Chapter 10

The Great Selection: Part 4

Dream Dragoness: Sorry for the lateness. But with school and Life, I had to put this on the side every now and then.

We do not own Chaotic.

BlackAngle24: Hello everyone it is great to be back again with my friend Dream Dragoness with an all new chapter. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter as much as I did. Please follow or review and thank you

With the Major Siblings…

As the Steele siblings began to leave the cathedral, the Major siblings were still following Lulu into another wing. One that held both the quarters of the visiting Overworlders and the office of the Overworld Codemaster, Crellan. So many questions ran through Tom's mind and not a single answer to one of them. Why were they seeing Codemaster Crellan? What was their connection to him? These and many more raced through the teenager's mind as they've begun to pass into the wing.

"Keep a low voice, here. The Overworlders are beginning to settle in." Lulu told the siblings, breaking Tom out of his questions and awakening his astonishment.

Like with most people in the Earth Dome, Tom had never encountered any of the Creatures of Perim outside of the Chaotic card matches. What's more, they were near his and Ophelia's favorite tribe: the Overworlders.

Of all the tribes of Perim, it was the Overworlders whom their people were able to get along with the most. In fact, there was an embassy in Kiru City for them, or so he had heard. The Overworlders were considered the most heroic of the tribes, with their rivals being the violent Underworlders. They were also the tribe that first approached the humans peacefully when their respected territories began to expand as well as being the first tribe to allow human colonies in their territories.

To Tom, they were the best tribe, though there were some that disagreed. Sarah once stated that it was the Overworlders' fault that the Cothica was lost, but there was no proof of such a claim. At least, not that anyone knew or remembered about. And were it not for the fact that Tom, Kaz, and their sisters had been best friends since childhood, there would have probably been animosity between the four of them as the Kalinkas siblings preferred the powerful Underworld tribe. He could recount the countless matches he and Kaz would watch their sisters take part in both as teammates and as competitors.

He and his friends' families had their own preferred Creatures as well. Tom, himself, preferred to play as either the lion warrior, Tangath Toborn, or Maxxor, the leader of the Overworlders. Ophelia had multiple favorites, such as Antidaeon for water environments, Frafdo for the use of his bow (which she was a master of), and Najarin, the Overworld Muge. As the Overworld Codemaster, Codemaster Crellan was given the role of ambassador between humans and the Overworld Creatures, including the privilege of meeting the more important Creatures, including Maxxor.

But back to the present, Tom was extremely curious as to how Ophelia knew the Overworld Codemaster. However, it seemed that the only way to get his answer was for them to properly meet him. Tom had to go over his old mannerism lessons with Ophelia and how to address the Codemaster. He had to make a good first impression. His thoughts paused as Lulu stopped and held out an arm, stopping the siblings in their tracks.

"Move to the side, please."

Looking forward, Tom and Ophelia followed Lulu's instructions and moved to the side of the corridor, grasping their hands and lowering their heads in respect as the Overlord leader, Maxxor, along with Tangath Toborn and Najarin walked down the hall. They were being led by a hooded acolyte and a helmeted Codemaster Crellan. No doubt showing them to another part of the cathedral. As they passed the trio of youths, Crellan stopped and looked at the siblings. No one could see it, but Crellan was smiling at them.

"Ah. Ophelia. I'm glad you and your brother were able to come today."

Tom gulped as Crellan gestured to them and introduced them to their kingdom's guests.

"Gentlemen. Allow me to introduce the children of Cecilia and Joseph Majors: Ophelia and Thomas."

Even though he and Ophelia bowed as per protocol, Tom jolted in surprise at the mention of his late parents' names. But why did Crellan mention them? As they raised their heads, the three Overworlders had soft surprised looks on their faces before shifting into smiles.

"Your parents use to tell us about you two whenever they came to Kiru City. It is an honor to finally make your acquaintances." Maxxor spoke in a diplomatic, yet casual voice.

Hearing this surprised Tom.

"You…you knew our parents?"

The Overworld leader nodded.

"Your parents used to come to Kiru City often to discuss trade between our tribes. They always brought a calming aura with them whenever they came."

This surprised Tom.

"Were they that good of merchants?"

Maxxor nodded proudly, though he found it surprising that the boy would ask such a question.

"Indeed, they were. I can't count how many times they'd manage to sell their wares despite our tribes not having a better trading agreement. And they were always comfortable in the city, speaking with everyone so casually that one could mistake them for life-long citizens."

This marveled Tom. He wondered what his parents were like often. To hear such praise was truly something.

Maxxor then bowed with a saddened look on his face.

"They were good friends of the Overworlders. It was a tragedy the day we lost them."

Ophelia bit her lip as she and Tom cast their gazes downward. Tom wished dearly for someone to tell him what had happened to his parents. But as much as he wanted to ask, now was not the time.

"Yes. It was." Ophelia answered softly, the grief plain on her face.

The Overworlders, the Majors' siblings, and even Crellan took a moment to grieve before Crellan spoke.

"Speaking of your parents, I've called you here concerning them. Just give me a moment and I shall speak with you both in my study."

The siblings bowed in respect as the Codemaster and the visitors made their way down the corridor.

Once they were a good distance and Lulu proceeded to escort them to Crellan's study, the Codemaster spoke.

"Ophelia has not told her brother about what had happened. The pain hurts her too much for her to properly tell him about their deaths."

"Understandable. The reports did say that the only survivors were a young girl and a toddler boy. It still amazes me that they survived such an attack." Tangath Toborn spoke, his mind reaching out to the memory of that day.

Maxxor nodded in agreement.

"As I recall it took a long time before our soldiers were able to coax the girl from their hiding spot. The report said that she had a look of terror in her eyes that no child should bare."

Crellan sighed sadly.

"Indeed. That day traumatized Ophelia greatly. There were times I feared she would never recover. It wasn't until she remembered that she still had her brother that she began to grow past the pain."

This caught Najarin's interest.

"How so?"

Crellan pulled out a pocket watch from his pocket and gazed at it. It was silver with a sapphire hawk imbedded on the cover. One of the items he was planning to give to the siblings.

"While I was made their guardian, Ophelia wanted to work hard and raise her brother herself. She felt that with her parents gone, Thomas would need someone to depend on. Someone close to him. So she's become his guardian even though I am still here. I had to convince Ophelia not to give up her education in order for her to earn money to help her and her brother survive. I became their benefactor on the condition that Thomas did not know."

"Why?" Maxxor asked, not seeing the logic.

Crellan answered as his mind drifted to his memories of the siblings.

"Ophelia was always a hard worker. She didn't like getting handouts. She never wants to 'leech off others.' That's a value and a burden on her. She has also become very protective of Thomas, meaning that if he were to become a Codemaster…"

Tangath fit the pieces of the puzzle together.

"…the tribal leader would have to be granted her blessing in order for her brother to wed."

Crellan nodded.

"And earning her trust in order to gain her blessing will not be easy. In fact, I fear it may be the hardest thing the leader would have to do."

"Especially considering the 'spiriting away' part of the treaty." Maxxor added.

To be honest, he disliked that part of the treaty. It was basically kidnapping. He was surprise there were hardly any panics amongst the populace upon hearing that a new Codemaster had gone missing. Thankfully, the older Codemasters would come up with some sort of story to explain the new Codemasters' absence so as not to cause a panic. Still, it wouldn't make things easier for Maxxor.

If Ophelia was chosen, it would be simple by allowing Tom to come with them to Kiru city. If Tom was to be his however, he would need to earn the trust of his elder sister before the wedding could happen. The last thing Maxxor wanted was animosity with his future sister-in-law.

But the Majors' were only two humans in an entire city. Chances were pretty high that it would be someone other than the siblings. Still, it was something to ponder.

Unbeknownst to the Overworld leader, Najarin knew that the new Overworld Codemaster was chosen already and as soon as they got to their chambers, Najarin stopped before the doors.

"If I may, I wish to speak with Codemaster Crellan about something."

Crellan knew what Najarin wanted to talk about and nodded. Maxxor and the other Overworlders left the master Muge, knowing when not to pry. Once they were alone, Crellan spoke first.

"So. What do you think of my chosen successor?"

"He seems to be an interesting choice. Though unless I know more of him, I cannot confirm how much of an influence he will be to the Overworlders." Najarin admitted.

Tom didn't speak much during their conversation, but his eyes told Najarin that he was a bright young man. Only time would tell on what kind of person Thomas Majors would be. Crellan then proceeded to ask another question.

"And Ophelia? Were you able to get a better reading on her?"

Najarin nodded, his focus had never once left the young woman in question.

"Yes. She possesses the ability. If that's the case, your people may be blessed with the first human who is able to cast magic."

"If that's true, then does that mean Ophelia is capable of becoming the first human Muge?" Crellan asked, clearly interested in the topic at hand.

Najarin stroked his beard in thought. Because they held little-to-no connection to the Cothica, no human held the capability to become muges. Or even cast magic in general. Hence why they had depended on science over the ages, to make up for what they lack. But when he was gazing into his scrying crystal, Najarin was able to sense magical energy from Ophelia. But he couldn't confirm it without getting close to the actual person.

When Crellan introduced the Majors' siblings, Najarin almost failed to start sensing Ophelia's dormant abilities upon learning that they were the children of Cecelia and Joseph. The Muge often encountered the couple and always enjoyed talking to them. They had spoken of their son and daughter several times before their deaths and had promised to bring them to Kiru City one day.

Tragically, that one day ended up being Cecelia and Joseph's last day and traumatized poor Ophelia to the point where she became overprotective of her younger brother. Najarin knew what was to come wasn't going to be easy for anyone. Still, the Treaty of Alzaborna remained unchanged and unless a moot was called to discuss the changes in the treaty, the Great Selection would continue as it was.

"I was able to sense her after the introduction. She has the potential. However, she'll need to see it for herself in order to believe it. And I have an idea on how to do that."

Crellan raised an eyebrow under his helm.

"Oh? How?"

Later, in Crellan's study…

Tom and Ophelia waited in the study for the Codemaster. They knew it was going to be a while. Crellan had the important duty of guiding the Overworlders around the Cathedral and escorting them to their quarters. At least this gave them some alone time. The perfect opportunity to ask questions. Tom looked at the books on the shelves as he spoke.

"Hey, Ophelia?"

"Hmm?" Ophelia asked as she fiddled with the locket she was wearing that day.

"You never told me Mom and Dad were merchants. Or that they've traveled to Kiru City." The bluntness of Tom's words nearly made Ophelia jump. The subject of her parents was a touchy one to her. She knew she couldn't keep what he was going to ask a secret longer. Still, she wished he'd never ask.

After all, no one wants to relive their most horrid of memories.

"Will you tell me about them, now?"

Tom knew he had Ophelia in a corner. The Overworlder leader flat-out stated that he knew them and that they were obviously well-known to the residents of Kiru City, at least. And if the Majors' siblings were to encounter the Overworlders again, the chances of them talking about their parents again were pretty high. Ophelia knew this. There was no way out of it. Still, she wished she had more time.

She was about to open her mouth to speak when they heard the door open. This frustrated Tom while relieved Ophelia as Codemaster Crellan entered the study, a chest being brought by a pair of older acolytes behind him. Tom gave Ophelia a look that said "This isn't over" as they stood at attention to the Overworld Codemaster.

The elderly Codemaster heeded them as he motioned them to sit.

"My apologies. I was hoping to be done earlier. But when you meet with old friends you have not seen in a while, sometimes conversations happen and drag on."

He motioned the acolytes to set the chest by his deskside before urging them to leave. Once the acolytes were gone, Ophelia was quick to speak.

"Tis no trouble at all, Codemaster. We understand that this is a busy time for you. Had you allowed, we would have gladly waited until the Great Selection was over."

But Crellan shook his helmeted head, raising his hand.

"No, no. What I have to speak with you about is important."

Noticing Tom's questioning gaze, Crellan spoke to him.

"I can tell you have questions, young Thomas. Questions Ophelia has not answered. Such as how we knew each other, why she is trusting of me, even the subject of your parents has eluded you."

Tom nodded while Ophelia looked away. Even Crellan knew it was time for Thomas to know everything.

"My question is…where do you want to start?"

Starting small, Tom asked about Crellan's relation to Ophelia. He was surprised to learn that it wasn't on Ophelia's salary alone that kept them in their home and food on their table. Codemaster Crellan had been their benefactor in response to their parents' deaths. As Crellan finished, Ophelia bowed in her seat.

"We thank you for looking after us for all these years, Codemaster Crellan. Were it not for you, Thomas and I would have been homeless, starving, or separated."

Seeing this, Tom bowed in the same respect before asking the question he wanted answered for so long.

"Codemaster Crellan. I also thank you for what you did for us. But you must know the question I want answered more than anything."

Crellan nodded while Ophelia looked away. It was time.

"Yes. It is time you learn about your parents' deaths."

Flashback

It was about ten or twelve years ago, when you were very young when it happened. You father and mother, Joseph and Cecelia, were not only skilled merchants, but were also my fellow diplomats to the Overworlders. They always hated being confined in Belkesa and the Earth Dome, preferring travel over dangerous terrain rather than manning stores or stalls in the city. Everywhere they went, they either made friends or got into hilarious amounts of trouble.

They loved Kiru City and the Overworlders that resided there. They made frequent visits to the Overworlder Capitol to the point where everyone there knew who they were as if they were natives. They even befriended the Overworld leader and his son, Maxxor, to the point where they were considered family friends.

Of course, they told them of the two of you. Of their firstborn daughter with a love of adventure and stories, and of their young son who was wiser, but adventurous. The former Overworld Vorom often asked your parents to bring the two of you to Kiru City. Even offering to have you meet young Maxxor. After much deliberation, Joseph and Cecelia agreed.

When they told me they were taking you to Kiru City, I warned them to be careful. There was still a war going on and there had been an increase of bandit activity lately. They assured me that they were going to be fine. I wanted to tell them otherwise, but the look on your faces when you learned that you were not only going outside the city, but to meet some Creatures, I couldn't say anything but wish you all well.

Sadly, wishing is not the same as taking action.

It was a few days later when a messenger of the Overworlders entered the Earth Dome. I will never forget the words he said for as long as I live.

"Codemasters! Codemasters of the Human Tribe! We see your aid! Joseph and Cecelia Majors have been attacked!"

I had not been that fast since my youth. I made my way to where Vorom and his men were waiting on the main road. They told me you and your parents had been attacked by bandits. We did not know from where, but it was clear that they fought your parents viciously. They were able drive them off, but…succumbed to the wounds they had been given.

By the time help arrived, they were dead.

As for the two of you, Vorom told me that the Overworlders who stumbled upon your caravan found you two huddled under the roots of a tree. No one our size could get to you. You were crying and sobbing on your sister's shoulder. As for Ophelia, never had I seen a child so full of fear and trauma.

They tried to coax you out, but Ophelia wouldn't have it. Whenever they reached in, she'd bite them. In the end, they had to push in food and water to keep you alive while the messenger reached the Dome. It took my appearance for Ophelia to finally come out of your hiding place with you in tow.

When I asked Ophelia about what she had seen, she asked me to wait until you were asleep and out of earshot before she told me every horrible detail and how she kept you from seeing it by covering your eyes and ears.

After your parents' funeral, I promised to take care of the two of you. And Ophelia made a promise to protect you with everything she has. Even at the expense of her life.

Present Day…

"…And that brings us to today." Crellan finished, falling silent to allow Tom to take in everything and for Ophelia to contain her grief.

Tom was horrified at what he had learned and now understood why Ophelia refused to talk about their parents. What she saw was so horrifying and traumatizing that anyone would become more than upset when recalling those memories. He also received a slightly clear understanding of Ophelia's overprotectiveness. She had already lost her parents. She did not want to lose the rest of her family.

As he leaned back in his chair, Crellan opened the chest that was brought in.

"The other reason I called on you two was to fulfill your parents' will. The left these in my care should something happen to them and I was to give them to you when you both reach a certain age."

This caught the siblings' attention. They watched in silence as Crellan first pulled out an amulet. It was silver and in the shape of a teardrop drop. The amulet was made with different blue jewels ranging in shade. The center was composed of a moonstone, surrounded by a ring of small sapphires, lapis lazuli, opal, and turquoise.

Crellan handed the amulet to Ophelia, who marveled at its beauty.

"Your parents had a saying. 'One drop of water can move an entire ocean.' They made this for you in the hopes that you would become the droplet of something much greater."

Hesitantly, Ophelia took the amulet, marveled at it, then placing it around her neck, clutching the droplet with love. No doubt remembering our parents, Tom thought. He then looked to the gift Crellan was giving him. It was a set of duel swords. They looked ordinary on the outside. But when Crellan drew one out, Tom saw the elegant light blue engravings carved into the steel, the light making the engravings appear to glow. At the base of the hilt was a trio of blue stones. Aquamarines, he guessed.

"These swords were crafted by your father, Thomas, while your mother procured the gems and metals. These swords are called Heart and Soul, representing the beauty, yet deadliness of both. I trust you will use these for good."

Tom nodded and took the swords. His swords. He admired the craftsmanship, as if he could see his father crafting it, or his mother placing the aquamarines. He was sure to treasure these blades for as long as he lived.

"I remember Father making those." Ophelia's voice broke the silence. "He it was the first and only of many weapons he wanted to make for you. He respected your free will to choose, so he wanted to make an entire armory for you to choose from. These blades were the only weapon that he crafted before he died."

Now Tom was more determined to keep and wield these blades. For his father. For his mother. For his sister. For himself. His determination continued to grow as Crellan saw them out.

"I promise. I will use these blades for good."

As they left the cathedral, Ophelia clutched her amulet again.

"I took care of Tom and kept him safe, Mother and Father. And while I do fear the day that he will not need me anymore, I will see that we both will have a bright future ahead. A future you wanted to give us."

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