Arcane Guardians

Chapter 3 - Duty

CREED GIOVANNI

I skidded to a stop just an inch or two before Kaden’s stick could touch my waist and swiftly twisted back. I brought one stick to clash with Kaden’s and raised the other one to hit the elbow he had left vulnerable, but we moved at the same time and he kicked the stick out of my hand.

Hmm.

That’s fine.

I could still work with just one.

I flipped the sword and jumped. Manipulating the air around me, I tried to land close enough to hit one of Kaden’s shoulder blades but the guy was faster. He had formed a water shield to block my attack and sent the shield splashing onto my face. After that, another ball of water dropped on me, blinding me for a moment.

“Argh!” I yelled as I slid back and wiped my face but it was too late. One foot kicked the remaining stick off my hand and a second later, another foot landed on my chest and I hit the floor on my back

“Yes!” Kaden laughed victoriously and even pumped both hands on the air. “Victory sure is sweet! I can count on my hand the times I was able to actually make you lose your footing but every time feels even better than last.”

“Whatever,” I replied cheekily and let him pull me up. We started fixing our things and prepared to return to Giovanni.

We walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the good weather of the evening. The sight of young Guardians playing was also a welcome sight.

It was good to see some happiness after all the grief that the war has brought.

We passed by the towering mansion of the Alderian Clan and noticed that they have started rebuilding the damages to their stronghold already.

“You know I still wonder why it was Almyra’s own family that dared to go against her in the meeting.” Kaden voiced out his thoughts as we paused to let some construction workers cross the the road with the equipments they’re carrying.

Kaden was VERY interested about the issue since Sheryl Martinelli did what she did during the council. Although familial rivalry is not new among Bone Families, this is the first time it happened this way. Ms. Martinelli was almost questioning the very foundation of the Bone Families and several of our laws.

“You say Almyra as if you two are such close friends,” was my only reply to him because it’s not like I knew why her own Aunt publicly tried to have her dethroned.

“Well, she is going to be my best friend’s bride so why not?” He said teasingly and threw an arm over my shoulder.

“Stop,” I warned him and looked at all the Alderians around us, checking to see if anyone was listening.

“C’mon, Creed. As if someone has the time to listen to two boys walking down the street.” Kaden said, nudging me. “But seriously, you are confident about marrying her?”

I rolled my eyes at him. I did not know why he still could not believe my decision. “I already asked for her hand and she said to return tomorrow with my parents.”

“As innn she’ll be your wife.” Kaden went on.

“Yes.”

“Lawfully wedded wife.”

“Yes, Kaden.” I forced out and sent him a glare.

“I’m sorry this is just all too bizarre for me. After Alice—

“I told you I do not want to talk about her.” I cut him off before he could go on and walked faster.

He caught up to me and mumbled an apology but I did not acknowledge it anymore and just let him change the subject about what the elders discovered while inspecting the unidentified bodies.

“They said that when a wraith sucks the should, the person wakes up during the last few seconds and feel their soul live their bodies.” Kaden narrated and shuddered at the end.

“I cannot imagine what it must feel like to feel your soul leave the only body it has ever known.” I replied and paused as we reached the small bridge that divided the property between Alderian and Giovanni.

We stood by the bridge and watched the people working together to fix the destruction the war has left behind. People we occasionally crossing the bridge with food, drinks, and other things on their hands and I watched them hand it to members of other clans.

“Young Masters! Young Masters!”

Both Kaden and I turned to look at the old lady calling for us. We waved back at her.

“Have you eaten? Would you like to join us?” The old lady yelled again and pointed at the long table they have set up under a big tree where a bunch of people were gathered and eating quite joyfully.

I laughed and shaked my head. “No, thank you! My parents are waiting for us back home.”

“Ah! Okay! Stay safe, Young Masters!” She yelled back just as enthusiastically and went back to join the people.

“It truly amazes me how we can be so positive after everything that has happened just recently.” Kaden told me as we continued our journey home.

I smiled and raised my head to look at the beautiful moon. “That’s where our true strength lies. We mourn, we stand, we fight, we live.”

“For time does not make loss forgettable, only bearable.” Kaden said as if an after thought, quoting my younger sister’s favorite author, Cassandra Clare.

If that is true, may time fly fast because the pain of Alice’s death is suffocating and I do not know how I can live any longer with it.

My attendant, Daniel, greeted us at the foyer. “The Master and Madame are at their office and asked to be called once dinner will be served.”

“Got it. Kaden and I will just shower.”

“The Young Lady Danica has not returned yet.” He called out as we were halfway up the stairs, making me immediately pause and turn to look at him.

“What time did she leave?”

“Around 2PM, Young Master.”

I looked at my crest and saw it was almost 7PM.

“And she took her Keeper with her?”

He nodded.

Aish, where did that girl go again.

“If she is not back by the time I finish showering I will go look for her.” I told him and walked again with Kaden following me.

“Where does your sister go these days? I don’t remember her going out this much before.” Kaden commented which I wholeheartedly agreed with.

Danica HATES going out. If she got her way she would have been homeschooled all her life.

“I don’t know. I just hope she is not getting into any trouble especially with what has happened .”

Kaden snorted and paused in front of the room my parents had given him. “Knowing Danica, it is possible.”

Kaden has been a part of my life for as long as I could remember and once he learned how to cross the small body of water that divided the Giovanni and Mirovia property, the one that must be crossed by walking ON the water, he started popping in our house at the most random hours and staying for as long as he wanted. He was an only child so he always sought my company along with Danica’s.

I quickly showered and put on a black joggers and white shirt. I also wore rubber shoes in case Danica is still not back and grabbed my sword before going down.

Daniel met me down the stairs and said Danica had just arrived.

“Nathan was also with them, Young Master. They are all already in the dining room, including Young Master Kaden”

Nathan was my Keeper and I had sent him on an errand before I left to spar with Kaden. How did he end up with Dani and her Keeper?

I entered the room and indeed they were all there, even Mom and Dad who looked exhausted. Dad was sitting at the head of the table while Mom and Danica sat on one side so I sat on the other, right beside Kaden. They were asking Kaden if his parents are not looking for him.

“Oh, they know I’m here.” He grinned at Dad and shoved another piece of small bread in his mouth.

“Of course they know. Where else would you be.” Mom grumbled and called for a staff to start serving food.

Kaden could not resist asking Dad about the soulless bodies of course. “So what did you do with the bodies, Uncle?”

Dad chewed the roast beef in his mouth before answering Kaden, “We put them in a separate room while the Healers observe what will happen to their bodies. A few Air Wielders and Alderians have been stationed there as well in case something…disastrous occurs.”

“If they really turn to something like zombies, why not just burn their bodies?” He asked again, relentless about the topic.

“Because they are still Arcane Guardians and we owe it to them to wait and see if we may have the chance to bury their bodies properly.” Mom was the one who answered him this time and Dad nodded in support.

But I realized another reason why they are keeping the bodies under observation.

“You also want to study what happens to their bodies, right? How they regain consciousness and run wild?” I asked them and knew the answer just by basing on their sighs.

“Obviously!” Danica butted in, “They must be alarmed at the sudden increase of soul sucking considering that we haven’t even heard about it before.”

Dad nodded again to reaffirm Dani’s statement. “The Mourning Rites may be postponed as well. We will have to check the rest of the bodies if they all have their souls intact.”

“Oooh, can I come?” Dani excitedly asked but we all immediately shut her down.

“Of course not!”

She groaned and stuffed a mouthful of rice.

“And where did you go, anyway you little tweedle? Daniel said Nathan came back with you and Ryan.” I asked her, narrowing my eyes when she subtly fidgeted with her hands.

“I had to go look for something in the business district!” She exclaimed and shoved a large piece of chicken in her mouth.

“And it took you 5 hours?” Kaden asked her, also staring her down.

“I could not find it fast enough! Leave me alone, Phineas and Ferb!” She exclaimed and wiggled closer to Mom like the little spoiled brat she is.

“And what about you, Creed? Was your meeting with the Madame Almyra at least fruitful?” Mom intervened as usual.

“Meeting with the Madame Almyra? What meeting?” Dani, ever the curious one, piped in.

I rolled my eyes at her but when I saw Mom still waiting for my answer along with Dad, I sighed.

“Yes, she accepted my proposal.”

Dani who had just began to drink from her water, spat it back in the glass and began coughing loudly.

A staff came to wipe some of the water that had fallen on the table and changed her glass.

“What do you mean she accepted your proposal?” She asked a moment later, voice hoarse.

Dad spoke before anyone could explain. “That’s good. That’s good.” But he looked troubled while saying it.

If Dad looked doubled, Mom looked even worse.

“Did you explain to her everything thoroughly?” She asked me.

“I gave her a rundown as fast as I could because she was busy.” I answered her and could not help but scratch my nape at the look she gave me.

“Creed!” She exclaimed.

“What proposal?” Dani raised her voice and leaned forward.

It was Kaden who answered her with humor in his voice. “Your brother is gonna marry Almyra.”

Her eyes widened and she put one palm down the table, leaning even closer. “Almyra? Almyra of Alderian? The Firestarter?”

“No, the Water User.” I spoke sarcastically and rolled my eyes at her. “Yes, Danica. Almyra as in the current leader of the Alderian Clan.”

She finally leaned back, her chair making a clacking noise as the back landed on the ground. “How?”

“Both she and we need the alliance a marriage could bring right now.” Dad explained, sighing and putting down his utensils. “Sheryl Martinelli, her own Aunt, tried to stop her investiture during the last council meeting and questioned her abilities as a Guardian and emotional stability.”

“You know what they say, betrayal always comes from the least people you expect it from.” Kaden commented, still munching while rest of us had finished our meals.

“But the feud between the late Madame Nicolette and her sister has been going on for years.” Mom told us. “Sheryl believes ti should have been her who married into Isaac’s family.”

“Yes but she never loved or even liked Isaac. She just wanted to became the Madame of the Alderian Clan.” Dad said and Mom raised an eyebrow at him.

“You know that has never been a requirement for marriage, especially among Bone Families where the most heartless of Guardians can often be found.” She said quietly with a look in her eyes, making Dad look at her strangely.

An awkward silence spread throughout the room.

I always knew Mom harbored some sort of resentment for Dad. I have never understood why and have never seen them actually address the problem or have a fight but I always knew it was there.

45 years of marriage and they have worked together quite seamlessly as Guardians and leaders of the Giovanni Clan. But there’s this lingering tension that’s been present for as long as I could remember.

Even as a child, I would catch Mom looking at Dad like the world weighed her shoulders down. Sometimes there was anger or sadness mixed in her eyes. I don’t know how but Dad seemed to never noticed it.

“Anyway,” She cleared her throat, bringing the topic back to Almyra. “Now that the young Almyra is the last Guardian standing of their family, I guess she thought it would be easier to try and take the Alderian seat of power.”

“That is ridiculous.” Kaden spoke up. “Everybody knows that Almyra is set to become the best leader to come from our generation. She was the only one among us heirs who led a strike team alone after graduation and came back with the whole team alive and the mission a complete success!”

We all looked at him when he paused and his eyebrows furrowed.

“What? What is it?” Dad asked him.

“When you and Dad rescued Almyra from the burning building, when she had a meltdown..”He trailed off, looking troubled.

“What about it?” Dad urged him to speak on.

“Dad mentioned something about Almyra having no complete control over her powers.”

I sat up straight because that was impossible!

“That’s not possible.” Mom countered immediately.

“The amount of power she displayed during her final evaluation, even summoning the Fire Phoenix to its greatest power, should mean she has exceptional control over her powers.” Dad explained.

“She was also able to make an exact replica of the Durandal sword she wields with fire.” Mom added.

Even I was only able to make air knives and could not make a replica of the Excalibur with my powers.

“Does that not make her more dangerous? Especially since Alderians are notorious for their temper.” Danica asked and it was true.

If Almyra was able to wield her power in such way already but still lack control, that would mean she is more dangerous and powerful.

“That must be why she agreed to the marriage. Without her parents, she knows it is with us that she can seek the best refugee and guidance.” Mom muttered out all our realizations.

“But we must know the real extent of her situation. She has to be honest with us once you two are married.” Dani interjected.

“That’s okay.” I said because it was. “We can help her.” I could not imagine all the feelings she must have repressed to still have no complete control over her powers. Our emotions are tied to the core of the element we wield so that could be the only reason for her situation.

“And she can help us.” Dad spoke, “She has garnered the respect and admiration of Guardians beyond her own clan. She has proven her worth over and over again. Most of all, she is still the daughter of Master Isaac and Madame Nicolette. As long as nobody knows about her lack of control, everything will go smoothly.”

“You must be careful.” Kaden said, looking serious. “If somebody finds out, they can use this as a sword to pierce not only the foundation of the Alderian family but as well as Giovanni.”

We went on our own ways after that, Kaden deciding to go home before his mother loses her mind for his constant absence in their house.

The next morning, Danica was still asleep when Mom, Dad, and I had breakfast. Mom woke up early to check the gifts the staffs were preparing for our visit to Alderian while Dad? I don’t think he even slept. He must have stayed up all night again to work.

I offered to form the search teams that our clan will be sending out soon but he refused and told me to go to sleep instead so I can wake up early today.

“I sent Nathan to get something from the jewelry vault but he’ll be back on time for our visit to Alderian.” Mom informed me when I asked where my Keeper was.

“And what about your Keepers?”

“I sent Philip to check on the morgue where we are keeping the soulless bodies but he’ll be back soon.” Dad answered.

“Noah is helping the attendants prepare everything we will be bringing with us later. Only he, Philip, and Nathan will be coming with us.” Mom said.

“Ah,” I nodded and drank the glass of orange juice in one go. “Speaking of the jewelry vault. Can we drop by after breakfast, Mom? I need to get Almyra a ring.”

Mother raised an eyebrow at me, frowning. “You have not picked a ring for her yet?”

“I tried to give her the Ruby Ring but she rejected it.”

Both Mom and Dad put down the utensils they were holding and looked at me in disbelief, both their mouths open.

“You…tried…to…giver her…the Ruby Ring???” Dad asked as if he needed clarification.

“When?!”

“Um, yesterday.” I answered, growing confused at their reaction.

They looked at me like I had grown two heads and Dad even glanced at Mom before looking at me again.

When I did not react, Mom’s shoulders dropped and she breathed out my name “Oh, Creed. How can you be so stupid sometimes?”

“What?!” I raised my voice because they were not making any sense but they just shook their heads as if I was a hopeless case.

By the time Danica came down to have breakfast, Mom and Dad have already left so I stayed to accompany her while she ate.

“What?” I asked when I noticed her watching me like a hawk.

“Are you really gonna get married so soon after…you know.” She finally asked.

I sighed and closed my crest which was displaying the 3D Hologram photos of the plans for the new kindergarten that will soon be built for Giovanni children. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“You know why, Dani.” I said and was gonna open my crest again to continue studying the plans but she did not stop.

“No, I don’t! You, Mom, and Dad are taking the easiest solution you can think of to get rid of those who will try to shake the hierarchy of the Bone Families but it isn’t fair! This isn’t fair for the Madame Almyra!”

“What do you mean it isn’t fair for her? She’s also gonna benefit greatly from this. I would say she’s gonna benefit even more than us.” I told her because she was confusing me with everything she was saying.

She breathed out and bit her lips, looking very frustrated. “You don’t understand!”

No. It was her who did not understand.

“Dani,” I called her name softly. “It is for the best.”

“Best for who? You or Madame Almyra?”

“For both of our clans of course.”

She sighed and opened one of the chocolate bars on the table, taking a big bite and swallowing before talking again. “You may look fine and all but I know, Brother, I know. You and Alice have been side by side for as long as I can remember. You have loved her so deeply that it would be easy to believe you love her more than you love me, Mom, and Dad.”

I tried to object but she shushed me and continued talking.

“And because of that, you are grieving so badly and how you refuse to show it scares me. You are hurting and it scares me because I do not know the true depth of your misery. I don’t think neither does Kaden, Mom, or Dad. You are keeping it all in and someday, it will all explode. It scares me because Madame Almyra has suffered so much more than anyone I know from this war and she had to bury it all inside of her. What she is going through is unimaginable and getting married to someone like you, who is ready to live his like a widower, is the last thing she needs in her life. It scares me because I may not know her that much but I can already imagine what type of life you two are gonna lead as married couples and I fear it will only destroy both of you.”

I tried to find the words to reply to her but I could not because she was saying the words nobody had dared to say to me since everything happened, not even our parents.

I asked to be left alone after Alice’s death and they left me alone. I lost the person I was ready to spend the rest of my life with. Without her, all of my plans have crumbled to pieces and the future I have envisioned for so long is no longer possible. The only thing that remained certain was my place, my responsibilities, my DUTY as an heir. What else I could do if not put that first?

Her hand went to grip mine, squeezing it tightly.

“We’ll be fine.” I whispered. “We are both doing this for duty. If there is someone who understands what is truly going on in our family right now and in me as the next leader of Giovanni and the Bone Families, it’s her.”

She laughed not with humor but with pain. “Duty. What a f****d up thing it is.”