We were in the guest room, with me replaying his repeatedly. What was I missing? I formed a weapon doing it how I knew. It’s different. I looked at the weapon I made. I know against the I used a apparently called . I could replicate that, but it devoured though. Didn’t help me replicate his version of .

“Nil, take a shower.” Luna told me as she came out of the bathroom.

“In a minute.” I replied, looking at him cast the again.

“You’re going to drive yourself crazy. Shower.” Luna snapped at me.

“I’m almost there.” I insisted, replaying it again.

“Nil, come on. You need to shower. I will really make you sleep on the dog bed.” Luna threatened. She’s not joking. I knew from her tone she was serious.

“Fine.” I conceded with a sigh.

I stopped the replay as I took a shower. Luna was going to want to talk; I couldn’t stop that man if I wanted to. I let out a deep sigh. If it were just me, Luna would’ve died. Why did people around me keep nearly dying? That man had his sights set on Luna. Why? I replayed the last moment, where he nearly killed Luna. I was completely powerless. I looked at him again. Wait. His watch. It was moving wrong. I suspected he was on a timer; it was on his watch. It didn’t help me now. His fist was less than half an inch away. After a few minutes, I finished my shower. I dried myself, walking out to see Luna.

“I’m sorry, Luna.” I apologized again.

“It’s not your fault, Nil. Come here.” Luna stated as she was sitting on the bed.

I obeyed her, and Luna buried herself into me. She was shaking like a leaf. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. Luna just shook for a minute or so as I thought. I don’t know what to do. Why am I so useless in these scenarios? How am I so bad at this? Even earlier I was bad at it.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve realized how terrifying that was for you. I’m sorry I wasn’t better. I’m sorry I wasn’t stronger.” I told her again. I set my head on hers, trying to figure out how to make her feel better.

“It’s okay Nil. You were scared, weren’t you?” Luna checked, nuzzling her head deeper.

“I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t stop him if I tried. You would’ve died if it was just me. I couldn’t protect you.” I lamented, holding her tight.

“I’m glad you tried and want to. I just don’t want to see you spiral Nil; you already practice and train enough Nil. I know you feel weak, but you will get strong enough.” Luna assured me. She was gradually shaking less as I held her close.

“Why are you assuring me? You nearly died!” I shot back, trying to figure out her angle.

“Because something changed; all the events changed. Whatever changed unleashed the wrath of someone or something on us. I just can’t think of who. So many events I can remember were tragedies, and with these recent attempts on my life, I think they were all manufactured. I just can’t fathom who would want to destroy you so badly. The events span from when you were a literal kid. We’re in this mess together. I just, I feel better knowing you care. Knowing you want me safe comforts me.” Luna explained, snuggling herself into me.

“I don’t know what to do. I wish I did.” I confessed, wrapping the blankets around us more.

“We need to get strong; we need to train. I just don’t want to see you spiral; I’ve seen how that ends and it’s not good.” Luna replied, with her hands gripping my shirt tightly.

“Okay. Whatever you want.” I stated, holding her closer.

“Did you figure out that ?” Luna deflected, resting her head on me.

“I was just replaying it because I cracked it and was relishing in my success.” I joked with a chuckle. Luna let out a small chuckle at my terrible joke.

“Good to know. I want to see it first thing in the morning. I should know all my hunting dog’s tricks.” Luna teased, wrapping her arms around me now.

“I’m not a hunting dog.” I retorted, knowing it didn’t matter.

“You’re my hunting dog because someone is still taking me to the Imperial Hunting Festival when we get back and getting me something. Even have training from the Matriarch Servant with a bow. I have high expectations.” Luna taunted. I think I know what animal I want to get for her.

“Made me learn the stupid foxtrot; most ridiculous dance in the world.” I told her, relaxing on Luna.

“It’s my favorite. You better have learned it.” Luna yawned, nestling into me a bit more.

“Don’t worry, Duthane made sure it stuck.” I assured Luna, adjusting to sleep.

We laid in silence for a few minutes as we drifted off. We woke up, and Luna got ready first. I replayed the again. What am I missing? Each replay felt like a pursuit in futility. I played it in slow motion, watching each weapon slowly come into fruition. Wait. There were two layers. I assumed if was because of how I was watching it. No, It was clearly deliberate. I formed the first piece and compared it to the weapon he made. What was the point of two layers? The inner layer was undeniably .

Then what’s the outer layer? I looked at the second layer form. It’s fluid, while the weapons were solid. Wait. Wait a second. My version of . Pressurized to make a thin blade when it releases. High pressure is hot when it’s released. That’s why the burn marks without . I tried forming liquid . It was unruly, and instantly dissipated. And he made twenty of these at once? While wrapping it around the weapons? Don’t focus on that. I needed to practice this liquid . Why did I never think of making into a liquid? To be fair, I only think of it as fuel. That’s even worse, Nil; most fuels are liquid. I just usually formed it into a solid object to use or protect myself. I just never thought of making into a liquid. I tried replicating the method again. This is going to be a lot of practice to even approach being able to make it. But I at least knew how he did it. I could at least form it. That’s a first step.

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Luna walked back in, seeing me form the liquid . Wait, I’m just forming blank . What if I use my ? I quickly discovered two, very important things. First, using my innate easily formed a much better result. Second, it was also vastly more destructive. The instant my control began slipping it felt like something was about to tear this room apart. Luna read my face and threw open the window. I launched the barely contained outside, barely missing a few elves as it tore across the street, smashing some crates next to a nearby stall.

“What was that?!” Ailla roared, throwing our door open.

“I was uh, practicing.” I confessed, looking around sheepishly.

“Why would you practice such destructive indoors?!” Ailla scolded.

“I apologize for my hunting dog. He was trying something not realizing what the result would be.” Luna interjected. It’s why I’m not allowed to practice just anywhere in the castle; I should have remembered that before trying it.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized, giving my best innocent face. Now that I think about it, isn’t plasma a state of matter? Can I turn into some plasma form? Definitely need to test that somewhere where I won’t destroy a building.

“Do not do that again.” Ailla snapped at me.

“I won’t.” I acquiesced.

“My mom wants to see you two in about forty minutes, so make sure you’re presentable and ready to leave in ten.” Ailla informed us as she left us.

I quickly got ready, trying to look as presentable as possible. It’s not like I had many clothes to wear. Luna lectured me the entire time about practicing untested in someone’s home as a guest. It was not my best moment. Luna was really hitting her stride as we went to grab breakfast. I’m sorry. I knew there was no combination of words that would get me out of this lecture; Luna truly did not appreciate it when I used without thinking. Lilas looked amused at how thoroughly Luna was chiding me for my poor decisions. It quickly became apparent that Ailla and Lilas had zero intention of intervening or changing the subject. The two were smiling as we walked towards the castle. It’s fine. We reached the castle where Luna finally relented. The four of us were immediately brought before the Matriarch. Please go well. We all did polite bows.

“Given recent events, the Council has decided that it is in the best interest of Themys to get you out of here as soon as possible. I concur with their decision. We will provide you with an escort to the freeport of Avon.” The Matriarch declared as her voice bellowed across the room.

“Thank you for your generosity.” Luna replied with a polite bow. I mimicked her.

I wonder what Avon is like. It was our best bet to find a ship to get back. I spent a little money, but I still had the emergency two thousand gold, plus my savings on me. What if that man attacked us on the ocean? I’m wasn't sure we had the gold for mercenaries and the ship. What good would mercenaries do? He decimated the elves. I don’t think it’s they were that weak. That was pretty much the entire conversation. It felt kind of excessive to schedule a meeting just for that, but I imagine there’s some bureaucratic reason. There were a few things discussed, but it’s not like Luna or I had much say. I wonder how long the trip will take. Luna and I were escorted to a waiting area again.

Are they going to just drop us off? I asked Luna now that it was just us.

No. Ailla and Lilas are staying with us until we can arrange transportation. You need to not zone out in meetings. Luna answered, chuckling a little.

Why do you enjoy lecturing me? I inquired, trying hard not to sound like I was whining.

Why do you tend to focus on and other details rather than what’s at hand? Luna shot back. Still annoyed that I nearly destroyed the guest room.

I figured out the , or more accurately what , he used. I deflected. Luna made a face as she debated what to say next.

How did he do it? Luna checked after several moments.

for the base. He coated the result with highly pressurized liquid . That’s what caused the burns, and why it was so devastating. I informed her. It was a brutally effective method.

How do you know it was pressurized liquid? Luna inquired.

Because when you release pressure through a narrow opening, it shoots out in a sharp, thin blade that can cut virtually anything. I imagine which you form it with changes the properties. Additionally, when you pressurize a liquid enough to solidify it, the temperature increases drastically. That explains the searing marks and why his blades cut everything so easily. I explained. Didn’t make the any easier. Wait, I wonder how many and you can combine.

What else did you just realize? Luna probed, starting to smile a bit.

It’s combining a and a . That liquid coating is some . I could probably do it to my sword if I wanted. He just made his own weapons. I answered. His approach was something I had never seen.

I imagine you’re going to try and find out. Luna teased, poking my cheek.

I’m also sorry for nearly destroying the guest room. I apologized again, averting my eyes a bit.

Just don’t nearly destroy a room where we are currently taking refuge again. Luna lectured with a smirk.

I won’t. I promised immediately.

Good dog. Luna taunted. I gave her a slight glare.

I wonder how long the trip will take. I mused, ignoring her calling me a dog. Luna looked at me like I was an idiot.

What? I checked, not getting her gaze.

Give us escort meant accompanying us while we secured transportation. There is a system of connecting large, important cities like Cyra and Avon. Luna informed me, trying hard not to laugh.

How would I know that?! I cried. Since when?

You wouldn’t, . Luna mocked with a smirk.

Then what was the delay? And why can’t we use one to get back to Speranza? I inquired, not understanding why we needed to find a ship.

Political nonsense and the fact they cost a bit of money to use. Probably arranged a shipment of goods to hide the fact we’re tagging along and so it’s not a lot of sunk cost. As for why, you should know distance increases the needed . The only person who could teleport that far will be you, and chaining that far is too expensive for our current resources. Even kingdoms don’t spend that much. Luna told me, smiling.

Oh. I’m glad you’re good at this sort of thing. I complimented her.

I have practice. Don’t worry, you’re going to have countless lessons on the subject when we get back. Luna teased. I really appreciated having her in moments like these.

Oh joy. I sighed which made Luna chuckle.

They’re important. Luna chided. I sighed.

I bet. So, what’s Avon like? I asked, wanting to know about our destination.

It’s a freeport. It will have a lot of merchants, adventurers, and pirates. It should still be beautiful. Luna told me, looking nostalgic.

Still? What happens to it? I inquired, wondering what happened.

You leveled it. Luna answered with a sigh.

Did I have a good reason? I asked, hoping for a good answer.

It decided to fund your enemies. The Burgomaster decided to act neutral to avoid your wrath while funding and trading desperately needed supplies for your enemies. When you discovered her betrayal, you leveled the place, and put her on a pike. Luna informed me, looking dismayed as she recalled it.

Ah. I quipped, feeling a bit guilty.

Don’t fret too much. She was a nasty piece of work. Her lover though, that was not something you accounted for. Luna continued with a shrug.

“Come on, let’s go you two.” Ailla told us, interrupting our conversation.

We got up and followed Ailla and Lilas to a massive archway. As Luna predicted, there were countless containers, crates, and supplies for trade. Ailla and Lilas walked through with us, and we instantly were in another location. I could instantly taste the salt in the air. Whoa, this place was gorgeous. The sea was a deep blue and stretched until the horizon. It had a kind of Spanish colonial appearance; there was a myriad of bright colors everywhere. The amount of people was staggering, with various races. I didn’t recognize some of them. Beastkin, Elves, Demon, and Humans were not the only races. What were a few of these?

“Come on, we have a ship to find!” Luna chimed as we began walking.