King

CHAPTER XVI

After passing through the forest, we arrived at the end of a waterfall. I looked up and saw that the top was covered in mist. I looked at Al who was looking up at the waterfall.

“Come here,” I told Al and held my hand out. He looked at me then noticed that there was a glow below me.

“I thought we had to climb that rocky waterfall,” He whispered as he got on the platform I created.

“You’re with a witch. Why would you think that?” I asked and he just answered me with a shrug.

Upon landing on the ground on top of the waterfall we couldn’t see anything. The fog was so thick that we couldn’t see anything.

“Al, what do we do now?” I asked but a full minute passed and I didn’t receive any answer.

“Al, where are you?” I asked and no one responded.

I gulped when I realized that we got separated. I wandered around the area while blindly looking for Al. I repeated yelled his name in hopes of receiving a response but minutes had passed and nothing happened.

“Damn, where are you?” I whispered to myself.

I stopped walking and started to look around. I didn’t see anything so I decided to start walking again. As I took a step I heard something c***k. I looked down but it seems like the mist got thicker so I couldn’t see anything.

“What was that?” I asked no one in particular as I crouch down. I stretched my hand towards the ground and felt something cold.

I immediately let go of what I touched when I realized that it was a bone. I don’t know whose bone that was but I was startled. I didn’t expect to find something like that in this era.

“I’m just passing by,” I said as if warning any spirits of my presence.

I continued to walk but as I did I bumped onto something. I landed on my butt and when my hands touched the ground I immediately knew that I was surrounded by bones.

I stood up but as soon as I did I felt something hit me. I looked around but I couldn’t see anything. I wiped the blood that dripped from my nose. I created a sword in my hand in preparation for an attack.

I was consciously walking forward when I felt a hand grab me. I was resisted but it was strong enough to throw me to the ground. I screamed in pain when I landed.

“Show yourselves, you f*****g cowards!” I yelled in anger but it seems like it was the wrong move because I felt something pull mine by the hair. As I focus on getting away from the hand that grabbed my hair something kicked my stomach.

I coughed out blood after getting kicked. I swayed my sword in random directions hoping that it would at least hit something. The thing gripping my hair let go so I immediately stood up and swung my sword in that direction.

I heard the sound of falling bones when I did that. I sighed in relief when I was able to hit one but the danger wasn’t over because I was punched in the face. I created swords around me and released them in random directions. I heard the continuous sound of falling bones.

“I think I can survive this,” I whispered to myself and continued doing the same thing. Creating swords, spears, and lances and directing them in different directions. The sound of falling bones didn’t end as I did so. I kept on doing it hoping that it would end but it didn’t.

“Damn, I’m losing mana,” I whispered as I continued to walk aimlessly.

In my stay in this mist, it feels like I’ve been looking for Al and my familiar for hours. I was about to give up when I saw a silhouette not far from me. I ran towards it but I heard a roar which was followed by a huge fist touching me.

I was sent to the ground by the punch I received. I even spit out blood while I was sitting on the ground. “Just when I was about to reach that damn silhouette,” I said to myself.

I gathered all of the magic I had left and created a double-edged sword. I charged straight towards the direction it came from and I was able to wound it. This time I didn’t hear bones falling when I charged, instead, it got stuck so I had to pull it away. At least now I know that I’m fighting something alive.

I jumped back when I heard it swinging its arm towards me. I created a floating platform below me and stayed in the air. I charged while riding the platform. Once I was able to sink my double-edged sword in its body I jumped on it and realized how huge it was.

I felt like I was just the size of a dog compared to this thing. It wasn’t just gigantic. It also reeked of decaying flesh. I immediately placed my hand on its skin. It sensed that I was on it so it kept on swinging and its hand so I had to dodge repeatedly. It also kept on hitting the part where I was so I had to teleport on the different parts of its body.

As I continued doing so I felt my mana decreasing rapidly so I searched for its chest and cast a spell. It was a spell to petrify this thing and when I was done casting it I jumped onto my platform. I walked towards the silhouette I saw earlier and held my hand out. Once I touched the body the mist lifted and I saw Al.

“Elle, what happened to you?” He asked while looking at me. His eyes scanned my body and probably saw the wounds on me.

“This is nothing,” I answered while looking at him. I scanned him as well and I was relieved when nothing happened to him.

“Let’s focus on my familiar first, okay?” I said and he nodded.

“Did you see her?” I asked and he nodded in hesitation.

“I think I did,” He answered and I nodded. I stared at him and waited for him to continue. “She told me that the time is almost near,”

My eyebrows furrowed at what he said, “Do you know what she means?” I asked and he shook his head.

“All I remember is that we came here together but when I was talking I realized that you weren’t there with me. As I was walking around to search for you I saw a female fox standing in front of me. The mist lightened a bit but I didn’t fully see her. I was about to walk towards her but she told me to stop. She also told me that if I attempted to reach for her she’ll vanish without a trace so I obliged.” He explained.

“She then told me that I had to wait for a while but the time is coming.” He added with a confused expression. “The time for you to wake up will arrive soon. That’s what she said.” He continued.

I was about to ask for more information when a light mist suddenly appeared then Al was suddenly gone.

“It’s relieving to know that my master still has it in her despite the lack of memories about her powers.” I heard a familiar voice say. I turned around and saw my familiar standing in front of me.

“Where did you bring Al?” I asked.

“He’s where you left him. You’re the one who’s inside a special barrier I created.” She answered.

“Why would you leave him out?” I asked while looking around the place.

Only when I looked around did I notice that we were in a different place. We were surrounded by cherry blossom trees. “This talk is something that should only be discussed between the two of us.”

“Okay, then tell me what you meant by the time for Al’s awakening is almost arriving,” I commanded but she shook her head.

“That is something between Al and I. It’s not something you should stick your nose into.” She said and gave me a threatening look.

I can’t believe that I have a familiar with this kind of attitude.

“If that’s the case then tell me your name. That should be something that you can easily tell me considering the fact that I am your master.” I said and glared at her but she shook her head.

“I can’t do that, Elle,” She said sternly.

“Why not? Doesn’t a master have the right to know what her familiar’s name is?” I asked and raised my eyebrow at her.

“It is your right but if I tell you my name now then that will release me.” She answered making me furrow my eyebrows.

“What do you mean? Isn’t being released a good thing?” I asked and she shook her head again.

“It is, but not in this situation,” She answered. “My actual body isn’t here. It’s in a dangerous place and once you call my name out loud the seal will be released and when that happens I’m sure that I’ll be killed.”

“Why? Where are you?” I asked while looking straight into her eyes.

“I’m in a place where magic is restricted.” She answered.

“A place where magic is restricted, I only know one place,” I said and looked at her. “If you’re in a place where magic is restricted how come you’re here?”

“This is my soul. I separated my soul from my body. If you call out my name then this soul of mine will return to my body and remove the seal.” Now, it makes sense.

“Alright, if you can’t tell me your name can you at least remove the seal you placed on my memory?” I asked.

“I can but I can only restore half of your memories. If I release all of it the small amount of powers my soul has would vanish and if that happens I’ll vanish as well.” She answered which made my head hurt. I can’t believe that there are consequences for every action we take.

“It’s fine by me,” I said and she nodded.

She placed her hands in front of me and started to chant. As she chanted carious images came rushing into my head. As my memories come back I couldn’t help but feel relieved that I can finally remember some of the things I did a thousand years back.

“It’s done,” She said so I opened my eyes. Upon opening my eyes I saw her panting. Sweat was dripping from her head as she tried to catch her breath.

“Are you alright?” I asked and she nodded as an answer, “I’m fine. It’s just an after effect of using this much power.”

“Is there something I can do?” I asked and she shook her head.

“I need to release this barrier or else I’ll end up using all of my powers.” She said and looked me in the eyes.

“I need to return my soul to my body. My duty towards you, for now, is over. You better come to me because I know where Athaeas is. I’ll wait.” She said and I nodded.

“Thank you,” I thanked before she finally vanished into thin air.

Once she was gone I saw Al sitting on one of the rocks at the edge of the waterfall. “You don’t seem too worried about me vanishing,” I said making him turn his head towards me.

“I knew that it was your familiar so I didn’t panic.” He said and I nodded. He stood up and walked towards me. “It seems that your wounds are all healed.”

After hearing what Al said I looked at my body and he was right. “I didn’t even notice that,” I said and looked at Al.

“Let’s go back,” He said and I nodded as an answer.

We arrived at the village and found Zynrick playing with the children from the village. The chief, on the other hand, was entertaining the parents while Ethan’s security stood at the forefront.

“You’re back,” Zyn said upon seeing us. The children looked at us and went to us for a hug.

“Oh my god! Why did they have to come here,” I whispered making Al turn towards me.

“You don’t like children?” He asked and I nodded as an answer.

“Same here,” He said. I was surprised by his answer. Though Al doesn’t seem to be the type you’d consider a father figure I didn’t expect him to dislike kids.

“Come here, children. They’re tired and don’t want to play for now.” The village chief said and the children awed before going to their respective parents.

We went to Zyn and had some cup of tea while we wait for the village chief to approach us. Once he was done talking to the parents he walked towards us and asked us what happened.

Al and I told our stories while Zyn and the village chief listened intently. “Come to think of it, I did hear the AMF talking about why they want to know your familiars are.” The chief said after listening to our story.

“What did you hear?” Al asked while looking at the chief with all ears.

“They were talking about breaking a seal. I think they want to break the seal of your familiars, Ellesmiere,” He answered and looked at me.

“It’s good to know that they can’t break your familiars’ seal but now we have to worry about the fact that they’re at the AMF,” Al said and sighed.

“You seem tired, Al. Did you sleep well last night?” Zynrick asked in concern. I thought Al would snap at Zyn like he always does but he just shook his head as an answer.

“I think you and Elle should rest for now. Going there must have been exhausting.” Zyn said and gave Al and I a soft smile.

“I’ll prepare your rooms,” The chief said and we thanked him.

“Hey, Al,” I called out but he was already asleep. “What are we going to do with him? He’s already asleep.” I said while looking at him.

“I’ll just carry him to his room,” Zynrick said casually and took another sip of his tea.

“Why does that seem so casual to you?” I asked and he answered, “I used to do it before. He used to fall asleep in the living room while studying so I had to carry him to his room.”

I was surprised by Zyn’s answer. I didn’t expect him to open up a bit. “What’s with the surprised expression?” He asked while looking at me.

“I’m just surprised that you opened up a bit,” I answered honestly. Zynrick chuckled and ruffled my hair. I pushed his hand away and glared at him. “Don’t mess with the hair.”

“I’m sorry. Also, don’t be so surprised. We’ve been together for a few months now and I think it’s fine to open up to you once in a while.” He said and smiled at me widely.

“Does that mean you’ll answer my answers about your past?” I asked hoping he’d say yes but he shook his head which disappointed me.

“We can’t tell you everything now.” He answered. “But we’ll tell you soon.”

“When?” I asked.

“When we’re ready,” He answered.

After that Zyn started talking about nonsensical things. He would tease my height and I’ll punch him or pinch him. Sometimes he’ll start talking about random things like how the sea is full of fish poop or why he hates people who skip anime intros.

I felt like my ears were about to explode from all of the things that he was saying when the chief came. “The rooms are ready.” He informed and we thanked him again.

“You’re going to carry him?” I asked when Zynrick was carefully lifting Al.

“Yeah, why do you want to carry him?” He asked while carefully standing up so he won’t wake up Al.

“I can carry him with my platform,” I suggested but he just declined the offer.

“I’ll carry him. Besides, I missed doing this for him.” He said and walked towards Al’s room.

As I observe their relationship I’m realizing that they’re close. After seeing Zyn carry Al to his room I went to mine. I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

“Just what’s your relationship with each other?” I asked myself as I think of what Erin told me and the way Zyn and Al act towards each other.

I was busy trying to figure out what Al and Zyn are when I suddenly started feeling hungry. I went out of my room and went towards the kitchen where I saw Zyn leaning on the kitchen table.

“Hey,” I called out which surprised Zyn.

“What the hell! Don’t do that,” He said after wiping the water on his chin from spitting the water he was drinking.

I giggled at what I saw and walked towards him, “I’m sorry,” I apologized and took a glass of water from the fridge.

When I turned around, I saw that Zyn was staring at me with an amused expression. “What?” I asked because the way he looked at me bothered me.

“Is that you?” He asked which made me furrow my eyebrows.

“What do you mean?” I asked while looking at him.

“You’re cheerful,” He said making me bite my bottom lip to stop myself from showing how pissed I was.

“I don’t mean to offend you but it's nice seeing you giggle and apologize once in a while,” He said which pissed me off even more.

“You know it’s not polite to say that with such a look on your face. It’s making me feel like you’re insulting me.” I said and raised my eyebrow at him.

He raised his hand as if he was surrendering and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Anyway, why are you here?” I asked and leaned on the kitchen table as well.

“I couldn’t sleep so I came to have a glass of milk.” He answered and looked at his cup. “What about you?”

“I can’t sleep as well,” I answered and he nodded.

“Let’s go to bed,” He suggested and placed his cup and my glass in the sink.

“Okay,” I said.

I walked ahead of him but while I was walking I heard a soft thud so I turned around and saw Zyn supporting himself by holding onto the wall. “What’s wrong?” I asked and walked towards him.

“Don’t come near me, please,” He said. His hand other was on his head and he was looking at the ground. His breathing was ragged as well which concerned me.

“Zyn, tell me what’s wrong,” I insisted. He turned towards me and his eyes were red.

“You haven’t drunk any blood have you?” I asked and he shook his head.

“I don’t want to drink any blood so please leave me alone,” He said and attempted to walk away from me but he just fell on the ground.

“Zyn, you need to drink my blood,” I said while kneeling beside him.

He curled himself into a ball and adamantly shook his head. Beads of sweat were forming on his face and he was having a harder time breathing.

“Get away from me. Your scent is killing me,” He said through gritted teeth but instead of leaving him I pushed him and got on top of him.

“Zyn, you need to drink,” I said but he still shook his head.

I stood up and was about to look for a knife when I felt Zynrick pull me. “Zynrick,” I called out.

He pinned me on the floor and he was looking straight at me. “I told you to leave before this could happen but you didn’t listen,” He said while grinning at me.

He placed his head on the crook of my neck and sniffed me. “Zyn, you’re losing your senses,” I whispered when he licked my neck.

“Eh, what are you talking about? I’m completely fine,” He said and licked his bottom lip.

“You smell delicious though so I hope you don’t mind if I drink a little,” He said and licked my neck before sinking his fangs into it.

I clenched my jaw to stop myself from screaming. I let him drink my blood because he’s been refraining from drinking any.

“I was right. You are delicious,” He said after wiping the blood from his chin. I glared at him and he just laughed like a maniac.

“Damn, I want to r****h you,” He said and licked his bottom lip.

That was it. That was the sign that I should knock him back to his senses.

“That’s enough blood for you,” I said and held my hand in front of him.

I blasted him with my power. It was enough to throw him towards the sink and knock him down. “Now, I have to worry about bringing you to your room,” I whispered as I lifted him with my magic towards his room.