AN: Another long chapter :'D But we get to meet some new characters, so hope you'll enjoy reading~

Chapter 4:

An apology immediately tumbled from Remedy's lips as he scooped the little brown-haired boy into his arms and balanced him on his hip. He turned his gaze to the one that his nephew ran into, another apology forming. But when his gaze met with another pair of violet eyes, he found himself falling silent.

In spite of himself, Remedy found himself staring at the other man. There was something about him that immediately drew his attention. Long orange hair, similar shade to his own. But much longer, reaching beyond his waist, half up in a ponytail. His eyes were the most vibrant violet he had ever seen.

But it wasn't just what he was able to visibly and physically see that caused him to pause. It was what he felt. Everyone had a presence to them. Everyone gave off some kind of aura. While Remedy couldn't necessarily see someone's aura, he was adept at reading people and their body language nevertheless.

What he read from this man before him was unlike anything he had encountered before.

Ethereal. Comforting. Warm. Gentle. Nurturing.

Just…angelic.

The other man seemed to look at him with curiosity as well. Head tilted to the side slightly, his shoulders free of tension, and his face relaxed. He soon smiled, however, a peaceful one as he turned to face him.

"Oh? Are you residents of Etria that have also agreed to help Villard in his expedition?" he asked.

"Ah, yes," Remedy replied instinctively as he readjusted his hold on Nathan. "That's right. Are you from Lagaard?"

He nodded his head, his smile growing warmer. "Indeed. My name is Lynus, co-leader of a guild called the Guardians. And you?"

Remedy furrowed his brow slightly. "Guardians? I've heard of you."

The Guardian Guild was said to be the most powerful guild in Lagaard. Explorers in Etria had heard of them and would gossip about them. They would all say that each member of the Guardians had earned themselves a title of sorts. The most famous was the near legendary Guardian of Miraculous Healing.

The man before him appeared to be a medic himself. Could he be the one that rumours spoke of?

Remedy shook his head slightly and placed a smile on his lips. "Oh, my name is Remedy."

"Hm?" Lynus tilted his head to the side once more. "You're a medic, aren't you?"

Remedy sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Yes, a medic called Remedy. My mother was a psychic."

Lynus laughed lightly and surprisingly softly. "I see. So am I. Are you part of a guild?"

Nathan squirmed in his arms so Remedy set him back down. He kept a hold of his hand, though, ensuring that the ever-energetic child didn't wander off again. "Oh, well, sort of. I'm actually here on the behalf of my mentor, Professor Ariston, and the Midgard Library."

"Mentor?" Lynus appeared curious again. "They didn't accompany you?"

Before Remedy could stop himself, he sighed in exasperation. "No. He has the attention span of a gnat, so dumped me here."

Lynus appeared unsure whether he should laugh at that or not, so instead smiled politely. "I see."

"Thankfully, not alone," Remedy continued as he tugged on Nathan's hand to keep him close. "My, um, close friend, Zircon agreed to help. As did my brother, and his partner. In fact, Nathan here is my little nephew. He has a brother called Benji."

Lynus glanced down at Nathan and smiled at him. He crouched down, gaining the boy's attention. "Hello, Nathan."

"Hi," Nathan said simply as he continued to tug on Remedy's hand, wanting nothing more than to start running around once more.

Suddenly, a curious expression appeared on his face. "Hmm, you seem to be the same age as Ghali," he murmured before he pushed himself to stand tall once more and turned his attention back to Remedy. "Ah, he's what I suppose you could say is my adopted little brother. He's here with his parents, too. I should introduce you. It would be nice for Ghali to have a friend his age."

Remedy tightened his hand around Nathan's as the boy got restless and continued to tug at his arm, keeping his feet planted on the ground while he leaned forward as far as he could. Honestly, if Remedy released his hand now, the kid would face plant on the floor. Instead of crying, however, Nathan would leap back to his feet and scurry off. Anything to gain freedom, it seemed.

Having another kid his age would probably be a good thing. As long as the two stayed out of trouble.

"That would be nice, actually," Remedy replied. "My nephews are surrounded by harden explorers, so it would be nice for him to interact with other children. I mean, they're nice enough."

Lynus chuckled and nodded his head. "Yes, the same for Ghali."

He appeared as though he wanted to stay more when his expression changed from peacefulness to concern. He immediately spun around and raised his arms, just as the man, a hexer in appearance, slumped forward. Lynus caught him easily, though still had to take a slight step back from the sudden weight.

Remedy jumped, startled. He honestly hadn't realised that the hexer had been silent behind Lynus the entire time. Unlike Lynus' presence, he didn't have much of an aura to him. Remedy felt terrible about not realising he had been there earlier.

"Sorry, you'll have to excuse us," Lynus said as he pulled the other man close to him and glanced over his shoulder toward Remedy.

"Is he all right?" Remedy immediately asked.

"Bronchitis, I'm afraid." The concern in Lynus' voice was palpable. "Poor thing. His throat is so sore and inflamed, he can't talk."

Remedy was about to suggest that he take Nathan back to his father and offer his help with the sickly man when three more figures suddenly appeared from elsewhere behind Lynus. One figure he recognised immediately to be that of a blue-haired Hero called Zadkiel. He had boarded Maginia at Etria, along with Remedy and several others.

Actually, now that he looked at the hexer, he was sure that he and another, a belligerent blue-haired dark hunter, had boarded from Etria, too. Villard seemed to know them both, if the flippant attitude from the dark hunter and the exasperated roll of the eyes from Villard when he boarded for the first time had been any indication.

The other two that were with him were totally new to him, however. One was a tall redhead, the other much shorter with purple hair and quite vivid blue eyes. However, both of them were quite striking. Especially the redhead.

Everything about him just exuded power. From his muscles; both defined yet sleek, trained to offer him the most strength possible. To his stance; head high, shoulders back yet relaxed, his movements smooth and flawless. Funnily enough, however, he didn't feel or appear intimidating. He really should, his mere presence suggesting raw, pure strength.

As they grew closer, though, a flicker of concern appeared on the redhead's face and he quickened his pace. "Lynus?"

Not surprised by the three's sudden appearance, Lynus turn in their direction and shook his head, his arms tightened slightly around the one still slumped against him. "No, it's fine. He's of no threat. And neither is Avith."

The man didn't look wholly convinced, yet he nodded his head, seemingly trusting Lynus' words. "…If you say so," he uttered before he shifted his gaze suddenly in Remedy's direction.

And as he did so, he surprisingly straightened his posture and his brow suddenly furrowed as he tilted his head to the side questioning. "Hm?"

Equally surprisingly, Lynus chuckled, unbothered by his body language. "Ah, yes, this is Remedy. He's from Etria and was also requested by Villard to join him in Maginia."

That curious expression turned somehow amused as the redhead nodded. "Ah, I see," he uttered with a half-smile on his lips.

Lynus chuckled again before he turned to look back over at Remedy once more, his expression serene. He tilted his head slightly toward the redhead and introduced him. "And this is Axel, my husband."

"Hey," Axel greeted simply in return.

Lynus motioned toward the purple-haired young man that was half hiding behind Axel. "And Azure, my apprentice."

"H-hi…" Azure murmured shyly.

"This here, is Zalaph," Lynus finished, motioning to the silent hexer that was still resting against him.

"It's nice to meet you," Remedy said politely in return before he tugged at the hand of the child he was still hold, Nathan all but limp in his hold now from the sheer boredom. "This is Nathan. And I see you've met Zadkiel."

As Zadkiel moved to stand next to Remedy, completely a circle for them to speak easily with each other, Lynus gazed curiously at the Hero for a moment before nodding. "Hm? Oh, are you from Etria, too?"

"Yes and no," Zadkiel replied. "I boarded from Etria, but I'm actually from a village close by. My village elder sent me on a quest of my own."

Lynus smiled politely once more. "I see."

He, however, suddenly furrowed his brow as he continued to gaze at Zadkiel. Curious, Remedy turned to look at the hero himself and found that Zadkiel's expression had inexplicably darkened and he began to mutter under his breath.

Ah…Zadkiel was going to start mumbling to himself again.

"Stupid old hag could at least have the decency to make something up for me to find. But noooo, she's too lazy for that. Just tell him that he needs to find something super important and not what that is exactly. Just throw him aboard Maginia. He'll work something out. He'll have loads of fun figuring it out…"

Apparently, his village elder was an elderly woman who was spry and somewhat flippant. She sent Zadkiel on an "imperative" journey where he had to find something of the utmost importance. However, she never specified what it was that he needed to find. She simply told him that he would know what it was when he saw it. And just booted him to Maginia with a cheery "have fun!" as a farewell.

Zadkiel had been muttering and whining about it ever since.

Axel stared at Zadkiel for a moment before he turned his attention to Remedy. "…He does realise he's talking aloud, right?"

As if just realising that he was indeed muttering aloud, Zadkiel stiffened, an expression of abstract embarrassment and horror on his face. "Shit."

Thankfully, Axel laughed, sounding honestly amused. Even Azure murmured a sound that was akin to that of a giggle. Lynus, however, continued to smile. Though he had a far away look in his eyes, his hand resting on the middle of Zalaph's upper back.

It didn't take Remedy long to realise that he was silently, and gently healing the hexer.

"It's fine," Axel said toward Zadkiel in a pacifying manner. "At least you can do whatever you want now."

Zadkiel was silent for a moment, just realising what Axel said had some truth to it. "I…guess that's true. Some kind of guideline would be nice, though."

"Just hang around with us and you'll get some work to do," Axel said, his expression friendly and his voice still holding a sense of humour to it. However, his expression changed slightly when Azure silently slipped out from behind him and hurried over to Lynus, his hands hovering over Zalaph in a concern manner.

"I-is he…?"

"I need someone to show me where my new office is," Lynus whispered to Azure.

"I-I know where it is," Azure replied, his voice equally soft. "Zadkiel showed us. But…I-it appears more of a small clinic than an office, though."

Hm? Clinic? Ah, he must have had his own clinic in Lagaard and Villard had decided to set one up for him in Maginia. Made sense. Villard had arranged for Professor Ariston to have an office all to himself. But, of course, the flighty man bailed at the last second, so Remedy and Simon from the Midgard Library commandeered the office as their own. Villard was completely fine with that, thankfully.

"That's fine, too," Lynus replied as he readjusted his hold on Zalaph, letting the hexer stand up under his own power. "I'll be able to look over Zalaph better that way. Though, are you sharing a room with Avith?"

Zalaph simply nodded his head.

Lynus seemed relieved at that. "Ah, then I'll be sure to help you to your room later. Avith can watch over you to ease his own protective urges."

"Lynus," Axel suddenly called out.

Lynus stiffened slightly and glanced over at him. Axel said nothing, instead tilted his head subtly to the side, as if indicating in the direction where Remedy and Zadkiel stood. A light pink flush suddenly appeared on Lynus' cheeks as he turned to look sheepishly over at them as well.

"Oh, terribly sorry," he said, looking a little flustered, as if realising that he momentarily forgotten about them there. "You have to excuse me, I tend to get lost in caring for others. Oh, but do you mind if I bring Ghali along with one of his parents around here later?"

"Of course," Remedy immediately replied, smiling at the other medic. "I'll get my brother, too."

Lynus returned his smile. "Great. See you later, then."

"Oh, should we meet here or-?"

"It's fine," Lynus interrupted. "We'll be able to find you, don't worry."

"Catch the three of you later," Axel said as he indicated to the child hanging off Remedy's arm.

Remedy waved them off before he turned to look at his nephew and sighed.

Nathan had all but given up on life, it seemed, as he hung limply on Remedy's hand. Though he was passive now, indicating that he wasn't going to run away to find something new and exciting, that didn't mean he was going to make it easy for Remedy to drag him back to his father.

"Come on, Nathan, on your feet," Remedy said as he tugged on Nathan's hand.

"Can't," he mumbled. "Dead."

Remedy rolled his eyes. "Come now, you're going to make a new friend. At least show some enthusiasm."

Nathan, however, continued his silent indignation of having to stayed in one spot and listen to boring adults talk about boring stuff. So, Remedy just sighed and leaned down to scoop the uncooperative bundle into his arms and started to lug him where his brother was rooming.

"Need, ah, help with that?" Zadkiel asked as he followed.

"It's fine," Remedy replied. "Happens all the time. Anyway, how did you meet our new neighbours?"

"Villard asked that I show the one called Lynus to his new office. But I ran into Axel and Azure first, both explaining that they were his husband and apprentice respectively," Zadkiel explained. "How about you?"

"Nathan here decided that running headlong into things was a great idea," Remedy replied. "He ran into Lynus, who thankfully wasn't perturbed by the sudden introduction."

Zadkiel nodded his head idly. "What do you think of them?" he suddenly asked. "They seem nice enough. The redhead, Axel, is an oddity, though. He radiates pure power and yet there is nothing remotely intimidating about him. He should be intimidating. But he's not?"

Zadkiel seemed to struggle to find the right words to express himself, but Remedy understood immediately. He honestly felt the same. With Lynus, as well. He had a presence about him that was unlike anyone Remedy had encountered before.

It wasn't a bad thing. He didn't feel remotely threatened or intimidated by the two. It was just…strange to encounter someone with such a commanding presence that was completely benign and uplifting.

"There's a lot of newcomers here now," Zadkiel continued. "I haven't personally met them, but they're all from Lagaard and associated with the Guardians."

"How many?"

Zadkiel paused as he counted in his head. "Apparently, thirty-three of them in total."

"Thirty-three?!"

Zadkiel nodded his head. "Like I said, a lot of newcomers. And apparently, there's two who are rather…unusual in appearance? That was Axel said at least. And not to be alarmed if I encounter someone who has wings and appears half bird-like. Whatever that means."

Remedy wasn't sure on how to respond. He just nodded while he tried to wrap his head around the fact that there was thirty-three new people who agreed to help Villard. He honestly hadn't expected such a large number. Villard likely did, however.

Though, the comment about half-bird like beings was interesting. They didn't sound like the Forest Folk that…once resided within Etria's labyrinth. But it was highly plausible that the labyrinth of Lagaard had its own forest inhabitants.

Simon was sure to be very interested to learn more.

Nathan continued to be highly uncooperative as Remedy lugged him into the small gathering nook located at the end of the hall where their new dorms resided. Inside the room were five figures, those who agreed (or in his brother's case insisted quite sternly) to join Remedy on the expedition to Lemuria.

There was his brother, Quinn, at the small kitchenette. He was the Subaltern of Etria who wanted in on the expedition not just to keep an eye on him (because, apparently, he was a magnet for trouble), but because his advice on how to handle a city filled with edgy explorers would be greatly appreciated.

His partner, Jemella, also agreed to join. The guildmaster of Etria, his experience with explorers was also highly regarded. Also, he was the adopted father of Nathan and his brother. So, wherever Quinn went, he and the kids would rightly follow. You need to keep the family unit intact when the kids were young, after all. That was Jemella's reasoning.

At the table behind him was another young brown-haired boy. Benji, Nathan's younger brother. He was more subdued and quieter compared to his adventurous and energetic older brother. He much preferred to sit quietly and get cuddles and snuggles from others.

Sitting on the left of Benji and keeping him entertained was Lindis. A veteran explorer and highlander, he was surprisingly good with kids. He didn't speak all that much, choosing to mull over things in his head before he would give his two-cents about anything.

Sat on the opposite end of the table was Simon, a researcher and medic from the Midgard Library. Remedy considered him one of his closest friends. He had spent time with the Midgard Library himself on the behest of his mentor, Professor Ariston. There he learnt the fundamentals of being a frontline medic. It was from that passion of learning about healing that brought him and Simon into each other's company.

And finally, located next to Simon and speaking with him was Zircon, a redheaded landsknecht. He was the first-person Remedy encountered during a rash and sudden jaunt into the labyrinth and they had been close friends ever since. So when Remedy was requested to help Villard with his expedition, Zircon immediately volunteered to accompany him. He was a good friend to have.

Though, ah, "friend" wasn't exactly accurate from Remedy's point of view…

A-anyway!

"We're back," Remedy greeted as he lugged Nathan into the room with Zadkiel right behind him.

Quinn immediately turned around to face him, a place of cut up crab-apples in his hand. "Remedy, there you are."

"Sorry," Remedy said as he indicated to the still uncooperative child in his arms. "Nathan got too excited and went for a run. But now he's dead from boredom."

Quinn hummed lightly as he crossed the distance between them and looked down at Nathan. "Fully dead?" he asked.

"Very dead," Nathan replied.

"Well, that's a shame," Quinn sighed dramatically as he indicated to the plate of fruit in his hand. "Dead don't need their crab-apples. I guess I'll just have to throw them away."

Nathan immediately sprung up and squirmed from Remedy's arms. "Alive!"

Quinn chuckled as Nathan immediately grabbed for his plate of fruit. "What a miraculous recovery. Now, sit with your brother and behave."

"Thanks for the food!" Nathan squealed as he raced over to the table to sit by his brother.

"Honestly," Quinn murmured fondly as he shook his head. He then turned his attention to Remedy and arched an eyebrow. "You were gone for a while. Did he run off that far?"

"I wasn't gone that long," Remedy insisted before he shrugged. "I met some of the residents of Lagaard who also agreed to help."

Apparently, that caught everyone's attention and they turned to look at him with curiosity in their gazes.

"Hm? Did you now?" Quinn questioned.

"Yeah. And apparently, it's a guild known as The Guardians."

"Guardian guild?" Simon repeated as he folded his arms atop of the table and leaned forward. "I've heard of them. Are they really here?"

Remedy shrugged again as he walked further into the room. "Well, one was called Lynus. He's a medic, like me. Orange hair and violet eyes, too. Though, he...has quite a presence to him."

Simon quirked his head to the side questioningly. "How so?"

"Well, it's hard to explain," Remedy replied as he folded his arms lightly over his chest and leaned against the kitchenette's counter. "He feels...regal, somehow ethereal. But still very friendly. I guess, once you meet him, you'll understand. Of which, he said he's going to be returning here, soon, with someone else."

"Ah, really? Who, do you know?" Quinn asked.

"Someone called Ghali who is about Nathan's age," Remedy explained before he idly began to prattle. "And his parent, of course. I think you should meet them, too. Anyway, he had an apprentice, Azure, and a husband called Axel. He was rather formable, as well. His presence was different to Lynus. Powerful. That's really the word for him. He just felt powerful without intimidation. To be honest, I've never encounter anyone quite like the two."

Suddenly, a young child of about eight or nine appeared in the doorway. Blond hair and green eyes, looking both expectant and excited as he peered into the room. Quinn also noticed him, as did his two sons.

Before anyone could say anything or even react, two more figures appeared directly behind the boy. One was an older man with slightly greying back hair and dressed in a maroon coloured coat. And next to him was someone more familiar.

"Remedy!" Lynus greeted both warmly and kindly. "Sorry, Ghali was most impatient to make new friends."

Remedy immediately pushed away from the counter and approached their visitors. "Ah, there you are. I was just telling brother about you."

Lynus laughed softly before he turned to look at the taller man next to him. "And I was just telling Gerald here about you."

The man, Gerald, simply nodded in his direction as the child, his son, reached up to take him by the hand.

"And is this little Ghali then?" Remedy asked, even though the answer was obvious. It was enough for the boy to turn those big green eyes in his direction, though.

Lynus nodded his head. "That's him. And this is Gerald, his father. Though, Ghali calls him Mama."

Gerald uttered a low sigh and looked almost indignant. Yet, it didn't reach his eyes. "Was that necessary?"

"Come now, I think it's adorable," Lynus teased lightly, indicating that the two of them were actually quite close.

"Shiki's doing, obviously," Gerald murmured, prompting a small laugh from Lynus.

The exchange between the two seemed to put Quinn at ease and he walked over to the two, greeted them warmly. "Oh, you've adopted this little one?" he asked as he looked over Ghali.

"That's right," Gerald replied as Ghali held onto his hand, not exactly afraid, but quite curious. "He's been with my husband and I for two years now."

"Ah," Quinn made a noise of understanding before he indicated to the two surprisingly silent boys at the table. "Jemella and I have had these little ones for about three years. Quite young when we adopted them. They seem to alternate between calling me Mama and Papa as well. Of course, I blame Jemella."

The slight bit of tension in Gerald's shoulders relaxed and he laughed. He, too, was obviously feeling more at ease.

"There's a small park located on the east of the residence. Has Ghali seen it yet?"

"No, not yet. But now that he knows, he'd be excited to find it for himself."

"Why don't I show you," Quinn suddenly suggested. "The boys are full of energy themselves. It would be nice to have them expend that energy before dinner."

Gerald thought for a moment before he nodded his head. "Hm. Yes, I think we'll do that, too."

Lynus smiled warmly as he reached out to touch Gerald's arm, softly gaining his attention. "Go on ahead. I'll tell Shiki where you are. Though, I'm sure he'll find you on his own nevertheless."

Remedy found himself doing the same with his brother. "And I'll be sure to tell Jemella when he gets back from speaking with Mueller."

Quinn turned to him and nodded. "Very well," he said before he turned to his sons. "Come along, boys. Let's show Ghali the park, shall we?"

The two boys immediately hopped from their chairs and scurried over to Quinn. They soon approached Ghali, who looked at them curiously in return. Quinn motioned for them to step outside the room, turning to speak to Gerald as he ventured out. The two adults of the group stayed a step or so behind the boys as they chatted animatedly amongst themselves.

Lynus stepped to the side to allow them to exit and he watched as they departed, a rather…fond expression on his face. "It'll be good for them," he said softly as the group disappeared from sight and hearing range.

Remedy had to agree. "The kids are sure to get along great."

However, Lynus shook his head slightly. "It wasn't only the children I was referring to."

Oh…

"Yeah," Remedy said as he turned to face his fellow medic, noting that he still held that sense of warmth and fondness in his gaze. "You're right."

He was…a genuinely kind person, wasn't he?

"By the way, Shiki? Gerald's husband?" Remedy questioned.

"That's right. A ronin and a complete dad. You'll be sure to meet him soon."

Hm? Lynus tone was teasing, and yet Remedy couldn't help but feel there was a warning attached to it nevertheless…

"Ah, right, I should introduce you," Remedy said as he remembered that there were others in the room. "This is Zircon, Simon, and Lindis. Guys, this is Lynus."

"Pleasure to meet you," Lynus said warmly to the chorus of greetings.

"Of the Guardian Guild, yes?" Simon questioned as he pushed himself to his feet and walked toward Lynus. "We've heard of you."

"Anything we should be embarrassed about?" Lynus joked.

"Hardly," Simon smiled. "How many of your guild is here, if you don't mind me asking?"

Lynus chuckled. "Literally everyone."

"Thirty-three in total, right?" Remedy supplied for him, somewhat enjoying the startled and disbelieving looks from the others.

"Right," Lynus chuckled again. "You've been invaded by Lagaardians, I'm afraid."

"That…is quite the surprise, all right," Simon murmured, his eyes taking on a faraway look. As if having trouble comprehending the vast number of new arrivals.

Lynus suddenly perked up and clapped his hands in front of him. "Oh, yes, you don't have beast companions in Etria, do you?"

Remedy tilted his head to the side. "Hm? No, we don't."

"Then I best warn you of a few certain companions we've brought with us," Lynus said before he began to count off his fingers. "First, there is a sabre-tooth white tiger called Chi-hung. Second, there's three wolf companions; Farley, Wulfgar, and Wulfgar Jr. They're completely harmless and well-trained, so there's nothing to worry about. Their appearance can be intimidating, though. Oh, and don't be alarmed if you encounter two certain individuals. They appear half-bird like. They're called Winged Ones, though their names are Canaan and Skylark. They're inhabitants of Lagaard's labyrinth. They're completely harmless and I'm sure you'll all get along well."

Remedy couldn't help but feel the sense a pride coming from Lynus as he began to prattle cheerfully as the others listened silently. He sounded almost like a parental figure chatting happily about their kids and family members.

It was both amusing and heartening.

Things were certainly going to get interesting around here.