Ava and Callahan sat in a private room connected to the main archives and library of the temple of magic and knowledge. They had shown up to meet with priestess Ai, but were brought to this room.
“Sorry for the delay. They asked me to gather some tomes,” Ai said, entering the room.
“No worries,” Callahan said, as Ai took a seat across from them both.
“How is Zerine? To be honest, I’m afraid to hear she was severely injured,” Ai said nervously.
Ava and Callahan glanced at one one another.
“She lost an arm to an attack, but lucky Raith was there to regenerate the limb,” Ava said.
Ai eyes went wide. “She has no crest the toll that must have taken on her to have it regenerated…” she trailed off.
“She slept for a little more than an entire day after the attack. Currently, she is still sleeping and only has woken up once. Raith doesn’t seem worried, so we are trying not to,” Callahan said, finding Ava’s free hand and giving it a squeeze who had been nervously fidgeting, but gave Callahan a small smile.
“I’ll have some initiates check to see if they can get information about the healing process. It explains why Raith was in here the day before, searching to get some information,” Ai said thoughtfully. “How long does she believe Zerine will be out of class?”
“A month at most,” Ava said.
“That is…a long time,” Ai said, sighing, sitting back in her chair. “I guess I will just get to what I wanted to discuss with you both. Zerine has successfully passed all the final exams that students take their last year.”
Ava and Callahan stared surprised at Ai.
“I thought you were going to ask for Zerine to take the tests, not that she already passed them,” Ava said.
“Umm, normally yes, but Zerine has been steadily ahead for, well, since she was nine,” Ai said.
“That’s awesome,” Callahan said with a huge grin.
Ai smiled, “she is a bit of a bookworm. I think she is one of the few people the librarian likes or, tolerates.”
“She gets along with just about everyone,” Callahan said.
“So, what comes next?” Ava asked.
“Well, if she wants to be done with classes, she can be. Later this year, we will start doing more magic focused lessons and less on regular topics, which is one reason why she got ahead so early and stayed ahead. If she gets her crest, of course she can come back, but…” Ai shrugged.
“But we have no idea when she will and if she does, she will just catch up quickly and be bored again,” Ava said.
“Alright, I have an idea,” Callahan said, making both women look at him curiously. “Zerine loves books, so why don’t we have her help at your library or archives? If you have any extra lessons or topics that she seems interested in, then we can figure out some lessons.”
“Hmm, that could work,” Ai said thoughtfully. “Have you asked her if she would want to become part of the temple? She has traits the God likes in it initiates.”
“Umm, not sure. She said she wanted to be an adventurer, though,” Ava said.
Ai grinned, “that doesn’t surprise me. So, I guess we can discuss some of the duties she could do here, along with some possible extra lessons that come to mind.”
“That sounds perfect,” Ava said.
***
When Ava and Callahan appeared back in the compound's courtyard, they found Varino and Shiya mid lesson. Lightning arched around the spirit till there was a flash of light and crack of thunder as a bolt of lightning shot out, slamming into a wooden target that exploded into splinters.
“Hey nice one, kiddo!” Callahan called Varino.
Varino cheered, pumping her fists into the air.
“She has made great strides in controlling her power,” Shiya called back.
“So no more weird hair side effects,” Callahan muttered, which made Ava grin.
Varino jumped onto a cloud and flew towards them. Ava opened her arms in time to catch the tiny spirit who hugged her.
“Hi sweetie,” she whispered.
Varino chime brightly, muffled because she had her face buried in Ava’s chest.
“Yeah, it was impressive. And that reminds me we got a gift, well gifts, but you’re not ready for all of them yet,” Ava said with her familiar back from its seven-year journey she had been able to understand Varino’s sounds.
Varino looked up at her curiously and whistled.
“Hmm, after your training we will see where you are rank wise and then I’ll reveal one, alright?”
Varino nodded eagerly. With a light squeeze, Varino created a clou under dangling feet and stood on it. Then flew to Callahan, who hugged the spirit.
“You’re doing great. Now you should get back to your lessons,” Callahan said.
Varino chimed brightly and flew back to Shiya.
“Varino will do a demonstration in a month to show what she learned. Trust me, you will be impressed,” Shiya said.
“We look forward to it. Have a good lesson,” Ava said.
They headed into the main building.
“I still can’t believe you got your hands on a legendary catalyst of storms,” Callahan said.
“You’re just jealous that as a spirit can handle a legendary at E-rank,” Ava teased.
“You got me. Estel is going to be hardest to get top catalysts for,” Callahan said.
“Now you’re complaining because she has four affinities and who knows how many concepts,” Ava laughed. “Liliana told me that currently in our nation there has only been one other like her. She could be a pinnacle mage of her generation.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see that day, but right now the manifest coins are feeling the pain.”
“I’ll manifest some and then that pain will be gone,” she said.
“Didn’t say that for right now, but future pain. We don’t even know what Zerine’s affinities will be, and she will need her full set of seven catalysts.”
“At least we have Naro and Varino all covered already, but Estel will be tricky, that is for sure,” Ava said as they entered the hall that led to where Zerine was recovering. They both could sense Raith inside Zerine’s room so hoped Zerine would be awake.
“Should out for a mythical catalyst for Estel?” Callahan wondered as they approached Zerine’s room.
“No, to get one you either earn it or find it,” Ava said. “To even afford one would take so many manifest coins that it could destitute a kingdom.”
“Hey you have connections. That’s all I meant by that,” Callahan said.
“Trevel’s earn their mythical catalysts, which is rare and has a whole process involved,” Ava said.
“Alright fine,” he said as they entered Zerine’s room to find Raith and an exhausted-looking Zerine.
“Hey, you're awake,” Callahan said, moving quickly to Zerine’s bedside.
“Hey dad, mom,” she replied tiredly.
Her voice sounded better than the other day, but she clearly wasn’t going to stay awake for very long. Even as Ava watched, Zerine’s eyelids drooped and looked more ready to sleep again.
“Sorry we weren’t here when you woke. We just came back from talking with priestess Ai,” Callahan said.
“No worries, how is she?” Zerine wondered.
“She is well and was worried about you. I got a surprise for Varino that I want to show you. If you feel you can stay awake, we can discuss something with you as well,” Ava said as she and Callahan sat on the side of the bed opposite to Raith.
“She has only been up for a few minutes. I would have sent Umbra to get you if I hadn’t sensed you heading this way. She has had her medicine too,” Raith thought to Ava.
“Thank you,” she thought back.
“A surprise?” Zerine asked.
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Ava held her hand out, and a fist sized crystal appeared in it. Zerine gasped as she sensed power wash over the room. The crystal was a dodecahedron that contained a raging storm similar to Varino’s natural treasure, but there was no ocean in it, just constant sheets of rain.
“Is that a…legendary catalyst?” Zerine wondered in awe.
“Yep, now I see your confusion. Let me explain,” Ava said, guessing Zerine was going to start asking questions based on the confused look she was giving Ava. “The natural treasure Varino has will affect ambient magic, turning it towards the affinities that are part of it. It keeps doing so till it even affects plants, animals, and completely changes ambient magic to only its affinities. The energy you are feeling is more like the catalyst’s magical weight than it emitting energy,” Ava said.
“Huh, I will have to read more into it. I haven’t read about those topics in years,” Zerine said.
“I can get some books on different topics about natural treasures and catalysts,” Callahan said.
“I would love that,” she replied. “My next question is, how can Varino absorb that? I thought it was difficult and only those along their path could absorb them. Doesn’t it also take lots of preparation before someone is ready too?”
“Yes, to both. Varino has actually been practicing absorbing one for a year now. The compound has a room set up for others to absorb legendary catalysts, so all that is left is for her to be near peak E-rank for the first one,” Callahan said.
“I bet she is close if not there. But why a room?” Zerine wondered her gaze locked on to the catalyst.
“Sometimes people might cast spells, lose control over three auras, and a few other things that are best to be done away from people that could get hurt,” Raith said. She placed a hand on the blanket, putting some energy into it and making a rune glow, triggering it to produce heat.
“Thanks Raith,” Zerine said. She hadn’t even realized she had shivered. “I will miss her absorbing it, won’t I?” she whispered.
“If she is at peak E-rank, it would be best for her to absorb it as soon as possible. It would help her push into D-rank and have new abilities to explore and train with,” Ava said.
“We can have a scrying glass set up so you can watch, if she does it while you’re bedridden,” Callahan, which made Zarine smile.
Zerine yawned, “I would like that and sorry, I couldn’t cover it. Could a crestless absorb a catalyst?”
“No worries. Some sects and clans have a tradition where children before they get their crest to absorb a catalyst, but it can be risky, some die from it. If the affinity or concepts aren’t what you have an affinity for at all, the energy can get out of your control and run rampant through a child’s body, killing them or crippling them for a long time,” Raith said, frowning. “It’s something not taken lightly and we aren’t even talking about pinnacle and above catalysts, either. During this tradition, I heard some children unleash powerful, barely controlled magic, too. It’s dangerous, so don’t even think of doing it,” Raith said the last part sternly.
“Sorry, I was just curious,” Zerine said, looking hurt.
“I’m sorry for being stern with you. I just don’t want you to think that it can help kick start the process to get a crest,” Raith said, giving Zerine’s hand a squeeze.
“I do have a question for you, though?” Ava said, bringing a welcomed change to the topic. She leaned back in her chair, the catalyst vanishing.
“Oh? What is it?”
“Have you thought about joining the temple of magic and knowledge?” Ava wondered, watching for Zerine’s reaction and expression carefully. She didn’t want Zerine to feel forced in to following their path. Most of all, she wanted Zerine to decide without worrying about disappointing them because no matter what she chooses they would support her.
“I love exploring what they have there, but I-” she yawned again, but this time her eyelids struggled to stay open. “I will donate to the temple when I can. But I don’t want to be a priestess. I want to be like you, dad, and Raith. Adventurers, protectors, and to be strong. I want to see the world and reach Iridesceium-rank, maybe even ascend to see what is beyond our reality like what the first empress did,” Zerine said. Her voice was fading quickly.
“Good goals. I just had to ask for Ai,” Ava said.
Zerine smiled, “she is nice. Wouldn’t be bad if she was my high priestess, but being an adventurer is for me.”
Ava cupped Zerine’s cheek. It felt cool to the touch. “When you are better, we will have lots to discuss, but sleep tight.”
“Lots to look forward to Zerine, but good night, kiddo,” Callahan said, squeezing Zerine’s hand.
Zerine gave them a tired smile before her eyes closed. Raith jerked her head to the door, and the others nodded and headed out.
“She stayed awake longer this time,” Callahan commented as they headed down the hall.
“About twice as long, which is good. But the rank goal is a lofty one if…well, you know,” Raith said.
Ava pursed her lips. “Let’s just see. All we know is the overall impressions of her possible fate from her as a baby, not her as she is now.”
“Falkor will check when he visits,” Callahan said.
“Which is when?” Raith wondered.
“Terrinixis wanted it to be sooner than later, but we settled on five days from now,” Callahan said.
“Who is that?” Raith wondered.
“The eldest hatchling,” Callahan replied.
“I still can’t believe they are friends. Does she have any friends that aren’t familiars and dragons?” Raith wondered.
“From what Ai told us, not really,” Ava said, exasperated.
“At least we know for certain why she has been fine with just the household celebrating her birthday and how she avoided those her age during any gatherings,” Callahan said, scowling.
“It’s a good thing they haven’t figured that she is a Trevel though. We don’t need people targeting her or treating her differently. It will just increase the pressure on her to meet what is expected of a Trevel. Naro has some trouble with it in the past. After our talks he shrugs off the pressure and just focuses on doing his best. Soon Estel is going to need that talk. She still using Cooper as well, so it will happen to her soon as well,” Ava said.
“The secret will come out at some point, though,” Raith said.
“It was only a secret amongst the adults anyways. It gave everyone a chance to have their children get closer without feeling like it was forced upon them and to have status ignored. So yeah, it'll come out, and Zerine is ready. I just hope she will get her crest before then because it won’t be easy for her at the adventurer academy if she gets in without one and uses her real name,” Callahan said.
Ava sighed, “let’s just look forward to her getting better and not worry about what the future brings.”
Later that day, they discovered Varino was nearing peak E-rank, learning that Varino absorbed more energy over the next two days until she was at the peak of E-rank.
***
“I still can’t believe she is about to become D-rank,” Naro said, watching Varino skip towards Callahan who was holding a scrying mirror so that Zerine could watch.
“Give it time, you’ll catch up,” Shiya remarked.
They were in a large, empty room. Runes and sigils were carved into the stone walls and floor with a large, complex magical array in the middle of the room.
“Why was she so fast?” Estel wondered. She was standing next o Shara, who was watching the proceedings curiously.
“Spirits can grow in power by absorbing natural treasures, Estel,” Shara answered before Shiya could.
“Oooh, can she really handle a legendary catalyst?”
“Yes, spirits can handle them better than many of the other beings,” Shiya said.
“The magical array will help Varino with handling the energy, so it’ll be even easier for her,” Came Zerine’s voice from the mirror Callahan was holding.
“Zerine is right. But you all should move behind Willow’s barrier,” Callahan said.
“Alright Varino, you ready?” Ava wondered, looking down at the Varino who peered up, looking worried. “Cal, bring Zerine over,” Ava called to him.
Varino perked up. When Callahan got closer, she whistled, waving.
“Hi Varino,” Zerine said.
Callahan crouched, putting the mirror at Varino’s eye level. Th esprit happily moved closer to the mirror, peering into it, its shiny surface reflecting herself.
Zerine laughed, which made Ava wince. Her laugh was soft and weakened as it went on. Zerine’s voice had strengthened over the past few days, but talking still took a lot out of her.
“Varino, all I see is a big version of your eye. You can’t see me, bu tI can see you silly,” Zerine giggled, which made Varino burble a laugh.
Once Varino stopped laughing, she chirped and whistled a question.
“You’re going to be just fine. You’ve practiced for a long time. But I have faith in you making this look easy,” Zerine encouraged.
A trilling whistle.
“Yeah, you got this. Once it’s done, you’ll get new abilities and all. That’s some good motivation right there!”
Varino chimed brightly and hugged the crystal.
“No, you’re the best,” came Zerine’s response.
With a firm chime, Varino looked up to Ava, who grinned.
“She’s right, you know,” Ava said.
She chirped a question.
“Yes, you are the best and that you got this,” Ava said, chuckling.
Varino put a fist in the air and chimed brightly.
“She’s ready,” Callahan said, standing up.
Ava pulled out the catalyst. Unlike in Zerine’s room, the catalyst’s power wasn’t dampened. It filled the space, causing certain runes to glow, preventing the energy from escaping the space.
“Oooh,” came from the children and an impressed whistle from Varino.
Varino reached up to it. Ava crouched, still holding the crystal.
“Wait till I say start, alright? And stay in the middle of the circle,” Ava said, meeting Varino’s gaze.
Varino nodded.
“Alright,” Ava said, handing the crystal over.
The crystal was easily the size of Varino’s entire torso. She held it like it weighed nothing, but Ava was certain it was probably a quarter or more of the spirit’s total weight. Ava went to outside of the large array circle and knelt.
“Ready?” she called to Varino, who chimed. “Alright, here goes.”
Ava closed her eyes, imbuing the circle with her power. The intricate runes, sigils, and patterns turned purple, then glowed brightly.
“Go for it!” she called to Varino.
The spirit closed her eyes and took a breath, then slid the catalyst into her torso. Immediately, lightning arched around her compact frame. Winds kicked, tossing Ava’s ponytail as she backed away. Soon, clouds appeared above Varino, creating a swirling spiral. Occasionally, bolts of lightning would crackle out, followed by a boom of thunder. Varino stood still during the entire process, her eyes squeezed shut, fists clenched. As the process continued, the observers saw that Varino’s grey and blue body was turning a deeper blue. A spiral of shining energy appeared in the spirit’s torso, growing brighter as time went on.
After ten minutes, there was a blinding flash, then silence fell. Varino was on all fours, taking labored breaths. In an instant, Ava and Callahan were there crouching next to Varino. The spirit no longer had any signs of gray, but was sapphire and even had grown. Now the spirit was roughly the size of an infant nearly doubling her size.
Varino unsteadily got to her feet. Her eyes were the same shining silver and blue. She blinked rapidly, then with a triumphant chime, she pumped both fists into the air. She wobbled, but steady herself, then chimed again.
“Yes, you did it!” Ava said, while the others clapped and cheered.
“Congrats!” came Zerine’s response.
Varino threw her hands up in the air again and did a little dance, moving in a little circle.
“How do you feel?” Ava asked.
Varino stopped dancing mid step and tilted her head, then whistled and chimed.
“Tired and yet full of energy,” Zerine said, confused.
“That makes sense. I was the same,” Ava said while Callahan nodded.
A yawn came from Zerine.
“Hey, you're doing great. Three hours is a lot of progress,” came Raith’s voice.
Varino burbled, moving closer to the mirror that Callahan held.
“I’m trying to stay awake till Varino comes back. I want to see how big she really is now,” Zerine said, but all three could tell she was fading quickly.
Varino tilted her head, confused, then looked down at herself and peeped in surprise.
“You ranked up to D-rank, and apparently, that means you get a little bigger,” Callahan said.
Varino pouted and chimed, clearly annoyed.
Ava burst out laughing.
“What did she say?” Callahan wondered.
“She’s-she,” Ava tried, but laughed again, “annoyed that she isn’t fun sized anymore.”
Varino chimed, crossing her arms.
“Oh, and now she can’t meditate on Zerine’s head,” Ava added.
Callahan chuckled.
“Zerine fell asleep. She just missed that,” Raith said.
Varino sighed.
“We were going to have you get adjusted to your new rank and abilities anyway. She would have been asleep before seeing you in person,” Ava said.
Varino perked up and whistled a question.
“Spirits like you adjust quicker than other races. But you should rest a little before we start.”
Varino nodded and skipped to others who were discussing catalysts with Shiya.
“She handled that better than you,” Callahan teased, putting away the scrying mirror.
“Of course, she did, but I had hoped you would forget about my first time,” Ava grumbled.
Callahan chortled, “like I could forget watching the adventurer guild facility’s roof being utterly destroyed.”
“Hush you, we don’t want the children to overhear,” Ava said playfully, nudging Callahan with her shoulder.
“Fair point. But how long should we wait?”
“Eager, are we?” Ava asked. Raising an eyebrow at Callahan.
“Of course, discovering new abilities never gets old.”
“True, let's give her a few minutes and then we can start,” Ava chuckled.