At the edge of Tep-Tep city is a small ghetto called the Tin-Tin District, which houses hundreds of shacks for homes that are littered about a giant alcove. Chelsea’s shack resides on a lone floating island that’s approximate fifty yards in diameter. The backyard is rather cozy and well kept. It has a small coffee table and garden.

Kenjiro is in the backyard practicing sword swings with a wooden sword. His arms still appear to be blackened from his bout with Monsoon and he winces from pain at every swing. Yanni is sitting at the table, studying Kenjiro very intently. Araceli is sitting next to him reading a Daily Steam newspaper.

Yanni: So how did you do it?

Kenjiro doesn’t answer him as he continues to practice. Evona exits the shack with a tray full of tea.

Yanni: I thought humans couldn’t defeat us Innokians without the aid of the witches. Unless, that was the power of the witches that killed Monsoon.

Kenjiro: Monsoon, is still alive.

Yanni and the girls look stunned. Evona drops her tray of tea cups onto the ground in a pause. Evona gingerly steps forward to Kenjiro with sheer terror in her eyes.

Evona: Wait, is he really… is he really still alive?!

Araceli: But he can’t be! He just can’t! You saw him fall, didn’t you?!

Yanni: You mean, you really didn’t kill him?! But I thought his vyrkra completely vanished after you delivered that fancy blow to him!

Kenjiro stops swinging his sword and examines his hands.

Kenjiro: I hate to admit it but even my most powerful attack wasn’t enough to end him. However…

Kenjiro chuckles to himself.

Kenjiro: Let’s just say he’s going to need some plane tickets if he’s planning on flying anywhere soon.

Chelsea: A flight that’ll lead straight to your doorstep.

Everyone looks back to see Chelsea standing at the back door of the shack.

Kenjiro: Good. It’ll save me the trouble of looking for him. I still have his bounty to turn in.

Chelsea: Are you even in any condition for a round two?

Kenjiro: I think you’d be better off asking him that question. I feel like I can take on a Queen right now.

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Chelsea: With those arms?

Kenjiro flexes his arms.

Kenjiro: Ah, they may be a little stiff now but I’m sure they’ll return to normal soon.

Chelsea: (Most of his more grievous wounds from yesterday have healed miraculously on their own. What’s the story of this human?)

Yanni: Can you teach me how to fight with a sword like you do?

Kenjiro pauses. Hesitant to answer him.

Chelsea: Yanni. You should be asking Mr. Ginny how to mine for vyrkracite. Not how to swing a sword.

Kenjiro: I’ll tell you what. If you can catch me. I’ll teach you a few tricks.

Yanni’s eyes light up in delight. Kenjiro runs to the edge of the island and leaps off into the sky. Yanni and the others quickly look over the edge to see if Kenjiro is alright.

Kenjiro’s eyes flash and his descent is slowed by his control of gravity just before his feet land on an island three hundred feet below. Yanni spreads the wings on his back and pursues Kenjiro in glee.

Yanni: Here I come then! I won’t let a wingless one out-fly me!

Chelsea reaches out to Yanni in concern as he gives chase, but eventually retracts with a warm and satisfied smile. Evona and Araceli smile at the sight as well.

Evona: You know, Monsoon may still be alive but for some reason I’m not as concerned about it as I was before.

Araceli: Speak for yourself Evona.

The girls giggle.

Evona: Well, one thing is for certain; I’ve never encountered a human quite like him.

Araceli: Yeah, even Yanni seems to be taking a liking to him, and you know how he feels about humans.

Chelsea turns and heads back inside the inn.

Chelsea: Well I don’t want Yanni getting too attached. He’s still a human after all.

Evona and Araceli look at each other in concern over Chelsea’s words.

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The Thunder Peak Mountains are a dangerous floating archipelago that resides in a very high region of Iarlec. Several of the most experienced human and Veguhl Yhol-Yin train at the base of these craggy mountains.

Bolt leaps from one small floating mountain peak to the next with ease. He stops to look back at Loc who is struggling to climb atop a peak.

Bolt: What’s the matter, Your Majesty? Running low on air?

Loc: It’s, a little thin up here.

Bolt shakes his head in disappointment.

Bolt: If you want air Your Highness, then you’re going to have to produce it yourself. You must focus your vyrkra.

Loc: Easier said than done when you can’t breathe. Just give me a moment.

Bolt: (This is the prophesied Sagi savior of Irikihl? He’s so weak, even by human standards.)

Lightning and Rivna race through the mountains by leaping from one peak to the next. Rivna is just one pace behind Lightning as they move with impressive speed. Loc watches them in awe.

Lightning: (I can’t believe how much of a fast learner the Witch Tier is. She certainly lives up to her title.)

Loc: (I don’t know how you do it Rivna…)

Rivna: (What do you mean? Isn’t it your true Sagi strength that empowers me? It is I who is truly in awe right now, Captain.)

Lady Agatha: (Remember Young King, the ability to perform The Will’s wonders is always dwelling within you.)

Loc: (I know. I know.)

Loc bends down and takes several deep breathes. Bolt attempts to hide his disappointment with a subtle sigh. His frown turns upside down as he notices something in the distance. A loud screech is heard.

Alerted, Loc, Rivna, and Lightning look around for it.

Rivna: (Captain! Behind you!)

A large shadow covers Loc from his rear. He turns around with a look of dread.

Chapter End