More time would pass for the six students. While most of them cultivated their strengths and continued to learn more, Avures reinvented his own strength bit by bit, even deciding to invest the other parts of his potential into a different type of magic. Bif had begun to use magic, though at a low degree by his own choice in order to keep up. Ventrix and Olicia continued to spar with each other full-on, throwing away their previous concerns of each other. Lylas continued doing what he considered himself best at, devising new strategies, and bringing out the best in others. And Rael continued to excel as well, earning the praise of those around her.
As for others, George went out on another expedition and left the capital shortly after his fight against the cultist. Meius returned victories, albeit in a very underhanded way. He reported his findings to Xilvas and remained on standby. There would soon be a meeting among all staff of the Academy. But, in the meantime, things went on like normal. The six students finished up their training for the day, and were addressed by their teachers.
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"Excellent work today, whelps!" Grula crossed her arms and smirked. "You guys have come a long way from our first days of advanced training to now."
"What's that been like, five months?" Zen scratched his chin and looked to his partner.
"Mhm. However, it's time for some evaluations. I'm sorry to say for some of you this is going to be rough. I know you're used to me being mean and rude to you, but this is beyond that." Grula shook her head.
"Indeed. This can be a matter of expulsion. You will be thrown out of the Academy if you don't meet the standards we set. Alright...want to begin, Miss Grula?" Zen looked back to the students. The six of them all glanced around at each other, staying quiet.
"Let's start with best to worst...Ventrix." Grula pointed to the blonde boy. "You've been all around the most talented. Your martial skills are up to snuff. Same with your magic, and your ability to fight is there too. The only bad thing I can say is that you don't seem to take any real initiative. Otherwise, good job."
"Thank you, Miss Grula." Ventrix bowed.
"Olicia. To us, you were a bit of an unknown, but you clearly showed that you can be the best when you want to be. The only thing I don't like is that you're a little slow on approaching new things or situations compared to everyone else. You hesitate a lot."
"Understood." Olicia gave a thumbs up to her teacher.
"Lylas...you're an odd one to pick out. You've got mental capabilities that a lot of your peers don't have. When we let you guys loose to do Lancer work next year, you'll be in charge of everyone else. However, you don't ever seem to get too riled up or into things. Your aggression doesn't ever seem to be where it needs to be."
"Thank ya, Miss Grula." Lylas nodded his head.
"Rael. Sweetheart, for the most part, you're doing just fine. Keep improving, you'll make it. I don't have any specific nitpicks with you, darling."
"Thanks!" Rael bowed as well.
"Bif...you're in the dog-house, so to speak. Zen and I are glad you've finally started using magic, keep it up...but...your regular studies professor tells me that you're failing at those classes. Particularly, reading and writing."
"How's that important anyways?" Bif crossed his arms.
"Bif...you can't be a lancer if you can't read or write. You're going to have the opportunity to fix your grades. If you can't, I'm sorry to say, you will be removed."
"Fine." Bif looked away.
"Avures...there's a couple of issues we're having with you. Though, you've also come a long way since you got here, you continue to struggle. From what Zen tells me, you've been relearning some things, which is fine I suppose. But, throughout all of this, you seem to lack the intensity needed to be a lancer..."
"I don't quite understand." Avures tilted his head.
"You don't...fight well. You seem slow, lethargic, and you seem to not be able to put up an offensive well. The unfortunate truth is, if we continue to let you go like this, and you become a full-fledged lancer...you represent the Academy as a whole. And if you die, or perform poorly...it comes back on the institution. You're a liability to yourself, and to what this place stands for. I don't mean for it to sound so rude to you, honey...but if you don't find that fire...that intensity, then we have to kick you out."
"Okay...I get it." Avures gritted his teeth and looked away.
"Okay...whew. That stuff if rough to go through. Trust me, I don't like saying it about as much as you all hate hearing it." Grula sighed. "But, onto the good news. The year is almost over, which means...you guys get to take turns coming on practice contracts with me. That is, the ones who don't have things to fix. So, Ventrix, Olicia, Rael, and Lylas."
"Plus, there's these..." Zen pulled out a few scrolls and walked by the students, handing them all one. "These are your armor requisition forms. Be sure to take your time filling them out. Having armor that fits you well, and let's you move around well is vital. Keep that all in mind."
"So, what do we do?" Avures held the scroll while pointing between himself and Bif.
"Bif will have to study hard, and you...will have to prove to us that you can fight well. In a few days, we'll start practice contracts. I'll be taking two of you with me for two weeks, and then I'll be taking the other two with me for two weeks. You have a whole month to straighten yourselves out...got it?" Grula crossed her arms.
"Yes ma'am." Avures and Bif said in unison.
"And don't worry, Zen will be here during this period to help if needed. Now, class is dismissed for the week...enjoy your two days!" Grula shooed them off. The six of them all walked away and made their way to the out of the arena.
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"I suppose it's time then. Better not keep them waiting." Zen sighed and looked to Grula.
"Right. I hope this is important." Grula started walking out of the arena, Zen followed.
"From what everyone's been saying, I can only assume it's something real serious." Zen put his hands in his pockets as the two of them made their way upstairs.
"And what's so important to them that they're willing to delay the practice contracts?" Grula looked over to Zen as they kept walking.
"Supposedly, and this is just hear-say...there's been cult sightings around Academy grounds recently." Zen looked at the ground. "For the past couple of months, groundskeepers and students have been reporting hooded figures stalking them. No fights or anything have broken out, but..."
"Yeah...I get it. This is some pretty serious business then." Grula shook her head. The two of them made their way up to the library. Sitting at the desk was the man who maintained the place.
"Oy, Librarian...we're here for the meeting." Zen waved to him.
"The code, please." The man's monotone and plain voice ever-dulling to the two of them as usual.
"Of course..." Zen and Grula both sighed. Both of them put their arms to their sides, and spoke.
"As ones who don the white, as those who took the oath, we are the guides of the Academy who support the lifeblood of the future. We owe no loyalty but to our own students, alumni, and fellow staff. We are, Lancer Academy." Zen and Grula put their right hand in a fist over their heart as they spoke in unison.
"Go ahead." The man nodded his head slowly.
"Thanks, Librarian." Zen waved as the two of them walked past his desk. Making their way ahead, Zen and Grula stopped at the center-most bookcase along the walls at the ground level. He scanned the books on the shelf before finding the one he was looking for. "The History of Doors", such an inoffensive and boring book that no one would ever pick it out and read it, much less, touch it. Zen pulled the book out, and put it back upside down. As he did so, the bookshelf seemed to become more and more transparent...until it disappeared altogether. Zen and Grula walked through, the bookshelf reappeared behind them. Straight ahead, a dark, stone hall lay ahead sparsely lit with lanterns. They proceeded until they hit an open room. A large round table with multiple chairs, and familiar faces.
"Welcome welcome! Glad you guys finally made it." Meius smiled at them and pointed to the last two empty seats. "Go ahead and sit, we'll be starting soon.
"Gladly." Grula and Zen walked over and took their seats. They observed the room. Xilvas and Meius were talking something out, and all the other important staff were here as well.
"Howdy." The man to their left stated. He seemed to be a man with long, unkempt white hair. His face had black stubble, and a multitude of scars. His eyes were a dark blue. He wore a full set of shiny steel armor, and had a spear sheathed onto his back.
"Ah, Mister Fraythorn, how are your first years doing?" Zen looked to him and asked.
"Not too shabby, if I do say so myself." Fraythorn leaned back in his seat, resting his hands and arms behind his head. "Yours?"
"It could be going better. We've got some cases to sort out, but I'm sure they'll be all good to go in no time." Zen shrugged.
"The way you make it sound, my kids might thrash yours during the tournament at the New Age Festival." Fraythorn chuckled.
"Nah, I don't think so. But, you'd probably think that anyways even if I didn't say that."
"Damn right. I got confidence. And confidence in those kids is gonna get me that bonus from having my class beat yours." Fraythorn smiled.
"Pf...as if." Grula rolled her eyes.
"Excuse me, does anyone know if someone got the puzzle box?" An older voice chirped up. Looking to the side, the voice came from an older lady who had short, curly white hair. Whether due to age or dye, one might not know. Her eyes were a bright orange. Her skin was a bit wrinkly and saggy, and she wore a similar looking outfit to Meius. However, to her side, was a sling and a bag.
"Miss Lola, I'm not-" Grula was interrupted.
"Oh Grula dearie...how have you been?" The woman's voice became endearing.
"I've been fine thank-"
"Aw, you look so pretty, it feels like ages since I last saw you." Lola reached over to Grula's cheeks and put her hands on them.
"You saw me a couple of weeks ago-"
"Every time I look at you, I still think of when you were just a small little angst-filled thing." Lola patted Grula on the head and pulled her hands away.
"Thanks, Miss Lola, but please don't remind me of what I was like..." Grula scratched the back of her head while she cringed.
"Hey! Can we get this started or what?" A loud, gruff voice made itself known. Looking over, Grula and Zen recognized the man. A real tall, wide, and muscular man. He wore no armor, rather, he only wore a set of black pants. His skin was a dark-brown, and littered with scars all over his torso. His hair was white, and styled into dreadlocks. His face was clean shaven, and his eyes were a light green. Eks was his name.
"I agree. You've called us here on a matter of urgency, yet we've been sitting here for like twenty minutes." A bored-sounding voice rang out. A man with short, buzz-cut white hair sat with an official academy uniform. He was clean shaven, and always constantly wore a pair of black shades. He had a single scar over the left side of his lips. Zen and Grula knew him as Dulis.
"Now now, let's not be too hasty!" Meius rolled his eyes. "Also, Mister Godan won't be making it here, he's been contracted specifically for a job for the past month, and we suspect he won't be back for a while."
"Indeed, taking his spot at the round table, due to alumni status, and being the primary person for the job, is George Mottis." Xilvas gestured over to George who was sitting nearby him. "Any questions before we begin?"
"..."
"Excellent. Meius, roll out the map." Xilvas sighed. Meius walked to the corner of the room and rolled over a wooden board with a map taped on it. Everyone at the table recognized it as a regional map of the Academy grounds. There were tons of red circles drawn around the academy.
"What are we looking at?" Fraythorn shook his head.
"A map of the area surrounding the Academy, obviously." Meius rolled his eyes again.
"It's been brought to our attention by multiple students and groundskeepers, that strange figures in robes, cultists, have been stalking in the woods around the place. Each red circle on this map, is a sighting that has been reported to us. As you can see, there are quite a lot." Xilvas rested his head on his hands.
"Forty-three reported sightings, to be exact." Meius pointed to the circles. "Keep in mind, the "reported" part."
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"You're kidding...that many?" Dulis put his right hand on his head.
"I wish we were kidding. When the reports started climbing, I made contact with George here and explained the situation. He did some preliminary work. George." Xilvas gestured to him.
"Right. I've been doin some investigating and scouting around the area per the Headmaster's request. What I've found is...troubling to say the least. We're not dealing with one cult, we're dealing with two." George brought up two sets of robes onto the table. One was the gray robes with the pink edges, and the other was black robes with purple edges.
"Oh dear..." Lola shook her head.
"You're kidding...two sets of those bastards are on the grounds?" Grula slammed her fist on the table.
"'Fraid so. Woe cultists, and Ozix cultists. From what me and my men have been able to deduce, they're scouting the area, looking for something. That is, both cults. We may know why Ozix cultists might be trying their hand at this place again, but I've no idea about the Woe cultists." George looked down.
"Don't those two groups have opposing view points? Why aren't they tearing each other apart like the vermin they are?" Eks eyed George.
"Can't say. Though, there's a few theories. Firstly, it could be one cult using the guise of another. Unlikely to me, though, seems like a lot of work to still be cut down by us. Second, an armistice. But they all seem too feverous for that. Third, they don't know that the other is here as well."
"Either way, while we can't ascertain the Woe Cult motives, it seems odd that the Ozix Cult is persistent. Which has led the Headmaster and I to a theory." Meius lowered his gaze.
"Only a small handful of privileged individuals know that I am endowed with the knowledge of Ozix's death site. This information was a birthright from my ancestors who slew Ozix. It's very reasonable to assume...one of the individuals I have made reference to, has tipped off the cult." Xilvas squinted his eyes.
"Hold on, do you know what you're saying?" Zen leaned forward.
"Indeed. There's only two groups of people who should know this information. The circle of Academy teachers, or the crew of Mathias." Xilvas sighed. "However, the crew of Mathias would have been very unlikely to tell their own mortal enemies this secret to spite us. After all, it was that same crew who stopped the cult so many years ago. And even with their recent persecution by us, I doubt the only remaining person with the information, that being Tobias's son, would give it out."
"Then that means..." Zen looked around at everyone else.
"Yes. Within our circle, is a traitor." Xilvas spoke firmly.
"It's clear to me who it is." Dulis shook his head. "It's gotta be the guy who isn't here. Somehow coincidentally on contract during all of this."
"To the defense of Godan..." Fraythorn spoke up. "The sightings have been going on long before he left on contract, and this meeting was suddenly called, not planned in advance."
"Indeed...it all seems like a mere coincidence, young Dulis." Lola put her hand on the table gently.
"Who's to say it isn't you?" Eks pointed his finger at Dulis. "Throwing around baseless accusations...if it were up to me, I'd rip your damn head off for that."
"What makes you think you could even touch me?" Dulis stood up out of his seat. "I'd wipe the fucking floor with you!"
"Stop!" Xilvas shouted, bringing all the attention onto him. "There's an easy way to settle this...remember who you work under."
"Correct. Xilvas's shade can pick out who did it." Meius said.
"I'll ask the question to everyone at once. You will answer as I look at you. Whoever does not pass...you all know what to do." Xilvas stood up from his seat. "Who tipped off the Cult of Ozix?"
"Not I." Meius firmly stated as Xilvas looked to him.
"Not it." Dulis shook his head as Xilvas's eyes locked onto him.
"Wasn't me." Fraythorn looked at the table as Xilvas scanned over him.
"I didn't." Zen locked eyes with Xilvas.
"Not me." Grula rolled her eyes as Xilvas moved his gaze.
"Not me, dearie." Lola smiled as Xilvas saw her.
"Pf. No." Eks turned away as Xilvas kept turning his gaze.
"You know me." George sighed as Xilvas finished on him.
"How peculiar..." Xilvas looked around the entire room. "It seems...no one was lying."
"Then...this does narrow it down." Zen rubbed his chin. "It would have to be Godan, or Tobias's son then."
"In my mind, that only leaves Tobias's son." Eks crossed his arms. "I'm not about to accuse Godan of something so heinous."
"Pf...fine. I apologize, okay?" Dulis rolled his eyes.
"Apologize to him, dirt-bag." Eks slowly shook his head.
"Then, there's only one last matter of discussion between us." Xilvas sat back down. "The destruction of cultists on Academy grounds."
"Oh?" Eks uncrossed his arms.
"While we can't determine the direct reason for them being here, or the motive for the Woe Cult...one thing is for sure..." Meius looked around at his colleagues.
"We must usher in absolute genocide onto these freaks. Using our jurisdiction, and our justice...they threaten our students, they threaten the community we've made, and they threaten the very world by being around here." Xilvas slammed his fist against the table. "Send all students into the capital, or on contracts, or whatever is needed to have them off-grounds by the next day. Fourth-years are an exception to this, and are to be brought along at behest of The Academy itself. Alumni within the grounds are requested as well. Tomorrow at nightfall...we gather together with our strongest, and we purge them from our livelihood."
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"Oh hey, Avures, I gotta question for ya." Lylas tapped Avures on the side while they walked to their rooms.
"What is it?" Avures looked to him.
"I was wonderin if ya wanted to come over to my gram's place with me and muscle-brain since they're lettin us leave pretty early today. We're gonna tidy up the place and have dinner." Lylas looked back at him. "I do happen to remember ya wanting to repay us..."
"Well..." Avures looked at his feet.
"Hey hey, don't sweat it, buddy. I won't force ya." Lylas pat Avures on the shoulder.
"No no...I think I'll come. I want to help." Avures gave a thumb up.
"Sweet. Here, get ya-self changed and we'll go right over." Lylas did an arm thrust as he walked to his door and entered his room. Bif followed behind him. Avures went over to his room to change. This left the other three there.
"So, you guys up to anything?" Rael asked.
"Nope." Olicia shook her head.
"Actually, my father is coming to visit me for a few brief moments. Would you guys like to meet him?" Ventrix looked to the two of them.
"Oo...sure." Rael hopped over to her door. "Let me get changed too."
"I-...I don't know if I should." Olicia rubbed her shoulder as her and Ventrix walked to their door.
"Huh? Right...well, my father is tame. I'm sure if I explain to him how you are, he won't mind." Ventrix shrugged as he opened up the door to his room.
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Stepping off of a carriage, the three boys stood in front of a three story building made of wood and stone with various windows about. Lylas walked up to the door and turned towards the other two.
"Okay. Lemme lay down some stuff. My gram and pap are old. We're gonna tidy up the place, and ask if we can help with anything. Be on your best behavior and watch your fuckin language. We good?" Lylas smirked at the two of them.
"Aye-aye, captain." Bif saluted.
"Sure." Avures nodded.
"Great." Lylas turned back towards the door and knocked. "Gram! Pap! It's Lylas!"
"Oh?...Hello sweetheart." An old lady opened the door and hugged Lylas. "Are these your friends?"
"Yes, Gram...you're squeezing me..." Lylas choked out.
"Come on in, boys." The old woman slowly stepped to the side. The three of them entered into the house. Upon entering, they saw a wood floor with old, ornate looking red carpets on the ground. There was a hallway to their right, a doorway up ahead to their left, and a staircase that went up at the back of the room which appeared to be their living room. This living room appeared to be a smaller size, featuring a few bookshelves, a couple of paintings on the wall, some empty chairs, and two rocking chairs. One of these rocking chairs, held an old man.
"Lylas me boy...glad to see you again, champ!" The old man put down a book he was reading and smiled.
"Hiya, pap!" Lylas waved as he stood near the front door.
"I see ya brought ye friends too."
"Mhm. This is Avures. He's a quiet guy, but he's very nice. And this is Bif. He's a bit loud and I apologize in advance if he says something bad." Lylas gestured to the other two boys.
"As if you're any better..." Bif muttered under his breath.
"So, is there any cleaning or stuff we can do for ya? Gram, pap?" Lylas looked between his grandparents.
"Well...if you're looking for stuff to do..."
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A carriage pulled up to the front gates of the Academy. The carriage was white, laden with golden trimming. The horse was much the same with it's white coat and golden mane. Beyond the gates, and in front of the fountain, Ventrix stood in his best attire. His casual white suit, which could hardly be called casual in the first place. To the right of Ventrix stood Rael, who was in her simple garb. And to the left of him stood Olicia in her casual purple clothes as well.
"Jeez. That's some presentation." Olicia looked at the carriage and horse.
"It's my father's favorite colors...what can I say?" Ventrix sighed and bowed his head.
"That horse sure is pretty." Rael was awestruck by the creature.
"Just let me talk, okay?" Ventrix looked between the two of them. Rael gave a smile and a thumbs-up. Olicia nodded.
The carriage door opened up. A slender, tall man stepped out. His hair was a light blonde which only reached down to his neck. Well-groomed, it was straight, and parted in the middle of his head. His face was pale, and seemed unusually clean. His eyes were a light green, and his facial features seemed hard. He had a thick, curly mustache for facial hair. His outfit was a white button up suit and matching pants fitting of a noble, with gray shoulder pads that had golden tassels. To his right was a sheathed sword. The man walked through the open gate and up to Ventrix. He eyed the boy up before speaking.
"Ventrix. My boy. How have you been?" The man spoke very plainly, and with little movement.
"I've been doing fine, father." Ventrix answered back, gulping after his words.
"Just fine? Or I'm doing fantastic and I'm going to call it fine?" The man stood there.
"The latter, I suppose." Ventrix rolled his eyes. Olicia and Rael took a second to look at each other in bewilderment. It was the most awkward conversation they had ever seen.
"Good. I suppose these are your...peers?" The man looked between both of them.
"Correct. This is my roommate and classmate, Olicia Yulva." Ventrix gestured to his left. He then gestured to his right. "And this is another classmate of mine, Rael."
"Well...I'm sure your mother wouldn't mind you associating with...her. So, I won't mind either." Ventrix's father looked at Olicia with squinted eyes before turning to Rael. "Now you...your name sounds oddly familiar...why is that?"
"Huh?" Rael had been staring at the ground. "Oh...I'm not-"
"Rael!" A familiar voice cried out. Rael turned to see the origin of it, and saw George. George was walking out of the front doors of the Academy.
"Georgie!" Rael waved with a big grin on her face as he approached.
"Hey there, Rael. It's been a couple of months, hasn't it sweetheart?" George walked over and patted Rael on the head. He then looked to the man. "And it's been a while since I saw you too, Velix..."
"Indeed. It has been a while, old friend." The man smiled slightly. Then he frowned again. "Wait...is that?..."
"Ahem..." George coughed after Velix's question...
"Oh dear...standing near two omens...I think I might get sick." Velix turned to the side and put his curled fist over his mouth.
"Father, is everything okay?" Ventrix stepped closer.
"Yes yes...anyways, Mottis...what are you doing here?" Velix closed his eyes and turned back towards George, opening his eyes again.
"Well...I suppose I can say business." George shrugged. Velix nodded. "Also, if you're here...ya might want to take your boy away for a couple days. Rael, you pack some stuff too, and get Avures to do the same."
"Hmm? Why's that, Georgie?" Rael tilted her head.
"They're clearing school grounds. I got to be exempt from the work they're doin, so I figure we might as well go on a trip together." George shrugged. "So, go on and pack some stuff you're gonna need. We'll leave tomorrow morning."
"Okay, Georgie! Oh, and nice meeting you, Mr Felsta!" Rael then ran off towards the front doors of the Academy.
"Ventrix, you'll stay at the manor for a couple of days." Velix said.
"Okay, father...but can Olicia come?" Ventrix gestured to her.
"Son...I...-"
"I know your hesitation, but she's really not..."like that"...also her home is all the way in Mudstow, so she'd have nowhere to go for the next couple of days..." Ventrix lowered his gaze. "Please, father?"
"Oh...I suppose so." Velix sighed. "But go pack your stuff as well. I'll be ready to pick you up promptly in the morning."
"Thank you, father." Ventrix bowed. He turned to go to the front doors of the Academy with Olicia following him in turn.
As the two kids left, George and Velix faced each other.
"Mottis...I know you most likely do not want to admit it, but this is most certainly a worst case scenario for you, am I right?"
"No, I'll say it. This is the worst thing that could have happened..." George bowed his head and gritted his teeth. "Let's go have a drink tonight...ey?"
"Of course." Velix patted George on the shoulder.
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"Wow, so you're saying all this stuff belonged to your great-grandfather?" Avures looked around the room. Immediately up the stairs, the three boys were greeted with a room filled with all sorts of old tools and items. There were several dressers occasionally lining the walls with display boxes on top. On the walls, several mounts stood as well containing various weapons or pieces of parchment paper.
"Yep. He was a pretty cool guy to talk to too." Lylas walked around the room. Each boy had a dusting brush in hand.
"Was?" Bif walked over to the nearest display and started dusting it down.
"Yeah...unfortunately, he was killed a couple of months ago." Lylas started dusting a display next to him. "My great grand-pap Cynthis was found without his head in his manor. Kinda gruesome...but he was a legend, oh man."
"Wasn't Cynthis one of the heroes who fought alongside Mathias?" Avures also started to do his part, dusting off some of the dressers as well.
"Yup. He told me some pretty cool stories too. It's crazy to think, whoever did that to him probably couldn't have done it when he was kickin' butt in his prime." Lylas kept talking as he worked.
"You don't sound too upset about it." Avures remarked.
"Well, I didn't really know em that good. And asides from the stories, he was hard to talk to. Different times, ya know?" Lylas shrugged.
"I thought Mathias was an angel?" Bif raised an eyebrow as he kept dusting.
"No, Mathias was just a sell-sword, wasn't he?" Avures felt confused.
"Ya know...Great pap Cynthis never made it clear..." Lylas stopped and scratched the back of his head. "He didn't really like talking about Mathias much anyways."
The boys all continued to work, cleaning up this room. It was the last thing that Lylas's grandparents asked him to do. While Bif was only there because he had lost a bet, Avures had been enjoying the company of his friends, much to his own surprise. It wouldn't be much longer until the three of them finished, and it was time for dinner. Rushing down the stairs, the boys all went into the kitchen. It was kinda cramped. The place wasn't very wide, but nonetheless, Bif and Avures both appreciated a free meal. Lylas's grandmother had cooked up chicken, peas, and potatoes. Along with that, she had even baked a pie for desert. Everyone took their seats at the table and dug in.
"So...Lylas occasionally mentions you boys to us." The grandmother finished chewing. "Why don't ya tell us about yourselves?"
"Oh...-"
"I'm...-"
Both Avures and Bif tried to speak at the same time, and both stopped at the same time. They looked back at each other. Avures gestured for Bif to start, and Bif did the same for Avures. Avures shook his head no, and gestured for Bif to start again. Bif sighed.
"I grew up around here. I was one of them street kids." Bif pointed to himself.
"Oh dear..." Lylas's grandmother put her hand over her heart.
"It wasn't all bad. Just cold. I got into the Academy cause I got into a lot of fights. Don't listen to this guy, though." Bif pointed to Lylas. "I didn't start em."
"Sleeping out in the cold is no good, pal." Lylas's grandfather shook his head.
"Right. You seem like a nice boy, despite what Lylas may say sometimes...if you ever need a place to stay, you're always welcome here." Lylas's grandmother smiled at Bif.
"Aw. Thank you. I appreciate that." Bif smiled as he took another bite. Both Avures and Lylas stared at each other, both communicating what they were thinking with just their eyes.
"And what about you, kid?" Lylas's grandfather pointed his fork at Avures.
"Oh. I grew up in Kakodo Village. I lived in the orphanage there with a nice lady named Misses Greene." Avures finished his chewing.
"Oh my...she sounds awfully nice, letting you stay with her." Lylas's grandmother looked to Avures.
"Yeah. She's kind of like a mother to me in all honesty." Avures confided.
"Oh...and don't worry bud, you'll get her eventually." Lylas's grandfather winked at Avures. Avures looked confused, meanwhile Lylas started choking on his food.
"Pap...god-gosh darn-it." Lylas coughed up the piece of food in his throat.
"What? You were tellin' me he was having them uh...lady problems?" His grandfather scratched his head. Bif put his hand over his mouth, trying to control his laughter. Avures's face went red.
"Yeah, but ya don't mention it like that." Lylas face-palmed.
"Alright alright, I'm sorry, boy-o. But, I wanna leave you kids with one piece of advice from an old retired lancer like myself." Lylas's grandfather looked at all three of the boys. "Cherish what ya got, and fight like hell to keep it..."
The three boys finished up their meal there, and shortly departed after. It wasn't too terribly long of a time that they spent there, but they all seemed to enjoy it. Avures himself felt happy after the ordeal. It was strange to him. To enjoy doing such a thing. He didn't want to give that girl's words any credence...but he did enjoy the company of Bif and Lylas. It was also his first outing hanging out with someone as a friend without Rael. Though, calling it "hanging out" might not be accurate. Still, there was hope in him...that he would get another chance to do stuff like this...