Chapter 38
Inner Demons
He knew he was asleep. Which was weird. He knew it and yet he saw nothing.
"What a weird dream..." Abel scratched his head, scanning his surroundings."I can't even imagine something into reality."
"That's because this is no dream."
A figure similar to his silhouette appeared in front of him, earning a yelp after being startled."Y-you!"
"What? No thank you? Sheez, you're very ungrateful, you know?" Bel scoffed, floating around him."I did all the heavy lifting, Superstar."
"You tried to kill my friends!" Abel protested, shooing him away."You nearly killed my captain! What is wrong with you?!"
"Aw, they weren't in any danger. I just wanted to stretch my legs." Bel giggled maliciously."Everything worked out in the end, didn't it?"
"You tried to kill my friends!" Abel was having none of it, jabbing his finger against Bel's corporeal body.
"Okaaaay. You're clearly upset." Bel flew higher in the air."Maybe I did go overboard. But hey, everything worked out like I said, right? Come on. Relax a little."
"This is insane." Abel took a deep breath, sitting down on the black void."What even are you? How are you inside of me? And how did you give me all that power?"
"You're worrying about all the wrong things, Superstar."
"How?! A being of unknown origins is talking to me in my head and nearly killed my friends!" Abel exploded, panting."My head is killing me and I...I...oh, god...Ms. Isabella...I remember everything..."
"Bingo. You remember that bastard who dared take her life away from her, don't you?" Bel forged on."That Child of Sceva guy. You were the one who fought him. Not me. I just guided your rage in the right direction and boosted your emotions. So close but as expected of your second time, you couldn't handle it very well."
"Second time...that's right. I remember." Abel nodded in understanding."Back in the Black Market Raiden tried to kill Mariella. And I got so mad at him that I blacked out...but I was receiving your power."
"Ding ding ding! We have a winner!"
"And they want me...is it because of you? Do they know of your existence?" Abel asked, eager for answers."They keep calling me Bel. It has to be because of you."
"Meh, could be. I doubt it though." Bel snickered."I think they're under the wrong impression. They are...shall we say, misguided. But then again, everyone in the world is. Including us."
"W-what?" Abel was dumbfounded."What are you blabbering about? Can you just give me answers?!"
"Woah, calm down there, Superstar." Bel rose his hands in mock defeat."Relax. I'm not your enemy. But I am pretty lazy to explain everything. You'll learn as you go. I'll be right there to help you."
"I don't want your help! You tried to hurt my friends! I will never forgive you!"
"Pfft. Yeah, okay." Bel snickered at his outburst."You WILL need my powers again one day. It's just a matter of time. And who knows? You'll probably become addicted to the feeling and our relationship will become rather...intimate, shall we say. Now wake your ass up. WAKE UP!"
"AHHH!" Abel suddenly screamed, startling everyone in the room.
"Gosh! You scared me half to death!" Vanessa held a hand against her chest and another one with a bottle. She was sitting on Raiden's bed while the former looked as puzzled as the rest.
"What's up with him?" Raiden asked.
"It's...complicated to explain." Vanessa pursed her lips upon remembering the previous state in which she saw Abel."But he's okay. He was okay now."
"Huh. Makes me wonder what I missed. But..." Raiden trailed off as he stared at the "IV" or whatever it was, connected to him and supplying him with blood. He couldn't tell."Nearly died there."
"Are you feeling better? Take a sip." Vanessa offered him the bottle of wine in her hands."Could help."
"I'll pass." Raiden gently pushed the bottle away.
"Really? That's odd. Did you stop drinking?"
"What do you mean?" Raiden quirked a brow, confused.
"You haven't been drinking alcohol in quite a while now." Vanessa elaborated."Even before this trip. But maybe that's a good thing. You said before you drink to put your mind at ease. It could mean you're finally beginning to get rid of that burden."
"Do you...really think so?" The amber-eyed boy asked, his voice low.
"Of course. And you haven't been waking up screaming your head off. The others can attest to that as well. So no nightmares for you."
"Come to think of it, I haven't had any nightmares recently, yeah." Raiden nodded in confirmation.
"Do you know what caused them in the first place? Does it have to do with what happened to you in your past? You once told me your friend was sick. Johan told me as well."
"Something like that." Raiden shifted in his bed, his gaze falling on Gauche, and Grey who were in beds next to his, and then to Charmy, who despite her injuries, was busy devouring food on a plate. He sighed in relief. A few hours ago they were brought in in critical condition after fighting Mary. Somehow they all pulled through. The citizens of the Underwater Temple were kind enough to offer their blood for blood transfusions."But I'm fine now. I think."
"I'm happy for you." Vanessa grabbed him by the shoulders and proceeded to pat him on the cheeks."If you ever decide to speak about your troubles remember we're all here for you. The same goes for everyone else."
"How nice of you." Gauche grumbled under his breath, keeping his eyes closed."I can't believe I have to be carried around."
"It's only temporary until your back heals." Vanessa comforted him."It could have been a lot worse."
Raiden chuckled at their interaction, removing his sheets off him and grabbing the IV."W-w-where are you g-g-going?"
He looked over to Grey who was hiding behind her covers."Just going out for a bit. I'll be back."
"So what did you do that everyone keeps looking at you weirdly?" Magna whispered to Abel as he and Luck were sitting down on his bed.
"I don't know." Abel lied, feigning ignorance."I learned a new spell and I kind of lost control. Maybe that's why?"
"A new spell?! Cool!" Luck jumped on the bed, throwing punches in the air."I wanna see it! Let's go fight right now!"
"We all came out of an ass beating and the first thing you want is to fight again?" Magna gave Luck a tired look."Slow down a little, it won't kill you."
"Maybe, but it won't make me stronger." Luck shot Magna a cocky grin."I can leave you in the dust if you want."
"What?! Hell no! I'll get even stronger than you!"
"You're both worried about the wrong things." Finral chimed in from across."I'm pretty sure Abel is stronger than both of you. He was...doing crazy things back there. He even gave Captain Yami a run for his money."
Abel's eyes turned completely pale, hearing Bel's cackles inside his mind.
"What? Why did he fight the Captain?" Magna asked before he set his priorities straight."WHAT?! You fought Yami and gave him trouble?!"
"I wouldn't say that...I'm sure he was just toying with me." Abel deflated, mimicking Grey and hiding under his covers until Luck took them from him.
"Now I want to fight you for real! Come on Abel just a quick match!"
"Nah, he's fighting me! I'm not falling behind either of you!"
"Finral...why?" Abel sent Finral a pleading look, but the spatial-magic mage shifted his gaze to the ceiling and whistled.
"Jeez...Vanessa, tell them something!" Abel tried to squirm away, hopping from bed to bed until he landed in front of Vanessa, touching her shoulder. The pinkette instinctively recoiled, stunning him."Vanessa...?"
Vanessa quivered, staring into Abel's eyes and realizing the stark contrast between Abel now and before.
"I hate you...I DESPISE all of you! I can't wait to slaughter you!" She recalled Abel declaring in his mad state, aiming his finger at Noelle before firing a thundering shot.
"Abel, you better have a good explanation for that shit you pulled back then." Gauche was blunt as ever, glaring at the brown-haired teen."What the hell was going through your head when you attacked us and the captain? Furthermore, since when do you have Lightning Magic?"
"Huh?" Both Luck and Magna who were unconscious at the time echoed in unison.
"Gauche, please." Vanessa tried to calm him down to no avail.
"No, Vanessa." Gauche grabbed the needle supplying him with blood from his arm and yanked it off, approaching Abel with thunderous steps."This little twerp was about to kill us. I have every right to be mad."
"He wasn't in control of himself." Finral stood up, standing in front of them."The Captain said he will handle it. Whatever happened with Abel we will figure it out. But there's no need to treat him this way."
"Of course, you would say that. You two are two peas in a pod." Gauche cliked his tongue."You defend him because he's the only one who treats you like this dependable senior that looks after his juniors."
"I could say the same thing about you." Finral stood his ground."Back when Raiden was being a jerk, you kept defending him and excusing him. You have no room to complain about people picking sides. And of course, you don't care because like Raiden you would often be a huge jackass and he would put up with you rambling about your sister!"
"Say that again, I dare you!"
"ENOUGH!"
To their surprise and disbelief, it was Charmy who intervened in the argument. She had her hair down and was covered in bandages, but for some reason, she seemed a bit taller than normal."We're all on edge because of what happened. And that's perfectly normal. But that doesn't excuse us from fighting amongst ourselves. We all were in some deep trouble back there but we made it together. We're alive and well. Sure, we failed the mission but we still have each other. I don't know what happened over there and neither do you, Gauche. Please let the Captain sort this out and avoid causing trouble. And Finral, don't bring up his sister like that. You know it's a sensitive topic."
Both boys stared down at Charmy, baffled at how right she sounded.
"I...I'm sorry, Gauche. I...I know you don't respect me. And I've been wrong in trying to make you respect me. Respect is something you earn, not demand. But I'm trying to change and become someone you guys can depend on. And hopefully one day you can depend on me too. Abel has been a huge help in helping me become a better superior. So I know what kind of person he is. He would never try to hurt us willingly."
"You know... sometimes you can be a pain in the ass but it's not like I don't respect you. But I'm not oblivious as to what you did to help Asta and the others. And Abel? Look, I'm still upset, but it wouldn't be fair if I didn't give you a chance to explain. You say you lost control? Then you lost control. But try not to let that happen too much."
"Everyone made up?" Charmy glanced around before smiling triumphantly."Great. Now group hugs!"
"What? No." Gauche was silenced by Vanessa forcefully grabbing him and Finral and pulling them all together with Charmy and Abel in the middle.
Meanwhile, Luck and Manga stared, bewildered at what had just happened. The delinquent removed his glasses, sighing."What the hell did we miss? This is what happens for getting thrown out of the fight first..."
Raiden walked around the corridors of the Underwater Temple, hands in his pockets. He didn't know why, but for some reason Nero decided to tag along with him, sitting on his shoulder. The fact that the bird would go from violently pecking him to sitting on his shoulder while he was alone was truly fascinating. Though the bird itself was nothing out of the ordinary, something still bothered him about it.
"Going on a walk with me, Nero?" Raiden scoffed, scratching his nose."Gotta warn you, it won't be as exciting as you probably think. I have to...go see these two kids. Make sure they're okay...or as far as the word okay applies to them. I didn't know Kahono lived here. She struck me as odd back then, but not like this. And she has a brother too. And they both fought against that beast guy to protect our friends. And in the end, it cost them dearly...What a fucked up world this is, huh?"
Nero said nothing, simply moving his head to glance at Raiden's facial expression.
"Ah, sorry. I'm probably boring you to death but I just want to get this out of my system, you know? After all, this whole thing has been a big mess that I caused. Well, partially. If I didn't play into Mary's hands, she would never have taken this twisted liking to me and she would never have come after my friends just to get me to fight her. And if that didn't happen, I would have been able to help the others against that Vetto guy. And I could have prevented Kahono and her brother from being hurt...It's stupid how complicated life is, you know, Nero? We think we have control of our lives and how we want to plan things out but we're so wrong. One little decision is all it takes to make two realities different. And that's just me. Imagine how big something as fate is to fit in so many people's realities and how they differ from every decision they make. It's mind-blowing. And on top of that...Chris...it's my fault she's an orphan now..."
The amber-eyed teen bit his lower lip."I wonder...if we can even stop the coming of the Antichrist and the destruction of the world. If it's truly fated by destiny, then doesn't that mean it will happen regardless? Even then, I don't even know if the Order of the First can be stopped. They probably gave the Eye of the Midnight Sun the Magic Stone by now, making them closer to their objective."
Raiden carefully rubbed Nero's head."I was powerless to stop Mary and Joseph...if I can't even do that, can I ever save Amber? Can I protect her from those monsters from before? How do I know the same situation won't repeat itself...I...I can't lose anyone else. My family...they're all I have. The only thing that keeps me going."
Sharp pain on his right cheek prompted him to stop in his tracks. Nero was repeatedly pecking him."Ouch! What was that for?!"
Expecting no response, Raiden just stared at Nero, who stared back."Yeah...I got the message. You're right. I have another thing that keeps me going. My squad. My friends. I'm not alone anymore. We can make a difference. I know it."
Eventually, Raiden reached the room he was looking for, noticing the door was open. The raven-haired teen touched the door, ready to open it when he heard voices coming from inside. Clearing his throat he pushed inside."Please excuse me."
"Raiden." Noelle gasped, quickly cleaning the evident tears on her face.
"Hey," Raiden said with a poker face, hands in his pockets as he wordlessly approached her and bedridden Kahono. He noticed the young man on the bed next to hers sleeping, which he assumed to be her brother."You crying, Noelle? That's so unlike you."
"Can you ever stop being so insensitive, you jerk?" Noelle growled, clenching her fists."I was having a conversation with Kahono!"
"Calm down, Noelle." Kahono used her magic to communicate."He's just teasing you. Right, Raiden?"
"You know me so well." Raiden rose his hands in mock defeat."You got me. I've gotten better at this teasing business, haven't I?"
"It's not the worse, I'll give you that." Noelle huffed, holding her head high.
Rolling his eyes, the boy approached the duo, giving Kahono a weak smile."Sorry. I couldn't be there to help you. Maybe if things had been different, you wouldn't have gotten hurt like this. Or your brother. I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?" Kahono beckoned him to get closer, which he obliged. She rubbed his back gently in an attempt to soothe him."I heard you guys had your own fight going on and barely made it out alive. You can't be in two places. I don't blame you for any of this."
"Nobody does." Noelle nodded."We all did what we could. We can't worry about hypotheticals all the time, otherwise, we'll go insane."
"But still...I got a history with Blood Mary. She purposely sought me out and used Gauche, Grey, and Charmy as bait to lure me in. All because I fell into her tricks back then and she took an interest in me." Raiden's voice trembled."If only I hadn't been so stupid...so naive...Aw, shit! I can't get all mopey like this! I was supposed to make you girls feel better!"
"Wait...you came here to cheer us up?" Noelle questioned, causing Raiden to lightly blush in embarrassment.
"W-why do you have to put it like that? You're making it sound all cheesy and stuff...It's just...well, we're all together in one room and I thought Kahono here would get lonely if her brother is sleeping. I thought you'd be with Asta."
"And why would you think that?!"
"I think I know why, Noelle." Kahono jumped in the teasing."You should be more honest with yourself. By the way, where is Asta?"
"Beats me." Raiden answered, taking the liberty of sitting down on the edge of the bed."Probably with the Captain. His arms got messed up pretty badly. Until they're healed, we're gonna have to take care of his needs."
"W-w-what...?" Noelle's face drained completely of all color."What do you mean...?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Raiden waved her off.
"It amazes me how you seem in good spirits after such a big fight." Kahono couldn't help but praise."I mean...I took a look at you when we were all brought in and you were covered in blood...your blood..."
"You're one to talk." Raiden shot back."But I've been through worse. Way worse. I don't have any defensive spells so sometimes I have to take the blunt force of an attack head-on."
"Really? Like, nothing at all?" Kahono tilted her head, worried about his wellbeing."What about healing magic?"
"Nothing like that. Just attack spells." Raiden replied as if there was nothing out of the ordinary."Johan is the one who takes care of that department for me."
"Johan?"
"His best friend." Noelle answered for him."But Johan is in a different squad and has his own business to take care of. He can't always be your shield and you can't always be his sword."
"Yeah. I thought about that. But it's been working out so far." Raiden scratched the back of his head."But I know eventually, my luck will run out and I'll have to think outside the box."
"I suppose we all have areas where we can improve." Noelle said with a thoughtful look."I didn't know I was capable of creating such a powerful attack spell until just recently. I thought I was a defensive mage all along. Maybe you'll eventually get a defensive spell of your own."
"Maybe..." Raiden trailed off."Though it's not my style. I'm a simple-minded guy. All I can do well is strike whatever is in front of me. Planning, tactics, strategies, healing, and defense aren't my schtick. Not what I'm used to."
"Geez, you're stubborn." Noelle huffed in annoyance."I never met a guy more stubborn than you. It's like talking to a brick wall. Why are you afraid of changing all of a sudden? I thought you were more open-minded."
"Stubborn? Me?" Raiden scoffed, glaring at her."I don't want to hear that from you, Ms. Royal."
"Hey! What are you-"
"Can we just agree that you're both pretty stubborn?" Kahono voiced her opinion, silently giggling.
Both mages glared at each other before turning away with smiles, crossing their arms."Fine."
"Anyway..." Raiden sighed, hand on his hip."I should get going. I'm feeling pretty sleepy still. You girls should rest up too. We all deserve a break."
"I promised Kahono that I would be there when she heals up and goes to the surface to perform as an idol. Can you do the same, Raiden?"
"Like you need to ask." Raiden glanced over his shoulder with a smirk."I'm down. Let us know and we'll go running. We'll take the whole gang."
"Yeah! It will be so much fun!" Noelle nodded enthusiastically.
"I'll leave you two alone for now. See you around." With that, Raiden exited the room and Nero soon landed on his shoulder again."Can't leave me alone, can you?"
"Lightning Magic: Fourth Zone - Electro Sphere!"
Yudachi aimed his crossbow at a tree before releasing the lightning arrow at it. The arrow itself morphed into a sphere that exploded on impact, lightning scattering around the intended target.
Grimacing, Yudachi spat on the grass. He was currently outside, far from his squad's base in his private and secret training grounds."Only 5 meters, huh? If only I could increase the range of the explosion I could not only damage the main target but stunt those around them."
"So this is where you run off to when you leave."
Yudachi raised his crossbow, creating an arrow and aiming at the newcomer who was standing on a branch. He recognized the ginger boy and his orange locks along with that kind smile."Arthur...what are you doing here...?"
"Just came to see what was all that ruckus about." Arthur jumped off, landing in front of the shaggy-hair teen. Yudachi had his hair tried up in a ponytail and his bangs away from his eyes, though a few bangs were sticking to his forehead due to the sweat."I could see the light show from the balcony. So, training?"
"Yeah," Yudachi responded dryly, dusting off his clothes.
"Why not use one of our training grounds? It'd be better than being out here and destroying all these trees." Arthur said, twirling around and admiring the scenery."Though, I can understand why you don't."
"If you know that then what's the point in asking?" He snarled, hoping that he would stop asking questions.
"I was thinking that maybe you had another reason." Arthur supplied with a shrug."You seem like a pretty complex guy, so I wanted to make sure. Complex in a good way by the way. Like, when you can't figure out a person because they aren't as simple as others. It's a good thing, actually. I find that interesting."
"Can you just get to the point, Arthur?" Yudachi groaned."Just...if you came here to laugh at me get it over with."
"Laugh? Why would I laugh?"
"Everybody in our squad always does. I'm sick of it. That's why I'm here right now. To get stronger to shut them all up one day."
"Huh. This is odd." Arthur rubbed his chin thoughtfully."I heard you were a little more confident. You're going around pretending you're a noble, right?"
Yudachi lowered his gaze, refusing to meet his gaze.
"It's fine. I'm not here to chastise you about that. I think one should aspire to be what one wants to be. And hey, as long as you're not harming anybody, I don't think there's an issue. But why do you do that? I'm curious, you don't have to answer if you don't want."
"I don't want to."
"Okay then." Arthur nodded, not pressing the boy further."But I take it you're a straight-to-the-point kind of guy. So I'll keep this short and sweet."
Yudachi stared at Arthur as he marched towards him, his friendly expression turning serious in a heartbeat."I know what you're doing. Johan and Cain told me."
"Those sneaky little shits..." Yudachi grumbled under his breath.'I shouldn't have said anything if I knew they would rat me out.'
"I won't tell the Captain and neither will them. But I want you to stop this at once. Hunting down the Order of the First or the Eye of the Midnight Sun on your own is nothing short of foolish. You'll be killed or worse. Think about your family. How do you think they'll feel?"
"My family? What the hell do you know?!" Yudachi marched up to Arthur, getting right up in his face."You don't know a damn thing about me! Nothing at all! You don't know what it's like to be looked down upon. You don't know being stuck at the bottom and not being able to climb out of the damn hole no matter how hard you try to crawl! You have everything! Everything I want to have! Status, money, popularity, power! So don't come around lecturing me about what I can or can't do or saying that I don't have it so bad. Because it's just sugarcoating it. My parents do the same shit and I hate it. I despise it!"
Arthur waited for Yudachi to catch his breath, an impassive look on his face. He studied the younger mage's features. He was frustrated and holding back tears, but he could tell he was holding back as hard as he could. His pride would not allow tears to be shed.
"You're right. I can't see things from your perspective. We both had different upbringings and grew up in different environments. And I'm indeed exceptionally powerful since I'm royalty. Nephew of the Clover King no less. I guess I never found myself concerned with how strong I am compared to others, so I can't say I know what it's like to feel like I'm inferior to others."
Clearing his throat, he took a step forward and placed a hand on Yudachi's shoulder."But you know what's funny? You say I have what you want, but the same could be said about you."
"Huh? What do you mean? Don't mess with me!"
"I'm serious as a heart attack. You know, unlike me, you're free. Being born a royal, my life is already decided for me. All my decisions. All I can do is follow the path laid for me as if destiny itself is dragging me along. I have to act a certain way and if I do something out of line, I get in trouble. You get to do whatever you want whenever you want. You have the liberty to choose your destiny and be what you want to be. The world doesn't have to shape who you are. You have the one thing I lack. Freedom. And you also have loving parents."
"H-how do you-"
"I met them down at the Capital the other day. They are lovely. Spoke nothing but the best of you." Arthur's smile widened."They think the world of you. And they're proud. Not because you're part of the Golden Dawn but because they know you're doing your best. On the other hand, I never get any type of compliment. The bar is set so high I have to become the Clover King if I ever want my family to praise me. And that's fine. But I don't let that deter me from who I am and what I stand for. And you shouldn't either. You've probably faced hardships I couldn't even begin to imagine. You're tough as nails and dedicated. I admire people like you. You are who you are, not what others tell you to be. But if you feel the need to prove your worth...I'll help you. I'll help you track down the Order of the First. Not to improve my status but to prevent any more people from dying at their hands. Too much blood has already been spilled. Innocents...So, what do you say? Will you take me as your partner?"
Slapping his hand away, Yudachi turned away, hiding his face."Damn it...was there any need in saying all that sappy crap? If you want to help, then do what you want. I won't stop you. But I don't need a babysitter either. Does that work for you?"
"Sure!" Arthur nodded, happy to see Yudachi agreeing to his idea."We'll stop those terrorists together. What do you say? Should we name our little team?"
"Don't push it." Yudachi snorted, but a ghost of a smile appeared momentarily on his face.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace of the Clover Kingdom, a meeting was being held between three very important figures currently residing in one room.
"So, how do you like our kingdom so far, Prince Damian?" Julius asked. Damian, the Clover King, and himself were enjoying dinner hosted by Damian, who was gracious enough to provide the food that he had brought for them to taste.
"It's really comfy, I'll say. I feel right at home." Damian rose the glass of champagne in his hand, giving his cheers."Though it's a lot more peaceful than my kingdom, I'll say. I can actually relax here."
"Pardon if I sound intrusive, but why is it that you say that, young prince?" The Clover King asked, cleaning his mouth with a napkin.
"We have many heathens back home. People who either hate God or want don't believe in Him and want to force their ideals on the rest of the citizens. They create independent factions all around and we have to send our army to deal with the insurgency. It's hard to get rid of the problem permanently because we don't know who the enemy is. We know they take over different towns here and there and make them their bases of operations, but most of the time they are your day-to-day average Joe. And for some reason, they inspire others to follow their path, so they increase their numbers. Thus, the problem seems endless."
"All of that for religion?" Julius hummed to himself."It must mean a great deal to you."
"Our kingdom is said to have been blessed by God himself when the first king migrated from the Spade Kingdom. And well, it's become so integrated into our culture that it's basically all we know. But we aren't fanatics or anything like that. I, for example, don't really care. Sure, I pray now and then but I'm not super into it if that makes sense. But anyway, religion is merely one part of the problem. People fight for all sorts of things, do they not?"
"True. It seems like fights can happen for any reason." Julius agreed, frowning."Resources, economy, status. The list is endless."
"People just want to fight over anything." The king scoffed."Nothing but savages. On another note, young prince, this dish you had your guard prepare is exquisite."
"I concur. I've never had such delicious fish before."
"Ah, you like it, don't you?" Damian gave them a big grin."We have a great and different variety of fish on the other side of the sea. Plus, we use different ingredients as to what you're accustomed to. Do try the cups of coffee we've prepared for you. You'll be surprised."
Not wanting to offend the prince, both kings took a sip off the cups of coffee and were immediately in awe.
"Do I sense a hint of cinnamon? No...more than a hint. And yet I also taste the coffee hasn't lost its flavor." Julius inspected the cup in his hand.
"Mine tastes like caramel and it goes so well. What did she put in this, exactly?"
"We have a different way of flavoring our coffees. Sure, can put sugar and a bit of milk but I'm sure that can get very bland and repetitive the more you try it. So we use a different way to keep things varied. Creamers, they call them. Basically, milk mixed with whatever flavor you can think of. Some people like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Among other things. There are also regular, flavorless creamers. But they aren't meant to be enjoyed on their own, like milk. It's just for people who enjoy the standard flavor of coffee with sugar and milk. I don't mean to brag, but this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we have to offer in the Ace Kingdom. I don't mind giving you a shipment full of them and adding them to the things I agreed to provide you with."
"You are much too generous, Prince Damian." Julius gave him a warm smile."But I don't understand why you won't agree to a full-fledged alliance between our kingdoms. While we appreciate your willingness for a neutral alliance, why not just-"
"Pardon me to interrupt you, Julius." Damian held his hand up."As you know, our kingdom is still on its way to getting back on its feet. And of course, we are very much grateful for accepting some of our people to come here and work. But my father believes that it is much too soon to ally with us. He says that a strong alliance requires a strong foundation first. So for now, all I can offer you is our services. But rest assured, once we have our doors ready, you will be the first to know. We are very eager to have you on our lands."
"Speaking of which, why did the Ace King not come instead of you?" The King asked."While you are educated and know what you're doing, I was expecting to meet face to face with him instead."
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Clover King. But my dad's age prevents him from leaving the palace for long periods of time. Let alone the kingdom. Don't get me wrong, he's still up and about but he prefers to stay home. Security reasons and all. Also because he likes to be around his little motley crew of harlots. But that's another story for another time."
"Your father sounds like a man of refined tastes." The king rose his cup in appreciation."I like to have women around me as well to keep me company. It gets so lonely to be in this position sometimes, so I understand."
"On another note, will you extend your stay with us, Damian?" Julius asked, changing the subject."We'd love to have you longer."
"Ah, of course. I don't mind staying here a few more days." Damian shrugged nonchalantly."Not like they need me back at home right now."
"Are you sure, Julius?" The king voiced his concern."With all these terrorists running around it could be dangerous. We must tell the Magic Knights to hurry in their pursuit."
"You shouldn't worry about me, sir. I may look small, but I'm actually a capable mage." He gave him a cocky grin."I might be the fastest mage in our kingdom."
"Oh?" Julius's eyes widened at the news."Now you piqued my interest. What type of magic do you have?"
"I'm afraid I can't disclose that information." He stated, hiding his hands in his pockets as he closed his eyes."If I did, then it wouldn't be much of a mystery-"
"Think fast!"
An empty jar was thrown at the prince by Julius' magic at blinding speeds, but he saw it coming. The jar was slapped away before it broke into pieces, flying back to the source. Julius merely rose his arm, using Time Magic to stop the shards colliding with himself and the King."Oh. So that's what your magic is."
Damian clicked his tongue, glancing down at the thing he had created behind him. A scorpion-like tail composed of bones wiggled about, nearly twice the size of the young man.
"Julius! Was that necessary? This is an outrage!" The king slammed his hands on the table.
"Don't be like that, your Highness. There was no way possible that Damian wouldn't have been able to stop that." Julius responded easily, exchanging looks with Damian."Bone Magic, huh? Interesting. I wasn't expecting that. And for a bone tail no less. And your reaction speed is outstanding. I see you weren't exaggerating with your claim."
"It's one of my many assets." Damian maintained his cool, though amazed to see Julius' magic."And to think you had Time Magic. Incredible. I expected no less from the Wizard King himself. I can see why you're the strongest mage around. But I was kind of expecting some kind of test."
"I can see you're more than capable, Damian. And I trust your assistant is as well. So I say you're more than welcome to extend your stay. Is that okay, your Highness?"
"Naturally. This young man traveled from across the ocean to visit us and we want him to enjoy himself as much as possible. Do let us know if there's anything you want."
"You got my sincerest thanks." Damian deactivated his spell, stepping off his chair."I'll go walk around for a bit. Is that fine?"
"Please, go ahead."
With their blessings, Damian excited the room, stumbling across Elsa who was patiently waiting, leaning against a wall."All done, your majesty?"
"For now, yeah." Damian scratched the back of his head, yawning."I do hate these diplomatic meetings. Kinda sucks. Kinda wish I could just send you to them instead, but you know how it would look if I didn't show my face. It's bad enough my father can't be here."
"I know you do an outstanding job at negotiations, Damian." Elsa grabbed his suitcase from him, following close behind.
"Negotiations? Those were done the first day we came here." Damian scoffed."Right now, we're just visitors, tourists. Or...spectators, I suppose. Who knows, maybe we'll come across one of these so-called terrorists they're dealing with. Could be fun. I need to stretch my legs."
"I don't think it's wise for us to start getting involved in these kinds of matters. But I suppose that won't stop you, right?"
Chuckling, Damian shamelessly reached for her hand, causing her to gasp."I can't become the strongest if I don't take these kinds of risks. Besides, I can't let you know who has all the action. He'll get ahead of me."
"So you're still set on him, huh?" Elsa's expression softened, slightly disappointed.
"Of course I am." Damian proclaimed, letting off her hand and grabbing his wrists."I will never lose to that pauper again. Never. So either he dies in this kingdom or he will die by my hand!"
