King

CHAPTER VIII

I arrived at the chateau after spending the whole afternoon with Erin. I didn’t tell her anything about the fact that my memory was triggered and I was relieved that despite being talkative she decided not to open the topic the whole day.

“Look who decided to come back home,” Alystair said with his eyebrows furrowed. I smirked at him and walked past him but before I entered I hit his shoulder.

Zynrick immediately stood up upon seeing me. “Welcome home,” He said and I just nodded. I still didn’t feel good about the fact that he wouldn’t tell me anything.

“Do you remember what happened in the kitchen last time?” I asked while looking straight at his eyes. He quickly averted his gaze and bowed his head. He was looking at the ground and that’s when I knew that he still remembers.

“I’m sorry,” He said but I didn’t need it. What I wanted was information about him. I nodded and walked to my room. I knew I was acting petty but I just can’t stop wondering about his and Al’s past.

I was looking out at the balcony when I heard someone’s footsteps approaching my room. “Stop acting like a rebellious child,” I heard Al say behind me so I turned my head and looked at him.

“I’m not,” I said while looking straight at him. I could feel us measuring each other through our gaze and I wasn’t one to back down.

“What’s your problem?” He asked in a frustrated tone after giving up. It was my first time seeing him lose his composure. He looked so frustrated that he didn’t know what to do with me.

“I just wanted to know your background what’s so difficult about that?” I asked because he wasn’t the only one who was feeling frustrated. In this house, it felt as if I was the only one who was clueless.

I don’t have my memories and I knew nothing about them. But they knew more about my past than I do and they’re hiding this. This was making me feel so damn frustrated.

“Look, I’m sorry if we can’t tell you but I’m trying to make up for it by looking into your familiars.” He answered but I scoffed.

“You’re looking into it because it’s beneficial for both sides,” I said making him furrow his eyebrows. He ran his hands over his face and glared at me.

“If that’s what you think then that’s fine,” He said and walked away.

I clenched my jaws and looked outside once again. I was thinking about the memories I recalled back when I was at Erin’s. I couldn’t believe that the first thing I thought of was telling Al everything that I recalled.

“So, stupid,” I whispered to myself and bit my bottom lip.

I decided to go to the fairy realm because I needed someone to talk to. I don’t know how things have been since I last went there so I don’t know what to expect.

“Elle,” I heard Yuriko say before she enveloped me with a hug. I hugged her as well and I could feel myself slowly relaxing a bit.

“You seem tired,” She commented and cupped my face. I gave her a small smile.

“Maybe you can just read my mind. I’m not in the mood to talk,” I said which made her giggle.

“It’s good to know that some things haven’t changed,” She said before looking at me. I could see her facial expressions and it was quite entertaining. I watched her face while she was reading and when she was done I asked, “So?”

“That Alystair guy is such a jerk,” She said and rolled her eyes. I giggled and looked at her. It was nice knowing her. At least I have someone willing to tell me everything I need to know.

We were both quiet for a few seconds before she said, “So, you remembered something about your birthplace,”

“So that place is where I came from?” I asked. I remembered a place that was different from this time.

It was a place where trees were blooming beautifully. Children were running around and the grasses were dancing in the wind. Everyone seemed so happy and at peace. As I recall the fact that all I could do was watch from the distance I could feel my heart aching. I remember turning to someone and asking why I can’t go out but everything she was hazy.

“Yes,” She answered with a sad smile on her face.

“How do you know this?” I asked and she showed me.

“I don’t think the mirror to the past would be enough to bring back your memories so let’s try this,” She said and placed her forehead on mine. She closed her eyes so I did the same but I was surprised when she was thrown into the air.

I immediately opened my eyes and saw a look of pain and concern in her face. “What happened?” I asked while looking up at her.

“Your memories are sealed. It wasn’t an ordinary seal either.” She said and approached me. She stood in front of me and held her hand in front of my forehead.

“Let’s try one more time but this time we’ll use a different method, okay?” She said and I nodded. I was feeling nervous as she closed her eyes. Things weren’t adding up and instead of having my questions answered more questions kept piling up.

I closed my eyes and tried to remember something. I felt my head aching once again but this time instead of remembering something I heard Yuriko scream. I opened my eyes and saw her against a tree. She looked like she was in pain but the look of concern was more prominent.

I walked up to her and held my hand out to help her stand up. “Was that because of me?” I asked when she was done dusting off her clothes.

“Not really. It seems like whoever sealed you had sealed your memory as well. My powers aren’t good enough to break it though.” She said with her eyebrows furrowed.

She placed her hand on my shoulder and looked straight into my eyes. She looked serious so I listened to what she had to say, “I think you need to ask that boy, Alystair, for help.”

I shook my head at her suggestion. “I’d rather have someone else help me,” I said but she pressed my cheeks together and forced me to look at her.

“Now isn’t the time to put your pride as a priority,” She said.

“But you said he was a jerk,” I said which made me sound like a child.

“I know, he still is, but he’s the only person who can help you at the moment. He was able to break the seal that kept you. So, maybe he can break the seal of your memories. You need him and the progenitor.” She said and I nodded. She was right. Now isn’t the time to prioritize my pride.

“Alright, I’ll go back to the chateau,” I said and she nodded, “Good,” She said.

“I’ll update you soon,” I said and she nodded. I teleported back to the chateau and went to the living room to look for Alystair but he wasn’t there. Neither was Zynrick so I decided to rest and just apologize tomorrow.

I woke up the next morning and I quickly went to the living hoping to catch up with Al.

“Good morning,” I said when I saw him eating alone in the kitchen. He raised his head at me and nodded.

I took a deep breath and took a sit in front of him but he wasn’t looking at me. He was focused on his tablet and it annoyed me. I reminded myself that I should be calm because I’m here to apologize.

“Calm down, you need him,” I thought to myself as I stare at him. I’ve been sitting in front of him for a couple of minutes now but he still wasn’t acknowledging my presence. The fact that he was ignoring me was annoying me even more.

“Hey, Al,” I called out because I knew he wasn’t going to start the conversation no matter how long I stare at him.

A minute had passed and he still hadn’t answered. It was getting on my nerves but I tried to keep my composure. “Alystair,” I said as I try to say the words I’m sorry.

“f**k this!” I yelled when I couldn’t bring it in me to apologize.

He finally raised his head and looked at me. “If you’re here to cuss then please leave. You’re ruining my morning,” My jaw dropped at what he said.

I can’t believe that I was actually about to put down my pride for this guy.

I slammed my hands on the table and he raised his eyebrow at me. “I learned something,” I said. He crossed his arms and looked at me before saying, “What?”

“Do you remember how you removed my seal?” I asked and he nodded. I was waiting for him to say something but he just remained silent so I just continued.

“My memories were sealed as well,” I said and he nodded. He massaged his temple and ran his hands on his face.

“That’s good to know,” He said but the way he acted seemed to be the opposite.

“How could you say that it’s good to know when you’re not happy about it?” I asked in annoyance. He looked at me with a frustrated expression.

“Are you happy knowing this fact?” He asked. His voice was raised a little and I knew he was just trying to keep his temper.

“Of course not,” I answered while looking straight at his eyes.

“Of course you’re not! I only said it was good to know because, now, at least we know that we need to do something. But I’m not happy about the fact that I’m going to end up looking for a solution to that problem because you aren’t of any use at the moment. The only thing you can do right now is train Zynrick but here you are acting like a petty rebellious teen while I work hard to fulfill your request of finding your familiar. Now, not only do I have to look for your familiar I also need to find a way to remove your seal!” He yelled in one breath.

I was surprised at the way he acted but I understood. I felt bad after hearing everything he had to say. He was right, at the moment he’s the only one me and Zynrick could rely on and the burden must have taken a toll on him for him to show me how frustrated he is.

“I’m-“ I started but I wasn’t able to finish what I had to say because he immediately stood up. I downed his coffee and took his table with him before leaving the kitchen.

I wanted to follow him and apologize but I didn’t have the heart to.

“What happened?” I heard Zynrick ask. He was rubbing his eyes and his voice was groggy.

“Nothing,” I said and stood up. “We’ll train late so you better eat your breakfast.”

I walked pass by Zynrick after saying that. What Al said pierced through my heart. I guess it’s true when they say that truth hurts.

We were at the field and Zynrick was just done with his warm-up so I asked, “Do you know how to use your magic?”

“No,” He answered quickly. I raised my eyebrow at him and waited for him to take back what he said but he just looked at me.

“You’re hopeless,” I whispered and he nodded.

“Okay, follow everything I say,” I said and he nodded again.

“First, close your eyes,” He did as he was told. “Second, focus on magic,”

“How do I do that?” He asked with his eyes still closed. “Think of being able to use magic.”

“I need more specific instructions,” He said which made me sigh.

“Think of a weapon,” I said and he nodded. “Done,” He said.

“Okay, now think of what kind of magic that sword is made of,” I instructed.

“Ice?” He asked and I answered with an, “Okay,”

“Now, focus on that,” I said and he nodded. A minute had passed and nothing was happening.

“Clear your head of any distraction and just focus on the weapon you are wielding,” I said. He didn’t respond after that. I thought he was close to being able to do it but five minutes have passed and nothing happened.

“Damn it!” He yelled in frustration.

“It’s okay. You’re still training,” I said in hopes of calming him down but he just looked at me.

“Why can’t I do it?” He asked and ran his hands through his hair.

“It’s your first time,” I said but he shook his head.

“It’s not. I was able to fight you when we first met.” He said. “So why can’t I do it now?”

“That was because you were fighting for your life,” I answered making him look at me.

“What do you mean?” He asked with a confused expression.

“I provoked you and Al wounded you. The vampire part of you overtook your human consciousness to save you. That’s why you were able to use your powers.” I said and he nodded.

“So one way to bring out my powers is to nearly kill me?” He asked and I responded by saying, “That’s one way,”

“Can we try?” He asked but I immediately shook my head as an answer.

“Why?” He asked in disappointment.

“That’s way too dangerous,” I answered and he crossed his arms.

He smirked when he said, “That’s what you said when you were training my physical abilities but it worked out, in the end, didn’t it?” He said with confidence.

“That was physical. This one is different. We’re talking about your powers and your consciousness. You’re an artificial vampire so that means the vampire abilities placed inside of you aren’t fully in your control. You need to train hard to be able to successfully and consciously use and control it. If you keep on letting your vampire abilities take over your human consciousness you might not return to your senses. You might end up walking around as a mindless shell for your vampire abilities.” I explained making him frown. He looked at me with a sad expression on his face.

“How do you know all these?” He asked and I just shrugged. He stared at me for a few seconds before sighing and closing his eyes.

“Alright, how do I know if what I’m doing is working?” He asked with his eyes closed.

“You’ll feel a tingly sensation in your whole body. It will feel like something hot is running through your veins.” I answered and he nodded.

“Just clear your head and focus. I’m not rushing you to get it right immediately,” I said to make sure he wouldn’t pressure himself.

He didn’t say anything after that. He just stood there with his eyes closed. I could see beads of sweat dripping down his head and it made me happy to see him trying so hard. I was looking at his hand and I could see his sword slowly forming. I was looking straight at it when he suddenly spoke.

“I don’t think I can do more,” He said while panting. I nodded at what he said before saying, “At least there’s progress,”

“What the f**k is this?” He asked when he saw the small ice knife in his hand. He looked so disappointed at what he created. He threw it on the ground and yelled into the air.

“I can’t believe all that pain and sweating was all for a small knife,” He yelled and kicked the air.

I picked up the knife and handed it to him, “Hey, progress is progress. If you want you can try again,” I said and he looked horrified at what I said.

“It was so f*****g painful. You didn’t tell me magic was painful. It didn’t feel like tingly at all. It felt like my blood was burning.” He complained making me feel annoyed. I may not show it but deep inside I was proud of him but the way he was acting annoyed me.

“You’re new to using magic consciously. Did you think that magic was something easy?! If it was then everyone could’ve been one!” I yelled making him take a step back.

I placed my hands on my waist and sighed. He looked at me with a sorry expression but I just said, “Do it again. This time make sure to make a dagger at least.”

He nodded and closed his eyes once again. I was watching as he tried to form the dagger but when I saw that the process was declining and the dagger wasn’t forming properly I spoke, “Something’s distracting you. The dagger isn’t forming properly. You need to focus on.”

After saying that I saw the dagger slowly forming in his hands. I was watching it and when it was finally done I called out his name, “Zyn,”

He opened his eyes and saw the dagger he made. A small smile was formed on his lips and I could see how happy he was in his eyes. “I did it,” He whispered while admiring whatever he did.

“Stop staring at it and do another one,” I said making him frown.

“You’re being strict,” He commented and pouted in front of me, “Can’t I at least admire my work?”

I shook my head at his question. “You annoyed me so now bear the consequences,” I said and he nodded.

He went back to forming the sword and when he succeeded he was jumping in joy. Even though I wasn’t pissed at him anymore I still acted as if I was. I asked him to do another one and this time he was able to make a bow from the earth around him. He was also able to create arrows made out of the fire. These made him so ecstatic that he kept on creating weapons.

“I didn’t know this was fun,” He said while doing it.

I knew he was going to end up using all of his magic so I decided to leave him alone. I just sat far from him and watched him create various weapons. He was so happy that he didn’t notice how much magic he was wasting.

“What’s happening to me?” He asked after collapsing on the ground. I was looking over him and he looked so tired but he still had a smile on his face.

“Did you have fun?” I asked even though I knew that answer to it.

“Yeah,” He answered and I hit his head. “Ouch! What was that for?”

“You should learn self-control. You were so happy with such a trivial thing that you used up all of your magic. You should know that it’s not applicable when you’re in a battle.” I scolded and he nodded.

“I know that but we’re not in a battle so let me enjoy it,” He said making me sigh.

“Anyway can you bring me back to the chateau? I don’t have enough strength to go back there on my own.” He said making me sigh.

“Next time, I’ll leave you behind if you end up not being able to move,” I said and he nodded.

“Oh, can you bring my creations as well?” He asked so I kicked his stomach before teleporting us back to the chateau.

We were finally in the chateau and he was on the ground. I was about to kick him again to make him stand up when the door opened and we saw Alystair enter the house.

“What’s all of these?” He asked when he saw all of the weapons on the ground. His eyebrows were furrowed and he looked genuinely confused.

“He made those while we were training,” I answered and he nodded.

“It’s good to know that you’re making progress,” He said and held the weapons he made.

“I didn’t know he’s capable of doing this though,” He whispered and looked at Zyn who was passed out.

“Can you teleport him to his room?” He asked and I nodded. “Along with his toys,”

I snapped my fingers and he was immediately sent to his room. We were left in the living room and I didn’t know what to do. Awkward silence enveloped us for a minute before he decided to leave.

“Al, I’m sorry for being a brat,” I apologized with my back against him.

“It’s fine. I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier as well,” He said before I heard his footsteps continue into the kitchen.

I decided to leave him alone so I went to my room. I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling as I recall the events that transpired today. It felt good that I was able to patch things up with Alystair and that there's progress with Zynrick.

"Today was a good day," I thought and drifted off to sleep.

A week passed by and I was quite happy with the progress that Zynrick was having. He also quite seemed to enjoy the training we were having so it was easier for me to teach him.

"Now, let's try sparring," I said when he was done with his warm-ups. He looked at me with a hesitant expression so I crossed my arms and smirked.

"Did you forget that I beat your sorry ass the first time we met?" I asked making him scoff.

"How can I forget that?" He asked and I nodded. "Exactly. So, stop hesitating and fight me."

I dealt the first blow by surprising him with arrows. Some were able to pierce him but he was able to dodge most of them. I prepared another attack but I was surprised when the ground shook and created a fist. It was a hard blow but I was able to block it with a shield. As I was in the air I threw daggers at him but he was able to block it by creating a shield out of the ground.

I was impressed by his actions so I decided to release another batch of arrows but stopped when I saw Alystair behind Zynrick.

"You're here early," I commented as I approach.

Zynrick's shield vanished and he followed me to where Al was. "Something happened. We need to go to the fairy realm,"