Question, guild leader. What was that thing on my testing ground, Dan asked.
Beats me, Heka said taking coffee beans and pouring hot water on em.
I've never seen something like that before, she said with a sigh.
Aren't Zoe and his crew back yet, she asked.
No, I'm not sure if they've completed their mission or not, Dan replied.
And you how did your mission go, I'm sure it went smoothly I mean you're pretty strong yourself and you always have that power house with you, I doubt you'll have any mission uncompleted, Heka said.
It's been two years since they had gotten their cards and became certified guild members of the gold cats(name of Heka's guild). They were assigned missions almost immediately after being certified, Dan and Areia , got jobs like helping Ally village rid themselves of monsters, protect dwarf mercenaries from bandits and also helping a lost giant baby return to her traveling tribe. Zoe, Nox and Vea on the other hand had traveled as an escort with an elf mercenary but haven't returned since. They could communicate with the card occasionally so they know they're definitely not dead.
During their mission, Dan had met with other members from their guild, it was during the dwarf escort. They had a fun time till they parted.
Dan continued his fighting lessons with Areia and followed her on her daily exercise. He had gained a better control on his magic and mana.
Areia, I'm bored, Dan moaned hitting his head on the table.
What do you suggest we do? Areia asked.
If I knew that I wouldn't be bored now would I? He replied.
Heka kept getting spammed requests left and right, she even started participating in jobs, sometimes leaving and not returning for months. Things we're pretty busy. Dan and Areia we're not sent on too much missions cause of their wanted status, other race might be hostile.
Dan learnt a spell that made Areia's hair black, and his grey. It was pretty handy in disguising themselves and as long as Dan doesn't run out of magic or loses concentration it'll be active for as long as they want. Dan seemed to have somewhat of an unlimited pull of mana so the later couldn't be possible, only Dan loosing concentration can blow their cover.
All the while, the sphere and the things that destroyed the human kingdom hadn't made a move.
Dan, do you think Lilly and Ash are still alive, Areia asked.
Believe me I've thought about it, but honestly I don't know, Dan said his head still on the table, I don't want to imagine the worst so I'll just keep them off my mind for now.
Areia let's get something to eat, Dan suggested, let's go to that restaurant that sells sushi, he continued getting up.
Areia rushed after him as he left the guild hall. Heka had fallen asleep mid making her coffee.
Everything was going smoothly, nothing seemed wrong, Areia didn't know what happened even if she did she could not have responded quick enough, it was all so sudden. They sat in the restaurant obviously runned by beastkin, took their order and was waiting to be served when Dan's energy exploded. It blasted the building and everyone in it away.
The air was filled with the smell of dust, iron and sharred wood. It was chaos, Dan had unintentionally blown almost half the town. Lucky most of the beastkin we're strong, had this happen in a human village most of them would certainly be dead.
Areia's sight blurred, she was the closest to him at the moment of the explosion, she got it the worst. She staggered to her feet holding her head, blood running from her dead down the bridge of her nose and covering her face. Her hair fell to her face it was still black. She shook her head and almost fell, she stumbled forward to the center of the chaos where Dan stood, he definitely seemed like he wasn't himself.
Master! Areia called, she was shocked when he turned.
Dan turned to look at Areia, tears visible falling from his face, what's happening he said to himself. Why is this happening?what for? Why me?
Dan, Explain yourself, Heka growled. It was the first time Dan had seen her angry and at him. If you don't explain what's happening I'll have no choice but to treat you as an enemy from this point forward, he voice wasn't the cheeky voice it had been, it's like the growling of a lion now.
Dan looked at her, and she softened, but her voice didn't change.
So you can't control your power? Is that it? She growled. Dan nodded.
How come I didn't notice, she said to herself and why didn't you tell me, she yelled. You seemed fine back when you were fighting that thing, you been passed out without losing control, you've been here for two years for god's sake, so why now , she yelled. The sky trembled and growled.
Standing at the mouth of the crater, looked around, people were pulling themselves out the rubble and helping others. Her gaze met Areia's. You even managed to hurt her didn't you, kid, she said this time her voice was a little human.
Sorry Dan, but I can't protect you anymore, at least not like this, tell me you can't turn it off can you, she asked.
Dan shook his head, he was staring at his feet not looking at either Areia or Heka. Honestly I know it's not your fault, but I feeling like going down there and hitting you With all my might, she growled, but I just can't, had I only recently met you, you would have been dead by now. Just leave Dan, pls, Heka said as her glow became normal and the sky calmed down, pls just go and never come back, he said. Dan disappeared instantly.
Why did you have to say that to him, Areia yelled angrily.
What else was I supposed to say, Heka yelled back at her, that he destroyed half the town and it's ok? What if all these people had died? What then? Have you even wondered if there was a kid here at the moment or these people were a little weaker, she said waving at the people gathering by, do you want corpses piling up just cause he's familiar with me? I think you're letting your loyalty blind you.
I'm not blinded by anything, Areia retorted angrily. We could have found a solution, help him, she yelled hoarsely.
This people of this town, have been kind to him, Areia, she said walking up to her, for two years we've been friends, he has been happy and this, this is the price of the happiness. He wasn't even sad , help him? You couldn't even get close to him, she yelled the last part. You couldn't get past the toxic power zone of the crater. Just Looking at you bleeding profusely says it all, if you that he cherishes the most was hurt by his power it's no telling what could have done to those he doesn't cherish as much.
We can save him, no I can save him, Areia corrected herself.
Look at you, you can't even stand up straight, Heka said leaving her and going to tend to the people. If you leave now you might still be able to meet him, hopefully he didn't go far,she said as she finally focused her attention on the wounded and started ordering the able bodied.
Pathetic, excuse for a leader, Areia cursed as she started moving. She hadn't left the town long when she saw it, the huge boulder they had seen before they escaped from the kingdom, it hovered over the town and soon enough millions of the bat like creatures were pouring from all sides from the rock, they were greeted with a deafening roar and a massive energy blast, obliterating most of them in an instant. Areia saw someone leap from the rock and she decided it was time to go, she couldn't run but she walked as fast as she could. She doesn't know where Dan is and couldn't find him, his magic aura had disappeared as soon as it had came, she bit her lip and stood admist the trees, rain started pouring from the sky like buckets of water, she stood in the rain, she doesn't know what to do, Dan's not here and this was the first time he had Intentionally disappeared not taken by an enemy not in danger currently he disappeared. Areia looked at her hands, she lifted a piece of her drenched hair, it was still black.
She stood on the same spot till the rain subsided, she couldn't hear anything coming from the town anymore. Her hair clung to her face, her blood clothed, her hands were trembling, her legs wanted to give way.
Dan please, what am I supposed to do, Areia said softly. My hair is still black so you've definitely not abandoned me, she said slowly, but you still refuse to meet me. I don't know what to do Dan, I honestly don't. A drop of tear left her eye. Pls Dan let's talk it out. The voice rang in her head. What's there to talk about?
About your power about you, she responded.
I already know what I am, the voice continued, I'm not something anyone should be around, it said calmly.
No you're wrong, Areia tried to respond but was interrupted.
Wrong? Now I know for a fact that I'm the reason the human kingdom was destroyed, I wasn't conscious when I killed the man and elf that attacked us in the mountains then, I thought it was a dream and played it off as one. I know you wouldn't tell me even if I ask, you'd protect me till the end, but I'm not dumb.
Areia stayed silent, she knew he was right.
Honestly I was shocked when I woke up and found out I could suddenly used magic, the voice continued, but I didn't know how I was unstable. I can clearly see why I'm wanted, the voice laughed coldly but there was no joy in the laugh.
Dan, pls, Areia pleaded.
I noticed you only call me Dan when things get serious, the voice continued otherwise you always call me master, I know the Dan slips out unconsciously but it does make me happy.He was silent for a while the said, I just realized if I had been stronger you would have died, I realized when I saw you bleeding, if you die by my power I'll be lost.
Dan pls, was the only thing Areia could mutter.
I'm going to hand myself over to that thing chasing me, the voice continued. If I'm gone I know they'll be gone too.
But what about your dad's sacrifice, Areia cried, the sacrifice of Flynn and everyone on the kingdom who stayed behind to fight whatever is in there, what about your mum. You said you were going to find her, what about Heka's sacrifice.
Sacrifice? The voice grew loud.
The fact that she didn't detain you and handed you over to the people that want you dead is all the proof you need. Besides I had a suspicion she knew this thing was coming,she continued. Pls Dan you deserve to live like everyone else, you being like this is not your fault. It hurts me more that you're hiding from me than any wound I've ever received. I'll grow stronger by your side strong enough to thrump those power that threaten your life, strong enough to withstand your power, I only just ask to pls be by my side Dan pls, Areia said as more tears streamed down her face.
Hey kid, came a voice behind Areia, Areia didn't turn, she didn't make a move she ignored it entirely.
You know I could hear you all the way from the town he said. He came up to Areia and looked into her eyes. You've got some real dark eyes, did someone you love just die? He asked. Well I mean we just wiped out a town are your folks one of them by chance? After waiting a while he continued.
Sorry we had to wipe your people out they were in the way. Areia looked at the boy. He was small, shorter than the sixteen year old Areia but Areia knew he was no kid. He had get black hair and dark pupils that light doesn't seem to reflect from them. He wore a robe that covered him all the way to the sole of his foot. Pls go cry somewhere else, he said as he left her in the woods going back to the town.
Areia stood covered in her blood, soaked from rain, dirt that had formed mud on her body. Pls Dan, she pleaded. She must have lost way more blood than she had expected or noticed. She fell suddenly but she didn't hit the ground, Dan caught her, it was the middle of the afternoon but the sky was as dark as night, Dan looked at the boulder that had once been in their kingdom now it's here coming for him and unfailingly destroying anything that is in the way of that goal. His power has subsided that's the only reason they hadn't found him even when he's so close to them. Dan felt Areia's heavy breathing, she didn't seem to be in a lot of pain but Dan knew she was hurting. She muttered "Dan pls" as Dan took her away.
Areia sprang up, she looked around frantically and saw him, he was at the mouth of the cave. Areia didn't know where they were but they were only in a cave cause of the unholy rain falling. It was a storm a really terrible storm, lightning flashed striking down trees and whatever tall thing it could get hold of. She clenched his black jacket over her, he had bandaged her head with a piece of his clothing and laid her to rest with his jacket as cover.
You're awake, Dan said without looking back. Get some more sleep you need it, I'll be back, he continued as he jumped into the storm.
Areia held her head and sighed, she got up and slowly walked to the mouth of the cave, it wasn't what she had expected they were so high up she looked down but couldn't see the bottom. This makes it the second time I've third time I've been hit really hard on the head, she muttered.
She looked at the inner of the cave where hay, some logs and twigs were visible. Dan must have brought them, she thought.
She sat down and took a meditating pose, she breathed deeply for a few seconds, visible beads of sweat started leaving her body in a few minutes she was breathing heavily. She got up stretched, felt her abdomen, her arms, her legs. Well that's that, she said I think I'm good to go, all that's left is for this wound on my head to physically heal, she said touching the bandage on her head.
Dan came back about an hour later carry a boar on his shoulder. He shook the water off his hair and face before stepping into the cave. Areia's exercise has done it's work, he wasn't skinny like his clothes had made almost everyone believe. He was well but somewhat average built but definitely not skinny.
Just what in the hell are you doing? Dan asked Areia who was doing a handstand with an arm by the amount of sweat that was pouring from her she had been doing it a long time.
What does it look like I'm doing? She replied with a question.
You're supposed to be resting, Dan said as he decapitated the boat with compressed wind.
Yh, this is rest for me, she continued. She rotated both her arms occasionally.
No I mean the rest normal people do, Dan said clearing out the insides of the boar.
Are you saying I'm not normal , Areia said faking sobbing.
That's not what I meant, Dan tried to defend.
I don't want to hear it, Areia huffed. This is the third time I've been walloped in the head with extreme force Dan.
I'm sorry, he muttered.
That's not the reason I'm telling you, she scoffed. The first time I was hit in the head was during my days in Amag, I developed a sort of personality disorder cause of it, but it only happens during extreme stress.
So why are you telling me this? He asked and now of all times.
I just don't want you surprised if my personality changed for a moment, so I'm basically keeping you guarded, she replied.
So do you become crazy when it happens? He asked.
I wouldn't say crazy but kinda, well you could put it that way she responded. The rain hit the cave harder, it wasn't letting up.
Stop doing a hand stand and put on your shirt you might catch a cold, Dan said tossing out the remains of the boar outside the cave.
So basically you're saying you're about to turn into a crazy person here with me In this cave? Dan asked to confirm.
No no I'm not turning into any crazy person, she laughed and I'm not under any extreme stress currently so I'm kinda free, but in the future I might so be prepared.
So how long does it last, well the longest I've stayed that way is about two hours, she said in thought.
I see, he replied.
Also who taught you how to clear a boar, Areia said coming close.
My mum wasn't the best cook so most times when he's around I always watch my dad do it. Tho we usually eat chicken and stuff, but boars and other animals should follow the same principles right? He asked.
Yh I guess, she answered.
From the way you've been talking it would seem you are usually conscious during your personality change, am I wrong? He asked.
Oh no, I'm always fully conscious that's why it's difficult to explain, just forget it you'll see it for yourself eventually, she said scratching her head.
Areia. Would you be able to kill me? Dan asked.
Why would you even asked that, Areia lunged at him, they fell and tumbled to rolling to the mouth of the cave.
Unless you want boar blood on you, you should get off me, Dan said.
Don't think I haven't noticed, you haven't even smiled since I woke up, and now you're asking me to kill you? Why would you even ask that? Areia asked in tears. What do you have a knack for making me cry Dan? Why?
Sorry Areia, but I didn't mean that I rephrased it wrongly. Would you be able to beat me in my uncontrolled state? Dan asked.
I don't know, she said scratching her hair and getting off him. I think I might have a chance if you don't explode right beside me at point blank range, but then again you seemed weaker in town than when you first manifested during the cliff incident.
To be honest I don't know, but I think I have a shot, she said.
That's all I needed, Dan said getting up and dusting himself. He snapped his hand and a huge blob of water got dumped on Areia. She was flabbergasted.
What was that for, she asked, shaking water off her body.
For attacking me during a conversation, he grinned.
So that's how you want to play it, Areia said grabbing a twig. She lost spectacularly, there was no other outcome. Compared to Dan's unlimited supply of water(the rain) and her stick it was a battle set in stone.
Now you've drenched me thoroughly, I'll have no choice but to strip, she teased.
See what you've done Areia, you've destroyed all our sticks and woods, how are we gonna get a fire going now? Dan teased.
Oh don't blame me for that, you were the one tossing water around, she scoffed, you were basically bullying me, she pretended to cry.
Well I was only trying to get back at you for almost pushing us down the mountain, Dan laughed.
So what do we do now? She asked squatting beside him and following his lead started gathering the twigs.
I guess I'll just have to use my magic normally, Dan sighed.
You don't seem so thrilled about it, she said staring at him from her deep purple eyes.
Yh, the flames I produce with magic are usually too hot and I don't know how to tone down the heat only Increase it.
I see, Areia responded. Then just Kindle the wey wood, shouldn't your flame be able to dry and burn them sometime? She asked.
Wow that's the best idea you've ever had, Dan teased.
HEY! She huffed.
After a couple of minutes the cave was filled with the smell of roasted meat. It wasn't the best as no seasoning were used but for Areia it was the best meal. A meal made by her master.