Becoming Monsters: Winter's Orchid

Thank you OtterlyMindblowing for allowing me to tell a small slice of the world that AiLoves created. Even though I never got to speak to her, I hope that I do her vision justice. Thank you to alsith and TheNyxianLily for your reviews and feedback.

December 25, 1 AC (After Change)

WIth snow on the ground and despair in the air, KC waited outside of his apartment. Bags upon bags of wooden toys sat on the sidewalk waiting. His eyes flickered up and down the nearly deserted street. They only stopped when a forest green Jeep and large delivery van came around the corner towards him.

KC blew on his hands one more time before he waved to the oncoming cars. They stopped in front of him and a Ram Beastkin leaped out of the jeep and barreled into KC giving him a big hug.

This almost took him to the ground, as KC was a very tall but thin guy. He stood at 6 '5 and soaking wet he might weigh 180 pounds. His curly red hair was hidden under his beanie while his face had the attempts at a scraggly beard. The most defining feature besides his height was how his eyes always seemed to twinkle.

"Brandon, it feels like it has been forever since you moved out," KC managed to get out in a huff.

The Ram Beastkin released his former roommate from his embrace, "It has baaheen indeed. But it's good to see you!"

KC couldn't help but laugh as Brandon had tried to not let his new nature baaa but it still came out.

Brandon turned to the other people getting out of the cars. "KC, this is my guild. We have Carmen, Dalilah, Felix, and Jordan. Guys this is my best friend KC!"

KC looked to see a latina Aelf with a scarf covering most of her face, a woman with darker middle eastern skin and very long straight black hair, a huge blueish troll, and a man who's jacket looked like it was about to rip due to his muscles. "Well it's a pleasure to meet you all and I'm thankful that you all agreed to help."

The Middle Eastern woman spoke up, "Of course, as soon as Brandon told us what you had been doing since the change and how you wanted to give away all of your carved toys. We couldn't say no. Actually once we get to the orphanage one of the other group leaders and his friends are going to join us in handing out the toys. Everyone fighting back against the monsters were abuzz about the idea of bringing a bit of joy to those who have lost the most."

KC nodded as the rest of them greeted him and helped load the huge amount of carved figures and toys into the back of the jeep and delivery van with Felix, who KC had learned was the troll.

They drove to a building that had been converted into a makeshift orphanage for kids they found without parents or just wandering the streets in the chaos. A yeti stood outside with a few other people. They quickly helped unload all the toys and headed inside.

KC was able to smile and stand back as these people who fought the monsters that had threatened the city, handed out his carved toys to very excited boys and girls.

December 20th, 2 AC

KC had managed to get one of the abandoned shops on the eastern side of Denver and even secure the apartment above it. Not a lot of people were ready to move into the east side after it had been attacked from the Dungeon just outside of Golden. But KC trusted the people, mostly using the term Delvers, who had taken up residency in Golden and several even on the east side to protect the city and the residence.

In the last two years there was a major push led by former Staff Sergeant Harold Greenfield to help not only recapture the territory that was overtaken by the monsters but also to make sure that these Dungeon Delvers were prepared to enter the anomaly that was the Dungeon itself.

His shop was cozy and a nice escape from the horrors of everyday life while people still figured out this new reality. He carried a pleasant grin as he rang up a woman and her pig Beastkin daughter as they bought a carved doll he had just put the finishing touches on a few days before. KC carefully wrapped up the doll before he leaned down and smiled through his ever thickening beard.

"So, what's her name?" He asked the little girl indicating towards the bag her mom now carried

The girl's pink snout wrinkled in thought before she blurted out, "Bonnie!"

KC gave her a warm toothy grin, "I think that is the most excellent of names for a doll."

He then stood up and gave the mom a quick hand shake before they left, passing by a few familiar faces.

KC was already beaming from the joy of the little girl however seeing his friends walk in made him smile even more.

"Conor, Dalilah, Carmen!" He greeted the Ram Beastkin, the human, and the elf.

"KC" They all greeted him as they looked around the shop.

"Are you all here to pick up this year's donations to the orphanage?" KC asked, excited that the orphanage wanted toys again to help with the holidays. He made sure to make some beautifully detailed wooden dreidels and more animals to support the kids that do not celebrate Christmas.

In his excitement of helping out the orphanage for the third year in a row, KC didn't realize that a fourth individual had come in with his friends. His eyes caught quick movements as he realized that Dalilah had a shadow. As he looked closer he saw a Beastkin Snow Leopard wearing an oversized red puffer jacket whose eyes darted to every corner as if there was danger waiting to attack her. She was glued to Dalilah's side the whole time and shifting so Dalilah was between herself and others.

As soon as Brandon was near KC he asked, "Who is your new member?"

Brandon looked around and realized that he was asking about the other Beastkin. "Oh, hey Dalilah are you going to introduce our new friend to KC?"

Well composed as always Dalilah smiled and gently grabbed the shoulders of the feline Beastkin and turned her to KC

"KC this is our new friend and guild member Bethany. Bethany this is KC. He is Brandon's former roommate and a Tinker. He makes all of the toys we are seeing here," Dalilah introduced and explained to this skittish individual.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Bethany," KC responded with his trademark joyful grin. He looked over at this individual and can tell she has had an extremely hard life while he watched her give a meek wave.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment," KC quickly stated and disappeared into the back which was his workshop. There was something in the back of his mind that was calling out to him. It didn't take very long to find the wooden toy he was looking for and as soon as he found it, he returned to the front of the shop. He always had a knack of knowing what toy a person needed to help them through whatever they were going through. Seeing a person connect to something he made brought him joy.

"Bethany?" KC asked in a calm tone as he could tell the woman was very jumpy to get her attention without surprising her.

Bethany tensed up and looked between her three guildmates who all smiled and nodded to her. She cautiously stepped forward towards KC It was obvious she was ready to dart at a moment's notice. KC slowly revealed the toy he had found for her. It was a moderately sized Jackal in laying position but head alert.

"I wanted you to have this as someone who will watch over you no matter what." KC explained.

Her eyes went wide in surprise. She glanced at Dalilah who gave her a nod, before she turned back and stared at the beautifully carved animal. Her hands slowly reached up and took the toy from KC and as soon as it was free from his hands, she swiftly pulled it into her chest.

A very quiet voice came from the timid woman, "Thank you, so much oh my god he is so handsome. I can't believe this. I will treasure him forever. You are so nice."

A hearty laugh escaped from the thin man, "It's my pleasure! Now are you ready to help us deliver toys to the orphans?"

Bethan, trying to hide the grin that had filled her face, rapidly nodded while staring down at her new treasure.

Dalilah followed KC back to get the bags of toys while Carmen stopped to talk to Bethany about the Jackal. She stopped KC before they picked up the toys.

"Thank you!" She told him, "The toy probably means more to her than you can even realize. She doesn't really have much that she can call her own."

KC fought back tears as he simply replied, "It truly is my pleasure. Toys, no matter how big or small, simple or complex, have a way of finding their way to those who truly need them."

Dalilah just smiled in her ever graceful way and picked up a sack of toys as the rest of the group joined them.

The drive to the orphanage was uneventful and KC stood back with Dalilah watching all the Delvers that had taken time to join them in the annual gifting of toys. He watched as Bethany played tag with some of the kids and proudly showed off her own toy which he caught she had named Ammy.

This is why he made toys, not to get his name out there and be known as a toy Crafter, but to spread happiness and joy to those who could use it. The spreading of the holiday cheer that he grew up with and knew the world needed.

January 1, 3 AC

KC laughed as he walked home after getting off the bus with Brandon, Dalilah, Bethany, Felix, and Richard from watching the New Year's Eve firework's show downtown. They had parked at his place and took public transit into the city to avoid traffic. Carmen had also been with them but had opted to spend more time with a dwarf who she had struck up a conversation with and ended up being her New Year's Eve kiss.

They were all talking about the old irony of an Aelf and Dwarf hitting it off, but they were happy for their friend and knew she would be safe.

Brandon paused as he lifted his head and took a big whiff. "It smells smoky. Like a baaaaaonfire."

Richard casually replied, "Weird, maybe some people are celebrating with some bonfires."

KC just nodded his head until he turned onto the block where his shop and apartment resided. The source of the smoke was now clear. A couple of firetrucks and Caster classes who specialized in water were working to put out a massive building fire.

Before he could move, KC felt both Dalilah and Bethany hug him from either side. Partially to comfort him and partially to keep him from charging forward as the building that was on fire was the one that housed his life.

Brandon charged forward towards one of the firefighters calling out he was a Delver and a Cleric and to point him towards anyone who was injured. While Felix darted over to some people trying to move a vehicle to be able to better access the fire. The massive Troll was able to easily help them move the car.

Time seemed to slow while KC watched it all, everything he'd managed to build since the change, disappeared in flames. His eyes darted around, taking a head count of the other families that also lived in the building to make sure they were okay. He caught sight of a female Lesser Fire Elemental bolting out of the building holding a small child in her arms. She rushed to the human family that huddled on the corner as they cried in joy. Brandon had seen this and made his way to make sure both the woman and the child were both okay.

January 10, 3 AC

KC sat awkwardly in Camp Golden as the former City of Golden Colorado was now being fondly called by Delvers and people who supported the activities. Brandon had quickly arranged for KC to come crash at his place so he wouldn't be homeless.

The fire was determined to be an accident due to faulty wiring in the building next to his that had been abandoned since the Change happened. There was a small homeless family of Possum Beastkin who had been squatting there and accidentally started the fire.

He didn't hold them accountable as they were just surviving the winter months. He only wished that they had better access to safer living conditions before all of this happened. The Delving community and many others had come out in droves to help support him due to his charity work around the orphanage.

KC knew he could restart his life, however he just felt numb. There was the support to do so but the drive was now missing it felt. Bethany had even offered to loan him Ammy to watch over him, which made him tear up and he promptly refused telling her that the jackal was to watch over her.

The haze was lifted when Brandon walked in holding an envelope. He called out in a confused tone "KC there's mail for you."

"Oh, did the post office forward my mail already, not that I got much anyways, usually just thank you letters." KC replied, turning towards his former and again current roommate.

"That's the weird part, it was just left at the desk at the former City Hall with your name. No one knows how it got there. Just that it was there and addressed to you." Brandon stated and handed KC the letter.

Okay that was weird, but KC took the letter and looked it over. The envelope was a slightly yellow thick paper and a red wax seal that kept it closed. The wax seal with a stylized sleigh with a massive sack on the back. The front had big flowy writing that listed KC's full name which was unusual as he hadn't used his full name in years. Brandon only knew it due to the roommate situation.

KC popped open the seal without breaking it and pulled out the thick paper that resided inside. The letter itself was clearly handwritten and in the same cursive font that adorned the front of the envelope.

"Dear KC

You are a true believer in spreading joy to those less fortunate than you as it brings you happiness. This is a trait that should be treasured for all time as it is more precious than all the Dungeon coins in existence.

The reason for this letter is to ask a favor of you. Your presence is requested at North Pole, Alaska, as your skills as a Tinker who can create life out of wood is needed. Not only is it your skills to make beautiful toys that bring joy, hopefully your physical presence can bring a spark back to the Queen of the North. She is lost and needs a guiding light which you have the ability to provide.

If you chose to take upon this request all you need to bring is your tools, yourself, and white orchids for the Queen.

S.C."

This was not what KC expected, well he didn't know what to expect but it certainly wasn't this. He turned over the letter and the envelope and didn't see any return address or any other marks of who this could be from.

"What is it? Some sort of Secret Admirer?" Brandon asked, watching him intently with his large sheep eyes.

"It's a... it's a request for me to travel but it doesn't say from who?" KC slowly replied.

Brandon's nose wrinkled in confusion, "That's odd. What are you going to do?"

That was a very good question. What was he going to do? Obviously this was a wild request as he had never been outside of Colorado and didn't know how travel was since the Change. But that small voice in the back of his mind that helped him find the perfect toy for someone, was screaming at him to go.

"Hey, I hope it's not too much of a bother but can you help me get stuff together and a bag so I can head to Alaska. Something in my gut is telling me to chase this down." KC finally told Brandon after a few moments of thinking.

"Baaaarother? Never, you are one of my baaeest friends and if you feel you need to follow whatever the letter states, then I will do everything I can to help you." Brandon reassured him.

January 15, 3 AC

KC shared hugs and tearful goodbyes with his friends. Bethany had held onto him for a while telling him that he will make toys and bring joy to everyone he meets and she is so happy she got to meet him even briefly. He couldn't help but laugh at how this timid shy woman changed in such a short time and was now the biggest chatterbox in the world.

Brandon was doing his best not to cry. While Marcus and Felix both gave their wishes of good luck. Carmen had told him to not be a stranger and if he ever ran into any trouble to give her a call and she would come kick whoever's behind she needed to.

Dalilah was the last to come to give KC a hug and she whispered in his ear, "I'm glad you are doing this. I had a vision that this is much more important than you realize. I don't want to spoil anything but you are doing the right thing."

He nodded and let her go.

Dalilah now standing next to the rest of her guildmates and friends, "Don't worry we will figure out some way to make sure the orphanage still has toys next Christmas."

"Of course you will! I trust you all and know that the joy of the holidays for those kids are in the best of hands. If you all convince Harold to put on a red suit and a big white fake beard, I need pictures." KC laughed.

The plane ride from Denver to Seattle was uneventful. He was told that he should stay in the airport during the layover as the Seattle Dungeon had a nasty habit of randomly releasing monsters into the city and surrounding area. The airport gate agent excitedly told KC how he was able to watch last week as a Dungeon gate spawned within view of the airport and his favorite Guild, the Shield Against Shadows took down the monster. He wished that he had a combat class so he could join them but it wasn't in the cards. He particularly loved the Succubus that was a part of the guild as she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

KC was happy that it seemed to be a pretty quiet layover despite the gate agent periodically checking out the windows to see if there were any events. He couldn't help but notice how empty the flight from Seattle to Anchorage was compared to his first flight. Not much in the way of news had really come from Alaska where it wasn't like other states that were boasting about their Dungeons and Guilds.

Actually KC realized that over the last 3 years it was only recently he had heard any word on how the rest of the world was either coming out of the chaos of the change or in some cases not. Dalilah had mentioned that she had been lucky enough earlier this year to get in contact with her younger brother who had been traveling to Egypt with their mother's ashes when the change hit. He had been glad that she was able to confirm he was alive as she had put so much energy into taking care of their city. Tears had formed at the edges of his eyes as he thought back to what he had left behind.

Once KC landed, he made sure to grab his checked luggage as his precious wood carving tools were in there along with a lovely piece of white oak. After he had checked into the hotel and made sure his tools were safe, KC texted his friends back in Denver to let them know he had arrived, then the long day of travelling finally caught up to him, and he was out to the world before his head found comfort in the soft pillows.

January 15, 3 AC

Due to the simple lack of people traveling after the change meant there weren't many flights to some of the other cities around Alaska. Even with the size of Fairbanks outside of his destination there were just no flights and the roads leading that way were all beyond drivable, so heading by road was out of the question. This news wasn't surprising to KC but still brought a bit of gloom to him. He couldn't help but feel for all those who had lost loved ones or even their own will to live during the years after the Change. He did channel his emotions into his carving while he waited.

Eventually, he was able to locate a pilot who was taking supplies to be dropped off just outside of North Pole, Alaska. The offer to help unload the supplies and also pay for the trip was enough to secure him passage. KC didn't quite know what race the pilot was other than he literally looked like a walking bush.

"So, what's taking you to good old North Pole?" The Bush asked KC as he held the plane as steady as he could in the turbulence they were currently dealing with.