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Three of them joined their saviours on the back of the Ground Gliders. Wain ensured them that it would take them a couple hours of riding to get to their base not too far from Kofka. Jack was sceptical that they can make up 3 days of carriage riding, but Wain explained that their Ground Gliders have been upgraded. He made sure that they knew not to count out the revolutionary army. Jack joined him, Ace with Jin and Stella was gifted a ride with Atala.
The Ground Gliders ripped through the terrain at insane speeds. Jack held on for dear life. Stella insisted that Atala was explaining the secrets to life, but she could only hear the wind speeding past her ears. Stella felt bad for the girl talking her lungs out but there was no stopping her. Wain insisted that they could have gotten there faster since they have ridiculous amounts of mana and reminded them not to underestimate the revolutionary army again. Jack was glad he was courteously holding back, because any faster and the boy would have rather walked.
The sun was making its daily approach to the earth, and the terrain that changed to snow along with the icy winds, brought on a tremble. That was until a wave of relief washed over him, forgetting about his frozen fingers for a moment when he saw the golden stain splashing over Vel's skull. This time a couple of dozen tents and three times as many wagons stationed around it. Yellow pillars mounted at the edges of the encampment with guards positioned on each. One seemed to be wary of the massive snow cloud approaching them, but Wain released the handles and released different lights one after the next. Red, green, red, red, blue, caused a horn to rain sound over the base.
Off to the side, close to a wagon was where their saviours parked the machines. Wain stretched his hand toward the Mystical Grave, "Welcome to—"
"Vel's Grave!" Atala took over causing the expression on Wain's face to drop. "He was a fire dragon; that is what they say; when you think about it, most of what we know is what people say, like there are some obvious things, but why are we so sure that he was a fire dragon, I have my suspicions—"
"Why would they lie about the type of dragon he was?" Jin walked past all of them.
"Why does anyone do anything, am I right Stella. It was like what we were talking about on the ride, like how—"
"Ugh, I don't think there is an easy way to say this but—" Stella scratched her head.
"You are back!" A furball flew onto Ace's face. Ace tried to regain his vision, but the chance passed him by when Luna crashed into his chest.
"Thank the three! I am so glad!" Tana wrapped her hand around him as well. Her grip on his jacket was determined to not let that happen again.
"Hi...how have you..." Ace passed his hand on everyone's head.
"You know, this looks really bad." Jack started.
"Luna! I am your sister!" Jack felt Stella's fiery rage warming the atmosphere. He tried to inch away to safety, but the eyes of his friends locked onto them.
"We are sorry, it was just how he left things...that's no excuse...huddle, we move in 3,2,1." Tana orchestrated. The three of them ran and crashed into the pair causing them to tumble into the snow. "It feels great to have you back. We were really worried."
Jack felt Tana's tears take a hold of him, tears rush just behind his cheeks, swelling, but he couldn't let his body relax. He didn't expect to feel this relieved to be back around everyone after a couple of days, but it really was a couple of days, and all of them probably felt it in their own ways. They weren't in the clear yet. They were saved for a reason, and he already witnessed the problem with not cooperating.
"Where is William?" Ace asked. "I could use a cigarette."
Tana's expression turned and the water already in her eyes made the situation look bad. Tenny took over. "He said he is really sorry, but he can't travel with us anymore. He was really torn up about it."
"He felt like he held some blame," Tana said. "Like the attention he brought on was the reason they came to the kingdom, the reason Noa—"
"That isn't true. I am sure Meo made it to the capital," Jack said.
"I told him that, but he has a really really hard head. He pretended to agree but he was in his own world. He wanted to be around for longer, but if we are outlawed as criminals then his works wouldn't be published. He said to tell you that he still had his dream to accomplish."
"That sounds reasonable." Jack smiled. "Still feels sad though."
"We might meet him again someday if we keep getting famous," Tenny reminded them. "I am pretty sure he will keep a good eye on us anyway."
People came and met with the others while the crew caught up. Atala dragged away by something important judging from her expression. Raphael walked away by himself after, but gifted Ace a cigarette and light before he left.
Tana began to dust the snow off her clothes. "Yea, he said he was going to Evergreen, Nectar and back to your home village, to let people know the story. He was worried your dad would freak out when they release an article about you."
"I didn't think about that...I feel like I might get a lecture." Jack twisted his face.
"And what happened after we were taken?" Stella spoke in nervous tone. "Was Noa able to get a proper send off?"
The gradual increase in time between responses made Jack feel uneasy. Different from the familiar tone associated with this crowd...oh, it wasn't really the same crowd.
"Yea, we prepared everything soon after," Tana said. "Most of the kingdom showed up at the cemetery to help with the rites and give him a proper send off. He was surrounded...it was a beautiful ceremony. Beautiful ceremony always sounds grim, huh."
"And well a couple days after that—" Tenny started.
"We arrived to find these guys in despair." Wain chuckled. "Told us your story and asked for help. Our commander was interested in everything, and then seeing a Mystical Creature made everyone else curious. Tenny over there rushed off and found you guys and rushed back."
"I didn't want to leave Luna and Tana alone," Tenny added.
"You still could have told us they were coming," Jack mentioned.
"I didn't want anyone else to know. That mask guy is dangerous, and I had already seen that Ace was okay, so I rushed back. Did he cause you guys any trouble?"
"OH MY THREE!" Stella dragged her words. "You knew he does that? Why did we never know? What was that even? Ugh it was so much."
"Yea, we had no clue what to do. I think we got lucky." Jack had an awkward smile.
"What happened?" Tana questioned. Luna wore a confused expression as well.
"Nothing nothing...let's not talk about it." Ace softly smiled and turned his face away.
"Don't blush!" Stella barked.
"It won't happen again, so we don't need to talk about it. Once Tenny doesn't abandon me again, I should be fine."
"Aw, I knew you couldn't live without me." The mystical creature pat Ace on the head. "You really not going to tell them?"
"Fine...Guys I am scared of the dark."
Stella exploded a red orb across his face. "We wanted to know why, you dumbass!"
"I am sorry to cut your reunion short, but the commander would like to see you. We didn't plan to be here this long, and you are the sole reason," Wain said. He signalled for Jin to toss him the axe.
"Understood. My vice-captain will join us too." Jack pointed to Stella, receiving for the nod of approval from Wain. "Ace...you stay here."
Surprised expressions painted the crew's faces. "You sure?" Ace asked.
"Yea."
"Understood. No problem."
***
The vibrant yellow eyes that sat inside creased weathered skin, gauged the pair. Possibly to a good response indicated by the slight tilt in thick moustache attached to the white and grey beard. The old man was tall, and had a build that, while not as large as some of their enemies, was massive in his own right. The open shirt that barely fell over his scared body was intimidating but the heavy bear pelt dressed over his shoulders was the best tool in leaving an impression. He had no hair on his head, but short ones dressed the side, just above his ears and around.
"Mister Jack and Miss Stella Ursa, welcome to my camp. I knew some Ursas in Cartina, beautiful kingdom and great people," The old man said signalling them to take a seat on two crates just ahead of a large table he was propped on.
"It is an honour to meet you Mister Magna." Stella bowed her head. Jack did the same, just realising he didn't greet Meo and Maio like this. He looked around the small tent to see everything packed, probably in the crate off to the side with the one chair about to be used by their host.
"It is an honour to meet you Mister Magna. I am surprised you called me by my name." Jack took a seat where the old man signalled.
"I am not much one for nicknames, but you can call me whatever you like."
"Not one for nicknames, but surely one for theatrics. Button up that shirt old man."
"Whatever do you mean, Wain?" Arthur looked slightly off to the side.
"You are showing off your body as some weird form of intimidation, and you are too much with the bear pelt. There is no way you were walking around the camp like this the entire time."
"It was cold."
"Then why was your shirt unbuttoned."
Arthur sighed while doing each button carefully. "I mean a body like this is hard work. It shouldn't be a crime to want to show it off."
"Weren't you just behind us? Why did you now walk in?" Stella noticed.
"I was just making sure there wasn't anyone wanting to listen in," Wain said while sticking the Lusca Axe into the table. "Courtesy of Vidar, it looked like the Dog didn't want to leave Vidar behind. The plan worked but everything was curious about it."
"I am glad it worked out. I am sure there was no way they could have predicted that 4 of you would go there," Arthur said.
"I am a bit stumped by that myself." Jack spoke up. "Why such a force for just us? Was the Axe and Vidar the target? Those weapons are so rare that I am sure they change a battle."
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
"You know about Mystical Weapons?" Arthur asked.
"I only recently began to understand mana and magic better, but I understand how rare they are. I was a blacksmith...apprentice so I looked over a lot of books and they talked about some."
"But you have never wielded one." Arthur didn't need the head nod for confirmation, but he waited anyway. "They are unreasonable tools. I don't think they are all that useful in battle, but I can see the logic of having an element on your side. If a red fox spit a fireball at you, or I throw a fire mimic at you, which one is easier to block with magic?"
"The fire mimic can be blocked with an earth...they both can be blocked with the same spell." Jack's tone reflected his new understanding.
"Exactly." Arthur pulled the axe out of the table and held onto it while taking a seat. "They are useful in that they can't be stopped with Null Metal, but some can be pushed away by a force the same way. The problem with Mystical Tools is the ridiculous amount of mana it uses. I can probably use 3 class zero spells with the same mana it takes to make a splash of water with this."
"Do you know what happens when you run out of mana?" Wain asked. He put his feet on the crate he was sitting on. His eyes relaxed and falling on them.
"I just feel tired, but resting a couple of minutes helps. During that time, I just can't call any wisps," Jack continued answering. Stella nodded to his statement.
"And you can barely strengthen your body, but it is there," Wain added. "The human body won't fall asleep when running out of mana because of things like adrenaline, and the fact that the body keeps enough mana it needs to aid in the body's normal functions. The body can run without mana, but since we are so used to it every day, without it the body goes into a shock, we pass out."
"These tools—" Arthur started.
"Aren't human." Stella finished.
"They use mana differently and they draw in as much as it needs without a limit. If you think you have enough for a spell and trust me on how easy it is to overthink in battle, then lights out." Arthur put the axe down.
"That is scary. Then only the generals and you all can wield them?" Jack asked.
Wain's smile made Jack's heart skip a beat. Stella was lost in the focus his eyes had. "Interesting. You are fresh into this world aren't you. Terlus is a lot bigger than that baby bird."
"There is no hierarchy in the generals. The Dog isn't selected through a test, but through inheritance, although it is quite a process and secret. What I am saying is that there is no measure of strength in these titles. No one is truly much stronger than each other, and we all have our advantages. There is much much more out there that are on that level..." Arthur's voice sounded heavier when he was explaining. It felt like the air around him danced with every word.
"The Four Stray Monarchs are scarily strong. I can't see them losing to anything less than a few generals if they aren't ambushed or matched bad," Wain said. "I would say the top three mercenary groups are up there too. Hidden gems, then we don't even know what Anne Academy does, but there are rumours of something called a Dragon Force. I mean anything with the name dragon has to be pretty amazing right, I mean look where we are."
"There idea is that all of us are sitting at the feast, all inching towards our favourite foods without trying to start a fight, some more subtle than others in this regard. The reason that you have a regard towards titles is that fact that you aren't even seeing the feast, you can only smell the aroma through the cracks in the door."
Jack slumped a bit and looked at his own hands. That wasn't something he needed to be reminded off, he was painfully aware of how powerless he can be. How big his ideals can crash down. How much weakness can cost.
Stella's eyes were still forward but distant. She was on the path, she would get there someday, but she wanted to be there now. The freedom and strength to change the world. The power to have kept Noa alive, so no one has to be afraid to dream. They wouldn't have to fear the opponent, only understand them. She wanted that power.
"Why do you think I made sure to rescue you, and using your no kill policy?" Arthur asked.
"Is it because we overthrew a kingdom? We have potential as revolutionaries?" Jack asked.
"You think we have the strength to make a difference in your fight." Stella's violet eyes were sharp, but curious. Her heart dancing a bit faster.
"Potential, yes, but strength, no." Arthur chuckled. "I am pretty sure that there are many men in my ranks that could have overthrown Kofka, but not many brave enough to do it. Foolish might be the better word, but without killing their enemy. That piqued my interest, that piqued my interest very much. Strength is just strength. I have strength, but the question is if that strength will be used for war, or for peace. I want peace but as you probably already know, it can be the enemy of change.
"That is why we came to your aid. It is why we used your methods. It is because you have our interest, not because of your strength, but because of your ideals. See, Jack, Stella, I have no doubt that you will enter the room, sit at the table, maybe sooner than later, but what caught my attention was the bellies you thought about when trying to reach the table. That is interesting.
"That is the reason I want you to join the Revolutionary Army."
***
"Isn't it dangerous to be doing the things you are doing as a family?" Jin questioned.
Luna was asleep on Tana's lap while her hand gripped onto to Ace's. Her breath soft and hood pulled over her eyes to block the falling sun.
"I am thinking about that now..." Ace's eyes were soft, lost in the ground.
"I heard about it. I am sorry for your loss, but I hope your leader isn't too disheartened. He made one hell of a victory, it had us talking about it, but loss is just part of the game."
"Yea, it really is...I just forgot that even I have to play by the rules."
Jin's eyes locked on. His thin lips curled at the ends slightly. "You said something quite intriguing. This entire thing is intriguing. Why was The Dog the one that came to pick you guys up?"
"Yea, how did he know you?" Tana asked.
"He knew you, and we have no idea who you are. Intriguing...do tell."
"It is nothing special at all. I am just a lumberjack, but I dabble in crafts and cooking. It just so happened that The Dog's uncle's dad's best friend's wife's cousin heard about me and asked me to make a mask, and I tried my best, but they said it looked like a racoon, and he has wanted revenge ever since."
"Fine, don't tell me, but you will pay for that when Atala comes back. I hope you can explain every detail about the Dog's uncle's dad's...whatever." Jin laughed.
"Hmph...I wanted to know." Tana pouted.
"Me too, but I will keep my eyes on you no matter the decision. They don't call me the Eagle for nothing."
"Do you want a mask?" Ace smiled.
"Nah, it would probably look like an ostrich."
"Eagle sounds so familiar. Jin the Eagle...where have I heard that..." Tana's face twisted in all directions looking for a clue. "The eagle...Miyuki. You are Jin Miyuki from Meijin village. They call you the Eagle, the son of the birds, because you have a lightning feather and windy feather. I never knew what that meant, but it always sounded cool."
"That is me down to the feather...do I know you? Most people don't know where I am from." Jin locked eyes.
"My friend Ophelia is from that village. She used to keep track of your stories...she said that she knew you from home, and you had a gift for mimics. You were a couple years younger than us...but really strong. She said you always had a temper, and then one day you killed a dozen soldiers in town and ran away."
"Ophelia..." Jin's forehead sprouted a vein. "Let's not talk about that woman..."
"Oh, I'm sorr—"
"I mean anyone will have a temper if she beats on them every day. She was so mean. I left the village and when I joined the Butterflies, I went back to recruit her. She was strong, but better yet...I could get my men to bully her. She wasn't there when I went back. Do you know Olivia too?"
"We all moved to Evergreen and started new lives. They didn't talk much about Meijin, just mentioned a few stories. They are doing good. Olivia is in a guild and Ophelia is taking care of an orphanage."
"I am glad to hear that. They weren't born in the north. They moved when they were kids with some family friends. Meijin was a stifling place, it seems that quite a few northern villages were like that. Those two were bullied a lot when they just arrived but they turned that around very quickly. I am glad they are doing well."
"I will tell them you asked for them in my next letter...if I can send a letter again. We are criminals now, aren't we?" Tana's voice quivered a bit.
"Yea, we are. We will figure it out. Once Jack has a goal, we will make it all work, and I trust the path he walks," Ace said.
"I wouldn't worry about that too much. We have our networks. We can get your letters delivered."
"But aren't you guys leaving tonight?" Tana asked.
"Commander wants you guys to join us, I am sure. I told you already, you guys have the Butterflies talking."
"Sounds like tonight is a big decision...I sure hope those two are okay." Tana looked to the sky.
***
Jack remained silent and unbothered by the three pair of eyes waiting on his next words. Arthur sat back in his chair while Wain leaned forward. There didn't seem to be a rush, but the longer the silence was held, the more unspoken questions and ideas bounced between the three.
"I don't plan on rushing you. We are leaving in a few hours though, so I would appreciate an answer by then. Wain where will you be?"
"Right here, I had them get Atala to sort everything out. We should have no worries."
"Good, well either of us will be here if you have any questions before the time," Arthur said before standing up.
"I am sorry, I was thinking if to ask questions." Jack spoke up.
"If to ask questions...Why not just ask them?" Wain inquired.
Jack smiled a hearty smile. "I am afraid I will get too curious." Stella smiled at his response.
"Interesting," Arthur said. "I assume it is a no."
"I made a promise to a friend. I want to achieve that promise no matter what, and I am not sure if I can commit to other duties, especially those that are as important as changing Sovalan."
"That must be a hell of a commitment." Wain smirked. "I can't see much more things being more important than the future of the nation."
"This one might be," Stella awkwardly mumbled, but it caught the attention of the Vice Commander.
"It isn't just that. I have kind of been doing everything on a whim. My friends have been helping me with my ridiculous demands. I am young and inexperienced, and I feel like I shouldn't make a decision like this half-hearted. I have worked with soldiers, I even envied them a bit. I have gotten in trouble with soldiers, I have made mistakes...I don't know what the right or wrong answer is, and I only recently learned that there really isn't one. It is just an opposition of wills and that is why I can't join you now.
"People can die when wills oppose. People can die by decisions others make. It hurts. It will always hurt, and I am not sure how I would feel if my friend dies due to someone else's decision, but I know damn sure that it is a horrible feeling when you are at fault. It might be something I can avoid by passing the blame, but I believe in the decision I made because they believed in the decision I made. I feel like half-heartedly deciding to follow someone else's commands wouldn't be right. It feels like it would walk over their sacrifices. I recently learned that this is what it means to be a leader. I must believe in my decisions with all my heart for those that follow me with all their heart."
"Wise words for a young one." Arthur sat back down. "It would be an insult to say you are the result of someone, but you have learned some great lessons in a short time and in my experience, that comes with being around great people. Forgive me for asking, but what is the reason for your whims? What do you fight for?"
"I am sorry for getting all philosophical, but it's my mom's words. She used to say that a person has so many smiles. They can smile when they are laughing, or smile while blushing, or an awkward smile, and even a fake smile has a reason behind it. Each smile is beautiful in its own way, but sometimes there are things that come to take away that smile. It isn't the same for everyone and some can smile through more than others, but Mom said it could be nice to help those change the things that took away their smile. I just try to change the things that would cause someone not to smile. Damnit."
"What is it?" Stella asked.
"I just realized how stupid I was being to Wave. They are just helping others smile too."
"What if the people tell you that the government takes away their smiles?" Wain asked.
"Well if enough of the empire tell me that, and I have the ability to do something, then I will give it my all."
"I have been around many people, but not many warriors would utter words like that." Arthur laughed. "At this old age, I am still seeing something new."
"Aw, you can't be that old with a body like that." Stella gave a thumbs up.
"Ha, thank you for noticing, but I am old."
"How old?" Jack asked.
"Old enough, young one. I am old enough to know that there are many injustices in this world. Old enough to have seen and done things that many should not imagine. I am old enough to want to pass this mission onto the young ones." Arthur stared at Wain.
"I have had enough of this bullshit!" Raphael burst into the tent. His palms slammed onto the table while staring down the yellow eyes of his commander.
"Damn, I told the guards to make sure you weren't around." Wain rolled his eyes.
"You are trying to keep me out because you know you are doing wrong, Wain. We should have killed Vidar and you know it. I listened because I thought that you had a plan with these people. I listened because The Dog was after them, but you just wanted them to join, and they refused you like it is nothing."
"Raph, you know they can easily replace him. It wouldn't have been for anything," Wain argued.
"Magna said it himself. There would have been one less mouth at the table. Michael was inexperienced and unable to plan the future, but he took action. He wasn't a leader, but you are. You are the one that I choose to follow with the hopes of the future, but you don't plan to take action at all. What are we to you?"
"I understand what you are saying Raphael, but you know the matter isn't that easy. You are being insulting to our guest here by barging it," Arthur said.
"Magna!" Raphael hit table again.
"These people you are being rude to just took on the empire." Arthur's voice shifted in volume and aggression as he carried on. "Now their friend is buried in the same kingdom they fought to save. You are insulting that sacrifice with your words and I will not stand for it. I don't ever recall ridiculing the lives that were lost in your time before joining us, so don't test my patience, boy. Don't let this happen again."
"Now, let's get you out of here." Wain began leading the man out of the tent. "I am really sorry about this, guys. I will see you around."
"Wait." Arthur called. He tossed the axe to Raphael. "We had decided that the next one would be yours. Practice and learn to wield it well, we wouldn't want you to be left behind when everything does fall in place."
"Understood." Raphael grunted as they left.
"That is the passion in the army," Arthur said. "It is why I can understand not wanting to stand there half-heartedly. I apologise on his behalf, but the army is filled with people like that. Those that want change at any expense. Then there are those that just believe in fighting for something. The truth of the matter is that you were right, we are just opposing wills, but those wills are born from somewhere. I am glad I got to understand you, Jack..."
"Sidra, Sir."
"Jack Sidra. It is a name I will remember. I heard when you said that you can't join us now, and I am glad you said now. When you see more of the world, when you decide the smiles of the people are being robbed by an outdated system, then I will happily keep a place here for you." Arthur stood up and extended his hand.
Jack took his hand. "I am sorry we weren't able to be any help. We are grateful for everything."
"Don't worry, if you continue to do what you are doing, then I am sure our paths will cross again. I look forward to seeing you decision when that time arrives."