Chapter 33 - The Girls and Me

"Another ally made; this was totally unexpected. All that is left is heading to Krigi, maybe some armor and weapons for the silver guardians. The kiss we just shared triggered a long-lost memory. My first day at the academy, I remember doing the same thing to another girl, what was her name again? Oh Lucy, good times. I do wonder how Sophie is doing, from what I got told by Undrar, she betrayed me." The walk from Rose's room to the ladder leading into the tent was short but it took longer than expected. Unknowingly, Staxius walked straight and hit an opened door. The hall was pitch dark, stumbling, he slowly but surely arrived. "Was my life at the academy just a lie? Did it mean nothing in the long run? Should I tell Sophie that I'm back? I'm clueless, do I really want to go and meet all the people who saved me once? In their eyes I'm dead, can I allow myself to forget them and start over…?" From atop, a voice shouted; "Master, where are you?" The silver guardians were looking frantically.

Just when Staxius began climbing the wooden ladder, Rose shouted, "Wait up." She ran. Together, they went up to surface level. Since the hall was pitch black, Rose's apparel went unnoticed until they were inside the tent.

"My Lady Rose, did you forget to dress properly?" He asked after giving her a helping hand out.

"What do you mean?" She asked, confused.

"I mean, first, you don't have any undergarments on, you're practically see-through. The fact that your wearing such a thin shirt and shorts doesn't help me in any way. You see, I'm still a growing boy, I do not wish to defile you using my eyes so here," Like a gentleman, he handed her his prized suit jacket.

Simultaneously, Isac and the silver guardians entered the tent, "Ma'am," Shocked, he spoke.

"Oh my, I didn't realize our master was such a stud." Ancret jokingly added. Rose was still dazed from the prior illusion spell. While she got dressed, the only thing in her mind was that kiss, bloody yet passionate. "Stop with the pleasantries, Isac, you came at the perfect time. Please, take care of lady Rose."

"What do you mean take care?" Isac asked as Rose blushed and hid behind Staxius. "I mean take care? Do you not speak human?" He sarcastically added. "I mean, what is there to take care of, Lady Rose is practically blushing like a girl having had her first… No, you did not just steal her virtue."

"Stop with the accusations, besides, I'm as.e.x.u.a.l. I care not for such nonsense."

"Master, it's getting late," Alyson spoke. "Ancret, please find something to cover…" Before he could finish a piece of cloth in a bundle headed for his face. "Thanks," He covered Rose and took the suit jacket.

"Staxius, when will we meet again?" She spoke while he covered her. "I dare not say, my journey is more unstable than your subordinate's heart. Please, take good care of yourself, and let's make this alliance of ours worthwhile. Also, I must ask, where is that merchant?"

"Oh, he's back in town, don't worry about the gold you took, even though It's like a fortune, you may have it, consider it a gift from the Thunderstain." She smiled.

"Thank you very much," She grabbed his collar and kissed him once more. "My, my, Rose, you've certainly grown bold, don't forget about who you truly love," Staxius whispered.

"That was unexpected, glad no one saw it," *Dark Arts, Emotional control; Dispel.*

"Now then, leader of Thunderstain, I wish you good luck on your future endeavors, may lady luck smile upon you." With his signature wave, he left.

"Ma'am, what did that man do to you?" Isac spoke after he left.

"Hmm, nothing really, we formed an alliance," She spoke sternly. "You foolish boy," A smile escaped,

"You've changed for the better, thanks Staxius," Isac spoke under his breath.

"Alyson, Ancret, I have a question."

"You need not ask when you speak to us, master," Ancret replied. *Crunch, crunch,* Dry leaves shattered when they stepped into the forest. "How did you find me?"

"Simple, we followed your scent."

"What do you mean scent, are you dogs?"

"No, not literally scent, but your presence and aura, it's unique. Also, the blood pact did help as well."

"Alright then," The sun retired for his daily rest, the moon, on the other hand, was nowhere to be

found. The night was darker than usual, they arrived at last. "Master, we'll be heading off."

"Wait for me girls, I want to see Eira first," They momentarily forgot that he had a daughter. Thus,

their walk continued, Dundee at night was still as lively as at daytime. The only difference was the people, traders turned alcoholics, everyone was having fun. The occasional brawl happened here and there, close to town square, couples were getting frisky, life was good. Not far off, Adelana was spotted going inside a massive building. *Gulp,* "I told her to get the best room but not the most expensive one," To his surprise, Ancret showed him to another building opposing where Adelana entered. The place was spacious, very clean and neat. People there seemed dignified enough, the service looked impeccable.

"Master, we are staying here." In front of him stood a massive room, which was both a restaurant and a bar. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, the people were well dressed. For someone like Staxius, he felt out of place though those people were but commoners. Bar to right, he walked.

"Ancret, please call onto Undrar and Fenrir for me." He asked while ordering a whiskey. "Will do," Alyson headed upstairs. Few drinks later, the whole squad descended. Most of them wore their same old clothes, he felt guilty.

"Master," As usual, Fenrir, a bombshell, shouted without a care in the world. Everyone soon surrounded him, hug after hug, he greeted all of them. "Eira did you mish me." He spoke trying to act cute, Eira giggled. "Fenrir, a job well done earlier. Without you, I couldn't have defeated all those guys, so thanks." He patted her. "Now then everyone, let's have some FOOD." They caused a scene.

The people began to feel agitated, they were displeased. Courteously, Staxius rose and spoke, "I gravely apologize for the inconvenience. However, words might not convince you just yet. Hence, Barkeeper, please bring your best wine and serve it to everyone present, it's on me."

The agitation faded into happiness, "Brother, will that not cost you?" Undrar spoke.

"Oh, don't worry, I've struck a deal with someone powerful, money isn't an issue no more. Speaking of money, I should probably go get Adelana, please ladies, go take a seat over there and order whatever food you want. Today it's my treat." Babe in arms, he played and amused her daughter until he reached the other building.

"From the looks of it, this place looks fine from the outside but I've got a bad feeling." He stepped, everyone wore expensive suits and dresses. They paid him no mind, the smell of foul play was in the air. "What is Adelana doing here?" In the distance, he spotted her, she was with some rich guy heading upstairs. Staxius decided to follow suit, "Excuse me sir, but you have no business here." Two men in black suits guarded the stairs. "Will this buy me entry?" He flashed a gold coin, the guard's eyes sparkled. A gold coin was super valuable here. "Excuse us, sir," They let him through.

"As they say, a bit of gold can get you anywhere, isn't that right Eira," He played with her even more. Inconspicuously, he erased his aura and followed Adelana. The man was fat, another sign of being well off. Black oily hair with a mustache, he had a mischievous aura surrounding him. On occasions, he would grab Adelana's waist. She just stood there as she clenched her fist. Not wanting to interrupt, he continued watching.

"Well, this might not be my place to intervene. If she wants to sell herself, who am I to stop her, live and let live I guess." Before they entered the room, Staxius unleashed his aura willingly so she knew, he was there, then left. "Master… Sorry." She entered. "Anyways, let's head back." Once again, without conjuration, he activated shadow step. Normally, to use any spell you need at least an activation word, it's like flipping a switch to enable you to use magic. In a way it prepares your body as well, mana is one's life-force, thus, when you use it up, it goes against the very law of nature.

"Hello everyone, I'm back." A smile devoid of any sadness, he spent the remainder of his night in the company of his squad. They drank, ate, drank some more, of course some threw up, basically a great night. At some point during the party, Staxius booked the whole bottom floor. They had fun, a bit too much, dancing, jumping, sparring, and drinking more.

Through a window, Adelana gazed out, the upper half of her body was exposed. This wasn't the first time she did this, it felt normal, however, guilt began to crawl up. She stared downwards, the place she was staying at looked lively unlike the dimly lit and silent room she stood in. "Miss, would you kindly get started, I don't have much time to entertain you." Her client spoke unwillingly. "Low born sc.u.m if it wasn't for that lovely face, I'd have killed you already." He got impatient. A tear flow down her face. Below, just when she turned away, he saw it, or rather, felt it. The cry for help, her soul was screaming, 'Someone, help me,'

"Damn it, you fool," *Death element activate; Shadow step.*

The fat man laid on the bed, he was fully n.a.k.e.d. Adelana slowly got her bottom half undressed. The instant she got ready to do the deed; the door flung open. "Adelana Geus, stop this instant." A frown turned upside down, her eyes lit up. "What is the meaning of this, *Pang,* A rock to the face from Staxius knocked him out cold.

"God damn it, I was planning to leave you alone, WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SHED THAT TEAR." He

spoke frustrated. "If you weren't up to the task, why do it?" He continued his onslaught. "Are you that dense or are you plain STUPID." The breathing calmed down. Ashamed, she could naught but cry. "You f.u.c.k.i.n.g idiot," with effortless motion, he covered her up and jumped out of the window. "Adelana, listen, I truly believe in the words; live and let live. Thus, my decision to leave you alone, but you've proved me wrong. You're just stubborn, I gave you enough money, why earn more? Am I that irrelevant to you, for the love of god, I'M YOUR MASTER." *Bam,* He landed perfectly.

"Leave the worries about feeding you guys up to me, I did say I'll take care of you." His tone got gentle, "Let's party," Waiting for her; her sisters, Millicent, Fenrir, Undrar and Eira. Most of them were already drunk but they welcomed her with open arms. "See, no need to worry anymore."

"T-thank y-you master," He was nowhere to be found. "Undrar, I've made up my mind. I can't deal with the silver guardians anymore, after Krigi, we are going to head our separate ways." He spoke telepathically.

"The choice is up to you," She accepted.

The next day came by faster than usual. Staxius slept at the old broken-down inn. "We need gear, guess we are shopping." Plan for the day made, he headed for the other hotel. He knocked on each door, but most of them were hungover except Adelana. Grabbing Eira, he asked her to join him. "Adelana, sorry about yesterday, I got in the way. No matter, I need your help picking out clothes for everyone. We need to stock up, Krigi is some ways off."

"I'm sorry as well master," Shop to shop, Staxius bought anything Adelana recommended. New clothes, accessories, potions, food. Anything you needed for a long journey. Eira finally had clothes of her own, she looked splendid. Staxius picked out a white tiger outfit, more like a pajama but it looked cute.

Back at the hotel, Fenrir wore her new undergarments and clothes. She still rocked the smart shirt and pants style, looked more like a teacher. Millicent after having gotten food and water finally began to look healthy, her face slowly got better. She spoke on time to time; the emotional scars weren't gone yet but Staxius was working on it. Her clothes weren't that impressive, to that fact, none of the clothes bought looked that special.

Undrar, on the other hand, wore her usual Gothic outfit. As a joke, Staxius bought her a toy magic wand, it was much taller than her, he laughed. The Geua sisters got long-sleeved shirt which matched their hairstyle.

Few days past, Staxius finally parted from the grey suit. He instead wore another grey suit which matched his old one without any of the bloodstains. Out of the four, only one golden button was left, on his journey, he sold them for food and other commodities away from his companions' eyes as well as steal.

He chose to keep one. The suit itself looked expensive, and it was true, it cost him a hundred gold pieces. Handmade and reinforced with magic, as opposed to traditional heavy armor, any piece of clothes can be made to be as strong with only a spell. Though that method is costly and only a handful of people from the order can perform it. That's where his connections with Thunderstain came in handy.

"Rose, thanks for all the help," He replied while leaving the hideout. *Brrrr,* "Ma'am are you sure about giving him that thing?" Isac spoke. "It's not an issue, that thing as you say is getting more popular by the day, he'll have more use for it than us."