King

CHAPTER III

Once the sound of their footsteps vanished I turned to look at Zynrick who was sitting on the floor. I kicked him making him stand up.

“Do you mind telling me what’s going on?” I asked and he answered by shaking his head.

“I can’t tell you what’s going on right now but I need you to suppress your magical abilities while we’re here. Al and I will explain everything once we get back to the chateau.” He said but I couldn’t bear not knowing what’s happening around me.

“I can’t just follow you. I need to know what’s happening. Even if it’s just a brief explanation I’m fine with it. Just tell me something.” I begged. He took a deep breath and bit his bottom lip as if he was thinking whether he should tell me something or not.

“Zynrick, if you decide not to say anything I’ll activate my magic, ten, nine, eight, seven,” I started counting as I slowly release the magic I was suppressing.

“Okay, okay, we’re in an anti-magic facility. The people here want to destroy every magical being in this country and these handcuffs were placed on us to measure our magic levels. Once they find out that you’re a dark witch and I’m a progenitor they’ll kill us.” He whispered.

“That’s stupid. You’re the progenitor. You can take them on and, as you said, I’m a dark witch. If we work together we can destroy this place.” I said as if it was common sense but released a frustrated sigh.

“If it was that easy then why would this facility still be here? This place is covered by an artificial magic seal that cancels every type of magic except a progenitor’s.” He explained which made me furrow my eyebrows.

“If it can’t cancel your magic then why won’t you fight?” I asked in confusion.

“If I fight they can kill me,” Even though he was serious I couldn’t help but laugh at his statement.

“I’ve never heard of a human killing a progenitor,” I said after I was done laughing.

“Are you done?” He asked in annoyance while looking down at me. I nodded and looked at him straight in the eyes.

“Look me in the eye and tell me how these powerless humans could kill a progenitor,” I said cockily. I was sure that I never heard of a human killing a progenitor but his answer surprised me.

“They have the arrow that is said to have killed Athaeas.”He answered. I felt myself breathing heavily and I couldn’t help my magic flow.

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you anything. You’re still unstable. Look at me and calm down.” I heard Zyrick say but I didn’t obey him.

“How can I calm down when I know that the object that killed Athaeas is right here? Maybe even Athaeas is here.” I said angrily. How dare he even tell me to calm down when he doesn’t know me?

“If you activate your handcuff’s warning signal they’ll come here and kill us both. If that happens you won’t be able to find Athaeas. So, listen to me and calm down.” He said through gritted teeth. This whole day that I spent with him I’ve never seen him pissed and he has a point so I tried to calm myself down.

After I calmed down we both sat on the floor in silence as we wait for Alystair. I hated the fact that I had to wait for someone to help me but with everything that Zynrick said I knew that I wouldn’t be able to do anything without becoming familiar in this era.

“I could hear Al and Tyrone. Let’s stand up.” He said and stood up so I followed what he said.

“Hide your handcuffs. Don’t show them the small light.” Zynrick said making me look behind my back. I saw a faint vertical glowing on the handcuff so I looked at Zynrick.

“It’s an indicator that you attempted to use magic. We’re lucky it’s faint. I’m sure Alystair can make up an excuse as to why it’s glowing like that.” He said and I nodded. He didn’t say a word after that so I remained silent as well.

We were standing in front of the bars when they arrived. Alystair immediately threw me a glare upon seeing me.

“You can open the cell,” The blond man, who I assume is Tyrone, said and one of the guards opened it. We were standing there waiting for the cell to open and once it did the guards immediately went inside and removed your handcuffs.

“Sir, this one has a faint magic line on her handcuff.” The guard that took my handcuff said and gave my cuffs to Tyrone.

“Oh, so she has magic,” Tyrone said and threw Alystair a meaningful glace, “How careless of you, Al, sending a magical girl into an anti-magic facility,” He said mockingly.

“I sent her because I didn’t have anyone else to send. The people at the lab are busy at the moment. Besides, the government said that I’m allowed to send any magical beings in this facility as long as its magic is not threatening.” Alystair said making Tyrone scowl. He gave the guard my handcuffs and motioned us to get out of the cell.

“You’re lucky half of the government is on your side. If not I would’ve had that girl killed right this instant.” Tyrone said while glaring at me.

“Then you better work on gaining their favor,” Alystair said before turning his back on Tyrone. Zynrick and I trailed behind him.

“You can see yourselves out.” I heard Tyrone say before I heard their footsteps walking towards the opposite direction.

We were walking quietly until we reached the car. Neither of us spoke but I can feel the heavy atmosphere. Once we were inside the car the atmosphere we had felt suffocating so I decided to speak up.

“I’m sorry,” I said even though it damaged my pride I knew that I was at fault for the trouble that occurred earlier so I had to apologize.

“Do you think that an apology would take back the trouble you’ve caused?” Alystair asked in an angered tone.

“No,” I answered with my head bowed down. I looked at Zynrick and he was looking outside. It seems like he won’t be siding with me on this one.

“What do you think would have happened to you if Zynrick didn’t follow you?”He asked and I didn’t answer. A few seconds passed and I felt Alystair’s glare boring a hole into my soul so I looked at him and answered.

“I’d be dead,” I pressed my lips after saying that statement. In the years I’ve roamed this earth I never thought that I’d say those words.

“It’s good to know that you’re aware,” Alystair said before we were enveloped in silence.

Upon arriving at the chateau we gathered around a small table in the living room. Zynrick and I looked at each other while waiting for Alystair to talk.

“Is either of you going to fill me in with the details?” Alystair asked with his eyebrow raised while alternately eyeing either of us.

“I felt Athaeas’ presence so I followed it and it led me there. I was riding a magical triangle when I suddenly lost track of his presence before my magic started to vanish.” I started and continued to tell him what happened next as he listened intently.

A sigh escaped his lips before eyeing Zynrick, “Why didn’t you tell me that she ventured on her own?” Alystair asked. I was surprised when he got mad at Zynrick instead of me.

“Look, Alystair, Zynrick was just looking after me-“I started but I was cut off when he said, “I know. I’m just scolding him first before I scold you because I’ll scold you longer than him,”

Zynrick gulped at what Alystair said but he still answered, “I panicked when I saw the direction she was heading. She was fast and I thought that if I told you then it’ll take time.”

“So, you decided to just follow her even though you knew that it would be dangerous for both of you?” Alystair asked and scoffed.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve informed you instead of deciding on my own,” He answered and Alystair nodded.

“I know I can’t use magic but you should tell me if something’s going on. The anti-magic organization is trying its best to convince the government to eradicate every magical being in this kingdom. So, don’t do anything reckless.” I clenched my fists with what I heard.

“Why are they trying to eradicate every magical being in this kingdom when we were the ones who protected them? Humans used to look up to us. What changed?” I asked. I could feel rage running through my system as I remember the risks I had to take just to save their lives. The sacrifices I had to make just to make sure nothing happens to them and yet here they are destroying the very kind that made them live this long. “Did people forget history?”

“We didn’t forget history, Elle. After the great war that occurred during the late King Athaeas’ reign-“

“Don’t speak as if you’re sure he’s dead,” I said and glared at Alystair but he seemed unfazed and continued instead.

“As I was saying when Athaeas died another ruler came into the picture. When people found out that their ruler wasn’t a pure progenitor the magical beings started to revolt. They wanted the new ruler to step down but instead of granting what his people wanted he chose to fight them. He ordered the murder of anyone who was against him.” Alystair said. I remained quiet as he was telling the story but something wasn’t adding up.

“If the new king asked for the murder of anyone who was against him then that means it includes even, us, magical beings to be killed. Then why would you humans be mad at us? Is it because the king was a progenitor that you decided that every magic-user is cruel?” I asked and Alystair answered by shaking his head.

“The king was half-human and because he wasn’t accepted as king due to him having human blood running in him he decided to commit g******e. He ordered the murder of every human being on this kingdom.” Alystair explained. I felt like my head was about to explode because of the information he was telling me but I needed to know.

“I’ll continue the story next time. For this time, you should rest. Telling you everything when you’re still unstable is a bad idea.” He said and stood up to go to his room but I held onto his arm.

“You need to tell me everything,” I said but he shrugged my hand off of his arm.

“I told you, now isn’t the best time,” He said and started to walk but I stopped him again.

“If you won’t tell me now then I’ll go back to that place,” I threatened but he just laughed.

“Do you think that threat is going to work on me?” He asked with a smirk on his face. “If you go back there and you get killed I don’t mind. I’ll just find another person to bring back to life.”

“You need me to tame the progenitor,” I said with confidence but he just flicked his finger on my forehead.

“Not because I woke you up and asked you to become Zynrick’s teacher means that I can’t change you. So, if you decide to go there and get yourself killed then I’ll just look for a replacement for you. Someone stable enough to actually help Zynrick and get Athaeas back. So, don’t get to c**k because you haven’t even done anything to help me nor Zynrick.” He said and walked away. I bit my lip because what he said was true.

“Also, I still need to teach you a lesson for leaving the house without my permission,” He added before leaving me and Zynrick in the living room.

I continued to stand there while looking at the stairs that led to the second floor. I wanted to get mad Alystair but he was right about everything.

“We should rest,” Zynrick said and tapped my shoulder.

I hated being useless but right now I’m even more useless than when we were locked in a cell. I clenched my fists and looked at Zynrick.

“We’ll start your training once I’m done with my punishments,” I said and started to walk to my room.

“You don’t have to push yourself. You still need to regain your strength back,” He said as he trailed behind me.

“I know but I don’t want to be useless. I’ve never been a burden besides we’re only in this situation because we all need something from one another.” I said and he didn’t say a word so I turned around.

“You’re right,” He said and smiled at me. “Rest well,”

“I know. You need to rest as well. You’ll have a hard time next week,” I said and entered my room.

I lay on the bed and looked at the ceiling. This was a long day and I felt how tired I was once my body hit the bed.

“I’ve been asleep for a thousand years and yet here I am feeling sleepy,” I said to myself as I slowly close my eyes.

I woke up and went downstairs. The chateau was already illuminated thanks to the sun.

“For someone who slept for a thousand years, you sure had a long night sleep,” Zynrick commented upon seeing me come down.

“What time is it?” I asked after sitting beside him.

“It’s already past noon. There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry.” He said and continued to look at the huge thing in front of us.

“What is that thing? It was black when we first arrived here.” I asked.

“It’s called a television. Anyway, Alystair told me that I should help you become familiar with everything you need to know in this modern age. He also told me that we should buy some clothes and things hygiene materials.” He said while watching the television. I nodded at what he said and went to the kitchen to eat.

“I thought he was going to punish me,” I said when I was done eating.

“He said he’ll do that tomorrow and that our priority right now is to buy you everything you need before he arrives home.” He answered before pulling me into my room.

“Here, I’ll teach you how to use the shower and how-to brush your teeth.” He said and taught me how to use everything that was in the bathroom before leaving me.

“You better hurry because I don’t know what time he’ll come home. Come down once you’re done.” He said and I nodded before proceeding to clean myself.

“Let’s go,” I said when I was done.

We headed to the city using a different car and went to the mall. I didn’t know what most of the things were so Zynrick had to explain everything to me.

“I didn’t know that it’s tiring to shop with you,” He said after we sat down at one of the coffee shops inside the mall. “You’re worse than a grandma,”

“I’m sorry for not knowing what was happening in the world for the past thousand years because I was asleep,” I said sarcastically which made him laugh.

“It was a joke,” He said while chuckling.

“Well, it wasn’t funny,” I said and he ruffled my hair.

“It’s not funny because you’re always so serious,” He said and took a sip of his coffee. I glared at him and fixed my hair.

“It was fun though,” He said while looking at me. I rolled my eyes at him and took a bite of my cake.

I could feel my eyes sparkle when I tasted the cake, “It’s delicious,” I unconsciously said.

“It’s good to know that you liked it,” He said and I nodded before focusing on eating my cake.

“So, did you have everything down after going to the mall?” Zynrick asked now that we’re in the car.

“Well, not everything, I still need to learn a few more things but now I at least know the basics,” I answered and he nodded. We were both quiet during the ride home.

I was looking out of the window and was admiring the buildings. Now, I know that the things I was staring at the other night are called buildings.

We arrived at the house and luckily Alystair still wasn’t home. We both carried all of the materials we bought into my room.

“You know how to use all of those, right?” He asked and I nodded.

“Alright, I’ll head to my room then. You better rest while waiting for Alistair to arrive,” He said and left me alone.

I plopped on my bed and closed my eyes when I heard the door in the living room open. I groaned and walked down to the living room. I saw enter the house and he looked so stressed out that he didn’t even notice me standing at the end of the stairs.

“Hey, what’s my punishment?” I asked making him turn his head towards me. He rolled his eyes at me and groaned before speaking.

“I forgot I got pests in my house,” He said making me pop a vein. “Go get me water,” He commanded making me clench my fists in anger.

“I’m not your servant,” I said through gritted teeth but just squinted his eyes at me.

“It’s your punishment. You’re going to be my servant for the whole week.” He said making my jaw drop.

“What the heck?” I asked and went to him. I stood in front of him with my arms crossed but he just raised his eyebrow at me.

“Just so you know I can blast you with my magic,” I said with my eyes squinted at him.

“The magic blood rings will punish you if you do that,” He said and lay on the couch.

“A little miasma wouldn’t kill me,” I answered but instead of answering I felt him put something on my wrist.

“What is this?” I asked when I saw a thin bracelet around my wrist.

“That’s to forbid you from using magic for a whole week,” He answered so I punched him.

“What the hell?!” He screamed and sat up after I punched him.

“This is too much. Take it off,” I demanded but he just ignored what I said.

“That’s your punishment. Besides, if you decided to just stay here last night then I wouldn’t be this stressed.” He said making me furrow my eyebrows.

“Why what happened?” I asked. I feel like what I did last night caused a huge problem for him.

“Tyrone decided to report what happened and I needed to explain of the High Commission of Magic Regulation why I sent a magical girl and a boy to the AMF (Anti-magic Facility) in the middle of the night to ask for Magic canceling serum without any notice. I had to make up a story just so you wouldn’t be taken and held by the government to be used as a test dummy.” He explained which made me feel guilty so without any further complaint, I went to the kitchen and prepared food and water.

“Since it’s my fault that I’m in this situation I’ll agree to this punishment but be true to your word that this will end by the time I start teaching Zynrick,” I said and he nodded.

“By the way, something has been bothering me ever since we arrived here.” I said making him raise his eyebrow at me, “What is it?”

“If the AMF has a barrier that cancels magical powers then how come the handcuffs were able to detect my magic?” I asked. A sigh escaped his lips.

“Magic still flows in your body. The barrier can only forbid you from using magic but it still flows in you. It’s just that you can’t feel because of the barrier. The handcuff detects the magic within you that’s why it still works even though a barrier exists.” He explained and looked at me as if he’s asking me if I had any other questions.

“I still have one more thing to ask,” I said bravely but Alystair took a deep breath and stood up.

“Look, I’m tired right now; I don’t have the energy to answer any more of your questions so save them for next time.” He said and walked away. As much as I wanted to stop him and pester him until he tells me I can’t because I know that I’ve caused huge trouble so I just kept on thinking of the questions in my head until I fell asleep.