Yin stared forward in surprise, “So it’s done then? Lust is no more?”

  Skylar leaned back in her chair, “Yepadep. Though that certainly was a close fight… much closer than I would have preferred.”

  Striga brought some cups to the table handing one over to Skylar, and another to Yin, “How’s Yang holding up?”

  Yin paused looking at his drink before taking a sip, “Well enough, he ran off as soon as he woke… but if nothing else he’s seemed to have calmed down a bit.”

  Skylar paused at that and looked at her drink, “I should talk with him at some point.”

  Striga turned to Skylar with a frown, “I wouldn’t do that. He went into a fury just at the thought of you being here.”

  “All the more reason for us to have a chat.” Skylar responded with a sigh, “I’m not gonna hurt him, but he’ll live in agony if I don’t set things straight.”

  Yin looked to the table, “You’ll probably have your chance soon enough, I was surprised enough when you all showed up at the gate on Dragonback… I’m sure that news spread across the city by now.” He set his cup down.

  Skylar let out a hum downing the contents of her glass, “That was my idea actually. Striga wanted to head back to Jubilee immediately.”

  Yin looked up locking eyes with Skylar, “Why?” his question was a simple one but one that Skylar saw enough merit in answering.

  “...Lust is gone, and your castle is in disarray. Lust hardly ruled over you anyways so your people have made due.” Skylar began clasping her hands together on the table, “But there are still those people here who need help, they need someone strong to lead them properly.”

  Yin paused at that before his eyes narrowed, “And you think that person should be you?”

  “Oh gods no.” Skylar laughed throwing her hands up, “I can hardly lead a marching band much less a country. And uh, I tend to bring conflict wherever I step…” Skylar then glanced nervously to the side, “But we do need to put someone into a position of power before someone less savory tries to snatch up the spot.”

  Striga stepped in then, “We were thinking of putting you up into the position Yin.” Striga offered with a smile.

  Yin blinked surprise filling his gaze, “Me? N-No I couldn’t…”

  Skylar responded by standing up from her chair with a smile, “Sure you could, you have the backing of the girl who slew Lust, and a very influential figure from Jubilee… those are two recommendations that most would be hard-pressed to challenge.”

  Yin paused glancing at Striga, “And what of you? Why don’t you take the spot, the people here adore you.”

  Striga sighed shaking her head, “I’ve got my nation to worry about, not to mention the fact that I don’t even come from this place… I can help the people here sure, but when it comes to the problems of this place, it’s better to refer to the locals.”

  Skylar stretched before moving to the front door, “You all can speak about this political crap without me, I’m gonna head out and get a bite to eat.” With that, she opened the door and left the duo alone.

  Striga frowned at that sighing, “So quick to escape situations like this…”

  “She’s still young, isn’t she? Frankly, we should be glad she’s still acting so childish.” Yin replied flatly.

  “It’s a front she’s putting on.” Striga replied with a frown, “Skylar is chipper yes, but that’s only because she worries more about others than herself. Her well-being comes second in her mind.” she paused, “I’ll take care of her as best I can once we're back.”

  Yin leaned to the side smirking a bit, “And that’s part of the reason you're so intent on putting a leader up in this town?”

  “...Part of it yes.” Striga sighed looking over, “...What do you know of the Eternals?”

  “Outside of Lust? Very little.” Yin then frowned, “Why do you ask?”

  “Skylar is a capable fighter and a skilled mage… She’s already slain a good deal of the Eternal’s ranks and more than a handful of gods. Even at this young of an age, there isn’t a mage quite like her in this world.” Striga then paused, “She’s going to make a lot of enemies because of that, so she’ll need protectors. People to keep her from harm's way.”

  Yin paused at that looking to Striga, “Are you purposing what I think you are?”

  Striga smirked turning to face Yin fully, “Jubilee will offer you its support and services so long as you pledge your nation pledges its services to the Shadewalker.” Striga held out her right hand offering a handshake.

  Yin stared forward at that, before sighing and standing up, “I can hardly refuse such an offer. Not when you and yours came to our aid.” he grasped Striga’s hand with a smirk.

  ***

  Skylar walked along the city streets she had a small sandwich in her hand and she bit down into it, she noticed a familiar face along the streets.

  “Julieta! What’s up?” Skylar asked walking up to Julieta who was standing in front of the rubble of the church.

  Julieta knelt examining the rubble, “You did all this?” she asked glancing at Skylar.

  “...Most of it was Wrath, I’m still not entirely sure my bones settled back into the right place after fighting him.” Skylar narrowed her gaze bitting down into the meal in her hand once more.

  Julieta chuckled, “You’ve gotten strong Skylar.”

  “Still room to grow though.” She responded instantly, “If nothing else I’m getting better at understanding how the wind around me works.”

  Julieta smiled a bit at that, “Is that right? That’s good, I’m sure Tetra would be proud.” She said as she stood up.

  Skylar glanced to the side at that, “I just wish I was this strong when he was around…”

  “None of that now. He gave his life for you, the least you can do is honor it with a smile.” Julieta declared pointing her finger at Skylar’s face.

  In response to this Skylar offered a sheepish smile, “It’s been getting harder to do that as of late.”

  Julieta frowned lowering her hand, “I suppose it has hasn’t it…”

  “Miss Skylar!” A voice called out and Skylar blinked turning around to see a small child run up and hug her legs, it was Shiva, and Skylar recognized this child instantly.

  Just a fair distance away Skylar saw Shiva’s mother, the woman she helped to save in The Dark Knight’s village.

  “Wha- Shiva… what are you doing over here?” Skylar asked confusion on her face, not just by the fact that the child was here.

  But at the fact that Shiva was so close, after all, Skylar was under the impression that Shiva hated her.

  “I…” Shiva clutched Skylar’s pant leg, “I don’t forgive you for what you did… I can’t…” She started before looking up at Skylar, “But those things you did. Stopping the bad men in the church, beating up the Empress… Saving my mom. I- Thank you.”

  Skylar blinked at that staring down at Shiva her mouth was open wide and no words came, slowly Skylar closed her mouth but she reached up with her left hand.

  She felt something in her eye.

  A single tear dropped down her face, and she reached up to wipe it.

  Only for another to take its place, then another.

  Before she knew it Skylar was bawling, she had been fighting for so long now, that such simple words as ‘Thank you’ were enough to bring her to tears.

  Shiva’s mother walked up with a soft smile wrapping the two girls into a hug.

  Chapter 21: The Witch Of Jubilee.

  Skylar, Striga, and Julieta all stood outside the gate, several villages were standing there all ready to see the trio off.

  “Hey Julieta, where’d the airship crew go?” Skylar questioned putting a hand on her hip.

  “Hm? Ah, they're staying in a hotel for a bit till I get a ship to drag em back home… Hope you don’t mind loaning one off to me Striga.” Julieta asked with a sheepish smirk.

  “After we practically kidnapped you, I’ll gladly give you a ship.” Striga responded with a nervous smile, “I don’t even wanna know what that paperwork would look like…”

  Before Julieta could respond, dust suddenly kicked up into the air as Alma landed before the trio.

  His eyes fell upon Skylar, “...You did well little spawn of Shadewalker.”

  Skylar stared up at him with a smirk, “Was there ever any doubt?”

  “It was a bit touch and go there when Lust transformed into a dragon.” Julieta responded with a wry smile.

  Skylar was about to fire back a response when she saw something at the back of the crowd a single man, “Yang.”

  Striga was the first to turn around even as the crowd began to step away, letting Yang past them.

  It was Striga who stepped forward only for Skylar to put a hand on Striga’s shoulder turning to her with a reassuring smile as Skylar walked forward to greet the man.

  They met in the center of this grass field, Yang stopped just in front of the crowd facing Skylar as a small gust of wind cut through the air blowing some grass in between them.

  “...You killed Suzaku.” Yang started as he gripped his spear.

  “...I did.” Skylar didn’t bother to deny the accusations, “No words I can offer will make that fact change, I won’t beg for your forgiveness. But I will ask for your understanding.”

  Yang stared forward anger in his gaze, “You took the one I love from me. And you would ask for my understanding?!”

  Skylar stared forward a frown on her face, “I hardly think I’m even deserving of that, but I don’t want to hurt anyone else here…”

  Yang scoffed at that stepping forward, “They’re treating you like a hero, but I see you Shadewalker. I see you for what you are!” He pointed his spear forward, “You are death. And only in death will you offer any value in this world.”

  Skylar smirked a little at that her eyes locking onto the tip of that spear before she looked back to Yang’s hate-filled eyes, “You won’t have to wait much longer for that value to come then.” with that Skylar turned around walking up to Alma and climbing onto his back.

  Yang lowered his spear for a moment a flicker of emotions appeared in his gaze, but he turned around… and walked away.

  Striga and Julieta lept onto Alma’s back as well and the creature let out a roar before setting off into the skies.

  A boot pressed against the white stone of the city walls pressed between a wedge at the very top, the person whom the boot belonged to stood there at the top of the walls watching with interested eyes as Alma took flight.

  “Hm, her exploits are that of a hero. And her strength grows by the second, doubly so when faced with a powerful opponent.” Gaia spoke to himself a smirk on his face, he held out his right hand and a crimson blade began to form into his hand crackling to life from nothing, red energy crackled around him as he pulled his blade back, “To think that Passer would attempt to hide that girl from me, when she’s so interesting…”

  “That’s because you can’t contain yourself at the sight of her.” A voice cut in causing Gaia to blink, slowly he turned his head to face this person.

  There on the edge of the wall, was Jenna her silver hair floating as she bit down into the bones of a human hand a crunch entered the air, “No wonder she had to keep Skylar hidden from you, your kind of a battle junkie, I can gather that much just from looking at you.”

  She tossed the remnants on the bone over her shoulder, and they hit the ground with a clatter Jenna then turned her head her hair falling over her face as her eyes glowed a bright shade of pink, “But if you wanna get to her at this stage of the game, you’ll have to get through me first.”

  “You're a god, why would you want to protect a human,” Gaia questioned, his voice dangerously calm.

  “Why indeed?” Jenna responded with a wry smirk crossing her legs, “Hm… should I tell you? You do seem rather impulsive so maybe it isn’t the best idea.” She put a finger to her chin letting out a hum as she considered her options, “Ah well, I suppose it’ll be revealed to the world sooner or later, what’s the harm in letting you know.”

  She lowered that finger with a smile on her face and she spoke two words. The wind blew harshly around the duo so that it couldn’t be heard by anyone else.

  But those words caused Gaia’s eyes to widen and slowly he stood up, no longer in his battle stance.

  “You speak the truth?” he questioned, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

  And Jenna closed her eyes feeling the wind in her hair, “I’m not the type to lie about such details.” She responded, stretching a bit, “That said, It’d be appreciated if you kept that little secret I shared with you between us.”

  Gaia paused for a moment of conflict showing in his gaze before he let out a deep sigh, “Very well… but I’ve one more question for you.”

  Jenna’s eyes opened and she smiled waiting to hear Gaia’s words, “What is it you’d do with her?”

  “...My goal is to see her grow stronger, as such I shall watch as peril unfolds and destiny takes its course. And if destiny happens to bring us together? Who am I to refuse it?” Jenna declared as she lifted her fingers and examined her nails, “But regardless, I’m afraid you simply can’t face her. Not yet anyways.”

  Gaia dispelled his blade folding his arms, “You would have me wait then? I’m not patient, you know…”

  “Hm? Well if you need something to tie yourself over until then I could always fill the part.” Jenna exclaimed without fear or reservation she flexed her fingers and sparks of magic lit around them, “Mind you I’ve to regain my full strength either, but… I’m sure I can provide you with a good time.”

  Gaia stared at Jenna and closed his eyes before walking along the wall, right past Jenna, “No. I think not, I took the words of her ‘growing to be a worthy foe’ as nothing more than worries for a child from Passer, but it would seem there was more to it than that, I’ve waited since the dawn of these lands, I can wait a few more years for a worthy challenger.”

  “Aw, so I’m not worthy then?” Jenna questioned standing up and putting her hands behind her back, “I’m pretty strong you know…”

  Gaia turned to look over his shoulder and he smirked as the wind suddenly burst around him.

  Jenna blinked, reaching up and touching her cheek. There was a cut there now, Gaia hadn’t even moved. Yet he had cut her, Gaia then continued to walk away, “The strong do not need to boast.”

  With that, he left Jenna’s view.

  She lowered her hand and smiled, “Hm. I suppose that one was on me, should have known he’d be like that.” Jenna then turned her gaze to the clouds and the sight of Alma leaving the area, “Oh Skylar, you're so close… So damn close.” Jenna opened a portal to her right and started to walk into it, “I can feel it when next we meet. I shall be able to tell you everything.”

  And with that, she was gone.

  Skylar felt the wind on her face and closed her eyes for a moment, “...Children grow fast in this age it seems.”

  Alma spoke, and Skylar opened her eyes noting Alma’s words.

  “In just the span of a short year… you’ve grown much. Hardly in need of the protection of a Dragon.”

  Skylar blinked at that, “Hm? What are you talking about? Course I still need you around.”

  Alma glanced to the clouds, “Dragons can soar through it you know, The Cloud Sea, we can soar unburdened by it. Outside of the Titan’s we are the only creatures that can. And I would soar through it all to see how the rest of the world has grown.”

  Skylar paused at that staring down at Alma hearing the weight of his words, she leaned forward pulling what little of the dragon she could into a hug as she asked, “Will we meet again?”

  “...It was destiny that brought us together. And it is destiny that shall greet us at journeys end.”

  Skylar smiled a bit at that before closing her eyes, “I suppose I’ll have to make sure destiny sees fit to reunite us then.”

  ***

  It was dark out, night had long since fallen over the city of Jubilee and a week had passed since that fateful day…

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Skylar had a face that could only be described as exasperated.

  She was wearing a white gown, it was gaudy even by her standards. The silver glow that had filled her eyes had long since faded back into a simple emerald glow, what’s more, she found she was once more restricted to wind magic and wind magic alone.

  “This feel’s… Stupid. Do I have to wear something like this?” Skylar questioned as she turned away from the mirror and to the two maids in the room.

  “It is most certainly gaudy. And it is for that reason that I picked it out.” Azala stated with a triumphant smile.

  Mahala put on a tired smile as she looked to Azala, before glancing over to Skylar, “You're attending a large celebration after all, it wouldn’t do if you didn’t look the part of being our mistressess guest of honor.” she then walked over to Skylar and tightened the dress causing Skylar to wince in pain.

  “Gah- at least warn me… we only got back a week ago… And already they saw the need to throw a celebration for us…” Skylar muttered before looking to the mirror, “I guess things changed over here as well though.” Skylar muttered as Mahala walked back over to her sister’s side.

  She looked at the dress once more and smiled softly, “...I never thought I’d get to wear one of these.”

  Mahala arched a brow at that, “You’ve never worn a dress before?”

  Skylar shook her head, “Nope, not once… can’t say I’ll get used to the feel. But still… it looks pretty right?” she asked looking at the duo.

  The maids paused looking at each other before smiling and giving Skylar a thumbs-up.

  Azala then let out a chuckle walked up to Skylar and started to push her out the door, “Come on come on! The whole city is waiting for you to join the party already~ And I’m sure Striga can’t wait to see you either!” Azala declared.

  Skylar pushed back of course, “Wha- H-Hey wait! I’m not mentally prepared give me a second! J-Just you wait for one damn momen-” But by the time she was finished protesting, she had already been pushed out the doors of the mansion and into the bustling city.

  “Eh?” Skylar blinked looking at the people staring at her, only for her face to turn a bright shade of red once more.

  It was nighttime already.

  And she started to walk along the wooded pathways that made up the walls of Jubilee, “I’d kill to have Alma here right now… he’d tease me sure. But… At least it’d be better than having no one.”

  Alma had brought everyone back to Jubilee, of course, Julieta didn’t stay long, she procured an airship immediately to go and retrieve her men and head home…

  Skylar paused, she was now at the center of the town.

  The place where she first met Striga.

  “Well hello there pretty girl, all alone tonight?” A flirty voice asked from behind Skylar.

  And Skylar blushed spinning around on her heel and squeaked out, “S-Stop that!” She covered her face with her hands and Striga smiled softly, her hair was cut short and she wore a long red dress in contrast to Skylar’s.

  “Heh, sorry about that… but you're just so easy to tease. I simply couldn’t resist.” Striga declared patting Skylar on the head.

  Skylar let out a sound that could only be described as despair, “Am I cursed to be teased all my life…?”

  Striga smiled softly and removed her hand from Skylar’s head, “How are you holding up?” she asked the question looking at Skylar with a sense of concern, so Skylar paused for a moment before responding.

  “Fine, all things considered, Shadewalker blood has that sort of benefit I suppose. All healed up and raring to go.” Skylar declared trying to shake off her earlier embarrassment, “Er, well besides the whole magic burnout thing…”

  Striga nodded slowly at that, “I’ve been meaning to bring that up, you mentioned that you had Silver Eyes during your fight with Lust?”

  Skylar glanced to the side walking to the edge of the platform and let out a hum, “According to Lust anyways, though I’m not really sure what happened.” Skylar explained with a frown, “I haven’t been able to trigger it since…”

  Striga listened intently before frowning, “Silver eyes, there are not many documented cases of that… Or at least, not any cases where someone survives.”

  “Eh?” Skylar looked over her shoulder, and Striga sighed, “Essentially you're channeling every magic element at once with silver eyes. If you don’t have the Silver hair to go with it? You're a walking corpse.” Striga explained.

  “...And silver eyes aren’t natural either huh…” Skylar muttered to herself, “The more things I find out I do, the more I wonder how much I’m worth. Think you could make a mint off me?” Skylar joked with a wry smirk.

  Striga rolled her eyes, “any sane person would demand a refund after they see how you act.”

  “Hey!”

  They stared at each other before breaking up into laughter.

  ***

  Julieta frowned at the sight before her, “So this is what he opened up?” she asked looking over her shoulder at Shina who was blushing from embarrassment.

  “I’m sorry… I passed out and he took over the whole place, reorganizing the layout. If I was just stronger the-”

  “Don’t beat yourself up over it, Draco is an exceptional mage, though it pains me to admit it I doubt things would have changed even if I was here… All we can do is try to figure out what he was doing, and get a step ahead of him…” Julieta then paused she had walked through one of the many new tunnel systems.

  Draco had been here already of course, and once Striga passed out he used his earth magic to reorient the island itself.

  Or at least the insides, it had only been a week but at the very least the top of the island was left untouched.

  And now Julieta turned forward, “...So what have we here?” Juliet’s gaze fell upon… a large door made out of black stone.

  She walked forward and tried to push on the door, there were no handles and no gaps. Or at least not any big enough to get anything wedged into it.

  The door didn’t budge regardless though.

  “Hey, what do you think this is?” Shina asked as she looked to the center of the door, just to the right of where Julieta was pushing.

  There was a groove there, it was small and circular.

  Julieta blinked at that and hummed running her fingers over it, “There’s faint traces of mana over it… but what for?”

  Shina folded her arms, “Like dormant mana? That’s an archaic use for that…” she muttered as she looked to the groove.

  “You know something about it?”

  “...Supposedly mana is similar to blood, according to older mages… You could get a sample of the stuff, and use it to lock something away.” Shina explained, “That’s the simple version anyway, there are some interesting books on the subject.”

  Julieta paused at that and channeled some magic towards the door, it gleamed red before spouting her energy back.

  “Gah-” She waved her hand wincing in pain, “Guess that’s a no-go then… so effectively we’ve encountered a useless door that we can’t even open.”

  “...” Shina glanced to the side a sense of unease was on her shoulders before she turned around, “Let’s just head back then.”

  Julieta sighed glaring at the door, “Suppose we’ve got no other options…”

  ***

  Skylar found herself staring at a small plush of a pink bunny, “...So why is it pink?”

  “Because it’s adorable,” Striga responded.

  “But bunnies aren’t pink.”

  “But it’s adorable.”

  “...I’m not buying it for you.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  Skylar glared at Striga before sighing and pulling out a set of coins giving it to the shop owner buying the stupid plushy and handing it over to Striga who instantly squealed and brought it close to her chest causing Skylar to smile softly.

  Skylar then blinked sensing something close to her, “Huh… this is…” She recognized this feeling, a god was close by.

  To her right, Beatrice approached, “Good day to you Striga.” Beatrice said with a smile, Liz was right beside her clutching Beatrice’s arm with a tired expression.

  Beatrice then blinked noticing Skylar, “Oho? And you are…”

  “Skylar.” Skylar introduced herself cautiously, “You two know each other?” Skylar questioned glancing over to Striga who responded with a slight shrug.

  “She’s on the council, that feeling you're getting from her is correct just so you are aware… but she’s unique amongst gods,” Striga explained.

  Beatrice chuckled, “I hate my own species with a passion, and I have a never-ending food source beside me.” She said with a small smile looking at Liz.

  Skylar frowned at that, “And she’s fine with that?”

  “She doesn’t have a will of her own, no corpse would.” Beatrice responded, “She died in a fire. My ability allows me to restore her to life, over and over with only the feelings of what she had when she perished.”

  Skylar glared at Beatrice, “That’s… horrific.”

  Beatrice kept her face steeled as she responded, “Yes well…” She glanced at Liz, “If nothing else I still care for her.”

  Striga then let out a slight cough, “Trust me when I say Skylar, that she’s more than proven her loyalty to us…”

  Skylar kept her glare on Beatrice for a moment but when Striga kept a firm gaze on Skylar she let out a sigh and turned away, “I guess I can overlook this… for the moment at least. So what did you come over here for anyways?”

  Beatrice smiled before glancing at Striga, “It would seem they don’t need me in a combat position as of late, I’m more of an errand girl as of late.” She said with an annoyed sigh handing a small envelope over to Striga, “From the top brass, but it’s not urgent. Read it at your leisure.”

  Striga looked at the envelope with a momentary sense of confusion before shrugging, “Alright?”

  Beatrice then pats Liz on the head turning to look to Skylar with a small smirk, “...Skylar was it? I’ve been informed of your particular position. And if nothing else I’m rather well versed in the magics gods weild. Should you wish to discuss I am always available.”

  Skylar paused letting out a sigh, “I’ll give it some thought.”

  With that Beatrice removed her hand from Liz’s head and gave a wave as she walked off from the duo, “Congrats on your victory, and here’s to a new age.”

  As soon as she left Striga looked down to the letter in her hand with a frown, “I suppose we should stop by the bar then…”

  Skylar nodded, “If anything else it’ll let me get out of this dress.” She said with an exasperated sigh.

  “Aww, but I love you when you're all dolled up for me~” Striga declared with a teasing smile.

  “STOOOOOOP!” Skylar screeched loud enough that her voice cracked halfway through her screech her face was a deep crimson.

  That only resulted in Striga laughing at her. Striga then reached and grabbed Skylar by the wrist pulling her off to the side.

  Skylar winced as she was pulled along, she paused watching Striga move her steps were almost like she was in flight…

  Soon enough they were in the bar, Skylar hadn’t even noticed when she entered.

  Striga walked behind the counter opening the letter with haste, “Alright might as well get this out of the way, let’s see… ‘dearest Striga, I hope this letter finds you well, I’ve sent you this missive for the reason of…’” Striga trailed off her eyes slowly narrowing at the letter she paused her eyes glazing over it.

  Over and over she read it, “Eh? EH? EHHHHH!?!!!”

  Skylar arched a brow in confusion, “...So like did someone send a foul picture or…?”

  Striga glanced over to Skylar her face was a bright red and she wore a nervous smile, “It uhh… it would appear that they want me to… lead… Jubilee…”

  Skylar blinked ever so slowly before walking up to the counter and taking a seat, “So we need drinks then?”

  “We need to get fucking HAMMERED.” Striga declared grabbing her best bottles and pouring out two glasses, “For real though, this is utterly terrifying to me.”

  Skylar smiled softly, “Eh don’t sweat it. They chose you because you are capable, and besides you have me.” Skylar responded taking a glass, “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon… though I might consider it if you keep teasing me.”

  Striga looked to the letter once more, before she let out a sigh, “Isn’t it strange how we weather one storm, and another one begins to brew near instantly?”

  “It’s the life of a mage isn’t it?” Skylar responded with a shrug as she lifted her glass.

  “Well yes… But I still wish you’d consider a more relaxed life Skylar.” Striga explained her concerns.

  Skylar paused at that looking into her glass with a pause, “Hm, the problem with that is I made a promise to someone a while back.” Skylar said with a small smile, “She’s a nice girl, one who I couldn’t ever turn down… And I don’t think I’ll be able to drop this life until she can bear witness to the sea.”

  Striga leaned on the counter a smile tugging at her lips, “Hm? That old promise? You really remembered such a thing?”

  “The value of a promise is a high thing in my eyes.” Skylar responded as she took another swig of her drink wincing at how bitter it was for a moment before setting it down, “Someone who keeps their word is someone you can trust in the most dire of circumstances I think… Regardless of how you think of them.”

  “So you really won’t consider settling down then?”

  “Fraid not. I understand your concern but… I don’t like the world we live in… The only way I can make it better is if I keep going along the way I am.” Skylar says this with a piteous smile, “I want to see a world where people can smile freely without any worry”

  “Heh, those are some rather lofty goals. Think you can see them through?” Striga questioned with a hum.

  Skylar closed her eyes taking in a breath, “So then, partners?”

  Striga responded by smirking and responding with this, “Till death does us part.” holding out her hand.

  Of course, Skylar reached out to grab that hand, “Now then… let’s end the night off strong shall we?” they shook hands and grabbed their drinks downing them in a single motion.

  Skylar let out a sigh as she lowered her drink and set it on the table, “You know… This is nice. I’m glad I got to spend time with you-” She cut herself off as she stared at Striga.

  Striga was standing there, with the cup still lifted.

  That alone was already odd, but there was another thing. The world itself seemed to be monochrome black and white as far as the eye could see with the expectation of Skylar.

  Slowly Skylar stood up from her chair looking to Striga and reaching out hesitantly, “You mustn’t break boards so carelessly.” A voice spoke behind Skylar causing her to pause and spin around.

  There Skylar saw a woman with short silver hair and green eyes. The woman was short, but her eyes held wisdom beyond her years.

  Skylar took note of the two swords this woman had strapped to her sides, She had a green jacket and green skirt as well.

  The jacket only had the top zipped up so she showed some midriff, Skylar stared forward at this mysterious woman and opened her mouth to speak, only to find that there was something wrong.

  Slowly Skylar reached up and felt just below her eye, there was something wet, a teardrop, “Huh…?” Skylar muttered confusion spread across her face.

  And the woman smiled putting her hands behind her back, “So close now. The truth is before your grasp, I’m sure you’ll see it soon. And when you do… Only then will you be ready.”

  Skylar paused lowering her hand and she locked eyes with this woman, “Who are you?”

  The woman smiled softly, “The choice you must make isn’t one to be taken lightly.” She continued ignoring Skylar’s question, “It will determine the fate of thousands of lives, but know that whatever choice you make. Wherever your path leads, I will be watching. And I will always be proud.”

  Skylar paused at that and looked over her shoulder at Striga’s frozen body before responding, “...I don’t know who you are, but I intend to live my life to its fullest. Protecting those around me, my problems come second.” Skylar let those words hang in the air.

  The mysterious woman stood there for a moment shock evident on her face before a small smile began to cross her lips, “I see…” she chuckled lightly, “Anarchy would be proud.”

  Skylar’s eyes widened at those words and she spun around again, but when she did… the woman was gone.

  The world had returned to its normal color and Skylar was left in a confused daze.

  “Something wrong?” Striga questioned as she lowered her glass setting it on the table with an arched brow, Skylar paused looking over to Striga thinking about telling her what just happened.

  But…

  “Nah, it’s nothing. The drink just hit me a bit harder than I expected.” Skylar lied with ease, even if it was just for a few short moments. She wouldn’t worry about other things.

  She’d just live smiling.

  ***

  A large room with white stone walls and pillars lay bare for all to see, a woman dressed in a maid gown walked forward with a clipboard in her hand.

  She stopped in the center of the room and dropped to one knee, “Lord Almir… I bring a report of the situation of Babylon.”

  Almir was a man sitting upon a stone throne, his eyes were a bright emerald and he wore a long white jacket and brown boots, his hair was slicked back and colored a dark black.

  He let out a hum, “Do you now? Go on then Min, spit it out.”

  The maid in question named Min nodded standing up, “It would seem Empress Lust has fallen, at the hands of a… Skylar Shadewalker.”

  Almir paused hearing those words a smirk tugging at the edges of his lips, “Oh?”

  Min nodded looking at her clipboard, “She has shown incredible skill in combat, and she’s rather adept at magic… Though she has abandoned the Executioner name. Do you think she would make a decent candidate?”

  Almir looked to his stain-glass ceiling just above his throne and he let out a hum cupping his chin, “Someone who could best not just one, but 3 Eternals… certainly fitting of the title of High Executioner.” he chuckled stepping from his throne and he began to stretch, “But to test such a creature? Preparations must be made, to add her to my schedule. I shall invite her myself when time allows.”

  “Er, sir there is one more thing.” Min put a hand over her heart, “Concerning the Novakin that sought employment?”

  Almir paused looking over his shoulder, “Ah yes, him… Hire him, he’s well versed enough.”

  Min bowed before Almir, “Understood I shall make the preparations immediately.”

  Almir watched as Min left, “To think that you’d train up such a valuable resource brother, I’m impressed. Perhaps I should have attended your funeral after all.” Almir exclaimed with a bitter chuckle as he turned to his left wall, laid upon it was a large portrait.

  A portrait of Tetra, “Skylar Shadewalker… I shall take what my brother has taught you and use it to give a trail worthy of your legacy.”

  He blinked hearing a sound to his right, the sound of the door opening.

  A man walked into the room. Brown boots covered his legs, as did a pair of blue jeans. A brown belt held those pants up, and a black shirt adorned his torso, along with a long brown jacket. Then there was his face.

  Ablaze, his face wasn’t just on fire. No.

  It was made of it, his eyes were little dots of charcoal, and the azure flames lit up in delight as he reached up with a free hand to grab the hat from his head taking it off in a little bow, “Pleasure to meet you your majesty.”

  Behind this man was Min who was fidgeting in place, after all, she wasn’t supposed to allow anyone in there.

  Yet this man walked in regardless.

  Almir stared at this man and sighed folding his arms slightly, “Novakin… What is it that was so important that you had to barge into my abode?”

  The Novakin blinked, his flames flickered faintly as he raised his head.

  “Ah, well sir… I’m sure your aware that my kin have a sense for danger, and it came to my attention that one of your caves, er Dungeons as you refer to them has a mighty big whiff of danger coming from it.” The man explained, “thing is, they won’t let me go in without your permission. So on top of getting a job, I’d like for you to give your consent.”

  Almir stared forward, “The number of this cave was?”

  The Novakin hummed cupping his chin, “Eight I believe.”

  Almir paused at that, he had already received reports of some nasty creatures within that one, and here this Novakin was proclaiming that he wanted to tackle it.

  Min took a step forward, “S-Sir, forgive me I’ll escort him out immediately.” she declared walking forward and grabbing the Novakin by the arm.

  His flames flickered but didn’t burn, it was warm.

  The Novakin didn’t resist, but the girl wasn’t strong enough to pull him away either resulting in the awkward imagery of this girl failing to pull a single man.

  Almir put his hands behind his back staring forth, “Your name sir?”

  The Novakin put his hat back on his flames burnt a little brighter as light danced through his charcoal eyes, “Well sir, my name would happen to be… Aelius.”

  Almir smiled holding a hand out, “I give you my consent to enter the Eighth cave, however. I only give my permission to you. No one else.”

  Min blinked at that pulling away from Aelius, “Wha- But sir! To do so would go against our code!”

  “The code dictates that I protect each one of my citizens and keep them from harm.” Almir replied, “Aelius here is neither one of my citizens nor is he under my protection…” Almir responded with a smirk, “As such this shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, if he wants the job as a Dungeon Scout. I see no reason to hold him back, come back with the Dungeon cleared and the job is yours.”

  Aelius let out a hum his flames flickered with excitement, “Alright, fine by me. I’ll clear that dungeon for you without an issue.” he declared turning to the door, “Ah, but one more thing.” he stopped at that door, “I’ve no interest in becoming a High Executioner… so if we could keep that out of it that’d be great.”

  “To even be considered for the role you’d have to be entered into the coliseum.” Almir responded flatly, “I may be renowned for picking out the best, but I don’t just give out those tasks… it’s my duty as the ruler of this place to see to smaller matters as well.”

  Aelius looked over his shoulder his charcoal eyes examining Almir, he then shrugged walking out the door, “Can never be too careful.”

  With that Min took a small bow and swiftly made her exit along with Aelius, the door closed behind them.

  Almir stared forward for a bit longer taking in a breath and looking at the painting once more.

  A frown appeared on his face, “This feeling of a gathering storm… Why is it that it only grows stronger by the day?”

  He could not grasp the answer, so instead he let out a sigh, “It matters not, we shall weather this storm like the rest, no matter the blizzard my paradise shall stand tall…”

  Skybound Volume 2.

  End.