The bright warm sun shone through the gaps between the curtains and landed on Katja's face, blinding her through her eyelids and waking her up.
She slowly sat up on the edge of the bed and was reminded of the terrifying scene of yesterday's fight. She could only stand still in fear and kept her distance. She pinched her cheeks, still in disbelief of the result.
“I'm still alive….”
She quickly got up and took a long shower. She didn't get to clean herself from all the dirt and blood when she got back home. She took a Nir-pop from the medicine from the medicine cabinet. Niir-pop is part of the outer shell or scales of a Piniir. A Pinnir is a harmless semi-aquatic monster that defends itself by discharging its scales that produces bubbles that blind and damage their eyesight once it is popped. However, if used moderately, it becomes a useful soap and shampoo.
She thoroughly cleaned every part of her body, down to each fur. After showering, she decided to wear a blue sundress with white stripes and trim. She rarely ever goes out in a dress, but after surviving yesterday she was feeling blessed and grateful. The sundress was a gift from Vanessa, her Granter.
It was shortly after they, including Greyson and his Granter, Ashley had arrived at the Village. Vanessa got a job working as a tailor's apprentice, and the sundress was completed as her first product and gift for Katja.
Katja wanted to give a gift for Vanessa as well, to appreciate all the love and care that she gave throughout the years. She wanted to make Vanessa's favorite dish, a strawberry pie. She looked forward to her mother's strawberry pie every weekend when they were still alive on Earth. Unfortunately, Orizen doesn't have the same ingredients available so Katja has to make everything from scratch with the ingredients within Orizen. She went around the market and bought all the necessary ingredients.
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A box full of wrytberry. The taste of a wrytberry is similar to a strawberry, yet it has an added spiciness to it.
One Araskgua gland. The Araskgua are a deep sea monster that lives near the underwater volcano in the Ruht kingdom territory. Their glands contain a freezing agent that allows them to breathe and live near the volcano. Only the Ruht kingdom has the means to hunt them down safely.
A jar of finely grounded Nibel tooth. Nibel are tiny harmless monsters that have a sweeth tooth. They are easily tamed by using the Ny'Lanter herb. Their teeth absorb the sweetness of the herbs and separates the rest of the minerals and nutrients into shiny pearls. Of course, due to domestication, they have evolved their teeth to regenerate to avoid permanent damage.
A kilogram of Kinsu starch. Taken from the Kinsu plant that grows on the island of Gelsrig, where the Centaurs reside.
A kilogram of Safrita flour. A genetically altered flour that is made to resemble Earth's flour made by one of the genius geneticists at Crystal Empire, Safrita Asmara.
A jar of vegetable shortening. Made from vegetable oils such as Kinsu seeds, Oltura leaves and malbeans.
And a bottle of stastil milk. Stastil are herbivores who can survive almost anything. Its body adapts to the environment and negates any attacks from predators. The milk produced from a stastil adopts the state of adaptability. When heated, it becomes solid like a block of butter, when frozen, the form becomes similar to whipped cream.
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As she grabbed the last ingredient, Lady Eleanor came and greeted her at the stall.
“I see you're already up and about. Are you sure you're well rested, dear?”
“Oh, good morning, Lady Eleanor. I've slept long enough. You know how I'm not the type to stay idle for long.”
Lady Eleanor looks over at Katja's basket,”I see you're planning on making something special since Is it for your Granter?”
Katja nodded and smiled,”Yes, I want to make something special for her.”
“Then we should make it merrier. I'll let Simian know to bring tea and cookies. Maybe invite Greyson and the squad captain, and don't forget young Kaiser.”
“I think Miss Vanessa would love that. Although, I doubt the captain would join in.”
“That is a shame, but I understand his choice given his history. Regardless, let’s make this a memorable day for her.”
“I'll take my leave first then, Lady Eleanor.”
She nods as Katja leaves the market to see Greyson.
Meanwhile in the squad training ground, Salazar and Kaiser were sparring in front of the entire squad members.
[Devastation Heel]
The purple Embers gathered around Salazar's right foot. He jumped high into a summersault and kicked from above using the heel. While it isn't a fast attack, the accumulated Ember increases the strength, density while multiplying the gravity depending on how high the jump is. Kai tries to block it by channeling most of the Ember into his arms and withstanding the blow. There was no foreseeable damage, yet the impact was received in full and caused his arm to vibrate and his muscle spasmed for a few seconds.
“Damn, you never missed leg day haven't you?”
“It's usually not that strong, I've adjusted it after seeing your moves yesterday.”
“Maybe I should steal your moves and make clones as well.”
“I would say it's unlikely, but you've proven to be an anomaly.”
“Heh, right back at you, buddy.”
“I haven't the slightest clue on what you're talking about,”Salazar gives Kai a smirk and feigns ignorance.
“such a humble guy.” Sarcastically remarked Kai. “Up for round three?”, he added.
“I was waiting for you to recover your stamina.”
“Heh, show-off.”
The two went to spar once more as the squad continued to watch on the side. A couple of members were talking to Greyson regarding Kaiser.
“I can't believe the new kid's going toe to toe with the captain. I'm usually tired after one spar session, yet they're going for three.”
“The runt still got nothing on the Captain. He'll tire himself out eventually.”
“I forgot you're such a big fanboy of the Cap'n, Greyson.”
“Watch it. I may be a fan of the Captain, but it's all based on respect and not just some blind devotion.”
“Yeah yeah, fanboy, we get it.”
At the same time, Katja arrives at the training ground and walks over towards Greyson and the other members while also looking at Kaiser and Salazar's intense spar session.
“Are they trying to kill each other? I've never seen Captain Salazar so focused before. Well, except for yesterday's fight.”
“Hey Katja, you seem more unbiased than Greyson. Who do you think is stronger?”
“Of course it's the Captain!”
“We're asking Katja, not you.”
She looks intently at the two fighters. Her tail curls as she thinks deeply about the matter, determining every factor and variables.
“For now, the Captain has the advantage. Seeing as he's a new soul, Kaiser's usage of his Ember is still unrefined. Greyson also picked up on that yesterday.”
“See! Even Katja agrees with me!”
“I wasn't finished. I said ‘for now’ because seeing his progress in real time is no joke. I only gave him a hint on how to utilize his Ember and he immediately got it on the first try. He even adjusted it instantly after the Captain asked if he could, like it wasn't even a problem.”
“So what? It's not like any of us haven't had those moments as well.”
“The difference is, Kaiser is constantly doing it non-stop. I'm pretty sure he's thinking of new attack patterns and Sparkspells along with the adjustments mid spar. It's honestly inspiring……. and scary at the same time.”
Greyson's expression turned sour. He doesn't want to admit it, but he agrees with Katja after seeing Kaiser fight the Hagrefir. Katja notices his expression and tries to cheer him up by talking about the dinner invite.
“Anyways, i was on my way here to invite you guys to a dinner party at my place tonight, i'll even cook your favorite as well, Greyson. A bowl of “Feyndari Frostbites”.
Greyson's eyes grew wide as he turned his gaze towards Katja,”Really? You will? I love Feyndari Frostbites! Especially if it's your cooking!”
Katja's smile grew, knowing Greyson's mood is better. Then a loud crashing sound startled them. All the squad members winced at the scene of Kaiser being thrown towards the weapon's rack. Katja went over and helped Kaiser to stand up.
“Damn, that such a cheat move, you didn't tell me you could use illusions too.”
“What's the point in revealing your cards to the opponent?” Salazar said with a smirk.
“Heh... So unfair, I'll beat you next ti-...”Kaiser fell unconscious while Katja tried to hold him up and support him.
“I'll look forward to it.”
“Seriously? How am I going to invite him to the dinner party now?! Wake up, idiot!”
“Dinner party? Is there a celebratory occasion?” Salazar tilts his head while thinking if he missed something.
“No Captain, nothing too special. I just wanted to celebrate the fact that we're still alive. I'm making some strawberry pie for my owner and feyndari frostbites for Greyson. I know you don't exactly like parties, but do you wanna join as well?”
“Hmm, I guess it is worth celebrating. You don't have to worry about me, I'll enjoy some frostbites as well.”
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“Alright then. Now, what to do with him?”Katja looked at the unconscious Kaiser with annoyance.
“Just bring him to your place. I'm sure he'll be happy to wake up to a delicious meal.”
Katja wanted to disagree since the only room available with a bed is hers. but she knows that since he came to the village, he hasn't had the time to get a place to stay of his own.
“Fine, but you gotta help pick him up, Captain. I already have my hands full with groceries.”
The sun had set by the time Kai was awake. He got up and remembered that Salazar had beaten him using an illusion as a feint, baiting Kai into charging forwards while Salazar circled around and landed a sudden blow from the rear.
With all the constant fighting and sparring, Kai was surprised that his body felt no fatigue or pain. Subconsciously, his Ember had begun to heal his body during his slumber. Coincidentally, he also felt that his body had undergone several changes.
He lost a bit of muscle mass all over his body, but it didn't feel like he lost any strength. He tried to do a jab and ended up causing a shockwave that blew away the surroundings within the room. Then he started to wonder, “Whose room is this?” before looking towards the vanity table and seeing a framed picture of a younger Katja and a young woman in her 20's. Their smiles in the picture captured so much happiness. He realized that she must be Katja's owner. Before he wanders off to inspect anything else, he hears chatter from outside the room on the first floor. He walked out the room and down the stairs to see that everyone's already in her house.
Rast, Qwen and Greyson were setting up the dining table. Salazar was lounging on the couch with Lady Eleanor while drinking a cup of melodium tea, while Simian was helping Katja clean up the kitchen before serving the food and beverages.
Kai just stood there, confused as to why everyone was at Katja's home.
“Hey sleepyhead, welcome to the party. Go grab a seat.” said Katja with a warm smile.
Kai sat on one of the dining chairs, still not knowing what the dinner party was for. But, he is not one to pass up free food.
“Alright everyone, food is done. Take your seats.” She takes a tray full of various foods while Simian holds the drinks. Katja then hung up her apron to go upstairs.
“Where are you going? You're not eating with us?”
“I will, I just have to bring one more person.” She went up to the other room where her Granter, Vanessa was sleeping in. Her hair was already gray and her body weak and frail.
“Hey kitten, why the long face?”
“It's nothing, I just wanted to give you a surprise, hehehe .”
“What is it?”
Katja didn't give her an answer and lifted Vanessa up in her arms. She slowly walked down the stairs and eventually sat her down on the chair next to her. Without a moment to spare, Kai did the courteous thing and introduced himself first.
“Good evening madam, I'm Kaiser. You must be Katja's Granter. She's been kind enough to let me rest in this house and I'm grateful to you both.”
“Please, call me Vanessa.”
”Of course, Miss Vanessa.”
“Such a gentle young man, you are.” Greyson rolled his eyes at Vanessa's remark towards Kai. She then looks around the table to see all the delicious food
“Did you make all this, Kitten?”
“I had some help from Simian, he's got quite delicate hands despite his large size.”
Simian puffed his chest out to show that he accepts the compliment and is proud of his delicate side.
Greyson hadn't eaten anything since morning and hwe was reluctant to say anything for the sake of being polite. But, he was excited for Katja's cooking and was holding back from taking any of the delicious food in front of him. Unfortunately, his stomach ultimately betrayed him and let out a long and loud grumble. To save him from further embarrassment, Katja began to break bread.
The rest of the night filled with joy and laughter as they exchanged stories regarding their life with their granters before they came to the village. Rast and Qwen displayed their scars proudly. Their granters were lifelong friends who were very fond of fighting video games. Rast and Qwen were born to be their respective champions. Throughout years of battle, they also became friends like their owners and promised to live and die together just like them.
Meanwhile, Lady Eleanor struggles to remember most of the days with her owner, but she fondly remembers a time where they dressed up as princesses for her granter's 18th birthday. Her smile was wide and bright as she recounted the day. Vanessa and Katja also reminisced their early days together and how they were both shy towards each other but grew closer through the days that they survived together.
At the end of the table, Kai was smiling and filled with joy as he listened to their stories. Yet, the smile began to fade slowly as his mind wandered to the situation with his own family. The dark scenes of his childhood quickly came to his mind. A particular rainy night engulfed by raging winds and accompanied by the deafening drum beats of thunder and lightning. His younger self walked out of his room while gripping his blanket tightly. He went towards his parents bedroom. Before he could knock, a loud crash came from within and startled him. What follows was a conversation that has haunted him throughout his life.
“Why?! How could you do this David!? And with the head maid!? Do you know how mortifying that is for me!?”
“There you go again! It's always about you isn't it? I tried my best, Val! I've tried for years. You've been distant ever since Kaiser was born, why is that?”
“....You don't understand.”
“How could i? You never want to talk about it, and everytime i ask, you get frustrated and just ignore me! I want my wife back! I've been wanting you back for years! I'm tired of being unwanted, Val!”
“...It's…not you…”
“Then tell me…..if it's not me then what?”
“It doesn't matter anymore, David. You broke our vow.”
“....I know. I caused this pain, I'm sorry. but I was hurting too. I know it sounds like an excuse. But my feelings matter too, Valerie.”
“...Godamnit. I try my best to avoid ending up like him, yet I'm doing the same goddamn thing.”
“Like who? Who are you talking about?”
“Who else but my bastard father?….He did the same thing, started distancing himself from me and my mother and ended up neglecting us. At some point he never came back and I just gave up on hoping. One night, I snapped at my mother for picking him as her husband and she slapped me across my face. I was frustrated, I hated him…I hate how he was a horrible dad, a horrible husband, but most of all I hate that he made my mother fall for his stupid lies.”
“But you weren't like this when we started dating. You were so loving and attentive. What changed?”
Valerie started crying louder. She wiped her tears while trying to give him an answer.
“Please don't make me say it.”
“Would you rather we go to couples counseling?”
“No! Dear God, please, no couples counseling. I don't want this recorded anywhere, let alone a shrink's notes.”
“Then tell me. I won't judge you, Val.”
“It's because of our son…”
“Kai? Was it the baby blues?”
“No, I love him! He's our firstborn child. But I can't control it, David. He looks exactly like my father. Everytime i see him, every resentment I have for my father just bursts out. I don't know what to do!”
Before they finished talking, Kai had left. Hearing those words come out from his own mother's lips affected Kaiser more than he thought. He tried to understand it as much as he could, but he never had a chance to meet his grandfather. He empathized with his own mother yet embraced his own resentment towards the situation.
The night continued smoothly as they finished all the food without leaving any bits or crumbs behind.
Rast and Qwen were the first ones to leave since they had an early shift in the morning. Lady Eleanor and Simian were also preparing to leave after helping out with the dishes. Before they left, Lady Eleanor pulled Katja to the side.
“I'm sure I wasn't the only one that noticed young Kaiser's expression midway through the conversation.”
“Yeah, I saw it too. But it seemed like something he doesn't want to talk about.”
“How would you know?”
“Call it a feline's instinct, I suppose.”
“Maybe just be there for him? I'm only saying this because you seemed the one closest to him.”
“I think it was only because we talked so much about firearms and weapons during the ride back yesterday.”
“Whichever it may be, you should do what you can.”
“I understand.”
Lady Eleanor and Simian were the next ones to leave, holding on to their empty food baskets that were full of food when they came. Kai, Greyson and Salazar waved them goodnight.
“Are you going home, Captain?”
“No, Mautir asked me to switch with him for the nightwatch shift. He said the Elders had an assignment for him.”
“Whoa, I rarely see them do that. You think it's related to yesterday's incident, Captain?”
“It's still too early to tell, but it is worrisome. Newbie, I think you have to be prepared.”
“What do you mean?”
“People fear the unknown. You've displayed abilities beyond a normal fighter or guard in this village. Safe to say there may be hurdles soon.”
“You're just trying to scare me right?”
“You should heed Captain's words seriously. I don't entirely like you, but even I wish you harm.”
“Fine, I'll be cautious.”
“Alright then, I'll be in the barracks if you need me, Captain. I don't feel much like staying home alone tonight.”
Greyson walked into the darkness of night towards the barracks and Salazarexcused himself and went towards the south tower. Katja then came outside after bringing Vanessa back upstairs and accompanied Kai who was still outside the door..
“You want to stay at our place for the night?”
“No, no, I think I've overstayed my welcome and had enough sleep to last a week.”
“Suit yourself. Wanna go for a walk then?”
“Sure.”
They both walked towards the middle of the plaza where the fountain is. Katja then acrobatically did a somersault and landed on the edge of the fountain gracefully.
“Doom and gloom don't suit your style, Kai.”
“Huh? What do you mean?
“I mean your expression midway through dinner. All of us could tell there was something on your mind. Really poor acting skills if i do say so myself.”
“Oh yeah? And what do you know about acting?”
“Just so you know, i've studied all the plaus that Vanessa was in back when she was young. I learned from one of the greats!”
“Was she? I don't recognize her though.”
“Of course you wouldn't. She wanted to make a name for herself, so she used a stage name, Joy Anne.”
“Wait really? Your Vanessa is Joy Anne? But.. Katja, sh-”
Katja put her finger on his lips before he could finish the sentence.
“I know, im her Grant remember? I know every moment of her life, right up intil the end…and then some. I appreciate your feelings, but she is happy now. I'm happy. WE are happy.”
“I see, I'm glad then. She deserves to be happy.”
“All of us do, including you, dummy.”
He nervously laughed at the thought. His main sense of happiness, his sister was taken away from him.
“Somehow I doubt that.”
“Is that part of why you're so gloomy?”
“I- yeah, you could say that.”
He sat at the edge of the fountain and Katja followed, laying her hand on top of his.
“It's okay to be scared. I won't judge you.”
His mind flashes back to the words his father used to comfort his mother. At this moment he had a decision to make. Either follow her mother's footsteps and let himself be vulnerable as a result or be worse than her and distance himself from a potentially blooming friendship? Neither choice was ideal, but Kai had decided to take a chance.
“I didn't arrive on Orizen alone. My sister… she was ta-”
Before he could even begin to explain his story, a division of guardsmen had hastily arrived at the fountain and surrounded both of them. The group was led by Mautir, the one whom Salazar had mentioned and asked him for a shift change.
“What's wrong?”
“By the order of the Elders, I am to escort sir Kaiser towards the Village Courtall.”
“Wait, Mautir, what is this all about? Its the middle of the night, for fucks sake.”
“I'm sorry Ma'am, I'm just doing my job. They didn't inform me of the contents.”
“It's fine, Kat. Salazar kinda warned me earlier, so I knew this was coming. I just didn't know it would be this soon.”
“Okay, but if he's going, then so am i.”
Mautir gestured his hand for them to move and follow the guards in front of them. The tension in the air is high. Each guard seemed to be on edge and full of anxiousness. Kai's mood had worsened and his emotion had begun to manifest a stinging sensation in each and everyone's chest. Unfortunately, he wasn't aware that it had affected Katja as well, as she is having a hard time breathing. Yet, she continued walking by his side. Because she is the only one that realizes that Kai is hurting the most.