The next couples month or so rolled into one for Cole. He was taken horse riding to truly understand the nature of why they rode. Showing him proper fighting form with a sword adding to already impressive skills.
Iris and Tigress honing his fighting skills even more. While becoming more skilled with his bow thanks to Faye and her Ranger’s.
But the power of his sword and his own would only grow out of control if he did not learn, as he was now being shown and taught how to understand the concept of magic.
“Look above and feel that power coming from the very moon. It was created by the God of darkness. Just as the sun was created by the goddess of light, the sky and waters created the goddess of the sky and the very ground beneath your feet and fire that burns were molded by the goddess of earth. Magic can be found all around you. In the very air you breath and everytime you’re near a strong magical Nexus like the Shadowlands itself.” Faye explained to him in detail as he listened intently
He was sitting cross legged and with his sword resting in his lap. As she spoke he looked around to everything she’d spoken of and was not lying. He could feel the magic going into his lungs, it was like breathing in fresh air in any forest, but he could feel the power behind it absorbing into his body. As he looked around he could feel this magical pressure all around him to different degrees. The faydark trees that towered over them had an overwhelming aura, the fire had its own aura as well though it was much more faint. As he looked to the moon he could feel it’s power most of all even it was so far away. But soon his gaze came back down to his sword now.
“So this is what it feels like.” He said softly
“Now close your eyes. Focus on the power lying dormant in your sword.” Faye said
While he immediately was thrown off by this she merely looked back at him out of the corner of her eye. How she knew of his sword’s power at all was the biggest shock for him.
“Just assume I know a lot more than you boy.” She said flatly before continuing walking “And do as I’ve instructed. You will have to find the soul of your weapon. So meditate, draw on its power and it will be your guide to what you seek.” She added
He’d never really honestly thought about it like this. He’d only felt it truly come to life was when he nearly killed Tigress. He was so lost in his rage, he had summoned some kind of power from the very blade, like the hottest fire.
As he opened his eyes he was somewhere else completely. He was in an empty classroom after the day had ended. And an old man with long gray hair a long flowing red cape clad in black attire stood at the board.
“Who the hell are you?” Cole asked serious
“I am apart of you. Cole.“ he said softly looking his way now his voice old but soft
“What the hell does that mean?!” Cole asked loudly now
“You and I are one in the same, Cole.” He said “You are, me. And I am, you. I am the power of this sword manifested by the deepest parts of your soul and taken this form based on this union of power and soul. We are tied to each other’s fates. Without you, I have no reason to exist.” He explained to him and in an odd manner Cole understood his philosophical meaning to a degree
“So what is this power we hold then?” He asked acknowledging their bond which truly perplexed this half of his soul “By the way, who are you? I mean, your name?” He asked
“You already know my name. It’s up to you to speak it into reality. Only then will my power be in union with you.” He said simply on the matter of his name “As for our power. This weapon possess the flames of a Phoenix. Only you can find out what these abilities are as well. But I will walk by your side until you can fight on your own strength.” He added as well explaining this to Cole as well
Cole sighed through his nose knowing he wasn’t getting the answers he desired. But he got the answers he was looking for indeed. Only he could shape and mold this power.
“Remember this well Cole. Once you’re committed to the flames. They will burn until they are done because it is no longer in your control.” The man said before tapping Cole’s forehead forcing him out of this world
As Cole came to he gasped loudly as Faye sat before him silently meditating still.
“So you’ve found your soul world and the reflection of your soul.” Faye said softly as she kept her eyes closed
“So that’s what was happening.” Cole sighed sitting up slowly
“I will teach you the three basic principles of magic. Don’t ever forget them. Or you will kill yourself.” Faye explained to him ignoring his sarcasm as she began drawing a diagram in the dirt of symbols and lines “These are the six basic elemental types. These types have yielded the best results in a thousand years of research and development. The greater your aptitude for a certain type the more likely you are to become a greater mage. But every element has something more to it, combining two or more elements is not unheard of but it’s still rare to see, and is more inherited from bloodlines that mix.” She explained to Cole now
He studied each symbol as she drew it and explained what each did. Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Light and Dark. Each had its own strengths and weaknesses, as well drawing symbols for those few element types that were discovered through two or more types as well more advanced forms of a single element. It was like a large web. It wasn’t that difficult to understand, he’d seen plenty of anime and read plenty of manga to know something cliche like this would exist.
“So what are these three principles then?” He asked his voice coming off as sarcastic again though Faye wasn’t the slightest amused
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Aura, Imagination, and Balance. Aura is the basic building of all life in Fantasia, without it life would not exist. It flows surrounds and binds to all life. Nothing is made without aura in some form. Imagination is not something you merely grow out of or see as childish. You merely evolve your way of thinking and how you plan out an attack pattern for a battle.” Faye started to explain first the concept of aura and move on into imagination
“I don’t quite follow… I’m no leader.” He said simply but she merely eyed him
“I don’t believe that. I see it. You just want to stand in your own way. I see the doubt in your eyes that you do not believe any of what I’ve told you of magic or you yourself have seen within your own soul.” She explained to him revealing the truth of what he needed to hear but didn’t want to admit to himself
With this Cole sighed and motioned for her to continue her explanation of imagination. But now he was truly focused on her and listening to her. She could note the subtle differences in his posture. She gave away a subtle smirk.
‘Perhaps he can do this after all.’ Faye thought to herself now for a moment
“You’re merely imagining how the placements of your soldiers will do, how incompetent or well trained your enemies are, the weak points of their stronghold, and how quickly you can turn the morale in your favor. The simple method of mentally picturing your elemental type is how you see it working and coming to life is no different. By manifesting your aura at the same time, your imagination and elemental type are the catalyst that give your magic form. Overtime your aura will naturally infuse with your elemental nature.” She explained next to him about the concept of how one’s imagination was used in tandom with aura as well giving counsel of encouragement to take up being a leader
“So what’s so dangerous then? It all seems pretty simple to me and easy enough to manifest then why aren’t more people using magic?” Cole asked merely out of curiosity and to make sure he didn’t slip up somehow with his phrasing
Faye still the least bit amused by his sarcasm but still truly perplexed by his mannerisms and speech. It wasn’t like any she’d heard in the imperial capital of the East or Blair of the west. Even the Shinobi, Amazoness and Kushan clans had distinctive accents, but even still she never heard such a man speak as he had. Iris did always find the strangest of companions.
“This is where balance comes in, you must maintain a proper balance of both imagination and aura. For if any one part is lacking you will just as soon kill yourself on your own stupidity or suffer a fate worse than death, literally laying there begging for it. Thus, balance.” She finished her explanation with this one being the harshest she would get on this rule and made sure he understood why it was so important and for once he could feel a chill run down his spine
“I think finally understand what you mean.” Cole said actually heeding her words
“Good, now we can began actually training you and finding out your elemental type.” Faye said softly as she rose gracefully and led him to the shrines beneath the massive roots of tall trees
Meanwhile…
Iris sat by a large lake with her sword laying in her lap, sharpening it slowly and steadily, cleaning and oiling it. Her hands stopped when she could feel Tigress approaching.
“What can I help you with lady Tigress?” She asked sternly
“Why are you so interested in him? From what he’s said alone you owe him nothing. At least he’s earned my company. He’s not even your kin.” Tigress said still going back to this as she didn’t trust anyone willing to go this far without having some kind of ulterior motive
Iris merely kept her back to Tigress not turning to face her. But she wouldn’t be so disrespectful as to go back to sharpening her sword.
“I met someone like him a long time ago. She left me with the sword he carries now. Made me promise to keep it safe until the one like her came along. So seeing him on pure chance makes me think what she told me wasn’t so crazy after all. Who knows he might just be the kind of leader who can change things for the better or worse. I’m just here to make sure he knows what the consequences will look like regardless of what he does.” Iris finally explained to her giving Tigress the answer she wasnt expecting
For once Tigress was speechless. She still had so many questions. Who was this woman who made such a sword? She’d never heard of such a sorceress or mage in the last hundred years.
“Hm… well how about that? I was hoping I could see how hard I could push him to see if he had the stomach to do what is necessary as a leader and to never be unaware.” Tigress said being honest with Iris now who finally looked her way
“I will keep my word.” Iris reiterated
“As will I.” Tigress assured smiling and nodding slowly “Good luck with your girlfriend.” She added before leaving
Awhile later Cole was given his own private section for he needed the time alone to properly bond with his weapon, as well meditate and properly rest. He had already been through so much with very little rest in almost the last year and a half. Tigress being under strict orders from Faye to let him be. So she was sharpening her skills with the eleven fighters who wanted a good brawl. Now Iris was having her armor serviced by the smiths as her sword was under special watch. She felt so naked without it. As was the black dress she always wore under her armor. Her gloves and bots gone for the night. She was in the elven realm again, everyone was barefoot when not on the battlefield or road. As of right now she was looking for Faye.
But as she wandered she finally stopped and chuckled knowing exactly where Faye would be. Iris then headed for the grand fountain. Faye had turned this place into a true elven realm of its own. Having royalty in your ranks never hurt it seemed. Faye now dressed in a royal white gown with and elven silver headdress on the back of head her blond hair starting growing back out.
“It’s good you came alone. I would hate to have scare anyone else off.” Faye said sternly
“It’s been a long time since I could remember this place. You were always causing trouble, meeting me when you weren’t supposed to be leaving the treetops.” Iris said now admiring all of Faye’s work to breathing life into this area of their people’s grand forest
Though Faye stayed silent letting hand grace the water in the fountain as small fish curiously swam around. Iris took a seat beside her at last and looking directly at her now as Faye met her eyes.
“The boy needs a proper teacher. Not some halfwit with a sword or a beast of a brute. But someone who can show him the finer nuances that come with being a leader. As well as counsel for his mind to ensure he has a clear head when making important decisions. And he will need an army if he wants to make a difference. All I have are the rangers.” Faye explained her motives to Iris and being honest with her merely seeking to play the mentor and for it made sense, without her around they would never make it
“So where does that leave us? You want me to waltz into the Dragonbone shrines and claim myself as leader? Reputation alone by the dark elves is not enough. And my hands are bloodied enough.” Iris said looking down at them and still feeling the blood drenching her hands and pouring off them
“You can always be something better. It’s never too late and there’s always a choice.” Faye said standing her ground on the matter as she moved closer and held her face “Even after a hundred years you’re still as stubborn as ever, Iris.” She added speaking softly looking deep into her eyes as they stood under the moonlight
“What can I say? I deserve this. It is my burden to bare and something that will always be apart of me no matter what I do.” Iris said being truthful for once
“Then let me help bare that burden with you. You’ve learnt what the fear of death is like. I’d say the fact the leader of the Shinobi Clan let you live was enough to release you from these shackles that you still drag around. Let me be your shelter, your fortress.” Faye explained pressing her forehead to Iris’ now and closing her eyes slowly her breathing down as the two of them were slowly enveloped in a very soft glowing light
She could feel it. That part of her soul, like all those troubles were washing away with a massive tide only to recede and then repeat as she could feel herself standing there as it went on and on until nothing remained. She had finally found peace in her soul. After a century of dragging herself through the muck and calling it penance for her past she was now free.
As she opened her eyes again and she was back in reality with Faye.
“Thank you…” Iris whispered
“You never have to say sorry or thank you when you’re in love.” Faye whispered as she finally pressed her lips to Iris’ fully kissing her now
As they broke of the kiss slowly they held each other trembling not able to look away from each other’s eyes as this was the only thing keeping them sane while they came down from such a aggressive push forward in healing. Something Iris never expected out Faye, but she would raise no arguments.
“You surprise me Lady Gale.” Iris said being so bold as Faye raised an eyebrow looking a bit down at Iris
“Oh? And since when were you one to give out titles?” Faye asked
“I have no idea what you’re referring to Lady Gale. I should be off soon to get to the Dark Elves and begin negotiations with them and take my place as their leader. It’ll be a few days, will you be alright without me?” Iris interjected making Faye chuckle some
“I’ve waited this long havent I Lady Kuro?” Faye teased now and getting even with Iris as Iris chuckled now too
“Alright then, fair enough.” Iris agreed and she placed a delicate kiss on her hand before slowly wandering off again
Faye sighed and sat back down running her hand gently through fountain water again enjoying the peaceful night…
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