Back at the inn, Variante was still at a shock at Jewel's revelation. "You're...brother?" he gasped.
Slayer looked at him scornfully. "What's the matter? Can't believe that I actually have a sister? Or the fact that Jewel's my sister amazes you," he taunted.
Jewel glanced sternly at Slayer and said, "Enough, Slay. Be polite to my friends."
Slay subsided. Sakura butted in, "Uh, Jewel? Is this the 'friend' you were supposed to meet?" She glanced at the silent but sulky blacksmith.
Jewel nodded and replied, "Actually, Slay is here for the same reason as I am. We are assigned to accompany Silver on his perilous journey to Lord Thantos and finish what his parents' quest. Which brings us to this point," she glanced at Silver momentarily before continuing, "This journey will prove to be a dangerous one. And Lord Thantos is sure to send out his powerful warriors to annihilate Silver. You've already seen a few of his assaults, and those are the mildest. Now, I would just be frank to all of you. Would you or would you not wish to follow us in our journey?"
She looked from one face to the other solemnly. Tranquil sneaked a glance at the wizard before replying quietly, "I'm coming along."
Black said instantly, "Hey, I'm not going to ditch a friend in need either! I'm coming along too." Variante and Sakura chorused their agreement. Silver looked at his friends' faces with wonder. He was touched by their loyalty and bravery.
"Thank you, all of you," he said quietly.
Someone knocked at the door and Sakura got up to open it. "Surprise, surprise! I'm back!" Mika's voice rang cheerfully as she peeked her grinning face inside.
"Mika! Where have you been?" Variante cried out in surprise. He was even more surprised to see the young novice beside her.
"Ooh, Mika! Gotten yourself a boyfriend now have you?" Tranquil said impishly before cackling with laughter at the novice's mollified face.
Smiling, Mika retorted, "Cut it out Tranquil! You're making him redder than the sunset outside."
"Guys, I would like you to meet Clay Verdant. Clay's in a spot of trouble and I thought we could lend him a hand," she continued, smiling.
Sakura pretended to be immersed in her thoughts. "Hmm, to help or not to help," she said jokingly. Silver cut in, "Hey, come one! No more suspense please! I think we've had just about enough of it for one day anyway."
Variante looked at Sakura and then at Silver before shaking his head. "When will the two of you actually grow up," he muttered before continuing in a louder voice, "Sure, count me in! I'll lend a hand anytime."
Beaming at him, Mika looked at the rest questioningly. Raising his hands in defeat, Black exclaimed, "Alright! I'll do it." Tranquil nodded her agreement, smiling at the shy novice.
Slay and Jewel looked at each other before nodding their agreement as well. "Sakura? Silver?" Mika asked them. Groaning, Sakura replied, "As if we have a choice! If I say no, you guys will kill me!"
"You can count on that Sakkie!" Black said cheerfully. Everyone laughed. Finally, Silver nodded his head and said, "Alright, I'm in as well." Sakura chorused her agreement.
"Now what are we waiting for? Let's get down to business!" Slay exclaimed.
Mika beamed. Clay smiled gratefully.
"Clay, why don't you explain it all," Mika said encouragingly while settling down on a chair nearby.
Hesitatingly, Clay started his story, "Well, it all started when..."