Chapter 25: Coming to Terms

A Chapter by Jensen Roman

King Yuuin and Saei have differences while confessions are known.

The dining room had grown quiet once the serpent had left but a heavy cloud remained over the small group. Fey had a deep suspicion what Yuuin wanted to speak of…with only having Saei present and it only made her heart worry. Shyly, she looked down at the table to see water had spilled from his cup when he revealed his anger and her claws were still over his. He didn’t move…or push her away…but it felt as if he wasn’t there. Frowning, she raised her eyes to look at him to see him still staring in the direction Yuuin had left to.

“…what was his problem?” Basil decided to break the silence and it seemed to help for his brother deeply exhaled to return to them mentally.

“…I believe I know…” he answered and slowly slipped his hand out from under Fey’s.

“Saei, don’t let him bait you…” Fey warned in a whisper. “You don’t have to prove anything. Once we’re done eating, I can ask him if we can leave.”

“Our belongings are back at the farm so it would be wise if we left as soon as possible to get going,” Sid shrugged but Saei narrowed his eyes slightly.

“…this is something I wish to do,” he told them and glanced down at Fey to see her eyes brimming with concern for him. “Finish eating…and once I am through with him, I believe we all need to talk about what is to come.”

The mender had no idea what he meant by that. What did he want to bring up? It wasn’t really the time to ask as he moved around her chair and she could slowly feel that wall being built but she was wrong when she felt his scaly tail gently against hers. It was secret so that no one else saw as he moved away but she took it as a silent way of him saying not to worry.

“You trust him enough to be alone with him?” His brother asked, frowning slightly, and looking as if he wanted to go along.

“We have things to discuss, I feel. I will tell you later.”

“Just…be careful?”

Saei glanced back to his brother to see genuine concern for him. The dragon huffed with a flick of his tail.

“I am not frightened of some snake.”

“Beat him up twice as hard for us,” Sid added and started to eat once more. A small smile came across his face before Saei walked up to one of the guards that was nearby.

“I am ready to be shown to the gardens.”

“This way,” the guard informed and led Saei away from the dining room to be out of their sight. The tension of the room left with him, allowing them to resume eating but Fey had lost her will to eat. She was far too worried about what Yuuin and Saei would talk about. Since he knew what Saei was…she was certain it would be about that and lead to an argument or fight. With her hands in her lap, she looked down at her claws to still be able to feel his large hand under hers.

“…Fey? You feeling okay?” She blushed a bit and looked over to see Basil holding out a small piece of spiced bread to her. “You need to eat and you haven’t touched anything yet. Just a bite?”

His concern made her smile softly and she accepted it.

“Thanks…I just have a lot of my mind…is all…”

“Yeah, it’s obvious. I think we’re all a bit uptight…but like my brother said…wait until he comes back and we’ll talk about what to do.”

“…you’re right,” she agreed and took a small bite out of the bread but Sid looked over at her curiously.

“…how do you feel…at having this other mender here?” His question stopped her from eating to have her ears droop.

“…I…I really don’t know. I thought most of us lived in the snow fields…but to see another one, I’m conflicted.”

“About?” Basil asked, joining in.

“Well, it’s like when we first found Saei again. I feel…confused…relieved…but then again lost. The last time I saw any mender was before I came to your lands during the storm. It was the last time I saw father. Ever since then, I just figured we had become nothing more than some old tale. It makes me wonder if there are more that I will see on my travels…but I suppose I will have to ask Yuuin about when he left and so on. He also knows a lot about who we are…while I know barely anything.”

Basil’s ears twitched and felt a small prick of jealousy rising within his chest.

“So…is he going to tutor you or something?”

“I’d like to ask a few things, nothing more.”

Another question emerged in his head but Basil bit his lower lip, refraining himself from asking it for he was too frightened to know the answer. His fiery eyes lowered to look at the food before him and did his best to eat. For now, all they really could do was stay by Fey during this time.

The gardens…they resembled the ones back home…except these gardens were much larger. Trees bearing all kinds of fruit sheltered the area from the outside world and others blossomed with different flowers. It was truly a magnificent sight. He easily picked up the smell of different fragrances, all mingling into one but it didn’t overload the senses. The guard halted at the edge, motioning him to do so as well but Saei saw the king standing in the middle of the garden…touching a single flower that was growing all on its own with no others around it.

“Your highness, your guest is here.”

Yuuin lowered his hand from the flower and slowly turned to face Saei, his eyes unreadable.

“…you may leave us.”

“Yes, sir.” The guard bowed and left. No one would be near this area which would be a good thing…if something did break out. Yuuin met Saei’s gaze, resuming the silent battle from earlier but the serpent motioned him forward.

Saei narrowed his eyes slightly but took a step into the garden, his own black robes flowing behind him.

“…there are no prying ears…so we may speak freely…” Yuuin began and slowly folded his arms. “…I am a rather blunt feral…if Miss Fey had not protected you…I would had killed you.”

Saei remained quiet, his eyes unwavering as he stared at the serpent’s face.

“Does she know?”

“Yes.”

“…and yet she still is in proximity to you. Why is this?”

Saei didn’t answer.

“Why is a mender with you?”

“Fey wishes to return to her village of Estyuin. I am merely a protector.”

“A protector…?” Yuuin repeated with a bit of amusement to his tone and slowly turned back to the lonely flower. “…what protection can you offer…when you are the biggest threat to her…?” He whispered but Saei bit back a growl.

“Fey is a childhood friend. The feline you saw is my sibling.”

“The cat is not a drysiohn.”

“I was brought into the family…after my father passed.”

“I see…” Yuuin turned back to face him. “Continue.”

“My home was Castle Phayr and the king grew sick. That is when Fey’s father was summoned to mend him but he brought Fey along. She was a dear friend to me.”

“…so at the time you knew not what you were? Nor the king?”

“No.”

“I can believe that. It is hard to discern a drysiohn. Only menders have a keen sense of them so I can see why your family would be blinded to this fact.”

“After the kingdom fell, we were all separated…and she was taken to Hulei.”

Yuuin’s eyes narrowed upon hearing the name.

“That city is nothing but a curse. Anyone who is not licking the king’s boot is treated as filth, especially ferals. The king was never too kind about them…or so I have heard from many reports. Most travelers that come up this far seek a better life. Even though south of the pass is expansive, it is hard to find a living with such oppression. Thieves run amok…bandits slaughter helpless people…the only reliable city is Treaish and even then, it has problems behind its happy façade,” Yuuin explained and his eyes grew serious. “How long has Fey been there?”

“I am uncertain myself. When I came across her, she was already a young woman.”

“A few years then. She informed me how the kingdom fell when she was an adolescent,” he softly sighed and raised his eyes up toward the canopy of the trees. “…how much of her power has she used?”

“That is information I also do not know. She was forced to mend for profit back at the city.”

Yuuin’s white eyes glared harshly at Saei, looking ready to murder anyone who stepped into the room.

“…forced?!”

“To make money, her caretakers found out about her identity and she mended for hours on end during her stay.” Yuuin lowered his eyes with a hiss and tightened his tail behind him.

“…no wonder she was ill. I can sense her energy fading…it is very dim…” he informed him which only made Saei’s heart falter a bit.

“I know of menders becoming ill…or even leading to death if their energy is used past an extent.”

“This is true,” Yuuin told him, giving him his attention again. “Only the priest back at Estyuin would know exactly how terrible Fey is…if they are alive that is. I cannot give an exact time but seeing the low light makes me uncomfortable.”

“As a fellow mender, you cannot do anything?”

The king frowned softly and shook his head. “No. All we can do is mend wounds…and from mender to mender…heal each other mentally, spiritually, and sometimes even emotionally. I do not know of records of returning a mender’s energy. The sun’s gift is not something to be taken lightly.”

So…if Fey continued to heal…there would be no hope for her. There would be no way to stop her fate. Saei lowered his eyes to the grass, deep in thought.

“You are relieved of your duties,” Yuuin’s voice said in a deep tone with no room to argue but Saei looked over at him…to see the harsh glare. “…Fey will remain here in my care. I will persuade her to go no further.”

The dragon returned the glare with a deep growl.

“You stated you are not one to bend others to your will.”

“I am not…but Fey is safer here with me…than traveling to Estyuin, especially alongside you.” He was now purposely throwing insults and Saei felt his lips wanting to raise in a snarl but he did his best to keep his breathing calm.

“She is free to choose her path, whatever it may be.”

“Do you truly know what lies further north?” Yuuin hissed, taking a step forward with his muscles tensing. “Frigid cold…invisible ice lakes…crystals forests that will infect any who touch it…spirits unknown to normal mortals…giant beasts who can crush your skull between their teeth…and of course, your kind.”

Saei allowed a small growl to finally pass as Yuuin continued.

“You are a dragon…an old feral…perhaps even as old as time…but when you become your true self, you become a beast, destined to roam the lands without any memory…or any thought. You still believe Fey will make this journey?” He challenged but Saei took a step closer.

“I will protect her with all my power.”

“And who will protect her from you? Not just a dragon, but a cursed drysiohn as well,” Yuuin unsheathed his sword and pressed the palm of his hand to the blade. The skin was cut and blood dripped onto the garden’s grass. The serpent raised his hand for Saei to see.

“My blood…a mender’s blood…take it!” He spat out at him.

So…this is what he had planned and he was caught like an insect in a spider’s web. His fangs tingled as his pupils turned slowly into slits at the sweet scent but he made no move. Yuuin held his ground as drop after drop of blood fell from his palm.

“Not tempted…? How would you cope…if Fey is with children and gives birth…? She will bleed…would you kill her then…?” The anger in his eyes continued to grow. “…or when her time of the moon rises…would you slit her throat? It is not a matter of if…but when. Fey is better off in my care,” he closed his palm to squeeze out the last blood drops but Saei had yet to answer. Even with distance between them, Yuuin searched the dragon’s eyes for an answer.

“…why are you staying with her? Friend or not…if you value her well-being…” He whispered the last few words as his mind tried to come up with a good reason. A few came forward but one stuck out like a sore thumb that only made him hiss loudly and hold his sword to his side.

“…what is she to you, drysiohn? A meal you will save for later? Biding your time?” Yuuin watched as Saei’s eyes shifted, his pupils returning to normal but it was only for a split second that he saw something shine before it was swept away.

It only infuriated the serpent more. He raised his sword to point it at the feral across from him.

“…whatever you hold for her…cut it from your mind…or I will gladly do so for you…” He threatened but Saei’s glare didn’t waver as he pulled out his sword, holding it to his side. “So, you’d rather be selfish? So be it.” With his teeth clenched tight, Yuuin rushed forward with his white robe flowing behind him like a cloud as he deliberately attempted to open the dragon’s neck but he was inwardly surprised that Saei quickly blocked his attack with his own sword. The metals clashing cried out as they grinded against each other with each feral glaring at the other.

“…she will die with you…” Yuuin said, his muscles tightening to control his sword from shaking too much against his opponent.

“You show little faith in her,” Saei admitted with a subtle growl and easily used his strength to push back the king who skidded to a halt, looking up at Saei with pure hatred.

“Faith means nothing. She will always be hunted…if not by others then by you and you secretly know it!” Yuuin raised his sword before his face, his eyes glowing a bright white to also encase the blade with his own energy. “I won’t allow you near my own kind!” Raising his sword high, Yuuin made another mad dash toward Saei with a stream of light flowing off him.

Before the serpent could make a cut, Saei ducked under the blade and used his bulky tail to connect with the king’s stomach. It only made him falter for a second but Yuuin brought down his sword hard to impale Saei’s thigh. The light energy only made it hurt more as it spread through him with Yuuin digging the blade deeper.

With a loud growl, Saei swung his sword up which forced Yuuin to leap back in a small retreat and watched the dragon stand. His one knee…looked weak…since he kept most of the weight off it and now his other had a wound.

“…if you can’t even contend with me…how will you protect her?” Yuuin mocked. Saei ignored his wound and held his sword tightly…but to Yuuin’s surprise, the blade started to coat itself in a dark mist of shadow. Narrowing his eyes, the king held his sword tighter when Saei raised the blade high above his head with his own eyes darkening and a roar shook the ground beneath their feet. Erupting from the blade was a dragon made of pure shadow. It bolted into the air, curving over itself to descend back down to the ground below to find Yuuin as a target. The dragon opened its mouth, roaring again as it neared the serpent.

“You’ll have to do better…” He whispered and held up his sword, the light burning bright but the dragon bit his blade, trying to make it cave to it. With a hiss, Yuuin sliced his sword through the air to force the shadow away but heard footsteps at the last second. He turned only in time to see Saei bearing down on him with fangs bared and brought his sword across the king’s chest, only opening the skin slightly due to Yuuin moving back in time. If he hadn’t…it could had been a more serious wound.

“I am growing sick of you,” he hissed with narrowed eyes and raised his sword to point it at him. “I’ll have the sun deal with you,” he threatened. Yuuin’s eyes shone with a brighter light with his blade emitting the same glow and before Saei could even register what was going on, a beam of light shot forth to hit the dragon in his chest. The blow forced Saei to skid back but it didn’t let up. The glow made the skin on his chest burn and the fabric was melting. Saei brought up his sword to cut the light slightly but the pain still coursed through his body like fire licking at his skin.

“She will stay here!” He heard Yuuin yell across from him but he was blinded by the attack. All he could see was the white light…but Saei gritted his teeth and forced his injured leg forward. The attack was pushed back only just slightly.

“Do you honestly wish to see her die?” The voice came again, taunting him but Saei growled lowly, pushing his weak knee forward to close the distance between them.

“You are a drysiohn! You are not meant to be near her!” His heart pounded heavily, brushing off the sting of the words as he used his tail as leverage to cut even more through the attack and it was enough to finally see Yuuin on the other side. He was struggling to hold him back, that was clear but the king yelled with force to use more of his energy. The new blow collided against Saei, burning his arms and his cheeks but he kept his silver eyes forward.

“Die, you wretched beast!” Yuuin held his attack firm but his eyes slowly widened with a flicker of astonishment when Saei parted his lips to let out a roar that belonged to no feral…but a true dragon. With strength still left in him, Saei cut through the attack of light and forced Yuuin onto the grass with his sword at his throat.

Both opponents were panting heavily…

Yuuin’s fingers barely held onto his sword, ready to strike if Saei even attempted to move forward with his attack but with a small warning growl, Saei slowly stood and drew the sword away from the king’s neck.

He was confused…

There was still blood in his hand…and from the cut on his chest…and yet…Saei took another step back to sheathe his sword at his side. The serpent’s eyebrows creased as he also stood but kept his sword close.

“I am a drysiohn…that much is true…but I am NOT…what they are,” Saei spoke proudly, wiping a bit of sweat from his scaled cheek. “…Fey is free to make her own decisions. If she desires to travel north…I will follow her to make sure she reaches Estyuin.” Being the victor of the battle, Saei slowly lowered his head to him and turned on his wounded leg to make his way to the palace once more but heard a footstep behind him.

“…you love her…”

Saei stopped, his long ears hearing the words clear as day as well as Yuuin stopping behind him.

“Is that your reasoning?” The king asked but Saei kept quiet as he carefully stepped back indoors, leaving Yuuin behind with little options on how to handle this situation.

“Man, this place is nice,” Basil smirked and fell onto his stomach on the plush bed, his red robe spreading out around him as he rolled around like a kitten. “Hate the clothes but a male could get used to this.”

“Being a thief, you’d think you would want the simple things in life. Being used to it and all,” Sid noted as he sat across from him, wearing a nice robe as well but he seemed to have a distaste for it.

“Eh, well…you do. I couldn’t live here but maybe as a summer home?” The feline chuckled and stopped rolling about to lay on his back with his tail swaying. After they had finished eating, one of the servants led all three of them to a large room they could share that had a gorgeous view of the fields outside. At the moment, there was nothing to do…but wait for Saei to return so that they could discuss what to do next. Though Sid and Basil were at least relaxing in the room, Fey sat at the writing desk with her mind elsewhere. Her claws rested in her lap and her eyes looked distant.

Sid glanced over at her with a worried expression and waved his hand to get Basil’s attention. The feline looked over at seeing the movement, turning on his side to watch Sid point at Fey and then back to him before forming a heart over his chest.

“You love us?” Basil mouthed the words to not disturb Fey but Sid glared and wanted to smack him for his stupidity but he pointed at Basil again then to Fey. Basil raised an eyebrow in question until Sid made a motion of something pouring out from his chest.

The thief finally understood and blushed a bit but looked over to Fey. With them waiting on Saei, she had all the time to let her mind wander…which wasn’t good. He sighed shyly and stood up from the bed to approach his friend.

“…Fey?” He called gently and she seemed startled but looked up at him in embarrassment.

“Sorry…I was just thinking.”

“I know,” he smiled and held out his hand for her. “Why don’t you take a walk with me?”

“Now?” Fey asked, standing slowly to fix her dress. “Shouldn’t we wait though?”

“If Mr. Broody comes back, I’ll tell him you all went for a walk,” Sid told her and made himself at home, falling back onto the bed with a yawn. “Go on you two.”

“I guess…we don’t know how long he will be,” she said and smiled up at Basil to take his hand as he led her out of the room. Of course, there were guards present who looked at them suspiciously.

“We’re not trying to escape but being cooped up can be a bit stuffy. Just going for a stroll,” Basil explained. The guards looked as if they didn’t buy it but with how well the place was guarded, there was no way they would be able to get far if they tried. The guards looked away, not caring and Basil chuckled while guiding her down the long hallway.

“Idiots,” he muttered and Fey giggled softly.

“Basil, be nice,” she replied and felt his fingers intertwining with hers.

“Who says I have to be nice to them? Don’t you know how ruthless I am? I AM still a thief, afterall.”

“When was the last time you stole something?”

“…hmmm…alright alright, I’m on vacation but that doesn’t mean I’m gone from the business. My offer still stands, you know?” He smiled down at her as they reached the end of the hallway to arrive at a small pavilion that was connected to the palace. A fresh breeze blew in from the outside and the smell of the nearby flowers made her heart a little lighter.

“Oh, I could never be a thief.”

“Sure you could!” Basil freed his hand from hers to grasp her waist, making her gasp in surprise as he had her sit on one of the railings. “You’re nimble, quick on your feet.”

“Nothing but trouble though,” she smiled guilty but Basil huffed with a flick of his ear.

“Nah, not that much trouble. I could teach you.”

It was clear on her face that whatever was on her mind earlier had left and she was now focused on him, her fingers curling around the railing to keep her balance.

“Very well. Teach me the basics. Do I call you by sir or something?”

“For being your tutor? Hmmm…sir makes me sound old…” He tapped his chin in thought before waving his hand to dismiss it. “No name. Just Basil.”

“Alright then, Basil. What’s the first step?”

“First, you have to know how to use your tail. It can be sneaky and used for a quick snatch of something as you walk by. Allow me to demonstrate.” He removed the bracelet from his wrist that Fey had bought for him back at the pass to place it on one the railings by her. “Now…set your mind to a busy marketplace…people bustling about…noisy…smells…and watch a master…” He smiled and she couldn’t help the small laugh when he slowly walked around the pavilion innocently, whistling a tune but he passed by the bracelet. When he did though, his tail came around to grab it like a hand and hid it beneath his flowing robe.

“See? Simple.”

Fey clapped at his achievement as he placed the bracelet back where it was.

“Now you try,” he instructed, leaning against the railing but she blushed nervously and slid off.

“…I’m going to look like a fool.”

“Just try.”

Fey placed her hands behind her back, slowly walking around and looking like she was minding her own business. She passed by the bracelet and tried to pick it up but her tail wagged and knocked it over.

“See? I can’t really control it like you can,” she frowned but Basil came over to pick up the bracelet and slid it over his wrist.

“Just need practice. Don’t worry. We’ll become the best thieves ever! We’ll have posters of our faces with rewards.”

“Why would you want that?” She smiled in amusement.

“Fame? Why else?” He smirked and went over to lean against the railing to look out toward the woods surrounding them but Fey stood back to watch him. Though his hair was still a bit messy, the robe he wore…really made him stand out.

“You know…wearing those clothes actually makes you look like a prince,” she smiled fondly but Basil whirled around with dark cheeks and an accusing finger pointed at her.

“Don’t even think of calling me that.”

“What? A prince? But you are.”

Basil growled playfully and came over to grab hold of her ear, making her laugh happily at the touch.

“I told you…no calling me that. Got it?”

“L-let go!”

“Nope,” he chuckled and grabbed her other ear but she jerked back to press her spine to the railing.

“S-stop teasing me,” she tried to get her giggles under control but slowly stopped to see how Basil’s eyes were slowly turning serious. “…did I hurt your hands when I pulled away?”

“No…I just thought of something…” He spoke gently and came over to her, lifting her back up on the railing but she blushed prettily when he didn’t stray from her. “…wearing that gown…makes you look like a princess.”

Heat rose to her face and her ears furled back but she folded her arms at his teasing while looking away.

“You’re j-just saying that.”

“…I’m not…” he whispered and gently took both of her clawed hands within his, making her more nervous and drawing her eyes back to him. His eyes were bright, like molten fire and with him this close, she never noticed how good he looked.

“…I know you’re scared…” He started, his voice gentle. “…your life wasn’t a pretty one…being chased…being wanted…people in this world hold nothing but greed. They only see you as some beacon to give them what they want…but they don’t see what is truly there,” he smiled softly and curled his hands tighter around hers, making her heart pick up. “I don’t see a mender…I don’t see someone who can heal me at my whim…or someone who can obey me…I see a beautiful woman…I see my friend…I see my companion…I see Fey…”

Fey couldn’t form any words, her throat tightening up at his words. She felt a small prick in her heart though but Basil was trying to pull it out.

“…I may be a prince…but with my home gone…I’m just a no-good thief who was blessed to find you again after all those years…but…you said you wouldn’t make a great thief? I beg to differ.”

“B-but…I’m not a thief…” She managed to say nervously and stiffened when one of his hands released hers to grip her chin, his height becoming known when he came closer.

“You stole something of mine…something very precious...but I don’t want it back…you can keep it…”

“B-Basil…I…I…” She needed to say something…anything…and she felt her heart wrenching when he just smiled and released her chin to take a step back.

“I’m not good with words…I did my best just now. A bit sappy…but I did mean them,” he tilted his head with a handsome grin. “Look at your face. It’s red as a berry.”

“B-because you keep teasing me! You’re worse than Sid!” She shyly slid off the railing to rub her cheeks while turning away from him.

“It’s cute,” he chuckled and plopped his hand on her head, making her stiffen and looked up at him like a rabbit peeking out from its hole. “I’ll give you some space. Wouldn’t want you to pop, eh?” He let his hand fall from her and started to walk away. “Don’t stay long, Fey. That’s an order from your prince,” he waved his hand as a goodbye but her face flared with a growl. Since when did Basil become so…

She sighed and rubbed her face to help die down the redness that was forming before looking outside once more. She couldn’t stop her heart from pounding.

‘…Basil…’ The little boy she had known was now an adult…but…so was his brother. She frowned and placed her head in her hands as she felt even more lost than before.

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