It had been a month since Perla took on her job as Martha's third apprentice and it was safe to say her methods of healing...brought a lot of attention. Modern medical practices were difficult enough but without the equipment that she would usually use, she had to find alternatives. Even if Sophia was in a difficult mental state after the revelation of her curse, she put it aside and went on to help Perla. She guided the young woman on how to make some modern medicines using alternatives that were available in the world of fire emblems. As well as how to commission a blacksmith on how to build her tools. By the second week, she had been in Brodia, she had everything ready.
"So let me guess this straight," Martha said as she watched Perla mixing ingredients and looked at the notebook on the table, all filled with a bunch of formulas that she did not understand, "the medicine you are currently making, is used in your world, to stop internal bleeding. And the other one you are currently working on is a form of nutrition but into a tiny packed pill, called a vitamin?" She said and Perla nodded as she looked up at her glass flask.
"Okay, if we were in Elusia you would currently question or hanged for doing everything that wasn't traditional medicine. But me!" Martha proudly raised her hands, "BRING ALL THE KNOWLEDGE, BABY! TAKE THAT HYACINTH! FUCK YOU! I WAS RIGHT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The woman broke into a mad cackle as Sophia pinched the bridge of her nose as Martha proudly dove into the books that Perla translated into Elyos's language.
Sophia helped her translate them. Martha said that mages in Elyos would exchange knowledge for knowledge. This was especially done in Elusia but they weren't in Elusia, but Martha said it only seemed fair because technically she didn't give Perla the choice to be her apprentice. So, Perla sighed and accepted. Martha went on to teach her magic, alchemy, and Elyos medical ways in exchange for her otherworldly knowledge. And in that one month, Perla crammed everything she could. It felt like medical school over again. The long hours of studying, working, reading, and writing. Plus Sophia was also teaching her advanced surgical techniques, and the attention and praise she was receiving was a good sign that Brodia's people were happy they FINALLY had another medical professional other than Martha and her two other apprentices.
Not to also mention Martha told Perla that she would need to teach her medical methods to the mages in the army. The main reason? Brodia does not have a medical corps. Brodia is a nation of might, pride, and strength. Fighting to the death to defend their country, an injury you were told to shake off…Perla had her work cut out. At least, many of the citizens were grateful for her skills and kindness. At the moment, she was in a village near the capital. One of the main jobs Martha has had to do is traveling to villages around Brodia to take care of the sick and injured besides Lapis, Citrinne, Alcryst, Diamant, Amber, and Jade.
Lapis is a kind-hearted young woman with great but low self-esteem. The young woman was quick to notice how Perla was…very particular about spending money. She was quick to catch the woman searching for bargains and also making delicious foods out of leftover scraps. Between the two, Perla told Lapis that she did not come from a rich family. That the majority of her teen years were just her, her sister, and her brother. Money was tight so she and her sibling were always on budget and working to help take care of their grandparents and each other. From there, the women formed a kinship and became friends. Perla wished Nanami was present to show Lapis how to cook many recipes using the sweet yams Lapis's parents would send her every week. For now, Perla has shown Lapis how to make potato mochi with sweet yam filling, and the pink-haired woman fell in love with the recipe.
Perla's first impression of Citrinne was…that she was a bit…scary? But then Perla realized that the face Citrinne was making was just her resting face. Citrinne asked her if she scared her resting face but Perla let her know that she wasn't. That she understood the feeling.
"Let me show you my resting face," Perla said, took breaths, and made her face relaxed.
The nearby baker and people flinched suddenly while Citrinne's eyes sparkled. Perla's resting face had shadows covering her eyes with a frown, and her eyes became void of emotions as she continued her work.
"In my home, my siblings call this, my resting bitch face," Perla said and Citrinne burst out laughing as the woman made her expression return to normal.
"You and I are going to get along just fine!" Citrinne grinned brightly.
But Perla had to keep politely declining each time Citrinne wanted to spoil her. And not just any type of spoiling. As in, wanting to buy expensive and fancy gifts. Thankfully Lapis managed to stop Citrinne but the blonde insisted. She would not give and Perla was also stubborn, saying no each time.
Jade was a woman with a calm, collected, serious yet kind personality. She was a woman of few words but Perla got along with her. Even more so when she found out that Jade was a novelist.
"What stories do you write?" Perla asked as she and Jade were traveling together.
"I like to write comedy stories," Jade said with a small smile, "Do you write stories as well?"
"I do not. But my sister does?" Perla said and Jade looked at her puzzled, "What stories does she right?"
"Ahhh…yes…" Perla's gaze became half-lidded as she was hesitant, "Um…well…let me whisper it to you."
Jade leaned and Perla whispered, "She writes erotic novels." The knight's eyes went wide, his mouth opening and closing like fish before she looked back at the medic.
"Um…" Jade looked left and right before whispering to the medic, "Do you um…have one of her novels? I am interested in reading one." Now Perla looked at her shocked, "It's an uh…guilty pleasure." Jade blushed a bit.
Perla did have one of Nanami's novels in her bag. She told Jade she would lend it to her later.
Back to the present…
"Oh, it's a miracle! It's a boy!" The midwife that was assisting Perla helping a woman, announced happily to the mother that she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
"Congratulations!" Perla clapped her hands as the midwife gently cleaned the newborn child and she began to treat and clean the woman.
After another half-hour, and giving the new mother medicine and instructions, Perla left the house, went to the stables, and collapsed on a pile of hay, hands trembling as she raised them.
"I've done C-sections before but I've never done an actual birth before...H-How did mom manage...?" It was safe to say the woman was traumatized.
One month into the new world and Perl wanted to drown. She's seen horrible injuries but actual war injuries were sending her downhill. The fight against Elusia only seems to become worse, and the fight against the corrupted that have been appearing and lives lost was taking a toll on her physically and mentally. War injuries no matter how many times she treated them will always haunt her.
The attention she had been receiving because of her methods of healing without magic has gotten her nothing but praise. "Miracle worker" they are calling her. All the attention...
"Sigh...You're going through a similar experience as me." Sophia muttered softly as Perla felt a gentle yet ghostly hand patting her head, "The difference is that you aren't being held, hostage."
"What do you mean?" Perla said as Sophia let out a small sigh.
"I was...forced to work for an evil organization back in the world I was taken to." Sophia said, "They held the village that took me, hostage. They would spare their lives in exchange for me joining them. As much as I wanted to resist...I knew I would never forgive myself if I left them dead." She muttered softly.
"What...did they make you do?" Perla asked carefully as the Emblem chuckled softly.
"Ironically, they wanted me to save their people. They trained me in the dark arts but had me create medicine and heal the people of their nation so they would become stronger for war. I know very well what it's like being between two feuding nations." Sophia said, "We shouldn't even be part of their problems yet here we are." She sighed and Perla let out a yawn.
"Snort."
Perla turned and saw a pegasus, she had to keep herself from laughing.
"Did you escape again?" She said to the mythical creature that just snorted and went behind her, laid down, and rested its head on her lap, "Ah...Citrinne is going to get mad when she sees you escaped again." Perla said and the pegasus just snorted.
Perla then heard a meow and a woof, seeing a cat and a dog, quickly going towards her and joining them.
"Ah...alright...only for a little... a bit..." Perla muttered as her eyelids began to feel heavy, "Five minutes...won't hurt...Zzzzz..." the woman dozed off.
Sophia smiled softly as she watched the scene, more of the animals of the stables jumped out and decided to join them. Even Diamant's wyvern did. They snuggled up into a pile. What Perla did not know was that the other were looking for her.
"Perla! Perla!" Amber called out and kept looking around till he noticed the stable doors were open.
He went in and was shocked by the sight.
"I found her!" Amber yelled out to the group and they all went to the stables.
Diamant let a sigh but smiled softly seeing Perla asleep next to the pegasus and griffins, along with the recent wyvern hatchlings that were all piled on the woman's lap and stomach. Add the cats and dogs, and the pegasus having a wing over them, and an alpaca, it was the most adorable sight anyone had ever seen. The man had noticed that animals were always attracted to women. Even when they were on the front lines, the woman had some sort of charm in helping calm down the mounts. Even the owls and the messenger vultures (who never let Diamant or Alcryst near them) liked her.
"What is she doing sleeping here?" Lapis sighed, "This is the fourth time this month!" She said but had to stop herself from cooing seeing the hatchlings yawn.
"She's been working non-stop. It's interesting how so many of the animals flock to her." Amber said, shaking his head but the group turned hearing a click.
Jade held up a strange little wooden box with glass lends, smiling softly as a thing piece of spare came out of it. She gently waved it in the air and the black square spot on it gained color and soon it was cleared.
"What is that?" Amber asked and Jade chuckled as Citrinne quickly went up to her, eyes sparkling at the magic tool, "It is a magic tool called a Kamera. It can take a picture of a scene and preserve it on a piece of paper like this. I thought the scene was adorable." Jade said as they looked back to the Doctor sleeping.
"Should we wake her up?" Lapis asked and Diamant shook his head.
"No. It's best to let her rest."
[-]
Perla's first impression of Alcryst when she first met him in the woods was that he was a lost young man. A stubborn kind but a cowardly young man. But the cowardly part was thrown out of the window when she saw him fight. Under that, overly apologetic personality was truly a warrior. As the days went by in her days in Solm, Perla was quick to find out that Alcryst constantly downgraded himself and would compare himself to Diamant and Eden a lot. Even so, she was happy to see that the prince would try to push his boundaries to improve himself. He is quite social and has the fortitude of royalty. But Perla found out that he and Diamant had one damn, frustrating, annoying thing in common.
OVERTRAINING TO THE POINT OF EXSHUATION!
She found the two training late one night, both had suffered from injuries a few days earlier. It was safe to say, it was the first time Perla has unleashed her "much darker side" on the boys. Her darker side was a side of her that she kept especially hidden. I was a side of her that developed over the years after so much pent-up anger and frustration with horrible people and patients she had to deal with over the years as a military doctor. One of the other reasons why she chose to leave the military was with her brother. Back to the point, it was a side of her that was cold, and bitter, that would not take anyone's excuses or bullshit.
"I said what I said." The air felt like it became colder each second as Perla spoke, "You are to put your weapons away. Head to your rooms, bathe, and I will tend to your wounds. Then you will drink the medicine I have prepared and go to sleep." She said in an emotionless yet icy tone.
The darkness of the late of the night did not help, the shadows over her eyes yet they looked like they were glowing gold with the light of the torches.
"No. Questions. Asked. Got. It?"
The boys listened. They felt their lives endangered at that moment.
Perla's impression of Diamant was that he was a serious and confident man. That was the impression she got of him when they had their first serious conversation. She also noticed that he had fortitude and vigor. Diamant was a man who took great pride in his nation and also studied history. Perla found it ironic that the subject she hated the most did not feel so frustrating to study because Diamant would help her. She thought he was a great history teacher. That was until both were in some heated arguments over Brodia's history of trying to conquer other nations to keep themselves from "becoming rusty" or "losing spirit". Thankfully the heated sessions never became screaming matches.
Diamant wouldn't say it but he felt glad he could talk to someone without getting into a screaming match over the history of his nation. Still, Perla could see that Diamant was well-educated. He seeks more diplomatic means to establish peace between nations and will only choose steel if it is the last resort. He is trying to learn from the mistakes of the past so he will not repeat them when he would eventually lead Brodia.
Finally, there was Amber. The man was a year younger than Miguel. She learned the man was romantic and loved fairy tales, fables, and legends. He was a pure and hardworking person who had a strong affinity with animals and a love for alpacas. Which is why…Perla accidentally traumatized him when he was intruding on his alpaca herd.
"Oh, alpaca meat is good." Perla said and Amber froze, slowly turning to look at the woman as did the others, "It's soft, sweet, high in protein, and low in fat. A healthy alternative to beef. I remember trying some in one of my travels!" The woman said happily as she clapped her hands together.
"I know a great recipe for alpaca meat! I ca— why are you all staring at me?" Perla said as the first prince was covering his mouth, his shoulders trembling.
Alcryst looked pale while Citrinne was stunned. Jade didn't know what to say while Lapis looked interested in the recipe. Amber on the other hand looked at her as if she committed murder.
"B-Begone demon!" Amber said and stood protectively in front of his alpaca herd, "The Power of the Divine one compels you!" And held up his staff, high.
"Pfft…" A small laugh escaped Diamant's lips but the man was trying hard not to burst out laughing.
"Amber, I won't eat your alpacas! I'm just saying what it tastes like!"
"Still! Begone!"
Even if it had only been a month, Perla felt…as if she was home.
- Solm —
Timerra usually wasn't someone that would become nervous when she would meet people, but Solm's court mage was on a whole different level. Mostly because he was rumored to be a pompous, smart mouth, a rude, selfish, yet knowledgeable and powerful mage. Truth be told, part of the rumors was true and others were not. The rumors started because the mage had high expectations for anyone that wanted to be his apprentice. People from all over Elyos have come to study under them but they only lasted two weeks.
All of them either quit, gave up, or ran away. Timerra took a deep breath as she enter Solm's Palace greenhouse, filled with plants from all over Elyos and was only getting bigger due to the high advance magic Solm's court mage was using. But the Court Mages had another purpose, they worked under Queen Lumera and were under her protection. Because of the clan they come from. A clan that was said to have gone extinct. The only member that was not from that clan was Elusia's current court mage and they were not under Queen Lumera's protection because Elusia's king cut contact with Lythos five years ago. The secret of what clan they were from only Queen Lumera knew and those who the mages chose to open up.
"Rumba? You there?" Timerra called out and the only response she got was two parrots flying in her direction and landing on her shoulder, "Hey you two. Mind taking me to your friend?" The birds cawed and flew ahead, she followed.
The deeper into the greenhouse she went, the more the plants become brighter, thicker, and bigger. 10 minutes passed and she realized she arrived at the very back of Solm's palace, where a giant crystal in hues of orange, white, and sunset red, was surrounded by fall-colored trees and butterflies. There, standing in front of it with a gold staff, the top in the shape of a sun with a halo and three colored gems, was a man.
"Ooohhh...Why did it have to be here?! Rumba kicks everyone but mom out of this place!" Timerra thought as she walked up, "Hey, Rumba! How's it going?" She grinned the one standing in front of the crystal turned to her.
"Ah, Princess Timerra. What are you doing here?" A man with dark brown spiky hair tied in a ponytail, a peacock feather clipped on the right side of his head, golden eyes, and wore cream colored long-sleeve shirt, with a thin gold necklace, but hanging from it was a gold colored hexagonal gem.
The man also wore orange pants that were easy to move in, and on his waist was a belt with multiple daggers and a sword as well. He also had olive-brown skin. Timerra smiled and looked at the crystal.
"Coming to check on the Dragon Crystal again?" She said and the man sighed, looking back at it with a tired expression.
"You know the answer to that." Solm's Court Mage, Rumba said and looked back to her, "But there was a change." He said and again turned back to it, Timerra looked at him worried, "Something happened..." Rumba narrowed his eyes, "The last time there was a change in the Dragon Crystal was when Queen Rose died. It was a signal that the guardian of Elusia's Dragon Crystal had passed away. But this time...the crystal changed, three times...how odd." He muttered and turned back to her.
"Apologies, Princess Timerra. What did you wish to speak about?" Rumba said as the girl huffed.
"Oh! I told you to stop being so formal! Sometimes I think you and Klaus switched places." Timerra said and Rumba rolled his eyes, "Anyhow, I've come to recommend someone." The mage raised an eyebrow, "How do you feel about taking on a newbie? Someone who you need to teach from scratch."
Rumba looked at her like she grew a second head and just when he was about to speak, he paused and held his chin, thinking for a moment.
All those that have come to seek him out had a fault. They were either arrogant, believing they knew everything, or were too shy, closed-minded, rude, the list could go on and on. Rarely would he find someone humble and if he did, they would quit in a week or two because they saw the work as too much. Rumba was looking for someone who genuinely wanted to learn which unfortunately, in this day and age, was difficult. Especially with the sudden rise of Corrupted over the land.
"The person I wanted to recommend is the one that made the meals I brought the other day." Timerra said with a smile, "Fogado and I have been observing them from afar and they look like a hard-working person. They run a small business, have been going to the library to study every day, and have been sneaking out of the city to train. Sounds like the type of person you are looking for." She said as the mage narrowed his eyes.
"Do they even know you are recommending them to me?" He asked and the girl shook her head, "I need to meet them first. Then I will make my decision." Rumba said and turned back to the crystal.
"If you want to meet them, they are currently working at the market selling food."
— Lythos —-
Miguel only asked about the knights because he wanted to see what was going on. He wasn't going to join it or anything. He was done being a soldier and needed a long break from it. At least he learned he could walk around Lythos castle and explore it. It was opened to the public, the first floor that is. It was where the public could walk around and some local events were held. Miguel looked around, seeing some of the old paintings that were displayed on the walls. Lythos castle's walls looked like stone and white marble, yet had a holy feeling. The air felt clear and crisp.
Miguel was with a group that was given a tour of the place. He found the history fascinating but it was when they stopped at a particular painting, that had the man raising an eyebrow.
"And this is the final painting of the last Star Guardians. There, they stand together as they fight the revetments of a demon that joined hands with The Fell Dragon!" the tour guide said as people were awed but Miguel remained silent, "Move along now." The tour guide said as the group continued forward but he stayed behind.
Miguel stared at the painting. It showed a woman dressed in some sort of fur clothing, riding a wolf, her right hand raised, holding a sword with a ghostly figure of the woman beside her. Underneath, was another woman, dressed in purple and white, her hands spread out as fire surrounded her, again, another ghostly figure was next to her. And on top of the first woman, was a man, a book in his hand, the other raised, lightning seemed to come from it as he rode a wyvern, another ghostly figure beside him.
And in front of the three, was a man riding a horse in armor, the horse on its hind legs as he raised some sort of bone-like axe in his hand, again, a ghostly woman was beside him. Above the group was a woman dressed as a pink witch, staff raised, and also a ghostly figure next to her. And many more people, men, women, even children, and those that looked like non-humans, with ghostly apparitions beside them, charged to battle.
The terrain of the painting, looked like it was broken and crumbled, with rain and lightning, the side the guardians were in the sky had its sun's rays shining down on them. On the other side, where the demon was fighting, showed multiple eyes, and dark clouds, the ground looked like was on fire and lava was flowing. Truly, the painting was showing a battle of life and death. But Miguel's eyes trailed to the demon on the painting, he didn't know why but he had an unsettling feeling about it. The man shivered and shook his head.
"Young man!"
Miguel turned and saw an older man with white hair, a beard, and wearing silver armor with hues of blue. His stern expression, and tone, quickly made Miguel stand on guard. Just for a moment, his heart rate increased but Miguel noticed the man wasn't hostile and let out a deep breath. The older knight noticed the response, his eyes softening a bit because he knew only those who knew war would have such a response.
"Apologies, I do not mean to scare you." Vander said as he walked up, "What are you doing here? The tryout for the knights is in the other direction. Are you lost?" He said and Miguel shook his head.
"No. I just...got dragged into the group that was on tour." Miguel said and looked back to the painting, "Star Guardians...I have never heard of them before." He said and Vander looked at the painting.
"Many years ago, there once was a clan who were said to be the descendants of people who came from other worlds. Together, with their knowledge of the stars beyond, they joined hands with the Divine Dragons and created The Emblems. This painting is an interpretation of the battle known as The Shattered Skies, which took place before The Fell War." The older knights explained as Miguel nodded.
"I'm Miguel, nice to meet you, sir," Miguel said as turned to Vander and held out his to the older knight.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young man." Vander smiled and shook hands with him, "My name is Vander, and I'm a knight commander here in Lythos castle. Are you here to try out for the knights?" he said and Miguel let out a sigh, shaking his head.
"Just looking around. I wanted to explore the place a bit before I headed off to a guild in the city." Miguel said with a small sigh, "Maybe I'll have some luck there..." he whispered and the knight noticed his right hand tightened a bit.
But most of all...the ring...
"The Ring of the Silent Seer is a silver ring with two small dragons, one up and the other down, similar to a Ying and Yang symbol, and at the center was a dark blue gem. I know this is a lot but I need you to check on this young! If the ring is just how I describe it to you, try to convince the young man to join the knights!"
"That's a shame." Vander said, "If you change your mind, you still got the rest of this week." The knight smiled a bit as Miguel nodded, "If not for the knights, then what brings you to Lythos?" He asked as Miguel smiled a bit bitter.
"I'm searching for my siblings."
[—-]
"Siblings...Siblings! He has siblings!" Lumera said as she paced back and forth in the throne room, "The dream I had...Sitonia was trying to show me that one is in danger!" She sighed, frustrated as Vander looked at the queen worried.
Beside him were two teens, a young girl, and a boy who had similar appearances but different hairstyles and clothing. The girl was dressed in pink, with dirty blonde hair and golden eyes wearing a cute hat, her name is Framme. And a boy with also golden eyes and blonde hair but wore a side braid, and wore green, his name is Clanne, the two are twins. The trio had never seen the queen so...flustered and nervous. Even more so when Vander reported his interaction with the young man. Though Vander has lived in peaceful times, he recognized the look in Miguel's eyes, a young man who has seen the horrors of war.
"Lumera."
The queen turned and behind her stood floated a man dressed in princely white and gold knightly clothing with blue hair combed back, a blue cape, and a worried expression on his face. The queen looked at him worried, nodding so he could speak, "Please, Sigurd."
"It seems Sitonia has been trying to get my attention along with the others." Sigurd said as her eyes went wide, "The others are awakening. Only you and your son should be able to awaken them. And...them as well." He said as the queen looked at him shocked.
"Were you able to hear her voice?" Lumera said and Sigurd nodded, "What did she say?"
"From the looks of it, it seems the young man is not aware of his identity. She kept saying, this was the best I could make out, hidden...truth...do not...know...gate...forced...record. Those were the words I was able to understand. Something is wrong with Sitonia. She shouldn't be struggling to communicate with us. She is a Divine Dragon as well." Sigurd said as the others but Lumera were shocked to hear this.
"Queen Lumera?" Clanne said, "I know this may sound...rash? But why not just...talk to him?" The young mage said and they looked at him shocked, making the boy shy away.
"You know, that may just be it." Vander said as he turned to the Queen, "The young man may be a bit tense but he does not seem hostile. I had one of our spies observing him from afar and he seems to be quite upfront. Perhaps doing what Clanne suggested is the wisest move." The knight said as Lumera was confused.
If the young that looks like her old friend truly is like Ermos, then he would get annoyed if they kept pestering him in trying to join the knights. M-Maybe truly being upfront would solve the problem? But then again, Maria would also get annoyed if someone kept pestering her. Should she follow Alma's example and politely ask an audience with the boy? Or should she send a letter like Oscar and Francis did? Ruby would be cackling if she was present.
Lumera took deep breaths to calm her beating heart, and nodded, turning back to the trio.
"Framme, Clanne, Vander. Please officially send an invitation to the boy that I would like to meet him." Queen Lumera said and the three nodded, "But do not say it is from me! I-I do not want to scare the boy off if he truly is who I believe he is."
Sigurd chuckled as the trio left and looked out to the hallways, he could feel his fellow Emblems stirring awake. All but one...
"Marth, when will you join us?"
— The Next Day: Information Guild -
"How much for the information on locating someone?" Miguel said to the woman at the counter who raised an eyebrow but spoke, "Depends. Are you trying to get information on a royal, noble, or normal person?" They said and Miguel sighed.
"No, none of that. Just...trying to locate the missing family." Miguel said and the woman's eyes soften.
"You too?" She said and the man looked at her confused, "There has been a rise of people going missing over the years. Some suspect it's the extreme followers of the fell dragon that have taken them to be..." she saw the horror on the man's face, "apologies. I shouldn't be thinking like that. Anyhow, since it's another missing person case, it's 50 copper. One silver for more detail and outside intel." The woman said and Miguel nodded, putting down a silver coin.
"Do you have a description of them?" The woman asked and Miguel pulled out his wallet, from its folds, two small pictures, showing them to the woman, "Whoa! You have pictures?!"
"Yeah. Will these do?" He said and the woman nodded and raised her hands.
Her hands glowed white and the two pictures glowed in his hands. Two papers on the counter flew up and before Miguel's eyes, the pictures of his sisters appeared on them, with descriptions of their eyes, hair, gender, and skin color.
"What are their names?" The woman asked and Miguel gritted his teeth ask he spoke.
"The one with orange hair: Perla Lycinth, age 23. He watched the name appear on the paper and moved on to the next one, " Natalie Lycinth. Age 19." He said and the pictures on the papers were done.
"Alright, that should be it." The woman said as Miguel put the pictures away, "What's your name so we can contact you should information pop up?" She said.
"Miguel Lycinth. As for location...I uh...don't have a place to stay yet. But I'll be here in Lythos for a while."
[—-]
"Sigh..." Miguel sighed as he sat at a table at a restaurant, "I don't have much left." He thought, and looked at the last four remaining silver coins, "I'll see if I can find a job." He muttered and right when he was about to stand up, he saw green and pink heading his way.
"Excuse me!" He turned his head to see two kids who looked about 14-15 years of age, a boy dressed in green and a girl dressed in pink, "Hi! We're here to deliver an invitation to you!" The girl in pink said and held out a silver envelope to him.
Miguel raised an eyebrow at the twins but accepted the letter. He took out his pocket knife and opened it. But the man paused, the scent of rosemary, orange, and peppermint came from the envelope. A scent that he had not smelled in a long time. It was...nostalgic. He then took out the paper and began to read it, The man made a face reading the contents.
Hello, we would like to invite you to Lythos castle as part of the knights. Please come to the ti—-
Miguel let out a frustrated sigh and handed back the letter, "I am not joining the knights." He said and the twins quickly started making puppy dog us, "No."
"Come on! You would be an amazing fit to join the knights!" Framme said, "You got perfectly built! You're fast! And you don't make a single sound when you walk!" Clanne said next and the two quickly stood in front of him before he walked away, "YOU'RE PERFECT!" They said in unison.
Queen Lumera gave them a mission.
Convince the mysterious man that looks like her old friend to join the knight tryouts. It's been three days since he arrived and people were wanting him to enlist.
Is an adult asking him? He could easily reject them or if they kept pestering him, he could throw a punch. But kids?! Kids that were reminding him way too much of his sisters that when they had their minds set on something, they would not give up?! The man felt bad...
The spirit in the ring mentality muttered a sorry because she managed to get in contact with Sigurd and Queen Lumera through the dream realms. She felt bad watching the interaction going on but it needed to be done. But then again, why didn't Lumera just come out and ask or talk to the young man?
The answer is simple, the woman is shy.
"Ahhhhhhhh..." Miguel let out a loud groan and looked at the kids, "Names?" They blinked, "What are your names?"
"Nice to meet you! I'm Framme!" The girl in pink grinned, "And I'm Clanne!" Miguel nodded and stood up.
"Let's get this over with."
[—-]
Once again, Lumera was pacing back and forth in the throne room as she waited for the twins to bring the young man. Her heart felt like it was about to burst out of her chest. She hadn't been this excited in a long time. If...If the young man is Ermos, she would be over the moon. That would mean that Maria and Gabriel had found a way to return to Elyos! I-If the young man is not but is somehow related to them, then she would welcome him with open arms and find his missing siblings. A small sigh left Lumera's lips, a pang of guilt she felt. She had yet to find the child that she promised Maria she would protect with her life if she found them. The child was her son's younger sister.
When Alear wakes up, she will have to tell him one day about his true origins and also introduce him to his older sister. She also adopted the woman but she perfectly stated that she saw her more as an aunt, so Lumera respected her decision. The woman took deep breaths. Sigurd watched from the ring, a small smile on his lips and both quickly turned their heads to see Vander coming toward them.
"Queen Lumera, Framme, and Clanne have brought him. It took some convincing but they did it." Vander said and Lumera did a little jump but quickly composed herself.
"It's time." She said and began to walk, Vander following her as they made their way through the halls and soon to the garden.
Lumera's heart drummed in her ears as she got closer and closer, her guards opening the doors as she arrived at the garden. The garden was a giant field with bush walls and a fountain at its center with a statue of a dragon. The field was also big enough for training and there was an area with a table for just eating and drinking tea. She made her way to that area and she could hear talking as they got closer.
"Look. I'm only going to try out for the knights. That's it."
She heard a male voice. She stopped and hid a bit behind a bush wall, she also told Vander to wait because she wanted to listen. The voice was a bit on a slightly higher pitch than Ermos's. She could hear the twins talking to the young man,
"But, why won't you join?" Framme asked and the young man let out a frustrated sigh.
"I quit the military two years ago in my home. For this reason, I've been away too long from my family. The second is a personal reason." The young man said, a bit agitated.
[—-]
"Ahem."
The trio turned and saw Vander but Miguel froze.
"Queen Lumera!" The twins, whose he learned names were Framme and Clanne as they brought him the castle, bowed.
Queen Lumera was a petite woman with long maya blue hair with long bangs that framed her face. She was dressed in a beautiful mermaid-style dress in white that faded to colors of pink, orange, and peach. As well as over her dress was ruffled with blue and pale purple. She wore a golden shawl with strange golden ornaments around her and a golden headdress with a white veil. Miguel didn't know what to say or do because the woman standing before him was the incarnation of beauty. Still, the way she was looking at him with wide eyes, her hands trembling as she raised them, a name left her lips. A name he had not heard in a long time.
"E-Ermos?" Queen Lumera croaked and before Miguel could even respond, the queen swiftly walked up to him, "Oh, Ermos! You have returned!" But Miguel quickly took a step back.
The queen looked hurt but now that she had a much closer look at the man, she realized he was not who she believed he was. The young man before her was much more built and taller than her old friend, yet he had the same golden eyes as him.
"A-Apologies...I...I confused you for someone I knew." Lumera said as a sad smile graced her lips, "I believe there has been much confusion but I shall introduce myself." She said, "My name is Lumera, The Divine Dragon and Queen of this land." She said and the word queen quickly made Miguel reel.
"Shit! Royalty!" Miguel thought and politely bowed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty! I apologize if I was rude! I was told there would be knight tryouts and I was given an invitation by..." he looked at the twins who flinched, "these two."
"Yes." Lumera cleared her throat, "I am the one who asked them to give you the invitation." She said and Miguel looked at her shocked, "Young man, what is your name? Your full name, please."
"...My name is Miguel. Miguel Lycinth Sanchez Delgado." He said and Lumera's eyes went wide along with the others, "Former Soldier."
"And your parents' names?" Lumera asked and he answered, "Jonathan Lycinth Sanchez. Guadalupe Delgado."
"And your grandparents?" She asked, "Gabriel Lycinth Sanchez. Jasmine Cortez." His grandfather is Gabriel...
"And finally..." This was the moment, "Your great-grandparents" she said and Miguel was getting confused at why he was getting questions about his family try but answered.
"Ermos Lycinth. And Maria Sanchez."
Miguel said and froze as he saw the first tears form in Lumera's eyes and they dropped.
"Q-Queen Lumera?!" Vander said and Miguel didn't know what to say or do a woman let out a small sob and had a shaky smile.
"I-I'm sorry! I-I'm so just so happy!" Lumera said as the young man's eyes looked at her worried, "You are Ermos's and Maria's grandchildren! I...I never thought there be a day when I could finally meet their family." She said as she wiped her tears, "Are they here? Have they returned? How are they doing?" Lumera said as she took a step closer, "Look at you! You look so much like Ermos when he was young but you have Maria's attitude."
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Miguel said and quickly took a step back, putting a distance from the woman, even if she looked hurt, "I-I'm so sorry but I am confused! I know you just told me you are a queen but...who exactly are you?!" He said, "And how do you know my grandparents when I'm not even—I'm not even...I'm not even from this world!" He said and suddenly a staff was pointed at him and the book was raised.
"Do not speak to the queen in such a tone," Vander said coldly and Miguel saw the twin's gaze become cold as well.
Lumera once again took deep breaths and looked at the twins. With her gaze alone they understood and put their weapons down. The queen smiled softly and turned to look at Miguel. The man was agitated, and confused, especially after being told that she knew his family. But his reaction alone...was it possible...he was never told anything about his family? Lumera knew she needed to be careful.
"Miguel," Lumera spoke softly, "I know you are confused and possibly agitated." The man narrowed his eyes, they were full of distrust and...a look she recognized that only those who had seen war have, "But will you please listen to what I have to say?" Miguel bit his lip but nodded.
"Thank you." Lumera smiled, "You said you are not of this world, correct?" He nodded, "Why did you come to Lythos?"
"I...I was told I could find information here about my siblings and...I can find information to locate an Outrealm Gate to return to my world. I was told I am called on Outworlder." Miguel said and Lumera looked at him shocked along with the others.
Lumera's mouth opened and closed like a fish, processing what was just said. If what the young man said is true...then...how on earth was he here? Were the others with him as well?
"Young man, let us talk over tea."
[—-#]
It felt...like he was sitting in front of his great-grandmother with his grandmother beside him. They had a tradition that once a month, a tea party would be held for their families. It was just him, his sisters, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents along with some family friends. They would bring food and he would play with the kids or chat away with the boys his age. Now in front of him, was being served a freshly brewed honey citrus tea, a tea his great-grandparents loved to drink. Even a plate of scones and finger sandwiches. Not too far, the twins and Vander were watching to make sure he didn't try anything. Vander had him hand over his backpack and case.
The silence between him and Queen Lumera was... awkward. Perhaps because he suddenly got dropped a bomb that a woman from another world knew his family when that shouldn't even be possible. Perhaps because the talk he had with Elder came back to haunt him, a Mage Knight in Elusia that was known as a hero, shared the same name as his great-grandfather. No...it shouldn't even be possible. There had to be a huge mistake. In the past when he was a young teen, he was conflicted about his identity, of his heritage. Mexican he knew he was but the other part is him that he did not know, he always wondered. At that point when he was older, it was obvious he was never going to know so he made peace with it.
Now, in present times, an old wound was being reopened. Queen Lumera could see the storm of emotions in the young man's eyes. She needed to start slow. It's become clear, no matter how painful it was, that the boy knew nothing about his heritage, his bloodline. And that scared Lumera. Why did Ermos and Maria never mention anything? Just how long had it truly been in the world that they left to?
"I'm sorry." Miguel was the first to speak as he let out a sigh, "I feel like a teen again..." he whispered and looked at the woman, "I...did not mean to have an outburst. It's just..." he was struggling to form words as he licked his lips and avoided eye contact, "how do you know my family? It...it should be impossible for you to know my great-grandparents." He said.
"Miguel, correct?" Lumera said and he nodded, "Was...nothing ever mentioned to you about where your great-grandparents came from?" He shook his head, "Nothing at all?" Again he shook his head and Lumera felt her heartbreak.
"My great-grandparents would tell us that they came from far away. Like my great-grandmother said she came from a family of warriors. My great-grandfather said he came from a family of scholars. That was all. Not even my grandfather was told." Miguel explained, "The...only clue we have is a journal that belonged to my great-grandfather. Three generations later and we could not decipher it. I'm sorry, but that is all I know. They would say that they had amazing friends but...they never said who." Miguel said as the queen's throat felt tight.
"I see..." Queen Lumera said, "But...I think I understand why they chose not to say anything. After everything that has happened" she let out a shuttered breath, "Then," she placed her hand over her heart and smiled softly, "as I said, my name is Lumera. And I was a friend of your great-grandparents. They used to work for me." She said and Miguel remained silent but his eyes widened a bit, "It is a long story, but I shall start slow."
"One thousand years ago, your great-grandparents fought beside me and four others, and with my son and daughter, against the Fell Dragon," Lumera said and Miguel pressed his lips together.
"Yes...I...did hear about The Fell War. That there was this group of people known as Star Guardians that fought beside the Divine Dragons and to prevent Elyos from being invaded, they destroyed the final Outrealm gate and disappeared." He said as Lumera smiled bitterly, nodding.
"Yes." The queen said, "Truthfully, Star Guardians is just a name the people of Elyos gave them. The real name of the clan is called, Outrealm Guardians. They were the descendants of Outworlders who were just like you, who came from other worlds. They settled in a land called Gardlon and over time, built their nation and passed down their knowledge of worlds beyond to their children." Lumera explained as the man listened.
"Ermos and Maria came from that clan, along with four others. A Brodian woman named Alma. A Firenese man named Oscar, and a man from Lythos, named Francis. Along with a woman from Gardlon named Ruby. Ermos was from what is now known as Elusia and Maria from Solm. They were the direct descendants of the founders of Gardlon. My husband, Sebastian, was their leader. Before he passed away, he left his leadership to your great-grandfather." The queen said as Miguel was processing everything that was being said to him.
"H-Hold on a moment..." Miguel as he raised his hands for her to pause, "T-Than you are saying...that my great-grandparents are the ones that were said to have disappeared and...destroyed the last Outrealm Gate?" He said, and Lumera nodded.
His heart felt like, it was pounding in his ears as he looked at his lap. The feeling of being angry like a teenage boy made him sick to his stomach as he was processing everything that was being said to him. He was...finding out a bombshell of information.
"H-How can that be possible?" his voice cracked as he spoke and heard the queen say, "Huh?"
"How can it be possible?!" He said and looked up to her, his smile crooked and eyes wide, "You say it has been one thousand years but it's had been 107 years in my world. 107 years since my great-grandparents arrived in the country I lived in my whole life." He said as Lumera looked at him shocked.
"One hundred and seven..." Lumera whispered, "Time runs differently in other worlds." Sigurd said in her mind, "A year here could be a month in another. Or a month is hundred years." The knight said.
"Are...they here with you?" Lumera said, "I would like to speak to them." He said and Miguel felt his heartbreak.
"I'm sorry..." Miguel gritted his teeth as his hair cover his eyes as he looked down, "They have long passed. The same with my grandfather and grandmother." He said and Lumera felt her heartbreak.
"And your parents...?"
"Gone..." Miguel said and looked up at her, it was the most heartbreaking expression she had ever seen, "I'm sorry but they are all gone. They have long passed. Only my sisters and I remain." He whispered and Lumera's lip quivered.
Gone...
Her friends...
Her god-son...
Gone...
"M-My condolences..." Lumera whispered, "We shall stop here for today." The woman said, "Vander. Framme. Clanne." She called out and the knight came out along with the twins, "Please, show Miguel to a guest room. It's...clear we have spoken for a long time." Lumera said as the man stood up and shook his head, confusing the queen.
"There is no need. I will go to an inn. I...I need to be alone for a while." Miguel said and saw the hurt look on the queen, "Queen Lumera...I appreciate you letting me stay but at the moment...I do not feel comfortable being here. Let alone...near you." He said and ignored the glares he was getting from the trio behind the queen, "This...information I received today is a lot to process. I came here to find my sisters...possibly a way to return home..."He said as he ran his fingers through his hair keeping his gaze on the ground, "I didn't expect to receive a bomb of information that my entire identity was a li—" he bit his tongue to keep himself from continuing.
He turned to her and bowed politely, "Thank you for today. I...will come to speak to you when I am ready. I hope you understand." Miguel said and the queen smiled sadly and nodded.
"I understand."
[—]
Lumera watched as Miguel was escorted out of the castle from the balcony of her room. The look in his eyes...It looked haunted. His entire world shattered, the information he learned his reactions, confirmed it all. Lumera walked to her room and looked around, her throat tight as she let go a heavy breath, tears forming as she slowly walked towards a small framed picture on the wall. She gently picked it up and looked at it. There she was, a thousand years ago standing beside her friends and lover. Ermos, an Elusian man with blonde hair, and golden eyes, wearing a mage knight uniform, with a cheeky grin as he had his arm over Maria's shoulder.
Maria, a Solmenese woman with midnight black hair, and brown eyes, in her wolf knight uniform and her wolf beside her. The woman had tears in her eyes as she laughed. She was being hugged by Alma, a Brodia woman with purple hair and green eyes, dressed as a Magil Knight, a sly smile on her face. On her left, stood Oscar, a man from Firene, with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing the uniform of a bow knight. Next to him was Francis, a pale, skinned man with green hair, and glasses, who wore the uniform of a priest, and had a small smile on his face. Floating above them on a broomstick was a woman with bright pink hair, and half-lidded eyes, dressed as a witch, a woman of Gradlon, named Ruby. Standing in the center was Lumera, on her left was her husband, who grinned proudly as between him and Lumera stood three others. A young man with a small smile on his face with red hair and eye dressed in black. A pink-gold-haired young woman who was taller than him had a smirk on her face. Lastly, a little girl wearing a white hood but she could see her purple eyes.
Drip...drip...
Droplets of water fell on the glass of the frame but they were Lumera's tears. The woman slid to the ground and hugged the picture tightly to her chest as she trembled and the first sob escaped her lips. Some part of her hoped...PRAYED...that Ermos and Maria would come back to Elyos with their son. That they would reunite and talk and talk, to catch up and even meet their family. That they would laugh and cry about the old days but now..not anymore. Ermos, Maria, and Gabriel have passed on.
One thousand years had passed for her...a hundred and seven for them. Humans truly had such short lives. Now of them all...only her son, her daughter, and the little girl that she is still searching for, and she remains. The last dragons...the last dragons of Elyos... Who knows when her son will wake up? Her daughter has chosen to be on her own, and the little girl that she swore to Maria she would find...
"Ulp...Aahhhh..." Lumera wept, "You two promised...You two promised..." she whispered and suddenly felt her eyes lids become heavy, falling into a deep sleep.
- Dream -
"Lu...me...ra..."
Lumera's eyes opened, tear-stained and puffy, but she immediately understood where she was. Again, she was back in the dream realms. A mirror appeared and it showed her appearance but, her reflections spoke.
"Sigh...not exactly the best way to be reunited, even if we had a difficult relationship." Her reflection said as the queen smiled bitterly, "But, I'm finally able to speak to you properly."
"It..has been a long time, Sitonia," Lumera said as her reflection smiled sadly.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but for now, as the boy said, it's best to leave him alone. It's clear he is currently going through an identity crisis at the moment. Especially finding out everything he has known about his family could be a lie." Sitonia said as Lumera's chuckled dryly.
"They are gone...Ermos, Maria, and Gabriel. They are gone." She said as Sitonia's gaze soften.
"Not exactly." Sitonia said the queen's expression became puzzled, "Their grandchildren inherited the blessing you bestowed upon them." Lumera's eyes slowly widened, "Don't tell me you forget that you blessed those three?"
"Of course not," Lumera said, "Good." Sitonia sighed, "Lumera, remember what Maria and Ermos told you before they departed?" Lumera looked at her, "No matter how apart we are, we will always love you. We will always be with you even if we are not there physically." Sitonia said as she placed her hand over her heart.
"We will always be here." Lumera whispered as she smiled sadly, "Sigh...thank you, Sitonia."
"No problem." Sitonia smiled and the mirror wavered, now showing the appearance of Lumera's son, "The boy will come through eventually. Just be patient." Lumera nodded, "But right now...I bring some ill news."
"Has something happened?" Lumera said and the expression on the mirror's face became grave.
"It's about Queen Rose, Alma's descendant."
[—-]
"Thank you for escorting me out." Miguel said as the twins looked at him worried, "This...was a lot to take in. And I apologize again for my rudeness." He muttered as Vander let out a heavy sigh.
"Young man." Miguel turned to Vander who called him, "...Rest. It must have been very difficult learning all this in one day." The knight said as Miguel looked away.
"Hey, take your time." Framme said, "Today was...an emotional roller coaster! Maybe eating some snacks will help out?" She said and Miguel couldn't help but chuckle a bit and subconsciously patted the girl's head.
Framme froze and Miguel gasped and quickly retracted his hand.
"Sorry...You um...reminded me of my sister for a moment." Miguel said, "Well, thank you all again. Goodbye." And away he left.
The twins didn't know what to do as they looked at Vander, it was the first time they had ever felt so conflicted about this. Vander shook his head and looked up at the night sky.
"The way things are..."
- One week later: Solm -
"SON OF BITCH!"
Nanami's neighbors all popped out their heads from their windows, eyebrows raised as they suddenly heard the girl, who had earned the reputation of a saint among the vendors, curse. The sudden cursing coming from the house made a few worried. Thankfully, before anyone can come out to ask what was going on, Nanami beat them to it. The woman opened her window and popped her head out.
"Sorry!" Nanami said, "I messed up on a magic experiment." She said and her neighbors nodded and told her to be careful next time.
Nanami sighed, tired as she closed her window and the curtains as well. She was wearing a sleeveless shirt, and shorts, her hair loose as she slid onto the floor. She looked at her hands, they were shaking after another horrible attempt at casting a basic water spell. Even faith magic she was struggling to do.
And the worst part...
"Ulp!" Nanami suddenly felt a bitter feeling rise in her throat and scrambled up, covering her mouth and bolted to the bathroom.
"BEERGHHH!" The woman vomited and spilled her guts, she gasped and wheezed, gritting her teeth as she wiped her lips with the cloth that was given to her.
She felt a gentle touch on her back and looked up to see it was Arisa, looking at her worried.
"Don't push yourself." Arisa said as Nanami wobbled but managed to stand up, "You are doing well in your studies but over-exerting yourself in magic is not good." She said as she helped Nanami walk back to the living room.
The woman slumped on the couch, taking deep breaths, and stared at the ceiling.
"What am I doing wrong?" She whispered as Arisa held her chin and thought for a moment.
"Ah!" Arisa said, making Nanami turn her head towards her, "Let me scan your magic system." She said and placed her forehead.
Arisa's hair glowed mint green as she closed her eyes for a moment and then snapped them open, shocked.
"What's wrong?" Nanami said up straight as Arisa looked at her with a conflicted expression.
"No wonder you are struggling..." Arisa said as Nanami give her hands making her magic veins show, "You have a magic deficiency. Or to be more precise," she placed a finger on a vein, eyes narrowed, "it's...like it's blocked."
"Blocked?!" Nanami screeched, "L-Like a seal or curse?" Arisa looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"No. It's more like a genetic condition. You said you have siblings," the girl nodded, "then they too must be in the same state as you. Hmmm..." Arisa let go and placed her hand on her chin, "If only Sophia were here, she would have helped you."
"This can be fixed?" Nanami asked as she pulled back her sleeves.
"Yes. These three methods." Arisa said and held up three fingers, "The first one being if you and your siblings had grown up in this world, the deficiency would have gone away on its own as you grew up and trained." Nanami made a face.
"The second method involves acupuncture. This method is placing the needles on your blocked points and sending a small wave of outside magic to loosen the blocks. That way, in two weeks, your body's magic system would function properly." Arisa explained as Nanami nodded.
"The last method is...well..." why was she struggling, "it involves a divine dragon to share their magic with you."
"As in...their blood?"
"No. Thankfully no."
"Then explain." Nanami glared and Arisa sighed.
"It means the Divine Dragon allows a portion of their power flows into your body to dissolve the blocks. This will immediately allow you to use your power but the side effect are, you will now have a much more extended life and will be in constant magic shifts for one month. Magic shifts are dangerous and painful. Your body will naturally try to fight foreign things, magic is no exception. The sudden change will cause your body to immediately attack, fight, defend, and try to adjust to the new changes." Arisa took a deep breath before she continued.
"If it's far too much, you will go into what is called The Devouring, also known as a Magic Coma. It's similar to what dragons go through, they fall into a deep sleep. But in a human's case, they fall into a deep sleep so their body can adjust to the new changes. And who knows when you will wake up." Arisa said and the color drained from Nanami's face.
"As for the divine dragon one, it's more...of a marriage ritual. Lumera once had a husband (Nanami: SHE'S A WIDOW?!) who had a similar genetic condition and performed the third method by sl—when they had their first night. He was a kind man...a leader...he gave my ring to my previous wielder." Arisa let out a shuttered breath and shook her head, "Back to the original subject, unless we find a mage who knows acupuncture, I won't be able to help you." Arisa said and Nanami let out a groan.
Nanami got up and stormed to her room, got dressed, and headed out of the house, making sure to lock the doors. Arisa disappeared back to her ring. Where was Nanami going?
[—-]
"A doctor that specializes in magic deficiency ..." the nurse at the counter muttered, "Oh dear..."
"What's wrong?" Nanami said, worried as the nurse looked at her, conflicted.
"There is someone that can help you but um...they aren't...exactly the best person? T-They are difficult to speak with." She said and Nanami was confused that she and the nurse didn't notice who arrived at the hospital wing.
"Who?" Nanami said and...
"Tula, what is going on?"
The color drained from the nurse's face and Nanami turned around.
"L-Lord Rumba! W-What are you doing here?" Tula said as the man, Rumba, had a blank expression.
"Obviously," Nanami thought the man had a tone like Professor Snape, "I am here to do a checkup on the wing. I also heard that this young lady," Rumba looked at Nanami, "is looking for someone that specializes in magic defects. Why did you not send her my way?" The man said.
"W-Well..." Tula said and Nanami gave her a small smile, to let her know it was alright and to not worry.
Nanami then turned back to the man and spoke.
"Hello. Tula told me that you can help me. I am...struggling casting magic." Nanami said and Rumba looked down at her.
His piercing eyes made her skin crawl but the man held out his hand to her. Nanami blinked but the man looked at them with a blank expression.
"I don't have all day. Let me see." Rumba said and Nanami, despite being hesitant, gave her hand.
The man then somewhat turned it, having her wrist up. He muttered a spell and soon, her magic veins were showing. Rumba narrowed his eyes and fixed his glasses to make her he wasn't seeing things.
"The magic deficiency pattern..." Rumba thought and looked at the girl and back to the pattern and then back to the veins, "No...it can't be..." he thought and let go.
"Come." Rumba said, "I will get you fixed." And he turned, walking away.
Nanami was stunned but this followed.
"What is going on...?"
The thought that ran through Rumba's head as they walked, the dark yet hopeful glint in his eyes…
"A pureblood Lycinth…"