Chapter 6: Muddy water, Clear eyes.

Evans stood battered, he had to endure another “Lesson” from the vicious demon disguised as his master.

“Master… Aren’t you just beating me up?”

He cried out, however Agi showed no mercy, continuing his attacks.

“Find your steps, then we can move on.”

A while later he was sprawled on the floor again, somehow he seemed to end up this way everytime he met Agi recently.

“Evans, I won’t pry into your past, but the reason the villagers treat mireille as they do, that at least you have to tell me.”

Evans had an empty look in his gaze at Agis words, his heart felt a pang of guilt.

“Thats… Its my fault.” He sucks through his teeth, sitting up, “It’s a long and pathetic story, master.”

“I’m used to such stories, don’t hide too much from your master.”

Evans sighed, “I want to tell you… I want to tell mireille… But the words just won’t come out.” His voice trails getting quieter.

“But, there is another reason… this is the most basic, they hate her… well, because she’s blind.”

Like a cruel joke evans laughs mockingly at himself, his eyes plauged with something unkown.

“Thats it?” Agi narrowed his eyes, it was… unbelievable.

“Obviously theres more, like how she can move normally despite being blind, or that she seems to know what someone across the village is doing. They find her creepy, Agi, Like a bad omen.”

He scoffs his hands falling into the mud, “At some point… So did I…” He held back from saying it out loud, Agi seemed unpredictable right now, and he didn’t want to provoke him.

Agi was silent in thought, “I understand. Thats all for today, make sure to rest properly.”

Walking inside he saw Mireille hummnig to herself, setting the table.

What a strange sight.

To him, it was a truly strange sight, but for some strange reason, he couldn’t help but commit it to memory.

“Stop staring and come help.”

Mireille snapped him out of his daze and he coughed lightly, helping her set the table.

“Where’s Evans?”

Agi paused momentarily, “I sent him home.”

Mireille set down the plate with some force, “Agi, why are you helping him avoid me?”

Agi looks down, “I’m not doing that, Today just isn’t a good day for this.”

She frowns, “Then when?! whens a good day!” she shouts while breathing heavily.

“I’m not even asking for much…”

Agi frowns, “tomorrow, He’ll be back tomorrow.”

She begins setting the table again, “Back to training,” She snaps.

Agi can feel her frustration and says, “Tomorrow, I’ll bring him to you first, will that work?”

Typically Agi was not one to compromise, he did things as he did and others should work around him.

She was really a dangerous thing to be around.

“You have to promise me.”

“Alright, I promise.”

Mireille sits down, “If you break your promise, I’ll never beleive you again.” Agi sits down as well, attempting to grab some food mireille quicky swipes it from him with a mischevious smile.

“You’ll have to be faster than that.”

Agi somehow felt annoyed by that smile and grabs the entire bowl in front of her, “This is a bit easier.”

Before long the two of them are in a complete war, the other trying to take the others food, and before long the two are moving about the house, Agi holding a bowl in his hand as he dodges the small lady.

Mireille was huffing as she chased, “This is unfair!” She proclaimed trying to catch the hunter.

Eventually mireille panted in exaspiration, “The food…” She breathes heavily, “Is… cold.”

Agi sits down, and smiles awkwardly, “Ah, I guess it is.”

The two eat together anyway, just like that the day dwindled idly, eventually Mireille got tired and retired to the study, it was strange for Agi, at no point in his life had he felt like this, all he did was train, he swung his spear, over and over.

Every now and then a flash wojld overtake his mind, sending him back to that time in his childhood, “Not like that! Not like that!” A younger Asketill would cry out.

All Agi could do under such poor teachings was keep trying, he could only swing and swing until eventually—“Yes! That’s it!” —He would hear Asketills childlike excitement.

A faint smile crawled into Agis expression through each heavy swish of his spear, As night crawled over the sky Agi felt a small void within his heart developing.

Just what was he missing?

As the spear slowed in its movements, a few thoughts clouded his otherwise clear mind, “Getting information from evans is unlikely… Tomorrow, I need to pay a visit to that merchant.” In a burst of color the spear vanished.

———————————————————————————————————————

The soft rustle of the all encompassing canopy played a familiar symphony within Agis mind. It had already been a week.

Agi had claimed he would only spend another week in this village, however considering Mireilles strange physique, and his promise to train Evans, he found himself in a troublesome situation.

“He’s late.”

Agi felt a hint of irritation, how many times does that make it? He acted so excited, has his enthusiasm already died down?

Agi was beginning to wonder if this would work as he had hoped. If Ari was here… he cut off his line of thought, it didn’t matter after all, Agi was a master of his own craft, perhaps he had become to reliant on the brilliance of Aris mind.

Over the past week, Evans continued to expertly avoid answering any questions, Mireille took Agis advice and didn’t push either.

The situation didn’t necessarily improve, however Evans was no longer avoiding her, in fact joining them for dinner a few times.

Agi had also tried to meet the merchant, only to fail, the merchant was extremely busy, bustling around the town. Agi found this strange, however the rest of the village similarly put their jobs to a secondary importance.

It seemed they were preparing for an event.

However, before Agi could get lost any deeper in thought he heard the familiar exhausted breathing that always follows with an excuse.

Evans rested his hands on his knees, “Master, I’m sorry, I was so busy preparing for the festival that I—” Agi raised an eyebrow cutting him off.

“Festival?”

Now that he thinks about it, he had heard something similar before, the merchant told him about the Festival of the emperor.

Agi looked the exhausted guard up and down, “Why haven’t the villagers been talking about it?” He found it strange that they’d all prepare however none of them would speak about it.

Evans scratched his neck awkwardly, “Well… it’s sort of taboo to talk about the festival near Mireille.” He shifted awkwardly, “And a lot of people assume you’re… you know, so they don’t talk about it around you.”

Agi gave him an odd look, but internally sighed, Another problem with Mireille, Don’t these people ever feel tired? Agi walked over and whacked Evans’ posture back into shape with the butt end of his spear.

“No matter, We’ll start now.”

Evans had a gloomy expression, Today would be hell.

Agi noticed Evans was missing something, “Not carrying your sword today?” He questioned, finding it strange he wouldn’t carry his acclaimed heirloom.

Evans grumbled, “It’s too heavy when I’m preparing for the festival.”

Agi sent out a light fist, which Evans promptly dodged, “Keep what’s important to you close. You never know if it’ll still be there by the time you return.” Agi twirled throwing a high kick, which Evans ducked under.

The exhausted youth didn’t have time to ponder, “Is this the time for a philosophy lesson, Master?”

Agi continued to throw light combinations, forcing Evans to repeatedly dodge, though he would get hit occasionally.

“Knowledge is strength.”

It was a simple concept, however it was one Agi continued to repeat.

“You have knowledge, however your knowledge is misguided. Traditionally we would start with lectures, however it seems I have to beat the problem out of you.”

Evans shivered, his master was definitely a psychopath.

Agi would occasionally readjust Evans’ foot with light kicks, not enough to hurt, but enough to put it to the right position.

This could only last for so long until the youth became frustrated, covered in bruises he huffed, “Master, you haven’t taught me a single thing in an entire week! You’ve only forced me to dodge!” He said, desperately continuing to evade.

“First you find your steps.”

“You’re unsure, you lack foresight, and you are too scared.”

“Find your steps, and then I will teach you.”

Evans couldn’t understand what finding his steps meant, that should have been taught! Agi wouldn’t let him use the footwork he had learned, and was continually disrupting it.

Seeing Evans’ frustration Agi stopped attacking, “Fine. I won’t attack, just do your best to hit me a single time.”

Evans grinned, “If I do, then you have to help me prepare for the festival. Oh, and you can’t complain if I’m late.” Evans laid some conditions down.

Agi just shook his head slightly, “Sure, but it’s wishful thinking.”

Evans ensued with a torrent of attacks, many of them mimicking his master, there was a small glint in Agis eyes as he watched.

“As I thought, he’s talented.”

Agi moved strangely, his steps constantly shifting, and before long Evans fell flat on his face.

“Combat begins from the ground up.” Agi explained to watching calmly as Evans crawled back up from the mud.

“I think… I understand now.” Evans said slightly unsure.

Agi nodded, and continued the exercise, “Mireille was looking for you.” Agi said directing Evans feet.

Evans made a wrong step, getting hit right in the face, wiping the blood from his nose he sat up, “Huh? Why?”

Agi shrugged, “I’m not sure. But I have some small business to take care of, go see her while I’m gone and we can call it a day.”

Evans felt his aching body and heaved a sigh, “I guess it’s better than being beaten.”

Agi began walking off but turned slightly and said,

“Don’t treat it like a chore.”

Evans stood up, dusting the dirt from his body. Though it did little to clear the mud, “Yes, Master!” He gave a forced bow and grumbled under his breath heading inside.

Agi just shook his head, “What an unfilial disciple.” Heaving a sack over his shoulder he left.

Traversing the village leisurely, Agi felt the slight wind brushing over his hair, he rarely enjoyed a breeze, but the joyful atmosphere of the village seems to be infecting him.

“Going for leisurely walks… Training a disciple, this really isn’t like me. Is it for the better..?”

Agi eventually arrived before the familiar cart he had arrived at two weeks ago, “Have you upheld your end of the deal?” Agi questioned.

Old Michael chuckled, stroking the lengthy beard, “You should be well aware of my success.” He explained.

Agi narrowed his eyes, “Really? Because the way I see it, the merchants and store owners still treat me strangely.”

Old Michael shook his head, “At least they still do business with you, you have some, well, minor opposition within this place.” He explained.

Agi felt it was ridiculous, “In a place like this, there’s no such thing as opposition. I want answers, Michael.” Agis eyes narrowed, he may have begun to develop a soft side for the strange woman who dragged him around as she pleased, but a little merchant should know his limits.

The old merchant felt a small shiver, “Haha…” he laughed nervously, “Well, no need for this, it’ll all be taken care of.”

The old merchant looked greedily at the sack on Agis shoulder, “Just… as long as you do your part.”

Agi had suspected the merchant was fabricating problems, that way he could get more from their deal, but it was all so trivial.

However The hunter was mildly amused, “Are you sure you want to do it here?” Agi had questions he wanted answered, it’d be best if they took it elsewhere.

Old Michael shrugged, taking the much larger hunter around the village and led him into a dimly lit house near the outskirts of the residential area.

Agi looked around, it felt unlived, “You live here?” His eyes drifted across the small house, soon noticing the approaching man.

He had blonde hair, his eyes were a light blue, and his features were boyish. He was around the same size as the hunched old Michael, though Agi assumed Old Michael would only be a bit shorter than himself at full height, so it didn’t surprise him much.

He worse a simple linen tunic, overtop was a small brown vest, along with tannned trousers, he really didn’t seem like a wealthy merchant.

The old merchant smiled, “Dorian, come greet my good friend.”

Agi almost raised an eyebrow at the strange introduction, but decided to ignore it, “You can call me Agi.”

Dorian nodded shaking his hand, “Grandpa is a bit eccentric, so just tell me if he gives you any trouble.”

Old micheal waved his hand in the air, “Bah! What eccentric, go, go.” He waved off his grandson, “Bring back some refreshments.”

Dorian shrugged leaving the small room to another.

Old michael pulled a seat back for Agi at the single table, “Please take a seat.”

Not refusing, Agi took a seat, setting the sack on the table.

Sitting down on the other side, Old Michael waved ahead of him, “If you would, esteemed hunter, I’m sure you have many questions.”

Agi leaned back in the chair, “This opposition, how much of it is real.”

The merchant felt his heart skip a beat, he wasn’t expecting that, hunters are notoriously all brawn, however before he could reply Dorian set drinks on the table.

Agi took a look and raised an eyebrow, “What is this?”

Old Michael rubbed his hands together, “ah, I see you haven’t experienced the rare delicacies in this place. There exists a strange tree which calls thunder. Many people claim it’s a monster.” The merchant explained.

Agi naturally knew of this tree, he had spent two years of his childhood in this damned place, how could he not know this tree?

“Thunder tree sap?” He rubbed his chin, it made sense, he had only tried it twice, and each time the sap alone was extremely sweet.

The merchant shook his head, “The direct sap is a bit too strong for normal humans,” he had a regretful look on his face, “It’d be more like poison that anything, however this is a watered down, mixed drink.”

Agi took the cup, tasting the liquid, he had no fear of poison, after all that’d only make him stronger.

Evaluating it momentarily he commented, “Do you have more?”

The merchant happily Acquiesced, “Of course, but I didn’t expect you to take such a liking.” On the side Dorian was a bit shocked as well.

Agi tapped his finger, “Does it matter?” It seemed like he was… deflecting?

Moving on the merchant cleared his throat, “Ahem.. of course not, to answer your question… it seems the village chief has a strange issue with you. He’s advising merchants to avoid dealing in business with you.”

Agi felt an intense irritation, “why are the people of this village so petty?” He felt it’d be easier to just deal with the nosy chief, unfortunately he was Mireilles father.

Old Michael continued, “And it seems, your relationship with that girl… is causing them some problems.”

“So it’s all nonsense”

This was the conclusion Agi reached before a sword came billowing through the area behind Old micheal.

Agi moved quickly, dodging the blade narrowly he lunged forward, grasping tightly onto Old michaels throat.

Dorian shook, “Grandpa!” He shouted grabbing at Aid forearm, though he failed utterly to mvoe Agis grip.

Agi stared calmly into the shadow, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen an inheritor of such an origin.” Old Michael eyes shook.

“You foolish…! What the hell are you doing!” Old Michael was clearly directing it to the area behind him, where a strange presence slowly emerged.

“I should have expected you to be at least this ruthless, Exalted Beast.”

Agi narrowed his eyes dangerously, slits forming from his pupils.

“Old Michael, this man is far too dangerous to do business with.” The man explained, however the moment he turned to look at old Michael Agi shot forth, tossing old Michaels body limply agaisnt the man.

A flash of color burst forth as a spear broke through the shadows, it’s edge drawing a crimson drop from the neck of the assailant.

“Why is there a hunter from the order, with a small merchant of a small human settlement?”

Agi had no intent in wasting time, however Dorian was shouting even louder as he held his grandfather, “Ugh… damn hunters, you really have no respect for your elders.”

Dorian was tightly holding onto his grandpa, “What good friend? Are you sure that guy doesn’t hate you!” Dorian was completely in shock, the situation had changed too fast.

The shadowy hunter was smiling faintly, “What? You don’t know? Haha… how cruel.” He laughed again.

Agi gripped the spear tightly, Should I just kill him?

The man fizzled from reality, “If I tell you, I’ll die anyway, so why not jsut run!” He laughed as he vanished.

Agi clicked his tongue, the seal prevented him from using any real preventative measures.

“What an annoying Inheritance… No matter, his gate is here, he can’t exit anywhere else.”

Agi glanced at Old Michael, “Get your subordinates under control. And you better be ready to tell me your connection with the order by the next time I come.”

Then he said, “The pelts, I’ll give them for that drink.” The spear vanished, seemingly melting the tension as Old Michael laughed Hysterically.

“You are really one of a kind, Agi. Dorian, hurry and get the man his drink.”

Agi left the house with only a jar of the drink.

———————————————————————————————————————

Closing the door behind him, Agi arrived before a familiar table, where Evans was being lectured by Mireille.

Agi placed the jug on the table, “I got you something.” He says as Mireille smiles slightly.

“What is it?” She asks, Agi only shrugged.

“I’m not sure, has some thunder tree sap, and something else, it’s good. Oh and it costed me a fortune.”

Mireille huffed, “Only a fortune?” She hopped up, grabbing a few cups.

Agi shook his head, “Insatiable woman.”

Evans couldn’t help chuckling a bit covering his snickers with his arm.

“Master, that’s rude.”

Mireille set the cups on the table, “Maybe I should teach you both some manners?”

Agi, with a lot on his mind, enjoyed the rare moment of peace.

Drinking casually he addressed Evans, “Preparing for the festival, what does it entail?” Oddly, Mireille shifted uncomfortably.

Evans glanced at Mireille before saying, “Its not very complicated, most of the men just move material, while the women decorate. And then at about noon most people go to complete their daily tasks before returning.”

Agi nodded, this made sense, the Blood temple operated on a similar system. “When will this festival begin?”

Evans thought for a second, shifting the cup around, “Should be… Around two weeks I think?”

Agi shook his head, “You think? You need to be more observant, how long have you lived in this village? To not even know the date of a tradition.”

Getting scolded was definitely least of Evans expectations and he looked toward Mireille for help, “See? I told you that theres no pleasing him!” he huffed in the unfairness of the situation.

Mireille had a forced smile, “He’s kind of right, isn’t he?”

Evans felt helpless, “Then do you know the specific date?”

Mireille coughed, “You already told him didn’t you?”

Evans looked toward Agi, “She doesn’t know either!”

Agi seemed deep in thought, “I must be lacking as a teacher. Don’t worry disciple, I’ll ensure to correct your bad habits.”

Evans head hung low, “That… Anyway, Master, why do you want to know?”

Agi tapped his finger on the table, “It should be enough time.” His mind had small glimpses of his training in the temple. It took him three days, for Evans, becoming capable of using that technique in two weeks shouldn’t be impossible.

Realizing that his strange Master had no desire to explain further he relented, “I should call it a night. I’ll be late tomorrow, so don’t take it out on me!” Evans exclaimed before scurrying off.

Left at the table was only Mireille, and Agi.

Mireille, shifted a bit closer, “You seemed busy today, What did you do?”

Was he busy? He hadn’t felt busy. He spent most of the day idly, mostly waiting for his unfilial disciple.

“I went to meet old Michael.” He explained.

Mireille titled her head, “What’d you need that old thing for? I mean…” She looked around the room, acting like she was looking around, “We have plenty of pelts.”

Mireille had noticed, Agi had a strange habit of holding onto what he had killed, whether it be in the form of pelts, a tooth, or a claw, he always held onto something.

He hadn’t had any intention of explaining himself, especially considering that most of the problems he was facing involved her, so he only said, “It was to get this drink.”

She couldn’t help herself from laughing, “Really? Its a bit surprising.” She leaned forward, as if trying to study his expression.

Agi couldn’t help but wonder if her mannerism was a habit from before she became blind, Or perhaps her ability to see relied on distance.

“It reminds me of something from my childhood.”

She seemed enlightened, “Tell me about it.” she said with some excitement.

“Huh?”

She pouted slightly, “What? You never talk about yourself. Getting anything out of you is even harder than that stubborn brother of mine.”

Had he really not told her anything?

In some ways, Agi felt like he had taken a step too far. Allowing certain things to slip beneath the surface, he felt like he was becoming more lost.

If Mireille found her way into his maze, would she be able to lead him out?

Agi leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling he started, “Well, Its a boring story really. Looking back now, it was one of the few times I experienced joy in that dull place.”

———————————————————————————————————————

The dark halls were faintly lit by a plethora of fiery red candles. It smelt like ash within the hall. This place, it was a hell to most, to Agi however, it may very well had been his haven.

Having just turned Nine, he only recently left the harrowing grounds known as the reverse city. It was brutal place that Agi was glad to finally be free of.

However, returning to the halls of the blood temple was of no solace to Agi. He still had to survive, and perhaps the reverse city would soon feel like a vacation compared to the opposition of his elder siblings.

Before Agi stood the isolation hall. A location many disciples of the blood temple feared, as existing within it completely isolated you within a separate space. It was an incredibly mysterious room. Though the hall looked the same, no matter how many people entered, it was always empty, completely isolated.

His murky green eyes surveyed the familiar isolation hall, he took two steps forward before his body fell limply. He gritted his teeth, attempting to stand up, “Damn it…” He grunted, his childlike voice cracking.

His typically expresionless face was controrted and he repeatedly attempted to stand back up, “I.. Can’t..” but inevitably it was fruitless.

For the first time in his life, Agi was forced to rest.

The next day, or at least what he believed to be the next day, he rolled to his back, “Mother will know that I’ve already left the reverse city…” He had to go see her first. Any delay would cause him a great deal of problems.

Turning over he struggled as he finally raised to his feet, walking to the center of the room he grasped the floor, and with a jerk of his arm the room folded in like an existential fabric, his body appearing within the true hall.

Promptly hiding within the shadows, the child Agi silently made his way to the training hall of his mother.

“Second lord.”

A gruff voice greeted beside the door, “So you’ve already passed the trial. Your talent surprises me each day.” The knight, vistar, with heroic features, short brown hair, and amber eyes, was exactly what you’d expect from the knight captain.

He wore heavy silver armor inlaid with some sort of red gemstone.

His expression was one of solemn seriousness. However within his gaze was a billowing ache, He had been beside the child longer than anyone else within the temple, seeing him in such a position only gave him anguish.

However the knight had his limits, and Agi had long since stepped onto a stage that he could not follow.

“I must see mother.” Agi stated bluntly, his murky green eyes locked onto the heavy door, Vistar wanted to sigh but held back, with a small bow he opened the door, allowing Agi in as he stood guard.

Agi sat patiently on the side of the training grounds, its floors a woven yellow, Silver and numerous weapons surrounded the training grounds.

There were few attendants, they carried towels, or water.

Within the center of the room was a fierce looking woman, her gaze was piercing, her eyebrows sharp, and her eyes.. A familiar murky green, She had shoulder length brown hair.

For a while Agi only waited, until eventually the woman stopped waving her sword, “Come here beast, lets see if you’ve developed any worth.”

Agi glared silently, “First, I want to see Asketill and Ari.” His eyes were fierce, his pupils reflected the woman before him, and for a moment they seemed entirely too similar.

She snorted, “Do you think you’re in a position to make demands?” She began striding toward him, “Prove you can walk amongst humans, before I let you near my children.”

Agi stood, Behind him the visage of a colossal fiend rose, He bared his teeth, he truly seemed more beast than human.

The woman had a wide grin on her face, shaped to form of her own madness, “Today, you can make the first move.”

Agi bursted forth, within his spirit he manipulated the soul rushing through his body, he created two reverse flows, and then–Boom! They collided, along with it Agis speed became inhuman.

The woman seemed calm, “You haven’t even received The Gift yet, how ridiculous.”

Agi stopped abruptly before her, his footsteps shifting abnormally before his body changed in orientation, all of a sudden the small child began walking on air, from the side he let loose a wide kick.

The woman simply sidestepped before slamming a heavy fist into his gut, “The technique of the reverse city is truly strange.”

The woman continued to one sidedly beat the already exhausted Agi, “You’re almost there beast. Work a bit harder.”

By the end Agi had left stains of blood scattered across the training hall, “For the sake of decorum, I have no choice but to call you by your name outside these halls. Tonight, you will join me and your brothers for dinner.” She said walking to a rack and picking up a large sword.

Agi scoffed, spitting out a wad of blood he walked steadily to the door.

Outside Vistar grimaced looking at the boy, “Agi.. I…”

Agi cut him off as he continued to walk, “Vistar, what do children like?” Agi pondered with an expressionless face.

Vistar couldn’t help but think to himself, You are a child too.. Agi, However he refrained from saying it out loud. “I believe children enjoy sweet things.”

Agi thought for a moment silentlessly before saying, “Thank you, Vistar. I’m going to visit Ramana, If you could take care of those troublesome fellows for me…”

Vistar nodded, He always felt like the first lord, Agis eldest brother, Ramana, was a deeply unnerving person. However he couldn’t deny the care The first lord had toward Agi, and so he felt comfortable leaving him in his company.

Leaving vistar behind, Agi stepped into a cool courtyard.

“Agi!”

From behind a tall man stepped forward, His arms held outward. “My little brother, You have already returned from the reverse city?” He roared out in laughter, “Haha! Of course you have. How could someone whos received the scorn of our father be unimpressive.” Ramana had soft features, on his waist rested a heavy bottle, clearly used frequently.

Agi returned the hug from his brother, asking, “Brother, Whats the sweetest thing in the temple?” Agi asked innocently.

Ramana released his little brother, thinking for a moment, “Well… I suppose that’d be Thunder tree sap.” But he soon tilted his head, “Why? Got a sweet tooth suddenly?”

Agi shook his head, “Its not for me. Anyway, where do I get some?”

Ramana led him inside, placing some on the fancy table in the cushioned room, “I have some here, I can give it to you, but only if you try it first.”

Agi was slightly confused by this condition, If hes going to try it anyway why not just give it to him?

However he acquiesced relatively easily and took a small amount on his fingertip, giving it a lick his face quickly changed.

He coughed more than once and felt his expression contorting uncontrollably, “What–People like this!?” Agi couldn’t believe it.

Well actually… Most people use it as poison… Ramana inwardly found the situation very funny, after all a normal human might actually die from even a finger tips worth. However those born from the lineage of The Gift are naturally resistant to poisons, even though its technically not a poison, it seemed to have a similar resistance.

Agi grumbled to himself, “No matter, this’ll do.”

Ramana rested his head on his palm, “But, Agi, if its not for you, then who?”

Agi only gave him a glare, “Too many questions, you’ll die.”

Ramana grinned, “The reverse city did a bit more than teach you a new technique, its amusing this time, But Agi, don’t push it.” Behind Ramana the visage of a gargantuan bird flapped its wings, within Agis mind a torrential wind poured over his body, making him feel as though he’ll float away.

Agi closed his eyes momentarily, “I overstepped my bounds.”

Ramana shrugged, “Its only expected, the reverse city is such a place, you are either the one making threats, or the one being threatened. I’ll pay it no mind this time.”

Agi nodded, quickly taking his leave.

A while later Agi snuck into a densely guarded room. It was a similar training room to his mothers, however within this one sat two youths.

One around seven, the other six, Asketill and Ari respectively.

Leaping down, Agi saw the amusing scene of Ari being spun around uncontrollably by a great sword, while Asketill was nearly pulling his hair out.

“Agi!” Asketill yelled out, noticing his elder brother, “Look! Ari is so bad!” he was practically bouncing.

Ari finally came to a halt, his body falling over weightlessly, He struggled to stand up, his voice shaky, “Agi… Asketill keeps bullying me!” he made small quick steps to hide behind his older brother.

Agi sighed audibly, “Asketill, I’ll train with you, so just give Ari a break.”

Asketill smiled widely, “Come here!” He called out, but Agi shook his head, “What? We’re supposed to train, you already promised.” He grumbled.

Agi pulled out a small box, “I have a gift for you two.” he forked it over, and Ari and Asketill immediately began fighting over it, “Stop! Stop!” he called out quickly, “Such a handful, come, ill split it equally.”

Before long they both had a handful, and without warning slammed the whole thing back, “Wai–” Agi tried to warn them, but they didn’t seem to acknowledge him.

Ari immediately coughed it all out, “Are you trying to kill me!?” he shouted out rolling on the ground dramatically.

Meanwhile Asketill had shimmering eyes, “Wow! Ari give me the rest of yours!” His small hands, already clawing at Aris side.

Agi merely watched the scene from the side, he felt at home here, so long as he could stand before his brothers, so what if he was a beast, to them he would always be Agi.

Naturally Agi did not explain the full story to the entranced Mireille, only taking bits and pieces, focusing on Ari and Asketills reaction to the sap.

However, considering her loud laughs, and wide smile, it seemed it was good enough, “Agi, bring your brothers around one day, its no fair you get to have all that fun.” She teased.

Agi smiled faintly, remembering that time, “Yeah, I will.”