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"That was better coordination, but you guys are focusing too much on each other. Stella, you are a better fighter than Jack right now and you are more adept in mimics, but that doesn't mean you are the only means in winning. You rush to get back into the fight out of concern for your partner or out of your own pride, but you have to be patient," Ace lectured while bringing canteens to the tired warriors.
"Okay. I think I see...what you mean. I'm sorry...Jack, I did realize...that I got into your path...a couple of times." Stella took a heavy drink of water.
"It's okay...I...hesitated...a lot." Jack realised Ace was taking his time bringing the canteen to him. He tossed a rock to get his attention.
"Exactly. You noticed that I was slowed down, and you took action. Why are you always hesitating in battle? It is like you know someone is coming to save you and you hold on until then. You are afraid to overstep. Normally a team where someone is overeager and someone is over hesitant can work together, but it won't beat a team that is balanced and trusting. Luna, you were perfect. You exposed a lot of their faults clearly."
Luna gave Ace an enthusiastic thumbs up. The pair that was sparring with her received a taunting tongue stuck out.
"I understand. I have to lead some more."
"Not really. I do want more members to come into the team, and if we find someone with a lot of experience that wants to be the leader of the team then they might take the role, but ideally, I want one or both of you to command this band. In that case, I want to ask you guys. What makes a good leader?"
The breath returned to both of their bodies, but the look of confusion controlled their faces. Jack never really thought about it that much. How many leaders did he know? Rodriguez. Julius. Out of the two he would like to be like Julius. He was kind and fair. He had the trust of his followers. Rodriguez had the respect, maybe it was fear. Stella's mind wasn't thinking about examples. Her focus was on the silhouette of the person she would stand behind. They had to be intelligent. They had to be strong and have a strong sense of justice. Someone who she could trust. They both voiced their sentiments to a thinking Ace and an emotionless Luna.
"I wouldn't exactly say you are both wrong, but you are both wrong. What makes a good leader is the ability to lead." Ace smiled proudly while the vein in Stella's head emerged. Jack held her back, trying to figure out what their mentor meant before he could explain it.
"Isn't that obvious, Ace? Are you saying that all different styles are good leaders?" Jack's words caught Stella's attention.
"Exactly right my friend! If a leader is guiding his forces out of fear, then they are probably less likely to fear the enemy force. If it is a leader that is an excellent tactician, then team might believe in the plan and work extra hard. A kind leader can get others to follow them out of kindness and unrelenting loyalty. Now can you tell me where all these may fail?"
"Someone who only leads from fear, is only effective if the enemy is less scary," Jack answered.
"Those that lead out of kindness, probably, won't have control of his team if things get out of hand," Stella answered.
"The tactician can never plan for everything. If they are caught off guard, then it is hard to rally their troops and still have them be faithful," Tenny answered.
"Hmm, you all have great points. I believe you are right. Truth is that no leader is clear cut of an archetype. There might not be a right leader for any team. A team that has been controlled from fear might seek a kind leader. The followers of a kind leader might need the structure of a tactician. The orders of a tactician might not grant the faith that their captain can come and save them as much as a powerful fearful captain might present. The factor that unites all of them is the fact that people will follow them.
"The ability to lead someone comes from the ability to trust yourself and the ability to trust that your troops will do what they can. A good leader understands their team's weaknesses as well as their own and takes action according to that. It could be from pushing them to reach new heights. It could be from planning in areas that they are all comfortable in. Stella, I think you can make an excellent leader. You are bold and strong and intelligent even if you rush into things sometimes. You often choose excellent mimics to suit a situation and your abilities allow for that skill. In time you will be really scary as we increase your fighting skill and magic use. Jack, it is not that I want you to be the leader. I am just trying to bring out the strengths you have so you can take the opportunity to lead if it suits you. Sometimes the best person to lead is not the one who wants to lead, but the person who can get them where they need to be. You have great intuition, and you understand people very well. Those are extremely valuable skills. Luna! You are perfect! I really hope you don't go down the path of fighting in the future, but I know that I am going to train you to be one of the most technically skilled fighters in the world. Sorry for my rant, lets fight one more time and we can go fill water at a river Tenny found nearby. This time it will be the three of you against me and Tenny."
"There is a river to fill up and a small basin for you guys to clean up." Tenny grimaced at the pair.
"We can't be that bad, can we?" Jack looked around. Luna covered her nose and gave a strong thumbs down.
"Why is the one that doesn't talk, the one without a filter?" Jack pouted. "After we clean up, we are heading to the temple, and then we will get to Evergreen Village, right?"
"Yea the temple is really close to the river, and the village is not too far from there. We should be in beds by this afternoon," Ace replied.
"Hey Ace, before we start, what kind of leader would you like to follow?" Stella asked.
"In my day I was a stern and cold leader I believe. I would develop plans and have soldiers execute them with precision. I believe they feared me. A few probably respected me. I lost my troops to another leader. I ended up following him too. They had confidence and charisma that was unmatched. He was a great tactician as well, but it was his ideals and willingness to stand in front that drew everyone to him. Then I lost everything to a leader that was truly kind and bold. She would inspire fear in her enemies but love from her followers." Ace held onto his black pearl while staring at the sky.
"Someone more charismatic than you? Two of them?" Stella pondered at the thought.
"Yea, I wish you could have met them. Okay, no more distractions. Come at me!"
***
Saying the structure was massive was an understatement. Jack almost tripped over his jaw. The design of the building was very simple, a rectangle, at least it must be, but it was hard to visualise since there was always a corner out of sight. The front of the building stretched hundreds of feet wide. The massive flat roof of stone was held up by colossal stone pillars, spaced close together. Jack felt like it was overkill for the weight, until he noticed the stairs that lead up to the top. The length of the building didn't present a visible end. There were no walls, so anyone could enter from any side. The floor was made of massive stone tiles that were slightly raised two stairs from the earth. There was nothing inside the building besides the pillars holding the roof and a couple of half pillars only attached to the ground. People walked through them, all carrying back packs. It made sense for people travelling to Evergreen to stop, and according to Billy, they are probably all troublemakers.
A young boy, a bit older than Luna, wearing blue tunic and brown pants all covered by a white cape greeted the crew with a smile.
"Hello! I am List. I am a Treble. I am free to give you a tour of the temple today." His face twisted to a confused look as he stared at the group. "Lynn! They are a bit late for lunch. What do I do? Do we have to get more food?"
A young girl, who looked very similar in age and looks to List, flew down from the top of the building. A blue orb falling with her. She crashed into the spell causing it to scatter everywhere. She stood tall and folded her arms. The crew gave a soft clap at her amazing landing.
"I am so sorry. My brother is new at this. I am also sorry that you missed out on the lunch time serving. The cabbage stew and bread is finished. You will have to wait until this evening for there to be another serving. We can just offer a tour of the temple if you like."
"Yea that would be great. Don't worry about the food, we just ate. We appreciate it though!" Stella said to the chipper twins.
"Oh...Umm...do you have anything left over by chance. I am a bit tired of cabbage on bread." List awkwardly smiled.
"List!" Lynn's stomach unleashed a beastly sound. "Umm. I'll take some too, if that is okay."
Jack walked around a bit as the two tour guides enjoyed some roasted sweet potatoes and cooked sausage. They were far too delighted to be paying attention to Ace's explanation of how he seasoned the provision. Jack's jaw was unhinged as he passed his hand on the large grey pillars. They were rough and stained a few green spots.
"They gathered moss over the years, since after time, we have had less and less helpers. I cleaned some post at the beginning of the week, but I think it adds character. It is just a part of history. My name is Lyon." A tall muscular man in a white cape greeted Jack. He had features similar to the twins. His eyes were bright, hopeful, but seemed like they witnessed many tough things in life. The scars and calloused hands furthered the theory.
"Hello, my name is Ja—"
"What are you two doing there! You are supposed to be showing them around!"
"Sorry Dad," they mumbled with filled jaws.
"Sorry, that is my fault. I wanted some taste testers and these two were the first I can get my hands on. They were just about to show us around." Ace smiled awkwardly. Stella wondered if she could lie that well if she practised.
"Oh well that is fine then. My name is Lyon, I can fill in for those two."
"My name is Ace, this is Stella, Luna, and over there is Jack, and this is Tenny."
"Nice to mee—" Stella started.
"What in The Three!" Lyon's eyelids were so far apart that Jack was worried about his eye falling out. The twins swallowed their last bite of sausage before running over to see what their father was looking at. "Are you a mystical creature?"
"That I am. Nice to mee—"
"No way! I have never seen one like you. There is nothing written in the records. I have studied them for years. Are you a hidden creature?"
"No, I am a new cr—"
"What! Have you met The Three? Are The Three back on Terlus? Are they in hiding?"
"If I could finish my sentence!" Tenny snapped back at the older guide. "I am a new creature from another land. I came to Terlus to complete a favour for The Three. They are still where they are all those years ago."
"A favour? Are The Three coming back?"
"I don't think so."
"Yes, they are!" Ace snapped back into the conversation.
"What, they are? How do you know?"
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
"I don't. Since when have people tried to figure out what The Three are going to do. That isn't our place is it Mr. Lyon, so no trying to get secrets from my friend here."
"I am sorry. You are completely right. Trebles are followers of The Three. We are only meant to interpret their teachings, not enquire about them. Thanks for reminding me, Mr. Ace."
"It is no problem at all. Now show us around this large slab in the middle of the forest."
"Follow me." The blushing guide led the way through the pillars.
"Hey Ace. Did your dimension have The Three Guides or did you guys have your own Guides?"
"The dimension I came from didn't have any Guides at all. Although, when I came into this dimension, I got to meet The Three when I was meeting Tenny. That's our little secret though." Jack stopped in his tracks. The rest of the crew was confused why Ace and Tenny were grinning. They turned back to show their attention was on the calm monotoned tour guide.
"What were they like? Why didn't you tell me before? That is amazing," Jack whispered, if it can be called that. It was a good thing that Lyon's booming voice covered the over eager young one.
"Hmmm. They were really amazing, but completely normal. Like they talk like anyone would, it's just they are the smartest ever. Behemoth the Earth Guide...His natural form was intense. They all look like the paintings but seeing them in person is unreal. 8 massive legs to hold up his massive body. His brown fur was parted by huge mountains emerging from his back. Large tusks sprouted from his snout and antlers that looked like massive winding trees. He also had 3 of the cutest fluffiest tails. He was the one that enjoyed jokes the most. He was fun, outgoing, and extremely loud. He talked really slow for some reason, but compared to the others, his body was always energetic.
"Ziz had no legs at all. He was a large, feathered bird from its massive beak and 6 eyed head to its swooping fan tail. He had 4 wings and the feathers that made up each wing was the wings of other birds. He was more reserved and stoic. I would say he had more a chuckle than a laugh, but he loves to talk about anything really. He just appreciates a good conversation.
"Leviathan was long. Her head was sharp like a shark with similar teeth, and at the end of her jaw was spiked fins. Throughout her body on the underside was countless curled tentacles that looked like scales until they unfolded. Her tail had four fins. Two lateral like what a dolphin's tail looks like, but two vertical fins like a shark. She was the warmest I would say. Everything she said, felt like it was filled with a guiding love. Even her stern attitude when I made jokes she didn't like was filled with love. All of them were just truly kind, but also very normal. However, they seem so unreal, like you have this unbelievable sense of awe when listening to them."
"What are you three carrying on about?" Stella fell back after deciding that they were lost in conversation for too long.
"Ace says he met The Three before."
"What?"
"So much for our little secret," Ace said before the three tour guides and a small Reaper turned around to see what the loud expression of confusion was about.
"Everything okay there?"
"Yea, sorry, carry on please." Stella bowed her head slightly.
"Okay. These stages were used for Trebles to echo the words of The Three so followers could hear at any distance in the temple. We are approaching the centre of the building. This is where The Three guides would come and eat with the people. The stories say that they would arrive and eat food offerings from visitors and the Trebles would prepare or share meals with all the followers who came to see them. It is believed that they used to stop by just to talk and council, but over time followers wanted to present food as gratitude, so they used everyone eating as a way to connect to the people. This is the table here." Lyon pointed to a round table with three normal stone chairs placed equally around.
"The Three Guides would sit here and listen to those speak, or tell discoveries they made, but it was mostly a way to answer questions." Lynn picked up where her dad left off. She was praised with a soft pat on the head.
"The books say that the first two precepts were interpreted at this temple. The other one was interpreted at the temple outside the capital. That one is even more huge-er! There are three ginormous statues of the guides there." List giving a great example of the size by extending his hands as far apart as they can go.
"Wow! I had no idea the precepts were written down here." Jack felt goosebumps envelope his entire body.
"Yea, it really is amazing right. Kids, what are the three precepts!" The twins gathered in a line and placed their hands behind their backs and their chins up.
"One. The time before and time after are a part of life that we will understand when we get there. We should not let those times dictate the time we spend on this planet.
"Two. The instincts that we are given are a gift from birth and shaped by the world around us. We should follow our instincts to love, survive and fulfil our curiosity.
"Three. We should not hurt any other creature in the pursuit of our curiosity or spite. The ability to take a life should come at the need for survival."
"Those I did know. They taught them at school when I was a kid." Jack hesitated and looked at Luna. The little one counting the precepts on her fingers.
"I am glad. Since The Three Guides have disappeared from Terlus, there have been less followers. Man strays from teachings and fight wars, claim lands, kill for sport. Recently there have been many that believe that The Guides are wrong and that they abandoned us. That we are the supreme creatures and the world bends around us. Then there has been the cult that tries to follow the path of the God Killer. The world is a scary place." Lyon leaned against the pillar. Their father's words made the young Trebles' expressions sink.
"That is scary. I have never heard the story of the God Killer," Jack mentioned.
"Oh really. It is quite the ta—" Lyon started.
"We can do that later. I hear that the Trebles are quite the warriors. You hunt and gather for yourselves, right?" Ace had a wicked smile on his face.
"I believe we are quite the warriors."
"Why do you all hunt and gather? Do you not have ledgers?" Jack was intrigued.
"Trebles are strict followers of The Three. We do not conform to the will of The Empire that has continued to defy the teachings. They allow us to carry on our ways and take care of land that is considered reserved for us."
"We are great at hunting. Me and Lynn can even take down a bear by ourselves now."
"Not the super big ones, but the kind of big ones."
"So, Mr. Ace. Are you looking for a challenge?" Lyon had an equally wicked smile on his face.
"Oh no no, I am not much of a fighter. These two, however. I think they would be up for a challenge." Ace patting Stella and Jack's shoulders.
"Aw man," Jack mumbled.
"Aha. That sounds great. It is the least we can do for you feeding my kids. Lynn and List will handle this."
"How is getting our asses kicked a thank you for sharing food," Jack exasperated.
"You are way too negative. They are just kids. We just took down Eclipse. Have some faith will you." Stella stretched her limbs.
"Did you miss the part where the kids can fight a bear?" Jack pointing to the little ones stretching as well.
"I am pretty sure we could fight a bear if we put our minds to it."
"Jack. Don't worry. I think it could be what you guys need. Just bear with me please." The two combatants warmed up their muscles by pounding Ace into the ground.
"Umm, when you are done, upstairs will be the perfect location." Lyon pointed.
***
"Was this spot always used for fighting?" Jack questioned at the damage on the ground.
"Originally the followers would gather here to watch The Three transform when leaving. Now we use it as quarters to sleep or where I train these little ones."
"You guys ready?" Lynn took her stance. The back of her palm facing the opposing pair, partially extended directly ahead. Her other hand to her hip with her palm facing the sky. List was hopping in the air and landing with his knees extremely bent. Over and over.
"Go!" Lyon exclaimed.
List turned one of his landings into a green dash. He was in front of the pair in an instant. His huge smile was the only image they caught before he launched himself up in the air. Following closely behind him was the large orb of water wisps. No time to think. The two jumped out of the way to opposite directions. Was he a decoy? Why use water? Was it to give him enough time to move?
"Oho! They can use that can they? I wonder if being twins helped them, or you could be a great teacher," Ace commented.
"Ha, you flatter me. It is essential to our skills as fighters."
Jack was greeted by Lynn in close combat. Her movements were fluid. He held his own by throwing up a strong guard. Her fist was nowhere close to Ace's power. He waited for her fist to cross her body before grabbing onto it and pulling her forward. She used her momentum to twist her body in the air, throwing her heel at Jack's face. He stopped the impact using the back of his forearm. She is just as agile has her brother.
Stella had to worry about an air dashing List. He zoomed down to the ground, barely giving her time to sidestep his stomp. His left hand swiped at her. Wait, there is some green? She fell back as quickly as he could to avoid bring hit with a green crescent ejecting from his hands. How does he cast so quickly? His attacks and spells are woven together. He is going to be trouble.
"They are so agile. They seem like prodigies in your style of combat. There spell weaving is top notch." Ace was in awe at the two. Tenny seemed like he wanted to play with them as well.
"You seem to know a lot about our style of fighting. Have you trained at a temple before?"
"No, nothing so noble as that. I just happened to meet a Treble that underwent a tragic fate. He strayed from his teachings, and I fought many battles alongside him."
"It must have been very difficult for him to choose a different path. The Three always exercised forgiveness and understanding. I hope he finds back his path."
"I hope he did."
Jack leaned forward to take initiative. He couldn't let her control the rhythm this much. He had to mount an offence. Jack spotted the palm of his opponent open. He reached forward and closed her hand with his.
"Ouuu. You are good. That was the right idea, but too bad for you Mister." Lynn held onto Jack's hand and pulled herself slightly. He plants his foot and throws his fist at the young girl. He feels bad for going to hit a young person. That was if he got to hit her. Water wisps pounded him into the ground. He slowly raised his head to see Lynn running towards Stella and List. He hoped Stella was doing better. He guessed not since List was able to hit him with water from behind. Ace probably wants them to see how a seasoned team can fight together.
Stella planted her foot into List's stomach. He slid backwards before shooting water mimics at Stella. They really like to use water. Fire should have been a quicker and stronger spell for that occasion. He probably wanted to save mana since he figured she would dodge it. Stella continued forward but was intercepted by Lynn. She slammed her foot to the ground after missing Stella with an axe kick. Her palm raised in the air. Stella jumped backward, while taking a glance to find the position of List. He was out of range. No spells casted. Lynn bent down and kept her palm open and low to the ground. Why was there no light gathering? Was it a bluff? Stella felt a wave crash behind her kneecaps. She fell on her butt as she saw already casted wisps gather to Lynn's hand.
"What? What was that?" Jack screamed at Ace. His face was flushed but his eyes began to sparkle.
Lynn launched the water spell back at Stella. She rolled to the side, but she was met with a falling List taking command of the same spell and swinging it at her. It bended into his movements. Foot sweeps into a spinning back fist, into a jumping axe kick. The water always seemed to be trying to catch up with his hands. It was distracting her. Lynn ran in and rolled off her brother's back into a kick. Stella had her guard up, but the strikes were beginning to sting against her hand. The two weaving their attacks together. Jack was sitting in amazement at their movements. Who had control of the water spell now? Was there a constant flow of mana to it? Why hasn't it disappeared yet? Stella eventually became overwhelmed and threw a punch she knew wouldn't connect. She just had to get them to back up. They didn't let up on this and finally the water spell pushed into Stella, sending her rolling backwards.
"Wow, you guys are superbly amazing! That was better than I imagined." Ace ran up and patted their heads. There smiles were big and proud. Luna was in awe as well, enough so that her eyes didn't seem emotionless. It was like she was studying. If only her eyes looked like that while Ace teaches her schoolwork.
"What was that? How are you guys so agile? How long have you been fighting together?" Jack drilled the twins with questions. Their smiles growing with each praising inquiry.
"Now, now Jack that is rude. We will talk about it sometime, for now you thank them for the opportunity and let them get on with their day." Ace bowed.
"I am so sorry." Jack listened as Stella joined him.
"Thank you very much for the opportunity!" Jack and Stella bowed and exclaimed.
"Thank you very much, you two. Lyon, thank you very much as well. I shall visit again and treat you to a meal. For now, we made a promise to be in Evergreen village, and we are already a bit late."
"I look forward to the meal." Lyon shaking Aces hand. The twin's eyes were shining at the mention of food. They jumped up and down. Still beaming with energy. The crew began to walk forward, all except Jack.
"Ace, we don't have to rush to Evergreen now, now." Jack waited for a head nod. "Umm. I am sorry to bother you, but if you have a bit of time. Can we spar one more time?" Jack bowing. Lyon was taking by surprise, but his family smiled at the request.
"Sure, Jack. We would be glad to."
"Okay, but one more. We really have William waiting."
"Thank you very much." Stella bowing and with a big smile. It seemed that match struck a chord with the pair. Luna was anxious to fight too.
"Sorry, Luna. Next time, I promise." Ace patting her head. She gave a nod.
"Excuse. Jack. Can I ask you something?" Stella wore a warm smile on her face. Jack thought it seemed a bit forced though. Was she angry that they lost?
"S...sure thing Stella."
"Why did you just sit there while both of them were attacking me?" Jack could clearly see her smile was because her teeth was tightly clenched. He also seemed to get a visit from a familiar forehead vein.
"I...I...forgot."
"Oh. I don't quite understand, but it would be great if it didn't happen again." Stella held the same expression.
"No ma'am! It won't ever happen again!" Jack bowed down. Every witness was laughing out loud at the dysfunctional pair. They were doomed.
***
The sun hung a bit low in the sky. Jack had his and Luna's bags, and a few new bruises. Ace carried a sleeping Luna on his back, and Tenny hitched a ride on Stella's head. Jack had a bounce in his walk. He was glowing. Stella was a bit disappointed in herself but seeing Jack this chipper rubbed off on her. She knew that experience was going to open a new door for them. She couldn't wait to practice. The village was in the distance. Tonight, they could study theory when Luna was doing her normal studies.
"Did you see how they moved. It must be because they fight animals. They have to be more agile, because they rarely would overpower an animal. Did you know about their talents Ace?" Jack keeping the bounce.
"You are exactly right. They also rarely need to worry about Null metal or wisp manipulation, so they can use faster casting time and longer spells without worrying it would be a waste. I heard about them from a passing rumour. I am glad to see it was true."
The crew approached the town, that didn't seem to have any gates, just a large stone archway at the opening. A familiar gentleman with a cigarette seemed to be waiting in the archway. His foot tapping and a frustrated look on his face.
"You guys are late."
"Sorry, we got caught up at the temple. It was amaz..." Jack refused to stay still.
"I am sorry to cut you off, but we don't have much time. I did something, and I need you to trust me."
"Are you okay? What happened?" Stella looking around to see if anyone was after them.
"Ace. I entered you in a cooking competition and it starts in 20 minutes."
"A cooking competition?" The combined team's voice woke a tiny Reaper.