Chapter 1

Slayers and Crossbows Wars End Year 1 Chapter 1.

Khan stood at the wall, holding what appeared to be a promising looking mission. It paid well, some five hundred gold. That was more money than a farmers wage for 100 years.

Quickly Khan had grabbed the adventure’s mission off the wall. As Khan turned around he eyed the other patrons of the Adventurers Guild. They were ruff, braggarts, many of them still green. There was a culture within that wooden building, one of life and death, tales of great treasure, terrible woes and stories to fill the ears of any who would listen.

Bards would often frequent the place, looking for an untold tale or two. The old man sitting at the counter didn’t care for them much. They rarely took a mission, and returned from them even less so.

Khan was just about to see that old man when suddenly bursting through the door came an odd sight. A small 2 ½ foot Red Panda came walking through the door, on two legs no less. It wore a suit of full plate armor and was holding the hand of the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. She wore a leather over coat and what looked to be elvin style chain mail. The little Red Panda was quite insistent of dragging her by hand towards the very wall he was standing at. As the odd pair pushed their way through the crowd of burley adventurers, Khan held the mission paper in his hand.

Hey! Said the little Red Panda. I think that is mine!

Boo, whispered the woman with a giggle, don’t be rude.

I told you, Don’t call me that! Whispered the small armored red panda.

Khan looked at the paper in his hand. This paper? He replied.

Gimme! Said the Red Panda as he stretched his hands out in a gimme gimme motion.

Khan looked at this furry creature. He did not smell of Therian blood. He smelled of more of natural creatures and faintly of death.

C’mon let me see if that is the right mission ! Continued the strange creature.

Khan passed him the paper. To his surprise, he took one look and began B Lining it to the front desk.

BOO! Yelled the woman as she ran after him.

Khan smilled, What a strange creature he thought to himself as he too ran after the rather fast critter.

At the front desk sat an unimpressed looking man. He was older, sported grey hair, a white shirt, suspenders and a pair of spectacles that he adjusted way too often. He had taken over the family business when he was 75. The guild was full of con artists, braggarts and those of a less savory nature. It was his job to filter out the worthy from the usual wastes of time that held a space here.

For a moment he watched as the most likely green new entries took what was to be their first mission.

Can I help you? Asked a grumbling old human man as he adjusted his spectacles.

The Red Panda waved around a mission paper Yes you can he said quickly while looking behind him. I want to accept this mission!

The man didn’t seem impressed. RRRhRRmmm

Boo! Whispered the young woman as she caught up to him. That isn’t yours, give it back.

Booster turned around, shooting Kira a look. You know why I am here…This could be HIM!

Kira bowed her head as she tried to regain composure…You can’t just take the mission, he was here first argued Kira as she failed at hiding a giggle in front of the old man.

Shortly after Khan stood forward. Even in his human form he was normally seen as a bit intimidating, but against the back drop of hardened veterans of adventurers, he was definitely green.

So that will be 3 agents then? Replied the old man without missing a beat.

Booster paused..3? he asked.

Pay is by the agent, not the mission, so yes, three. Replied the old man for what had to be the hundredth time today.

Booster looked at Kira. Kira looked at Khan, and Khan looked at Booster.

Guild Fee called out the old man.

The three individuals stood looking at each other for a moment, before Booster began searching his armor..

Hey Um Kira, said Booster.. I seem to be all out.

Kira rolled her eyes…Again?

Yeah I..Well let’s look at this as an investment. We will make more than 5 times our money back…Give or take.

Kira smiled. There was little she would not do for her companion. She was just happy he had returned, even IF he did so as a Red Panda.

Sure thing Boo she replied with a smile.

Before Booster could object Khan offered his hand. The name is Khan, and I think there is security in numbers.

As he did so, Kira looked up at him. He was tall, dark and a flash of her aura vision told her that he was also a Therian. She smiled politely and nodded her head. The Therians had saved her home land, at great sacrifice to themselves, yet ironically, even a mere scratch from one, could kill her. Kira did not take his hand, but Booster did.

Yeah great he said, we could use some cannon fodder. Sides, they see you, they won’t see me! You ever hear of the shoulder port spell? Asked Booster.

Boo, scolded Kira, he is not cannon fodder, he a companion.

Booster froze. Jealousy was an ugly trait, but he couldn’t help but feel threatened.

Booster stood in-between Kira and Khan, alright then, just don’t mess with my….Booster panicked for a moment. Business Partner, he said slyly.

Khan was oblivious to any threat he might pose and took the welcome at face value.

Sign here, interrupted the old man, and just like that the Trio was formed and off on their way to a small town North East.

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Three days had passed. Khan had taken a liking to his new found companions. The red one was loud, boisterous, but highly intelligent. It was common amongst the clans to refer someone like him with having; Little Dog Syndrome, or in other words, all bark no bite. Kira was spirited. She seemed to really enjoy the company of the one she called Boo. She also recognized the effort and sacrifice put forth by Therian kind to help the elves. Most were not as well as informed as she. Strangely she seemed to avoid telling of where she came from.

The little one had indeed practiced his short ranged teleport, making sure to give a call signal when he would use it. Almost as though he were practicing battle strategy far in advance. It was just after the 8th hour when the Trio arrived at a small farm. It was desolate and run down.

Who hoo, Loot time cried Booster as he ran towards the farmstead.

He never really stops going, does he? Asked Khan, noting Booster’s energy.

He used to be soo much more….started Kira as she suddenly stopped what she was going to say.

More? Asked Khan.

Before…. started Kira hesitantly. When he was human, he was soo charming, so polite, soo.. But then he was kidnapped, used as an experiment in some deranged Necromancer’s plan.

I see, nodded Khan.

That is why we are here. He thinks he has a clue on where to find the person who did this too him. Continued Kira.

The circle had always taught of the foul deeds of those who practiced the dark arts. Perhaps he and the little one had more in common than he had first thought.

I know he seems a bit ruff around the edges, the transformation changed more than his appearance, but it didn’t change his heart.

Khan heard the compassion in Kira’s voice. Whether true friend or more, she would follow that little guy the ends of the realms.

So he is like your pack then? Asked Khan, trying to relate to such a bond.

Kira looked up and smiled, as though somehow the idea had tickled her mind. Yes, and perhaps more she replied.

Hey guys! Yelled out Booster, there is still some preserved food here, I am starving, come get some before I eat it all!

Kira smiled, never a dull moment.

As the trio began to search the farmstead Kira suddenly froze.. I sense…something here? She stated.

What is it? Asked Khan.

A presence replied Kira.

Probably nothing commented Booster.

Suddenly a ghost appeared in front of Kira. She wasn’t scared as much as startled.

Khan froze. He had heard of ghosts before, but never had he seen one.

The woman in front of them simply floated, transparent and silent.

Surprisingly Khans instincts did not kick in, which meant she was not an undead, but a spirit. Similar, but different.

Booster had just held up his prized find Pickled Hot Peppers when he saw the apparition.

The woman remained for a moment and then pointed before disappearing.

Kira was first to pick up on the clue, going to a loose cubby in the wall. There she found a diary.

Look called out Kira as she pulled out the diary.

What’s it say? Asked Booster.

Kira read for a moment, flipping through the diary.

It talks about her husband leaving, and then later her son getting sick. A man in dark robes came and promised to take away her son to heal him. Reluctantly, for fear of him dying, she let him go…he never came back. Read Kira.

What about the last page? Inquired Booster.

Kira turned to the last page. Says here, she had began to see some dark figures around the farm, each night they had become more brazen and approached the house.

That poor woman, commented Khan.

Hrmmm… Not sure we got time for this, began Booster, we already have a mission.

Suddenly a necklace fell out of the diary, at one time acting as a place holder within.

What’s this? Asked Kira as she picked it up. Kira began to focus, and her eyes shone white. Her use of aura vision revealed the magics of the necklace to be that which created food, three times per day. Kira put the necklace around her neck.

Meh, that’s it for the food began Booster, let’s get outta here.

The trio agreed and left the farm house, soon walking a few miles into town just as some church bells rang in the distance.

The town was not very large, but rather just big enough to support a town hall and a fairly large church. Naturally the trio headed there. It was worship day and the group waited until the mainstay of the crowd dissipated.

Excuse, me said Khan as he made contact with the priest. We are here about the mission?

The man looked Khan up and down, ah yes..there are three of you?

Yes replied Khan.

Very well, please wait inside until I am finished here, said the priest as he waved towards the church.

The trio went inside and waited for the priest. Booster quickly disappeared under the rows of seating as Khan sat down. Kira stood and wondered at the stained glass windows. A figure, surrounded in a yellow aura was pictured fighting what looked to be skeletons.

Mrrph Mrrmph , Yuk! Said Booster suddenly appearing on the other side of the room. In his hand he held strange round crackers and what looked to be a bottle of wine.

We gotta get some food, all this place has is these disgusting crackers and this worse than cheap wine…Does the guy brew his own or something? announced Booster.

Booster! Hissed Kira, put those down!

What??? Asked Booster innocently.

Khan looked at Booster inquisitively. This was no circle, but he somehow thought Booster might get more than a talking should he be caught.

A few minutes later the priest came in.

Perhaps we could retire to the study, privacy and all of that. Began the priest in a dignified accent.

The trio followed the priest into a modest office, and sat down around the desk.

Please close the door, asked the priest as he sat down. The reason we are gathered here today is that are having a few…disturbances, would have you in our cemetery.

As you may or may not know, generally only our most well to do preserve the bodies of their dearly departed. This usually falls under the purview of the church to over see. All was fine until recently. Two bodies have gone missing and thus my call for aid.

Pay for this, request is 500 Gold and an oath of silence upon completion.

Two bodies? Interrupted Booster, our contracts say one.

Good catch said Kira.

Does that mean our pay doubles with the number of missing bodies as well? Asked Booster.

The priest looked as though he had hoped to bypass that detail but reluctantly nodded and replied yes, there will be twice the pay for both bodies.

We are in! Agreed Booster with a toothy smile.

Very good said the priest. I will now take you to the tomb before I complete my other duties so that you can search for clues and what have you.

As the trio left the office, Khan took note of a holy symbol on the wall…it seemed, crooked.

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A few minutes later the trio were standing at the gates of an impressive mausoleum.

The priest opened the door and then the gate with a set of keys from his pocket.

I trust an hour will be long enough for your investigation asked the priest as he stood aside. I shall return from my duties then.

More than enough said Booster as he went in, followed by Kira.

The priest stopped Khan. You there, boy, the crescent moon and paw symbol you wear, I see you are a member of the Circle. We should exchange words at a later time.

Khan was impressed that one not of his own clans had heard about the circle, let alone knew enough to identify his holy symbol.

I am, and I look forward to it said Khan as he to entered the tomb.

With the three entering, the gate closed behind them. Yell if I have not returned in an hour. I do sometimes forget these types of things as he locked the gate. But I will do my best to avoid that today, said the priest with a chuckle.

That’s comforting added Booster under his breath.

Khan looked at everyone and asked, now, where do we begin.

Anyone need a torch asked Kira? I can see in the dark.

So can I said Booster.

Me as well added Khan.

Well that is convenient, chipped in Booster.

Suddenly the large door of the mausoleum slammed shut, and the sounds of locking could be heard.

It’s a Trap! exclaimed Booster as he ran to the door.

Suddenly there was a low growling sound from within the tomb.

Brains! Moaned a voice from within the mausoleum.

I told you it was a trap, said Booster.

Weapons out said Khan as he pulled out his two handed Cross bow.

As Kira brought out her hand crossbow Booster raised his arm. Upon it was strapped an unusual contraption. It consisted mostly of a bar, a lever and a strange ring. I see you have a standard issue crossbow, bragged Booster, you will have to let me upgrade that for you some day.

Khan stifled a chuckle. While unusual looking Boosters weapon surely could not keep up with the likes of his crossbow.

Here they come yelled Kira.

As the first of the Zimbies peered around a large column Khan took aim. Shot after shot Khan fired taking down a zimbie in a single shot.

Nice shot, praised Booster.

Who needs vast amounts of damage, when skill will suffice? Asked Khan confidently.

Yeeeeeah, laughed Booster as he turned around and took aim.

The was a loud concussive boom as Booster fired. A blast of ball bearings filled up a zimbie with holes as it fell to the ground. Why hit the head, when you can hit everything, he asked as he broke out into maniacal laughter.

Hey guys, save some for me demanded Kira as she joined in and took aim.

This is like shooting fish in a barrel….What could go wrong???? Shouted Booster gleefully.

As if some karmic force moved to answer Khan tripped over a trip wire. A trap went off, catching him in the middle of an explosion and trapping his ankles.

Just as Kira took her first shot, it misfired, sending her bolt back at her, grazing her arm.

As booster laughed and let loosed another shot it to misfired hitting the column, spraying him with his own attack.

NO! cried Kira as she dropped towards Booster.

I can heal him! Shouted Khan, push slide him towards me!

Booster looked hurt bad, Kira did as she was instructed as she noticed more of the zimbies coming slowly.

Khan reached out and called upon Luna for her aid…would she listen?

As if in answer white light lit up the room as healing magic flowed from Khans fingers and towards Booster.

He awoke saying only….OW.

Kira turned back to face her enemy, she was nervous, and quickly loading and firing managed only to drop two.

As Khan worked to free himself from the trap he wondered was it a curse, how could they have gone from doing soo well to horrible in an instant?

Umm guys, could use some back up! Shouted Kira.

Hold your drawers on, shouted Booster as he got up, looked himself over and then looked at Khan….Hey thanks! Booster said, you ain’t soo bad after all!

Khan , began to stand at last, yeah I think so too! He replied as Booster smiled.

Um Guys? Asked Kira as more zimbies approached. That last guy! He is different.

Booster shot with his arm contraption only one more time before he shouted…Dammit, I’m out! Booster then ran to one of the dead zimbies, sticking his hand in where the entry of one of his shots before had entered.

Khan shot out confidently at this final undead. Kira was right, this one was different. His shots were not as effective as before.

Dorian’s Magical ammo shouted Booster as he let loose a shot…but to no avail. The ammo, magically created, simply passed through the Zumbie.

What the? Asked a confused Booster.

Khan lined up his final shot, after this he was out of ammo.

As he fired the bolt streaked across the room, finding its intended target, through the brain of the creature..It collapsed.

Whoo hoo, jumped up Booster, was that the last of em?

Thankfully noted Kira as she used her aura vision.

Oh wait said Booster as he went up to the last undead. Aren’t those the priests robes…..Is that the priest? He asked?

Booster then wiped his hands off on the priest’s robes.

I don’t think we are getting paid said Booster sadly.

I know someone who is replied Khan, turning back to face the entrance way.

I may have a way out suggested Kira.

Hey Guys! Yelled Booster…aren’t we forgetting something?

Kira turned around what could we possibly be forgetting???

Hello, said Booster…IT’S LOOT TIME!!!!