A show on the small television was playing loudly. A sitcom with that all too familiar laugh track. It sat on top of a counter right next to the soda machine as it played on and on. No one around to even witness the jokes they shared, whether it be good or bad. The whole room was silent. Only the soft hum of the fridges and freezers. Though one fridge was making a strange and loud rattling noise, which broke the serene aura of this place.

  The place was just another convenience store, but lacked anyone to watch over it. It wouldn't be a surprise if someone would dare to cause some trouble.

  A series of sharp and high pitched laughter could be heard as the doors slid open with a ring. These voices then scattered around the store, snatched everything they could get their hands on and retreated to a corner. They giggled madly as they began tearing apart their bounties and made such a mess. Scraps of plastic and aluminum cans littered the area. Some drinks were even spilled by the miscreants.

  Goblins. Annoying little creatures that had no sense of responsibility. These scamps were enjoying themselves, believing they were invincible. That was until…

  “Stinking goblins!” An elven woman rushed at them with a broom. They scattered as every one of them were swatted on the head. “I leave for one second!” She attacked furiously, and reasonably so. They dared to make a mess in her store, so they must be punished.

  One by one she chased them out, even made sure that they would remember her wrath. These thieves were not treated well. She didn't even show them a lock of mercy as she punished the goblins. When the last one was batted out of her store, the elf stood at the doors like a sentry, broom in hand. Her golden hair flowed with the evening wind, as her piercing blue eyes stared at the goblins. Their orange eyes seemed to glow with the light of the convenience store as they stared at her without a hint of regret. Figures.

  As she stood between her store and these scamps, a goblin approached from the sidelines. This one was as green as the others, yet she stood taller than most. Proudly even.

  The elf scoffed. “Zaz, how many times do I have to tell you!?” She raised her broom at the goblins in front of her. “Keep your mutts on a tighter leash! Or at least tell them to do it by the dumpster where I can just toss everything in!”

  The goblin shrugged her shoulders. “Was talking to Jim.” She spoke with a scratchy voice, grunting as she said some words. “I'll pay for them.”

  “As usual, but my concern is about the mess that always comes with the filthy mutts!”

  She was rightfully angry. The elf was the only one running the store, no one else. Which meant everything was her responsibility. Cleaning, shelving, and everything else that related to running a convenience store.

  “Now keep your mutts out here while I go clean up. You better have cash on hand.”

  Zaz could only sigh as the goblin pack began to wander around the place. She was like a mother watching over mindless children. And the action of these goblins only proved it. Especially when one of them was trying to dig through concrete.

  An hour went by, and the elf finally cleaned up the store. She was proud of her work, especially with how sparkling clean it was. Not a speck of dust even. The door rang as someone entered: it was Zaz, the goblin woman that seemed to be the only one with a brain in her group. Now the elf wouldn't say Jim was as dumb as the rest, but Zaz at least was far more clever.

  She watched as Zaz browsed the drinks before choosing one; a refreshing can of lemon tea for the night. She brought it to the cash register and paid for it, along with what the other goblins tore up earlier. “Anything new?” Zaz asked casually.

  “Nothing ever happens around here.” The elf answered. She then went over to the television and began cycling through channels. “Not like a lot of people come by. Only you rats. And maybe the occasional ratfolks.”

  “Yeah? No weird things?”

  “You got something to tell me? You're not exactly this chatty like Jim is.”

  “Just rattled.” She explained herself, eyes trailed off to nothing. “Been a lot of talk lately. Things that people didn't think goblins like us paid attention to.”

  Cecilia leaned on the counter as she grew interested. “Really?” She asked such a simple question. Just one word.

  “A lot of things have been going missing, mostly clothes. It's why Jim isn't with us right now, he's at the sheriff's clearing stuff up.”

  The elf's brow arched slightly. “Your friends didn't steal anything?”

  “No,” Zaz’s eyes narrowed at the accusation. “You gotta give Jim and I credit, we keep them in check. Not a single one of them has sticky fingers.”

  “They ransacked my shelf.”

  Zaz was quick to wave a dismissive hand. “Because they know that I'll pay. Call it instincts.”

  “A thieving goblin is a common instinct.”

  “Right. Well, there's also word about strange sightings in the forest. A flying elf, they say.”

  “Now I know you're pulling my leg here, that's absolutely ridiculous.”

  The goblin shrugged. “Ain't my word. That's what people are talking about these days. And it isn't the end of it. Rumors have it, strange noises are coming from the forest. And if you stare too long at the direction of the noise, whatever is causing it will stare back.”

  Cecilia huffed tiredly. “You goblins should really learn to ignore such nonsense. Doubt anything supernatural ever happens. And besides, it can definitely be explained through science. Flying elf? Probably some kid’s wild imagination. Missing clothes? Yeah, just your standard crook, nothing more. Weird noise? Animals. Have you heard a deer screech? Freaky.”

  “I believe them. Something's fishy going on, I tell you.”

  “Zaz, I thought you were the smart one of the group.” Cecilia grinned in a taunting manner. “Guess Sandy will have to step up and take your place.”

  At the same time, both looked out the glass doors and saw Sandy happily chewing on plastic. When she noticed them, the gal would show off her brilliance. By waving her foot at the two.

  “Can it, elf.” Zaz hissed.

  Cecilia giggled at the small person.

  Another hour went by, the goblin pack had already left. The mess outside in the parking lot was a chore to clean. These goblins were like a storm; once they came by, everything would be ruined thanks to their chaotic nature. Yet Cecilia didn't back down, it was just another night of work. Her green apron stained with sauces, and hair slightly frizzled, both signs of a job well done. Wiping off the sweat from her brow, she took a moment to admire her clean store.

  The woman then checked her reflection on the window. Her large round glasses sat neatly on the bridge of her nose. Blonde hair, as mentioned, was frizzy due to nonstop work. Luckily the bun on her head remained untouched. But one thing everyone always noticed before anything else was her teeth. Primarily her buck teeth. One of the reasons she didn't smile much.

  “I should've gotten those braces.” With a sigh, and her feelings somewhat hurt, Cecilia continued her task.

  She wasn't one to think about her looks, mostly she focused on her work life and how to earn a coin. But Cecilia was still a woman, so there were times she would look at herself and wonder how she could change her appearance for the better. Selfish stuff, but she's a person. A member of a thing called society.

  To chase off those nasty thoughts, Cecilia decided to ponder about her earlier conversation with Zaz. A flying elf. How ridiculous. “I'm the only elf in this town. If I ever started flying, I would have started a solo delivery business.” She paused for a moment. “Maybe I can deliver pies, I'm good at making them.”

  Weird things do happen in the middle of nowhere. Her store, the Evergreen Stop, was located so far from town that she encountered the strangest of things. Cecilia never knew that deer shed their antlers at first, and her first experience shook to the core. Frightened her even. It was quite a jarring scene. Speaking of town, Cecilia looked over the horizon where she could see the light pollution of Redwood. The nearest town to her store. The lights sparkled and gleamed like the stars above. A blanket of void between her and the town.

  It had been a while since she visited.

  Cecilia could go and check in on her friends. Maybe even have some coffee. But that was a plan for another day. She was needed here, at her store.

  Moments later, she took the last garbage bag to the back of the building. The dumpster was halfway full, a sign that she needed to prepare to call for a pick up. Nonchalantly, she hefted and tossed the bag into the dumpster. Another night, another job well done. Another night… She needed a vacation. She needed to deviate from this cycle, just for a moment.

  Cecilia was getting frustrated by this repetitive nonsense. Every night ended the same, and nothing new ever happened.

  Luckily, or unluckily, she caught something in the corner of her eye. Before she could even react, something shot past her and into the dumpster. She didn't scream, not even squeak. Cecilia only stared at the metal box as whatever flew by stirred within. Was it a bird? Must be. Some goblin doing goblin things? Possibly. All Cecilia knew, that whatever was inside, surely wasn't a threat. Unless it was some rabid animal.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  “How grand, amongst the filth once more,” She heard them as they slowly lifted themselves out of the dumpster. A man in a green coat, and a leather vest. Only one sleeve on his left arm, while the other was bare. As if to show off his physique. A quiver strapped to his belt, filled with red feathered arrows. And, of course, a bow around his chest. But what truly caught her eyes was his long golden hair, and pointy ears. An elf, a strangely dressed elf. His droopy eyes didn't seem to see her as he stared ahead from where he came. The moonlight seemed to make his pale skin glow as he stood tall with unspoken pride. “For that, I will skin you with a rusted-” He suddenly went silent as he locked eyes with Cecilia.

  The two were like statues, frozen in time as they looked into each other's eyes. For Cecilia, she was simply in a state of shock. For this stranger? It was as if he was sizing her up.

  Chapter I: Of Beasts and Men

  After another minute, the man ran off. “Hey, wait!” Cecilia chased after him, but it was clear that he was far superior in athletics. This elf was impossibly fast. Though she was an elf, her vision in the dark wasn't what it used to be as she had been working under the light for far too long.

  Despite a small voice within her, which told her not to pursue the man, Cecilia continued forward. For what reason? She didn't know. As she followed him into the forest, her store behind her slowly vanished behind the thicket. Soon enough, she was enveloped in darkness. The moonlight couldn't pierce the trees that towered over her. And she could barely see the elf, as if he was a mere specter.

  As time went on, she questioned herself more. Why was she going after him? Why was she so engrossed by his presence? This was the first elf she had seen in years. Her kin. Was Zaz right about a flying elf? Was this him?

  “Stop!”

  Her apron kept getting caught on branches, which left some years here and there. The wind seemed to cheer her on as she ran.

  “Get down!” Out of nowhere, he tackled her to the ground. Before she could even question it, something big flew over them. Whatever it was, it left the forest around them in ruins. Trees fell, and bushes uprooted. The area became clear, as the moon finally reached them once again. Her light cascaded upon this place, and blessed them with her beauty. Just enough for her to see what manner of animal caused this. Tusks long and crooked, eyes red with bloodlust. The mane on its back looked as if it were quills.

  This wasn't an animal, it was a beast. She couldn't even call it a boar.

  “There you are…” She watched as his lips curled into a savage grin. He helped her to her feet before reaching for his bow. “So you've ended your cowardly ways to face me?” He drew his bow, an arrow ready for the first shot. “Hours, you've had me running. Now we both stand here, for our final confrontation. Sadly-” His aim snapped to the sky, the arrow pointed at the moon itself. When released, it flew for a few seconds before it burst into a burning light that could be seen from miles away. So bright, that it chased away the shadows that lingered. “You and I are not alone in this fight.”

  “Take it down!” Another voice pierced the air as someone else leapt out of the tree line. This newcomer brought down her sword upon the beast, which squealed in pain as it jumped away.

  But this was a mistake on the boar’s part, as it landed itself into the reaches of another. Equally large as the animal, this one carried a hammer which slammed into the boar’s side. Cecilia watched as it soared through the air and crashed into the fallen trees.

  The first one that appeared approached, eye locked onto Cecilia with a questioning gaze. “Roxas, who is this?”

  She was human, a fact that surprised Cecilia greatly. Not only that, she was awfully young. A teen, yet she carried with her an aura of authority. She wore some sort of purple uniform, and a grey cloak around her shoulders. Raven black hair hid one eye that matched the color of her clothes. Her pale face seemed to hold no malice.

  The other one somewhat scared Cecilia. She had seen her fair share of orcs. But none of them came close to this one. She was big, muscular, and vicious looking with scars all around her. Yet still feminine in her orcish way. Like the elf, this orc was dressed strangely. Leather armor, if you could call it that, with a fur collar. There were some metal plates around her, but not enough to provide actual protection. Still, she was quite an intimidating sight to behold. Like all orcs, she had red eyes and black sclera, which added more to their demonic and evil appearance.

  “Sorry, she is a straggler. Didn't have a chance to deal with her as time is of the essence. Orc.”

  “Elf.” The orc sneered in greeting. “Mara, we need to finish this beast off before it can escape us once more.”

  Roxas laughed. “Let it! More fun to be had. And I will track it down once again.”

  “Gorzul is right, we can't let this thing loose. The consequences could be dire. Where are the other two?” Mara asked as she, Roxas, and Gorzul prepared to take on the boar. Who was slowly recovering from Gorzul’s mighty strike.

  “Vonryl should be here soon, Bucket is nearby, no doubt about it. The little thing must be waiting for a chance.” Roxas answered.

  Gorzul spat on the ground. “That coward, always with her tricks.”

  As for Cecilia, she was speechless. Unable to find the words to even say. Strangers of even stranger origins now stood before her.

  “Roxas, make sure it doesn't escape!" Mara ordered as she and Gorzul jumped into the fray. Weapons raised as they closed the distance. The boar charged at the in turn, eager to maim.

  Only to tumble as Roxas landed an arrow on its leg. Gorzul and Mara took this chance to land a blow each. But the thick hide kept the beast from being harmed. With a quick recovery, the beast retaliated and tackled Gorzul. The orc kept her ground as she held back the full weight of the boar. Mara did not relent and continued her assault. Roxas stood by Cecilia, and shot arrow after arrow. Despite standing between him and his target, Gorzul remained untouched thanks to Roxas' amazing accuracy. The boar on the other hand sprouted some new quills.

  The boar had enough of Roxas. With a mighty heave, it tossed Gorzul across the clearing and charged after Roxas. The man was quick to snatch Cecilia off the ground and jumped out of the way. The beast crashed into the trees and carved out a new path. But it chose not to run, instead went after Roxas. The elf continued to run, his priority shifted to protect Cecilia.

  Luckily for both, Gorzul and Mara stepped in and blocked the boar's path. Before it could collide with them, something shot out of the darkness and slammed into the boar's side. It sent the beast tumbling to the side, only to screech in pain as a small axe found itself embedded on its side.

  “Ah, if it isn't the shorty himself!” Roxas quipped as he set Cecilia down.

  “Be quiet, or I tear your tongue out. This boar will make great boots.”

  A dwarf now stood where the beast once was. Silver helm proudly worn on his head. His chainmail rattled as he moved. A blue tabard draped over his armor. Despite his short stature, it was clear that he was not to be trifled with. And like many dwarves, he sported a long beard. But then there were his weapons. Several golden axes, with two in both hands. But the most notable thing about him was the way he spoke. Instead of the usual accents Cecilia was familiar with, he rolled his “R’s” a lot. Most dwarves sounded the same, but him, this man who she assumed was Vonryl, spoke like a foreigner.

  “Boar is quite strong. But I am stronger.” He seemed like a man of few words, the kind of person to let his actions speak for him.

  “I highly doubt that, old friend. But the leader demands that we finish this beast.” With a quick succession, Roxas fired a flurry of arrows at the beast.

  “What the girl wants, she shall have it!”

  The dwarf and orc both sprinted toward their enemy.

  This was something Cecilia would only see in fiction. These four were supernatural at most. These people moved far too fast. Impossibly even. Their strength as well was amazing. The orc being able to lift and toss the boar as if it was nothing. And the hammer in her hands seemed to be as heavy as the orc herself. It was a surprise that the boar withstood her full strength. But this animal was no slouch either, it proved to be an equal to these four. Able to take hits and give them back. This giant monster, it showed no signs of slowing down as it was as determined to kill them, just as they were with it. It shrieked and barreled through them. Aiming to maim them with its crooked tusks. Roxas did his best to keep the beast in place, while Mara, Vonryl, and Gorzul wailed on it with well timed assault. They all work like a well oiled machine. Their teamwork was exceptional. As if they were of one mind.

  The archer fired a volley of shots, but the boar simply swung its tusks and cleared all of it out of the air.

  Cecilia couldn’t believe her eyes.

  The boar continued to fight back as it slowly gained ground. Somehow, someway, this monster was learning. It started to push Gorzul back whenever it could, to focus on attacking Vonryl and Mara with all it had. Then the unimaginable happened; it spun. Not in a horizontal manner, no, it spun like a wheel. The boar rolled in place as it picked up speed. Arrows became useless, attacks from the others simply bounced off. But that wasn’t the end of it. The beast launched itself in blinding speed, and bounced around all over the place like a pinball. One by one, the boar knocked them all down.

  Cecilia felt her blood run cold as she saw red.

  The boar stopped a few steps away from Cecilia, the bodies of the strangers littered around it, but its attention fell on Cecilia instead. She couldn't feel her legs, she was paralyzed. The monster wore the red stain like a prize as it stared her down. Cecilia had no one else to blame for this predicament other than herself. She shouldn't have followed that elf here. And now it was her final moments.

  The boar barreled toward her, head down and tusks ready to skewer Cecilia. The strangers didn’t have time to help. She prayed to whatever power beyond this earthly realm to save her soul. And as if they were listening, the gods granted her mercy.

  A glimmer of light almost blinded Cecilia as the moon reflected off something thin. It wrapped around its tusk and physics itself played a part in this chaos. With her prayers answered, the boar fell. It crashed into the ground head first, dug up a trench as it did so, before it rolled onto its stomach.

  “Got it!” A squeaky voice chimed. “Everyone, now!”

  Mara wasted no time and pulled back her blade. “Gorzul!”

  The orc said nothing as she leapt toward the downed beast, hammer raised above her head.

  “Roxas!”

  The elf aimed to the heaven, and a rain of arrows fell upon the beast, which a lucky few pinned it down.

  “Vonryl!” Mara tossed her sword toward the dwarf, and in turn, tossed it toward the boar.

  The sword tumbled in the air and sailed over to their foe. Gorzul saw the chance and brought down the hammer, but not right at the boar, but the sword itself. And like a hammer and nail, the blade pierced through the chest of this monster. Like a stake through a vampire’s heart, the beast squealed its last.

  Now they gathered around it, triumphant. All wore prideful smiles as they towered over their prey. What was once a mighty beast, a monster, now nothing but a pile of meat. Gorzul gave the sword one last smack. To make sure it was dead, or simply to disrespect the beast, Cecilia didn’t know which.

  But she did learn more about them from this fight. Their roles and skills. These weren’t ordinary people, that was known, yes. These people were monsters as well. Supernatural strength, speed, and brilliance. Something that was unheard of in all her life.

  Then there was the mysterious fifth member. And much to her additional shock, it was a goblin.

  She wore lighter clothes. Green like any other. The biggest ears around, and a long pointy nose. A goofy smirk on her face. Adorned with dark feathers on her shoulders. The midnight blue cloak of hers seemed to flow with the wind. The only thing that wasn’t a dark color was her corset, kneepads, and a brightly colored arm band around her left bicep. Cecilia would’ve thought the goblin was wearing leather boots, but her heel and toes were exposed. As for her arsenal, she was equipped with a dagger, and a small crossbow strapped on her left arm.

  “Excellent work, team! This reward is ours. I didn’t doubt you yet, Bucket.” Mara said as she took back her sword and wiped it clean.

  “Thanks, I have been setting up that snare for too long, I am glad it paid off.” The goblin giggled a bit. “Hammering the stake into the ground without getting caught was honestly difficult.”

  Roxas squatted down to her level. “It was very tempting to shoot you. It really was. But I doubt Mara would approve of that.”

  “How hilarious, Roxas,” Bucket rolled her eyes.

  Mara crossed her arms. “Now that we have our monster, let us return to the guild. You, which way is Helmskeep?”

  It took Cecilia too long to realize that she was the one being asked. “I- Wait, hold on. What’s going on!?”

  “Helmskeep!” Roxas repeated. “You have wax in your ears, girl?”

  “The elf does not seem to understand us.” Vonryl observed. “Perhaps girl is too shocked.”

  Gorzul grunted. “Typical! Elves were always so easily shaken.”

  “You have something to say to me, orc?” Roxas was quick to react to that insult.

  “Yes, I would like to skin you alive, and wear you as a coat.” And Gorzul didn’t back down.

  “Must I remind you how I achieved my title?”

  “Be my guest, remind me, elf.”

  “Enough!” Mara shut them both down before it went out of hand. “You, peasant, we are in need of directions. Which way to the capital?”

  “You mean Solus City?”

  The five were confused by the name. “We must have been chasing that boar over the border.” Bucket assumed. “But, I don’t think I have heard of such a place.”

  Roxas nodded. “Me as well. All my years, I do not believe I have read about such a place.”

  Mara sighed. “Well, if she cannot help, then that means you will have to lead us back, Roxas.”

  The archer grinned. “Ah, yes, time to earn my coin.” He faced the moon above. A minute passed by as they watched him stare at the sky. Before anyone could even question it, Roxas pulled out an old looking map. Old by Cecilia's standards. The thing looked like it belonged in a museum, especially with how old the written language was. It was elvish, that much she knew, but even Cecilia couldn’t understand it. They then watched as his expression changed. Gone was his prideful grin, replaced with utter concern. “That’s weird, by the alignment of the stars and our exact location, we should be able to see the Immortal Throne.”

  “That’s impossible.” Gorzul’s eyes widened. “This must be a mistake, elf. Try again.”

  “I don’t need to. The calculations say that we are right at the walls of Helmskeep.” He pocketed the map. “But.. I do not recall this forest.”

  “This cannot be right.” Mara said. “Bucket, use the scroll.”

  “On it, boss!” The goblin took out a scroll and began reading it. For a moment, the winds shifted as if it was under command, but then everything went silent as whatever she attempted failed.

  The five remained speechless as they became utterly confused.

  “Try it again.” Mara commanded.

  Bucket did, but the results remained the same. “Do you think there’s something preventing the use of scrolls?”

  Vonryl scoffed. “It cannot be.” The man pulled out a scroll and opened it. “FLYING FLAME!”

  A ball of fire dashed through the air before it dissipated in the sky. What came after frightened them as the truth finally settled in. But the result wasn’t what frightened the five, no, it was Cecilia’s reaction and what she said next.

  “Wait, magic is real?”