"Forgive me for speaking so bluntly Sire, but I want to know why you don't just attack the boy," why wait for his energy signals to spike before we make a move?
"After we kill the boy...what do you think will happen to us, kins of the sphere," he sighed.
If my theory is correct, then our existence is tied to the boy, and the moment we successfully kill him we'll vanish into nothing just as how we came from nothing, she wrapped a cabbage and gave it to the customer.
You're spot on Megania, he chuckled, taking the money form the customer and stuffing it in a bag, he waved the man away.
"But that's not my point, she continued, why do you suggest we become merchants in this foreign word?"
The reason I'm taking my time not destroying the error is cause I don't want to disappear just yet, I kind of like living if I'm to be honest, he fundled with the money bag.
"But you know the longer we take the powerful he becomes" she attended to another customer who came from a love charm.
"The sphere only forces us to act if the boy's power spikes to a certain extent, other than that we have a certain level of freedom, he said passing on a torque coloured bottle to Megania, she handed it to the customer and he dropped gold coins on the counter. She stared at it, her eyes were unusual, her pupils dark and red crosses were visible in them, her orange disheveled hair clashing violently with her nearly dark skin, she looked like a teenager and could easily be five foot two, she wore a maid outfit and stationed at the table just outside their carriage, which contained lots of goods and was stuffed to the brim, a man with a cowboy hat was napping in the carriage.
She stared at the man napping in the carriage, how long has it been since Veda was gone? Her pupils narrowing slightly.
He's a bit eccentric, so I let him roam the world a bit, though I forbid him from hurting any of the Intelligent creatures and help out if possible, we did meet a week ago when the sphere took us to that canyon, he left after the error disappeared, the boss scratches his gray hair, his eyes were pure white, and no visible darkness or marking in them, his skin almost as pale as his eyes, his muscular body stood out in his light green tunic, he was young and could easily be stated to be in his late twenties, though they're actually ageless. The Dwarven Street reeked or urine, steel, smoke, dead animals and whatever that unpleasant smell was, dwarves don't care about privacy and could be seen urinating anywhere. They were hardworking people, but clearly not when it comes to hygiene.
Megania, stared as a dwarf was thrown out of a pub and was being beaten by two other dwarves, the blows landing like hammers to a rock, after a while the two dwarves left the victim beaten but alive.
"Why a dwarf settlement, she asked, looking at dwarves kids hauling a large metal that could easily break a grown humans back.
" Why? Are you serious, the boss laughed. We can't sell in the human kingdom now can we?" Besides, dwarves knows business, and as you can see business is booming, he said staring as some dwarfs kids headed their way. They want a nop, a small harmless explosive that can give someone quite a fright under the right circumstances. After being handed the exploves the kids sprinted as fast as their short legs could carry them without paying.
"Honestly, I thought you would chase them, Megania, the boss smiled, I mean aren't you itching for a fight.
"Don't make it sound like I'm some dumb lunatic who has nothing to do but looking for a fight, she watched the kids disappear into an alley. What's the point of chasing them, they're just infants after all, if they continue like this they'll meet their punishment soon or later.
"It's going to rain soon, I think we should wrap up, I think we've had enough business for today, the boss said taping Megania on the head and heading into the carriage.
"Rain! She said calmly as her eyes trailed him, but the sun is still up- , almost suddenly as if to prove her wrong rain started pouring from the sky without warning or any dark clouds. It drenched her before she could pack up all the goods inside.
"Would it kill you to at least help me pack up" she asked, squeezing water from her skirt, her hair now wet clung tightly to her face covering her eyes giving her a wet ghost like look, all you care about is the gold, besides I clearly did all the sales.
"Aren't you the same? He grinned. It's not like you genuinely care about anything, if left to you I'm sure you'd have killed the kid by now.
She stared at him not responding, she walked slowly sat close to the sleeping man and tried to sleep. "How does he do it? It's not like we necessary need to sleep, but he's always napping.
That's variation, the fact that we weren't created like mindless robots is a testament to the sphere's power, I don't know why tho it's beats me why we were created with emotions, the boss tossed a coin on his hands, it glittered.
I don't care? I don't think I'm all that emotionless, Megania thought as she closed her eyes. I definitely don't want boss or I to die at the very least. The rain beating down the carriages tarp, creating a soothing rhythm for sleep.
The boss smiled, what a strange world.
Isn't the Elf kingdom the last place we should be right now? Dan muttered to Cyra, I mean we're kinda more wanted here than anywhere else.
It's no problem, she shrugged, just turn your hair white like you always do, everyone knows me here you could easily pass up as my party members.
What about him, Areia said calmly pointing towards the blue haired elf, I mean if he was turned to stone unknown to him, it definitely has something to do with the Elves and correct me if I'm wrong, elves live a long time, won't the people who imprisoned him still be alive right now. And won't it cause trouble if he was spotted?
I mean it's possible, Cyra said pondering. But don't all elves look alike tho, I mean they're all pretty and stuck up and such, would he really stand out that much?
I don't believe I've seen any blue haired elf before, Areia continued, doesn't that mean he's not your typical Elf.
Why don't you just ask for my name, the Elf Interjected, I'm tired of being called Elf left and right, it's starting to feel wierd.
They all looked at him as if he had just uttered something none of them had thought of.
"So what's your name then," Dan asked
It's Thranduil, he sighed, I can't believe it took you guys this long to ask.
Alright the elf seems to have an unusual hair colour even for elves, Areia continued as if she hadn't heard him, he'll definitely stand out.
Yeah I guess so, Cyra thought walking around in circles, Dan could you change the Elf's hair colour too, that much should be doable right?
Didn't I just tell you guys my name?
Yh I guess, Dan responded, but I feel like a high tier mage would be able to see through it no doubt, and I'm sure the Elf kingdom would be full of them.
You guys are talking as if this is the main Elf kingdom, this is just a sub branch, Cyra said. I'd never go to the main kingdom again not after they way they're king was fawning over me, one could say that he was even preparing to court me, so creepy, she shuddered.
So tree, she continued talking to the elf, Dan's going to change the colour of your hair.
It Thranduil, he corrected.
That's what I said, Cyra confirmed. "Tree, what hair colour would you prefer, oh scratch that, Dan just give him whatever comes to mind.
Wouldn't the obvious colour be green, Dan muttered coming towards him.
You know you could always teach me how you do it and I'll do it myself, Thranduil called, I mean you don't seem to be in a stable state of mind right now.
Stable state of mind? Areia tilted her head, what's that supposed to mean.
He's just babbling on, Dan hushed him. Years of being a stone is clearly affecting him. Right tree?
It's Thranduil, he corrected.
Just outside the elven kingdom stood the most bizarre wall Dan has ever seem, it doesn't seem to be solid but it's definitely there. And for some reason it's transparent. The large gate was made of pure green Jade, it glowed and stood out from the transparent always shifting wall.
Through the wall though it's blurry Dan could make out green scenery's and elves walking around inside the kingdom.
"Halt, boomed a voice quite harsh for an Elf. What business do you have in Woodglen. May I see your passes, he beckoned eyeing them under his light green eyes.
Passes? Cyra asked. I thought I was a guest here, she stepped forward looking up at the unusual massive elf.
When your party members returned in rough shape without you we assumed you we're coming back, he stated bluntly, my apologies if I came of rude. But those people behind you are unfamiliar with me, so I definitely can't let them in without passes.
Wait Needle and the others are still here? Cyra asked calmly.
As if noticing a hint of anger in the hero's voice, he hastened to explain, they left about three days ago, and the way they ran as if the devil was on their heels. Whatever happened to them while they were away clearly had them shaken.
"Oh, I see, Cyra glanced at Areia. " Well these are my current party members, Cicilia the sword man, Areia bowed her jet-black hair highlighting her fair skin, Nero the frontliner, Dan bowed his white hair blended completely with his reddish-orange eyes and lastly tree the mage.
It's Thranduil, he corrected.
That's right, she continued, tree the mage, he bowed reluctantly, his green hair flowing elegantly.
If you vouch for them I have no choice but let them in, but I'll have to check their belongs, the world is a dangerous place, I'm sure even the hero knows that, the guards said stepping towards Cicilia(Areia).
Belongings? We're all sharing an inventory, as you can see none of them are carrying any bags, she gestured towards them. The guard observed them and confirmed it to be true.
"Raise the Gates! He bellowed, the gaints jade gate lifted up the ground slowly but surely, Dan was sure it weighed tons.
The inside way more than Dan expected, they all except Areia and Thranduil stared open mouth at the scenery floating buildings, moving houses, homes built on trees, unlike Dan and Cyra's tree house, the elves were standard furnished homes.
Cyra! Cried a kid as she jumped on her, she caught her tapped her head and left her as she giggled back to her parents, bragging that she just touched the hero. Before they got to their destination Cyra was being constantly pulled to the side by almost everyone, she was extremely popular. Then it finally clicked to all of them, of course she's popular she's the current worlds hero. They hadn't really thought about it until they experienced her popular first hand.
To Dan and Areia she had always been the Goofy raw meat eating girl, it never really dawned on them that she was clearly a big shot on the outside world and could clearly get by with or without them.
Why then does she decide to stay? Dan thought.
Areia scratching her saw a little thorn fall off she scrowled, just where are we going?
Cyra's eyes darted here and there as if lost, "I have a house somewhere around here."
"Are you lost by chance?" Came a really pissed Thranduil.
Cyra waved him away angrily, "shut it tree, I'm trying to think."
"Is it hidden in a separate space by chance? Dan eyes narrowed.
" Yeah, she sighed, if it's in the open people will keep pestering me all day long, not that it's bad but a girl got to have her alone time doesn't she? Besides how did you know that? I'm supposed to be the only one able to see it."
Dan Looked perturbed, " well I've been able to see it for quite sometime now, it's between those pine trees, I mean how could I notice it, a house is not supposed to fit in a space that narrow.
Oh yeah, pine trees, she screamed running towards it, and here I was looking for coconuts. She ran between the trees and vanished instant, Dan approached and touched the space between the trees it was rock solid, Cyra's face popped out from the empty space making it seem like her head was floating, " I forgot, she said as she grabbed Dan pulling him in, Dan instinctively grabbed Areia, Areia got the gist of it and grabbed Thranduil, they all got pulled into the space, leaving the pine trees as if nothing supernatural just happened.
I still can't wrap my head at how elves had advanced so much in just a few years, Thranduil scoffed. The house was massive and large tree stood in the hallway surrounded by stairs that led into the tree, the house was definitely made of the highest quality resources, down to the carpets. Thranduil was convinced that they would have made the entire house of gold if it had been up to take entirely.
So just what are we doing here? He asked.
Well aren't you all tired of living in the woods, this is a chance at luxury and you're barking at it, be grateful tree!
Cyra sprinted up the stairs into the tree yelling for them to follow her, inside the tree was a large hallway big enough to fit Dan's cabin at least six times. "They would have made it bigger had I not Intervened, she said to Dan. You all can pick any room you like they should be more or less the same, besides especially you Dan you seem like you need a fresh pair of clothes. Dan looked at his Jerkin loose and practically torn apart, his pants not helping matters. They all scattered into different room save for Areia who tried following Dan into his, she was abruptly chased out, Dan saying something like she needs her privacy, he reclined and chose the room directly next to his, Thranduil watched the whole ordeal before picking a room at least three doors from the rest.
He heard a knock on his door,"what is it, he called from the room.
"It's Cyra, would you mind opening up!
Opened the door slightly and peered through the crack.
What?she asked staring at him, it's just me, besides we're the only once here are you expecting assassin's, she grunted trying to push the door open, Thranduil out up a good fight by pushing against the door with all his might, he lost the moment Cyra decided to kick the door, it flew off it's hinges and threatened to flatten Thranduil,it missed him by a few inches.
"What do you want, he scrowled from where the door had sent him flying, he hastened to get up.
Cyra moved around peering at him with a pitiful look on her face, she sat on the bed that could have easily accommodated an elephant, it's was the first time Thranduil or anyone had seen her in normal clothes, the white nightgown looked odd on her.
His gaze narrowed, " I didn't think you were able to take off that sword off your back.
"I can't, she confirmed. I just shrunk it down, here, she showed him the toy like sword on her hand, I can move it round my body and can only shrink it to the size of an eggplant. I mean obviously how do you think I bathe?
Fair point, so again what do you want?he scrowled.
No need to be so tense, she huffed as the door levitated back to it's original spot and fixed itself. I'm just here to check up on you, I mean I did hit you quite hard after all.
That was nearly a week ago, he got up pacing about the room, I'm not a spring onion that'll die from a single punch.
But it wasn't a single punch, she corrected, I reckon a couple dozens.
Still, I'm fine, he affrimed. I'm trying to get ready for a bath, I'd like some privacy if you don't mind.
Yeah knock yourself out, she splayed on the bed toying with the sword.
He looked at her astonished, "I meant you should leave,"
Uh? Why? The bath is in the door over there, it'll give you all the privacy you need, she scoffed. Just go bathe and stop wining.
He sighed as he got in and slammed the door hard.
Just like a kid, Cyra laughed.
You know you don't need to stay beside my door, Dan said peering from his slightly opened door at Areia who sat Infront of it.
"Whatever do you mean, she replied.
"You know what I mean, he scoffed. So is there something you want to say to me?
"Can I come in first?
Dan stared at her suspiciously," I know for a fact that if I let you in you'll refuse to leave,"
"Just let me, she said in a pleading tone, I mean we did share a room when we were kids-
"Exactly,Kids, Dan interrupted, we're no longer kids sharing a room now will feel wierd, besides unlike Stacy's village there's only one bed.
"So does that mean you now see me as a woman? She asked softly turning her head so he doesn't see her face.
That's a dumb question, of course, I mean you're not a dog are you? I've always seen you as a woman, he answered confused.
"That's nice, she whispered.
Uh? What was that I didn't quite catch it, Dan said opening the door a little so he could hear, she suddenly sprinted down the hall, Dan stared bewildered." What's wrong with her now?
They stayed in Cyra's abode for a few days, Cyra occasionally went out, being summoned, invited to special occasions and such, she didn't take the team with her as they're clearly outcasts, thought they kept the hair spell active, it's a safety measures to let them stay in the abode all together. She comes home late and sometimes she doesn't even arrive for days, and after being back she always sleep in Thranduil's room, he tried relocating but for some reason she always finds him, when asked why she shrugged it of saying she feels warm being near him. Dan, Areia and Thranduil took to playing cards, Thranduil nearly always the Victor, with Areia always being dead last, it wasn't fun cause she didn't seem to care regardless, she was only playing on Dan's request.
Cyra burst into the abode holding a large paper in her hands, we've got a job, she screamed. Interrupting their card game,it ticked Dan off as he was almost on the verge of victory, he could stand Thranduil's look of superiority everytime he won.
What is it? He asked.
Apparently there's some cult and criminal activities going on in Villa, a center for all species, some crime cindicate has taken over the place and are using the men for sacrifice, we're tasked to go investigate it if possible stop it, she said waving the leaflet around. Apparently no one can get near the place that's why I was tasked with it.
Question, Thranduil raised his hand.
Go for it, Cyra Said sprawling on the couch.
You're a beast kin if I'm not mistaken, so why do you take orders from the elven kingdom? Why are you even here to begin with, he asked calmly.
She peered at him, her deep brown eyes penetrating him, they have information about things going on in the world, I can't go to the dragon water tribe, they wouldn't accommodate me, I can't find the fairies, the Dwarves doesn't care about crime, if there's any they take care of it, and if I stay with the beastkin they'll treat me like a princess and not let me fight, I mean that's my entire purpose, I remember the last time I was with the queen, I was practically her daughter and had to excape from her like a fugitive, it was horrible, she babbled on.
Thranduil and Dan were amazed at the amount of info she just spilled in the span of a second, Areia seemed to be fascinated by the figures drawn on the card, particularly the old sword man.
We're going tomorrow, she stood up dragging a fighting Thranduil with her, get some reason, I mean we'll be stupid to remain her forever, she called as she ascended up the stairs Thranduil finally stop putting up a fight, "I'll have you know Dan, out of all the races the elves want you dead the most, she went into the tree.
Dan sighed.
Don't worry master, Areia said putting down the card of a ugly king, I'd slaughter anyone trying to harm you.
Don't put it like that, and don't kill if you can help it, he sighed. Who am I kidding, it's kill or be killed, well we have an early start tomorrow, he said getting up it's best we go get some sleep, Areia trailed behind him, he stopped then pondered for a while," sure why not, before you go sleeping in front of the door again, only this once well share a bed.
I won't disappoint master, she saluted.
I'm starting to regret already, Dan sighed.
I can't sleep, Areia thought turning on the sheets, she looked at Dan fast asleep. How can you sleep when my heart is killing me? Maybe this was a bad idea I should have just slept at the door, she turned. She turned again facing Dan, she was restless.
I know what I want but what's it called,she muttered, it's like I've suddenly become more aware of you, she lifted her hand and parted his hair from his face, even something like this can kill me with an heart attack, she smiled. Still it's a blessing I could feel things, I don't even know how to go about things.
"Areia, Dan muttered turning in the sheets.
Areia stared at him bright red, not only was her hand on his head he had muttered her name, she was both embarrassed and struck. " Yh, I'll just turn away now.
Dan woke up stretched, he caught his reflection on the mirror at the other side of the room his disheveled hair obstructing his vision, he had inherited his mother's stubborn hair that refuses to be combed and maintained, he felt his face, opened his mouth to look at his teeth, sure enough his dentistry was changing, it's getting sharper, he thought, it's becoming more like mum's. Time to get ready he yawned.
"Hey Areia, it's time to wake up, Cyra said we have an early start today."
"I'm awake, she muttered, it's not like I could sleep with you constantly rolling and kicking me,she thought.
Dan stared at her folded at the corner of the bed," did you even sleep at all?
"You could say that," she lied. Go freshen up I'll use the bath after you.
Dan stared at her for a while and it seemed like he was going to say something, but reclined and made way to the bath.
Areia and Dan had been ready for a while now, and seeing as they're awake it's clearly day break, but they're not been any word or movement from Cyra and Thranduil, Dan went to check up on them. He knocked at the door a few times there was no response he was about to leave when he heard the muffled words that was undoubtedly come in.
Dan opened the door slowly, he stood the door ajar, " excuse me, he suddenly said going back out, Thranduil pleaded with him to come back.
Like a baby Koala, Cyra had latched onto the side of Thranduil and was using him as a body pillow, he was trapped in a peculiar awkward position. He had tried pushing her off, but Cyra almost crushed his neck in her sleep trying to latch on, so he gave up and reclined to his fate.
"Dan stared from him to Cyra then back again,"just what am I looking at?!
"Thranduil sighed," pls help me Dan, she wouldn't get up or wake up, and if I try getting her of on my own I'm afraid my neck would snap, came his muffled words under her arm.
"How do you suggest I help you? If you've tried waking her and she's not responding just leave her be," she's probably exhausted.
"But...but, stuttered Thranduil trying to hide his bright red face, it's wierd being latched on by a female.
"I hear ya, it definitely won't be pleasant, well just take this as a way to learn something new. By the way how old are you?
"What does that have to do with this situation?he frowned.
" Just answer, Dan replied.
"I don't know how long I was a stone but before then I was fifty years old before any of that nonsense, he sighed.
"I've been thinking, do you have any idea as to why you were turned to stone or who could have done it? Dan asked sitting on the bed.
"No, he lied, not a clue.
Dan crawled on the bed and approached them, he cracked his knuckles and worked his fingers, seeing as she was only put on a top and shorts this would be easy, Dan thought. He suddenly started tickling her, the result wasn't immediate, her tail suddenly started trashing around and Thranduil suddenly went purple as she threatened to strangle him. Cyra burst out laughing, she let go of Thranduil who retreated immediately catching his breath, Dan tickled the laughing Cyra for a while, she could fight the sensation but could only roll on the bed laughing. After a while Dan sighed and let her go.
After a few soft giggles and heavy breathing she scoffed,"do you want me dead? Don't you know laughing kills.
"Oh no I'm sorry, he apologized sarcastically. You shouldn't be hugging tree like that you know, he's a grown man after all, I literally just found out he's fifty years old, he whispered.
"Fifty? She said with a yawn, he's pretty much a baby then, even if you factor in the amount of years he was a stone I doubt he'd still be over a hundred, and in elven years you're pretty much a kid until you're like a thousand years old or so.
Dan scratched his head looking at Thranduil rubbing his throbbing neck," well I guess elves do live very long.
It didn't take long of them all to desend down the tree fully dressed and full of life, Areia was meditating sword stretched forward in her hands, beads of sweat dripping down her face, her breath was heavy and on her feet were evident sign of plant growing. Since she doesn't like using magic mid battle Cyra had suggested her creating things with her large pool of mana to tone it down and ease her core, she does it whenever it comes to her mind or when she's extremely bored. The team not wanting to disturb her stood on the stairs in silence, soon she was covered in tall shrubs and flowers. After a while she got up and took a deep breath. She spotted them staring at her.
"What?!, she asked coldly.
"Nothing, Cyra said dashing towards her trying to hold her, she dodged Cyra in a single move and walked towards Dan, Cyra Yelped as her face hit the ground,"I was just admiring how pretty you looked all concentrated like that.
"What? She asked clearly disgusted. Aren't we supposed to be going somewhere.
"Yeah, yeah, you stick in the mud, Cyra pouted, we'll be out in a giffy. Grab on to me as we go out, I'm sure you already know but you can't leave this place without some sort of physical contact with me.
Thranduil's eyes were on her slowly swishing tail, he subconsciously held it, making Cyra flinch and go bright red." Not there, she screamed, you do not touch a beastkins tail without permission.
Thranduil obviously startled by her change of behavior took steps back, none of them knew Cyra could flush, it hadn't even occurred to them, so seeing her acting like a normal girl for once was a great shock.
Adorable,Dan and Thranduil thought.
She cleared her throat awkwardly, " now if you please, just grab my hand, she stretched them out, she was shifting unsteadily on her feet. They all grabbed a piece of her and moving backwards she led them out, back to where they began the pine cones.
I don't feel like using the front gate, Cyra sighed. All the questions will be too much, tree can you by chance bypass the wall and just get us outside the gate?
I mean I could try, I'm not really familiar with the magic of this generation but it's worth a shot. Areia felt like she was going to puke as she was forcefully teleported out the elven kingdom. Dan patted her in the back as she seemed blue in the face.
Couldn't you have made it less painful, Dan said to him.
That would have been impossible, except I possess an unlimited amount of mana, I could feel the gate trying to eat away at my magic I soon as I tried teleporting, the pain you all felt is the walls fighting back.
"Well it wasn't that painful, Cyra shrugged. They waited a while for Areia to calm down before they could begin their journey, it took nearly an hour of Dan's constant patting and healing for her to be nearly at a hundred percent. She had taken the worst of it as she possesed a significantly lesser mana and magic resistance compared to the rest of the group.
Dan sighed, this is definitely not going to be a smooth journey.