Chapter 113: Old Memories

Chapter 113: Old Memories

So thats how it is Ira looked at Rhys darkened expression while thinking. He didnt have much to say on the subject.

There were a few moments of silence before Cecelia wiped her tears and spoke, It was our fault Rhys. No matter how you look at it and for that reason, we never even thought of blaming you.

Piers saw that Rhys face didnt lighten and began to speak, Sorry, we were inconsiderate of you and your guests by bringing up bad memories. Ill go look for your brother and sister, they'll be happy to see you. He stood up and excused himself with a bitter smile.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

...You should know that you saved many people with the money you gave us, Rhys. Youve noticed how the town looks, right? Your father invested heavily in different trading companies and helped the town grow to where it is, Cecelia said as she reached out to touch her daughter's hand.

Rhys expression eased, but she pulled her hand back quickly before her mother could touch it. She hesitated a few moments before writing, [I dont want to hurt you.]

Ira watched the scene with detachment, something felt wrong to him. He couldnt imagine having a family like Rhys no matter how much he tried. The only thing that came to his mind was the day his parents killed him and his time in the Void. Certain images flashed through his eyes and he entered an odd state. Thats why his surroundings became muted and transpired without his attention.

As Rhys and her mother continued their heartwarming exchange, it was Harper who noticed something was wrong with Ira after ten or so minutes passed.

Ira? Harper called out to him.

Rhys looked over to see Iras empty expression with completely indifferent eyes, his face was so still that he seemed dead. It was nothing like his usual self and was more than alarming. Just by observing his face, Rhys felt a sense of pain and wanted to help him.

Iraaaaaaa. Harper poked his face in annoyance.

Ira blinked a few times before laughing as if nothing happened, What?

If Avery was present her anger wouldve gone past the point of what she could control and she may have even killed Rhys on the spot. She was oddly sensitive to Iras emotional state and would be able to tell what caused his brief change. He had told Avery about his origins and even if she couldnt imagine his experiences, she understood what it meant to him. That being so, she wouldnt be able to tolerate someone causing those old memories to surface.

You made a weird face, Harper poked his cheeks again. She was worried about Ira but was unaware of how to describe it.

I was just thinking about stuff. Ira smiled, but his words werent convincing.

Cecelia picked up on the mood and assumed Ira had experienced his own loss, Do you have any other family members, Ira?

A wife...and a daughter who isnt born yet. Ira smiled brightly at the mention of his daughter before lifting his teacup and drinking the rest of it.

If you dont mind me asking, what about your parents? As Cecelia finished her question she watched as the teacup in Iras hand shattered while he maintained his smile.

Ira didnt even seem to realize what happened as he answered, Theyre dead. His voice was devoid of any real sorrow or grief and was distant as if it didn't relate to him in any way.

Oh, Ira looked at the cup that was crushed to small pieces in his hand and shook his head apologetically, ...I didnt mean to break it, Ill pay for it.

N-No it was quite alright, forgive me if I brought up something unpleasant. Cecelia slightly bowed.

Then, Ill be stepping out for a few moments. Ira placed the small bits of the cup onto the table before standing up.

Harper began to rise but Ira stopped her, You can stay with Rhys, I wont be too long.

In response, Harper pouted, but Ira didnt wait any longer and vanished from sight much to Cecelias surprise.

Rhys wanted to call out to him and even attempted to write something down in order to stop him, but he was gone before she could finish the first word.

Sorry, Rhys. Cecelia didnt know how to react and could only voice her regret. She could tell that Rhys cared for Ira a great deal, but due to her own actions, he left.

Ira appeared in the Great Forest and exhaled a long sigh before he leaped forward. The ground under him shattered, but he paid it no mind as he continued forward. In a few minutes, Ira had traversed deep within the Great Forest but showed no signs of stopping. He jumped into the air and black mist surrounded him and shifted into his Wolf form before landing heavily.

Those who covet the World Tree are a threat to every living being on this planet! The Dryad became angry and was ready to attack Ira who didnt even blink at her display of aggression.

He laughed cheerfully as he scratched his head in a harmless manner, It was just a question, I dont need it after all. Im in good health and I dont think itll make me stronger.

It was clear he wasnt worried about the Dryad at all and if she wasnt aware of him killing several Elk a few moments ago she may have been convinced by his demeanor.

Arent you giving some of that sap to humans? No need to become so hostile over a simple question. Ira approached with no sign of attacking.

Plus, if I really wanted it, you couldnt stop me by yourself. Though theres probably more of you around and this forestmakes you stronger. I could kill a few but itll probably get tiresome. I bet if it was Avery she might be able to burn everything but theres probably some defense for that too, Ira mumbled aloud as he stopped at the edge of the spring.

This Forest will never burn. The Dryad said confidently.

She knew that unless it was the flame of an Ancient Dragon or something of a similar level most of the plant life wouldnt catch fire.

Ira chuckled at her optimism as he shook his head, If you didnt appear I mightve killed a lot of things around here, so if your goal is to protect life then you should be happy...Well, those first few Elk died before you popped up but you cant save them all, right?

Youve been here for far too long, intruder. You should leave now. The Dryad said in a tone of warning.

I was going anyway. Ira smiled before he vanished from sight.

The Dryad looked relieved as the vines slowly retreated back into the ground. She had no confidence in stopping Ira if he chose to attack so it was good for her that he left without much of a fuss.

Hes just like the humans who constantly destroy everything. The Dryad said to herself.

No The Fairy shook her head, Hes not bad...but hes bad.

The Dryad didnt understand her words but knew that Fairies were difficult to understand so she shook her head, You should go back to your home, child.

The Fairy responded with silence as she looked at the place where Ira last stood.

Thessia stood on the barren island and looked up at the clouds. If Iras words were true about the First-Flames disappointment with its descendants then it would be the end of her pride as an Ancient Dragon. She growled angrily as her scales appeared and her surroundings became hotter.

At some point, Gicae appeared behind her and approached with audible footsteps.

What do you want? Thessia spat.

Ive just come to inquire about your progress, Gicae said as he reached for the spot where his other arm used to be.

Its finished, Ive called all of them here. Thessia slowly calmed herself before pointing to the clouds.

Gicae narrowed his eyes before he finally saw something. A silhouette of a flying beast broke through the clouds and lowered its altitude. It was obviously a dragon which roared to announce its attendance before circling the island.

A few moments later and another dragon appeared behind it, followed by another until there were dozens of dragons in the sky. Some were small in size and weak to the point where a few hundred humans with proper equipment could take it down. Others held the capability to raze cities and were only able to be stopped by Valkyries or something at a similar level.

Gicae had a look of satisfaction as he watched dragons fill the sky above him. His clairvoyance let him know that something was to happen soon and Ira would be there. If he showed a sign of reaching a point they couldnt contend with then an ambush would be waiting.

Good, if you need food then ask Kesver to capture some fish. Gicae retreated back into the cave as Thessia remained silent.

She formed her own plans, she wanted to contend with Ira and prove the First-Flame wrong and to restore her damaged pride. It was something Gicae or the others wouldnt understand. To be spoken ill of by the First-Flame was the highest disgrace she could be given.

Thessia clenched her fist as a breath of fire escaped her mouth, the dragons seemed to sense her mood and roared loudly.