LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 22: Peace Before the Storm
"Hey wake up!" A voice shouted.
Holy shit, what happened?!? It felt like a truck had hit me!
"False dragon, wake up!" The voice shouted again.
Everything hurt! I am tired of waking up like this.
"WAKE UP OR I'LL DEVOUR YOU!" The voice returned in a deafening boom.
I stood up immediately and abruptly but winced in pain as my vision darkened at the corners, so I sat down to avoid passing out.
"Hump! Take it easy, you just woke up, it would be rude to pass out again after all the time I wasted taking care of you." A female voice said next to me.
Looking at the source of the voice, I saw the purple-scaled dragon staring at me with its huge eyes. I stepped back at the unexpected sight until my back hit a wall, which did not help my current condition.
"What, how?" I murmured in surprise, holding back a pained cry.
"What's the problem? Did Bartas hit your head so hard that you became retarded?" The dragon asked amused.
I sighed irritably as I calmed down. Looking around, I realized that I lay on a straw bed inside a cave with an unconscious One next to me.
"One!" I shouted, holding the girl by the shoulders and shaking her lightly, but there was no response.
"Don't waste your time, I've tried to wake the girl several times, but I haven't been successful in the two weeks you've been here."
"Two weeks?!?" I asked surprised, gently laying One down on the bed.
"Yes, I brought you two here after the fight against Bartas. The girl tried to fight the man after the fairy attacked you from behind. She got her ass kicked, so I intervened. That man was a monster."
Looking at One, I noticed some injuries on her body, bruises, cuts, and scratches; I will have to take care of those later.
"But judging that we are alive, you must have killed Bartas." I said, returning to my previous position and sitting on the straw bed.
"In truth no, the girl did it." The dragon responded, pointing its head towards One.
"One?" I asked, following the dragon's gaze.
"Yes, even unconscious, the girl fought like a beast with her magic uncontrolled, tearing Bartas' body apart. Then she used one of my fangs that I lost previously to finish the man, leaving only his metal arm, surprisingly, he didn't regenerate."
"Hm... Is there any reason for this?" I asked, crossing my arms, deep in thought.
"Dragon magic."
"What?"
"Are you deaf? Dragon magic is the natural magic that all dragons have and that you possess, for some reason! The natural magic that runs through our blood, bones, and scales! Bartas is weak against it, his regeneration became weaker with each hit, you must have noticed during your fight."
"Yes, you are right. Fortunately, we won't have to worry about him anymore." I smiled relieved.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." The dragon laughed.
"What do you mean?" I asked, fearing the answer.
"Bartas is still alive." The dragon smiled sadistically.
"But you said..." I muttered surprised, sweat running down my forehead as my heart raced.
"I know what I said! Don't you dare question a dragon! Everything seemed to be over when the girl reduced Bartas to just a metal arm, until steam came out of the arm and Bartas returned as a child."
"A child?"
"Yes, a child. Not unlike the foolish girl here."
"What happened next?"
"Bartas tried to kill us with a magic blast. I used my body as a shield to protect the girl and you, nothing I couldn't handle, but when the dust settled, Bartas was gone."
I sighed again at this news. That lunatic is still running out there. However, if what the dragon said is true, I'm that guy's natural enemy. I need to find Noir and Rubrum, so if Bartas shows up again, we'll finish him off easily... I hope...
"Thanks!" I said to the dragon, bowing slightly.
"Hump! I'm glad you know you're only alive thanks to me. You could praise me a little too." The dragon said arrogantly as it puffed out its chest.
"Dream about it. I hope you don't mind me staying here for a while, I need to heal my wounds and wait for One to wake up."
"You abuse my generosity, but stay as long as you wish; it's been a while since I've had some company."
"Thank you again!" I smiled at the dragon as it laughed amusedly.
Standing up with some difficulty, I leaned on the cave wall and walked towards its entrance, half-closing my eyes at the bright light coming from outside. I immediately retreated into the shadow when the sunlight burned me.
Looking around, I spotted my hat next to the straw bed. Putting it on, I hid my uncovered arm inside my coat and walked outside.
I saw a large grassy plain, a green sea flowing by the wind, creating waves that stretched to the horizon with a blue sky filled with large white clouds, while the sun shone in the distance.
With a pained groan, I sat down on a rock next to the cave entrance and surveyed the landscape. It was so peaceful; it gave me a good feeling, a serious contrast to my previous situation.
Crossing my legs and resting my head on my hand, I closed my eyes and took a deep, slow breath, thinking about what I should do next.
I do not know where I am; I do not know where the sisters and the grimoires are; Bartas is alive and wandering around, One and I are injured, and Partition is alone with the girls.
Damn it, so many problems in so little time! I don't even know where to start! Calm down, panicking will not help you in anything. Firstly, I need to know where we are.
Unfortunately, my growling stomach interrupted my thoughts.
RONC!
OK! The second item on the list, finding food! I am in the middle of nowhere with no animals in sight, but there is probably a village or forest nearby, I just need to look for it; nothing that a few minutes of flying cannot solve.
The third item on the list, take a shower because I stink! I hope to find some lake or river during my search.
Well, I think I have a plan in the making, better get it started. I stood up from my seat and revealed my wings, but the dragon came out of the cave with heavy steps before I took flight
"Are you leaving already?" The dragon asked, tilting its head.
"Don't worry, I'll be back, I just ask that you take care of One for a little while longer." I responded as I flapped my wings, wincing slightly at the stabs of pain I felt.
"Hump! Don't think you can demand things from me, but I'll take care of the foolish girl, she interests me, just like you, false dragon."
"When I get back, I would like an explanation as to why you call me a false dragon."
"You will have your explanation, but I hope you answer some questions as well."
"Then it's a deal, see you later!" Finishing our conversation, I ran to gain speed while flapping my wings. Then I propelled myself upwards, but I had some difficulty staying in the air due to my injuries, but I got used to it.
Looking back, I saw the dragon watching me, but I could not discern any expression on its face due to the distance. Leaving that aside, I flew in a random direction, trying to identify some landmarks.
I didn't have to fly for long to find the sea, it didn't seem to be the same beach where I fought Bartas, and I doubt I'll find the ship with the girls because of the time I spent unconscious, they must have reached their destination.
Flying in a different direction, I grimaced at what I saw on the horizon, I can recognize these buildings anywhere, as they did not fit in with the current era.
The Cathedral City was just ahead, with its great stonewalls surrounding the ruined skyscrapers. Clenching my fists tightly, I took a deep breath, trying to avoid finishing what I started a long time ago.
Well, at least I know where I am. Besides that, I did not find anything worthy of note, the Cathedral City region was as the books said, covered in plains.
I saw dirt roads, and some houses where farmers tended their cattle and herds, but other than that; I didn't find any cities or towns. Eventually, I flew far enough to find a forest. I landed in a clearing and wandered around, looking for something to eat.
Moreover, it did not take me long to find it, as a deer eating grass stood just ahead. I assumed a crouched position while taking slow, light steps.
I opened my wings when I got close enough, this action caused the deer to look my way, but it was too late.
I flapped my wings, propelling myself forward, and grabbed the deer by both sides of the head before it turned to run.
"I'm very sorry."
SNAP!
The deer's body went limp and fell to the ground with a fluid movement of my hands. I put the animal on my shoulders and prepared to return, but stopped as soon as I saw something in the trees.
Hm... I think some fruit would be good.
-XXXXXX-
"You took too long!" The purple dragon complained as I landed in front of the cave.
Looking up at the sky, I saw that the sun disappeared over the horizon in an orange light; it took me longer than expected.
"At least I'm back. So how is One?" I asked, throwing the deer to the ground.
"Hump! Still sleeping like a princess, the brat better wake up soon before she dies of hunger or thirst." The dragon grumbled.
"I'm glad we share the same concern, but I'll prepare my dinner now, if you don't mind" I replied, taking out some sticks from my backpack and building a bonfire.
"Feel free to do it. I doubt this poor animal you hunted will satisfy my hunger." The purple dragon responded, lying down next to the cave entrance.
Shrugging, I set up the bonfire next to the cave and lit it with a small magic blast, but I noticed a problem, I had nothing to cut the deer's meat.
"Is there a problem?" The dragon asked.
"I have nothing to cut the meat with." I said embarrassed.
"You can use one of my fangs; the foolish girl still has one." The dragon responded, pointing towards the cave with its head.
Entering the cave, I saw One holding the dragon fang tightly in her left hand. Taking the fang with some effort, I returned outside where I prepared the deer meat.
The fang was extremely sharp, so I didn't have much trouble cutting the meat. I left some pieces roasting on the fire and sat down next to it to warm myself.
"Do you want to ask me something?" I asked the dragon, focusing my gaze on the starry sky; I felt the dragon's eyes staring at me intensely on my back.
"What are you?" The dragon asked.
"I think I've said this before, I'm a Gestalt." I responded without turning around.
"Hump! I know that I'm not deaf." The dragon grumbled.
"Then why do you ask me?"
"Because your answer doesn't mean anything to me. You claim to be a Gestalt, but what the hell is one?" The dragon asked irritated.
"Haha! I have no idea! I just know that I'm important for some reason." I laughed.
"What a load of nonsense! You have dragon magic, and dragon scent, but don't know what you are? How did you acquire this power?" The dragon demanded.
"Well, it's a long story full of holes, as there's a lot I don't know. It's also a bit absurd, maybe you won't believe it." I responded, turning the meat over the fire.
"Impress me false dragon, I've seen a lot of strange things in my centuries of life."
"Hm... Okay, it all started when a dragon and a giant fell from the sky." I replied, taking out an apple from my backpack.
I offered another to the dragon, which opened its mouth, and I threw the apple in. Biting mine, I told the dragon the story of the events that brought me here.
At least I had some company that night.
-XXXXXX-
"That's hard to believe." The dragon responded.
"I told you so." I replied, biting the meat skewered on the stick.
"So you came from another world, accompanied by two magical books?"
"Yes."
"You were taken to the place humans call Cathedral City where you became what you are today?"
"Yes."
"And now you're accompanying a group of powerful girls to the same town where you almost died?"
"Yes."
"I've seen stupidity before, but you're reaching a new level. On the other hand, have you ever thought about writing a book? I believe other humans would love your absurd story."
"You don't believe me, do you?"
"I believe it, even though it's something so absurd. We dragons have ways of finding out if someone is lying or not, your heart has shown itself to be truthful. Furthermore, the dragon you mentioned…"
"Yes, what about it?"
"I know this dragon, and contrary to your story, she is still alive."
"Seriously? Could you introduce me to her?"
"Unfortunately no, we haven't seen each other for a long time; I have no idea where she is."
"A shame, but it's not exactly important at the moment." I shrugged and went back to eating.
"You treat dragons disrespectfully; I should turn you to ashes." The dragon said menacingly.
"Oh! Is that so? Why don't you come here and try your luck?" I responded in the same tone.
"Do you think you could beat me?" The dragon asked again, fire forming in its mouth.
"I only see one way to find out." I responded, accumulating magic at the tip of each finger.
A few tense seconds passed with the two of us staring at each other, but we soon broke the silence with our laughs.
"HAHAHA!"
"This was good!" I responded, dispelling my magic.
"I'm glad you didn't back down, I would have been disappointed. But you had to see the other humans' faces when I pranked them." The dragon responded excitedly.
"Hump! You had to see the soldiers who invaded the Land of Forests running in fear of the monster I created."
"Oh! Care to elaborate?"
"All I needed was a nice outfit and sheets of paper..." I replied, explaining the process behind my "prank", to the dragon's delight.
-XXXXXX-
Days passed and One still did not wake up. Fortunately, her magic healed her injuries completely. Other than that, the dragon and I alternated keeping watch on One whenever one of us needed to leave.
The dragon mainly came out to search for something to eat, while I tried to find the girls or the grimoires. I was unsuccessful. Luckily, I found a river in the forest where I could finally wash myself.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I checked on One one last time before leaving the cave.
"Is the girl still sleeping?" The dragon asked.
"Yes, but she seems to be better than before."
You know, I felt more comfortable being around the dragon because of the time we spent together. Surprisingly, it has the personality of a teenager who likes to tease people.
Moreover, I returned the provocations in the same coin, but neither of us took it maliciously; it was just a joke between us.
"Hm... What a lazy girl, wasting my precious time." The dragon joked.
"You talk like you have something better to do." I smile, leaning against the cave entrance.
"You can bet that I have." The dragon grumbled.
"Like what, get a dragon boyfriend?"
"Boy... what?!?" The dragon asked confused.
"A dragon mate." I explained.
"Oh, that! As if, I needed that kind of thing! I'm in the prime of my youth; I still have a long time to go before think about getting a mate, much less having a child."
"Fair! But I feel alone sometimes; maybe I should get a girlfriend to keep me company." I shrugged.
"Good luck with that, the humans will run away when they see your ugly face." The dragon teased.
"Have you ever looked in a mirror? I have a better chance of getting someone than you."
"I want you to know that I am considered one of the most beautiful dragons in the world, if not the most beautiful! The female dragons look at my scales with envy and the males with desire! I could get a mate if I wanted; unfortunately, the male dragons are too old and thickheaded for my taste. That white dragon bragging about being the strongest and the black dragon with his delusions of grandeur."
"Well, who says your mate needs to be a dragon?" I asked.
The purple dragon fell silent with wide eyes before slowly turning towards me.
"What are you suggesting?" The dragon asked suspiciously.
"That depends on how you interpreted my question." I responded, moving my eyebrows suggestively.
"Oh, how bold of you! Are you suggesting that you are worthy of being my mate?" The dragon asked in a similar tone as it approached.
"Well, you said I smell like a dragon and have the power of one. I believe I have a chance." I replied, approaching as well.
"Please, I have principles, but I admit that you smell nice."
"Please don't tell me you're going to kiss! Because I will go back to sleep if that is the first thing I see when I wake up! And I don't need it!" A young female voice exclaimed, interrupting us.
Turning around, a big smile formed on my face as joy overcame me at seeing the owner of the voice. One leaned against the cave wall, holding her head with one hand and staring at us with disgust.
"One!" I screamed, grabbing her under her arms.
"Alan, wait!" One shouted back, but I ignored it.
I lifted One above my head and spun in place as I held her, laughing with all my might.
"Alan, stop, I am going to puke!" One screamed.
I looked at the girl while spinning; her cheeks inflated due to the speed I spun, while tears escaped from her eyes and saliva from her mouth. Not to mention, of course, her face, which turned green.
I immediately stopped spinning while holding One in front of me.
"Sorry, I was worried. You slept for so long that I thought you would never wake up again." I replied, hugging One with all my strength and generating some unknown pops.
"Alan… You're crushing me." One spoke; her pained voice muffled in my chest.
"Sorry again!" I exclaimed, placing One down.
One sighed relieved as she staggered from side to side. She shook her head, reorienting herself and focusing on the dragon and me soon after.
"Where are we?" One asked, sitting down on the ground near the cave.
"Somewhere near Cathedral City." I replied, sitting next to One.
"So what you are sa…" One spoke surprised.
RRROOONNNCCC!
One never finished her sentence, as her stomach growled audibly. The girl turned red with embarrassment as she clutched her belly.
"Here." I said, taking an apple out of my backpack and offering it to One.
"Thanks!" One responded, accepting the apple and eating it quickly.
"Eat slowly so you don't choke."
"Sorry!" One spoke, chewing slowly.
"So how do you feel?"
"Tired, hungry, and with a headache." One replied between bites.
"Meh! Welcome to my world. You'll soon get used to waking up like this, just like me."
"That's not the kind of thing you should be proud of!" One scolded me.
"At least I can say that I survived all the situations that made me wake up like this. Do you have any more questions?"
"How long did I sleep?"
"You slept for a month, you foolish lazy girl." The dragon laughed.
"Cough! Cough! I slept for one month?!?" One asked in surprise.
"Yes, moreover, you were a terrible guest! You could have at least made your bed! The false dragon and I took care of you and that ugly face of yours for long enough." The dragon complained, but I knew she teased One.
"I'm very sorry!" One replied, bowing slightly.
"Hump! At least you're polite and you and the false dragon can leave, now that you're awake"
"Are you going to send us away like that? Without a hug or a goodbye?" I asked.
"I could hug you if you want, with my fangs." The dragon responded with a big smile, revealing all of its sharp fangs.
"Alan stop. Thank you so much for looking after me and allowing us to stay here, but Alan and I need to go. We need to find my sisters and go to Cathedral City." One replied, trying to stand up on her shaky legs.
However, I grabbed One by her shoulders after a few hesitant steps, forcing her to sit down.
"Rest, there's no need to rush."
"But..."
"We already lost a month. What's a few more hours?"
One went silent before sighing and continuing to eat.
"Where are you going now?"
Nevertheless, the dragon's question broke the silence.
"First we will find my sisters, go to Cathedral City, and then kill Zero." One said with determination.
"I already told you to leave Zero to me." I scolded One.
"But she is my sister, not to mention of course, extremely powerful! Killing her is my responsibility! You shouldn't get involved in this!" One exclaimed.
"Haven't we had this conversation before? Let the adult here take care of the evil sister, in the meantime, live without worries, like the child you are!" I replied while flicking One's forehead.
"OUCH!" One screamed, grabbing the injured part as tears fell from the corner of her eyes.
"You should listen to the false dragon, foolish girl. Leave this kind of problem to those with enough power to solve it." The dragon laughed.
"Stop treating me like I'm a child. Facing Zero is the destiny of all Intoners. I will become stronger, so I will protect this world and my sisters!" One shouted at both of us, standing up and stomping the ground.
CLAP!
CLAP!
CLAP!
"What a beautiful speech, I'm impressed! Who knew such confidence could fit inside such a small person?" I replied, clapping my hands.
One blushed at my compliment, but she widened her eyes upon processing the insult that followed.
"I'm not small!" One screamed her face red in embarrassment.
"Sorry, what did you say?!? Could you speak louder?!? I can't hear you from down here!" I teased, leaning down with one hand open in the side of my ear.
One puffed her cheeks and pouted as she trembled with anger, her face turned a deep red, grinding her teeth as she growled.
"AAAHHH!" One shouted in fury, rushing towards me with her fist raised.
I placed my hand on her forehead, holding her in place as she punched the air.
"See, you can't even beat me! How do you expect to beat Zero?" I teased again.
"Why don't you come down here and find out?!?" One shouted.
I moved out of the way, making One walk right past me, grabbed her under her arms, and placed her on my shoulders before she turned around.
"I think it's time for us to go, thanks for everything dragon lady! I hope to see you again someday!" I waved at the purple dragon.
"Wait?!?" One said confused.
"Haha! You two act like a pair of fools, I haven't had this much fun in a while, but I have a question for the girl before you two leave." The purple dragon spoke, looking directly at the One.
"A-ask!" One said nervously, probably due to the dragon's intense gaze.
"Do you want to get stronger, like me?" The dragon asked.
"Yes!" One spoke confidently.
"Then I have no choice but to take you two to Cathedral City, to the other side of the Mercury Gate." The purple dragon spoke, standing up and spreading its wings.
I felt One tense on my shoulders at the same time the dragon finished speaking.
"The Mercury Gate? Do you mean the place where all the power and knowledge of this world is sealed?" One spoke in a low tone.
Therefore, that is the exact reason why One wanted to open the gate, power. This will not end well.
Everyone who sought power ended up suffering a horrible fate in the end in every movie I have watched, whether due to a monster, curse, trap or the power not being what they expected.
"You seem to know a lot about the gate." The dragon spoke.
"We were planning to go there to defeat Zero." One replied.
"It seems like things are falling into place, although your friend doesn't seem to approve of your choice." The dragon said, pointing at me with one of its wings.
"Alan?" One asked, patting my hat. Letting out a long sigh, I replied.
"One, we've had this conversation before, I know I'm repeating myself, I know you're determined and won't give up, but this is a stupid idea. Power and knowledge locked behind a mysterious gate in a mysterious city? Have you ever stopped to think that there is a good reason why this gate is locked?"
"But every wizard and scholar in Midgard talks about this gate and what lies on the other side, even the lords! This can only be true!" One replied.
"But what if it's not?!? Has anyone opened the gate to see what's on the other side?!? I'm sure not!"
"I... I... I do not know! Fine?!? I don't know! I woke up one night only to find my sister trying to kill us! Then, we wandered around Midgard seeing all the cruelty of the lords! Now our sister is coming after us to kill us! I do not know what to do! The Mercury Gate is my only option!" One shouted angrily as she struggled on my shoulders.
"Knowledge to know what to do and power to defeat the lords and your sister. The gate seems to be the answer to everything, doesn't it? This can go wrong in so many ways. Listen; we will take things slowly when we meet our friends and get to the gate, okay? We won't open the gate until we have an idea of what's on the other side, okay?"
"Right! Thank you, Alan!" One replied, hugging my neck.
"You're welcome!"
"Well, well, now that you two are done with your dramatic little fight, we can get on with our trip." The dragon spoke, bending down so we could climb onto its back.
"You know, I never asked your name." One said as we climbed onto the dragon's back.
"I'm Gabriella." The dragon responded.
"Nice to meet you, Gabriella, my name is One." One smiled.
"Hump! I already know that, but it's still good to meet you One." The dragon smiled back.
"So you say your name to One, and not to me when I ask?" I demanded, faking envy.
"I did that because the girl is less annoying, unlike you, false dragon."
"My name is Alan."
"False dragon."
"Alan!"
"False dragon."
"Alan!"
"HAHAHA!" One laughed.
"Hey, what are you laughing at?" I demanded, pinching One's cheeks.
-XXXXXX-
"WWWEEEHHH!" One shouted as the wind blew on her face and ruffled her hair.
You know, this could be a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie. A little magic girl and her companions, a mysterious angel and a talking dragon, go on an adventure to defeat the evil lords and save the world.
However, considering the state of the world, this could not be further from the truth. Well, at least I can enjoy the view. I looked at the sea of lush green grass below. We were so high that everything seemed small like ants.
"Hey, are those your friends?!?" Gabriella asked as she flew lower.
I spotted four small people and two floating objects fighting a trio of golems. Nevertheless, a large blue hand that came out of a magic circle destroyed one of the golems.
"It's my sisters, you can land!" One shouted happily.
"Better hold on!" Gabriella screamed, diving sharply towards the group of people.
The girls and the books noticed us as soon as we approached; the sisters became intimidated while Noir and Rubrum prepared spells.
However, Gabriella fell on top of the two remaining golems, crushing them, before that could happen.
"Congratulations, your dragon ass wiped out the golems!" I said sarcastically, clapping my hands.
"And that dragon ass is going to sit on you and turn you into pancakes when you're sleeping." Gabriella countered.
"Jokes on you, I'm into that shit!" I responded, jumping off Gabriella's back with One landing next to me.
We got a good look at their faces As soon as we turned towards the sisters. Five, Four, and Two looked like they would faint at the sight of Gabriella, while Three did not seem to mind too much.
Noir and Rubrum on the other hand, still kept their spells ready. Nevertheless, that soon changed as the sisters' eyes focused on One.
"Hey girls, I'm back!" One smiled, waving at her sisters.
"SISTER ONE!" Two screamed with tears in her eyes, running towards her sister and hugging her with all her might.
"We finally found you..." Three said, showing more emotion.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Four shouted through tears.
"SISTER ONE!" Five demonstrated a reaction not unlike Four's.
Soon everyone ran to hug their sister.
"And me, don't I get a hug?" I asked, opening my arms.
I let out a pained scream when Rubrum threw herself against my chest at full speed, but soon the pain disappeared and I returned Rubrum's "hug".
"It is good to see you again Rubrum, how have you been?"
The red grimoire's response was to escape my embrace and rub herself against my face.
"Hey, hey, calm down! I will not disappear again!" I replied, trying to push Rubrum away while Noir stared at me.
"Noir, come here." I said to the black grimoire while opening my arms.
"Lord Alan, this is not necessary, seeing you well is enough for me." Noir said politely.
"You are a fool to refuse my hugs, Noir." I responded, spreading my wings.
"Lord Alan what..."
However, I flapped my wings, propelling myself forward and hugging the grimoire before he finished speaking.
"I missed you Noir." I said to the book.
Suddenly I felt two arms wrapping around me.
"I missed you too, Lord Alan." Noir replied.
"Interestingly, these books also have the power of a dragon, I don't know if I should be surprised or offended." Gabriella commented, analyzing us.
"Oh! I believe I did not introduce you all, Noir and Rubrum, this is Gabriella. Gabriella, these are Noir and Rubrum, the magical books I told you about." I introduced both parties.
"Hello, strange book!" Gabriella nodded.
"Greetings Miss Gabriella." Noir said, bowing slightly.
"Don't call me Miss, it makes me feel old." Gabriella replied as she watched Rubrum floating around her curiously.
"As you wish." Noir replied, ending the conversation.
Shifting my focus to the sisters, I noticed that they had stopped hugging each other and were now talking.
"Sister One, what happened after you and Alan were pulled into the sea?" Four asked worriedly.
"And how did you meet this cool dragon?" Two asked, looking at Gabriella in awe.
"And most importantly, when was the last time you took a bath?" Five asked, making a disgusted face and holding her nose.
One raised an arm, smelled her armpit, and then frowned.
"I think I need one, don't I?" One asked her sisters and they all nodded.
Three was the only sister not participating in this conversation; she slowly walked towards me and raised her arms.
Understanding what the girl wanted, I lifted her and sat her on my left arm with her head lying on my shoulder; I soon felt a pair of arms wrapping around my neck.
"I missed you." Three whispered.
"Seriously? Sorry for worrying you. How have you been?"
"Tired, sleepy, and bored." Three replied.
"And why that?"
"My sisters and Partition can't answer my questions; Noir can only answer a few."
"Well, I'm here now, aren't I? You can ask your questions and I can teach you, but changing the subject. Is Partition still alive?"
"Yes, he is waiting at the camp in a nearby forest."
"That bastard, he is relaxing while you girls do the hard work. He didn't do anything suspicious, did he?"
"No."
"What about you, Three? You didn't do anything wrong, did you?"
"I didn't open anyone up if that's what you want to know."
"Perfect, you were a good girl Three. I will give you some lessons when we finish our little adventure; I am a teacher after all."
"Thanks."
Looking at the rest of the group, I saw that the books and the sisters were prepared to leave; meanwhile, Gabriella took flight.
I decided to hurry and follow them so as not to stay behind.
"Alan?" Three asked.
"Yes Three?"
"Why is sea water salty?"
"Because of the amount of dissolved salts originating from several sources, one of them being the rocks in the crust worn down by erosion."
"Hm... Right! And why does the moon shine?"
"The moon shines because it reflects sunlight."
"Okay, and why…"
This is going to be a long trip. I sighed mentally, but I cannot deny that it is fun to be back. I smiled when I saw the sisters talking, Noir and Rubrum floating next to me and Gabriella flying high in the sky.
-XXXXXX-
It was already night and we all stood in a camp in a forest near Cathedral City, the Sisters, Gabriella, the books and I sat by the fire to warm ourselves.
Oh! In addition, Partition was here too, unfortunately!
"So that means this Bartas guy almost defeated you?" Two asked.
"Yeah, he was strong as fuck." I answered.
"I could finish him off alone!" Gabriella boasted.
"Honestly, I remember almost nothing about my fight." One said embarrassed.
"But we cannot let our guard down. According to Gabriella, Bartas is alive and in the form of a child."
"Hm… Caerula's Right Hand is after us, we need to get to the gate as quickly as possible." Partition spoke thoughtfully.
I slapped him on the back of the head in response.
"Why did you do that?!?" Partition demanded.
"I saw a mosquito."
So we spent the night without any problems, the girls told us what happened while we were gone. They crashed and sank the ship, got lost, and went in the opposite direction of Cathedral City, fighting monsters and each other.
These are the consequences of the lack of a responsible adult. I saw Four away from her sisters, sitting on a rock after we finished eating and got ready for bed
"Four, is there a problem?" I asked, sitting next to the girl.
"No, no, I'm just thinking." Four replied, watching the stars.
"Thinking about what?"
"If I did a good job taking care of my sisters while One wasn't here."
"And how it was?"
"Strange, we fought less than before, my sisters behaved better and did what I said. We had fun and I became less irritated with them too." Four smiled.
"See? I told you, be patient and treat your sisters with respect, try to understand them and they will do the same for you."
"I think you were right, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not good enough, I still feel left behind by my sisters." Four spoke, lowering her head.
"Hm... Have you tried talking with them about it?"
"What?" Four asked, looking at me.
"Have you tried talking with your sisters about how you feel? Keeping those bad feelings inside is not healthy, maybe they can help you?"
"No, I don't want to bother them with this, much less Sister One!"
"Four, you are sisters, you need to trust each other with this kind of thing, talk to them, starting with One."
"Are you… Are you sure?" Four asked hesitantly.
"Yes, and if any of them laugh at you just let me know and I will throw them into the clouds."
"Please, don't do that!" Four begged.
"I will not promise anything!" I replied, stroking Four's hair.
"Alan?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"Thanks for what?"
"For your advice and for listening to me. I will speak to One after we open the gate in Cathedral City." Four replied, smiling widely.
"You are welcome, Four." I smiled back.
So we spent some time stargazing until it was time for bed. However, our peace did not last long, because we headed towards the Cathedral City the next day.
Gabriella flew with the Sisters and Partition on her back; meanwhile, I followed the dragon with Noir and Rubrum flying beside me.
Moreover, in the distance, I saw the place where it all began.
The Cathedral City.
END OF CHAPTER