"Hmm...what's going on? Why am I sleeping on the ground?" Tessia woke up.
"G-Grandpa? Where am-ART!!!!" She notices Arthur and bolts towards him.
Meanwhile Gramps' arms hung open.
"ARTHUR!!! You're alive!" She wrapped her arms around him.
I pat Virion's back consolingly, "There there,"
His head turned slowly and mechanically towards Arthur.
"I know you're excited to see your boyfriend is still alive, but still, you shouldn't ignore me you know?" I move towards them.
Tess releases Arthur before turning towards me with tears accumulating in her eyes.
Right before she slapped me.
"Ow!" I groan, "I guess I deserved that one..." I chuckle nervously.
And then, she hugged me, still sniffling silently.
"Sorry for doing what I did..." I mutter out.
Seconds later she released me.
Remembering her state of dress, I averted my eyes.
"You should probably cover yourself." I commented offhandedly.
"What do you-" She looked down and shrieked.
"KYAAAAAAAA!!! NOOOOO!"
*BOOOM!*
A sudden mass of mana, which didn't exist before, pushed all five of us back.
"What in the-" My voice got caught up in my throat as I notice what's happening in front of me.
A mass of translucent jade colored aura surrounded Tessia, the aura manifesting in the form of vines, which whipped around erratically.
"T-This...H-How?...mana formation of this magnitude....should be impossible for her." Virion stuttered out.
"Apparently no one told her that." Came my sarcastic reply.
Arthur cupped his hands around his mouth, "TESS! YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN!"
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! GO AWAY! I CAN'T BELIEVE NO ONE TOLD ME I WAS NAKED! I EXPECTED AT LEAST FAY TO TELL ME SOMETHING, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE CLAIMS TO BE LIKE A BROTHER TO ME!" She kept her eyes shut tight, and the vines were much more wilder now, and targeting me.
Not gonna lie, that stung a bit.
"Didn't you learn telling a pissed off woman to calm down never actually works?" Gramps commented as he jumped back, dodging one of the vines.
I was already in first phase, void stepping around the dozens of vines targeting me.
Is she trying to kill me?
Or are those vines affected by her emotions.
Either way we need to stop her.
I void step to where Gramps and Arthur were.
"I suggest both of you get back."
"What are you planning to do Fayden?" Arthur asked skeptically.
"You trust me right?"
"No."
"Yeah me neither.....Anyways you should seriously get back." I say before starting to advance.
But he grabs my hand before I could, "Don't do anything too rash Fayden."
"Okay, one being reckless is your thing, and two I'm not gonna hurt your girlfriend, so chill."
I move away, but not before noticing the slight red tint on his face.
"I've been using this a bit too much the last few days," I sigh.
"Canine Divinity."
And the world around me is painted black.
Wisps of dark smoke merge to form black vines to counter Tessia's emerald ones.
This feels oddly nostalgic.
Probably because you used the same tactic against the Elderwood Guardian.
Fair enough.
During my talk with Zeke, I was distracted enough that one of the vines slipped through and came right at my face.
I move on instinct.
Its a good thing as well.
Because now a chunk of flesh from my cheek was missing.
Alright this is pissing me off.
Disregarding my injury I bellow, "WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE IN YOUR FUCKING LIFE AND JUST OPEN YOUR EYES!"
Blood freely gushed from my face all throughout my shout.
She flinches at my tone and vulgar language, resulting in one of her eyes opening slightly, before opening them both.
She witnessed the scene in front of her with wide eyes, "What is thi-"
And as her gaze fell on my face, she covers her mouth with her hand, "F-Fayden what happ-"
I interrupt her, "Get your emotions under control, its causing your mana to go haywire."
She closed her eyes to meditate, and within seconds the vines disappear.
Conjuring [Tartarean Vitality] right over my jaw, I exit integrate phase.
"That was a low blow back there you know." I spoke, all the while washing the blood away from my uniform.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think before speaking..."
"Relax, it's fine. You didn't hurt my feelings." I speak, before moving away and sitting down, my cheek still healing.
Can't hurt my feelings if there isn't much to begin with.
I think morbidly.
You're wrong.
Huh?
Even if you don't notice it, you've progressed a lot.
How exactly?
Remember when you found out what happened to Arthur?
Yeah what of it?
What was your reaction to it?
I was panicking and in general disbelief.
Exactly, would you have reacted like that when you were still Markus?
...
You are a much better person now. You even refused to run away with just Uncle Arthur and Aunt Tessia, you couldn't abandon your friends.
...you weren't even conscious when I found out about Arthur. And how do you even know what I was thinking back then?
It's true I wasn't conscious back then, but even then I could sense your emotions through our bond. They were that high. And we share every thought, well you can't access my thoughts, but I can hear yours ever since you used Canine Divinity the first time.
That....fine I'll give you that. But I'm still apathetic to a lot of things.
I know, you will cure yourself of your condition yet Father.
I chuckle
What are you my personal therapist?
No, I'm your son.
Touché
"WHAT?!" Arthurs shout startles me as I jump.
"What happened?" I ask.
Arthur ignored me and placed his hand over Tessia's abdomen.
Right before falling on his ass.
"Oi what happened?"
"S-She's broken into the light yellow core level, and is extremely close to breaking into initial Silver."
And judging from his spooked expression, he wasn't lying.
"What in the actual fuck!" I exclaim.
Tessia glared at me because of my crude words, but I pay her no mind.
"I-" I raise a finger to object, before dropping it, "You know what? I'm just gonna accept it."
"What the hell did you give her Arthur? It's unheard of a beast will affecting the mages core. Or did it have to do with that orb you threw?" Virion asked.
"Actually my beast will has affected my core." He whips his head towards me, "Yeah, it is now encased in a translucent black shell."
"Black shell? I've never heard of a shell covering someone's mana core." He replies.
I shrug, "It hasn't done anything to the core though. It just acts as a shield. Maybe it is some form of a defense mechanism. Anyways back to her core." I point at Tessia, "What was that orb?"
"I thought it was some kind of elixir..." He replied weakly.
"Brat, if an elixir like that existed there would be war to win it. How did you get it anyway?"
Arthur had the weirdest expression on his face as he answered Virion, "Hahah....I got it for a silver coin Gramps."
"Will anyone explain to me what is going on? Are you guys joking?" She focused on her core to check its stage, "No way....how is my mana core light yellow now? That too with so many cracks in it." Her voice cracked as she said that.
"Little one...you are a peak light yellow core now." Virion confirmed.
And she fell unconscious.
"She just can't stay awake can she?" Arthur grumbled.
"Her body was under constant stress for the better part of a day, that and breaking through three stages took a toll on her mind too. She is bound to be exhausted after that." Virion picked her up, "I'm going to take her back home through the gate. She needs to rest, and Alduin and Merial are still worried. I'm looking forward to what their reaction will be. Tess is a silver core mage at the meager age of 13, who would have imagined."
"You could come with me if you want." He points at the two of us.
"I'll pass on that, now that I know she's safe and she knows we are too. We'll catch up when we get back to school." Arthur replies.
"I'll pass as well. I have some...work to do." I commented, thinking of the white wolf, Sierra.
"Alright then. We won't be meeting for a while, so get some rest you two." He gives us a wink before walking out.
"I'll be seeing you then," I said to Arthur as I enter my first phase.
And Void Step straight to my dorm room.
Alright, now that I am here, I might as well inform Nathan and the DC members that we are alive.
*Thud*
Turning my head to the side I notice Nathan standing there absolutely still.
I smile a half smile, "You look like you have seen a ghost."
"You're alive?" Were the first words out of my friends mouth.
"Apparently so. What you missed me?" I grin.
Near instantly he hugs me.
"What's with people hugging me after returning from the dead?"
"Probably because they thought you were dead." He replies as he releases me from the hug.
"Well that was quick." I commented.
He chuckles, "So how did you survive?"
"I have my ways."
"Come on, spill it."
"My beast will, Sylvie and Zeke were the reasons we could come out of there alive." I answer him.
"'We'? You found your brother?"
"Yeah, I did."
"What else did you find?"
"..." I don't answer him.
"That bad huh?"
I nod, "Anyways what are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be home for your vacation?"
"I came back when I got news of what happened." He replied.
"Aw you do care about me then."
"I do actually, you are a good friend." He shot back.
"..damn I don't have a witty comeback to sincerity."
"As you shouldn't."
"You can never have too many sarcastic comments."
"Thank you, O wise one." He rolled his eyes
"I try."
A moment passes and we both start laughing.
"It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back." I reply, "ah well I should get going. I still need to inform the DC."
"The DC? You familiar with them?"
"You can say that." I wave at him, before I exit the room, making my way to the Disciplinary Committee room."
Opening the door I see Claire inside, training by herself.
"Sup Claire!" I announce.
She snaps her head towards me, "You're alive!"
"If I had a copper everytime someone said that." I grumble.
"I knew you would get back!"
"Yeah, we're both alive and fi-"
I was interrupted rudely as she whacked my upside my head.
"Ow!'
"Professor Glory informed me of what you did." She justifies herself.
Rubbing my head I reply, "uh I'm sorry?"
"Just don't do it again."
"Yeah I'll be sure not to jump after my brother next time he falls through a dungeon." I deadpanned.
"You know what I mean."
I chuckle, "Yeah, I do. Can you inform the others about this? I need to get back home. I kinda came here without informing my family."
"Yeah, I'll be sure to do that. What happened down there anyways?" She replies.
My smile melts, "Trust me, you're better off not knowing this one."
"Alright, I won't pry."
I nod and walk away.
Exiting the room, I begin getting ready to void step back home-
"Fayden?"
I know that voice.
"Hey, Kathyln."
"You're alive?"
"Yep."
"I see."
...
Well this is awkward.
"Fayden, about our plan to meet up."
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that."
Only after saying it out loud did I realize what I said.
Shit.
Weirdly enough she nods as if accepting my response, "I don't think we will be able to do it."
"Eh?"
"We have been facing a few problems regarding a certain group demanding Elves and Dwarves are banned from the school." Was that a hint of rage I heard in her voice.
"Oh, it's alright then. We can always have it later." I reply.
"I know...but I feel bad for cancelling our plans, so."
And before I could respond, she came near me and kissed my cheek, standing on her tiptoes, right before running away.
...
"What just happened?" I absentmindedly touch the spot she kissed me at.
_______________________________________________________________________________
It took me a good few minutes to come out of my trance like state.
Then I used Void Step to get back home.
And after my Mother reprimanded for leaving while they were still shopping, we prepared ourselves for Dinner.
During which Arthur revealed that he had to go to Elenoir soon.
"Do you really have to leave when you just got back?" Mother heaved a sigh.
"Are you going to almost die again?" Ellie asked innocently.
"Eleanor! Don't say such things to your brother!"
"Well she's not exactly wrong is she?" I commented.
"Not helping, Fayden." Arthur growls.
"And why would I help you?" I counter.
"Grr..."
"Arthur," Father interfered, "I consider you all grown up now. I know you considered your family when you made that decision. Your Father supports it...especially since its for the sake of love." He grins.
"Ugh, not you too Dad!" He groans.
Even Mother giggled at this.
Elijah though, sat with his eyes wide and sucking his lips to contain his laughter.
"It's only for a few days, and I'll be with Gramps, besides the Aurora Constellate is next week, so I'll be home for a while. As I said, this is a serious matter." Arthur spoke.
"We can't keep babying you forever, not when you are growing up in so many ways. Remember not to rush things. I have faith that you will do better than your father." Mother adds.
He smiles at her, before turning towards Elijah.
"Don't worry I'll let everyone know you are alive and coming back soon." Elijah promised.
"No need, I already informed Claire, Nathan and Kathyln about us being alive." I chimed in.
"Thanks, I'll be back soon." He replied, and stood up.
After hugging everyone one last time, he departed.
And as he did, I spoke up, "I have to go back to Xyrus Academy tomorrow,"
"What? Why?" Mother asked.
"The Disciplinary Committee needs help. A group of students are demanding for the Elves and Dwarves to leave the place. But the DC haven't been able to capture them yet." I explain.
"I get that but, how are you involved?"
"Because I am a part of the DC?"
"Eh?"
"Yeah, I'm more of a secret member. Only the Dc members and Elijah know about it, Elijah because he was in the room when Director Goodsky proposed the position."
"Do you have to go?" Ellie asked.
"Yeah, sorry Ellie but this is important. And since Arthur won't be there for a few days, I'll have to take his place. Besides it's only for a day."
"A day?" Mother asked.
"Yeah, I'll be coming back by day after tomorrow morning." I reply.
"Oh, please be careful Fay."
"I will,"
A few more minutes pass as we finish our dinner.
"Goodnight then." I said, before moving to my room.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The next day I got up early and got ready to 'go back to Xyrus.'
I feel bad about lying to them like this.
They wouldn't have let you go otherwise. Unless you explained everything.
Yeah, still doesn't make it any less wrong though.
After Breakfast I and Elijah got into the carriage.
As we exited the vehicle, I grab Elijah's arm.
"Huh?"
"I need a favor."
"What do you mean?"
"I lied about them needing my help."
"What?! Why?!"
"I have something I need to do, and my parents can't know about it. So I had to make this excuse to slip away. Can you keep quiet about this?"
"I...fine just don't drag me in when you get caught."
I give him a half smile, "Trust me, I won't get caught."
_______________________________________________________________________________
Using the nightmare fox cloak to hide my identity, I make my way to the spot we talked in yesterday.
Moments later a couple hundred motes of light merge into the shape of a wolf.
"So, what was Noctis' reply?"