Contract: Making Of A Hero

It was raining endlessly that morning as if the skies was mourning. Simon stays inside a manor drinking a cup of warm tea. The drink isn't his liking but at least it is something that reminds him of home. A specific person likes to drink the same stuff. It is a distant memory of his. A person that almost changed his life for the better. His real name is James Lewis Cohen an average salesman of an appliance center at a downtown mall. He earns about average wage a person could have. It is better than nothing enough to pay his bills. His figure was average for his age, he had some extra fats but is not obese, short hair and chiseled face.

Ten years earlier he had a comfortable and fulfilling life. He could eat where he wanted to, buy himself clothes and treat himself. There's nothing more he would want but one thing that is missing in his life. A love interest. To him that time his career was the only thing important. Women, family and all those things he believed he is not prepared for kind of such things. Work, fun with friends and the promotion that he tried to achieve. Those are the things that mattered to him.

Everything will change when he met these new people in his life. Emily Slade and Thomas Fredriech, a secretary and a local businessman. These two people become friends with him during a party. Slade was a curvy woman while Fredriech is a thin guy. Both were acquaintances and nothing were in between them. In that moment James' world took a different turn and before he realized it he began to fall for Slade in two months of their friendship. Fredriech is a busy man but provide him with connections with his business transactions.

One day Fredriech suddenly got involved in a certain incident that paralyzed him head down. He and Emily went to see their friend who was bedridden. There they found in his home relics of unknown kind. They look similar to relics you can find in Egypt but is totally different in nature. James asked her whether or not she knows of their friends collections. Emily replied that she was surprised to know Fredriech owns such artifacts. A butler calls their attention two and lead them to Fredriech's bedroom. They comforted their friend who they did not see in weeks.

"I am sorry my friends if I haven't had left any news. There is something important I would like to give and pass on to you. These are gifts to my friendship to both of you. I believe you two are fond of each other. At least I would like to consider this a blessing for your future relationship."

Emily Slade chuckles while James felt a little embarrassed and replies with his face turning red.

"That's not funny bro, you know of my priorities. I have to become a CEO before I have to marry someone!"

Thomas Fredriech laughed and retorted at his bashful friend and said.

"No need to be shy my friend. Emily has a crush on you. You should stop acting like that and woo her. She is waiting for your first move!"

Emily embarrassed in what her friend told James replied on him.

"That's enough you boys! Stop making fun of me!"

The three laughed in unison and continued their conversation that night. Meanwhile, few meters from Thomas' house there were shady figures who were shadowing. They all wear thick coats and are observing from the shadows. The motives of these people were unclear but it seems like they were spying on Thomas.

The next day Emily and James went to their respective jobs. Both had little rest because of their overnight chit-chat. While heading to the mall James noticed some figures to have shadowing him since they left Thomas' house. He didn't mind it for he must be tired and is seeing things. He continued on his way.

Weeks have turned into months, the two are still visiting their bed ridden friend. Meanwhile as time passes by, the two developed romantic feelings for each other and became lovers. It was the best time of his life, as Simon who was once James at the time said reminiscing his past.

"What are you thinking? A past love perhaps?"

Someone suddenly interrupted Simon who was staring blankly outside of the window while the rain was pouring down.

"How does this guy know!?"

Simon asked himself looking at the person behind him. It was one of his companion, Anthony, a cleric of the Ivuku. He was assigned to help the Prioress Emmina of their chores inside the manor.

"I am right, am I?"

Anthony smirked at him as he caught Simon off guard. Simon tried to hide his embarrassment but was mocked by the Prioress herself and said.

"This pile of lard could find a lover? If I were her I would dump him into the river and feed him to the fish!"

Hearing this Simon looked at the Prioress and said.

"I lost a lot of fats already your eminence. At least this body could attract damsels like you. Sadly, you are not allowed to even touch me due to your vows... such a shame!"

The Prioress frowns in disgust in Simon's words and left the room. She orders the young cleric Anthony with her to continue with their chores. While the two left to continue with their duties. Simon continues to sip his drink observing the rain outside reminiscing of his past.

Meanwhile somewhere in the wilderness a Prior was training his disciple under the rain. His disciple is a petite young woman who has a scar on her cheek. She is equipped with a pistol on her left hand and a dagger on her right. Her hair is scarlet and has a pale complexion. She was observing eagerly at her surroundings.

"That's enough with today Karmina Sledge."

The Prior said calling his disciple to rest.

"I am not done yet!"