Mane's breakthrough sent shockwaves throughout the entire True Universe. Everywhere his name was mentioned, hope was rekindled and the people were revitalized. In moments of chaos the Supreme was indeed the best source of calm. However, currently, the one in question was not in the True Universe. Mane was just exiting the Nature Barrier's core. His blindfold was back on, for he needed to maintain some level of discretion. With the power of the Grim Reaper himself clouding both Aurora and Crystal, they remained unseen by the people of this world. Aurora wouldn't have been seen anyway. But Crystal could do with the help. Although she could have handled it herself, it wasn't a loss to accept the power of the Grim Reaper. However, her cloaking wouldn't last forever. The power of the Grim Reaper would fade in a few days. But it wouldn't matter then. Mane would be out of Amalgamation in a couple of days anyway. So he was fine with that. Besides, if he had to stay longer, Crystal could just use her own power to remain incognito.
"Is it done?" Ancestor Origin was the first to meet Mane once he was out. His dim eyes did not reveal any of his emotions. But Mane could sense hostility in his aura. And this hostility wasn't directed at him. For the old Elemental's aura kept flirting off to the building Mane had seen Dan enter before he left.
"It seems someone isn't happy with Dan being here," Mane chuckled to himself. "Though this old guy is good at keeping his emotions to himself he is clearly struggling now. I wonder what Dan did to set him off so?" Mane wondered. However he quickly laughed to himself when he recalled that he had given Dan some information before he left. It was an insurance to use against the Elementals in case they asked Dan to leave. But Mane didn't think his guardian in this world would actually use it. Then again, it seemed that his hunch was spot on.
"It is done, Ancestor Origin," Mane nodded in reply to the Ancestor's earlier question. The other Ancestors were behind the old Ancestor. And when they heard Mane's words their eyes lit up, and a hint of relief could be felt from a few who were unable to hide their emotions. Ancestor Bold and Ancestor Fire were those who couldn't hide their relief.
"They know something," Mane noted to himself. Amalgamation wasn't in any real danger. So for those two to be relieved that the barrier was intact meant that they were wary of something. And Mane was eager to find out what that was.
"Aurora, stay close to those two and come find me if you sense anything odd," he swiftly dispatched his Wraith on her first mission. For he needed to sniff out any details that may carry even the slightest stench of importance.
"Yes Mane," Aurora responded swiftly. Her figure flashed and she appeared in between Ancestor Bold and Ancestor Fire.
"Ancestors, I would kindly ask to take my leave. But before that I would like to thank you for your hospitality and kindness in allowing my guardian to stay here. I understand that having an Ancient here is highly inconvenient. In fact, I know that it is unreasonable that I made such a request, even if it was for the sake of repairing the Barrier. Hence I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to you for your accommodative hearts and pardoning spirits. In return I shall make sure that I settle my issues with my guardian so that he leaves Amalgamation today."
Mane bowed politely and spoke sincerely. Two years with Ashera had opened his eyes to a lot of things, including Dan's true identity. Of course he didn't really mean what he was saying. But he was very convincing in his thanks. And the faces of the ancestors which had been constipated from Dan's threats eased slightly. They had seen how proud Mane could be. The boy didn't see himself to be below them in any way. And he acted as though he was their equal. So seeing him make such a concession and even bow, was quite refreshing – and convincing.
"At ease, Ashera's Herald. You have repaired our barrier. Tolerating your guardian is the least we can do to repay you." Ancestor Origin smiled slightly and said. Yet Mane could still feel the hostility in his aura.
"I need to get Dan out of here swiftly," Mane concluded. Although he had confidence in himself that he could handle the Ancestor Origin with his current strength, he had literally just fixed the Nature Barrier for them. He may be able to deal with the Ancestors. But this was their home. With their power over the Nature Barrier, Mane would be in trouble if it was used against him. After all, the key he had was Ashera's. And it was only one. His orders wouldn't be able to overrule the others. Especially since Ancestor Origin was the one with the greatest control over the powerful Barrier.
"If I may be excused, I would like to see him now," Mane bowed slightly and left without waiting for a reply from them. But none of the ancestors was offended by this. Even Ancestor Specter who didn't like Mane was not offended. For that clause was just a polite statement people used. No one really said that and waited to be given permission before leaving.
"Of course," Ancestor Origin nodded his head. His eyes were facing forward, but he could sense Mane's departing figure.
"Ancestor, the boy seems to have changed," Ancestor Ice approached Ancestor Origin and said once Mane's figure disappeared behind the door of Dan's temporary lodging.
"Yes, I sensed it as well. I do not know why, but he feels a little different from before," Ancestor Storm chimed in with his eyes furrowed in doubt.
"Yes, the boy has changed. I do not know what happened in there, but it seems that the Barrier may have affected him somewhat. His aura feels much more in tune with the Natural Law now." Ancestor Origin lightly tapped his foot on the ground and said.
Since Mane was hiding his strength, none of the Ancestors could tell how strong he was now – not even Ancestor Origin. All they could feel was that his aura was more serene and in tune with the laws around them. Mane was a master of several elements, and because of this his aura was full of their scent and made it seem as though Mane had become one with nature. But this was inaccurate. This misled Ancestor Origin to believe that Mane's change had to do with the Nature Barrier. For the old Elemental thought that by interacting with the core of the Barrier, Mane's aura had taken up a few characteristics of the Natural Laws of the Barrier, making him more astute to the things of nature. To them who were Elementals, this made no difference in strength at all. It only meant that Mane's journey would be much smoother now.
"It is only one who is very talented that can gain the trust of nature. And he did that by spending only a few minutes in there." Ancestor Storm sighed and said. His words were well received by the others who agreed with him.
"Should we leave, Ancestor?" Ancestor Fire asked.
"No. We shall await his return. I reckon that the Ancient Prince will leave soon. Once Ashera's Herald is done with him he will have no other reason to stay." Ancestor Origin said and then elegantly sat on the ground. He cared little about the filth thereof. At his age few things concerned him. All that he worried about was his race.
"And what about the Ancient Prince? Will we really let him off?" Ancestor Bold asked. A cold light flashed in his eyes as he said this. Clearly he hadn't forgotten his enmity with Dan.
"Ancestor, the consequences would be grave if something happens to the Ancient Prince in Amalgamation." Ancestor Ice frowned and said. Of course she wasn't pleased that Dan had said the things he had. But the fact that Ancestor Origin stopped any of them from acting showed that the Ancient boy's words held some measure of truth in it. And the last thing she wanted was a full out war with the Ancients. That race was filled with freaks who had been quiet for too long. Antagonizing them was unwise.
"Indeed, but that is only if he is hurt in Amalgamation. As long as we don't get caught, it would be fine." Ancestor Specter chimed in. His words received more backing than Ancestor Ice's. Only Ancestor Storm was against Ancestor Specter's idea. In his opinion, Ice was right. Of course the others didn't care about right or wrong. Their dignity was what mattered most to them. As those who were at the top of the food chain in Amalgamation, it was an insult to them that an outsider had come here to offend them yet was still living here rent free. One would think that at their ages they wouldn't be so bothered by the words of one much younger than them. But they were. And soon there were two groups - arguing about what was right.
"That's enough bickering," Ancestor Origin clapped lightly and silence returned. All looked to Ancestor Origin to know what his decision was.
"Bold," Ancestor Origin called out.
"Yes, Ancestor," Bold responded with great eagerness, feeling that his wish would be granted.
"You have been shackled in Amalgamation for too long. I can feel your unease. Follow the young prince. And when there is none in sight, kill him" Ancestor Origin's eyes were cold when he gave the order. Even though there was no light in them, one could see a faint sparkle when he ordered Dan's death.
"I shall do just as you ask Ancestor," Bold responded with great enthusiasm. Then he turned and smirked widely in the direction of Ancestor Ice and Ancestor Storm in a gloating fashion. Ancestor Ice sighed faintly, feeling that this was a wrong move. As for Ancestor Storm, he only frowned at the command.
*****************
"It seems that Dan is in danger," Mane frowned. With his senses focused on what was happening outside he heard everything the ancestors discussed. Once he entered the house, he didn't take another step. He stood right behind the door and listened to every word that the Ancestors spoke.
"Crystal. I want you to leave with Dan. Protect him along the way and only return once he reaches his destination." Mane ordered. Although Crystal was weaker than she was in her prime, she should be strong enough to repel Ancestor Bold. For Mane could sense that the Elemental Ancestor was only at the 1st Stage of Ascension.
"Yes Mane," Crystal nodded her head obediently without a hint of defiance.
"Must be nice to have people to order around," Hildegarde scoffed from atop Mane's shoulder with a hint of disdain. Seeing Mane ordering around the subordinates he just got was slightly annoying. Especially since she was mostly stuck with him.
"It is indeed fun to order people around so I don't have to do all the work," Mane chuckled, before adding, "But I would never send you away Hildegarde. You are stuck here with me."
"So annoying," Hildegarde scoffed once more. But this time there was a large smile on her face.
Mane smiled and walked into the house. Once he entered the living room he saw Dan seated on a comfortable looking couch with a lazy expression on his face.
"You finally decided to come in. I thought you were in love with the door or something." The large gentleman laughed before embracing Mane in a strong bear hug.