"oh… looks like they finally noticed the damage they've caused" said William with an exasperated expression… "yeah seems so… what do you suppose they where talking about all this time for them not to notice their surroundings sooner" said Alice with a smile and a hint of jealousy on her tone… "well here they come, we can direct that question to them now" said William, staring in the direction of Jericho and Erica as they made their way towards them…
"William, Alice… um… was-was this caused by I and Jericho's mock battle" Erica asked with a shocked and nervous tone, William took a deep breathe and then he let lose… "commander, I knew you were up to something when I notice you had changed your training routine, but I could have never imagined this… you just mastered something you only found out about just two week ago, you are amazing" said William with a smile… "{wait, his not gonna scold us/them}" said Alice, Erica and Jericho simultaneously in their thoughts, there were all so surprise of the reaction from William… "hey did one of my attacks hit Willy in the head by any chance" Erica asked Alice in a whisper… "nope, that is all Willy" Alice replied with a laugh… "hey, I heard that…. (sigh) why didn't you tell us you had gotten this far commander" William asked with an impressed expression on his face… "well a lot was happening and I didn't have the chance to say anything, but to be honest, I am glad I wasn't able to say anything, the surprises on your faces is well worth it (laughed)… and besides, to the knights who still thinks this was a waste of time, cause there was no way for us to do the things they saw Jace and his generals do… this display should at least change their minds and lift their spirits" Erica replied with a smile… "(smile) I see now… good call as always commander" William replied with a nod of approval… "so commander, could you explain that flame you used, it wasn't an ordinary flame, it was much more dense and incredibly hot, it didn't look like fire at all… what was it" Alice asked with excitement and curiosity in her voice, Erica herself looked so confused as she was trying to think back at what she did, they all turned their gaze at Jericho for some explanation, feeling all their gaze at once startled Jericho, and he let out a light yelp… "(clears his throat)… what Erica was able to use was the second class of the fire element called INFERNO… it is much much more powerful than a normal flame…we have four basic element that will be the core of soul energy in the world, and they are… WATER, FIRE, WIND and EARTH, and then we have the CHAOS CLASS ELEMENTS, which are rare forms of abilities that doesn't fall under the class of the four basic elements, like my Mercury (he displayed it in the palm of his hand)" ..… "I see… fascinating indeed… wait, you said the commander's flame was the second class of the fire element yes?, so what are the others, and does the other element have different classes too" ..… "well yes… in the fire element we have FIRE, INFERNO and the highest class LAVA… in the water element we have, WATER, FOG and the highest class ICE… in the earth element we have, EARTH, SAND and the highest class GROWTH… and lastly in the wind element we have, WIND, HURRICANE and the highest class STORM… it's the same for the Chaos Classes, but they are infinite so I can't really list them all out for you, but I can tell you mine, my Mercury is the third and highest stage of it's class, the other two are, METAL, the lowest class, and CRYSTAL, the middle class" Jericho concluded his explanation… "I understand now, but how did Erica go about calling upon her class, how did she end up with the fire element and inferno class" ... "well… according to my masters, you get your abilities based on your character as a person and your will and drive… I think… in Erica's case I guess the flames was really drawn to her strong will and fighting spirit" Jericho replied with a smile while staring at Erica, Alice eyes followed and she saw the look on his face and her heart felt heavy, Erica was turning beet red and couldn't make eye contact…"one day when I was meditating, I felt this heat resonating within me, it was like an energy was trying to get out somehow, I was sweating a lot, my hands glowed but I still couldn't let it out, I had to suppress it which was difficult, then I picked up my sword, and concentrated on passing it through the sword, but that first attempt was very unsuccessful, I added too much and it immediately shattered the sword… took a while but I managed to learn how to control the amount of soul energy that a normal sword can handle" Erica explained trying to distract herself… "so you're saying what we just witness wasn't you full potential" Alice asked with a look surprise in her voice… "(laugh) yeah, I had to manage my sword for the fight to last longer, if I really went all out the fight wouldn't have been that long… but still I guess it was only good for two attacks" Erica replied with a thinking expression… "true… we have to decide on a date to go get that material we discussed about" said Jericho with a serious expression… "you mean the Luxton star yes, at Mist… with what you told us, that won't be an easy mission" William added with a worried expression… "I know what you mean, can't believe Greater Dragons really do exist… am both so excited and terrified of the thought of actually meeting one" said Erica with a smile but also a worried look… "yes, that's why deciding on us to prepare ourselves by learning at least the basics of soul energy manipulation is very important, just in case… there is a chance we will run into one… {I really do feel lord Nea Zoi jinx me}" said Jericho, concluding the last statement in his thoughts, they all now fell silent for a while before someone spoke… "so the Chaos Elements? Are humans also able to use it, or is it a gods only thing" Alice asked still gazing at both Erica and Jericho suspiciously… "yes… yes of course, humans will be able to harness it, but as I said it's extremely rare and it all depends on their will and character" Jericho replied returning his gaze back to Alice… "well I guess we all have to work hard too, can't let the commander leave us behind now can we (laugh) come along Jericho we have much to learn" said William dragging Jericho away with his arm around his shoulders and neck like a hug, while hitting him on his back… "I don't know what hurts more, you laughing or me getting smacked repeatedly" Jericho lamented in pain as he was getting dragged off…
"is Jericho going to be okay?" asked Alice with a smile… "am not sure… Willy was actually smiling there, it will not be pretty for Jericho" Erica replied with a nervous smile, which made Alice laugh… "hey commander…. can I ask you something.." asked Alice in a shy tone… "of course Alice, anything" ... "do-do you have f-f-feelings for Jericho" Alice asked with a panic and her eyes closed, hearing the question Erica froze and wished she could disappear… "I just had to ask, cause i noticed your expressions, and the way you were looking at Jericho when he spoke, it wasn't like that before with him and yourself, so am guessing it just happened, during your mock battle… s-so commander, do you?" Alice concluded, Erica was still frozen in place with her eyes still closed, she begin having flash backs of when she first met Jericho, and how she felt then, comparing it with how she felt now, then her eyes burst open and she looked at Alice with a shy gaze, seeing that Alice heart skipped a beat and then she set herself up to receive Erica's answer… "well Alice… when I first met Jericho, I just really had a huge amount of respect for him, with what he went through, he had every right to be sour and to completely let it change him, especially as he has the power to do it now… but he didn't, he barely thinks of himself, he is so helpful and filled with ideas to help the world, he never lose sight of his true self… I guess right now, that feeling has become something else, am not sure if it's in a romantic way yet, but I feel like I do not want to leave his side, I want to fight along side him and win many battles together, and also be there for him when he need support always, and to be his sword… that's how I feel right now towards Jericho" Erica explained with a smile and a gaze looking like she is lost in thoughts, Alice couldn't help but smile too after hearing what Erica said, and her heart started feeling so warm… "I feel the same way too Erica… I want to be by his side and support him in every way… but the only difference is… I am in love with Jericho (Erica eyes got wide but she wasn't surprised, she was just impressed the shy and timid Alice she knew was bold enough to admit something as huge as that to her without batting an eye… and also she used her name, something she hasn't heard from her in a long time) and I will work as hard as I can to be worthy of standing by his side for the rest of my life" said Alice with conviction and fire in her words and eyes, Erica was so impressed by Alice that she couldn't control her self anymore, she hugged Alice tightly with a huge smile, Alice was so surprised by Erica's reaction that she reverted back to her old shy self… "h-hey commander… what is this for" said Alice all red with embarrassment… "oh Alice, am so proud of you, you were finally able to convey your feelings openly and without fear, and y-you said my name… more things to be grateful to Jericho for" said Erica with a huge warm smile still hugging Alice… "let's both work hard together… {Alice, you were brave enough to admit what I couldn't (sigh) see why I always say you are more matured than I am, I will also work hard to stay by Jericho's side, and soon be brave enough to admit my feelings} (she said in her thoughts)… let's go join the others" said Erica while letting go of Alice and they both walked together.
"hey sir. William… I have a question" Jericho said as William sat meditating… "yes, what do you wish to know" William asked still with his eyes close… "how much do you know about women and feelings?" Jericho asked without showing any emotional reaction, this question caught William off guard and he stumbled… "w-where did that come from" he asked with a surprised tone… "it's just, lately I started having this urge to always hold someone, and even willing to give my life to protect them, of course I feel the same way for everyone I am fighting for, but with this person the feeling is different, and I love every minute I spend with them… when am with them I feel incredibly relaxed around them and unbeatable… as the oldest yet closest person to my age I know I had to ask you, I do not understand this feelings it so odd and very confusing" Jericho asked staring blindly at the knights working on their training routine… "first off what do you mean by older yet closest to your age… hmm… I'll have you know am only twenty three ("please forgive me" Jericho screamed with panic)… (sigh) anyway, to answer your question (smile) looks like you've found something you want to protect more, it's a good feeling to have and a commonly normal feeling too, don't worry you are not getting sick or broken… you might just be in love, wow which is surprising, who would have though you of all people will manage to get bitten by the love bug (laugh) I always though you as the strong, popular, silent and dense types, that girls want but can't have cause you do not understand the concept of those kinds of feelings as you are just blindly kind… I now see why you got that nickname (laughs again) this woman must be someone incredible to have grabbed your attention like this… how interesting" ... "I do know what love is, sir. William but this isn't the kind I feel toward my people and my family, this is a very different kind that I haven't felt before… and you're saying it's a normal feeling to have toward someone?" Jericho asked again just to be very sure… "yes it is Jericho… that kind of love, and the kind you have for your family all work hand in hand in making you stronger, and protecting your true self… cause of that feeling Jericho, you are about to become much more powerful.. (smiles) which is scary cause you are literally a god, just how powerful is enough for you… I just hope you learn what constrain is together with your growth, you tend to over do things, turn a new leave, especially now that you are beginning to have romantic feelings" said William rambling on… "{wow, who knew this was even possible… a heart to heart talk that turned into a scolding lecture… (sigh) sir. William is truly scary}" said Jericho in his thoughts with a sigh…
"Jericho I've always wanted to asked you something… just how old are you" the moment William asked that question Alice and Erica both appeared just in time to hear the question… "oh yes, I was also curious about that, I remember my father use to say the saint prince of Menssai was just a year older than I was… now that it's been three and a half years since you've been on earth, are you older or what… hmmm, you do still look younger" said Erica while closely examining Jericho's body… "please don't call me that, and also… you're too close (his face turning red, Erica backed off and apologized also turning red) anyway, when I died three and a half years ago, I was actually seventeen years old, and my masters said they reincarnated me the same as I was three and a half years ago, no changes made, except my blessings and abilities… which also means my age didn't change so yes, I guess I am still seventeen years old" Jericho answered with an expression of being deep in thought, the others mouths were left open as they heard what Jericho said… "so you are saying three and a half years ago you were older than I am, and now I am older than you are!?" Erica stated with a scream… "and we are now the same age" Alice added with a timid voice… "uh… it all makes sense now, why you have no concept of restraint, you are all just children… no wonder I felt more like a parent to you all, well maybe except Alice, she is wonderfully matured for her age, way matured than any of you problem children" said William with several nods as he came to terms with the information he just received… "hey Willy, you do know in our nation once you turn fifteen you are an adult right… and also stop acting like you never knew how old I was so you can have an excuse to call me childish" Erica replied with a pout… "don't call me Willy… and you are childish, I don't need an excuse to say it" William replied with a sigh… "hey guys (they all turned their gaze to Jericho) h-how do you think the people in Menssai… my people, h-how do you think they are fairing, now that my dear little brother isn't himself… I hope he is still getting along with them at least… as he use to" Jericho asked with a worried and gloomy expression, the others exchanged sad glances with one another, then William throw his hands around Jericho's shoulder… "am sure they are fine, you shouldn't worry too much about them, Jace might be an enemy of the world and a huge tyrant… no offense… but even he won't do anything to bring harm to his people, to him he is also doing all this for them, so am very sure the people of Menssai are perfectly fine" William explained trying to console Jericho… "William's right Jericho, you shouldn't worry about your people, as much as it pains me to admit, right now they are safest in Menssai with Jace, cause thanks to that he doesn't view them as his enemy, so for now at least they will be fine… you just have to now focus on your current plans, then through it you will also be helping your people, and hopefully also helping your brother Jace" Erica added with a warm smile… "c-cheer up Jericho, you are doing great, let's keep pushing together" said Alice with a pat on Jericho's head, the uneasy feeling he had in his chest instantly disappeared after her heard the kind and comforting words from his friends… "(sigh)… thank you all… I really wanted to go back home and see things for myself, but I know now isn't the time, and it might cause more harm than good for my people, gaining momentum against that god is too important… let's all work hard together as Alice stated… I feel much better now" Jericho responded with a smile that truly shows how good he really felt, the others looked relived upon seeing Jericho's mood improved and they all sat and also shared a smile with him… "excellent, there's no time to be sour, we have much to learn so let's get to it" said Williams feeling energized, they all nodded in agreement then got back to training.