Ezekiel returned to the clearing to see Akland struggling in a net of thorny vines. Bleeding from where the hardened points pierced his flesh. But there was no sign of Riley anywhere nearby. Only the reforming and reeling form of a humanoid figure composed of countless vines of ivy.
From what he could see, the outcast Spirit had suffered a direct and powerful blow. Most likely from Riley and Celia, if the charred branches surrounding the outcast were any indication.
However, the lack of said Flame Hunter made Ezekiel’s heart drop into his stomach. At the same time, his grip on Shine grew tighter as his rage started to manifest. It was only the sharp sting of his disconnected Spirit Paths trying to channel mana that held him back.
Ezekiel could also barely sense that the outcast Spirit was incredibly low on mana at this point. Not as low as Akland, but lower than Akland’s full power.
“Get ready to Push!” Ezekiel dashed towards the outcast Spirit. Narrowly avoiding a series of sharpened spikes sent his way.
Holding Shine in two hands, Ezekiel swung as hard as he could, using the flat side of Shine’s blade. At the same time, Shine released all of their remaining mana in one go. The force wasn’t used to pierce or slice. Instead, it did exactly as Ezekiel instructed.
It pushed the outcast Spirit. Launching it into the air and sending it flying at an incredible speed. So fast, that Ezekiel was almost pushed back from the loud crack of displaced air.
Ezekiel then ran over to Akland.
“Soften them up with your mana!” Ezekiel called out as he swung Shine at the roots and vines holding Akland in place. The Spirit did as he was told, allowing Shine to cut through the net more easily. “Take this and meet us up stream. I’m holding you to our agreement to get me and Riley out of here. Sit at the bottom near the bottom of the river around that other meeting point you told me to go to. We’ll meet you there.”
Tossing his Void Pouch at Akland, the carp Life Spirit opened his mouth, gulping it down in one go. He then dove into the water, barely sparing Ezekiel a second glance. Ezekiel then turned, running in the direction he could sense a faint rise in temperature occurring.
“Are you... sure he’ll... meet you... there?” Shine couldn’t help but ask. Ezekiel ran as fast as he could through the trees towards what he assumed was Riley’s direction. Fortunately, opposite of where he sent the outcast flying.
“I don't know. But we don’t have much of a choice. He wouldn’t have stuck around for long if the outcast came back. Nor could we allow the outcast to keep its hands on the herb. Not if it’s allied with the Cult.” Ezekiel quickly saw Celia standing protectively over and beside Riley, who was unconscious and lying on Celia’s side. “For now, conserve your mana. You can barely speak anymore.”
Shine remained quiet as Ezekiel put them in their sheath. Ezekiel couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt well up in his heart. He knew that it was mostly his fault that Shine had to spend mana to speak. But he couldn’t help the fact that he was still injured. For now, Shine had almost no mana left to use.
A loud shriek rang out from behind Ezekiel as he stopped in front of Celia. The outcast had apparently recovered and was closing in on them.
“Shrink down now!” Ezekiel commanded. His voice loud and rumbling as he focused on the last embers of mana, he had left to reinforce his body even further than it already, naturally, was.
Celia reacted in shock at the presence of a Legendary being commanding her with their full presence. Immediately shrinking down to the same size, she usually stayed at when riding on Riley. Ezekiel quickly caught Riley before she could hit the ground and land on her Spirit. While also picking up Celia and placing her in his inner coat pocket. Then, he lifted Riley into a princess carry and ran.
Roots stabbed upwards from the ground, piercing through the space where Ezekiel had just been standing. The grass on the ground seemed to ripple as the outcast Legendary Life Spirit used its mana to try and take control of the area to trip Ezekiel up. Fortunately, Ezekiel was somewhat faster than the Life Spirit. Though that was only for the moment.
Less than three seconds after he started running, his mana ran out, and he had to rely on the purely physical force of Legendary Void Mage body. Far faster and stronger than the body of any other Legendary Mage, but only barely enough to stay ahead of the outcast Spirit.
The crashing of trees as they toppled to the ground behind him, as well as a cacophony of snarling screeches and howls chased after Ezekiel and his passengers. He didn’t dare to look back, but he could tell that the outcast Spirit had summoned its underlings and followers to aid in its chase.
Suddenly, a jet of flame came at him from the side, as well as several bullets of water that made him grunt in pain as they bruised and burned his sides. The significantly weaker Spirits were unable to truly harm him. At least for now. Ezekiel knew that stronger Spirits were just waiting in the wings to take their shot.
Fortunately, Ezekiel could see the meeting point that he had told Akland to wait at. The description was almost identical to what the Legendary Spirit had previously described. It was only a couple hundred meters away. Ezekiel could cover that distance in seconds. But he was starting to slow down. His stamina was running low as he was now having to deflect or dodge attacks from other Spirits.
Ezekiel was bleeding from several places now, and a hit to his head had made him stumble. But he managed to get to the edge of the water. At which point he took a massive leap, sending him flying dozens of meters from the shore.
The shriek of the outcast Spirit rang out from behind him. Utterly enraged, it tried to extend its vines out to reach them, but Ezekiel and his party had already hit the water.
Diving deep, Ezekiel had a hand over Riley’s face, to keep her from breathing in any water. He knew that what he was doing was stupid and dangerous, but they needed to get away. The water was quick to grow dark due to how far down they were going.
Swimming deeper and deeper, Ezekiel could sense several Spirits coming from behind. Glacier Spirits that were much weaker than him. But this was their element he was surrounded by. Not his.
A sudden current tried to push him upwards, but Ezekiel forced himself past the water being moved by the Glacier Spirits. But as ice began to form around him and Riley, he knew that he wouldn’t last much longer if Akland wasn’t there.
But as the ice that was growing over his body cracked from his constant movements, he found the water no longer growing closer. But his vision was growing even dimmer in the darkness of the depths. Consciousness was leaving him, and if Akland didn’t arrive soon, there was no doubt that he and Riley would drown. As would Celia, while Shine forever rested at the bottom of this incredibly deep ravine.
Suddenly, a massive figure moved toward them at incredible speeds. Motes of blue light drifting away in its wake. A large maw opened in front of Ezekiel, and he and his friends were swallowed whole.
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Sitting on the banks of the river, several hundred kilometers away from the territory of the outcast, Ezekiel found himself dragging his soaked self to an area more hospitable for him and his passengers. Behind him, Akland was silently sitting in the water. A strange grin on his face as he examined the herb that Ezekiel had managed to obtain.
Not a few hours ago, Ezekiel was sputtering and coughing as he felt Life mana infused into his body as Akland swallowed him and Riley whole. Celia and Shine did not have to suffer as badly, as they were safely tucked away.
Plopping himself down on a rock near the sand covered shore, Ezekiel gave Riley yet another examination. He had done this several times when they were inside Akland’s mouth, but seeing as she was still unconscious, he found himself worrying.
Celia crawled out of his pocket, growing ever so slightly larger. Her form was now closer to the size of Riley’s head, than the size of her palm.
Removing his fingers from Riley’s face and neck, Ezekiel addressed the Flame Spirit that was cautiously sitting next to them.
“She should be alright. Her breathing isn’t particularly strained, and she didn’t take in any water. Akland’s mana helped as well. I expect she’ll wake up later tonight.” Ezekiel saw Celia turn to him for a moment before nodding and turning back to Riley.
“Akland!” Ezekiel called out. The large Life Spirit turned to address him. “We need a place for shelter. Is this area safe for us to set up a camp?”
Akland made some noises that Shine translated for Ezekiel. The Void Spirit’s mana had recovered a fair bit as they had traveled. So, speaking was no longer an issue.
“He says that, given their observation abilities, it’s likely that one of the Legendary birds saw most of what happened. He’ll wait here, just in case, since we succeeded so well in our task. But Spina or one of the other birds should be here within an hour or so.” Shine explained Akland’s words.
“There’s no chance of the outcast coming after us? Or any other Spirits if it decides to spread the word of what we have?” This was the thing Ezekiel was most worried about. It didn’t really matter that Akland now had the Life herb. If any other Legendaries came after them at this point, then they were almost certainly going to lose it again.
Of course, just then, Akland covered the herb in a bundle of river grass. Utterly concealing it from the world. The ball seemed to glow for a moment, slightly enlarging as the grass grew more vibrant. The energies increased all the grass’s flora aspects.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Akland then tossed the ball of grass in his mouth. Seemingly swallowing it to keep it safe.
“He says that won’t be a problem. The outcast cannot leave their area. Even if they are powerful enough to cross through one or two territories, it’s likely that the sheer number of Spirits that it’ll piss off while traveling will run it ragged. It also won’t tell anyone about the loss of the herb either. Apparently, it’s too prideful, and not many would believe it anyway.” Shine summarized as Akland made more noises and movements. “I believe that means we should be fine to rest.”
Ezekiel nodded. Lifting Riley up just enough to lay her more comfortably on the ground. He also took his coat off to tuck it into a pillow while she laid against the rock that he had partially propped her up against.
“Stay here. That means you too, Akland!” Ezekiel looked at the Life Spirit that was currently chilling in the water. A slight glow seemed to be emanating from his eyes. Life mana filling him up his reserves and returning him to top form. Akland just waved a fin, apparently blissed out from the sensation of the mana from the herb flowing into him.
Turning from the river, Ezekiel and Shine headed further into the wilderness surrounding them. Since they weren’t too close to the haven, which was much more central in the Fjorya, it wasn’t quite as cold. But they weren’t close enough to Tarquessa for it to be particularly warm either.
Fortunately, it seemed like there hadn’t been much rainfall in the area, and the dried ground and branches that were easily found were collected and bundled up. Several large and collapsed logs were also picked up or dragged over to the area near the river.
Ezekiel started looking around, and it seemed nothing had changed in the minutes that he had been away. Dropping the stuff off not too far from the river, Ezekiel went to pick up Riley.
“Oy! Come on! I’ll make a basin for you or something. But I need you with us until one of the other Spirits gets here.” Ezekiel yelled at Akland, who grumbled but shrank to a much smaller size and flew over to Ezekiel.
Ezekiel and Shine then made quick work of the small area they were in. Clearing out most of it, and making a small shelter that they left Riley and Celia in. The little Flame Spirit helped out by drying the wood some more and lighting the fire.
True to his word, Ezekiel and Shine carved out a large basin from a half-buried boulder that was almost a dozen feet across. Sticking out from the ground right next to the makeshift camp. Shine then helped Ezekiel move a bunch of water from the river by using their barrier spell to make a large bucket.
While originally indignant, Akland was still too happy and relaxed from obtaining the herb to bother with complaining. Ezekiel let out a snort of laughter when he saw Akland slowly sink to the bottom of the basin. Closing his eyes in contentment, Akland seemingly fell asleep under Ezekiel’s watch.
Seeing that everything was relatively well set and secure, Ezekiel finally allowed himself to relax. Just a bit. Taking a seat next to Riley’s sleeping figure and allowing himself to be warmed by the fire.
But Ezekiel still remained somewhat vigilant. Currently, he was the only one awake and not distracted. If anything attacked, it would be up to him to make sure no one was taken out right away.
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The sun was just beginning to set as Ezekiel continued to wearily stay awake. He was tired, and while his wounds had been healed by Akland while they traveled, the fact that he had to watch over Riley had begun to wear on his mind.
By now, Riley and Celia had returned to full strength, but it seemed like something was happening with Riley. She still had yet to wake up, but Ezekiel wasn’t too worried. Physically, she was fine, and there was no swelling or complications with her skull and brain. So, Ezekiel figured, and hoped, that this was something more spiritual in nature.
He had already asked Celia to tell him what she sensed from her bond. But she wasn’t able to figure anything out. All she could sense was that Riley’s soul seemed much stronger than before. But it hadn’t grown any larger. Like her soul had weight that wasn’t there before.
Ezekiel had never heard of such a description before, but he felt something inside him telling him that he had gone through something similar.
A part of Ezekiel worried that such a sudden growth, and possible Understanding, would put undue stress on Riley. Creating complications in the future. They would have to wait until they returned to Tollren, however, since they would need a Life Mage, and possibly a Death Mage, to examine her to understand more.
If things worked out well, then Riley might manage to reach the Legendary Tier before the end of this mission. Although, that could be problematic if she couldn’t adjust to such an increase in power.
Ezekiel’s musings were cut short as the flapping of massive wings reverberated through the air.
Looking up, Ezekiel saw Spina slowly lowering herself toward the ground. The Legendary Flame Spirit’s eyes crinkled as she made a facsimile of a smile on her beaked face.
“I see that things went well for you.” Spina said as she side eyed the basin where Akland lay at the bottom. “I don’t think I’ve seen Akland so relaxed since well before he met the outcast. That was many, many years ago.”
Ezekiel just nodded his head. Not bothering with small talk for the moment. He needed to focus on other things right now.
“Indeed. Our mission was a success, but we’re going to be stuck here for a little while.” Ezekiel gestured at Riley’s sleeping form. Celia was nestled on her chest, keeping an eye open now that Spina’s presence had woken her up.
The Legendary Flame Spirit approached, bending over and gently laying her beak on Riley’s head. As if trying to sense or feel something that Ezekiel wasn’t able to. Something she had likely found, as she drew back with a wide-eyed, shocked, expression.
“Amazing... She has already reached the door... It appears your insight into the other elements beyond your own has truly reached a grand level. Else it would be impossible for this young Hunter to have begun knocking on the door to Legendary at such and age.” Spina let out a sigh of wonder as she became lost in thought. “Your words to her regarding the color of fire have already greatly empowered many of the Legendary Flame Spirits with ties to the havens. I wonder... might you have some words regarding the others?”
Ezekiel shifted uncomfortably. He knew that showing off his past life’s science knowledge would have consequences, but he hadn’t thought that it would be an issue so soon. He had a few ideas regarding the natural phenomena behind a lot of the other elements. But he didn’t think that his basic understanding was enough to do much.
The only reason the color of fire, and the fire triangle were so effective was because it explained some phenomena that were only understood instinctually by Spirits. For the most part, when it came to the other elements, things that he could explain would likely not be enough, or would be impossible to prove, since he didn’t have the right equipment to do so.
“... I can try, but I can’t promise anything. I also don’t know why this hasn’t been something that Flame Mages and Spirits have Understood before.” Ezekiel wasn’t about to promise anything, but that didn’t mean that he could flat out reject the possibility. “But I don’t know too much about how the instinctive Understanding that Spirits get works. So, I don’t know how much it will help.”
“That is fine. At this point, any additional Understanding would be of great help.” Spina seemed very eager to find out more from Ezekiel. To the point where he was now suspicious of her interest.
“Why the sudden interest? I know that gaining power is never a bad thing. Unless it comes with consequences due to the method it was obtained. But you seem like this is more important than I think it is.” Ezekiel suddenly had a thought. “Is it due to the Cult?”
Spina just looked sad. Her eyes closed slightly as she looked at the starry sky. The sun had now set beyond one of the mountains in the distance.
“There was once a time when the Spirits and humanity lived in peace. A time well before my own. But it was a time that has only ever sounded like a wonderful dream.” Spina muttered. “It is a time I wish to see. But only if the various blights upon this world are destroyed!”
Spina’s voice turned into a gravelly growl as she spoke of the blights. The Cults, the Cruor, the Broods, and the countless Mages that only sought out Spirits to strengthen themselves more quickly.
Ezekiel just remained silent, however, since he knew that he couldn’t exactly disagree. He had always hated the fact that not everyone honored the bond between Mages and Spirits. It was something that he just couldn’t relate to. But perhaps it was harder for him since Shine was technically created from a shard of his own soul.
“Regardless, we can remain here for the night. But we will need to move out in the morning. You and your mate have a job to do.” Spina said as she shrank and flew into a tree to perch for the night. “I will keep watch. Get some sleep.”
“She’s not my mate...” Ezekiel said with a red face.
Everyone in the campsite ignored him. Even Shine, who simply said goodnight while Ezekiel crawled into a bedroll. The exhaustion he’d felt for the whole day finally got to him. He fell asleep the moment he closed his eyes.
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As the sun rose Ezekiel found himself surprised at the fact that he was apparently the last one to wake up. The voices of Riley and Spina as they talked about fire over the campfire drifted into his ears. Lowering his hand to the side, Ezekiel found that Shine had also removed themself from their sheath. Moving over to participate in Spina and Riley’s conversation.
“Good to see you awake.” Spina said as Ezekiel crawled out of his bedroll. “I was having a lovely discussion with your mate. It seems like she truly has passed the boundary.”
Ezekiel turned his head sharply in Riley’s direction. She was red in the face and looking at the fire in front of her intently. Not daring to glance in Ezekiel’s direction and risk catching his eyes with hers.
“... I’m glad to hear that. We’ll have to take a shot at getting you to Tier four soon. Hopefully Celia will be able to help you find your fourth Chakra without any issues.” Ezekiel said as he ignored Spina’s label for him and Riley.
He didn’t think they could be considered mates.
Not yet at least.
“Indeed. I hope to see you amongst our ranks when you return. For now, I have other duties that I must get back to. I do have one last gift for you regarding your mission, however.” Spina reached her head back and began digging through a bag that she hadn’t had the night before. “A map, with several locations on it that should help you greatly. Akland already told me about the dozen or so that you killed yesterday. He caught their scents on you before you freed him from the outcast’s net. That means you’re already almost halfway done. But don’t forget that that was only the minimum. Regardless, we request that you at least attempt to clear out the labeled areas on the map.”
Ezekiel took the map from Spina. Still looking at the bag on her back. It looked familiar. He thought that it was one of the bags that was a part of the caravan while he was traveling with the guards and his family.
“... Where was your bag last night?” Ezekiel couldn’t help but finally ask.
“I tossed it in a tree before I landed. I don’t like wearing it.” Spina shrugged her wings before turning away. “Remember, one month. So long as you keep killing cultists, your pack will not be driven from our haven before it moves.”
Ezekiel didn’t even want to think about the implications Spina was making with that statement. Less so about the guards, and more so about the fact that a massive haven that took an Adept a couple of hours to cross when moving at full speed was capable of moving.
“Understood.” Ezekiel said. Spina nodded in approval before flapping her wings and taking flight.
The wind kicked up briefly, as Spina apparently wasn’t in a rush, and was taking her time. Ezekiel and Riley ended up having to cover their eyes to block the dust. By the time they could open them again, Spina was nowhere to be seen.
Riley and Ezekiel shared a look, with Riley turning red and looking away again. Ezekiel just sighed but couldn’t help but smile at Riley’s reaction. He thought it was somewhat cute.
“Alright. It’s time we get started on the final part of our required requests.” Ezekiel clapped his hands together before pulling open the map. Checking what landmarks he could see, and cross referencing the direction and flow of the river near them, Ezekiel was able to roughly figure out where they were.
Low and behold, there was a small outpost not too far from them. One where the Cult had set up stations for transporting Spirits they had captured.
“Shall we be off?” Ezekiel asked as he held out a hand for Riley. She smiled as she reached out to grab it.
“Yeah! Let’s go!”
Picking Riley up again, Ezekiel dashed through the forest around them at his usual incredible speed. The trees whipped past them as they made their way into conflict once more.
Behind them, out of sight behind several trees and uneven terrain, the river gurgled and bubbled up as Akland’s figure rose from the depths. His eyes looked towards the direction Ezekiel and Riley were headed.
He quickly dove back underwater, rushing to move along the stream, in the exact same direction.