Chapter 40
A calm and quiet atmosphere hovered above the group of warriors. They stood silent as the elements of the building continued to swirl around them making up the walls and floors of their solitude. Each one seemed deep in thought. No one wanted to break the silence for fear of mishandling the gravity of the information they had just received. Finally, an unexpected voice started the questioning.
"I think I understand most of what you've said, but there's something I can't wrap my mind around." The deep voice came from Chikara. The group was somewhat surprised to hear from him since he had been fairly withdrawn ever since his battle with Ignis. It seemed to them that he had been doing some soul-searching. "I don't think I understand your motives for bringing us here. I mean, I know that you said protecting people was part of your original purpose, and it looks like you guys want to get back to that. But, as a warrior, it just seems like a bad call. You really don't know us very well, we could be spies. That would be really dangerous for you. You said yourself how formidable your enemy is. What could you possibly hope to accomplish by telling us your secrets?"
"What you speak of was actually a group decision," Lux answered as he took a single step forward. "Together we arrived at the realization that we cannot choose which person is capable of change. Therefore, the only reasonable response is to present everyone with a chance. If given the opportunity, we will even offer such a choice to the Alpha. He is corrupted by the nature energy just as you all were. Although, I am aware that he would likely have chosen many of the same things apart from its influence." He smiled, then nodded at the three former gammas, "I understand your apprehension. You fear you have no power left to resist him. Fear not, we will find an appropriate means for you to do battle if it is your wish to continue with us. Alternatively, you may simply stay here amongst our people if all you seek is peace and safety."
The three gammas looked at one another briefly, ending in one of them clearing their throat, "I don't suppose there is much deliberation to be had." It was Kinzoku. His eyes shot daggers in Luna's direction, "We would definitely like to fight. After all, I can't allow this young woman to keep outshining me." The mood seemed to lighten with the strange man's joke. A few of them even laughed, Solis probably too much.
The laughter was cut short by a familiar voice and tone, "Do we still have time to ask questions?"
"For you, Thaddaeus? Of course." Lux said.
"Oh good, I was worried that I missed my chance. The story answered a lot of my questions, but I still have at least one big one. Your wolf form. How does that work? And, am I right in thinking that you were the giant wolf that carried us away from the fight?"
The group quieted down once again, they seemed intrigued by this topic. Turning to see Telucani staring at him, Lux met her gaze. He could see a request hidden there which she didn't need to voice. Her light blue eyes communicated just as well as if she were using words. He stepped aside and gave her a humble bow. She giggled at his response to her. In most cases, she might interpret an action like this as sarcastic, but not from her life socis. She knew him, and one thing she absolutely adored about him was that he treated her like she was a princess. Perhaps the thing she liked most was that he was the one deserving of such behavior, yet by his actions an outsider would certainly infer the opposite to be true.
He, in turn, valued Telu's unflinching trust in him. Even when he didn't deserve it, she believed in him and supported him. He felt that she perfectly represented unfailing love and grace. At this point in his life, Lux was genuinely unsure whether or not others could possibly understand her innate beauty. Surely, it was impossible for anyone to see her in her true light. He had begun to suspect that when he looked at her, he didn't just see her physical appearance anymore. He couldn't bring himself to disregard her enchanting nature. When he looked upon her face, it was as though he beheld the open sea at sunset.
Telu stepped forward, "If it is quite alright, I would like to speak on behalf of My Lux concerning this matter. Yes, by our nature, we are wolves. We are born as such, and we remain so to this day. We are connected to our land through our spirits. I will show you a vision, a display of our identity."
She moved her arms in distinct, fluid motions as if she were creating invisible designs in the air. Then, a light blue form began to take shape above her hands. It slowly took on characteristics of a wolf. Once it was full, it became clear that it was the manifestation of her spirit. It moved in place as if it was a wolf living in its natural habitat. It appeared to run and even howl, but never left the space above her hands.
"Our spirits live freely in this realm," she continued. "They are the connection between our bodies and the energy which flows around us. However, they cannot travel to other realms with us. They remain here in a weakened state keeping us anchored to this realm. This is the only way we do not lose all spirit energy upon leaving our home. The spirit channels a string energy from here to our location in whatever world we visit. In this sense, it is as though we are in two places at once. This is the way we are designed. Therefore, if our bodies are not here we cannot transform, but we still have the power to harness our energy. My Lux performed a process we had previously believed impossible. He willed his spirit into another world. It could have killed him. His spirit could have broken apart from the strain before it ever reached him. I imagine it would also be possible to lose all spirit energy on Atlas and fade away altogether. We were truly unsure of all the dangers, but they were ultimately of no importance." She turned and locked her eyes on Lux again, "My Light would not fail if fate itself opposed him."
"I see," Thaddaeus looked shocked, "So your spirits wander around here doing whatever they want?"
"What? Do not be ridiculous," Ignis spoke up from beside the young lad. His tone made it seem as though he was trying to keep the question from being heard. Then, he whispered angrily, "Are you attempting to sound insane? Surely you understand that a spirit must dwell inside a person. Telu was speaking metaphorically. Even when we were on Atlas they were inside of us, but they were simply connected to our home through the spirit world."
Thaddaeus began to ask him another question, but Ignis held up his hand to quiet him. Then, the large warrior raised his voice, "Everyone has been given the necessary information to decide on your own paths for the future. We have run out of time for now. Our Tempestas must go to prepare for his inauguration. I suggest everyone else prepare in their own ways." With this announcement, they each split up and exited the building.