Kasla and his charge wound their way through the city, searching high and low. He stopped various shoppers and townsfolk, showing them Rabbit’s drawing and asking if they had seen a man who resembled it, but yielded no such luck.
Even when Kasla perched high and scanned the meandering bodies he spotted no one that matched the description. They pressed on, eventually leaving the marketplace and trekking through the city as the sun passed overhead, shadows shifting and the breeze cooling.
Despite their determination the companions’ steps were beginning to slow. Rabbit stuck to Kasla’s side with a firm grip on his shirt. Kasla cast a glance towards the sky, noting the sun was sinking lower, indicating it had been hours since they started their search. Not long before he had heard a bell chime in the distance four times, a clock tower announcing the time.
He glanced at Rabbit who was nearly his shadow with how closely he followed so they didn't get separated. Rabbit’s head was lowered, eyes downcast while the corner of his lips pointed down. Kasla swore he saw the boy’s bottom lip give a small quiver and he mentally smacked himself, grasping for a distraction.
Think of something, quick! Distract him! Anything!
While trying to think Kasla looked over Rabbit closer. He had been distracted with flagging down pedestrians and scrambling up poles to look for frantic looking fathers—all while being shouted at to come down and not act like a monkey. Now he had a moment to actually study his charge.
Kasla had assumed the child was a local who simply got turned around, but upon closer inspection he noted the boy looked a bit out of place. Like him Rabbit seemed dressed for colder weather, the thick cape ideal for harsh winter, as well as his turtleneck shirt, and his boots seeming to have some miles on them, scrapped and worn with dirt and mud as if he had traveled far.
An Adventurer maybe? No, that can’t be! Kid’s too young to be an Adventurer, I’m just past entry age. Kasla pondered, studying the crestfallen boy who was lost in his own world, unable to voice his concerns as he gripped his board protectively, the drawing of his father his only comfort.
Maybe he knows where the Adventurers' Guild is! Kasla brightened at the thought, smiling. It couldn't hurt to ask, plus it was a conversation starter that would hopefully distract Rabbit from his melancholy.
Kasla only hoped the answer wasn’t the same as everyone else. It would be just his luck if so. His patience about done, he swore to scale the next fountain and yell at the top of his voice for the Guild to come out of hiding. Kasla’s smile faded slightly as he let out a sigh, drawing Rabbit’s attention.
A thought popped into his mind, practically smacking him over the head. The Guild took commissions for missing persons!
Maybe his dad is at the Adventurers' Guild to report him missing! His confidence revived quickly like a phoenix from ashes, a new smile on his face. “So, Rabbit, do you know where the Adventurers' Guild is? It’s possible your dad is there looking for you.”
Rabbit shook his head and Kasla’s smile tensed. His curiosity was piqued as Rabbit took his board and wiped away the drawing. “No, Dad hates that place, he won’t look for me there.” He gave the older boy a quizzical look. After a few moments he wrote more, his expression unchanging. “Aren’t you an Adventurer? Don’t you know where it is?”
“Uh, I’m not really an official Adventurer. I’m new in town,” Kasla explained as comfort and the sliver of admiration in Rabbit’s eyes faded. Feeling himself beginning to flush as he slipped from hero status he continued hastily, “I was supposed to register today, but I got lost. Guess we’re both in the same boat.”
Rabbit tilted his head, scrunching his nose with mild confusion and judgment. “Why? Wouldn’t being an Adventurer lessen your lifespan?” Kasla blinked as he read, dumbfounded.
Kids wanted to become Adventurers. It was their dream to live a life full of adventure and wonder, to accomplish great feats and derring-dos. An Adventurer slayed monsters, mastered fantastical weapons, used amazing spells, helped the needy, and saw exciting sights.
Many children surely had other dreams, mainly in monster slaying, whether as a knight or Hunter. But being an Adventurer was a noble profession that rivaled great knights, born from the Hero’s legend itself.
That’s… unusual. I mean, he’s not technically wrong, but at the same time… did he hear some bad stories about Adventurers?!
Kasla collected himself, realizing his jaw had dropped in shock. He cleared his throat, giving the boy a perplexed expression of his own. “What? Who told you that?”
“My dad…?”
Ah, that explains it. Kasla resisted the urge to scratch his head, instead crossing his arms. Kid’s dad seems to be overprotective, especially with the whole stranger danger thing. But it’s strange if his dad isn’t an Adventurer, the kid’s attire suggests he travels a lot outside of the city… What is he? Gah, never mind that! Kasla wrestled with his thoughts, eyebrows knitting together.
Even so! That’s not the real spirit of being an Adventurer! Kasla grappled with his inner monologue, fighting the urge to lecture his companion. He exhaled through his nose, trying to push down the excitement swirling in his stomach that threatened to bubble up. It’s not his fault, he only knows what his dad tells him... but he’s missing out on a lot of fun!
“Yeesh, kid! That’s not it for being an Adventurer!” He blurted, gesticulating wildly as he could no longer contain himself. “Your dad is probably a killjoy!”
The last part should not have come out, but he meant it, especially as he recalled the scowling drawing. A born killjoy who probably shredded and ate joy for breakfast without remorse.
“NO, HE’S NOT!” Rabbit rapidly underlined the words as he scowled. There was a fire in his eyes as he puffed up, his sorrow momentarily forgotten.
“Yes he is.” Kasla stood firm, the two glaring at each other. “Being an Adventurer means that you can help people in need, journey into the unknown, and make friends wherever you go! People will recognize you for your efforts as you slay monsters left and right!”
“Slay monsters?” The boy looked nervous, even his writing slightly messier than before.
Kasla nodded, smiling as he placed his hands on his hips. “Yep! Oh! You can even conquer dungeons! Yes, dungeons! Top Adventurers out there explore the mysterious dungeons and fight the most badass of bosses! Oh! You’ll find treasures there too! The dungeon bosses always have treasures to keep and guard!”
He was growing excited in his explanation, gesticulating as his eyes brightened, imagining what was waiting for him once he ventured into one.
“Treasures? What kind?” Rabbit’s attention was hooked, his expression saying it all. As quick as his anger and fear had come they disappeared, seemingly blown away by the force of nature that was Kasla.
“Oh, you know, ancient treasures like legendary swords, elixirs or even items that once belonged to the gods of old.”
“Items that belonged to gods?” The boy’s eyes lit up, nearly rivaling Kasla’s as they seemed to sparkle in awe and excitement.
Kasla grinned wider, suppressing a chuckle. He had him completely engrossed, Rabbit’s predicament presently forgotten. “Yep! That’s one of the reasons why I want to be an Adventurer. Hey, want to know a little secret of mine?” Rabbit gulped and nodded vigorously, clutching his chalkboard with tensing excitement.
Kasla leaned down as he took a quick look around. He cupped a hand around his mouth as he whispered, “You see, I’m looking for a treasure called Time Zero. Tales say the treasure is hidden in one of the dungeons that’s all over the world. It’s a very powerful treasure. They say that it can grant any wish the owner desires, would you believe it?” Rabbit nodded, utterly fascinated.
“I want to explore the deepest depths of the dungeons just to get it, but in order to do that, I have to start somewhere, right? So Adventurer it is! Experience helps!” said Kasla looking triumphant, sure he had won Rabbit over about adventuring.
Rabbit’s expression slowly fell, hesitant. “If you ever find it, what would you wish for?”
“Curious, aren’t you?” Kasla held a finger to his lips, smiling. “That’s a secret that I won’t tell just anybody.”
“Oh, okay…” The boy looked so disappointed his cowlicks seemed to droop as well. Kasla felt a prick of guilt for luring his curiosity and then denying him a proper answer.
“Don’t look so down, Rabbit,” he comforted, placing a hand on the boy’s head and gently ruffling his hair. “Wishes are meant to be a secret. Maybe someday if we meet again, I’ll tell you.”
Rabbit gave a nod, his hand resting where Kasla had touched. A small smile tweaked his lips despite his disappointment. After a moment he wrote, “Okay… I understand. Then I’ll tell you where the Guild office is.”
“Really?” Kasla exclaimed, unable to contain his relief. Energy pooled to his limbs, causing him to start to move up and down as if he might suddenly grow wings and take off flying. With bright eyes his long hair swished back and forth, seemingly wagging. He wanted to gush gratitude, the words “thank you” bouncing off the inside of his skull in an overlapping echo.
“Thanks a bunch! I owe you one!” said Kasla, managing past his glee, a bounce in his step though he remained on the spot. To bystanders they would have thought him part horse Beastman, eager to get going, but restrained and thus forced to prance. “First we gotta find your dad.”
“Um, the Guild’s not far from here. I can take you there now.”
“Wait, what? Seriously?!” Kasla went stock-still, staring at the words, mouth agape. Rabbit looked him in the eyes, shrugging before nodding, a small smile forming as his shoulders quivered with silent laughter, small puffs of air escaping him.
True to his word the two reached the Adventurers’ Guild within a matter of minutes. Upon arrival Kasla finally set his eyes on the elusive fountain that was truly a one of a kind landmark. It was giant compared to the others, a pristine white, carved from marble that glistened in the last glimmer of sunlight. On top was an angel holding a spear, seemingly guarding the entrance to the Guild.
Kasla’s attention on the fountain lasted for mere seconds as he took in the gigantic building that was three stories high. On the front read a large sign Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild!
As he gaped, slack jaw and eyes sparkling in awe, Rabbit proudly held up his chalkboard and gestured, drawing the other’s attention with a quick tug on his shirt. “Here we are.”
“Whoa, it’s as big as it was described in the papers!” Kasla grinned widely, in utter awe. He had yet to get a proper look at Simulan Castle, but the Royal’s residence meant nothing to him in comparison. From the street he could see inside through the windows, catching glimpses of bodies moving back and forth, the building teeming with Adventurers. A few Adventurers exited the Guild, absorbed in conversation, oblivious to Kasla’s gawking.
How did I miss this when it’s so close to the marketplace?His attention shifted as he saw Rabbit was holding up his board, making a face. “It’s big inside, but Dad says that it smells like smoke and poo in there.”
“Geez, your dad sounds like a real handful. Probably just a guy who has a stick up his butt.” Kasla frowned, wondering what was with the apparent crusade against Adventurers. Seeing the boy’s confused expression he tried to backpedal, hoping he was not taken literally. “Oh nothing, forget about it.”
As if in answer Rabbit’s stomach gave a growl, high and long, serving as a fine distraction. The boy looked slightly embarrassed, but tired.
Kasla realized he hadn’t eaten since he set foot in Simulan City, excitement and determination having fended off hunger. “You’re probably hungry, I’m hungry too. Tell you what, how about I treat you to a meal? Think of it as a thanks for showing me the way to the office, yeah?” The boy hesitated for only a moment before nodding, giving a smile.
“Perfect! Now to hunt down some good grub!”
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