19695 The 2nd Spring
I just stand there in the doorway, with my body wholly unresponsive. I knew what would welcome me here, I was prepared… or so I thought. The emotions boiling inside me would say otherwise.
Mom and dad are sitting at the table, their eyes glued onto me, their expressions probably not that much different than mine. Large droplets of tears stream down their faces, quivering lips, and shaking hands at loss from emotional overload. Mom is the first to break out of her stupor, she’s always been the most impulsive. She jumps up from her seat, pushing the otherwise fixed table away, and running at me with full force.
She jumps at me with the agility of a feral cat pouncing on prey. This move might’ve seriously injured me the last time we saw each other, but now I can survive being pushed over with just a strained grunt.
She strangles me in a hug, her arms strong yet delicate, her body trembling like if she let go of me now she’d never see me again. I don’t hold back either, crying into her bosom and clawing at her back, only now faced with the amount of repressed pain caused by our distance, the emotions forced into a corner to grow and fester.
Now, the barriers holding those feelings back are utterly broken.
Dad walks over with measured yet hasty steps and scoops his family up to just… sit there in a jumbled crying mess of warmth. I cry like I’ve never cried before, not from pain or sorrow but from relief. Relief to finally see the most important people to me, relief to see them alright, relief to be in their embrace again, relief to have the void inside me patched by their embrace.
I just sit there like a newborn, bawling and clinging on with all my strength. I’ve been yearning for this warmth, to see those faces, to be allowed to show weakness and vulnerability. I just want to stay like this.
Their grip on me is no weaker than mine, fearing we'd lose each other if we let go. They’re stroking my back, caressing my hair, probably trying to calm me down… it has the opposite effect. It only shows just how much love I’ve lost during those three years.
Love taken away by the Comet, the Blessing, the shadows threatening me and the Fist… They might’ve saved me from the same fate that befell poor William’s family but I will never be able to view them as anything else than the people who took a happy life away from me.
“You’ve grown to be” Dad sobs into my hair. “so pretty my little one. You look just like your mother with my elfish features, you’ll be a true magnet for hehe” sob “boys in a few years and I’ll be sure to break their limbs if they try anything funny.” He tries to lighten the mood.
It manages to draw a weak chuckle from me and push back the tears a little.
Not to sound vain or anything but he’s right, I’m pretty as hell. Not right now, covered in snot and with puffy, red eyes, just… altogether.
I’ve entered my teens and despite always being taller than average, my growth slowed down quite a bit in these three years. Everyone except Kayla overtook me which makes me suspect the elven blood in me simply aging me slower than the humans.
Will I look small even as an adult? hopefully not. Will I live a lot longer? Yeah, probably.
My hair remained light gold and my emerald eyes have lost none of their luster. I still lack the head-turning curves mom always promised I’d inherit one day and what she considered the greatest treasure of our family but maybe one day…
“Just pray to Callista you take after me and not your father, elves are usually flat.” Mom adds, this time really earning a hearty laugh.
I rub my eyes dry and gulp the gathered saliva in my mouth, preparing to speak. “You both look terrible, did dad cook while I was away?” I say with a hoarse voice from all the crying trying to joke, although their sight truly makes my heart churn.
They look skinny, with sunken faces, and pale skin, their healthy warrior bodies regressed into something akin to drug addicts in the dark alleys. Their hair is a disheveled mess without luster as if they’ve utterly given up any form of self-care since I left. Their eyes seemed like those of a dead fish before they saw me but turned into wet gleaming gems at my sight.
These last three years might’ve been difficult for me but I’m certain it was nothing compared to what my parents had to go through. I can only imagine the gnawing feeling in their heart telling them it's their fault I was taken because of their weakness, they couldn’t protect me, and they had to abandon their daughter so we could live… they must’ve felt like failures.
“I really really really missed you.” I huddle deeper into their arms just for the sake of it. “It wasn’t so bad here. The food was alright and the bed warm and they did teach me how to do a bunch of useful things. I even made some new friends, they’re weird and irritating but bearable. Ah, we also went to the forest a few times, camping in the woods and hunting and…”
I just kept on ranting, telling them everything no matter how insignificant it might sound or be it good or bad. I just want them to hear me, listen to me, tell them about the world I learned from Martha, our little brawls in the mess hall, and how Victor taught me the way of lockpicking. I also conveniently leave out the parts where I almost died because I’m not stupid.
They just listen intently, their eyes never leaving me and the smile on their faces stuck there from the moment they first caught a glance of me. I'm not sure whether they actually paid attention or were just happy to see me, then again, it doesn’t matter.
By the time I finish my stories, we’re all famished, having spent hours sitting on the ground listening to all my adventures brought the appetite. We seat ourselves at the table properly this time and call for a waiter.
It was weird how no one disturbed us for almost an hour, must be Martha’s doing.
The food arrives fairly quickly and we dig in, unable to hold a proper conversation and instead just soaking in each other's presence. The grilled meat, cheese and vegetables look mouth-watering yet every bite feels bland, the sensation of taste dwarfed by the storm of emotions raging in my heart. There’s no yapping between bites as it is the old family tradition, we just throw glances at each other, smiling happily every time our eyes meet.
Right around when we all empty our plates Martha walks in carefully as if not to interrupt anything important. I know it's just a farce, she must be able to sense everything happening in the building.
“I hope you enjoyed your meal and seeing as you’ve finished, I’d like to introduce myself. It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Martha, Elyssia’s caretaker.” She gives a curt nod. “It’s new to me, you know, to greet the parents of any child I guide, since, well they’re orphans in search of power or a place to belong. I’ll try my best.” She adds with a professional smile.
What she said seems to contradict how she acts. Perfect posture, a calm and serious demeanor, a typical model soldier and all the right words a parent would want to hear. There’s only one problem… the Fist did kind of take their child and threatened their lives. I did try to make Martha sound like the good guy, or woman, in my stories because I was well aware this introduction might happen and she deserves a little assist for all she’s done for me. Mom and dad react a little slowly, quickly wiping the remaining tears and food off their faces, trying to make themselves presentable.
My parents, despite my attempt to paint a better picture of the Fist and Martha to avoid conflicts, still seem to have a tinge of darkness in their eyes whenever they glance in Martha's direction. I didn't expect to solve their grievances with simple words and it seems the grudge they hold runs way deeper than I originally thought. I can understand, I haven't really forgiven either, much less forgotten all that I had to go through because of these people. The help they provided is dwarfed by the kidnapping and occasions I suffered and almost died. They didn't do anything from the kindness of their heart, I'm a tool and I'll never forget that.
“My name Is Lucious and this is my wife Luna.” Dad walks over for a handshake. “We greatly appreciate what you did for our daughter… raising her in our stead, keeping her safe and putting up with her…faults.” Dad glances at me as he says that.
“Hey!” I demand indignantly.
“Yeah, she must’ve been a handful. How many times did she almost die?” Mom asks with a flat smile.
The one topic I tried to avoid the entire conversation… did I make it too obvious? I try to slowly slide under the table, hoping to disappear from the room entirely before the lid gets off from the jar of secrets.
“What dying? I just practiced with the others.” I shoot my shot, a weak effort yet still more than nothing.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Mom just tilts her head, ignoring my comment.
“Hmm, during these three years…” Martha taps her chin. “I’d say it was around seven or maybe eight.”
“Times?” Dad nearly shouts, hearing the ridiculously overinflated number. "Shouldn't you be protecting her? How did she even find herself in such danger?"
“No, it can’t be more than five! The one against the locusts, and with the magma and against Hugo don’t count!” I retort.
“That’s still at least four and yes they do. Were you close to dying at the time?” Martha tilts her head, a tiny mischievous smile on her elderly face. I nod reluctantly under the combined force of parental glare. “That makes them count. And let me ease your minds, almost every time she was in danger she brought it upon herself. We would never have allowed grave harm to befall her but facing such dangers is part and parcel of growing stronger as a combatant; as martial classholders yourselves wouldn't you agree?" She masterfully tries to appease my parents.
“She is still here so I'll have to take your word for that, especially if she was tempting death which I can imagine." Mom looks at me with a menacing smile. "You hear that Eli? Something this important might’ve accidentally slipped from your story. Do you mind sharing those events now? Or do you need help to loosen your tongue?”
That smile is a trap, I’ve learned that long ago, and I’ve also kinda missed it. Still, in situations like this, comply or bear the consequences.
“Yeah, so first there was that fight with the boar in the forest… I handled that well and just got a little bruised, that's it. Then the battle between Bennett and that kidnapper, they were a few hundred” I try to whisper the number. “levels above me, but…”
“Oh no young lady, we’re not glossing over those details so easily! Details, properly, now.” Even dad puts his foot down.
I’m surrounded on all sides, my last stand shall be glorious.
***
The interrogation was ruthless, they jumped at every little inconsistency and noticed every hidden, fact every tidbit of obfuscated information; wherever I was about to get away with something Martha chimed in to rat on me. They’re teamed up against me, 1300 levels worth of adults against a poor little girl, taking me apart bit by bit.
By the time they were finished with me, I wanted to cry again from the mental abuse… poor defenseless me. sob sob.
“Now that we've had our fun, I’d like to share the real reason why I had decided to seek you out.” Martha finally changes the topic, making me sigh in relief and dare raise my head properly. “We want to give the best education to our most outstanding cadets. As you know all we ask in exchange for the care and training provided is a few years of service, properly paid of course. Your daughter mostly learned what a proper middle-class child her age should know and even now she severely lacks real experience both in combat and society, so I have a proposition.” She pauses to build up tension. “She has reached the adequate level and age to attend… the Academy of Sereban.” Mom and dad both grasp at the revelation, looking at each other in disbelief.
I have no clue what the institution she mentioned is but considering their reaction and the fact that it has the Valerian capital's name, it should be pretty important. The previous shadows from their faces disappear as if everything the Fist put me through just vanished as they gape at each other. Compared to everyone else’s reaction mine is rather lackluster, just tilting my head and waiting for further explanation.
“As a renowned establishment within the Empire with a long and storied history, the Academy grants us the privilege of sending six outstanding talents to study in the greatest learning institute in the entirety of Eborden. Some would argue that the Highreef Institute in the Republic or the Federation’s Astaraban are superior but I’m not really concerned over the debate. I’m more interested in your opinions.” She looks at my parents enthusiastically.
What about me? Isn’t this about my future, hello? I’m not sure I’m on board. I've just gotten used to this place, made some new friends, and reunited with my parents and you want to send me away, again?
“It’s an opportunity we only ever joked about because of how distant it seemed. We have some concerns about the proposition but first and foremost we should ask Eli herself." Nice move dad, I knew I could count on you, past treachery redeemed. "Dear, what are your thoughts on the matter?”
"Wait, isn't that the place Bennett used as an excuse for me disappearing all of a sudden?" I ask as the memories resurface. "So that cover story was not only hard to believe but also factually wrong?"
"The Abyss swallow him... that fucking moron..." I see a vein twitch on Martha's forehead as she rakes her fingers across her face. "There are a hundred and one better excuses and he had to choose the most ridiculous one... With that said not many people know the requirements to enroll. Do you?" She asks from my parents who should be considered well-traveled among the common folk. After some thought, they shake their heads. "It doesn't matter anymore. So, tell us what you think."
Okay, I have a say in this which is a good start. The only problem is deciding out of the blue when I don't even know the place we're talking about all that much. I need to know more.
“Can anybody else come with me?” I put on my negotiating face and ask Martha.
“Naturally you’re not going alone,” She sneers. ”the other three troublemakers are coming along and the last two spots are yet to be decided.” She answers and when sees me glancing at my parents she adds. “I see no problem with them living in the city however the Academy operates behind closed doors and the students are only allowed to step outside of campus grounds at the end of every month to help them focus on their studies. It’s a boarding school, so you'll only spend at most a week together every three months.” Martha explains.
That’s both reassuring and a bit bothersome. I can live close to my parents but I can’t actually see them. That’s one stupid system if I’ve ever heard one. And whether or not I want to attend this Academy… It sounds… fun? And a bit useless. Checking out the capital and living closer to my parents both sound awesome but is this all really necessary?
“What would I learn there?” I ask just to make sure.
“Whatever you choose. The Academy allows the students to independently assemble their study plans. There are a few compulsory subjects and restrictions of course like the number of completed subjects before graduation and prerequisites for certain classes. Other than that, it's free reign.” She’s trying really hard to convince me, so there might be an ulterior motive.
“What do you, as in the Fist, get out of this?”
“What do you mean, darling?” She asks back, feigning confusion.
I just stare at her silently with unconvinced eyes.
I might be young but not that young.
“Okay, fine.” She massages the bridge of her nose. “If you do well in the Academy that will reflect positively on the Fist, drawing stronger fighters to join us and more contracts to arrive. So, the only thing we ask of you is to join the Academy’s Battle Team and wipe the floor with anybody put up against you. Be noticeable, do well, and bring us a lot of money. There’s still an entrance exam but why do you think I held all those lessons for?”
“So that’s what we are, glorified advertisements?” I gape at her aghast. “I thought we would become some kind of elite superfighter…”
“Eli, I could kill all four of you even if you had twenty years to grow.” Martha answers matter-of-factly. “Sure, you will become a formidable element on any battlefield in your latter years but Eborden is peaceful at the moment unlike when I was your age. Peace is the exception rather than the rule and precisely due to that peace we have no opportunities to show off to an international audience. Many eyes from high places watch the interschool tournament every year as a way to assess what the future of each country or group holds.”
“Then why do we even need to serve?” I try to make sense of this whole situation.
“You going to the Academy is a win-win. Even with your Blessing, getting admitted depends mostly on your backing and maybe one-fifth on your capabilities. Also, the tuition fee is quite steep. You are definitely more valuable than the average fighter yet at the same time a lot less impactful than any of our members. And why are you even complaining? Would you rather sleep in a forest and fight beasts every day?”
Fair. So I just have to kick some ass and live well in exchange… Sounds like a deal to me, except I still don’t know too much about this Academy. Sitting through mind-numbing lessons isn’t how I imagined my next few years, although a few battles could maybe make up for it. Duels are just a game of minds, a dangerous and sometimes painful game, but a fun and exciting one. Let’s see how much I can milk them in exchange for my cooperation.
“What about my expenses?” I test the waters.
“I know where you’re going with this, I would do the same, so let’s not waste each other’s time. I’m authorized to fund your entire tuition plus two gold per month. I won’t give you all of that because it would seem like you beat me in haggling so how about one gold and sixty silver?” She offers.
Her reasoning seems fine, and the money would allow me to buy a lot of nice things. Clothes, food, sweets? Heh, she thinks too little of me.
“two gold thirty silver.” I make my counteroffer. “You know me well but raising me was a double-edged sword. I feel as if you've been authorized to give out three gold, at minimum, and are about to rob me blind here just for the fun of it. Give in and I’ll beat them up till their moms won’t recognize them.” I say with a vicious grin.
“Eli!” Dad reprimands.
I ignore him for now, raising an eyebrow at Martha, waiting for her reaction.
“Hah, fine have it your way.” She shrugs. “You really did grow quite a bit to realize it was a trick. A good mercenary would survive on just a few silvers per month, you know?” She holds her hand out to seal the deal.
I’m about to bask in the glory due to the victor when my intuition screams at me, something’s very wrong here. Very wrong. However, before I can backpedal Martha snatches my hand with cold eyes.
“Looks like we have a deal.” She declares and pulls me closer.
“Nuh-uh, forcing me into a handshake doesn’t count!”
“You were raising the hand yourself. Why wouldn’t you take such a good offer?” She asks innocently.
“Cut the crap old hag,” I hiss. “lying through your teeth. You run a tough bargain but can’t you go easier on me.” She obviously attempted to play me, again. So I switch into cute and vulnerable mode. “Please, grandma?”
She’s stunned for a moment so I go for the hug. Mom spits out the water she was just drinking and dad blinks like he saw a dragon. Now for the finishing move.
I look up at Martha with a big teary eye and blink pleadingly. “Please?”
Her brain must’ve stopped working, even breathing turning into an unnecessary function.
“Five?” It is the only thing that leaves her mouth.
“Deal!” I shout and hug her tighter.
I’m gonna get extra laps next morning but securing my funds is a priority. I flash a victorious grin toward my parents who are at a loss for words over my shameless tactics.