It was easier to know it than explain why I know it.
–Sherlock Holmes
Rood had never been heroic. He wasn't selfless and he certainly wasn't brave. No matter what his rather annoying fans thought. So he had run.
It was practically a natural instinct that point especially when it came to anything dealing with human emotions or the red-haired magician so while Shicmuon was too stunned to follow him he had bolted, allowing himself to get lost on the crowd. He was already a few blocks away by the time the explosion had shaken the ground.
The bite mark that the other magician had left behind was thrumming with each step he took ignoring the heat that seemed to escape his body as he furthered the distance between them.
The blonde ended up shifting into Blow midway as he rubbed the burning symbol on his neck, body on autopilot as he headed towards the guild. Steadily ignoring it, he pulled his hood up to hide his face. Rood ignored the stares and whispers that came with his magician form.
Asking a blushing male secretary for directions he headed towards the conference. Walking into the room he opened the door, "Master, I–" He broke off his sentence as glowing sapphire eyes met with liquid amber.
The man who was but wasn't Shicmuon, Rood learned, was selfish fury, protective rage, and savage grace. So very warm. Warmth radiating off his skin and eyes setting everything ablaze with a mere glance. A conundrum and fire personified all contained in human skin. He was so very bright. Odd in such a place that he dwelled. He did not match his surroundings. Nor did he seem to care.
The little blue dragon had come back and the man of the hearth had picked the creature up by his little blue wings only to receive a breath of fire to his face. They fought and fought. So alive. So very alive. Amusing. Annoying. Confusing. Blinding.
Strange. Strange. Strange.
Looking at the fiery one and the baby dragon playing with each other was satisfying yet oddly odd one seemed to notice his reclusion because he smirked. Mocking and knowing. The living flame stalked over, long legs easily strolling over rugged ground. The little dragon following nervously but overjoyed to be allowed close to his solitary self.
The not-quite-Shicmuon sat on his right side while the little blue creature settled into his lap. Absently stroking his hand against the dragon's spine. He finally broke the silence, "Tell me strange human–" Rood found the not-him's phrasing odd. Why was referring to the other like he wasn't human? "–what about me fascinates you so?"
The man smiled. It was small and odd seeing it on one who always smirked or scowled. "You're weird." He answered simply.
Rood could feel his not-body jerking back and his face twisting in surprise. "…I don't want to hear that from someone as strange as yourself."
The man scowled, "Are you picking a fight with me, Blackie?" The annoyance was back with a touch of amusement.
"I don't recall ever doing so." He replied.
The snort escaped the man a grin stretching across his face. Before they could continue their banter the sound of wings echoed in the distance as a boy who looked no older than twelve landed on the ground three large black wings spread to the tips, body tense and ready for a fight as he glared at the human next to Rood's side.
"Alis Parum Daemonium I see you've returned."
They sat in the middle of a large dark field a good distance away from the others. He stroked the child's feathered wings. The youngling turned to him, a frown marring his soft features. Rood could feel the soft plumage move through his elegant hands a feeling of contentedness washing through him.
"Why do you allow him to follow you? He will only bring you the same pain your brethren went through. He will hurt you [King] in ways beyond physical pain if you insist on growing closer to him." The boy was uncertain and perturbed.
"I know." A soft smile and resignation. For what Rood didn't know.
They stood next to each other. The child was now a youth and was just a head shorter than his elder. From what Rood could see the smaller boy had taken to scowling.
"I should kill him." The boy raged.
"I would prefer that you did not." Amusement then interest.
"He is hurting you! Even the dragon knows something is wrong! Why do you persist with this?!" Confusion. More rage. Deep unhappiness. Loathing.
"For the same reason, my kin suffers for the humans even now." Sadness. Pain. Melancholy.
"He doesn't even know that he is causing you pain." Sorrow and resignation.
"I know." Understanding. A cold feeling settling throughout his body.
The other was a man now. Older but still so young. "He finally realized." It was a statement, the cold tone overlapped with worry for him.
"He did." The ache had gotten worse. Settling over him and weighing him down.
"Why is he angry? He should be apologizing." Confusion. Anger on his behalf.
"Because I did not inform him sooner. Because he's causing me pain and there is nothing that he can do to stop it." A deep fondness. Loneliness. So, so very lonely.
"You are in more pain when you are separated. He makes no sense."
A chuckle, a small smile formed and a laugh bubbled up. "Believe me, I know." Mirth that came at the stunned face he received.
Rood snapped out of his daze as he noticed everyone was staring at him. Recognizing the two guards from the carriage along with the blue-haired swordsman who bore a resemblance the winged creature from the memories.
"Hello… My apologies for the interruption." Rood muttered before slamming the door shut.
After a few moments, Kielnode opened the door, a slightly strained smile plastered on his face, "Why don't you come in? We have some guests that would like to meet you."
Cautiously Rood walked back into the room. Noting wearily that the orange haired one was practically sparkling in excitement. Long legs covered in black slacks guided him across the room and to the couch with no hesitance.
Kiel sat down looking in between Rood and their guests nervously. "Blow I would like to introduce you to Duchess Dayner Artian, Duchess this is Opion's Infamous Black Magician Blow."
Blow's eyes scanned the Duchess for a moment, "It's a pleasure to meet you." He finally said.
The woman chuckled, "For me as well. I must say I wasn't expecting you to be so young. Might I ask your age?"
The polite charming smile never left Rood's face, "Of course. I'm fifteen turning sixteen."
The brunette let out a chuckle, "My you must be quite talented. I have a son around your age. Did you just return from a mission?"
Rood nodded slightly, "Recently, yes. I'm afraid it hadn't gone as well as I hoped."
Dayner's eyes widened, "Why what could happen to trouble a capable youth as yourself?"
"I'm afraid my latest mission ran into rampaging red devil that managed to draw attention to me while we were trying to avoid being spotted."
Kielnode choked on his tea clearly understanding the reference as he waved off their concern.
"I see. I hope that you were not injured."
Rood gave a beaming smile, "I'm fine I assure you. However, I'm sure you've traveled a long way so would you find it rude if I inquire what made you come here today?"
A chuckle left the Duchess's throat and Kielnode stiffened next to Rood. "Not at all." She laughed before sobering, "My second son, Lidusis, is a shy and lonely child because of this he is being ostracized by his peers and I was hoping that this Rood Chrishi that your master speaks so highly of will help him."
Rood's smile froze, "Really? I hope he does as well." He purred. The older blonde next to him tensed, rapidly losing color. Slowly the black cloaked magician stood up. "If you excuse me I'll go fetch him for you."
With a quick bow, he strolled out of the room trying desperately to ignore the orange guard's look of disappointment. A few easy practiced motions later and he was already halfway down the hall. It didn't take him long to reach a room he could unawaken in. Rood took his time coming back to the conference room.
After the Duchess had left, not before discussing the awkward topic about him landing on top of her carriage of course but thankfully not bringing up Shicmuon, Rood proceeded to pick up the couch that they had been sitting on and threatened him with it.
Kielnode cowered, "W-Wait Rood! I have a good reason I promise!"
Rood lowered the couch slightly, "Go on. Explain what that was." He ordered.
"..." Kielnode struggled to find words that wouldn't make the younger angry.
Rood's eyebrow twitched, in desperation, the elder blonde screamed, "She could have had me killed if you didn't accept the mission."
Blue eyes blinked, "But I would have been fine." He deadpanned.
"Well if that– Wait! Roood! Why?" Kiel shrieked, "—No wait. Ummm. Consider it a vacation! Yeah. A vacation."
Instead of answering Rood hefted the couch over his head before catapulting it in his guardian's direction. Barely dodging it Kielnode turned the face the younger magician only to find him already swinging a table at him. Screaming the man dodged.
Ren ended up having to intervene after Rood beat him into unconsciousness.
When there is light.
There is shadow
–unknown
