Claymore

Fickle Sleeves

The Prologue

The door opened ever so flimsily sending off rusted hinges to creakily squeal as old thick wooden planks groaned in protest. All signs to indicate it needed to be replaced soon yet that wasn't a priority considering what was at stake tonight. My own stomach groaned clarifying the severity, gratefully I kept a worn out hood to keep the chilling bite of evening's presence to remain somewhat alert. Lately it became ever more difficult to track a suitable route, or rather it got even more dangerous lately due to numerous look outs disappearing. Shadows weren't so comforting when disappearances in them were often becoming a quick trend that anyone picked up lately as I bitterly smirked when details started coming to light, I swore I should have skipped town when things were slowing down to begin with. God in heaven, it's not exactly comforting when you're sitting a potential hunting hole, especially finding out to actually see a half eaten corpse of a man or two in an alleyway.

But ultimately food became my goal I needed to attain, or risk starvation. Money wasn't exactly an easy thing to attain when trying to find work wasn't exactly suitable when locals refused to cater to strangers passing by. Man can't make a living when he's trying to pick out scraps in taverns, shit I should have skipped town last week when it was perfectly calm, but no and it doesn't help when wanted fucking guards plaster posters of my damn face in this shit hole of a town. So many problems were just inching a decision to get out yet strength to leave required packed up food, a commodity I unfortunately had little in stock and I wasn't going to get lucky to catch game on my first night out. Even setting a small fire in this wilderness had its problems when you tried to be out of sight and out of mind from anyone, I exhaled roughly shifting uncomfortably in some splinter infested chair.

"You gotta be shitting me!" Peaking over an overly abused table top that had seen too many hard objects smashed into it, but somehow with enough sense I kept my gaze trained away to avoid spitting out an insult, "You said you got your hands on a decent runner...not a street rat!" Gnashing both teeth again managed to keep myself in check as an equally tired reply agreed, "Don't remind me! But unlike all our other usual guys, they're either fucking dead with entrails down some beasts guts or they're all too scared to piss their pants to take a step foot outside their own door. Can't be picky when we don't go eyes, or ears out there!" The man who managed to pacify his companion scratched a bread that had been let loose for several winters I wagered mentally. Plus it'd been really difficult to ignore the smell radiating off these two and I hadn't bathed for a few days. Using rivers tended to do myself a favor yet if I had any coin I'd have had an actual professional wash my clothing, I barely lit fires unless I wanted to dry off pants after wadding across said frigid water.

Two sets of locks latched themselves to secure a door that possibly looked ready to collapse on its own. These two guys weren't much as I watched them warily when the bearded one gestured to my sitting form, "He ain't your average street rat from around here, I heard of him as much as I care to admit it." It wasn't a compliment much to an ever growing urge to flinch as my other would be interrogator rubbed a scruffy goatee, "Really?" Those less then dull brown orbs met my own in a brief sneering gesture to have an introduction, "What do they call you? Little ball sack?" That came to jab me due to my youth, I resisted all impulses to flip this piece of low life trash off since he hadn't stopped complaining and I got so close to figure to go take my chances in a hell called a town.

Lightly blowing warm breath onto finger less rags for gloves I spoke up reluctantly, "Fickle Sleeves. I don't discriminate when it comes down to work, I only want solid pay for busting my ass and getting some decent food for my troubles." Saying what I intended to do always managed to avoid any hassle, I inwardly thanked the lord in heaven to believe it'd go down routinely. Unfortunately I only got half of an expectation when a sneering retort followed one stubby finger being jabbed forward, "Get a load of this little shit! You want a warm blanket and find yourself a whore to be your mommy for a night..." That mocking voice successfully shut any attempt I had to remain civil when his next words were proven to be his reasoning, "...solid pay my ass! Where did you get this fuck stick at again?"

Ignoring all possible means to not butcher what some called myself, I found some sort of sympathy when a half ass glare returned the insults. The bearded fellow casually pulled out a rusted dagger to accent the literal point, "Are you going to stop crying like some pregnant woman, or do I have to stab you in your fucking gut to make sure you have any? If no one's willing to do this then I'll give our little friend here a chance..." His partner essentially scoffed while being put in his place stopping any dissuading words aside much to my internal relief as I absently let go of a small metallic hilt just beneath my own pant leg, "...so, Fickle, you understand what we're doing? Youngster or not, I don't want any screw ups when identifying your mark and setting the go-ahead." I nodded nervously regardless if I had done this once, or twice or maybe half a dozen times before where successful jobs had gone to hell all too easily.

Anxiously eager while mixed with unsure confidence I absently twitched both shoulders, "Pick a good moment when they ain't looking and shank them hard between the ribs. Not in the mood to fuck around, I'm hungry and I don't have time to play hide and go seek like a spoiled brat." Coughing briefly to ward off another chill I looked as meekly as possible to make the bearded man nod once, "I don't give a damn about your hunger, what I and my partner want is pure gold and I also want legit silver, so we know this greedy fuck of a mark is trying to sneak more into town even with that...that monstrosity around." The three of us unnaturally eyed the ragged walls were we where pitifully protected from something a lot more dangerous then guards, or other folk seeking a quick fix for gold. Wrapping one ragged cloak barely holding together I just nodded again, I really wanted to get this over with and call it a bleeding night to sleep somewhere decently warm.

"Just get your boys in their spots, I'll make sure they stop and get their attention. It's not hard if none of them run for the guards here looking for help..." I trailed off hearing a howling gust of wind shaking numerous boards, I almost cringed to see how flimsy several boards rattled angrily. I so want to fucking leave this shit hole of a town, I'll take my chances in Rabona if I ever get around to it, I can't stay here with all these bad vibes leaking like out a cracked ale barrel. Shaking another wave of chills as both men were growing annoyed at a paranoia that refused to die, I swore in my gut I'd expect something to go wrong tonight as everyone continuously started spiraling in direction I never enjoyed. When things went too fast it lead to so many damned problems I just fucking decided to split, I gnashed both teeth to reinforce a grim determination to get food and decent coin to make it past for another week. Too much needed to be done now, or never!

An asshole with a goatee commented snidely, "Fucking hell!' If we manage to pull this off I'm going to church for a month and might actually donate for once, if God helps us I'd be shocked." Gritting both teeth I tensely bit out words to have him sneer, "If you got a better runner then by all means fucking go get him! Oh right, I forgot..." Sarcastically biting all effort to keep myself composed I allowed my middle finger to pluck upwards, "...everyone's too chicken shit to come out of their homes, so let me do my job or else you fucking do it yourself and see how your fat lard of ass runs!" I glared spitefully waiting to see if he'd draw a knife, I palmed my own ready to leap over to shank this pampered lard between ribs begging to show off a gushing river, I mentally imagined it in order to save face. Fortunately a small favor managed to birth itself as the other man idly twirled a dagger on an already massive chipped wooden tabletop. Small curves were littered all over an entire table as I put two and two together to know it'd been used often with their daggers.

"Alright, Fickle." He told me seriously enough to stop an action to gut a pig open, "Get moving towards your spot on that hill, you signal us as our marks move between us." I nodded nervously swallowing saliva knowing I had to get a perfect distance so not a soul could escape too easily, "If you fuck us over I'll personally cut your balls off and shove them down your throat leaving your head on a pike, I don't like double crossers and I'm well aware of your last stunt. As much as I want to say fuck off to your reputation, we all need the coin to survive these blasted taxes for that bitch being sent here, so take it with a grain of salt that this is your second chance." These stakes weren't normal by any means as I nodded again sighing heavily, I wanted food so badly it hurt thinking and eventually if I wanted to pull it off I had to get out of town first. Sneaking by guards wasn't too hard if they were drunk yet with what's happening lately, I'd be hard pressed to pray to god to have not spot me immediately once outside relatively safety of side alleyways.

And that's not including if I bump into something either, I thought shivering fearfully when understanding there weren't just men out tonight. Standing up I covered any exposed flesh that my cheeks were taking a brunt once stepping through a doorway. There weren't many things needed to be said, I got caught and I was fucked, I get killed and it wasn't going to matter because doing what needed to be done damned me regardless. Such a shitty mess I had to live with, I stopped caring once the bearded man motioned me to move out the door into a piss ridden side street. One ragged door closed leaving me utterly alone as a cool wind blew forcing myself to tighten a crappy piece of cloth to barely keep the cold out. Moving lightly I kept constantly looking behind expecting someone to follow me, or maybe I understood how natural I wanted to hide under a box to weather tonight's unseen tension lingering abundantly.

The streets were unnaturally silent tonight even if I had stayed for just about a fortnight. Shuffling closer towards every building to keep myself out of sight provided small comforts, I truly wasn't in any mood or having hell's grace to be spotted by anything that held eyes of its own. Get to your stash and just hold up there for a bit, I still need something to feel better. Outside these walls I kept a small hidden cache of a few meager things I carried with me whenever I traveled out in the wilderness, I tried to have it comforting to know I owned a few more meager objects yet surviving off the land wasn't so damned easy it that I nearly got myself killed doing it. Reluctantly accepting if I didn't get money I'd be sitting out in those cursed forests never settled well, "Only thing worth staying out there is not having to worry about people trying to kill me." Tucking two folds of cloth to warm both hands underneath the ragged cloak provided some genuine comfort while moving around a corner to fade in between two buildings whose larger roofs created denser and longer shadows that provided protection.

Beyond wooden walls of a town I heard a wolves howl piece the night. Great, oh just fucking great! I thought viciously when I heard that spine tingling noise, if wolves were nearby then I'd have to light a fire and essentially stay up all night in order to keep them at bay, I wasn't going to get mauled to death by mangy a pack of bitches that were little less then mutts. Not a single candle light stood out as every window panel had been locked shut once I moved past towards even more darker portion of the settlement called an excuse for a town. The wooden wall had a small enough dug out hole I could slip under to move without having to deal with guards, I actually found out by bitter luck after several local spoiled kids who had homes and people caring for them had ignorantly used it openly. So after chasing them off with a rusty dagger scaring them piss out of their own pants, I gleefully took over using it as my personal route out of town until I left altogether.

Howling winds swept across an open street kicking up loose trails of dust. I stopped directly under a corner to crouch down as foot steps came to be heard. Oh fucking shit, why now! Snarling frustrated I curled into a small ball letting one ragged cloak practically blend in with shadow and stone as several drunken local villages traveling in a small group. They were either brave or perhaps foolish due to drinking an overly large amount of ale at the local tavern to be out tonight, I discreetly sneered hearing them laugh loudly to have it echo across an empty road. Only three men yet they created a racket about three times their size, I waited agonizingly still to have them hurry up since I wanted out of this piss taken cage of a town as soon as possible.

They moved rather predictably past where I remained absolutely still to smell even their drunken breathes. Thankfully this little distraction settled itself out as they turned past the third corner three buildings laughing stupidly, I rolled both eyes to sprint across an open street to skid into my intended route with several pebbles hitting a wall. Rolling a shoulder to avoid having it stiffen so I kept up an overly inspired brisk pace to see where this town's border had ended. Trees much larger then man made pillars used for walls stood overshadowing anything this place had to offer, I slithered along a corner to see a small exposed hole concealed by several ruined mead barrels used for scrap. Occasionally a local slaughter house sent scraps for stray cats, or an occasional dog to be dumped since it'd been isolated from many villages living in the center of this place. I never questioned how they lived since I couldn't give a flying piss when I wanted to eat.

Kneeling to lightly shift a barrel I wedged myself under to use both elbows to crawl towards the world beyond these walls. It took a few minutes of self induced cursing yet I managed to adjust myself to keep warm under a moon's chilled gaze. Partially concealed with clouds, or not I wanted to get beneath those trees to get myself set for I needed to get done. Slipping underneath several low lying branches as twigs occasionally snapped lightly underneath carefully planted footsteps, I cringed every time expecting to draw in anything with a pair of ears and god must have hated all the guts I held to have me nearly stub two rocks along where I traveled. Sore and visibly pissed I came across a small stream not filled with shit, piss or garbage you'd normally find in a town which sparked relief for my own parched throat.

Coming to an edge I took off both finger gloves called rags to lightly wash both hands. Icy needles greeted dirtied flesh yet I took several palm fulls of clear pristine water, Can't complain when someone hasn't pissed in a stream and water is always god's gift. Fuck I wish this place had more game running around and I'd consider living here, if I could catch one or two. Grumbling internally in unable to catch any catch able bird, squirrel or any wild boar never failed to inspire that I needed as much fluids as possible before sprinting in the near future. Wiping both hands down to cover them up again to risk numbing nails digging into where cold breezes met frigid liquid caused an uncomfortable experience to warm them up immediately. It never failed to amaze when alone in any wilderness I enjoyed these sounds called a silence, plus I hated living with people since they were always looking to shiv me in the back and truth be told I couldn't stand them dumping shit all day either.

Alright enough dicking around, you got things to do pal. Tiredly cracking my neck left to right to ward off a crick barely motivated anything less but make me yawn. Striding past several large trees who dwarfed my wide by three, or four times over I came to one whose roots were partially exposed over the surface. An arc of nature's finest kind existence provided a perfect place to store a small cache worth of items I owned, or used to live to see another day. Sitting down to rest as sweat trailed down the back of my own neck while reaching forward to yank out a ragged black cloth with durable string designed to be a knot holding it together. But that wasn't all as I never allowed myself to not secretly fear some random hunter coming across my stuff, I'd have been in hell's waiting arms if I had lost the only chance to score some game.

Pulling out a dirtied bow with wood covered in marks and occasional modified notches due to a crude dagger became my pride. Due to being small sized for barely seeing an eleventh birthday I tried to endlessly improve this small weapon and I'd gruelingly admit I flat out sucked. It barely managed to do anything except curve to the right when I fired it, I used anything that could sharpen arrow heads and everything to tie together to create arrows to be held in some piss excuse quiver of a bundle once I slung it tightly secured over my left shoulder. Having a ragged cloak scavenged from trash, or scrap patches that crappy attempts were mixed together left little except to conceal both the bow and quiver fully as my only saving grace. Securing a small pouch full of dried out tinder along with two luckily acquired rocks to spark open a fire, I only had a piss ant excuse of a shiv called my 'dagger' to be hooked along the right hip to shank someone's gushing liver open. It wasn't worth squatter's shit yet I made do what I had to keep myself alive day after day.

Gripping my bow's dented grip, I rolled both eyes seeing it coming undone again. Quickly tying brownish rags together which was just a few cloth pieces shy of nothing, they were wrapped as many time as possible around to be considered a grip. Least the wood I used had been a solid tree before it'd been cut down into logs, I gave it credit and myself luckily to have it last for six months. That had been a year ago ago and it still went strong to kill a bird, or any small enough animal if I managed to hit square in its skull. Fishing wasn't half bad if I could get a rope, or make one to waste time staring into a river for half the day without being blinded by a sun. Still I wasn't complaining until I had to replace it, I needed every scrap of anything useful to get what needed to be done and personally if I ever came across an opportunity to snatch something better I'd do it.

"Time for the easy part." Muttering annoyed when I got up with all my meager belongings secured to move further into an unwelcoming forest. Looking upwards to occasionally see a bright moon being obscured by clouds creating constant shadows that my own small frame could be concealed within, I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and not be thankful to constantly moving where light would reveal a ragged cloak. Insects were constantly reminding my soon to be growing headache they were trying to eat me alive, or more often chirps were sounding off in any grass or bush as musical snippets were enough to warrant to guess where they hid. An entire forest floor became shrouded by evening's wonderful attempt to have myself stub toe after toe into jagged rocks, I nearly wanted to throw one after I hit my eighth stone and I swore irritated, "I swear on my ability to tolerate crap places I'll be heading south where it's warmer and there's less fucking rocks! Ever since I came north all I see are rocks, rocks and more fucking god damned rocks!"

Coming over several downed logs I frowned noticing they weren't cut by axeman who occasionally ventured out beyond the walls to acquire fuel for fires. Several trunks were splintered to where I swore something just gnawed on them yet I stopped myself from panicking, I knew a storm had passed recently when powerful winds had sent trees slamming into the town's wooden walls and that had caused a panic several days ago. Mindful of where I skidded down to avoid splinters being implanted in my own ass, I managed to at least avoid sinking into mud hidden underneath these fallen trees and I continued downhill to stare across an entire valley. I needed to get to its opposite end to meet up with other people to get this job done as my stomach mercilessly reminded me every god damned minute growling for substance.

Why did I accept? Why oh why didn't you just leave this piss hole and move on! I ranted angrily trying to avoid slipping into a thorn bush and several other less savory flora that wanted my body prickled alive! Everything north wanted to kill me, I swore it, I never hated so many things compared to where it was south and always warm regardless of season taking hold. Whether winter, spring or summer and came around I loved the southern warmth with its consistent rain to make everything lively, I never had to nurse so many near broken toes ever since venturing north to get out of trouble. Too many people in one area had noticed me after getting sloppy and unlucky, I closed both eyes to ignore every possible urge to slam my forehead into the nearest tree trunk.

Moving down hill never ceased to make walking appear faster as I ignored everything in favor to breath normally. Stars occasionally flickered above to have myself get lost in them just to avoid thinking about my feet hurting, I honestly never minded to look up when I had a decent meal and a small fire to enjoy living contently. However that rarely happened so sleeping hungry constantly never failed to sleep as much as possible and avoid moving around much, if I wasn't in some piss ridden hole of a town of course. Ironic I hated people to see them live comfortably and I needed to go there often to make sure I survived as it stung accepting I had to survive like a blasted parasite. Leeching off towns, or anyone stupid enough to think they can earn a bit more without getting shafted by a sword gutting them like a pig.

Sweat started lining down my temple to quickly agitated me ever so kindly. Moving up hill towards where I had to meet up with others wasn't going to be fun, I absolutely wanted to puke whenever I met up with any group to go through with a job. Swear if these fuckers think they can screw me over, I'm cutting someones balls off and stuffing them down their throat, I'm in no mood for being a good little boy tonight. Scathing words to mirror brutal intentions that would be a kindness as a few dumb idiots had learned I wasn't afraid to shank quickly them in the back once they thought to forgot to pay me, I clutched one rusted knife to give me resolve to do it again. Nothing enraged me more then getting fucked over on a job, I'd bust my ass and it'd all be convenience to ignore what I did yet tonight I swore on my damnable soul I'd be taking every well deserved spoil regardless whether anyone tried to say squat or not.

Flippantly holding up a hand to crudely mimic a person speaking, "You try this or try that I'll gut ya bitch. Ya, ya heard it before and not impressed asshole..." I spat a glob of saliva to have it stick to a tree once I moved upwards to notice a crude game trail freshly cleared. It lead up to an outcropping of rocks where soon enough I'd be face to face with average back stabbing scum like myself, Oh more like throw scraps to the stray who think he can do a man's job. I sneered allowing a cloak too big to conceal everything I owned from view, it made me slower yet I wanted to be absolutely sure no frigging bow trigger happy cunt took a shot at me in open view and it always helped to walk right up to the guy who thought he couldn't sneaked upon. Well I got the last laugh when it came to do that person screaming like a bleeding pig when he has a rusted blade gushing out red rivers, being gifted with a good memory at least I remembered where on a man's back he'd gush out blood like a dam blocking a river every god damn time.

Moving around another bend I noticed a faint orange glare wedged between multiple lopsided boulders. Voices were lowly heard along with several laughs of snark origins, I rolled both eyes to slip over across to another boulder avoiding a half asleep sentry dozing off. Always being put on guard duty because you drank too much, I wonder why every time I sneak in people get shocked because its too hard when nothing happens. Discreetly flipping that sentry off for more personal reasons I slid down to lightly jump over onto another boulder to practically skim my way into a camp. Ragged men all huddled around several small fires grumbling about how cold it got tonight, or were just complaining in general about things I couldn't give a rat's ass to care to listen too. I passed by two who sharing an animal water skin made from possibly a boar, or possibly goat that wasn't filled with water as belches indicating ale were all too present.

Drunk off their own idiocy and they worry I might back stab them? I almost laughed when two started to half ass drunkenly wrestle around for that last batch of liquid. God as my witness I saw opportunity everywhere and while it seemed dangerous, why the hell should it have mattered? Of course I'd do it, I can't fucking get my cut when two fucking drunks can't even pull their own heads out of their asses to remember, so I'll do it if I can! Gleefully rubbing both hands under a cloak I walked over to larger fire where several clothed men with yellowed out teeth, or wore skinned animal hides were encircling one particularly half naked woman who had been chained to a rock. I paused to warily glance around noticing not so picky men, I'd take a bet they weren't presently interested in little boys but for my own sake I'd keep it in mind, so I palmed one dagger's hilt to be sure.

Smelling rape to anyone wasn't exactly common to accept yet I couldn't give a damn. Whoever that unlucky bitch had been never mattered to me, I watched two rugged beasts for men started having their way with her right in front of me. I stood on the outer edge of the fire to see who I needed to speak too before going out to be a look out and I wasn't shocked to see said person fucking the living hell out of a chained woman. Fortunately I absently picked an ear to avoid seen staring as someone finally registered that a small cloaked person had been standing there for about ten minutes. Not that I couldn't give a damn I just wondered if they were going to gag that chained entertainment because her screams were starting to pick up and I refused to have a headache! It wasn't needed since I needed to listen intently for my mark to arrive soon enough.

"Hey boss, I think someone's hear to see ya." Gruffly amused to see a large bear of a man thunderously smack a near hysterical woman aside, I stood looking upwards to a man with literally crooked teeth leer impressed, "Ah, I heard about ya, kid. Boys in town say your...young." Several men laughed wickedly as I casually pulled out my dagger to have it glint next to a fire, "Stick your dick back inside that bitch and call it a night, I ain't in a fucking mood to play grab ass. Hear me?" I said annoyed as this guy laughed along with an entire other portion of his group. Possibly a dozen strong who'd tear me apart but I had a hunch that none of them were interested, if spoils of a mark were on tonight then it wasn't time to screw around until they had the goods, it just made it easier to get everything done. So they weren't angry, or offended because he grinned approvingly, "Nice guts lad, I like ya already. Don't they call ya Fuck Sticks or something?"

Their jeers were overshadowed when one of these guys started to pounding away into a chained broad whose blue glassy eyes were utterly bemusing. I held no sympathy for gullible people who thought taking a stroll with a stranger was logically sound, I used common sense, so much to my pride it worked and personally it never failed when I wasn't one being used like a toy. Oh how original, fuck sticks huh? I haven't heard that one before at all, asshole. Placing a dagger underneath one ragged cloak must have gave them a sign to relax as a group, I understood if I hadn't done it sooner then it'd be open season to gut me open. But I still had to at least clarify to these drunken idiots if I had a name to be used, one I actually hated yet it got the job done, so I hoped they'd at least say it correctly for tonight only.

"It's Fickle Sleeves." I corrected shrugging bored while commenting somewhat in agreement, "And to be fair, fuck sticks is actually funny. Last person who got named that nickname..." I barked out laughing since it was technically true when I saw it months ago in another camp, "...was given to some broad getting fucked in her ass with sticks, I mean shitting out splinters ain't no joke, right?" Snorts of amusement or actual surprise managed to make the bear man grin savagely, "Sounds like fun chuckles. You know where to go to make sure we get our prey tonight, I wouldn't want someone to babysit you in the mean time." Several hoots of sick enjoyment came around the circle of a fire as I shrugged again while rubbing a dirtied chin, "If it were a woman I'd be tempted to say yes for the hell of it, but don't swing that way for cocks, I prefer things without them..." I drew out grimly amused that comment got more men to chortle in agreement. Even if I wanted to back stab these bastards since they'd do it to me eventually, least presently I liked making good impressions to give me some headway to avoid that moment when they'd kill me, so it all worked out for now and not to say I for one had always enjoyed making people smile.

"You got a fire bundle I can use? I got arrows to spare so you can see when to strike." I thumbed underneath to where a small quiver barely could be made out as my would be employer gestured to another fully clothed animal hide man to gather up embers for a fire. I'd set my own up and wait patiently as always, "Once I send it up I'll head down to join whatever fight's left. Gotta get my own cut somehow." I stated irritated a loud laugh met that indication and the bear like man waved me off, "Be our guest chuckles, I don't give a damn for kids but if you do what you're doing right then your gonna get paid, I like youngsters who aren't afraid to show they have guts. You understand this though..." He stood to tower over my frame as I looked up feeling warm embers from a fire highlighting an interior hood, "...you fuck us over, I fuck you over and if you try to run, I'll make sure you can't run when I catch ya to break both legs."

Well that arrangement wasn't half bad at all considering they didn't try to kill me right away. I nodded once as a bundle of dried out tinder, warmed rocks and freshly skinned animal hide concealing embers for a quick fire starter were tossed over towards my waiting hands. I caught it nimbly to check it once before turning on a heel to leave, god I hated smelling so much piss everywhere and utter shit that made my stomach nauseous for what little I had to keep me going. Sparing a glance to see that bear like man going back to stick his dick into that broad signified they'd be having more fun for a bit, I assumed I gotten here early and no one cared too much, so it was on my measly self to watch a road for the suitable mark that was coming tonight. Hopefully if things went well enough I'd be leaving in a day south with a stomach full of food, a pouch of coin and possibly scavenged cloth to add more for cooler nights as autumn's grasp refused to die away into bitter winter months. Although considering how many were inside this camp, I guessed this wasn't normal.

Normally they'd have numbers but I count only what? Two dozen at most? It seemed way too little amount considering I had worked with larger groups, I understood numbers meant more cuts yet they were always decent sized marks, I knew tonight wasn't that great. Or maybe it was, I wasn't too keen on what they were carrying but coin was coin if as I saw it. I turned around only be violently pushed aside as I grunted to glare up angrily to see a clean shaven young man. He looked extremely pleased until glancing down where I stood when I let loose a genuinely snark warning, "Watch where your going jackass!" He blinked owlishly at first as if not understanding who had addressed him only then to toothily smirk before speaking in a tone that curled my spine, "You got some impressive guts kid, I like that a lot."

Perhaps being too close to a fire for some time had caused me to shudder whose two eyes narrowed playfully. I spat out a glob of saliva next to semi cleaned boots, "Go ahead and try something pal, I'll gladly make you gush all that red beneath that skin of yours." That turned out to be possibly a terrible thing to say when those eyes rose up utterly delighted as he turned away laughing. My skin crawled seeing that particular guy walk off to meet up with two other men, I couldn't help it yet I noticed everyone single one of them were all cleanly shaven. It puzzled me internally because they couldn't have been out here for that long, I swore having those kinds of quality cloth were pretty damn hard to maintain but no one seemingly cared about them wearing decent looking clothing, I mean for god's sake they had some pretty slick boots and it irked me the wrong way to see them all eying me. Shaking nervously I really wanted to leave this town's area to head south soon, I fucking got annoyed staying too far north when it got close to winter.

Whatever man, you got a job to get to where you need to be, so stop wasting time and get yourself set for some loot tonight. Shaking once a cold feeling off as I moved past that same perfectly still half asleep sentry who actually had legit drool leaking down his face. Oh thank you god, I shall thank you for this wonderful opportunity because I'm not going to get another chance, so here we go! Gleefully unable to resist I sharply shoved him over a rock where he had been leaning and as a result he yelped in shock slamming face first into the ground. Once I continued on my way into the forest's dense depths I refused to laugh, well least until I heard him cussing at whoever knocked him over, then without regard for safety or crying now earnestly due to laughing so hard in having several tears coming down hotly. Clutching one fire bundle close to avoid spilling, or breaking it apart I laughed for a bit more minutes until breathing in happily to enjoy a good night.

Overseeing an entire valley with a singular cleared out road wasn't difficult to not see anything out of the ordinary. Getting a fire started wasn't too difficult considering what I had on hand, "Not going to complain when it takes two minutes instead of an hour to get flames burning." Whispering contently while wrapping a clothed bundle around an arrow head that would be seen throughout a valley floor kept myself busy and aware for when a perfect opportunity arose. Staring out over a near pitch black forest gave me one clear detail to use as a point of interest to set that arrow aflame, I grinned when one singular stoned bridge connecting two banks over a modestly powerful river seemed ideal and to be fair if the marks couldn't flee then it made payout even easier. So I decided once things started rolling it'd be more ample to attain a reward.

Camping out on a ledge not even sixty paces from a cliff's sheer drop certainly granted one scenic view as I imagined it. Carefully wrapping enough tinder between spared cloth cut unevenly off a former fire bundle held enough fuel to have an arrow light up, I guessed it'd be long enough because most of the group who were going to launch a front assault on tonight's mark were camping out below. It wasn't hard to miss small orange pits of similar fires keep themselves warm, I noticed they had left the outcropping of rocks possibly an hour ago. Apparently I lost track once I leaned back enjoying some sense of quiet and nothing around wanted to have a piece of my flesh, so I chalked it up as a minor comfort to enjoy natural beauty. If things held up perfectly I'd be on my way with a full stomach and one full pouch of coin to get my through a few weeks, now granted that only happened if I played every given chance right.

Shit these marks take their time, I swear they intentionally go slow to make my stomach get smaller and louder. Grumbling silently to avoid thinking about food I considered searching for wild berries yet at this time of the year it'd next to impossible without finding them picked clean. Least in summer and spring I could eat wild berries all along the southern coast to a few days inland, "Maybe fishing sounds a lot better. Least they don't go anywhere like rabbit, or birds." Now I considered trying to make a shoddy rod with some spare line and a jagged rusted metal to make into a hook. Once or twice I truly got close to acting on that but without finding a suitable place where fish were plentiful as every river seemingly loved fucking with me fish swimming there, or not it'd be wasting time to hope for something to happen.

Setting aside a finished arrow-head beside one meager quiver and bow allowed relaxation to learn against the tree. Wind blew strongly sending scattering twigs hurling downwards over both the cliff and crashing into the forest floor behind. Trees groaned due to powerful mountain like gusts funneling autumn's growing strength for nasty winters in these regions immediate future, I refused to be caught out in a blizzard or to risk myself dying outright. With little to no protection from cold weather it'd be harder to find town's without losing fingers to frost bite, or rather I wouldn't be able to afford a place without trying to pickpocket some gullible drunk to pay for a room at any given tavern. Too many questions for far too many problems and I had little answers to anything except to keep seeing that sun rise every morning.

Over behind my right twigs snapped abruptly as I went rigid reaching for the dagger innocently hidden out of sight. Swallowing every piece of temptation to not bolt I merely looked back with a hood concealing every feature I held to speak tensely unamused, "Can you be any fucking louder? Pretty sure you can't sneak up on horse's shit." My voice carried beyond flickering flames when a pair of eyes gleaned as every hair went up on my neck simultaneously. It seemed I hadn't see that same clean shaven man for the last time once he appeared, I tensed openly ready to pick a good spot to have him bleed up like a pig, I watched him come up holding a small bundle. If I had to guess it looked like bread or something along those lines.

"Boss told me to make sure you weren't taking a nap." Again that spine tingling voice nearly forced me to bolt into the forest. I'm getting a sick feeling around this shady bastard, oh I hope you trying something so I can slit your throat and call it a night. Sneering not exactly happily I spat out what I thought, "Do yourself a favor and fuck off, I don't have time to sleep when I got a job to get done. So kindly jump off this cliff for even assuming I think this is a game." I pointed to where said cliff dropped off as the man snorted obviously amused. He casually tossed that bundle over my well maintained fire as a peace offering? This guy made no move to try to get closer to instead stare over where the rest of the ragged group laid in wait.

Cautiously unwrapping a bundle it actually was bread yet it seemed somewhat hardened. However I wasn't going to complain when I stuffed it into a black pouch saving it for another day. Two eyes narrowed awfully attentive to my actions, "That hungry, huh?" He said it so naturally whimsical almost as if knowing what it felt like to starve for days and I retorted quite blandly, "What gave it away? Me not eating it right away, or you stating the fucking obvious." Raising a hand to indicate something no threatening I refused to accept it as he sat down to get himself comfortable. This guys expression seemed utterly nonchalant in ignoring a fact I kept what little of a weapon I had hidden and I shifted ever so in preparation to spring away, or dive away expecting him to try to grab me.

"Youngsters don't kill to survive often, so nothing gave it away but every creature's desire to circumvent their hunger is known to all." I blinked owlishly trying to find an angle as he gave off a grin, "You want to know how I knew this quick? You move way too fast for your own good..." Those eyes focusing onto me were a dull brown once they narrowed playful yet ironically he spoke very informative in parting advice, "...compared to most who gorge themselves silly, so don't be alarmed when starvation makes anything less then to be more aggressive. Trust me, I know that feeling all too well." That last word slithered out making me feel uneasy as he returned to stare over an exposed valley possibly passing time. Although I swore whatever inkling to bolt had started screaming beyond sane reasoning. I tensed regardless trying to fight that urge while still keeping an eye out for a mark on the road.

Reaming silently somehow in some odd way enticed this guy to speak again. He seemed way too curious for his own good, "You don't trust my intentions? Do you kid?" Relatively generous I started clapping mockingly make his smile grow as I absolutely gave him credit, "Wow is it that obvious as well? Captain obvious is on a real damned roll tonight, I think I'll be general asshole..." Stopping immediately I laughed darkly nodding towards an overly amused strange, "...or better yet I'll call you an idiot for saying something already too obvious, I can help but say it's just so sad." Every pour on my skin screamed at me to run, I resisted all impulses to stare distrustfully at this man who finally shrugged after remaining silent. Yet he kept on grinning as if finding my answers a joke or something to say the least.

"I meant what I said you had guts kid, so rest assured I ain't taking it back." He praised me ever so confidently to the point where I flat out stopped trying to tell him to go away. Returning to where I needed to spot an oncoming mark he continued as if not so bothered by my silence, "You know it's a funny thing when you don't believe in coincidences and how they tend to fall right in your lap kid, I mean don't you believe in something similar?" Closing both eyes to avoid every possible means to viciously tell this guy to fuck off became too tempting. God give me strength, I've had it with shit and all these damned questions. Hell I wasn't in any mood to talk with any stranger being its an adult, kid or some broad chained to a rock for being a fuck toy, I hated people as a general rule of thumb outside towns.

In the end I managed to feed a fire some hunky branches that kept it alive. Sighing loudly to lean back where I sat did my voice come back, "Why do you give a damn in what I think? Have me met?" It started to gnaw on me as chuckling refuted such a claim on my part. A leisurely lifted hand waved that question off altogether, "Not at all. When I'm bored and not hungry I like to talk to pass time, so for once I'm just humoring myself. For once for a change..." Leaning forward his grin grew into a predatory smile that forced me again to palm a hidden dagger, "...I'm pleasantly curious to try something differently from the norm. So hear me out, I'll pitch to you a deal if you accept it, I'll grant you a favor for indulging my interest and you kid, you get a chance to walk away with a lot of loot on your person."

Wind cut through the small cliff clearing as a knife went through butter. I shivered consciously due to how cold it seemed and due to my own stomach churning anxiously seeing those brown orbs becoming ever more lively. Something I had done in that camp earlier, or maybe it had been previously I specifically had tripped this individual with him rushing into me. I felt something wasn't right to the point where I literally thought tension started oozing off, "Do you get off on scaring people or am I just a one time thing?" Somewhere beneath all the flesh that wanted myself to flee I ventured to daringly say making the guy laugh sharply before he planted a palm under his own chin, "All youngsters tend to be more scared then grown men, or so normally." Grudgingly I rolled my eyes in hearing a natural thing for kids being absolutely terrified more then adults yet I wasn't immune. Getting scared reminded me I wasn't going to be alive forever, I made one mistake and death had me without anyone remembering what I did in life.

"You understand what its like to starve already at your age, so tell me something honestly without that smart mouth and if you do so, I in turn will give you a chance to get ahead in life." I looked up tiredly allowing flames to reveal my own eyes considering that proposal yet it sounded obviously too cliché so I warily smiled, "Sounds too good to be true. I already can take a guess where this might end up..." I said at first imagining myself being screw over which ironically had already happened as I watched him frowned annoyed I told myself to throw caution into the hell's waiting line, "... but what the hell? I got nothing to lose except another night's sleep, so what do you want to know pal?" My willingness startled him immediately when I grinned savagely just waiting to hear what this fleeting sack of shit wanted to know, hell if he wanted to get me a bigger cut of the loot tonight I'd be game, so I'd answer whatever he wanted only because in the end I had nothing to lose except dying.

And dying wouldn't be painful since it'd all be over quick. Encouraged I leaned forward even beckoning what he wanted to ask me ever so daringly bold, "I'm all ears. You say you'll get me a larger cut, I'll see it when I believe it but you want me to answer something, okay let's see if it'll be interesting enough to make me believe you're fucking serious pal." Heat simmered due to flames licking higher as more fuel kept it alive. I waited all too eagerly wanting to see if this guy was just spouting shit, or he actually had something interesting to say. Occasionally crackling pierced an overlapping silence as I refused to look away from two brown orbs who blinked first, I inwardly crowned it to be a minor victory to say the least.

Slowly it dawned on both myself and apparently to this guy we were both serious. Both lips parted to reveal a smile so pleased it threatened to become sinister, "Would you save a life even if you were so hungry that it'd kill you to do nothing?" That question puzzled me without a doubt, I thought it'd have been a trick question except it didn't effect me personally. I looked upwards actually humming considering an answer, or rather answers because it all came to do what I thought and rather it left me with an interesting response. I leaned back to stared outwards over a valley in order to look out for a mark that was supposed to be traveling into town, I thought about this guy's question intently enough to have myself tap my cheek musingly. Really in my mind I only had on answer that made sense only because I had something called a vindictive pleasure in seeing a thing any person would know as suffering.

"Fuck no." I stated so clearly it made two eyebrows rise up intrigued, "Why for the love of god should I lift a finger for some pointless stranger who has someone, or a family supporting them? Why should I do anything to change when the first memories are of me, a street rat, begging for scraps under some fucked up building called a brothel?" I hummed rhetorically pondering as to why I should not be amused in seeing his eyes widen considerably like he wasn't expecting such a revelation, "Oh yeah! Suffering while trying to keep warm in some shoddy crate, seeing cruelty in strangers ignoring you regardless if its a fucking church of god or whatever, I get it and starvation, oh do I know that already! Hell I just turned eleven not even a week ago, I think its when I was born and regardless no one gives a fucking fuck about me at all." Any resistance to stop failed once I clapped both hands intently trying to ward off an inexplicable urge to scream.

Yet I gleefully smiled ever so deviously, "So fuck no! You ask me if I could save a life, I possibly could if I had any incentive for it but it's not happening as I won't do it only because nothing changes..." Admitting something so causally callous it actually made a man sitting across from me snort either in agreement or something more as I couldn't care less now, "... so really I say let the world in all its cruelty, or lack of ability to change to just keep going day in and day out. I'll feed myself doing whatever it takes, I have nothing to care for strangers and their lives only because I have to live too, sure I'll starve again and again yet I can't change it until I find something that does and if that something involves killing some fucking well fed cock, or bitch is what it takes I won't complain when I feel so much happier." Grandly ending it off on a sarcastic note made me feel somewhat better, I hadn't talked to anyone so openly like this ever since I started going off on my own. It oddly uplifted myself to a point where I exhaled contently to relax for once.

Grinning absolutely thrilled I waited eagerly to hear the guy who asked me. I waited patiently to every now, or then look over to see nothing but a clear valley floor. No marks were on the trail tonight so far and as such I waited to for something personally. Alright pal, you wanted to hear what I thought and now let's see if you can get me a bigger cut. I'm fucking waiting to be impressed but somehow I get the feeling you're aren't going to come... My thoughts were cut off when an impressed whistle split silence into literal pieces of sound as he applauded impressed based on how he kept on nodding. I gulped once it became clear whatever response this guy expected had been shattered as laughter bubbled into sheer delighted shock.

A tear got wiped away for those efforts to remain laughing, "Marvelous! Wow youngster, I'm impressed I found someone who actually doesn't care for anything except to live, I like the concept where nothing matters until its only effects yourself. It's simple, it's easy and it's something I can relate to understand as I'm only saying that because no one's said anything remotely close to what you just said." Leaning back his eyes were narrowing hungrily based on how a shuddering breath he exhaled which became revealed itself as a foggy white mist, "Great effort kid. I'll get you set tonight once it everything calms down, so don't try to run when you're the only one I say you get to collect, do you understand what I'm telling you?" Two brown orbs eyes flashed dangerously making myself flinch as he stood up stretching in order show off cracking bones. I may have been eager to see what this deal meant yet for a second I swore I saw his eyes actually...

I looked up sharply once he snapped two fingers, "Oh right! What's your name?" That question wasn't going to be answered as I told him, "You can call me Fickle Sleeve. I ain't saying my real name because you and I aren't friends..." He grinned accepting that logic surprisingly calm yet I gave a small smirk in return, "...besides I doubt you're going to remember me once tonight's loot is split and we go off our separate ways, I don't intend to stick around." Whether it'd be honesty, or disregard of people I swore I had a chill going down my back once he came to stand in front of me. I kept a dagger palmed expecting him to trying to kill me and I glared suspiciously as to what he did next to catch me by sheer surprise.

He knelt down to offer a hand as we were to shake upon it, "Truth be told you're the first kid who's guts I have to admire. Can't wait to see when you get fully grown to see what you're made off then, so let's seal our deal and let see some fun happen tonight, agreed?" I gave him an absolutely look of disbelief until I snorted accepting it. I gripped a much larger hand feeling every piece of flesh tingle in warning as that smile vanished into a more passive smirk, "Agreed." I said that one word as he tipped his head in goodbye to moving off towards where the rest of the group lay in wait. However a nagging curiosity forced me to call out to him making a face slightly turn back, "Hey aren't you forgetting something here? What do I call you?"

For several minutes I received no answer until it became clear this person hadn't stopped chuckling. His shoulders shook momentarily then stopped briefly to allow an answer to be granted, "I'll tell you after we get done tonight kid, I'll hold myself to it." I twitched my jaw before spewing out a scathing question that showed I assumed I got screwed over, "Why not tell me now? Pretty sure I ain't sticking around to find out if my welcome gets worn out or not." He continued walking only to call back over his shoulder to which I distinctly assumed he'd been grinning way too cheekily, "Because you should turn around to use those eyes of yours and get to launch that signal youngster. We don't have any more time to waste as tonight's bountiful riches are all set to be taken for us to indulge upon." That warning forced me to look back to see lights moving slowly across a valley floor, I smirked realizing our mark had finally come into range.

Glancing back I barely witnessed that guy's back fading into the shadows heading down a cliff to where everyone else lay in waiting. My stomach growled loudly indicating food needed to sate what hunger demanded, I shook myself awake to grab both my quiver and bow to have set, I'd have to be quick once that arrow got shot up. Thankfully whoever had been traveling tonight wasn't going remarkably fast as it just provided me ample time to set up comfortably. Adjusting ragged strings for a quiver I leisurely dipped a particular arrow head just over a fire's hungry flames to lit wrapped cloth into small flickering orange flames themselves. Now I needed to wait for that mark to travel across a bridge and two flanks of river were only going to close the much needed gap as figures shifted below in shadows among trees. None of these rugged men who I'd alert were that idiotic to not recognize a potential trap with nearly two dozen men lying in ambushes were scattered about.

Don't care who, or where you're from but you picked a good night to travel. I thought viciously relieved to come away with something after waiting endlessly on scraps of food and vigorously trying to keep myself warm on these chilly evenings. Finally after being stranded I'd be able to move on south, I needed to get somewhere warmer because damn snowy storms for it'd become impossible to traverse without heavier clothing. Staring hungrily in seeing lights being used to guide horses I waited impatiently to see two carriages, I narrowed my eyes to notice one seemed richly tailored with a dark purplish canvass probably shielding those riding inside. But it'd been better then normal travelers to similar towns out this far north, I needed anything to get away after being shafted for saying work would be easier up here.

The small entourage painstakingly took its sweet time to come around a bend where several men acting as ambushes were lying in wait. I waited for them to pass them until whoever guided the horses had to stop the lead carriage as the stone bridged required a person to guide those animals. Too narrow so it'd be constantly lead until open ground greeted would be travelers, I gnashed both teeth tapping a foot trying to time my shot right. Minutes passed once both carriages started making their way across, I felt a overly powerful gust of wind howl damning to blow my hood back. Mess tangled curls of hair briefly stun watery eyes that were greener than emeralds as I aimed upwards, "I ain't starving for another night. So for what it's worth I hope you something valuable because I refuse to leave empty handed again." I whispered determinedly as I notched an arrow backwards with flames licking my own cheek and closing an eye a finger eased itself to allow a twang of strings echoing off into the skies.

One singular flaming arrow sliced through open air trailing towards right to actually land just over where both carriages nearly crossed. In one fleeting moment all noise ceased when the gusts died down and screams of fright erupted in another blink of an eye. Swords clashed down below as I overlooked an attack making me grin anticipating loot worthy to be stolen. To live happily I needed money, I needed food everyday to live content and I needed something to wear more than what I already wore for winter's inevitable arrival for a chilly reminder a world never changed. No one would do anything for those idiots traveling to a place where it became unworldly painful to leave, I held no sympathy for those strangers who'd ignore me begging for food and as such naturally I only had one option left to survive.

Gripping my own bow's ragged frame tightly I sprinted downhill immediately as steel clashing against steel along with ear damning shrieks arose in the night. I violently skidded past rocks to hiss annoyed in gaining momentum to leap over fallen logs, or freshly put out fire pits that were going to be used eventually for another raid. Breathing heavily I weaved between tree's to be concealed by shadows of a moon that had been snuffed out due to blackened clouds, I wildly yanked a hood back on to avoid getting icy fringed ear tips and I allowed myself to crush anything underneath nearly torn leather shoes to get first dibs on a prize which I had waited for nearly a fortnight in preparation. Not again would I get shafted over spoils, I'd get my due and if I could achieve a miracle I'd fuck over these bastards who thought it'd be funnier fucking me over first.

Wind whipped past my ears regardless of a hood covering them due to how quick I moved. It felt almost like those old fabled tales of wild folks who lived in the woods, I remembered such stories when priests spoke about darker times before the lord in heaven shined his light to drive back those pagan like heathens. I never cared about those stories, I envied them to live freely yet without anything to support myself I'd end up dead and so I never cared if I sinned killing someone directly, or indirectly for that matter. It always ended up with someone suffering in this world, I refused to be that same person and if I had to inflict some of it to garner a foothold for a happier life then it'd be well worth any nightmare to escape experience over an existing one.

Jumping over a fallen tree to reach closer sounds of battle I came to press up against an overly wide tree's trunk to have it envelop myself. It easily concealed me as I peaked around its edge to see what little of a battle which developed. Oh great, they're already going to have fun with some unfortunate broad again. One apparently wasn't enough, I can't imagine who else is gonna get tossed around like some used toy. My sigh of exasperation followed up with both eyes rolling irritated in seeing a woman being dragged by her hair kicking and screaming towards howling victorious raiders. But if I thought they'd be sated I was apparently wrong when two young teen's several years older then myself were brought next making me snort in disbelief.

"How many kids did these people have?" I wondered aloud to notice an elderly man frantically pleading for his life, or possibly his own family as I ignored it. One raider actually impaled another man, who looked to be a hired guard at best, he had gotten impaled by a spear right through his guts and got pinned to a nearby tree. Blood easily spilled over onto a cold ground with small wisps of stream escaping hot fluids draining from a soon to be corpse, I saw enough to know it'd been over quickly and now all the spoils were going to be sorted out. Waking out adjusting myself accordingly I moved to where few rugged men were watching and I came to climb up the back of a carriage to casually pull aside flaps...

Two cowering forms of a woman and her possibly preteen child greeted me with fearful expressions. At first I blankly stared at them only to look around the corner checking where two animal skinned men were walking over. Honestly I swore they were staring me specifically, they were probably going to screw me over but I had something better. Glancing down again I saw them pleading with their eyes, I only snorted loudly to call over bored while jerking a thumb inside, "Hey blind fucks!" Ignoring screams of obvious terrified people I motioned to what caused more screams to originate, "Are you two idiots going to ever realize you missed a few?" Their suspicions were quickly turned into gleeful and greedy looks as I jumped down to have them dragging out two more captives to get toyed around with. Waiting calmly I picked an ear to avoid hearing bells tolling due to how loud that younger girl screeched and personally I got to stretch an ever tightened back to pop a few bones after overworking myself too hard.

Seeing that I possibly condemned two innocent family members felt truthfully underwhelming. Shit happens and sometimes I do enjoy its not only me getting shafted, so let's see what we got. Rubbing both hands to blow warm breath to sooth chilled flesh helped once I climbed back up to inspect what they were hauling. Whistling lightly ignoring another growling inside my own gut I managed to get an idea with several hand sewn quilts, a few locked boxes that looked promising and I narrowed both eyes intrigued in seeing a glinting metal jingle accordingly when I moved it. Smiling broadly I whispered, "Oh yeah I like coins. Come to papa..." I started feeling relieved until I heard someone call out almost gleefully causing me to hiss in sheer frustration. Not even a finger's length away from possibly one of the largest looted coin purses ever someone roared out, "Fickle Sleeve get out here you little two timing shit."

God damn it, why they couldn't go fuck some broads and their spawn for ten minutes is beyond me! Fucking hell I can't catch a damned break. I swore angrily to tear aside both flaps to hang around the carriage to see that bear man with his arms folded smugly. Unable to keep any scorn out of a scathing hiss I asked, "What the hell do you want now? Don't you have some little girls and their mommies to make happy time to, or do whatever the fuck?" His beady eyes covered by an actual bear pelt were narrowed in what I assumed to be delight, or perhaps he found a reason to assume I was back stabbing him. Personally it'd have been true if he hadn't tried to do it first, oh I knew what was happening. Since I actually had to speak to him which was clear in my experience he was going to fuck me over tonight.

"What makes you think you get first slice of this loot?" I tilted my head obviously thinking while speaking said thoughts, "Because I actually made the first move? If I hadn't picked a good spot for your boys to rush they'd have and you would have been screwed over, so by all means say otherwise, I want my cut and I'm getting the fuck out of this piss hole of a valley you call territory..." I drew out slowly to pronounce my disdain for wherever I ended up. Getting out of one city wasn't difficult yet realizing I had gotten shafted hard in looking for territory to earn a living wasn't as lucky, I bit down all self control to promptly reach for my rusted dagger, "...so excuse me! I got coin to snatch to go back south where I know I have better chances when its not balls to the walls freezing." This literal bear man laughed loudly as two other animal skinned men hoisted their crude blades over a shoulder to stand beside him, I snarled enraged knowing they were going to do another song and dance again. I wanted out, I wanted food and I wanted the hell away from these idiots!

"You got balls chuckles, even if they haven't dropped, you got them big ones." Perhaps that wasn't a compliment as I nodded somewhat flattered, "Thank you for your obvious crap. I got loot to earn and to pick then I'm out, so have a good time fucking those broads and their spoil sows for kids up there alright?" I gestured dismissively to where numerous hoots of animals that were supposed to be men were originating up a hill. I assumed they were taking them back to their camp yet I stopped caring altogether once bear man started to hum contemplating, "Fair suggestion! Quite generous even if you're a two bit back stabbing little shit, so I'll give you that much. But see thing is here's what I was thinking..." All sense of hope went into hell once I gulped immediately realizing it wasn't going to end well for me. Especially once he signaled those two other guys to stand back when he drew out an actual bloodied axe that still had fresh blood leaking down its length.

He leveled that monstrosity called a weapon directly where my head was attached to a thing called a body. I suddenly felt holding onto a carriage wasn't a great idea, "You step down and be a good boy to wait until we big boys take out our shares. Anything left over, if there is, is yours and then you try to walk away." Even while wind deceptively cooled me off I only enraged heat! God I trembled openly trying to gnash both teeth together without splinting them into piece as I experienced sheer disbelief! What the hell was that kind of deal? Fucking me over again, yup I knew I wasn't taking this lying down and after that first time which got me stuck here for a fortnight, I snapped realizing I had it! So instead of doing what little of a smart thing I could have done, I got fed up and dropped to the ground absolutely ready to hold my cut of this loot or dying trying!

Standing my ground exactly where I dropped I sneered spitefully, "Alright you ugly son of bitch. Let's go!" Keeping one hand ready on a dagger's hilt, I tensed up preparing to aim for one gushy spot to another and prayed I'd be able to walk later. Not again, I refuse to get shafted by your ugly mug and I damn well will get my share if not more, I'm sick of getting screwed time and time again! I swore seeing red once this giant of a man stared at me confused before bending over howling in absolute entertainment. I spat out saliva as if tasting something bitter, "Glad to know you think it's funny because I sure as hell am not laughing. I'm getting my share and leaving, so let's go you over grown excuse of a pig."

Whatever boldness I held seemed to spark him to wipe tears away in mirth. He grinned savagely enjoying what challenge I offered, "Don't say I didn't warn you chuckles. I'm breaking both legs yet don't get too scared when your eyes close cause I won't have anyone loosen you up, I'll give you enough balls to say your man enough to learn your place. You're a real laugh but it's actually gotten real old!" I inwardly cringed knowing that later comment meant and here I believed they'd have enough woman to do that piece of enjoyment. Thinking remotely reassured in knowing if I got knocked out, I wasn't going to wake up chained to a wall or limping for a week. Glad to know they ain't gonna do that shit, well better dying a man then some bitch on their knees.

Frantically looking towards either a forest, or a carriage I needed somewhere to take away that bear man's axe. He rushed forward howling a charge to slam his blade once I rolled away feeling splintered wood chips stinging both exposed facial cheeks. Not yet, he's too far for me to gut him dry! Avoiding being caught between animal skinned men who were enjoying the show, I quickly bolted towards the forest hell intent on using tree's to my advantage. If I can get far enough in then it'd be so much easier to get...I stopped those thoughts immediately as I never expected what came next to send me screaming onto the ground, I only realized someone else with a bow and arrow had been watching the exchange heat up.

An arrow slammed between my shoulder and lower back granting myself a face first plant to frozen dirt. Yelling out trying to pull out an arrow head buried into flesh soon enough became impossible! I felt hot freshly trailing blood leaking down beneath a ragged cloak filling my chest with absolute frustration as bear man laughed somewhat disappointed, "Aw tough shit and I barely started having fun. Sorry chuckles, I guess I'll have to do you a favor and make it quick, oh one day you'll be well enough to walk." One massive boot of a foot crushed both ankles connected to my feet almost too easily. I shrieked feeling huge amounts in flat out body weight slowly going being applied to crush whatever I held beneath my own pale starved out muscle, I couldn't believe this type of shit was happening again and adding insult to an already screwed injury I could not even turn around to stab upwards for this fucker's guts!

Slowly but surely I wildly thrashed around trying to twist, or contort in any way to take some of this man down to size. But nothing worked as I felt a bone pop sending fresh urges to shriek like a damned soul in hell's gates! Not again, not again, not again god damn it! Shit, shit, shit fucking do something you damned useless sack of flesh, do something or be crippled forever! I tried desperately clawing away, or flinging back handfuls of dirt and absolutely going into a mad frenzy never once hearing laughter encircling me for a spirals of painful torment. Being forced to die in some frozen piss land of a forest wasn't how I wanted to go yet it seemed I'd be eating my words to say it happen, I screamed while trying to laugh figuring to go out on what little terms I could manage. Guess dying tonight is happening, oh wait he's just crippling me so dying would be a mercy!

"Boss! Boss!" Tears stopped falling when a new series of screams erupted around us! In shock that bear man took off pressure allowing me to curl reflexively into a ball to baby an out place ankle bone. I dimly became aware of someone shouting in a total panic, "God damn! Boss it's...it's not human, it just tore through everyone like a damned..." That voice got cut short in an ear shattering yell with something what assumed to be meat being torn off bone? I blinked in horror to look behind seeing animal skinned raiders fleeing out of the forest try to run down a road expect something even more dangerous had been lurking out tonight it seemed. I watched with cold shivers freezing myself in place to hear a twang of what sounded to be arrows released yet something shot out to impale a man into the air as he screamed in a dying struggle to be yanked back into a forest's shadowy interior.

Bones were crunched and broken like twigs except a hoarse shrill of a scream abrupt cut off into dreadful silence. Several animal skinned wearing raiders were trying to figure where, or what had been killing them as I looked over to see an underside of a horse carriage innocently vacant. Snarling I used my only good leg to kick forward to get underneath as something sliced across sending two separate heads rolling with corpses sputtering crimson geysers across an entire forest floor. More than a few droplets hit me full on in the face as I looked upwards frantically trying to see what in hell's existence had started to kill off these bastards. After another moment I realized only bear man himself remained standing I noticed his silhouette frantically looking left and right trying to find out what had slaughtered half a dozen armed men like cattle.

"Oh my...god." I heard him whisper in absolutely terror as I felt something heavy dropped to the ground sending me several inches upward. I cringed to pull both legs sprained, or not to be concealed by a ragged cloak once I understood what had happened to come out and hunt tonight. One massive humanoid shape towering over any man alive came around holding remains of a partially eaten skull in jaws extending vertically in an unnatural manner, I started to fearfully bite down every urge to scream once two golden slit eyes narrowed hungrily with a heart curling delighted hiss and soon enough the moon parted to reveal purple botched flesh. Two limbs with serrated claws for nails were eagerly spread as I watched a literal monster shriek spear tackling once a man into bloodied shreds of meat and gore!

Seeing a man being torn apart made hearing screams like mercy as bloodied splattered everywhere and more then its fair share soaked myself. I bit down on my tongue to stop whimpering once it became clear I'd be next if I squawked a sound, fucking god's grace if I did anything but remain still I was a dead man, I refused to die tonight and I kept my head low to the ground. Bones were dismissively crushed like twigs an actual monster chewed on the corpses of men like food, I inhaled lightly trying to avoid breathing too heavily to tip it off and soon enough it snorted satisfied to stand upright going after more bodies to devour. Unable to stop an overly natural reaction to cup my mouth as I nearly puked up water to sign my own death if I allowed it! Clenching both eyes shut tightly I kept silent frantically not even daring to move an inch.

Fucking hell, it's a fucking...fucking monster! Damn it Fickle you knew it'd been stalking these idiots in town, so don't panic or you're a dead man! Shut up, stay quiet and remain still! I told myself over and over again trying to avoid hyperventilating as those old stories of man eaters weren't just for nightmares and kids. These things were very real, they were alive and they'd eat any man alive just for sheer sport as I'd had heard rumors of survivors during taverns who got drunk off their ass to morbidly warn anyone who'd listen. I knew those risks when I decided to get out of these towns, or prisons or whatever they were called to be a home! It all seemed like a nightmare now compared to what I thought had be a blissful dream of happiness.

Minutes passed until I heard footsteps forcing me to peak past to see a pair of semi clean boots causally standing over bear man's corpse. Not even his face remained intact as two thirds of his internal body were displayed all over in a glory feast, I gagged nearly when I looked upwards seeing the owner of those boots. Due to being under a carriage I knew I'd been concealed by shadows as I refused to say a word in order to remain horrified. That tingling warning came back almost in sheer crushing despair when that clean shaven face had a bloodied muzzle for a mouth curling back into a smile, I started going stark raving mad when that guy absently bit into an arm belonging to a corpse around the road's massacre of a fight.

No, no, no! No way in hell he's a monster...one of those fucking things! I internally screamed once those brown orbs were no longer nonexistent as two amber slit eyes blinked horizontally. Casually kneeling while chewing on human limbs and organs alike I remained frozen as he hummed absolutely delighted. Again somehow I nearly vomited once he picked out an actual human heart to bite into it groaning in blissful rapture, I held it together if only barely to avoid seeing death's guide into hell's awaiting embrace for my measly flesh. God damn they look like us, I don't believe it but they look like fucking human, I thought those stories were just due to those crazy survivors being drunk yet I might as well call myself a saint.

This literal monster smiled so inhumanly large sent shivers up my spine. It casually looked up to slowly tilt its head in one fluid motion to deliberately turn to face me. I felt all blood freeze once two eyes narrowed familiarly playful as I lost all will to move once a gurgling question made itself known, "Enjoy the show, Fickle?" It asked laughing lowly with pieces of organ and blood being slurped around purple lips. Teeth were growing larger and larger to the point where flesh started to become dried due to extending jawlines snapping hungrily, I shook where I remained unable to say anything as those yellow slits of amber were gleefully watching expressions of pure despair racking my face now. There wasn't any point now as I yelped scrambling towards the opposite side of the carriage wildly abandoning all subtly to sprint as far away as possible to maybe have a slim hope to live.

Trying to run on one good ankle wasn't possible naturally yet getting blinded sided by something larger made it worse. I barely had time to get up to push off a carriage until I looked over to the right seeing purple and possibly yellow eyes to send my flying in a cartwheel of blackened coloration. I coughed loudly gagging for air as I got sent a good thirty paces away by another monster who'd been feasting on other corpses and it looked pleased to see fresh food. Numbly trying to stand up became another problem when fingers were dislocated, I rasped out a scream spitting out blood and dirt alike in one mixed gaggle of trying to breathe normally. Struggling to sit up wasn't half my trouble as I desperately used a hand not maimed to wield a rusted dagger trembling for a pathetic defense and I might as well started laughing madly knowing it'd be over quickly.

"It actually moves, I like it when they keep the meat tasty." I glared up fearfully if not desperately clutching a piece of rusted iron against a bulkier monster. It towered possibly three times over bear man's once easily determined corpse but I weakly spat at it demanding an end, "Fuck you! I'll take a piece of you before you choke on me!" This newly minted monster's eyes narrowed bemused before tossing a half eaten corpse aside to lumber over my prone form. I defiantly waited to die, I waited for one chance to gouge it's eyes out and possibly do whatever I could to be ready to see death. Holy shit, I think this thing can actually use one hand and crush me with one movement. Damn it, I'll take a piece of you to remember me by you fucking ugly...

Whatever I had planned, or whatever it wanted to consume me both were interrupted. That clean shaven disguise of a man walked over to merely push that gargantuan monster aside. I looked on in shock with a dagger's end angle to wildly lunge forward and yet nothing happened except for a huff of disgust as the two shared a look. Eventually that larger one lumbered off snarling possibly annoyed, or angered as this other one knelt down to be offer a mockingly thoughtful expression. Seemed like they were going to torture me senseless, "Choke on you Fickle? Why would he, or I munch on something that's skin and bones?" It rhetorically asked me bemused when I stared feeling all senses of danger mindlessly trying get myself to move away. Whatever this monster wanted it certainly loved to toy with its food, I'd give that much when trying to move away became utterly useless and redundant considering moving wasn't possible.

"Besides I'm feeling quite generous tonight, I do recall you'd be able to walk out of here with all this loot..." A monster motioned over towards two carriages along with possibly dozens of corpses spewed around in the surrounding darkened foliage moving under a light breeze, "...so stop fretting, I actually enjoyed your efforts to provide my friends and I one bountiful feast, so as a reward you get to live." I looked up refusing to believe those words as it growled biting off several fingers on its severed limb and it seemed genuinely intrigued at what I expressed. However I wouldn't accept being toyed with knowing death stared me in the face, "Just fucking kill me. Stop pretending you damned monster..." Immediately saying that word it laughed as if hearing the most hilarious joke it ever had heard. So lively it laughed it sent actual leaking bloodied droplets on my face as I viciously tried avoiding getting an into an eye.

"Monster? Oh Fickle, Fickle, Fickle." It chastised me ever so happily much to my own internal confusion once it pointed behind to all that exposed carnage, "You caused all of that to happen. You sent those poor little family members to be toyed around with your fellows, I saw it all and oh please don't forget you told me that you don't give a damn except feeding yourself to avoid a terrible starvation." Going wide eyed wasn't enough when it crouched down cruelly grinning as I remained silent unable to take back what I had said. I refused to admit I'd be wrong in knowing anyone would care for my fate, but to hear a god damned literal beast call me hypocritical just stung, I became sickened to understand it actually had a fucking point on me several times over. Blood seemingly went around to trail underneath my chin to gruesomely become a physical reminder it wasn't a simple nightmare.

This beast chewed several more mouthfuls to stand up snapping its fingers understandably grateful. I felt ill knowing what came next, "As a fellow monster I appreciate your kindness to get this feast together for myself and my fellows..." It's grin matched any known devil's to shame as it stood over me damning me with such admiration I gagged openly, "...so as such, I in turn will reward you, with all these wonderful spoils of your efforts. It's only proper to make a deal that benefits both us monsters, right?" That question got phrased so innocently it might as been poison mixed with an ale made by the very person who wanted to kill you. I wanted to start crying but I didn't deserve to shed tears for basically aiding a twisted fate to become a merciful massacre. Either way I wasn't a fucking saint yet I sure as hell refused to be toyed with like an idiot.

Almost mockingly kind its spare hand effortlessly slid me next to a tree's trunk. Several pools worth of bloodied liquid stared to slither closer to where I sat and I actually witnessed my own reflection staring back numbly. Yet I managed to glare spitefully to snark back, "And it's only proper for someone to get even when a fucking idiot uses someone who doesn't like being toyed with." That implied threat alone caused a creature not even human to clap once ever so beautifully, "Ha, ha, ha! I love those guts Fickle, I so want to sample them but right now it's not even worth it, so you get the next best thing dear youngster." It knelt down to patronizingly pat my cheek like an owner loved a pet learning its first new trick. God help me since I recognized mocking affection when spoiled brats talked about puppies or their own cats when family bought them.

Inch by inch I slid what rusted dagger to jab it where its heart could have been. Personally hoping it'd bleed to death wasn't that far asking as a miracle, "You get to live. I'm not terribly hungry anymore and I do hope you won't be as well. Maybe one day I'll find you again, I'd be intrigued to see how well you seasoned as you grow older and stronger, I'll be so tempted then." That promise wasn't ignored as I trembled realizing this thing would be back. I cringed openly while snarling out a biting threat which made its eyes blink possibly interested once again, "I swear you leave me alive I'll have you regret this day. If you and I ever come face to face, I'll kill you. I'll find a way how, I swear it not because I'm not a monster but only because you fucked with me, so I refuse to accept I got fucked with until I get even against an idiot."

Two amber slits narrowed either amused, or possibly intrigued enough to warrant an actual seriously response. Feeling faint most likely due to blood loss I started to lose my grip on the dagger's hilt. Struggling to remain awake I heard this monster chuckle ominously, "I'd like to see that happen only because you humans never fail to amuse me. So pretend you can kill something that's your hunter boy, imagine as you pretend to be anything else but our prey, so go ahead accept the fact I'm sparing you because I can. And remember that as you go to sleep every night for the remainder of your own life." I struggled valiantly to stay conscious except it stared to become even more difficult. So with what strength I mustered I gathered saliva and blood into one massive glob to have launch between what little space that were two massive gust of wind swept overly a newly minted slaughtered field with little remorse.

Blinking rapidly to remain awake I watched a monster idly wipe its face clean of its prey's fluids with an unreadable expression. It stared processing what I done in sheer retaliation before it once again snorting considerably impressed to stand back upright. Dimly aware I heard flesh tearing only to witness two massive wings covering an entire expanse of a road along with humane features distorted into what appeared to be an unrecognizable face. A face with fangs expanding as a serpentine like hiss became the last words I ever heard on this night. I heard only request when it gestured to two bloodied horse carriages, "Remember to enjoy your spoils of any hunt boy, I'll impart that lesson as a fellow monster and I haven't forgotten to tell you what to call me, so you may call me..." Its wings expanded almost quicker than lightning to have propel itself up into darkened skies as its last word became clear in both ears as unconsciousness took a hold, "...Yoma."

End Prologue

Author's Note: You have no idea how long it took me to brain-storm a few concepts while watching Claymore again, I seriously considered ignoring it but since I'm about to go off to work while posting this piece of potential, I'd like to hear thoughts. As much as I loved Claymore as a manga, I didn't feel warmful to the anime which is fine for what it is, I have the entire set on my HDD and watch it every now or then. I only wished they properly made it into something good but it got rushed near that finale which killed me, but overall it wasn't bad to view. But I digress I still love reading the manga time to time and fortunately inspiration hit me when I asked myself, 'Is there any decent stories with humans taking on Yoma, or acting upon that idea of being capable to kill them?"

I'm not vain enough to say humans can't do anything impossible but be food in that universe, yet realistically provided in the information. There's always been hints some humans who can slay regular Yoma and as well hold their own against Claymore Warriors, maybe to an extend on that latter consideration. It's been implied humans are developing a sixth sense apparently based on a wiki that hasn't been updated in years, possibly so I went with what my gut was telling me on this piece. If it garners enough attention, reviews and PM's asking me to continue I'll add more to it but primarily it was a flash hit to indicate I'm not prone to going off track with imagination. Sometimes writing leads into genres, concepts and even ambitious originality I'd could not imagine outright when it comes down to a realistic monster story.

Now the question becomes do I make this character an actual monster hunter with a realistic skill set, reality or possibly that cliche hybrid route? It's fascinating to really explore the depths and limitations of any Anime, or manga given what source material I work with. But again I digress I wanted to avoid that whole cliche start of tragic Protagonist who lost folks, who lost them to Yoma and goes on grief strike to kill them all and etc. So I asked myself, 'Okay what's the most commonly overlooked type of background any person in history has overlooked...' Oh did I find answer when re-watching when a town went up in flames, I came to an epiphany in using a bandit! It's fucking brilliant you have to use a skewered backdrop that no one realizes it's completely mind blowing yet it's common. Plus with a not so innocent kid who starts off pretty fucking jaded, it's fun to write. I mean I clearly pointed out a lot of problems with this kid's personality, so expect you to question what's exactly a good thing or does he deserve to live happily?

So time and time again I can't help but post stories whereas I'll take my time. I love quality and quantity now when it comes to posting any chapter, plus working third shift just completely fucks with me mentally. It's been real insane to work those time frames for the past month and I regretfully haven't been writing as often anymore, it's just hard when you need money and bust your ass for a living. So moving on, I hope you enjoyed this little prologue and I'll see what happens with the reactions to this new found story that I call: 'Fickle Sleeves'. This name alone that sounded ironically as a joke, I laughed when I said to myself fickle sleeves three times yet it also can lead to some dark and completely twisted foreshadowing when it comes down to the Claymore universe as a whole. Let's find out how twisted I can inspire many to agree in a review.