Valkyrie's Lament

Final day (part VII)

“So, what do you have in plan for us?” Tyler was the first one to speak out.

“First thing first, I wanted to say this as a guild leader. Welcome to Valhalla.” Silver smiled, opening up her hands in front of her.

Everyone was silent, wondering just as well as what was going to happen next as they held their breath. The way she said it, the slight movement caught everyone’s eyes as she seemed to momentarily glimmer with power and warmth as a true valkyrie had stepped down from the heavens to bless them.

“This sounds so cliche.” She dropped her hands to her side and sighed as the image of a Valkyrie disappeared in an instance. “Anyways, there are a couple of things that I want you all to know. As the guild leader, I put my trust in you and will work hand-in-hand with all of you to the best of my abilities. I know I can be difficult at times, and yea I know I don’t talk as much and sometimes don’t tell you everything, but there is a reason behind it.”

A couple of the people chuckled, understanding full well what she meant.

Silver felt embarrassed at how much she was spilling her guts to the people in front of everyone, especially half of these people she barely knew. It was now or never, she needed to be truthful, especially because now they were her teammates.

“The first thing is Kushiel's words. That b-” She stopped herself from cruising, and held back her anger. “She had put a bounty on all our heads, meaning that we will have combat with the other players very soon. I don’t know how many will be coming to kill us, but we must stay vigilant. Right now, I have space for seven more guildmates.”

“Really?” Brook replied. ”That’s good isn’t it?”

“No,” said Jasper. “If I remember correctly, Kushiel had said something worrisome.”

“That is?”

“Every four players that are invited into the guild, a high level monster will be entered into the competition.”

“Really?”

“Weren’t you even paying attention?” Rook asked, shaking his head at his brother. “I remember those words perfectly.”

“No, I wasn’t paying attention honestly.”

“Either way that’s a serious problem, especially because of what it means to all of us as whole. If the guild is filled to the brim we’re going to be fighting against about four high level monsters like the Baphomet, and the remaining players,” said Jasper, “right now, it would be best if we don’t recruit anyone until later in the hour.”

Silver shook her head. “Too late. We have at least one high level monster running around loose in the city now.”

“What?!” Everyone yelled in startlement. The air turned quickly tensed, realizing what Silver had said.

“How?” blurted out Jamie, “Wait, is it because of us? After you accepted the four of us, just a moment ago, is that why?”

The others suddenly realized what Jamie had said.

“Yes,” said Silver, she shrugged away their concern as she shook her head. “In this game, there is either them or us. To take away the feeling of doubt, it is best that we are put in as one team. If we have an outsider, the chance of being lured by temptation is higher, causing tension in the group. Right now, you have all accepted my offer in joining the guild, meaning you have chosen to stand together with each other. The real fight isn’t just between ourselves but the future games to come, sticking together, getting stronger to reach the end of this game is our priority.”

“Then what are we going to do about the others?” Rose asked, she wasn’t completely buying into Silver’ words. “Not everyone is going to roll over and join.”

“I know.” Silver replied. “This is a game of life and death and everyone makes their own decisions. I’m not forcing you to go out and kill people, honestly I really don’t like the idea of killing others. It’s not a pretty thought, and this is a decision that you all must make one day. If you feel like you can’t do it, then stand back and fight the monsters. People who are willing to fight against other humans will need to understand that taking a life is easy. Saving a life isn’t and right now we are on that crossroad of killing to save or just to live. Either it be today or five months down the line, all of you will come to that point in this game, and when it does I hope you are ready.”

Dead silence filled the air. Some paled at the thought of killing another human being, they all understood that this game wasn’t forgiving to them or gave them a second chance.

“So, with that being said, we need to get ready. Stay in a group of twos, watch each other's backs and find anything to lock the doors, fortify the windows so we have something to fight against what is to come.”

The others understood what she was implying.

“One last thing, Ronfonso. I have a question that I hope you know the answer to.”

Ronfonso, who was standing quite the whole time, raised his eyebrows piqued by what Silver was going to ask.

“Is there a way for a game master to join in on the game?”

“Yes, though there are some peculiarities.”

“Like?”

“One, one needs to join in as a player willingly. Second, they would lose all their privileges as a game master.”

“Wait, is that even possible?” Jamie asked, not quite believing in Ronfonso’s words.

“Absolutely, I was one.”

“What?!” Quite a bit of people shouted out in alarm. Others stepped backwards away from him in weary.

“Calm down,” Silver raised up her hands. “He’s one of us now.”

“How are you so sure? He could go back on us!” Rose sneered towards Ronfonso. “They were the ones who set up the games to kill us!”

“Yes, I did, but not anymore.” Ronfonso shrugged his shoulders. “The games come from above, especially from the Dominions.”

“Dominions?”

“One of the types of angels that regulates the lower angels.” Ronfonso sighed, annoyed at how slow these people were in picking up what he was saying. “I was just a regular messenger, while Kushiel would be considered a Principalities or Rulers for short. The Rulers have one specific species that they watch over throughout the games, while she sends out different weaker angels to either help or test you humans. Each gate is ruled by an angel or an Arch-Angels. Gate #6’s and anything that has the number #6 is Arch-Angel's domain, but right now because this is a major game, Kushiel has authority over this game.”

“Are there other ways for them to join the game?”

“You can challenge them, but not everyone would want to join in.” Ronfonoso shrugged.

“Then why did you join?” said Jasper. Everybody wanted to know Ronfonso’s reason as well.

“Because I was bored and I found Silver interesting.” Ronfonso word was like a slap to their face. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing, for almost all of them was jealous a furious, wishing they had the ability to just leave instead of taking part of this game.

“Are you serious?” Tyler was getting angry at how indifferent Ronfonoso was with everything. So many people died, not a single remorse or regret could be seen on his face, making him want to punch him in the face. “Don’t you know that you guys have killed over hundreds of people!”

“We didn’t kill anyone. That’s all on you guys.”

“You guys forced us on this sick game!”

“Yes, but you see, this game was agreed upon every 10,000 years. The last time you humans were lucky and bypassed the game, because of some holy person who sacrificed his whole life for your sins. Now, the time has come again and the contract is renewed. If you want to blame someone, blame your first forefathers that cursed your race.”

Silver was surprised to hear this part of history, she never knew the reason for this game was because of a past contract from the dawn of man.

Tyler sprung forward, but Silver stepped in between Tyler and Ronfonoso, redirecting his anger and stopping him completely.

“Stop.” Silver commanded, holding his fist with one hand. “He’s an asset for now. I’ll deal with him if he turns traitor and personally kills him, but right now Ronfonoso is part of the guild. Right Ronfonoso?”

“Yep. Like I said, I lost my place as an angel. So, I can’t make rules or start a game. I’m mortal now, and until I die, I won’t be able to get my spot back.”

“Damn it Silver. This is a bad idea.” Tyler muscles bulged as he was pissed off in what he heard. “He’s a walking ticking bomb!”

“Like I said, I’ll deal with him.” Silver squeezed his fist even tighter, causing Tyler to yelp in pain. “You can’t take him on, he’s an ex-angel.”

“And you can?” Tyler said in pain.

“I have a couple safety measures in place,” she reassured him and let go. “We don’t have time to be standing around. Move!”

Ronfonso stepped forward and whispered in Silver’s ear. “I won’t be able to help you much in these games. I suggest you live through the first month, before I could even attempt to fight against the others. Other than that, there are only a certain amount of things I could do. So, surviving until then Silver or the point of becoming a player would’ve been wasted.” He tapped on her shoulder and left.

Even Ronfonoso listened to Silver’s words, leisurely walking out the door with his hand behind his head. Everyone scattered like roaches, breaking away into a group of twos except for Sam and Jasper. They stayed behind, while Rose and Brianna went off together.

“Are you sure you can kill a man and stop that ex-angel if he retaliates?” Sam was the first one to speak up, walking towards her with a grin.

“If I have too, yes.” Silver replied without a second thought. She had the bits of memories of the future, and she knew what the first monster would be that would come terrorizing everyone. This was why she took the chance to add the rest of her groups, knowing full well it would be a risk.

“You don’t have too,” Jasper spoke softly. He glanced up towards her with worry. “There could be other ways around this.”

“No.” Silver shook his head. “Kushiel never goes back on her words, and the way she's been acting, I highly doubt she'll let anyone go scot free without serious consequences. So, it's best that we fight on our own terms.”

Jasper frowned at the thought of what Silver had said. Even though they had met Kushiel for a brief moment of time, it was enough to understand her thoughts and actions. Kushiel despises humans and it shows apparently in her words and actions. In her eyes, humans were nothing but bugs.

“I like you more and more.” Sam slightly chuckled, examining Silver with interest. He was silent for a moment, stared at her as a smile erupted on his rosy lips.“Go out with me.”

Both Jasper and Silver went completely silent. Jasper's eyes twitched, his mouth dropped, looking at Sam as if he was the strangest creature in the world. On the other hand, Silver was dumbstruck in what she just heard. For a moment, she tapped her ears and cleaned it out just in case she was hearing things.

“Excuse me?” Silver asked with a straight face.

“I said, go out with me.”

“Hah?!” Jasper half shouted out in an outburst. “What kind of crazy talk are you spouting?!” He was getting heated as he stomped hard onto the wooden ground.

“Shut up brat. I’m not talking to you.” Sam snapped.

“This isn’t the time for dating!”

“I said, shut up brat!” Sam growled, threatening Jasper with his glare.

Silver finally cut in between the two, she momentarily took a good look at Sam, trying to decipher his words. Was he actually asking her out or did he mean go fight outside against the problem that was going to come together? From the short period that she had got to know Sam, she got a feeling that he was more of a battle maniac, meaning that he wasn’t the type to go into a relationship. Unless, she’s completely wrong and he did really mean what he meant, but just like Jasper said, this wasn’t the time.

“Like I said. I like you, you’re definitely a partner worth fighting together with, especially to go out and slaughter our enemies that are to come.” An evil grin plastered on Sam’s face.

“So, you’re suggesting for me to fight alongside you when the enemies come outside. Correct?” Silver slowly asks, taking a good look at Sam’s reaction if she said the wrong words or not. “You need someone to cover your back.”

“Exactly.”

Jasper let out a small sigh with a relieved expression as the tension around him started to dissipate.

“Though, I don’t mind you being my girl. What do you say?” Sam stared straight into Silver’s eyes as they held each other gazes, seizing each other up. Then he broke his attention, and turned towards Jasper with an amused expression as he goaded Jasper, knowing full well that Jasper didn’t like the thought of what Sam was implying.

Silver blurted, “No.”

“I understand.” Sam smirked, he walked over to grab her chin. Silver froze, unable to comprehend what he was going to do. Then he whispered softly towards her. “Beautiful.”

“Hey!” Jasper tried to weasel his way in between the two, but was stopped by Sam’s hand.

Sam leaned forward, and kissed her lips. It was demanding and invasive to the point where she felt as if she would get swept away from his presence. One minute Sam was talking about fighting, then the next he stole her lips. Silver eyes became wide, completely shocked.

Jasper gasped, rammed his body against Sam. Sam stumbled backwards as both their lips broke apart.

“Get your dirty paws off her!” Jasper shouted angrily, he pulled back his foot and rammed it against Sam’s leg.

Sam cried out in pain, doubling over as he picked up his foot.

Silver was still frozen in place, trying really hard to comprehend everything. Nothing. That was what her mind was like. Her brain buzzed out completely, wiping clean of any other thoughts that she was thinking about.

Her hands reached up to her lips, touching it a couple of times to make sure the strange warmth that was there a minute ago wasn’t a dream or maybe a nightmare. She couldn’t decide.

Sam glared at Jasper, but when he looked up towards Silver, he smirked amused. “Well, that was worth seeing and tasting.” He straightened up, and gave Jasper a coincided look.

“Silver!” Jasper called out towards her, jumping up and down to get her attention.

Eventually, Silver temporarily snapped out of her stupor when Jasper called out towards her. She squatted down, mind numbed by what just happened. “Yes?” She softly spoke almost in a whisper.

Jasper grabbed both of her cheeks, not pleased that just happened. “You need to snap out of it. He’s a player! Don’t fall for his tricks!”

Silver realized that Jasper words were going through one ear and out the other. What the heck was Sam trying to imply in what he just did? Did he do that just to throw her off? Because if he did, it was perfectly well executed, but then for what purpose? What goal? Ugh! Why does she feel like she lost for the first time?

“Silver. Silver! Silver!” Jasper continued shouting her name to get her attention.

With a sigh, Silver shook her head. She was overthinking too much, right now the most important thing was what was to come. Don't worry about that stupid kiss. It was just a kiss. A kiss.

Then she felt something warm on her lips once again. Instantly, she snapped her attention back to Jasper, who placed his small lips on hers. It was gentle and short. His wasn’t invasive like Sam where she felt his tongue in her mouth, but Jasper was like a peck given to someone like a family.

He pulled back, then looked straight into her eyes with his hand still on her face. “Disinfection.”

“Wha---?”

He came in again and pecked her again.

“You have been disinfected by his germs and been sanitized.”

Silver snorted at Jasper’s words, a large smile appeared on her face, stunning Jasper. He blushed completely red and looked away in embarrassment. Her hand reached over to his head, and ruffled it a couple of times. He definitely was like a little brother, pleased that there was someone out there who was willing to watch over her.

“Thanks.” She pulled back her hands and flicked him on the forehead. “Good to know, I have a little brother like you to take care of me.”

Jasper let go as he scowled at the pain that she had caused, but what bothered him the most was what she had said. “What are you talking about, I’m not your brother.” He grumbled under his breath, looking down in frustration. He kicked his foot, moving it back and forth.

Silver got up, took in a deep breath as her expression went back to her serious face. She needed that wake up call from Jasper, even though the way he did it was a bit unusual, but it helped clear up her mind. She then glanced over towards Sam who was standing there looking at the two with amusement.

“Don’t kiss me again or the next time you’re not going to get away with just a kiss. My fist will be the next answer.” Silver spoke with a hint of threat.

Sam shrugged his shoulders not caring about what she had said, but gave her a smirk that told her that he was going to attempt it again another time. She didn’t know when, but she made sure not to get pulled in by his mischievous act.

“Let’s go. We don’t have time to dally around.” Silver walked past both of them, leaving the two behind.

“Don’t you dare touch her again!” Jasper hissed towards Sam.

Sam smirked, and replied coyly. “Don’t push your luck. She doesn’t see you as more than a brother.” He turned around to leave Jasper behind.

Jasper stood there speechless for a moment, then in anger, he followed into a jog, shouting. “I’m not a kid!”

“Keep believing that.” Sam waved his hands above his head, not even looking back.

Silver ran around the building, helping out with different projects. They were able to find boards, nails, and even hammers to pin the windows and doors down. Loud hammering as people shouted to one another, calling out help or places where they completed and locked down. Luckily, the majority of the windows were on the second floor and up, while only a few were at the front entrance.

For the first hour, nothing happened. Silver didn’t see anyone present through her unique map ability that she was given, or the supposed monster that was roaming around the city floor. The only problem was the unbearable silence outside the building walls, not even a single bug sung its usual song.

Night came as two moons raised up over the city floor, street lights were turned on as well as the field lights, brightening up a good portion of the park and around the building. Silver was pleased that they found a more open type field to battle out there in the last one and half hours. She knew that their chance to survive was sixty-forty, especially from the bits and pieces of what she has remembered.

Majority of the girls were making makeshift weapons from the baseball bats that they had found in the storage. Everybody had at least a dagger in their arsenal, but quite a few of them and the guys wanted a more longer range weapon like Silver. So to compensate for that, they nailed nails into the wooden bats, tore through some metal desk’s legs to use, and even hoped to find something else for combat. Even Silver was helping out in creating something for anybody that needed help, while she kept at least two, Rose and Jamie, on watch on the roof.

“Do you think this is good enough to bash those bastard’s skulls?” Brook replied, smirking as he finished his weapons. He showed off to his brother who was creating a makeshift spear using the leg of a metal pole he found in the storage.

“Yea, that should do.” Rook nodded, giving his brother a thumbs up. “You’ll be covering my back right?”

“Of course.” Brook snorted as if his brother said the stupidest thing in the world.

“Good.”

“Ladies, how’s the weapon creation coming along?” Tyler walked in on the group, he looked around to see how focused everyone else was.

“Pretty, good. What do you think?” Brook showed off his spear, “took me a good thirty minutes to get it sharp. Took a hell of a lot of time to complete it.”

“Not bad.” Tyler took a good look at it, and gave him a satisfying nod.

All of sudden, the door was flung open as Jamie came storming in. “Guys! They’re here!”

Everyone momentarily froze, they knew what this meant. Their fight for survival started now, and not everybody was ready for the war to come.

come.