Olivia Clementine sighed. ''I'm surprised they managed to pass your test. You're usually very hard on new recruits.'' Xofamai took a puff of his cigarette before responding.
''I didn't go easy on them, I made them do something that would be hard but necessary for both of them. I know you don't like to let kids join the Resistance, but they're clearly ready. Unlike the soft kids of our community, these kids have arleady survived things that would break most people.''
Olivia didn't like to admit it but the man was right. ''Very well, but if this end up anything like Project Defender this will be the last time I enlist people under eighteen, understood?'' Xofamai stayed silent for a while after that but finally he nodded before walking out of the door leaving the old woman slumping back on her chair. She looked at a photograph of a group of young children all of them smiling and proudly wearing the emblem of the Resistance...
- - - - -
Oliver groaned while Clara looked at with an unamused frown. ''I'll never be able to do it Clara this stuff is too complicated!''
''Come on Oliver this is a book for five years old just spell out this word.'' She pointed toward a word in big red letter.
''Umm A-P-P-L-E, apply?'' Oliver said with an unsured expression.
Clara facepalmed in response. ''No! It's apple!''
Oliver face turned red and he looked down on the ground. ''Oh...''
Clara shook her head and turned the page to another word. ''Try this one it should be pretty simple.''
Oliver looked at three letters. ''C-A-T umm... Cat?''
Clara clapped her hands and smiled at him. ''Good job you're making some progress!'' Oliver rubbed the back of his head sheepishly at the praise.
- - - - -
Oliver yawned this was the second day in a row that they had been guarding the market area of the Ding Dong Community. They were there to make sure nobody tried to steal from the stalls and thus far nothing had happened at all.
''Oliver! Try to act professional you're making us look bad!'' Clara said embarassed when a stall owner looked at them with an unimpressed expression.
''It's not my fault this job is so boring! I though by joining the Resistance we would go out and protect people from wild Elestia. But thus far we've just been standing here doing nothing.'' He complained.
Clara shook her head in exasperation.''Did you honestly think they would send us to do important missions right away? We just started, so of course we're going to just act as guards at first.''
Oliver yawned once again which earned him a dirty look from the girl. ''I haven't even been able to use Bolt or Sandy since we've come here, I'm sure they're bored to death just like me.''
Clara tsked at him. ''I'm sure they're not, I mean just look at Marie she isn't even in a simulated world like your two Elestia and you don't see her complaining, right Marie?'' Clara opened her pouch and her smile faded away when she saw her best friend soundly asleep in the pouch.
Oliver snickered at the girl. ''See? She's bored to death too.'' Clara decided to walk away deciding they would cover more ground by being separated and she had no other ulterior motive to walk away from the snickering boy, nope not at all.
- - - - -
''I didn't know this place had a gymnasium.'' Oliver said in wonder as he look around around the large room.
''It cost a lot of ressourse to build. But the General seem to think it was a worthwhile expense.'' Xofamaia said in his usual bored tone.
''So why are we here and why are there balls on the ground?'' Clara asked curiously.
''It's simple, Clara you need to get used to your powers before we go on any serious mission. Thus far you have only used them by instinct. You need to learn to use them on command not just when something threaten your life. Oh and also drop the disguise you won't need it.''
Instantly Clara got defensive. ''Shouldn't I get use to using my power when I'm disguised?''
Xofamai shook his head with a frown on his face. ''No, keeping up a believable disguise like that will put a strain on your abilities and you won't be able to fight seriously. You can pretend to be human all you like while you're inside the community. But outside you should get used to move around in your natural form.''
''It doesn't feel like my natural form.'' Clara muttered under her breath.
''Okay but what about me? What am I going to do?'' Oliver asked eagerly.
At that Xofamai developed a sadistic smile which sent shiver down Oliver's spine. ''It's very simple, you're going to dodge everything Clara throw at you.''
Oliver face paled at that and Clara instantly went in the face of Xofamia and glared at him. ''Are you crazy?! First making him try to catch an Elestia without a Draconid Gem and now this? Are you trying to kill Oliver?!''
Xofamai crossed his arm. ''Look unlike you Oliver is really vulnerable to the Elestia. A lot of rookies like him just stand there while their Elestia fight for them. But Elestia, even wild ones are smart. Sooner or later they realise that an Elestia is taking orders from the Chosen and they will try to aim for Oliver instead of his Elestia. Every years Hundred of Chosens die in their first battle because of this. He need to learn to dodge attacks.''
Clara wanted to argue but she could see that he was correct with a sighed she back away from Xofamai. ''Fine but why does it need to be me that throw the ball can't it be another human?'' Clara instantly winced when she realised she had basically confessed she wasn't human.
''No if another human throw the ball he will treat it as just a game. With you throwing the battle he will treat it as a dangerous projectile just like what a real Elestia would throw at him. The ball should still lessened the impact somewhat, he will get nothing more than few bruises.'' Then Xofamai took something from a closet on the side of the room and gave it to Oliver.
The boy looked at it curiously. ''An helmet?'' He asked with a confused look.
''Like I said you should get nothing more than a few bruises. However if Clara hit your head by accident you might actually die. So I bought this to protect you.'' Oliver gulped nervously and put the helmet on. Then Xofamai turned toward Clarta and frowned. ''You're still wearing your disguise? The training is starting now so stop fooling around.''
Clara was clearly uncomfortable with the idea of revealing her true self but with resignation she finally dropped the illusion and revealed her hybrid form. Oliver tried to hide any reaction he had toward seeing her in this form again but he still didn't know how he felt about it. For most of his life he had held an intense hatred for Elestia and even now he still hated most wild Elestia so to know that the first friend he made in a long time was part Elestia was a weird feeling.
''Okay are you two ready? For now Clara you should just get use to levitate the balls. You'll get plenty of time to throw them at Oliver later on.'' Oliver resisted the urge to gulp at the man's words.
Clara raise a hand toward the closest ball to her and closed her eyes in concentration... And nothing happened. Xofamai sighed. ''So you don't even know how to draw in your power huh? I guess I have my work cut out for me.''
Clara looked toward her hand with a troubled expression. Why was it so hard to use her power now? It felt so easy while she was running for her life. ''Let me guess you tried to calm yourself before using your power right?'' Xofamai asked her and the girl nodded at him.
''Being calm is a good thing for normal people. But for an Elestia shutting out all emotions in battle is a death sentence. The power of an Elestia become stronger depending on their emotions which is probably why they let their instinct take over most of the time.''
''So what you want me to act like a wild animal? That sound even more reckless.'' Clara said while crossing her arms.
Xofamai shook his head at the girl. ''No you need to let out your emotion. But at the same time you need to make sure those emotions doesn't control you, which I realise is easier said than done.''
Clara raised an eyebrow at him. ''How do you know so much about how the power of Elestia work?'' She asked.
At her question Xofamia turned around and started to walk away from the girl. ''Just try to focus on a strong emotions while concentrating on the balls.'' He said before lighting up a cigarette.
''Hey you didn't answer my question!'' She yelled with an annoyed expression but Xofamai was arleady lost in his own world as he intently looked blankly ahead. ''Nevermind, I don't care anymore.'' Forgeting Xofamai and his bad adiction. She turn back toward the ball and wondered what emotion she should feel.
She tried to think why she wanted to use these powers in the first place and the answer came instantly in the form of a memory.
''Humanity has no need for more monsters.'' She heard her father say as he watched her with his cold calculating eyes.
Rage flood her as she remembered that day and how she had wanted to kill her own father on the spot. But there was something else something warm began to flow in her whole body, then the feeling rushed toward the blue gem encrusted in her head. The ball on the ground was enveloped in an etheral blue aura before it was flung at the speed of a bullet toward the unsuspecting Oliver who yelled out in pain as the ball hit him on the shoulder.
Clara gasped and ran toward Oliver with a worried look. ''Oliver! I'm so sorry are you alright?!'' Before he could respond they heard someoned clapping and Clara glared at Xofamai who was slowly aproaching them. ''Why are you clapping, I hurted Oliver!''
''It's not your fault, he was supposed to dodge.'' Xofamai answered nonchalantly.
Oliver glared back at him with a scowl. ''How was I supposed to know a ball would instantly be shot toward me?'' Oliver protested angrily.
''Wild Elestia aren't going to wait for you to be ready to dodge their attack. it's your own fault for not being careful.'' Xofamai answered plainly. He started walking away but he could feel the two teens glaring at his back. ''Instead of complaining you should get ready, the training is only begining.''
Clara got better and better at controling her ability to levitate ball much to the chagrin of Oliver who had to dodge every balls she sent toward him. He tried as best as he could to dodge every one of them but he still managed to be hit a few dozens time. By the end of the training most of his body was covered in blue marks.
Clara apologized profusely for being so rough, but Oliver only blamed Xofamai for his predicament. From now on Xofamai made them practice levitation and dodging three times a week. Over time both of them became better and better at ther assigned tasks.
Clara became in full control of where she was sending the ball and Oliver managed to dodge most of her assaults on him. Before they knew it an entire month had passed since they had joined the Resistance and pretty soon things would change...
- - - - -
''C-H-I-M-P-A-N-Z-E-E. Chimpanzee.'' Oliver said.
Clara put an enthusiastic hand on the shoulder of Oliver. ''You're becoming really good at this Oliver. Pretty soon you'll be able to read book with no problems!'' She exclaimed
The boy winced and tried his best to smile at Clara. ''That's great but you're hurting my bruised shoulder.''
She gasped and instantly let go of him.''Oh no I'm sorry! I completely forgot.'' They stopped what they were doing once they heard someone tapping on the entrance of their tent. Once they got outside Xofamai was waiting for them.
''General Clementine has chosen a new assignment for you two.'' The two teens nodded at the man dress in black before following him. Once they entered the shack they could see the old Mayor waiting at her desk.
''Ah I've been waiting for you two. Today you've been assigned to guard the scientific distric make sure no one disturb the scientist as they test new way to-'' She was interupted as Oliver groaned in annoyance.
''Guarding duty again?! We've been in the Resistance for a month now, can't we get something more exciting?!'' In the back they could hear Xofamai facepalming at the boy exclamation.
Olivia sighed. ''You barely have any experience handling Elestia, can you really expect me to send you into danger where you could easily be killed?''
Oliver was about to protest that but Xofamai was the first one to talk. ''No offense General, but despite his rude behavior the kid has a point. I think they're ready for a rank C mission if they stay here they will never learn any valuable experiences.''
''Rank C? What does that mean?'' Clara asked curiously.
Olivia sighed once again. ''Each mission are categorized by their difficulty. Rank D are mostly guarding duties or small services for the community. Rank C is taking care of small Elestia problems for settlements around Orchestralia, Rank B is for taking care of more dangerous Elestia like fully mature Elestia or the Dragonlings. Rank A is for more involved missions that require you to leave the country entirely for a long period of time. And finally Rank S is for anything that has to do with the Dragons.''
Clara was sastified with the answer and waited patiently for the Mayor/General to continue. The old woman turned toward the man dress in black with a serious look in her eyes. ''Are you sure about this Xofamai? I still think they are too young for a Rank C mission.''
Xofamai nodded in response. ''I'm sure, beside even if I misjudged their abilities. I will be there to make sure everything is alright.'' He replied with a slight tone of confidence in his voice.
Olivia lowered her head in resignation. ''Very well then. You will all go to the ruins of Fluoti Town. A man by the name of Timothy Wood has requested for our help in getting rid of an Elestia with a Death Nature that has been causing trouble for a while now.'' Both Oliver and Clara looked at each other in surprised. They never expected to see the familiar old man so soon.
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''Huh that should be easy Fluoti Town isn't that far from here.'' Xofamai said thoughtfully.
''You will make your way there tomorrow. For now you should prepare yourself, bring some rations in case you must stay there for longer than expected. And make sure your Elestia are well fed before you start your journey. And lastly make sure to buy an armor before you head out. They will only protect you from weaker Elestia but they still can save your life.'' Olivia said in rapid succession.
Xofamai shook his head in amusement. ''General you're treating them like children.''
The old woman crossed her arms at his remark. ''They ARE children, that's why I'm so against them going.'' She said with a crossed look.
Oliver had to admit the General was different than the other adults he had met since the Invasion. Most people these days didn't give a damn about his safety. More than once he had been sent to do dangerous delivery jobs for the promise of food or money and people were just grateful that the job had been done. They couldn't care less about all the injuries he had substained while doing the job. But this woman was different. She really cared about the people that worked under her. It almost made him want to fulfill her wish for him to stay here... Almost.
After that they were sent on their way outside of the shack. ''You heard her, prepare yourself for the road ahead. And her suggestion for an armor was a good one especially for you Oliver. Clara can probably survive a few hits from Elestia, but you would die instantly. Try to find something that will protect you without sacrificing too much of your mobility.'' Xofamai stated in his usual dead tone before walking away.
Oliver sighed. ''I hope armors don't cost too much. These guarding duty didn't pay that much and Bolt eat a lot more than you would expect for his size.''
Before he could say anything else Xofamai suddenly came back. ''Sorry for coming back so soon but I need to talk to Clara, alone.'' Clara looked back at Oliver worringly.
''Don't worry about me I'll be in the commercial district searching for an armor.'' With that the boy left the two of them alone. Xofamai led the girl toward the familiar gymnasyum. She could see that the man had placed dummies and various target at the back of the room, she wondered what they were for. ''Why did we come her do you want me to practice levitation again? I think I got it by now.'' She said to him.
Xofamai shook his head at her question. ''I noticed that since I knew you. You have never once tried to train your Elestia in combat. I see Oliver sneak here sometime trying to get use to his new partners but you never seem to do anything like that.''
''I knew Marie for a much longer time.'' Clara said defensively.
He shook his head and frowned at her. ''Even in the story you told to Oliver not once did you say that Marie used her powers in any ways. It's not that you don't want to use her in combat, it's that you can't. Am I correct?''
Clara was shocked how did that guy figured her out so quickly? ''Fine you're right Marie has never been able to use her power. CGO must have messed up her transformation, not that these lunatic should have transformed her in the first place.''
Xofamai nodded his head in agreement, but then he frowned thoughtfully. ''I think I know what the problem is. You didn't give her a name.'' He said.
Clara looked at him as if he had grown a second head. ''She arleady has a name, she's Marie.''
Xofamai shook his head. ''Yes but that's her human name, she need an Elestia name.'' He said to the girl.
''What are you talking about? Why would I give her a different name? Her real name is more than good enough.'' She replied with a defiant look to the man dressed in black.
''You don't know how an Elestia power work right?'' He said with a shake of his head.
''Umm, you said Elestia draw power from their emotion right?'' She replied with an unsure expression.
Xofamai once again shook his head. ''No, that's to use the power in question, but that's not where the power come from. Elestia gain power from their master. In the case of wild Elestia they draw their powers from the Dragons. Tamed Elestia however draw their power from their Chosens.''
Clara cocked her head at that. ''Huh? So do you mean Elestia have no power by themselves? How come I have powers then?''
Xofamai crossed his arms and developed a thoughtful look in his eyes. ''No, Elestia definetly have power inside of them. But even if they were able to use it without outside help, it would be too dangerous for them. The mix of two energies interacting together is what make the use of their power safe. Without outside help their life force would get damaged and the Elestia would lose years of their life everytime they're in battle. As for why you're able to use powers, I have theories but I'm not really qualified to divulge them. Instead you should go to the scientific sector once you get back from our mission. Almost everything we know about Elestia is thanks to them. ''
Clara nodded. ''Okay but what does any of this has to do with Marie and her lack of power?'' She asked while looking down at her best friend who was peeking her head of her pouch.
''It's simple your friend turned into an Elestia but she lack a master to draw her power from. By giving her a new name you aknowledge her as your Elestia and she will be able to draw power from you.''
''But can I still call her by her real name?'' Clara asked worriedly.
The older man reassured her with a nod of his head. ''The only time you will need to use her Elestia's name would be when you want to make her come out or recall her inside of a Draconid Gem. Oh and that's another thing while I have no problem with letting her rest inside your pouch, if you want Marie to fight alongside you, you should buy a Wind Draconid Gem. It's healing properties will be vital once we're on missions.''
Clara was clearly relunctant about putting her best friend in a gem but once she saw the small mouse nodded at her with a determined smile she reluctantly agreed with Xofamai. ''Alright so I need a new name for you Marie. I never thought I would ever need to name you so umm... How about just Maria? It's really similar to your name arleady so I wouldn't feel too weird calling you that.''
The winged mouse squeaked in approval and Clara felt something warm in her chest area but it soon died down. Xofamai nodded in approval. ''Now she should be able to use a bit of her power. Try to make her attack these targets.'' He said while pointing toward the dummies at the end of the gymnasium.
Clara nodded she felt excitemenet building inside of her. ''You heard him Marie. Try to blast some wind at that dummy!'' Marie proceeded to flap her wings rappidly and all of them could feel a breeze building inside the gymnasium then the wind took form and shot like a bullet toward the dummy sending it tumbling on the ground. Xofamai clapped his hands slowly in an almost sarcastic way.
''Congratulations now we will be much more prepared in case anything happen on our mission.'' Clara looked at him worriedly when he said that.
''Do you think something wrong will happen on our mission?'' Clara asked with a frown.
Xofamai shook his head. ''No, but you must always be ready for the worse. Sometime the mission doesn't always goes as planned.''
- - - - -
Oliver had been waiting close to the exit for a while. But a smile broke into his face once he noticed Clara coming back with Xofamai. ''Finally you took your time! Look at the armor I found isn't it cool?'' His armor was black and was similar to riot gear the police wore, back when the police was still a thing.
Xofamai nodded in aproval. ''That should be enough to protect you from a few rodents and birds Elestia. But don't rely on your armor too much. You should try to dodge every attacks that come your way even if you think your armor can take it.''
Oliver rolled his eyes. ''Yes, yes, mom. Don't worry I've been roaming the wild long enough to know Elestia are much stronger than they appear so can we go now? We've been cooped in this place for way too long.''
Xofamai grunted as the boy rushed toward the exit. ''Disrespectful little runt.'' He muttered under his breath before following him. Clara shook her head at them and followed closely behind both of them. Before they could get too far Xofamai insisted on spraying them with the scent masker once again. Once that was done they were finally off toward their first real mission for the Ding Dong Resistance.
Oliver looked around the snowy city enticipating to be attacked at any moments but the city stayed still as a grave. ''You know you would think there would be more Elestia in a Dragon territory.'' Oliver said breaking the silence.
''That's because we're taking the same route every Resistance members take to get out of the city. The Elestia know we're dangerous to them so they learned to get out of our way.'' Xofamai responded to the the boy.
Oliver nodded with a thoughtful expression on his face. ''I guess that make sense.'' The streets were empty but occasionally they would come across what looked like white boulder but was later revealed to be cars burried under snow. Oliver and Clara would also get uncomfortable everytime they spotted the frozen remains of the residents of Ringabell City, but Xofamai didn't show any emotions at all. Either he didn't care about all the death that had occured here ten years ago or he got so used to seeing them that it didn't faze him anymore.
It didn't take long for the group to get out of the city. Once outside the limits the temperature became hotter and hotter the further away they went until the snow disappeared and was replaced with grass and trees with healthy green leaves.
They were now walking across an old worn down road with many cracks and holes. Many cars littered the street some of them had deep gashed and holes into them caused by large claws. Some of the cars also had remains of humans bones scattered all around the vehicles. The scene painted a grim picture of the events that had happened here ten years ago.
Oliver heart leapt in his throat when he heard something he hadn't heard in a long time in the distance. Coming from their back he could hear the sound of a motor quickly coming their way. Xofamai made a motion for them to get out of the way but the man didn't seemed concerned about hiding himself or the two teens.
Coming into view was a blue van, it was in way better shape than all the car around them. On the hood was a familiar emblem of a bell with a red fist drawn into it. The roof was made of a weird reflective glass that Oliver wasn't familiar with. They could see the driver waving at them and Xofamai waved back with an emotionless expression. The car quickly speed away and disappeared into the horizon.
''Whoa I didn't know people still used cars since the Invasion.'' Oliver said with a shocked expression once the car had vanished from view.
Xofamai snorted and nodded his head. ''Most people abandoned them since gas and electricity have become so hard to find. So our enginers managed to make cars entirely powered by solar energy. We only have three of them so far, so the General only allow to use them for urgent missions. As you can guess being powered by the sun come with a lot of inconveniences. So most members don't really want to use them often either. There's nothing more frustrating than being stranded because the weather turned cloudy.''
Oliver nodded, but still, using a car these days must be a godsend. He wondered if he would get the chance to drive one of them one day. The group continued their journey toward their destination for the rest of the day.
They were about midway to Fluoti Town when Xofamai suddenly stopped. ''Why are you stopping?'' Oliver asked with an impatient look on his face.
Xofamai pointed toward an old worn down farmhouse in the middle of a large grassfield. ''This place would be perfect for stopping for the night, let's go.''
Oliver instantly started to protest at that.''What?! You want to stop arleady? It's barely even sunset right now!''
Xofamia tsked at him. ''Yes, but we won't find a good place like this later on and I really want to avoid sleeping in a tent more than I have to. This place should have beds and look you can see a well back there, which mean we might get a working shower. Even if it's cold it's way better than going in a river.''
Oliver was about to protest again but was interupted by a hand on his shoulder. ''He's right Oliver. Rushing to our next mission isn't wise. I know you're anxious about helping your great uncle, but he has been dealing with the undead for months now. One more night won't change anything and we need to have all our energy tomorrow. We don't know what type of Elestia await us.'' Clara said in her most soothing voice.
Oliver sighed in defeat when he saw the begging expression of the girl. ''Fine let's go. But tomorrow we're going straigth to Fluoti Town, no more delays.'' He said while rushing inside the farmhouse.
Xofamai shook his head. ''I hope he'll learn to be more patient otherwise one of these days he's going to get killed.'' Clara opened her mouth about to offer a retort but a yelp from Oliver followed by a loud crash interupted them.
''Oliver!'' Clara yelled in pure dread before sprinting toward the old farmhouse. Xofamai sighed in annoyance before following her. Once inside they saw the boy being cornered on a wall while an Elestia growled at him. The Elestia looked like a fox but it had green fur. One of it's most noticeable feature was the fact that it had four tails and on each of those tails flowers of all colors were blooming. It would have been beautiful if the creature wasn't looking at Oliver with the intent to kill him.
''Sandy come out!'' Oliver yelled loudly. The young Fawna bursted out of the Draconid Gem and instantly took a defensive position in front of Oliver.
''Marie go help them out!'' Clara yelled. The small winged moused emerged from her pouch and hovered above the growling Elestia.
''Alright Sandy attack with your vine!'' Oliver commanded.
''Marie blow it away with a strong gust!'' Clara shouted loudly.
''Stop it both of you!'' Xofamia yelled loudly interupting both Elestia just before they could attack. The two teens looked at him as if he was insane. ''Look behind the Elestia.'' He said simply to both of them.
Clara and Oliver both looked and both of them immediatly noticed two much smaller foxes hiding behind the adult one. Both of them also had green fur but unlike the larger one they only had one tail instead of four. They were cowering behind the larger Elestia and they looked at Oliver and Clara with fear evident in their eyes.
Xofamai surprised both teens by kneeling on the wooden floor and bowing his head toward the Elestia in a sign of respect. ''Forgive us for our intrusion great Kitsubi we only wanted shelter for the night. We did not know this place belonged to you.''
The Elestia seemed to relax somewhat at the man's words but it still casted a wary glare toward the two teens. ''Oliver, Clara, recall your Elestia, quickly.'' Both of them were hesitant about following his orders in front of the wild Elestia. But they decided to put their trust into Xofamai and recalled both Sandy and Marie.
The fox-like Elestia finally relaxed and it bowed toward Xofamai before retreating along with the two kits. The man dressed in black sighed in relief. Meanwhile Oliver looked at him with an accusatory look. ''What the hell was that? I could have taken that Elestia easily.''
''No you could not, do you have any idea what stood before you?'' Xofamai asked with a raised eyebrow.
At that the boy shrugged nonchalantly. ''From what I could gather it was an Earth Elestia and it looked like a fox. I don't see what the big deal is.''
Xofamai glared at Oliver and shook his head. ''You reckless fool. This was a Kitsubi one of the most inteligent Elestia species in existence and also one of the wisest. Each of it's tails represent a hundred years of experience. You almost attacked a four hundred years old Elestia do you know how powerful a creature this old can be?'' Oliver speechless as he didn't know how to respond to that. ''We should get out of here while we still can.''
But before they could even try to get out, the Kitsubi returned which made all three humans in the room freeze instantly. But much to the shock of Oliver and Clara the Elestia began to speak. ''Hello wanderers sorry for the rocky introduction. You really surprised me by barging inside my house just like that.''
''You can speak!'' Clara exclaimed both in shock and wonder.
The Kitsubi nodded in response. ''It is very hard but no imposible for Elestia to learn the language of humans. We of the Kitsubi tribes have an easier time than most other species. For we have always strived to seek knowlege, it is our greatest treasure.''
''Thank you for not attacking us great Kitsubi. But we will be on our way, it's getting late and we must find shelter for the night.'' Xofamai said in a respectful voice that still surprised the two teens.
The Elestia shook her head. ''No it's alright, you all look tired from the road and this house has two spare bed that you can use. Leftover from the humans that used to live here I would guess.'' Oliver twitched at her words but managed to not say anything. ''One of you will have to share a bed.'' The Elestia looked at Oliver and Clara with a knowing look. ''I'm guessing it will be the two kits. The two of them share a lot of the same scent, thought I can tell that they're not mates...Yet.''
Oliver instantly got red in the face. ''It's not like that, we just sleep with each other every days!'' As soon as he said those words he realised his mistake and both Clara and Xofamai facepalmed. ''...That sounded a lot better in my head.''
The Elestia chuckled. ''Do not worry I was only jesting. If you need me, I will be with my two kits in the kitchen area.'' The Kitsubi was about to cross the doorframe once again but stopped just before she disappeared from view. ''Oh and one last thing. I do not know how much you know of our culture halfling. But judging by the fact you knew much of our formal greeting I will surmise you know enough. Since you seem to identify more with your original half than the other I will let it go for now. But if you cause any trouble to me or my kits you will not live to regret it, Thanatos spawn.''
That sent shiver to all three humans. Clara looked at Xofamai worriedly. ''Halfling? Was she talking to me? And why would she call me Thanatos spawn? Thanatos is the Dragon of Death right?'' She asked in a shaky voice.
Xofamai frowned in response. ''Don't worry about it. It's nothing you should concern yourself with.'' He said simply before walking upstair.
Oliver scoffed and glared at where the man had left. ''I hate it when he try to act all mysterious as if he think that make him cool.'' Clara on the other hand still looked trouble about the whole ordeal.
Oliver wasn't tired so he decide to go outside and let out Sandy and Bolt out of their gem for a while so they could stretch their legs and practice at coordinating their attacks for the upcoming mission tomorrow. Clara on the other hand decided to go take a shower. Like expected it was cold but the privacy was a huge relief after having to share showers with the whole Resistance.
At least the Resistance had created a schedule so the man and woman wouldn't shower at the same time. But she still hoped that one day she could have her own house. She liked The Ding Dong Community and what they stood for. But she had to admit it could feel really cramped sometime with so many people living in that old abandoned metro.
Meanwhile Xofamai was trying his best to fall asleep but sometime was nagging him in the back of his mind. He wondered how much he should tell to those children about himself. Did it really matter what they knew of him? He didn't really knew how familiar he should be with both of them. He never really was good about this teacher stuff. He wondered why the General assigned them to him. At first he had thought it was because she wanted them to fail his test. But now that they had passed, did they still have a reason to be in his care? He was sure there were much better mentors than him in the Resistance.
Sighing he once again tried to close his eyes. In the distance he could hear Oliver yelling command to his Elestia. The boy was an annoying little brat sometime, but there was something about him that made resurface a lot of old memories, both happy and sad ones. He just hoped this time it wouldn't end in such a tragedy...