it and and kept feeling a bit of amusement and thankfulness of surviving and at the same time realizing how strong he had gotten and now glad he could pass on the power to a next person as promised.

Leaning his head backwards he stare at the ceiling and decided to let his eyes embrace a bit of darkness only to be possessed by sleep and never to awake till the given time.

*********************

The sun light shined brighter as if it was happy for the white clouds gaining their territory back from the hands of the dark cloud, snow who had slept while sitting had been tapped by the hand, his eye lashes twitched few times before it came apart letting loose the outside light to his eyes as he instantly closed them back and opened them ones again as if tuning the brightness and contrast of a display screen.

'Morning big bro, everyone is waiting downstairs '

WHITE had said after she had long since woken up and prepared after deciding to let her brother sleep a while longer before realizing the few scars on his body since he wasnt wearing any shirt aside from the short pant trouser he wore last night after his shower.

'Morning sis, so have they all eaten?'

'Well yes..'

She grabbed so by the hand and helped him off his feet white he stood and grabbed the black short arm shirt from the chair edge.

'You are the only one who hasnt had breakfast yet, I believe you wanted to eat after the meeting'

'You know me well sis, very well let go '

Snow had said and both excused themself from the room with the door hissing behind them with a loud clap from it closing up.

Those that heard footsteps walking down the stairs from the dining room had instantly sat properly and awaited the siblings Arrival.

They all sat in their guild clothes and instantly stood up at snows and white arrival while paying their respect, since the meeting was an official guild meeting.

The so called dining room had lost it meaning, the entire room was in white colour as if painted in white, the chairs had long edges and were armless, everyone had stood with three seat vacant. Snow had stood and stair at the vacant seat before walking towards his own seat which was at the other end of the monitor table.

'Please, be seated '

Snow said and soon had his seat with his sister sitting next to him and IRIS seating at the other side, he stare at the faces of everyone who were seated and felt sad about everything.

'Before we begin, i would like everyone to maintain a minute of silence as we commemorate, LUCAS, PATRICIA and FYR'

Everyone had bowed their head with their eyes close while maintaining silence for about a minute, snow had sat and stare after few minuets and placed his hands on the table while leaning forward.

'I honestly dont know how to start this, we are family now and i still feel a heavy weight upon me as your elder brother'

As he made his speech everyone had stared at him without interrupting with questions

'Still i am grateful for everyone who had decided to be a part of the guild and as of which i would like to reveal the purpose of the hunt'

He kept on with his speech as IRIS and the others felt a heavy topic had been set before them.

'I am aware that everyone here may feel they arent up for the task to be in a guild or be a guild member, and i am aware of the inferiority everyone had been inflicted with'

White had sat backwards trying her best to ease her mind while listening and trying not to pay attention.

'Which is why i initiated the HUNT, the HUNT was devised in other to make everyone in the guild stronger, stronger than anyone else'

Snow said and soon let a peace of silent rain for a moment.

'I was hoping everyone would make it but it seems we have been caught off guard, but dont worry, the president absent wasnt just for show, I actually had her make contact with someone who will assist in the upcoming event'

'But brother, you are yet to explain why FYR AND PATRICIA had to be killed by people claiming they are from YGGDRASIL?'

The girl with straight hair dyed in pink had asked as she was yet to get over the death of those she cherished.

'Yggdrasil is another word for WORLD TREE and i am sure everyone here knows the history'

'Of course we do, but why would they claim to be from yggdrasil?'

Michael had asked as he had folded his arms while sitting and leaning backwards

'You see, the world tree is desperate to gain back it lost fruit eaten by man ages ago, but in reality, the WORLD TREE isnt just angry at humans'

'What do you mean'

Iris asked feeling abit confused

'The monsters we kill in the dungeons are actually from other worlds, and we humans have been the only ones she find unpleasant, since our ancestors stole from it, it became more angry and set out to destroy humans'

'I see, and in doing so she probably made contact with other races from other world and forced them to do it bidding'

ESMIL had said as if understanding a bit of the puzzle

'Exactly, but it realize some will go against it will and it made few humans do it biding by forming it own organization with it name, and kills everyone and anything that threatens it plans'

Snow had added in conclusion

'But if that is the case, does that mean the ORLEANS KINGDOM is ruled by it?'

Blade had asked feeling curious

'No silly, ORLEANS is a place for humans and other race to coexist, in reality they are actually fighting against the world tree'

Snow had giggled a little before leaning backwards.

'Lastly, i am sure everyone is scared and nervous, i wont tell you to relax or be rest assured, so i will tell you now that there is time'

Upon hearing his words they all paid more attention

'In few days time, everyone in PORTER X will be hunted, and i am sure it is going to be hard surviving, and we might loose those cherished by us, but i will assure you one thing'

Snow hands tapped on the table twice and the screen turned on with a pile of information occupying the screen.

'Until, the right time comes, i want everyone to memorize this plans and put them into action starting from today'

Snow had said with everyone attention towards the monitor table.

'Please stand up if i mention your name'

Snow had said, he knew it was time to assign a specific role to them and wanted to make sure the guild would still function if in case he wasnt around

'MICHEAL, LIN AND RIN, ESMIL, NATASHA, IRIS, AND MIRAGE'

Those whose name had been called upon had stood to their feet with attention and had their gaze set towards snow

'MICHAEL, i am appointing you as the lead captain, you shall oversee everything and everyone in the guild'

'But brother why would you appoint me to a position so important as this'

'Aside from NATASHA, you are the strongest in this guild, i trust you enough to put everything and everyone in other should there be a case of me and sis not being around'

Snow smiled afterwards trying to assure Michael of his capabilities.

'NATASHA, i am appointing you as captain 1, aside from MICHEAL you have grown quite stronger and i am sure with you around it will be easier to set a role figure for other captains.'

Snow had said and smiled at her as if signaling her to gist him later

'ESMIL, i am appointing you as captain 2, i want you to be in charge of information gathering as you have always been doing, and since you are stronger than the last time we left i am sure you would make a good examples for everyone to follow and as well keep everyone safe with proper intel'

Snow had stared at the girl with straight short hair dyed in pink

'MIRAGE, i know there are a lot going through your head right now, but in the future we are aiming for, i would love it if you cheer up everyone when it is a hard time like this one, and with a reason of you not being among the strongest, but an idol of the house, i would like to appoint you as captain 3'

As if being hit by a car MIRAGE emotions suddenly came loose as tears flood down her face with her hands finding it hard to stop the so called waterfall that could be called tears..

'IRIS, i am sure you understand why i am appointing you to be the 4th captain'

Iris nodded her head, she smiled and stare at the monitor in place of the table surface.

'RIN AND LIN, you two are going to be captain 5'

'Yay!'

Both gave each other a high five with excitement all over them

'And as for the rest who weren't mentioned, please dont be upset, i didn't ask you not to stand because i needed you all to support others, but if you still wish you want to be a captain, then please feel free to use the remaining 7 slot left'

Snow had felt sad a bit as white had stood up

'Dont get what brother said wrong, but in other to fulfill our plans, we need just 5 captains at this moment of crisis, our initial aim for captains are 12, since there are 7 slot left, you can as well become a captain but...'

White had tried to explain in details and tried not to make anyone feel left out

'only if you feel you are up for the task'

'Dont worry sis, we all understand '

Blade had said before those standing had decided to have a seat, seeing how everyone had agreed to their plans snow had placed 13 small boxes on the table, as their sizes were as smaller than a regular ring box size but was an actual ring box.

'What are those brother?'

A girl who had been quiet for a long time had broken the ice, she had curly hairs and had Pierced her nose, at first appearance she looks like a punk but was as quite as a shy person could be.

'It is something for everyone, it was delivered while i was away but i had sent for it before i left. Did it pick your interest, KIRIN?

Snow said and in that instant the boxes vanished and each of them appeared in front of everyone sited aside from snow and his sister.

'Everyone here are equals regardless of rank, i want you all to use this to support each other when ever possible.'

Snow said while staring at RIN and LIN.

'it serves as a communication device but it also serves as a symbol, not only that, i am giving this to everyone because it also serves as a right to be or become a captain of a squad in this guild'

Everyone had began opening their own box with surprises at the plain looking ring with no design

'Your rank will be determines by how many stars imprinted on those rings, which is why i ask you wear them for 24 hours for this process to take form'

Snow said and smiled

'But brother there are extra 3 in front of me'

MICHAEL question as he couldnt open any but stare in surprise.

'Feel free to give the rest out should you find anyone trust worthy to join the family, i shall leave the decision to you'

'You speak like you wont be around or something '

MICHAEL said, he knew snow and his sis wont make such plans if they were going to stay around

'In other to keep everyone safe, i and my brother have decided to take the fall, so there could be a time we wont be here, we want you to fill in that space till we are back'

WHITE explained making sure everyone were mentally prepared as well, those who heard her finally understood their reasons and soon focus on the monitor as they tried to memorize every details written in it.

Snow and white stood up, they both had intended to leave for a private discussion.

'So i would like you all here to memorize the plans, and set them in motion as soon as possible while i and my sister take care of other things'

Snow said and walked away along side him was white, she had clinched so tight to snow as if she was his girlfriend.

Everyone soon gave a deep sigh of relief as if snows pressure was choking them, they knew snow was strong but never ones knew his AURA could be nerve wrecking.

MICHAEL stood and then addressed everyone properly as they all accepted each role appointed to them, they all sat and memorized the plan down to every details before they all went about their day.

Night came like a thief wearing it mask, the entire house had gone silent with everyone in it were far asleep.

A light glowed and in front of that light was SNOW AND WHITE apparently they were standing beside the bed where MICHAEL had slept.

The glowing light was passed down to snow which got assimilated into MICHAEL body as he slept and not knowing what was happening.

Snow and white visited everyone and made sure they got their powers as planned, each one visited had glowing light entering their body.

Lastly they made a final stop at LIN and RIN's room, the two girls had slept peacefully on their bed, snow and white were not having any more glowing light, they had intended to pass down their powers to LIN and RIN due to the promise they made in that cave months ago.

A figure soon appeared in front of SNOW and WHITE and place his hands into their chest as if looking for something, smashing their faces were two enormous lights that was equivalent to that of MICHAEL owns but far greater since it took months of fine tuning to make it glow this much.

The figure took the lights and placed it within the two sleeping beauties, while he was done he stood in front of snow and white.

'I am sure you are regaining your lost memories and in time you will get to understand, since you no longer need my powers my first blessing to you shall never fade from you two'

It said and smiled

'Thank you'

Snow and white said before the figure vanished into thin air, they both smiled at the two care free girls who were fast as sleep while they snuck out of the room afterwards.

The next day came an uproar with everyone yelling and screaming about the amount of stars they got on their rings.

Unlike MICHAEL who had 8 stars imprinted on his ring, NATASHA, RIN AND LIN were just a star behind him, while the rest have either 5 stars, 6 stars and 4 stars imprinted on their ring.

Snow and white who had just woken up to find out what was wrong were being chewed out by everyone who wouldnt even speak one after the other since they were all excited by their rank.

Snow sighed and went back upstairs as if he is yet to get enough sleep, leaving WHITE behind to take the full blast of their overwhelmed excitement.

Both SNOW and WHITE were please with the outcome, SNOW had decided to celebrate every success so far during his kid sisters birthday.

************

It has been few days after snows arrival and was yet to check the city, he had left home and bid those present a short goodbye with the excuse of groceries shopping.

The sky had been invaded by thick dark clouds, it felt like it would pour out any time soon, snow had smirk at the silly sky soon departed in his car, it was a custom made style as it was delivered to him almost at the same time he founded his orphanage.

To the outer appearance it was a sport car design solely for speed, a blue and white stripe design upon it crimson body paint making it stand out.

Snow had never thought there would be any day he would actually need to drive since he could move freely with his shadow teleportation.

He drove straight to the city while thinking over what WHITE had told him about her remembering her memories.

She had explained how she was able to summon one of the seven sins of elements, but since she had power it form was a bit twisted.

Upon thinking everything straight SNOW had realise it was also possible for his own memories to be tampered with, but if he is yet to remember anything, then it would be because of AURORA.

Hours came like a flash of speed with snows not realizing how soon he had gotten to the city, he drove his car and parked it by the road side before coming down and entering the shop in front of him.

Minutes later he came out with bunch of packages, he had bought snacks and drinks for his kid sister and needed to get groceries for actual cooking. Placing what he bought by the boot of the car he decided to enter his car then drove off only to be called by a stranger.

SNOW stood for a while, he felt nervous but he needed to understand why someone would call him out of nowhere. He decided to go meet up with the strange figure who had his entire appearance and shape covered in a hoody coat, snow escorted the figure down to a back alley.

The figure upon been certified by the privacy stoped and turned to stare at SNOW.

'You are SNOW right, SNOW WEINSTEIN?'

SNOW felt reluctant to reply, his guard was high and he became hyper curious about this current situation.

'Yes, by the way who are you'

'Oh, forgive me for my late introduction your highness, my name is MABEL, LOMAN MABEL'

Upon her introduction her kneels found it way to the floor as she took off her hoodie which revealed her face, unlike her a year ago and few months, she had looked more younger and looked more vibrant and bold.

Staring at the girl in front of him snow sighed, he had knew only those of ORLEANS KINGDOM addresses him as HIGHNESS, but staring at her face he had never met her before.

Apparently snow knows everyone down to the commoners in ORLEANS KINGDOM afterall, he did spend a year there before WHITE was born and spent few months there before AURORA ILLNESS got worsen.

'Your household and rank?'

'I am not a citizen of ORLEANS, but i have a message from both your Aunt and THE COMMANDER'

She had said to clear the misunderstanding

'Very well, say what you want, am quite in a bit of a hurry'

He said as if to not have her time

'The commander said "It's TIME"'

'And?'

Snow said knowing what it meant, his eyes soon went to the device he was been given which happened to be a bracelet

'Dr. RIVET said i should give this to you, she want you to only use it at an emergency but she would only visit tonight since it is WHITE BIRTHDAY '

Snow took the bracelet from her and wore it, he soon remember there was one other bracelet he had not been wearing and instantly placed his hands in his pocket and brought out a bracelet which he wore at his left hand while the other at his right.

'Why do i smell AURORA around you?'

Snow said, he very well knew what AURORA smell like and bringing out his bracelet kinda confirms his curiosity.

'She is my friend, and i was originally seeking answers to her lost memories, thats when everything leaded to you'

'I see, lastly, i want you to send a message to the commander for me'

'As you wish, your highness'

She said and stood up, as if not wanting anyone to hear what snow had said, the cloud made the loud thunder claps that made few people ran in fear on the street.

'B...but your highness, i didn't mean to spy on you, please forgive me if i broke the rules'

MABEL pleaded upon hearing SNOWS messages to the commander, it was a code known by everyone in ORLEANS, but she never thought snow would actually want her to send such code to the commander.

'You will get to understand soon, but please tell him i will be there in few days with my sister to perform the necessary rights'

Snow said and walked away, on the other hand MABEL felt devastated she knew what she had signed up for but she needed to report to RIVET before heading back to ORLEANS.

Snow who had felt a huge burden coming on him soon went to his car and drove off. His mind kept wondering what AURORA would be doing by now.

He mesmerizing on his past with AURORA before playing with the bracelet a bit and went to the grocery store.

Buy all he could think of he came out with a bunch of water proof pack filled with all sort of items.

Placing them by the boot he got into his car and decided to make one final stop, he stood after getting out of his car to stare at the clothing store. He smiled as he wanted to spoil his kid sister today, he walked into the store and came out hours later with just 5 boxes.

Apparently he was finding it difficult about what to get for his sister since all he saw wear also nice, but wanted something special.

Placing them all in the boot he got into his car and drove off, checking the time on the holographic screen in the car he realized it was getting late and needed to get home before night fall.

He made one final stop at the hotel where AURORA had lodge, he smiled after seeing her through the restaurant glass window and soon drove off while returning home afterwards.

Driving outside of the city while heading home, shivers ran down snows spines as if something terrible had happened.

His leg slam the acceleration moving the vehicle at it maxed speed. The car screech with a sudden brake as if to make a 360 turn only to come to a sudden halt.

Dashing out of the car snow could feel his legs barely touching the floor as he ran as fast as he could to the opened broken door.

Standing by the door from loss of breath he leaned to the edge of the entrance staring at the traces of blood that led to a body laying cold on the floor.

He approached the body and found WHITE laying unconscious, her chest was pierced by a sharp object, her mouth had traces of blood, and bruise from traces of struggle.

'Hey, sis, sis please wake up'

He said with sadness, his face had gone pale, his eyes had been filled with non stop fluid that flowed with no restraint. Pulling her closer snow hugged her tight as he experienced what he had experienced ones.

He instantly remembered what he and his sis had went through to survive, he knew if ever his sister dies he would loose it.

But what snow doesn't know is that he wasnt expecting it to be this soon. Crying silently he called out his sister name every now and then.

His face instantly glance through the room only to realise there was nobody else but just his sister. Sniffing a bit he heard footsteps which had matched the broken bottles on their way with a sudden rush that came next.

Making contact with NATASHA and IRIS who went to pick up RIVET snow tried wiping his face while carrying his sister in his arms.

RIVET who was present instantly rushed to aid, upon making contact with WHITE his sister coughed, staring at snow few tears dropped her face.

'Sorry big bro, i couldn't stop them from taking RIN and LIN'

'They? Who did this?'

She coughed slightly as she stared at snow

'NAOMI, SHE BROKE THE VOW'

WHITE said and coughed more, RIVET Tried stopping the bleeding but it was too late at this point still she did all she could do.

'Aunt?, i will leave WHITE to your care'

Snow said while placing WHITE with care back to the floor as RIVET did her best at the situation

'I will stop the bleeding and keep her safe, but i cant guarantee what comes next snow'

As if waiting for rivet to say something WHITE body losing up, her hands fell to the floor, RIVET instantly grabbed her hand to check for pulse but there was non.

'Snow, it is red..'

'I beg of you aunt, please anything, make it work'

He said as he pleaded, he tried to suppress his tears but everything went loose, everyone present went on an outburst of tears and screams.

'The only thing i can do is take her body to ORLEANS, and i think you should come with me'

'Thank you aunt, but i will join you later'

Snow replied, his face had gone cold, losing all emotions he walked out the door while matching few broken glasses that dingle at his way out.

Entering his car he drove off in speed with pure anger lingering over him.

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CHAPTER END...

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