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The rain tapped ferociously against the stone floor. The cold water was revitalizing. Jack used the water flowing down from his hair to wipe the blood from his face. He took a deep breath to replace the countless shallow ones. With the exhale of air, he raised his arms in stance again. His feet slid to a wide support. Water splashed with every step as List charged forward. The young boy entered a slide before blasting forward with a green trail. Jack punched down into the ground but the young one was already out of the way. Jack wasted no time and called a green orb to get him to safety as well.

They fought well over 10 times for the day, and he only managed to beat List twice. It wasn't far off losses, but this kid has a lot of promise towards the future. Jack's vision felt hindered. The raindrops beating against his eyelids when he looked straight on. He ducked his head and looked through the eyebrow waterfall. List was quick. In matches 4 to 8, Jack tried to be more aggressive, but it cost him a lot more stamina that way. He was already feeling tired, he just had to be patient. He blocked and parried each attack. Water splashed with every encounter. Jack back stepped. List rushed.

Red? Why would he gather red wisps now? Jack gathered as much blue as he could before List arrived and launched it at the boy. The boy tried to blast away but the red orb fizzled out before he was pushed down by the water stream. He sat up laughing as Jack took a seat next to him. They both watched Stella and Lynn continue their match. Stella looked glad for the rain. No, it seemed like she was waiting for it. Lynn felt the same way. They both gathering blue orbs, but Stella's had a yellow swirl in hers. Back and forth they called mimics and danced around each other.

"Why did you use fire back there? You know it would be harder with the rain," Jack asked.

"I totally forgot. Please don't tell my dad. He would throw a fit." Lynn clasped his hands together.

"No problem at all. Where is your dad?"

"They went to collect ingredients to cook, I think."

"We should go help out."

"Ugh! I will wait for Lynn to finish." Jack laughed and ran off by himself. He informed Stella, who was holding the young one in a headlock, before he ran down the stairs.

The few Trebles that were gathering began running inside to shelter from the large drops. An elderly lady didn't have the luxury of fast-moving legs to help her out. Jack grabbed the closest cloth and ran out to shelter her while she crept to the building. A well-deserved cheek pinch was delivered to the boy and caused Lyon to snicker. Jack jogged over to help him cut up the cabbage.

"Cabbage again. List is going to be really sad." Jack chuckled.

"Yea, but we have to use what we can. We wouldn't want the cabbages to go to waste. He understands that. He just likes to give a bit of trouble sometimes." Lyon's laugh always boomed. "Ace was telling me that tomorrow is the mission. You all have an extra day, why not wait."

"We wanted the extra day in case something comes up. Better safe than sorry you know," Jack answered.

"I know we will discuss the plan better tonight, but what is the idea you guys have?"

"Well Ace went to visit a doctor back in Nectar village, but he couldn't get a large dosage of the herb we need. The doctor told him that it should still work, but it will take longer to kick in if it does."

"Ace or Tenny is applying the herb?"

"No, they will just be watching. He says that once we get the attention of the wolf then we just have to make the wolf digest it." Jack awkwardly grinned.

"Tomorrow is going to be a tough one, but I know we will be safe with that pair around." Lyon smiled back.

"Exactly! So why can't we go too?" Lynn exclaimed while walking up to her dad. List was deeply focused on the cabbages. "We didn't even get to go with Tenny today, and you are making us stay home tomorrow? This is unfair, dad!"

"It is still too dangerous. Things can go wrong. I am not putting you in danger." Lyon knelt down to address his daughter and then turned to List. "How do you feel, son?"

"I am okay. Also, sis, Ace said he would take all of us tonight with the grownups. It will be way more fun!"

"I still wanted to go with the other kids from the orphanage and at home. I feel like we missed out." Lynn pouted.

"I can take you guys. We finished early, so we can hurry down and meet them by the lake," Stella mentioned.

"Really?" They both chimed in excitement. It seemed that List was feeling left out after all.

"Of course. Let's go." Stella took off first.

The twins chased out into the rain. Green trails cut through the falling water. How could they have so much mana left? Jack couldn't help but smile. Stella was probably restless since she was missing out on an outing with her sister. Earlier the excitement was sky high, probably because they don't take much of a break. William couldn't hold back his joy. Him and Tana actually cheered together, which is a sight Jack didn't expect to see. Ophelia was glad William was going so she didn't have to pick up a pack of cigarettes. Jack felt like he was missing out, but tomorrow would be a big day. He felt uneasy so staying back and helping out was much better for his nerves.

"Hey Lyon. We are nowhere close to controlling each other's spells. What are we doing wrong?" Jack questioned.

"You seem to be a bit too eager. It will take some time. Since mana comes from inside someone and gives form to a spell, then that spell becomes theirs. You have to be around that person and get used to their mana and spells and your body will be able to influence their spell. It is much easier said than done. What is your affinity?"

"I thought it was fire since I grew up around a forge, but Ace pointed out that I rarely forged as much as I have been on deliveries. I find a cool breeze calming, so wind turned out to be my affinity. Stella's is water because she used to relax in their house bath to escape stress." Jack gathered red and then green light in his palm.

"That does make it a bit tougher because your natural affinities are different but fear not. With practice and sticking together it will happen eventually. That is how I taught the little ones, but they say that wizards are able to destroy spells because of their level or wisp manipulation, so there might be other ways to practice the skill."

"That is crazy. To be able to manipulate wisps like that. Have you ever met a wizard?"

"No, I haven't. I don't go too far from the temple. I have heard that there are rarely any wizards that aren't in the capital. The only school that teaches that level of magic is run by the empire and the wizards are automatically in a division of the military. It is easier to see a wizard in the south continent where a lot of them study at Anne Academy, the biggest magic school in that continent. Those wizards often choose to stay at the academy, but I heard there are some that leave."

"I am sorry if this is getting too personal, but do you hate the empire?" Jack's eyes stared into Lyon for honesty. His voice soft and hesitant. He really didn't want to upset the kind Treble.

"Oh, not at all young one. Religion is complicated. Faith is complicated. The truth is that I grew up in a temple. I got to learn the teachings that Trebles interpreted and found something there for me. It also turns out that our temple at some point in time became a more relaxed following of the teaching. Are you religious Jack?"

"Oh no. My mom was but I don't have many memories of it defining her. It is just what my dad told me. He isn't religious and I don't know much besides what they taught us in school. I don't disagree with any of the teachings, but I can't say I do anything based on my faith."

"Would it be surprising if I tell you that I am similar? I follow the teachings because they were always around, and I grew to respect them. I grew to dislike the control and hypocrisy of normal society that I discovered from meeting travellers. My parents always told me that I am free to choose, and I believe the same for Lynn and List. They can find their values when they are old enough. It isn't like this everywhere though, do be careful Jack. There are some followers that interpret the teachings differently. I have heard that they have secret practices that revolts against the empire and its citizens. I hope you never run into them."

"Coming back to the faith. I heard a lot of people have forsaken The Three because they abandoned us. My teacher told me that they had to, but they weren't sure why. They said it was part of our faith and their faith in us. Do you know why they left?"

"They left to save the world. It is common knowledge that The Three do not take action or harm any life, however they took responsibility for granting someone too much power. The embodiment of wrath. Ira. He wanted to destroy all humans and The Three took him and disappeared to no one knows where."

Jack swallowed a lump in his throat. The Three had to take Ira away. Ace wants them to fight that, and he is confident they will win. Jack's heart pounded against his lungs. He was struggling to breathe. His hand felt jittery. The embodiment of wrath.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"L-Lyon. What do you know about Ira?" Jack's face was flushed.

"Not much. It is said that he was the strongest creature besides The Three. Why?"

Jack took a seat. He told Lyon the proposal from their mentor. The coming of the dragon. How they were going to stop it. The information made Lyon take a seat. They discussed the possibilities. The factors that they knew already, but none of it truly added up. The rest of the time between the pair was spent in silence, only activities for others being accomplished. Neither seeming to have a firm grip on their thoughts as hours went by.

"We are back!" Ace exclaimed while wringing his clothes dry. A big smile crowned by a moustache. William shook like an animal, and Luna let her sister dry her with a cloth. The kids all running back to their parents, and Tana chopped at her hair to remove water. "Hey Lyon. You remember Miss Kyouko right. She said that she will help out with dinner."

"Hi. You can call me Tana, thanks for letting—"

"Ace, is it true that Ira is coming back." Lyon gripped Ace by the shoulders. His eyes were almost out of his head, sliding back and forth trying to focus on both of Ace's eyes. His mouth was slightly open. His breath frantic.

"Dad! What is wrong?" Lynn tried to grab her dad's arm.

"Yea, in about 3 and a half years probably." Ace continued with his grin and placed his hand on Lyon's shoulder.

"Who are you? Why are you so calm? Ace, you understand what you are saying right?"

"I do my friend, and I wouldn't have been here if I wasn't sure. Everything will be okay. I promise. I have Tenny. Have you ever seen a creature like Tenny?" Ace's tone was soft and soothing. Jack felt at ease hearing it. He let himself get in his own head. Lyon looked over to see the Mystical Creature flexing his muscles.

"I told you all that I am the strongest." Tenny giggled. Lyon felt all his muscles relax. He looked at the smile on his new friend and then wiped the sweat from his forehead. He smiled and finally his twins began smiling.

"I have no other choice besides to trust you, right?" Lyon picked up his kids.

"I wish I could say more. Now let's make some food." Ace merrily skipped to the cabbages and began to chop them. Everyone else took a minute to parse the scene that just happened. Stella checked on Jack who was still sitting on the ground. He explained to her, the newfound information while everyone else found chores.

"That means that there is information on Ira in this world. We can do more research, Jack." Stella stared up at the ceiling.

"You are right, but for the first time. I think I am scared of knowing more."

***

The night air felt warm. The sky was full of stars and contained no sign that the day was filled with rain clouds, however the wet grass below them did not forget. Ripples appeared in the lake, and faint bird calls rang in the distance. A fire danced under skewers of vegetables. The colour of each ingredient shyly changing to a darker outfit. Everyone was laughing merrily when Ace suddenly vanished.

"What was that!" Ophelia dropped her drink.

"Woah, you are wasting the alcohol." William grabbed her cup to rinse it.

"I am starting to learn that he does that." Tana chuckled and patted her friend on the back.

"Who stayed with the kids, Miss Ophelia?" Jack questioned.

"Umm..." Tana began snapping to grasp Ophelia's attention. "Kids, right. I got my sister to stay with them. The kids were really happy these last couple of days. William, Tenny and Moustache told them some exciting stories and the other kids loved playing with all of you. We try our best, but there isn't always excitement like that for them. I appreciate it a lot so I figured I could help with your mission tomorrow."

"Ophy! That is too kind." Stella grabbed her hand.

"You can call me sis." Ophelia skin tone began to match the orange glow.

"I am back!" Ace appeared in a cloud of dust.

"That was quick," Tana mentioned.

"Aww, it is only a mile to town. Hey, Stella, check this out." Ace tossed a wrapped polearm. Stella unfolded the cloth to reveal a polished metal blade capturing every flicker of the flame. The blade was roughly a foot and a half and attached to a rigid pole about her height. Stella balanced it on the back of her hand before twirling it. She tossed it in the air before catching it completely vertical.

"I really love it."

"Can I see it little sis?" Ophelia outstretched her hand while Stella happily let her demonstrate her skills. "This is a really good one. How did you get your hands on this, Moustache?"

"Well Jack made the order and was abnormally specific. Then the smith seemed like he didn't have a choice when we mentioned it was for Lunar Eclipse." Ace gave a thumbs up to a red Jack. Jack shook his head.

"What is the plan, Moustache?" Ophelia asked. Ace switched out some of the vegetables.

"For tonight or tomorrow?"

"For tonight and then tomorrow."

"I rather say tomorrow then tonight."

"Suit yourself."

"Well, tomorrow we are going to try and drug the wolf. The doctor told us that this normally works using an injection, but we don't have tools for that. He has said that we can make the wolf take it orally. We originally thought we could mix it in the wolf's injury, but it seems that won't be enough. I have decided that the wolf would have to eat one of us, and by one of us I mean this dummy over here." Ace signalled to the humanoid shape made of straw. The straw man was wearing Ace's clothes and had a strong smell to it.

"That thing is creepy." Tana held on to Ophelia's arm.

"So we will just attack it, get it to attack this, and then flee. Questions?" Ace looked around.

"Are we sure this is going to work? It sounds too simple," Stella questioned.

"It should. Simple plans mean there are less steps to mess up." Ace gave another thumbs up. "Worst case scenario is that we run away."

"If the dummy doesn't work, then I will help you guys." Tenny had a big smile on his face.

"I have a bad feeling about this. What is the plan for tonight then?" Stella asked.

"Party. We should have some fun. Lyon will come later. The twins are tired, so he is just staying back until they fall asleep. He will meet us later in the night. After, I will take William and Miss Kyouko back to town, and we will camp here and head after the wolf at sunrise."

"No can do my friend. I have to stay to record the story," William announced.

"That is no fair. If he is staying, then I am staying too." Tana slapped William on the back.

"Hmmmm. No problem once you guys agree to keep your distance at all times." Ace pointed at them with a stern expression. They replied with a rapid nod. "Let's party!"

The vegetables were constantly swapped out. Tana made a large bowl of mixed fruit that she convinced Tenny to pick. Alcohol passed around to everyone but the little Reaper. She was huddled by the fire wrapped in a cloth, with her leaf plate being constantly refilled with every batch made. The air was filled with great smells and joyous laughter. Ophelia told jokes while Tana was forbidden from telling any to the dismay of Ace and Tenny. Lyon would find them not to long after. He was tipsy by two drinks.

Jack looked around and couldn't help but smile. He thought back to Billy and Monica. Captain Julius and Dr. Hocho. They were great, but here he is again, surrounded by wonderful people. He was excited to see more of the world. He laughed at himself for thinking about another adventure when they didn't finish this one. Ira was in the future and Ace said not to worry about it. If he worried about everything, then moments like this would pass him by.

"Ace! You know what is missing?" Stella had a wicked smile on her face. He shrugged his shoulders. All the attention was on her. "Sing a song!"

All heads turned to Ace. He looked up to the sky silently for a while. "I hope I remember this one correctly."

"Whenever you are ready, Moustache!" Ophelia cheered.

"You can do it Ace!" Tana cheered.

"We march, we march, we march with the yellow,

The earth, the flowers, for the days of mellow,

a solid bond with you my fellow,

I hope I see you again...when we march,

We march, we march, we march with the blue,

The water, the sky, the lies sound so true,

How far we go I have no clue,

I hope you see me again...when we march,

We march, we march, we march with the green,

The wind, the grass, all the sights we've seen,

What a soldier would give to once again be clean,

I wish I saw you again...when we march,

We march, we march, we march with the red,

The fire, the blood, the words we wished we said,

Through heavy minds and calls for a bed,

I wish I could continue the march."

"Wooooooooo! Again! Again!" Tana cheered.

"Okay, this time let's all sing it." Ace started to wave everyone in with his hand. All the older ones tried to match vocals, but it led to a miserable mash up of pitches and timings. Lyon surprised everyone with a beautiful voice and unrivalled enthusiasm. Jack smiled ear to ear while stretching his hands and leaning back on a stone.

"What are you thinking about?" Stella asked while taking a seat next to the yawning onlooker.

"Nothing really. How about you?" Jack asked back.

"Jack. You know if something is bugging you. You can tell me. No matter what it is, even if it is nothing to talk about. I will listen." Stella avoided all eye contact, but the lengthy paused caused her to lock eyes with her friend. "Of course, that is if you want to!"

Jack chuckled when Stella rapidly turned her head away. "I know. I hope you know that I am always around to listen too."

"I know. I just wanted to remind you. Sheesh. Stop laughing!" The warrior punched Jack on his shoulder. He laughed even harder with every colour tone shift on her face. "I think I drank too much. Silly me, and we have a mission tomorrow."

"Stella, I do have a question. Why do you want to be stronger?"

"Well, in my case I think being stronger is just an improvement. I think it is normal for people to want to be better without needing a reason." Stella gathered some blue in her hand. It swirled with yellow again.

"I think I get it, but is there really no reason for you working so hard? Wouldn't it be easier to take Luna home, and live in peace?"

"It is a bit more complicated, but even if it was like that, I am not sure I would go home. I want to get stronger so I wouldn't have to rely on anyone. I would be able to protect my sister with my own hands. I would be able to stop the things that people unfairly take with more power. I guess I do have a reason, but then I am also not sure." Stella scratched her head. Jack felt a bit nervous for asking now. He didn't know there would be so much thought into it. "I think if The Three promised me that I would never have to deal with any trouble again, I would still take this opportunity. I just can't go back to a peaceful life knowing I passed up on the opportunity of a lifetime. I would be completely miserable."

"Damn, more miserable than you are now? I would feel sorry for the people around you." Jack dodged the volley of punches this time.

"Shut up. So, what was this about? You're having doubts?" Stella locked eyes.

"A little. Like I get Ira, but I always get this strange feeling that it isn't about Ira. Ace never tries to bring any of the strong people we meet with us. I also always feel like we are getting into trouble, but I am having a lot of fun. Then I wonder if I am supposed to be having fun with the serious mission at hand. I end up questioning my reasoning for following Ace. I just don't know what I am doing, or what I am supposed to be doing."

Stella paused for a moment. She let Jack's expression lift itself, but before he could change the topic she asked, "Why did you follow Ace?"

Jack turned red again. His eyes couldn't pick a spot on the ground. "I wanted to help him. I also wanted to be...a hero."

"That sounds like something you would say. Jack, you will be able to help more and more the stronger you get. Logically. I hate to admit it, but Lok is strong. Sometimes strength is what it takes to do what you want. If you want to be a hero, then become stronger than the villain."

"You are right, but I wonder if I am doing the right thing. If it is my place to make those decisions. Like the military are full of heroes that protect the people. Nod is a hero that protects the people of the village."

"You are helping people. Doing what you believe is right instead of taking orders can be a good thing. The lives you protect and the lives they protect are all lives. Don't devalue yourself because your ledger doesn't say hero. Why do you want to help people so much?"

This question put Jack in thought for at least a minute. "I just do it because it feels like the right thing to do. I can't ignore it if I have the strength to help someone."

"Then you have your purpose. You are helping Ace and helping people along the way. Eventually you will help the world by helping us beat Ira. I would say that it is a grand purpose, until you find another one."

"I think you are right. Thank you Stella. I really appreciate it."

"It is what friends are for. Now, let's go make fun of Ace and Tenny with Ophy before we have to go to bed."

"How can you be so kind but so mean."