Fifty Percent Off (Mission)

Ardere cracked his knuckles as he walked through the streets of Magnolia town, to a small house at the edge of town, with a very large pool in the backyard. Feeling the wind against his face, he took in a deep breath of fresh air. Strolling up to the house, he would knock three times in succession, but not too loudly. He had been a polite person, even when the thieves who kidnapped him had beat him. Today he was at this house on perhaps the most simple mission he had ever taken upon himself, teaching a young boy how to swim. As he awaited a reply from the knock, he exhaled slightly, not as anxious as he expected when dealing with children. He had never dealt with children in a mission before, but in life he had always done well with them. The fire mage had learned how to swim many years ago, perhaps in a very harsh way.

WC: 161/150 Post: 1/5

After knocking three times in succession, Ardere was greeted by a woman, perhaps in her mid thirties. She was a pretty woman, and seemed quite kind, welcoming him into her home. Entering the house, it was very nice and well kept. They were not rich people, but they were fairly well off. The husband was a fisherman, but he still loved to fish on the weekends. The young boy which he learned was named Edgar, had wanted to learn to swim to go on fishing runs with his dad. Standing up, the fire mage would pat the boy on the back as he entered the room. Come on Edgar, let's get to it kiddo. Smiling slightly ,the young boy would return the smile. He loved children, they were so innocent and kind he found. He remembered when he was that innocent, but he had never been blind to the world around him. Growing up used by the bandits who kidnapped him, he had to learn how to do everything on his own. Without his parents he had no home cooked meals, no bike riding lessons, just pain and fighting. However he persevered, and now would use his powers to ensure others didn't have to experience the pain he felt.

WC: 210/150 Post: 2/5

Taking the young boy Edgar out to the pool, he observed how nice it was. Ardere nodded, and took off his shirt before jumping into the pool. Alright Edgar, come down and jump in with me. I will catch you. The young boy seemed hesitant, which was fair due to him being a stranger. It's alright you can trust me, I beat up bad guys and monsters for a living. The young boy stopped for a moment, then ran and jumped into the arms of the god slayer. Catching the boy without harming him, he would hold him up into the water. Alright now I promise I wont let go, but you need to paddle like you're actually swimming. Don't worry I'll be holding you the whole time. Watching as the young boy scrambled to swim, the fire mage made sure he didn't float off. Smiling, he sighed slightly. The boy learned fast, but it would take them a little while. Strangely enough, he was quite glad to help this young boy go out with his father. If he had the chance to learn to do things with his father, he certainly would have.

WC: 195/150 Post: 3/5

Still holding the boy, Ardere let him paddle and thrash around a bit. After about twenty minutes of practice, he would let the boy go. Keep swimming, you can do it! I promise I'll be right here. Nodding to the boy, he watched as he swam for a moment, then flipped around and could not continue. It's alright, I've got you. Catching the boy, he ruffled his hair a bit. Trust was the key to successfully teaching anyone anything, he thought. He trusted his masters, even revered them. This young boy seemed to revere him too, like some sort of super hero. If you swim, I'll show you my magic. The young boy's eyes brightened, causing the fire mage to smile a bit. Then the young boy began to try to swim back and forth around the pool, but it would take a few hours before he would get the hang of it. Edgar was a fast learner, and he was determined to be with his father. This sort of thing is what Ardere fought for, so families could enjoy each other and be safe. No one deserved to have their families broken up, and their lived destroyed. He would not allow such, not anymore.

WC: 206/150 Post: 4/5

Ardere watched as Edgar finally began to swim, after hours of practice and instruction his work had finally paid off. It felt good to teach someone how to do something, perhaps when he was strong some day he would teach others as well. Helping Edgar get out of the pool, the fire mage dried to two off and walked him over to his mother. The young boy looked very proud, and the sabertooth mage was proud of him. He's a bit rusty, but he got the hang of it. I'm sure he'll make his father proud. Patting the young boy on the back, his mother smiled and reached into her purse. Handing the fire king a small amount of jewels, she kissed her son on the cheek. Thank you very much, good luck Edgar. Tell your father I said you'll do great. Smiling at the family, he slid the jewels into his pocket and was on his way. He didn't like to take money from people like that, he preferred to get rich off of other rich people, but he wasn't a big time mage yet, he had to make his way in the world. He could tell his strength was growing, soon he would be formidable.

WC: 208/150 Post: 5/5