Trudging through the landscape, Alex grew tired and ill. He had now spent a lot of time in the Forest Arbor, and despite the brief periods of rest, his legs felt ready to give away.
But by the grace of Lumen, Auntie Helena had finally given the signal to head back. Heading southeast, with the sun behind them, they traversed through the terrain.
Thinking back to the rabbit, Alex’s stomach felt sick. Shortly after he killed it, due to morbid curiosity, he watched through short glimpses as Auntie Helena skinned and gutted it. It wasn’t without consequence, as he emptied his morning meal onto the ground.
After she cooked it, his non-existent appetite meant he took nary a bite.
“More for me, I guess.” Helena shrugged as she finished the meal.
He wasn’t sure if he could look at food the same way again.
Focusing ahead, Alex set his mind back on the present. His mind felt exhausted, but he couldn’t afford to lose concentration. Auntie Helena’s lesson stuck deep in his mind.
‘No wonder Uncle Sam is so afraid of her.’
“We are getting close to the forest’s edge.” The woman called out from the front. “But even in the planes, don’t lose your focus.”
After leaving the forest, and heading a bit more south, they should reach the base of the Inops mountains. It was a different side from where the mine’s entrance was located, nonetheless Uncle Sam had reassured he would be there to pick them up.
The thought of getting back into the city invigorated him, giving Alex a burst of strength.
‘Just a bit longer.’
“Alex, can you come here.” Helena said, reaching into her pockets.
Her face stared into the forest’s depths, as her hands worked independently. The youngster watched inquisitively as she took out a small pistol, sleek and black. Touching its side, small blue lines lit up, travelling through the gun like veins.
“I tend to not use it, but you can never be too safe.” She put out her hand. “Can you hold it for me? Just for a bit.”
While questioning her intentions, Alex still accepted. The metal exterior felt cold to the touch, and the barrel’s dark opening felt foreboding.
“What is this for?”
The older woman just gave a mysterious smile.
“You will probably not have to use it. Just a precaution.”
The sun continued its path across the sky. High above, a large bird circled in the vicinity. A sea of green lay beneath its wings. Its yellow eyes scanned the ground for potential prey, its black pupils shifting back and forth. It had noticed two large creatures waddling through the forest, but their size was too large to approach.
It would have to settle for something smaller. Catching the slightest movement from a tree, it already had its vision focused on the area. A small grey animal leapt through the branches, unaware of the danger approaching.
Instantly the falcon was diving, its brilliant red tail looking like fire. Within a blink of an eye, it was already among the canopy, the claws on its yellow feet outstretched. The unsuspecting squirrel squealed as it felt the pressure around its midsection. But it was too late. The falcon rose into the air, with its food in tow, crying out to assert its domain.
Still walking, Alex looked in awe at the fearsome display of agility. He had just about managed to catch the dive, reminiscent of a meteor smashing towards the world.
“Awesome, huh?” Helena noticed the boy’s reaction, and she was glad he felt the same as she first did.
“Uh huh.” That was all he could say.
‘I wonder if that’s what Auntie Helena was scared of. Is that why she gave the gun?’
“Stay alert.” Seeing his mindless expression, she reminded him.
Not a moment wasted, she continued to fill Alex’s mind with little tips and tricks that could help while living out in the wild.
As the forest’s edge appeared, Alex could just about make the vast grasslands ahead. Getting excited to see a change in scenery, Alex started to run forward.
“Stop!” Haring Auntie Helena’s call, the boy turned around, confusion apparent on his face.
He saw the woman running up to him, before forcefully pushing him down. A shadow jumped out, claws swiping where he had been a moment earlier. Instead, they met Helena’s clothes, easily ripping through them and cutting her flesh.
Alex’s heart stopped as the fox’s claws drew blood. His breath caught in his throat – he had never seen her injured before.
She only showed a slight grimace, tenderly touching her skin just below her right shoulder.
“Auntie Helena!” Alex called out, the trepidation in his voice apparent.
“Stay back, I can’t fight and protect you at the same time!” She grunted, flames starting to form at her finger’s tips.
The boy fearfully nodded, retreating to a safer distance. The beast snarled, angry at its target having gotten away. Instead, it had to now face the larger creature. It could instinctively sense that this one had access to mana.
Now further away, Alex could get a better look at his assailant. It was a red fox, larger than he thought they got, reaching half of Helena’s height. White streaks snaked across its body, its fur shimmering faintly under the light.
‘A Windreaver Fox?’ Helena thought uncertainly. ‘They aren’t normally found in this part of the woods.’
“Alex, get your gun out.” She ordered strictly, leaving no room for argument.
The boy complied, as he equipped the weapon. It suddenly felt slippery, as if it would fall out of his hand at any moment.
“I’ll keep it occupied. But if it gets away and goes for you, don’t hesitate to shoot.”
Alex shakily nodded.
With a yap, the fox started leaping forward, its fang ready to bite. Its sleek body glided across the forest floor like a shadow. Without a word, Helena extended her arm forward, and a line of fire shot forth. The fox easily dodged it, its movement like the breeze.
‘Beasts attuned to the air element are always the worst.’ She thought.
They didn’t hit hard, and if you managed a solid hit yourself, they crumpled under the force. But they were fast, and tricky to get a hold of.
And so began a game of cat and mouse, Helena firing jets of fire and the Windreaver avoiding them. Her movements were sharp and deliberate. The flames danced on her fingertips, an extension of her will. Simultaneously, she rapidly searched through her mind for a plan, anything to end this battle sooner. Her face lit up as an idea came to mind.
“Alex, on my command, shoot the fox!” The woman shouted.
“But, but it's too fast! I won’t get it!” His trembling voice replied.
“Just trust me.”
Slowly but methodically, Helena forced the fox backwards, until it was just where she wanted it. With a thick tree behind its back, the fox angrily snapped its mouth as it realised its circumstance.
Lifting both her hands, she shot two plumes of fire, blocking the fox’s left and right. The flames licked at the surrounding vegetation, crackling with heat.
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“Now! Shoot!”
Already prepared, Alex steadied his aim as best he could and shot. The fire somewhat covered his view, but he could still make out the fox. A thick white energy blast flew through the air, and mercilessly entered one of the foxes’ front feet.
The creature immediately howled with pain, turning its head to stare angrily at Alex.
Sensing the distraction, with one swift motion, Helena released a massive globe of fire. Injured, and with its slow reaction, the best the Windreaver could do was release a massive burst of air. It swirled around it like a tornado, the beast’s intention to blow the fire away.
Helena grinned mockingly.
“If nothing else, at least they are stupid.”
The flames got caught in the wind’s embrace, but the extra air seemed to embolden them. Greedily devouring the extra oxygen, the fire cackled with new vigour, surrounding the fox in a prison.
It squealed loudly, realising its sealed fate and was soon engulfed in a blinding burst. Helena watched as it gave its last voiceless screams, before turning into a charred corpse. Alex was too afraid to look.
Even then, the smell of burnt flesh still reached his nose, making him gag.
“Let’s get out of here.” Helena grabbed him before running out of the forest.
‘I will have to hope that I didn’t cause a forest fire.’
Once outside, Helena kept running forward. Alas her adrenaline soon ran out, and she collapsed in a heaping mess. She had exhausted her mana reserves in the fight. The effects on her body of doing so could be detrimental in the long term.
Alex was frightened by the recent events, but even more importantly he felt a great sense of gratitude to Helena for saving him.
His phone in his hand, he hoped it had enough signal to reach the mine’s connection tower. Seeing that it barely did, his phone was soon ringing.
Following a high beep, he spoke into the device.
“Uncle Sam, come to our current location. Fast.”
***
Archie looked around confused. He didn’t understand why everyone was so solemn. He fidgeted around on the sofa, earning a glare from Zara.
He had been playing in Uncle Sam’s house since the morning, his sister explaining that their older brother was doing something important. Not that he minded, Uncle Sam’s house always promised fun.
But some time through the day, the older man had left the house and came over two hours later with a fatigued Alex. Noticeably, Auntie Helena was missing. Archie felt disappointed, he had looked forward to playing with her.
Alex stared glumly at the ceiling. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. As he lay there, he was unable to shake the image of Helena’s wound. His mind constantly replayed the scene, the way her blood soaked her clothes.
If he was not there, would Helena have been injured? Without improving himself, he would be nothing but a burden. The boy released a heavy sigh.
Zara crept up to him, tugging Alex’s shoulder. Her small voice broke through Alex’s thoughts.
“Are you okay brother? You look tired.” She spoke timidly, hoping she didn’t disturb him.
He smiled at her, ruffling her hair.
“I’m fine Zara. Just a slightly rough day.”
By the room’s side, Sam was talking with someone through his device. He was in no doubt in contact with the hospital. Exchanging some quick few words, he eventually put down his phone.
Turning over to look at the children emotionlessly, he asked.
“Do you want the bad news first or the good news?”
“The bad news?” Alex weakly replied.
Didn’t people always ask for that first?
“Helena is not coming back today.”
Alex’s heart constricted. It was worse than he thought.
“And the good news?” He questioned again, resulting in Sam giving a faint smile.
“She will be released tomorrow. The cut was just a shallow wound, and the doctors stabilised her mana before her depletion could cause any major effects.”
That resulted in a sigh of relief. For the first time today, Alex could feel himself relax properly. Contrasting with the hostility of the forest, this apartment embraced him with a hug of warmth. It was a little rough around the edges, nonetheless it felt safe.
His stomach grumbled loudly, complaining about his lack of food, prompting a look by Archie.
“You greedy boy.” Using Alex’s same insult, he threw it back at him.
Laughing boisterously, Uncle Sam started to prepare for dinner.
“You will have to excuse my cooking. I haven’t been doing it all that much recently, you know with how good Helena’s is.”
“No bother, I’ll help.”
His body was aching, nonetheless this was the least he could do to return the favour.
Across the room, Zara turned on the TV, switching to a channel for kids. Colourful cartoons jumped across the screen, as Archie looked sulkily on.
“Mrs Albus, I’m feeling hurt.” A character cheerfully said, presenting a minor bump on his arm. “Can you heal it?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” A blonde woman replied eagerly.
A bright green energy flowed out of her hands, swallowing the victim’s bruise in no time. As the green tide receded, nothing but clear skin remained.
“The healing element…” Zara’s eyes were sparkling.
“Illudo’s forces are getting more brazen lately. But for every person they hurt; I will heal them.” The woman said, pointing a thumbs up at the screen.
As the minutes continued to tick by, the younger boy could no longer hold in his complaints.
“Let me watch now!” He cried out.
“No way! I’ve only had it for a bit!” His sister refused to budge.
“Watch something fun then. Not adventures with Freya Albus. She is so boring.”
“Take that back! She’s the best original hero!”
“Nuh uh, that’s Aesir Horn.”
Zara was usually not one to get riled up so easily. But no one said mean things about her heroine and got away with it. Soon, the two were in a tussle, only a firm scolding from Alex stopping them.
After dinner was over, they prepared to return to their apartment, standing just before the front door. Uncle Sam approached with a large box, placing it down beside Alex.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“The armour?” Alex was too embarrassed to admit it, but he had indeed forgotten.
“That’s right.” Opening the box, he took out a helmet, its brown surface faintly gleaming under the light.
“It’s seen its fair share of battle.” Tenderly rubbing it, he spoke in a sentimental manner. “I was saving it for when you were ready. After today, you’ve earned it.”
Putting two and two together, Alex realised what that meant.
“Is this your armour?”
“Aye. It’s just been sitting there, all this time.” His face reminisced with nostalgia. “I never had the heart to throw it away. Oh, and I got it repaired. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.” The boy hastily replied.
Who was he kidding? He couldn’t afford any armour without spending his entire life earnings on it.
“Like you, I had the same dreams of being a mage. This is what remains of that.” With one long last look, he handed the helmet over.
Carefully handling the helmet, Alex looked it over. It was heavier than he expected, and feeling his touch, the boy could feel it react, the subtle hum of earth energy coursing through it.
Uncle Sam smiled, seeing his reaction.
“It’s a bit heavy, but you should be able to shrug off most lower 1st tier attacks with it.”
Taking out the chest plate, he rubbed the brown crystal embedded in its centre.
“And if you fully utilise the crystal, you should be practically immune from any Vigils. Just don’t expect the armour to survive afterwards.”
“That is a given.” The boy nodded.
Putting the centre piece back, Uncle Sam then pushed the box forward.
“It’s too heavy to carry it all the way back. I’ll drive.”
Having still not fully recovered from the trek in the forest, Alex agreed.
“Thanks, old man.” He said, full of appreciation.
“Don’t mention it.”
The four figures walked out, the door closing behind them.