The aftermath of the battle left the Vespera backyard in ruins. Small craters dotted the ground, and the once-grand tree was destroyed—along with Abell's favorite hammock. Yet neither he nor Keeko seemed to care, exhausted as they were.
Abell had passed out from the sheer exhaustion of the fight, and Keeko had carried him to his room. As she looked down at him, her thoughts swirled. Where did that power come from? She thought, a deep concern settling in her chest. I never expected him to push himself this hard… She sighed softly as she pulled the covers over him. I hope you don't get into as much trouble as your sister did.
With a quiet sigh, she left his room, walking back to the training yard where their battle had taken place. Her body ached from the toll of using her trait so recklessly, but she needed the space to clear her mind. Her forearms were still sore from the force of Abell's attacks. Her body felt like it was shutting down after pushing itself too hard. She moved to a nearby tree, hoping to steady herself, but before she could sit, she was caught by a voice.
"You should really be more careful, Keeko."
It was Hugo.
"Ugh, you're the last person I want to see right now. What do you want?" She groaned, clearly irritated.
"That's not very nice," he teased, grinning as he helped her sit down. "I came to watch the fight. And it definitely did not disappoint. That kid's got serious potential. I knew I wasn't wrong."
Keeko frowned, her expression hardening. "What are you keeping from me, Hugo? He's my son. I deserve to know."
Hugo sighed dramatically. "Look, I'm not hiding anything from you. I only know as much as you do. But I do know this: His trait is very similar to mine, but it's like he can create objects out of pure luminous energy. That's not something I've seen before."
"If that's true he's going to be a big problem, for certain people in this country. They already have a problem with me roaming around freely." He said laughing uncontrollably.
"Dammit Hugo there you go talking weirdly again, can you elaborate?" She demanded.
"All im saying is he is going to be a big player in the future if he's trained right, but don't worry I'll take him under my wing." He said smiling pointing at himself.
"Whatever as long as you keep him safe I feel a bit better." She said sternly.
"Woah is the Iron wall Keeko, finally warming up to me hahaha."
"Don't push it." Keeko shook her head but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.
With that, Hugo helped her back to her room, and the night fell quiet.
Morning came with the harsh light of the sun.
Abell's eyes cracked open to the bright rays shining through the window. His whole body ached. He groaned as he tried to sit up, but the pain was unbearable.
"My whole body hurts… I bet she was holding back too," he muttered to himself, remembering the intensity of his mother's blows. He'd never felt such pain before, and yet something inside him still wanted more. He clenched his fists, pushing through the sharp discomfort.
Just then, Keeko rushed into the room, concern written all over her face. "Abell, what's wrong?" she asked urgently.
"I'm fine, really. It's nothing," he lied through gritted teeth.
Keeko was having none of it. "Don't try to be tough. Let me check you over." She gently examined his injuries. "Hmm, these are worse than I thought. We need to take you to Ms. Mary's clinic."
"I'll be fine," Abell quickly protested, but Keeko was already moving him off the bed.
"No arguing. You need to get these tended to," she insisted, leading him through the door.
The Main Street was busy as usual.
Vendors were setting up their stalls, calling out to passersby. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air. Abell felt embarrassed as people stared at him, noting his injuries.
"Hehe looks like Abell finally got taught a lesson from someone." The broodish man said.
"I wonder what happened to him, he looks really hurt I hope it wasn't malignant." A concerned woman said.
"I think his mom finally disciplined him, people heard loud noises last night at their residence." A noisy woman commented.
Keeko shot them a sharp look, and they quickly scattered.
They reached the clinic, where Astrid and Mary were busy working. Astrid rushed over as soon as she saw Abell. "Oh my goodness, are you okay?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
"I'm fine, just a little banged up," Abell mumbled, trying to act tough.
Mary, noticing his injuries, wasted no time. "Astrid, take him to the back and start tending to him. I'll be right there."
After a quick but grueling process of cleaning Abell's wounds with alcohol and applying luminleaves, the healing herb, he felt slightly better. His body still ached, but the sharp pain had dulled. Mary and Keeko walked back to the front to settle the payment, leaving Astrid alone with Abell. An awkward silence hung in the air.
"So how was the fight? Did you prove to your mom you're ready to leave?" Astrid asked with a attitude.
Abell frowned, still recovering. "You're still mad about that? I don't get it."
Astrid punched his arm, knowing full well it would sting. "Aghhh, what's the big idea? I'm a patient, you know," he groaned.
"Well, my patient's being an idiot. Do you seriously not get why I'm mad?" She looked at him with piercing eyes. "My childhood friend decides to leave without a word until two days before?"
Abell blinked in confusion, his face flushing slightly. "I didn't know we were friends…"
Astrid let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously? What did you think we were, then?"
Abell hesitated before answering. "I just thought you were practicing your doctor thing…"
Astrid shook her head, her frustration growing. "No, you idiot! You're a close friend! Of course I'd care if you leave just like that! Boys are so slow."
"Sorry then," Abell muttered, looking sheepish. "But I'm leaving, so I can't change that."
"I know," she said softly, standing up from her seat by his bed. "Just promise me you won't forget about this town, okay?"
Abell smiled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Sure, I won't."
Suddenly, Torin's booming voice echoed from the hallway. "ABELL, WHERE ARE YOU? I HEARD SOMEONE BEAT YOU UP! WHO DID IT?"
Torin burst through the door, rushing to Abell's side with concern etched on his face. "My disciple! Who did this to you? I'll get revenge!" he exclaimed, his expression deadly serious.
Abell, trying to rest, groaned. "Ugh, please, be quiet. I'm trying to relax here."
Astrid, deadpan, added, "Yes, Mr. Torin, please be quiet. We have other patients here, too."
"Oh, Astrid, my lady, I'm so sorry!" Torin stuttered, flustered and trying to recover from his dramatic entrance. "I don't know what came over me."
Abell let out a soft laugh, shaking his head at his over-the-top friends. He hadn't realized how much he'd grown attached to them. His mind wandered to the impending future—he was leaving soon, but for now, he could enjoy this moment. Abell looked at them both, feeling the warmth of the bonds, he'd built here. In fourteen years, he'd never felt this connected to anyone. And yet, as much as he didn't want to leave, he knew he had to. The world was waiting for him.
He glanced out the window, the world beyond Iridius beckoning, and he couldn't wait to answer the call.