“So what are you going to do after the school closes,” Axel pesters me as we go outside for some sparring. “I already know what I’m doing. Since the school’s closing down for the year, probably the year, I’m going back home to help out around the house.”
“Is that so,” it’s a noble cause. I would do that too if I had a home… “I’m not sure right now. Maybe I’ll think of something before the day’s over. There’s someone I want to look for but I have no way of finding him.”
“Who is it?”
“Just some old sage who preaches what he doesn’t follow,” he’d be a little less than content with his dear student saying that about him but he’s not here right now so I’ll get in my punches where I can since I can barely touch him in a fight.
“I don’t know why you’d want to find a guy like that,” Axel says as he follows my line of sight, “Hey, how are you feeling about that little heated… outburst Elis had a few days ago when you went to talk to Ellar?”
“No opinion,” I tell him as I tear my eyes away from the Blue Hair’s group. What they think of me doesn’t matter. Once outside, I glance at the school. The sun, although struggling to rise over the academy, still shines, illuminating the furthest part of the sparring grounds.
I gaze past the school and peer into the sun basking city. Its denizens passing each other, creating an ever-changing blob of color. Horse drawn carriages mulling through the streets, stopping at various intersections wondering which path is the fastest to the central marketplace while also hoping to choose the least slippery road.
I force a breath out, watching as the warm air becomes engulfed by the cold. For once, although it never bothered me before, I’m glad the school is built on a hill. How I wish I could go watch the city from up there again.
I won’t be seeing lots of things, and people, for a while.
--------------------------------
“I don’t know,” I answer the both of them as I cling onto my book. Inside the bustling restaurant, which we’ve made a habit of visiting, I run my fingers over the sturdy cover as I contemplate where I’m going to go after the school closes down. Hopefully, I can convince Mr. Reader to let me borrow a few books and return them when school starts again.
“You’re not going back home right away,” Iris asks, pushing her empty plate to the side and taking a sip of her water. “I mean, I know my father would not be the happiest of nobles to know that the school was closing down after how much he paid for it but he wouldn’t blame me.”
Elis bit on her last bit of meat and turned her head, “Even though you were the one who begged to go?”
Iris flicks her on the forehead, “Wrong, Elis. If I remember correctly,” Elis tries to speak, “And I do remember correctly Elis, so no need for you to say,” Elis frowns, “I told my father I was interested in the school, gave him my reasons and he let me attend. Once I said I was going to the academy, you begged your father if you could go. Remember?”
“Is that how it was?”
“Yes, Elis, that’s how it was,” Iris smirks. “And, if you don’t believe me, we can ask your father when we get back.”
“Ugh,” Elis slouches and rests her chin on the table, “I dun wanna go back. I’d rather go play fairy in the forest and be chased by the crazy strong monsters. I’m sure I’m still stronger than those big dunderheads.”
“Dun wanna? At least say it right Elis,” Iris undertakes the task of Elis’s teacher in speaking for a moment.
Elis returns Iris’s previous smirk, “And if I dun wanna? Whatcha gonna do,” she taunts. “We’re in a public place. It would be pertty embarrassin’ and humiliatin’ for a noble gal like yourself to cause a ruckus in a humble place where people stuff their faces.”
“I won’t be the one causing a ruckus Elis… since I won’t be the one with their fingers encased in stone or the girl with shackles on her wrists.”
I giggle as they bicker back and forth, “I’m going to miss this once I go back,” I run my finger over my book again. I wanted to read while I was here, but when I’m with them, I don’t feel like I need to read all the time.
I break from my thoughts once I realize they’re no longer fighting, instead, they both stare at me, “H-huh? I-Is there something on my face,” as I start to feel around and find nothing, my face grows hot. “G-guys! I-if there’s something on my face tell me…”
“Oh, you’re fine El,” Iris relieves me of my nerves and I let my hands fall to my side. “We were just surprised at what you said earlier.”
“What I said earlier?” I don’t exactly remember saying anything.
“You said, ‘I’m going to miss this once I go back.’ El,” Elis replies. My face turns hot again, “We didn’t really think too much about saying goodbye, or, at least, I didn’t. I never thought you’d be the first one to say it.” Elis stares down into her cup of water.
“I-I don’t want to go home… My parents… I don’t think they would be worried if I didn’t go back.” I think they would all be happier if I didn’t go back. My younger sister too. She’s normal, she would be better off without me.
“You shouldn’t say that El,” Iris looks to Elis, “I’m sure your parents love you, whether they show it or not.”
If only it were easier to believe that, “Maybe you’re right,” I lie. “But I still don’t want to leave you guys just yet.”
“Then why not go with them,” Anne suggests as she appears out of nowhere, snatching up our empty plates and refilling our water. “Since you’re a roluk Ellar, it’s probably a further trip back to your home than it is to Iris’s or Elis’s here, assuming they live in either the capital or the Green City of course.”
“That’s right,” Elis beams and reaches for my hands, “If you aren’t ready to go back home just yet, you can come with Iris and me to our homes! Please, please, please. It’ll be so much better if we leave as a group of three!”
“Mhm, agreed. This way I won’t have to be stuck with only Elis for the entire trip. I know we’ll have a few other people on board if we take carriages but it’d be great to have another familiar face on the way. Besides, you haven’t seen the Green City at night yet, have you?”
I shake my head, “No… but I would like to.”
“YES,” Elis jumps out of her seat and all eyes focus on us. “I’m so glad you’re coming along. I can show you all the stuff I have at home. Ah, and you can stay over at my place first. I have a few brothers so if any of them try to hit on you just tell me and I’ll go give them an ear full.”
“Ehehe… I don’t know how comfortable I’d be if they were handsy…” It would be bad if I start panicking or if I act too harshly towards them like I did to him.
“So it’s decided then,” Anne brings her hands together, “Glad I could be of help. You guys can show me your appreciation by leaving a big tip. Jokes aside, I have a friend in the Green City. His name’s Garret. He’ll be back before you girls make it there but on the chance he doesn’t, say hi to him for me.”
“Oh, that’s right. The monsters over there are acting up. They’ve been attacking the city for a few days now I’ve heard,” Iris comments. “All right, we’ll tell him you said hi if we meet him. Thanks for the help Anne.”
---------------------------------------
What do you mean you’re leaving? Aisha writes.
I sigh. Why do I have to repeat myself with you Aish? The academy’s been closed. You should stay a while longer in the city before you have to return. From what you’ve been saying, Millicent hasn’t been treating you badly since our grandparents were thrown in prison. She won’t mind if you indulge yourself in this city for a bit longer.
Idiot.
Why are you calling me an idiot? I shoot a glance at the clock. I need to leave in a bit if I want to make it in time to say goodbye to everyone before I leave tomorrow. Carlyle also said he’d give me a message from my master.
You are an idiot because you can’t even think about why your sister would be mad that you’re leaving!
I rub my temples. “Patience Rainen, patience. It’s a virtue. She’s your kid sister, no need to think about shaking her until she spills out her every thought and feeling. She’s angry, not purposely trying to make you angry.”
We haven’t been living together for the past eight years. It’s a little difficult for me if you want me to just know what’s on your mind.
… Fine. Goodnight!
Aisha? Aisha, are you still there? I wait for a response but when nothing comes in the two minutes, I grab the makeshift disguise I have in my closet and start changing. When I’m done, I check again but still nothing.
Maybe she really did close it up. I didn’t mean anything by saying I was leaving. I need to go looking for somebody. I know you’re not in the mood for talking, or writing in this case, so let’s meet up later, tomorrow maybe and talk.
I roll up the scroll and toss it into the drawers before climbing out the window and head toward the warehouse. Once inside, I look for Carlyle. I pass by Francis and the Twelfth who sit near each other on the boxes.
Francis taps the boxes with closed eyes, listening for the slightest signs of life. Afterward, he lowers his head, peering into the crate and after confirming its emptiness, sighs and sits down. He crosses his arms and scans his proximity one last time before relaxing.
The Twelfth watches in silence. His forehead crinkling with every over the top cautionary action Francis takes. The Twelfth holds out his hand, like someone trying to calm a dog down, struggling to catch his attention and soon gives up on the notion of it.
Stolen story; please report.
Francis has gotten pretty paranoid. I can’t blame him, I may have wanted to check the boxes once or twice after that ambush.
Allan rounds the nearest corner and beckons me over, “Carlyle’s over here if you’re looking for him,” he nods once as I pass and walks away, leaving Carlyle and I only in each other’s company. How wonderful.
“Where’s everyone else,” I ask, flicking my eyes around the room to Anne, Hannah, and Adrian’s usual spots. “I don’t see them anywhere. I’d think they choose to take the night off except for the two other members who came in yesterday. It’s not the usual time for patrolling either.”
“First of all, it’s none of your business since you’re not an official member of the Twelve and they’re on a mission right now.”
“Thanks,” I roll my eyes.
“You’re welcome,” he says without looking up, “Reinhard says to not look for him.”
I frown, “Why not?”
“I don’t know. He just told me to tell you not to look for him. If you want to communicate with him, wait for him to say something. He said if he wants to contact you, he’ll do so.” Carlyle flips through the pages of the little mission filled book.
“So I can’t get that scroll from you?”
Carlyle reaches into his pocket and throws it at me. I hurry to open it. My face drops as soon as I see what’s inside.
“I see you’ve noticed it has no magic left,” he takes a deep breath, “Either that or Reinhard tore up the other half of the scroll. As I said, he’ll be the one to contact you.”
“Thanks,” I say, hiding it away in my bundle of layers on the off chance it still works.
“Don’t thank me. I was only asked to watch over you while you were attending the school. Now that you’re done attending, now that you are free, I’m sure there are words you’d like to say that aren’t the nicest,” he continues to flip through the book like he’s actually reading it.
“But I won’t say them.”
“I know.”
“Tell Anne, Hannah, and Adrian I said goodbye.”
“I will.”
Before I round the corner I say, “Thanks again.”
“And I’ll say it again as well, don’t thank me.” the scratching sound of two pieces of paper as they’re rubbed apart assail my ears, “This won’t be the last time you see them, nor the last time we see you.”
---------------------------------------------------
“Please reconsider your choice Young Master Rainen,” Hilda and two other guardsmen lower their heads after they just finished screaming out the request. Eyes from all around turn on us labeling us as the noisemakers in the middle of the morning.
“Hilda, I’ve said it before but there’s someone I need to find,” it hasn’t spoken much since the last attack… other than that one encounter with Blue Hair. “Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean that Aisha has to leave.”
Aisha breaks out from the crowd, “That’s not why!”
I rub my head, “And what is the reason why you’re angry?”
“Because you keep telling me I can’t come along and you keep telling me I should stay in this city. What’s the point if you’re not here?” Her lip quivers ever so slightly and she balls her fists. “How come you don’t understand?”
So that’s how it was. I had a feeling, but it doesn’t change the fact that I can’t bring her along, “Aisha, I do understand. I still can’t bring you along. I’m putting my foot down as your older brother. You are not coming with me.”
Aisha’s fists start shaking.
“Then how about you attend us, young master Rainen?”
The both of us look at Hilda.
“W-what do you mean?” Aisha’s words shake with both confusion and anger.
“Since there is no longer a reason for us to stay within Aurora City, then we will return home. And, since young master Rainen refuses to take us along and refuses to stay in the city for longer than need be, he may accompany us to our home at the very least,” she winks, whether to Aisha or me, I’m not sure.
“W-would that work,” Aisha asks teary eyed.
I nod, “I guess I didn’t say I wouldn’t come along with you. So, yes, it works.”
Aisha’s quivering frown turns into a weak smile.
“Thank you, young master,” Hilda bows again.
“Give me a few hours to gather my things. I still need to pick up something at the tailor shop and wrap up a few old scrolls. Let’s meet up back here before noon if possible,” I wave goodbye as I make my way through the crowds one last time to my dorm.
Outside of the gigantic building, I take one last gander around. Students from the ground level to the top, carry their belongings in boxes waddling through the hallways pushing themselves to the side so as to not bump into one another.
Multiple strangers, servants or guards, stand waiting outside. Once their target goes through the door, they rush to take the load off and walk past me to store it into their carriage. Some students, however, have little interest in leaving, opting instead to watch the chaos of shuffling feet as everyone hurries to clean out their rooms.
“Yo Rai,” Axel waves from across the building as I reach my door. “You’re leaving already?”
“Yeah,” I yell back, “Meet me downstairs and I’ll tell you about it.”
I look around my room, apparently, when the school starts again in a while, we’ll get the same rooms. I know he’ll make me come back so there’s not much I need to take. I need only a few clothes and scrolls for the road.
I absorb the scrolls into my bracers and throw the few clothes I own into a box I have ready. While cleaning out the rest of the closet, a familiar, unwelcome item catches my eye. How am I going to deal with this? I can’t just leave it here.
I reach for the sword stashed in the furthest corner of the closet but stop just short, “Maybe I should leave it here.”
Is it a shame you know? I have always known you to be someone who runs away from their problems but who would have thought you would still run away after so long?
I freeze. The voice is much clearer than I remember.
Yes, let us leave this for whatever fool seeks it. It certainly would have made quite the gift for your dear old Mr. Rune.
“Shut up,” I grab a white replacement sheet inside the closet and wrap it around the sword before maneuvering it around so I can check every nook and cranny. Afterward, I toss it into the air, testing the strength of the knot.
That is how it should be. You won the right to wield it, so why not take it along?
“I’m only doing this so someone else won’t make the same mistake.”
… Of course.
I try to absorb the sword into my bracers for safe keeping but I can’t. It’s as if they can’t hold it or won’t hold it. I ruffle my hair and slam the closet door. It’s better to have this sword on me than put away into a box… this way someone won’t accidentally take it out.
Unraveling a bit of the cloth, I sneak out the leather attached to the scabbard and hang the sword snug onto my back before leaving the room.
“Hey Rainen, what’s with that… sword, on your back?”
“It’s my practice sword.” I pull on the leather strap, “I like to keep it with me, it’s good at swatting down flies and mosquitoes. Anyways, there’s been a change of plans. I’m heading the same way as you. Wanna hitch a ride?"
“Oh boy, whether to travel alone with a bunch of people I’ve never met or go with one of my buddies who I’ve already been through a life threatening situation with. Hmm, hard choice I’d say.” he laughs, “So are you ready to leave now?”
“No, I still have something to pick up from the tailor shop.”
He looks toward the city, “Is it important?”
I shrug, “Eh, it’s just a shirt and cloak.”
He nods, “Well, in that case, I’ll go lounge around a bit.”
“You don’t have anything to take with you,” I ask, looking for any indication of Axel’s stashed clothing. It’s winter and snow is all over but I wouldn’t put it past him to be as careless as to leave his box of clothes in the snow.
“I don’t carry much Rai. I like to travel light,” he walks off, “If I see Ellar and her group, do you want me to impart a message?”
Blue Hair… Will I ever see her again? Maybe when school restarts, “No, It’s fine. It’ll be a while before I see her again. The Green City is a long way away from any roluk villages."
Axel shrugs, “Alright. Who knows, though, you might just run into her.”
I cock an eyebrow, “I doubt that.”
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Author’s Note: Yay! This marks the end of book 2. I missed the one year anniversary of this story because of a few things I had to take care of but I’m glad I was able to finish the second book very close to it.
I’m sure I said this before but I’m really glad I made it this far instead of just having this die at chapter 10. Before I go to book 3, I’d like to know a few of your thoughts. I know the scenes are a bit slow, mostly because there’s no active goal, which I will do my best to add in the third book, but I’d appreciate some other tips too.
I don’t know when the next chapter will come out but I hope to focus a little more time on my second story for now. Up to 8 chapters on the second story. Hope you guys enjoyed and leave a comment, rating, blah blah.