Chapter 25 - Lessons

The next day Raheli escorted Ione and myself to the library once more, while Silvia was asked to help with the pregnant Anubis, Beset. For most of the morning we had gone through a many of books, all ranging from various subjects. Ione at some point had apparently lost herself in a book on botany. Picking up the next book I read the title aloud to myself, "Sydopedia?"

Turning to a random I read the entries, "Sydaism: Noun: The official Sydo stalking religion. Follow all acts of Sydolesting by saying Symen... like amen... we know what it sounds like, don't be prejudice! Sydobation: Verb: The act of masturbating with sydo present in the room. Sydophilia: Noun: The holy love of all things Sydo, usually erotic in nature... The fuck is this?"

"Sounds like some strange cult..." responded Raheli not exactly sure how to respond to the book.

Closing the book and replacing it on where I found it to never touch again I resume my search. Eventually I had found another story, one about a human from earth and his companions, a Lizardman and a Mantis traveling in Kaori.

-Iva's perspective-

"I will bring your request to the others but I will not order any of them to do this, if none of them are interested then you shall need find someone else to ask." answered Beset after hours of discussion.

"I appreciate it, and the same for the use of the herbs from your garden." I replied.

"Though I must question why you could not have that pup, Silvia, do this. And what pray tell are you brewing? It smells... odd."

"Because she will let him win. Silvia wants to allow him to think himself strong and able to protect them. But that will be his undoing if he does not learn his own weakness and limits. As for this potion, simply put, it's a concoction meant to heighten mental functions. When he loses even with this boon, I believe he will have learned the limits of his abilities."

-Ione's perspective-

The sun had set as Ryan and I returned to our current residence, Iva and Silvia had yet to return.

"I think we've gone through almost every book and not a thing... though that story was pretty damn good, apparently it actually happened... I wonder if that giant golem is still there..." Ryan said mostly speaking to himself.

As silence began to set in, I tried to say something. 'I found a fascinating book on plants' but nothing came out of my mouth. I want to speak with this man, the man who saved me from that hell. But I just couldn't.

Opening my mouth to try once more Silvia came in suddenly and plopped herself across Ryan's lap.

"I'm so tired! That knocked up Anubis has me working like a dog!" Silvia whined.

"Well~" Ryan began but Silvia cut him off.

"Not funny! Ahhh~ I too stiff, could I have a massage Master Ryan?"

"Sure why not."

Ryan then began working on Silvia's back as she laid there. Eventually falling asleep as such.

"Would you like one Ione?"

Any contact on my ravaged skin usually resulted in discomfort and even pain but when ever Ryan touched it just felt odd. It didn't feel uncomfortable but relaxing, though still very odd. He never showed any issues or disgust with my scars.

"Ione?"

Nodding I slowly moved closer positioning myself in front of him so that he may work on my shoulders. As he did so the tension began to melt, as his movements caused my skin to loosen and unknot.

"Hm perhaps I have ya do me next, what ya say boy?" Iva said having entered the room.

"I doubt you'll let me say no."

"How cruel! In that case I will do just that!" Iva pouted whilst waiting her turn. "By the way," Iva began, her tone changing, "tomorrow you will be training with Raheli. Given your inexperience this should provide you with some enlightenment."

Taking a glance at Iva, I could see that what she was saying was not entirely truthful.

"That sounds fun. A nice change of pace from just reading all day in that library."

"Yes, I might add that this training session will continue until either you win or you give up. You will have your first bout at noon tomorrow."

After saying that, I felt Ryan's grasp on my shoulders change, a bit more forceful as though he had tensed up. It appeared he couldn't wait.

-noon next day-

Ryan and the lizardman, Raheli, were standing a few meters from each other. They both held wooden swords as they took their stances.

Ryan's was different than the one I had seen him use before, instead of having his arm by his side he has the sword vertically in front of himself.

The next moment however ended the duel as a wooden sword was sent flying through the air.