Xeik froze in place. Xasha tossed a golden fruit toward Blossom, who caught it with care and gave a polite smile before being dragged away by her overly excited boyfriend. "Thank you," her voice travel over from outside the room.
Megan chuckled, "those two are so cute. Any day now you will have another grandchild on the way."
"Tsk." Xara sucked her teeth in indignation. "That boy? He's too focused on competing with his brother to do anything else. I really wish he could get over this and focus on being himself. I'm just happy he found that girl, she's turned him into a social creature at least. Keeping him outside the training arena, before he ends up like that Alexi."
"What's wrong with him being like me?" The gruff voice of a youngster walking through the doors already left open by Xeik traveled over.
"Everything is wrong. You only know how to train and fight. You have no social skills whatsoever. When are you going to come out of that training arena and start living life? How are you going to make friends and start a family if you keep this up?" Xara minced no words as she placed all the youngster's flaws on the table for all to see.
Alexi's confident smile left his face and was replaced by an embarrassed one. He did not have the words to refute Xara's as they held true. "I am not worried about any of those things. Life is long, there will be chances to find friends and raise families after I've accomplished my goals."
"Useless thing," Xara huffed as she grabbed Saxon and dragged him out of the room, not dissimilar to her son and his lover. "Congratulations on passing the assessments. You should at least take some time off during this time." With that, she and Saxon disappeared.
Ari chuckled at the spectacle unfolding before her.
Alexi glanced at the smiling Ari but retracted his gaze shortly after, almost as if frightened. His actions went unnoticed only by Lili, who was preoccupied with the pastries brought from the Culinary God Guild in the East Bay Province by the Endless Ocean.
Everyone knew Alexi had feelings for Ari, but she had never really shown interest in anyone, so there was nothing to be done. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Lili finally looked up. It was then she realized her grandparents were gone and Alexi was now in the room.
Realization flashed on her face, then a mischievous grin took its place. "Alexi, how are you, brother?"
"Hello miss Lili, I am doing fine. Congratulations on passing your first assessment," Alexi kept his polite demeanor.
"Doesn't my big sister look ravishing in that dress?" Lili queried with a bright grin. The mood in the room immediately changed, but Lili pretended not to notice. Not even Ari's glare at her gained any form of reaction.
"Miss Ari is as beautiful today as she is every day. I hope you don't mind me saying." To Lili's dismay, he actually handled that situation well. She turned around displeased and went back to her pastry.
"Of course I don't mind, it's always nice to get a compliment from someone as talented as yourself," Ari's response was just as polite, but everyone could feel the undercurrents filling up the room.
Verra couldn't take it anymore. She turned to Xasha and said, "the council is already assembled in the Sky Habitat, ready and waiting for your report."
"Why the Sky Habitat? Did something happen?" A concerned frown formed on Xasha's brow.
Verra did not reply but glanced at Alexi. Xasha nodded in understanding. He turned to Alexi. "Alex, come with me. With what you have accomplished, you have earned yourself a seat at the table. It is not official yet, but you should hear this report now because I will not be delivering it again once you've officially become a council member."
Alexi immediately became serious and gave a stern mage salute. His blood was boiling at this moment, his years of relentless effort were bearing fruit before his eyes.
"Congratulations Alexi, I had no doubt you would make it this far," Ari approached and gave Alexi a hug, "I will wait and see what you accomplish next."
"Thank you for your confidence in me, miss Ari, I will try not to disappoint you."
"Good, I expect nothing less." With that, she left the room, leaving behind a mystifying aroma. Alexi felt like he was floating as it passed by his nose. The hug she gave him left her scent, and he felt like he could never change his clothes or take a shower again.
"Alright lover boy, reminisce on your own time." Xasha grabbed his hand and disappeared with him and Verra, leaving the room silent.
After a few moments, Lili looked up from the box with a satisfied smile on her face. She licked her ten fingers, patted her belly, then declared, "Dad, this is the best pudding I've ever had in my life. Sir Clover has outdone himself this time."
However, there was no reply. In fact, the room seemed to be a bit too quiet. She looked around, only to find herself alone in the once-bustling room.
"Where is everybody?"