Clara stiffened
After Aradia had left, she decided to head back with Astolfo. It was mostly to distract herself and just talk about the hectic day they had
They were simply chatting and doing their own thing when Clara felt it
As a mage in the making, and ultimately a magic user, it was not uncommon for her to be sensitive to mana
Everything has mana, every day objects, food, clothes and even people who cannot use magic
The amount however, differs for each. While mana exists in the air, it is a very small amount. If someone isn't especially sensitive to mana or a high ranking mage with a lot of experience, many people can't even feel the mana
And thus, when Clara suddenly felt the mana levels drop in the air, she stiffened
Astolfo, he was a prodigy, doing both sword art and magic. Unlike most, who only choose one, he not only chose both but also finds ways to mix them
Using mana with a sword is nothing new. What is new however, is using magic with swords
How he does it, is still an enigma to Clara, someone who only knows the basics of sword art
Isaac though? He admires Astolfo for his ability to a frightening level, or so Clara jokes
But keeping both feet in two different boats have its own flaws, like how Astolfo isn't sensitive to mana, at least not at Clara's level
While Clara's ability may be seen as outstanding to some, in reality, if anyone wishes to become a Great Mage, this is the most basic skill they need
The mana dropped rapidly enough that even Astolfo looked up in surprise
Clara quickly got up and closed her eyes, this way she could follow the pull of mana without her other senses getting in the way
And like she had expected, she ended up right outside Ellen's door
Astolfo followed behind as well and stopped a few steps behind her
Clara's brows creased into a frown, she wasn't sure if she should knock or leave
She knows Ellen's abilities and she also knows her sister, and yet she can't help but feel anxious
Especially with how much mana was in the room. It was suffocating
At that moment-, there was a thud from inside the room
Clara's eyes widened slightly as her body tensed. The mana that kept getting sucked into the room suddenly all flowed out
She knocked on the door frantically, but there was no answer
She looked back at Astolfo, his expression was also grim. A complete opposite of his usual bright and charming expression
Clara opened her mouth, she wanted to ask him what to do, to tell him to break the door but she knew better than that
It was too impulsive, she should wait it out
Just because so much mana, enough to kill an average human, was sucked into the room her mentor and sister were in doesn't necessarily mean they are in any kind of danger
At least that's what she kept telling herself
Behind her, however, she heard the door creak open. Clara turned on her heels and her eyes widened yet again is surprise
Ellen's pale complexion made the small thread of blood on the corner of his lips stand out even more
Clara and Astolfo instantly went forward and supported him. Clara pushed open the door and saw a sight that made her blood go cold
Aradia was laying in the ground looking pale as well but there were splatters of blood around her mouth and on the ground
Astolfo grimaced further at the sight as he supported Ellen's weight
"I'm calling Miss Mei"
Clara said, nodding at Astolfo and sprinting out of the room
Not even ten seconds later three figures popped into the doorway
Mei rushed in and held Ellen, who seemed to relax slightly at her sight
She looked at the room with a complicated expression, with brows pulled together and lips downturned
Isaac was in a state of surprise. But he pulled himself together quickly and went over to Aradia's side
His hand shook as he stretched it out to check her pulse. He let out a breath after feeling it was steady
"Let.. her rest.."
Ellen said the words with much difficulty
Every one turned their heads towards him and after a brief silence Mei spoke
"One of you, come with me to take him to my room for the time being. One of you take Aradia away and let her sleep for now. and please call one of the inn staff to clean up this.. situation here"
Everyone nodded got to work
Astolfo decided to leave with Mei and leave the siblings to figure out what to do with their sister
After a few seconds Clara decided to go call the staff. She needed to get her emotions in check and Issac was far stronger then her
The last thing she wanted was to drag Aradia's body back
And thus, Isaac dropped her softly on the bed before going to find a towel to wipe the blood on her face
Isaac, by no means, was scared at the sight of blood, seeing one of his loved ones with blood, however, was a whole different story
As he carefully, with great care, wiped down Aradia's face he couldn't help but scoff
His hands, rough from practice every single waking and sometimes even times when he should be sleeping- hours of training, hands that are made to kill and defend, acting with this much care, like he will break something precious if he isn't this careful, is truly an ironic situation
Feeling satisfied with how well he cleaned the blood, he put the towel down and sat on the floor
He wondered if Ellen was doing alright or was his mentor also in a similar situation with the same thoughts as his
The image made him chuckle softly
"What is so funny?"
He looked over his shoulder and saw a very familiar pink haired girl enter the room
She looked far more worn out then when they got out if the illusion mansion. This day was truly too long
She looked at Aradia for a few seconds before sitting down beside him
"Nothing"
They sat in silence for some time before exhaustion took over completely
.
.
.
.
.
Aradia woke up to the sun's glaring rays on her face. She groaned as she felt like her head was about to explode
It felt similar to the time she drank alcohol for the first time with her friends. She woke up feeling like her head was made of stone. Back then she had been glad her grandparents were out of town
After just laying there motionlessly for some time, Aradia slowly opened her eyes
A bit of shifting later, she was sitting resting against the headboard
The window curtains had large gaps in them and the room was a total mess
Her gaze then landed on the two people by her bed. Clara was sitting with her back against the side of the bed and her legs stretched out
'that cannot be comfortable'
Aradia thought to herself
And Issac was laying with his head on Clara's legs and his own curled up uncomfortably due to the wall
Aradia sighed at the sight, it was cute
She shuffled around quietly before exiting the room. Aradia remembered all that happened yesterday, from the illusion mansion, to the little chat and lastly to the event with Ellen
Aradia could feel a barely there shift in her body. Everyone's mana is different and resonates with the person using it. Like how Lir's felt like flowing water; but Ellen's was like ice, so cold in fact, she had thought she would freeze to death yesterday
Right now however, she felt a lot better. No longer suffocating from the cold. Her system actually feels warm. Now that the gate-way has been filled, she can feel the mana in her body
She can finally start her plan of training hard to become a Great Mage with Lir's help
Speaking of Lir,
'where is he?'
After their chat with Clara and Aster, Lir had left to god knows where. Aradia didn't think too much about it back then, but seeing as a new day has already started and he's nowhere to be seen.. it is starting to worry her
The red head realised closely after she woke up pretty early, as it was barely six in the morning
And thus, she decided to snick into the rooftop of the inn
The cool morning breeze was refreshing. The sun started to shine like gold in the distant horizon, the sky slowly becoming void of darkness with fluffy looking white clouds overhead
Some birds she can't name, sung their song in the background
A cool breeze swiping by made her sneeze
"Bless you"
Aradia turned towards the voice and saw a very tired looking Lir. His robes were crinkled and hair a mess. Body looking like it was going to fall on the ground the next second. If he's eyes weren't covered, they would probably be bloodshot
"Did you even sleep last night?"
"What do you think?"
Lir bit back, his voice sounded hoarse
"Where did you even go?"
"You forgot about the meeting you promised that eyesore"
'who.. oh'
Aradia realised Lir was talking about the strange man, covered in head to toe in white with a eerie aura they met yesterday right outside the Magic Forest
He man was very suspicious and knew way too much about things even Lir, and yes Aradia likes to praise Lir for the amount of knowledge he holds but she will never admit it to him-, did not know about
In a hasty decision of wanting more information, she had agreed to meet the man again this morning
But with how things turned out with Ellen, it is understandable she was not able to do that
"That does not explain why you left at night"
"I needed to think about something"
There was no way Lir could explain his internal turmoil with the lack of sleep right now
He needed to decide what is the right course of action. Go back to his family and friends and lose the chance to learn about their lost history and this stupid red head he met by years worth of luck, or, stay here, explore, learn the truth and be with that exact red head at the expense of his family and friends
Lir thought about it a lot, it was the hardest decision he ever had to make but in the end, he decided, since he came out to the real world for the first time, he will make every second count
If that comes at the expense of his life back in the water kingdom, then let it. It may sound harsh, but it is what his heart desires and Lir is not willing to give up easily
"Well.., did you meet with Ming Baishi then?"
Aradia chose not to push, if Lir wanted to talk about what is bothering him, he will do it on his own accord
"Yeah."
"And.. what happened?"
Aradia wanted to scoff, it was a no brainer to elaborate on their meeting and yet this absolute child needs someone to spell it out for him
'idiot'
Aradia thought fondly
"Well.. do you want the short version or the long version?"
"What does the short one sound like?"
"The short version is: he wants to meet up again to go over the terms and conditions"
"What terms and conditions?"
Aradia said bewildered
"Of course the terms of our deal, he will help us out to.. supposedly find the shattered sword and we will help him find his companions... Do you believe him?"
The last part was something Lir had been wondering this whole time
"No"
Aradia answered truthfully
"But given that he has a shard of the shattered sword, we have no choice but to agree"
"Why? You have no use for the sword and you are not even a part of this body- so why?"
Aradia's lips formed a thin line. She could not just say it was for him, now could she? She could not explain that her whole life, she has tried to please the people close to her by all means necessary
But then.. they never worked, at least not on the woman it mattered the most. But now she has Lir, and she isn't about to leave this golden opportunity behind
Sure, it may not benefit her as much and may be a bad decision, but how worse can her life be, no?
There is not a lot left to see, she has hit rock bottom. The only thing that can happen now is rising
Which is why, in the end Aradia cracked a grin and said:
"Why not?"
"I hate you"
Lir said annoyed. He knew it wasn't the true reason but he is far too tired to push
"Just go to sleep"
Aradia commented, looking into the horizon again
"And what makes you think I wouldn't?"
"Oh, by the way, Issac and Clara are in my room right now"
"Got it"
The silence filled the rooftop yet again. It was nice though
They would leave later this afternoon for the academy, meaning Aradia has to meet this new guy before that, otherwise she will have no chance of coming back here
.
.
.
.
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The day flowed smoothly enough, Lir slept the whole day, Aradia had returned to her room before either of her siblings woke up, thus no chaos happened
She ate with the whole group and had the rest of the day to herself
Due to Ellen's poor condition, Mei was the one handling everything and Issac at her call
After annoying Clara for almost half an hour, Astolfo finally managed to take her out of the inn and to the market to buy little trinkets
The two would head back once they were done before the rest
And now, with three more hours left before they leave this place behind for good- Aradia shook awake Lir
"Huh-"
"Get up"
"noooO- lemme sleep.."
Lir's words came out slurred but Aradia paid it no mind
"We got important business to handle, get up or I'm dumping water on you"
That got Lir to open his eyes
"What do you want.."
"Meet that eyesore why of course"
Lir felt shivers down his spine with the energetic way the red head was talking
'This is going to be hell..'
"Aw, don't look so down. Get up, we are leaving"
And that is how, the two ended up close to the magic forest again, this time far more refreshed
They couldn't go to the destroyed illusion mansion anymore because some people, likely called over by Ellen, were cleaning it up
But that did not stop the duo from meeting Ming Baishi, who was clearly waiting for them
"Hey there old man"
Aradia said, purely out of wanting to get a raise out from this seemingly cold guy
"H- what did you just call me brat?"
Ming Baishi's sculpted face morphed into that of pure offence, like Aradia had just bad mouthed his whole family
"Nothing, you must be hearing things"
Lir was trying his hardest to not burst out laughing, his lips pressed tightly and face redder then before
"Why did you want to meet again?"
Ming Baishi cleared his throat, these children were definitely a handful to deal with
"It's simple, really, but I wanted to make sure both parties knew exactly what they were expected to do. So, in simple terms, you will help me find my companies and in return I'll help you locate the shattered sword"
"This feels like a scam"
"Pardon? Why so?"
Ming Baishi was taken aback at her words
"Shattered sword, everyone knows it's such a special sword and yet you will help two unknown children locat that very sword in return for something as simple as going back to your region to find your companies? I don't believe it"
Ming Baishi first looked surprised before his face showed signs of amusement
"I see.. well, first, these "two children" before me, one of them is the future king of the water kingdom and the second in an enigma with a soul that does not match her body, why should I not help these two? And forgetting all of that, think of it like this: children are good at heart, they wouldn't possible use this sword for bad unlike others who will let greed consume them.."
Aradia was about to speak up when he continued
"And lastly, this is also a way for me to locate the sword and if I feel like it, in the end I could easily leave you two behind"
That left both Aradia and Lir speechless
"And you expect us to help you when you say that?"
"What? Was this not what you wanted to hear? I gave you proper reasons, but you did not believe them. Alright, I understand, human nature can truly be cruel. So now that I have said what you thought I would do, why do you want to back out?"
That was true, Aradia did not believe him. The last reasoning he gave though, makes sense.. well- all of them do but-
"Did you just say her soul does not match her body?"
Lir, who had been sulking on the way here and quiet the whole time, finally spoke up
Aradia froze at his words while Ming Baishi's face bloomed a small smile
"Yes"
"You-"
"You felt it too, did you not? That is why you are following this human as a spirit, tell me I'm wrong if you dare"
Lir closed his mouth tightly
Aradia gave a long sigh before speaking again
"Fine old man, we'll help you but not before you do"
Ming Baishi smiled brightly
"Very well then, let us start"
"Hold on- we cannot do that- at least not now.."
"Excuse me?"
"We have to leave for the academy in a bit"
"Then how are we supposed to locate the sword, hm?"
"Well..."
Aradia looked at Lir with pleading eyes
Lir gave a long suffering sigh
"I hate you all"
He knew this would happen. And he also knew Aradia would make him use magic for teleportation at her will, because of course she would
Bonus:
*Aradia every chapter*: does the process know we are trusting it??
Lir: who's we?!
To be continued...
Hi people.. it's me, Yan
Oh god, where do I mean start-
Okay so, I dipped out completely because well, no motivation but then exams were right around the corner and I had no prep done so I literally went MIA on everyone and everything I do one month before my mid-terms actually started so I wouldn't fail
All while, having to go to the doctor, again. I don't think I've told you all but around the end of December last year I got diagnosed with POCS and many more things that are irrelevant-
Basically, if you don't know what POCS is, it's a hormone related problem
The symptoms include excessive weight gain, irregular periods, unwanted hair growth etc
And I've been on medication since then, each time getting a three month course that sends my body haywire
Last month, my body hair spiked in growth and my mom panicked and sent to me to a new doc and one EXPENSIVE test result later.. I'm on three months of no medication
Only problem? My period is a fucking bitch
It's only been one week and I have got my period. Again. And I'm so fucking pissed off
And I also changed school's and my new English 1st paper teacher is a bitch because he is absolutely singy about giving numbers- I mean in a classroom of 90+ students, the one who topped only getting 68, are you kidding me?? And the class toper only got 58 and she balled her eyes out
We also didn't actually get a break after the exams so I spent a week at home in pure rage and I have to go to school tomorrow but I have cold, on my period and my temperature spikes every few minutes and I feel like jelly because I almost have a fucking fever
Ugh, I'm so fucking sorry for not posting till now, I feel god awful
I reallyyyyyy tried to write man, but my motivation was nowhere to be seen
This chapter was also very hard to write because this is the end of an arc, the violet witch arc? It's officially over mate
(I mean it was technically already over but y'know, y'know)
So yeah, I'm so hecking sorry, which is why I tried to make this chapter longer at 3k words
Once again I'm so sorry
Anyway, I'll try to get back to my old schedule, aka one 2k chapter every two weeks but seeing as I've come down with the AO3/fanfic author curse, I'm not so sure anymore
Anyway, once again please forgive this lowly author for any grammatical errors
I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I liked writing it
Have a good day, afternoon, evening or night
And I'll see you all in the next chapter with a new arc
Bye!
Words: 3,572