Chapter 7
Why Go Home?
Steve sat against one of the trees, carving a piece of wood with his dagger. This was a good day. The sun was high in the sky, a soft wind was blowing through Vane, and Nash and Mia were together.
"Why don't things feel this good where I'm from?" he wondered aloud.
"Because you didn't belong there," came a voice from behind him. Steve looked back to see Lemia Ausa standing there.
"Majesty Ausa," he said startled, starting to get up. Lemia gestured that he should stay seated. Steve's face turned puzzled. "Didn't belong?"
The former Guildmaster sat down beside him. "There, as you tell your story, you were a push over. An easy target. Here, on the other hand, you have people who care about you, respect you, and even some who admire you."
"Don't get me wrong, Majesty," Steve started. "Lunar is great, but don't be knocking my home world."
"Steve, listen to me. Think of what you are really going home to."
"Things will have changed. I saved our world."
"That doesn't get you respect," Lemia stated calmly. "Just a reputation and people who want things." Sorrow rang in Lemia's voice. "Think about it, Steve. You could do well here . . . "
"No," Steve said coldly. "No offense Ms. Ausa, but I am not going to rely on your past to determine my future. We are different people from different worlds. Literary. I will go home, because my world has two things that Lunar doesn't. One is my family, which may not be the greatest, but they are still my family. The other is a girl who has my heart, and I intend to have hers. I believe that people can and will have changed. Now if you will excuse me Majesty." Steve brushed off his robe, took his knife and wood, and left the woman, still sitting, dumbfounded.
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"Remember what you learned. Now give me all you got."
Nash charged the boy. His speed was impressive. Nash's fist came up for a left hook. Steve brought his arm up to block. The hook moved under the blocking arm, and, with two fingers, hit near the boy's shoulder. Steve's right arm fell limp.
"What the . . .!?"
Nash reared back with his two fingers out, and thrust for Steve's other shoulder. Steve caught his wrist and twisted his arm behind his back.
"Get away from him," Mia screamed from the other side of the courtyard. She ran over to where Steve held Nash's arm. "What do you think you are doing to him!?"
"He is teaching me," said Nash as Steve released him from his hold.
"Not bad, Nash, but you took too long on the set up, and set up for the wrong move. Next time try the spinning kick to my right shoulder. Once that knocks me down use the rest of the paralyze hits."
"Why are boys always talking about war or fighting?"
"Hey. We're not always talking about war or fighting."
Mia giggled. "Okay maybe not always."
Steve looked between the two mages. "Where's a camera when when you need one?" The two looked confused. "That is the first time I have seen you two talk directly to each other without turning stuttering like complete idiots. This has to be the greatest day in the world."
"Pardon me. Majesty Mia, Mr. Nash, Steve," the messenger approached the trio. "Majesty Lemia wishes to see you."
"So much for the greatest day in the world," Steve commented.
"What do you mean?" asked Mia. "What's wrong with my mother?"
"You're not afraid of her are you," Nash goaded as the three left for the guilds main hall. Steve began squeezing his hand to get the feeling back.
"Yes." The two stopped and stared at the boy. "You would be too, if you mouthed off to her. She was knocking my home world and I defended it, maybe a little too well."
"It sounds like Lemia is in the wrong here," said Nash. "I'm sorry Mia I . . ."
"I agree," she interrupted. "Mother had no right to say bad things about your world. You had every right to defend it."
"Thanks guys," he said as they started walking again. They navigated the halls to the grand hall and pushed open the door. They walked to the end of the hall, where a lone figure stood.
"You sent for us, Majesty?" Steve asked hesitantly.
"Yes," she replied as she walked over to Nash and Mia. "Steve, you finally got my daughter and Nash together, and for that, I thank you. You taught our cooks to make a very good dish, and I really thank you for that. You have learned magic faster than anyone I have ever seen, and for that I applaud you."
Steve was scared now. I mouthed off to her and now she is being nice. This can't be good. Maybe she'll have me clean the whole guild, or give me training sessions with all of the teachers consecutively, or . . .
"I cannot lie, Steve. I will be sad to see you go. When I came to talk to you, it was a test. I wanted to see how determined you were to go home."
"So then, those things about people not respecting me weren't true."
"No. Unfortunately, they were."
"Pardon me, Majesty. What are Mia and I doing here?"
"You never were very patient, Nash," Lemia replied. "I have made arrangements for you two to accompany Steve to Damon's Spire. That is, of course, after the guild's dance."
"Do you mean it?" Mia asked, almost jumping for the joy of getting to go on another adventure. She threw her arms around her mother. "Oh, thank you."
"I thank you as well, Majesty," said Nash.
Lemia quickly turned to Nash, after her daughter let her go. "Nash I am trusting you with the safety of my daughter. If anything should happen to her, by Althena I will . . . "
"Mother!" Mia stopped her. Lemia looked back at her daughter. With a nod and a smile, she calmed down.
"That is all," she said.
As the friends exited the hall Mia spoke. "I'm so excited. We get to go on another adventure."
"And with me here, we'll get there and back in no time." Nash gave a cocky grin.
Steve rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry to cut Nash off before he has enough hot air to raise Vane again."
"Hey!"
"But I have a surprise to get ready for the dance. So if you will excuse me." He tipped an imaginary hat.
"What surprise?" asked Nash.
Steve turned back and again rolled his eyes at the thunder mage. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise." With that Steve walked off.