Only Once

I tossed a bag of silver coins into the air as I sauntered down the street.

“Bag of silver coins? Yeah, right. They should’ve given me a bag of gold or small golds at least for putting goldilocks in his place,” I grumbled. I mean, sure, they always pay this much, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to complain about it.

Well, whatever. I can still buy a bunch of drinks with this.

I turned off the main road, arriving at my favorite back alley bar. It looked like shit from the outside, as usual. Pulling open the door, I stepped in, listening to the cheerful banter of drunks. Still don’t understand how this place is always so busy.

I took a seat at the counter before slamming my bag of coins onto the table. “Give me the strongest ale you got.” The bartender looked at the bag. “Hey, don’t give me that. You know I’m good for it.”

The bartender shrugged, making conversation while pouring my drink. “Planning on getting drunk again, Untouchable?”

“What else am I gonna do?”

“Aren’t you fighting the King tomorrow?”

“And? Even with a hangover, I’ll still kick his sorry ass.”

“Right, right. Here you are.” The bartender slid the ale over the counter. I immediately caught it and chugged it down. Man, the sweetness coupled with the stinging is what makes this ale worth it.

“BBBURRRRPP! Another!” I yelled, slamming the empty mug on the counter. The bartender sighed, probably annoyed like he usually was.

Suddenly, I felt a weight on both of my arms; however, I didn’t need to look over to know who they were. After all, the girls always hung off me whenever I came to the bar, looking for a good time.

“Hey, hey, Mr. Untouchable,” the brunette on my left said seductively, walking her fingers along my arm. “Did you win again today?”

“Of course Mr. Untouchable won” the blond on my right said, squeezing my arm between her ample bosom. “No one can even touch him without his permission.”

“Ha ha ha! That’s right! I am the best after all!”

“WOOOOO! Whistle!!” I heard the men going nuts behind me, so I turned my head. A redhead had walked into the bar, swinging her hips with each step. I could see why they were hootin’ and hollerin’. She was exceptionally beautiful in all the right places. I felt a smirk come to my lips as the redhead sat down at the counter.

“Let me show you why,” I said to the ladies as I wriggled out of their grasp. I could hear them swoon behind me as I walked up to the redhead.

I put my hand on the redhead’s shoulders. “Hey there milady, mind if I buy you a drink?” The redhead turned around and smiled.

Then, she kicked me in the balls.

“URRRGH! You–” I collapsed onto the ground.

“Don’t touch me without my permission.”

“Take me back to the moment before I touched her [Rewind].”

===

“Hey there milady, mind if I buy you a drink?” This time, I made sure not to touch her…yet. The redhead turned around and smiled.

“Oh, for what price?”

“You know, just a little fun after–URRGH!” She kicked me in the balls again! That wench!

“Take me back to the moment before I answered [Rewind].”

===

“Oh, for what price?”

“Nothing at all, of course.”

The redhead turned around and shrugged. “Eh, no thanks. I prefer my men with a little more balls.” You–AAAAHHHHH!

“Take me back to the moment before I answered [Rewind].”

===

~~~

“Oh, for what price?”

“Nothing…yet, anyway,” I smirked.

The redhead was silent for a minute, bringing her finger to her chin. “...you know, sounds interesting. Bartender, an ale please!” Augh, finally. That took way too many rewinds.

“So, what can I do for you Mr. Untouchable,” she said as I took a seat.

“Oh, so you know me?”

“Who doesn’t? An undefeated warrior with nary a scratch on his body. Word gets around.

“Also, it’s an open secret that you can satisfy any woman, even if your thing is below average.”

“Ha ha! You’ve got some spunk!” I laughed, a vein bursting from my forehead as we toasted our mugs, drinking ourselves silly.

~~~

We continued talking for who knew how long, getting even drunker and more rowdy. This redhead wench was finally starting to open up. Her cheeks flushed while her eyes were partially glazed over. This took way too goddamn long.

“So, is it really true that no one’s ever once touched you in battle?” the redhead said, slightly mumbling her words while staring into my eyes.

“Prying at my weaknesses already?”

“Well, nobody’s perfect.” I laughed weakly. A deafening silence hung in the air between us, even with the roaring bar. I had no idea what expression was on my face.

“...only once.” That moment was forever ingrained into my soul. I laid on the main street in broad daylight. Although it was hot that day, I felt extremely cold. My body couldn’t move.

After all, I was being murdered.

I had no idea what they looked like – everything was covered in a black haze that could consume me. However, they were the definition of a monster. Every action they took would make any corrupt noble or serial killer look like upstanding members of society. I could still feel him stabbing my body over and over again, clearly enjoying himself. He said something to me, but I couldn’t remember what, as if there was a fog clouding my memory.

Well, it’s fine. Because of that, I heard the rewind spell he used to escape. That spell is a blessing and a half, so thanks, you monster. I toasted an empty mug silently.

The redhead stared at me for a while. Then, she stood up, walking towards the bar entrance. I stared at her from behind before she turned around.

“Are you coming?” she said, nodding her head towards the exit.

Got her. I smirked, following her out.