"No violence, eh? Then how the hell do you explain this?" Malu grumbled as she paced back and forth in the alley. "Where the heck are you guys at? Hurry up!"
"OH SHIT! VIENTO!"
"¿QUÉ LE PASÓ?"
"Cálmes a ustedas dos he's still breathing. I need you guys to get 'em back home though."
"What about you jefa? How about I stay here with you and let the lil whore magnet take 'em?"
"Oh, because I could really carry him on my own. Plus, how would I defend him and myself? If anything I should stay with Malu."
"Cállate, por favor. Both of you guys will go back together and I'll handle this shit here. I'm getting revenge for both you, and Viento as well, so let me handle this. Besides, I need you guys to get him up and ready to move again, so all four of you can meet me in Inanis."
The two stared blankly at Malu as if she spoke a foreign language.
"Helloooo? You guys suddenly lost your ears?"
"Where the heck's Inanis?"
"I…I don't know! Ugh. Look I'll make sure to pay attention on the way there and find out to relay it to you guys. In the meantime, see if you can't find it before me. There's only a few weeks left until this damn thing goes down and I'd rather have a team."
"Wow. That's the first time you ever asked for help, dude. What's got you so concerned?"
"N-Nothing. Look, something just doesn't feel right is all. The sudden change of plans, weird rituals, and this weird power-"
"Power? Whadda mean power?"
"Is that what made you so exhausted after saving me? I mean, sure, fighting that many people would make anyone tired, but something seemed different when I held you. Also, your hair looks just a tad bit darker too."
"Huh? Really? I hadn't noticed. De todos modos, just take him back and get ready ok?"
"A-Alright. Whatever you say. What should we tell Baya though? She's gonna be worried about you when she sees him like this."
"Tell her the truth. I'd rather not lie to her. Plus she'd see right through it. Vastago can only lie if there's a chance to get in their pants."
As Suelo and Vastago took Viento and made their way back to Mediocris, Malu sat in the alleyway.
"Something does feel…different. I don't know why, but I feel a lot more tired as of late. On top of that, Vastago was right, my hair did get a bit darker. And here I thought I ate enough to have my hair green for life. I haven't heard from whoever the heck that was in a while, but I can still feel her presence. It's like she's watching me from afar, but why? Just who are you?"
As the thoughts raced through Malu's mind she began to doze off before remembering where she was.
"Probably not the safest place to rest. I should get back to the manor. I was already arrested once before, don't need that happening…now what wait just a minute. What do we have here? Solis? And…who's the pink-haired boy? I should try and get closer"
"Yuh sure I'm allowed to be out here?"
"Y-Y-Yeah, you'll be fine." The boy answered as he struggled to get the words out.
"Eh? Yuh don't sound so sure lil feller."
"D-D-Don't worry. I-I-I just have a sp-sp-speech imped-d-diment. I-I-It's hard to talk sometimes around n-n-new people."
"Oh? Well, don't feel embarrassed now! I ain't gonna hurt yuh!" Solis chuckled as he smacked the boy on the back. "Tell yuh what, anytime yuh need a lil just ask Ol' Uncle Solis here to help yuh out. Deal?"
"Th-Th-Thank you, but I'll p-p-pass. He's really kind. I hope you receive the blessings you deserve in life. W-W-Well this is my h-h-house."
"YUH HOUSE??? Whatta the Prince of Fortuna?"
"N-N-No, nothing like th-th-that. I-I-I'm just a-"
"Didn't I tell you not to stutter in my presence? If you're going to continue being a part of this family you need to make us look good at all times you good-for-nothing loser!"
"Aye now ma'am-"
"That is madam to you."
"Ok, ma'am. Now look here, I don't mean to be rude, but nobody should be makin' fun of someone for somethin' they can't control."
"Ira…why have you brought this filth to my house? It better be good."
"W-Well you see. A-After he didn't work out, I f-figured he'd help out!"
"Help out with what?"
"Ah, so you're participating in that stupid tournament as well? Very well, I'll cut to the chase. Since you're in I'm assuming you want Menos too. Well, it just happens that I want it as well and will strike a deal with you. I get Menos and you can have a house here in Fortuna, as well as citizenship, and you'll be given the last name Mors. It's a name you'll want to have as we are one of the very first families to help create Emovere."
"Now as nice as that sounds I'm sorry to tell yuh, but I don't care about winnin' that damn thing."
"W-Wait what???"
"Then what are you actually here for, eh? Are you trying to spark a war?"
"Nah, I'm just here to get my brother back. You see, I don't believe in leavin' anybody behind, 'specially if they had yuh back so many times. "
"I-I didn't know…I-I'm sorry mother."
"You little piece of!" Yelled Lily Mors as she readied to strike him before being stopped by Solis.
"Now that's the second time I've had to say somethin' to yuh. Ima startin' to get just a lil angry with yuh, so ima need yuh to leave 'em alone."
"Ira! Get inside this instant!"
"No. He's not goin' with yuh. Come on lil fella yuh stickin' with me from now on."
"I-"
"Fine. Take the brat with you. He knows where his allegiance lies and soon enough so will you." Lily promised as she slammed the door on the two.
"W-W-Why did you d-d-do that?
"No kid deserves to be treated like that. Kids are precious things in this world who should be protected and cared for. She ain't your mother is she?"
"H-H-How did you know?"
"Aint no way a real mother would treat her child like that. I had a real mama. The most beautiful woman ever. She had a smile so wide it'd light up the whole room and a heart so big Eirini herself would be jealous. That's a real mama."
"I-I-I would've loved to have m-m-met your mom."
"As would she. Now let's get back to the manor. There's actually someone I'd like for you to meet. They're kinda close to your age. You'd like 'em."
"I-I-I hope so!"
As the two made their way back, Malu followed from a distance hoping Solis' wolf-like senses wouldn't notice her.
Meanwhile At The Manor
As Felichs walked down the hall a strange individual sat against the wall bobbing back and forth, humming a tune. It was as though they'd grown bored waiting for them.
"Ahaaa, you look rather confused, my good friend, but also very upset. I wonder why that is?" The strange boy acknowledged as he walked around Felichs observing them.
"His voice is sweet like honey. It's as though he wants people to feel comfortable, but something's off about him. Usually, I can feel someone's aura, but with this dude, I can't feel a thing. He's empty. Like a puppet or something. And those two lines going down from his forehead all the way down to his chin almost look man-made — definitely not stretch marks either. Then there's his skin…I've seen a lot of black folks, but none with skin this oily. It's almost as if he produces too many natural body oils. I think I can see my reflection in him. Just who the heck are you and why were you waiting for me?"
"Hmm? Cat got your tongue? Ahaaa! I know what it is. It's my suit, right? Yes, my master got it from this nice little shop in Brutus. I'm sure you've heard of Brutus, right? It's in Aidia if you haven't. Such a nice store with some of the finest people. "
Felichs continued to not say a word as they kept studying the person in front of them.
"Hmm, or maybe it's not my suit? Ahaaa! It must be my hair! You see, these are called free-form dreads! I know they're more on the shorter side, but trust me, one day they'll be long and beautiful! Matter of fact now that I look at your hair you appear to have the same hair type as me! OH, I KNOW! You should get them too! We can be twins and have ourselves a grand time as a duo in this Tournouá Tou Menos! Don't you agree?"
"You know…mom always told me to avoid creepy people, maybe this is a good time to fake a heart attack or something." Felichs continued to think to themself as they started walking away.
"HEY! Walt just a moment — you can't walk away when I'm talking to you! You're a rather rude one now, aren't you? Well, my master always told me that not everyone in this world would be nice, especially those from Perdita…" The boy frowned as his sweet voice turned sour. "Normally, this would be solved with a duel, but seeing as there's no fighting here, how about we play a game instead? I guarantee you'll love it and after the disrespect you showed me one could say you owe me this."
Felichs frustration with the person began to become noticeable as they took a long, deep sigh.
"I'll take your silence as a sign you're ecstatic and can't wait to hear the rules. Well, first let me introduce myself. My name's…uhhh, AHAAA! Heaven's me, I forgot you can't know my name for the game we're about to play. Silly me almost gave you the victory that easily." The boy chuckled as he pulled out a deck of cards. "Ok, so here's how the game works. Every card in this deck of fifty-two has twenty-six letter cards and twenty-six number cards as well. We'll draw until we've both taken every card from the deck. Then both of us get a turn to try to guess each other's name and age using the cards at our disposal. Remember not to show me your cards, but you can ask me up to three times if my name has a particular letter in it or if my age has a particular number in it. Now whoever is the loser must answer one question the winner has and it must be answered honestly. The winner then gives the loser three facts about them, but one of those three will be false. Are you following so far? If so, do we have a deal?"
"Fine," Felichs answered, finally breaking their silence.
"Ahaaa! So, you can talk! Isn't that just fantastic? I was honestly worried for a while because if you couldn't speak then it'd be a bit harder to play. Although I have played this game with a mute fellow before. A rather odd guy, but his heart was in the right place and that's all that matters."
"Can we get started already? I have other matters I need to attend to."
"Ok, ok, sit down and let us begin. Don't worry. I promise this won't take too long."
The two sat down and the strange boy shuffled the cards in a rather flashy manner shooting a few of the cards in the air catching them with one hand. He then placed the deck between the two and both of them took cards one after another until they both had twenty-six cards.
"I almost forgot to mention this, but the only way you win is if you get both the age and name right. Don't worry though you only need to get my first name. Oh and by the way you only are allowed to have nine of the twenty-six cards you have drawn, so make sure to choose wisely." The boy pointed out as a very sinister smirk began to grow upon his face.
"Three guesses? I'm sure I could guess his age rather easily seeing as he looks close enough to me…wait, wait, wait…why do I care about this again? First of all, it's not chess and sounds really boring. Second, I don't care who this weirdo is, nor do I care about any facts he could tell me. There's no way someone that's actually important in this world is participating in this tournament. I just want him to stop bothering me so I can head back to my room and sleep a little. Although if I win, I guess I could get information on him and that'll be one less person I'd have to worry so much about. Ok then. Well, I'm eighteen, and judging by his high-pitched voice and the way he acts so childish he can't be any older than me. Heck, he might not even be sixteen! He's definitely not younger than thirteen though, there's no way that psycho path added kids that young to Tournouá. Alright, I have an age but what about his name? That'd be damn near impossible to guess with all these letters. Let's see, he did say his master, so he must be a noble of sorts…those damn bastards…I'm gonna kill them…every last one of them…" Felichs muttered as they began to grow enraged. "I still can't believe that sick bitch and the disgusting creature she calls a daughter. Gotta calm down…I might not detect his aura nor can mine leak out like Fox, but my bloodlust will be noticeable."
"Everything ok there? You seem angry."
"I'm fine. Just a little stumped is all. Not easy to guess someone's name but ima go with you're fourteen because of the voice and your name's Terra."
"Ahaaa! Like the earth element! Good guess indeed, but sadly no to both. Please, try again?"
"Ok…then my next guess is fifteen and Ventus?" Guessed Felichs.
"Ahaa! I seem to recall a story of a legendary green phoenix that once made the skies of Emovere as its home before flying off to another world. Sadly, no to both although I would've loved to have been given that can't. One more chance."
"Fine lay guess it is. Seventeen and shit, I don't know, Angelo?" Questioned Felichs.
"Ahaaa! That reminds me of the angel who befriended a devil in this fairy tale I read as a kid! Oh, and before I forget, no to both, once again."
"You're laughing like you could do any better." Challenged a frustrated Felichs.
"Oh? Well, then tell me if I did any better, eighteen-year-old Felichs from Pauper!"
"What the hell kinda game are you playing?" Snarled an angered Felichs as they grabbed the boy by his collar. "I don't care if I lost, you'll answer who you are and why you know me right now!"
"It's all because of the cards. They see everything and with them, I'm able to know whatever I desire about a person. Not only that, but they also allow me to channel my aura into them, so people can't detect it."
"W-What the…no way…"
"Ahaaa! I'm only kidding Feely! I know your name because I heard it said a few times around the manor. As far as your age I merely just guessed. To be honest, you could've just lied and said I was wrong. Although, this game is based on the honor system and that wouldn't be very honorable now would it."
"Oh…well then why play if you were just gonna cheat?"
"Gasp! Cheat? Me? Never that." The boy answered sarcastically as he began twirling around before noticing Felichs' glare. "Ok. You got me. I get soooo bored here, and to be fair I am a kid surrounded by a bunch of grumpy, depressed adults. I just wanted to play with someone around my age and figured you'd be fun to play with. You seem different from others here. I don't know what it is, but you're the only one I ever sensed an inkling of hope from. By the way, my name's Tempst, Tempst Latrare from Brutus and I'm sixteen-years-old!" He answered cheerfully.
"Well, sorry, but I'm probably more like the other adults here. I don't really have much time to play unless it's chess. So, if you'll excuse me." "Well, that sucks. But if you ever want to hang out my room's this one right here. Just come knock on the door three times, not fast, and come on in. You're always welcome."
"Thanks. I appreciate it." Felichs smiled as they patted him on the head and walked away.
"Hmm, you're an interesting one, Felichs. Although, I'm surprised you weren't able to pick up on anything about me or my cards. Speaking of, I should go do some more maintenance." Tempst muttered to himself as his body began to creak.
As Felichs approached their room their body began to grow hot as they smirked devilishly.
"I know…that aura!" They said ever so slowly as they kicked in the door. "YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST SHOW YOUR FACE AROUND HERE?!"
"Wh-Wh-Who are y-y-you?!"
"Don't play dumb! You sent me to that hellhole knowing damn well what would happen to me! If you think I'd really just forget and forgive that shit you're crazy. That's for the weak and I'm not weak. I'm gonna bash your fucking skull in and make you regret ever living!"
"B-B-But we can't f-f-fight here!"
"I don't give a damn about the rules and trust me I'll be just fine."
"Hold on now patna. Just take it easy."
"And while you're at it, why don't you explain why you'll have it so easy? Maybe it's because someone's gotten cozy with the cabezas?"
"Listen here you lime-headed clown, I don't like you, so if you keep getting in my face I'll deal with you afterwards. As for you Solis, I still like you, so let's keep it that way and stand aside. My business is with this scum of the earth and after what his sister and mom did he needs to pay for their actions. Somebody has to."
"And you listen here I don't care what happened to you…you ever threaten me ever again and I'll have you taking out the back of your head.
Felichs turned their attention to Malu, while still keeping Ira in their sights.
"Now this is just…oh lawd what do I do."
"I'll deal with you later. Right now I want him then I'll deal with the rest of that sick family afterwards."
"I-I-I promise it w-w-wasn't me! I-I-I did take someo-o-one to Mother, but not you!"
Felichs eyes darted between the three as their head cooled a bit.
"I'm not wasting my time with this. You're gonna continue to lie, then I'll just settle this during Tournouá. You better listen because I'll only say this once. I'm coming for you and when I get my hands on you it'll be a slow, painful death. Then, I'll deliver your head to your mother and take hers too."
"I-I-I really thought we could b-b-be friends…"
"Friends? After what you did? You'll be lucky if someone gets to you before I do." Felichs threatened as they spat on Ira and marched out of the room.
"Wait! Before you leave, those people you're working with…tell them they'll pay for what they…every last one of them. As for you…what is he yapping about Ira? I don't want any serpientes in my presence."
"I-I-I don't know…I'm sorry. I'm g-g-going to go t-t-take a bath."
"Aye Malu-"
"Malum. I don't despise you like that la basura, but I still don't trust you either, Solis."
"Much apologies lil lady. Malum, take it easy on the kid will yuh? Somethin' ain't seem right 'bout all this."
"Yeah, he's a bad liar. Now, it's just a matter of what he was lying about exactly."
"Yeah…by the way I wanted to ask yuh somethin'."
"What?"
"Well, me and Ira were talking and-"
THUD!
"MI DIOSA! WHAT THE FUCK?!"
"OH NO, OH NO! IRA! WAKE UP!"
"He slit his fucking wrist! Mierda…why the heck would he do that!"
"Stay here with 'em ima go get-"
"Help? Allow me to take the boy. Don't worry he'll be fine." Tournament smiled as they reached down and scooped up Ira.
"No way! Ain't no way you're taking him!" Solis yelled out as he grabbed Tournament by the shoulder and whipped them around.
"Well, if I don't he'll continue to lose blood and die. So, if you'd do so kindly as to let go of me, I might just be able to save him."
"I'm goin' with yuh then. I ain't leavin' that boy alone with yuh."
"Fine, fine come along. As for the dog, be a dear and clean up the blood will you?"
"Chúpame la verga tu asqueroso…"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Oh, that's no hablas español. I said suck my nonexistent dick you creep!"
Tournament let out a slight chuckle before hastily rushing Ira over to the makeshift infirmary setup for participants as Solis closely followed. As the two walked down the hallway something, momentarily, caught the attention of Solis.
"Hmm, now what in Eirini's name was that? I swear I done heard somethin' like a girl gigglin'. Eh, maybe I'm just hearin' things."
"Do you mind pulling on those flowers over there, my dear?" Tournament directed as they laid Ira on the bed
As Solis pulled a flower another figure made their appearance, but not any member of the council.
"Ah, Servus my dear, you must've been with Solid. Well, now I need you to go grab someone for me. And take Felichs with you."
"As you wish, master."
The man made his way out of the room and began searching for Felichs, eventually finding them in the front of the manor.
"Good day Felichs, might I trouble you to tag along with me?"
"Just ignore him Felichs…maybe he'll disappear."
"Ah, you do seem rather busy yourself and I heard that you and your roommates had a bit of trouble. Well, if there's anything I can help with please let me know."
"Anything? Now that sounds interesting. So what can you actually do for me? Like, if I were to ask for my own room could that be arranged?"
"Hm? Is that all?"
"Yeah."
"Well then, once we get back I'll put in the word and you should have your own room before nightfall."
"Perfect. So, where are we going?"
"Pauper."
"Pauper? But why? What could you possibly need to do there?"
"Well, more specifically, your house. Your mother's aid has been requested by the one you call Tournament."
"If this is going where I think it is…I'll wait until we get home before I make any decisions…"
The two made their way outside and into a regular carriage that many in Fortuna would ride in. As they rode down the street Servus began fidgeting with the flowers until they came loose and fell off.
"What are you-"
"Felichs, might I ask a question?"
"What?"
"What would you do if your mother didn't make it?"
"What do you mean?!"
"I mean, sure Menos can save her, but that's still a few weeks away and by the time Tournouá Tou Menos is over it would be about a month until she gets it. What happens if that's too long?"
"Why would you even ask that?"
"My apologies. I just wanted you to understand that the worst possible outcome is indeed possible."
"Let me guess you think I should join them too, huh?"
"No. The exact opposite actually. Have you ever had a dream that felt a bit too real? Well, I have and I've had the same dream a few nights now of a mysterious figure taking the place of one of the members of the council. I don't know why or how, but one of their members will die soon and I believe you're the one to take their place."
"Me? There's no way I'd join. I already told your boss this."
"But what if you had no choice?"
"What do you mean no choice?"
"The flowers are slowly starting to grow back, so we must cut our conversation short. I'll leave you with this; emotions are a dangerous thing — you need to learn to control yours before they lead you astray."
"What is he talking about? There's no way I'd ever join them nor do I see a reason to do so. And what's this about Mom? No…she's going to be fine. I'll make sure of that."
About an hour later they arrived in the neighborhood Felichs had grown up in. They warned Servus not to leave the carriage alone as many of their neighbors had sticky hands, but he assured them it would be ok.
"Well…it's got a lot of personality…at least."
"Now look, I may hate this place, but with that said I don't go shitting on your house, so clench those cheeks nice and tight and go plop 'em on one of those houses over there — specifically that one beside ours."
"I'm sorry if I offended you. I hear kids your age like to crack jokes on each other and I always wanted to participate."
"Yeah, yeah whatever, now whatta want with my mom?"
"There's been a fatal injury and your mother's ability is needed-"
"My mother…who's dying from her illness…will not be used as a guinea pig anymore! So leave my house at once and tell that psychopath that just because they saved my life doesn't mean they'll get whatever they want."
As Felichs was about to continue they immediately stopped upon hearing their mother's voice.
"Felichs? Is that you sweetie?"
"M-Mom??? How did you? How are you?"
"How am I able to walk again? Well, the food and cookbook our visitor left has actually helped a lot. It's as though my strength has been restored. Matter of fact, just the other day I even made it to Mediocris."
"Why did you go there? Did you need more medicine? I knew I should've taken…I-I-I- mean gotten more."
"Actually, a rather tall man with beautiful red hair dropped a bunch of boxes off the other day. He's stopped by a few times to check in on me. He said you seemed worried sick about your mama." Sana giggled as she gave Felichs a big hug and kissed them on their cheek. "Oh, and as far as me visiting Mediocris, I just wanted to meet your friend over there. Bellus right? He's such a sweet young man. A bit too wild for an older woman like myself to be around too much, but gosh he made me feel young again. He even tried getting me on one of those poles. You better not be on those by the way!"
"Don't worry, I'm not. Although, if I ever needed the money…OW! Not too rough Mom!"
"Oh…oh my…sweetie I just realized, but what happened to you?!"
"Oh…the bandages…shit how do I explain this…I can't tell her exactly what happened."
"They're a curious child, madam. You see they happened to take a carriage for a joy ride and one thing led to another. Long story short, they suffered a few cuts and bruises, but they should be fine soon."
"Felichs…now why would you…didn't I tell you not to touch people's belongings?" Sana scolded as she grabbed their ear and made them apologize.
"I'm sorry Mom…and you too, Servus." Felichs said as they rubbed their now-bright-red ear."
"So, what is it you're doing here? I hope that little stunt didn't get you kicked out."
"No…actually…umm…"
"Your services are needed, madam. Another participant seems to have suffered a fatal injury. We don't know all the details, but it appears he slit his wrist. He's just a little boy."
"Oh no! Please take me to them immediately! Felichs cover the doors and windows immediately!"
"Mom…mom…MOM! Stop! You don't have to do this. Why put yourself through more pain for someone you don't even know?"
"Simple. I'm a doctor. We save people's lives and as long as I'm able to breathe if there's someone in need I'll do whatever I can to save them. Especially if they're a child."
"Even if that means you have to harm yourself in the process?"
"Now Felichs, I know I raised you better than this. You should always help someone in need instead of thinking selfishly and worrying about what'll happen to you."
"That's just battlefield talk Mom. Who in their right mind would rush to save someone no matter what."
"Someone who has a heart. If anyone could hear or see a person begging for them to help and they chose to walk away, they deserve to rot in the deepest part of hell. You would never leave your family if they were in that situation, would you? Well, we who walk this earth may not be related by blood, but we are one in the same race. We were all brought here to work together and help each other. Now cover the door and windows, so we can get to that manor before the boy dies!"
As the three traveled back, Felichs continued to question their mother's motives and she equally scolded them every time. Servus led the two of them to the infirmary where Tournament and the others awaited them.
"Oh hell no!"
"Felichs! Language please."
"I'm sorry, but no. There's no way in…there's no way she's saving him."
"I'm guessing there's some tension between you two, sweetie, but we just talked about this."
"Mom!" Felichs yelled as tears ran down their face.
"Baby, what happened."
"N-Nothing. Nothing at all."
"I hate to be a bother, I really do, but the situation is not getting any better for the boy. Sana, I've brought you here because I heard you were an excellent healer from a colleague of mine. I've also been told you have a serious illness, so if you can't I won't push you, but if you're able to I'd love for you to please save this boy's life."
"I'll do what I can."
As she lifted the tarp covering Ira she began to weep.
"He's only a boy…I realize my child is barely eighteen, but I figured only adults were allowed in this tournament."
"I only sought out adults. This boy was left on my doorstep beaten and bruised. After tending to his wounds he pleaded with me to allow him entrance into Tournouá and so I did."
"I see. Can you bring me a chair? My body's feeling a bit weak."
As Tournament brought Sana a chair she whispered something in their ear that made their eyes grow wide.
"Wheel of Breath: Gratitude- "Tears To Turn Turn Back Time"
She muttered as her hands rested upon Ira's hands.
As the tears rolled down her face and onto the boy's wrist, his wounds slowly began to heal. His eyes began to twitch before slowly opening.
"I-I'm alive…b-b-but how…"
"Well, you have this woman to thank. She saved your life."
"Th-Th-Thank? Why would I thank h-h-her? I-I-I'm going to be k-k-killed by that woman."
"You should be more worried about the person in front of you." Felichs protested as a pitch-black aura began to leak out of their body.