Chapter 181 - Welcome Home

Kai first glimpsed the quaint wooden taverns of the docks with their bright and suggestive signs. The best place for sailors and locals alike to get drunk. Further up, the pastel houses grew in rows, rarely rising more than two storeys high.

Everything looks so tiny and picturesque after staying in Higharbor.

From the prow of the Silver Edge, he could grasp the entirety of Sylspring in one look. “Don’t even think about it,” he said tersely. There had been no sound of footsteps, but Mana Sense had picked up the fool trying to sneak up on him.

Did he think he could get away with it?

Flynn froze, hand midway to recovering his luggage. “I’ll just take my bag and be on my way.”

“Stay put, and carry my luggage too while you’re at it.” Kai passed the bags to him. With all that weight, he would be too slow to run.

“I—”

Kai turned to nail him with a look.

“I’m happy to help,” he nodded.

“Good.” Kai channeled his best Elijah impression. “I’ll give you till after my birthday to decide what you want from your next profession. Then we start your training.” Better to wipe out any dissent from the beginning. If they were going to do this, he wouldn’t settle for a half-assed attempt.

“I didn’t—”

“You asked for my help and now you’re going to get it. All of it. From now on, I just want to hear ‘Yes, sensei. How many laps do you want me to run?’”

“I don’t have a Running skill.”

“Running builds character. You’re going to write me a list of your skills, and we’re going to review it later.” Kai straightened to make every centimeter of his height count. “Are we going to have a problem?”

Flynn held his gaze. He looked about to retort when he pressed his lips shut. “No.”

“No, what?”

“No, sensei…? What does that even mean?”

“That you must do what I say, when I say it, if you want to achieve greatness. I’ll make a man out of you.”

I think I can perfect this persona, the butler would be proud.

“Yes, sensei.” Flynn acquiesced with a dramatic bow.

Don’t think I’ll lower my guard so easily.

“You’ll start by using Mana Sense till I tell you to stop.”

Flynn scowled. “You said I’d get two days to think about what I want.”

“Unless you plan to discard Mana Sense, you might as well start training now. We have so much to catch up on since you lied to me.”

“I’ll get a headache if I keep it going for long. And I didn’t lie, I just didn’t share a fact and made sure you wouldn’t find out to avoid persecution.” He said with a cheeky smile.

Kai wasn’t amused. “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” He said, proud he managed to say the line with a straight face. “Didn’t you want to get stronger? If it were easy everybody would do it.”

Flynn scrunched his brow, mulling the words. “Fine, I’ll do what you say. But stop acting like a drill instructor, I got enough of those in Hawkfield. Also, I won’t do any nonsense training. These are my terms, take it or leave it.”

Damn, I was beginning to have fun. Oh, well…

“We have a deal then.” They shook hands.

Kai could perceive the faint touch of Flynn’s Mana Sense. It was subtle, far more delicate than Ana’s. He might have missed it if he didn’t know how to look for it.

Sneaky bastard, I can’t believe he managed to keep it hidden for so long.

As the Silver Edge closed in on the dock, the crew furled the sails and carefully guided the ship through the moor. Reishi stood at the railing to ensure the hull wasn’t scratched against another vessel.

A sailor threw ropes at the dockworkers on the pier and secured the ship. “Thank you for the swift ride.” Kai walked up to the merman.

“Don’t mention it, it’s always a pleasure to have you on board. What’s the point of buying a fancy ship if I can’t show it off to my friends.” Reishi gave him a pointy smile.

“Moving goods and making money?”

“Kai, I didn’t know you were so materialistic.” The merman shook his head in disapproval. He lasted a whole three seconds before they both burst out laughing. “Send my regards to your family. I’ll let you know when I can organize the materials for your experiments.”

“Take your time, I left my equipment in Higharbor.” Kai waved as he and Flynn made it on shore. Reishi stayed behind to supervise the unloading of his cargo.

Heading into the throng of activity of the port, Kai was assaulted by the familiar sight. There was a knot in his chest, anticipation mixed with a little apprehension. He had spent almost a year apart from his family. How much had they changed? Would there be any awkwardness? Was Kea going to challenge him to a death duel when she saw him?

If Flynn saw his hesitation, he didn’t say. “C’mon, you’ll have a lot to catch up with your family.”

Stop being foolish.

“Yeah,” Kai exhaled slowly and led the way. He remembered the streets well enough, and the town planning was straightforward. After months in the upper city, the ornate buildings of poshtown looked tame by comparison.

Closing in on the afternoon, people hurried to finish their work or idled by chatting and laughing. Passersby exchanged friendly nods and waves with every person that crossed their gaze. There was an atmosphere of quiet contentment that had always been lacking in the frantic capital.

It’s more peaceful than I remember.

Too soon they stood before the white door. His family’s home was as good as the day they bought it, with a few signs of use and furnishings that made it look warmer.

“There’s someone inside,” Flynn closed his eyes to focus on Mana Sense—a habit that would need to be fixed. “I better go find a place to stay. I’ll meet you tomorrow morning.”

He was about to lay down his luggage when Kai stopped him. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re staying with us.” He wouldn’t leave Flynn to wander alone through depressing memories.

“We gave no warning. I don’t want to burden your family, and I don’t think there is room for me.”

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“We’ll make space. My Mom always asks how’re you doing, she'll disown me if I let you go to sleep in an inn. Come on.” Before Flynn could protest again, Kai knocked on the door.

“One moment,” a muffled voice called from inside, the shuffle of steps followed, and the door opened. Alana looked perhaps healthier than he remembered, with bright eyes and long hair tied behind her. She looked distractedly over her shoulder before her eyes narrowed on him. “Kai?”

“Hi, Mom. I was in town, and I thought I’d stop by.” He smiled brilliantly.

Getting over the surprise, Alana squeezed him in a tight hug. After she tested the sturdiness of his bones, she took a step back to examine him from head to toe. “Oh spirits, look how much you’ve grown. Are you eating enough? Why didn’t you send word you were coming? The house is a mess, and tomorrow’s your birthday! Yatei’s mercy, I’ve not prepared anything, I…”

“Mom,” Kai had to call her three times to pause the deluge of words long enough to speak. “It’s fine. Whatever you have will do. I didn’t come here to visit the house or get a party.”

“I know, sweetie. But it would have been easier if you had sent a letter.” Her scolding frown fought with the smile that kept pulling at her face.

“It was a sudden decision. I wasn’t sure if I would make it in time.” Kai grabbed Flynn who was slinking away. “I told Flynn he could stay with us, I hope it’s not a problem.”

“Of course not.” Alana greeted him with a hug, but let go when Flynn stiffened like a wood plank. “You’ve grown so much too. I must thank you for looking after Kai.”

Flynn awkwardly stared at his feet. “Oh, it was nothing.”

“You don’t need to lie to me,” she winked. “I know my son can be a handful sometimes. He always has his head lost among the clouds. Come in, come in. You can take Kai’s bed tonight.”

“Mom!” That was not what he had in mind.

“That’s not necessary,” Flynn agreed.

Alana waved the outcry away. “Kai, you know it’s the duty of the host to make the guests comfortable. You’re smaller, you can comfortably sleep on the couch.”

Didn’t you say I’ve grown a lot?

Seeing his mother’s stubborn look, the protests died on his lips. “Fine,” he tried hard not to sulk.

This must be for arriving with no warning…

They barely had time to deposit their bags when Alana dragged them into the kitchen. Plates of snacks and drinks appeared. His mother prepared dinner and interrogated him about everything that had happened since he left.

“Is that the truth?” She asked Flynn for confirmation, not for the first time.

His friend smiled, amused. “More or less, I think Kai really bought groceries once or twice.”

Damn, brain! Why did you think bringing him along was a good idea?

Kai glowered at him, regretting his decision more and more. “It was at least six times.” Six in a year, not a great look.

Yes, he had left most of the chores and errands to Flynn, but he had never complained. That was their deal in exchange for paying a third of the rent instead of half. He didn’t think money talk would convince his mother.

Alana pursed her lips disapprovingly. “Is that how I raised you?”

“No, Mom.”

It’s also true he could have stayed in a cheaper place if it wasn’t for me, and I insisted on paying rent to Reishi.

The sound of two pairs of steps came from the door. Moui barely showed any hint of surprise when he saw him, greeting him like he expected him to be there. “Welcome back.” He scratched his neat beard, sharing a look with Alana.

Kea sized him up like she was readying for a fight. She had sprouted in height, being only six months from getting a profession—everyone knew girls grew up faster. Her hair was in a practical pixie cut. From her athletic figure, it was clear she hadn’t spent her time idling.

She hasn’t pulled out any knives yet. It’s not the worst-case scenario then.

“Nice to see you, sis. Did your hunt go well?”

“Decent.” She watched him unblinking. After their mother cleared her throat, she added. “It’s nice to see you too. I’m happy you’re here.” Her smile was unnerving.

Are you happy because you can hug me, or because you can stab me in my sleep?

The chatter in the kitchen continued till dinner. While Flynn never failed to point out any embarrassing moment, he skillfully avoided mentioning the calculated risks Kai had taken. They all laughed at the odd behavior and extravagance of the capital. His friend had a talent for telling stories that Kai couldn’t help but envy a little.

Even though there wasn’t a low tide, Ele was the last to arrive. “I missed you, little brother.” She beamed, pulling him into a hug. “You should have told us you were coming back, tomorrow’s your birthday, right? You must tell me everything that happened.”

Her transformation wasn’t as obvious as Kea’s, though Kai found it more profound. Ele had shed her youthful appearance, looking more like a woman than a girl. She carried herself with confidence. While still simple, her clothes had clearly been chosen with care, and her hair braided with a blue ribbon.

“She’s got a boyfriend,” Kea whispered after dinner, confirming his worst suspicions. “She has completely lost her mind.”

Flynn almost choked on an apple. Kai ignored him and forced his expression to remain casual. “Do you know where he lives?” he muttered back.

It’s my duty to check if he’s a lout.

“Yes, but she’ll suspect me if something happens. So don’t try anything.”

Damn.

He went to poke Ele for information. His sister must have noticed them talking because she immediately exposed him. “Kai, I appreciate the worry, but it’s not necessary. Sabe’s a nice guy, and I don’t want you messing with him.”

“Sabe?” A vague face emerged from the depth of his mind, obnoxiously outgoing and annoyingly handsome. “Isn’t that the name of that pearl diver you couldn’t stand?”

Ele played with a lock of auburn hair. “People change. He’s kind and sweet, and I like him.” Her gaze turned serious. “Promise me you won’t try anything.”

Kai thought he might be ill. Under his sister’s gaze, he could only force the words out. “I won’t.”

“Promise me.” She continued, unmovable.

Kea’s right, she has lost her mind.

“Fine, I promise, I won’t intentionally try anything.”

Ele smiled and kissed his forehead. “He’ll be excited to finally meet you. I could bring him tomorrow.”

Yay! What a nice birthday gift. I’m dying to know him.

They talked well into the night, telling stories and anecdotes too long for the letters. Sylspring had been blessedly boring since his departure. The Voice of the Ancestors appeared to have been driven away for good, and the new captain of the garrison was a stickler for rules but fair.

Finally, Alana decided it was time to retire, tomorrow was Kai’s big day. The birthday boy opted to sleep on the floor of his bedroom. It was the only place where the soundproofing was still held up, and it would offer more privacy than the living room.

I’ll need to fix and upgrade the enchantments, they’re just embarrassing.

“Are you sure you don’t want to sleep on the bed?” Flynn watched down from his puffy mattress. “I can take the floor, your mother doesn’t need to know.”

Kai pursed his lips. He definitely didn’t want to, but Alana was right. It had been his idea to invite him and so was his duty as the host. “It’s fine. I’ve got enough blankets and pillows I’ll barely notice the difference.”

But I still notice it.

“Are you doing okay?” Kai asked, trying to make himself more comfortable on the blankets. “I know coming back must be complicated for you.”

“I’m good,” Flynn said, though he remained hidden over the bed.

“Are you sure?”

He sighed. “No, not really, but I will be.” The voice came steady, perhaps too steady. “It was good that I came back. And before you ask, yes, it was nice to spend time with your family. You don’t need to worry.”

Mhmm… he’ll tell me if something’s wrong.

“Okay, good night.”

“Good night, Kai. Your bed is like a cloud.”

I know, you jerk!

Tired from the journey, he quickly drifted off despite his accommodation. When he woke up in the morning the room was empty. He could perceive five glowing figures bustling about downstairs.

Kea’s slacking.

Flynn must have also been using Mana Sense because they suddenly looked at the ceiling when he prepared to go down—or maybe it was his sisters. Cheers and smiles caught him on the stairs.

“Surprise!”

“Happy birthday, little brother!”

“Happy birthday, sweetie!”

Kai Improvised his surprise. They cheered him till he could feel his ears heating up. He let himself be dragged to the living room where a mango cake already waited for him. “Mom, I told you there was no need to do anything.”

“Your twelfth birthday is an important day.”

“You say that on every birthday.”

“That’s because they are all important,” Alana nodded sagely.

Kai let go of his mock exasperation. He couldn’t deny he enjoyed the treatment, a little. When did they even get the time to prepare his favorite cake? His family was sneakier than he thought.

“I hope you didn’t waste money on a gift. I’ve got everything I need.”

Kea did look a little relieved, though none of the others gave any sign.

“Don’t worry, our present didn’t cost anything.” Alana smiled at Moui, hand resting on her stomach.

No, I can’t jump to conclusions.

“Mom…?”

“Guess the secret’s out. You’re going to have a little brother!”

"Or little sister," Moui added lovingly.