---POV: Aaron Geyser---
Seeing as Arin slowly began to float while a series of roots formed a comfortable chair beneath him, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight. I may be capable of sensing mana very well, but the pure amount that Arin currently emits and is being absorbed by Lumi is abnormal, making even the Tree itself seem like a light-bulb next to the sun.
Honestly, if I wasn't aware that Arin is currently under a seal of the World-Tree, keeping his body from being too pressured, I would think he would blow up any minute. Also, seeing that Lumi could absorb that unnatural amount of mana, I can't help but become flabbergasted.
Well, I don't really understand the workings behind the spirit and soul yet, especially when it comes to Arin, but I will guess that the Tree will not just stand aside.
Yet, just as I was about to focus on the massive face of the old man still floating mid-air, I noticed the dazed girl next to me. Sumi, who still had thin tear-marks remaining on her face, was completely dazed as her eyes focused on Arin, as he by now laid in the chair made of the roots and leaves of the World-Tree.
I wonder, would such a chair even be comfortable?
Anyway, seeing her absorb also quite the amount of mana from Arin as if taking in a drug, I take a closer look to the World-Tree’s face. Noticing my gaze, the person in question only shrugged his nonexistent shoulders while shaking his head, probably indicating that he doesn’t know anything.
So carefully, so that she doesn’t wake up from whatever trance she was in, I carried the girl closer to Arin, where the World-tree already built another such chair, and carefully laid her down, before immediately backing off. The pressure due to the sheer amount of mana is unbearable for me, so I am actually surprised that Arin kept such an amount sealed within his body all this time. But so it is actually no wonder he nearly drowned everyone when he accidentally charged off water-magic at near-full power.
Anyway, seeing the magic-power that exploded like a sun into all directions, brightening the surroundings unbelievably, I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. In front of this power, is there even a need for him to train? Isn’t he already practically invincible with all that mana? Maybe I am just envious… well, I can’t help it, even while I repressed it mostly since I was young, most dragons have a strong respect for the strong, even if it is only a feeling and not an instinct.
The only place where this feeling can break through is when a dragon has been lost to the echoes, entering a blood-rage. Well, seeing as Arin would normally be heavily injured if he used such an amount of mana at once, I can understand that this is unnatural in its own right. Yet, for his mana to be even so much larger than that of dragons or foxes, I don’t even want to think of it anymore.
Never would I have guessed that raising this child could get me such headaches, yet I don’t regret it even one bit.
So, thinking about the boy still lying in front of me, surrounded by the soul of Lumi, as well as Sumi that is lying next to him, I can’t help but have a smile surface on my lips, as my body relaxed.
Honestly, if I weren’t a dragon, I would probably suffocate in the pressure of the mana in here, and I can even see many of the fairies already taking distance due to the pressure. Yet unlike them, I can spot the silhouettes of the spirits Arin told me about as they near the location, becoming practically invisible as they neared the light. But, sending mana to the eyes in order to be able to see the things unseen, how come I never had this idea?
Maybe because I thought that I can already see all mana-beings due to the fairies, or maybe because I was so trusting in my eyes that far surpassed everything even most dragons are capable of. Well whatever, being taught something new is always interesting. But now I at least know why Arin was near immediately aware back in the Abryssal-Canyon when the blood-formation activated for the first time.
Unaware, I didn’t even remember lying down in the mana-frenzied grass as I keep looking up into the open sky and the crown of the old Tree, seeing the distant fairies and spirits flying about, relaxing me even more. When was actually the last time I just laid down like that without much thinking about the future, I can’t seem to remember?
Well, actually, why did I even stay so long in the Abryssal-Canyon? Was it because of guilt? Because I wanted to guard Lumis remains? Because I was…
Thinking about it, I notice that I never really questioned my heart about my actions, only walking forward without looking back…
Still, right now this doesn’t matter, or does it…?
Feeling my head trying to communicate with a part of my heart that I believed gone since long ago, I couldn’t help but raise myself back from the grass, denying all the thoughts before refocusing back onto the old Tree’s leaf-face, needing a distraction from the previous mindset.
“Hey Old tree, I though you wanted to talk to me, so here I am listening, why didn’t you begin talking yet?” (Aaron)
Slightly irritated due to the previous thoughts that keep nagging in the back of my mind, I was completely taken aback by the next words coming from the old-Tree.
[You seemed so relaxed, so free. I have never seen you like that, even when you were still back in the cavern, you never had such a peaceful smile.] (World-Tree)
Suddenly shooting a bullet out of the blue, I couldn’t help but get annoyed.
“What is that supposed to mean? I am most of the times relaxed and… wait, how do you even now about my life in the cavern?” (Aaron)
Suddenly noticing what his words entailed, I couldn’t help but become curious. How come he knows about that?
[You already forgot? I control the Dragon-Vains, which is something like an extension of my branches and roots if I wish it, so it isn’t hard for me to know what you were like all that time in the caverns of the Abryssal-Canyon. Actually, I was more surprised that you never let yourself be corrupted or going mad, as you were always alone.] (World-Tree)
Saying so with a smile on his leafy-face, I couldn’t help but feel slightly apprehensive towards the old Tree. Well, seeing as he watches me with a warm-hearted gaze like someone who’s prank succeeded, I just can't stay mad at him. Is this how Arin feels whenever I tease him?
Anyway, refocusing on what was important, I laid aside my loose thoughts and looked directly at the old Tree.
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“Fine whatever, but will you please begin now with what you originally wanted to talk to me about?” (Aaron)
Hearing my question, the leafy-face of the old Tree immediately turned serious, with his eyes focusing on me, with still the sun-like mana burning not so far away.
Yet ignoring that for now, I listen to the words the leaf-face has to tell me.
[Oh, sure. You are probably already aware of Arins Bloodline, right?] (World-Tree)
“If you are asking if I am aware that he has the blood-line of both Fox and Dragon, then yes I am aware.” (Aaron)
The first question already confirms something, for once, Arin truly owns both blood-lines, but that should physically be impossible.
[Then that is well. As you already probably noticed, he is both 100% Fox while also being 100% Dragon, something even I in my long years haven’t seen before.] (World-Tree)
“So it is true, but how?” (Aaron)
This is one of the most important questions I had, and even if I can't get the answer, I should be able to help little Arin better.
[Even I can’t fully explain it. The forgotten would have a better chance at trying to do so. But as far as I can understand it, Lumis bloodline directly comes from the two Origins themselves, meaning it isn’t surprising for her to have both blood-lines. However, with Arin being a pure vessel, he was able to absorb everything, additional to the already purified crystal which was practically the purest of essence of Fox and Dragon mixed together. I am even unsure if he still counts as purely either Dragon or Fox.] (World-tree)
Being told so to the face, I try to comprehend the words that this old Tree spoke of. If anything he says is right, then Arin is something that already surpassed the barrier of either Dragon or Fox…
“Yet this would still not fully explain his features as well as his power, especially why his body became so unstable, may you explain so that I understand?” (Aaron)
I first need to understand Arin better before I can truly plan on how to go at training him. He is still a child, and too much power can be the worst possible poison for someone like him. So, looking up at the old Tree, seeking answers, I could not help but become astonished once I was given them.
[I can’t fully explain, but I will tell you what I could already figure out. When Arin was changed within the crystal, he had to go through massive pain, mostly because not only his physical body, but both his spirit and soul went through an evolution. As a result, instead of only adding the power of both Fox & Dragon in it, they seemed to multiply by each other, allowing the power-barrier to be blown to pieces.
Yet, unlike his spirit and soul that keep growing at such astronomical speed, his physical body hasn’t been able to keep up, especially with him not having unlocked his true blood-line.] (World-Tree)
“But that is impossible, he unlocked his true Fox-Form back in the Abryssal-Canyon!” (Aaron)
What does the Tree mean by Arin’s body breaking apart, what is the meaning of this? I mean, back then I have personally seen him change at that point of time, unlocking his true blood-line.
[It appears so, especially with the authority a Royal-Fox has over monsters even being active, as well as the Origin-Energy already leaking from him. But it appears that shortly after being unlocked, something happened that sealed most of it again, do you maybe have an idea?] (World-Tree)
What? Something that could seal a blood-line? I only ever heard of traumas shortly after the first transformation accomplishing this…
“You can’t mean, after the blood-rage…” (Aaron)
Suddenly remembering something that I thought we finally left behind, I couldn’t help but feel that the effects it had on Arin seemingly haven't completely vanished.
[True, that is probably it. Though the events are unconnected, they still left a lasting impression on him, causing it to retreat. Yet, don’t even get me started on his Dragon-Blood, as that one isn’t even active. For now, in order for his Body to accomplish stabilization with his spirit, he should unseal his Fox-Form one way or another.
I would be able to change his mind forcefully, but that might have repercussions, so I would like to stay away from stuff like that. So for now, whatever you do, you need to find a way to accomplish this, especially since the barrier I created is currently only barely holding on thanks to the boys own will to stay together.] (World-Tree)
Listening to the World-Trees explanation, I couldn’t help but look over to the small angel still lying still on the chair made of roots and leaves. If he is truly as abnormal, then he truly needs help, but also people who will accept him the way he is no matter what.
“Well, something is weird though, if he truly also has Dragon-blood, how come I never saw any features of it?” (Aaron)
[You didn’t? I saw him make Contracts with Dragons like it is nothing, and his skin and hair as well as fur have a higher defense than anything I ever saw, so I don’t really see your point.] (World-Tree)
Suddenly having my eyes opened by the World-Tree, I suddenly remember all the occasions where the boy proved his near-untouchability that is getting stronger with every passing day. So, turning towards him, the leafy-Face suddenly opened his mouth again, speaking words that sounded like a hammer on my brain.
[And now imagine what it will be like once he truly unlocks his Dragon-Bloodline, I am sure he will become something great.] (World-Tree)
I don’t even need to look at the face to know that the tree has a toothy-grin on, so I couldn’t help but feel slightly vexed. Is this how Arin feels whenever I do the same? Oh god…
Anyway, trying to let out some of the pressure by sighting loudly, I take a look at Lumi who was still floating mid-air above Arin, her form somewhat becoming clearer as she seems less like a hazy ghost and more like a mirage.
Anyway, shaking my head, I try to refocus on my discussion with the World-Tree.
“So then, can you tell me then why Arin already has an Origin-Seed even though he hasn’t unsealed his blood-lines yet?” (Aaron)
Asking the important question, I only received another toothy grin from the Leafy-Face. I mean, not even I have an Origin-seed yet, so how come I can’t get one even though I am so much older?
[That is actually simple. If the explanations of my parents weren’t wrong, then the Origin-Seed forms once enough energy is present in the spirit, using the pressure that comes from it to form the neutral seed, also better known as an Empty Origin-Seed. As someone who inherited both the Chaos and Balance of the Origins, Arin was quickly able to unlock them by coming in contact with, what was her name again? Luna? Yes, by coming in contact with Luna and Sumi, which represented Balance and Chaos each. And as a result, once his inner Chaos and Balance were unlocked, he was able to inscribe them onto his Origin-Seed. But, using the chaos-bead for the origin-seed, well I guess he spared himself a lot of time trying to compress his chaos instead, and just used it as a medium, because normally that whole thing takes several weeks, if not months.
He would probably have unlocked it himself over time, yet having met those two, it kick-started the whole thing, letting him find it in himself quicker. Actually, I was more surprised when he turned the chaos-bead from the blood-rage into pure chaos… also, as he didn’t have to explore them the complete long way, his mana changed rather rapidly, concentrating it even more, growing in quality while speeding up the spirits growth-process.] (World-Tree)
“Are you trying to say that if it wasn’t for him coming in contact with Sumi and Luna, his growth might have been slower?” (Uncle Black)
If what he said is true, then it would actually explain a lot, especially since Arins growth in both Chaos and Balance is way too fast. If, as said, he had it from the very beginning after leaving the crystal, it would make a lot of sense as it would mean it just remained hidden just like his current blood-line.
Reaching realization, I couldn’t help but feel my head hurt. I mean, who could guess that a few meetings would bring everything out of Arin in rapid succession?! I only hope that Arin will still be able to enjoy his childhood even with those things.
He truly is a peculiarity of mother nature, even if a certain Tree and the Origins interfered. But whatever he is, he is still my cute nephew, and if anyone dares tell me otherwise, I shall tell them my opinion, Dragon-Style.
Having a smile creep up my face as I think about the poor fools that will try to go against me, I can hear the Tree’s voice in the background again.
[Aaron, please continue to take care of him, he will need it.] (World-Tree)
Spouting the obvious, I didn’t even have the strength to retort to the old Tree.
“Don’t worry, I’d rather die than abandon him.” (Aaron)
I don’t know what kind of face I am making, but I am sure a smile is a part of it.
[Then that’s alright, but there is something more. It is not directly related to Arin, but the dimension he came from. It appears that a few souls that don’t belong here passed over, entering unborn bodies before they would vanish…] (World-Tree)
“What…?!?” (Aaron)
…
---POV: Cyan---
Returning to my full form after telling Arin about my leave, I could feel a current run through my body, letting me feel refreshed. It has been long since I was last bathing in saltwater. I did secretly swim in the lakes of the Dragon-mountains in my real form, trying to get a better grip on it, but nothing beats swimming in the good old saltwater of my homeland.
Not many know of it, but I am actually part of the Hydra-clan living near the World-Tree Island, or was. The clan actually builds on top of the foundation of several water-type dragons, with the Ancient-Dragon Ness Oh’Tu from the Hydra-Race being the guardian and leader. We have the rule that whoever is the clan-head can decide the name, so for several thousand years it was already Hydra-Clan, with Oh’Tu not even bothering to change it.
As a result, the other Dragon-Races aren’t really happy with it, but by now no one bothers with the name anymore. This is mostly because Oh’Tu formed a fair way to decide which race is mightier.
Every time that dragons come of age with fifteen, they will go through a trial in order to see if they will be accepted or not. But me, when it was my turn… I was too scared… I mean I couldn’t…
Reminding myself of the disgrace I brought to my family, my enthusiasm to swim to the territory slows down, with the ripples of the water around me perfectly representing the ripples in my heart. Back then, when I was chased out with everyone laughing at me for being a scardy-cat, I couldn’t forget the faces, I wanted revenge, but I no longer care.
I found a master I can serve, no, even better. I found a little brother I can help and support. I don’t know why, but whenever I am helping him, I feel somewhat proud and happy to be able to do so. Even back then when I blocked that one fire-attack that was about to strike mas… I mean my younger brother, I still don’t know from where I had the courage to actually jump into the fire-line to defend him…
However, this isn’t why I came here. I don’t need revenge, nor do I need a place in the clan, I only want to meet my family, and maybe tell them how I am doing. I hope they will be proud of me.
So, trying to fire myself up, I begin moving again, leaving streams of water behind as my massive body approached the border of the Hydra-Clan.