Fake World. Real Experiences.

Chapter 22: Past of The Shadow Walker

I walk into downtown Granzam, My sword in its hilt and Midnight on the other side of me. Having agreed to spend my time with Midnight, the thought occured to me that this was the first time that I with her on my own, I couldn't help but think of it as s chance to get to know her. But of course I have to get back to Athena, lord forbid I leave that poor soul longer then I did when I got trapped in that huge pit with Lisbeth.

"Wow...guess this is a pretty busy floor, huh?" I asked her.

She shook her head, looking up at me with her colorless grey eyes. I ain't gonna lie, they captivated me for a brief moment before I remembered to look ahead of me. Loads of people were walking in all kinds of directions, chatting about whatever topic I wasn't a part of. I felt a pair of arms wrap around my own, glancing down to notice Midnight glancing around the people frantically.

"To many people for you? If you want, we can find a place to sit down and chat." I offered. She nodded once more, holding my arm tighter as if it was the only thing keeping us together in the sea of people.

"Yea...that sounds good." She muttered.

After the sun began to set, Midnight dragged me into a local bar. Seemed like a well kept place, small and had a few booths to sit in. Naturally I gravitated to the booths, as they are by far the more comfy option. I sat my butt down, and so did Midnight, but rather then sit in the other booth, she sat in the same one across from me, jamming me into the booth with no way of getting out.

"I come here often to get away from the game...to have a few drinks." She said calmly as she glanced at me.

"Drinks...?" I asked. She nodded, as someone came up to serve us, I got some simple food and soda, the usual of what I get when I ain't making it myself. Midnight on the other hand got tea. I glanced over at her, taking note in the small features of her.

Midnight, such a fitting name because her hair is nearly blacker then moonless nights. She stared at her hands, them resting on the table knotted together.

Later on, our drinks arrived, and I grin as I take my soda glass, taking the bottle cap off easily with my two hands, and drinking from it. I have a serious problem with my soda addiction. But it don't affect my real life self, so if I'm gonna indulge, now is frankly the best time to.

I noticed Midnight taking a small thing of milk from one of the sleeves in the condiment holder, putting it into her tea along with sugar. She stores it gently with a spoon.

"...What are you doing?" I ask her in curiosity.

"Hm? I'm making tea." She replies, as if it wasn't a big deal.

I suppose whatever works for some people. I look down only to hear the kind lady bring our food. She served the plates, and the two of us got cracking. It was really good! I swear bar food is the bomb.

Once I finished up, I set the plate to end of the table, and once again glance back at Midnight, sipping her tea slowly.

"So...why did you join the Knights of the Blood?" I ask her.

I could see her eyes change in expression. Her hands calmly place her tea back down on the table. She glances over at me, her eyes looking right into my eyes, and soul.

"I wasn't always a part of the KOB...I was someone different before them." She began. I blink.

"So what's the origin story? Where did the story start?" I ask.

"..." She seemed to hesitate there.

"I was a player killer." She stated bluntly.

I ain't gonna lie, spat out my drink in utter shock.

"Excuse me?!" I retort.

"Yes...I killed players for money. I became good at stealth. Killing quietly. " She continued.

"..." I rub the back of my head. I'm sitting next to a pk'r?

"So what happened?" I asked, looking back at her as I spin my half-empty soda bottle.

"One day I was hired...to assassinate Heathcliff...I was able to get into his room. But...it was like he was waiting. He was on another level...I was sent to the red rather quickly. But rather then lock me up...he made a proposition: Train KOB members, join their cause, and swear to never kill a innocent person again...and he promised give me the money for my needs."

"Oh wow..." I muttered. I smile.

"So...are you a changed person?" I asked her, leaning to get a better angle for her reply. This was something I was wondering.

"Yes...in a sense. I honestly don't like killing innocent people as I did before...but, I have no problem killing the scum of this game...especially them." She replied, her finishing the last of her tea.

"Hm...them,huh?"

"Yea...anyway, you gonna pay, right?" She asked, bearing a teasing smile.

"W-well it was my idea to sit down to chat!" I reply.

"Oh I know. Just wanted to make sure is all!" She said with a teasing tone.

"Jeez..." I signed, paying the waitress for the meal. And only when I do that, is when Midnight gets up from the seat. And I'm allowed to do the same.

"Thank you for your company, Josh-san." She said with a smile.

"Yep, just let me know when you want to hang out again...but don't expect me to pay for everything!" I reply.

"Nyah~" She cooed.

And with that, I waved goodbye and headed out.

Midnight...a player killer turned KOB badass...

I went to the teleport gate, and teleported back to the hotel Athena was in. She greeted me with a sweet smile, and a tender hug. The two of went to bed in the same bed. But she fell asleep first.

All I could think about was Midnight and her bizarre story. All of it seemed, while really cool, kinda nuts. A player killer...a killer. Turned fighter by the KOB Leader...just how strong is he?!

I laid in bed, deep in thought, looking out the window. I couldn't help but have this unshakable feeling...a dreadful one.