Author's Notes: I try to be different to the original story while staying true at least to a degree of the main plot. Originally it wasn't to be this long but important elements such as the first night and also further character development was necessary which you'll read shortly. While I managed to get this done in time, it is likely that chapter 7 will be delayed to a degree. Probably midweek at latest if the extra time I will put into the story isn't enough. I hope you enjoy the read and review.
Chapter 6: The Island of the Sky
As predicted by himself, Jack had kept himself up thinking and reading until three in the morning. He awoke sharp to the spear of the sun's rays into the room,. On the grander bed, the master of this room remained asleep. Jack got up, rolled his bed into the corner and sat down on a chair. He looked at his wristwatch which showed seven in the morning. He then looked outside the window. It looked cold outside with the morning mists. It'll be wise to stay inside for now. He glanced at the table that was cluttered a little with paper. He decided to sort them out.
His master had woken up for he heard her said. "Good morning Jack."
Jack turned to face her and returned the greeting. "Good morning Alexia." He then went back to sorting out the few papers. He also decided to select another book to be read for the day. His reading habits had to take a pacemaker due to the need to handle other matters like his research and other matters that Alexia might request from him at random times. That research and thinking so far isn't making too much progress ideally.
Alexia stretched her arms as she got out of the bed. She looked out the same window before turning to look at him. "You look very fresh."
Jack replied as the table was neatly organized once again. "It's a matter of getting used to less sleep. Do we have any agenda today?" Now he began finding that book to read. Given the number he had borrowed from the library and a few of his own, the table had two nice stacks six books high at a side.
Alexia went to her wardrobe and began selecting her clothes for the day. "There shouldn't be anything other than the routine classes. Feel free to read in the library." She also pointed at the stack of the books. "Please return the read books to the library. I do need the space for myself too."
Jack found the book he wanted and took it into his palms. The solid hard cover felt comfortable. He'll handle the books and get more books from the library as well per her suggestion. "That will be my pleasure."
The morning fog had dissipated. Even so the sun remains shielded slightly by the clouds, keeping the air cool. It is neither hot nor cold, it is just right. It made it the right time to be outside. Jack in common agreement was reading at the garden. He was sitting at one of the white chairs while sipping a cup of tea like a natural. Other noble students haven't been able to enjoy the morning for they have their classes. Thus, it was just him.
Jack said as the girl maid placed a cup of tea on the table. He had requested for a pot of tea to be made and he would collect it later but the kitchen staff took a step forward. He didn't mind the independent action, more convenience for him. "I thank you for the tea."
The black hair with blue eyes maid accepted the thank you. "You're welcome, sir."
Jack directed in a clear calm manner. "Dispense with the title. I do not own such a title. Refer to my name, Jack Tetsuya." The other kitchen staff had been cheerful with Saito, having proven some crazy theatrics prior to his arrival. They were fine with Jack but they were more formal to him in comparison towards Saito.
The maid answered with a small bow of the head. "I apologize for my mistake Jack. My name is Siesta."
"Do not be, Siesta. I simply do not intend to have my head cut off for being assumed to wear a title." Jack explained. He had read about the Tristain society in one of the books in the library. The segregation of nobles and commoners was the same to medieval Europe on Earth. Saito had expressed a discontent regarding the system, regarding the notion of equality and freedom in their world. Jack however did not mind it. It was not getting in his way yet. To him, it was merely medieval history attempting to play its part. History had changed ways of the administration many times across the centuries. The ways here will change eventually but Jack believed that it will be more difficult due to the actual presence of magic, one of the two core factors that separate nobility from the common populace. Despite all the thinking, it's not his problem to begin with.
Siesta smiled at his explanation. "I understand." She took a more relaxed posture and started satiating her curiosity. "I heard that you and Saito's world is very different than Halkeginia." She had been informed of the tidbits from Saito and Alexia.
Jack confirmed it for her. "Yes, it is different but there are still several similar elements. We have faced a similar era such as yours but with notable differences of course." He flipped another page of his book.
The maid noted a similar behavior as she saw the large amount of text within the book. "I see. You like to read a lot like Miss Tabitha."
Jack took a sip from his cup of tea. "Reading is a passion of mine. There are many things that can be learnt or enjoyed even if they are real or fantasy."
Siesta beamed. "I agree. Writers can create fiction that is very inspiring to read."
Jack gave a faint smile in return. "I appreciate that you understand. Books are part of our culture and history. There is no better way to learn of a man's mistakes than the records of history."
Siesta smiled again. "There are a few things that need to be handled. I'll have to take my leave Jack. Perhaps we can talk more again another time." Siesta gave a small bow before leaving with the silver tray. His response was a nod of acceptance, eyes on the book. Jack continued to read as he was alone again. He had read several more lines before being interrupted once again.
Alexia had spotted him as she walked down a corridor carrying a stack of notes from the class that just ended. "What are you reading this time?"She asked as she placed her notes onto the table.
Jack lowered the tip of his book slightly to let his eyes see her face. He explained as his eyes went back to the text. "It's about history of magical development in Halkeginia." He had only covered about four dozen pages, a sixth of the entire book. Given his reading speed, it could be done by three in the evening if there were no interruptions. It was appearing that he wasn't going to be able to meet that deadline.
Alexia commented. "Another boring book eh." This was also another reason Jack was here. It was more convenient for her to put her stuff into his bag to be carried to the dorms later. It's a win-win situation for them.
Jack gave a disapproving look. "Do not judge a book by its cover. You will be surprised by the contents when you read it."
Alexia differed. "History isn't of my taste."
Jack encouraged her to read as he expressed what he said to Siesta just beforehand. "History is a very good way to learn from people's mistakes."
Alexia could not answer for they were met by a teacher. Mr. Colbert greeted, carrying a bunch of incomprehensible things in his hands presumably for his work. "Good morning." Both Master and familiar returned the courtesy. Colbert then asked. "Have you seen Saito or Miss Valliere?"
Jack said a simple no. Alexia likewise had not seen them. She answered. "No, we haven't. Is something wrong?"
Colbert explained his problem in a jiffy. "I can't seem to find them. Even Mr. Gramont is missing as well."
Alexia suggested a possibility. "They might not be in the Academy. They could be in the capital for some reason." That is the most reasonable one immediate to their mind.
"I do not agree." Colbert fumed. "They are skipping class and I do not appreciate such behavior."
Alexia offered her help. "We'll look for them." Jack gave no refusal which is good enough in Alexia's book.
Colbert was relieved at the task being reliably handled. "Thank you very much. I'd like to find them myself but my schedule doesn't give me the liberty to do so. The other teachers likewise are busy. Please don't miss class while you're at it." He made haste for his next lecture as soon as he said that.
Alexia kept looking on for the moment while Jack kept his eyes reading. Colbert gone, he asked. "How should we go about finding them?" He'd like to minimize the amount of time spent in favour to read the book in his hands.
Alexia mulled a bit on it. "We can try asking if anyone saw them first."
Jack disagreed with her immediately. "I think that is highly inefficient. It would take a long time with possibly minimal or no results at all."
Alexia agreed with him. Jack was spot on about the matter and wanted his idea of a solution. "Do you have a better suggestion?"
Jack didn't have much of an idea either. "No for the moment but I think it's better to think of a better one than the one we have." Maybe it was the fact he was rather preoccupied reading the book to really delve in depth on the matter.
Alexia thought a little more. She worked along the original plan and made a simple change to it. "I think we should ask the kitchen. If anyone wanted to leave the Academy, they surely would need to take along some food." Jack agreed immediately and they took action. The results that they managed to get were highly satisfactory.
Jack summed up the results as they sat at the same tables again. "So they've left the Academy during dawn. Now we should just inform your teacher and be done with it. We don't have the resources nor are you allowed to skip classes."
She agreed with his assessment. "You are right about that." Alexia however remained unsatisfied with these results. "However it is something odd. They've left in a hurry. I think there's more to this case."
Jack presented the next problem to her intended goal. "Their business is certainly not your business. Moreover, how do you plan to track them down? They might not be going to the capital at all." Again, Alexia was interrupted from answering.
"Yo Alexia. What are you two doing?" They turned to see the inseparable red and teal duo. Kirche and Tabitha were passing by. Tabitha and Jack looked rather similar, each carrying and reading a book to their own.
"Louise, Guiche and Saito left in a hurry this morning. Colbert asked us to find them." Alexia explained the situation to them.
The fire mage turned curious. "Oh, I wonder what they are doing so quickly. It turns me on for a chase." She looked eager to join the search. Her stoic friend gave no response but it was very likely that she will tag along.
Jack explained the flaw of the information. "The kitchen staff only mentioned that they left at dawn. It has been some time now since dawn. Even without a map, there are dozens of potential places they might be. We need an effective way to find where those three went."
Kirche suggested a valuable idea to the problem. "Tabitha's familiar can pick out smell quite well. We can try to use Louise's clothes as a trace." Saito didn't have any others to begin with.
Tabitha concurred with her. "Perhaps that is the best and fastest approach." Jack nodded in silent agreement. It was the best solution.
Alexia turned towards the door. "That's settled." She looked at her familiar with a reminder "Jack, you're coming."
Jack closed his book shut. He won't be finishing it today. "As you wish."
Alexia admired at the orange sunset from six thousand feet in the air. "The sun's so pretty." She had been enjoying her time riding the blue dragon during their search. They've crossed forests and the lake and now approach open grassland. Alexia checked in on Jack. "How are you doing?"
Jack summed up his feelings for his first time in open aired flight. "I'm fine although I still feel the uneasiness of the potential of falling off." They had been travelling by air for hours now. Tabitha had the reins followed by Kirche, Alexia and lastly Jack.
"We'll be fine. Slyphid is a very good and stable flyer." Kirche reassured for probably the fifth time. The dragon brayed in what appeared to be a cheerful expression.
Jack didn't need the assurance. "If this dragon flies as it has been, there shouldn't be problems." Tabitha said nothing. He observed the orange sun and suggested. "I think we need to settle down for the night."
She looked at the sun. The night is soon to settle. "You're right. Is there a nearby town?" Alexia asked for a possible rest area.
Tabitha looked at the map they brought along for the trip. "No."
Alexia casted a spell which magnified her view and looked around. The facts concurred with Tabitha. There wasn't any town within sight. "Should we land here or try to go further to somewhere better?"
Jack preferred the former option. "Open grassland should be safer for us from predators at night." Tabitha likewise agreed.
Kirche said as Tabitha motioned for the dragon to land. "Let's settle down here for the night." They landed within the grassland as the sunset start to be shielded away by the ground. They settled down and prepared for the night. An hour later, a pit of fire was ready and burning. "Here's the fire you asked." The redhead said cheerfully as the fire burned brightly in sharp contrast to the night which had arrived. The amount of wood they had foraged would be sufficient to last the entire night.
"It was fortunate for Tabitha to have brought some food along." Jack was grateful of the preparation that the girl had made. She had carried along some hard bread which would be enough to last at least for dinner and breakfast tomorrow.
Tabitha shook her head slightly and replied. "Safe than sorry."
Kirche had a question in her head that she wanted to ask Jack. "Speaking of which Jack, I have a question."
Jack stopped eating and turned to look at the dark skinned girl. "Speak your mind."
"During the Lake incident, you could see us through the hoods of our cloaks." Kirche settled the bread on her knee.
Jack nodded at her explanation. "The rune on my eye allowed me to do so."
Kirche went to the main body of the question. "Does that mean you could see through all our clothes?" Alexia choked while she was drinking from a costrel.
Jack said without a slightest care of the world. "Does it bother you?"
Kirche smiled. "To me, maybe yes, maybe no." Tabitha had no expression that betrayed any emotion.
Alexia snapped. "Of course it does!"
Jack turned back to his meal. "Be assured. Your living energies appear to block any penetration of this sight. I can only see until your main clothes. Anything extra such as your cloaks, yes I can see through only those."
Kirche replied with a intrigued tone. "That sounds very handy to have."
Alexia said having recovered from her choking moment. "The horror of not knowing this..."
After finishing their simple dinner, Jack made his preparations for the night. He concentrated and a large green blob appeared in his hands. He handed to Alexia. To her, the material felt smooth like silk. "This is a sleeping bag; it should keep you warm for the night." He made another three for Kirche, Tabitha and himself. As for the dragon, he settled for a very large blanket of similar colour. The dragon gave a small cheer. He gave his intended plan. "We'll sleep by shifts."
Tabitha shook her head slightly. "No need. Magic ward."
Alexia explained to her familiar. "She means that there is a magic barrier. If it is broken by any animal, we'll be warned."
Jack argued on a flaw. "If you are not awake, you might not be able to take the warning. If you stay awake, you can't stay up all night without being exhausted." Tabitha stared in response.
Kirche agreed with Jack. "I agree. So I'll take the first shift. Tabitha will have the next shift."
"Wake us up when its midnight." Jack gave his instructions before settling into the sleeping bag and closed his eyes into a quiet slumber. Tabitha gave seconds of pause before relenting and going to sleep. The sounds of the night were very quiet. There weren't any insects around surprisingly. The fire glowed and rippled shadows across the grass as it burned the wooden logs.
The two girls watched the fire as they settled side by side for some small talk. Kirche asked. "So Alexia, how do you find him?"
Alexia raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"
Kirche put a finger on her lower lip. "Hmm… How about as a familiar and a man?"
Alexia settled her hands onto her knees. "He's a fine assistant. He however can be problematic at times."
Kirche smiled at a memory. "That reminds of you being mad at him, especially when you were all tied up."
Alexia frowned in response. "I don't want to remember that. My entire family's status could have crumbled from him."
That brought more intrigue from the redhead. "Oh? How so?"
Alexia explained her words. "My family are mostly non mages. My father managed to bring us up to noble status by being a baron from the wealth and land he earned."
Kirche stretched her legs flat on the ground. "I know that part. That's uncommon to see within Halkeginia."
Alexia nodded. Becoming nobility can be achieved via two methods. One is being able to use magic and second is to acquire a large amount wealth, fame or recognition by the any nation. "Yes. My father made a decision which I still protest to even now. He put practically all of the family's wealth in my hands."
Kirche had inkling on what happened next. "And Jack took all of it."
Alexia nodded again. "Exactly. If he had spent it all, my family would lose their overall financial value and my father would lose his status. The whole Halcyon family would become a commoner family again."
Kirche smiled and gave a late assurance. "Then you are a very lucky girl." Kirche now had another thing in mind. "This had been in my mind for a while now. I haven't got the chance to ask Zero Louise for Saito's case but what is Jack's future?"
Alexia looked at Kirche. "I don't understand."
"Jack's a man. He has to get married and have children eventually." Kirche asked her fellow classmate. "Are you planning to let his entire family stay at your home? Will you feed his entire family until you die? Or are you planning to marry him to save the trouble?"
Alexia turned sharply in response. "That won't happen!" She glared at her laughing friend. "He's planning to return to his home."
Kirche waved off at Alexia. "I see. I guess you don't need to worry about it for now." "However, what would you do if he fails to find a way home?"
Alexia clearly didn't have an answer for she looked away. "I'll see how things go from then."
"Having that doubt isn't a good thing Alexia. You're the only one who had come from a commoner background. That's one reason why I respect you more than Zero Louise." Kirche gave a faint smile. "Get some sleep. I'll take care of things here for now."
Alexia hesitated but complied. She tucked into the sleeping bag before saying. "Good night."
Kirche replied softly. "Good night." She leaned back with her hands and looked up at the bright stars above.
When there is no dial of the clock to see, time is able to fly considerably fast. Jack was sitting atop his sleeping bag, keeping watch. Jack had kept his eyes closed but remained awake during the second half of the night or should it be called early morning? His mind had been working out again, thinking and absorbing various details. Across him, the stoic girl was also awake. She had been looking at the fire in silence.
To avoid drifting off to sleep by accident, Jack opened his eyes regularly. At every flicker of his eyes, the teal girl remained still as stone, eyes casted on the fire. She couldn't be asleep with her eyes open, can she? He stood up, causing Tabitha's eyes to shift their focus. Knowing that she's still awake, he looked at their surroundings. There is no light except for their small fire and the moon. The wind had been mild, enough to give an extra chill in the cold night. However the fire was sufficient to stave it off. Jack walked a little to get blood going in his feet.
After a minute, he settled back down. Tabitha's eyes casted back to the burning fire. He asked. "Tabitha, Can I have the map?" She looked at him for a second before reaching into her cloak for the map. She handed the scroll to him in silence. He gave thanks via a simple nod. He unravelled the map and took a look. It was the map of Halkeginia. He had seen smaller maps that displayed Tristain and its territories. This is his first time to see the bigger picture. He was disappointed again at the lack of a proper scale within the map. Perhaps it would be a few more years or decades that the policy be enacted.
He paid no further matter on the issue and instead went to the drawing. It showed most of small Tristain which was sandwiched between Germania and Gallia. Judging by the number of hours taken to reach Lagdorian Lake, they had travelled a large amount of distance to the southwest into Gallia territory. I suppose there isn't any immigration to worry about. Now where are those three going? He then noticed the line with two arrows above the small island of Albion. He didn't recognize this symbol. He turned to Tabitha for advice. "What does this symbol mean?"
The stoic mage looked at the symbol and answered. "Moving."
That confused Jack. "Moving?"
Tabitha detailed. "Moving island."
"The island…is moving?" Tabitha gave a nod to affirm his word. It didn't make sense to him. "How is the island…moving?"
A simple answer once again. "In the sky."
Jack was bewildered. "The island is in the sky?!" Tabitha nods again. "How is that possible?"
No better answer was given. "Always have been."
Jack shook his head in mild disbelief. "This is really a first, a floating island. If I weren't here for two months, I would have never believed this."
Tabitha added. "Many more things like Albion."
Jack rolled the map. "I suppose I shall be open minded and discover them in time." He returned the map. "I thank you for the knowledge."
"You're welcome." Tabitha accepted the scroll and returned it to its place. She continued staring at the fire. Jack stared likewise into the flames that were hot and yet calming. Hot yet calming…
The morning had been a simple one. They had a simple breakfast before taking flight once again on the blue dragon. The trace was still there but extremely faint due to the winds last night. It was with a bit of fine fortune that Sylphid has a stronger sense of smell compared to cats and dogs. Otherwise the trail would likely be lost. They had settled at a small farm to resupply some food during the late morning before heading out again. Hours later, the grasslands have disappeared in favour for forested territory. However there was a large contour of rocks that speared through the forests. There was also a path within those rocks that appeared to be manmade. Further ahead, a small city was in sight.
Kirche made a question for the scholar. "Jack, I have a question."
Jack looked at the rock formations below "Speak your mind."
She fired the question. "Do you sleep with Alexia on the same bed?"
Jack had no time to answer for Alexia interjected "Kirche! That's not an appropriate question!"
Kirche didn't pursue the topic further for she noted something far down below. "I see them! Take us down there!" The dragon swooped down from the sky before slowing down to a gentle landing. They landed in what appears to be a large manmade open plane within the rocky midst. Add a stone balcony to the side as well.
Guiche and Saito were in for a heck of a surprise. "Kirche! Tabitha! Alexia! Jack! Why are you here?" Saito asked for their intentions.
Alexia explained as she jumped off Slyphid. "We went looking for you since teacher Colbert asked us to." Jack made a slower, safer disembark from the dragon.
Kirche, still on the dragon looked around at the rocky background. "What exactly are you two doing here?"
Guiche posed in front of them with confidence. "We're on a secret mission!" Saito, behind the young noble face palmed at that. His look was akin to what is the point of secret if you pronounce it so publicly?!
Kirche asked them the obvious question. "Why are you on a secret mission?"
Saito took over the conversation in a measure of preserving whatever secrecy is left. He crossed his arms to form an x in a refusal. "That's a secret!"
"Aw, you won't tell us?" Kirche said in a lustrous tone. The fire girl's tone tugged at both of the boys but it didn't break them into telling before Jack summed his thoughts.
Jack interrupted the two and gave his suspicions. "If I assume this right, this is La Rochelle, a port of Tristain. I presume you are traveling by ship to Albion?"
That caught the two boys by surprise. Guiche wanted to know. "How did you know?"
Jack explained the reasoning behind his guess. "I've learned about the geographical region of Halkeginia. If you wished to travel somewhere else, there are certainly better paths of travel. This is the ideal way to go to Albion."
"Ara, that's sounds so smart." Kirche perked up to his quick analysis with a hug along the sides. Saito gave up on keeping the secret in the bag.
Jack did not appear interested in the physical contact. He gently pulled himself away from the redhead girl. "It is only logical to assume this much."
Alexia rolled her eyes and went on. "Are you two alone?" There was still the case of Louise and she's not here. While she should be here but she might not be, get her drift?
Saito shook his head as Guiche leaned back against the balcony with his arms. "We're not alone. Louise and that Wardes are in the nearby hotel."
Alexia blinked at the unfamiliar name. "Wardes? Who is that?" The others were likewise unaware of that extra person.
Saito said, clearly not taking a liking of the person he was mentioning. "He's Louise's fiancé."
"EHH?!" Yeah, that caught everyone else by surprise again…maybe except Jack. He doesn't give a damn. He never did give a damn to anything social did he? Oh wait, we forgot Tabitha who was also stoic.
Alexia pressed them for the details. "Can you tell us the details about Louise's fiancé?"
Jack said in a monotone. "I thought you weren't interested in such gossip."
Alexia waved him off. "We've done what we need to do. I suppose we can go back but this is something I want to know."
Kirche disagreed. She turned serious as she took out her wand. "I don't think so. We have company." The ground shook as a large brown mass appeared above the canyon wall. They faced the anomaly which moved with a life of its own. Jack was caught off guard. He had never seen such a monster before! The others seem fairly acquainted with it.
A young woman stood atop the golem's shoulder. She had green hair with brown coloured eyes. She wore large rounded glasses on the ridge of her nose and she wore blue clothes underneath the brown cloak. She said with sinister intent. "It's you annoying boys and girls again."
Guiche pointed at the large golem and its master. "It's Fouquet!" She is their former Academy secretary and now enemy. "How did she get out of prison?!" Jack recognized her from memory. He had gotten the story from Saito about Longueville / Fouquet being a thief that had stolen the Staff of destruction aka the M72 rocket launcher.
A loud horn echoed from somewhere far to their left. Jack demanded as he kept his eyes at the golem. "What's that?!"
Saito looked at the source before he explained. "That's the sound from the dock. The ship to Albion is about to leave!"
Alexia directed. "Saito, go! You need to get on that ship don't you?!"
Saito protested. "We do but!"
Alexia commanded. "Complete your mission! We'll be fine against her. We have strengths in numbers." Saito and Guiche accepted reluctantly before rushing towards the port.
Kirche smirked as a small point of fire formed at the tip of her wand. "Are you still at it again old woman?"
The green haired mage was mad. "Who are you calling old?! I'm only 23! I have to really teach you kids some manners!"
Alexia aimed her wand at Fouquet. "Thanks for the information but we don't need that." She sent a small tornado as a preemptive strike. The golem took the hit in the left arm, blasting off little chunks but to no real effect. Kirche likewise had struck the chest with a burst of flames. It charred the solid rock but again is ineffective.
Tabitha and her familiar took to the skies, expanding distance between them and gaining a large advantage. Fouquet was expecting that tactic. "I do not have a problem with range Oh Tabitha." Her golem reached at the rocky wall behind it. The earth separated from the wall to form a large boulder in its hand. It threw the boulder at the blue dragon which avoided it with a quick burst of speed to the right.
Alexia prepared her strongest spell and motioned towards Kirche. "Let's do it again one more time!" She aimed and waited for the cue.
"I like the sound of that!" Kirche sent a fireball towards the golem's eyes. Alexia sent her spell to intercept Kirche's. The wind amplified the power of the flames and the fireball struck dead on. It staggered the golem to hit against the wall. The head was black from the fire, a clear indicator of some damage being done.
Fouquet was singed a little by the expanded fire. She was not happy from the attack. "I'll smash you all into a pulp!" The golem stepped forward and raised its right hand for a large smash. Jack stepped forward quickly with his hands thrust forward.
DANG!
The blow was blocked by a copper coloured shield. It was six metres long, five metres high, covering the full distance of the balcony. It was curved slightly to a crescent. It also had a pair of structural supports drilled deep to the ground as well to absorb the attack. Fouquet was caught off guard from this. She glared. "What kind of magic is this familiar?"
From behind the shield, Jack replied. "I have no reason to tell you that." Fouquet's response was to smash against the shield again. The shield rattled but there was no sign of damage or breaking. The golem was thwarted from further attack by a series of large icicles stabbing along the body of the golem.
Tabitha said as the dragon flew around for the rear. "Alexia, now."
Alexia was ready again this time. She sent a large volume of electricity, further improved by the watery conductors stabbed. Fouquet screamed as electricity arched wildly. The icicles exploded, blasting limbs and large chunks of rock apart. Fouquet clearly felt that one, her clothes being scorched by the heat that came with it. Kirche goaded. "Are you ready to give up yet old woman?"
The redhead's tease served to further enrage the triangle mage. "I'll kill you all!" The golem, armless and legless with six holes in its body sat still. The broken earth and the chunks of the wall broke off and regrouped around the golem. Within seconds, the whole golem was restored into pristine condition. The golem raised both arms high into the air and smashed down at the shield. The shield held but the golem struck again and again, ignoring the barrage of sharp ice from the air.
Jack held himself steady against the shield, focusing on searching for the weak points of the shield. The shield is holding itself fine, being made of carbon steel. His improvised design also managed to dissipate the force all over the body, reducing the impact damage significantly. However, he had failed to account for one very important variable. He had seen it almost too late as the golem struck the shield for the ninth time. He yelled at the two mage girls. "Kirche, Alexia! Run towards Fouquet!"
Alexia snapped at Jack's initially appearing insane order. "What? Are you mad?!"
"The floor is about to give way!" Jack said as he saw the cracks underneath the supports widen further from the tenth blow. Tabitha clearly heard it as the dragon dived for a quick pick up.
"Have a nice one way trip!" Fouquet declared as she raised her own wand. The golem struck again as she casted a spell. The spell softened the point of the crack. Kirche managed to get on board Slyphid as the bit of the cliff was smashed off. Jack was too far away from the dragon as Alexia reached her hand for Kirche's open hand. The cliff face separated, throwing all on the other side to fall down a very long way down. Alexia and Kirche brushed fingers as Slyphid flapped its wings to keep airborne.
The last thing Alexia could hear as they fell into the dark abyss was Kirche calling their names. "Alexia! Jack!"
Jack took in deep breaths as he had the experience of taking a very long bungee jump without a bungee cord. His heart pumped adrenaline as he looked up at the orange sky. He felt like his heart wants to burst out of his chest. Below him is a long way down. It was a summation of ability and luck that he had survived. As they fell, he managed to grab hold of Alexia with a hand and touched the cliff face with the other. He created a metal spike ten centimeters long, drilling into the rock. The spike was connected to a large net that enclosed them within.
Now hanging possibly hundreds of metres in the air, Jack focused at looked at the sole anchor. It was staying strong but he reinforced the safety factor by adding another spike to the wall beside him. With the risk of falling out of the picture, he relaxed a little. He looked back up the cliff they fell. The battle was still raging on given by the noise above. There won't be any rescue for now. It's best to get down to safer grounds. Luck could go bad and toss in another falling cliff which has a high chance of getting them injured or killed. He said to his master still lying beside him. "I'm lowering us down Alexia."
Her voice was soft. "No…"
He looked at Alexia. She appeared distraught. He was instantly alarmed. He reached out to her, checking her head and arms for injuries. "What's wrong? Are you injured?"
She sounded frail. "Scared…" That threw the injury out of the equation.
Jack said sternly as he returned his attention to the top of the cliff. "This is not the time to be scared!" If the battle above gets too rough, it might throw more rocks down at them.
Alexia screamed. "No!"
Jack enforced. "Get a grip of yourself!" The net swayed a little as he felt rumbles within the wall of rock.
She was clearly out of control. "No! No! No!" Her eyes were fraught with fear.
Jack looked at the young girl. She was shaking and looked really terrified. The direct approach wasn't working. He had to go out of the box for this one. He slowly lied down and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel the warmth of her smaller body. He said it as gently as possible to her. "Everything's going to be fine. You just need to calm down."
She said, her breath warming his neck. "I can't… I can't…I'm too afraid to die…" He could feel her fingers pressing against his arms.
He gave them no heed and instead gave further assurance. "Have some faith. Even in the worst case scenario, I'll protect you from it."
She looked at his eyes. They were close to tears but defiantly out of reach. "…Promise?"
Jack gave a faint smile. "I promise." They touched heads as Jack gently directed. "Now close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply." She did that and so began feeling more detail than the shock and fear of death. As Jack had felt her, she could feel him. She could feel the calm in his beating heart. It gave a soothing feel for frightened Alexia. She breathed slowly, immersing herself in the rhythmic beat in Jack's own heart as well.
Jack waited for some time. He asked as he tried to pull away slowly. "Are you feeling better now?" There wasn't any resistance. Jack looked at their surroundings. The anchors still held strongly in place. He didn't need to worry about it. The noise above appeared to have settled.
She appeared to have calmed down as well. She said in a positive manner. "Yes, I feel much better."
Jack turned his attention to the ropes. "Good, we can't waste time here. I'll lower us down." She gave a nod, granting him permission. He reached out to the net that held them and concentrated. By default, the rope's length is fixed. He manipulated them by adding more matter into the rope while enforcing a constant molecular distance between one another, allowing them to extend. The net descended slowly and the ground soon came in sight. The surroundings now had changed to a dense forest. "We need to find a clearing and light a fire. They'll be able to find us from there."
Alexia stepped out of the net. "Okay. Lead the way." The trek through the forest was not difficult despite being dense. There was always a small path that they could go through without major difficulty. Alexia clasped her hands together as she felt embarrassed from her collapse. "I guess I was out of hand just now."
Jack accepted her behavior quite well for he said. "Death is always something to be feared at."
Alexia gazed at grass under her feet. "I never felt death so close. The other times had only a minor consequence. At worst, I would be robbed or have my pride beaten but nothing like death. It felt truly terrifying."
Jack agreed. "I fear death as well. If we didn't have a choice, I'd run the moment we started fighting with Fouquet. Being put in a corner can make someone fight for their lives."
They continued trekking for some time. Trees look alike to one another. Same goes with the bushes. The insects were strangely quiet given that the time is in the afternoon. The cold silence and the common repetition were getting on their nerves. Thus, Alexia broke the silence. "How do you feel about living here?"
Jack gave his opinion. "While it has its interesting facts and phenomena's, I remain firm on returning to my world."
Alexia asked as she pushed aside a branch. "How is it like in your world? I mean your life in your world."
"My life on Earth has been a fine one. I've lived in a wealthy family that managed a robot manufacturing company."
Alexia tried to pronounce the alien word. "A…rogue…bought?"
Jack explained the meaning of the vocab. "A robot, think of permanent metal golems that do anything you set it to do." He ducked under a branch. "I studied well and excelled without trouble. I chose to be a historian. I however will eventually be required to take over my family business."
Alexia ducked under the same branch. "I see…It sounds like a good life."
Jack differed slightly. "It has its joys and troubles but I find them no problem to deal with."
Alexia pointed out the missing extra. "Unlike this world you mean."
Jack replied as he stepped forward past a tall tree. "Bluntly, yes." They found the clearing they wanted. However, it came with a little extra. When they emerged from behind a bush, they met a growl.
Jack scanned across the clearing. "Wolves." He counted six of them, all grown adults with dark grey fur. The distance is ten metres away. Those six were glaring with dangerous growls.
Alexia suggested as she readied her wand. "They aren't too happy to see us here. I think we should back away." Jack silently agreed as he started taking steps back. The growling didn't stop. She didn't like that.
Jack concurred with her next assessment. "That isn't working. We'll have to defend ourselves." He spread his footing around as he conjured a steel shield again. "Alexia, stay calm and we'll get out fine." Human and wolf stared at one another in a showdown with the invisible timer counting down the seconds.
Alexia clamped down on the adrenaline pumping in her heart, begging to run. Her nerves were close to shot but her hand kept stiff steady like a rock. The wolves moved first. The centre two lunged forward while the other four started to run to their side. Alexia aimed to the left. "They're fast!"
Jack imposed himself in between Alexia and the two lunging wolves. They collided and the sheer mass threw Jack to the ground. He swung his shield wildly, forcing the wolves to back away. He was up on his feet in a second, his arm feeling the impact. "I can't shield you against this many at once!" The two wolves at the left were blasted away by a gust of wind but the ones on the right were closing the distance.
I need a weapon to force their attention on me. He focused on a simple sword with a flat hilt and it appeared willingly in his grip. With a sword in hand and shield in other, he slashed at the other two wolves. It struck air as the intended target backed off. The other closed in towards Alexia and lunged. She stepped to the left, allowing the wolf to only rip a small part of her right sleeve. She countered by aiming and blasted it away. Jack slashed at the centre wolves again but he missed. Another one came from his left. He slashed but again it was out of reach. To him, his strikes felt clumsy. It was frustrating.
This weapon is unsuited for me. I need something else! What weapon could he use to get the upper hand in this melee? His mind flipped through the pages of memory regarding historic and modern weapons. Images upon images appear, discarded within instants of instants. The images stopped at one which became his choice. The sword and shield were recycled, their structure turned to dust as a new body took shape. Its cylindrical base was two metres long with a diameter of five centimetres. It had a crescent shaped blade at one side, a sharp spearhead at the other. It is the Crescent Moon Halberd.
He swung the spear, the range being much greater. Alexia blasted a wolf away from her which happened to fly towards Jack. He pulled back and the blade swung from below. A large gash cut across the wolf's body. The wolf yelped as it rolled in a bloody mess. Alexia prepared another powerful charge that would break bones but was cut short by a blast of fire from the air. The flames caused the wolf to turn and run into the forests.
They looked up at their savior. It was Slyphid, carrying a large complement of reinforcements. Kirche, Tabitha, Saito and Guiche were on Slyphid's back. Kirche asked as the blue dragon landed. "Oi…are you two alright?"
Alexia responded as she looked at her torn sleeve. "We're fine."
Saito said; relief in his voice. "Thank goodness."
Jack pointed at the broken cliff. "What happened up above?"
They explained the last part of the battle. A bunch of townsfolk had appeared, investigating the noise of the battle. Fouquet was forced to withdraw. From what she said, she was already successful in buying time. Saito and Guiche however couldn't make to the ship in time. Another man had appeared and intercepted them. Saito himself had been injured quite badly which had been treated by Tabitha to an extent.
Alexia put together the details. "Fouquet is buying time? For whom?" They were interrupted by small rumbling before the earth
"Vendant!" Guiche said with delight. He went to his familiar and rubbed his face with it. It brought a few seconds of awkward looks towards Guiche but he paid no mind of them.
Saito had an answer to Alexia's question. "I think I know for whom. Wardes."
Kirche was quite alarmed. "Isn't he on your side?"
Saito explained his gut instinct. "I never had a good feeling about the guy. He certainly must know that something was wrong when we couldn't reach the ship or even find them."
Alexia presumed the worst. "If you're right, then Louise is in danger! We have to hurry our way to Albion!"
Guiche brought up the flaw of the problem. "How are you planning to travel to a floating island? There are no available ships that can leave immediately."
Saito had another plan. "We can get in via other means." He turned to the blue dragon and its master. "Can Slyphid make it?" Slyphid responded with approval. A moment later, they departed quickly to save their Zero.
The trip there had taken another few hours of flying at maximum speed. Tabitha and Alexia had been casting wind spells to give a little boost. At Guiche's insistence, his familiar Vendant was also carried along for the trip. Now, sunset was arriving again.
Albion was at first a small speck of a dot. It became larger and larger as the time ticked. As they neared the floating island, Saito noted something big flying. It was a ship with sails. "That's a big ship." It was clearly a large one as it is the size of a peanut given how far they are from it. "I don't think they'll be friendly to us. Albion's in a state of rebellion after all."
Jack bit his lip lightly at the prospect of enemies. "We can't face off against it. We need to go around it."
Alexia looked around as Slyphid rose to hide in a small cloud while they discussed. "There's nothing here in the sky that could hide us from that. This is probably the last cloud we have."
Surprisingly, Guiche took initiative this time. "I have an idea. Take us down very low."
Jack asked the earth mage. "What do you have in mind?"
Guiche proposed his solution. "We'll drill our way to them."
They blinked at him. "How are we going to do that?"
Guiche expanded the details of his plan. "Let me explain. My familiar here is capable of digging through the earth. I remember Louise wearing a valuable ring. Vendant here can track it down. We'll go under the island and dig our way up."
Jack agreed but there was an unconsidered fact. "That is a sound plan. However that leaves the problem of Slyphid. The dragon cannot fit in that hole."
Kirche suggested the alternative for Slyphid. "We'll try to sneak in from below. It's harder for them to see us if we come from below and fly low." They agreed and they made their move. They dropped off Saito, Guiche and his familiar at a nearby cliff. The rest took off and flew in low.
"Slowly." Tabitha instructed her familiar. Slyphid slowed their speed as Alexia casted a magnification spell.
Alexia ordered. "I see them. Turn left!" The dragon followed her instructions, accelerating in the process. Within moments, they reached a church. A hole was on the ground, spouting Guiche and his mole familiar. The door to the church was open, presumably Saito is inside. Slyphid lowered altitude and with its paws gently picked up Vendant with Guiche atop it. They went back to the sky as the church came on fire.
Tabitha and Kirche raised their wands as they casted a spell.
"Levitation!"
The roof of the church was shattered as Saito and Louise were lifted out of the church. Louise appeared to be unconscious but Saito had a firm grip on her. Saito waved at them for the pickup. However, there was more trouble in store for them. As soon as Saito and Louise were perched safely on Slyphid's back, the dragon cried out in pain. They suddenly took a dive which the seven riders screamed in terror. Slyphid managed to beat its wings enough to pull out of a crash into a painful hard landing. The ground buckled lightly from the impact. Guiche with his mole familiar were extremely relieved, being at the front end of the crash. "What's wrong?" Kirche asked her good friend which was stoically communicating with her familiar.
Tabitha summed it up to a single word. "Problem."
Saito asked as the others quickly got off the blue dragon. "What kind of problem?"
Again, she said a simple word. "Weight."
Jack made a quick count of numbers. "There're eight of us right now. The dragon can't carry everyone on board."
Tabitha added a detail. "Maximum is seven."
Alexia was horrified. "But that means…"
Jack spoke the consequence that everyone dreaded. "Someone has to be left behind."
